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Stroll past charming, colorful houses or feel the breeze in the sand dunes by a picturesque lighthouse, and you might think you’ve stepped back in time on Prince Edward Island. Life slows down in Canada’s smallest province, PEI, allowing you to relax into the island’s unhurried pace.

Despite its laid-back vibe, Charlottetown, PEI’s provincial capital, offers plenty of fun activities. The town has a small-town feel but is brimming with creativity, great food, and rich history. It’s an excellent base for exploring the rest of the island. We visited in June when the weather was just warming up. Here are some fun things to do in Prince Edward Island and Charlottetown that we recommend.

Charlottetown feels like a small town where you could easily bump into friends and neighbors. The historic center is compact and walkable, but renting a car is advisable to explore the rest of PEI. The city combines creative energy with a relaxed lifestyle, embodying the self-sufficiency integral to “Island Life.”

In the historic center, you’ll find pretty painted houses mixed with turn-of-the-century brick shopfronts. Victoria Row, known locally as The Row, is the go-to spot on Friday nights for drinks or meals at the many bars and restaurants lining the street.

Charlottetown is an ideal base if you have a few days in PEI. The town offers numerous restaurants and bars for evening outings and easy road access to different parts of the island, known by their old county names: Prince’s, Queen’s, and King’s. A short walk from our hotel, The Great George, took us to the waterfront overlooking the Hillsborough River, where you can explore the small marina and try activities like kayaking or paddleboarding.

Celtic culture is a big part of island life, with many islanders being descendants of Irish and Scottish settlers. Ceilidhs and folk bands are common, offering a great way to experience PEI’s Celtic heritage.

The Confederation Centre of Arts in Charlottetown hosts musical and dramatic performances and is a hub for Canadian visual arts. It features permanent collections of paintings and sculptures, with changing exhibitions exploring themes of Canadian arts and nationhood. Entrance is by donation.

Charlottetown is proud to be the birthplace of the Confederation. The Confederation Centre of Arts houses a replica of the Confederation chamber where politicians met in 1864 at the Charlottetown Conference. A short film explains how their discussions led to the uniting of Canada.

A food tour is a fantastic way to get to know the best restaurants in town. We enjoyed Experience PEI’s Taste the Town tour, where our guide led us to the best places to eat and highlighted local specialties. Seafood is a staple on most menus, thanks to Canada’s Atlantic coastline. We visited the Old Dublin Pub and Claddagh Oyster House for local mussels and seafood chowder, a typical dish in the Maritimes.

Another must-try is the Lobster Roll, with many local restaurants competing for the best one. We found Lobster on the Wharf to be a strong contender, with its soft white roll filled with lobster chunks, mayo, and crisp lettuce, enjoyed on their sunny deck with a harbor view.

PEI is also famous for its potatoes, and we tried some of the best fries at The Chip Shack. Owner Caron, known as the Queen of Fries, serves up double-fried, extra-crunchy fries made from local potatoes.

You can’t visit PEI without encountering the red-haired orphan Anne of Green Gables. We saw the Anne and Gilbert musical at The Guild Theatre, which tells the story of Anne and her childhood sweetheart Gilbert Blythe. The show is a joyous evening of song and dance, reflecting island life.

Another popular show is Anne of Green Gables – the Musical at The Confederation Centre, based on L.M. Montgomery’s novel. It’s now in its 54th season and tells the story of Anne’s childhood.

The Charlottetown Farmers’ Market is a vibrant place to visit on Saturdays from 9 am to 2 pm. It’s a bit away from the historic center, so you might need to drive. The market offers fresh produce, homemade jellies, jams, handicrafts, and ready-to-eat dishes and snacks. It’s a great spot for brunch or lunch.

Exploring the island outside Charlottetown, immerse yourself in the story of Anne of Green Gables. We visited Green Gables Heritage Place at Cavendish, the green-roofed farmhouse that inspired the novel. The farmhouse is now a heritage center with restored rooms and activities that bring Anne’s story to life.

After visiting the house, follow walking trails through Lover’s Lane, the Haunted Woods, and Balsam Hollow, inspired by the book. You can also visit the Anne of Green Gables Museum at Park Corner, the home of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s aunt and uncle, where she chose to get married.

PEI’s coastline, with its sand dunes and lighthouses, is truly inspiring. There are over 60 lighthouses along the coast, many open to the public. We followed the Lighthouse Lover’s Tour, stopping at several lighthouses during our drive around PEI.

Covehead Lighthouse, set in the sand dunes, is one of the most photographed lighthouses on PEI. Cape Bear Lighthouse, on the southeast shore, was the first to receive the distress call from the Titanic in 1912. East Point Lighthouse, at the island’s easternmost point, offers stunning ocean views and a mini-museum with interesting artifacts.

Our walk along the Greenwich Dunes Trail was a highlight of our trip. The trail takes you through farmland, woodland, and over a boardwalk to the sand dunes, offering peace and open skies.

Dalvay by the Sea, a historic hotel and national monument, overlooks the northern shore’s sand dunes. Built by businessman Alexander MacDonald, it featured in the Anne of Green Gables films and TV series. The hotel offers period-style rooms and a highly regarded restaurant open to non-residents.

We also visited The Dunes Gallery, a treasure trove of artistic creativity featuring pottery, paintings, and prints by local artists. The gallery has beautiful gardens and a restaurant serving fresh seafood and local produce.

We loved our stay at The Great George Hotel in Charlottetown, a historic boutique hotel with a homely yet elegant feel. The hotel offers comfortable rooms, a buffet breakfast, and a central location in Charlottetown’s historic district.

Charlottetown is a great base for exploring PEI, with plenty of tours available to help you make the most of your visit. We flew into Halifax and drove to PEI, crossing the Confederation Bridge from New Brunswick and taking the Wood Island Ferry back to Nova Scotia.

Discover delicious PEI food and explore all that Prince Edward Island has to offer on your next visit!

The Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon reopened in 2011 after a four-year reconstruction project that cost a staggering £112 million. Stratford, the birthplace of William Shakespeare, is a popular destination for those interested in learning more about his life and works. Visitors often enjoy the picturesque black and white timber houses and various sites connected to Shakespeare, but the highlight for many is seeing a Shakespeare play at the newly renovated theatre.

One of the project’s goals was to create a theatre that would engage with the town and welcome visitors by offering more than just performances. This aim was achieved, as evidenced by the enjoyable hours spent exploring the exhibitions, shop, and various interesting spaces within the theatre.

The theatre is situated by the river, with a path running alongside it and outdoor seating allowing the ground floor café to extend onto the tow-path. Here, you can enjoy a coffee or snack while watching the swans on the river. I entered through the Victorian Memorial theatre’s remaining entrance and ascended the wooden stairs to find a room dedicated to the Transformations Exhibition. This exhibition featured a time-lapse film showing the construction project’s progress and allowed visitors to examine design plans, fabric samples, and brick types used in the renovation. The architects and designers created a 7-meter deep basement below the stage and a 7-meter flying space above it, enhancing the theatre’s capabilities. The main auditorium was reshaped with horseshoe seating, bringing the audience closer to the action, similar to how plays were performed in Shakespeare’s time.

I then walked through the glass-sided concourse connecting the Swan Theatre to the main auditorium, where visitors can pick up leaflets like a family treasure trail around the building. In the shop, I bought my daughter a Manga Shakespeare version of Romeo and Juliet, hoping it would resonate with her as she studies it in school. I believe Shakespeare would be on Facebook if he were alive today.

Next, I toured the Tower, taking the lift to the 32-meter high viewing platform. The original tower, part of the Victorian Memorial theatre, served as a water tower and viewing platform but collapsed during a fire in 1926. The new tower was designed to echo the original and provide a viewing point over the town, drawing people into the new building. From the top, there is a 360-degree view of Stratford, the riverbanks, and the park areas opposite the theatre. Although it was getting dark, I could still see the Courtyard Theatre and the old black and white buildings from Shakespeare’s time. I took the lift back down but regretted not taking the stairs, as I missed the exhibition in the stairway alcoves.

The theatre offers hour-long tours every couple of hours, but I arrived too late for the last one of the day. Both the Tower and Theatre tours can be booked online, which is advisable during weekends or peak times. If you miss the tour, you can download a free MP3 audio tour or rent headphones from the shop.

My final stop was a surreal exhibition by Squidsoup, featuring a word sculpture with flowing patterns of words and sentences. Visitors could type on a screen, and their words would become part of the sculpture for the next five days. I pondered why Shakespeare remains popular today and typed “love, emotion, and speaks to the heart.” The latest entries were projected on a different screen, so you couldn’t be too inappropriate. What words would you choose about Shakespeare?

I then visited the new Rooftop Restaurant and Bar, which offers views of the river and gardens and serves meals from lunchtime through the evening. On my way down, I noticed the Ghosts in the Walls installation, projecting images and words from past productions onto the brick walls above the café.

The new Royal Shakespeare Theatre opened in autumn 2010 with small-scale events, and the first major productions began in February 2011 with King Lear and Romeo and Juliet. I look forward to bringing my daughter back to see Romeo and Juliet, hoping live theatre will enhance her understanding more than reading the text alone. Even if you’re not attending a performance, a visit to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre is worth your time to experience its atmosphere and explore its offerings.

I recently had the pleasure of visiting the Algarve in early spring, a perfect escape from the grey skies of the UK. The region’s endless sunshine and fine white sand beaches provided the ideal setting for relaxation, even though the sea was still a bit chilly for swimming. Instead, we enjoyed long walks along the shore, letting the soothing rhythm of the waves wash our worries away.

One of the highlights of our trip was the boat excursions. We took two memorable trips, exploring the stunning coastline from the water. Walking along the cliff tops, we watched the sun cast golden hues on the limestone formations and set over the sea stacks and arches. While I’ve previously written about our stay at Quinta do Lago Country Club and the activities around Faro, this time, I want to share our experiences at the sea and lagoon, the wild cliff tops, and the serene waters of the Ria Formosa.

Our stay on the edge of the Ria Formosa Natural Park naturally led us to take a boat trip in the lagoon, a must-do if you’re near Faro. The Ria Formosa, protected since 1987, is a haven for birds and covers a coastal lagoon, sandy islands, and natural wetlands. Boat trips can be easily arranged along the Faro waterfront, near the Portas do Mar of the old town. Options range from ferries and water taxis to guided tours that might even take you outside the lagoon to spot dolphins.

We took a sunset boat trip with Islands4you, departing from Faro in a comfortable open boat. As we sailed, we looked back at Vila-Adentro, Faro’s walled old town, and enjoyed the sunny afternoon on the water. Despite the spring chill, the experience was delightful.

Our tour passed reed-filled areas where we saw sea birds, and continued to Ilha Deserta, also known as Ilha da Barreta. This quiet, sandy island overlooks the lagoon’s mouth, with lighthouses marking the entrance. Ilha Deserta is true to its name – a vast sandy expanse with low-growing plants and a long, uncrowded beach. There’s no shade, but boardwalks lead to Estaminé, the island’s only café, which serves local seafood and features sustainable design with solar power and purified groundwater. After a quick coffee and a walk around the beach, we moved on to the next island.

Next up was the village of Farol on Ilha da Culatra, home to a tall lighthouse and charming summer houses with decorative Algarve chimneys. The village has a few cafes and is lively in summer when visitors come from Olhao. We wandered through the narrow lanes, admired the gardens and terraces, and enjoyed the peaceful sunset over the lagoon as we headed back to Faro.

Our accommodation at Quinta do Lago Country Club was luxurious and conveniently located just a short drive from Faro Airport. The resort, set on the edge of the Ria Formosa natural park, features beautifully landscaped gardens, indoor and outdoor pools, and easy access to the beach. Our apartment was spacious, with restful decor and a private patio. The resort offers various dining options, including a continental breakfast with hot dishes cooked to order.

Quinta do Lago Country Club has recently updated its decor, with all public areas refreshed in a contemporary style. The resort offers one, two, and three-bedroom self-catering apartments with hotel-like facilities, creating a friendly atmosphere. Reservations can be made directly through the website, and I highly recommend this resort for a relaxing holiday, especially in the less crowded spring and autumn seasons.

We also explored the nearby beaches and nature trails. A short walk from the country club led us to Quinta do Lago beach, accessible via a wooden bridge over the salt marsh. The nature trail features information about local plants, and the mud flats and lagoon are important bird-watching sites. The beach itself stretches for miles, offering a peaceful spot for walks and relaxation.

In addition to boat trips and beach excursions, we visited Ponta da Piedade, known for its dramatic limestone cliffs and rock formations. Numerous paths offer stunning photographic viewpoints, and a stone staircase leads down to a small cove where boat trips are available. Our boat trip with an expert guide was a highlight, navigating through sea caves and arches while learning about the area’s history.

Another beautiful spot was Praia Marinha, one of the Algarve’s most scenic beaches. The coastal trail offers breathtaking views, and the beach itself is perfect for a relaxing day. The Praia Marinha is also the starting point for the Seven Hanging Valleys trail, a marked walk that connects several beaches and provides stunning cliff-top views.

Visiting the Algarve outside the peak summer season is highly recommended. The weather is warm, the beaches are less crowded, and the natural beauty of the region can be fully appreciated. From boat trips to beach walks, the Algarve offers numerous opportunities for relaxation and adventure.

Are you searching for the most budget-friendly digital nomad spots in Thailand? Look no further! Thailand is a favorite among digital nomads due to its low cost of living, stunning landscapes, and welcoming locals (it’s called the Land of Smiles for a reason!).
Americans can now stay in Thailand for up to two months without a visa, making it even more appealing. Plus, Thailand is working on a five-year digital nomad visa if you’re considering a long-term stay.
The great news is that you can live comfortably anywhere in Thailand for under $2,000 a month. But if you’re on a tighter budget, perhaps just starting out as a digital nomad and relying on savings, working online for a lower salary, or simply wanting to save more, you can live in Thailand for less than $1,000 a month.
Here are some of the best and cheapest places for digital nomads in Thailand:
1. **Chiang Mai**
Chiang Mai is a top digital nomad hub and also the most affordable! You can live here for just $979 a month. Located in the mountains of northern Thailand, it has a milder climate and is less humid than other parts of the country. The Nimmanhaemin neighborhood is ideal for digital nomads, offering modern condos with amenities like gyms and rooftop pools, as well as cafes and coworking spaces like Yellow Coworking.
2. **Ko Lanta**
While most Thai islands are pricier, Ko Lanta is the most affordable for digital nomads who want to live near the beach. The average cost of living here is $1,193 per month, but you can keep it under $1,000 by opting for simpler accommodations and limiting splurges. It’s a paradise worth living and working in!
3. **Chiang Rai**
Another northern city, Chiang Rai, is very affordable with an average cost of living just over $1,000 at $1,026 per month. It’s smaller and less touristy than Chiang Mai, offering a more local feel. Chiang Rai is rich in culture, with impressive temples like the White Temple and the Blue Temple, and serves as a gateway to beautiful countryside.
4. **Pai**
If you prefer a more relaxed and laid-back environment, Pai is perfect. This small town in the northern mountains costs about $1,092 per month. It’s popular with tourists for its hippie vibe and stunning mountain scenery. Great places to work from include Two Huts Cafe and Om Garden Cafe, both offering delicious menus and fantastic views.
5. **Udon Thani**
The cheapest option for digital nomads in Thailand is Udon Thani, where you can live for around $879 per month. This mid-sized city is off the main tourist trail but is very livable, with beautiful temples and architecture.
These destinations offer a range of affordable living options for digital nomads, each with its unique charm and benefits.

I’m sitting on my pink velvet sofa in a beautiful Georgian terrace in Bristol, enjoying a fresh croissant with raspberry jam and a cup of coffee. It feels like a typical morning at home, but I’m actually on a staycation at Berkeley Suites in Clifton.

The Berkeley Suites are housed in a Georgian townhouse, conveniently close to the shops, cafes, and museums of Park Street. It’s a short walk from Clifton Village in one direction and the Harbourside in the other. The suites, once part of a family home, retain their traditional plasterwork and fireplaces. My bedroom features a queen-size bed, cream walls, polished oak flooring, and a bedspread piled high with cushions.

I was pleasantly surprised to find the bed made up with white cotton sheets and a blanket, a rarity these days. I slept soundly under the fleecy blanket and bed cover, tucked in on both sides. The room’s decor is stylish and eclectic, with an oversized herringbone check on the chair, a sparkling glass chandelier, and reclaimed wood bedside tables reminiscent of an old country barn.

The room includes a small modern wardrobe with a full-length mirror, plenty of coat hangers, a miniature iron and ironing board. The safe is only big enough for a passport and wallet, not very useful for business travelers. Beside my bed is a retro Roberts radio, matching the room’s blue color scheme, perfect for some morning tunes. As I woke up, I heard pigeons cooing and a bell chiming from the Wills Tower.

The bathroom at Berkeley Suites is cleverly designed with glass panels, providing just enough privacy for a couple. The sink and toilet are tucked behind a screen, and there’s a large walk-in shower. The bathroom is all white, with white tiles in the shower and a black slate tiled floor, complemented by shiny chrome fittings. The shower is powerful, though the temperature fluctuates a bit.

In the living room, there’s everything you need for a short stay. Sociable couples who prefer eating out but want to make a snack or coffee will love it here. The miniature kitchen is hidden in a cupboard, equipped with a microwave, toaster, Delonghi coffee machine, and kettle. There’s also a dishwasher and fridge doubling as a mini-bar. Although there’s a hob, there are no pots and pans, so it’s not ideal for serious cooking.

The sitting room’s decor is stylish, with a chesterfield sofa, a hidden projector that can double as a TV, and video paintings that project slowly changing images. There’s no hotel breakfast, but a hamper of breakfast goodies is provided, along with a small carafe of Bristol sherry and a hamper of crisps and chocolate bars.

For work, there’s a small table with two modern chairs, perfect for settling in with a laptop. The view of the small garden is soothing, and the wifi is good. Guests can also use The Square Club and lounge area of the Berkeley Square Hotel for work or informal meetings.

The Berkeley Suites are located at 6 Berkeley Crescent, Clifton, Bristol, with check-in at The Berkeley Square Hotel at 15 Berkeley Square. The Square Club, located in the Berkeley Square Hotel, has a lounge area with a bar, a terrace garden, and is a quiet place to relax or work.

We dined at The Square Kitchen, the hotel’s restaurant, which impressed me with its stylish yet casual decor and delicious food. The menu features West Country produce, with dishes like seared scallops, pan-fried cod, and white chocolate and strawberry mille-feuille. The restaurant is great for dining with friends, business contacts, or family celebrations.

The Square Club membership is a good option for those needing a place to entertain or have informal business meetings in Bristol. The club is often used for private functions and events, with no charge for members to hold events there.

There are plenty of things to do in Bristol, and the Berkeley Suites are conveniently located near many attractions. Park Street, one of my favorite shopping streets, is nearby, along with the Bristol City Museum & Art Gallery, the Wills building, the Royal Academy, the Georgian House, the Red Lodge Museum, and Bristol Cathedral. Brandon Hill Park and Cabot Tower offer great views of the city.

Thanks to Berkeley Suites for hosting my stay and to Square Kitchen for the complimentary dinner for this review.

I visited St. Peter’s dome in Rome one afternoon with my mother. We had to wait in line for about half an hour. It cost €10 to take the lift to the bottom of the dome or €7 to take the stairs.

Once inside, we went through a door and up a ramp into the base of the dome. Here, we were able to see the amazing mosaics up close and look down into the basilica below or up at the intricate decorations inside.

It was incredible to be so close to the mosaics; they looked so fresh, as if they had been created yesterday. Above the doorways, there were coats of arms, and oversized cherubs were placed all around the perimeter. It was difficult to step back far enough to photograph them, and there was a high wire mesh to prevent anyone from going over the parapet.

We then went through another door and started climbing the 320 steps to reach the top of the dome. The steps wound around and around, getting narrower as we ascended. The roof also sloped inward, which made us lean at an angle.

When we finally reached the top, it was very crowded. It was so packed that my mother and I lost each other for about 15 minutes despite the small area. If you’re claustrophobic, this might not be the best experience for you!

On the other side, there’s a great view of the Pope’s private garden, which is usually off-limits to the public. There are limited guided tours available, but they have to be booked at least a week in advance by email, fax, or telephone. It’s a pity it’s not more accessible because it looked beautiful.

After enjoying the panoramic views, we descended to an outdoor terrace at the base of the dome. From here, you can get close to the back of Bernini’s huge statues of saints that line the front of the Basilica and the colonnade. There are 162 of these statues, but many of them are not carved at the back. There’s also a café and a gift shop with many religious souvenirs.

We then took the lift back down to the piazza. It’s definitely worth going up to see the stunning mosaics and the views of Rome.

There’s nothing I enjoy more than an all-inclusive beach vacation. Unlimited cocktails, delicious food whenever I want, and constant entertainment—what’s not to love? All-inclusive trips are especially convenient when traveling with a young family, as I often do.
Recent data shows that the Dominican Republic has welcomed over 5 million visitors this year, a 12% increase from last year’s record numbers, according to CaribJournal. Punta Cana, known as the Caribbean capital of all-inclusive resorts, is attracting the majority of these visitors. Here’s why:
**Why Choose Punta Cana?**
Punta Cana boasts stunning white sand beaches, numerous nonstop flights from the U.S., and warm, welcoming locals. You can fly from Miami to Punta Cana in under 2.5 hours, often at very affordable rates. For instance, Frontier offers round-trip nonstop flights from August 8 to August 12 for just $256. Punta Cana International Airport is the cheapest airport in the Dominican Republic to fly into from the U.S., contributing to its popularity.
But it’s not just about affordability. The beautiful beaches, tropical wildlife, palm groves, and the island’s natural beauty draw visitors to the Dominican Republic. With consistent warmth and year-round sunshine, there’s never a bad time to visit.
**Affordable All-Inclusive Options**
Punta Cana’s all-inclusive resorts are both high-quality and affordable, attracting record numbers of visitors. Whether you’re looking to splurge or save, there are plenty of options. With 77 all-inclusive resorts, you’ll be spoilt for choice, though it can be hard to decide which one to pick.
If budget isn’t a concern, the Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana is one of the best all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana. Located right on the beach with stunning ocean views, it’s worth paying extra for a sea view room. The resort features a fantastic water park for kids and plenty of adult-only spaces to relax. The food quality is exceptional. For a stay from August 8-12, expect to pay $765 per night.
For a budget-friendly option, the Caribe Deluxe Princess offers excellent reviews and affordable all-inclusive prices. At $197 per couple per night, you’ll get a comfortable room with great air conditioning and access to a beautiful private white sand beach. The pool bar is a highlight, with an extensive cocktail menu. Prices may vary based on season, room type, and availability, but this resort remains a good value year-round.
**Why Choose An All-Inclusive Vacation**
I love all-inclusive vacations, though not everyone shares my enthusiasm. Some travelers find them expensive or feel they lack an authentic travel experience. I used to think that way too, until I tried my first all-inclusive trip. Now, I take one every year!
There are many reasons to choose an all-inclusive vacation, especially for a hassle-free beach break. Economically, it can be beneficial. Although the initial cost may be higher than a regular hotel, one price covers your room, food, drinks, activities, and entertainment. You can leave your wallet in your room and still enjoy everything the resort offers.
This is a huge advantage if you’re budget-conscious or have kids who love to snack all day. Another benefit is the wide range of activities available, from beach yoga to dance classes, paddle boarding to ping pong, and horseback riding to jet skiing. On our most recent all-inclusive vacation, we took a guacamole-making class with the resort’s Executive Chef and enjoyed a lively pool foam party.
The verdict? You’ll never be bored on an all-inclusive vacation.

Travelers have plenty of fantastic options for vacation spots in the Caribbean, and with more flights heading to the region, the competition is intense. So, what makes people choose one island over another? As a frequent traveler, I look for destinations that meet several criteria before I commit, especially if it’s my first visit. I’m tired of crowded beaches and persistent vendors, and I’m also not interested in high-density, soulless resorts. Living in one of the world’s largest and busiest cities (Mexico City), I crave a different pace of life for my vacations.
This is where Turks and Caicos truly stands out. It met my high standards and even checked some boxes I didn’t realize were important to me. I was recently invited by a major hospitality group to experience firsthand what makes TCI (Turks and Caicos Islands) unique compared to other Caribbean hotspots. Here’s my honest review of the island from a first-timer’s perspective and why I’ll definitely be returning.
**Proximity**
When we think of an island with turquoise waters, palm trees, and white sandy beaches, we often imagine a faraway place. However, Turks and Caicos, while seemingly distant, is surprisingly close. You can reach the island (actually a collection of 40 islands) in just 1.5 hours from Miami, which is shorter than some city commutes. You can be in Provo, as the locals call Providenciales, by lunchtime.
**High-End Yet Casual**
Turks and Caicos exudes understated sophistication. You might find yourself having breakfast next to Forbes billionaires without even knowing it. This is why celebrities love it—there’s no paparazzi in sight. It’s not pretentious, so you don’t need to pack formal attire. You can wear flip-flops and shorts to dinner if you like, but high fashion is also welcome.
**Affordable Luxury**
While Turks and Caicos isn’t as cheap as Daytona Beach, it’s not as expensive as St. Barths either. Hospitality leaders like Grace Bay have been careful not to overcharge. Quality accommodations range from $200-$300 per night, with 4-star resorts starting at $400 and 5-star suites or villas beginning around $800+. Flights are also reasonably priced, with direct, non-stop flights from Miami costing around $288 roundtrip from June to October. Prices increase slightly during the winter months.
**Low-Density Accommodations**
Tourism can often lead to overcrowded destinations, but Turks and Caicos offers a different experience. The island has very few high-rise buildings, with most accommodations designed to be low-density and luxurious. This means more space and fewer neighbors, making you feel like royalty. Grace Bay properties lead this trend, focusing on quality over quantity.
During my stay, I was fortunate to be a guest in one of Grace Bay’s new lagoon villas in South Bank. These private houses are perfect for families and luxury travelers, offering a breathtaking man-made lagoon. South Bank, opening for bookings this fall, features four types of low-density accommodations: ocean estate villas, lagoon villas, boathouse townhomes, and luxury condos.
**Strong Supply Chain**
A strong supply chain is crucial for a great vacation experience. Turks and Caicos benefits from its proximity to Miami, ensuring that visitors can get anything they want quickly. This is especially important for luxury travelers who expect high-quality food and amenities. The island is one of the largest consumers of Dom Perignon in the Western world, highlighting its commitment to meeting visitors’ needs.
**Exceptional Food**
The food in Turks and Caicos is fantastic, thanks to fresh local fish, a strong supply chain, and talented chefs from around the world. Some standout restaurants include The Conch Shack, Omars, Sweeties, and Infinity. Don’t miss the Thursday fish fry, where local restaurants set up stalls to serve the catch of the day.
**Tips for Visiting Turks and Caicos**
1. **Get ‘Fast Track’**: To avoid long lines at customs and immigration, book a ‘Fast Track’ concierge service. Prices start at $70 per person and are well worth it.
2. **Direct Flights**: You can fly directly to Providenciales from several U.S. cities, including Miami, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Atlanta, Charlotte, Washington, Philadelphia, New York, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, and Puerto Rico. International direct flights are available from Toronto, Montreal, London, Cuba, Haiti, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, the Bahamas, and Antigua.
3. **Where to Stay**: Many luxury travelers choose Provo for its tranquility, as cruise ships dock on a different island, Grand Turks. Grace Bay properties offer various accommodations, from hotels for couples to private villas for families.
4. **When to Visit**: The best time to visit is from February to June for sunny days and warm waters. August to November has higher chances of rain but still sees high occupancy.
Turks and Caicos has long been a favorite among celebrities and those in the know, but with its growing popularity, it’s set to see record tourist numbers in 2024. If you want to experience its current charm, book your trip soon.

Portugal is no longer the overlooked Western European country it once was. Nowadays, it’s bustling with American tourists, and finding a quiet spot in Lisbon without someone photobombing your picture is a rare occurrence.
As overtourism takes hold in Portugal and prices rise, similar to what happened in Spain and Italy, it’s worth asking: Is Portugal still worth visiting, or has it become too crowded?
### Why Are Tourists Suddenly Flocking to Portugal?
Portugal, a small country on the Iberian Peninsula, shares its borders with Spain but faces the North Atlantic Ocean. Known for its rich history, Portugal has been home to various cultures over the past 3,000 years, including the Celts, Romans, Moors, and the Portuguese crown.
Lisbon, the capital, is famous for its seven hills, winding cobbled streets, yellow trams, medieval churches, monasteries, and imposing castles. Porto, in the north, boasts Baroque palaces, tile-decorated shrines, and a scenic river spanned by a double-deck bridge. The country also offers stunning landscapes, family-owned vineyards, and sun-kissed coastlines.
However, recent news highlights growing anti-tourist sentiment in Portugal, with locals protesting the influx of visitors and the gentrification of cities.
### The Impact of Overtourism
Portugal in 2024 is vastly different from the Portugal of the past. Frequent visitors have noticed the surge in tourism and rising prices. The once peaceful Alfama district in Lisbon is now crowded with Instagrammers, and the friendly smiles in coffee shops feel less genuine.
Despite this, Lisbon remains a great city break with significant cultural value, but the signs of tourism fatigue are evident. The same goes for Porto, the Algarve, and Sintra.
### Is Portugal Still Worth Visiting?
Yes, despite the crowds and higher prices, Portugal is still worth visiting. While main cities like Lisbon and Porto are busy and expensive, much of Portugal remains undiscovered. Hidden gems like Evora, a Roman-era settlement with a UNESCO-listed Diana Temple, offer a quieter experience.
Batalha, with its Gothic monastery featured in Game of Thrones, and towns like Aveiro and Carvoeiro, which rival Venice and Santorini, respectively, are less crowded alternatives. Ericeira, a short drive from Lisbon, offers golden sands and charming plazas at a fraction of the cost of more popular destinations.
### The Portuguese Islands
Most tourists stick to mainland Portugal, overlooking the country’s beautiful archipelagos. Madeira, a volcanic island with breathtaking nature, offers epic hikes, ethnic villages, and black-sand beaches. Porto Santo, Madeira’s smaller sister, features white sands and affordable beachfront stays.
The Azores, known as the Hawaii of Europe, are another must-visit. With impressive calderas, UNESCO-protected biosphere reserves, waterfalls, and thermal springs, the nine islands offer a subtropical paradise with mild weather year-round. The Azores are also budget-friendly, with affordable accommodations like Pes Verdes Hostel and Casa Branca.
### How to Avoid Overspending in Portugal
Portugal is still a worthwhile destination, especially if you avoid the tourist traps. While hotel prices are rising, food remains relatively cheap. In local pastelarias, you can get a savory pastry and a soft drink for $5 or less. Regular restaurants offer generous portions at reasonable prices, especially if you venture away from crowded tourist areas.
To find affordable dining options, look for places filled with locals. These spots may not be Instagrammable, but they offer great food at fair prices. Remember, the median wage in Portugal is much lower than in the U.S., so you can enjoy a meal without breaking the bank.
### Final Tip
To truly enjoy Portugal amidst the tourism boom, avoid being just another average tourist. Seek out the lesser-known spots and immerse yourself in the local culture for a more authentic experience.