travel tips

The Most Overrated vs Underrated Summer Destinations – Timeless Travel Wisdom for Smarter Trips

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A peaceful beach town with minimal tourists, representing underrated summer destinations

What travel blogs won’t tell you—but your wallet will thank you for.

Why This Matters Every Summer

Every summer, millions of travelers flock to the same trendy destinations—only to be met with overpriced hotels, packed beaches, and Instagram-fueled disappointment.
Meanwhile, lesser-known places offer better value, authentic culture, and a more relaxed pace of life.

In this guide, we’ll compare 5 of the most overrated summer destinations with 5 underrated alternatives based on four key factors:
Cost
Crowd Levels
Digital Nomad Readiness
Cultural Depth

1. Santorini, Greece 🇬🇷

Overrated: Santorini

  • Hotels often exceed $400 per night during peak season
  • Crowds dominate the island’s narrow streets
  • Sunset spots are filled with selfie sticks and noise
  • Mass tourism has diluted local traditions

✅ Try Instead: Paros or Naxos

  • Similar Cycladic views and crystal waters
  • Boutique beachfront stays for $120–$150 per night
  • Quiet fishing villages and family-run tavernas
  • Ferry ride from Athens takes just 3–4 hours

Monthly apartment rental: $800–$1,000
Coworking scene: Small but growing
Best for: Couples and creatives seeking peace

2. Bali, Indonesia 🇮🇩

Overrated: Bali (Ubud, Canggu)

  • Dense tourism with inconsistent infrastructure
  • Price inflation on food, lodging, and transport
  • Traffic congestion turns short trips into hours
  • Increasing visa enforcement makes long stays harder

✅ Try Instead: Lombok or Flores

  • Breathtaking beaches and volcano views
  • Traditional villages with rich ceremonies
  • Diving, hiking, and nature without Instagram mobs

Monthly stay cost: ~$500–$700
Coworking: Basic, but fast Wi-Fi at guesthouses
Best for: Nature lovers, solo travelers

3. Barcelona, Spain 🇪🇸

Overrated: Barcelona

  • Tourist taxes, heavy police presence near Airbnbs
  • Overcrowded beaches and long lines at landmarks
  • High prices in peak season (June–August)

✅ Try Instead: Valencia

  • Similar Mediterranean coast with fewer tourists
  • Flat, walkable city with historic charm
  • Famed for authentic Paella and Las Fallas festival

One-bedroom rental: ~$700–$900/month
Coworking hubs: Multiple modern spaces
Best for: Remote workers, food lovers

4. Tulum, Mexico 🇲🇽

Overrated: Tulum

  • Party-heavy scene, rising crime, inflated prices
  • Ecological degradation from overbuilding
  • Disconnect between tourism and local community

✅ Try Instead: Mérida or Bacalar

  • Vibrant colonial city (Mérida) with low crime
  • Bacalar’s Lagoon of Seven Colors is a dream for swimmers
  • Cost of living is half that of Tulum

Monthly cost: ~$600–$850
Wi-Fi: Stable in most rentals, coworking optional
Best for: Cultural travelers, expats

5. Dubrovnik, Croatia 🇭🇷

Overrated: Dubrovnik

  • Massive cruise ship traffic overwhelms the Old Town
  • Game of Thrones fans flood every alley
  • Lodging is limited and expensive in summer

✅ Try Instead: Šibenik or Zadar

  • Quieter Adriatic towns with real Croatian life
  • Beautiful harbors, fewer tourists, affordable cafes
  • Great base for island hopping or slow travel

Average apartment: ~$600/month
Nomad network: Emerging, with quiet cafés to work from
Best for: Budget-conscious travelers, digital nomads

How to Find Underrated Destinations on Your Own

Here’s how seasoned travelers identify hidden gems without relying on travel influencers:

Checklist:

  • Can you find monthly rentals under $900?
  • Is Wi-Fi speed over 30 Mbps?
  • Are there coworking spaces or active expat forums?
  • Can you eat out for under $10 a meal?
  • Are locals welcoming to long-stay foreigners?

Search tips:

  • Use Reddit or Facebook groups like “Digital Nomad XYZ”
  • Search “city name + coworking” instead of “top 10 travel”
  • Check visa policies—some countries offer 6–12 month stays for remote workers

Final Tip: Follow Function, Not Fame

In today’s world, the best travel isn’t about chasing Instagram views—it’s about longer, meaningful, and financially smart stays.

If a place offers clean food, stable internet, local connection, and peace of mind—it wins.
Travel deeper, not wider.

📌 Next Up:
Hunting for a last-minute flight deal without getting ripped off?
In our next post, we’ll break down live tools and strategies to catch the cheapest flights before prices spike.

Your 7-Step Digital Nomad Visa Checklist for 2025

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A checklist graphic showing seven numbered steps over a tropical beach background

Provide a clear, actionable checklist so aspiring nomads can secure a Digital Nomad Visa hassle-free.

Introduction

Missing paperwork or small mistakes can doom your visa application—and your dream of working abroad. Follow this seven-step checklist to gather the right documents, avoid common pitfalls, and fast-track your 2025 Digital Nomad Visa in top destinations.

1. Confirm Eligibility & Visa Type

  • Action: Research your target country’s Digital Nomad Visa requirements (e.g., Georgia, Portugal, Croatia).
  • Checklist:
    • Minimum monthly income threshold (often $2,000–$3,500)
    • Permitted visa duration (6–24 months)
    • Renewal rules

2. Proof of Income & Employment

  • Action: Compile evidence of stable income or contract work.
  • Checklist:
    • Bank statements showing 3–6 months of income
    • Letter from employer or freelance contracts
    • Recent pay stubs or invoicing history

3. Valid Passport & Photographs

  • Action: Verify passport validity and photo specs.
  • Checklist:
    • Passport valid for at least 6 more months
    • Two recent color passport-style photos (2×2 inches)
    • White background, neutral expression

4. Health Insurance Coverage

  • Action: Purchase a policy valid in your destination.
  • Checklist:
    • Minimum coverage meeting local requirements (often $50,000+)
    • Include medical evacuation clause
    • Print out certificate and policy summary

5. Background Check & References

  • Action: Obtain criminal record and/or professional references.
  • Checklist:
    • Police clearance certificate (translated/notarized if required)
    • Two professional references with contact info
    • Notarization or apostille if required

6. Application Forms & Fees

  • Action: Complete all official forms accurately.
  • Checklist:
    • Download the correct visa application form
    • Fill out legibly in English (or local language)
    • Pay the visa fee (often $100–$200) and save the receipt

7. Submission & Follow-Up

  • Action: Submit online or at consulate, then track your application.
  • Checklist:
    • Upload or hand-deliver all documents
    • Note the tracking/reference number
    • Set calendar reminders for follow-up emails after 2 weeks

Conclusion & Next Steps

With these seven steps, you’ll avoid delays and maximize your chances of approval. As soon as you submit, share your confirmation number with us for a free “Welcome Kit” PDF packed with local tips, coworking recommendations, and budget hacks.

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How to Choose the Best Travel Insurance for Your Trip

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2025 global travel tips providing essential health and currency exchange information

Traveling abroad is exciting, but it comes with risks that can turn your dream trip into a nightmare if you’re not prepared. One of the smartest moves you can make before boarding a plane is purchasing the right travel insurance. However, not all travel insurance plans are created equal. Here’s a complete guide to help you choose the best travel insurance for your needs in 2025.

1. Understand What Travel Insurance Covers

Before you buy, it’s essential to know what a typical policy covers:

  • Medical Emergencies: Hospitalization, surgeries, medical evacuations
  • Trip Cancellations/Interruptions: Reimbursements if you need to cancel or cut your trip short for covered reasons
  • Lost or Delayed Luggage: Compensation for lost, stolen, or delayed baggage
  • Travel Delays: Compensation for meals, accommodation, and transportation if your travel is delayed
  • Personal Liability: Coverage for damages you accidentally cause to others

Check the fine print. Some plans exclude pandemics, pre-existing conditions, or adventurous activities like scuba diving.

2. Assess Your Personal Risk Profile

Are you an adventurous traveler who plans on hiking, skiing, or scuba diving? Are you traveling to a country with limited medical facilities? Your risk level determines the type of coverage you need. High-risk travelers should opt for policies that include evacuation services and coverage for extreme sports.

3. Compare Coverage Limits, Not Just Prices

A common mistake is choosing insurance solely based on the cheapest price. Instead, compare:

  • Medical coverage limit (should be at least $100,000)
  • Emergency evacuation limit
  • Trip cancellation limit
  • Deductibles (out-of-pocket costs before insurance kicks in)

A slightly more expensive plan could save you tens of thousands of dollars if something goes wrong.

4. Look for 24/7 Customer Support

Accidents don’t follow a 9-to-5 schedule. Ensure your insurer offers 24/7 multilingual customer support. Quick assistance during an emergency can make a critical difference when you’re abroad and vulnerable.

5. Choose a Reputable Insurance Provider

Not all insurers are trustworthy. Check online reviews, claim settlement ratios, and whether the company is licensed in your home country. Reputable providers often offer seamless claims processes and better customer service.

6. Understand Exclusions and Fine Print

Many travelers skip reading the policy document carefully. Understand what’s excluded:

  • Pre-existing medical conditions
  • Adventure sports
  • Acts of terrorism
  • Natural disasters Some providers offer add-ons for specific risks, so tailor your policy if needed.

7. Consider COVID-19 and Pandemic Coverage

Although most countries have eased restrictions, COVID-19 remains a factor. Choose a policy that explicitly covers pandemic-related issues such as treatment, quarantine expenses, and trip cancellations due to positive test results.

8. Use Comparison Websites Wisely

Platforms like Squaremouth, InsureMyTrip, and TravelInsurance.com allow you to compare plans easily. However, always cross-check the policy directly on the insurer’s website to verify details before buying.

Final Thoughts

Travel insurance is more than just an additional cost—it’s an investment in your peace of mind. Choosing the right plan tailored to your trip and personal risk profile can protect you from unexpected financial disasters. Spend time comparing your options carefully, and you’ll travel confidently, knowing you’re covered no matter what happens.