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You may look like a tomato in your pics, but that’s just a badge of honor for livin’ the dream in paradise.

Experts at Fora, one of the hottest names in the travel industry right now (or at least according to my algorithm as they try to recruit me to be a travel advisor), has revealed their 2026 ‘Hot List’, jam-packed with insightful goodies.

Our own team of experts hand-picked 3 beautiful beach destinations from their list, we believe to be true gems waiting to be discovered, earning a Travel Off Path stamp of approval for your next sunny escape abroad.

Punta del Este: The ‘St. Tropez’ Of Uruguay

When it comes to the States, travelers have a hard time picking which coast to visit. Florida and California are both gorgeous.

It all comes down to the fact that everybody loves having options.

But vacationers love being able to choose their vibe. In this case, Punta del Este lies along 2 different coastlines, split by the Maldonado peninsula.

Though popular among neighboring Brazilians and Argentinians, this secret paradise for the masses is home to golden beaches and upscale beach clubs.

Fora highlights 4 amazing places to stay to level up your trip. I mean, you’ve come all the way to Uruguay. Go hard or go home, right?

Fora’s favorite stays are:

• Playa Vik
• Bahia Vik
• Estancia Vik
• Hotel Fasano

Best of all, it may be dubbed as ‘St. Tropez’, but vacationing here won’t amount to aren’t French Riviera prices unless you choose to splurge — hence digital nomads love much of Uruguay’s beautiful shores as their sanctuary.

Carmelo, Uruguay: Private Beaches & Riverside Bliss

Let’s keep the Uruguay train rolling, shall we? Toot, toot!

Ever heard the term “slow luxury”? It doesn’t apply everywhere…

Mexico, for example, is a tough one. With salty margs and mariachi blasting, it’s a challenge to tap the brakes on vacation.

That’s not the case in Uruguay, especially in Carmelo. This quiet beach town is set along the Rio de la Plata near the Argentine border

With less party vibes and more idyllic atmosphere, this is a perfect spot to kick back and relax to enjoy the little things in life.

Fora singles out Carmelo Resort & Spa as hands-down the best place to stay, especially since this posh resort offers a private beach for guests.

Plus, food in this town is top-notch — one of the most underrated foodie destinations in South America, serving classic chivito sandwiches and parrilla classics.

Don’t sleep on majestic riverside towns when it comes to waterfront getaways. Carmelo is destined to shock you!

Transoco: The Calm, Crowd-Free Alternative To Rio

Put a caipirinha in my hand, and I’ll be happy anywhere, but let’s not pretend Rio’s renowned beaches aren’t a madhouse — and safety can be a concern as well.

Trancoso is about as laid-back as it gets. Located in Bahia, is all about barefoot luxury, tranquil beaches, and slower days revolving around fiery sunsets and fresh seafood.

Not to get all “woo-woo” on you, but you won’t find your favorite resort here — they’re mostly eco-friendly, sustainability-driven properties with prime real estate.

That said, you’re not sacrificing quality, and it’s a lot more authentic than yet another chain resort packed to the gills with sunbathers.

Fora highlights the ‘rustic’ UXUA Casa Hotel & Spa, perched atop a hill for unmatched sweeping views, and Etnia Casa Hotel if you prefer to be within walking distance to town, which boasts its vibrant town square known as the Quadrado.

From palm-swaying beaches to colorful walkways and boutique shops downtown, Transoco is one of South America’s last true hidden gems of this caliber.

Most travelers jetting off to the UK visit several major cities. Of course, London is the most notable of the bunch.

While England has a handful of cities breaking tourism records, London outshines them any day of the week.

But what about lesser-known hideaways nearby?

A quick hop aboard the Tube can have you entering a whole side of the UK not discussed enough.

Many visitors are so mesmerized by the marvels of London that they don’t realize the abundance of hidden gems in close reach.

And don’t feel bad — guilty as charged here at Travel Off Path. We love venturing to London for a laundry list of reasons, but when 2026 rolls around, our sights are set for the following 4 towns named top getaways for next year’s adventures.

4) Canterbury

Ever heard of The Canterbury Tales? This town is the inspiration behind for the popular literary masterpiece.

Anchored by a staggering UNESCO-protected cathedral and serene canal-lined townscape, Canterbury is a close-by storybook escape from the city grind of London.

Only an hour away from London St. Pancras station, next time you find yourself weaving in and out of crowds, this unsuspecting town is one of London’s best day trips, or even a weekend getaway.

You’ll discover the UK’s quaint half-timbered homes along calm, winding waterways and a cobbled town center brimming with traditional pubs with open barstools and far better prices than London’s tourist traps.

Not much has changed over the years, but its medieval charm is a huge draw for those who appreciate lasting history.

3) Southend-on-Sea

Visiting the UK for a beach vacay is the final frontier for outsiders. Locals know how awesome their bustling island is for their beautiful shores — many of which are Blue Flag-certified to back it up.

While the impending winter isn’t the best time to enjoy coastal delights here, the rest of 2026 makes for a great getaway to places like Southend-on-Sea in this hyphen-happy nation.

Better yet, though it is an easy train ride from London Fenchurch station, Southend-on-Sea has its own airport (SEN).

Serving popular budget airline easyJet, you can bypass the UK’s busiest and most expensive city entirely if you want to enjoy the country’s lesser-known.

Generally, less crowded than more notable seaside getaways like Brighton, for example, visiting Southend-on-Sea gives a more authentic experience to blend in like a local as you indulge in epic seafood, underrated shores, sweeping views from the ‘longest pleasure pier in the world’, and its fun-filled theme park, Adventure Island (and it’s free!).

2) Windsor

Less than 30 miles west of London lies a map-dot town of Windsor, but don’t let its diminutive size deter you from its eye-popping grandeur.

Home to the sprawling Windsor Castle dating back to the 11th century, don’t waste a weekend binging Downton Abbey when you can visit a real-life royal resident instead, one of the oldest occupied castles on Earth — and yes, there are public tours available.

But it’s not only the jaw-dropping castle that draws in visitors away from London, as it’s under an hour by train from London Waterloo station.

Windsor’s buzzing markets and beer scene are becoming increasingly popular, whether it be old-school pubs or modern-day breweries.

Though the most surprising attraction has to be Legoland Windsor Resort.

1) Margate

According to Condé Nast, Margate is one of the best UK destinations for foodies, no matter if it’s obligatory fish and chips or surprising culinary delights, such as local favorite crab rolls from Angela’s.

Not only do culinary arts thrive here, but you won’t be able to notice how vibrant Margate is through various art installations, murals, and galleries — a far cry from its once sleepy Victorian resort days.

Compared to other seaside vacation spots across the UK, Margate is known for being more affordable and worth the extra few miles to get here from London (about 90 minutes by train from London St. Pancras station).

Whether it’s grabbing a local pint or booking a nice beachfront hotel, don’t expect to break the bank across the board.

For sample size, the cozy Premiere Inn goes for under $100 next spring. Try scoring that in London…

Keep in mind, like aforementioned Southend-on-Sea, you’ll want to put Margate on the back burner.

Winter can be skipped due to lackluster weather, but spring welcomes sunshine through the end of summer.

Let’s be real… while everyone flocks to Europe’s beaches in July and August, savvy travelers know that October is where the real magic happens.

It’s officially shoulder season! That sweet spot where the scorching summer heat has mellowed, the peak-season hordes have retreated, and your budget breathes a sigh of relief with more reasonable flights and accommodation.

Plus, you get to experience destinations truly coming alive with local vibes, stunning autumn colors, and a calendar packed with unique events.

But with so many incredible options—from sun-drenched islands to bustling cultural hubs—how do you pick your perfect October escape?

Fear not!

The travel experts at TimeOut have done the heavy lifting, curating an incredible list of the 11 absolute best places to visit next month.

And because we know you don’t have all day to scroll, we at Travel Off Path have built a quick, fun quiz to help you find your ideal match in seconds.

Why October Is The Undisputed King of Travel Months

October isn’t just about pumpkin spice lattes (though we’re not saying no to those).

It’s about getting more bang for your buck, avoiding the crush, and experiencing destinations in a totally different light.

• Northern Hemisphere: Trees burst into fiery hues, creating breathtaking backdrops for city strolls and nature hikes. Think crisp air, cozy cafes, and vibrant festivals.
• Southern Hemisphere: Spring is in full swing, offering pleasant temperatures and blooming landscapes, perfect for outdoor adventures before the summer rush.

This TimeOut-approved list isn’t just a random collection; it’s a thoughtfully curated selection of destinations that truly shine in October.

We’re talking about places where world-famous events collide with incredible scenery, where hidden cultural gems await, and where adventure is just around the corner, often at a fraction of the cost.

From Balloon Fiestas To Underwater Wonders: The Choices Are Endless

This isn’t your average “best places to see leaves” list.

These destinations offer truly unique experiences:

• Sri Lanka: Imagine exploring ancient temples and surfing epic waves as the monsoon season wanes, perhaps even celebrating the vibrant Hindu festival of Diwali.
• Türkiye: Istanbul’s iconic Hagia Sophia bathed in autumn light, plus the buzz of international film festivals in both Istanbul and Antalya. It’s chic, cultured, and still warm enough for a dip.
• New Mexico, USA: Witness hundreds of technicolor hot air balloons ascend at the world’s largest balloon festival in Albuquerque, then explore the unique adobe architecture of Santa Fe.
• Valencia, Spain: This World Design Capital still offers sunshine, stunning futuristic architecture, and modernist barrios perfect for leisurely exploration.
• New York City, USA: NYC in the fall is iconic, but October brings Halloween to life with the outrageous Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade—a truly unforgettable experience.
• Philippines: With 7,000 islands, it’s a paradise for divers and foodies alike. Think mind-blowing wreck diving in Coron Bay or savoring mouth-watering Lechon.
• Bhutan: The world’s only carbon-negative country offers pristine Himalayan nature, clean air, and a uniquely mindful travel experience.
• Bosnia and Herzegovina: Avoid the summer heat and winter chill, and discover the enchanting, crowd-free old towns of Sarajevo and Mostar in their autumnal glory.
• Timisoara, Romania: This under-the-radar European gem boasts pastel-painted Art Nouveau architecture, lively jazz bars, and a rich history as Romania’s ‘first free city’ during the 1989 revolution.
• San Francisco, USA: Enjoy warm, sunny days (yes, really!) and the completely free, non-commercial Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival in Golden Gate Park.
• Namibia: This rising star destination is home to Africa’s only International Dark Sky Reserve, offering unparalleled stargazing from luxurious new lodges.

Ready to Discover Your Perfect October Trip?

Feeling inspired but still torn between a Diwali celebration in Sri Lanka and a Halloween parade in NYC? Or perhaps the pristine forests of Bhutan are calling your name louder than the film festivals of Türkiye?

We get it. That’s why we’ve streamlined the decision-making process.

Our brand-new, lightning-fast quiz will ask you a few simple questions about your ideal October trip. Do you crave festivals, nature, culture, or adventure? Are you drawn to a bustling US city, a charming European gem, an exotic Asian paradise, or an epic natural landscape? What’s your pace—high-energy, relaxed, mindful, or indie?

In just a few clicks, our quiz will analyze your preferences against TimeOut’s expert recommendations and reveal your ultimate October destination. No more endless scrolling; just personalized travel inspiration.

Don’t let another shoulder season pass you by. Take the quiz now and unlock your perfect autumn adventure!

We’re not quite ready to put a bow on summer, but I already hear screaming kids at recess down the street from my house, which is always the telltale sign summer is all but wrapped up.

The leaves aren’t dropping just yet, nor are they ready to flaunt their rustic hues and vibrant golds, but last-minute trips can be a headache. Why not get a head start for your epic fall getaway?

Travel experts at UK-based Hello! Magazine just released an insightful list of Europe’s most underrated cities this fall, leaving popular household names in the dust like Barcelona, Paris, and Athens.

Instead, boasting fewer crowds and oftentimes better pricing outside the booming summer season, we at Travel Off Path are fully aligned with their revelations, especially when it comes to Italy.

With Rome and Venice always abuzz, it’s time to give yet another of Italy’s timeless cities a fair shake.

Home to UNESCO-protected ancient sites, a stone-stacked cityscape, and narrow alleyways withholding centuries of history, I’m gonna say the quiet part out loud — you may feel like you’ve gone back in time even further than the gladiators of Rome, but don’t tell the tourists waiting in line outside the Colosseum 🤫.

Matera: From Poverty To Rich History

Who doesn’t like a comeback story? Probably my ex (look at me now!)…

Matera is an often overlooked city in Italy’s Basilicata region, and it’s a rare place that hasn’t aged a bit.

Unlike some of my family members, it doesn’t need Botox to hold on to its ageless beauty either. One glance at Matera’s timeless cityscape and you’ll be hooked from the get-go!

A key reason Matera doesn’t hold the same level of fame is its rather small size, fitting the “hidden gem” more so than a bustling city like aforementioned Rome and many others spread across Italy.

Another reason this under-hyped city was once known as “the shame of Italy”, home to some of the country’s poorest residents and unsightly communities.

Oddly enough, they resided in what’s become the city’s most popular attractions — ancient cave dwellings.

They say nothing is set in stone but death and taxes, but Matera is the exception. Eat your heart out on sensational Italian cuisine in stone-carved eateries, stay in revamped cave houses, and wander the maze of cobbled streets that have stood the test of time.

In other words, this place rocks.

UNESCO Heritage Site: The “Sassi di Matera”

Matera has yet to reach mainstream fame. It’s one of the few places in Italy to truly enjoy all the delights around town without feeling like another face in the crowd.

There’s no denying what people come here to see — the “Sassi”.

Bet you can’t guess what it translates to…

Yep. Stones.

The Sassi are a complex of cave houses, rock churches, and narrow alleyways carved into rock faces that earned UNESCO protection in the 90s, slightly boosting the popularity of what was formerly just a name on a map to most travelers.

While Matera has some cool museums to visit like the Matera Olive Oil Museum (MOOM) and Museum of Contemporary Sculptures (MOSMA), the Sassi specifically is one of the most continuously inhabited settlements in the world.

If only the walls could talk….

Fun Fact – The crucifixion scene in the popular film The Passion Of The Christ was filmed in the Sassi.

Stay In Ancient Caves & Savor Generational Recipes

We all know Grandma makes the best meals, many of which pass through generations of family members.

We also know Italian cuisine is unmatched, too, so imagine recipes handed down from the times of Matera’s poverty-stricken communities, where they were tasked with making delicious food from practically nothing.

One such dish is Crapiata, and it’s far from crappy. In fact, they celebrate the dish at the Festa della Crapiata.

As great as it is to eat your way through Matera (with some more typical Italian staples too), there’s no denying that tourists’ favorite aspect is finding a cave to stay in.

There are some select rentals on Airbnb, but there are also some lavish accommodations in what was formerly considered a “peasant” homes.

Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel & Spa holds the highest ratings. One recent guest claimed, “Truly a sensational hotel! Staying in a room inside a cave with all the amenities was a unique experience!”.

They also added, “The spa was also sensational!”.

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One of the biggest problems travelers face? Deciding where to go next!  

Admittedly, it’s a first-world problem, but the world is wide and filled with wonders. We want beauty, challenges, and, in my case at least, to eat delicious food at the same time! Which leaves us spoiled for choice.  

The good news is if you’re living in the U.S. then you won’t have to go far to find a fresh, fascinating and innovative destination for your next vacation.  

According to Conde Nast Traveler, the best American destination to visit in 2025 is the Space Coast, Florida. 

Why The Space Coast?  

The Space Coast is a 45-mile stretch of Florida coastline that starts just east of Orlando and officially runs from Titusville to Palm Beach.  

This means that as well as attracting tourists in its own right, it also attracts tourists from Florida’s roller coaster and action center.  

One of the reasons Conde Naste chose the Space Coast is because NASA will be sending humans around the world for the first time in decades next year. And there’s no better place to see this spectacle up close!  

But they also shone a light on the opportunity to view bioluminescence at the Indian River Lagoon, the beautiful beaches and conservation areas, and the new hotels opening in the area too, including the Hyatt Place Cape Canaveral, that will be opening its doors in 2025.  

Exploring Space On The Space Coast  

As the name suggests, the Space Coast has been the focal point of the American space program, and the site of manned missions to the moon as well as other space missions.

A whole aerospace industry has popped up here as a result.  

One of the biggest attractions on the Space Coast is the iconic Kennedy Space Center. This is more than a museum, its a fully immersive space experience, a place to learn about space history, and there’s even opportunities to meet astronauts.  It’s insanely cool, and so big you could spend more than one day here.

My top tip is to look at the site’s launch schedule before you visit. Although launches aren’t as common as they used to be, if one occurs during your visit, this will enhance the whole experience considerably.  

NASA and Blue Origin are currently preparing for their ESCAPADE mission, with launches planned for spring 2025. Tickets to the Kennedy Space Center start from $75 per person.  

As a Brit, when we take our package vacations to Florida we go to Disney World, Universal Studios, and the Kennedy Space Center. It has a huge international reputation. And it is a lot of fun! 

But if you have a real interest in space adventure then you might also want to visit the nearby and equally well-known Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.  

Unfortunately because this is a working military site, entry is prohibited BUT the site does have a museum called the Sands Space History Center which is just outside the gates to the base, and which offers free admission.  

Other Incredible Attractions On Florida’s Space Coast  

There are attractions to appeal to so much more than just rocket nerds here. In fact, the coastline along the Space Coast is spectacularly beautiful, looking out to the Atlantic Ocean.  

If you are staying in Orlando and want to combine your visit to meet Mickey and Minnie Mouse with a beach day, then the Space Coast boasts the closest beaches to Orlando.

The most iconic of the beaches here is Cocoa Beach, which is considered the East Coast surfing capital.

If you can already surf then there are plenty of spots where you can hire a board here. If you’re new to the sport then take a lesson with the Cocoa Beach Surf School. One hour lessons start from $60 per person and 2 hour lessons start from $100 per person.  

From here take the time to travel to Melbourne beach, which is home to the most significant green sea turtle nesting grounds in the U.S. Conservation efforts over the last decade means the number of green turtles living, nesting, and thriving here has grown significantly. It’s an incredible thing to see.  

Finally, visit Brevard Zoo. I wouldn’t normally recommend a zoo as something to see and do, but this one’s pretty cool. It’s the only zoo in the U.S. where you can kayak past the animal enclosures (and the animals have large enclosures while the zoo has a good welfare reputation). 

Guided kayaking tours around the zoo cost $12.95 in addition to the zoo entry cost, which is $32.95 per person. You can buy your zoo admission in advance, but you have to book your kayaking tour on arrival, subject to availability.  

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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.