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Word has come out that more travelers are taking a peek at the Chesapeake and deciding to stay a while…

Being one of America’s most diverse states, there’s more than lush mountain landscapes and trendy DC suburbs — it’s a bona fide beach destination with ever-so-popular Virginia Beach and rising stars like Norfolk drawing the biggest crowds.

The truth is we covered this charming hideaway last April when it was a ‘secret‘.

Not to toot our own horn, but less than a year later, recently released data shows many tourists are traveling from as far as 250 miles away just to get here.

That says a lot since our society tends to order Uber Eats instead of going to a restaurant down the street, so there must be something pretty special about this place…

Cape Charles: Virginia’s Next Vacation Hotspot

Nearly 350,000 travelers opted for a different kind of Virginia vacation last year — one that didn’t involve hordes of crowds at Virginia Beach during sunny summer beach days.

For a small town, welcoming six figures threefold is nothing to dismiss. Especially since Cape Charles is estimated to be home to about 1,200 people.

That said, it shows how welcoming this coastal charmer really is, knowing that at any given time, it’s practically guaranteed there are more tourists than locals.

So, why is it that people are prioritizing Cape Charles as their beach vacay of choice?

Since there’s obviously no airport for this map-dot town, it’s being reported that most travelers are road-tripping from nearby states, such as Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, as well as inland Virginia, from cities like Richmond.

The bottom line is clear: Cape Charles is delivering on people’s craving for a tranquil escape away from any traces of the city grind, or overpacked beaches ruining what you envisioned when booking the trip.

Yeah, we’ve all had those moments…

In fact, Cape Charles, straddling the scenic Chesapeake Bay, is one of the most underrated beach destinations around, especially given the nearby and more prominent Atlantic Ocean hotspots — household names that have become copy-and-paste getaways and easy click-and-forget trips that feel like a safe bet.

This town may be tiny, but it’s full of surprises that don’t disappoint…

A Blissful White-Sand Haven

The Chesapeake may be more closely tied to Maryland, but Virginia’s proving ‘lovers’ and crabs aren’t mutually exclusive.

Take that as you will…

Of course, we’re talking about pinchy crustaceans, but what the Chesapeake isn’t notably known for are its bright sandy shores.

One visit to Cape Charles will change that perception. Of course, the town itself is a turn-your-head-and-miss-it destination, so sometimes you’ll have to venture outside the city limits to such stunners as Kiptopeke State Park ($5 admission).

Within Cape Charles, Cape Charles Town Beach is the main beach draw, standing out as the only public beach on Virginia’s Eastern Shore with free access and ample parking. 

As you might suspect, our source claims ‘the summer season drove the bulk of visitation’ for 2025, and 2026 should be no different.

Besides being in the heart of town, tourists and locals alike all love visiting for the calm waters, cleanliness, and open space, even when “crowds” visit during the peak of summer.

Book Your Stay In A Hallmark Townscape

Who likes fun facts?

Here’s one: Per the town’s official tourism site, Cape Charles stands out for having one of the East Coast’s largest clusters of ‘turn-of-the-century buildings’.

In other words, despite its diminutive size, history is beaming with pride.

Whether it be picturesque lighthouses, rows of Victorian homes, or an array of old-timey inns, staying in the town center (referred to as the History District) will have you entering your Benjamin Button era.

These 3 timeless inns have the Travel Off Path stamp of approval:

Better yet, it’s a great spot to indulge in local eats. You know seafood is all but obligatory, but don’t skip E&O Pub either, which serves anything from Shepherd’s Pie to local oysters.

It had yet to open when we last reported Cape Charles as a hidden gem nobody knew about.

Well, we can’t say that anymore, but what we can say is it’s an undeniably foodie destination, even if you’re squeamish of ‘fresh catch’ critters.

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People who’ve only seen Texas through the lens of classic Westerns will be gobsmacked by how diverse the Lone Star State really is.

Whether you’re drawn to charming small towns where the aroma of pit-smoked barbecue infuses your clothes, culturally vibrant cities with deep Hispanic roots, or the unique blend of cowboy tradition and modern growth in cities like Fort Worth, there’s no shortage of wondrous destinations in Texas.

Of course, there are some places that aren’t all they’re cracked up to be, either, as Austin has essentially become the new Dallas, and certain small towns definitely live up to let’s say, patriotic, trailer park-laden eyesores.

But no need to worry when hopping aboard perhaps the South’s most underrated train ride, the Texas Eagle, which features some of Texas’s most delightful small towns and captivating cities all in one route.

As a born-and-raised Texan turned California transplant, I had the pleasure of visiting San Antonio recently, reigniting my forgotten love for my home state.

In fact, I lived in 6 destinations on this route and never took the train (womp, womp).

Don’t be like me and regret not exploring Texas by rail. Hop aboard the Texas Eagle’s cushy air-conditioned cabins this summer and make sure to score a seat in the newly upgraded Sightseer Lounge!

Sorry Amarillo! The Texas Eagle Covers Texas’s Best Destinations

No offense to the armpit of Texas, but the Texas Eagle nails it by offering a mix of idyllic East Texas towns, sprawling metropolises, and anything in between.

Much of the barren land, like Amarillo, Abilene, and Midland’s unsightly oil rigs, is skipped over, and if you’ve ever been, you surely understand there’s no reason for FOMO.

According to Texas Highways, this Texas route is part of the longest train route in the U.S. Despite the name, this route begins in Chicago, but for the sake of the article, we’ll be sticking to the Texas portion, which consists of 16 stops in the Lone Star State.

In order from Northeast to Southwest, these are the Texas Eagle’s 16 stops that carve the state’s beautiful and varied landscapes:

• Marshall
• Longview
• Mineola
• Dallas
• Fort Worth
• Cleburne
• McGregor
• Temple
• Taylor
• Austin
• San Marcos
• San Antonio
• Del Rio
• Sanderson
• Alpine
• El Paso

8 destinations are in bold – these are the ones I believe truly stand out. With personal experience living in 6 of them, let’s delve into what makes each truly special.

3 Small Town Must-Visits

Mineola:

The first stop across the Texas state line is Marshall, hugging the Louisiana border. But it’s not Marshall or even Longview that should be your first stop-off; it’s Mineola.

From age 7 to 12, I called Mineola home. Believe me, not much has changed in 23 years, and that’s a good thing.

Mineola is a time capsule. The main drag is lined with inviting boutiques, antiquities, down-home eats, and even a classic theater.

To fuel up for the rest of your journey, the town’s longstanding staple, East Texas Burger Co., alone is worth de-boarding.

Cleburne:

Cleburne itself is a laid-back little town and a growing hub for outdoorsmen with scenic lakes and nature trails, but I believe it’s the neighboring town of Glen Rose that’s more of a draw.

We all know Jurassic Park is a fantasy, but Dinosaur Valley State Park is as close as it gets. Well, let’s see about the mammoth resurrections making waves lately…

Until then, a visit to Glen Rose’s popular state park is a thrill for all ages with dinosaur tracks preserved in dried-up riverbeds and a separate roaring attracting nearby.

Not to be confused with the state park, Dinosaur World offers dozens of animatronic dinosaurs and fossil digs — hold on to your butts!

San Marcos:

I went to college in San Marcos and didn’t graduate (woo! student loans!). Texas State University has made San Marcos a party town.

From the few brain cells I didn’t kill, I remember not only the all-night frat parties and anxiety-ridden report cards, but simply how pretty the vibrant blue San Marcos River is.

In fact, it’s 72 degrees all year long, perfect for tubing, fishing, even snorkeling since the waters are pristine.

Each Texas City Has Its Own Personality

Dallas-Fort Worth:

Despite being neighbors, Dallas and Fort Worth seem like worlds apart. Dallas is (shamelessly) more flashy, with upscale restaurants and high-end shopping, while Fort Worth has maintained its quintessential Texas roots as the ‘Gateway to the West’.

If you find yourself in Dallas, spend some time in the Deep Ellum and Bishop Arts districts for off-the-wall shops and eats. The Stockyards are a must-visit for anyone ready to explore Fort Worth, with daily cattle drives and old-timey steakhouses.

Austin-San Antonio:

Austin and San Antonio are located about an hour apart with aforementioned San Marcos, New Braunfels, and Buc-ee’s in between.

While Austin has changed more than any other Texas city over the past decade, it’s still a blast to visit, with its world-famous 6th Street, too many barbecue restaurants to name, and surprisingly stunning nature, like beautiful Lake Travis and Mount Bonnell.

San Antonio has changed a lot too, but the classics remain like The Alamo and community staples like Los Barrios, my favorite “Texas Mexican” restaurant. Get the chimichurri sauce and tell Diana I sent you!

There’s no city comparable to San Antonio, famously lined with the always buzzing River Walk, with the entire network of waterways winding 15 miles through the city.

Indianapolis and Monterrey have their own takes, but nothing will match San Antonio, especially with one of the most fun citywide festivals I’ve had the pleasure of attending, Fiesta.

El Paso:

Concluding my tour of Texas is El Paso, perhaps the state’s most underrated city. I lived in El Paso for a year and absolutely fell in love with the welcoming people, cheap sensational restaurants, vibrant downtown dotted with posh rooftops, and some of the best hikes I’ve taken in recent memory.

If you find yourself in El Paso, my advice is to arrive hungry, leave happy. Check out local favorite L & J Cafe.

Tickets for The Texas Eagle are available online on Amtrak’s official website and app.

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Last Updated 3 months ago

Is there any destination more sought after by Americans right now than Cancun?

Of course not! It’s the most popular international vacation spot in the world for us…and by a large mark.

Lined with seemingly endless high-end beach resorts along crystal blue waters, it’s easy to see why Cancun has reached unfathomable heights.

Even though it’s extremely popular, don’t hold it against Cancun that airfare can be sky-high. It’s not their fault; airlines know what they’re doing.

Cancun is just too good to pass up!

That being said, a new report from insiders at the Cancun Sun revealed the best times to plan out your next trip and good news is there’s no need to rush to plan out your sargassum-free Cancun vacation.

Cancun Is The Perfect Spot For A Late Summer Getaway

One of the easiest destinations to reach across our borders, Cancun has a plethora of flight options from just about any U.S. airline, plus a handful of Mexican carriers.

Airfare can be pretty pricey in the midst of summer, but not so much toward the end. If you can hold off visiting in July, then August will be one of your best bets for the ultimate savings in paradise.

According to Google Flights, major airports, such as DFW, ORD, and FLL have nonstop flights to Cancun mid-August for less than $250 round-trip.

It’s not just airfare, however. You can score big on resorts too, which is probably what you’re hoping for since Cancun is perhaps the top all-inclusive beach resort destination in the world.

Here is a sample size:

Weekend rates at the ritzy Wyndham Alltra Cancun all-inclusive resort are as low as $284 per night this August.

This same resort costs almost double crossing the $400 threshold in January, a time when many Americans are desperate for a sunny vacation.

Squeeze In A Post-Labor Day Vacation

While rates tend to soar around the holidays, if you push back your celebration you can find great deals in Cancun.

But be aware – the weather can be moody this time of year. You may not get as many sunny photo-ops as you envision, but is there ever really a bad time to vacation in Cancun?

September can be viewed as the end of summer or the beginning of fall, toeing the line between the 2 seasons.

However you slice it, it’s one of the best times of year for vacation savings. For example the beachfront Westin Resort & Spa Cancun can be booked for $93 in September compared to double the rate in December and January.

Likewise for all-inclusive stays, such as Oleo Cancun Playa All Inclusive Boutique Resort as low as $81 in September, but shooting to the high $200’s in January.

It’s Never Too Early To Plan A Trip

It seemed like summer would never get here, but here we are. Travelers are flocking far and wide with Cancun high on many travelers’ wishlists.

While many of us are still putting the finishing touches on summer trips, it’s never too early to plan ahead.

October is a great time to visit Cancun for less crowds – quite the opposite of Spring Break.

The most expensive months to visit are December through March, so why not jump the gun and get in while you can?

Rates drop significantly during the month of October across the board, from boutique hotels to lavish 5-star resorts.

While opting for all-inclusive may seem pricier at the time, think of it this way – the only extras you’ll be spending are souvenirs since food, drinks, and oftentimes transportation is covered.

One of the best deals to book in October is a stay at Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancún All Inclusive for as low as $145 per night.

If you were to stay here later on during the bitterly cold winter for many Americans, rates spike to as much as $493 in January.

How’s that for savings?!

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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.