Three steps. That’s all it took. I was three steps up a modest flight of stone stairs on our first evening in Cusco when my lungs completely slammed the brakes. My chest heaved, my heart hammered against my ribs, and I was forced to lean heavily against a wall just to catch my breath. Welcome …

Millions of Americans are heading overseas this summer expecting a flawless getaway. But while you might be focused on packing and booking excursions, the U.S. State Department and its global embassies have been busy issuing a wave of critical security and health alerts for some of the world’s most popular destinations. From severe crime warnings …

Over the past few years, a specific South American hotspot has exploded into one of the most sought-after destinations on the planet. Packed with incredible digital nomad hubs, world-class nightlife, and dramatic mountain backdrops, it has drawn millions of international visitors looking for an unforgettable adventure. But behind the vibrant culture and massive surge in …

If you’ve spent any time in a travel group or scrolling vacation comments, you’ve seen the debate play out. Someone asks if it’s safe to book a beach trip south of the border right now, and almost immediately, experienced travelers jump in with the exact same claim: “Honestly, I feel way safer hanging out at …

Picking a beach vacation usually comes down to three major factors: the quality of the sand, the warmth of the water, and the final price tag. But these days, American travelers are adding one crucial question to the absolute top of the list before they ever book a flight or reserve a hotel room. Is …

The term “all-inclusive” used to describe a very specific, slightly exhausting type of vacation. It brought to mind massive lines for a mediocre buffet, watered-down drinks in tiny plastic cups, and fighting hundreds of other people for a pool chair at sunrise. But the travel industry has completely shifted. Today, the all-inclusive model has evolved …

When the U.S. State Department flashes a security alert for a popular vacation spot, it is easy to instantly panic and assume your entire trip is ruined. But if you actually look past the scary headlines, these government warnings are usually incredibly hyper-focused. A protest in one specific downtown square or a bottleneck at a …

If you are gearing up for a Mexican summer getaway, you already know the drill. You want to spend your days drinking margaritas by the pool, eating incredible street tacos, and soaking up the sun—without constantly checking over your shoulder or worrying about your safety. When you start researching your trip, you will likely run …

How far would you travel to ensure safety? Even Cancun is designated as ‘Level 2’ by the State Department, as are numerous Caribbean islands. Icons like The Bahamas are battling PR nightmares with a newly issued security alert, and Jamaica is still recovering from Hurricane Melissa’s wrath. More travelers are venturing deep into the Caribbean, …

Summer in the Caribbean usually means two things: incredible beach days and keeping a close eye on the weather radar. But while most travelers are busy tracking tropical storms or looking for the absolute cheapest resort deals, they often overlook the most important part of the trip: actual on-the-ground safety. When you are planning to …

If you’ve been following along lately, the Travel Off Path team hasn’t been hyping up Cancun, New York, or Paris — we’ve been living up to our name. On the downside, venturing too far into the unknown can lead to some sketchy situations, so we decided to round up 6 safe travelers are flocking to …

Take it from a local like me. “California” and “government” in the same sentence often draws a side-eye. However, when it comes to tourism reports, our ears perk up like a dog hearing the treat bag. The latest government report doesn’t reflect the sky-high rent I pay or the high-speed train that’s been teased for …