Tour

Holden Beach, North Carolina: America's Calmest Coastal Retreat

When evaluating coastal destinations, factors such as sand quality, water clarity, surf conditions, and local amenities often come to mind. However, for travelers prioritizing tranquility and a serene environment, away from boisterous crowds and intrusive activities, the criteria shift. In this pursuit of peaceful escapes, a little-known beach in the United States has distinguished itself as a haven of quietude.

Holden Beach, located in North Carolina, has recently been acclaimed as the most peaceful beach in the U.S. This recognition stems from a comprehensive study conducted by McLuck, an online social casino platform. The study meticulously examined around 250,000 TripAdvisor reviews pertaining to 158 beaches across the nation. By tracking the frequency of terms like “calm,” “quiet,” and “relax” within these reviews, Holden Beach emerged as the top contender for serenity. Over 38 percent of the reviews for Holden Beach specifically highlighted its calm attributes, underscoring its unique appeal.

Nestled between North Carolina's more bustling coastal hubs of Wilmington and Myrtle Beach, Holden Beach maintains a distinctive charm. With a modest population of just over 500 residents, it predominantly comprises a residential community with a small commercial footprint. This deliberate limitation on commercial growth contributes significantly to its tranquil character, offering visitors expansive stretches of open space and pristine natural beauty. The study further elaborated that the uncrowded sands and small-town allure of Holden Beach create an environment where time appears to decelerate, aligning with the gentle rhythm of the tides. Following Holden Beach in the rankings were Lewes Beach in Delaware and several Virginia beaches, reinforcing the East Coast's dominance in offering peaceful seaside experiences, with only one Northeast beach making the top ten.

Holden Beach serves as a reminder that the true essence of a beach getaway can be found not in vibrant entertainment or bustling crowds, but in the quiet embrace of nature and the gentle rhythm of the waves. It embodies the positive aspects of preserving natural beauty and fostering a community that values peace, offering a restorative sanctuary for all who visit.

Fantasy Football Dreams Come True in Las Vegas with NFL Legend Matt Ryan

Prepare for an unparalleled journey into the heart of fantasy football, where a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity blends the thrill of the game with the luxury of world-class travel. This narrative unveils how an ordinary fantasy draft transforms into an extraordinary Las Vegas escapade, all under the guidance of a gridiron icon.

Experience the Ultimate Draft: Where Gridiron Glory Meets Vegas Glamour!

A Star-Studded Kickoff in the Entertainment Capital

One fortunate fantasy football league is on the brink of an incredible experience, as former NFL quarterback Matt Ryan prepares to host their draft party in vibrant Las Vegas over Labor Day weekend. Ryan, now a CBS Sports analyst, expressed his excitement to Travel + Leisure, highlighting the city's electrifying atmosphere as football season draws near. This unique collaboration with Marriott Bonvoy and BetMGM aims to provide an ultimate draft event for one winning team and their eleven companions at the prestigious BetMGM Sportsbook within the ARIA Resort & Casino. Ryan eagerly anticipates engaging with the participants' enthusiasm and applying his analytical prowess to dissect their picks and strategize alongside them.

The Humble Confessions of a Gridiron Legend's Fantasy Skills

Despite his decorated career as a four-time Pro Bowl quarterback, Matt Ryan candidly admitted that his own fantasy football acumen pales in comparison to his on-field abilities. He recounted how the fantasy football phenomenon gained immense popularity during his NFL tenure, leaving him feeling outmatched by seasoned players. Nevertheless, he approaches the game with an admirable spirit of enjoyment, valuing the fun and camaraderie above all else.

An Unforgettable VIP Package Awaits the Champions

The stakes are high, and the rewards are grand for the contest's victor. The winning league will receive up to twelve round-trip domestic economy flight vouchers to Las Vegas, complemented by three-night stays at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, accommodating all twelve guests in six luxurious king rooms. The extravagant itinerary also includes a lively happy hour at The Barbershop Cuts and Cocktails, a lavish four-course dinner at The Mayfair Supper Club within the Bellagio Resort & Casino, and a generous $6,000 credit for use across MGM Resorts. The highlight, of course, is the exclusive two-hour fantasy football draft party with the esteemed "Matty Ice" himself.

Matt Ryan's Enduring Affection for Las Vegas and Beyond

The former NFL star's enthusiasm for bringing the winning league to Las Vegas is palpable, as he cherishes the city's self-contained nature and abundant attractions. His recent visits to the vibrant metropolis have included rounds of golf at the renowned Shadow Creek, indulging in the city's diverse culinary and nightlife scenes, and even witnessing a U2 performance at the Sphere during the 2024 Super Bowl. Recalling his professional playing days, Ryan expressed a particular fondness for away games at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, where he felt a profound connection to the stadium's rich history. He also holds fond memories of Seattle, where he enjoyed extended stays, especially during the picturesque early-to-mid fall season.

Family Adventures and Business Travel Routines

Atlanta remains Matt Ryan's cherished home base, where he enjoys spending time with his seven-year-old twin boys and two-year-old son. Their family outings often include visits to the Georgia Aquarium and the College Football Hall of Fame, which he describes as an exceptional experience for children. He also appreciates the Atlanta Beltline, with its array of restaurants, and the burgeoning Old Fourth Ward neighborhood. Despite retiring from professional football in spring 2024, Ryan's schedule remains busy, with weekly trips to New York City for his role at CBS Sports. For these solo business excursions, he has a well-established routine: unpacking his bags immediately upon arrival to foster a sense of organization and comfort in his hotel room. When it comes to room service, his go-to is a classic cheeseburger, often paired with an occasional Diet Coke—a simple pleasure that he finds supremely satisfying.

Seize the Opportunity: Enter the Ultimate Fantasy Draft Promotion

For those eager to partake in this extraordinary event, entry into the Marriott Bonvoy Vegas Fantasy Draft with Matt Ryan is straightforward. Simply log into your BetMGM account and opt into the promotion, then link your BetMGM and Marriott Bonvoy accounts. The final deadline for entry is 11:59 p.m. on July 30, 2025. Full details and rules for the promotion are readily available for interested participants.

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Top Digital Nomad Destinations for 2025: Affordability and Livability

A new comprehensive analysis has pinpointed the premier global destinations for remote professionals in 2025, taking into account crucial elements such as economic viability, personal security, and overall quality of life. Weligama, a coastal gem in Sri Lanka, stands out for its exceptional affordability, offering an attractive option for those seeking a tranquil, cost-effective lifestyle. Meanwhile, Bangkok, Thailand, has been recognized as the leading city for its superior urban infrastructure, vibrant atmosphere, and thriving co-working spaces, making it a highly desirable hub for the evolving digital workforce.

The landscape of global employment is undergoing a significant transformation, with projections indicating that by 2030, a quarter of the world's workforce will be entirely remote. This paradigm shift offers unprecedented flexibility, allowing individuals to choose their workspace from virtually any corner of the planet. Recognizing this trend, a recent investigation by Hotel With Tub, a resource specializing in travel accommodations, meticulously evaluated over 1,300 cities worldwide to rank the top 100 digital nomad locations for the upcoming year.

The methodology employed for this extensive study involved a deep dive into various data points, including living expenses, public safety records, and general urban appeal, drawing information from governmental bodies and tourism reports. Furthermore, the analysis incorporated insights from social media trends and specialized digital nomad platforms to gauge a destination's popularity and the likelihood of repeat visits by remote workers. This rigorous approach aimed to provide a holistic view of each city's suitability for the growing community of location-independent professionals.

Weligama, Sri Lanka, emerged as the undisputed leader in the affordability category. Ranked 43rd overall with a robust score of 70, this serene coastal town offers a remarkably low cost of living, with solo digital nomads potentially spending as little as $624 per month. For families, monthly expenses are also highly manageable at approximately $1,905. Beyond its economic benefits, Weligama boasts a commendable safety rating and a burgeoning co-working scene, fostering a relaxed and purposeful lifestyle. Its beautiful sandy beaches and consistent, gentle waves also make it an ideal spot for surfing enthusiasts, adding to its allure as a rising star in the remote work community.

Looking at the broader spectrum, Bangkok, Thailand, claimed the top position as the premier destination for digital nomads in 2025. Achieving an impressive weighted score of 91 out of 100, the Thai capital garnered enthusiastic endorsements from nomads, who rated it an outstanding 4.55 out of 5. Life in Bangkok is not only economical, with solo nomads comfortably living on about $1,537 per month and families under $2,900, but it also offers a rich and enjoyable experience. The city's reliable infrastructure, efficient public transportation network, and abundant co-working spaces, ranging from modern high-rise facilities to charming garden cafes, significantly contribute to its high ranking and widespread appeal.

The findings from this detailed assessment illuminate the diverse opportunities available for digital nomads globally. Weligama provides a compelling case for those prioritizing cost-efficiency and a laid-back lifestyle, while Bangkok stands as a testament to the blend of affordability and comprehensive urban amenities. Other notable contenders for affordability include Denpasar and Sanur in Bali, Tashkent in Uzbekistan, and Hanoi in Vietnam, collectively showcasing the vast potential for remote work in economically favorable and culturally rich environments.

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