Posts in category: Travel

Are you looking for the ultimate romantic getaway? How about a getaway to the Great Smoky Mountains to the thriving little town of Gatlinburg.

In town, you’ll find cozy lodging, delicious restaurants, and attractions of every description. The waterfalls and wilderness of Smoky Mountain National Park wait for you just outside of the city limits. We’ll show you our 3-day/2-night itinerary that’s perfect for adventurous nature-loving couples.

Romantic Things to do in Gatlinburg – aka Friday Night on the Town

There are so many romantic things to do in Gatlinburg. It’s kind of like the Las Vegas Strip in the mountains. To be fair, it’s similar to finding romantic things to do in Orlando; you need to separate the wheat from the chaff. Ignore all the tourist shops selling MAGA hats and T-shirts. Chuckle at the gaudy attractions aimed for the ‘not tall enough to ride this ride’ crowd, but check out the creative ways proprietors merge the mountains with the town with adventure rides in Gatlinburg. Here’s a sampling of what you could do:

• Soar on the SkyLift to Gatlinburg SkyBridge, the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America.
• Ride the trams of Ober Gatlinburg to the ski area for alpine slides and summer tubing.
• Take the Anakeesta lift to their adventure park featuring the Treetop Skywalk, the longest tree-based bridge in North America.
• Race down the Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster, the fastest mountain coaster in Tennessee.
• Fly on the Rowdy Bear Mountain Coaster while suspended in a harness.

Tour the Gatlinburg Wine Trail (Moonshine and Beer too)

Gatlinburg’s restaurants are a lot like the attractions, they are everywhere, and you have to find the good ones. We’ll make that easy. Stop in for dinner Friday night at the Smoky Mountain Brewery for good pub food and great company. They have live music after the dinner rush on weekend nights and a great lineup of their signature craft beer. Plus, they validate parking if you need it.

Your libatious explorations of Gatlinburg doesn’t have to end there. We created a Gatlinburg Wine Trail marked in purple on our map. There are a dozen different tasting rooms in town from a variety of Tennessee wineries and distilleries. It’s the perfect way to sip free samples as you stroll down Gatlinburg’s Downtown Parkway exploring.

Be sure to bring your id. There is a strict policy of 100% id check, regardless of how old you look. A crafty fellow could use this to his advantage to say how young his companion looks – a vacation with libation and placation. But, if you can’t woo with your cunning lingual skills, you could always buy a bottle to bring back to your room.

Saturday Morning Outdoor Adventures in Gatlinburg

Don’t overdo it Friday night, because mornings in Great Smoky National Park are magical. The namesake mists lay heavy in the valleys, and bear sightings are common. Pack a day pack and choose from waterfall hikes, mountain hikes, whitewater rafting, exploring Cades Cove Loop, or more hikes near Gatlinburg. We put a short sampling of outdoor adventures in Gatlinburg below:

• NOC Gatlinburg – Whitewater rafting at its finest
• Laurel Falls – Easy trail to the most photographed falls in the Smokies
• Grotto Falls – The waterfall that you can walk behind
• Rainbow Falls – Moderate hike to a massive falls
• Ramsey Cascade – The largest waterfall in the park
• Cataract Falls – The easiest waterfall to reach from Gatlinburg
• Clingmans Dome – Drive to the highest point in Tennessee
• Chimney Tops – Moderate hike to a beautiful lookout
• Mt LeConte – Third highest peak with the most strenuous trail (11 miles, 2500′ gain!)
• Roaring Fork Motor Trail – A fun car ride through the mountains on a slow, narrow, and winding 5-mile one-way road

Saturday Afternoon at the Arts Loop

Three short miles outside the hustle and bustle of Gatlinburg is The Glades, the largest group of independent artisans in North America. The historic 8-mile loop is designated a Tennessee Heritage Arts & Crafts Trail with over 120 artists and artisans. We put our highlighted shops on the map marked in orange. If you like hiking more, pick up a sandwich for the trail at Old Dad’s.

If you adore arts and crafts, head in for lunch at the Wild Plum Tea Room or an afternoon treat at the Glades Soda Fountain before exploring the Arts & Crafts Trail. No matter what you do, be sure to make a reservation and stay for dinner at the Red Oak Bistro. It’s a sublime gastronomical experience as the tastes and aromas of tapas fill your senses.

Pro-Tip: Seating is limited at Red Oak so make a reservation.

Sunday Brunch in Gatlinburg

Sunday brunch is about sampling your favorite and getting whatever you want. That philosophy extends beyond dining and into your entire Sunday-Funday schedule. Start your day at Crockett’s Breakfast Camp for the best Sunday brunch in Gatlinburg. Then, fill in your day with your favorite activities from the romantic weekend in Gatlinburg list.

Do you want to do more hiking or bag Cataract Falls on the way out of town? Did you hike all day Saturday and want to explore the crafts trail and tea room on Sunday? Did you come in too late on Friday to fully explore Gatlinburg? Maybe your romantic getaway in Gatlinburg is just snuggling in bed? It’s your Sunday, brunch it up, baby!

Where to Stay in Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is a bustling tourist town with plenty of places to stay, but you have three basic choices: cabins, hotels, and B&Bs. Cabins are a great way to escape into the woods while still being able to play in town. B&Bs come with a host, and some are close enough to take the Gatlinburg Trolley into town. With a more traditional hotel, you can base walking distance away from the attractions and not be subject to minimum stays (of course, this is a 3-d/2-n itinerary).

Romantic Cabins in Gatlinburg

Honeymoon Hills Cabin Rentals of Gatlinburg – It doesn’t get more romantic than the Honeymoon Hills Cabins! Think heart-shaped indoor jacuzzis, private decks with outdoor hot tubs, fireplaces, king-size beds and full kitchens! All of this goodness in a secluded and private setting.

Wildflower Mountain Rentals Honeymoon Deluxe Cabins – Their most hidden away cabins in the Smoky Mountains. Each comes equipped with a wood-burning fireplace, stone-inlaid heart-shaped jacuzzi, sunken hot tub (are you sensing a trend?), stone-inlaid breakfast bar, and hanging-wooden swing and or rockers to take in the views.

Gatlinburg Falls Resort – The Gatlinburg Falls Resort has a variety of cabins for rent ranging from 1-20 bedrooms in size (yes 20!! In case your idea of romance is hanging with 20 other couples, but you have to bring your own fishbowl lol). They all feature a large kitchen, wide-screen TV, DVD/VCR, outdoor hot tub, indoor jetted bath, vertical spa shower, pool table, and many have classic arcade games as well. Consider one of the Romantic Packages to crack up the heat.

Pro-Tip: Come the first week of November to avoid the October crowds but still see fall color.

Gatlinburg Hotels

Bearskin Lodge on the River – This cute mountain lodge has comfortable rooms and a lazy river. Best of all, it’s right in the heart of Gatlinburg so you will never have to worry about finding a parking space.

Zoder’s Inn & Suites – Tucked into the woods near the river in the heart of Gatlinburg, this property has modern amenities with all the comforts of home. Many of the suites offer gas fireplaces and in-room whirlpool tubs.

Gatlinburg Falls Resort – The Lodge is rustic elegance at its finest combined with the beauty of the Smoky Mountains. Enjoy your generous soaking tub, fireplace, and private balcony with your love.

Gatlinburg’s Charming B&B’s

Laurel Springs Lodge Bed and Breakfast – This super cute B&B has comfortable rooms and a cozy hot tub for two. It’s close enough to take the trolley into town but tucked away from the hustle and bustle. Their gourmet breakfasts will delight your taste buds and tempt you to sleep in and snuggle.

Foxtrot Bed and Breakfast – This cozy property features gourmet breakfasts, private baths with Jacuzzi or whirlpool tubs, and spectacular views of Mt. Leconte in the Great Smoky Mountains. Be sure to check out their packages for extra value.

Wrapping Up Your Ultimate Romantic Getaway in Gatlinburg

A romantic getaway in Gatlinburg is a brilliant combination of urban excursion and mountain adventure. Gatlinburg can be the best of both worlds if you come prepared for the Parkway’s hustle, bustle, traffic, and parking. Leave early for hikes, explore Gatlinburg by foot or trolley, and find escapes like the Art Loop to reset. Romance and adventure are waiting for you in the Great Smoky Mountains.

Hi! We are Jenn and Ed Coleman aka Coleman Concierge. In a nutshell, we are a Huntsville-based Gen X couple sharing our stories of amazing adventures through activity-driven transformational and experiential travel.

As I wrap up my second visit to Aruba I can’t help but feel amazed by how adventurous this island can be and by how much variety there is for such a small place. I got to see all kinds of landscape, have daily experiences that were all totally different, and get a tan in the process!

Many who visit Aruba are happy to lounge on a beach chair all day and don’t need much adventure to enjoy their vacay. While there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that, I just can’t do it for long and need to be either walking on the beach, swimming, or doing something active.

If you’re like me, the following itinerary will get you out and exploring the adventurous and outdoorsy side of Aruba, with some beach time included, of course!

Day One: Go for a Swim, Check out the Lighthouse for Sunset

Aruba has tons of beaches – either long stretches of sand or hidden behind rocky coves and inlets. I stumbled upon them constantly during my exploration, though some are much friendlier for swimmers than others. The following are the best ones for snorkeling, swimming, and general chilling:

Palm Beach

Palm Beach is the most touristy beach with high-rise hotels and lots of restaurants and water activities.  When you see the white sand and the clear baby blue water, it’s clear why. You can standup paddleboard, parasail, and of course swim. You’ll find people all along the sand offering activities, and most hotels also offer a free mask and snorkel.

Chances are you’ll be staying on either this beach or the next one, so check it out, especially at sunset.

Baby Beach

Baby Beach on the southern tip of the island is known for having great snorkeling and white sand. It also has fewer tourists than the beaches up north. I was a big fan of this one!

Eagle Beach

Eagle Beach is slightly less crowded than Palm Beach and is famous for its perfect white sand and baby blue water. It is west facing and therefore perfect for sunset. 

Tres Trapi

North of Palm Beach, you’ll find Malmok Beach and a few other great swimming and snorkeling spots. The picture above is at Tres Trapi, which are three stairs carved into the volcanic rock that lead to this lovely blue water. Many of the snorkeling tours stop here, so you can plan on seeing sea birds all around and fish under the water if you bring your mask and snorkel.

California Lighthouse

In the afternoon, I recommend heading to the California Lighthouse on the northern tip of the island for sunset. You get a fantastic view, and the lighthouse is a great photo spot as well.

I also enjoyed driving around the coastal roads nearby where you can find sand dunes, beautiful rocky outcroppings, and a more rugged Aruba experience. If you stick to the trail that borders the water, a normal car is probably OK as the road is mostly dirt with a few rocks and potholes, but a 4×4 will give you ultimate flexibility.

If you have a 4×4 and feel like continuing onwards, I had a lot of fun on the rocky road from the lighthouse to the Wariruri rock bridge. Following the collapse of the Natural Bridge in 2005, this is now the largest natural bridge in Aruba. The road is rough, but to me that’s a lot of fun, and you can plan on having it almost all to yourself. I made plenty of stops along the way and truly enjoyed this solo adventure.

Day Two: Arikok National Park – Caves and the Natural Pool

You can’t go to Aruba without visiting the Arikok National Park! This is where you can find the famous caves, the natural pool, and a much more rugged stretch of coast.

You absolutely do need a 4×4 for this trip, which you can self drive, although most people join either a Jeep tour or an ATV tour that takes you to the following spots:

Guadirikiri Caves

The caves and the stairway outside of them were my first introduction to the rugged side of Aruba when I visited a year and a half ago and I was absolutely delighted! The ride there is an adventure in itself, along bumpy terrain and through cacti forests. I had so much fun getting there that the cave was the cherry on top.

Depending on time of day, you can get some lovely light beams coming through the opening in the cave’s ceiling.

The Natural Pool

The highlight to Arikok National Park is undoubtedly this beautiful rocky pool that forms an almost perfect circle. The waves crash over the sides and there’s even a ‘natural jacuzzi’ slightly above, which you can see to my right in this photo.

This was my favorite thing in Aruba – it was so magical it didn’t seem real.

Dos Playa

Dos Playa is a rare beach on the east coast that can be tame enough to swim in. It’s one of the larger ones in the area and is popular for sunset horseback rides, too.

I went with ABC tours to book this adventure. They have both big truck and ATV options. Some are full-day and some just take you to the natural pool. Choose your own adventure here.

Day Three: Flamingo Island

After a few days exploring Aruba’s more rugged and natural side, I feel we have to talk about Renaissance Island. This man-made flamingo island is undoubtedly beautiful. It’s also where you can take pictures with the famous flamingos on the beach and lounge in hammocks in the sun.

There are several beach huts that you can rent to hang out in for the day, and you can eat and drink on the island as well.

There are a few things to know about the island, such as the entrance fee, the best way to get in, and figuring out how to get shade while you’re there. I have an entire post dedicated to Flamingo Island with all of the info here.

Day Four: Pick an Aquatic Activity, Sunset Cruise

On day four I recommend picking one or two of the adventurous activities available on the island and then a nice relaxing sunset on the water or on a beach nearby.

The following are some great options:

Scuba dive

The water is clear and there are plenty of fish in Aruba. There is also a shallow wreck, which is a rare find in the diving world. All of these are great reasons to jump in and see what’s up unda da sea.

I did a morning dive last time I was on Aruba and was impressed by the corals and fish. If you are used to Southeast Asia, don’t expect the same that you would find in Sipadan or Raja Ampat, but still, for those who love diving this is a great spot to get under the water.

SUP

You can rent stand up paddle boards all along Palm Beach where the water is calm enough to head out for an hour or two of activity. The nice thing about Aruba is it’s almost always breezy so standup paddleboarding is quite pleasant in Aruba. Be sure to check out the partially submerged wreck around Malmok Beach for a unique experience!

Snorkel a Wreck

If you’re not into diving, you can still snorkel around a wreck near the California Lighthouse. Multiple boat trips depart at different times per day to take you out there. I did a cruise in the morning and an evening sunset cruise last time I was here, both of which went to the wreck. I would give the edge to the sunset cruise as there were fewer people in the water then, but being able to get on a boat and get out on the water is a must no matter what time you choose to do it in Aruba. You can book it here.

Day Five: Sunrise at Trinity Bridge, Sunset at Mangel Halto

Let me just start by saying I’m not sure what the proper name of this place is – I’ve heard ‘tripod bridge’ and I see it as the ‘trinity bridge’ on maps.me, but either way this bridge is neato. It’s a set of three sea bridges that look gorgeous in the early morning hours when the sun comes up and illuminates the rocks. You’ll need a 4×4 to get here but if you have one handy from the other activities, be sure to get there in the early morning, before the tour groups arrive.

You can explore the cacti, Ayo Rock Formation, and rugged coastline along this part of the island in the AM, or just chill out – I know this has been a pretty packed itinerary.

For the afternoon/evening, I highly recommend heading to Mangel Halto for a secluded beach, lovely mangroves, and perfect positioning for the sunset. From there you’re close to Zeerover, a famous seafood restaurant.

Stay

Aruba has some gorgeous resorts to choose from, but I’m partial to the Ritz Carlton, with direct access to one of the best beaches on the island and some wonderful rooms. I can help you get the following when you contact me to book:

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability.
• Daily breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom.
• $100 USD equivalent in local currency Resort or Hotel credit utilized during stay.
• Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability.

Getting Around

Although many of the options I mentioned above are made easier or are only possible with a 4×4 rental (all the major car rental companies are available at the airport – but do book ahead of time), you can also join a tour to see almost everything listed above. If you have specific things from this itinerary you want to see, ask the guys at ABC which tour would be the best one.

I found driving in Aruba to be pretty easy and straightforward. There are lots of roundabouts, and sometimes people will turn out of roads right in front of you, so just drive defensively and don’t go too fast. Overall it was fine and fairly stress-free. I also highly recommend downloading the Aruba map on maps.me offline maps. It’s free, it worked great, and I never got lost with it.

Other Things To Do in Aruba

If you have more time in Aruba and would like to add on to the 5-day itinerary, then I highly recommend checking out more of Santa Cruz or visiting Noord in the northeast part of the island. The Aruba Donkey Sanctuary, located in Santa Cruz, is a non-profit organization dedicated to the welfare of the island’s donkey population, and an awesome place to hug a donkey.

If you decide to head to Noord, I recommend checking out the Gold Smelter Ruins, the remnants of a gold mine. Just a short walk to the east, you’ll find a wooden sign and the top of a steep stepladder. This will lead you down toward a plateau of volcanic rock and to the Aruba Natural Cave Pool. Be warned, though! This local spot is best for adventurers. You’ll need to jump about fifteen feet to get into the pool and then climb up slimy rocks (and avoid the crabs!) to get out.

If you want to learn something new, I also recommend checking out Hadicurari beach where Vela offers windsurfing and kitesurfing lessons. The wind and waves are calmer here making this an ideal spot for beginners to learn.

Happy travels in Aruba! I hope this itinerary helps you to see a more adventurous side of the island and to fall in love with it as much as I did. It’s the perfect place to unwind – just small enough to see a ton of it in just a few days, but just big enough to keep you wanting to come back to see more.

*This post was brought to you in collaboration with Aruba Tourism Authority, however this itinerary was entirely crafted and created by yours truly. 

There are times when I absolutely adore living in Austin: when I’m paddleboarding on Town Lake, when I’m drinking a frozen margarita at Maudie’s, when I’m hanging out in hip East Austin under string lights.

That being said, there are certain things I’m less fond of: the sweltering summers, the isolation, the lack of walkability.

I’ve lived in Austin for almost two years. Here’s what I’ve come to love and hate about it:

What I love about Austin

The People

By and large, Texans are incredibly nice people: generous, funny, and sincerely kind. When I had Covid, multiple neighbors brought me tortilla soup and walked my dog. People say hello to you on the street here, even if they don’t know you. Austin is by far the friendliest place I’ve ever lived.

The Food

Another positive – the food. Austin’s food scene is thriving: you can find excellent TexMex, Thai, Vietnamese, and of course, barbecue. Some of my favorite spots are Uchiko (sushi), Odd Duck (new American), and Loro (Asian/barbecue fusion). I’ve also grown to LOVE frozen margaritas, ha.

The Water

As a born-and-raised Michigander, I desperately need to live near water (that was one of the things I found hardest about living in Colorado). Luckily, Austin has plenty of it: Town Lake, Barton Springs, and Lake Travis, to name a few.

The Winters

The winters here are delightful – the temperature hovers around 70 degrees, and the skies are usually crisp and blue. Though we do have the odd snow day, the winter weather is very mild.

Live Music

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Austin’s internationally renowned live music scene. I love how you can walk into a random bar on a Tuesday and hear an incredible performance for the price of a Shiner Bock.

The Dog-friendliness

In Austin, you can bring your dog almost anywhere — I bring my pup almost everywhere I go. My local CVS is even dog-friendly.

What I Hate

The Crowds

Due to its huge popularity in recent years, Austin feels insanely crowded at times. Parking is hard to find, restaurants are packed, and the weekends especially can be hectic.

The High Cost of Living

Austin is very expensive. To buy a plot of land – not even a house – in my neighborhood, costs a million dollars.

Poor Walkability

Sadly, Austin is not a walkable city. Bisected by two highways, Austin is a very car-dependent city; for walkability, it ranks 42nd in the US, between Las Vegas and Pheonix. As someone who loves to walk, this is a huge downside.

The Allergies

Central Texas has been called the “Allergy Capital of the World.” There’s even a daily allergy report on the local news, where official pollen counts for ragweed, grass, and mold are measured. I never had allergies in my life until I moved here — ugh.

The Heat

The summers in Austin are brutal. Temperatures can reach 110 degrees (or higher). After this year’s scorching summer, 90 degrees bizarrely feels somewhat cool to me.

The Isolation

Austin is close to only a few cities: Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio. Earlier this year I made the mistake of driving to New Orleans, which took 10 hours. Sometimes I feel so envious of the East Coast – imagine driving a few hours and being able to access Boston, Philly, and NYC? Sigh.

All this to say, I’ve been pretty happy here. I’m not sure if it’s my forever home (I’m not sure I have a forever home, period), but I plan to stay at least a few more years. And enjoy many more lake days and frozen margs.

Soak up the sun in white-washed squares lined with orange trees, enjoy some of the best tapas in Spain and relax on golden beaches with our guide to the best places to visit in Andalucía.

Andalucía is the home of flamenco, Picasso and sherry. It’s one of the most diverse regions in Spain with a host of interesting things to see.

Mark and I spend a lot of time in Andalucía, at least 2 months a year, and we’ve come to appreciate the area more each time we visit.

From the white mountain villages to the historic cities defined by Moorish history, Andalucía has an intrigue that extends far beyond the miles of sandy beaches blessed with almost year-round sun.

This guide covers what we think are the best places to visit in Andalucía. We’ve included the best cities, some interesting natural landmarks, cultural highlights, our favourite beaches and the best outdoor activities.

1. SEVILLE

Seville is a city Mark and I have been to many times, and it remains one of our favourite European destinations.

There are several great reasons to include Seville on a visit to Andalucía.

Firstly, the history is fascinating. As a Moorish city, conquered by Christians, historic buildings with both Islamic and Christian designs are both beautiful and fascinating.

Seville also has a fantastic art scene with beautiful galleries adorned with Spanish masterpieces.

But aside from the history and art, Seville is a wonderful place for hanging out. Sun-soaked squares lined with orange trees make the ideal location for budget-friendly sundowners. The food is some of the best in Andalucía and local bars are busting with local atmosphere.

Our guides – Things to do in Seville // 3-day Seville Itinerary.

2. RONDA

Ronda is an interesting town located at the top of a deep gorge formed by the El Tajo River. The bridge that spans the canyon is one of the most photographed landmarks in Andalucía.

The old town of Ronda dates back to Islamic times, and the influence of its Moorish past can still be seen today. Casa del Rey Moro has a beautiful tiered garden, and the Arab baths at the base of the gorge are well worth visiting.

Ronda is famous for being the home of bullfighting in Spain, and it has one of the finest bullrings in the country.

3. CAMINITO DEL REY

The Caminito del Rey, or “King’s Little Pathway,” is a dramatic canyon walk in Andalucía. Originally built in 1905, it was nicknamed the most dangerous walk in the world. But, after a complete rebuild in 2015, it’s now an easy and very spectacular hike.

The highlight is a series of wooden walkways pinned to the walls of El Chorro Gorge. In the most stunning section, the vertical walls are 400 metres high and only 10 metres apart.

The entire El Caminito del Rey walk is 7 kilometres long. The diverse trail includes wooded mountain paths, leafy valley strolls, interesting historic markers and a suspended walkway high above a rocky wonderland.

Our guide – Walking the Caminito del Rey.

4. MARBELLA

Marbella is the resort capital of Andalucía, located on the Costa del Sol. With a golden stretch of beach packed with facilities and a lovely mountain backdrop, Marbella is one of the most popular destinations in Andalucía.

The white-washed old town is packed with restaurants. Some are excellent local tapas bars; others are overpriced tourist traps. Nonetheless, it’s well worth a visit. Mark and I always spend an evening strolling around the laneways whenever we’re in the area.

There are plenty of great beaches around Marbella, some with high-end resort-style facilities, others with nothing but sand and sun.  

5. GRANADA

Granada was one of the final strongholds of the Moors in Spain until it was captured by the Catholic Monarchs in 1492.

A long Moorish history has filled the city with magnificent Islamic architecture, the most spectacular of which is the Alhambra. Occupying a strategic position overlooking the city, the Alhambra has exquisite formal gardens, intricate Nasrid designs, palaces, towers, and fortified walls. It’s one of the unmissable places to visit in Andalucía.

Apart from impressive historical monuments, Granada maintains the feel of a genuine Spanish city, despite the large tourist numbers.

Mark and I love the food in Granada and it’s one of the few places where you can still get free tapas when you order a drink.  

Our guide – What to do in Granada.

6. JEREZ DE LA FRONTERA

Jerez means sherry in Spanish, and the small town in Andalucía forms part of the sherry triangle. The others are El Puerto de Santa María and Sanlúcar.

The town itself is slightly run down and despite the appeal of sherry, it’s one of the least visited places we’ve listed in this guide. But that only adds to the charm.

The small lanes of the old centre are packed with Moorish history, flamenco music and cosy tapas bars.

Mark and I did the sherry tasting tour at Bodegas Tradición which we highly recommend. In addition to learning everything about sherry, they also have an excellent art collection. 

7. TARIFA

Tarifa is a laid-back fishing village in the southwest corner of Andalucía where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean.

It has a wonderful walled old town with remnants of its Moorish history enhanced by modern Moroccan influences which you’ll find most notably in the food.

Tarifa is one of the most popular locations for surfing and kite surfing in Spain. As a result of the surfer crowd, Tarifa has a relaxed, bohemian vibe that is quite different to other towns in Andalucía.

There are several beautiful golden beaches within 30 minutes’ drive of Tarifa which are much more untouched than those around Marbella and the Costa del Sol.

Our guide – Best beaches around Tarifa.

8. BOLONIA BEACH

Playa Bolonia is a slice of paradise and one of the best beaches on the Costa de La Luz between Tarifa and Cádiz. It’s blessed with powdery white sands and crystal-clear waters.

The beach is protected by a headland, rising hills and a large dune, making it more sheltered than the other beaches nearby. This is important because, as a kite surfing destination, the winds can be quite strong. We always check Wind Guru before heading to Bolonia, because even if it’s a hot day, the wind can dramatically bring the temperature down.

There is a well-preserved Roman Ruin near the beach and the 30-metre-high Duna de Bolonia is also worth checking out.

Playa Bolonia is over 3 kilometres long but the north-western end (next to the ruins) is the best section.  

9. CÓRDOBA

Home to an Islamic Caliphate, Roman influences and local Spanish charisma, Córdoba is a surprisingly great weekend getaway.

The Mezquita-Catedral is one of the most intriguing buildings in the world. The ancient ruins of Madinat al-Zahra is the only Islamic Caliphate capital ever to reside in Western Europe. The wonky, cobbled streets, narrow alleyways and gorgeous patios still carry remnants of Roman design.

It’s one of our favourite places in Spain. Not only for the important historical sites but also for the squares full of local banter, the long summer nights, the bright, white-washed streets and the ageing tapas bars. 

Our guides – A Córdoba Itinerary // The Patios of Córdoba.

10. SIERRA DE GRAZALEMA

Sierra de Grazalema, in the centre of Andalucía, is a hidden gem for hikers. In early spring, while many of Europe’s hiking areas are covered in snow, Sierra de Grazalema can be bathing in glorious sunshine and colourful flowers.

One of the best hikes in the park is El Pinsapar trail. This half-day hike climbs a ridge with excellent views over Andalucía before sinking into the coolness of the forest.

Garganta Verde is another beautiful canyon cut by a picturesque river. The canyon drops to a depth of 400 metres and is only 10 metres wide at its narrowest point. Standing at the bottom and looking up at the towering walls, as vultures circle overhead, is an awe-inspiring experience.

Our guides – Hiking Gargante Verda // Hiking El Torreón // Hiking El Pinsapar.

11. WHITE VILLAGES

Perched on mountain peaks in the picturesque rolling hills of Andalucía, the White Villages stand as cultural strongholds in this fascinating part of the country.

Enriched by centuries of Moorish rule and built upon Roman foundations, the villages have traditional Spanish charm.

Narrow cobbled lanes of whitewashed buildings adorned with orange tiled roofs connect vibrant squares, quaint churches, defensive castles and traditional tapas bars.

We’ve visited many white villages in Spain. While some have evolved into popular tourist destinations, others remain tranquil hubs where ageing residents gather in bustling squares and cosy bars.

Our guide – The best White Villages in Andalucía.

12. CÁDIZ

Cádiz is an island city in Spain, a medieval fortress surrounded on all sides by the Atlantic Ocean. Now heading into its fourth millennium, an influx of wealth from the Americas in the 18th century gave the city the bleached-white gleam it has today.

As one of the 10 previous capitals before Madrid (our guide) eventually took over, Cádiz is tall, grand and graceful.

Inside the walled city, the smell of the sea wafts through small plazas and long boulevards. A muted hum radiates from tiny tapas bars along uneven stone laneways.

Cádiz is an under-visited gem in Andalucía. It doesn’t have the big attractions of many of the other cities, but it has a very relaxed, local vibe.

Our guide – Best things to do in Cádiz.

13. MÁLAGA

Recently reinvented with fresh urban spaces, Málaga has emerged from its reputation as a jumping-off point for some of Spain’s best beaches to become a cultural destination in its own right.

With a captivating mix of Roman, Arab, and Christian influences, Málaga’s rich history unfolds in a host of enticing activities.

Explore defensive forts, inspect Roman Ruins, marvel at Christian architecture, and enjoy this important contributor to Spain’s Moorish past.

Málaga is an excellent destination if you want to combine sunny beaches, captivating art, cheap tapas, fascinating history, and the charm of old-town laneways.

Our guide – Best things to do in Málaga.

14. LA CONCHA

Always in view from the Golden Mile beaches around Marbella, La Concha is a glorious mountain peak in Andalucía.

The hike to the top is a moderately strenuous climb that involves some scrambling over large rocks. But, it’s worth it for the views which extend along the coastline down to Gibraltar and across to the north African coast.  

The best route starts from Refugio el Juanar, which is 13.5 kilometres, involves 680 metres of ascent and takes about 5 hours. The alternate route from Istán is shorter but it involves more climbing.

15. ANTEQUERA

Antequera is one of the most interesting historic towns in Andalucía.

The incredible thing about Antequera is that it contains 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These are the rock formations of El Torcal, the ancient burial mounds and the 800-metre-high limestone rock of La Peña de los Enamorados.

The 14th-century Alcazaba gives you an excellent view of the city, as does the Mirador de las Almenillas.

It has a beautiful old town with cobbled stoned laneways lined with white houses and you’ll find plenty of authentic tapas bars.

Antequera is very centrally located between all the major centres of Andalucía: Málaga, Seville, Córdoba and Granada.

ANYWHERE WE ROAM IS
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– Paul & Mark.

This 🪴 Evergreen post was crafted on February 20, 2022 here at meander.co.nz

Oaxaca city is full of wonderful markets bursting with amazing produce. Many of them are unassuming, tucked away through a doorway, down an alleyway, or around the corner. Access to fresh & delicious produce is one of my absolute favourite things about living in Mexico.

Before you go: produce markets in Oaxaca

I’m yet to find a mercado that’s disappointed me, they all have excellent produce for sale. I’d recommend visiting a few different ones to get a feel for it, but ultimately the one closest to where you are living or staying is probably going to be the best choice.

This is far from a comprehensive guide! But a couple of my favourite mercados (markets) in Oaxaca Centro are:

• Mercado Sánchez Pascuas
• Mercado Organico la Cosecha
• Mercado de la Merced
• Mercado de abastos
• Mercado Centenario

At the market: buying your produce

Once you’ve decided which vendor to shop from, the next step is choosing what to buy. They will have a stack of some kind of basket or plastic tub for you to take one, and fill it with the fruits and vegetables you want.

Now is the fun part – choosing what you want to buy from the many piles of gorgeous looking fruits and vegetables. I always come home with so much more than I planned, because all of the wonderful produce is so tempting! So get to work, filling up your basket.

Sometimes, certain things like fresh herbs will be behind the counter. So if you don’t see what you want right away, don’t be afraid to ask!

One your basket is full, hand it to them and they will weigh up, count, and work out the price for you. If you struggle with Spanish, they will almost always have a pen and paper or a calculator to write the total down for you as well.

At the market: some useful words & phrases in Spanish

Although you may come across vendors who speak some English, a large majority of them will not. And besides, your visiting one of the most beautiful and traditional parts of Mexico – so using one of the local languages is not only part of the experience, but it’s part of being a considerate guest!

At the market: what does produce cost in Oaxaca?

The pricing for produce here is quite different from the USA, New Zealand, or Canada; for example. I love arriving into Mexico and enjoying the abundance of fresh, seasonal, and locally grown produce. But what does it cost? Here’s a breakdown of my most recent produce trip to the mercado:

Once you get home: preparing your produce

Many of the things that make produce in Oaxaca so darn wonderful also make it a little problematic to eat right out of the bag. This is not a situation unique to Oaxaca, and is something you will encounter right across Mexico.

Everything is grown locally, often organically, and fertilised here in the Oaxaca valley with cow manure. Once it arrives at the mercado, as well as during the journey, it’s often sitting on the ground, in the dust, or on dirty truck beds and mercado floors. The dirt and bacteria that produce collects can make many people sick, so it’s important to prepare your produce properly – like locals & restaurants all do.

Amaia Steps Pasig recently held the topping off ceremony of the Clara Building, its fourth residential mid-rise in the complex, bringing the contemporary development closer to aspiring condo dwellers looking to settle down in the heart of Pasig City.

Amaia VIPs attend Amaia Steps Pasig Clara Building topping off ceremony. (L-R Jemelyn Manongsong, CSG GEO Head; Jasmin Espiritu, MetroSouth Inhs GEO Head; Jeanette Saturnino, MRT Head; Ramon Quiaoit, MDC Operations Head; Deedin Benig-Alulod, North Manila Project Development Manager)

The topping off is a traditional milestone in the construction industry when the final structural beam is raised into place, completing the building’s frame. It is at this point that Amaia Steps Pasig—all 464 units of it, plus its amenities—may be fully appreciated by property seekers, and when its buyers and investors may look forward to moving into their dream abodes.

The fortunate lot who have invested in Amaia Steps Pasig’s Clara Building may expect the fulfillment of their aspirations as they create a vibrant community. Located in the bustling neighborhood of Eusebio Street in Barangay Miguel, Pasig City, the strikingly designed residential condominium touts a strategic location that blends urban convenience with suburban tranquility. 

After all, Amaia Steps Pasig has easy access to major roads and highways, established schools, hospitals, and commercial centers. Likewise, the development is less than six kilometers away from Ortigas Central Business District, and just four kilometers from C5 Road. 

Envisioned for the passion-driven generation, such as ambitious young professionals and students, enterprising individuals, and starting families, this four-hectare modern mid-rise residential project is also within a brief drive and commute to various government offices and hospitals. 

Offering both accessibility and a serene retreat, Amaia Steps Pasig features retail spaces right at homeowners’ doorsteps, placing everyday essentials within reach. One can grab a quick bite or run important errands just steps away from their homes. Already functional amenities include a swimming pool, a basketball court, a playground, a multi-purpose hall, and beautifully landscaped gardens.

The Clara Building, the final structure in the Amaia Steps Pasig project, offers a variety of cozy unit options, including Studio, Deluxe, and Premier units, with sizes ranging from 23 to 42 square meters. Each is designed to cater to the needs of its residents and their fast-paced lifestyles. 

With the near completion of Amaia Steps Pasig’s Clara Building, the turnover of its units to new homeowners looms in the horizon. 

For inquiries about Amaia Steps Pasig or other Amaia properties, visit https://www.amaialand.com or contact our Amaia real estate salesperson.

By Joan Torres

16 Comments

Last updated on May 16, 2024

Wanna travel to Venezuela with Against the Compass?

Join us on a 2-week adventure across Canaima National Park, Los Llanos, Mérida and the Caribbean coast.

January 8th to 21st, 2025

Arguably, Venezuela might be the best country for travel in the whole of South America.

Blessed with the longest coastline in the Caribbean, the tallest waterfall in the world and the least unexplored part of the Amazon, Venezuela is packed with wilderness highlights.

While you might be thinking that every country in the continent is filled with jaw-dropping attractions, what I truly enjoyed about traveling in Venezuela is that there is no other Spanish-speaking country in the continent which is also so raw and authentic.

Yet Venezuela doesn’t come without its own travel difficulties and obstacles, so in this guide, you will learn how to travel in Venezuela, including tips on safety, money, accommodation, getting around and much more.

In this Venezuela travel guide, you will find:

📰 Venezuela today

Can you travel to Venezuela?

Similar to Iraq or Somalia, Venezuela has an incredibly bad reputation for being one of the most dangerous countries in the world.

Venezuela, nevertheless, has never experienced suicide bombings or war-related problems. What it did have was a problem with high rates of violent crime, inflamed by one of the worst and longest-lasting economic crises in the world.

Venezuela’s economy is fully dependent on oil and is managed by extremely corrupt leaders with absolutely zero incentives, all fueled by the impementation of extreme Communist laws and policies that saw the country experience 10,000% inflation and a shortage crisis that lasted nearly 10 years, until 2019, a crisis that brought hundreds of Venezuelans close to starvation because they couldn’t even find a bag of rice in the supermarket. 

Venezuelans have suffered what is not written, and listening to their stories should be an unmissable part of your trip, as much as visiting the Angel Falls.

Today, the situation isn’t great but with the stabilization of their currency and the significant improvement in security, local people are feeling more optimistic and enthusiastic about their futures.

In my opinion, there hasn’t been a better time to travel to Venezuela than now.

⚠️ Is it safe to travel to Venezuela?

Is Venezuela safe for tourists?

Several years ago, Venezuela was one of the most dangerous countries in the world – in my opinion far more dangerous than countries like Afghanistan, Yemen or even Mali.

Express kidnappings, muggings and road assaults were part of everyday life for Venezuelans.

On Monday mornings, the main topic of conversation between colleagues at pretty much any office or university was about who got robbed or kidnapped over the weekend.

Venezuela was so dangerous that even the Venezuelans’ habits shifted in cities, with streets clearing after 6 pm, since people preferred to celebrate and gather with friends in their own homes.

This terrible situation went on until around 2020.

Right now, traveling in Venezuela is safe, for the following reasons:

1. The Government took action against local mafias

Basically, by carrying out raids in specific shanty towns, targeting the organizations involved in kidnappings.

The police were very effective, but only because they went in and shot everyone indiscriminately, killing loads of innocent people at the same time.

2. Because of the crisis, kidnappings were no longer profitable business

Express kidnappings consisted of taking someone by force to make them empty their bank accounts, while threatening their and their family’s lives.

The problem however, is that Venezuela was suffering the worst of all inflations, so wealthy Venezuelans moved their fortunes to bank accounts in either Madrid or Miami, hence there was no way for them to transfers their funds, meaning the kidnapping business wasn’t very profitable any more.

Similarly, because of the crisis, ordinary Venezuelans weren’t carrying any money on them, mainly because the Venezuelan Bolívar was absolutely worthless, so mugging became increasingly difficult as well.

3. The thieves fled Venezuela to neighboring countries

Given the situation, many thieves decided to leave Venezuela, heading mainly to other Latin American countries such as Colombia, Ecuador or Perú.

Conclusion: Is Venezuela safe to visit?

Venezuela is safer to travel than it used to be, as all Venezuelans will tell you. But remember that still, this is rough and raw Latin America, so use your common sense: don’t display your valuables, don’t walk about alone after dark, etc.

Is Venezuela safe for Americans?

Yes, of course. Local people won’t judge you based on your nationality.

Also, it’s not like the USA has ever invaded and started a war in Venezuela, like they did in many Middle Eastern countries, so Americans can travel around Venezuela without fear.

🪪 How to get a visa for Venezuela

Most nationalities can get a free visa upon arrival, allowing you to travel in Venezuela for 90 days. This rule applies at both international airports and land borders.

Can Americans travel to Venezuela with a tourist visa?

Americans – and also Canadians – are the exception to the rule.

They can’t get a VOA, so instead must apply at the Venezuelan embassy in either Mexico City or Panama City.

The process can take up to 5 months (no kidding!) and the rules change all the time.

Fortunately, there is a pretty active Facebook group where travelers share their experiences in securing a tourist visa for Venezuela.

The group is called Venezuela Visa Support.

🚑 Travel insurance

Don’t travel to Venezuela without travel insurance. I recommend IATI Insurance because:

• One of the very few that covers travel in Venezuela.
• Different plans for all budgets.
• It covers senior citizens too.
• Readers of this blog can get a 5% exclusive discount

💰 Money & budget for backpacking in Venezuela

Money is a complicated matter when backpacking in Venezuela, there are so many particularities.

Here’s what you need to know.

The local currency is now in parity with the US dollar

In Venezuela, they use the Venezuelan Bolívar and approximately:

1 USD = 36 VES

I’m not an economist so I don’t know how this actually works, but after inflation of nearly 10,000% back in 2019, the Government of Venezuela managed to contain it by equalizing the Bolívar with the US dollar.

The Venezuelan economy is now completely dollarized

While the Bolívar is still in circulation, the US dollar is quickly becoming the main currency, and it can be used for any type of transactions.

At small local businesses, such as fruits & veg shops, or convenience stores, they’ll likely give you the price in Bolívares although you will always be allowed to pay in USD.

If something costs less than 1 USD, they will give your change in Bolívares.

Bring all your money in cash

You can’t really withdraw money from an ATM.

I mean, technically you can, but ATMs always give Bolívares and only up to a certain amount, which tends to be the equivalent of no more than 25 USD.

Therefore, do bring all your money in cash, and in US dollars.

Bring the smallest possible notes

This is the number one tip for traveling in Venezuela.

In Venezuela, nobody has change, but I am not talking about not having change of $100. I am talking about buying something worth $4 dollars, paying with a $5 note and not getting your dollar change because the guy from the shop doesn’t have any.

This didn’t happen just once, or twice, it was a constant nightmare that happened several times a day, every time I tried to buy something outside of Caracas.

There’s a shortage of cash in Venezuela. In Caracas you can pay by card virtually everywhere so this shouldn’t be much of a problem there, but outside of the capital it really is.

How are the locals dealing with it? Well, they don’t really use cash; instead they use Pago Móvil, a mobile app for instant payments that can only be used if you have a Venezuelan bank account.

I know it’s hard to bring $1 bills, but just try to bring the smallest possible notes.

You can’t get money out of ATMs but you might be able to pay by card

However, don’t rely on this.

For example, my Revolut Card didn’t work in Venezuela but my N26 did, even though both of them are Mastercard.

In Caracas, cards are accepted everywhere, but that might not be the case in other parts of the country. It’s just random, sometimes they do accept cards, sometimes they don’t.

How much does a trip to Venezuela cost?

Estimating the cost of traveling to Venezuela is difficult, since it really depends on where you go, and what activities you do.

On the one hand, there’s Caracas.

Caracas is super expensive. If you decide to stay in Chacao, which is the safest area in the entire city – pretty much the only place where you can walk around without any fear – then know that things will be ridiculously expensive, e.g. $100 for a basic hotel room, $15 for an average local meal and $60 for a meal in an international restaurant (nothing fancy).

Then there are the touristy places such as Los Roques, Canaima, Los Llanos, the Orinoco Delta and Roraima. These places are also super expensive, so you should budget around $150 a day depending on where you stay.

Check out our Canaima travel guide to find out how to reduce costs.

Mérida and Margarita are the only famous tourist havens that are pretty affordable, where you can find excellent accommodation for $30, and the food is cheap too.

Everywhere else is cheap. In Valencia for example, you can find decent accommodation for $20, and a good local meal for $4. Public transportation is also cheap, I don’t think I ever paid more than $10 for a long-distance bus.

⛅ Best time to visit Venezuela

Venezuela is a year-round destination, so the best time to visit will depend on what you want to do.

Traveling in Venezuela from July to October: the rainy season.

During the rainy season, all of the waterfalls in Canaima National Park will be at their fastest flowing, including Angel Falls, the tallest waterfall in the world and the country’s top tourist attraction.

It’s important to highlight that the rainy season in Venezuela isn’t one of those Asian monsoon seasons with hurricanes where it keeps pouring all day long. It’s more like heavy rain for a few hours a day.

This season, however, might not be ideal for visiting the coast and the islands of Margarita and Los Roques.

It will also be pretty cold in the mountains around Mérida and, while Los Llanos will be covered in lush green, it’s not the best season to spot anacondas and other animals.

Traveling in Venezuela from November to April: the dry season

The dry season comes with its pros and cons as well.

For Canaima, be aware that the later you go, the less water you’ll find, so I don’t personally recommend going there in March or April.

On the other hand, the dry season is an excellent time to visit the islands, as well as for doing a safari in Los Llanos, including spotting giant anteaters and 5-meter anacondas.

Check our travel guide to Los Llanos for more information.

Venezuela travel tip: avoid local Bank Holidays
In Venezuela, there are very few foreign travelers but domestic tourism is pretty big, especially during certain annual festivities. You may want to avoid traveling to Los Llanos, Canaima, Margarita or Los Roques during the following dates:
Carnavales (February or March, depending on the year)
Easter (March or April, depending on the year)
Christmas Holidays
July 5th and 24th

🛖 Top Experiences in Venezuela

Go on an anaconda safari

Along with the Amazon, Los Llanos boatds with one of the largest populations of giant anacondas, and safaris to spot them can be easily arranged.

Check our travel guide to Los Llanos.

Explore Caribbean towns

The coast of Venezuela has a very distinct, very Caribbean culture, with the added advantage that it hasn’t been spoiled by foreign tourism – Choroní or Chacao being great examples.

Visit the tallest waterfall in the world

Venezuela is home to the world’s highest uninterrupted waterfall (979 meters). This waterfall can be found in a stunning national park named Canaima, which is only accessible by flying in.

Check our travel guide to Canaima.

Venezuelan people

Venezuela has seen very few backpackers for the last 30 years, so expect to make friends everywhere – more than in any other Latin American country!

Backpacking in Mérida

Mérida is the best example of traditional Venezuela, old colonial villages built in the Andes that feel like stepping back in time.

🛫 Getting in: how to travel to Venezuela

How to fly to Venezuela

Maiquetía or Simón Bolívar International Airport is the main airport hub in Caracas.

To be honest, it’s a fairly small airport with few connections.

If coming from Europe, Madrid is by far the best hub. Check Iberia or Air Europa.

You can also fly from Lisbon (TAP Portugal) and Istanbul (Turkish Airlines).

There are direct flights from Moscow as well.

Alternatively, you can also fly from Colombia, Panamá or México.

How to travel to Venezuela over land borders

Venezuela shares a border with:

• Colombia: all borders are open and easy to cross
• Brazil: despite sharing a very long border, there’s only one proper border crossing at Paracaima, the rest being dense jungle.
• Guyana: there aren’t any roads connecting both countries, only jungle, hence there isn’t any official border crossing.

👨 Independent travel in Venezuela

I traveled around Venezuela for 25 days using public transportation.

Do you know how many backpackers I saw?

Zero, not a single one.

I did see foreign tourists in Canaima National Park, as well as a tour group in Los Llanos but not a single backpacker traveling independently around the country, not even in Mérida.

Venezuela is still perceived as a dangerous destination, few and far between are the travelers venturing here on their own, the reason being that it’s difficult to find any travel information about for it, e.g., there are barely any updated travel blogs on Venezuela.

🛺 Transportation: How to move around Venezuela

How to travel around Venezuela by public transportation

Transportation in Venezuela isn’t very different from other Latin American countries.

Each town will have its own bus terminal, from where you can catch a bus to other villages, towns and cities.

Wealthy Venezuelans will always tell you that traveling by bus is very dangerous and that you shouldn’t even think about doing it, but I found bus travel to be one of the most enriching experiences in Venezuela, especially on long distance journeys, where bus passengers tend to become friends.

It’s a great opportunity to get local insights from the segment of Venezuelans who have struggled the most, the people who can only afford to travel by bus. 

In big cities like Valencia or Caracas, some routes offer different types of buses, from comfortable AC coach buses to crumbling mini vans without windows.

Venezuela travel tip: If traveling with an AC bus, do always bring one extra layer cause they tend to put the AC at 8ºC

There are no general rules for taking buses, it just depends on the specific route, and which terminal it departs from. Sometimes there is a proper bus schedule, sometimes they depart only when full. You might also be lucky to ride on a neat air-conditioned coach, or you might get a crumbling mini van without windows.

Where are the bus stations in Caracas?

Caracas is obviously the main hub for bus travel around Venezuela, and these are the main 3 stations:

Terminal La Bandera: buses that travel West of Caracas, including Valencia, Maracaibo, Los Llanos, Mérida or Amazonas State.

Terminal Antonio José de Sucre: buses traveling east of Caracas – Oriente, like Venezuelans say – including Barcelona, Bolívar State or Santa Elena.

Terminal Privado Aeroexpresos Ejecutivos: fancy buses for the most common destinations in Venezuela, including Mérida or Santa Elena. Buses here are more expensive, run less often and need to be booked in advance but they sell the idea of extra comfort and security. As a backpacker, I prefer traveling from either of the other 2 stations.

Traveling around Venezuela by shared taxi

In small towns with small terminals, where buses don’t run that often, it’s easy to find shared taxis as well.

You have to ask for a carrito a plaza.

Traveling around Venezuela by plane

Venezuela is a big country, so travelers with little time to travel in Venezuela might opt to take a domestic flight.

The problem, however, is that flights can’t be booked online; you must purchase your flight tickets at the respective office in the airport. That or look for a local travel agency to do it for you, for an extra fee.

Additionally, other than Los Roques and Margarita, flights between destinations don’t run every day, so you really need to plan your itinerary in advance.

Common domestic airlines are Avior Airlines, Conviasa and Laser Airlines.

Traveling around Venezuela with a Vehicle for Hire app

Yummy Rides and Ridery are the local versions of Uber, available in most cities across Venezuela, but they can also be used for long distance transportation.

🏨 Accommodation: where to stay in Venezuela

Booking sites such as booking.com are not very useful in Venezuela, since they only offer a few expensive options in Caracas.

The best way to look for accommodation in Venezuela is on Google Maps.

Look for a hotel, call them and ask for price and availability.

Local guest houses are locally known as posadas. They are usually cheap, averaging 20 USD a night without breakfast.

Posadas can be found virtually everywhere in Venezuela.

In touristy places such as Los Llanos, Delta del Orinoco, Canaima or Los Roques, you won’t find local posadas, and instead you will generally stay in lodges – which tend to always offer full board, especially since they are located in remote areas with no restaurants around.

👫 Venezuelan people

I found people in Venezuela to be extremely friendly.

The experience is similar to Colombia, let’s say, but many Venezuelans have barely interacted with a foreigner before, creating an extra incentive for them to meet foreign tourists.

I was the first Spanish person to ever talk to many Venezuelans across the country, especially people in their 20s or 30s. They had only heard Castilian Spanish accents in movies, in La Casa de Papel (Money Heist), or on YouTube, so that was the perfect ice-breaker for any conversations.

One day, I was walking along the promenade of Choroní when I approached a group of Venezuelans having a good time, with a portable fridge packed with beers.

“Are you selling beer?” I asked.

“No, but here’s one for you“, – he answered.

It was 8 pm and I ended up partying with them until 4 am.

Venezuelans love partying, drinking, loud music, dancing, having fun… and they will never hesitate to ask a stranger to join them.

Other than friendliness, Venezuelans are generally very conservative. Well, I wouldn’t say conservative but it is still a very traditional society. They’re very family-oriented and things like homosexuality, for example, are still taboo.

Don’t get me wrong; their opinion on homosexuality is different from the Middle East. You won’t go to jail and nobody is going to bother you, but a large number of people will think that it isn’t normal.

How many people have fled Venezuela?

Depending on which part of the world you’re living in, you may have noticed a massive influx of Venezuelans currently living abroad, who have fled their countries due to the economic crisis.

It’s quite noticeable in Spain, as well as in the USA, and other countries in Latin America.

People in their 20s, 30s and 40s are the one who left, and they have no intention to come back. This massive exodus of people is also noticeable in Caracas, where there isn’t much going on.

💬 Language

Spanish is the official language of Venezuela, and I strongly recommend learning at least some basics because very few Venezuelans can speak English, not even in Caracas, or within the tourism industry.

Even in Hato El Cedral in Los Llanos – where I met a group of people from Central Europe – they didn’t have any English-speaking guides, and they were only able to communicate with them because one guy in the group spoke fluent Spanish.

Other than Spanish, up to 40 different languages are spoken in Venezuela by the indigenous communities, according to the local census.

🍲 Cuisine: what are you going to eat during your trip to Venezuela?

The local food isn’t the reason you will be traveling to Venezuela, but it’s alright, cheap and the portions are huge.

Breakfast in Venezuela

Most Venezuelans will have breakfast at the bakery, where they eat different kinds of pastries, the most popular being cachito de jamón y queso, a yeasted bread filled with ham and cheese.

Surprisingly, many hotels and posadas don’t include breakfast, but a heavier breakfast would typically consist of cheese, eggs and arepa (corn bread)

National dish

Pabellón Criollo is the national dish in Venezuela, consisting of black beans, rice, meat and plantain, available in most local restaurants.

Other snacks

My favorite was cachapa, a slightly sweet Venezuelan pancake filled with cheese, but you can find it with many other fillings too.

Another popular snack is the stuffed arepa, available with all sorts of fillings as well, but usually cheese and meat.

Beer in Venezuela

The cheapest thing you can buy in Venezuela is beer, which rarely costs more than 1 USD for a 20cl bottle.

Venezuelans like to drink it ice-cold, so anywhere you go, cold beer is guaranteed.

They have quite a few brands but Polar is the one that can be found everywhere. In fact, outside of Caracas and tourist sites, it’s difficult to find any others.

Internet in Venezuela

Venezuela has probably the slowest internet in all Latin America, here’s what you need to know.

💻 Wi-Fi

Most hotels and posadas have Wi-Fi, with an OK connection.

In Canaima, many lodges have a StarLink receiver, which is good enough for simple browsing.

Internet data

You can easily buy a SIM card packed with internet data.

However, bear in mind that many areas of Venezuela, including Canaima or certain parts of Los Llanos and Mérida have very little coverage, and even in Caracas it’s a little bit slow sometimes.

I bought a Digitel SIM at their official store in the Chacao area.

Can you get an eSIM for Venezuela?

Yes, now you can get an eSIM with Airalo, which offers different packages for Venezuela.

However, I recommend getting a local SIM card, since eSIMs only offer internet service, but you might want to be able to call a local number, as explained in the accommodation section of this post.

❗More travel information for Venezuela

📢 In my Travel Resources Page you can find the list of all the sites and services I use to book hotels, tours, travel insurance and more.

All guides and articles for traveling in Venezuela destination

More travel guides from the Americas

Traveling can be quite stressful when planning and the worst thing that can happen is dealing with theft during your travels. One way to ensure the safety of your belongings is by getting one of the best anti-theft travel bags out there. There are a few companies out there and I’ll lay out which ones to look out for. Whether you are looking for the best anti-theft travel purse, best travel anti theft backpack, or a travel anti theft crossbody bag, I got you covered. 

This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. Support my blog here. 

Best Anti Theft Bag for Travel for 2023

There are a few things to consider when picking out the best anti theft travel bag from the type of fabric, types of zippers, a chain, and protective lining. While it’s not necessary to have an anti theft travel bag, it provides a sense of security and prevent thieves from getting you personal information. A theft proof bag will be one of the best investments you can make for your trip. 

Quick Recommendations – Best Anti-Theft Bags Quick Links

If you are just want to get quick and to the point for an anti theft bag for travel, here is the list of the best anti-theft bags listed in this review guide. You can also go by my true and trusted favorite here.

Arden Cove Crossbody

• 2 lined pockets
• Stylish
• Detachable chain strap
• Waterproof exterior and zippers
• Regular clips to lock zippers
• RFID-blocking pocket
• Slots for bank cards

PacSafe Go 15L Anti-Theft

• Laptop Pocket for up to 12” Laptop or 13” Macbook
• Side pocket for a water bottle or small umbrella
• Water-Resistant
• Luggage Slip
• Zip Clip
• TurnNLock Security Hooks
• RFID Blocking Materials

Best Anti Theft Cross Body Bags | Best Anti Theft Purses

Best Anti Theft Backpacks

Best Anti Theft Slings

Best Anti Theft Handbag Totes

Best Anti Theft Travel Bag Comparison Chart 

What is an Anti Theft Bag?

An anti theft bag for travel is pretty much a bag with all the modern conveniences and prevents pickpocketers from getting your important documents and finances. These bags often include a variety of different materials, locking clasps, a chain, and more. Honestly, my best travel tip is to get an anti theft bag for travel. There are many reasons why these bags are worth it. 

These bags help prevent thieves from getting to everything that matters to you on your trip. It stops them from slashing your bag open, unzipping them in crowded and public spaces, prevents them from scanning your RFID cards, is easy to clean, and can be used in different circumstances. Most bags are not necessarily equipped with these kinds of materials which is why it’s crucial to consider the following items below. 

What to look for in an Anti Theft Bag – Anti Theft Bag Best features

I’ve listed the major features to look for when trying to find the best anti theft bag for travel. Unfortunately, when it comes to many of these bags, a lot of them are not always necessarily beautiful or stylish although they have improved and many are. The purpose of an anti theft bag for travel is primarily for function, however, designs are constantly changing and I think eventually, it will be easier to find fashionable yet functional bags. 

How do I choose the best Purse for travel?

Well there are a lot of things to consider in which is the best purse or bag for travel. I’ve listed some of the most common things you need to look out for below and see which suits you best for your future anti theft travel bag, backpack, purse, or tote. It’s important to have a pickpocket proof bag.

Slash-proof Fabric

The first and foremost thing you need to look for in anti theft travel bags is slash-proof materials to make your bag theft proof. This is crucial because a lot of pickpocketers will quickly slash your bag from underneath or the strap around your body in order to get your important belongings. A slash-proof bag should be something you should definitely look for in an anti theft bag. 

Zippers with Locking Latches or Clips

This to me be is a very important feature for an anti theft bag for travel. There are some anti theft bags out there that don’t have the locking latches which is a little worrisome for me. The locking latches provide more security to your bag when you lock it up or have it around your body. 

These locking clips prevent thieves from accessing your pockets right away. It clips your zippers and keeps them locked and safe. Additionally, some have it on the strap and it prevents thieves from unclasping the lock and dropping the strap of your bag. 

There are anti theft travel bags that only have clips and are not locking clips and those are subjectable to what you are looking for. A locking clasp provides more security but a regular clip does a fairly decent job as well. It may or may not be a deal-breaker for you and that is ultimately your decision. I have listed a few that do not have that feature on some of the zippers, however, they are stylish and do not typically look like anti theft bags. 

Attachable chain or Shoulder strap to table while dining

When I talk about the clasps above, I highly recommend them for an anti theft bag for travel because these clips are also helpful if you want to take your bag off and attach it to the chair or table at a restaurant when eating. It will prevent someone from taking it easy. You can even add a lock between the 2 for extra security if necessary. 

RFID Lining

This is super important to protect you from identity theft from credit cards, debit cards, and passports, it’s crucial that your bag has these features to save you from the headaches of worrying about theft. The worst thing that can happen other than physical theft, is having a canceled credit card and being unable to have the fund to pay for things abroad. These are why RFID travel bags are so important to have. 

Easy to Clean Material

An easy-to-clean material is important because well-travel can get stinky, messy, and often requires long and enduring trips. You want an anti theft bag for travel you can easily wash, take care of, and make sure it lasts a lifetime. 

Versatility

Finally, I think it’s important to have a bag that is very versatile. A bag that has a lot of pockets so I can store money and cards in different areas of the bag, can be accessible in many areas, areas for a water bottle, or just the necessities. 

Brands with the Best Anti Theft Bags

There are 2 major brands with the best anti theft bags. These 2 brands are typically PacSafe Anti Theft Bags and Travelon Anti Theft Bags. Another brand I am introducing is Arden Cove which is more for a stylish and simplistic design. 

What is the best-rated anti-theft messenger bag for travel?

I would say that PacSafe and Travelon are the best and more well-known for a reason. Although I do love Arden Cove’s design and aesthetic, I find that PacSafe and Travelon to be more durable and well known. However, that does not discredit Arden Cove. They are still a great brand and their main goal is to provide stylish anti theft bags. 

Best Travel Anti Theft Purses and Anti Theft Cross Body Bags

Anti Theft Purses and Anti Theft Cross Body Bags are probably some of the most popular items people search for and are in need of. Many women are worried when they travel about losing items, being a victim of theft, and assault. These items help many of us women who travel solo have a little bit more of a sense of security. Travel secure purses are becoming more common even for everyday use. These are some of my favorite purses for travel security.

Arden Cove Cross Body Bag

The Arden Cove Crossbody is probably one of my favorite anti theft bag for travel as it’s a designed cross body purse that doesn’t look too much like an anti-theft purse. I would say it’s one of the best bag travel anti theft for women. It’s got a modern design, it’s simple, and it seems to go from day to night fairly easily while still being a secure travel purse. It doesn’t look so sporty which is what we love about this product. This anti theft crossbody purse comes in black, cream, grey, navy, maroon, chocolate, and red. This is an anti theft travel bag for women fashion lovers.

Don’t let the size of this anti theft purse fool you. This purse is pretty jam packed with features. 

Here are some of its popular anti theft features:

• 2 lined pockets and a zip lined pocket 
• Detachable chain strap
• Waterproof exterior and zippers
• Regular clips to lock zippers
• RFID-blocking pocket
• Slots for bank cards

Shop Arden Cove Cross Body Bag

Pack Safe Metrosafe LS250 Anti-Theft Shoulder Bag

This was honestly my first and favorite cross body bag. It’s an anti theft classic bag. I used this when I traveled all over Italy and I’m so thankful I had this bag. During our trip to Italy, someone had managed to get into my Aunt’s backpack, but thankfully, she had safety pinned it. So all they managed to do was get the safety pin off. This bag is my ultimate favorite because of its size and features. 

I was able to carry my Fujifilm Mirrorless Camera, passport, money in different pockets, wallet, a water bottle, and so much more. I love the locking features for this bag as well, it provides locking clasps with a safety clip feature which makes it harder to get into. 

Features of this anti theft crossbody bag include: 

• Waterbottle/Umbrella Compartment
• Turn N Lock Security Clips
• Slashguard Strap
• ExoMesh Slashguard Material
• Hidden Zip Clip
• RFID Blocking Card Materials
• Adjustable shoulder strap
• Water bottle pockets

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Travelon Anti-Theft Heritage Tour Bag

The Travelon bag is a pretty stylish anti-theft bag that is modern-looking. This is a unisex bag that is perfect for anyone out there. It’s a bit of a city-style which is one of Travelon’s popular designs. This one also has a pocket for a water bottle or small compact umbrella and I would say is pretty comparable to the PacSafe Metrosafe LS250 above. I would say this is a anti theft classic messenger bag. It is a perfect anti theft crossbody travel bag for men.

Features of this anti theft crossbody bag include: 

• Waterbottle/Umbrella Compartment
• Security Clips
• Slashguard Strap
• Slash resistant materials
• RFID Blocking Materials

Shop Travelon Hertiage Tour Bag

PacSafe Citysafe CX Anti-Theft Square Crossbody

PacSafe created this bag for fashion and function. It’s a minimalist style bag perfect for small things. If you like to pack light and not carry too much on the go, this is the perfect bag for you. This bag is perfect for city touring and just a great little bag for everyday use. 

Features for this anti-theft crossbody bag:

• Turn N Lock Security Clips
• Anti slash material
• RFID Blocking Materials
• Roobar Locking Style System

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Travelon Anti-Theft Signature 3 Compartment Crossbody

The Travelon anti-theft bag is probably their most common anti theft purses. You can easily find this purse at the container store and my friends have purchased this bag when I recommended they get an anti theft bag for Europe. What we loved about these bags is its sheer amount of space for a crossbody. There was seriously so much space in this bag and lots of pockets, a zipper lock, slash-resistant strap, and versatile design. It was perfect for holding makeup, extra souvenirs, water bottles, and so much more. This is the travelon anti-theft classic messenger bag that is one of the best sellers and best options on the market.

If I didn’t already love my PacSafe bag, this would be an option I would buy for sure. 

Features of this anti-theft purse:

• Deep large main compartment
• Slash resistant materials
• Turn N Lock Security Clips
• RFID Blocking
• Slash Resistant Straps

Shop Signature 3 Compartment Crossbody

Best Travel Anti Theft Backpack

The best anti-theft backpacks are ones where you feel secure having them on your back and protecting your items. There are so many backpack options out there for travel but to narrow it down to anti theft backpacks is quite difficult. It depends on what type of backpack you are in need of and looking for. These are some of the best anti theft backpack designs out there. 

Arden Cove Convertible Backpack and Crossbody 

What I love about this backpack is that you can change the straps into a shoulder bag. This is an anti theft travel bag for women. I love a bag that is versatile, a anti theft convertible bag, and can change based on what your needs are. Sometimes you want a backpack and sometimes you want a different bag. There is 1 main compartment with a front pocket perfect for story money and cards. It also has space for things like a tablet, camera, and more. This is the best travel purse backpack combo. 

Features of this anti-theft backpack:

• Cut Resistant Straps
• RFID Blocking Pockets
• Waterproof Zippers
• Slash Resistant Materials
• Locking hardware and clasps
• Waterproof Fabric

Shop Arden Cove Convertible Backpack and Crossbody

Pacsafe Go 15L Anti-Theft Backpack

This backpack reminds me of a classic high school backpack. It looks like an everyday backpack which makes it a perfect design. This backpack has a laptop pocket that holds up to a 13” Macbook or 12” laptop. It also has a strap that slides over your luggage handle which makes it perfect for travel. You can easily slip this bag onto your roller carry-on suitcase. It also has a side pocket perfect for holding a water bottle or small umbrella which makes it a perfect anti theft bag for travel.

Features of this anti-theft backpack:

• Laptop Pocket for up to 12” Laptop or 13” Macbook
• Side pocket for a water bottle or small umbrella
• Water-Resistant
• Made of Recyclable Materials
• Luggage Slip
• Zip Clip
• Slashguard Materials
• TurnNLock Security Hooks
• RFID Blocking Materials

Shop Pacsafe Go 15L Anti-Theft Backpack

Introducing the Bagsmart Camera Backpack, a true companion for the intrepid photographers traversing the globe! This backpack is more than just a carrier; it’s a fortress for your precious camera gear, meticulously crafted to safeguard your equipment while providing unmatched convenience. Designed with the modern photographer in mind, the Bagsmart Backpack boasts a cleverly organized interior.

With specialized compartments for your camera and space for up to two lenses, it ensures easy access and ample protection. Its thoughtful design doesn’t stop there; it extends to accommodating your laptop, memory cards, and even a rain cover for those unpredictable weather moments, making it an indispensable travel companion for every shutterbug.

Features of the Bagsmart Camera Backpack include:

• Dedicated compartments and pockets for camera and lenses
• Padded sleeve for a laptop
• Ample storage for memory cards and accessories
• Integrated rain cover for weather protection
• Adjustable and padded shoulder straps for comfort
• Side pockets for a water bottle or compact umbrella
• Anti-theft design elements like lockable zippers and RFID protection
• Durable, water-resistant materials for added security
• Ergonomic design for prolonged wear and ease of use
• Stylish yet functional, the Bagsmart Camera Backpack is a testament to innovation meeting practicality, catering to the needs of photographers who seek both security and convenience in their gear-carrying solutions.

Travelon heritage Backpack

This is a backpack has a vintage style that makes it modern yet classic. It’s fairly stylish, fashionable, and perfect for everyday use. I would say that this is a bag that meets function and fashion. You can use this to carry your laptop, tablet, accessories, and would also make for the perfect diaper bag as well. 

Features of this anti-theft backpack:

• Pocket for up to a 14” laptop
• Slash Resistant
• Locking Clasps
• RFID Blocking Pockets
• Slash Resistant Straps

Travelon Signature Anti-Theft Slim Backpack

The Travelon Signature Anti-Theft Slim Backpack is the ultimate blend of style and function. It’s vintage but modern, perfect for your daily hustle or travel escapades.

Key features? It’s got a pocket for a 14” laptop and is built with safety in mind. Slash-resistant fabric and straps, locking clasps, and RFID-blocking pockets protect you and your valuables. This bag’s not just smart; it’s a fortress. It’s perfect for work, travel, or even as a diaper bag. Functional, fashionable, and secure. What more could you want?

Features of this anti-theft backpack:

• 14″ Laptop Pocket: Designed with a pocket to fit up to a 14″ laptop. Perfect for work or travel.
• Slash Resistant: The material and straps are built to resist slashing. Walk confidently through any crowd.
• Locking Clasps: Keeps your valuables secure so you can explore without constant worry.
• RFID Blocking Pockets: Safeguard your personal information from tech-savvy thieves.

Best Anti Theft Slings or waist packs

Sling bags are another option for an anti theft bag for travel. These are very popular in Asian countries and can be seen as fanny packs in some situations. Most people enjoy wearing these like a crossbody backpack. These provide some space for small important must-haves during your travel and they are light and leave you hands-free. These are 2 of my favorite options of the anti theft slings.

PacSafe Vibe 325 Anti-Theft Sling Pack

This is the perfect bag for everyday city life. It’s designed to be more like a crossbody backpack. It has a long narrow main pocket and a variety of different pockets to keep your belongings safe. This bag has been well designed and provides a variety of different safety features including locking clips, RFID and splashguard materials.

Features of this anti-theft slingbag:

• Slash Resistant
• RFID Blocking Pockets
• Slash Resistant Straps
• PopNLock Security Clips
• Roobar Locking System

Shop PacSafe Vibe 325 Anti-Theft Sling Pack

Travelon Anti-Theft Active Waist Pack

This is the typical fanny pack-style anti-theft bag for travel. It’s perfect for people who like to wear these packs on their hips. It can also be worn around the back like most sling bags and is interchangeable. This one has a lot of pockets to hold your cards, passport, and more. This one even has a pocket to hold a waterbottle or small umbrella! It makes for the perfect anti theft travel bag for a water bottle.

Features of this anti-theft fanny pack:

• Slash Resistant
• RFID Blocking Pockets
• Slash Resistant Straps
• Waterbottle/Umbrella Compartment

Shop Travelon Anti-Theft Active Waist Pack

Pacsafe Go Anti-Theft Sling Pack

The Pacsafe Go Anti-Theft Sling Pack is more than just a trendy bag—it’s your security detail wrapped in a sleek design. Ideal for urban adventurers and casual day-trippers alike, this pack offers a perfect blend of style and function. With its versatile design, you can sling it any way you like, all while knowing your essentials are safe and sound.

Key Features of this Anti Theft Sling

• Versatile Design: Wear it on the front or back to match your style and situation.
• Lockable Zippers: No more constant bag-checks. Lock it and forget it.
• RFID Safe Pockets: Protects your cards and passport from unauthorized scans.
• Cut-Resistant Straps: Feel secure even in crowded places, thanks to straps that are tough to slice through.

Monos Metro Sling

The Monos Metro Sling is for those who love simplicity but won’t compromise on functionality. This pack is the epitome of minimalist design, offering a sleek and clean look while maintaining space for your essentials. It’s perfect for those quick trips out where you just need the basics, but want them to be easily accessible and secure.

Key Features

• Compact Yet Roomy: Don’t let its size fool you. It’s designed to hold more than you think, from a tablet to your daily essentials.
• Water-Resistant Material: Because nobody likes water damage, right? Your belongings stay dry, come rain or shine.
• Multiple Pockets: Organize with ease, thanks to well-placed pockets for everything you need to carry.
• Adjustable Strap: Customize the fit to make it as comfortable as it is functional.

Best Anti Theft Handbag Totes

These totes are perfect for someone who just wants a useful messenger workbag and other things. It’s perfect to hold important documents and protect your tech from thieves. These are great substitutions for bulky hard briefcases.

PacSafe Citysafe CX Anti-Theft Satchel Handbag

This bag has more of a feminine look to it which provides a lot of security but is also stylish. It’s elegant and timeless which means it won’t go out of style. This is a satchel handbag which is the perfect large-size anti theft travel purse. It’s perfect for fitting in your makeup, tablet, phone, and more. 

Features of this anti-theft bag for travel:

• Slash Resistant
• TurnNLock Clips
• RFID Blocking Pockets
• Slash Resistant Straps
• Roobar Locking System

Shop PacSafe Citysafe CX Anti-Theft Satchel Handbag

Travelon Anti-Theft Addison Tote

Use this everyday tote for travel, work, life, and daily errands. It’s a modern tote with everything you need. It has several pockets, an interior wallet, and a spacious pocket for a 10” tablet to keep on hand. This bag is meant to be durable and long-lasting with all the anti theft features. 

Features of this anti-theft bag for travel:

• Slash Resistant
• Locking clasps
• RFID Blocking Pockets
• Slash Resistant Straps

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Pacsafe Go Anti-Theft Tote Bag

This is probably my favorite tote bag out of all of the ones I listed above. This tote bag is large and perfect for the beach, grocery shopping, day trips, and as a diaper bag. It’s spacious and has a pocket for a 15” laptop. It’s made from recyclable materials with all of the perfect anti-theft security features as well. 

Features of this anti-theft bag for travel:

• Slash Resistant
• Locking clasps
• RFID Blocking Pockets
• Slash Resistant Straps
• Zip Clips
• Dock Locks
• TurnNLock Security Clips

Shop Pacsafe Go Anti-Theft Tote Bag

Unbox Therapy X Pacsafe Anti-Theft Briefcase

This is a great option for those looking for a briefcase and a secure messenger bag. This is a unisex anti theft bag that holds up to a 15” laptop and a 10” tablet. This has a wide zipper area that allows you to get to your things quickly and easily. It has locking zippers, slash-resistant material and straps, RFID blocking materials, and more. It also includes a strap that allows you to easily slide these over carry-on roller suitcases to allow you to be hands-free at the airport. This is probably a popular anti-theft travel bag for men.

Features of this anti-theft bag for travel:

• Slash Resistant
• Locking clasps
• RFID Blocking Pockets
• Slash Resistant Straps
• Zip Clips
• Roobar Locking 
• Luggage strap

Shop Unbox Therapy X Pacsafe Anti-Theft Briefcase

The Peak Design Everyday Tote

The Peak Design Everyday Tote is the ideal blend of fashion and utility. Its elegant design fits in just as well at a fancy dinner as it does on a casual day out. But don’t let its good looks fool you—this tote is built to handle your daily grind and then some.

Key Features for the Peak Design Everyday Tote

• Convertible Straps: Switch between tote and backpack modes for ultimate carrying flexibility.
• Weatherproof Exterior: A durable, water-resistant shell ensures your valuables stay dry, no matter what the day throws at you.
• Customizable Compartments: The inside is like a personalized locker, with dividers you can adjust to fit all your essentials neatly.
• Quick-Access Pockets: No more digging through your bag. Pockets designed for fast access to your most-used items.

Anti Theft Bag for Travel FAQs

Where can I buy an Anti Theft Purse or Travel Bag?

Most of these bags an be found online by clicking on the links above. However, PacSafe and Travelon I have found at the Container Store and at REI. These have been great places to grab some of these popular bags. However, their selections are very limited. I suggest using the links above to grab some bags you may not be able to find in the store. 

The Benefits of Anti theft Travel Purses

Honestly, this is completely up to you and your budget. It provides a great sense of security when walking around especially in busy and crowded areas. These anti theft travel purses provide a great deal of protection for your belongings when you are out and about. It doesn’t necessarily have to be used for travel, it can definitely be used every day as well. These bags prevent thieves from getting all of your important information. 

I have listed all the materials above that make for a great anti theft bag for travel and those would be the benefits for getting one. 

What Is An Anti-Theft Pocket?

An Anti theft pocket can be a variety of things. It can be the hidden pocket within your back that is more secure with RFID pockets that help keep things hidden from view and difficult for thieves or pickpocketers to access.

Why Do You Need An Anti-Theft Bag?

You don’t need an anti-theft bag, but they do make for a great investment and protect your belongings while traveling. Thieves are getting more creative in getting into your belongings and you don’t want to fall victim to theft during your international travel.

There are a lot of benefits from having an anti-theft bag from lockable zippers to anti slash materials, it can’t be beat when it comes to normal purses and bags. I do have to say it is one of my travel essentials and the slash-proof material provides me withextra protection.

What Is The Best Anti-Theft Travel Purse?

This ultimately comes down to your decision. There are a lot of anti-theft bags on the market right now. I highly recommend the Arden Cove Crossbody bag or the PacSafe Metrosafe Bag. These are bags I’ve had in my rotation for a while and have done really well for my trips to Italy where my aunt almost got robbed!

The Arden Cove Crossbody is one of the best anti-theft purses and my favorite right now because it doesn’t look anything like an anti-theft bag with its elegant and stylish design with shoulder straps that you can easily take out to dinner in a nice dress. It can easily be dressed up and dressed down without lacking anti-theft features.

What Is The Best Anti-Theft Bag For Travel?

Well, I would suggest an anti theft backpack ultimately when it comes to am anti theft bag that is best for travel. My suggestion is the PacSafe Go 15L. It looks like a normal backpack with all of the features you need to travel like RFID protection, Slashproof Materials, and locking zippers. You won’t look like a tourist wearing this backpack around town.

Which Anti-Theft Bag Are You Getting?

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