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Here at Travel Off Path, we’ve said before that there are a few worthwhile destinations left to discover south of the border, given its vast popularity.

Of course, there are certain pockets of Mexico that have been deemed no-go’s for outsiders as you’d stand out like a sore thumb in a place just not welcoming to tourists.

On the flip side, we’ve also said numerous times before there’s one region that’s the last frontier — a place that feels untouched by mass tourism, quintessentially Mexican, and undeniably beautiful with natural wonders not often plastered at the top of Google (or whatever AI model the kids use today).

United Airlines is taking a chance by putting a virtually unknown city on Americans’ radar, but it’s not just the city itself that’s under-hyped; it’s the astounding nature on the outskirts.

Picture cascading waterfalls, staggering river-lined cliffs, and lush, wild jungles waiting to be explored.

Next time you crave a real adventure, not another foam party in Cancun, the state of Chiapas is now easier to reach than ever as United is slated to launch the only U.S. flight to Tuxtla Gutierrez this fall.

Tuxtla Gutierrez: Mexico’s Next “Tepic”

Tepic and Tuxtla Gutierrez may not ring a bell to most, but Tepic became one of Mexico’s most intriguing cities last year.

With the opening of a new international terminal with direct U.S. flights, this unheard-of city beforehand instantly found itself atop travelers’ wishlists with easy access to trendy beach towns north of Puerto Vallarta.

While Tuxtla (as locals tend to save some syllables) doesn’t have a flashy new airport, they will soon have one of Mexico’s most exciting new flights, surely to see an influx of Americans checking out essentially uncharted territory compared to household names.

That’s why we’re crowning Tuxtla (pronounced TOOST-lah) as the new “Tepic” as more travelers find themselves hopping aboard flights to “hidden gems” across the world.

What better place to start than our own neighbor, especially since the flight will take less than 3 hours?

While you’re planning out logistics, you might as well double-check travel alerts and entry requirements for your trip.

Yeehaw! United Launching Only U.S. Flight To Tuxtla From Houston

United has numerous hubs dotting the States; Houston (IAH) being one of them.

Tuxtla (TGZ) will be the popular airline’s 25th venture into Mexico as it stands right now — but this one is not only the most surprising, but the most authentic.

Travelers have spoken that the usual hotspots, such as Cabo, just aren’t cutting it right now as the iconic beach getaway is struggling to fill rooms, seeing flights pulled from the skies, and most recently a shocking security alert issued.

Travelers are craving realness — not overpriced tacos and butler service.

United is braving new ground by offering the first-of-its-kind nonstop to Tuxtla, set to launch October 28, 2026.

Here is the expected schedule:

• Flight operates 3x times/week on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays
• Departs IAH at 9:50 am
• Arrives at TGZ at 12:45 pm

Better yet, despite being a rather small Embraer 175 jet, passengers will have free Starlink Wi-Fi.

Boundless Nature: Chiapas Is Mexico’s Last Frontier

There are dozens of wondrous hideaways across Mexico that would conjure a response of “where’s that?” if you told someone you’re visiting.

But the State of Chiapas takes the cakes…or flan…or whatever sugar-rush metaphor you prefer to use.

Every other state has a travel hotspot.

Notoriously sketchy Sinaloa has Mazatlan, the no-go zone of Colima has Manzanillo, and soon travelers can say Chiapas has Tuxtla Gutierrez.

So, you might be wondering what the purpose of visiting may be besides devouring cheap street tacos, gawking at gorgeous cathedrals, perusing buzzing markets, and staying in charming boutique hotels.

Am I right?

The answer is getting lost in nature. Okay, not literally…

Find a trusted guide.

Tuxtla is the springboard to Sumidero Canyon, where boats glide between towering cliffs along the Grijalva River, plus El Chiflón waterfalls, immense jungle scenery, an array of wildlife, and turquoise lakes deeper into Chiapas.

It’s not Cabo’s beachfront villas or Cancun’s pool parties — it’s Mexico for travelers who want a real sense of adventure.

And let’s be honest, nobody is going to stop you from enjoying your hotel pool or ice-cold cerveza here either.

Even more enticing, if you think Tulum and the outskirts of Cancun offer the most prized Maya ruins, think again!

Check out these 3 Mayan sites buried deep in Chiapas backcountry:

• Palenque
• Bonampak
• Yaxchilán

Just keep in mind, the Guatemala border can be tricky, so this is where booking a reputable tour matters.

How Safe Is Chiapas?

Fellow travelers say Mexico generally feels safe, earning its current score of 79/100 on our Safety Index:

Truthfully, a tiny fraction of that score, if any, likely doesn’t reflect Tuxtla or Chiapas in general since it’s so off-path for even the most seasoned travelers.

For example, I’ve been to about 20 different cities in Mexico, and Tuxtla has barely popped up on my radar until now.

Chiapas does have some work to do to sway travelers its way as the U.S. State Department holds a Level 3: Reconsider Travel advisory, highlighting violence from criminal organizations as the main concern.

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You’d think you can fly just about anywhere nonstop from the Big Apple, right?

I mean, the broader NY region has 5 airports in total…

You can fly to Belgrade, Serbia, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, and Fuzhou, China, but hot diggity dog, you can’t fly to one of America’s most beloved paradises?

Apparently, the people have spoken, and United took notice as the popular airline is set to fill a surprising gap in New York City’s massive route map.

The truth is, as fun as it is to have a passport, it’s nice to have one less thing to worry about when traveling — especially entry requirements.

Take it from me, who once had their passport pickpocketed, even though the real crime was wearing cargo shorts.

Guilty as charged.

But had I visited one of the Caribbean’s most pristine islands, I wouldn’t have needed excessively large pockets — I’d just rock swim trunks and sip mai tais all day, as one does in the gorgeous U.S. Virgin Islands.

That’s why United Airlines and the U.S. Virgin Islands were proud to announce in tandem an overdue flight route connecting the Tri-State area to this passport-free island.

New York, Meet St. Croix

USVI is comprised of more than 50 cays and islands, but most notably the following trio:

• St. Thomas
• St. John
• St. Croix

Being a U.S. territory, one would imagine you could fly in and out at will from America’s most populous city.

That’s not the case.

St. John doesn’t have an airport, but St. Thomas does — and yes, you can fly here directly from NYC from all 3 major airlines: American, United, and Delta.

St. Croix, though?

Shockingly, no — not even one. That’s why this is such exciting news.

Not every Virgin Island vacationer wants to visit other islands, or have to land somewhere else and hop aboard a ferry after a 4-hour or so flight, especially since St. Croix is 40 miles away from the other islands.

Instead, sun-seekers can soon fly straight to St. Croix without any extra hassle or headaches.

Newark (EWR) To St. Croix (STX)

Okay, okay — we know Newark, New Jersey is not technically “New York” — but it kinda is…

I’ve flown into Newark many times. In all honesty, it’s neck and neck with DFW as my least favorite U.S. airport.

If there’s one thing going for EWR, it’s that it doesn’t matter where you’re going next, whether across the Hudson to Manhattan or boarding a flight to almost anywhere, it elevates your vacation because you’re just happy to no longer be in Newark.

Don’t tell The Sopranos I said that…

Newark is a major hub for United, but this is one of their most exciting new flights in recent memory.

Slated for takeoff on October 31, 2026, the only thing spooky is how long it took New York to get this nonstop route.

You’ll want to prepare for a weeklong stay if you’re booking a round-trip, as the schedule will operate Saturdays only on a Boeing 737-700 with 12 Business Class seats.

Making St. Croix even more enticing, there are numerous beachfront hotels with rave reviews mere minutes from the airport.

No more flying into St. Thomas and navigating inter-island transfers to get here: fly right in, and flip on Vacation Mode from the get-go, especially with no customs to clear on arrival.

What Makes St. Croix Special

St. Croix isn’t the island travelers opt for when they’re satisfied inauthentic cruise-port chaos or a resort bubble with no reason to leave.

It stands out as the one you pick when you want more room to roam, boasting 2 historic towns, rum distilleries, local food, colorful waterfronts, less-crowded beaches, and reef-filled waters.

St. Thomas may be the busy gateway, and St. John may be the obvious nature escape, but St. Croix hits the sweet spot: more culture, more remote, with undeniable Caribbean splendor all wrapped into one place that’s now so much easier to reach come fall, when the weather is truly splendid, with average highs of 84 degrees in November.

How Safe Are The U.S. Virgin Islands To Visit?

Being a U.S. territory, the U.S. State Department says “thanks, but no thanks” on offering an official advisory.

However, we have our own tool to combat that: a real-time Safety Index voted by travelers like you and me.

Results are a bit surprising so far, currently seeing a score of just 70/100:

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When you’ve had your fill of cookie-cutter vacations, there’s one destination surely to rock your socks off with its wildly diverse culture and endless wonders.

Asia.

Now, where to go within this vast continent is another question entirely, but for many Americans, it usually boils down to Thailand, Japan, or Bali.

This time, United is adding a piece to the puzzle.

Usually, travelers venturing off to Japan have one place in mind: the sprawling playground of Tokyo.

Although Osaka might have something to say about that…

That said, United is set to launch the first-ever nonstop flight from the continental U.S. to lesser-known Sapporo.

Well, lesser-known for some — I love their beer, which is their claim to fame outside of Japan’s borders.

Making history with one of Asia’s most overlooked cities now easier to reach, Americans can soon jet off to experience a completely different side of Japan, one where winter is surprisingly the peak season.

Be sure to check the latest Travel Alerts & Entry Requirements before your trip.

Will Sapporo Be Japan’s Next Hotspot?

Let’s be real — Tokyo is tough to beat. There’s simply no place like it, where a city so massive can be so tamed in some ways, like being able to hear a pin drop on the metro, yet being welcomed to your hotel by robots.

Make it make sense.

That said, it may not seem like it, but the gargantuan metropolis of Tokyo merely scratches the surface of Japan’s immeasurable layers.

Before this groundbreaking flight announcement, we might’ve argued Kyushu was destined to be Japan’s new tourism hotspot.

But now Sapporo, located on Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido, may have cut the line despite Kyushu being promoted as more of a year-round escape with pristine beaches, natural wonders, and a focus on wellness tourism instead of how much Sapporo-style ramen you can pack in your gut.

Or maybe that’s just my M.O….

So, the question remains why did United opt for Sapporo?

Here’s why:

United said its “new nonstop service … to Sapporo makes it easier to vacation in one of Japan’s most unique destinations.”

Additionally, the popular airline highlighted skiing as the top reason to visit hence our prior winter reference.

That’s not to say you shouldn’t visit Sapporo another season, but it’s the rare type of place where its magic really comes to life with snowy ski slopes and the Sapporo Snow Festival.

But hey, we get it. Packing a winter coat takes up a lot of space.

Sapporo is still fun well beyond ski season, especially once you factor in its parks, ramen shops, nearby hot springs, and proud beer culture.

This is the birthplace of Sapporo Beer, after all, where travelers can visit the Sapporo Beer Museum, hit local beer halls, and toast to a totally different side of Japan that doesn’t require elbowing through Tokyo crowds.

San Francisco Hits Jackpot With Sapporo Flight

It makes sense San Fran would be the lucky winner for Sapporo’s first-ever U.S. flight, given the city is home to one of the few authentic Japantowns in America, along with fellow bayside neighbor San Jose.

Go ahead and take your summer vacay because this one is going to be more of a Christmas break getaway.

Slated to launch from San Francisco (SFO) on December 11, 2026, United will launch 3 times weekly winter seasonal service as a test run to Sapporo (CTS) with hopes to expand service if it proves popular.

Best of all, even if this is a one-and-done route, at least you did it in style. The flight will operate on a cushy Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, my personal favorite.

How Safe Is Japan To Visit?

Well, we have good news and bad news.

Let’s start with the negative and work our way up, shall we?

Last fall, the U.S. Embassy issued what was perhaps one of its most bizarre travel alerts yet.

Due to frequent bear sightings and attacks, authorities closed Maruyama Park in Sapporo and provided an additional warning, stating “bears have also been spotted in other residential areas in Hokkaido “.

Take that for what it’s worth, as it’s specific to Sapporo.

However, our Safety Index tool proves Japan as a whole couldn’t feel much safer, as travelers are currently scoring it with 88/100.

Piggybacking off both the alert and our real-time Safety Index score from fellow travelers, the U.S. State Department currently classifies Japan as “Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions” — the lowest possible designation for travel advisories.

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The time has arrived!

Spring Break shenanigans are over, Memorial Day festivities are just weeks away, so you know what that means…

Summertime!

Our well-earned PTO is piled up and ready to be cashed in for an epic trip abroad.

We all know Europe is never a bad decision, but the question always remains: where should I go?

United Airlines is making that decision much easier for the indecisive ones (like me!), who need a boost to narrow down their options and go for it.

From Iceland to Italy and numerous stunning locales in between, here are 5 destinations to jet off to as United preps to launch 5 new routes for a late spring fling or kickstart to summer.

PLUS: We’ve put together an interactive quiz for you at the end of this article to find which one is your perfect match!

Split Your Time In The Med 🇭🇷

Don’t be denied boarding. Check the latest entry requirements for your destination before your trip.

This one’s a first — a groundbreaking flight is set to whisk Americans away to one of Croatia’s top beach destinations for travelers hoping not to feel walled in by Dubrovnik’s summer crowds.

Split, located on the Dalmatian Coast, is anything but spotty.

In fact, it’s one of Croatia’s liveliest and most vibrant coastal cities, blending sun-soaked beaches, Roman ruins, island-hopping excursions, and a postcard-worthy Old Town that feels every bit as magnetic as Dubrovnik — just without quite as many elbows in your ribs.

There’s no doubt it’s popular, but a bit harder to reach — until now.

United is set to launch its inaugural flight on April 30, 2026, from Newark (EWR), but hey, at least you can start the trip strong and feel safe doing so!

Based on real-time votes on our Traveler Safety Index, safety in Split is currently ranked at a 93/100:

Bari: Discover A Cheap Coastal City On The Rise 🇮🇹

Rome, Venice, Florence, and the Amalfi Coast. Heck, throw in Naples while we’re at it…

One name you don’t find often in travelers’ jaunts is Bari, a cheap whitewashed port city with astounding views of the turquoise Adriatic.

But it’s not just the insanely gorgeous seaside panorama that will capture you — it’s one of the most sightly Old Town districts in the country.

Factor in cheap prices across the board, that means you can double up on cappuccinos to start your day, capped off by pizza and wine by night.

Again, travelers will start their adventure in Newark (EWR) and fly nonstop to Bari’s Karol Wojtyła Airport (BRI) beginning May 1, 2026.

Travelers currently rank safety in Italy at a 91/100, so you can enjoy your trip worry-free:

Glasgow: Ditch The Winter Willies For A Scottish Summer 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Whether it’s England, Wales or Scotland, the UK is a phenomenal summer destination as the doom ‘n gloom vibes subside opening up sunny skies for more enjoyable explorations across the entire country.

Of course, Scotland is one of the most timeless nations of all, with gorgeous cities like Edinburgh, Sterling, and of course Glasgow, which is arguably the most modern of them all, but still feels unmistakably European.

Travelers can now fly direct from — you guessed it — Newark.

We won’t tell how, when, or what to eat, but we will say that a pub crawl here, whether on your own or a tour, is an absolute must, as is checking out staggering castles across the region.

United is set to launch the only nonstop to Glasgow from EWR with daily service starting May 8, 2026.

Travelers currently rank safety in the UK at an 89/100:

Santiago de Compostela: Spain’s Unsung Cultural City 🇪🇸

If you’re craving a Spanish vacation but don’t want to deal with the “Karens” of Barcelona, Madrid, and numerous island paradises, Santiago de Compostela is just the place for endless tapas, old stone streetscapes, and long wine-induced nights.

This cheap medieval city is one of the country’s last remaining hidden gems in terms of a major city.

Barcelona can set you back triple digits each day, while this treasure trove of Old World charm doesn’t need a beach to wow you, nor sticker shock to prove it’s a worthwhile destination.

Here, the centuries-old architecture does the talking.

It’s the Spain you didn’t know you craved — a far cry from tourist-overland megacities.

You can fly direct to Santiago de Compostela with 3 weekly flights from Newark (shocking at this point) beginning May 27, 2026.

Travelers currently rank safety in Spain at a 96/100:

Reykjavik: Europe’s Most Otherworldly Island

Despite its mainstream popularity in recent years, I’m not ashamed to say Iceland is my favorite country out of all 40+ countries I’ve traversed.

To be honest, I’m afraid to go back because I visited twice before it revoked its hidden gem status, but there’s no changing its Interstellar landscapes and the world-famous Blue Lagoon.

We’re not here to sugarcoat Iceland — it’s not hard to visit since its flagship Icelandair flies from numerous U.S. cities.

But what keeps travelers coming back isn’t convenience; it’s the chance to experience a place that feels like another planet, where black-sand shores, steaming geothermal pools, and lava-scarred terrain make even the dreariest weather feel cinematic in such places as Vik and Mývatn.

Whether you’re a Lord of the Rings fanatic or not, it always feels as if Bilbo Baggins will make an appearance to the point you don’t care what you’re spending since you’re in such a unique destination.

But guess what — this new route is not from Newark.

What makes this new flight special is not its location but the fact that it’s the ‘only service on this capital-to-capital route with lie-flat business class seats’.

Travelers can fly from Washington D.C. (IAD) to Reykjavik (KEF) starting May 21, 2026.

Travelers currently rank safety in Reykjavik at a 95/100:

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Now take this quiz to find your perfect match!

We at Travel Off Path nearly broke the internet last year by revealing San Diego indeed has a second airport back in business for commercial air travel.

Many of our readers chimed in with their excitement (and concerns) regarding American Airlines’ groundbreaking flight to/from Phoenix.

Taking my Journalist hat off for a moment, as a San Diegan myself, I questioned if a secondary airport would be feasible long-term as many SoCal travelers have discovered the Tijuana loophole.

But, I, as well as many others, stand corrected today as it was just announced United Airlines is set to be the second commercial airline taking off from McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD) in Carlsbad, and there are some undeniable plusses now that 2 major airlines are anchoring the sole airport of San Diego’s North County.

2 Major Airlines Now Serve California’s Strangest Airport

Carlsbad’s McClellan-Palomar Airport, easily accessible from I-5, holds an undeniably bizarre history.

What’s been mostly an airport for private use, there have been spurts of success in its oddball timeline that have been quite useful for travelers, though it never seems to stick…

Since it’s been well over a year from the time we revealed Carlsbad’s comeback, recent news that this underrated beach town has surged to the point of being on United’s radar is the biggest promise in years its here to stay.

United hasn’t operated from CLD in a little over a decade, last serving a direct route to LAX for those us preferring the fly over gridlock traffic to reach one of America’s busiest airports in Spring 2015.

Since then, the airport has been more of a circus than a reliable source for travelers.

One local billionaire failed to keep little-known California Pacific Airlines off the tarmac, and the only other attempt has been JSX and Advanced Air, both charters that are still going strong by all accounts.

In summary: charter carriers JSX and Advanced Air (seasonally), and major carriers, American, and now United, all serve CLD.

Call It A Comeback: United Returns After Decade-Long Absence

American serves Phoenix a major hub in their network, and the same can be said for Denver in regard to United as it’s actually the airline’s fastest growing hub.

Denver is the big winner for United’s exciting return to San Diego County’s paradisal beach towns. As such, this makes United California’s most connected airline in the entire state.

Tickets are already on sale for the first-ever nonstop route from Denver to Carlsbad. The schedule is currently slated for twice-daily service beginning March 30, 2026, which just so happens to be one of the best times of the year to visit.

No, not because of Spring Break, but because one of California’s most photo-worthy attractions will be in full bloom.

That’s right — as gorgeous as Carlsbad’s (and neighboring towns’) beaches may be, the top attraction for Carlsbad is actually the kaleidoscopic Flower Fields.

Does CLD Expansion Help Avoid LA & Tijuana?

When Tijuana opened up an exclusive border crossing (CBX) for airport use, it was a lot more beneficial back then than it is now from a costs perspective.

Back when the CBX was a barren lot with no parking fees and seasonal upcharges, travelers didn’t have to think twice about whether to fly out of San Diego or LA as the next best options to vacation south of the border.

Nowadays, you can easily spend triple digits before passing customs.

It’s been well-documented that San Diego International Airport (SAN) just opened a brand new Terminal 1 after a long awaited debut.

Though the space is much nicer and traffic seems to flow better, one issue not addressed is the lack of international flights.

There are only 5 international airlines operating out of San Diego:

Hence many San Diegans are forced to brave the snail’s pace drive to LAX, or head to the border, depending on your final destination.

With the addition of 2 major airlines serving CLD now connecting to a pair of popular hubs (Phoenix and Denver), those who live closer to Carlsbad now have more options to vacation internationally with just one layover.

For example, Denver welcomed 2 awesome international routes via United this year:

• Frankfurt, Germany (FRA)
• Rome, Italy (FCO)

Why Visit Carlsbad?

Most visitors who plan a trip to San Diego don’t make it all the way up to Carlsbad, which lies roughly 35 minutes north of the downtown if you beat rush hour.

But Carlsbad is no snoozefest like some other hidden gems along the coast. Home to one of my favorite resorts for a staycation Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa and on-site restaurant Ember & Rye, a mouthwatering steakhouse ‘of sorts’ backed by celebrity chef Richard Blais, if you can swing the price, I can’t recommend it enough.

For the kiddos, a great Disneyland alternative is LegoLand, an amusement park and hotel perfect for a weekend getaway.

One of my favorite places to visit along the beach is Carlsbad Village. Here, you’ll find seaside cafes, more resorts, vibrant murals, and seafood shacks — and it’s often less crowded than San Diego proper, including lagoons and beautiful beaches stretching for 7 miles.

Some of us are already dreaming about what could be under our Christmas tree in a couple of months.

If you ask us here at Travel Off Path, feel free to box up some plane tickets and put a bow on it (enough with the Starbucks gift cards already!).

United Airlines is assisting in our master plan to score our favorite presents by announcing new flights to 4 stunning European destinations — including one Spanish city that has been flying under the radar far too long.

Each of them set for launch in 2026, that’s not as far away as it sounds since this year has zoomed by, hasn’t it?

Spanning underrated Italian shores, gorgeous Croatian coastlines, astounding Scottish marvels, and an unexpected adventure into Spain’s unknown, these are United 4 new flights to a wide range of European getaways:

1) Split, Croatia

They say “don’t let the door hit ya where the good lord Split ya”, but someone didn’t pass the memo to Croatia.

Dare we say forget Dubrovnik? Okay, that might be a hard sell. However, flying into Croatia’s famed fortified city isn’t the only option from the U.S.

Split sits along the vibrant Dalmatian Coast, offering the same Adriatic beauty with a more laid-back vibe away from Dubrovik’s crowds.

Offering a blend of Roman history, Mediterranean flair, and breezy island-hopping excursions at your doorstep, Split makes for a phenomenal gateway to hop around Croatia’s postcard beaches and charming islands.

It’s never too early the plan, but you’ll have plenty of time to dot your I’s and cross your T’s for this one as United’s launch date is slated for April 30, 2026 from Newark (EWR), which will be the only nonstop service to Split.

2) Bari, Italy

Obviously, there’s no shortage of Italian cities to jet off to from numerous U.S. airports, but this paradisal beach escape has become, shall we say, Bari trendy as of late.

While little-known Neos beat United to the punch last year with NYC’s first flight to Bari, now travelers can skip the chaos of JFK in favor of the city’s third airport — because does anyone really visit Newark for any other reason?

That’s right — New York’s smelliest airport (yeah, I said it) is set to welcome the region’s second flight to Bari, which shows how much this coastal gem in rising out of the shadows of Italy’s household names.

Set for launch May 1, 2026, travelers can prepare to be wowed by Bari’s jaw-dropping Adriatic beaches, picture-perfect Old Town district, and don’t even get me started on the next level food and wine here…

Tiella Barese, anyone?

3) Glasgow, Scotland

Welcome to Scotland’s prized city where old meets now. You’ll discover staggering Gothic cathedrals as well as plenty of modern neighborhoods with buzzing arts scenes.

Beyond welcoming locals with funny accents, Glasgow boasts gritty charm, surprising attractions, classic pubs, and an ever-growing reputation of one of the UK’s coolest getaways, making it truly one of Europe’s most underrated cities.

East Coasters will soon have the only nonstop access to hop ‘across the pond’ to Glasgow, with the inaugural flight scheduled for takeoff May 8, 2026 from, you guessed it, Newark.

4) Santiago de Compostela, Spain

Want to visit somewhere truly undiscovered by the masses?

Don’t tempt me with a good time!

What’s not a good time is Spain’s anti-tourism protests that have made waves across the world.

Though, these gatherings are largely based in places we all know and love — not the hidden gems.

But Spain has become so popular even Santiago de Compostela is battling overtourism, but United says “pish posh”.

While cities such as Madrid and Barcelona have far bigger crowds and rising prices, Spain’s gargantuan popularity has even trickled into virtually unknown destinations that the average American couldn’t point out on a map, but this just speaks to Spain’s broad appeal and diversity.

It’s safe to say travelers began visiting this city to still enjoy the delights of Spain with the crowds of aforementioned icons.

That being said, despite concerns to level out tourism, perhaps by the launch date of May 22, 2026, the tone will be different as Santiago de Compostela has taken a much friendlier approach than shooting water pistols, for example.

This under-hyped city is after all a gem well worth discovering. Protected by UNESCO, oozing timeless character through Medieval marvels, cobbled streets, spectacular locally-sourced cuisine, this city is the soul of the Galicia region, and it’s claim to fame is the legendary Camino de Santiago, a centuries-old pilgrimage drawing travelers from across the globe to its beloved cathedral.

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Last Updated 3 days ago

The United Nations (UN) wears many hats, oftentimes on the darker side of the spectrum in places not deemed fit for tourists.

Take Haiti, for example. If you’ve been able to decipher real news through the election cycle’s talking heads, then surely you’re aware of Haiti’s continuous tragic downfall.

Founded in 1945, the UN’s purpose has been to promote peace, security, and basic human rights worldwide and step in as needed when nations fail to do so.

That’s why you’ll see the UN present for humanitarian crises, such as Haiti, South Sudan, and Yemen – none of which ever sniff top tourism numbers.

But the UN also promotes tourism within their World Tourism Organization branch, especially unheard-of destinations in need of a boost.

In their own words, the hope is to encourage travelers to visit as a ‘driver of economic growth, inclusive development and environmental sustainability’.

Dozens of unknown places made the cut for their ‘Best Tourism Villages 2024‘ list.

To simplify said list, we’ll highlight Mexico’s 3 undiscovered towns because you’re not really going to visit Roches Noires, Mauritius or Azheke, China, are you?

Capulálpam de Méndez: Oaxaca’s Untouched Mountain Village

As one of Mexico’s hotspots for all types of travelers, Oaxaca’s gorgeous coastlines and immensely cultural namesake city have been well explored.

But venturing northeast through the Sierra Juarez is a quiet mountain town you’ve likely never heard of and may need to tap into your Rosetta Stone skills.

Capulálpam de Méndez may be a mouthful to say, but the UN believes it’s well worth a visit – and yes, ‘mouthful’ is a double entendre as there may be no better authentic food region in Mexico.

While the highly anticipated train connecting Cancun to Oaxaca is destined to showcase the region’s hidden gems, Capulálpam de Méndez is an extra layer of “hidden” as most travelers overlook the Sierra Juarez’s villages.

Set 7,710 feet high, this delightful town is oozing timeless charm. So much so, it can quite literally take your breath away.

In fact, the town’s real claim to fame was being designated as a pueblo magico in 2007, but it’s ready to embrace its newfound fame as Oaxaca has soared to new heights.

Start your day with a coffee and epic views at El Verbo de Méndez Café, wander timeless streets and witness the crown jewel, Parroquia de San Mateo, and rest your head at Hotel Chorromonte, housed in a traditional colonial building.

Cuatro Ciénegas de Carranza: In The Heart Of Mexico’s Final Frontier

There are few states in Mexico where you may not recognize a city, but that’s the case for the state of Coahuila.

In fact, the claim to fame may be in Texas’ Big Bend National Park as a bi-national natural wonder stretching across the border.

Other than that, it’s quite likely you haven’t heard of a single place here. But don’t let that stop you from visiting Cuatro Ciénegas de Carranza, as there’s a bit of a loophole to visiting this small desert oasis.

Dubbed as the ‘Galapagos Of Mexico’, and also designated as a pueblo magico, if you’re into stunning nature and colonial charm, this off-path region is right up your alley.

Home to enormous craters, glassy rivers, vivid blue pools, along with postcard-worthy cobbled streets on the “urban” side, your sense of wanderlust will be redlining.

As off-the-beaten path as it may be, it’s not a treacherous journey. Two border towns, Ciudad Acuna and Piedras Negras, offer bus routes, but if it were me, I’d fly into Torreon (nonstop flights from Dallas and San Antonio) and take a 3-hour bus from there for a safer option.

Palizada: Campeche’s Riverfront Treasure

Surprise, surprise – another pueblo magico. Experiencing old Mexico never gets, well, old.

Mexico’s ‘magic towns’ are teeming with rich history still permeating on every street.

Palizada is no different, but may be the most eye-catching of the bunch. Located in the state of Campeche, which has slowly begun creeping onto travelers’ radars, is gleaming with vibrancy and historic charm.

Wandering the streets is the best way to get a feel for the way of life here where you can visit local artisan shops, eat delicious local cuisine like Atapakua and Churipos, and enjoy the scenic views of the Rio Palizada.

The easiest way to get here is to fly into Villahermosa or Campeche, one of Mexico’s safest cities, and take a bus.

As far as modern conveniences go, Palizada may be the most convenient of the bunch with well-preserved buildings, more accommodation options, and plentiful captivating excursions like river cruises and Mayan ruins tours, which you can read more about here on the town’s official tourism page.

Sam Sears

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

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Nothing makes the world feel smaller than an airplane.  

And every time a new nonstop international flight route is announced, exploring the world becomes a little bit easier.  

This is why it’s so exciting that United Airlines has announced the largest international expansion in its history.  

Next summer, United Airlines will fly to more destinations across the Atlantic than any other U.S. airline.

That means more than 760 flights a week to over 40 different destinations.  

And 5 of these flights will be brand new nonstop international routes that no other U.S. airline currently flies to.  

5 New International Routes From United Airlines  

The 5 new international routes from United Airlines will launch in May 2025.  

They will all depart from the United Airlines hub in Newark/New York (so this is particularly interesting news for New Yorkers).  

Those new routes will be to: Nuuk in Greenland, Palermo in Italy, Bilbao in Spain, Madeira Island in Portugal and Faro in Portugal.  

By their own metrics, these new flights will make United Airlines the largest airline in the world.  

Nuuk, Greenland 

Nuuk is the capital city of Greenland and United Airlines will fly to the city twice weekly from June 14 next year. 

Nuuk is the northernmost capital city in the world and is home to the midnight sun in the summertime.

This makes it a wonderfully unique place to visit in Europe in the summer and a contrast to the crowds and beaches of other European hot spots.  

The nonstop flight from Newark to Nuuk will be just over 4 hours long, making it a convenient and incredibly accessible journey.  

Price information for this flight route isn’t currently available.  

Palermo, Italy 

Palermo will be one of 5 destinations in Italy that United Airlines will fly to nonstop next summer.

But Palermo is the only one of these that is a United exclusive route at this point.  

This route will launch on May 21 and will be a 3 times weekly seasonal nonstop service.  

Palermo is the most popular destination in Sicily and will open up this iconic island to a whole new American audience. This new route will put Sicily’s rich history, luxurious beaches and stunning architecture at your fingertips.  

Return flights from June 20 to June 26 on this route are currently priced at $1,889 for the most restrictive, basic economy ticket.  

Bilbao, Spain 

Nonstop flights from Newark to Bilbao in Spain will launch on May 31 2024.  

A nonstop round trip flight from June 12 to June 18 on this route is currently priced at $1,027 for the most restrictive basis economy ticket.

The outbound flight has a flight time of 7 hours 30 minutes.  

Bilbao is the heart of Spain’s Basque country and an important cultural hub. One of my favorite attractions is the iconic Guggenheim Museum, and for watersports enthusiasts, the surf is epic here, too.

This isn’t the only exclusive United flight to Spain. United is also the only U.S. carrier to fly direct to Palma de Mallorca, Tenerife, and Malaga.  

Madeira Island, Portugal 

United will launch the only nonstop service from the U.S. to Madeira. This flight will start on June 7 and will operate 3 times a week.  

Madeira is a stunningly beautiful island. It boasts everything a nature lover could dream of: natural pools and waterfalls, incredible beaches, and lush verdant mountains.  

Price information for this route hasn’t been released yet.  

Faro, Portugal  

United will also be the only U.S. airline serving Faro in Portugal. This flight route will start on May 16 and will fly 4 times each week.  

This means that United will have the only nonstop routes to Faro, Madeira, Porto, and Ponta Delgada, making it the most wide-reaching U.S. airline for Portuguese flights.  

Flying from June 11 to June 17 on this route will cost $1,578 if you choose the cheapest and most restrictive fare.  

Faro is a beautiful city with a charming old town and easy access to pretty beaches, giving travelers the best of both worlds in one easily accessible package.  

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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.