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Move Over Bali And Thailand! This Underrated Country Is Southeast Asia’s New Rising Star

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Bali and Thailand are the two top destinations that come to mind if you’re thinking of flying halfway across the globe to Southeast Asia.

The ancient pagodas, lush green nature, and beautiful coastal scenery all seem heavenly enough, alright, but perhaps not if you’re keen on avoiding the crowds…

Between the dollarization of prices and ongoing Westernization, both Bali and Thailand are now far from representing the idyllic, mystical Orient, and unless you’re signing up for an Ubud wellness cult, or looking to party hard in Phuket, you’re unlikely to find the spiritual awakening you seek.

Lucky for the passionate off-path explorer, not all of Southeast Asia is on the average Western Gen Z’s radar, and certainly not Cambodia, one of the region’s last hidden gems:

Why Cambodia Is Southeast Asia’s Rising Star

Though it’s been historically treated as an add-on in multi-country trips, particularly for travelers heading primarily to Thailand or Vietnam, interest in Cambodia as a stand-alone destination is increasing among Westerners:

Last year, the Asian hub hosted 5.4 million tourists, a whopping 139.5 percent increase year-on-year, and it looks set to grow even further in 2024, with 2 million arrivals registered between January and May already.

If Cambodia is nothing but a name or a vague location on a map for you, you may be wondering why Europeans and Americans alike are suddenly entertaining the idea of visiting––well, allow us to introduce you to Southeast Asia’s unspoiled kingdom.

A Charming Historic Capital

Yet to be discovered by the masses, Cambodia is nothing short of a cultural behemoth, retracing its origins back to a 9th-century Khmer civilization and having been part of several different empires over the centuries, including Greater India and France.

National capital Phnom Penh is home to an assortment of ancient and colonial-era landmarks, including the Central Market, an Art Deco-inspired markethall, Hotel Le Royal, evocative of Europe’s greatest, and the monumental Royal Palace, seat of the Cambodian royal family.

As charming as Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s true wonders lie outside its rather-compact capital city: the country is traversed by the Mekong Delta, a watercourse it shares with Vietnam, and one of the longest in the world, reaching as far as the South China Sea.

Leaving from Phnom Penh, there are several boat tours traveling down the Mekong, including this incredible sunset river cruise on GetYourGuide for as low as $9, though for the odd nature enthusiast, that’s only the starting point to a far more enthralling adventure.

This is Southeast Asia, after all, and you can expect some breathtaking natural vistas:

The Most Beautiful Nature You’ve Ever Seen

Located near the Vietnamese border, the scenic Bou Sra is one of Cambodia’s top sights, and a trio of cascading drops between 15 and 20 meters in height––for the thrill-seekers out there, you can even zip line over the waterfall for roughly $45, on the equivalent in Cambodian riel.

Elsewhere in Preah Monivong, in Cambodia’s southeastern end, tourists are greeted with emerald jungles and epic hikes, one of which leads up to Bokor Hill Station, a French-built ghost town left to crumble following their departure from Southeast Asia.

Other than paying the local Catholic church a visit, one of a handful scattered around Cambodia where Buddhism is king, the province is known for its thriving wildlife: if you’re lucky enough, you’ll be able to spot elephants, macaques, Asian tigers, and many other endangered species.

Another must-see attraction is Phnom Kulen: Thailand may lay claim to ‘The Beach’, a.k.a overtouristed Maya Bay, where Leonardo DiCaprio spent time shooting the 2000 drama, but this preserve in Cambodia had Angelina Jolie as a guest while filming her 2001 blockbuster Tomb Raider.

Hollywood features aside, let’s not forget the picturesque Battambang, a small town some 6 hours driving from Phnom Penh host to a nature-made spectacle you simply can’t miss: at sunset hours, hundreds of thousands of bats spew out of the local caves in an entrancing synchronized dance.

Cambodia also has a 275-mile-long, mostly sandy coastline along the Gulf of Thailand.

Numerous peninsulas jut out into teal-colored seas, and sleepy fishing villages tuck away cozily in remote, scenic bays, making it a literal paradise for sunseekers.

The southern coast’s number one beach getaway, however, has to be the exotic Koh Rong Island, with its 26 miles of largely-undisturbed white sands, fast-flowing waterfalls and laid-back villages yet to know the spoils of mass tourism.

Culture Buffs, You’ve Been All Sleeping On Cambodia For Far Too Long

Other than the awe-inspiring nature, Cambodia has been gaining momentum partly thanks to its ancient heritage:

The country’s signature postcard picture, emblazoned on its own flag, the ruins of Angkor Wat draw millions of visitors every year.

Located in the peaceful resort town of Siam Reap, in the Northwest, it is an amalgamation of temples built during the Khmer Empire.

Some date as far back as 900 years, with a string of chedi towers and delicately-sculpted facades, and the best part is, unlike other historical sites in Bali or Phuket, Angkor Wat can still be enjoyed without the crowds, especially if you’re booking Viator’s small-group sunrise tour.

The even more off-path Angkor Thom, a short tuk-tuk ride away from Angkor Wat, is the site of the last and longest-surviving capital of the bygone Khmer Empire, settled in the 12th-century, and it features stunningly-preserved temples.

Best Bang For Your Buck

Not only is Cambodian culture fascinating, but the country itself is very budget-friendly:

There have been complaints from tourists that certain beach zones in Indonesia and Thailand are becoming increasingly expensive to visit as gentrification advances and luxury resorts start sealing off access to privileged beach locations.

They’re still pretty cheap to visit, but in terms of overall affordability, they’re not nearly as attractive to the budget-wary tourist as Cambodia is:

The four-star, oceanfront BeachWalk Hotel in Koh Rong Island costs $92 to book per night, and at this rate, we’re talking world-class service and exceptional catering; elsewhere in Phnom Penh, the M9 Kirirom Hotel costs a mere $33 nightly, offering sweeping views of the capital’s skyline.

In Siem Reap, the leading tourist destination in Cambodia, five-star listing The Villa by Metta will only set you back $95 per night, and if you’re really being economical, there are private double rooms (fan-only) for as cheap as $8 at the centrally-located Damnak Riverside Villa.

Food is remarkably cheap, too: whether you’re ordering their signature fish amok, or the flavorful Samlor Korkor soup, accompanied by pepper crab sides and a soft drink, it’s unlikely to cost you over $16, even at the priciest of mid-range restaurants catering to visiting foreigners.

In inexpensive eateries locals actually frequent, it can go as cheap as $4 for a meal.

Overall, the average daily cost of a one-trip to Cambodia for a single person is, believe it or not, a negligible $431 based on Budget Your Trip estimates (for a non-luxurious trip).

Flying to Cambodia may be relatively pricey for most Americans and Europeans, as it typically involves multi-stop flight routes, and availability is lower compared to tourism hotspots like Bali, but once there, you can live like a king… even on a shoestring budget.

Vinicius Costa

Vini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.

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July 23, 2024
Move Over Tokyo! Osaka’s Fun & Funky Vibe Winning Over Travelers

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If you’ve always dreamed of visiting Japan, then it might be time to forget those Tokyo Nights and plan a trip to a younger, hipper city instead.

I’m talking about Osaka. Osaka is the 3^rd largest city in Japan but it is still referred to as Japan’s Second City.

Osaka has a very different look and feel to Tokyo.

In Tokyo everyone is busy and rushing to get somewhere while people in Osaka feels more casual and relaxed.

Osaka feels like Tokyo’s little sister: younger, more exciting, and more carefree. And that’s why this incredible city is winning over travelers right now.

A Funky Party Playground

Japan is my favorite country in the world, and Osaka is its party playground.

Osaka is grittier and dirtier than Tokyo. All those rules that you’ll read about in your Japan Guidebook, like not eating on the street or watching the volume of your voice, will go right out of the window here!

Japanese people travel to Osaka to gamble, party, and generally let their hair down.

This is why you’ll find a huge concentration of bars, karaoke mega clubs, and gaming centers in the heart of the city.

If you really want to party, then Pure Osaka is the place to be.

It’s a nightclub in the heart of downtown Osaka and is popular with Japanese celebrities, influencers, and anyone else who wants to be in the right place at the right time.

My favorite way to party in Osaka is karaoke! Hire a private room and sing the night away. It’s so much fun and incredibly affordable, too.

The price will be determined by the size of the room you hire and how long you stay, but we paid less than $15 for our family of four.

Japan’s Kitchen

Osaka is referred to as the kitchen of Japan, and there’s no better place to be for foodies.

The streets along either side of the Dotonbori Canal, between the Dōtonboribashi Bridge and Nipponbashi Bridge are known simply as Dotonbori and this is the place to be if you want to eat in Osaka.

This is also the spot where you can take a photo with Osaka’s infamous mascot, The Running Man.

People travel from all over Japan and the world to eat in this district (so of course I had to join them!)

I recommend trying the okonomiyaki, which is a savory pancake filled with cabbage and onions and smothered in a spicy mayonnaise-style sauce.

Perhaps the most iconic thing to eat in Dotonbori is takoyaki. You’ll have probably seen these before: little rich, eggy dough balls filled with octopus served piping hot.

My husband loved these, but I definitely didn’t!

Osaka With Kids

As much as I would love to share personal stories about wild nights in Osaka nightclubs, I visited with two boys under the age of 10.

So my experience was a little bit different!

But I will say that Osaka is a great place for family travel. It might not seem like an obvious family destination, like Tokyo, but we loved every minute.

We challenged each other to eat unusual foods in Dotonbori, wandered through the Team Labs botanical gardens, and rode the HEP FIVE Ferris Wheel for incredible views of the city. Each carriage has Bluetooth, so you can pump out your own tunes as you ride, too!

If you’re traveling with kids (or if you’re a theme park or adrenaline junkie) then Osaka is also home to Universal Studios Japan.

This was the first Universal Studios to open a Super Nintendo World, and it’s also the largest.

This is a modern and interactive park where you can buy wristbands and use them to interact with the attractions in a way that will make you feel like you’re in a Mario video game (I tried it and regressed! I felt 15 again!)

You’ll also find Harry Potter World and the usual Universal offerings like Jurassic Park and Jaws here.

Osaka is also a great place to position yourself if you want to take day trips to other popular tourist destinations like Kyoto and Nara too. On the fastest train you can get to Kyoto from Osaka in around 20 minutes.

Culture In Osaka

Osaka has an undeserved reputation for being devoid of culture. We definitely didn’t find that to be the case!

Osaka Castle was once the largest castle in Japan, and it’s not only beautiful but also huge! It really dominates the surrounding skyline, and the gardens are a beautiful place to walk.

We also visited Ohatsu Tenjin, which is in the heart of the city, hidden behind a neon-lit restaurant district. This is the shrine to love. It is also the only place in Japan where I saw pink Tori gates!

There are actually two shrines here. The first is dedicated to the tragic story of two star-crossed lovers who met a terrible end, and the other is a shrine to children.

Volunteers wait at the entrance to the Shrine and will show you around and tell you the story of the star-crossed lovers (not those star-crossed lovers) in detail, and although it’s not an attraction in the guidebooks, it was a real highlight for us.

Getting To Osaka

When I last visited Osaka, I traveled from Tokyo Station to Shin Osaka Station via the bullet train.

This is an incredibly easy journey that only took 2.5 hours door to door.

I chose to buy a JR Pass: This is a train ticket valid for a certain period of time that you can use on any JR train across Japan.

This worked out as the best value option for me because I was also visiting nearby Nara and Kyoto as part of my trip.

The JR Pass costs 50,000 YEN ($316.00) for 7 days or 80,000 YEN ($506.00) for 14 days.

Alternatively a return ticket from Tokyo Station to Shin Osaka Station is $290 (based on prices for a one week stay traveling in August 2024)

Osaka and Tokyo are incredibly well connected for a 2 center trip like this with a train leaving Tokyo station every 10 minutes.

If you don’t want to visit Tokyo, you can fly directly into Osaka instead. If you’re traveling from the U.S., you can fly nonstop into Kansai International Airport from San Francisco and Los Angeles.

United Airlines operates the route to San Francisco, while Japan Airlines operates the route to Los Angeles.

Tor Brierley

Tor has been writing for more than 20 years and has visited 25 countries (and counting!) She specializes in European and family travel and never says no to new adventures.

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July 23, 2024
Move Over Florida! This Laid-Back Beach City Is The South’s Most Underrated Summer Destination
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10 million people flock to a vibrant coastal city in Texas, yet it still flies under the radar.

Often overshadowed by the Caribbean-esque beaches of Florida and even neighboring Gulf Shores, Texas is commonly seen viewed as a hootin’ hollerin’ good time in many of the state’s inland cities.

Texas may not have a seat at the table with the likes of Cancun and Los Cabos, but it more than holds its own in the South.

As a born and raised Texan, I can tell you to skip Galveston’s brown waters, but Corpus Christi is a pretty cool place to visit, even if you never step foot on the beach.

Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Dallas, Houston, and Austin lies a laid-back getaway ready to surprise you this summer from nearby beautiful beaches, delicious fresh seafood, and a thriving arts scene.

No Need To Visit Florida! Head To The Coast Of Texas Instead

There’s no doubt about it, Florida draws a crowd.

From the immaculate city of Miami all the way around to the Florida panhandle, you will find hordes of tourists enjoying the sun and sand at some of America’s best beach locations.

However, when it comes to Texas, most of the millions of visitors are locals who are aware of Corpus Christi’s allure.

A lot of Texas is flat, nothing reminiscent of paradisal beaches. But once you reach the southernmost points of this vast state, you will find a treasure trove of hidden gems flying under the radar.

Stretching from Corpus Christi to the Mexican border, this region isn’t discussed enough as a top vacation destination, especially in summer.

Florida’s hidden gems are unveiled left and right, but it’s time to shine a light on Corpus and the surrounding area.

And to do that, it needs to be affordable, right?

Budget-Friendly Beaches: Corpus Christi‘s Affordable Stays

Unlike California, the South, including Florida, is typically viewed as an affordable beach destination.

This is true for most of the South – you know, Gulf Shores, Destin, Biloxi, and yes, Corpus Christi.

Airfare can be hard to track with so many factors changing day to day, but Corpus Christi is large enough for its own airport.

On the other hand, hotels are much easier to keep an eye on and rates typically stay in the same ballpark unless there’s a major event.

In other words, if Taylor Swift isn’t touring here, you’re solid!

Corpus has some awesome hotels to stay in overlooking the scenic bay, historic U.S.S. Lexington, and even scattered around nearby beach towns.

Downtown has undergone major renovations where you can easily explore the newfound booming arts scene and surprises like European-esque cathedrals from affordable name-brand hotels such as:

Formerly the main draw of Corpus were the many tributes to native singer Selina, but this delightful city is undoubtedly a beach destination.

Although, most would agree it’s best to go outside the city limits to level up in terms of quality.

In nearby Port Aransas, Padre Island, and Mustang Island, there are some great deals too such as:

Fresh Seafood Galore: Indulge In The ‘Catch Of The Day’

Anyone in Texas, or perhaps in the South for that matter, knows the cult-like following of Whataburger, founded right here in Corpus Christi.

But this seaside city’s foodie claim to fame isn’t fast food burgers; it’s fresh seafood straight from the source.

My personal favorite is beachfront restaurant Fajitaville, a unique blend of Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville vibes mixed with Tex-Mex dishes, but also serve Shrimp Cocktail and Ceviche for your seafood fix.

There are too many to name individually, but what you want to do is take advantage of the breezy patios while indulging in your ‘fresh catch’.

Even more so for dinner as the Texas heat winds down with epic sunset views.

According to TripAdvisor, few of the top-rated restaurants where you can do so:
- Doc’s Seafood & Steak Restaurant
- Blackbeard’s On The Beach
- Snoopy’s Pier
Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 30 countries and written over 400 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.

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July 17, 2024
Move Over Tulum, This Will Be The Next Big Destination In The Mexican Caribbean

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With its postcard-perfect Mayan temple perched on a clifftop overlooking the Caribbean, Tulum is one of the popular destinations in the Mexican Caribbean, but not without its share of controversy:

It may be paradise on earth for some, but there’s no denying it’s also developed a reputation for being an overly Americanized hub, and you may have a hard time relaxing if gentrified beachfronts and jungle raves are not really your scene.

As the saying goes, when a new supreme rises, the old one fades away, and lucky for you, the ‘next Tulum‘, an increasingly trendy town some 130 miles south, has smaller crowds, smaller hotels, a more laid-back atmosphere, and it’s bounded by translucent waters (except it’s not on the coast):

What Has The Next Tulum Got To Offer?

With most of the best-known tourist spots in the Mexican Caribbean concentrated in the northern half of Quintana Roo, it’s hardly surprising that the southern end often gets bypassed altogether, especially when connectivity is more limited and it takes longer to reach from Cancun.

That’s not to say it lacks cultural value, or that it has less to offer when it comes to natural wonders: as a matter of fact, the Tulum dupe in question is in the south, and though it does not border the Caribbean, with 12 miles separating it from the turquoise, it’s a world-class tropical destination.

You may be wondering how that may be if it’s not coastal, but the thing is, Bacalar does not need access to the sea when it is named after, and sits on the banks of the most beautiful lake in Mexico, with teal-colored waters that will make you feel as if you’re still in the Caribbean.

30 miles long and about a mile-and-quarter wide at its widest point, Lake Bacalar is full of swim-friendly spots.

Unless you particularly love saltwater and need powder-white sands unfolding for miles on end to feel like you’ve taken a trip to Mexico, you can have just as much fun here instead.

How Does Bacalar Compare To Tulum?

You may be wondering how Bacalar and Tulum can even be compared when one sits on the Mayan Riviera, and the other’s a lakeside town, yet both straddle turquoise waters, they’re equally considered ‘Pueblos Magicos’, the population density is similar, and their Mayan origins are evident.

Lake Bacalar is not only a peaceful lake where you can go swimming but also a recreational zone. Visitors can go kayaking, book boat tours to explore the lake extensively, or sample the local cuisine at family-owned lakeside restaurants.

Bacalar doesn’t have a nightlife scene as vibrant as club-packed Tulum, but it does have a number of casual entertainment venues.

The most famous and best-frequented is Balneario Ejidal Magico Bacalar, a ‘beach’ club with an international clientele.

It does not offer larger-than-life resort experiences, either, but it is home to at least 11 luxury boutique hotels that provide you with some comfort, and the peaceful environment you need to escape the Tulum crowds.

One of the largest and best-equipped, the rustic Mia Bacalar Luxury Resort & Spa comes with its own outdoor pool, lush gardens, fitness center and spa, and curvilinear rooms that just exude character and seem to complement the nature around them.

It is also where you’ll find some of the lake’s famous wooden docks, stretching out into the crystal-clear, shallow waters, with a Maldives-style palapa hut at the tip.

It is not the cheapest hotel in the vicinity, with overnight rates starting from $381.

There are cheaper boutique homes and guesthouses available for only $138 per night, such as Casa Chukun, a relaxation haven less than a mile away from Downtown Bacalar, and the $168, adults-only Bacalari, which commands stunning lake views.

Is Bacalar Mexico’s Last Mayan Stronghold?

Similarly to Tulum, it was once inhabited by the native Mesoamerican people, who established a city on the site of modern-day Bacalar – to all you History buffs out there, this is the first Mayan settlement the Spanish settlers succeeded in taking and holding in 1543.

Tulum is famous for its vast archaeological zone, with well-preserved temples and a landmark ‘Castillo’ towering above the ancient rubbles; Bacalar does not have step pyramids or any obvious Mayan landmarks left, but it is a Mayan stronghold, as well as rich in colonial heritage.

In 1848, during the Caste War of Yucatan, a rebellious tribe reconquered the town, which would only be retaken by local forces in 1902, over five decades later: needless to say, those ties to the ancient Mayan way of life and culture run deep here.

Contrastingly, its Spanish-built San Felipe de Bacalar Fortress is evocative of European castles, and the culturally-charged town itself was awarded ‘Pueblo Magico’ status as early as 2006 when the once-coveted title wasn’t yet given out conferred at random.

Travelers also go to Tulum to get lost in the surrounding nature, as it is well-known for being the gateway to the cenotes and jungles of the Mexican Caribbean, but Bacalar does not lag behind: besides the lake, the most obvious attraction, it sits on the edge of a UNESCO-listed reserve.

The Sian Kaʼan Biosphere Reserve translates from the Yuatec Mayan language as ‘the place where Heaven begins’, and with its 2,039 square miles of dense forestation, thriving wildlife, and ruined Mayan towns shrouded in mystery, with origins lost to time, we’re inclined to agree.

A New Train Will Link Tulum To Bacalar

Having so much to offer, and having stood in as an alternative to jam-packed Tulum it’s no wonder Bacalar leads booking trends in the south of Quintana Roo, and it will only get more popular once the Maya Train launches in the area.

While the completion date has not yet been confirmed, we know for a fact the scenic train departing from Tulum will travel down the Mayan Riviera all the way down to Bacalar, making it a lot more accessible to tourists than it is now.

Right now, the easiest way to get to Bacalar from the north (Cancun, Tulum, Playa Del Carmen) is either using local buses or booking private transfers, though prices for the latter can easily get exorbitant when you add in the long miles between them.

Alternatively, tourists can fly to Chetumal, the largest city in the south of Quintana Roo and the capital of the state, a much shorter 24-mile drive from Bacalar.

Using the Chetumal route will typically require a stopover in Mexico City, as it does not host flights from the U.S.

Vinicius Costa

Vini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.

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April 16, 2024
This Beautiful European Country Is Calling On Digital Nomads To Move There

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Since the last few years have pushed people out of the office and into remote work, numerous sunny destinations worldwide have been witnessing a surge in digital nomads.

Countries like Mexico (home to over 1.6 million Americans), Brazil, and Colombia have flung their doors open to remote workers, and Indonesia, Thailand, and Singapore are rising in prominence as entrepreneurial hubs and are leading the nomad trend.

There’s never been this many opportunities nor incentives for you to relocate, especially when there is a plethora of Digital Nomad Visas (DNVs) in the market and easy-to-fulfill requirements, but this one country is actually calling on nomads to move there.

One of the oldest nations in Europe and the cradle of Western civilization, it is famous for its rugged beauty, paradisaical islands, millennia-old monuments and vibrant coastal cities:

Why Greece Wants You To Move There

Greece has always been one of Europe’s most popular beach destinations.

Occupying the Southern tip of the Balkan peninsula, as well as administering up to 227 inhabited islands in the bright-blue Aegean Sea, it is best known for its ancient heritage – think the Athenian Parthenon, or the temples in Delphi – and subtropical climate.

Greece truly requires no introduction.

We are sure you have studied it extensively in school, or you’re at the very least familiar with the culture, some of the major Greek feats, including the birth of democracy, the Olympic Games, and Greek food.

Every year, tens of millions of tourists land in the Eastern Mediterranean country in hopes of seeing iconic Hellenic landmarks with their own eyes, hopping around whitewashed islands, or sailing into an Aegean sunset as they sip on some Assyrtiko wine.

A less-known fact about Greece, however, is that other than being a world-class tourist destination, it has been making headlines lately as a digital nomad hotspot, with the Government actively encouraging nomads to move there.

But how?

Greece Has Launched A Digital Nomad Visa

Last year, Greece officially launched its Digital Nomad Visa, enabling non-European nomads to relocate to the country on a more defined, safer migration route.

Upon its release, we covered the topic extensively and even listed the pros and cons of applying for the Greek DNV, not one of the easiest or most affordable to obtain in the market, but certainly one of the most valuable.

With a Greek DNV, you can stay in the country for longer than 90 days out of any 180-day period, as long as your visa is valid and you are not bound by Schengen Area entry or exit rules nor affected by the incoming travel permit that will apply to tourists.

On the other hand, you will be required to provide sufficient proof of funds to support yourself while in Greece, and this can be as high as €3500 a month – meanwhile, countries like Colombia allow nomads earning as little as US$684 a month to get a DNV.

Still, remote workers have been flocking to Greece, as it boasts a higher level of public safety, higher living standards, and comparably great weather (with the exception of the mild Mediterranean winter).

So far, as many as 1,693 DNVs have been issued to foreigners in Greece, making it a highly sought-after European destination for remote work.

You may be wondering why, as it can be incredibly expensive, particularly on the islands, where the tourism sector caters almost exclusively to a high-spending clientele, and overnight rates can cost as high as US$1,379 per night.

Needless to say, budget-conscious nomads are not basing themselves in Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes, or Corfu, though the latter is wooing foreign visitors, for that matter.

Consumer prices offshore may be sky-high, but that is not necessarily the case in the mainland.

Greece Is Not As Expensive As One Might Think

Athens has a relatively low cost of living, with a single person’s monthly expenses in the capital estimated at US$864.70 without rent, making it, on average, 23.8% less expensive than Paris, yet another hugely popular nomad spot.

Rent in Athens can also be up to 60.8% lower than in Northwestern Europe, and nomads are able to find excellent long-term rental deals starting from €250 for a studio apartment away from the city center, going as high as €650 for a conveniently located, central flat.

All major Greek cities also have a plethora of work-friendly cafes and co-working offices nomads can access, with NomadList listing as many as 50 in the capital region alone and 28 in Thessaloniki, Greece’s overlooked, second-largest city and one of its fastest-growing destinations.

Other major urban areas where nomads are offered great infrastructure, easy transport links, and an inestimable cultural wealth include Patras in the Western mainland, Heraklion, the multicultural capital of the island of Crete, and Larissa, a large, historically-charged city in Thessaly.

American Nomads Love Greece

Interestingly enough, a large proportion of DNV applicants are coming from the States.

Second only to Ukrainians, who are choosing to emigrate en masse to Greece on Digital Nomad Visas amid the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian War, Americans are the second most popular nationality applying for residency permits on this basis, followed by Britons, Israelis, Brazilians, and the Lebanese.

Learn more about Greece – and which are some of the country’s most beautiful destinations – here.

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October 27, 2023
Another Italian Town Is Offering Money To Move There, But What’s The Catch?
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We’ve all read the headlines – “Beautiful town in Italy is paying people to move there” and “Houses in this Italian village are selling for $1.” But what is behind these seemingly too-good-to-be-true offers? Are they real, and if so, why do these amazing deals pop up so frequently? What’s the catch?

Presicce, Puglia

Earlier this week, officials from the town of Presicce, located in Puglia, announced they will pay outsiders up to $30,000 to move there. Should you start packing your bags?

About The Area:

This beautiful town is located at the southern tip of the heel of Italy’s boot, and along with the neighboring town of Acquarica, it is home to around 9,000 residents. Historically known for its highly productive and renowned olive oil industry, Presicce has been referred to as the “city of green gold.”

Hidden under the town center is an elaborate system of olive mills that tourists can still visit today. The town is surrounded by olive groves and cycle and hiking trails and is about a 15-minute drive to the coast.

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The Fine Print:

In order to qualify for the payment, you’ll have to move to Presicce, purchase an abandoned home in the town’s historical center, and renovate it, if needed. While Americans are permitted to buy property in Italy, they will need to sort out the appropriate visas in order to stay longer than 90 days or look into becoming an Italian Citizen.

The $30,000 sum will be split in two, with one part given to help pay for the home and the other intended for renovations and refurbishment. Eligible houses are determined by local authorities and must have been built prior to 1991

Why Are They Doing This?

In short, Presicce’s population is declining, and officials are hoping this incentive will breathe new life into the town and give a boost to the local economy. Only half of the town’s 9,000 residents live in the historical section, and this incentive will hopefully revitalize the dwindling center.

Speaking to CNN, local councilor Alfredo Palese said, “There are many empty homes in the historical center built before 1991 which we would like to see alive again with new residents. It is a pity witnessing how our old districts full of history, wonderful architecture and art are slowly emptying.”

Other Places In Italy With Relocation Incentives:

Sardinia – $15,000

The beautiful Italian island of Sardinia is trying to lure new permanent residents to its smaller towns in an attempt to reverse a population slide. What’s the catch?
- Move to a Sardinian town with a population of fewer than 3,000 people
- Put the $15,000 towards renovating a home
- Live there full-time
- Register Sardinia as your permanent residence within 18 months
Candela – Up To $2,000

This central Italian town is offering different amounts based on the size of your family- the more people, the more money you receive. What’s the catch?
- Move to Candela
- Rent a house
- Have a job that pays over $7,500/year
Molise – $25,000

The region of Molise, located east of Rome, has 106 villages in need of more people. Officials are hoping a cash incentive can help repopulate these small towns. What’s the catch?
- $700/month for up to three years
- Need to commit to starting a small business to boost the local economy
- Must be between 18-40 years old
Calabria – Up To $29,000

Calabrian officials hope that their “active residency income” project will boost the economy of Southern Italy and help out small communities that are under threat of even more devastating population loss. What’s the catch?
- Payment made over three years
- Must relocate to a village with less than 2,000 residents
- Must commit to starting a new small business or taking over an existing business
- The maximum age is 40
- Must relocate within 90 days of application
$1 Homes

In 2008, a town in southern Sicily made headlines when the mayor announced they’d be selling off homes for as little as $1. Since then, 34 other Italian towns have followed suit with similar programs. Yes, there are homes for sale for next to nothing, but the costs can quickly add up, as most homes on offer are in need of significant restoration and can come with additional expenses like closing costs, translation services, and taxes.

Is It Worth It?

Italy often makes headlines for incentivizing tourists and potential new residents to join them in an attempt to revitalize their numerous small towns and villages. These creative incentives are certainly worth a shot for Italian municipalities. If successful, many towns could be saved from dying out, but it is likely too soon to know how well these programs are working.

From a new resident’s perspective, there will be many factors to consider when taking up one of these offers. While the increase in remote work makes rural living more accessible to many, there will also be unique challenges for those who choose to move to one of these small towns.

Many do not have great internet connectivity, and some towns have little opportunity to make a living locally. Language barriers, limited social life, and isolation are all factors to consider before jumping on one of these offers.

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November 25, 2022