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Why You Should Visit This Underrated City On Your Next Trip To Mexico

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If you’re looking for a vibrant and culturally rich destination, Guadalajara, Mexico should be at the top of your list.

Located in the heart of the country, Guadalajara is the second-largest city in Mexico and offers visitors a unique blend of history, art, and modern attractions.

As the birthplace of both mariachi and tequila, the city is overflowing with rich history and cultural significance.

It was recently named one of TIME’s World’s Greatest Places of 2023, alongside the better-known Mexico City, and it’s easy to see why.

Here are some reasons why you should plan a visit to this underrated city:

@atasteofkoko 15 top things to do in Guadalajara (part one) – the weather in Guadalajara is PERFECT if you’re looking for a warm getaway right now! 〰 stay at Casa Habita (cute boutique hotel) 〰 explore Colonia Americana neighborhood 〰 dinner at Hueso (super cool all-white restaurant) 〰 late night churros at Churro La Bombilla 〰️ shopping at Mercado IV Centenario 〰️ tortilla factory at Tortillería Arandas 〰️ authentic tejuino at Tejuino Marcelino #ad #VisitGuadalajara #guadalajaramexico #shesnotlost #guadalajarajalisco #mexico #mexicotravel #gltlove ♬ Instrumental México – Teaga

1. Culture

Guadalajara is often considered the cultural center of Mexico due to its rich history and artistic heritage.

The city is home to several world-class museums, including the Regional Museum of Anthropology and History and the Instituto Cultural Cabañas.

Visitors can immerse themselves in Mexican art, music, and dance at the many festivals and events held throughout the year, such as the Guadalajara International Film Festival.

Being the home of tequila and mariachi, there are, of course, festivals dedicated to those as well. The Tequila Festival and the International Mariachi and Charrería Festival take place in March and September, respectively.

While tequila and mariachi need no introduction, charrería, Mexico’s national sport, is most commonly compared to a rodeo and something not to miss on a trip to Guadalajara.

2. Cuisine

Mexican cuisine is known for its bold flavors, and each state has its own unique dishes.

Guadalajara is famous for its birria — a spicy meat stew (usually goat) that is typically served with tortillas and lime wedges.

Another local specialty is the torta ahogada, or “drowned sandwich.” This is exactly what it sounds like – a fried pork sandwich smothered in a spicy tomato sauce and served with avocado, onions, and radish.

Some other dishes to look out for are pozole and chilaquiles. Visitors can sample these dishes and more at the city’s many street vendors, markets, and restaurants.

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3. History

Guadalajara is home to some of Mexico’s most stunning architecture, with buildings that date back to the 16^th century.

The historic center of Guadalajara, or Centro Historico, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features beautiful colonial-era buildings, such as the Government Palace and the Guadalajara Cathedral.

The cathedral is almost as old as the city itself and includes Gothic, baroque, and neoclassical influences.

Visitors can also explore the neighborhood of Tlaquepaque, known for its colorful buildings and traditional crafts, or venture an hour outside of the city to view the ancient Guachimontones Pyramids.

4. Entertainment

Guadalajara has a vibrant nightlife scene with a variety of bars, nightclubs, and live music venues.

Visit the Tlaquepaque neighborhood for mariachi or head to the popular Chapultepec neighborhood for more trendy hotspots.

The city is also home to the most LGBTQ bars and nightclubs in Mexico and is known for hosting Latin America’s largest gay pride parade.

If nightclubs aren’t your thing, there are plenty of other attractions, as Guadalajara has a thriving shopping and sports scene.

For shopping, you’ll find everything from local artisan markets to large urban malls.

Sports lovers should check out a charreada (rodeo) or head to the Arena Coliseo for an incredibly entertaining lucha libre performance (wrestling).

5. Day Trips

Guadalajara’s location makes it an ideal base for exploring nearby attractions.

One of the most popular day trips from Guadalajara is to the town of Tequila to visit the sprawling agave fields and learn about tequila production.

These blue agave fields, which are yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site, are the source of all the tequila in the world.

Travelers can visit the National Museum of Tequila, tour distilleries, and visit the original tequila factory, the Hacienda Herradura San Jose Refugio.

There is even a train, aptly named the Jose Cuervo Express, to take you from Guadalajara to Tequila.

Another nearby option for either a day trip or a relaxing weekend is Lake Chapala.

An hour’s drive takes visitors to this freshwater lake where they can bird-watch, enjoy the calm surroundings, or hire a boat to go island-hopping.

The area is so tranquil that it has brought in quite a few retirees and expats over the years and is currently home to many Americans and Canadians.

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March 24, 2023
These 4 European Destinations Are Under $400 Round Trip From U.S. And Canada

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Many people’s first thought about traveling is that going anywhere worthwhile will break the bank. And while that can be the case, it can also be shockingly affordable if they just do a little bit of digging. Right now, there are flights available to 4 European destinations for under $400 round trip from the U.S. and Canada.

Travelers hear about cheap international flights and most likely ask themselves, “there’s gotta be a catch, right?!”. The only catch might be to whip out their credit card as soon as possible because airfare can change any time at the drop of a hat. Many of these deals don’t last long!

Toronto to Reykjavik for $244 Round Trip

If travelers are up for an adventure, then make no mistake, it does not get more affordable than this! Iceland has increased in popularity in recent years due to its truly unique culture and untouched landscapes. Since the collapse of Iceland-based budget airline WOW Air, it has been challenging to find a flight this cheap.

Americans have been able to take advantage of deals like this since 2021, when Play was established. Canadians can now join the party because Iceland’s newest airline is adding new routes. They are currently having a sale for flights from Toronto.

Passengers will arrive in Keflavik, near the charming capital city of Reykjavik. It is an easy cab or bus ride to the city center. Although, most tourists find themselves away from the city to explore Iceland’s natural wonders, such as volcanoes, waterfalls, and the world-famous Blue Lagoon.

The sample dates used were October 27, 2023 to November 11, 2023. The $240 price point is not limited to those dates, so those looking to purchase can try other dates on Play’s website that may be more suitable for them.

Los Angeles to Oslo for $379 Round Trip

Fjords anyone? SoCal travelers looking to explore new sights need look no further than this great deal through October 2023.

The sample dates for this deal are September 16, 2023 to September 26, 2023. The price of $379 is not limited to these dates, so those interested can play around with dates on Norse’s easily accessible website.

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Travelers will arrive in the gorgeous capital city of Oslo, composed of cobblestone streets, troll-themed folklore, and innovative architecture. Oslo is worth visiting all on its own, but many tourists take time to go outside the city to visit the beautiful fjords.

Bergen is a small town that packs a punch with its amazing scenery and charming town square known as Torgallmenningen. Easily accessible by Norway’s rail system, travelers should consider taking a day or two to venture out of the city life and take in the incomparable views of Norway’s fjords.

Chicago to Prague for $382 Round Trip

Prague is a beautiful city that needs to be “Czeched” off every traveler’s bucket list. From world-renowned museums to parties that last all night long, travelers will find their niche here. Being able to visit Prague for under $400 from the U.S. is almost unheard of!

Anyone looking to spend a week here should purchase this deal as soon as they can. This price will not last long.

The sample date used for this flight is August 14, 2023 to August 22, 2023.

Newark to Helsinki for $399 Round Trip

Travelers from the Big Apple and across the Hudson River should consider Finland for a week-long trip. Flights to Helsinki are rarely this low, so those interested should jump on this deal right away.

Travelers will land in Helsinki, the capital of Finland known for its chic style. Like Iceland and Norway, many tourists make their way outside the city to explore Finland’s natural beauty, such as Savonlinna. The town of Porvoo is also a popular attraction as it is Finland’s second oldest city known for its charming cobblestone streets, wooden homes, and baked goods.

The sample dates for this trip are April 18, 2023 to April 26, 2023.

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January 22, 2023
Book Your Trip To Cancun Before March To Avoid This Major Problem

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Last Updated 32 mins ago

If you’re on the fence about booking that trip to Cancun now as opposed to later, in the low season, you may want to think about booking now. Whether it’s high prices holding you back or limited offers, we should remind you now is the best time to travel if you want to avoid a major problem. Beginning in March, sargassum seaweed will begin washing ashore again, and this time, the volume could be overwhelming.

Every year, the microorganism infamously batters the Caribbean coast, tarnishing the pristine nature of its white sand crescents and ruining the Mexican beach experience. Stepping over the smelly deposits as they make their way to a not-so-blue sea, painted a darker shade by the brown algae, is every traveler’s worst nightmare.

Based on the latest data, those heading to Cancun in the near future might want to bring their flights forward by a few weeks to be on the safe side:

Sargassum Season Will Be Worse This Year

After battling the phenomenon for most of 2022, Cancun – and the wider Riviera Maya – is currently enjoying a sargassum-free winter. As local specialists have affirmed, winter is the perfect time to visit the region due to the strong winds blowing from the north that help keep the seaweed at bay, in spite of the warm temperatures known to boost its spread.

Regrettably, the winds are fast-changing, and sargassum levels are bound to increase dramatically come spring. According to the newest report issued by Zofemat – an acronym for Zona Federal Maritimo Terrestre – 2023 will see a collection of algae equal to, or even higher than last year’s, with every major destination on the Riviera Maya likely to feel the impact.

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This is particularly worrying, seeing that, throughout 2022, around 37,000 tons had made landfall. As stated by Lourdes Várguez Ocampo, director of Zofemaet, the numbers up to December 31 were already exceedingly high, and expecting further occurrences, preparations for the upcoming ‘intense’ sargassum season are underway at this stage.

What Can Travelers Expect Flying To Cancun After March?

In early 2022, the situation was so critical a popular beach in Playa del Carmen, a small resort town south of Cancun, was closed while cleaning was carried out. Beaches were still not completely shielded, and cleaners were routinely seen working round the clock to remove the excess seaweed. This year, they’re better equipped:

The Government has invested heavily in new machinery to divert it, but despite their best efforts, Carmen is again battling a seaweed surge as early as January. Luckily, the sargassum arriving right now is reddish and lighter in nature, ‘easier to harvest’. From March, however, tourists should expect a return of the brown, foul-smelling version.

Playa del Carmen may be bearing the brunt of it, but neighboring hotspots like Puerto Morelos, Tulum, and of course, Cancun, are also set for record levels in spring. With this in mind, Ocampo notes the Quintana Roo Administration has budgeted 40 million Mexican pesos for a wide range of anti-seaweed measures.

These may include sargassum barriers, ‘sandbonis’, and the so-called ‘sargaboats’, which collect the invasive microorganism before it makes it to land. Authorities are going above and beyond what is required to ensure vacationers do not face any kind of disruption, such as closed beaches, but it’s hard to say this far in advance whether that will be enough.

Quintana Roo Takes Tourism Very Seriously

One thing is clear: Quintana Roo takes tourism very seriously. Besides cordoning off the coast to maintain beaches in their pristine nature, the Government is adding new security forces to tourist spots in Tulum and deploying the National Guard to the soon-to-be-launched Maya Train to protect visitors from crime.

While Mexico can always crack down harder on violence, there’s only so much they can do when it comes to sargassum, especially when sea temperatures keep rising, the main factor behind algae reproduction. Every year it gets worse, and the four-month cycle for sargassum-free sunny breaks in the Mexican Caribbean keeps getting shorter.

In the end, it’s up to you to decide whether traveling now and paying more for perfectly clean beaches and a turquoise-colored ocean is a trade-off you’re willing to go with. Alternatively, you could consider exploring this lesser-known destination in southern Quintana Roo that’s recently earned the nickname of ‘New Tulum’, and where seaweed is definitely not an issue.

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January 13, 2023
5 Reasons You Should Take A Solo Trip In 2023
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Last Updated 26 mins ago

Travel is back and bigger than ever. Many destinations have reported record-breaking visitor arrivals, and the momentum doesn’t look like it will stop. As more and more travelers get back out into the world, many are considering going it alone. In fact, about 25% of American travelers planned on taking a solo trip this year, and the trend is set to grow in 2023.

Many travelers who are used to checking out new destinations with a group or a travel partner don’t understand why solo travelers decide to take a trip alone. Below are five reasons you should take a solo trip next year, but first, here are a few misconceptions about solo travel.

Solo Travel Misconceptions

As a married man with a wife who also loves to travel, some people I meet while on a solo trip are surprised to learn that I am traveling alone. Things I’ve heard that are common misconceptions include:
- “You must be so brave!”
- “Why isn’t your wife with you?”
- “Don’t you get bored?”
- “Don’t you get lonely?”
I’ll admit, before taking my first trip alone and without my wife, many of these questions were bouncing around in my head as well. Would I be lonely? Would I get bored? Did I need to be brave? What if something went wrong? Who would be there to help me? I quickly learned that there was no need to worry. Did I miss my wife? Of course I did. Was I lonely? Not at all.

Many people are quick to assume there must be something wrong if you are traveling without your spouse, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Traveling solo has added a depth to our relationship that I’m not sure we could have reached any other way. If you have open communication with your partner and there aren’t any trust issues, solo traveling away from each other can actually be a great way to enhance your relationship. The old adage is true. Absence really does make the heart grow fonder.

With some of the misconceptions about solo travel out of the way, here are 5 reasons you should take a solo trip next year:

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1) Learn (Or Re-learn) About Yourself

When you are living your day-to-day life with family, friends, and coworkers, it’s easy to forget about some of the things you were once interested in. Interests naturally intertwine when you spend enough time around others. Music, TV shows, conversation… we all tend to find common ground within the relationships we form.

When you travel alone, things you may have forgotten about yourself will come to light. The music you haven’t listened to in years suddenly finds its way back onto your playlist. Movies you used to love are now the go-to choice during flights. Restaurants you usually wouldn’t visit are now on the menu. It isn’t bad that we lose bits of ourselves in the relationships we form. In fact, it’s a beautiful part of life. I have mannerisms and tastes that I’ve picked up from my wife that I love, and she’s certainly picked up some of mine (sorry babe!). It’s an amazing thing that only she and I share, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Traveling alone allows you to remember who you are by yourself and practice gratitude for who you’ve become. Taking a step away from the relationships that mean the world to you allows you to look at them from a distance and realize how incredibly important they are and how much they’ve changed you for the better.

2) Gain Self Confidence

Bravery isn’t required for solo travel, but you will undoubtedly gain more self-confidence by the end of your trip. Going into my first solo trip, I was worried about getting bored, lonely, or having something go wrong. However, I learned none of those things are true. Navigating airports, trains, Ubers, cabs, and language barriers may seem daunting while alone. Still, it’s really no different than if you were traveling with a partner or group.

You’ll quickly find that you can do everything you need to do on your own without the help of anyone else, and although they are relatively minor things, you will still feel more confident. You’ll see that you can be effective in whatever situation arises, and there’s no need to have a group or another person to rely on. You are enough.

3) Meet Interesting People

If I had to place myself somewhere on a scale of 1-10, with 1 being very introverted and 10 being very extroverted, I’d confidently put myself at 5. I am happy to meet new people and talk the night away if the conversation is interesting. I am also just as happy to read a book or listen to music on a nice walk alone. Before heading off on my first solo trip, I was worried about meeting new people. I was sure my more introverted tendencies would kick in when traveling alone.

I was wrong.

If you love traveling enough to go alone, you are in luck. That’s because everyone you meet that is traveling alone also loves travel! Conversations are immediately interesting and stimulating because they naturally gravitate towards travel, a topic all parties love. I’ve learned more about the world and the interesting people in it simply by talking to like-minded travelers. While many people assume that means you have to go to the bars or randomly approach strangers, I’m here to tell you it’s way easier than that.

The trick is simply to DO something. Go on a guided food tour, try a snorkeling trip, attend a conference you are interested in or volunteer. Meeting people is natural if you go try things you are interested in. You’ll meet people you know are interested in the same thing, making conversation easier than ever. I have friends in London, New York, Boston, the Caribbean, and more, simply from being open to a conversation while solo traveling. Some of the most interesting people I’ve ever talked to have been people I met while traveling alone.

4) Get Lost In The Moment

There’s something about walking down a London Street in the rain that will never get old for me. My wife and I both adore London and visit at least every other year. However, this past year I traveled there alone, and my senses were running on overdrive. The rainy reflections off the glass-covered buildings in Canary Wharf, the sounds of the busy footsteps of morning commuters crossing the south quay footbridge, the smell of fresh coffee each morning on my way to the tube… I was so much more immersed in the experience of being in London.

When traveling with others, it’s easy to fall into the trap of talking about things that aren’t happening. It’s easy to get pulled out of the NOW. Where do you want to get lunch? What should we do tomorrow? Remember the last time we were here? It’s natural to converse while going about your day, but those conversations often pull you out of the moment. When traveling alone, you have no choice but to be fully immersed in your environment, and it’s a beautiful experience.

When I return to London with my wife again, I will have an even deeper appreciation for both her and the city.

5) Freedom

This is one of the most popular reasons travelers opt to travel by themselves. When you travel alone, you have complete autonomy to spend your days and nights however you see fit. Want to try out a restaurant on the other side of town? Too tired from a packed day and want to order room service? Do it!

If you’ve ever traveled with a group (or even just one other person), you’ve probably disagreed on some aspect of the trip at some point. I’ll refrain from coming up with any specific examples, but there have certainly been times during trips with others when I felt like I was wasting precious time that could be used exploring something more interesting. Traveling alone means you can do what you want when you want. You can see and do everything you set out to do without negotiating the day away with anyone else.

Bonus Tip: This particular benefit of solo travel doesn’t have to be exclusive to traveling alone. If you are traveling with a partner or group, start the trip with the rule that no one has to do anything they don’t want to, and everyone is free to separate and do things they are more interested in. This is actually one of the best ways to get the best of both worlds when it comes to solo travel vs. traveling with others.

What Are You Waiting For?

2023 is right around the corner, and your next solo trip is waiting. As the world continues to open back up to normal tourism, the options are becoming more numerous than they have been in years. Solo travel is a great way to get out and see all the things you want to see in this world without waiting for others to come with you. See what you want to see, do what you want to do, and come back with incredible stories to share.

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December 27, 2022
Is It Worth Getting An eSIM For Your Next International Trip
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eSIMs. When they first came out, they were deemed to be the next best technological advancement that would change the way we used our mobile devices, but they’ve taken a lot longer to gain popularity. Reports of complications and an incapability to pair an eSIM with certain phone devices phone carriers’ hesitation to make it simpler to move to other networks.

Although major phone providers in the U.S. have created international roaming plans, these may not always cut it for the type of speed and coverage you’re looking for.

Currently, phone providers prefer to promote postpaid plans that include international roaming add-ons, such as T-Mobile’s Magenta plan for $75 per month or Verizon’s International Plan for $100 per month, while AT&T offers $10 add-on international day passes to select plans. These plans connect to specified local networks when you’re in the country, but these may not always offer the best coverage.

If you don’t have an international plan included in your service, you might receive the nasty surprise of high roaming bills if you forgot to turn off data roaming on your phone ahead of your trip.

While some countries offer easy and cheap processes for getting traditional SIM cards, others can be a little more complicated if you haven’t done your research. This is where eSIMs can come in handy as an alternative to finding physical SIM cards while traveling, where language barriers and sim card set-ups have proven difficult for some people.

What Is An eSIM?

eSIMs are digital sim cards that replace the need for a physical plastic card in the back of your mobile phone. The chip, which is still embedded in your handset, allows you to still activate a cellular plan from a carrier without the need for the traditional chip. You’re allowed to install multiple eSIMs depending on your device and model (up to 8 on certain iPhones), which means if you’re taking a multi-country trip, you’re able to install different eSIM plans for each country.

eSIMS can be purchased from service providers, such as AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, or Xfinity Mobile for your national plans, but if you are traveling internationally, you will need to purchase your eSIM from a store that offers international coverage, such as Airalo or Holafly.

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What Are The Benefits Of International eSIMs
- Quick To Install From Your Phone: the eSIM is relatively easy to purchase from online stores. You just need to choose the plan that suits you and then set it up in the backend of your device’s settings with a QR code. This allows you to avoid finding traditional sim cards in person and setting them up via their website or over the phone, where you can sometimes run into language barriers and have complications with the setup.
- Avoid High Roaming Bills From Your Local Provider: since you can select the amount you want to put on your eSIM card, there won’t be any surprises on what your bill comes to, and you can track how much money you have left from the apps. eSIM stores offer variable pricing plans that range depending on the duration and data size that you need. Airalo offers plans from $6 – $35 per month, while Holafly gives a choice of $19 – $64 plans per month.
- You Can Keep Your U.S. Carrier As Your Primary Network: since you can keep your U.S. sim card in your phone, you can alter between networks and use your U.S. phone number and data service as your primary network if you prefer. This is helpful if you have an international roaming plan, but there might be some locations without strong signals, so you can change to a different local provider using the eSIM.
- You Can Purchase Multiple eSIMs For Different Countries: with eSIM online stores boasting data plans across 190+ countries, it enables you to switch to different networks if you are planning to visit multiple countries.
What Are The Disadvantages Of International eSIMs
- Not Compatible With All Phones: the latest Apple iPhones are all compatible with the eSIM, but anything before the Phone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR are not. Samsung has a select few devices compatible, but if you have a Samsung S20/S21 and Galaxy Z Flip 5G version from the U.S., these will not work. You can find the full list of the compatible devices here, but make sure you check the fine print since compatibility is also dependent on which country you purchased the phone, and not all countries support eSIMs yet.
- Issues With Installation: most eSIMs cannot be reinstalled, which means if there are any problems during the download process, you won’t be able to try again. Unlike removing the plastic sim card and placing it back again, once you remove the international eSIM, you won’t be able to install it again.
- Most International eSIM Plans Provide Data Only: most of the eSIM plans only offer data, so you won’t be able to make phone calls or send SMS text messages using the network. You will need to rely on WiFi calls and text messaging instead.
- Mixed Reviews: international eSIM providers have received very mixed reviews and seem to be dependent on compatibility with certain devices or the installation process. Airalo reviews have ranged from people calling it “a scam” to “superb service,” so make sure you check with your current phone provider and device that you will be able to use an international eSIM, as this will impact your experience.
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December 7, 2022
See The Northern Lights On This Ultimate Trip To Norway This Winter
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We all know Norway as the Land of the Vikings and as the home to wild, stunning natural scenery. Yet, unbeknownst to some, it has a lot more than just fjord cruises, folk festivals, and glacial lakes. It may be Iceland, its sister nation, that gets all the publicity on this front, but this Scandinavian gem is, in fact, one of the best spots for catching the Northern Lights during winter.

Seeing the Northern Lights is a bucket list activity for many. Flickers of light dancing in the sky in various shades of green, they can be found exclusively in the northernmost reaches of the planet. Straddling the northern coast of the Scandinavia Peninsula, the closest point between continental Europe and the Arctic Circle, Norway is a prime location for witnessing the phenomenon.

On the downside, it has a vast territorial expansion, which makes getting from point A to B while chasing the aurora more challenging – unless, of course, you know just where to go and who to call:

About Norway And Why It’s So Incredible In Winter

Image by Up Norway

After being locked down Stateside for more than two years, travelers want to explore the great outdoors again, and it’s places like Norway they are heading to in droves. This should come as no surprise, seeing that the country is popular for its fjords, a multitude of skiing stations, hiking trails, and scenic train rides traversing snowy valleys.

Nowhere else evokes the same sense of freedom, and nature escape, as Norway does, and that is particularly true over winter. Now more than ever, Americans are favoring cultural, more meaningful trips, a trend we have already observed previously. More pressingly, more than half of travelers want to escape reality and ‘totally unplug’.

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Whether you’re into snowmobiling, ice fishing, or dog sledding, on the adventurous side, or you’re simply hoping to reconnect with nature by spending a prolonged weekend in a traditional wooden cottage, the Scandi nation is the place to be, though its furrowed geography certainly makes it more challenging to plan a cross-country vacation (looking at the map of Norway, you will understand why).

But there is a more comfortable – and much smarter way – to travel Norway in the upcoming season.

The Easiest Way To Explore Norway Is Linking Up With Locals

Image by Up Norway

In case the name of our business isn’t enough of an indication, we are huge enthusiasts of under-visited locations: nothing excites us more than venturing into the unknown, where a select few have trod before, and uncovering different, unexpected facets of overtouristed destinations. With a winter retreat as popular as Norway, it would be no exception.

Local luxury travel curator Up Norway offers tailored journeys based on each traveler’s preferences, individual needs, and their expectations. In total, this mounts up to six categories of vacations, which are listed below:
- Luxurious Treat
- Cultural Exploration
- Relaxing Break
- Active Adventure
- Family Vacation
- ‘Something Else’*
*The sixth alternative allows guests to put forth special requests or simply ‘be surprised’ by Up Norway’s own pick

Image by Up Norway

In keeping with traditions, our pick today is Up Norway’s ‘off-path’ product, the brand new Magical Northern Lights up at 70 Degrees North Tour. With a duration of five days, this prearranged excursion takes tourists on a comprehensive excursion into a frosty wilderness, where they can come in contact with untarnished forests and Arctic wildlife.

Most importantly, guests are invited to explore a province of Norway the majority of tourists tend to overlook: the northernmost reaches of Scandinavia, where borders with the neighboring country of Finland are only faintly outlined. More specifically, this tour uses Alta as a base, one of the most northerly major settlements in the world, with a population of only 21,144 inhabitants.

Alta Is Norway’s Unofficial Capital For Aurora Sightings

Alta is best known for being the regional capital for aurora sightings. In the center of town, tourists will find the landmark Northern Lights Cathedral, a modernist, metal-like structure glistening in a greenish hue against the bursting colors of the night sky. It may be geographically remote, but getting to Alta is pretty straightforward, with direct flights available from other major Norwegian cities, including Oslo.

Once in Alta, you will come in contact with the culturally-distinct Sami peoples: they are native to the territory, and their Arctic lifestyle has been an object of fascination for decades. In order to give visitors the most authentic experience possible, Up Norway has teamed up with a local Sami guide for the aurora-chasing section of the trip.

After being introduced to your very own reindeer, you will join others in your group setting off on a sledding tour of the Polar landscape while ‘hopefully’ catching a glimpse of the lights gleaming over the party. To top it off, the night concludes with a visit to a traditional Sami camp, where you’ll supper to the tune of local legends and folk tales.

And it doesn’t end there.

Up Norway Allows Guests To Dip In And Out Of Adventure

Image by Up Norway

Ever fantasized about staying in an ice hotel, for instance? Booking this tour, you will be invited to spend an overnight at the landmark Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel, the northernmost of its kind in the world, and one that is re-designed every twelve months with brand new ice sculptures carved by local artists in accordance with a yearly theme.

Once again, the company specializes in luxurious retreats, so if you’re concerned you’ll be dropped off in the middle of a remote desolation with a pop-up tent to fend for yourself, you truly needn’t worry: your ‘basecamps’ for the week are three accommodations unique in character that will help enhance your Arctic experience.

Up Norway wants to make sure you are comfortable at all times, and that means having the freedom to ‘escape back’ to a river lodge suite anytime the igloo ambiance and sleeping on the surprisingly comfortable and cozy reindeer furs gets a bit much. In other words, you can always dip in and out of adventure throughout your entire stay.

Prices for a 5 day-4 night tour start at US $2,700, and as can be seen above, the list of inclusions is really quite extensive.

Getting To Norway Has Never Been Easier

When it comes to flights, Alta is serviced by direct flights from Oslo, the country’s capital, the best transit hub for Americans flying to Norway, both due to the myriad of flight options available, especially from the East Coast, and high affordability. Prices for a one-way flight from New York-JFK to Oslo with Norse Atlantic start at US $146.00 this winter.

The budget airline also operates a year-round route between Fort Lauderdale and Oslo, as well as seasonal routes linking Los Angeles and Orlando to Norway. In essence, flying to Norway has never been easier – or cheaper.

As of this year, Norway has reinstated its normal pre-pandemic entry guidelines, which means Americans – and other foreigners – are again welcome without being subject to strict health screenings at the border:

For more information on Up Norway experiences, please visit this page.

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November 15, 2022
This Is The Best City In The U.S. For A Cultural Trip In 2023
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As is customary, National Geographic has released its ‘Best of the World’ listings ahead of the upcoming year. Selecting the top five destinations for a cultural immersion in 2023, the publication included a South Carolina city alongside European and African giants, in a surprising move that could have Old World enthusiasts wondering why it featured at all.

We all know Europe, Africa, and Asia tend to dominate cultural rankings due to their ageless charm, cities that feel like open–air museums, and multitudes of classical monuments. The newly-born United States, and most of its neighbors, all younger than three or four centuries, usually pale in comparison to Italy, Egypt, and China on that front.

This is now changing, as the ‘overly modern’ America finally gets acknowledged for its contribution to the culture – and a Free World, to an extent.

A City Best Known For Its Dark Yet Fascinating Past

The U.S. may not have a Colosseum, limestone pyramids jutting out of the sands in the desert, or a two-thousand-year-old defensive wall stretching for miles on end defining its ancient borders, but it is home to an extensive list of vibrant cities that are centers for the arts, and appear on the bucket list of millions of travelers.

You certainly will not find castles or medieval Old Towns here, but as National Geographic infers, there is one American city on a par with the Eastern Hemisphere when it comes to historical relevance: the small, charming, landmark-packed city of Charleston, South Carolina, established in the year 1670 as a European colony.

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Named after a British king, Charles II, and originally populated by a majority of British and Irish settlers, Charleston quickly rose to prominence as a key port in the transatlantic slave trade. Similarly to Eastern Europe, which provided the stage for human catastrophes during World War II, Charleston has a dark – yet fascinating – past.

According to Historians, almost half of all enslaved peoples that were forcibly brought to the modern-day United States from the African continent arrived at the port in Charleston. Naturally, it flourished as one of the largest American cities of its period, monopolizing the slave trade and becoming an affluent settlement.

Some Of The Most Beautiful Colonial Architecture In The United States

Aside from its complex History, which it apologized for back in 2018, Charleston is known for being America’s prime example of a well-preserved colonial center. The municipality has a whopping 2,500 historical buildings in different architectural styles, the most popular being Colonial, Federal, Victorian and Classical Revival.

Its Downtown Area, formally called the Charleston Historic District, marks the city’s old boundaries on a peninsula at the confluence of two rivers, and it looks almost ripped from the pages of a History book. The entire district is classed by the U.S. Government as a National Historic Landmark, mostly due to its vast collection of 18th and 19th-century houses.

A main point of interest in the historic peninsula are the famous Charleston ‘single houses’, described as being narrow residences with long porches surrounding the external structure, almost like ‘exterior hallways‘. In other districts, such as Ansonborough, houses built in the Greek Revival style can be found, as well as Art Deco and Neo-Gothic.

World-Class Museums To Keep History Buffs Busy For Days

Seeing that it is a major cultural hub in the U.S., South Carolina’s largest metro area has several museums paying homage to its heritage:
- The Charleston Museum, chronicling the city’s colonial past well into the contemporary era;
- The Gibbes Museum of Art, where iconic masterpieces can be found, such as Charles Fraser’s James Reid Pringle;
- Old Slave Mart, an antebellum slave auction gallery now converted into a museum focusing on Charleston’s role in slavery;
- The Museum at Market Hall, housed in a Greek Revivalist building dating to 1841 and touching on the Civil War, and many more.
National Geographic specifically mentions a new attraction that is opening on January 21, the International African American Museum, symbolically facing Charleston Harbor, where 100,000 enslaved Africans would have arrived. Here, visitors will be able to walk nine galleries where ‘harrowing tales’ of plantation life are exposed.

Additionally, the museum has a section dedicated to the ‘enduring cultural contributions’ the enslaved Africans made to South Carolina, particularly the Gullah Geechee, an ethnic, protected minority now living in both Carolinas and Florida. Besides the future landmark, the magazine also mentions Charleston’s ‘walkable urbanism‘ and ‘Low Country cuisine’.

Other destinations mentioned are the Appian Way, the ancient Roman road traversing the Italian Peninsula all the way to Rome, dotted with historical ruins, Busan in South Korea, a seaside metropolis where prestigious film and art festivals are held yearly, Egypt, which will see the debut of Tutankhamun’s new home, and the intriguing Longmen Grottoes in China.

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November 4, 2022
Top 5 Travel Trends For 2023 And How They Will Change Your Next Trip

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Travel is finally back, and the industry is making a rapid recovery after being forced to shut down due to government restrictions. However, many aspects of the travel landscape have changed over the past few years, with new trends and ways of travel emerging.

These are the top travel trends that will change the way you travel in 2023 and beyond, according to the results of a survey conducted by booking engine Booking.com.

During the pandemic, many people re-evaluated and re-prioritized what’s important to them in life, and that includes travel.

While most of the world was accessible due to government restrictions in 2020 and 2021, this year has finally seen a true resurgence in travel as more countries around the world drop all COVID-related travel restrictions.

Booking.com surveyed more than 24,000 travelers, identifying the following trends for 2023 as travel continues to be reimagined.

1. Off-Grid Travel

It’s no surprise that off-grid experiences are one of the top trends for 2023. Many travelers are ready to disconnect from the constant distraction of their devices and get back to nature.

Nearly 60% of travelers surveyed are looking for vacations that allow them to escape reality and totally unplug. A similar number responded that they are even interested in learning survival skills on their off-grid vacation, like building a fire or foraging for food.

Camping will continue to grow in popularity, along with guided eco-tours and luxury “glamping” experiences.

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2. Cultural Experiences

More travelers than ever are ready to experience new cultures and experiences on their 2023 travels.

Rather than kicking back at an all-inclusive resort, nearly three-quarters of U.S. travelers want to be pushed out of their comfort zone on their next trip, with many saying they want to experience new cultures, food, and languages, and travel to underrated destinations around the world.

Next year will be a great time to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations around the world with burgeoning tourism industries.

3. Nostalgic Travel

Out of 24,000 travelers surveyed, 90% said they are interested in nostalgic getaways, making this one of the top travel trends of 2023.

What does nostalgic travel look like? More than 60% of travelers are interested in visiting theme parks like Disney World, whose rapidly growing demographic of adult fans love visiting the parks of their childhood memories (or starting a new tradition as adults.)

More than half of travelers are also interested in “family reunion” trips and multi-generational trips, which is no surprise given the importance of spending time with family after many were kept apart for so long.

4. Wellness Retreats

Wellness travel is a niche within the industry that is experiencing explosive growth.

Nearly half of travelers are interested in getaways that focus on mindfulness and meditation next year, while others are interested in retreats that focus on health or spirituality.

Wellness getaways that are restorative for the mind, body, and spirit are one of the biggest trends for 2023 and beyond. Rather than coming back from a vacation feeling worn out and exhausted from trying to do as much as possible, wellness getaways allow you to come home feeling refreshed.

5. Bucket List Trips

Finally, travelers are prepared to splurge on their bucket list trips in 2023. Many people have realized that life is too short to put off those dream destinations for “someday” and are ready to make their travel dreams a reality now.

Close to half of travelers admitted they are willing to spend more to maximize their vacation and make sure every experience is worth it.

But they’re going about it in a budget-savvy way: Two-thirds of travelers said they will focus on travel hacking, deals, and timing to get the most bang for their buck, while even more said that budget is an important consideration when planning travel.

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November 4, 2022
Why Fall Is The Best Time To Book Your Trip To New York City

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With travel prices expected to rise for the winter vacation months and the shoulder season upon us, it looks like the fall is the best time to book your next adventure, whether it be international or domestic. And for all of you wanting to visit New York City now that the summer tourists have left, there’s a bunch of reasons why you should starting planning your trip in the near future.

Here are some of the perks and best reasons why the fall months are the perfect time to book your trip to New York City.

Best Time To Book Your Flight To New York City

If you’re worried about a big spike in flight prices for the last few months of 2022, from analyzing the trends it looks like October is currently the cheapest month to book that trip to New York City.

We checked out the latest flight prices on Skyscanner, did a search for the “Cheapest Month” for flights from cities across the U.S. to New York and October came up as the best month.

We reported last month that New York City was the most expensive city for air travel in the U.S., but those prices are now dropping.

If you want to plan a December trip to New York City, we also recommend booking that flight in October to lock in the best price. New York City during the holidays is nothing short of magical, so know there are still ways to find the best prices for that trip.

And according to Hopper’s Fall Shoulder Season guide, flight prices will be the cheapest when booked 3-6 weeks before your scheduled departure. This rule currently applies to booking domestic trips in the U.S. The average posted in Hopper’s guide on flights to New York City is $212, down $138 dollars compared to this summer.

So if you want to head to New York City for the holidays, check prices in early October (and set up a price alert!) to start the booking process. Price alerts can help you predict when the best window for booking is according to the price trends, and you’ll be able to grab that flight deal before prices rise again.

Hotel Prices Drop During November

For hotels, a lot of prices will drop by end of October and through November, because it marks the end of the high season (or the beginning of the low season, depending on how you look at it!). Hotel prices will go way up for the last two weeks of December and into January, so try and lock those prices before they spike.

Visiting New York in November means that you might see the first snow, wander around without all the big crowds, and experience get the tail end of the fall colors.

Train Travel To New York

Another great reason to book (and travel) to New York City during the fall months is to experience the foliage. On top of air travel, on the ground travel is ramping up to New York, with Amtrak recently adding routes from Canada as well as this New England city.

A bonus about booking your trip to New York in October is that the summer rush is over, New Yorkers are heading back to the city from the countryside and things are getting back to New York time. With the summer tourists gone, you can enjoy the fall months with locals and experience the fall foliage.

As of the time of writing, the Amtrak strike will not affect train routes to New York City.

New York City Travel Tips You Didn’t Think You Needed

Here are some things to keep in mind the next time you visit New York:

Broadway doesn’t have to be expensive: You don’t have to spend big $$ to see a Broadway show! Broadway is back big time and 2022 has seen some amazing shows so far. And, seeing these performances on the cheap has never been easier.

The TKTS discount booth just reopened at Lincoln Center, which is where you can stand in line to get half-off Broadway tickets the day of the show. There’s also TodayTix, a handy app where you can book same-day Broadway tickets and even apply for the lottery to get cheap tickets.

Don’t take Ubers everywhere: Getting around by ride-share apps like Uber might seem like the quickest way to get around New York City. But if you’re in town for more than a few days, consider traveling around by subway. The New York City MetroCard is just over $30 for 7 days of unlimited travel on the MTA, so you can get around all 5 boroughs for a week for the same price of about two Uber rides.

Booking your hotel for shoulder season, and last-minute: When looking for the best hotel deals, it’s always a good idea to check third-party sites like booking.com as they post cheap last-minute hotel deals for any destinations.

There’s a TON of free things to do in New York: Check beforehand for any events like free museum days before your trip so you can make your itinerary as budget-friendly as possible. There’s also so many free things to do in the city that are worth checking out. The fall months is also a great time for walking around, and one of the best ways to explore New York is on foot.

Discover the city’s walk-in restaurants: Some of the best eats in New York City don’t require a reservation. Here’s a great article on the best walk-in restaurants in New York City.

Read More:

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This article originally appeared on Travel Off Path. For the latest breaking news that will affect your next trip, please visit: Traveloffpath.com

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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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September 19, 2022
This Theme Park Is Rated Best In The World According To Trip Advisor

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Siam Park, a popular waterpark in Spain, has been ranked as the best theme park in the world by Tripadvisor. The park has won a Traveler’s Choice Award designating it as not only the world’s best waterpark, but also the best amusement park overall. Siam Park has held the title of the world’s best waterpark for eight years in a row, but 2022 is the first time that the park has been designated as the best amusement park overall.

Tripadvisor gives its Traveler’s Choice Awards based on ratings given by visitors, making it clear that Siam Park is a popular choice for vacationers from all over the globe. The park was designed by Christoph Kiessling, who took inspiration from Thailand. When roaming the park, guests are met with Thai-style buildings, a floating market, Thai food, and streams teaming with tropical fish.

Siam Park is located in Tenerife, Spain, which is one of the warmest Canary islands in the winter, making it an ideal getaway any time of the year. And just in case guests show up on a day that happens to be on the cooler side, the park keeps its water heated to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (24 Celsius). Upon entry, guests are welcomed by the resident park sea lions. The park is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm, and the best time to show up is opening time before the crowds arrive. For travelers heading to the park for the first time, buying a ticket ahead of time is recommended and will save time when entering the park.

The park has many attractions that will suit everyone, from adrenaline junkies to families with small children. The Lost City is a section of the park designed for kids and even has a specific area for infants. Beach chairs are set along the edges of the Lost City for parents to keep an eye on their little ones while relaxing. Another area specifically for kids is Sawasdee, which includes four small-scale versions of the park’s more popular slides.

For the thrill-seekers, the Tower of Power is undoubtedly the most adrenaline-filled attraction in the park. The slide has a height of roughly 90 feet and features a near-vertical drop that propels guests to nearly 50 miles per hour. The end of the descent takes guests through the middle of an aquarium filled with sharks and stingrays. After surviving the shark encounter, guests can head to Singha, a 780-foot-long water rollercoaster that reaches speeds up to 40 miles per hour.

After chasing thrills on the park’s many slides, guests can wind down at the Mai Thai River, the park’s lazy river. There are two routes to take on the river, with the main one lasting about thirty minutes. If desired, a faster route that goes through a tunnel under the shark aquarium can be taken. Once the lazy river has washed away the last bits of adrenaline left from the slides, guests can head to the Wave Palace to enjoy the waves that can reach up to roughly 10 feet to get their hearts racing again.

There is a multitude of experiences to fill the day at Siam Park, and guests of all ages are welcome. Lockers are available for rent, with small lockers starting at 3 euros. Action cameras are allowed for guests who like to document their travels, but only if wearing a chest strap attachment. Flip-flops are not permitted on rides, but water shoes are acceptable and can be purchased in the Floating Market shops. For those who run cold despite the heated water and warm temperatures of Tenerife, wetsuits are available for purchase and rent for 25 Euros and 5 Euros, respectively.

With its stunning décor, thrilling rides, and family-friendly atmosphere, it’s no surprise that Siam Park has continuously been rated as the world’s best waterpark. With the newest accolade of being named the world’s best amusement park overall, it will surely continue to grow in popularity.

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June 26, 2022