North Korea to Re-Open Borders to Tourists in December 2024

When you imagine a great tourist destination, what comes to mind?

Some people dream of escaping from busy cities where they can get in touch with Mother Nature. Others are more focused on cultural explorations of architecture, art, and more. The spare few might instead be focused on language exchanges, volunteer work, and other immersive forms of travel.

But I doubt North Korea comes to mind for the average traveler.

Even adventurous tourists and fans of ‘dark tourism’ might have a hard time imagining a trip to Pyongyang, the nation’s capital.

That being said, North Korea has an active tourism department.

Visitors can enter the country through Pyongyang or even via train from the northern border it shares with China. Sure, tourists have very limited options when it comes to working with one of four state-run travel companies and using their smartphones.

Still, that hasn’t stopped brave-hearted travelers in the US, Europe, and China from wandering past its borders. Some visitors even stayed behind or returned later to work at Pyongyang University or participate in humanitarian efforts.

US citizens have been banned by the US Department of State from visiting since 2017.

But we were never the primary target for North Korean travel companies. One report from BBC estimated that upwards of 100,000 Chinese visitors explored the country back in 2019, along with around 5,000 Westerners.

But the country’s borders were locked when the COVID-19 pandemic started. And they’re only now preparing to re-open to tourists.

Let’s dig a little deeper into one of the world’s most fascinating (is that the right word?) tourist destinations.

North Korea preparing to re-open

North Korea was one of the first countries to shut its borders following the COVID-19 pandemic. From January 2020 until January 2024, the nation restricted most forms of travel in and out of the country.

Even when its borders opened in January 2024, only Russian nationals were allowed to visit. Recently, reports from two Chinese travel agencies (which work alongside North Korea’s state-run tourism groups) hint that tours will be limited.

At the moment, reports from China-based Koryo Tours and KTG Tours state that the only North Korean city that will open to tourists is Samjiyon. Whether other major cities, including Pyongyang, are open for visitors remains to be seen.

Samjiyon is a small city near the border with China that serves as an important recreational destination for tourists. Over the last few years, Samjiyon has been undergoing renovations to expand and improve tours that explore the sacred Mt. Paektu, the Revolutionary Museum, and the Martyrs Cemetery.

Tourism in North Korea: it’s bigger than you think

It looks like Samjiyon will be the only option for visitors who flock to North Korea this December. It reflects efforts to boost tourism, which has been a focus for the country over the last two decades.

Like most Americans, I’ve never associated North Korea with tourism. But it’s efforts to create a profitable tourist sector have succeeded, especially when it comes to the Chinese market.

In 2010, a tourist train was completed between China’s Dandong and North Korea’s Pyongyang, offering a more direct trip than previous routes from Beijing. Luxury hotels were put up, along with—brace yourself—two casinos.

No, they’re not open to locals, as gambling is strictly prohibited. Instead, they’re designed to serve Chinese gamblers who aren’t wooed by a trip to Macau. They can choose between a trip to the Hotel & Casino in Rason or the Yanggakdo International Hotel in Pyongyang.

Casinos aside, there are other familiar amenities dotting the country, including water parks, amusement parks, museums, circus shows, ski resorts, and plenty of great hiking trails.

So, there’s more going on in terms of tourism than you might think.

We need to talk about Dennis

I was shocked to learn that Americans were only officially banned (by the US Department of State) from visiting North Korea in 2017. Does that mean… Americans were visiting the country for fun before then?

I’m sure we can all name one American fan of North Korea: Dennis Rodman. He’s one of the NBA’s most controversial all-stars, former husband to Carmen Elektra, and North Korea’s most unlikely ambassador.

I don’t have the time to dig into what brought Rodman and Kim Jong-un together—it’s a long and sordid topic.

What’s worth pointing out to me is that Uri Tours, a travel company that specializes in taking Westerners to North Korea, facilitated the trip. And Westerners can still travel to North Korea with Uri Tours.

So, yes, Americans were visiting North Korea prior to the ban in 2017; Rodman was far from the only participant in tours from companies like Uri Tours. And while we’re used to hearing about difficult run-ins between American visitors and local authorities, thousands of Americans have visited without incident.

Miami Mixes: Best Cocktail Bars in The Magic City

For years, I’ve recommended Miami to my non-American friends who ask for suggestions on where to visit.

Miami is distinct from the rest of Florida (and much of the US) for a few reasons. First and foremost, its Latin influence can be experienced in many ways—from eateries in Little Havana to the reggaeton music pumping from cars on major avenues.

Beyond its Latin influence, Miami also stands out for its architecture and design.

From its Art Deco buildings to its distinct Miami Modern (MiMo for short) constructions, you’ll feel like you’re walking through an effortlessly chic world. Even pastel hues and neon colors haven’t fallen out of style in Miami.

Musical influences and architecture aside, one of my favorite ways to experience a city is through its cocktail bars.

Many cities have their own unique cocktails born from the mixologists of yore—and Miami is no exception. Local bartenders have invented drinks like the rum-based and frozen Miami Vice to the Tiki-bar-inspired Rum Runner. The daiquiri, though not invented in Miami, is also a staple that you’ll find in all shapes and sizes.

But where should you drink when you visit Miami?

If you’re on the hunt for a seriously good cocktail, I suggest boozing at one of these elevated Miami cocktail bars.

Sugar

Rooftop bar located in EAST (hotel)

What’s better than a cocktail with a view from the 40^th floor? A Balinese-themed bar that serves as a coworking space during the day and transforms into a swanky lounge at 6 pm. Welcome to Sugar, a drinker’s dream. With cocktails like Soft Silk Sip and Silent Tickle available, I’m intrigued. And thirsty. (And also feeling kind of flirty?)

Check it out

Over Under

A Florida-centric watering hole with tasty dishes

You’re going to be pressured to try the gator bites in Florida—and I suggest you do it here. Over Under puts a huge emphasis on style and details, which you’ll also notice in its curated food menu. It’s also got a solid range of drinks for those who don’t like fruity cocktails, including its elevated beer-and-shot combo.

Check it out

Beaker & Gray

Award-winning cocktail bar inspired by cool things the world over

It’s moody, it’s swanky, it’s not too brightly lit. Despite the emphasis on austerity, Beaker & Gray hasn’t lost sight of favorites like boozy brunches and shareable plates. If you’re on the hunt for an unforgettable and edgy cocktail without the pretentious vibes, head to Beaker & Gray.

Check it out

The Sylvester

A sustainability-focused bar with a focus on nostalgia

Who says sourcing ingredients locally can’t be groovy as hell? The Sylvester seamlessly bridges the world of sustainable mixology with a kitschy-as-hell design. Its menu is just as unique. For example, their Danger Zone Punch, features ingredients like spirits, berries, and danger. I’ll have five, thank you.

Check it out

ViceVersa

Classic Italian aperitivo bar offerings get Miami-fied

One of Miami’s best cocktail bars (the Michelin-rated Jaguar Sun) recently closed its doors—but core members of the team can be found working at ViceVersa. If you like bitter standouts like Vermut and negronis, along with more unique offerings like rum coffee and Lambrusco spritzes, then ViceVersa is your North Star.

Check it out

Sweet Liberty

A classic choice beloved by locals and tourists alike

Sweet Liberty is one of the least pretentious spots on this list—but that hasn’t stopped it from nabbing praise from The World’s 50 Best Bars and Time Out Bar Awards over the years. It’s cocktail menu shines. While hits like Gin & Juice and the Big Apple Martini aren’t exactly mind-blowing concepts, they’re crafted with love and care, and then sent out with a top-tier presentation.

Check it out

Brother’s Keeper

All things Miami converge at this cocktail bar & restaurant

I’m barely cool enough to be on this bar’s website, nonetheless to drink at Brother’s Keeper. Seriously, its cocktail menu is next-level awesome in terms of its twists on classics, inventive new ideas, and even its design. From the Millionaire Swizzle (rum-based) to the Filthy Cherry & Almond Manhattan (whiskey-based), I’m invested. While the cocktails are a little pricey, I’m convinced they’re worth the money.

Check it out

Airfare Made Easy: How to Use Google Flights & Booking

I’ve given up on a seamless airport experience, especially if I need to catch a connecting flight.

Airports are facing a myriad of challenges, from a lack of air traffic controllers to issues like lost luggage to the perennial risk of missing flights. In other words, it’s become very common for travelers to experience problems while in transit.

But that’s not the worst part of traveling by plane for me.

I’m even having trouble finding affordable flights and completing the booking problem.

I’m relatively hopeful that airports and airlines will stabilize in a few years. Most problems, especially those related to staffing, are the direct result of pandemic-era layoffs. In other words, most problems are solvable.

But I worry about the future of finding affordable flights. Like airports, deal-driven platforms have taken a hit in terms of customer experience and even functionality.

Fortunately, I’ve found a solution that works for me. One that helped me save on airfare without compromising on the quality of the experience or the validity of the booking.

Welcome to my new favorite way to book airfare: Google Flights and Booking.

The basics of booking flights

In case you missed my series on how to book cheap flights, there are a few tricks that any traveler can use.

Some involve avoiding dynamic pricing features using VPNs, while others focus on flying on the day of major holidays. Most of my advice revolves around understanding how airports and airlines work, along with discount booking platforms like Kayak and eDreams.

Those discount booking platforms are an important part of the equation… even if they aren’t without their faults. (More on this below.)

Deal sites are almost uniformly cheaper than purchasing tickets directly from an airline. And given many travelers (especially millennials and Gen Z) are on an ardent hunt for savings, signing up for an airline loyalty program probably isn’t a viable option.

So, how can travelers find cheap flights on platforms that don’t ramp up the total with price hikes and other sneaky tricks?

The problem with booking on deal sites

The issue with booking airfare on discount platforms is that they use dynamic pricing features to continually ramp up prices.

Want to switch out one of your flights for another? Price hike. Ready to finalize your purchase? Price hike. What about hitting the ‘back’ button to make sure you selected the right amenities? Price hike.

The closer you are to paying for your booking, the steeper those price hikes often become. (Airlines know you’re close to sealing the deal.)

Price hikes aside, discount platforms also have very low customer satisfaction ratings. Flights might be canceled without warning, causing a traveler’s entire trip to be swiped.

In fact, that happened to me recently.

I booked a round-trip from Barcelona to Milan using eDreams. I paid for my booking after three price hikes, received a confirmation email, and then went on with my day. Two weeks later, I went to check on my flight and realized my booking had actually never actually gone through.

I found an email notifying me that the original booking hadn’t gone through. Why? I’m not sure. The only explanation was an email with the original flights marked out with red with the word ‘rechazada’ (rejected in Spanish) next to them.

To be fair, I missed that second email notifying me that the booking wasn’t complete. Additionally, I was fully reimbursed for the charges without any problem. And I’ve had plenty of time since then to rebook my flight.

But the core issue for me is that these experiences make chip away at my trust in booking sites. (It’s not hard to see why many travelers are handing over this type of responsibility to travel agents.)

But there’s a silver lining to this airfare madness.

When I rebooked my round trip from Barcelona to Milan, I decided to stick with the same routine—but I opted for different providers. Not only was my ticket cheaper, but my booking hasn’t been canceled. Here’s how I did it.

The holy grail of cheap bookings: Google Flights & Booking

Google Flights works similarly to other discount platforms—just with a slightly cleaner interface.

I used Google Flights to shop around for the same offers that I saw on eDreams and Kayak. The major difference was that I had the option to finish the booking through Booking.com after selecting my flights.

Compared to at-a-glance estimates from eDreams and Kayak, Booking’s offer was around $50 more expensive. As someone who has used Booking in the past with consistently good results, I was encouraged rather than dissuaded.

If Booking was charging more, it had to be for good reason. (I mean it when I say trust is important.)

As I finished booking my flights (with the same airlines as the original eDreams booking), I wasn’t up-charged for a single thing. Not a single price hike—and, for whatever reason, I also wasn’t charged for carry-on luggage.

In the end, the booking was almost $75 cheaper than the original.

If you’re looking to book reliable and affordable airfare, I highly suggest you search for flights using Google Flights, then finish the booking via Booking.

*Caveat: Unfortunately, Booking isn’t available for all flights. But Google Flights offers a pretty straightforward price overview, so you should be able to find another good option. They also have a price evaluator, which lets you know what it’s normal to pay for a similar booking.

Alternative Atlanta: Why You Should Keep Escape Rooms on Your Radar

Escape rooms are one of my favorite pop culture topics.

In case you’ve resisted the zeitgeist, escape rooms are physical puzzles that challenge participants to solve mysteries. The goal? You guessed it, escape a room.

Over the last decade, escape rooms have taken off. But the trend is older than you might think. The first physical escape room challenge came from a Kyoto man named Takao Kato back in 2007.

But the idea of escaping a room using problem-solving skills first emerged in the early 1980s with the video game Planet Mephius. The point-and-click game included multiple room-based puzzles, requiring players to think their way past the door.

The idea stuck, going on to influence new game releases in the 1990s and early 2000s.

Fast forward to 2024 and you can find escape rooms in most major cities around the world. From Paris to Buenos Aires to Atlanta, they’re staples for adventurous thinkers on the hunt for a complex challenge.

But I was more than a little shocked to learn that Atlanta is the US’s escape room capital in terms of the number of providers and escape rooms. (Nashville, to my great surprise, is a close second.)

If you’re heading to Atlanta on the hunt for a good time, you might want to add escape rooms to your itinerary. Start with one of the providers listed below. They’re highly rated by escape room enthusiasts while also being accessible to first-timers.

Escape rooms? In Atlanta?

Atlanta isn’t a new hub for escape rooms. In fact, it was one of the first US cities to explore the trend.

Back in 2013, Seattle opened the very first US-based escape room called Puzzle Break. Only a year later in 2014, Atlanta’s Paranoia Quest set up shop in Georgia.

In quick succession, other operators in the city opened their doors. Breakout Games (recommended below) and Project Escape ATL followed shortly after in the mid-2010s.

Today, the city has around 155 distinct escape room themes and challenges that have been carefully crafted by its devilish masterminds. From alien invasions to art heists, Atlanta’s escape rooms are distinct, engaging, and very brainy.

While you might be imagining solving hardboiled mysteries while locked in a small room, Atlanta’s escape rooms offer something for everyone.

Need extra hints because you’re more focused on laughing with friends than solving problems? There’s an escape room for you. What about team-building exercises for new teams at work? Yeah, that’s available, too. What about terrifying haunted house-esque challenges? You’ll have more than a few options at your fingertips.

In other words, there’s an escape room for everyone in Atlanta. Here are some of the best.

Best escape rooms in Atlanta

Breakout Games

Welcome to the most varied and experienced escape room provider in Atlanta. There are currently ten escape rooms available with Breakout Games.

These cover a range of themes from escaping a volcanic eruption on an island to sneaking away from kidnappers to fleeing an asylum after the lights are cut.

Breakout Games gives players a 60-minute period to solve a diverse series of puzzles, including physical and mental challenges. Guests can take on a room alongside a handful of friends or with a single partner in crime.

It’s also a beginner-friendly option, as players can ask for more hints if they get stuck.

Book here

The Escape Game

Spread out across two locations in the city and offering eight different escape rooms, The Escape Game is one of Atlanta’s newest and hippest providers.

Its original location (The Battery) has a five-star rating from over 4,300 reviewers on Google—that should say enough. But let’s dig into what makes this company distinct.

The Escape Game offers a very high value in terms of its production. In other words, it looks and feels more believable than other escape rooms.

Its games cover themes like prison breaks, mishaps in outer space, and—one of my favorites—a gold rush-themed challenge. Its escape rooms are ranked in terms of difficulty, letting you choose the challenge that’s right for you.

Book here

PanIQ Escape Games

PanIQ is a Hungarian-American escape room brand that operates internationally. That means you’re benefitting from tons of experience, which has helped PanIQ enter Atlanta’s escape room market.

Similar to The Escape Game, elaborate productions are part of the magic. PanIQ also offers a unique range of themes.

Their Medieval Madness room has piqued my interest, along with its Wizard Trials challenge. While its number of escape rooms is limited, they’re distinctly in the realm of history and fantasy—topics that aren’t heavily explored elsewhere.

Book here

Big Escape Rooms

Big Escape Rooms is another smaller-but-solid option. In addition to recreational escape rooms, they also offer team-building challenges, family-centric escape rooms (nothing too scary or difficult), and ice-breakers for new coworkers.

Its seven unique themes are also covered in great detail on the website, including factors like difficulty, escape rate, and the number of clues offered.

Escape rates are kind of a big deal in escape room culture. Highly seasoned puzzlers are usually on the hunt for new challenges with low escape rates. Their ‘outbreak’ escape room has an escape rate of only 19%.

Book here

Best Waterfront Rentals in Montana for Spring & Summer

From small towns like Philipsburg to major cities like Missoula, Montana seems to have it all.

That being said, most people head to Montana with the hopes of exploring natural wonders. With the Rockies passing through the state, there’s plenty to do in the way of outdoor adventures. And that fun gets doubled when there’s a body of water nearby.

I’ve explored the most remote reaches of Airbnb to find some of the best lakeside rentals in Montana, ideal for trips in summer or spring.

Some stays are way weirder (in a good way) than I could have imagined. From historic train cars to shipwreck-style cabins, the state is chock-full of memorable lakeside (and riverside) rentals.

Here’s where I’m planning on staying when I make it out to Big Sky Country.

Scandinavian-Inspired Lake Front (Lick Lake)

Eureka, Montana

Let this Scandi-inspired rental take you into Montana’s quaintest forest. The interior is modern and clean, like the title suggests. But it also comes with all the Montana amenities you’d expect, like a wood-burning fireplace, views overlooking the lake and mountains, and room to roam.

Plus, you also get access to the owner’s private lake, Lick Lake, and a brand-new sauna. The lake also comes with added amenities, including a kayak and canoe. (There’s also a really cute dog featured in the Airbnb photos—but I can’t promise that he’s included with the rental.)

Book here

Riverside Historic Train Car (Missouri River)

Cascade, Montana

I promised you historic train cars—and here we are. This rental was once a Northern Pacific Railway Post Office train car but has since been renovated into a seriously lovely two-bedroom stay. But that setup is hardly to best thing on offer here.

Along with a very cool and historical unit, guests are also treated to a private hot tub that overlooks the Missouri River. Sure, it’s not nearly as accommodating as a lake—but the backyard has been built to offer views and a lounging area designed for soaking up the atmosphere.

Book here

Shipwreck Stay (Williams Lake)

Salmon, Idaho

I know—this rental isn’t actually located in Montana. It’s just across the border in Idaho… which makes it close enough to still earn a shout-out. Also, it’s built in the shape and style of a pirate ship, which makes it fantastic for those who like a waterside rental.

When I say ‘shape and style of a pirate ship’, I mean that it’s designed with three floors designed to mimic a ship’s three decks. One of its bedrooms is shaped like the bow of a ship, while one of its living rooms is designed to replicate a Victorian-era pirate ship parlor. Plus, there’s a direct path down to Williams Lake. There’s even a rustic pagoda for you to pillage.

Book here

Lone Pine Hollow (Private pond)

Helena, Montana

Lone Pine Hollow is located near the host’s home, which includes acres of private land—and a functional, swimmable pond.

Unlike most other listings here, Lone Pine Hollow is equipped with all the amenities you’ll need to start enjoying the water. There are paddleboats and canoes, plus a massive lawn that stretches out to the pond that you’ll want to spend time in.

This spot looks ideal for a large gathering. The home’s upper floor is lined with beds, making this a solid getaway for younger groups or families. In fact, the hosts also allow for small events (at an additional charge). I personally love an open-minded Airbnb host that provides access to a private pond.

Book here

Yellowstone Rangers Outpost (Yellowstone River)

Gardiner, Montana

Like the title suggests, this location is located nearby Yellowstone National Park. That makes it a top-tier choice for anyone who wants to explore the park during the day. But this rental also lets you immerse yourself in the rugged outdoors.

The patio out back provides a perfect birds-eye view of Yellowstone River below, letting you soak up the wonders of the park without ever setting foot inside of it. Plus, this rental was recently renovated, meaning you’ll have all the creature comforts you’d expect of a modern Airbnb.

Book here

Duck Lake Loft (Duck Lake)

Babb, Montana

As with the Yellowstone River rental, Duck Lake Loft provides a larger-than-life view of Duck Lake. While you won’t be located right beside the body of water, you’ll be treated to a view that overlooks the forest rimming the riverside—and it’s western-facing, giving you a seriously unspoiled view of the sunset.

The living room also overlooks Duck Lake, allowing you to soak up the views straight from the couch inside. Plus, it’s located near Glacier National Park, giving you direct access to the highly sought-after park.

Book here

Placid Lake Paradise (Lake Placid)

Seeley Lake, Montana

If you’re after a traditional lakefront stay, then I’ve found the perfect spot for you. Located right on Lake Placid, this newly launched rental offers a whopping 11 beds and 3.5 baths. For large groups of all stripes, that’s a big win.

But it’s the lakefront location and private dock that have stolen my heart. This makes it easy to get out on the water—whether you’re looking to fish, take a dip, go kayaking, or simply soak up the lakeside views.

Book here

Cowboy Lake Lodge (Cowboy Lake)

Emigrant, Montana

Looking for a classic cowboy design in your rental? (It’s a thing—you aren’t alone.) Look no further—this rental has all that country-centric design you’re after. From its stone fireplace to its leather couches, there’s an austere atmosphere at the Cowboy Lake Lodge.

Plus, you’ll have direct access to the lake, which is framed by stunning mountains in the background, including Emigrant Peak. The lake also comes with private biking and hiking trails, letting you get out into nature. If you’re a fisher, you’ll be happy to know that Cowboy Lake is supplied with trout.

Book here

Long-Term Travel: Why Are Travelers Opting for Longer Trips?

If you follow travel trends like me, you might notice there’s a new approach to vacation planning.

This approach revolves around crafting longer-term trips. No more weekend getaways or four-day escapes.

Travelers today are opting for longer trips that last at least eight days. This approach is backed by science and has been shouted out in publications from The Washington Post to The Wall Street Journal.

From lifestyle coaches to psychology professors, there’s evidence that longer trips allow travelers to unwind with greater results. It’s a chance to let their bodies and minds ‘log off’ from the work week.

And given most Americans don’t take all their vacation days available, that’s an important factor. After all, what’s the point of taking a vacation if it doesn’t actually relax you?

I recently took a week off to soak up the sun in Sicily. For the first three days, I had to actively remind myself not to check my email and other apps like Slack. I spent the first twenty minutes each morning reminding myself that I was off the clock.

I imagine I’m not alone in that.

But not every reason behind this eight-day vacation trend is based on science or relaxation. Some factors are largely mundane. For example, an eight-day vacation is appealing to many Americans because we tend to think of our life in week-long chunks, making a seven-day or eight-day getaway more manageable than a ten-day or twelve-day trio.

So what else is behind the fact that travelers are starting to opt for longer trips? Let’s explore.

Longer distances = longer trips

Seasoned travelers know that things haven’t quite been the same since COVID.

The pandemic required airlines to slash their staff, along with airports. Since then, many positions have been left vacant, translating to subpar (at best) airport experiences around the world.

In the last year, I have traveled internationally five times. Only one of my flights took off on time. (You’re my hero, Swiss Air!) Reasons for delays are varied, from a lack of air traffic controllers to volcano eruptions. That Sicily trip I mentioned above involved a day-long airport re-route thanks to smoke plumes from Mt. Etna.

In other words, the new normal at airports (whether due to short staffing or environmental delays) means that travelers are more at risk of spending entire days getting from Point A to Point B.

Longer trips help recoup these seemingly inevitable delays.

The rise of relaxation tourism

One recent article from the Harvard Business Review found that vacations are an important part of long-term professional success. In fact, overwork can even lead to subpar success rates at work.

That means that vacations aren’t just about exploring the world. They’re also about recuperating the mind, body, and spirit. I believe this trend is linked to a growing suspicion of ‘hustle’ culture.

In fact, this seems to be reflected in another travel trend: an uptick in wellness-based vacations. Whether heading out on a wellness retreat or booking a stay at a wellness-focused hotel, travelers are opting for more zen-like escapes.

And what’s more relaxing than a full week off the job?

Spending habits

Travel was once a novel experience. International vacations, in particular, were billed as the ‘trip of a lifetime’ when I was growing up in the 1990s. Even heading someplace close like the Bahamas or Mexico was a pretty far-out idea (at least in regions like the Midwest).

That phrase ‘trip of a lifetime’ used to have a lot more depth. Vacations to places like Australia, China, or South Africa truly might only come once in a person’s life.

Tourism has since become a commodity. Many tourists are willing to pay top dollar to see faraway places, wait in hours-long lines to sample famous foods, and otherwise take trains, boats, and planes to some of the world’s coolest destinations.

In other words, shelling out thousands (or tens of thousands) for vacation is par for the course these days. This shift in spending habits has helped generate longer vacation times.

Additionally, the roll-out of multi-day vacation packages and exotic resort bundles has also made it easier for the average person (who might not have so much to spend on a trip) to hit the road.