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Out of all 1,500 articles I’ve written for Travel Off Path, what we’re revealing today is one of the most shocking at first glance.

Living up to our name, one of the most off-path Dutch cities turns out not to be so overlooked at all.

We’ve covered The Netherlands end to end over the years — or so we thought.

Apparently, there’s been a well-kept secret about one artsy, off-the-wall tech hub that’s becoming one of the country’s coolest cities.

Some visitors have called it “boring”, but we’re calling it the “anti-Amsterdam” — in a good way.

Crushing tourism records in 2025, and surprisingly embracing even more visitors with an exciting new train route in the works, the lesser-known city of Eindhoven is the Netherlands’ new must-visit.

PLUS, the Netherlands is largely considered one of the safest countries in the world as you can see below.

Wait — The Netherlands Actually Wants You To Visit?

While Amsterdam’s Karens may still be in full force as the iconic European city rolled out multiple anti-tourism campaigns in recent years, that’s not a reflection of the entire country.

There are endless canal-laden alternatives with equally gorgeous waterways for more spacious strolls and bike rides, but Eindhoven is one of the more unique city breaks that doesn’t mirror Amsterdam much at all.

While one could argue the entire country is a bit quirky, that’s really the only true comparison.

But yes, Eindhoven isn’t settling with its record 2025 year for tourism, welcoming a tick under 7 million passengers at Eindhoven Airport.

They’re doubling down on trains.

Obviously, America is slacking in the train department. Heck, since I paid my California taxes today, I’m wondering how much actually went to the high-speed rail project that seems like it’ll never come to fruition.

We all know that’s not the case for Europe, though, where you can seemingly hop aboard a train anywhere.

Eindhoven has reached an agreement with Brussels for what’s being touted as a game-changing rail route for the region, set to connect this quietly booming city to Belgium’s elegant capital.

Here’s what we know so far:

• A new Eindhoven–Brussels rail link is officially in motion after signing a letter of intent
• Talks will continue this summer; the holdup is deciding between new infrastructure or sprucing up an existing rail network
• The goal is to cut down on the clunky transfers currently needed between Eindhoven and Brussels
• There is no official launch date or operator as of yet

The “Anti-Amsterdam”: Why Eindhoven Feels Like A Breath Of Fresh Air

Yes, Eindhoven has a scenic canal, but it’s not the selling point of the city like Amsterdam’s and others that build their whole brand around them.

This city has a real identity beyond tourism clichés.

Despite flying under the radar, those in the know come here because Eindhoven has carved out a reputation as a creative, forward-thinking city fueled by design, innovation, and repurposed industrial spaces, such as Strijp-S, one of the coolest hangouts there is.

Not to circle back to Belgium, but if you’ve followed us lately, you know that Antwerp is another hip up-and-comer, which may be the closest comparison as a trendsetter.

Additionally, Eindhoven was crowned the “least stressful city in the world”, which some visitors in the past have surmised to be boring, but that’s not the case.

Between wandering Strijp-S, checking out the Philips Museum or Van Abbemuseum, browsing design-forward shops, eye-catching art installations, and ending the day at a lively cafe or brewery, Eindhoven has more than enough to keep things interesting.

Why Eindhoven Is Perfect For Digital Nomads

Since Amsterdam hasn’t exactly been rolling out the welcome mat, that doesn’t mean the Netherlands isn’t great for remote workers to call home.

But first, it’s always wise to check entry requirements and our real-time safety status before venturing off to another country, especially for nomads.

What many may not realize since The Netherlands has been on the wrong side of headlines in terms of hospitality, they do indeed offer their own version of a digital nomad visa, officially known as the “Self Employed Residence Permit”, which is valid for 2 years.

Being a major tech hub, Eindhoven is arguably the best spot in the country to plant roots.

With a thriving expat community, lower cost of living than Amsterdam, and a fast-growing innovation economy, laptop warriors can settle in comfortably while still using the city as a springboard for weekend trips — whether that means Brussels by train someday soon or even braving Amsterdam when the mood strikes.

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There’s no place dreamier than Europe, which is why 3 of the most gorgeous cities on the continent welcomed more visitors than ever in 2025.

As a trio of favorites here at Travel Off Path, we have fallen in love with each and every one of them, whether it be for captivating cultural experiences, jaw-dropping cityscapes that never lose their wow factor, or magical Christmas markets to cap off the year.

As all 3 are year-round getaways and a direct flight from the U.S., 2026 may see even more records shattered given these postcard escapes are too good to pass up.

These 3 gorgeous European cities broke all-time visitor records in 2025 (plus an interactive quiz at the end to find which one is best for your next trip!):

Istanbul, Turkiye 🇹🇷 — Record: 84 Million Passengers

Hey, if you’re going to switch continents, why not kill 2 birds with 1 stone?

I’m a small-brained American, so who knows if that makes sense, but the point is, Istanbul is truly a unicorn destination.

Where else can you start your trip in North America, go to sleep in Europe, and take a short ferry to Asia the next day?

It’s true, Turkiye’s largest metropolis has endless cool things to name but splitting 2 continents within the same city limits is about the coolest aspect if you ask us.

Beaming with Ottoman allure, Istanbul offers both bustling city chaos and seaside serenity all in one place.

This city is highly affordable no matter what you’re into. It’s arguably one of the best solo travel destinations, too, to wander freely and stretch your budget.

Take it from me, as Istanbul instantly became one of my favorite cities. I highly recommend staying at Tom Square Boutique Hotel for a spacious room with a homey feel without draining your bank account.

Of course, Turkish coffee is a must to start your day as is Turkish pizza to cap off your night. Istanbul has become a global hub, so expect to witness a melting pot of cultures as you explore grand mosques and back-alley bazaars that never seem to end.

Americans can be one of a record 84 million flying into Istanbul with 14 direct flight options from the U.S.

Vienna, Austria 🇦🇹 — Record: 32 Million Passengers

We all know Europe and magic go hand in hand — and not in a Criss Angel type of way…

There’s arguably no major city in Europe more magical than Vienna, especially around the holidays.

While you may have missed Vienna’s sprawling festive Christmas markets, there’s always next year.

Plus, you have time to read through thousands of experiences since over 32 million travelers made their way through Vienna in 2025, and it’s safe to say a hefty fraction of those were here to immerse themselves in Christmas cheer via mulled wine and savory sausages, among other sugary treats.

But the truth is, Vienna is a four-season destination.

If winter and Mariah Carey on repeat aren’t your jam, you have 3 other vibrant seasons to choose from to roam Vienna’s storybook streets, grandiose palaces, and baroque showstoppers.

While not the cheapest city, a must any time of year is taking time to enjoy Vienna’s famed cafe culture. Order a melange and watch the world go by in one of Europe’s prettiest destinations.

Making matters even better, Americans can fly nonstop to Vienna from 6 major U.S. airports.

Nuremberg, Germany 🇩🇪 — Record: 4.5 Million Passengers

No longer a “hidden gem” so to speak, Nuremberg is one of Central Europe’s trendiest cities. Of course, Nuremberg lies in the shadow of Munich, a city our whole team has all grown to love.

That said, having just visited Munich’s world-renowned Christmas markets recently, it’s easy to see why more and more travelers are opting for Nuremberg, just an hour or so away, given the thick sea of crowds.

Not to mention, when you have a star-studded cast in a film of the same name, it certainly puts your city on the map…

While home to over half a million residents, Nuremberg oozes small town charm with colorful rows of traditional half-timber houses, fewer crowds even though it’s a record year, and an inviting Old Town wrapped in medieval walls.

Nuremberg holds some impressive Christmas markets too, which surely favored their new record, but come spring and summer, Nuremberg offers lively beer gardens, riverside strolls, and sun-soaked plazas etched in time.

Americans can fly nonstop to Munich from 16 U.S. cities and hop aboard a bus roughly an hour to Nuremberg, which takes less time than many traffic jams in other major cities, so it’s practically a nonstop destination!

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As summer slowly approaches, you’ve likely already scoured the interwebs for travel deals to some of the world’s top destinations. So they say…

The past few years have seen travelers scoping out the lesser-known rather than following the crowds to places so publicized it feels like we’ve already been.

For example, can you believe I’ve never been to Cancun? It’s true. As an American, some people find that hard to fathom, even more so when they discover I’ve been to 16 other destinations in Mexico.

As for Europe, it took me 34 years to finally go to Paris, and I still haven’t been to Barcelona or Rome.

But enough about me. It’s become clear as day more travelers in general are scratching their travel itch beyond the norm, helping certain destinations to break tourism records in the process.

In fact, we at Travel Off Path are encouraging travelers to go, well, off-path this summer, instead of the household names we all think we’re supposed to visit.

If you need a little push to help you decide where to go, these 3 surprising European cities are breaking all-time visitor records:

Katowice, Poland

Let’s get the awkwardness out of the way. There’s nothing worse than reading a word over and over without knowing how to pronounce it.

Katowice is pronounced Kah-toh-VEE-tseh. Yeah…surprised me too.

Regardless, Katowice is a vibrant Polish city attracting a record number of travelers, on track for 7 million, which would beat out the previous record of 6.4 million.

Home to captivating museums, trendy neighborhoods, timeless plazas, purposeful green spaces, and thrilling festivals held throughout the year, Katowice is a well-balanced mix of old and new with something for everyone, but the biggest draw is how cheap it is.

You can easily find a 4-star hotel in the $60 range, if not cheaper. Check Mercure Katowice Centrum.

Located in the Silesia region, which also touches Czech Republic and Germany, you’ll find a distinct cuisine here beyond the typical meat platters you might envision indulging in when visiting Poland.

A couple of must-try eats are kluski śląskie (dumplings) and modra kapusta (braised cabbage), and there’s no better place than always-buzzing Mariacka Street.

Katowice isn’t just a foodie destination for adventurous palettes; it’s one of the best destinations to learn more about world history with easy gateways to fascinating sites and landmarks, such as the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum (an hour away; free admission)

Brussels, Belgium

Brussels is a city we all know the name, but likely haven’t been. At least that’s the way it used to be…

Over 10 million travelers now step foot into Brussels’ wondrous cityscape with possibly even more for 2025.

Belgium’s capital is making a name for itself with award-winning restaurants taking over the food scene and has become one of Europe’s easiest cities to reach, even for Americans.

Even more enticing is a majority of residents speak english, making your travels easier to navigate.

Don’t be like me and just point and awkwardly mimic what you want. But hey, at least “waffle” seems to be a pretty universal word anyway.

Brussels offers U.S. travelers 6 direct flights from major American airports and there’s seemingly a new train to/from Brussels launching every month to a notable European city.

Once here, you’ll find an impressive array of world-class museums, grand palaces, and stunningly beautiful architecture, and perhaps best all, Brussels super easy to explore since public transit only costs about $2.

Rovaniemi, Finland

Not every traveler is up for a winter wonderland trip of a lifetime, but if you fit the bill, there’s no better place than Rovaniemi, Finland, the official ‘hometown’ of the man, the myth, the legend, and who very disappointedly turned out to be my parents — Santa Claus.

Rovaniemi has garnered newfound fame through the rise of viral social media videos with epic visuals of Northern Lights, real-life reindeer, and believe it or not, Santa’s Village, including a post office for Santa’s letters, and in the spirit of Christmas cheer, it’s always free to enter.

It’s truly a one-of-a-kind city, but it’s become such a draw that the airport is having to undergo an extensive makeover before next winter’s booming season.

Rovaniemi may be the most visited, but it’s beautiful in summer too, especially for those who don’t want to pack more layers than the Michelin man.

You will want to pack a sleep mask, though. Instead of Northern Lights and endless snow, experience the Midnight Sun this summer, where the sun refuses to set, creating never-ending bright days and golden “nights”.

Good news is Rovaniemi summers sees consistent days of 65 -72 degree weather, which is a practically scorching for the Arctic Circle.

Regardless of weather, a Finnish staple are saunas. No, not the ones bothers to wipe down at your local gym. When visiting Rovaniemi, make sure to hit up a lakeside sauna, a truly enjoyable experience to rejuvenate amongst some of the Arctic’s most astounding scenery.

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Cancun is the most sought-after destination for Americans going abroad: with its all-inclusive resorts, buzzing shopping scene, and beautiful beaches lapped by turquoise seas, there is no doubt it is set for yet another record-breaking season.

That being said, a week in paradise does not come with its own share of good old bureaucracy.

In April 2021, the state of Quintana Roo, where Cancun is located, introduced VISITAX, a tourist fee required for all arrivals.

The tax applies to tourists landing in Cancun, though since its introduction, authorities have been very lax in enforcing the new law, which is no longer happening moving forward––and for that dodger out there, you might want to think twice:

Not paying this fee could get your passport flagged.

What Is The Cancun VISITAX?

First of all, what is exactly VISITAX?

This is a tourist tax with the aim to generate revenue for new infrastructure, with some examples being new technology to keep the coast sargassum-free, the revitalization of the Tajamar boardwalk, and even road improvements.

We know you’re already wondering why you have to pay the Quintana Roo state on top of your already-expensive all-inclusive resort, but personally, we can’t even be mad at it when we’re seeing the advancement of projects, and the fact it costs only 271 Mexican pesos.

In U.S. dollars, that’s a negligible $13.40, and all travelers aged 15 and over must pay.

Also, Cancun is not the only destination to have added a tourist fee in recent years: you can no longer even board a U.K.-bound flight without applying first for their new travel authorization, and just south of Mexico, Belize is the latest to have introduced a similar requirement.

For three years now, however, airport officials have not bothered checking whether tourists have paid the tax or not, with Americans either being completely ignored or let off altogether.

As reported by the Cancun Sun, this changes with immediate effect.

What Are The Consequences For Not Paying?

Starting this season, tourists who do not show proof of paying the tourist tax might face consequences.

For starters, agents have been stopping tourists departing from Cancun Airport to ensure they have paid the tax before flying out of the state, either to other destinations in Mexico or to their home country.

In most cases, they are simply asked to pay the fee on the spot before leaving, without serious repercussions, but according to the Cancun Sun, others who attempt to leave without paying could be in for an unpleasant surprise coming back to Cancun.

Whether it’s fines or something else, the full extent of the consequences hasn’t been formally detailed––still, one that has been mentioned explicitly is the addition of an ‘observation’ to your passport.

We don’t know what this means exactly, but we do know we don’t want to get our passports flagged by any authorities, particularly when it’s such a minor inconvenience, such as forking out as little as $13 bucks and a few cents.

Should you choose to ignore the requirement, and manage to get away with it, it is probable you will have to pay double the fee returning to Cancun, as border agents will have access to your passport observations, or even be issued a fine, which is unspecified at this point.

Trust us, you don’t want to get handed a fine in a foreign country, where laws are different than your homeland, and values can be quite hefty.

Moral of the story, just pay the fee.

How To Pay Cancun’s VISITAX Fee

How do you pay the VISITAX fee?

There are two simple ways to do it: online through the official VISITAX website or upon arrival at one of the kiosks located inside Cancun Airport, Tulum Airport, or other entry points into the state of Quintana Roo.

Needless to say, paying online in advance is the most convenient alternative as you’ll be avoiding waiting in line.

The process is very straightforward. You’ll fill out a simplified form, where you’ll be asked to enter your name, birth date, departure date, and preferred payment method (currently, you can only pay with a credit or debit card).

Once payment is confirmed, you’ll be issued a QR code to show to agents when the time comes.

Oh, and beware of scammers!

These are the only two ways you can legitimately pay your VISITAX contribution: do not trust scammers waiting at the arrivals hall or outside the airport, asking for three to four times the actual fee.

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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

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