Tag: travel

The Perfect Warm-Weather Getaways To Escape The Cold

With the cold fronts that have been coming through the US, it’s understandable if you find yourself daydreaming of warmer days by the ocean, with the sun beating down on you. If you’re longing to get away to warmer climates, you’re in good company! Thankfully, Travel + Leisure has created a roundup post of affordable warm-weather getaways that take you from snow to sand.

The Cayman Islands

Dreaming of white beaches and turquoise waters? Then the Cayman Islands is the perfect warm-weather getaway for you. Grand Cayman is the biggest of the three islands, so there is plenty of opportunity for shopping trips and delicious cuisine. You can also visit Stingray City, where you get the chance to swim alongside stingrays.

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

This town is set when it comes to culture, dining, and experiences for travelers who are looking for a relaxing warm-weather getaway! Make sure to swing by The Cabo Arch, which is a rock formation jutting out of the sea.

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos

Want to visit somewhere that looks like it’s straight out of a postcard? Then you’ve picked the right place! You’ll find glimmering beaches, crystal clear water, and coral reefs. Go shopping in the morning and snorkeling in the afternoon. You’ll literally be living your daydream!

Grenada

Ranked one of Travel + Leisure’s 50 Best Places to Travel in 2018, Grenada is home to brilliant teal waters and welcoming locals that love to show you around. If you visit in February, you’ll be able to see the island’s Independence Day celebrations for the United Kingdom in 1974! This island is perfect for your next warm-weather getaway.

Little Torch Key, Florida

One of the Florida Key islands, you’ll find Little Torch Key about two thirds of the way west. Here, you can stay at theLittle Palm Island Resort, where no television or cell phones are allowed. This resort is on a private island and completely cuts you off from the outside world, which is the ultimate relaxation technique.

Barbados

This is the perfect getaway for those that are looking to get in touch with nature. You can paddleboard, go diving, or explore a wildlife preserve. You can also touch up on your history and learn about the Native Americans, British Colonizers, and West Africans who once took up residency here.

Playa Del Carmen, Mexico

Ready for year-round sunshine? Playa Del Carmen is the place to go in the winter months when you are looking for a warm-weather getaway due to the teal waters, shimmering white beaches, abundance of activities for the entire family, shops, and authentic cuisine. You can also experience tours of the Mayan ruins nearby.

Montego Bay, Jamaica

Famous for reggae and chill vibes, you won’t be disappointed by a warm-weather getaway in Montego Bay. Experience crystal-clear waters and inviting locals for an authentic Jamaican stay. You can spend your entire day lounging by the water or head to some shops to find some souvenirs. Stay at the Half Moon, a luxury resort that includes two miles of beachfront, an award-winning spa, and golf course.

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Six Budget Friendly All-Inclusive Resorts

Going on vacation can be really fun, but also really stressful. Booking the perfect hotel, finding activities to do, and where to eat can easily start racking up a pretty high price. So what do you do? Luckily, resorts are an option nearly everywhere you go. Resorts usually have everything a vacationer wants – a hotel, pool, restaurants, shopping, even sports all within walking distance. Unfortunately, that’s often every bit as pricey as it sounds. Finding all-inclusive resorts in a budget friendly price range can seem nearly impossible, but fear not!

Here are 6 all-inclusive resorts from a list Trips to Discovertogether of awesome all-inclusive resortsthat are easy on the budget!

●    Majestic Colonial, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

A popular destination for honeymoons, Majestic Colonial in one of three upscale sister properties on Bavaro Beach, It has 658 suites (some with ocean views!), jetted tubs, marble floors, six delicious restaurants, live piano in the lobby, and free access to a discotheque. It’s really as awesome as it sounds.

●    ClubHotel Riu Negril, Jamaica

This beachfront resort resides in Jamaica, and comes with two huge swimming pools, shaded loungers to hang out poolside, and five restaurants. While there, make sure to check out the Renova Spa to reach ultimate relaxation status. Fan of watersports? They have activities like diving, windsurfing, and kayaking just for you!

●    Coconut Bay Beach Resort and Spa, St. Lucia

Say yes to this resort, with a gorgeous mile-long beach, furnished balconies, ocean views, five swimming pools, a water park, and six restaurants. You’ll have so much fun, you’ll never want to leave. Want privacy? Reserve the Harmony wing for your own pool, hammocks, and oceanfront spa, Kai Mer.

●    Solmar Resort, Los Cabos, Mexico

Although a little smaller than other resorts in the area, Solmar packs a lot while taking it easy on the wallet. Only a few minutes from downtown and the marina, you’ll have easy access to attractions and excursions. Each spacious room come with balconies and a water view, kitchenettes, and flat screen TVs.

●    Royal Decameron Golf Beach Resort & Villas, Farallón, Panama

Looking for a different experience? Then this is the resort for you! Royal Decameron is set on a secluded, golden beach that’s surrounded by rich gardens. You’ll see breathtaking views and have free access to snorkel gear, paddleboards, windsurfers, and kayaks. You can also check out their 18-hole golf course or one of their eight pools. Whatever you do, it’s sure to be fun.

●    Iberostar Anthelia, Tenerife, Spain

This budget-friendly resort is the deal of a lifetime! Participate in boat excursions from Puerto Colon harbor, hang out in one of their saltwater pools, indulge in the Finnish sauna, or reach ultimate relaxation status with their Thai spa treatments. All of their rooms come with either a sea or garden view and the bathrooms each have rainfall showers. You’ll have your fair pick of food, ranging from delicious BBQ to a buffet at Zeus restaurant.

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Visit Mohonk Mountain House in New York

Did you know there’s a timeless European castle only 100 miles outside of New York City? This charming and historic resort is located in upstate New York nestled in the Hudson Valley.  Initiated in 1869, the Mohonk Mountain House was once a 10-room inn created by Albert Smiley. Travel + Leisure gives us the perfect insight. The resort continues under the operation of the Smiley family to this day. Enjoy a lakefront stay on Mohonk Lake, admire panoramic views of the Catskill Mountains, take a hike on one of many trails, or recharge in a world-class spa.

Mohonk Mountain House is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year. Celebrate by joining a special anniversary weekend, during which you will meet Smiley family members and learn more about the family’s history of the land. Try a sweet scoop of Mohonk Mountain Crunch ice cream, a special edition flavor created in collaboration with Jane’s Ice Cream. Looking for an interesting interactive experience? Celebrate the history and culture of the resort by downloading the Hidden Histories augmented reality app on any smartphone to make the artwork come to life throughout the hotel. Here’s a list of what to do to make your Mohonk trip the most memorable getaway yet:

Eat a Memorable Meal

 An overnight stay at Mohonk Mountain House includes three daily meals. Guests can choose from a buffet with options that are sure to please any palate. For a more luxurious and crafted experience, waltz down to the resort’s new fine dining room, known as the Surrey, and be regaled by the four-course dinner. Dress up, sip sommelier-suggested wines, and feast on dishes like seared sea scallops or braised duck ravioli.

Take a Hike at Sunrise

Rise and shine early one morning to take a tranquil hike up to the Sky Top Tower. Made of stone, this tower can be found on the Sky Top Path, taking you up a hill, past cliffside lookouts and gazebos, until you reach the tower. Get even higher by ascending the tower itself, breathing the clean mountain air and taking in the sight of multiple states.

Hit the Spa

 A sign of a good spa is the incorporation of a local element. At the Mohonk, this lavish local element can be found in the Shawangunk Grit Mineral Body Treatment. This is an 80 minute experience beginning with a soak in the tub, followed by a “Shawangunk Grit” exfoliation, and finished with a relaxing massage. The “Shawangunk Grit” is fine quartz quarried from the resort’s own cliffs. The spa also includes a fitness center, a eucalyptus steam room, an indoor heated pool, verandas, and a solarium.

Climb on the Rock Scramble

Not for the claustrophobic, the rock scramble is a trail that takes you above, below, and through rock formations of all shapes and sizes. Children and adults alike can be seen squeezing through an intricate series of rocks and boulders. Just be sure to wear comfortable shoes with a good grip!

Feel the Lake Breeze from a Boat

 The calm waters of Mohonk Lake are perfect for an afternoon of row boating, paddle boating, canoeing, or kayaking. These options are all free to guests. Here’s a tip: for a full picture (or selfie) of the castle, take a boat out into the middle of the lake for a great shot.

Relax Fireside in Your Room

Most of the rooms at Mohonk include a fully working, wood-burning fireplace. Everything needed to kindle a flame is included in the room and ready to go, but if you are in need of assistance, simply call the front desk and they will dispatch someone to start the fire for you.

See the Grounds on Horseback

 You can view the Mohonk Mountain Castle grounds from the back of an old-fashioned carriage pulled by a mule or atop a horse on a trail ride around the resort. Kids can ride a real life pony as part of the Mohonk Kids’ Club. Equestrian activities are not included with a standard overnight stay and must be reserved beforehand.

Show Off Your Moves

Live bands stop by the resort throughout the year. Grab a drink from the bar and choose your spot to listen and groove to the tunes. Similar to Olive Garden, everyone feels like family at Mohonk, so know someone may extend a hand and pull you to the dance floor. If dancing is not your forte, stay for the sports. In the winter, you can partake in outdoor winter activities like ice skating, curling, and cross-country skiing on over 30 miles of trails.

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Resorts in the U.S that are a Must

Resorts can be a great vacation option. Not only are they relaxing but they are usually inclusive, too. Typically, everything you would need can be found on the premises. The best part? All of the locations on this list are right here in the United States; meaning you don’t even have to leave the country.  Today.com shared 19 of the Best Resorts in the U.S. We are here to tell you about 6 of those resorts.

Indian Wells, California

Palm Springs can be overwhelming if you are looking for a nice get away around that area. The Miramonte Indian Wells Resort and Spa is the perfect getaway for those who want to be close to the city but not TOO close. Located at the bottom of the Santa Rosa mountains, this resort offers golf and bike riding though through the community. There is, of course, a spa and there are even three pools, so you have options. Joshua Tree National Park is also nearby making this resort the perfect nature get away.

White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia

What about a grand hotel that has 10 lobbies? The Greenbrier is the perfect destination for those of all ages. This historical hotel is actually a National Historic Landmark and over 20 presidents have visited the grounds of this beautiful 11,000 acre resort, There are five golf courses, a mineral spa, over 30 shops, and more than 15 eateries located on the premises.

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort is the perfect getaway for those who enjoy not only the outdoors but the beach as well. This resort is located in the central area of Hilton Head Island which means it is close to all of the restaurants and shopping areas. One of the best things about this resort is the multiple different rental options. Visitors can pick from a one bedroom rental fully equipped with a full kitchen and washer and dryer. You can even rent a whole home. This local offers so many activities. Rent a paddleboard or kayak, go on a bike ride, or even pick up a tennis racket. The options are endless.

Scottsdale. Arizona

Four pools, horseback riding, and 12-million year old boulder pile; what more could you ask for from a resort. The Boulders Resort & Spa, Curio Collection by Hilton offers its guest a quite unique experience. Did we mention you get to climb on the boulder pile? This resort is for those who are seeking some adventure while still being able to relax. The Boulders Resort & Spa has five different restaurants and there is even two golf courses.

Naples, Florida

The Naples Grande Beach Resort is the perfect getaway for those who are looking for more of a gulf coast local. Feel free to relax on the three miles of beach the resort offers. It has over 10 tennis court and even a nature walk. This Naples designation also has three pools and of course, a spa.

Sea Island, Georgia

If you are looking for a luxurious and private destination look no further than The Cloister at Sea Island. This resort offers 5 miles of beach, private beach. This island off of Georgia offers its visitors a much higher end resort, but if you have the budget it is totally worth it.

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Travel to San Miguel de Allende

Travelers who have visited Mexico’s San Miguel de Allende rave about its enchanting atmosphere Travel + Leisure recently published a very thorough and informative article about San Miguel de Allende. The city’s stunning architecture consisting of cobblestone streets and multicolored Spanish-colonial buildings is considered to be so unique that the city has been labeled as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Some believe that the city has a special, enthralling effect on Americans ever since the art institute Escuela Universitaria de Bellas Artes welcomed Chicago’s Stirling Dickinson as the director. Under Dickinson’s direction, the city was transformed into an international arts colony. Following World War II, the G.I. Bill allowed veterans to travel to San Miguel to study. Consequently, descriptions of the city reached the United States, inspiring other Americans to add a visit to San Miguel on their bucket lists.

While art remains a crucial element of San Miguel, the emergence of the restaurants Moxi and Áperi have aided in the city’s transition to a gastronomic destination as well. At Moxi, diners experience a taste of traditional Mexican cuisine with some international influence, while Áperi offers “food for the five senses” that is inspired by ingredients from the region.

A key stop in San Miguel is the Church of Immaculate Conception, which is locally referred to as “Las Monjas” (the Nuns). When it was first built, it was intended to serve as a housing complex. Today, it functions as a convent for the sisters belonging to the order of the Immaculate Conception Church. Another crucial cultural stop is the Sanctuary of Atotonilco’s “Sistine Chapel of Mexico,” where visitors can view walls covered in breathtaking 18th century religious murals. For a more casual activity, visitors can travel to one of the many street markets to buy various handmade crafts. One of the most popular markets is the El Tianguis de los Martes, where shoppers can find baskets, pottery, clothing, and other keepsakes.

Naturally, luxury hotels have begun to open in the city as well. One of the most lavish of these hotels is the Casa de Sierra Nevada, which is made up of a nest of colonial-style mansions – one of which is the former home of the archbishop of San Miguel. Each mansion consists of about six rooms that each connect to a private courtyard, and the rooms are adorned with fireplaces, copper tubs, textiles, and wood flooring. After years of mainly accommodating backpackers and the avant-garde, some have expressed concerns about such elegant additions changing the city into a solely tourist town. However, others find the performers and vendors lining the streets to be festive and endearing.

The preservation of the Spanish-colonial architecture that serves as a trademark of San Miguel can be credited to the city’s place in history. When San Miguel was ruled by Spain, its population was larger than that of New York City. Following the Mexican War of Independence the population began to decrease, and by the conclusion of the Mexican Revolution in 1920, even more dwellers left the city. Without the wear and tear brought on by high population, San Miguel was able to remain in almost pristine condition throughout the years.

Current dwellers of San Miguel revel in the city’s distinctiveness. They say that the city holds all of the positive elements of Mexico, such as food, culture, and climate, but none of the negative elements. Many are confident that San Miguel is one of the safest cities in all of Mexico. In regard to San Miguel, Victor Martinez, a sous-chef at Luna Rooftop Tapas Bar at the hotel the Rosewood, says, “It’s an organized city – not like other Mexican cities.”

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Glass Domed Train in the Rocky Mountains

A train ride is quite the cathartic experience. It allows for a swift rate of travel without sacrificing the opportunity to witness a scenic view. If you ever find yourself in Western Canada, you should arrange for a train ride through Rocky Mountaineer’s GoldLeaf Service.

These train rail cars are glass-domed, which allows passengers to have not only a side-view, but also an overhead-view. These full-domed cars are especially convenient when riding through the breathtaking mountain ranges characteristic of Western Canada. If passengers need a break from sitting or a little fresh air, they can step out to their rail car’s external viewing platform. To add to the sense of luxury, passengers are also treated to breakfast and lunch prepared gourmet chefs during the day, and fine wines and cheeses in the afternoon.

After a long day of traveling, passengers can jump off of the train and into a bed at one of Rocky Mountaineer’s hotels. Similar to the GoldLeaf rail cars, these hotels offer stunning views and total relaxation.

GoldLeaf Service is owned by a Canadian rail-tour company called Rocky Mountaineer. Rocky Mountaineer has already added four new carriages to its convoy but is planning to add three more in 2020. The four that have been recently added will follow a two-day route called “First Passage to the West,” spanning from Vancouver to either Lake Louise or Banff and another two-day route from Vancouver to Jasper, called “Journey through the Clouds.”

The First Passage through the West route is recommended to those with a love for history. A highlight of this train route is that it passes by Craigellachie, which is the location where the ‘Last Spike’ to complete the Canadian Pacific Railway, thus connecting Canada from East to West. This route also travels across the Continental Divide, through the famous Spiral Tunnels, and past the Hoodoos, formations which – according to legend – are people who have been transformed into pillars through way of witchcraft. If you aren’t that concerned about history, the plethora of mountain views still make this route enjoyable.

The scenic Journey through the Clouds route travels through valleys, the Coast Mountains range, and the Fraser Canyon. The route flows along the Fraser River and passes by the Albreda Glacier and a 300-foot waterfall called Pyramid Falls. Other featured sights are Hell’s Gate, a 108-foot wide ravine (double the size of Niagara Falls), and an 812-foot long truss arch bridge called Cisco Crossing.

The GoldLeaf rail cars were designed and constructed by Stadler– a 75-year-old rail car company rooted in Switzerland. Stadler takes pride in its traditional Swiss values and the fact that the company is 90 percent family-owned. They assert their passion for producing trains that require low maintenance, are energy efficient, and that live up to all of their customers’ wishes and expectations. These passions obviously manifest in the GoldLeaf rail cars, which each hold 72 passengers and feature heated, reclining seats – it is no wonder that these rail cars make history as Rocky Mountaineer’s biggest capital investment.

In a statement about GoldLeaf Service, the president and chief executive officer of Rocky Mountaineer, Steve Sammut says, “We were intentional in designing these new cars to offer the same exemplary guest comfort across the entire fleet, while also making numerous engineering enhancements behind the scenes that reflect our goal of constantly enhancing both the experience and efficiency of our service.”

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