Authorities said Friday that the celebration has been allowed only under strict safety regulations, warning that the use of hazardous kite strings that endanger lives could lead to arrests.

Kite-flying had been banned in the province since 2005 following a series of fatal accidents. Razor-sharp metal- or glass-coated strings used in competitive kite fighting killed about a dozen people, mostly motorcyclists and bystanders two decades ago, prompting the government to impose broad restrictions across Punjab and effectively halt Basant.

This year, officials say strict safety measures are in place.

Motorcyclists are required to install tall, antenna-like metal rods on their bikes to prevent airborne strings from causing injury. The provincial government also declared a two-day public holiday to reduce traffic and lower accident risks.

The government of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif recently lifted the ban, emphasizing that the festival’s revival would be strictly regulated and violators could face fines or imprisonment.

As midnight marked the start of the two-day celebration, rooftops across the city came alive with families and friends launching vibrant kites into the cool night air.

“We’re finally seeing it again after so many years,” said Ashfaq Ahmed, 23, flying a kite from his rooftop in Lahore’s old city. “If people avoid dangerous strings, hopefully this joyful festival can continue safely in the future.”

Why Hualien Feels Welcoming for Queer Travelers

Taiwan is widely recognized as Asia's most LGBTQ+-friendly nation, setting a benchmark with legal protections, school tolerance education, and events like Asia's largest pride in Taipei. Hualien benefits directly from this foundation, offering "extreme safety and comfort"for LGBTQ+ people even without dedicated queer venues. Local hospitality emphasizes respect and warmth, creating a refreshing contrast to the high-energy scenes in cities like Bangkok or Seoul. Queer couples can hold hands or share rooms without drawing attention, mirroring the neutral treatment seen across Taiwan's east coast.

Travel writers note that Hualien's slower pace appeals particularly to LGBTQ+ visitors weary of urban hustle, providing space for authentic connections amid nature. The city's open, calm vibe aligns with Taiwan's reputation for treating same-sex couples "with ease, "especially in service-oriented settings. This understated acceptance positions Hualien as a "hidden LGBT+ gem, "ideal for those seeking respite rather than parties. Beyond Taipei, other Taiwanese spots like Kaohsiung and Taichung are noted for queer hotspots, but Hualien's natural seclusion sets it apart.

Natural Wonders and Outdoor Escapes

Hualien's primary allure lies in its proximity to Taroko Gorge National Park, a marvel of marble canyons, turquoise rivers, and hiking trails that draw adventurers worldwide. The park's dramatic scenery—towering cliffs etched by the Liwu River, suspension bridges swaying over foaming waters, and indigenous Truku tribe trails—offers intimate exploration opportunities. Queer travelers appreciate the personal scale of these experiences, free from the crowds plaguing similar sites elsewhere in Asia.

Popular hikes include the Eternal Spring Shrine trail, where a cascading waterfall meets a historic shrine, and the Zhuilu Old Trail, a thrilling cliffside path with ocean vistas . For gentler outings, the Qingshui Cliffs provide roadside viewpoints of Pacific waves crashing against sheer rock faces. These spots feel "almost unreal, "enhancing the sense of escape for LGBTQ+ visitors who can enjoy them as couples without scrutiny. Taiwan's east coast also features hot springs and beaches nearby, echoing gay-friendly relaxations mentioned in broader travel guides.

Cultural Richness and Daily Life

Hualien's cultural tapestry weaves Amis indigenous traditions with Hakka and Hoklo influences, evident in its night markets and festivals. The Dongdamen Night Market buzzes with stalls offering fresh seafood like grilled squid and oyster omelets, stinky tofu, and bubble tea, all amid friendly vendor chatter. Evenings unfold with seaside promenades along Nanbin Park, where locals stroll under banyan trees, and small eateries serve hearty beef noodles or peanut ice cream rolls.

The Hualien Cultural Creative Industries Park, housed in a former sugar factory, showcases artisan shops, cafes, and art exhibits blending modern queer sensibilities with traditional crafts. Amis Harvest Festivals in summer feature rhythmic drumming, traditional dances, and millet wine tastings, welcoming visitors into community rituals. This cultural immersion thrives in Hualien's respectful environment, where LGBTQ+ travelers engage without barriers.

Emerging as a Hidden Gem Amid Asia's Queer Travel Boom

As Asia's LGBTQ+ travel scene grows—with tolerant spots like Thailand's islands, Cambodia's cities, and South Korea's Seoul—Hualien distinguishes itself by prioritizing nature over nightlife. Taiwan's hosting of the 2026 Kaohsiung Asia Pride Games underscores regional momentum, drawing attention to offbeat areas like Hualien. Queer community insights highlight Hualien's value for "relaxing fully without hiding, "fostering deeper travel experiences.

Practical tips include basing in Hualien City for easy Taroko access via shuttle buses or renting scooters . Gay-friendly hotels like Silks Place Taroko offer couple suites with gorge views. Apps like Grindr show discreet local activity, though the focus remains on daytime adventures. With direct trains from Taipei , Hualien is accessible yet worlds away, cementing its status as an emerging queer-friendly retreat.

The old Las Vegas buffets didn’t make much money, but they allowed people to eat cheaply and quickly, giving them more time to spend their money on the casino floor.

But the number of buffets has dwindled to around a dozen on the Las Vegas Strip. Many shuttered during the COVID-19 pandemic and elected not to reopen with rising prices.

Before the Carnival World Buffet at the Rio closed in 2020 and was replaced with the Canteen Food Hall, it touted itself as Las Vegas’ largest buffet with over 300 international dishes to choose from. It had just about everything you could eat for around $30, said Jim Higgins, a Las Vegas food tour guide.

ARIA’s buffet, which stood out in its offering of Indian dishes and fresh-baked naan, also closed for good in 2020 and reopened as the Proper Eats Food Hall. The food hall offers several options, including ramen, sushi and burgers. Last March, the pyramid-shaped Luxor’s ancient Egypt-themed buffet closed. It had cost around $32, but many people ate for free with a casino comp.

Many of the city's old-school buffets have been replaced by trendy food halls and pricey celebrity chef-driven restaurants — and the so-called luxury buffet, making it now an attraction in and of itself. The rise of Las Vegas as a foodie town drove demands for higher quality dining, said Al Mancini, a longtime food journalist in Las Vegas and the creator of a food guide called Neonfest.

Longtime Las Vegas visitors liken the decline of buffets to the disappearance of the 99-cent shrimp cocktail, another iconic offering that had contributed to the city’s reputation as an affordable vacation spot.

“You wander in, you eat, you stuff your face, and then you stumble on out to a slot machine. It’s just part of the culture, and it’s sad to see that change,” Arizona resident and frequent Las Vegas visitor Ryan Bohac said.

History professor and Las Vegas native Michael Green remembers the days of the $1.99 buffet, where he’d pile his plate with fried chicken, corn and desserts. An advertisement for the Old West-themed casino Silver Slipper’s buffet painted that picture of plenty with the line “Tomorrow the diet, today the great buffet."

Las Vegas is a city where visitors like to pretend they have more money than they do, and buffets allow people to live like a king, giving them a “visceral thrill” when loading up a plate with crab legs, Mancini said.

Jeff Gordon, a frequent Las Vegas visitor from California, likes the “grand spectacle” of the high-end buffets like the Wynn’s buffet or the Bacchanal at Caesars Palace, which display mountains of crab legs and elaborate carving stations with prime rib and smoked brisket.

Still, Gordon misses the affordable buffets that were once plentiful.

“It’s like going to Costco and buying a $1.50 hot dog,” Gordon said. “You may not just buy that $1.50 hot dog, but you may be spending like $150 in Costco and other things that maybe you do need, maybe you don’t need.”

He thinks the decline in affordable buffets has contributed to the city’s growing reputation as becoming too expensive. Gordon thinks it’s hurting tourism as a whole, and discouraging middle-class Americans from visiting.

Locals say buffets have adapted to meet the needs of a city that is constantly changing.

“It was a great option in its day,” said Jim Higgins, a Las Vegas food tour guide. “I think the city has just moved on.”

“A Las Vegas buffet is an attraction at this point, and you’re going to pay for an attraction,” he said. “You’re not going there to get deals.”

At the Palms' A.Y.C.E Buffet, visitors can pay $80 for endless lobster, shrimp cocktail, sushi, snow crab legs and fresh pasta like lobster mac 'n' cheese. They offer specialty themed nights where hula dancers or mariachi perform. Occasionally a lobster mascot walks around.

It’s almost like a circus, said Marcus O’Brien, the executive chef at Palms Casino Resort.

Mancini said buffets will always be part of some visitors’ Las Vegas experience, and they’ll evolve alongside the restaurant scene around them in order to succeed.

“The Las Vegas buffet will never die,” he said.

Beginning Sunday, air travelers in the U.S. without a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification, such as a passport, are subject to a new fee.

It isn't a penalty or a fine — it's payment for non-compliant travelers to use the Transportation Security Administration's new alternate identity verification option called ConfirmID. But the process takes extra time, and paying the fee doesn’t guarantee you’ll make your flight.

The Department of Homeland Security says most U.S. travelers are already compliant and that the fee is meant to encourage the rest — those without a star-marked REAL ID — to obtain one.

Still, the new fee may catch some passengers off guard, so here's a breakdown:

What is a REAL ID?

It is a federally compliant state-issued license or identification card that meets enhanced requirements mandated in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Obtaining the ID means taking more documents to the motor vehicle agency than most states require for regular IDs. It was supposed to be rolled out in 2008, but the implementation was repeatedly delayed.

The updated ID is indicated by a white star in a yellow circle in most U.S. states. It has been required since May, but travelers without it — and without another TSA-accepted ID — were still allowed through security with extra screening and a warning. That changes Sunday.

Who has to pay?

Travelers 18 and older flying domestically without proper identification on them will have to pay $45 to verify their identity at the airport through the ConfirmID process. If approved, the verification covers a 10-day travel period.

Paying the fee, however, does not guarantee access to U.S. air travel, and passengers whose identities cannot be verified may be turned away at airport security.

“This fee ensures that non-compliant travelers, not taxpayers, cover the cost of processing travelers without acceptable IDs,” said Adam Stahl, acting TSA deputy administrator.

How it works

The service fee is paid online at tsa.gov/ConfirmID. Travelers will have to enter their legal name and the start date of their travel. Accepted payment methods include debit and credit cards, Venmo and PayPal.

Someone other than the traveler can make the payment, according to TSA, but the traveler’s information must be entered correctly.

Passengers will then receive an emailed payment receipt from pay.gov.

At the airport checkpoint, show a government-issued ID and a digital or printed copy of the receipt to begin the verification process.

TSA recommends that travelers pay the fee before arriving at the airport to save on time, as the verification process alone could take up to 30 minutes.

Other accepted forms of ID

TSA accepts digital IDs through platforms such as Apple Wallet and Google Wallet at more than 250 airport checkpoints in the U.S.

The agency has a full list of acceptable IDs on its website. They include:

— Passport or passport card

— Permanent resident cards

— Trusted traveler cards, such as Global Entry or NEXUS

— Military IDs

— Photo IDs from federally recognized tribal nations

What sets Dahlonega apart as an emerging destination for queer visitors is its understated authenticity. Unlike flashier coastal hotspots, this inland gem combines historic allure with a supportive local ecosystem. Queer-owned accommodations and establishments create spaces where LGBTQ+ individuals can relax without fanfare, emphasizing person-first hospitality. The town's proximity to Atlanta—about 75 miles northeast—makes it an accessible weekend escape for urban queer communities, yet it retains a small-town intimacy that feels worlds away.

Local LGBTQ+ residents and business owners describe Dahlonega as a place where inclusivity is woven into the fabric of daily life. Many downtown businesses are LGBTQ+-owned and operated, contributing to an atmosphere of acceptance that extends to visitors. For instance, boutique shops and eateries along the main street cater to diverse tastes, with owners often sharing stories of creating safe spaces for queer couples and families. This grassroots support mirrors trends in nearby Blue Ridge, Georgia, where one of the state's largest populations of gay couples resides, suggesting a regional shift toward queer-friendly mountain living.

Travelers report feeling an immediate sense of belonging, bolstered by the absence of overt commercialization. Queer accommodations range from cozy bed-and-breakfasts to cabins overlooking vineyards, many explicitly marketed as LGBTQ+-friendly on platforms like OutCoast. Community insights highlight annual events that subtly celebrate diversity, such as art walks and wine festivals where local LGBTQ+ artists showcase work inspired by the Appalachian landscape. These gatherings provide low-key opportunities for networking and connection, appealing to queer travelers tired of crowded pride circuits.

The town's infrastructure further enhances its appeal. Pedestrian-friendly streets lined with 19th-century architecture invite leisurely strolls, while proximity to hiking trails in the Chattahoochee National Forest offers outdoor adventures tailored for couples or groups. Gay travelers particularly appreciate the wineries, where tastings often occur in scenic pavilion settings, paired with live music from local queer musicians. This blend of relaxation and subtle nightlife—think intimate wine bars rather than throbbing clubs—positions Dahlonega as ideal for multigenerational queer trips or romantic getaways.

Dahlonega's cultural richness amplifies its status as a hidden gem. The Dahlonega Gold Museum, housed in the historic Lumpkin County Courthouse, offers immersive exhibits on the 1828 gold rush, complete with original minting equipment and tales of frontier life. Queer visitors find resonance in these stories of pioneers forging new paths, paralleling modern journeys toward acceptance in conservative-leaning regions.

Art and history intertwine at galleries like the Dahlonega Arts Councul and Hancock Hall gallery, where LGBTQ+ artists display works inspired by the mountains'misty mornings and gold-veined rivers. Seasonal festivals, such as the annual Gold Rush Days in October, draw crowds for parades, mining reenactments, and artisan markets, with increasing participation from queer vendors. These events underscore the town's evolution, as noted in travel compilations praising its "welcoming vibe you can’t help but feel. "

For nature lovers, Crisson Gold Mine allows hands-on panning, evoking the thrill of discovery amid rustling leaves. Queer couples often cite these activities as perfect for bonding, away from urban hustle. Evening transitions seamlessly to fireside gatherings at queer-owned lodges, where stories of local LGBTQ+ resilience are shared over craft cocktails.

Dahlonega's rise stems from its perfect storm of factors: natural splendor, economic growth via tourism, and organic community building. Unlike saturated destinations, it avoids the pitfalls of overexposure, preserving an intimate feel. Sources consistently note its queer-owned businesses as a key draw, signaling reliability for LGBTQ+ travelers prioritizing allyship.

Practical tips abound: Visit in fall for foliage and harvest festivals, or spring for wildflower blooms. Book stays at LGBTQ+-friendly spots via OutCoast recommendations, and explore wineries. Safety metrics align with Georgia's improving climate, bolstered by local pride initiatives.

In essence, Dahlonega exemplifies how small-town America is redefining queer travel—authentic, enriching, and unpretentious. Queer travelers leaving its cobblestone streets carry memories of gold-tinted sunsets, shared wines, and unspoken belonging, marking it as a destination poised for discovery.

Starting Tuesday, customers on Southwest flights will have assigned seats and the option of paying more to get their preferred seat closer to the front of a plane or seats with extra legroom. The airline began selling tickets shaped by the new policy in July.

Here's what travelers can expect as Southwest does away with another of its signature features and becomes more like other airlines:

Goodbye, A/B/C groups

Under the open-seat system, Southwest customers could check in starting exactly 24 hours before departure to secure places in boarding lines at departure gates.

Early check-ins were placed in the coveted “A” boarding group, essentially guaranteeing they would find an open window or aisle seat. Others landed in “B” or “C,” the likelihood of only middle seats being available rising the longer they waited to check in.

The Dallas-based airline’s unusual seating process began as a way to get passengers on planes quickly and thereby reduce the time that aircraft and crews spent on the ground not making money. It helped Southwest operate more efficiently and to squeeze a few more flights into the daily schedule; the system also was a key reason Southwest remained profitable every year until the coronavirus pandemic.

The open-seating arrangement became less democratic over time, however, as Southwest also had starting allowing passengers to pay extra for spots near the front of the line.

Hello, assigned seating

An eight‑group boarding structure is replacing the find-your-own-seat scrum. Instead of numbered metal columns at departure gates, passengers will file through two alternating lanes once it's time for their group to board.

The airline said its gate areas will be converted in phases starting Monday night, a process that could take about two months to complete. Columns that remain standing past Tuesday will have their numbers removed or covered in the meantime.

Southwest is selling tickets at fares with different seating choices, including standard seats assigned at check‑in or paid preferred and extra‑legroom seats selected at booking. For certain flights, passengers also will have the option of paying for priority boarding beginning 24 hours before departure.

How it will work

Newly designed boarding passes will show seat assignments and boarding groups, according to Southwest. A reservation made for nine or fewer people, including families, will assign those passengers to the same boarding group.

Southwest says the boarding groups are based on seat location, fare class, loyalty tier status and the airline's credit card rewards benefits. Passengers who purchase seats with extra legroom will be placed in groups 1-2. Customers with premium fares and the airline's “most loyal travelers” will also have access to preferential seats and earlier boarding, the carrier said, while those with basic fares will likely be placed in groups 6-8.

Other changes

With the switch to assigned seating also comes a revision of the airline’s policy for customers who need extra room. Under the new rule — also effective Tuesday — travelers who do not fit within a single seat’s armrests will be required to purchase an additional seat in advance.

That represents a change from the airline’s previous policy that allowed passengers the choice to purchase a fully refundable extra seat before arriving at the airport, or request a free one at the gate. Under the updated policy, refunds are still possible but no longer guaranteed and depend on seat availability and fare class.

In May 2025, Southwest also ended its decades‑old “bags fly free” policy, replacing it with baggage fees for most travelers.

The changes mark one of the biggest transformations in the airline’s history, as it alters its longstanding customer perks to bring it more in line with the practices of other larger U.S. carriers.

Why all the change?

The shift comes amid pressure from investors to increase profitability.

“We have tremendous opportunity to meet current and future customer needs, attract new customer segments we don’t compete for today, and return to the levels of profitability that both we and our shareholders expect,” Southwest CEO Robert Jordan said last year.

When the Texas-based airline first announced plans in 2024 to switch to assigned seating, it said studies on seating options showed that customer preferences had changed over the years, with the vast majority of travelers saying they now want to know where they are sitting before they get to the airport.

Jordan said at the time that open seating was the top reason surveyed travelers cited for choosing another airline over Southwest.

What distinguishes walking vacations from a tour is intent, and recent industry data suggests that intent is translating into demand. According to the Adventure Travel Trade Association, more than 70% of adventure and active travel operators reported year-over-year revenue growth in its 2025 industry reporting, with walking, hiking and trekking consistently ranked among the most requested trip types. Market research from Fortune Business Insights estimates the global adventure tourism sector, which includes multi-day walking and trekking holidays, will be valued in the hundreds of billions globally, with continued growth projected through the decade.

Walking vacations are designed so that being on foot is the primary focus, not an activity added between meals or museum visits. Routes determine where travelers stay, how far they go each day and how they encounter local food, culture and landscapes. That model now spans continents and travel styles, from village walks and alpine routes to wildlife safaris and coastal hiking cruises.

Walk through village life in the Indian Himalayas

In the Kumaon region of northern India, Shakti Himalaya's Village Walks use walking to engage with daily life in the mountains. Routes link remote villages, farms and high-altitude landscapes, with time on foot guiding where guests stay and whom they meet along the way. The emphasis is not on distance or elevation, but on proximity to people and place.

"Many American travelers are drawn to Shakti's walking journeys for the opportunity to experience the Himalayas in a rare way that feels grounded and deeply human," says Jamshyd Sethna, founder of Shakti Himalaya. "Moving on foot slows the pace and sharpens awareness of the land, daily life in the villages and of one's own inner rhythm."

Moderate daily walks are paired with direct involvement in village routines, where seasonal, plant-forward Himalayan cooking plays a central role. "Walking creates the conditions for genuine exchange, whether through shared meals, conversations along the trail or time spent in homes that have long been part of these communities," Sethna explains. Guests visit farmers, forage for herbs and take part in cooking sessions that reflect how altitude and climate influence local food. The experience prioritizes immersion rather than exertion, offering a deliberate way to move through the Himalayas.

"These journeys are not about covering ground, but about giving space to connection, reflection and a more conscious way of traveling that resonates long after the walk itself has ended," Sethna concludes.

Village-to-village walk across the UK

Active England designs walking vacations across England, Scotland and Wales, where routes connect villages and rural communities over multiple days. Led by guides who live in the regions they cover, the itineraries rely on footpaths, terrain and daily distances to determine lodging, meals and access, rather than fixed sightseeing stops.

In the Cotswolds, for example, that approach leads travelers beyond the most visited villages and into quieter market towns, farmland and lesser-known paths. Meals and overnight stays emphasize local sourcing and long-standing relationships with regional suppliers. The trips appeal to travelers planning well ahead, including many in the 50-plus and luxury markets, who want walking to be central to the experience.

Where walking and food carry equal weight

Hedonistic Hiking offers guided walking holidays built on the idea that food is as integral to the experience as time on foot. Operating primarily in Italy, the company runs small-group trips that combine daily hikes with visits to markets, wineries, farms and family-run producers, often staying in locally owned hotels.

Walking routes are selected to support food encounters rather than compete with them. Days include vineyard walks, alpine trails and routes through lesser-known villages, punctuated by gourmet picnics, wine tastings, cooking classes and extended meals. The focus is on regional character as much as distance covered.

Walk the Adriatic by day, sail by night

Sail Croatia 's Luxury Hiking Cruise approaches walking vacations through a hybrid model, using a small ship as a moving base. Guests hike most days on islands and along the coast, with routes carefully chosen and distances outlined in advance.

Between hikes, the ship eliminates the need for frequent packing and unpacking. Long port stays allow time ashore, while swim stops provide recovery after walking. With fewer than 40 passengers and itineraries that prioritize time on land, the experience suits travelers who want consistent walking paired with coastal access and onboard comfort.

Follow an ancient route between Kyoto and Tokyo

Walk Japan 's guided journey along the Nakasendo Way follows a historic route that once connected Kyoto and Tokyo. The walk passes through mountain towns, forests and preserved post stations, offering access to rural Japan often bypassed by high-speed travel.

Small group sizes and sustained days on foot allow travelers to explore villages rather than observe them from a distance. Nights in traditional inns and regional meals reinforce how geography and history continue to influence daily life along the route.

Self-guided walking with logistics handled

Inntravel specializes in self-guided walking holidays across Europe and the United Kingdom, providing routes, accommodations and luggage transfers while leaving pacing decisions to the traveler. The model appeals to those who want independence without the complexity of planning multi-day walks on their own.

Most itineraries move inn to inn through rural regions and smaller towns, combining full days on foot with time for local food and cultural stops. Detailed route notes, maps and GPS support replace group leaders, offering structure without group travel.

Experience wildlife on foot in Botswana

Natural Selection 's walking safaris in Botswana place time on foot at the center of wildlife encounters. On itineraries such as My First Botswana Safari, guests explore private reserves with expert guides, tracking animals and reading terrain at ground level.

Walking is paired with stays at small, remote camps connected by short flights, keeping the focus on exploration rather than transit. The approach offers a perspective distinct from vehicle-based safaris, emphasizing awareness and observation.

Lodge-to-lodge walking in Australia's wild places

Tasmanian Walking Company operates fully guided, multi-day walks across eight trails in Australia, including six designated Great Walks. Trips are built around light-pack walking, with guests staying in permanent lodges or private camps located inside protected landscapes.

In 2026, the company will launch the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Signature Walk, a five-day guided route between two of Australia's most iconic geological sites. The walk includes overnight stays inside the national park, chef-prepared meals and cultural sessions led by Anangu Traditional Owners, pairing access with sustained time on foot.

Supporting the walking vacation ecosystem

Beyond fully guided itineraries, a wider network supports walking-focused travel. Companies such as On Foot Holidays create self-guided trips built around specific regions and interests, while hotels, including Redcastle Hotel & Spa, offer walking and hiking programs that allow guests to explore surrounding landscapes from a single base. Digital tools, such as Polarsteps, help travelers plan routes, track distances and document journeys, adding flexibility for those building trips where walking remains central.

Walking vacations move into the mainstream

As walking vacations continue to evolve, the next phase is likely to focus less on novelty and more on how trips are structured. Operators are developing longer routes, building lodging and logistics that support travel on foot without requiring extreme fitness and integrating food systems, conservation access and local communities into the experience. Destinations are also beginning to view walking-led travel as a tool for managing crowding and extending travel seasons. Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, walking vacations appear positioned not as an alternative to travel but as a refinement of it, offering trips that are off the beaten path, so to speak.

Jennifer Allen is a retired chef turned traveler, cookbook author and nationally syndicated journalist; she's also a co-founder of Food Drink Life, where she shares expert travel tips, cruise insights and luxury destination guides. A recognized cruise expert with a deep passion for high-end experiences and off-the-beaten-path destinations, Jennifer explores the world with curiosity, depth and a storyteller's perspective. Her articles are regularly featured on the Associated Press Wire, The Washington Post, Seattle Times, MSN and more.

Cancun, with its flash and commercialism, has long been the go-to destination for Mexican beach vacations. The hotel zone is dense, energetic and familiar, with restaurants, clubs, shopping and resorts lining a narrow strip designed for constant movement.

The development of the Riviera Maya expanded that model southward, introducing mega-resorts and reshaping travel across the Yucatán Peninsula. Costa Mujeres represents the next phase of that evolution, but it moves in a different direction.

Where Costa Mujeres fits in

Playa Mujeres, a long stretch of white sand within the broader Costa Mujeres area, lies north of Cancun rather than along the Riviera Maya. It is close enough to feel accessible, yet removed enough to feel distinct. From the outset, the area was designed around large, self-contained resorts rather than nightlife districts or commercial centers, and that decision defines the experience.

This is a destination built around staying put.

Getting there sets the tone

Reaching Playa Mujeres reinforces that sense of separation. Access currently runs along a narrow, heavily trafficked two-lane road used by hotel shuttles, transfer vans and construction vehicles. During peak hours, the drive can feel congested, but at just about 30 minutes from the Cancun airport, the area is still very accessible.

Once inside a resort's gates, the shift is immediate. Noise fades, space opens up and the pace slows. The contrast between approach and arrival is striking and intentional.

Inside the resorts

Hotels continue to rise across Costa Mujeres, often at a visible pace. From the outside, growth is unmistakable. Inside the resorts, the atmosphere is controlled, tranquil and deliberately insulated.

All-inclusive properties such as SLS Playa Mujeres, Hotel Mousai Cancun and Garza Blanca Resort & Spa Cancun cater to travelers who value space, design and service over constant activity. Dining, pools, spas and beach clubs are designed to keep the experience contained, reinforcing the idea that the resort itself is the destination.

A clear shift toward wellness

Costa Mujeres distinguishes itself by emphasizing wellness as a defining feature rather than an add-on. The arrival of SHA Mexico underscores that shift. Known for its focus on preventative health, nutrition and longevity, SHA signals a broader repositioning of the destination toward intentional living.

That influence extends beyond the clinic itself. Nearby resorts have expanded spa programming, fitness offerings and wellness-oriented amenities, contributing to an overall atmosphere that feels quieter and more restorative.

Food with intention, not excess

Dining in Costa Mujeres reflects the same measured approach. Food programs increasingly emphasize execution and experience over volume, moving away from buffet-driven models toward more curated offerings.

At the center of that evolution is María Dolores, the signature restaurant at Atelier Playa Mujeres. Recognized by the Michelin Guide, María Dolores has become a culinary anchor for the area, showcasing contemporary Mexican cuisine with a strong sense of place and restraint.

Nearby, La Casa de las Mayoras offers a more traditional counterpoint, grounding the region's food scene in heritage and technique. Together, these experiences reflect a broader shift toward dining that feels deliberate rather than abundant.

Who Costa Mujeres is for

Costa Mujeres attracts a specific type of traveler. Couples, honeymooners, wellness-focused guests and repeat Cancun visitors seeking a quieter experience tend to gravitate here. It works best for those who plan to stay on the property, book spa treatments, linger over meals and allow the resort to define the rhythm of their stay.

Travelers seeking nightlife, shopping or frequent off-property exploration may find Cancun's hotel zone better suited to their preferences.

So, is Costa Mujeres better than Cancun?

Not universally, but it is deliberately different.

For travelers drawn to quieter beaches, design-forward resorts, thoughtful dining and a wellness-led approach to luxury, Costa Mujeres may feel like a natural next step. Cancun remains vibrant and busy. Costa Mujeres offers an alternative for those ready to trade energy for ease, and crowds for calm.

Jennifer Allen is a retired chef turned traveler, cookbook author and nationally syndicated journalist; she's also a co-founder of Food Drink Life, where she shares expert travel tips, cruise insights and luxury destination guides. A recognized cruise expert with a deep passion for high-end experiences and off-the-beaten-path destinations, Jennifer explores the world with curiosity, depth and a storyteller's perspective. Her articles are regularly featured on the Associated Press Wire, The Washington Post, Seattle Times, MSN and more.

What sets Binghamton apart? It's the seamless integration of its LGBTQ+ community into the cultural fabric. "Binghamton, New York is a place that’s different. It’s also a place LGBTQ+ travelers MUST have on their radar! The gay scene is very open in Binghamton with the LGBTQ community well-integrated in the culture of our community, "declares Pride Journeys, highlighting how queer visibility pulses through the city's veins without the performative polish of bigger destinations. Whether you're a queer couple strolling hand-in-hand past murals on Artists Row or a solo traveler sipping craft IPAs at a gay-friendly brewpub, the vibe is one of effortless safety—no side-eyes, just warm nods and invitations to join the fun. Sensory overload hits in the best way: the hum of live jazz from a converted warehouse, the tangy bite of farm-to-table pierogies , and the electric buzz of pre-show chatter at the historic Forum Theatre.

This isn't hype; it's a quiet revolution fueled by local queer entrepreneurs and allies who've turned Binghamton's post-industrial bones into a canvas for inclusivity. The city boasts over a dozen LGBTQ+-owned businesses, from cozy coffee shops slinging oat milk lattes to boutique clothing stores stocking gender-neutral athleisure. Dive into the Binghamton Pride Center , a hub offering everything from support groups for transgender youth to mixers for queer 40-somethings—spaces where you can exhale, knowing you're surrounded by folks who get it. Year-round events keep the momentum: think winter cabaret nights with drag performers channeling Liza Minnelli vibes, summer riverfront picnics with live folk bands, and fall art crawls where local queer artists showcase pieces that scream self-expression. For queer travelers craving that "seen"feeling, Binghamton delivers: baristas who remember your pronouns, hoteliers who stock travel-sized lube without batting an eye, and park benches where same-sex couples canoodle under starlit skies without a whisper of worry.

At the heart of Binghamton's queer allure is its Artists Row, a stretch of Washington Street transformed into a bohemian wonderland. Galleries thrum with the chatter of queer curators unveiling works that explore identity—think vibrant oil paintings of trans joy by local phenom Alex Rivera or installations of recycled factory scraps symbolizing queer resilience. Pop into the Bundy Arts Center , where monthly queer open mics draw crowds for poetry slams that leave you laughing, crying, and cheering for encores. The air smells of fresh paint and espresso, with fairy lights twinkling against brick walls, creating an intimate nook where nonbinary travelers can sketch in peace or flirt over charcuterie. "Whether taking in a Broadway-caliber show, visiting a gallery on Artists Row or grabbing a bite, you will feel welcomed and comfortable just about anywhere, "Pride Journeys affirms, capturing the sensory embrace that makes Binghamton addictive.

Binghamton isn't all urban grit; its rural fringes beckon with queer-friendly outdoor adventures. Just minutes away, Otsiningo Park unfurls trails where queer hiking groups trek through wildflower meadows, the earthy aroma of pine mingling with birdsong. Pack a picnic of local cider and cheeses for a shady picnic—perfect for couples stealing kisses amid ferns. For adrenaline, rent kayaks on the Chenango River; paddle past herons, feeling the sun warm your shoulders as allies wave from shore.

Binghamton's annual Pride—held in June explodes in color in Otsiningo Park.But the magic lingers year-round. For 2026, whispers of expanded youth programs promise even more visibility for transgender and nonbinary travelers. It's this forward momentum—small-town heart with big-city soul—that positions Binghamton as North America's next must-visit.

In Binghamton, queer travelers don't just visit—they belong. The laughter echoing off brick walls, the knowing smiles from bartenders, the freedom to be unapologetically you amid rolling hills. Pack your bags; this unexpected haven awaits.