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As the general hordes of holiday shoppers are in full force, we can surely all relate to avoiding crowds.

Whether it’s opting for Uber Eats, Amazon Prime, or traveling to places you didn’t know existed, the common denominator is all the same.

When it comes to Thailand, two places you want to avoid for these types of frustrations are definitely Phuket and Bangkok, albeit the latter is an urban sprawl, making it easier to find your inner Zen as needed.

Phuket, on the other hand, has been dealing with overtourism concerns, so that may be the last Thai beach paradise you’ll want to find yourself in to unwind.

The good news for you is there are many tranquil spots along Thailand’s mainland shores and numerous postcard-worthy islands.

Lonely Planet just highlighted a pair of such places – one on the mainland, along with a gorgeous island you may have never heard of.

Best of all, they’re both very affordable, virtually untouched, and studded with idyllic beachside bungalows up and down the pristine shores.

Ko Wai: Thailand’s Unspoiled Island Escape

The island life is appealing to all of us, and when it comes to Thailand, there seems to be a never-ending list of off-shore paradises from which to choose.

Lonely Planet showcased Ko Wai as one of the best alternatives to Thailand’s resort-lined beaches rather than embracing the unknown of unspoiled coastlines with traditional bungalows.

Before Thailand became a global icon where vacationers flock to the urban delights of Bangkok or the pristine beaches of numerous destinations, the latter looked a lot like Ko Wai.

Coming here now can be seen as a time capsule, especially as prices are still ridiculously low and landscapes virtually untouched.

Long-held local traditions are still in effect, so don’t expect to see billboard eyesores, mega cruise ships, or towering resorts.

Ko Wai perfectly sums up one of Thailand’s most popular types of travelers: those of us ballin’ on a budget!

Ranging anywhere from $15 to $45, check out Koh Wai Paradise, home to 30 thatched-roof bungalows or slightly cheaper Good Feeling Bungalows, where one recent visitor claimed it’s ‘Heaven on earth’.

Golden Beaches & Traditional Stays: Welcome To Bang Saphan Yai

Turns out Bangkok isn’t the only Thai getaway to go out with a ‘Bang’.

Bang Saphan Yai isn’t a place you’ll see highlighted in bold on the map like the country’s staples of Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Bangkok.

Small yet mighty in terms of untamed beauty, this quaint beach town is located in the trendy Prachuap Khiri Khan province, yet this side remains hush-hush for locals to enjoy.

Lonely Planet mentioned ‘sublime sunsets’ overpowering golden beaches lined with bamboo huts, and while bearing witness to the fiery skies is certainly a must, there’s a lot more to make your trip worthwhile.

One such way for an epic adventure is to take a $4 train from Bangkok to Hua Hin and make your way down by bus or train on 12Go.

The coastal views are a sight to behold and a far cry from beach crowds elsewhere, as this tranquil side of the country is a whole different vibe.

Upon arrival, there are ample beaches to scout for endless bliss in the sunshine, especially if bungalows are more your jam than ritzy resorts.

This is not to say that these traditional-style stays are run-down by any means, but don’t expect swim-up bars and silver platter room service.

And if you must visit an island, tour operators can make arrangements to visit lesser-known Ko Thalu. But, with idyllic huts, sensory overload markets, and snorkeling and kayaking the turquoise waters as options, there’s no harm in staying on the mainland.

Check out Sangjun On Beach Resort, which has $25 beachside bungalows with top reviews claiming, ‘Big balcony with a fantastic view of the ocean’ and ‘If you want absolute peace and quiet, this is the place for you’.

New Thailand Rule For U.S. Travelers

On the one hand, Thailand has done Americans a favor by extending their visa-free allowance to 2 months rather than the prior 30 days.

But now, there’s a new annoyance – dreaded forms!

That’s right; all Americans crossing into Thailand beginning in December have to fill out the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) in advance, but the good news is there are no fees.

For deeper insight and peace of mind to ensure you dot your I’s and cross your T’s, check out our recent article covering the new entry rules and benefits.

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Last Updated 2 weeks ago

They say there are two sides to every story, and in some cases, two sides to every town.

But this one is truly a unicorn!

Nestled along the California – Nevada border lies a gorgeous getaway packed with fall splendor and ritzy resorts.

No matter which side of the fence you’re on, there’s plenty to do, see, and eat.

Home to crystal clear waters, even Californians find themselves “stay-cationing” inland away from the Golden State’s renowned coastline, especially as the surrounding backdrop begins to blooms with fall colors.

It’s time to wave goodbye to the ocean, and say hello to the magical mountain town of Lake Tahoe, a rare multi-state destination whose beauty and luxury will leave you speechless this fall.

The North Side Is All The Rage This Fall

No need for another California turf war.

With Tupac gone (or living his best island life) and the Kendrick-Drake beef subsided, let’s just say there’s no need for Tahoe to spark a North vs. South battle.

If anything, Outside Magazine has stoked the campfire, so to speak, claiming Tahoe’s North side is all the rage this fall, and they’re right!

While there’s certainly more to California than pristine beaches and bustling cities, many travelers are seeking out the best spots to ‘leaf-peep’.

For the West Coast, one of the best is surely Lake Tahoe. Already boasting dreamy blue waters, the allure increases tenfold back-splashed by the vast Sierra Nevada mountain range showcasing a kaleidoscope of colors September to winter.

North Lake Tahoe spans across both Nevada and California, and I bet you can guess which side beholds the ‘nude beach’!

While you’re free to show off whatcha mama gave ya, so is Lake Tahoe, as Mother Nature gifted this region with some astounding sites to explore.

There are 12 delightful towns dotted around this side, all offering their own unique flair. Many visitors love going for scenic hikes, with over 100 trails to choose from, or enjoying the pristine water by kayak or SUP.

Outside Magazine calls fall the ‘secret season’ for Tahoe; one key reason being how festive it becomes with fun events like a pair of different Oktoberfests and the Made in Tahoe Festival.

Cozy Cabin Or Ritzy Resorts: Lake Tahoe Has You Covered

For what it’s worth, don’t sleep on the South side, figuratively speaking. But, hey, you literally can sleep in South Tahoe – and in style, too.

There’s a variety are cozy cabins, lodges, and luxurious stays to choose from wrapping around the gorgeous lake.

As you surely may have guessed, Nevada is the side of the lake where you can visit casinos, such as famous names like Hard Rock and Golden Nugget.

The California side is just as splendid but lacking the neon lights and cheesy, over-the-top decor.

Here are some of the most noteworthy luxury stays in Lake Tahoe (all 4-star accommodations or higher):

• Harrah’s Lake Tahoe
• Harvey’s Lake Tahoe Hotel & Casino
• Bally’s Lake Tahoe
• Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe
• Marriott Grand Residence Club, Lake Tahoe
• Franciscan Lakeside Lodge
• Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa & Casino

And this is just a sample size!

Keep in mind, during the winter months, Lake Tahoe transforms into a quintessential winter wonderland where hordes of tourists visit to hit the Palisades’ slopes, many of which are marvelous ski resorts too, like Heavenly Mountain Resort.

Reaching Lake Tahoe

For some, Lake Tahoe is the ultimate road trip destination to explore the scenic, winding California back roads oozing fall splendor.

For others, we just like to hop on a plane and get there when we get there.

Either way, Tahoe is easy to reach, with ample flights to Reno-Tahoe International Airport. Offering 23 flights through 9 different carriers, the airport is located under an hour away from your next fall escape.

These two providers offer shuttles from the airport, as well as Uber:

• North Lake Tahoe Express
• South Tahoe Airporter

Travel Tip: Warm up from the breezy mountain air by visiting Lake Tahoe’s top hidden gem – Travertine Hot Springs. Free to enter, and no permits required, take a dip surrounded by gorgeous mountain scenery.

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Last Updated 2 days ago

If you’re planning on heading to Europe this season but you’ve been taken aback by the staggeringly high prices and reports of mass tourism even as summer peters out, hear me out:

Instead of jetting off to Barcelona, where you might be welcomed to ‘Go Home!‘ chants, or Dubrovnik, a coastal citadel turned Disneyland for adults, with all the queuing and shoulder bumping that that entails, how about you head over to Mostar instead?

Europe’s best-kept secret, this fairytale town in Bosnia-Herzegovina is home to a surprisingly high concentration of historic landmarks, and with its balmy weather, crystal-clear river and cheap prices, it’s just the perfect fall getaway:

Why You Should Visit Mostar In The Fall

If you’re a Europhile like me, you’ve probably seen this iconic view of Mostar’s arched bridge spanning the turquoise watercourse at some point, and no, it doesn’t belong somewhere in Spain, and certainly not neighboring Croatia.

One of the most iconic bridges in Europe, if not the most emblematic, is located in a quaint riverside city in Bosnia-Herzegovina, a small, overlooked Southeastern country most Americans have been sleeping on for decades:

Unlike other European tourism hotspots, Mostar is largely ignored by first-time visitors to Europe, and even returning travelers, even though it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to diverse communities and rich medieval and Ottoman heritage.

From the reconstructed Mostar Bridge, an exact replica of the 16th-century crossing that got bombed during the war, to the nearby Koski Mehmed-Pasha Mosque, with a towering minaret boasting breathtaking views of the cityscape, tourist sites here rarely ever feel crowded.

This includes the equally picturesque Crooked Bridge, a more intimate version of the Old Bridge without the busy flow of pedestrians, the abandoned Neretva House, a symbol of the Bosnian struggle, and Kajtaz, an Ottoman-era house preserving timeless oriental furniture.

Besides the evident architectural value, Mostar is incredibly pleasant to visit between September and October: the average daily high temperature is 82°F, dropping to lows of 50°F overnight, and it’s still shorts weather out without it being flaming hot.

If you’re lucky enough, you might see locals taking that vertiginous leap from the Old Bridge into the crystalline waters below––it’s an expected act of bravery of every native young man and one of the coolest rites of passage to witness.

On both sides of the bridge, there are winding cobbled lanes leading to ethnic bazaars and secret courtyards––and between us foodies, a gem of a traditional eatery or two.

An Affordable Cultural Getaway

During my short 2-day stint in Mostar, my favorite restaurant was Lagero, not only for the priceless views of the Old Bridge, but mainly their surprisingly-affordable menu, with prices ranging from only $5 to a reasonable $28.

At the pricier end of the range, I’m talking a sumptuous three-course menu, and probably the best ćevapi you’ll try on your trip.

If you’re looking for a truly immersive medieval experience, the rustic Timber & Stone Tavern is the place to go: big fan of the traditional attire and their baked aubergine stuffed with chicken, and I actually didn’t mind being the nightly fanfare and kitschy chivalric theme.

Now, for incredible native trout and an innovative fusion of European and Oriental cuisines, head over to Restoran Hindin Han in the heart of the Old Town: not only is staff unbelievably friendly, it is great value for money, with dishes priced $3-17.

Overall, Mostar is one of the most affordable destinations in Europe this fall: according to Budget Your Trip, tourists spend an average of $27 on meals per day, owing to cheaper consumer prices and an abundance of homegrown products.

When it comes to accommodation, the median hotel price per night is a reasonable $75; at the same time, an overnight stay at the four-star Hotel Bristol will set you back by $51 in mid-October, going as low as $13 for a shared dorm room at Hostel Dada.

Naturally, it all boils down to your profile as a traveler, whether you’re on the budget, mid-range or luxury side, and the level of comfort you seek.

How Safe Is Mostar?

If you’re old enough to remember the Bosnian War of the nineties, you may be wondering how safe Mostar is to visit in 2024.

As the U.S. State Department itself declares, pretty safe, as Bosnia-Herzegovina is considered a Level 2 destination, meaning Americans are not discouraged from visiting, and your biggest concern here is pickpocketing.

Speaking from personal experience, the risk is still pretty low: walking central Mostar, I never felt on edge or as if passersby were a threat.

Quite the contrary: it was often friendly locals I would encounter and a hospitable community that’s genuinely excited to host new visitors.

That being said, local history is complex and involves many sectarian conflicts, so I strongly advise you to read up on it prior to visiting.

Warfare is in Bosnia’s past, but the scars of battle are everywhere to be seen around the Old Town, be it the bullet holes in storied buildings or the rusty tanks in someone’s back garden, and the best way to explore Mostar’s past––and understand its present––is booking a guided tour.

Running on a duration of 2h30, Sheva’s walking tour departs from the Hamman Museum twice every day, at 9:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. and visits all of the main points of interest, without a fixed price: from $10 to $50, you decide on the guide’s reward depending on how satisfied you are.

Piece of advice?

Wear your comfiest shoes, as there’ll be a lot of strolling down broken cobblestones that day, and make sure you bring a water bottle and sunscreen: even in the fall, when temperatures are in theory cooling down across Europe, that Balkan heat remains unforgiving.

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