Don't miss these hidden gems in 2025

Hey Freaking Nomads,

Happy New Year 🎉 I hope your 2025 is off to an exciting start already!

There’s something magical about the beginning of a new year—the feeling that anything is possible, the thrill of setting new goals, and, of course, the itch to pack your bags and explore somewhere new.

My travel bucket list is already out of control 🤪 But as much as I love the usual nomad hotspots like Medellín, Chiang Mai, or Oaxaca, there’s something extra special about finding places that aren’t plastered all over Instagram yet.

So, to kick off 2025, here are a few hidden gems that totally blew me away this past year—and ones I think you should check out too.

1. Sal and Boa Vista, Cape Verde

I went to Sal and Boa Vista, Cape Verde, this summer thinking it would just be a bunch of resorts and not much else. I was SO wrong. The beaches? Absolutely unreal—easily the most beautiful I’ve ever seen (seriously, I’ll include a picture below so you can see for yourself!). But what really surprised me was the culture. The music, especially morna, and the artsy vibe of the youth scene made it feel so alive. Plus, the Wi-Fi is surprisingly good since undersea cables run through Cape Verde, so you get this feeling of being off the grid without actually being disconnected.

2. Dali, China

My absolute favorite destination of 2024! I spent the autumn traveling through China to reconnect with my roots, and Dali ended up being the highlight of the whole trip. It’s like Chiang Mai before it got crazy popular—cute Old Town, fast internet, and jaw-dropping scenery with lakes and Tibetan-style mountains. And the best part? It’s ridiculously affordable. I still can’t get over how much value you get here. Plus, a bunch of nationalities can now visit China visa-free for up to 30 days!

3. Ometepe Island, Nicaragua

Earlier this year, I based myself in San Juan del Sur (which is also amazing), but I kept wishing we had stayed in nearby Ometepe Island instead. It’s this wild, beautiful island with volcanoes, waterfalls, and so much tropical greenery. The vibe is super laid-back—the kind of place where you lose track of time in the best way possible. If you need to slow down and recharge (and maybe try a yoga retreat), this is it!

4. Samana, Dominican Republic

I didn’t know what to expect from the Dominican Republic since it’s not exactly on any digital nomad map, but wow—it totally surprised me. Samana, and specifically the small town of Las Galeras, turned out to be the perfect base to explore some of the most stunning tropical landscapes I’ve ever seen. And the best part? In my opinion, it's the best place where you can enjoy the Caribbean without completely blowing your budget.

5. Phu Quoc, Vietnam

I’m actually writing this newsletter from this Vietnamese island off the coast of Cambodia, so this one feels extra special. It’s such a perfect spot if you’re waiting to hop over to the Thai islands later in January or February but still want somewhere tropical to spend Christmas and New Year. It’s super affordable, the internet is crazy fast, and there’s this café with a beach view that’s become my go-to workspace. Honestly, I might never leave.

So, What’s Your 2025 Adventure?

I’d love to know where you’re planning to go this year! Hit reply and tell me your dream destinations—or let me know if you have any hidden gem you tried that I should add to my list!

Wherever you go, I hope 2025 brings you new adventures, connections, and plenty of inspiration.

Safe travels,
Irene

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