Say goodbye to the fight for overhead space on a jam-packed flight.
Destination of the Day
Menorca
If you've never heard of the Spanish island of Menorca, then the locals would probably consider that a success. The Mediterranean paradise is known for its authentic MenorquÃn culture, locally-sourced gastronomy, and secluded beaches, especially when compared to its much more popular neighbors, Mallorca and Ibiza. While the other islands spent decades catering to big resorts and tourists, Menorca did just the opposite, opting to keep hotels off its beaches and curtailing development. Now, the results are paying off.
A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
In 2019, Menorca requested that UNESCO move to protect more of the island's terrain, including the waters around it, essentially putting a stop to any new development where it didn't already exist. It's not that Menorca wants to keep tourists out—the local economy depends on them—it just wants to do it right. To help well-meaning visitors make sustainable choices, Menorca's island council began to recognize businesses that positively impacted the island with a special designation: the Biosphere Reserve Seal. Applicants have to abide by strict environmental, social, and cultural criteria to earn the seal, which in turn lets potential customers know that they're supporting a local business that's committed to protecting the ecosystem. In 2020, the first Biosphere Reserve Seals were granted to a diverse group, including hotels, restaurants, cheesemakers, scuba centers, and many others, and the list is growing.
Exploring Culture in Ciutadella
Whereas current local capital Mahón brings a much more modern vibe, Menorca's historical capital, Ciutadella, feels like something from another era—and in many ways, it is. With incredible archaeological finds and a beautifully preserved historic center, spending time in Ciutadella is like entering a time warp. Easy access to some pretty incredible beaches doesn't hurt, either. Ciutadella is also famous for its bar scene, with a small but solid selection of venues throughout the city that are consistently packed as well.
Spain's Digital Nomad Startup Act
The last two years have unsurprisingly seen a boom in digital nomad visas, as countries worldwide rushed to take advantage of a rise in remote workers. Now, Spain is the newest country to join in, introducing a visa that will allow visitors to live and work in Spain from six months to a year, with the option of extending up to two times. This means remote workers could live in Spain for up to three years without the right to residency, as long as at least 80 percent of their income comes from non-Spanish companies. Give us a moment to begin packing our bags.
Your Packing List
Layering is key in the springtime, as days can start off on the cooler side before becoming quite warm in the afternoon. Bring a light jacket and long pants.
You'll want to leave the shorts at home, but T-shirts and open-toed shoes are good to go.
The sea warms up enough for swimming in the spring. If you're planning a trip for May, be sure to pack a swimsuit.
Taller and wider than Niagara Falls, with 275 cascades spread into a horseshoe shape over nearly 2 miles of the Iguazu River, Iguazu Falls attract nearly 2 million nature lovers every year. Located in the "Triple Frontier"—the intersection of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay—they are UNESCO-recognized and together make up the largest waterfall in the world.
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