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Eastern Europe
With its medieval towns, castles, and historical sites, Eastern Europe offers unique and affordable travel destinations for a generation who grew up during a time when many countries were firmly tucked behind the Iron Curtain.
“Eastern European treasures like Romania and Montenegro, where the cost of living is still low, but the cultural experiences are both immersive and shockingly underused by mainstream tourists, really excite me,” Choate said.
He explained, “For those who know, their picturesque ancient towns and national parks seem like a secret revealed that provides an opportunity to find peaceful havens before they become completely on the vacation radar.”
Choate said that while in Eastern Europe, he stayed at renovated manor homes for half the cost he would have spent in Western Europe.
“I once drove across Transylvania and still find great resonance in the authenticity and friendliness of the local hosts today,” he said.
Northern Greece
Most well-traveled Gen X’ers have visited the Greek islands of Mykonos and Santorini.
However, northern Greece is one of the most beautiful regions in the country, and many tourists rarely visit it, said Richard Krieger, director at Sky Vacations.
Krieger recommended that Gen X travelers who love wine and wine tasting visit Naoussa, a fishing village located on the northeastern corner of Paros Island.
“Plus, it’s [Naoussa] close to Greece’s second biggest city, Thessaloniki with great museums, think Alexander the Great, and beautiful beaches at a fraction of the cost of Athens,” Krieger said.
Heading west from Athens, Krieger recommended the Peloponnese, home of some of Greece’s most important historical sites, and offered Gen X travelers a more authentic Greek experience than the touristy islands.
“Keep in mind, Greece is a year-round destination,” Krieger said. “So, if you can, avoid the summer price hikes and travel in the autumn, winter, or early spring to maximize savings.”
Cozumel, Mexico
Located an hour away from Mexico’s bustling Playa del Carmen, Cozumel is more than a stop for cruise ships.
“Apart from its breathtaking beaches and its famed reef systems, Cozumel boasts vibrant fests and even ancient Mayan temples,” said Silvia Lupone, a travel and relocation expert and owner of Stingray Villa in Cozumel.
Cozumel has a laid-back vibe where Gen X travelers can unwind on the beaches, embark on snorkeling adventures, explore bustling markets, and enjoy cultural activities for the whole family.
“Travelers spend their hard-earned money to visit places such as Cozumel because they can enjoy luxury without breaking the bank,” Lupone said. “As a villa owner here, I have seen guests experience and talk about luxury offerings at prices that many perceive to be low for the value they are receiving.”
The Cayman Islands
For Gen X travelers searching for water adventures, look no further than the Cayman Islands, an archipelago of three islands that sit 150 miles south of Cuba.
Most travelers are familiar with the largest, Grand Cayman, which offers all-inclusive resorts and endless amenities. However, Alonso Marly, a travel expert at SkyLux Travel, recommended Gen X travelers visit Stingray City, located in the North Sound area of Grand Cayman, about 25 miles from the shore.
“It is essentially a shallow sandbar where you can interact with and feed the wild Atlantic stingrays that live freely in the waters,” Marly said. “Local legend has it that kissing a stingray will bring you seven years of good luck.”
Marly said Gen X adventure travelers can also go paddleboarding, kayaking, or riding the aqua trike through Red Sail Sports, located at Rum Point. Visit the Cayman Islands between March and June, when hotel rates drop, and the hotel offers great value for the money without large tourist crowds.
