Tag: Getaways

  • These Are The 5 Most Affordable Beach Getaways This Fall For Americans

    These Are The 5 Most Affordable Beach Getaways This Fall For Americans

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    The long, hazy days of summer are officially in the rearview mirror. The kids are back in school, the daily grind is in full swing, and that first real chill in the morning air is a brutal reminder that the gray of winter is on its way. It feels like it’s going to be forever before you see a beach again…

    But what if you could squeeze in one last epic dose of sunshine? An affordable, sun-drenched escape to hold you over.

    Here at Travel Off Path, we’re all about finding that smart, budget-friendly way to beat the pre-winter blues. We’ve been running the numbers, and the deals for fall beach getaways are too good to ignore. Forget saving up for next summer; these are the 5 most affordable beach destinations you can book right now.

    Our Methodology: To find the best-value destinations for Fall 2025, we analyzed a combination of factors. We compared nonstop flight data from major U.S. hubs, researched average prices for 3 and 4-star all-inclusive resorts and hotels during the October-November shoulder season, and factored in on-the-ground costs for activities and dining to determine the destinations that offer the absolute best bang for your buck.


    Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

    The Vibe: The Undisputed King of The All-Inclusive Deal

    White Sand Beach In Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

    If your idea of a perfect getaway involves doing absolutely nothing but relaxing on a stunning beach with a drink in your hand, Punta Cana is calling your name. This is the world capital of the affordable all-inclusive resort. The sheer volume of beautiful properties here creates intense competition, which keeps prices incredibly low.

    • The Deals: We’re seeing nonstop, roundtrip flights from East Coast hubs like Fort Lauderdale (FLL) for as low as $245, and it’s easy to find highly-rated all-inclusive resorts like the Occidental Caribe for under $180 a night this fall.

    Mazatlan, Mexico

    The Vibe: The Authentic Pacific Gem on a Budget

    Beachside-resort-pool-in-Mazatlan

    While everyone is looking at Cancun or Cabo, savvy travelers are heading to Mazatlan. Located on Mexico’s Pacific coast, this destination offers a more authentic vibe, with a stunning historic colonial city right on a beautiful stretch of golden sand beach. The best part? The on-the-ground costs are a fraction of the more tourist-heavy spots.

    • The Deals: You can find nonstop flights from hubs like Los Angeles (LAX) for around $300 roundtrip. Once you’re there, the value is incredible: think delicious street tacos for $1.50 and ice-cold Pacifico beers for $2 right on the beach.

    Montego Bay, Jamaica

    The Vibe: A Vibrant Cultural Escape with Amazing Value

    Montego Bay All-inclusive resorts on the ocean

    For a trip that’s as much about the music and food as it is about the beach, Montego Bay is the answer. It’s the most affordable and accessible gateway to Jamaica’s unique culture. You can find a huge range of all-inclusive resorts here, from fun, budget-friendly options to more luxurious stays, all with incredible fall deals.

    • The Deals: We’ve found nonstop, roundtrip flights from cities like Atlanta (ATL) for as low as $290. All-inclusive resorts like the popular Holiday Inn Resort Montego Bay often have fall rates hovering around $250 a night.

    Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

    The Vibe: The Underrated Adventure Coast

    Sosua Beach of Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

    Think of Puerto Plata as Punta Cana’s more adventurous, less-crowded sibling. Located on the Dominican Republic’s stunning north coast, this area is where lush, green mountains tumble right down to golden sand beaches. It has a great selection of budget-friendly all-inclusive resorts and is often even cheaper than its more famous counterpart.

    • The Deals: Flights into Puerto Plata (POP) are incredibly affordable, with roundtrip fares from hubs like Miami (MIA) often dropping below $250. It’s home to some of the best-value all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean, with properties like the BlueBay Villas Doradas regularly available for under $150 a night.

    Cartagena, Colombia

    The Vibe: The Exotic & Shockingly Affordable City

    Speedboats whizzing by Cartagena skyline

    If you want a trip that feels a world away without the worldly price tag, Cartagena is your spot. While the flight might cost a little more, the on-the-ground savings are so massive that the total trip is an incredible bargain. You get to explore a breathtaking, UNESCO-listed walled city, enjoy a rooftop cocktail for less than the price of a latte back home, and take cheap boat trips to the stunning, white-sand Rosario Islands.

    • The Deals: We are seeing roundtrip flights from Fort Lauderdale (FLL) for under $200. Once there, a beautiful boutique hotel in the historic Walled City can be found for $90 a night, a gourmet dinner for two costs around $40, and a local beer is often just $1.50.

    Find Your Perfect Affordable Beach Getaway

    Answer two quick questions, and we’ll match you with the perfect, budget-friendly beach destination for this fall.

    First, what’s your main goal for this trip?



    And what’s your biggest budget priority?



    Your perfect affordable getaway is…

    🏖️Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

    You’re looking for the ultimate all-inclusive bargain, and Punta Cana is the undisputed king. It offers the best value for a classic, relaxing Caribbean beach trip.

    Your perfect affordable getaway is…

    🌮Mazatlan, Mexico

    You want an authentic cultural experience without breaking the bank. Mazatlan’s historic city, beautiful beaches, and incredibly low on-the-ground costs are your perfect match.

    Your perfect affordable getaway is…

    🎶Montego Bay, Jamaica

    You want a destination with a vibrant cultural heartbeat and great flight deals. Montego Bay is the easiest and most affordable gateway to Jamaica’s iconic music and food scene.

    Your perfect affordable getaway is…

    🏞️Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

    You’re an adventurer looking for incredible value. Puerto Plata offers the amazing deals of the D.R. with a more rugged, scenic coastline perfect for exploring.

    Your perfect affordable getaway is…

    Cartagena, Colombia

    You want a trip that feels exotic and worldly but has shockingly low on-the-ground costs. Cartagena’s historic charm and vibrant culture are a perfect fit.


    This fall, you don’t have to choose between your budget and the beach. Go ahead and book that cheap flight; your future, winter-self will thank you! ☀️

    Happy travels!

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  • 4 Reasons Why This Destination Is One Of The Top Winter Getaways For Americans

    4 Reasons Why This Destination Is One Of The Top Winter Getaways For Americans

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    One of America’s favorite year-end destinations, Puerto Vallarta continues to surge in popularity heading into 2024.

    Soon enough, millions of U.S. passport holders will be taking to the skies for a much-needed vacation, and based on current booking trends, Vallarta will be hotter than ever this winter, both literally and figuratively.

    Aerial View Of Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico

    Why, then, is a growing number of Americans flocking into the Jalisco gem in particular, and not other coastal towns in Mexico, and what can they expect of the upcoming season?

    Here are 4 reasons that may explain the phenomenon:

    A Well-Developed Coastline

    For starters, Puerto Vallarta has some of the most beautiful and best-equipped beach zones anywhere in the Mexican Pacific.

    A Busy Sandy Beach In Puerto Vallarta, Near The Malecon Boardwalk, Jalisco, Mexico

    Unlike other off-path sites straddling the country’s 1700 km-long Pacific coast, PV (as it is called in the short form) boasts a highly-developed beachfront adjacent to award-winning tourist accommodations, including five-star hotels and guesthouses.

    It is one of the best destinations for experiencing the Mexican seaside as a tourist, seeing that resorts typically offer guests private beach access and a relaxing natural environment while still keeping the quality of services high.

    Some of the top-rated beach resorts this season include the Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa, famous for its outdoor pools and state-of-the-art spa amenities, the Playa Los Arcos Hotel Beach Resort & Spa, a casual 4-star listing with bay views, and the elegant Grand Miramar Resort.

    The Buenaventura Grand Hotel Great Moments Resort In Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico

    A Charming Cultural Quarter

    Cultural tourism is one of the fastest-growing subtrends for 2024, and with its historic harbor, romantic Old Town, and charming architecture, it’s no wonder Puerto Vallarta is drawing in more and more culture seekers each passing month.

    The historic quarter, known locally as Zona Romantica, is a cobbled district jam-packed with gorgeous building facades, quirky cafes opening onto hidden courtyards, niche art galleries, and countless eateries catering to a wide range of customers.

    Restaurants and cafes with ocean views on Playa De Los Muertos beach and pier close to famous Puerto Vallarta Malecon, the city largest public beach

    This winter, visitors can expect to find the iconic Olas Altas Farmers Market, one of the largest of its kind in the state of Jalisco, to take place at the district’s Lázaro Cárdenas Park, as well as the much-celebrated Art & Market Marina Vallarta night market.

    Puerto Vallarta may not be as old a settlement as Yucatan’s Merida, or even Jalisco’s own state capital, the Spanish-founded colonial jewel that is Guadalajara, but it is vibrant, colorful, and full of postcard-ready corners Instagrammers will have fun discovering.

    Aerial View Of The Zona Romantica Of Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico

    The LGBTQ+ Capital Of Mexico

    It’s no secret PV is Mexico’s unofficial capital for ‘pink tourism’, but this year, local authorities have taken the ball and ran with it, investing massively in the promotion of LGBTQ-friendly venues, diversification of the tourist offer for the community, and policing of the Romantic Zone, Vallarta’s gay haven.

    LGBTQ+ tourists make up a significant proportion of Vallarta’s most faithful customers, as the city is widely known for its numerous gay bars and danceterias, fast-growing Pride event, and more liberal attitudes compared to far more conservative cities in Mexico.

    LGBTQ Travelers At The Beach

    This week, it swept Mexico’s LGBTQ+ Travel Awards, being crowned Best Beach Destination of the Year while also bringing home awards for Hotel Concept of the Year, which went to Almar Resort Luxury LGBT, Restaurant of the Year for trendy Café Des Artistes, and Ally of the Year for the Grand Miramar.

    As declared by Luis Villaseñor, General Director of the Public Trust for Tourism Promotion and Advertising of Puerto Vallarta, the city receives these awards with ‘great honor’, and the authority warmly embraces PV’s title of ‘friendliest’ city in Mexico.

    Mexico’s Third Most Popular Beach Destination

    Restaurants and cafes with ocean views on Playa De Los Muertos beach and pier close to famous Puerto Vallarta Malecon, the city largest public beach

    Finally, Puerto Vallarta has the distinction of being the third most popular beach destination in Mexico, beaten to the number one spot by only almighty Cancun, the Mayan Riviera’s leader in bookings, and Los Cabos, the wellness hub of Mexico.

    While the former is famous for its mega-resorts and shopping scene, and the former is a resort spa destination, Vallarta sits somewhere in between, as it is a smaller city with a lively atmosphere and youthful demographic, yet far from being as chaotic as Cancun, nor as laid-back as Cabo.

    Police Patrolling The Streets In Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

    It’s precisely this unique combination of agitated social scene and thriving nature that make Vallarta such a trendy getaway for American travelers, not to mention its impressive levels of safety, considering the state of Jalisco’s State Department-issued Level 3 designation, and diverse tourist offer.

    This November, hotel occupation already sits at all-time highs of 85 to 95 percent, depending on weekdays, and winter bookings are certain to accelerate in the weeks to come as the colder months approach and the average American’s urge for that winter sun intensifies.

    Read More:

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  • Top 7 Weekend Getaways Near Seattle

    Top 7 Weekend Getaways Near Seattle

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    The Pacific Northwest is full of charming small towns and natural beauty that make for a perfect weekend getaway. Whether you live in Seattle or are visiting and looking for places to add to your vacation plans, this list has you covered. Here are 7 memorable getaways that are no more than a few hours’ drive from Seattle.

    Top 7 Weekend Getaways Near Seattle

    1. Leavenworth, Washington

    Leavenworth is a charming small town a little over two hours from Seattle. It’s best known for its Bavarian-inspired buildings and shops, but there’s a wide variety of reasons you should consider visiting.

    To start with, it’s gorgeous to visit any time of the year. A winter visit will let you enjoy dazzling Christmas light displays, whereas a summer trip offers river trips and endless nearby hiking opportunities. The town itself is also full of countless one-of-a-kind boutique shops that are perfect for finding some memorable souvenirs. 

    2. Sequim, Washington

    This cozy small town is located near the Olympic Peninsula. It’s probably best known for its lavender farms, but it’s also an amazing place to spend a relaxing weekend. Head over to the bay to spend an afternoon enjoying the fresh air and blissful waves, or check out the shops in town. 

    Sequim, Washington

    3. Seaside, Oregon

    This coastal town in Oregon is the perfect place to escape from daily life for a few days! Seaside is located about 3 and a half hours from Seattle. You can look forward to enjoying the crisp ocean air, beautiful beaches, and nearly endless seafood eateries. Seaside is also located nearby the gorgeous Cannon beach, which offers some stunning photo opportunities and can be a great stop to add to your trip. 

    Seaside, Oregon

    4. San Juan Islands

    If you’re looking for a relaxing getaway without heading too far away from Seattle, consider spending a few days on one of the San Juan Islands. Overall, the chain consists of over 170 named islands and reefs.

    Two popular islands to visit are Lopez Island and Orcas Island. To get to the islands you’ll take a short ferry ride from Seattle. The easy access and nearby location make this an especially great option for people who want to maximize vacation time by minimizing traveling time.

    San Juan Islands

    5. Whidbey Island, Washington

    Whidbey Island is another island located not too far – about an hour – from Seattle. This island has become a well-loved vacation destination and the variety of things to do more than explains why.

    To start with, Whidbey Island is home to Deception Pass State Park, which has been dubbed one of Washington state’s best state parks. The island’s largest city, Oak Harbor, also offers countless attractions and restaurants that will add to a memorable and relaxing trip.

    Whidbey Island, Washington

    6. Astoria, Oregon

    Astoria, Oregon is located a bit further from Seattle than Some of these other options, but if you have the time in your schedule for the 3-hour drive it makes a wonderful getaway. This historic city has no shortage of things to do. You can look forward to panoramic views of the Columbia River, countless local boutiques, and some interesting local historical sites and museums.

    Astoria, Oregon

    7. Mt. Rainier National Park

    Here’s a great option for nature lovers! The beautiful Mt. Rainier National Park is located about an hour and a half from Seattle, and spending a few days there is a great way to unwind.

    There are two options for lodging inside the park if you’re looking to stay at a hotel – National Park Inn and Paradise Inn. National Park Inn is open year-round, making it a convenient choice even for those planning a visit in the colder months. For those looking for an even more rustic stay, the park also has several campsites.

    Mt. Rainier National Park

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    Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling.  Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories

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