Do You Like Wicked? You’ll Love These 3 UK Campgrounds

I remember my first time hearing about Wicked… which was also the first time I heard someone in my middle school class try to sing ‘Popular’.

For weeks, I heard the song on repeat—not from the radio, but from thespians at my school. It was a trying time. Not only am I not a fan of musicals, but the song is also notoriously difficult to sing.

Since then, I haven’t heard much about the musical—until this year’s highly anticipated film adaptation started hitting the radio waves.

Despite my initial suspicion about the entire project, I’m planning to watch the film. And I’ll probably sing ‘Popular’ for weeks on end afterward, then dress up as the Wicked Witch of the West on Halloween. (People change, what can I say?)

What does this have to do with travel, you might be wondering?

Wicked tourism of all stripes will be taking off over the next year. And that includes a few witchy-and-wonderful campgrounds in the UK that you might want to keep on your radar. Each campsite feels like a different take on the Land of Oz.

3 campgrounds in England & Scotland perfect for Wicked fans

Wighill Park Glamping (Knaresborough, England)

With little arched huts dotting a bright green forest, this unique glamping experience lets you enjoy the woodlands in a magical fashion.

Want to unwind with a drink? Make your own concoction with a cocktail kit. What about warming up after a chilly hike? There are hot tubs for your pleasure.

Glinda would approve!

But the coolest part about a stay at Wighill Park Glamping is its proximity to Mother Shipton’s Cave. According to local legend, this is the location where a soothsayer named Mary lived in the 16^th century, prophesizing events like the defeat of the Spanish Armada and the Great Fire of London in 1666.

Ashleigh Farm (Lincolnshire, England)

If you’re more of an Elphaba than a Glinda, then you might like Ashleigh Farm more. That’s solely based on the look of its witch’s huts, which are funky, medieval, and magically distinct.

Each comes with a comfortable bed and a wood-burning stove for added charm. In fact, upon arrival, you’ll be gifted a welcome basket full of goods from the owner’s bakery.

After that, you can unwind at your own pace, soaking up the rural vibes or taking a walk to say hello to the farm animals across the way.

Macbeth’s Hillock (Forres, Scotland)

I can’t promise Wicked references at this stay—but maybe you’ll enjoy its association with William Shakespeare. Macbeth’s Hillock gets its name from the play where Thane of Cawdor is said to encounter three witches.

In fact, both Brodie Castle and Cawdor Castle are a short drive from the campgrounds. And rather than witches, you can enjoy the campground’s sprawling wildflower meadows and ocean views. (You can even go fishing if you like.)

When the day is done, you can cozy up in one of the five wooden cabins on the grounds, each of which has its own bathroom and kitchenette.

Make 2025 Your Year of Budget Travel With These 7 Expert Tips

My travel journey started when I was fresh out of high school. Like most other college students, I was living on the bare minimum for four years straight.

During that time, I was also studying in Costa Rica, India, Thailand, Taiwan, Australia, and more. It wasn’t just a crash course in traveling on a budget; it was something I had to figure out as a student with limited funds and a voracious appetite to explore.

Today, I can splurge here and there on travel—from a nicer hotel stay to a gourmet meal. But I still tend to approach trip planning with a shoestring budget in mind, and I still do my research before finalizing my plans to look for cheaper options.

Though I’m not bound to a shoestring budget anymore, it’s instinct. One that I’m glad I have.

If you’re new to budget travel and/or want to streamline your penny-saving, then get a leg up with this list of budget travel tips. They come from financial advisors and experts, well-known backpackers and travelers, and a few hard-learned lessons.

Though this is just an introduction to budget travel, I’ve been relying on these tips with great success since I left home back in 2011.

The core tenets of budget travel

Tip #1: No, you don’t need to use points or miles

Let me start here, my fellow Americans: I do not understand the hype of using credit card rewards for travel purposes because you need to spend money to earn those savings.

Spending money to get savings is weird, roundabout logic to me… one that provides little savings with tons of fine print in the case of credit card travel rewards.

In my opinion, travelers should have a travel credit card that prevents them from paying international fees when they spend abroad—nothing more.

So, how can you save on flights, you might be asking? Opt for the lowest economy tier, take those long layovers, and give yourself a few extra days to get to and from your destination.

But know that the era of truly cheap flights is behind us.

Tip #2: Start with your hard limits in mind

It doesn’t matter if you’re budgeting for your wedding or a casual trip—you need to start with your hard limits in mind.

In the case of budget travel, I suggest letting your budget decide where you go. Some destinations are simply out of range for smaller budgets; no amount of research will change that. (More on this below.)

Once you’ve set your budget, then start with the most expensive bookings: flights and hotels. Neighborhood is a big deal here; you can usually save by staying outside of the city center. (This is a good thing, as some of the world’s coolest neighborhoods are off the tourist track.)

After lodging and transportation, tours, experiences, and tickets should be your next focus. Lastly, think about food and drinks.

Tip #3: **Flexibility really matters** in budget travel

Flexibility is your best friend when you’re planning a budget trip.

The more flexible you are, the better you’re able to take advantage of existing travel deals. Most of these are seasonal, in my experience. Certain regions offer cheaper hotel rates and flights during the offseason—but every region has a different offseason.

The idea behind staying flexible is that you can avoid the travel rush and stay away from popular areas during their busiest season.

That’s the recipe here: avoid the crowds to take advantage of the offseason when all travel prices are slashed.

Tip #4: Don’t just book private rentals—be open to hostels and hotels, too

I’ve written about hostels for adults a few times—and I’ve lived the life myself. In Umeå, Sweden, my partner and I stayed at a YMCA after booking a last-minute trip to see a World Rally Championship race outside the city.

A few months later, we booked a last-minute trip to Berlin to see one of our friends DJ at a famous club. Like Sweden, Berlin is pricey—but we saved big by booking an adult hostel. In both cases, we had great experiences.

The YMCA was state-of-the-art and cozy, while the adult hostel in Berlin was trendy and located smack in the center of a great neighborhood.

If you can’t find a hotel or Airbnb that suits your needs, get creative. Not only are more alternative lodging options opening up, but they’re cooler and more affordable than you think.

Tip #5: The biggest overspending culprits are food & taxis

Stop spending so much on taxis and food.

Public transportation is easier and more accessible in many places around the world—remember, the US is one of the most car-happy countries. Most places offer functional bus routes.

For example, my partner and I stayed in an Airbnb in a lagoon just outside of Cancun. Anytime we wanted to get to the main drag, we took the public bus available outside the Airbnb.

We didn’t speak Spanish at the time, but it didn’t take long to figure out how to ride the bus. And we weren’t the only foreigners using it.

On that same trip, we spent most of our time eating at local spots. My partner loves spicy food, so we were on the hunt for little roadside restaurants with multiple hot sauce options. These were—hands down—the best meals we had in Cancun.

Eat like a local and travel like a local for major savings… and a better trip.

Tip #6: Go for detour destinations and day trip into hotspots

If you’re a truly budget traveler, you probably don’t spend a lot of time in hyper-trendy destinations. (They’re expensive!) Or you might stay just outside of them, day-tripping into the madness as you see fit. My experience in Cancun, detailed above, reflects this type of budget approach to travel.

But off the top of my head, I’m thinking about even more popular destinations. For example, if you want to soak up Monaco (which is very expensive), you can book a budget stay just across the border in France.

Take the public bus into and out of Monaco at your leisure—and save thousands along the way. Or whichever other fancy and pricey destination has caught your eye.

Tip #7: Avoid checking bags—even for long trips

The last time I checked a bag I was moving from New York City to Barcelona. Just like opening travel rewards credit cards, I’m a little suspicious of taking large, checked bags on vacation.

The easiest way to kick off your journey as a budget traveler is to throw your large, checked suitcase off the nearest cliff. Seriously—it’s not doing you a single favor in terms of saving money.

These are my hangups:

Airlines charge an arm and a leg for checking luggage.
Lugging around a massive suitcase prevents you from taking public transportation to and from the airport.
You might be tempted to keep buying things with so much space to spare.
They’re harder to store in shared lodgings like hostels.

KOA Recs: 6 Popular Small-Town Campgrounds for 2025

Kampgrounds of America (KOA) is one of the most well-known quantities in the American camping world—sort of like the YMCA of wilderness.

In the US, the KOA is the largest company in terms of private campgrounds. Since its founding in 1962, the KOA has slowly built a network of more than 500 campgrounds across the country.

For first-time campers and kids, the KOA is a familiar (and beloved) institution.

This year, they’ve got a little something extra for campers who are patiently waiting out the winter chill. Their recent Camping Hospitality Report digs deep into 2024’s camping data, from Maine to Nebraska to SoCal.

Rather than focus solely on the biggest campgrounds in the US’s most popular National Parks and Nature Reserves, the KOA took a closer look at some of its small-town campgrounds, tallying the most popular options across the country.

If you’re planning any upcoming camping trips in Spring or Summer, keep these small-town selections on your radar. Thousands of Americans favored these lesser-known campgrounds thanks to their natural wonders, friendly atmosphere, and amenities.

Best KOA small-town campgrounds in 2025

First-time campers do well at KOA campgrounds thanks to their amenities (Getty)

Sanger, Texas

Sanger is a small town in North Texas that’s known for its historic main street and relaxing vibe. Staying at this KOA gives you access to both the town and the surrounding plains.

That makes the Sanger/Denton North KOA Journey a perfect gateway to experience the area’s rural beauty, plus the atmosphere of its charming town.

The campground is spread across 55 acres and includes RV hookups and group bookings. Plus, it also has a unique dog-training area.

Check out the Sanger/Denton Campground

Hiawassee, Georgia

Hiawassee is one of Georgia’s best rural hidden gems. This Blue Ridge Mountain town abuts Lake Chatuge, which comes alive in the warmer months with fishing, boating, waterskiing, and other adventures.

At the Hiawassee KOA Holiday Center, you can enjoy the area’s activities and general serenity of the Bald Mountains with multiple lodging options.

Choose from tent sites, RV hookups, and even deluxe cabins for your next escape.

Check out the Hiawassee KOA Holiday Campground

Sutherlin, Oregon

It’s all about that classic American summer camp feel here (though you can visit in any season).

Sutherlin is home to a famous drive-in movie theatre, which gives campers a rare way to stay entertained on the grounds. Plus, the campgrounds also offer two unique lodgings: The Griswold and the Tiny House.

As a final coup, Sutherlin is also smack in the center of Oregon’s winery country, meaning you can drink your way through your camping trip.

Check out the Sutherlin/Umpqua Valley Campground

Sweetwater, Tennessee

Located in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, Sweetwater is a perfect way to foray into Appalachia. Blending rugged beauty with Southern hospitality, a trip into the historic town center lets you dig into local history and customs.

But you can also disappear into nature with the area’s lush forests and winding rivers. You’re also close to the Lost Sea, the US’s largest underground lake, and a marvel to behold.

Check out the Sweetwater KOA Holiday Campground

Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina

Don’t want to wander too far away from the city? This Mt. Pleasant campground is just outside Charleston, offering convenience and a more structured campground.

From cozy cabins to the large pool and playground, campers aren’t fully immersing themselves in the outdoors—which bodes well for first-timers and large groups.

On top of that, Mt. Pleasant offers plenty of family fun, from mom-and-pop eateries to the Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum.

Check out the Mount Pleasant/Charleston KOA Campground

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Similar to the Mt. Pleasant campsite, you don’t need to fully drop off the map at the Santa Fe KOA Journey.

This campsite offers cabin rentals and RV hookups, plus tons of tent site options. At the same time, campers are also close to rugged trails in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the Pueblo ruins in Bandelier National Park.

Check out the Santa Fe KOA Journey Campground

4 Reasons Lake Tahoe is a Sneakily Perfect NYE Spot

Lake Tahoe is a reliable, well-known tourist destination.

Want a fantastic winter escape? Head to Tahoe. What about a dreamy summer vacation? That also works. Family trips? Check. Romantic getaways over long weekends? Also check. Relaxing hikes through unspoiled forest? All over the place.

I could recommend Tahoe for just about any season, date, or trip purpose.

This time around, I’m recommending it as a New Year’s Eve destination.

While I’ve had Lake Tahoe on my radar for many reasons over the last decade, I didn’t once associate the area with New Year’s Eve festivities. Turns out that Lake Tahoe is one of the US’s best-kept NYE secrets.

Here’s what you can expect from an NYE Lake Tahoe trip, along with where to find some of the best Lake Tahoe NYE parties in 2024.

4 reasons to keep Lake Tahoe on your NYE dream list

Reason #1: Party spirit galore

The first time I went to Lake Tahoe, I was worried about bears breaking into my Jeep. (My back window wouldn’t roll up and that thing was full of delectable crumbs.)

Bear-scares aside, I quickly realized that I’d underestimated the area, both in terms of size and scope of activities.

I’d assumed Lake Tahoe was rimmed by one or two towns… not a list of nine well-established and distinct townships. When it comes to celebrating NYE in fashion, Lake Tahoe’s towns come alive with festivities.

In fact, most towns launch community-wide festivities to ring in the New Year. Between places like Incline Village, Kings Beach, and South Lake Tahoe, there are literally dozens of places to spend New Year’s Eve.

And many host over-the-top celebrations to ring in the New Year alongside locals and visitors. As December inches toward January, the largest parties start to max out as revelers purchase their tickets.

Reason #2: A range of choices

No matter if you’re in town with family, friends, or a love interest, you can find an NYE party in Lake Tahoe that suits your interests and budget.

If you’re into dancing all night to EDM, you can go to the Apres Ski NYE at Tahoe Blue Event Center. If you like live shows more, then head to Crystal Bay Casino to see the Funk Hunters deliver a soulful jam session.

If you want a more traditional take, head to the Winter Wonders celebration, which includes a larger-than-life drone show at NorthStar Village. If you’re in town to enjoy winter sports, then head to the Torchlight Parade and Fireworks Show at Palisades Tahoe—you can even go disco tubing if you want to hit the slopes.

The list goes on and on, so feel free to do a little research if those suggestions don’t hit the spot.

Reason #3: It’s a great place to recover afterward

Savvy travelers always plan ahead… which includes setting aside time for recovery after long nights of reveling. From NYE parties to concerts to high school reunions, it’s always a good idea to give yourself a day or two of downtime.

According to long-time Lake Tahoe NYE partiers, one reason they continue to come back is its natural wonders. It’s a perfect place to recover from a long night of partying.

On top of that, it’s a great place to kick off the very first day (or five) of the new year. Lake Tahoe’s laidback nature bodes well for outdoor activities, from introspective hikes to high-octane snowboarding. In terms of atmosphere, it’s family-forward towns also make it easy to enjoy those last few days of the holiday break without any stress.

Reason #4: Tradition

One of my favorite feelings when traveling is knowing I’ve found a spot that I’ll come back to. Now that I live in Barcelona, I’ve uncovered two repeatable vacation spots: Poland in winter and Sicily in summer. (I like extreme seasons, what can I say?)

Thousands of revelers have done the same for Lake Tahoe, establishing a multi-year tradition of heading to this Cali-Nevada town at the end of December.

Lake Tahoe has become a beloved NYE destination because it’s got the big night down-pat. In other words, you won’t find a place that’s as naturally scenic as lovely, has the same roster of fantastic parties, and lets you unwind with all the amenities and services you could want.

Are NYE Cruises Right for You? 5 Signs Yes & 5 Signs No

I’m regularly distracted by unique holiday cruise offers.

To be blunt, I’m not a cruise person simply because I’m not a fan of busy places, open water, or buffets. That being said, I have a few cruises on my short list—and I’m planning to take the leap in the next year or two.

Along with my interest in river cruises and cold-weather cruise destinations, I’m intrigued by cruises that take place over New Year’s Eve.

They’re bundled experiences, letting you soak up a traditional cruise with the added flair of a big NYE experience.

But all cruises have different angles, routes, and atmospheres. And while the allure of a ship-wide New Year’s Eve soiree sounds pretty intriguing, the average NYE cruise comes with a fair share of warnings.

Can’t decide if a New Year’s Eve cruise is right for you? Me, neither. Let’s dig in together.

For this article, I’m relying on traveler reviews posted on sites like Cruise Critic, TripAdvisor, Reddit, and similar public forums. (Note: This article covers multi-day NYE cruises instead of single-night NYE cruise events.)

First up—what are NYE cruises?

NYE cruises are shorthand for New Year’s cruises—which come in all shapes and sizes, as aforementioned.

The main idea is that you’ll spend the big night on the ship or at one of its port stops. Most NYE cruises are bundled as holiday cruises, which may or may not include Christmas Day.

The most popular NYE cruises for Americans usually take off from Florida and then head into the Caribbean. Again, every single cruise provider and program is distinct—so make sure you read the fine print.

The last consideration worth mentioning is that—just like NYE parties—NYE cruises are some of the busiest of the year. We’ll cover this more below, but if crowds are a hard no for you, then you might already have your answer.

5 signs you’re the perfect candidate for NYE cruises

NYE cruises usually involve thousands of teens and kids thanks to school holidays.

For some families, it’s tradition to cruise through the holiday season. For others, it’s a special vacation that they booked during school vacation.

The larger the cruise company, the more likely you are to be sharing decks, pools, and buffet lines with thousands of teens and younger children. If you’re traveling with your family, that might be a major plus. If not… maybe not.

*If you’re hellbent on finding an NYE cruise that’s adults-only, have no fear—they’re out there. Brands like Virgin, Viking, Saga, & P&O Cruises are all rolling out their adult programs. Just be prepared to pay a little bit more.

Sign #2: You want an NYE like no other

Whether the cruise docks for New Year’s Eve or not, you’re in for an unforgettable and unique night. Similar to amusement parks, many cruise companies go over the top to please their guests.

That means you can expect things like fireworks shows, live performances, special meals and drinks, and more. In other words, if you can’t stand to sit through another boring, too-loud NYE party, then cruise options are a great choice.

They’ll also be very loud, but the festivities are guaranteed to be worth screaming about.

Sign #3: You’re on a tight budget

NYE cruises are more affordable than many people think. In fact, many are discounted thanks to Black Friday and other holiday sales.

The magic here is that most cruises are all-inclusive or mostly inclusive, meaning you aren’t expected to shell out money for every experience. Again, don’t be scared off by the ticket prices—most come with everything you’ll need included.

Best of all, you won’t be price-gouged when you want to get a taxi home.

Sign #4: You want to travel but don’t want to plan a trip

Once again, NYE cruises take the work out of party planning. No need to figure out where all of your friends are going and whether or not you want to tag along.

No more figuring out how to get home at 4 am or worrying about what you’re going to eat in the morning. Cruises take the thinking out of vacationing.

If that’s attractive to you, then book that NYE cruise right away.

Sign #5: You want to lounge, too

Based on my arguments so far, you might be worried that NYE cruises are over-the-top party vessels. While that’s certainly the case on the big night, it’s hardly true across the board.

Remember: Cruises come in all shapes and sizes, including NYE cruises.

And most of them are geared toward relaxing just as much as partying. All you need to do is lounge by the pool, take a look at the sunset, have another nap before dinner, and then do it all again the next day.

5 signs you should avoid NYE cruises like the plague

Sign #1: You like freedom of choice

You exchange your hassles for freedom when you board a cruise ship. In other words, you don’t need to stress about building an itinerary… but you also can’t jump ship if you’re not having fun on board.

If you’re someone who likes to jump around from NYE party to NYE party, you might get a little bored with a single event.

Sign #2: You’re not sure how well you handle the sea

It’s normal for first-time cruise travelers to pack a lot of Dramamine—but I’d recommend avoiding a NYE cruise if you’re worried about seasickness.

What’s worse than nausea brought on by stormy seas? Another dose of nausea brought on by a little too much NYE champagne. If you aren’t confident in your stomach handling the sea, a NYE cruise isn’t the time to find out.

Sign #3: You don’t like crowds… or noise

Here’s my biggest hang-up about boarding an NYE cruise: the crowds and the noise. If you’re hesitant to spend time around so many strangers on a regular cruise trip, know that these worries will be compounded on a NYE cruise.

Remember—they’re busier and more packed than any other time of the year.

*Again, it’s worth mentioning that you can seek out adult-only cruises and smaller cruise ships if you want to avoid the hectic crowds.

The hyper-busy NYE cruises I’m referencing here are from the largest companies out there. I’m sure you can find a smaller and more modest NYE cruise if the crowds are a big no-no.

Sign #4: You don’t have many days off

Some NYE cruises are tiny and run for a single night, while others might come with ten-day itineraries. If you don’t have too many days off of work (or have a shift on January 1 or 2), then NYE cruises probably aren’t a good fit.

The most affordable options usually run over five days, while smaller and more bespoke NYE cruises usually require a day or two of transportation—especially if they’re international.

Sign #5: You hate dress codes

Many NYE cruises include dress codes for their parties, captain’s dinners, and more. That’s even true in the case of single-night or double-night cruises—you might be expected to dress up.

This isn’t a problem for me because I enjoy dressing to the nines, but I’ve seen quite a few reviews in which guests complained about the dress code—especially when they were in the mood to party and/or relax.

Hospitality Highlights: Countries With the Best Hotels in 2025

My love of great hotels is constantly piquing my interest in new destinations.

Off the top of my head, I can name some of my favorite picks. There’s Hotel Saint Vincent in New Orleans, The Pacific Motel on California’s PCH 101, and La Mamounia in Morrocco.

Slowly but surely, hotels are falling back into favor.

With cities taking a harder stance on private rental companies like Airbnb and with prices rising constantly, more and more travelers are turning their focus back to hotels.

Some cities make that a lot easier, offering cheaper hotel room rates while outperforming private rentals in terms of amenities, service, and location.

If you’ve been waiting for a reason to book a hotel for your next trip, consider this your sign.

Let’s keep the hotel-love train going to highlight the best countries in the world for finding an affordable and elite hotel stay. If you’re a hotel fan like me, consider planning a trip to one of these countries in the coming years.

You’ll have more options than you know what to do with.

Best hotels… what do you mean by that?

The data in this study comes from OneBed, a mattress company that knows a thing or two about nights well spent.

The team at OneBed analyzed factors like star ratings, hotel density, and pricing to break down which countries outperform others in terms of great hotels.

There’s a focus on four-star and five-star hotels, but OneBed also considered places with three-star and two-star hotels. Japan, for example, has a high concentration of two-star hotels that are highly rated and beloved by travelers—but its five-star selections are also more affordable than other countries.

The more you know, the more reliably you can plan unforgettable trips.

So, which other countries go above and beyond in terms of hotel hospitality?

Countries with the best hotels (2025)

Based on star ratings, pricing, and hotel density, you can find some of the world’s best hotels in these countries.

The Maldives has a high concentration of five-star hotels (Getty)

The Maldives is home to 141 five-star hotels that average $922 per night. The verdict: It’s a high-density zone for ultra-lux stays. Shop around now.

Qatar offers a hotel for every type of traveler. Its two-star hotels cost an average of $43 per night while its five-star stays cost an average of $237 per night. The verdict: There’s tons of range for all types of travelers in Qatar. Explore the best hotels.

Japan offers hotels across every star class, but you’ll do particularly well with a two-star stay here for only $28 per night. The verdict: Who says you can’t stick to a budget in Japan? Check out its best hotels now.

Switzerland also offers an above-average number of five-star stays (Getty)

Switzerland focuses on a luxury market with its five-star hotels averaging $617 per night. The verdict: Expect to spend big for opulence in Switzerland. Spoil yourself at a great hotel.

Iceland offers a rugged but high-end hotel experience. Across the country, its five-star stays average out at $1,165 per night—the highest on the list. The verdict: You’ll pay a lot for unexpected five-star adventures in Iceland. Look through its top hotels.

The UAE has a massive hospitality market that includes 87 two-star properties, 303 three-star options, 442 four-star hotels, and 331 five-star properties. The verdict: Similar to Qatar, you have tons of options in terms of service and pricing in the UAE. Shop around for its best hotels.

Austria gives you the best of both worlds, offering more than 2,000 three-star stays for an average of $113 per night… along with five-star hotels that average $511 per night. The verdict: You can find a few steals across the country by focusing on three-star hotels. Sleep well at these hotels.

The Seychelles is on-par with the Maldives in terms of its hotel offers (Getty)

Seychelles offers five-star stays for an average of $488 per night, a relatively low price for how high-class the islands are. The verdict: Splurging on a great hotel gets you farther in the Seychelles than in the Maldives. Shop around here.

Luxembourg is home to five-star hotels that average only $248 per night. The verdict: Small country, big (hotel) savings. Explore its top hotels.

Denmark is also home to five-star hotels that average $387 per night. The verdict: Soak up these five-star stays while they’re hot—cities like Copenhagen are quickly becoming European travel hotspots. Look for a great hotel here.