Affordable Upstate New York Towns to Visit for a Slow, Relaxing Vacation

When it comes to New York, there are three areas that tourists are usually familiar with.

The first is New York City—there’s not much to say about the Big Apple except that it considers itself the cultural center of the universe, and a good number of people would agree.

Long Island is usually close behind. While not too many tourists make it to Long Island, it’s home to well-known areas like the Hamptons and Fire Island.

Then comes Upstate New York.

It’s common to think that upstate comprises the rest of the state—which is further north than NYC and Long Island. In reality, ‘upstate’ refers to the northeastern portion of New York.

It’s home to places like Niagara Falls, the Catskills and Adirondack Mountains, the Finger Lakes, and the state capital of Albany. But, aside from well-known spots like Hudson Valley and Lake Placid, most travelers know little about upstate.

Ready to pull back the curtain on affordable Upstate New York towns to visit that won’t break the bank? Here’s your guide to landing a slow, relaxing vacation.

Affordable Upstate New York towns to visit

Seneca Falls
Watertown
Newark
Hornell
Elmira
Cortland
Rome
Corning
Glens Falls
Celoron

Affordable Upstate New York towns to visit

Seneca Falls

If you like nature and love history, Seneca Falls has all the trappings of a quaint Upstate getaway—with the slashed prices. While the city itself isn’t the cheapest, the activities available are mostly free or are highly affordable, such as the Women’s Rights National Historical Park, Seneca Falls Canal Walk, Cayuga Lake and Seneca Lake State Parks, and a charming downtown area.

If you really want to save and are on good terms with Mother Nature, go camping—there are plenty of great spots that are free or low-cost.

Watertown

Want a smiley, friendly community? Watertown is one of the most welcoming affordable Upstate New York towns to visit. Despite its small size, it packs a punch when it comes to outdoor recreation and historic charm. The downtown drag is dotted with historic buildings, along with mom-and-pop shops where locals are happy to share what makes Watertown so unique.

Newark

Yes, New York has its own Newark—and it’s nothing like its New Jersey counterpart. It’s quiet and close-knit, giving you the keys to a low-key trip. There’s also quite a bit of revitalization happening, meaning you can check out new shops and venues around town. It also has a small arts community that’s very LGBT-friendly.

Hornell

Often known as Maple City thanks to its large maple tree groves, Hornell is an affordable hub that showcases a new side of Upstate New York. Along with friendly locals, a walkable downtown area, and public holiday celebrations, you can hike and wander through some of the state’s most secret parks and forests. That’s because Hornell is located in the stunning Canisteo Valley.

Elmira

Welcome to one of Mark Twain’s summer abodes, where he wrote some of his most famous works and was later buried. It’s not hard to see why the famous writer liked the area—situated amid the mountains and near the Chemung River, Elmira showcases some of the most stunning natural corridors in Upstate New York. It’s also part of the Finger Lakes Wine Country, making it easy to visit a local winery.

Cortland

Thanks to the SUNY Cortland campus, this town isn’t really a secret—but it’s one of the most affordable Upstate New York towns to visit any time of year. The community is friendly and close-knit, public parks and extensive hiking trails are within reach, and the downtown area has plenty of shops and restaurants to explore. On foot, I might add.

Rome

History fans will do well in Seneca Falls or Rome. Rome is sometimes called the City of American History thanks to its role in the Revolutionary War. You can visit a nearby fort, which is also a national monument. Nature is also yet another reason to visit. You can take the Mohwak River Trail, explore the Delta Lake State Park, and check out the ultra-unique Rome Sand Plains, home to pine barrens just like those in New Jersey.

Corning

Considered one of the friendliest and most affordable towns in the Finger Lakes region, there are plenty of reasons to visit Corning. First, it’s close to the Finger Lakes, giving you access to trails and waterside activities. Second, it’s got a lovely little downtown market area, known as the Gaffer District. Third, and most importantly, it’s got the Museum of Glass. There, you can learn about the history of glassmaking and even try your hand at the ancient art.

Glens Falls

Glens Falls is the top pick for affordable upstate New York towns to visit for families. The town is overwhelmingly family-friendly, from its public parks to its wonderful library. It also has a few other secret ingredients, such as historic sites from the French and Indian War, tons of hiking and biking trails in the nearby Adirondacks, and a wonderful range of theatres and galleries, including the Hyde Collection.

Celoron

Located on Chautauqua Lake and the birthplace of Lucille Ball, Celoron gives you a balance of natural wonders and pop culture. (It doesn’t get any better for travelers like me.) As an added bonus, you also have access to the Lake Erie Wine Trail and will notice historic sites and buildings around the town, which date back to the 1700s.

EU Triples Price for 2026’s ETIAS Entry Form

After years of ongoing delays, it looks like there’s another update for the EU’s intended ETIAS fees and forms.

Here’s a quick catch-up: The EU has plans to launch a new entry-exit system for its borders, known as the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). The goal is to make it easier to track, log, and regulate movements in and out of the Schengen Zone by citizens of visa-free countries.

Additionally, the ETIAS will include a small fee, which covers the setup and ongoing operations of the new, expanded digitized system.

But ongoing delays have set ETIAS back years from its original launch date in 2021. Those delays are thanks to the various states involved; each has had to create and launch a digital entry-exit system (EES) before the EU can integrate operations into a single, unified ETIAS system.

In short: no EES, no ETIAS.

Since I’ve been covering ETIAS, it’s been pushed back to 2022, then 2023, and then to early 2025. Now, it’s slated to launch in the last quarter of 2026. (If I were a betting woman, I’d say we have a few more years to wait still.)

There’s now a new fly in the ointment—it’s not another delay but instead a price hike.

Originally, the ETIAS form would cost around $8 (or €7). Now, it’s up to $23 (or €20), almost three times the original announcement.

Why is the ETIAS more expensive all of a sudden?

Let’s compare visa fees in the US, UK, and EU. The US has an ESTA fee (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) of $21, and the UK recently launched a new ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) form that costs around $25. Viewed side by side, the EU’s ETIAS fee isn’t high.

Still, tripling the price for a travel fee that’s already been delayed for four years has rightfully raised some eyebrows.

What’s with the sudden up-charge?

First, the price hike isn’t official; it still needs to be approved by European Parliament sometime within the next two months.

Second, it likely accounts for the big tech that’s going behind the new EES. Similar to the US, which has a similar program that cross-references huge portions of data, the EU’s new ETIAS system will cover the entirety of the Schengen Zone—which includes countries that aren’t in the European Union.

This region comprises the world’s most active tourist zone, which welcomed over 2.5 billion visitors last year. That’s compared to the US’s 73 million visitors in 2024. That’s a huge gap in visitor numbers compared to the price points, which is almost the same for someone who wants to visit the US or EU.

In other words, the ETIAS (and EES) is a much larger and more complex operation than originally anticipated, which is why the project has seen delays and, more recently, a new (higher) price.

Berlin Tours in English: 7 Tips & Insights from an Expert Guide

If you’ve taken a tour from a passionate, knowledgeable guide, I’m sure you already know: they can turn a vacation from good to great.

Aside from giving you a great experience, a tour from a qualified guide can also introduce you to new passions and interests.

That being said, not all guides are created equally. I’m a fan of a particular type of guide—one who is local, who has practical knowledge about what they’re talking about, and one who has a few (possibly strong) opinions about the topic at hand.

The big question is… how do you find local tour guides?

Usually, I focus on tours that are easily accessible. That means I recommend a lot of TripAdvisor, Viator, and GetYourGuide tours because tourists are familiar with these companies.

That being said, my favorite tour company to recommend is ToursByLocals.

It’s a company that I’ve covered before, thanks to its sterling promise of ethical tours from local experts. (This article isn’t sponsored, either—I’m actually a big fan of the company and think their approach to tour-providing can alleviate many tensions that are becoming common in tourist zones.)

This time around, I’m zeroing in on tips for Berlin tours in English from a local expert, Marriette.

She graciously answered a short questionnaire about her experience offering tours to travelers in her home of Berlin, Germany. If you want to book a tour in the city, I highly recommend working with Marriette.

If not, enjoy these insights and tips that are based on her twenty years of experience offering Berlin tours in English. (And German, of course!)

“Local guides don’t just show you the highlights – we bring the city to life.” -Marriette

Berlin tours in English: tips & insights from a local expert

Berlin isn’t like other cities—meaning relying on local guides is important

In a city with so much recent history, delving into Berlin’s identity isn’t as simple as booking a basic tour. According to Marriette, the main advantage of booking with local guides is that they have personal stories, a sense of humor, and know all the little details that bring Berlin to life.

As Marriette puts it, you’re not just listening to a history lesson—you’re walking through a living story.

Marriette loves Berlin’s hidden courtyards

Want to know one spot in Berlin you wouldn’t find without an expert local guide like Marriette? Courtyards—which is something I never would have guessed, and I’ve visited Berlin a handful of times. Normally, travelers like me waltz past these locations without realizing we’re missing those kinds of hidden corners that are full of character, charm, and history.

Local tours take a personal turn

One of Marriette’s most memorable tour moments occurred at the Berlin Wall. Like I mentioned above, Berlin is dotted with historical markers—and many of its residents remember the Cold War. During one tour to the Berlin Wall, a Finnish traveler told her a story about how his father helped one East Berliner flee the city during the Cold War.

The traveler’s father (also Finnish) was working a construction job in Berlin during the peak of the Cold War. One night at a bar, he met a local man with an uncanny resemblance. The Finnish construction worker agreed to hand over his passport so that the East Berliner could flee, as authorities wouldn’t be able to tell them apart based on the photo.

After a few hours, which had given the East Berliner plenty of a head start, the Finnish construction worker reported the passport as stolen, and authorities were none the wiser. That act of kindness bonded the men forever, and they continued to call each other on Christmas to check in.

She recommends skipping the fast food

Berlin has an up-and-coming foodie scene that flies under the radar for many visitors. Not only can you find delicious German staples, but also find imaginative new concepts in dining. Marriette recommends skipping the chain restaurants and being brave as you sample a new menu. Even if you don’t like the dish, you’ve opened yourself up to a new experience!

Berlin always has something new to explore—and guides know the way

One reason Marriette is so passionate about giving tours in Berlin is the city’s ‘layered, strange, honest, rebellious’ nature—and I’m quoting Marriette on that. Once again, cities like Berlin aren’t nearly as easy to quantify, summarize, and explore as we might imagine. The more daring and innovative a city, the more cool, new projects are constantly taking off.

In other words, how can you actually expect to dig into new shops, restaurants, venues, and more without the help of a guide—especially in a city as large, dynamic, and complex as Berlin.

Marriette is dreaming of visiting Japan

One of my favorite questions to ask local guides when I’m on a tour is which country or city they want to visit. (It’s kind of like asking your favorite musician for the name of their favorite musician, no?) Marriette is dreaming of a trip to Japan. She enjoys slow travel and would love to sink into the rhythm of life in Japan, sampling traditional rituals and things like vending machine culture.

10 Things Nobody Tells You About Visiting Japan

Since 2020, Japan has become one of the most popular destinations for Americans who want a dose of culture, inspiration, and that je ne sais quoi factor. (That’s French for I don’t know what, if you’ve been wondering.)

Watching Japan’s quick rise in travel popularity has always tickled me.

As a former student of ethnography, I view Japan as one of the most insular nations in the world—at least, when it comes to culture.

Let me be clear: Japanese people are incredibly kind, devoted to maintaining social harmony, and hardworking. I could keep listing those positive attributes, but I’m guessing you’re already familiar if you’re planning to visit the country.

At the same time, Japan has a pretty strict take on what is and isn’t Japanese.

In other words, there’s a very strong sense of who Japanese people are in terms of culture, language, history, and even—oh, no, here it comes—race.

The Ainu people from Hokkaido, for example, faced social and legal difficulties until the 1980s for diverging from the ‘norm’. Today, only around a dozen Japanese citizens speak the critically endangered Ainu language. In short, there’s a lot going on under the surface of Japan’s kawaii image.

Another great example of Japan’s insular cultural stance is its isolationist history, which was known as sakoku. From 1603 until 1867, Japan’s Tokugawa Shogunate allowed limited interactions with Dutch and Chinese traders. The goal was to preserve culture and prevent religious or colonial influences from taking hold.

Again, I hope I’m not painting a negative picture of life in Japan or Japanese people. Instead, I’m hoping to point out that our impression of life in Japan is one that’s generated by pop culture.

And if you’re visiting the country soon, you might want a crash course in what life in Japan looks like on the ground before boarding your flight.

Here’s what nobody tells you about visiting Japan, in no particular order.

10 things nobody tells you about visiting Japan

People smoke

When I was growing up in Missouri in the 90s, you could still smoke in restaurants. In fact, bars in Saint Louis still have the right to let patrons smoke inside, so long as they don’t sell food. Fast forward thirty years, and smoking sections have become smaller and harder to find across the United States.

That’s not the case in Japan. Not only do people smoke on the streets, but it’s also par for the course in some bars and restaurants.

Chopstick etiquette is a thing

I’m sure we’ve all heard rumors—don’t leave your chopsticks standing up in rice because it means you’re going to a funeral. Something like that.

Here’s the truth: Japanese people will (most likely) know you’re a foreigner and that the standard rules don’t apply. Still, you might want to observe the people around you. How do they use their chopsticks? What don’t they do? Though you don’t need to know the ins and outs, you should know that chopstick etiquette is socially important.

So is saving face

Similar to chopstick etiquette, the concept of saving face is prevalent. At its most basic, saving face is about preserving someone else’s dignity. For example, if someone gets you a gift in Japan, don’t open it in front of them—you’ll be making them lose face.

I highly suggest learning a thing or two about saving face. Even though I studied the concept in Taiwan and Thailand back when I was a student, it’s still pretty hard for me to wrap my head around. Here’s a great rundown from CrossCulture Academy.

Beware of tipping

Tipping isn’t a big thing beyond North America. In fact, you might offend someone in Japan by offering them a gift. Like I mentioned up top, Japanese culture values hard work, meaning a waiter or driver isn’t working for tips. Instead, they’re working for a fair wage and take pride in what they do.

Don’t eat while you walk

Japanese culture places a strong emphasis on mindfulness and ‘being present’, meaning you’ll see people eating a meal and drinking without checking their phones or scrolling. In line with this approach, it’s not common to see people eating (or even drinking) while walking. You won’t go to jail for doing it—but the more you know.

Strong smells are considered rude

Even a strong-smelling perfume, as floral and light as it is, might be considered rude. Just like you want to minimize the amount of noise you’re making on a train and the amount of space you’re taking up, consider ‘nose space’. Even a fragrant deodorant might displease the people around you.

English isn’t that prevalent

English isn’t nearly as prevalent as travelers are made to think. Even if you’re in a major hub like Tokyo, you’ll find that many people speak a very basic level of English. Only tourist destinations and restaurants that cater to foreigners are likely to have staff who speak at a proficient level. That means you’ll have a much easier time on vacation if you practice a few basic phrases.

There are women-only subway cars

Thanks to some poorly behaved men, you’ll find subway cars in Japan that are solely for women. The goal is to keep the car safe even during congested rush hour periods. Hopefully, you won’t have any negative experiences—but just in case you want to stay on the cautious side, know that you can go to a ladies-only car.

Don’t photograph people

I think this should go without saying, but it’s easy to get excited while on vacation and start snapping pictures. However, I’ve had a few friends recently mention they got called out by locals for accidentally photographing them. Taking photographs of people who are living in their day-to-day lives makes them feel like exhibits in a museum.

Use cash—cards aren’t always accepted

Paying by card isn’t always possible, so you should have cash as a backup. Also, just a reminder—you can’t spend dollars in Japan. Even if your hotel accepts dollars, they’ll probably give you an unfavorable exchange rate.

If you drop something, go back—it will be there

One of the best things about traveling to Japan is feeling secure in terms of pickpocketing and theft. The country has an extremely low crime rate when it comes to petty theft. If you’re at a café working on your laptop, you can go to the bathroom without fear of robbery.

In fact, even if you drop your wallet in a busy spot, you can and should go back to check on it—if someone did pick it up, it was probably just to put it in a more visible spot.

Enjoy those toilets

My last factoid: Japan has some of the best toilets in the world. The seats warm up, the bidets are just right, and most toilets come with self-cleaning features. While the bathrooms are usually small, those high-functioning, booty-cleaning toilets make up for the lack of space. Enjoy them to the max.

Looking for Day Trips from London? Pick From These 10 Ideas

Picture this: you’ve got your trip to London all planned out, from your hotel to your daily itinerary.

You’ve got all the major boxes ticked… there’s just one catch.

You don’t want your trip to look like every other London adventure your friends and family have gone on. You’re looking for something a little more distinct—and you want to get out of London to experience it.

Lucky for you, the UK has a pretty solid train system. While it’s definitely hiking in prices, you can easily plan a trip to the countryside that won’t cost you more than what you’d spend in a day in London. In other words, England is your oyster from your London hotel.

The big question is—where should you go?

I highly recommend bundling a trip to the English countryside into your London adventure. While the iconic city is hard to beat in terms of sites and atmosphere, the English countryside is also tough to beat in its own right—especially when it comes to charm, history, and intrigue.

Here’s a little inspiration for you to find the best day trips from London that will complement your trip. All you need to do is wake up, head to the train station, then zip out of town for an unexpected, unforgettable side quest.

10 best day trips from London

Beaulieu
Bath
Highclere Castle
Cambridge
White Cliffs
Shell Grotto
Knole in Sevenoaks
Whitstable
Rye
Henley-on-Thames

Day trips from London: 10 Great Ideas

Beaulieu (Hampshire)

The Palace House, seen across the Beaulieu River (Getty)

How to get there: Take the train from Waterloo Station to Beaulieu Road Station, about 1 hour 45 minutes

Head into one of the loveliest stretches of the English countryside at Beaulieu, home to part of the New Forest National Park. Explore rolling hills, a large pond, and small patches of forest as you wander between historic sites, including the famous Beaulieu Abbey, Palace House, and the popular National Motor Museum.

Bath (Somerset)

View of Pulteney Bridge over Avon River in Bath, England, with sightseeing boat and Pulteney Weir (Getty)

How to get there: Take the train from Paddington Station to Bath Spa, about 1 hour 20 minutes

Along with Brighton, Bath is one of the most popular day trips from London. I’m not recommending Brighton here because I assume most tourists have heard of it. The same is true for Bath—but Bath is one of those can’t-miss destinations. (Sorry, Brighton! You’re also great.)

I’m of the opinion that you can’t miss Bath because of its natural beauty and seriously cool history. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to the elegant Georgian architecture that’s framed around the famous hot springs. But the real attraction is the Roman Baths, which are some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in the world. In England.

Highclere Castle (Hampshire)

England, Hampshire. 2 May 2017. Highclere Castle (Getty)

How to get there: Take a guided tour from London or take a train to Newbury Station, about 20 minutes

Maybe wandering around a village like Beaulieu or a town like Bath is a little too open-ended for you. If you prefer to leave London with a specific adventure in mind, don’t miss Highclere Castle.

It’s a grand Victorian home (the size of a palace, mind you) that you might recognize from a famous television show, Downton Abbey. Even if you haven’t watched the show, you’ll find yourself staring around in wonder, possibly drooling, at the interior and exterior.

Oxford (Oxfordshire)

View of the historic Hertford Bridge in Oxford, UK (Getty)

How to get there: Take the Oxford Tube or another rail line, around 50 minutes

If you enjoy history and architecture, skip Cambridge for Oxford. It’s a bit easier to get to, especially if you take the Oxford Tube. (Other train lines offer service from London to Oxford, but the Tube is the simplest.) Soak up the literary and academic history by taking a tour, then enjoy the architecture—there’s a reason Oxford is known as the City of Dreaming Spires.

White Cliffs (Dover)

How to get there: Take the train from Kings Cross/St. Pancras to Dover Priory, around 1-2 hours depending on the train

Stroll a stunning coastal path along England’s grandest cliffs, the White Cliffs of Dover, on the southernmost tip of the island. There’s a new trail for you to explore, along with plenty of cafes and shops to stop and enjoy the views. If it’s a particularly clear day, you can even squint your eyes and look for France on the horizon.

Shell Grotto (Kent)

How to get there: Take the train to Margate from St. Pancras, about 2 hours

Want to leave England with one of the weirdest, most unforgettable experiences in your back pocket? Head to Margate in Kent. There, you can enter the mysterious Shell Grotto. It’s a 2,000 square foot cave system that’s made up of an ornate, endless shell mosaic that has upwards of 4.5 million shells. Who made it? Nobody knows. Why? That’s an even bigger question.

Bonus: Shell Grotto is located in Margate, which is one of the best day trips from London you can take. It’s an artistic community located on the sea, offering plenty of charm and sandy beaches.

Knole in Sevenoaks (Kent)

Sevenoaks, UK – April 11, 2015: Sevenoaks Old english mansion 15th century (Getty)

How to get there: Take the train from St. Pancras to Sevenoaks, around 1 hour 20 minutes

Want to take a look at a massive, historical estate that you probably haven’t heard of before? Head to Knole. The estate is around 600 years old and has been hosting tours for visitors for around 400 years, meaning there’s plenty to see and experience. From its fine arts collection to its host of wild deer, it’s an unexpected little gem—one that you might want to visit twice, if you’re a history nerd.

Whitstable (Kent)

How to get there: Take the train from St. Pancras to Whitstable, around 1 hour 40 minutes

This little seaside town is one of the best day trips from London if you want to see how locals unwind. Whistable is a popular town thanks to its calming seaside atmosphere, great seafood, and its maritime history. Fans of fish and chips, or foodies in general—don’t skip out.

Rye (East Sussex)

How to get there: Take a train from London Bridge Station to Rye (Sussex), around 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes

This lovely seaside town is home to soft sand dunes and a well-known nature reserve, making it a perfect spot to soak up the English coast. (It’s exactly the type of place I’d imagine sailors returned home with stories of mermaids in the days of yore.) Expect plenty of charming taverns, pubs, and restaurants where you can sample traditional British fare.

Henley-on-Thames (Oxfordshire)

Aerial view of town centre Henley-On-Thames on Thames, Oxfordshire, UK (Getty)

How to get there: Take a train from London Victoria, around 1 hour 40 minutes

If you want to feel like you’re walking through a Hollywood period drama, head to Henley-on-Thames. From Grey’s Court to Nuffield Place to Stonor Park & Gardens, the town has many estates worth exploring. Plus, there are dozens of historic shops, pubs, and restaurants, letting you follow your intrigue across town, then back again. Bonus tip: don’t miss out on the local breweries.

Why Did the DoS List ‘Increased Caution’ Warnings for Thailand & Cambodia?

If you’re starting to get whiplash from following the latest travel bans, travel advisories, and TSA updates, you aren’t alone.

In 2025, the US issued new warnings, expanded its travel ban list, boosted its visa fees, decided to leave UNESCO (again), and announced major changes to the TSA’s operations, from no more double screenings to a new shoes-on policy.

And that’s just a general overview.

I was a little surprised to see yet another travel advisory from the Department of State, this time recommending that Americans exercise ‘increased caution’ in Thailand and Cambodia. That raises the threat to a Level 2 status.

But why? And what do Americans heading to Thailand need to know?

Level 2 (& 4) warnings for Thailand and Cambodia

People who fled their homes near the border between Cambodia and Thailand gather at a food distribution site on the grounds of a pagoda in Oddar Meanchey province on July 28, 2025 (Photo by TANG CHHIN SOTHY/AFP via Getty Images)

Civil unrest and skirmishes along the Thai-Cambodian border have raised the potential for expanded military conflict across the region. The Department of State warns Americans to avoid areas like Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat areas of Thailand, where insurgent groups are active.

Additionally, the Department of State warns Americans to avoid any location that’s within 50km to the border between the nations. Areas within 50km of the border are elevated to a Level 4 risk category because armed conflicts are still ongoing.

This might not come as a surprise if you’ve been watching headlines. As recently as July 28, the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, announced a ceasefire between the nations, which has partly been brokered thanks to US and Malaysian intervention.

However, the boosted Level 2 Increased Caution warnings remain in place. Tensions along the border have been steadily rising since a deadly incident in May, and have displaced upwards of 300,000 people from both nations.