Tag: Headed

  • These Are The Top 5 Destinations Where Solo Travelers Are Headed Right Now  

    These Are The Top 5 Destinations Where Solo Travelers Are Headed Right Now  

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    Do you have itchy feet and feel ready for your next getaway? There’s no need to wait for someone to travel with you: just book a ticket and go it alone!  

    Solo travel is more popular now than it’s ever been.  

    Happy solo traveler asian woman with hat relax and sightseeing on Thai longtail boat

    Just over 1 in 2 solo travelers say affordability is the most important factor in their choice of destination.

    And 60% say that the weather is a key factor in their decision-making!  

    Hoping to bump into other solo travelers on your adventure?  Or just looking for some inspiration?  

    According to new research from Hostel World, these are the top 5 destinations where travelers are headed right now:  

    Thailand 

    Thailand is officially the top destination for solo travelers right now. And it ticks the boxes for travelers looking for both affordability and great weather.  

    From a practical point of view, Thailand has a well-established tourist infrastructure that makes it easy for solo travelers to get around and is appealing to even first-time solo travelers.  

    Landscape koh Phi Phi Don island, Krabi, Thailand.

    This includes the affordable public transport system, and the warm and welcoming people in the destination can also help solo travelers to feel safe.  

    If you want to travel on a budget then you’ll find plenty of hostels here, and staying in a hostel is also a great way to meet new people.  

    So what attractions shouldn’t you miss if you head to Thailand solo?  

    This diverse country has so much to offer, but for cultural vultures, you should explore the Grand Palace in Bangkok. This huge and ornate gold structure has to be seen to be believed. Entrance costs 500 baht ($11.43).  

    Royal grand palace landmark in Bangkok, Thailand

    To relax and unwind, get out of the city and head to the beach. Thailand is famous for its epic beaches, and especially its beach parties.  

    Phuket draws travelers from around the world for its beaches, but for something a little more relaxing, try the views at Krabi instead.  

    Spain  

    I don’t have many opportunities to travel solo anymore, but when I do, I inevitably choose Spain!  

    I love Spain for its rich history, beautiful landscapes, and incredible food. And as a female traveler, I always feel safe when I’m in Spain too.  

    Sagrada Familia basilica in Barcelona.

    Spain offers both rich and historic city break options as well as incredible beach resorts. And thanks to its excellent and affordable rail network, you can explore both in the same trip.  

    My perfect solo Spanish itinerary? Fly into Barcelona so that you can wander around the basílica de la sagrada família (with tickets priced at €26.00/$28.82 per person) then sit in Pak Guell with an ice cream to watch the world go by.  

    From here take the train to Tarragona, which is home to a 2nd-century Roman amphitheater that faces onto the Mediterranean sea. Other Roman attractions in the city include a Roman circus and a Roman Forum, and the walled, medieval Old Town is the perfect place to meander.

    Roman theater of Tarragona

    The train ride takes just an hour and 15 minutes and only costs 8 euros ($9).  

    The cathedral in Tarragona is bigger, and more important, than the one in Barcelona. And the beach here is the perfect place to relax away from the crowds as it is generally overlooked in favor of nearby coastal towns.  

    Italy 

    Italy is a country that prides itself on its hospitality.  

    So if you want to experience some of Europe’s most iconic architecture, see the works of some of the world’s most remarkable artists, and enjoy steaming bowls of pasta served by smiling Nonnas then this is the place to visit.  

    Chioggia, Island Town Near Venice, Venetian Lagoon, Italy, Southern Europe

    Like Spain, Italy offers a diverse range of attractions, which means there’s a solo travel destination for everyone. From the chic fashion-fueled streets of Milan to the cuisine of Naples and everything in between.  

    One of my favorite places to visit in Italy in fall is Venice. The temperatures in fall are mild and the crowd levels are low. Meaning you’ll have the freedom to explore at your own pace. The contrast between the red of the leaves on the trees and the blue of the lagoon is also a wonderful sight.  

    Australia  

    If your spirit of adventure means you want to visit the other side of the world, then the best place to go is the land down under.  

    Australia is a backpackers paradise, and because everyone speaks English there, it’s a great place for first time solo travelers to explore without a language barrier.  

    Kangaroo at Lucky Bay in the Cape Le Grand National Park near Esperance, Western Australia

    Its overwhelmingly large size means that it would be impossible to explore all of Australia in one trip: you’ll need to choose the territories that interest you most.  

    Friendly locals and stunning scenery are the main attractions of a solo trip to Australia. The sun, sea, and surfing are what puts the destination on my bucket list. That and the chance to get up, close, and personal with a koala bear!

    Vietnam  

    If you love adventure and spending time in the great outdoors, then Vietnam is the perfect solo travel destination. It is a breathtakingly beautiful country with epic beaches and dramatic landscapes.

    sunset landscape Halong Bay, Vietnam

    From a practical point of view, Vietnam is accessible and affordable and has consistently been voted among the world’s safest countries for travelers.  

    Visit Ha Long Bay, the UNESCO listed archipelago which covers a whopping 1,133 islands and islets. The landscapes here are iconic and this is a great place for watersports such as kayaking or paddleboarding.  

    If you’re more interested in city explorations, then the bustling Old Quarter of Hanoi is a great place to be.

    Train Street In Hanoi, Vietnam, Southeast Asia

    Explore the food markets, and visit the city’s famous tailors to have clothes made that will fit you like a second skin.  

    Vietnam is a little more difficult to explore as a solo traveler than Thailand, but if you’re an experienced traveler, then it’s well worth the extra effort.  

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    This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

    Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.



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  • The Dominican Republic Sets All-Time Tourist Arrival Record: Here’s Where Travelers Are Headed

    The Dominican Republic Sets All-Time Tourist Arrival Record: Here’s Where Travelers Are Headed

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    The Dominican Republic’s tourism industry is off to an incredible start this year. The country is smashing tourist numbers month over month, proving more visitors than ever are choosing the Dominican Republic as a vacation destination. With a beautiful and diverse landscape, an endless choice of activities, and welcoming people, it is easy to see why so many tourists visit each year.

    Aerial view of beach in dominican republic

    Breaking Records By Air And By Sea

    Last month alone, combined visitor arrivals by air and sea were just shy of 1 million. 661,088 tourists arrived by air during February, a 17% increase from 2022, and a 9% increase from pre-pandemic 2019. Even more extraordinary is the growth in cruise passenger arrivals.

    This February, over 250,000 visitors arrived by cruise ship, representing more than double the number of cruise arrivals from 2019, and triple that of the same period last year.

    Bayahibe beach Lighthouse Dominican Republic

    Add to these impressive numbers the fact that this past January also saw record tourist arrivals. That all means that in the first two months of 2023, over 1.8 million tourists visited the Dominican Republic. With no signs of slowing, it seems the nation is well on its way to its ambitious goal of reaching 10 million visitors by the end of the year.

    Why Tourists Love The Dominican Republic

    The majority of the Dominican Republic’s visitors hail from the United States, Canada, and Colombia. They come seeking something special that can only be found here. A unique mix of culture, natural beauty, and relaxation that is easily accessible. The Dominican Republic has all that and more.

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    A woman looks out onto the beautiful waters of the Dominican Republic

    With over 100 all-inclusive resorts, relaxing and enjoying the pristine beaches is easy. In fact, many of the top resorts in the Caribbean are in the Dominican Republic. The diversity of the nation’s vast natural environment means that visitors can enjoy mountains, caves, lakes, and waterfalls, as well as the pristine beaches and offshore islands the country is famous for.

    Additionally, visitors love to experience the Dominican culture – one that is welcoming and rich in music, food, and traditions.

    Sunset at Puerto Plata Dominican republic

    Where Are All These Visitors Headed?

    The majority of visitors head straight to La Altagracia Province – home to Punta Cana, the Dominican Republic’s golden child for tourism, and many of the top resorts. This beautiful region is where the Atlantic meets the Caribbean and where incredible beaches are just waiting to be enjoyed.

    67% of foreigners stayed in the resort towns of Punta Cana, Bávaro, and Bayahibe. But, as regular Travel Off Path readers will know, there is more to the Dominican Republic than just Punta Cana.    

    view of punta cana from above at sunset

    The second most touristed destination is the capital region – Santo Domingo and the surrounding area. Santo Domingo is a vibrant city and UNESCO World Heritage site, as it was the first permanent establishment of the “New World”, and is home to some of the oldest institutions in the Americas.

    Visitors love Santo Domingo for its diversity of offerings – you can see Colonial architecture, visit Boca Chica’s tropical beaches, explore sunken cenotes in the middle of the city, and enjoy funky clubs with delicious food. 8% of foreigners stayed in Santo Domingo Province.

    Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic Fort And Harbor

    8% of international visitors also stayed in Puerto Plata Province. Puerto Plata was the original tourist hotspot in the Dominican Republic and is still loved for its breathtaking landscape that includes the coast, mountains, rivers, and of course – beautiful beaches.

    The area’s most popular attraction is the 27 Charcos of Damajagua, a complex of 27 waterfalls along the Damajagua river that can be explored on foot with a local guide.

    Cayo Levantado Island Samana Bay Dominican Republic

    The remaining destinations that have been pulling in international tourists are La Romana, where the renowned Casa de Campo resort is located (4%), Samaná, the northeastern coastal region where visitors enjoy wild beaches and rainforests welcomed 3% of visitors, and finally, 2% of tourists headed for the cosmopolitan city of Santiago de los Caballeros which is full of fascinating museums and cultural sites, and home to some of the best food and nightlife in the Dominican Republic.   

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  • Tropical Storm Nicole Is Headed For Florida: Airports Closing and Cruises Rerouting

    Tropical Storm Nicole Is Headed For Florida: Airports Closing and Cruises Rerouting

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    The National Hurricane Center issued a warning that tropical storm Nicole will likely become a hurricane by Wednesday and is making its way towards Florida’s east coast. Airports, theme parks and cruise lines are on alert or have implemented precautions with Orlando, Orlando Sanford, Melbourne and Daytona Beach International Airports all planning to suspend operations by Wednesday afternoon.

    Orlando Airport Sign

    Tropical storm Nicole began building in the Atlantic Ocean as a hybrid storm earlier in the week, but by Tuesday had formed into a tropical storm. Nicole is expected to move towards the islands of the Bahamas before strengthening into a Category 1 hurricane and then meeting Florida’s southeast coast by late Wednesday or early Thursday.  Its damage could also extend to Southwest Florida, which has already been devastated by Hurricane Ian.

    AccuWeather reports that “a water level rise of 3-6 feet is forecast with locally higher levels, and that rise will occur not only on waters near where Nicole makes landfall along the central portion of the Florida east coast but in areas hundreds of miles farther north”

    This is the second time in six weeks that Florida has had to brace for a potential hurricane and if Nicole makes landfall, it would be a rarity, since only one hurricane has ever made landfall after November in continental US, according to hurricane researcher Phil Klotzbach.

    Orlando Flooding

    What Travel Has Been Disrupted So Far?

    Multiple Florida airports have decided to close on Wednesday; Orlando and Orlando Sanford International Airports will be suspending operations at 4pm; Melbourne Orlando International Airport will be closing at 2pm; and Daytona Beach International Airport will be shutting earlier at 12.30pm.

    Major airlines have issued travel alerts for multiple airports in the eastern Caribbean and Florida, stating that customers who were impacted by Nicole would be able to rebook airfares under certain conditions. Currently, American Airlines has listed 20 airports as a travel alert; United has listed 8; and Delta has listed 15. It is recommended to check your airline for the latest travel advisory.

    Orlando Airport sign

    Cruise lines have already reacted and altered itineraries. Both Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Liberty and Disney’s Wish skipped a planned visit to Nassau in the Bahamas and spent a day at sea instead. They will now be stopping in Cozumel, Mexico instead of their planned private cays.

    Meanwhile Carnival Elation, Norwegian Getaway and Disney Dream all skipped their private island itineraries and opted for a day at sea or another destination. Royal Caribbean’s International’s Quantum of the Seas, which was headed to Florida via the Bahamas from New Jersey has redirected to Haiti.

    Carnival Liberty

    At the time of writing, Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld had not made plans to close their theme parks but said they were monitoring the situation closely. Other attractions such as Central Florida Zoo and Brevard Zoo have decided to close Wednesday and Thursday as a precaution.

    Walt Disney World

    What Is Nicole’s Predicted Path?

    Nicole is currently moving near or over the islands in the Bahamas today and will be approaching Florida’s east coast between West Palm Beach and Cape Canaveral by late Wednesday or early Thursday, according to AccuWeather. It is advised by experts to not only consider the direct path as a point of impact, because a storm of this size can wreak havoc wide and can move through parts of the state for 48 hours.

    “These things don’t have to be exactly right over the top of you to make it the worst night of the year for you,” said AccuWeather forecast operations director Dan DePodwin.

    AccuWeather suggested that Georgia, the Carolinas, Virginia and parts of the Northeast could also experience 2-4 inches of rain, with mountainous regions in the North Carolina and Virginia potentially experiencing flooding by Thursday evening or Friday.

    At the time of writing a hurricane warning has been issued for a large portion of Florida’s east coast and the northwestern Bahamas, and a tropical storm warning has been issued for northwestern Florida coast and well as some of the Georgia coast.

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