The Roavi Blog
Stories from people who live there.
Travel tips, city guides, and local insights from the Roavi team.
974 articles
Travel Guides · Santo Domingo
Going Back to DR? The NYC Dominican's 2026 Travel Guide
You grew up eating mangú in Washington Heights but haven't been back in years. Here's the guide for Dominican Americans visiting the island — not as tourists, but as family.
Oscar Garcia··6 min read
Travel Guides · Medellín
Miami to Colombia: The Perfect 4-Day Weekend Trip (2026 Guide)
3.5 hours from Miami to Medellín or Cartagena. Leave Thursday night, return Monday. Here's how to do Colombia in a long weekend — without wasting a minute.
Oscar Garcia··5 min read
Budget
10 International Trips Under $500 from NYC and Miami (2026)
A weekend abroad for less than a night out in Manhattan. These 10 trips include flights, accommodation, food, and activities — all under $500 total.
Oscar Garcia··4 min read
Travel Tips
How to Get Your First Passport in 2026: Step-by-Step for Americans
Only 48% of Americans have a valid passport. Here's exactly how to get yours — timeline, cost, photos, and what to do if you need it fast.
Oscar Garcia··5 min read
Travel Tips
Why Smart Americans Are Skipping All-Inclusives in 2026 (And What They Do Instead)
You pay $3,000 for a resort and eat mediocre buffet food for 7 days. Here's how to have a better trip for half the price — and actually see the country.
Oscar Garcia··4 min read
Travel Tips
52% of Americans Have Never Left the Country. Here's Why 2026 Is the Year to Start.
A round trip to the Caribbean costs less than a tank of gas in some states. International travel has never been cheaper or easier for Americans. Here's how to start.
Oscar Garcia··5 min read
Budget
Where the US Dollar Goes Furthest in 2026: 15 Countries Ranked
Your $100 buys a week of food in Vietnam, a nice dinner in Paris, or a single cocktail in Zurich. Here's where Americans get the most value for their money.
Oscar Garcia··8 min read
City Guides · Cartagena
Cartagena Travel Guide 2026: Beyond the Walled City
Cartagena's Walled City is stunning — but the real city is in Getsemaní, Bazurto, and the islands.
Oscar Garcia··3 min read
City Guides · Lima
Lima Travel Guide 2026: South America's Food Capital
Lima has more top-rated restaurants than any city in South America. Here's how to eat your way through it.
Oscar Garcia··2 min read
Events · Mexico City
How to Experience the 2026 World Cup Without a Ticket (Watch Party Guide)
3.5 million stadium tickets. 5 billion fans. Here's how to experience the World Cup atmosphere in every host city — without spending $500+ on a match ticket.
Oscar Garcia··5 min read
Travel Guides
September in Europe: Why It's the Best Month to Visit (2026 Guide)
Fewer crowds than July, warmer than October, cheaper than August. September is Europe's best-kept secret — here's where to go and what to expect.
Oscar Garcia··5 min read
Events · Mexico City
Day of the Dead in Mexico 2026: The Complete Guide (Not the Disney Version)
Día de los Muertos is not Mexican Halloween. It's one of the most beautiful traditions in the world — and experiencing it right requires understanding what it actually is.
Oscar Garcia··9 min read
