For travelers with disabilities, a guided tour can ease some of the work and worry of planning a vacation. With transportation, hotels, and sightseeing coordinated by one company, travelers have a point of contact to discuss their needs and arrange support before departure.

The unknown of how to manage your disability can make an unfamiliar destination seem out of reach. And often that's how it stays. These concerns are enough to make someone stay home.

An estimated 25.6 million American adults with disabilities took 76.9 million trips in the two years preceding a 2024 study commissioned by Open Doors Organization and conducted by The Harris Poll. The figures are the most recent available, and show how many people with disabilities are already traveling.

Planning around the traveler

Guided sightseeing is among the activities travelers with disabilities seek out. In the same study cited above, nearly a quarter of U.S. adults with disabilities said they wanted to participate in guided tours or sightseeing in towns and cities when planning a trip. One in five travelers with disabilities selected guided tours or sightseeing in the countryside.

That's where a tour company like Collette comes in. Tour companies can cater to almost anyone.

“Our goal is to understand each traveler's individual requirements before departure and provide clear guidance on the accommodations available throughout their journey,” said Denise Sablone, Collette’s executive vice president of tour design and delivery.

The company’s client care team reviews daily itinerary details with travelers, including activity levels, walking distances, terrain, transportation, and hotel accommodations, according to Sablone.

This conversation is of particular importance when a traveler’s abilities do not fit neatly into an activity rating. Someone may be comfortable walking short distances but unable to stand for any length of time. Another person may manage level ground but struggle with stairs or uneven streets.

Collette’s Scotland: Land of Lore & Legend itinerary, for example, is an Activity Level 3 rating. The company describes that level as active, including a walking tour lasting about two and a half hours over several miles, hills, and uneven surfaces.

Adjustments on Collette’s Land of Lore & Legend Tour

I went on a recent tour with Collette and my tour guide was able to make an Activity level 3 rating work for me despite my chronic knee pain. It was one of their small tours of 14 people that ran for nearly 2 weeks through Scotland.

For example, during a scheduled three-hour walking tour up and down the Royal Mile; I took a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus and saw the same things and even some extras. The alternative provided a way to experience the city without completing the walk I could not manage.

During a Glasgow walking tour, the tour manager, Christina, made sure there were frequent opportunities to stop and rest. She also checked in discreetly throughout the trip.

Hotel room assignments were all on the ground floor and near the entrance, so I didn't have to do stairs or walk a long way.

The itinerary itself had opportunities to experience Scotland while seated. The motorcoach went through the Highlands, passed lochs, castles, sheep farms, and villages, while Christina told us about the country’s history and culture.

At stops, I could choose how far to explore, and depending on the day I would continue with the group, and sometimes I visited a café. I had a lot of choices about how far I pushed myself each day.

Getting specific about support

Those adjustments met my needs, but what if yours are different? Someone using a wheelchair, traveling with a sensory disability, or requiring personal assistance would need a different tour or different support.

Before booking a tour, travelers should be specific about what they can do and not just on their best days. You need to be honest with your tour operator about what you can and can’t do.

Chatting with a tour operator about walking and standing limits, mobility equipment, and bathroom features is a better starting point than a general request for an accessible trip.

Other good questions to ask are:  how you’ll board transportation, whether mobility equipment will fit, and which hotel room features are guaranteed. Make sure they will offer hearing assistance if needed, or multiple bathroom breaks.

You also need to know what happens when someone skips an activity. Where can they wait? How will they rejoin the group? This might be better answered by your individual tour guide, but many tour companies can give you that information beforehand so you can be even more prepared.

Finding a workable vacation

Long days or lots of stairs plus cobblestone streets can make for a difficult day if you have mobility issues. Figuring out those issues early gives a traveler a chance to consider a different tour or tour group altogether. There are hundreds of options and dozens of tour groups that might work better for you.

The Scotland trip was a great example of how an alternative excursion and smaller daily adjustments could keep a knee injury from canceling my trip. For others, the necessary arrangements may be more extensive. But they are worth doing.

For someone who has postponed a vacation because of a disability or a change in mobility, it can also provide a reason to begin planning again.

This article originally appeared on Wander Worthy: Traveling With a Disability? A Guided Tour Could Make the Difference

Travelers may use chatbots to help plan their vacation, but when it's time to book, most say they want a trip planned by someone who has actually been there.

In a survey by tour operator Explore Worldwide, 78% of respondents said they are more likely to book a trip designed by someone with firsthand experience of the destination. Only 11% said they were very confident using AI to choose a destination and book their vacation.

The findings come as more travelers turn to AI. In a summer survey for software company Qlik, 58% of Americans planning a trip said they used AI tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini and Claude; only 14% used human travel agents.

"The research shows us that people are seeking a balance between at-their-fingertips digital tools and trusted human expertise," said Katy Rockett, Explore Worldwide's regional director of North America.

Using AI is not the same as trusting it

In a YouGov survey for Expedia Group, 53% of adults in the U.S., U.K., and India said they were comfortable letting AI suggest travel options, though only 8% were comfortable booking through an AI platform.

"Travelers don't have a technology problem with AI. They have a trust problem," said Xavi Amatriain, Expedia Group's chief AI and data officer.

Answers can also depend on where the AI thinks you are. In tests by VPN provider Planet VPN, ChatGPT named a different "most overrated" tourist destination depending on the user's apparent location: Times Square for a British user, Santorini for an American and Dubrovnik for a German, the company said.

Half of people who use AI for travel say it has led them astray

AI accuracy is a big part of the problem. Among Explore Worldwide respondents who lacked confidence in using AI, half cited accuracy concerns, and 39% worried the results would be too generic. Those worries have some basis; in an August survey commissioned by Greetwell, 55% of travelers who used AI got at least one wrong recommendation, such as a place that was closed, booked, or didn't exist.

Even with small tasks, many travelers don’t trust AI. The same Greetwell survey found that more than half of respondents had little to no trust in AI to book a restaurant reservation without checking it first, which seems to undercut the efficiency of using AI in the first place.

Some mistakes are costly. Rob DelliBovi, CEO at RDB Hospitality Group, shared that he recently had a client lose thousands of dollars in tax refunds because AI told them the tax refund stop in the Milan airport was after security, not before. Karilyn Owen, a trip planner for travel company Adventure Life, said a client used an AI-generated itinerary that had them touring the Vatican on a Sunday, when it’s closed.

AI also struggles with distance and pacing. Trip planner Jason Maynard said that a young family asked AI to fit Cape Town, the Garden Route, the Winelands and Kruger National Park into one trip. Their chatbot told them they could visit one destination in the morning and another in the afternoon.

That plan "would be impossible unless they had a magic helicopter or spaceship," Maynard said. He adds that AI cannot account for the necessary pacing of traveling with a child or that an eight-year-old might not enjoy a wine and food tour.

AI can surface hotels or experiences that were great years ago but have since declined — or even closed, adds Monika Sundem, Adventure Life's CEO. "It often strings together top sights without factoring in real-world logistics like road conditions, travel time, or transport limitations."

AI as a starting point

For many travelers, AI is now the first stop. Safari company Extraordinary Journeys said inquiries from ChatGPT and similar tools rose more than 600% in the last year, many with itineraries already drafted.

Emmanuel Burgio, founder and CEO of Blue Parallel, which designs private trips for wealthy clients, sees the same pattern. Clients arrive with AI itineraries, he said, "but clients still look to us to determine what is realistic, what is worth their time, and what will genuinely deliver on the ground."

Travel Agents use the tools too. Jess Heuermann, a trip planner named to Travel + Leisure's A-List of top travel advisers, said AI is most useful in the margins of a trip, such as finding a restaurant, a museum, or dinner ideas.

"These are small details you can easily work around if AI gets it wrong," she said. "These are not the pillars of your trip that create a truly great experience."

Other travel companies see the same split. "Travelers are embracing AI as an assistant, not an authority," said Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies, a travel risk and rescue firm. In a Global Rescue survey released in September, nearly 60% of travelers said they trust AI travel information only after checking it elsewhere.

Human planning is essential

Travelers who have worked with a planner say it pays off. Of the 42% of Explore respondents who had used a vacation-planning professional, 92% said it was helpful, including 53% who said it was very helpful.

Planners say the biggest gap shows up when a trip goes off course. "When something goes wrong, there's no one to step in, adjust plans, or leverage relationships to fix issues," Sundem said of AI.

Heuermann agreed. "Only a human can hop on the phone and help sort out a missed transfer or delayed flight," she said.

She said AI also cannot judge what a place feels like. "AI has not had boots on the ground. It can't tell you how loud a hotel room is (or isn't) at night," Heuermann said.

"AI can tell you what is good in the aggregate; it can't tell you what is good for you.”

This article originally appeared on Wander Worthy: Travel Planners Say AI Is a Good Starting Point for a Trip, but Not the Final Word

Just north of Washington state, Canada’s Okanagan Valley is a sun-drenched stretch of vineyards, orchards, sparkling lakes, and scenic bike trails. Cross the border, and you’ll find more than 200 wineries pouring British Columbia wines, and every U.S. dollar gets you about 40 extra Canadian cents to spend on them.

Here’s how to eat, drink, and bike your way across this surprising culinary destination.

Getting There

You can approach the Okanagan Valley from the south, but the flight from Vancouver to Kelowna is a much more scenic way in. Book a seat on the left side of the plane, and you may see four mountain ranges out your window in less than an hour.

From Kelowna, it’s easy to explore the valley from Vernon in the north to Osoyoos near the U.S. border, with plenty of hiking, biking, and tasting along the way.

Vernon and Kelowna

Start just south of Vernon, with a walk through Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park with Ancestral Heartbeat Tours. Indigenous educator Laura Dohla guides you along ponderosa pine-dotted trails overlooking the glacial blue Kalamalka Lake and invites you to take “more time to be able to breathe, and just be able to hear the quiet.”

From a traditional drumming welcome song to the Syilx Okanagan creation story, the tour gives you a sense of place through the oral histories and ancestral stories of the territory. You might even spot a bear.

Head down to Kelowna for a bike ride along the Myra Canyon Trestles, with views of the interior B.C. landscape at every turn. An e-bike from family business Myra Canyon Bicycle Rentals makes it easy to cross more than 18 wooden trestles and pass through two tunnels along the Kettle Valley Rail Trail, a roughly 660-kilometer (410-mile) route that follows a decommissioned railway corridor.

Where to wine: In Kelowna, head to Ailm Estate for a seasonal outdoor tasting with sparkling wine flights and food pairings. The hilltop setting overlooks historic vineyards and Okanagan Lake. Also plan a stop at Summerhill Pyramid Winery, known for its organic wines aged in a pyramid cellar. Book a tasting tour that includes a visit inside the pyramid.

Where to dine: UNESCO recently named Kelowna the first and only City of Gastronomy in Canada, recognizing the city’s commitment to stewarding the land and the region’s rich agricultural landscape around it.

For a taste of that local farm-to-table flavor, book a table at Humo in downtown Kelowna, near the waterfront. The five-course chef’s tasting menu is the best way to try the most innovative locally-sourced dishes coming out of the kitchen.

Across the lake in West Kelowna, start the morning with sweet or savory bannock at the Indigenous-owned Kekuli Cafe, then stop by Paynter’s Fruit Market to stock up on locally grown fruit for the road.

Where to stay: The historic Hotel Eldorado is a Victorian-style inn on Okanagan Lake. Founded in 1926 by the Countess Bubna, this elegant boutique hotel has some spacious waterfront suites with kitchenettes, fireplaces, and giant soaking tubs.

Downstairs, the Lakeside Dining Room serves a farm-to-table menu that names its local producers and has a curated wine list that earned a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence.

Start with salty-buttered bread, then order the steelhead with a glass of Quails’ Gate Stewart Family Reserve Chardonnay from West Kelowna. Locals call this the wine the “gateway to Chardonnay.”

Summerland

The drive down the western shore of Okanagan Lake to Summerland serves up lake views so striking you might think you’re in New Zealand. On a clear day, the water is a striking blue.

In charming downtown Summerland, stop by True Grain Bakehouse for baked goods made with ancient grains from local organic farms. Todd Laidlaw, who opened the Summerland store in 2012, says, “What we like to say at True Grain is that we connect the farmer to the miller, to the baker, and then to our community.”

He’s proud that “everything we bake traces back to that local organic farm. So we're really giving you a taste of British Columbia.”

Where to wine: Haywire Winery has a modern tasting room at the organic Switchback Vineyard. Reserve a flight tasting and see their cellar of concrete fermentation tanks.

Co-founder Christine Coletta, known as the “godmother of BC wine” for her contributions to the industry, says, “We have the largest collection of concrete tanks in Canada. And so we're pretty committed to using concrete.” Coletta says the concrete’s thermal mass heats and cools gently during fermentation, “so everything is very, very gentle and natural.”

Where to dine: Shaughnessy's Cove is a good pick for a casual dinner, especially if you’re staying next door at the Summerland Waterfront Resort. Share gyoza and coconut shrimp to start, then order a hearty main like fish and chips or fish tacos.

Where to stay: Summerland Waterfront Resort and Spa sits on Okanagan Lake, with a boardwalk along a shoreline marsh, and a dock for paddleboards, kayaks, and motorized boats. The spacious lakeview suites have kitchenettes and fireplaces, and a free laundry room for guests is a welcome perk for longer stays.

Penticton

It’s only a 15-minute drive from Summerland to Penticton, a fun-size town with plenty to explore. Rent an e-bike from Freedom Bike Shop and ask the shop to shuttle you to the Kettle Valley Rail Trail.

The downhill route from Naramata has incredible scenery, and you can cruise right through Little Tunnel and on to Abandoned Rail Brewing Co for lunch. Pair your pizza with an apple slush or a flight of beer, then hop back on the bike shop shuttle after your meal.

Where to wine: Combine wining and dining at the Poplar Grove Winery and restaurant, where Executive Chef Stacy Johnston and Chef de Cuisine Minette Lotz describe their food philosophy as “thoughtful food.” They grow, forage, and source ingredients from local farmers, so the menu changes with each growing season.

“An interesting new-to-me forageable that I started working with this year is rowan berries,” says Lotz. “They’ve been traditionally used in jams and jellies … in the UK and all over Europe for hundreds of years.”

At the restaurant, try their foraged rowan berry preserve on warm holler honey buns, alongside a glass of Poplar Grove Benchmark Brut.

Where to dine: Start your day at Wayne & Freda, a cafe named for the owners’ grandparents who met later in life at an Okanagan care home. Order a breakfast sandwich or bowl with an Okanagan Morning smoothie, and pick up a souvenir hoodie at the neighboring specialty shop.

Where to stay: Penticton is an easy day trip from Summerland, so there’s no need to book a separate hotel if you’re staying at the Summerland Waterfront Resort.

Osoyoos

You’re now almost at the U.S. border, and the landscape changes. Osoyoos is a semi-arid shrub-steppe that locals call a pocket desert. Visit the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre to learn more about “Canada’s only desert” and the living culture of the Osoyoos Indian Band.

Walk the nature trails through the 1,600-acre desert conservation area and see Indigenous structures, including a tule mat teepee, a submerged pit house, and a sweat lodge.

Where to wine: From the cultural center, stroll over to Nk’Mip Cellars, North America’s first Indigenous-owned and operated winery.

Have lunch on the patio, where the vineyard slopes down toward Osoyoos Lake, and order a glass of Storytellers Dreamcatcher, a blend of Riesling, Ehrenfelser, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, and Semillon. “We call it an orchard in a glass,” says Troy Ravndahl, the estate manager. “It’s a very approachable and easy-drinking wine.”

Where to dine: For a standout meal in the Okanagan, reserve a private Chef’s Table experience at Backyard Farm in nearby Oliver, where Chef Chris Van Hooydonk spends the day harvesting ingredients from his farm, then creates a multi-course meal just for your party.

“It's the ability for me to say, let's build this trust together,” says Chef Van Hooydonk. “You come in here and let me showcase some of my favorite things and just play.” Bring your own wine, with recommendations from Chef Van Hooydonk, and let the menu be a surprise.

Where to stay: Book a condo suite at Watermark Beach Resort, overlooking Osoyoos Lake. Many suites have full kitchens and in-suite washers and dryers. Spend the afternoon at the hotel’s outdoor pool and jacuzzi, or walk down the beach for a swim in Canada’s warmest lake.

Heading Back

From Osoyoos, it’s only about a two-hour drive back to Kelowna, where you can catch a flight home. Follow Highway 97 north along Lake Okanagan and watch the vineyards and orchards you just toured roll past in reverse.

This article originally appeared on Wander Worthy: Canada’s Okanagan Valley Is the Wine Region You Need on Your Radar

You don’t need a flapper dress or pinstripe suit to experience the glamor of a Roaring Twenties theater weekend in Houston. A stay at the 100-year-old Lancaster Hotel, a Texas Historic Landmark in the heart of the city’s Theater District, makes it easy to slip into the spirit of the era while you’re in town for a show.

My daughter and I spent a weekend at The Lancaster, where the old-school hospitality made her feel like a celebrity, from the moment a valet open her passenger-side door. We enjoyed a weekend of being fancy ladies, from champagne at check-in to tiny desserts at afternoon tea, before walking a mere four minutes to see the Houston Ballet perform.

The Lancaster Hotel Turns 100

This year, The Lancaster Hotel celebrates a century as Houston’s premier luxury boutique hotel for performing arts patrons. Built in 1926 to accommodate city auditorium audiences, this five-star hotel is now surrounded by arts venues.

Today, guests of The Lancaster Hotel are just steps from Houston Ballet and Houston Grand Opera performances at Wortham Theater Center and Houston Symphony shows at Jones Hall for the Performing Arts. The Alley Theatre and the Hobby Center, home to plays and Broadway musicals, are also an easy walk away.

My daughter and I drove in from Austin to see Houston Ballet perform “Manon.” Staying at The Lancaster Hotel made our whole weekend feel like a special occasion.

Houston’s Art Hotel

In 2018, The Lancaster underwent a multimillion-dollar renovation, with a vision of transforming the historic property into Houston’s Art Hotel. Today, more than 200 contemporary works adorn the walls, making a stroll through the hotel a colorful art adventure.

You can take a self-guided tour of the collection, which features hundreds of works by Texas artists. Pick up a directory at the front desk and scan QR codes with your phone to listen to audio clips about the artists and their work.

Afternoon Tea in the Mezzanine

On Saturdays and Sundays, The Lancaster Hotel serves a traditional afternoon tea twice a day. If you’re planning a weekend stay, make your tea reservation when you book your room because the service is popular with locals and can fill up quickly. Valet service is included in the price of the three-course meal.

For our Autumn Afternoon Tea, we started by choosing from a selection of black, green, white, and caffeine-free teas for our personal pots. My daughter selected the seasonal hot cinnamon spice tea, and I opted for the traditional Ceylon black tea. You can sample as many flavors as you like throughout your meal. The white wedding tea was a popular choice around the room.

Once our teas had steeped, the server delivered a three-tier stand filled with delicacies. Our seasonal goodies included four tea sandwiches (coronation chicken was my favorite), freshly baked cranberry orange scones with lemon curd and imported Devonshire clotted cream, plus four petite desserts per person. It’s an impressive amount of food, so come hungry.

Dinner and a Show

Still full from afternoon tea, my daughter and I dressed for the ballet and headed downstairs to Cultivated F+B for dinner. The restaurant was buzzing with theater-goers who all had the same idea, and we didn’t have a reservation. Whoops. I now know that The Lancaster is a popular pre-theater dinner and drinks spot for locals.

Fortunately, a table opened up just as we arrived, and the staff managed to squeeze us in. We ordered airline chicken breast with a sun-dried cherry demi sauce, broccolini, and a side of truffle fries. With curtain time approaching, there was no time for dessert, but fortunately we’d already sampled it the night before. My daughter recommends the chocolate namelaka with crunchy matcha crumbles.

Following our delicious meal, we walked to the Wortham Theater Center in less than five minutes, arriving just in time to settle into our seats before the show started at 7:30 p.m. It was so nice not to have to deal with driving and hunting for parking.

Itinerary for a Houston Theater Weekend

Here’s how my daughter and I spent our theater weekend at The Lancaster. Use this itinerary as a starting point to plan your own Houston getaway:

Friday

• 7 p.m. Check in at The Lancaster Hotel and enjoy your welcome glass of champagne
• 8 p.m. Head to the Cultivated F+B for dessert and an espresso martini or coffee

Saturday

• 9 a.m. Ease into the day with a complimentary breakfast buffet
• 10 a.m. Get ready at your leisure
• Noon. Head to the Mezzanine for afternoon tea
• 2 p.m. Explore Houston (here, I must confess, we went shopping at Houston Galleria, which was not the most cultural choice)
• 6 p.m. Enjoy dinner at Cultivated F+B before the evening’s performance
• 7 p.m. Take a short walk to a nearby theater for a ballet, opera, symphony performance, or play
• 10:30 p.m. Celebrate the luxury of skipping the post-show traffic and being just minutes from your bed

Sunday

• 9 a.m. Have one more lovely breakfast at the hotel
• 11 a.m. Make the most of the complimentary snacks and drinks in your room, an underrated perk
• 12 p.m. Check out and head home, refreshed from a weekend of good food and art

Plan Your Visit

To plan your Houston theater weekend, start by browsing the Houston Theater District website to find upcoming performances that interest you.

Then, check out The Lancaster Hotel’s special offers to see if there’s a deal that works with your schedule. If afternoon tea is on your wish list, be sure to check the tea schedule and reserve your spot in advance.

To build the rest of your itinerary, Visit Houston is a great resource for local events and attractions.

This article originally appeared on Wander Worthy: A Perfect Theater Weekend at Houston’s Historic Lancaster Hotel

As a year-round Hamptons resident and the CEO and founder of East End Taste, the appeal of visiting The Hamptons in autumn still encompasses plenty of outdoor time along the trails, shopping along the Main Streets, and frequent visits to the local bakeries,

“My ideal fall weekend includes time outside, delicious ingredients from a local farm, and a dinner I’m looking forward to,” Gordon says. “I would leave room between those plans. You want time to enjoy where you are.”

Her recommendations form an easygoing weekend centered around Sag Harbor, Water Mill, and Bridgehampton, with options to explore farther west, head to Montauk, or take the ferry to Shelter Island.

Friday: Settle In and Make Dinner the Evening’s Main Event

Sag Harbor works particularly well as a home base for a weekend of village browsing, waterfront walks, and meals close together.

Faraway Sag Harbor is one option for travelers drawn to a harborfront setting and a cozy fireplace. Allow time to enjoy the hotel itself: an unhurried drink and a comfortable place to sit can be part of the itinerary. Upstairs, visit Zagara, a restaurant with a concept and menu inspired by the Amalfi Coast. Favorites include the Salted Black Seabass Tartare and Lemon risotto.

Farther west, Canoe Place Inn in Hampton Bays is another choice, especially for visitors planning to spend time around Hampton Bays and Quogue. Its Good Ground Tavern is worth considering for dinner even if you stay elsewhere: the three-course fall prix fixe is available daily from 5 to 9 p.m., with chicken pot pie among the seasonal dishes. Popular dishes are their Caesar Salad and Stuffed Clams, which may be found on their Happy Hour menu.

For dinner in Sag Harbor, Gordon recommends Sen, the longtime Japanese restaurant on Main Street. Build the evening around sushi and dishes from the kitchen, then take a village stroll.

Another of her recommendations, Bistro Été in Water Mill, suits a night when dinner is the destination. Its French and Mediterranean cooking offers a reason to settle in and take your time. In summer, it may be tricky to get a reservation.

“I would choose a restaurant you’re excited about and let that be your evening,” Gordon says. “You don’t need three more stops afterward for it to feel like a special night.”

Saturday Morning: Carissa’s and a Slow Walk Around Sag Harbor

Start at Carissa’s on Bay Street for breakfast to take away. The Sag Harbor location is takeout only, making it a natural stop before exploring the village.

Include Sage & Madison on Madison Street, where the boutique occupies a converted barn on a historic property. Its selection spans tea, chocolates, home accessories, clothing, and gifts. It is a lovely place to look for something to bring a host or something small to take home as a reminder of the weekend.

“Sag Harbor is a place I would give a whole morning,” Gordon says. “Have breakfast, walk around, and go into the smaller shops. Those stops are part of what makes the village worth visiting. Shops I love visiting again and again are The Wharf Shop, Via Coquina, and Love Binetti.”

For another of Gordon’s recommendations, drive out to Serene Green on Noyac Road, a popular local spot. The farm stand and seafood market is a useful stop for seasonal produce and ingredients to bring back to a rental.

Saturday Afternoon: Cider Doughnuts, Farm Food, and a Corn Maze

At the Milk Pail, apple cider doughnuts belong on the shopping list. Add apples, cider, or a pie, depending on what you plan to eat over the weekend. If apple picking is part of your ideal fall day, check the U-Pick schedule and available varieties before visiting. The orchard and the farm market are separate stops, so confirm which address you need.

Nearby, Fairview Farm at Mecox deserves a visit for its food as well as its fall activities. Browse the farm stand for produce and baked goods such as homemade pies and challah, and ask what prepared foods are available that day. A farm visit can supply an afternoon treat, something for breakfast, or part of dinner back at your rental.

For families, the farm’s seasonal corn maze can become the afternoon’s main activity. Its 2026 season is open through November 8. The concession stand also offers made-to-order ribbon fries and the farm’s own popcorn.

“The farm stops are part of the experience, so I would arrive with an appetite,” Gordon says. “Leave room for the doughnuts, look at what’s available at the market, and bring something home. I highly recommend their homemade mac and cheese or eggplant parm.”

Sunday: Take the Ferry to Shelter Island and Stay for Sunset

Save Sunday for Shelter Island, with enough time for a trail walk, a leisurely lunch, and sunset by the water. From Sag Harbor, drive to North Haven and take the South Ferry across with your car or bike.

Begin at Mashomack Preserve, near the island’s southern end. Its 1.2-mile Red Trail is a manageable option for a morning walk, leaving plenty of the day for other stops. Pick up a trail map at the entrance and check current access before setting out.

For lunch, Gordon recommends Opties & Dinghies on North Ferry Road, where dumplings, scallion pancakes, and sweet and savory crêpes make for an appealingly eclectic menu. Order a few things to share, then leave time to wander through Shelter Island Heights before heading toward the shore.

Catching the sunset is a must on Gordon’s itinerary. Head to Crescent Beach, also known as Louis’ Beach, on Shore Road, and arrive before the sun begins to drop so you can enjoy the changing light across the bay. Bring an extra layer and give yourself permission to linger.

“I would never skip the sunset on Shelter Island,” Gordon says. “Have lunch, explore a little, and leave that part of the day open. You don’t want to be watching the clock when you could be sitting by the water.”

Make a dinner reservation at Léon 1909 on West Neck Road, where a wood-burning hearth anchors the restaurant’s French-Italian cooking. Start with brioche and a Caesar salad, then consider the chicken with herb salsa verde or day-boat scallops from the hearth menu. For a more casual dinner, the Léon Burger comes with Gruyère, caramelized onion, and sour pickle. Leave room for olive oil cake or a sassafras affogato, and time your reservation so you can catch the sunset beforehand.

For an alternative evening, check the Ram’s Head Inn’s calendar before your trip. Its programming has included murder-mystery dinners and other seasonal events, giving visitors a reason to plan an evening around the inn. Choose whichever dinner or event appeals most, then check the South Ferry’s return schedule before heading out for the day.

Make Room for a Walk and Look at What Happens After Dark

Quogue Wildlife Refuge has a trail network that passes through forests and around ponds, and admission to the trails and Outdoor Wildlife Complex is free.

For a different experience, look at the refuge’s calendar for guided evening programs. It has offered full-moon night hikes, and its fall 2026 calendar includes a November 24 lantern tour at the Fairy Dell Boardwalk timed to the full moon. These are scheduled outings to book around, rather than activities available every evening.

Seal walks are another possibility as fall gives way to the colder months. Check the Coastal Research and Education Society of Long Island’s schedule for guided walks at Cupsogue Beach in Westhampton Beach. Its previous season began in mid-November; confirm the new season’s dates before building a trip around one. There have been many sightings from Eastport out to Montauk in recent years.

A Montauk Detour: Spa Time, Oceanfront Igloos, and Dinner at Gurney’s

Gurney’s Montauk gives travelers several reasons to plan an autumn afternoon or a full weekend around the ocean. For a quieter weekday escape, the Autumn Escape Spa Special pairs a 60-minute signature massage or high-performance facial with full-day access to the Seawater Spa & Bathhouse’s heated pool, plunge pools, sauna, and steam room. It is currently available Monday through Thursday through December 20.

The resort’s Igloos by the Sea return November 7 through April 4, with six oceanfront igloos taking inspiration from Lake Tahoe. Expect Tahoe-inspired cocktails, cozy plaid blankets, and decorative pillows offering a preview of Gurney’s Lake Tahoe Resort & Spa, scheduled to open in spring 2027. It is an inviting option for travelers who want to enjoy the coast as the weather turns colder.

At Gigi’s, the Taste of Gigi’s Fall & Winter Prix Fixe offers three courses for $65 per person, Sunday through Thursday, beginning October 12th. Choices include seasonal soup or burrata with peaches and pomegranate, followed by filet mignon, Faroe Island salmon, or roasted organic chicken, and desserts such as chocolate mousse cake or salted caramel budino.

“Gigi’s is perhaps one of the most solid restaurants open year-round in Montauk,” says Gordon. “I make sure to make my way out to Gurney’s a handful of times off-season.”

Give Montauk its own stretch of the itinerary so there is time to enjoy the coastline, the spa, or a long meal without rushing back to Sag Harbor.

This article originally appeared on Wander Worthy: The Hamptons in Fall: A Local’s Guide to a Perfect Weekend

Anniversaries are joyous occasions, until you’ve lost someone. Grief can turn birthdays, milestones, and the holidays into bittersweet hurdles to overcome. Death anniversaries are in a league of their own because there is no social script.

Do we mourn the person we lost? Do we celebrate their life? Strangest of all, it is a monumental day for you but the world carries on, business as usual.

So, as I approached the ten year anniversary of my mom’s death, I was even more indecisive  than usual as to how to spend it. All I knew was that I didn’t want to be in the apartment where we lived together for over a decade.

When I saw the Shangri-La Toronto had an ‘Eat, Play, Love’ package inspired by the film Eat, Pray, Love—a rom-com that endorses self-care during a difficult time—I booked a last-minute staycation.

Staycations Make For Easy Journeys

As I rode public transit downtown with my suitcase, I fantasized about my five-star hibernation that would involve luxurious baths, in-room dining, and cuddling up in bed with movie snacks. I also was excited for the Shangri-La itself.

Booking a hotel in your own city means you already know its reputation. With Toronto being the annual host of TIFF (the Toronto International Film Festival), I’d always known the Shangri-La as a prime venue for celebrity-spotting.

But this was June, not September. Still, the swanky hotel in the heart of downtown is a place to see and be seen. As I walked into the lobby lounge, with its red velvet half-moon sofas, two-storey windows, and glass-enclosed ballgowns, I felt a rush of excitement.

I immediately noticed the familiar sound of ‘Memory’ from the musical Cats playing on the grand piano and recalled why I was there. The somber melody ushered childhood memories of our single-mom family belting the lyrics while cradling our two cats.

Of the hotel’s 202 rooms and suites, I had a one-bedroom suite, the most basic of the six suite options. But with a corner soaker tub overlooking the CN Tower in the marble-clad bathroom, a separate living area and lavish 300-thread count linens, my suite was far from basic.

I reached for the in-room dining menu out of habit—after a long journey, I almost always arrive to a hotel ready to eat. But then I realized I only travelled an hour door-to-door so I wasn’t hungry. I ordered anyway—after ten years, I knew grief could manipulate one’s appetite.

Nostalgic Comfort Foods

The focus at Shangri-La’s signature restaurant Bosk was Northern Italian flavors but the use of local Canadian ingredients made the food feel familiar. I didn’t expect what I ordered to make me so nostalgic.

The Canadian smoked gouda soup with morel powder surprisingly reminded me of the homemade broccoli soup I ate as a kid, and the giant juicy meatballs sparked memories of my grandfather’s comforting handmade meatballs—albeit these were much more impressive, coated with rich oozing parmesan atop luscious polenta.

I cozied up for a self-care night in with the latest Bridget Jones Diary movie, which happens to be all about grief. As appetizing as the movie snacks provided as part of my package looked—think: freshly popped kernels in the classic red and white striped movie popcorn box and a movie ticket made of gold-dusted dark chocolate—I saved them for later because I’d seen one of my mom’s favorites on the dessert menu. I savored every bite of my creamy tiramisu in her honor as I watched Bridget wallow in her grief on screen.

Wherever You Go, There You Are

So far I had been treated like a queen, but I tossed and turned that night in my plush queen-sized bed. The looming cloud of loneliness and longing for my mom had crept in, right on schedule. I had put all this effort into avoiding my feelings, but they came anyway. “Wherever you go, there you are,” circled in my mind until I eventually dozed off.

I couldn’t run from my feelings but running from my apartment at least offered a change of scenery. Shifting my routine works wonders for getting me out of my head, especially when I’m grieving. The next day, I returned to a dance studio I love and caught up on sleep with an afternoon nap in restorative yoga. I wandered around buzzy downtown Toronto, people-watching and window-shopping. 

I returned to the hotel to eat, hoping to reignite the feelings of comfort last night’s dinner delivered. As I waited for room service to arrive, I made the mistake of checking my inbox and discovered an email notifying me I was being laid off. It wasn’t even comparable to losing my mom, but the smallest loss can exacerbate existing feelings of grief. 

An Unexpected Loss

My brain started down its usual track of rumination but then the doorbell rang. I opened the door to the same server I had the evening before. I barely knew him, but seeing a familiar face shook me out of my thoughts. He asked how my day was going and I overshared, withholding the death anniversary but telling him I’d just been laid off. He didn’t say much but it didn’t matter—just being able to share the news helped.

This time I was hungry when I ordered, but the newfound grief had turned my stomach sour. Still, I ate. Because this wasn’t just some sad meal I had cobbled together out of necessity. This was food made with thought and care.

Even if the chef and the server didn’t know me personally, I felt they had given me a gift, by creating something beautiful that would nourish me—both physically and emotionally.

As I slowly sipped my steaming soup, I realized why I suddenly felt so grateful—my mom couldn’t cook when I was growing up. A brain aneurysm when I was eight left her paralyzed on one side. Cooking with her non-dominant hand turned the kitchen into a site of stress.

Her disability also meant she never folded my clothes or made my bed so I split housekeeping duties with the occasional care aid. This wasn’t a huge loss—I was just happy to grow up with my mom. But now, as an adult, having someone look after me is a novel experience.

The Overlooked Value Of Hospitality

This is what makes hotels so special—they’re one of the few places where I really feel taken care of. Having my bed made and my mess of toiletries made orderly; relishing in an inspired meal delivered to my bed—these seemingly small acts create a sense of nurturance.

I’ve always thought people take staycations to explore their own city or save time and money on travel, but now I know they offer so much more. When you’re going through a difficult time, they provide respite without having to expend extra energy on planning a trip.

That night, I marveled at the CN Tower illuminated by strikes of lightning from my foamy bath. As the rain cascaded down the wraparound windows, I felt a release that was deeper than my tense muscles melting from the rose bath salts.

Perhaps my mental health staycation wasn’t me running away from my grief as I’d initially thought but, rather, leaning into it. By letting myself be taken care of, I honored both the loss of the parental duties I didn’t experience when she was alive, and my grief for her now that she was gone.

This article originally appeared on Wander Worthy: Why a Staycation Was Exactly What My Grief Needed

If you’re the type of traveler who likes to spend your vacation days in motion, The Ritz-Carlton Oahu, Turtle Bay is the place for you.

It takes about an hour from Honolulu International Airport to reach this resort on Oahu’s North Shore, but trading city traffic for five miles of rugged shoreline and 12 miles of trails makes it well worth the scenic drive to get there.

Plan an Action-Packed Hawaiian Getaway

When you arrive at The Ritz-Carlton Oahu, Turtle Bay, be ready to play. There are so many resort experiences on tap here, they can’t all fit on the towering activity board in the lobby. Some are free, some cost extra, but all require reservations.

So, your first stop after checking in should be the concierge desk to discuss your options, from guided shoreline fishing to night snorkeling for fluorescent corals.

I recommend you start by signing up for every single complimentary activity, including lei making, ukulele lessons, and hula lessons. If you have a kid in tow, they’ll get a keiki passport at check-in to fill with stamps for completing activities.

But even if you don’t have a pint-sized companion, don’t miss any of the free fun. On my solo stay, I loved making a flower crown out of fresh orchids and learning the storytelling art of hula from Luana, a local dancer who started hula at age 5 and went professional at age 14.

Learn To Surf in World-Class Waves

I also enjoyed “Intro to Surf” at the resort’s Jamie O'Brien Surf Experience. This daily free morning walk and talk gives you a brief overview of a wide array of topics: local legend Jamie O’Brien’s professional surfing career, surf breaks along the North Shore, the history of surfing in Hawaii, and even how to use leaves from a naupaka plant to defog your snorkel mask.

My guide for the tour, Hugo Aguilar, has been surfing for 25 years and teaching for about 12. He says Oahu’s North Shore is basically the Mecca of surfing. “The North Shore is known as the Seven Mile Miracle,” says Aguilar. “Seven miles of some of the best world-class waves on the planet.”

The most helpful part of the tour for me was when Aguilar demonstrated step by step how to paddle (with scoop hands), pop up (cobra, lunge, rise), and stand (low like a pro) on a surfboard. He then had me try. These techniques came in handy when I returned for a 90-minute surf lesson later in the day.

The class got me out on the waves within minutes, so I was glad I’d had the extra morning instruction and practice popping up on land.

Swim, Snorkel, and SUP

For lower-key water adventures, the surf shop offers stand-up paddleboard rentals, and the resort has kayak and canoe excursions you can book.

There’s also snorkeling in Kuilima Cove, a protected lagoon right next to the hotel. Bring your own snorkel, or buy one from the resort’s Holoholo Market. This is a nice, calm area for beginners where sea turtles sometimes hang out.

If you’re traveling with kids in tow, the Ritz-Carlton Oahu, Turtle Bay has two heated pools, including a kids pool with two waterslides, and a hot tub. Sunscreen is free, which makes your job easier.

For kid-free swimming, there’s one adult pool and an adult hot tub. Order a poolside Mai Tai and see if you agree with my server that they’re the best on the island. He says they’ve been using the same Mai Tai recipe for more than 50 years. (Mine was quite delicious.)

Walk Over to The Stables at Turtle Bay

A 10-minute walk from the resort — or an even shorter bike ride — and you’ll find The Stables at Turtle Bay. Visit the horses in their oceanside pen, or book a special equestrian experience through the concierge to enjoy more time with them.

You can choose from horseback rides along the shore, equine training for kids, and wagon rides for all ages. The horseback rides vary in price, with the early-morning ride generally being the most affordable.

Hike or Bike Miles of Scenic Trails

To tool around the property on two wheels, rent a beach cruiser between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. You get 45 minutes free each day, included in your resort fee.

If you want to explore more, join the twice-daily cultural e-bike tour or have a rental (e-bike or mountain bike) delivered to the resort. There are 12 miles of public access and mountain bike trails waiting for you. Find the full-size Turtle Bay Trails map framed next to the concierge desk, or view the pocket trail map.

Make the Most of Your Resort Fee

Start each day with an exercise class that’s included in your resort fee. These range from yoga to qigong (where you combine movement, breathing, and meditation).

In addition to the daily wellness class, here’s what’s included in your resort fee:

• Arrival lei of fresh orchids or kukui nuts
• Daily 45-minute beach cruiser bike rental
• Daily two beach chairs and one umbrella set-up
• Daily use of pickleball court, with paddles and balls
• Daily resort activities, including hula, lei making, and ukulele lessons

Upgrade for a Club Experience

There are six places to dine at Ritz-Carlton Oahu, Turtle Bay (I recommend sunset dining al fresco at Alaia — save room for the scrumptious coconut cake), but for convenient light meals in between activities, look into the Club experience.

By booking a room with Club access, you can swing by the lounge for free food and drink spreads that are refreshed five times a day.

For breakfast, I enjoyed fresh fruit, eggs, bacon, granola, a variety of breads, and mimosas. At lunch, I loved the chicken salad croissant and cheddar broccoli soup. Dinner came with wine and cocktails. And the ocean view from the indoor/outdoor lounge can’t be beat.

By upgrading to the Club experience, you also get unlimited use of beach cruisers and pickleball, plus a dedicated concierge to help you get the most out of your stay.

Activities Galore at Ritz-Carlton Oahu, Turtle Bay

I arrived at the resort with only one reservation for a surf lesson, and I had no trouble filling my days with activities by stopping at the concierge desk. But if you’re a better planner than me, check out the links below to see your options:

• All activities
• Event calendar
• Fitness and spa
• Golf
• Humpback whale watching (December to May)
• Resort and trail map

To see more of the North Shore during your stay, you can rent a Tesla at the resort.

This article originally appeared on Wander Worthy: No Time To Sit Around at The Ritz-Carlton Oahu, Turtle Bay, Hawaii

Wisconsin's wine country is ready to be taken seriously. Six wineries on a limestone ridge in northeastern Wisconsin have agreed to a rule that most American wine regions wouldn't: each makes its own version of a dry white wine called Ledge Blanc. Before any of them can put that name on the bottle, the wine must score at least 90 out of 100 points from a blind tasting panel of outside professionals.

It's a bold thing to do in a state better known for sweet cherry wine, but it's one of the best reasons to visit Door County right now.

Ledge Blanc is a shared style with a shared name, much like European wine. Old World regions like Burgundy, Champagne, and Chianti are defined by place rather than grape. The six wineries each make their own wine from their own vineyards, but it has to taste as if it came from this specific stretch of northeastern Wisconsin before it can use the name.

“The goal {of the Ledge Blanc Project} is to foster a cooperative winemaking culture and celebrate the region's unique style through a recognizable appellation wine,” says Amy Gale, Owner of Anchored Roots Vineyard and Winery.

Namely, a crisp, refreshing, light-bodied wine with pronounced aromatics, delivering vibrant acidity while maintaining overall balance. It's light and not oaky. If you order Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, Ledge Blanc is the same part of the wine list.

Most importantly, it's a food wine, meant to be at home with Wisconsin cheese, a Friday night fish fry, and a nice meal out. Until recently, cold-climate winemaking in the Upper Midwest was pushed toward sugar to balance punishing acidity, hence the plethora of sweet, fruity wine the region is known for.

Then in 2017 the University of Minnesota released Itasca, its fifth cold-hardy wine grape and, by the university's account, the first with acidity low enough to make a high-quality dry white. Itasca now anchors most Ledge Blancs; less than a decade ago, the wine being poured today was much harder to make here.

Tasting the Ledge

Arguably, the best way to explore a region is through the local food and drink scene. The Wisconsin Ledge spans the northeastern part of the state along the Lake Michigan coast. Six wineries currently make Ledge Blanc, and four are in Door County, spaced along the peninsula’s spine, which makes for a perfect one-day wine trip: Parallel 44 Vineyard & Winery in Sturgeon Bay; Mixed Meadia Wines and Anchored Roots Vineyard & Winery, both in Egg Harbor; and Whitecap Winery in Ellison Bay. The other two, Wolf and Fox Winery and Ziegler Winery, are farther south near Lake Winnebago.

“We are taking the grape-to-glass concept to the next level by giving visitors destinations that have been vetted for quality standards and an opportunity to get to know our region one sip at a time,” says Gale.

Start in Sturgeon Bay and head north; Highway 42 will take you past orchard markets filled with apples and cider, ideal stops between tasting rooms. The circuit takes a little over an hour of driving, which leaves plenty of time to relax between stops.

Begin at Parallel 44, where the tasting room looks out over the vineyards. Try the Ledge Blanc, of course, but also their ice-wine styles and Glacier Fumé, a dry white with honey and oak. Twenty minutes north in Egg Harbor is Anchored Roots; their most recent Ledge Blanc contains 81% Itasca grapes, so compare how they taste across the different wineries.

Also in Egg Harbor is Mixed Meadia, a winery and meadery that sources fruit and honey entirely from the Wisconsin Ledge. Its Ledge Blanc is estate-grown, and make sure to taste their cherry pét-nat, with local tart cherries in the style of a dry wine.

Gale adds that every Ledge Blanc is different, but all share a crisp, aromatic, refreshing style.

Now is the Time to Go

Door County’s high season is July, with an average nightly lodging rate of $324, according to the Door County Tourism Zone Commission. October is a different story, with the average nightly rate at only $266, about $58 cheaper. Occupancy also drops to about 60%, which in practice means easier parking and less waiting for a table.

“Fall in Door County can be full of energy with our many weekend festivals or serene with colorful fall drives, crisp morning hikes and leisurely dinners featuring local ingredients,” says Jen Rogers, Director of Media Relations for Destination Door County.

Festival weekends are the busiest weekends; Sister Bay’s Fall Fest returns for its 80th year October 16-18th, with nearly two dozen bands, an arts and crafts fair with 100 vendors, food booths, a Lions Club fish boil and a Saturday parade following the pancake breakfast.

The weekend before, Egg Harbor’s Pumpkin Patch Festival has carnival rides and live music, and two Ledge Blanc producers within a few minutes' drive.

Rogers adds that, “It’s truly exciting to see what this group of Door County winemakers has created with Ledge Blanc. It showcases not only how well cold-hardy grapes can grow in Door County, but also the exceptional wine that can be crafted from those grapes.”

Where to Stay

Ephraim is a practical base, though any of the 19 communities that make up Door County put you within reach of fall festivals and tasting rooms. Each has its own character: Sturgeon Bay is a working city with a shipyard, Fish Creek has shops and the state park, and Ephraim is the white-clapboard postcard of Door County.

The Hillside Waterfront Hotel is Ephraim’s last surviving grand hotel. It began as a four-room log cabin and has since expanded to include a 110-foot wraparound porch, five luxury suites, and two cottages. It joined the National Register of Historic Places in 1985 and, for small-town Christmas movie fans, appears in A Cherry Pie Christmas, shot entirely on location in Door County and streaming on several platforms.

A short walk away, the Old Post Office Restaurant serves fish boils Monday through Saturday during the season in the same building that held Ephraim’s post office in the early 1900s.

Make sure to show up early and stand by the fire. Scandinavian immigrants brought the method to the area for feeding a crowd: whitefish, potatoes, and onions go into a kettle over an open fire. At the end, the boil master throws kerosene on the flames, allowing the fish oils and soot to go over the side, and dinner is ready. Everyone heads inside for dinner, along with a slice of local cherry pie at the end.

It's also the exact meal these wines were built for: a high-acid white pairs well with buttered whitefish. As Gale notes, heading to Door County now is “a perfect time to cozy up outside with patio heaters and fire pits while still enjoying the seasonal views of the woods and vineyard surrounding us. And of course, no shortage of wine!”

This article originally appeared on Wander Worthy: Wisconsin Wine Is Better Than You Think: Here’s Where to Taste It

Swedes have a word for the freedom to roam: allemansrätten, meaning "everyman's right." Officially translated as the Right of Public Access, it lets anyone walk, swim, and camp in nature, as long as they leave it as they found it.

Earlier this year, Visit Sweden turned that idea into a contest. Its Your Swedish Island campaign asked international travelers to make their case for why they deserved to look after one of the country's 267,570 islands for a year. The five most creative entries won. Each winner received a round trip to Sweden for two, and a year to camp on, explore, and care for their very own piece of Swedish wilderness.

I tested that freedom in the Stockholm Archipelago, where one of the prize islands lies among thousands of others. Some are nature reserves, some are old sea-pilot villages, and many are an easy ferry ride from the city.

Visiting the Stockholm Archipelago

The simplest way is to choose an island served by a regular ferry and make it a day trip from Stockholm. Grinda and Sandhamn are two of the more common choices because of good ferry service.

Grinda is a nature reserve with walking paths and kayaks to rent. There is one lovely hotel and some cottages and cabins so visitors can linger after the day-trip boats leave.

Sandhamn, farther out, is a historic sea-pilot village and the charming red houses greet you on arrival. Its harbor, restaurants, and hotels make it a good choice for travelers who want an island with more going on.

You can experience the archipelago without boarding a ferry, too. On Värmdö, which is connected to the mainland by road, Siggesta Gård sits among woods and has a spectacular restaurant. Visitors can walk, swim, or feed the alpacas.

For a quieter trip, there is Bullerö, a nature and bird preserve in the outer archipelago. It has bays and rocks for swimming, but no restaurant or grocery store. Visitors need to check the separate boat schedule and bring what they need for the day.

Utö, in the southern archipelago, has some beautiful beaches, multiple places to eat, and hotels for overnight visitors.

Another Side of Stockholm

It is easy to spend an entire visit to Stockholm in its museums, neighborhoods, and nightlife and never venture very far beyond the city. But the archipelago is close enough to make an island visit part of the same trip. A ferry ride can take travelers from the capital to a place where the afternoon is spent hiking, swimming, or sitting by the water.

Not only that but it will give you a peek at what matters in Sweden. Time outdoors is part and parcel of daily life, and the country’s Right of Public Access reflects the idea that nature is there for everyone to enjoy and care for. It helps explain why Visit Sweden chose islands with no houses or luxury amenities for its contest. The setting, and the freedom to spend time in it, was the prize.

I felt that most clearly on the quieter islands. There was no monument I had to reach or activity I had to complete. After the city, it took me a little while to stop looking for the next thing to do. Once I did, the boat rides, walks, and time along the shore felt like enough.

Somewhere out there, one of the winners may be pulling a canoe onto their own granite shore right now. I didn't get an island for a year. But after experiencing the archipelago myself, I understood why so many people dreamed of an island of their own.

This article originally appeared on Wander Worthy: In the Stockholm Archipelago, the Islands Are Yours to Roam

Renting a house in the Hamptons can make any celebration feel welcoming, exclusive, and unmistakably personal. Everyone has somewhere to settle in, there is time to catch up, and the setting automatically becomes part of the occasion. But before booking the house with the expansive lawn and chef’s kitchen, there are several items on the checklist to go through.

Vanessa Gordon, a year-round East Hampton resident and event planner and producer who leads East End Taste, encourages travelers to think beyond the listing photos.

“Before you select your house for hosting the event, think how the event will be executed and your anticipated guest list,” Gordon says. “Who is coming? Who is staying overnight? Are you imagining a quiet dinner or inviting additional guests?”

From confirming certain permissions to budgeting for the less glamorous essentials, here is what she recommends considering before committing.

Be specific about what you are celebrating

Dinner for eight overnight guests is a different proposal from a catered family-style gathering with 25 visitors, a bartender, outside rentals, and music. Describe the plans clearly before booking, including the total number of people expected, any outside vendors, staff, and the timing.

“Ask the actual question,” Gordon advises. “‘Can we have a private chef prepare dinner for the eight people staying in the house?’ is much more specific than ‘Is entertaining allowed?’”

Get the agreed arrangements in writing and make sure they are consistent with the rental agreement and any booking platform’s rules. Review your rental agreement prior to as there is often a limitation to how many guests you are permitted to have on property.

If the homeowner’s answer is unclear, resolve it before committing.

Check the rules for the property’s exact location

“The Hamptons” describes a region, but it does not provide one set of rules for every rental or gathering.

Confirm which town or village governs the address, whether the proposed rental complies with local requirements, and whether the celebration needs additional approval. A homeowner’s permission and municipal permission are separate questions.

For example, East Hampton Town has a residential special-event application process that includes owner consent when the applicant is not the owner, along with parking and traffic planning. Southampton Town also has a special-event permitting process. Whether a particular gathering requires a permit should be confirmed with the relevant municipality before booking.

“You want to know what is possible while you still have choices,” Gordon says. “Once you have booked the house and invited everyone, changing the plan becomes much harder.”

Choose the location around your actual weekend

Before booking, map the restaurants, activities, and gathering places that matter most to the group. Look at the actual address rather than relying on a broad location label in the listing.

“If most of your plans are in East Hampton, think carefully before booking somewhere that has you driving back and forth throughout the weekend,” Gordon says.

“A tip I always recommend is to see if the house is within walking distance to one of the train stations or Hampton Jitney stops. Note that there is no train station in Sag Harbor.”

Look at the house as a place to host

Ask how many people can sit comfortably at the dining table. Check the number and location of bathrooms, the available refrigerator space, and whether a chef or caterer would have a practical area to work.

For anyone with mobility needs, confirm steps, pathways, bathroom access, and bedroom locations. If children are coming, ask about pool barriers and how adults will manage supervision. In the Hamptons, you can seamlessly hire certified lifeguards and local babysitters, nannies, and dog walkers.

“I would look closely at where people will actually spend their time,” Gordon says. “Is there shade for lunch? (This is often overlooked). Can everyone sit together? Is the bathroom easy to reach from the garden? Those are the things that shape how comfortable the day feels.”

A current walkthrough video can help answer questions that a carefully selected set of listing photos leaves open.

Make the rainy-day version appealing, too

A covered porch may offer limited protection from wind-driven rain. A living room that looks spacious online may feel crowded once dining furniture, guests, and catering staff are added.

“Ask yourself whether you would still be happy with the house if it rained during your celebration,” Gordon says. “If the entire reason for booking it is the lawn, you need to understand your other options before committing.”

Do not assume a tent can be arranged at the last minute. Check owner permission, installation access, vendor availability, and any applicable permit requirements before making it part of the plan.

Allocate for the whole gathering

Before committing, request estimates for the services you know you want. Depending on the celebration, that could include food, staffing, transportation, tableware, furniture rentals, delivery, collection, and cleanup.

Ask vendors what their quotes include. Some questions to remember: Who supplies ice? Who clears the table? Who removes the trash? Does cleanup cover the kitchen, the gathering space, or both?

“You do not necessarily need more décor,” Gordon says. “You may get much more out of having someone serve dinner, keep the kitchen organized, and handle cleanup so you can sit with your guests.”

Compare the complete cost of hosting at the house with alternatives such as a private dining room. Keeping the rental as a place to stay and celebrating elsewhere may simplify the weekend.

“I do recommend investing in a signature scent or home fragrance and fresh floral arrangements,” adds Gordon.

Plan for the neighborhood and the morning after

Confirm parking arrangements, music restrictions, vendor access, and the time the gathering must finish. Think about deliveries and departures as carefully as the party itself.

Also check the rental’s checkout time against the vendors’ collection schedules. Chairs, glassware, and other hired items need an agreed place to remain until pickup, with the owner’s approval.

Leave room to enjoy being there

A leisurely brunch with warmed croissants, fresh fruit, iced coffee, time by the pool, and one thoughtfully planned dinner can give a group plenty to enjoy without constant transitions.

“For me, the luxury is being able to sit down and enjoy the people you invited,” she says. “Choose a house that supports the kind of weekend you want. Perhaps you want to start with a morning pickleball match or at-home workout followed by a rest in the sauna. Choose the amenities that speak volumes to you and your guests.”

This article originally appeared on Wander Worthy: Planning a Celebration Getaway in the Hamptons? What to Know Before You Book

Just about 1 in 4 adults in the United States, 70 million people, report having a functional disability, spanning mobility, vision, hearing, cognition, and more. Key destinations across the United States, such as Sonoma County, California, have excelled in offering barrier-free experiences and fostering welcoming communities for travelers with disabilities.

MMGY Global research indicates that American travelers with mobility disabilities, the most common type of disability, travel about as often as anyone else and collectively spend $58.2 billion per year on travel. Whether and how people with mobility disabilities travel depends on many factors, from cost and health to how a place is built and more. One major consideration is access to information, including whether a destination tells travelers what to expect before they arrive.

While travelers with disabilities are seeking clarity, not just compliance, businesses' accessibility information is notoriously hard to find. MMGY Global's study found that 8 in 10 travelers said travel destinations can better attract visitors with mobility disabilities by providing more accessibility information before they visit.

Setting itself apart from other destinations, Sonoma County has taken steps to do just that and make a name for itself as a community-focused, inclusive destination. Sonoma County is an officially verified destination through Wheel the World, with more than 70 partners, helping travelers find “clear, trustworthy accessibility information so [they] can explore with confidence, not uncertainty.” At this destination, there is no shortage of accessible places to stay, eat, explore, and experience, where you can feel the impact and importance of community.

Sweeping Wine Country and California's Largest Town Square

Reopened in 2025 after a $15 million renovation, Vinarosa Resort & Spa in Santa Rosa is a California-certified green hotel on a 92-acre working vineyard estate. Here you’ll find thoughtfully designed rooms with vineyard views, an outdoor heated pool (complete with a lift), a spa, and an on-site restaurant, John Ash & Co.

The property’s architectural design features earthy wood and stone materials, combined with flooding light, to create an airy yet grounded atmosphere.

Vinarosa offers accessible rooms with wide doorways, a thoughtfully designed roll-in shower with detailed tiling, a seat, and grab bars, and accessible bed heights, among other features.

The vineyard trail on the property is a beautiful way to start the day, followed by pool time and brunch at John Ash.

John Ash & Co. features local, seasonal produce from the California wine country it calls home in its fresh dishes, including huevos rancheros for breakfast and a gourmet burger with truffle fries for dinner. This spot has a step-free entrance and accessible dining areas.

For a unique culinary wine experience, sweeping vineyard views, and a relaxed atmosphere, St. Francis Winery in Santa Rosa is the place to visit.

Voted the best tasting room in the Bay Area, this winery offers tastings such as the Sonoma County Signature experience that features a seasonal mezze spread from Chef Peter Janiak, designed to let you find your pairing preferences across sweet, acidic, rich, and bitter flavors.

This spot is a certified sustainable winery committed to nurturing its environment and is step-free, with accessible parking and restrooms.

Sonoma Plaza, California's largest town square, covers eight acres and is full of unique shops and delicious restaurants. For cheese lovers, be sure to check out the Sonoma Cheese Factory and grab some to enjoy in the central park area.

From May through September, check out Sonoma’s Tuesday Night Market in the main square for local produce, artisan goods, and the welcoming community feel of this spot. Here you’ll find accessible parking and restrooms.

Thousand-Year-Old Redwoods, Pizza near the Russian River, Plus the Beach and Seafood in Bodega Bay

A trip to Northern California would not be complete without visiting its awe-inspiring redwoods. In Guerneville, you can find the Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, an 805-acre grove of redwoods (aka Sequoia sempervirens) that are over 1,400 years old.

This park features three accessible trails — the Discovery Trail (0.21 miles), Armstrong Nature Trail aka Icicle Trail (0.28 miles), and Pioneer Nature Trail (0.77 miles) — plus accessible parking, restrooms, picnic sites, and Visitor Center.

Before your hike, fuel up with biscuit breakfast sandwiches at Piknik Town Market in Guerneville. This spot has a step-free entrance and an accessible dining area, and prioritizes an inclusive experience.

After your hike, check out Wonderland Pizzeria in Monte Rio near the Russian River. They are wheelchair accessible and offer a variety of New York-style pizza, drinks on tap, and a spacious outdoor seating area perfect for groups.

Close to the redwoods, you will find Inn at the Tides in Bodega Bay, CA. This accessible property is close to Doran Regional Park, whale-watching tours, championship golf, and sport-fishing adventures.

Here you can find garden and terrace views over the bay, a pool with a lift, and accessible rooms with step-free entrances and bathrooms with roll-in showers, shower seats, and grab bars. There is no shortage of refreshing bay breeze here, so make sure to pack cozy layers to stay warm.

The Fishetarian Fish Market is located two minutes from the Inn at the Tides in Bodega Bay. This family-owned fish market opened in 2012, driven by Shane and Dana Lucas's passion for fresh, health-conscious seafood and cooking, and Shane's 40 years of fishing experience.

This restaurant features sustainable, locally caught seafood and coastal staples like chowder and fish and chips, and is wheelchair accessible. It has rightfully earned its place on the Bohemian's Best Restaurants 2026 list, and has been recognized as the Best Seafood by the Bohemian.

Doran Regional Park in Bodega Bay is a short drive away from the Inn at the Tides, featuring a spacious beach, an ADA-accessible boardwalk, an accessible kayak launch, complimentary all-terrain wheelchairs at the entry station (first-come, first-served, call ahead), and Freedom Trax, among other accessibility features.

A Midcentury Modern Escape, Apple Cannery Turned Shopping District, and True Artistry

The Flamingo Resort & Spa in Santa Rosa, CA, is an iconic midcentury modern establishment that honors its retro roots. Here, you feel like you’re stepping into the glamorous nostalgia of this rehabilitated historic property, originally opened in 1957.

After a $20M renovation in 2021 and joining the Tapestry Collection by Hilton in April 2025, the Flamingo Hotel strikes the perfect balance of modern comfort and historic personality. It even has its original neon Flamingo sign, which the City of Santa Rosa designated as a local landmark in 1991.

This hotel has maintained its original spoke-and-wheel design, with the rooms all surrounding the pool in the center courtyard. They offer accessible rooms with 32-in clear doorways, grab bars, and accessible showers or tubs in the bathrooms, closed-caption TVs, and visual alarms (plus door-knock devices on request).

Their on-site restaurant, the Flamingo Lazeaway Club, is an ideal spot for Pacific-inspired dishes, a retro dining space, seating overlooking the pool, and hand-crafted cocktails.

Here, you’ll find complex dishes including spicy chicken bao with umami aioli, maple soy glaze, and house pickles, and seared salmon with caramelized brussels sprouts, shimeji mushrooms, butternut squash, coconut-lemongrass broth, and turmeric oil.

If you enjoy a comedy show after dinner, check out a show at Vintage Space, the resort’s retro-futuristic music lounge.

When you’re in the mood for some shopping, great lunch options, and local events, check out The Barlow in nearby Sebastopol. This open-air district of shops, restaurants, and tasting rooms spans 12.5 acres and was formerly an apple-processing plant.

To indulge your inner child, you can visit the Charles M. Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa, where you can view Original Peanuts artwork and a recreation of Schulz's own studio. This museum has a variety of accessibility features, including a step-free entrance, elevator, loaner wheelchairs at the desk, sensory kits by request, and ASL interpretation with advance notice.

The Museum of Sonoma County in Santa Rosa is another great museum to check out with its variety of rotating exhibits and events. They are presenting their 30th Annual Día de Muertos exhibition until November 29, 2026.

To learn from a local artist and create some art of your own, reserve a spot at a paint party with artXcursion. Founded by Sebastopol-based artist and entrepreneur Alana Tillman, artXcursion has been bringing people together through art since 2018. Tillman brings decades of experience painting and facilitates each session herself, teaching color mixing, composition, and texture.

Tillman has a deep understanding of art’s ability to bring people together. Tillman was born with a condition called arthrogryposis that affects her upper body and legs, and is a spokesperson for the worldwide Mouth and Foot Painting Artists association. Tillman shared, "Living differently, I had to figure out how to navigate the world and also connect with people... I knew that I could use art to create connection with them."

When she founded artXcursion, she set out to challenge the assumptions people make about disabilities. Tillman shared, “I’m a business owner. Yes, I’m differently abled. I’m a woman. I’m all of those things.” She further noted, "When I paint, I want people to appreciate the art for what it is, and not just the way that I do it... It might be interesting for others that I paint with my mouth, but I don't think that's the big picture, really."

Tillman has developed her artistic career working in galleries as an assistant curator, hosting several solo shows, and accepting art residencies. Her art spans from abstract to impressionist and captures the natural world, exploring the multitude of colors, shades, and shifting light of the dynamic landscapes of Northern California.

Visit the Welcoming Communities Across Sonoma County

With more than 70 officially verified destinations through Wheel the World and a commitment to reliable accessibility information, Sonoma County is making a name for itself as an inclusive destination.

From St. Francis Winery in Santa Rosa to Doran Regional Park in Bodega Bay, artXcursion in Sebastopol, and the businesses in between, you can feel the soul of the people who run them. At each spot, their welcome tells you they are genuinely happy you arrived.

This article originally appeared on Wander Worthy: Sonoma County, California Trades Accessibility Guesswork for Clarity

If you had asked me a few years ago if I saw myself living in Cyprus, I probably would have laughed.

The truth is, the idea wasn’t mine at all. Many years ago Roman, my partner, suggested that we move to Cyprus, and I dismissed the idea almost immediately. For me, there were so many other countries in Europe that seemed much more interesting. I dreamed of Spain, Portugal, Italy, and places with more culture, cuisine, big cities, and endless things to do.

Cyprus, in my mind, was a nice place for a vacation. A few days of sea, a good hotel, and sunshine, but not a place where you build a life.

But life changes, and so do we.

After we got married, Roman and I did something that wasn’t very typical for us at that time. We left our jobs, bought one-way tickets to Thailand, and set off on a long journey through Asia.

For months, we traveled through Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and India. It was actually when we decided to stop for two months in an apartment in India, without moving from place to place every few days, that I started my travel blog.

At first, it was just a hobby. A place where I shared itineraries and experiences from our trip. I never imagined that over the years it would become my business and the profession I love so much.

After we came back, life continued to develop. Maya was born, COVID arrived, and the dream of living in another country always stayed somewhere in the background. But then we became parents. And suddenly, I started looking at moving to another country in a completely different way.

Before having children, maybe I would have looked for a place with more excitement, more places to travel, more restaurants, and more cultural life.

But with a young baby, I started thinking about completely different things. I wanted a safe and peaceful place, with pleasant weather, a place where we would enjoy raising children and where we could create a better quality of life for ourselves.

When we started seriously exploring our options, we had several clear criteria. We wanted a destination that was relatively close so we could visit family and they could visit us. We wanted warm weather because we are really not winter people, and we wanted a place that would allow us to continue working as self-employed people.

After considering different options in Europe, we realized that Cyprus was exactly the right fit for us at this stage of life. Looking back today, I think it was a very good decision.

If we didn’t have children, or if our children had been older, we might not have chosen Cyprus specifically. At the end of the day, it is a small island. There aren’t endless possibilities like in larger European countries, and in some areas, it is still less developed. But with young children, its advantages became much more significant.

We chose to live in Limassol because we felt it was the city that suited us best. It is the most modern city in Cyprus, with a large international community, many business owners, high-tech professionals, and entrepreneurs. It combines urban life with the sea and a relaxed atmosphere.

We are city people. We love cafés, restaurants, and being close to things happening around us, but at the same time, we wanted a place that didn’t feel crowded or stressful. Limassol gave us exactly that balance.

The week before our flight was very stressful. We had to sell all our furniture, close bank accounts, cancel different services like internet, return our leased car, pack our entire lives, say goodbye to family and friends, and also try to entertain a little girl who didn’t really understand why her home was suddenly changing.

There were so many small arrangements to think about, from transportation to the airport to arranging a ride that would pick us up when we arrived in Limassol.

The day of the flight itself was very emotional.

On one hand, there was huge excitement about starting a new chapter, but on the other hand, it was very sad to say goodbye to our family. It was difficult for them to say goodbye to us as well.

That was exactly why it was important for us to choose a place like Cyprus. We knew it wasn’t a move to the other side of the world. You could get on a short flight and come visit us, even just for a weekend.

We flew with five suitcases, two carry-ons, a stroller, a car seat, and two bicycles taken apart and packed inside huge boxes. We booked a large van with a trailer in advance to pick us up upon arrival because of all the luggage, and luckily, everything went smoothly.

When we arrived in Limassol, we moved into the apartment we had rented in advance. It was a place that truly felt like a fresh start. A penthouse with two balconies, a swimming pool in the building, and about 200 meters from the sea.

One of the things that made the move much easier for us was that the apartment was fully furnished. We only needed to bring personal belongings, towels, and bedding, and we didn’t have to start dealing with buying furniture and appliances. In Cyprus, many rental apartments come fully furnished, and it is something I highly recommend to anyone moving here.

The first few months were a period of adjustment. Slowly, we started building our own routine.

The biggest challenge at the beginning was finding a suitable framework for Maya. We moved her between three different kindergartens until we found the perfect one for her. Very quickly, we saw that she was adapting well, and we were very happy with our choice.

More than five years have passed since then.

When I look back at the journey we have been through, I realize how much our lives have changed since that day when we landed here with five suitcases and a little girl. Cyprus became much more than just a temporary home.

This is where our family continued to grow. This is where I gave birth to Sophie, and two months ago, also to Benji. There is something very special about raising children in another country, especially when they grow up surrounded by the local culture and the life we have built here.

After a few years of getting to know the local market more deeply, we also entered the real estate field in Cyprus and made several investments. It was something we never imagined doing when we first arrived, but after living in a country for several years, getting to know the different areas, and seeing how the place develops, you also begin to understand the opportunities that exist here.

And of course, Cyprus itself has changed a lot.

Five years ago, prices here were completely different. Since then, the island has gone through significant changes. Many people from around the world have moved here, new businesses have opened, different areas have developed, and demand has increased significantly.

On one hand, this has made Cyprus much more interesting and developed. Today there are more restaurants, cafés, entertainment options, and services that didn’t exist before. On the other hand, it also means that prices have risen significantly, especially housing and rental prices, and even areas such as private education have become more expensive.

One of the things that makes me happiest recently is that we moved back to live near the sea. After two and a half years living in the city center, we realized how much the sea is a meaningful part of our lifestyle. Especially now, with a new baby at home, living near the sea has made my maternity leave much calmer and more enjoyable.

We have a hotel membership, and it has become part of our lifestyle. On weekends, we can go with the kids to the pool, have lunch at the hotel, and spend an entire day there without having to plan too much.

Maybe that is one of the reasons Cyprus suits us so well. It allows us to enjoy the little things and feel like we are living at a different pace. It is not perfect, and it is not the right place for everyone. But for us, at this stage of life, it has given us exactly what we were looking for.

It turns out that sometimes the place you least expected becomes the place you call home.

This article originally appeared on Wander Worthy: Cyprus Was Never the Plan. Now It’s Home

What if the best part of a vacation was coming home feeling better than when you arrived?

In Los Cabos, travelers are finding wellness in the desert, on the water, and beneath the Baja night sky, where wellness is woven into the destination itself rather than limited to the spa.

Imagine beachfront Qi Gong overlooking the Sea of Cortez, a floating sound bath beneath the Baja stars, sunrise yoga beside a desert lagoon, ancient Temazcal steam ceremonies, Tibetan singing bowl meditation by the water, or hydrotherapy rituals designed to promote relaxation, circulation, and recovery.

Wellness in Los Cabos extends far beyond the typical spa experience, embracing restorative rituals, recovery-focused therapies, and experiences rooted in nature and regional healing traditions.

Restoration Rooted in Tradition

At Chileno Bay Resort & Residences, part of the Auberge Resorts Collection, wellness is focused on Baja-inspired rituals and sensory healing.

It's Sol Spa combines ancestral traditions with modern recovery therapies through experiences like The Sacred Copal Ritual, which uses copal smoke purification and grounding body treatments, alongside El Deseo, an intention-setting ceremony centered around meditation, energetic cleansing, and water rituals. Restore balance with aromatherapy steam rooms, Himalayan salt rituals, hydrotherapy, cold plunges, or sound therapy.

One&Only Palmilla is where ancient and modern wellness converge. The beachfront resort’s Forbes Five-Star spa draws from the healing traditions of the Indigenous Mayo people of Sonora, offering Temazcal ceremonies infused with medicinal herbs, volcanic steam, and copal incense.

You can also experience evidence-informed skincare treatments developed with skincare specialist Dr. Barbara Sturm alongside signature hand and foot rituals by renowned podiatrist Bastien Gonzalez. Beyond the extensive list of spa treatments and wellness rituals, you can enjoy private yoga and Pilates sessions, HIIT workouts, beach boot camps, many ocean-facing rooms, on-site dining, and one of Los Cabos’ most iconic golf courses.

Wellness Backed by Science

Wellness at Sensei at Zadún, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, focuses on data-informed recovery and performance. The resort’s “Move, Nourish, Rest” philosophy combines breathwork, hydrotherapy, assisted stretching, mindfulness sessions, and nutrition-focused programming tailored to your goals.

At Four Seasons Resort Cabo Del Sol, Tierra Mar Spa folds Baja California Sur desert and sea influences into treatments inspired by Kumiai healing traditions. Treatments incorporate native Baja ingredients, movement practices, neurowellness therapies, and holistic rituals designed to encourage relaxation and mental clarity.

Where Nature Does the Healing

Near Cabo Pulmo, NEST Baja approaches wellness through immersive experiences tied closely to nature and sensory healing. Offerings have included floating sound baths, Reiki sessions, cacao ceremonies, Tai Chi Qi Gong overlooking the ocean, and aquatic sound therapy are designed to encourage stillness, restoration, and reconnection with nature.

In Todos Santos, Hotel San Cristóbal reflects the growing interest in slower, more restorative travel. The beachfront retreat offers outdoor yoga overlooking the Pacific, guided sound baths inside its chapel, meditative hikes, breathwork sessions, and saltwater plunge pools.

Paradero Todos Santos takes a broader approach to wellness through what it describes as “Ritual Hospitality.” Experiences range from guided breathing sessions and herbal workshops to surf outings, contrast immersion, sound therapy, and nighttime stargazing.

Set among palm groves and organic gardens, Acre Resort embraces a slower style of wellness rooted in nature immersion and conscious living. You can take part in yoga beneath mango trees, explore bike and jogging paths throughout the property, and experience orchard-inspired body treatments and water rituals at the resort’s spa.

Wellness, Los Cabos Style

In Los Cabos, nature, culture, and thoughtful hospitality come together to create a destination where restoration is the journey, not just another stop on your itinerary.

This article originally appeared on Wander Worthy: Forget the Traditional Spa. Los Cabos Is the Wellness Vacation You’ve Been Searching For.

Cassie Bennett and her best friend had been planning the Antarctica trip for over a year. They booked a balcony cabin, and Bennett put down the deposit with the understanding that each of them would pay her own balance when it came due.

Then the deadline arrived, and her friend's card wouldn't go through.

Facing the loss of the cabin, Bennett put the roughly $8,000 balance on her own credit card. "I got paid back, but slowly," she said. The last of it cleared earlier this year — months after they'd come home.

For a growing number of American travelers, the hardest part of a group trip is not the planning or taking the time off work; it's what happens after everyone gets home and someone has to bring up the money.

New national research from Zelle finds that among Gen Z consumers who have fronted money for a shared expense, 76% say they were not fully repaid. Nearly half of Gen Z respondents say they have gone into debt covering group costs for other people. Fifty-five percent say a repayment issue created tension in a friendship or hurt a relationship.

Zelle has a name for it: the avoidance economy. One in five Gen Z respondents said they had canceled plans, or muted or ignored a group chat, specifically to avoid a conversation about paying someone back.

When the money outlasts the friendship

Dr. Traci Williams, a board-certified clinical psychologist and certified financial therapist who serves as a spokesperson for Zelle, has a term for what Bennett spent those months feeling: "Repayment anxiety is the stress, discomfort or emotional hesitation people experience when it's time to settle shared expenses," Williams said. The trigger is rarely the spending itself, but rather when people are waiting to be repaid or trying to figure out how to ask for their money back.

Williams doesn't think the phenomenon is new, but rather newly visible, as more people split the cost of vacations, high-end meals, concerts and sporting events, and talk about it openly.

"Money is rarely just about money," Williams said. "It's tied to relationships, trust, expectations, and emotions. That's why even relatively small amounts can feel surprisingly uncomfortable to discuss."

Left alone, the balance rarely stays neutral. "When repayment is delayed, it can lead to feelings like resentment or frustration that ultimately affect the relationship," she said.

The survey data bears that out. In the Zelle research, 27% of Americans said repayment issues have caused arguments, and a quarter of Gen Z respondents said such a dispute had done long-term damage to a relationship. Some have even said it ended one: 19% of millennials and 14% of Gen Z consumers reported ending a friendship or relationship over a repayment dispute.

Syon Bhanot, an associate professor of economics at Swarthmore College who studies behavioral economics, said the friction is structural, as money and friendship run on incompatible logic. Consider when a friend asks for help moving; most people would give up a Saturday without a second thought and volunteer hours without thinking about being paid. Now imagine the same friend offers $10 an hour.

"You'd probably be weirded out, and more likely to say no," Bhanot said. "In theory, the financial incentive should increase your eagerness to help, but it actually eats into your motivation." The same crowding-out effect, he said, is why asking a friend to settle up feels like it costs something.

What the debt actually looks like

The amounts at stake have grown. Gen Z is now the biggest average spender on group travel and events, according to the Zelle research. While nearly half of Americans surveyed spent less than $2,500 per person on major events like the World Cup, Coachella and the Super Bowl, 37% of Gen Z consumers spent at least that amount.

Those trips almost always require someone to go first. Blocks of tickets, house rentals, advance dinner reservations and group bookings are bought by one person on one card, weeks or months before anyone settles up.

Jacob Bayer, a certified financial planner and founder of the firm JBayerWealth, estimates the organizer is now extending $6,000 to $10,000 in credit to the group and paying the financing cost on it. Run $4,000 of someone else's vacation through a card at 22% to 24% and pay the minimum, Bayer said, and "you may pay for the vacation twice."

Credit card holders ages 18 to 29 have had the highest rate of accounts moving into delinquency of any age group, according to New York Fed data, with more than 10% transitioning into delinquency in a recent quarter.

Buy now, pay later has become a parallel track: 49% of Gen Z consumers planned to use BNPL for large purchases and 36% for daily essentials, like groceries and gas. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has found that 63% of BNPL users hold multiple loans at once. Because those loans are not always reported to credit bureaus, borrowers routinely underestimate their total exposure.

Across all Zelle respondents who sometimes borrow for shared expenses, only 28% said they pay someone back immediately or the same day. Among Gen Z respondents, 18% said it can take up to a month, 10% said two to six months, and 11% said longer than six months.

Why nobody sends the text

The obvious solution– just ask for your money back–  is the thing almost nobody does.

Part of the reason is a strange inversion of who feels bad. "Many people worry that asking to be repaid will make them seem petty or will create unnecessary conflict, even when they're simply asking for money they're already owed," Williams said.

"Context often matters more than the dollar amount," she said. "The relationship between the people involved, whether repayment expectations were discussed upfront, and each person's financial situation can all influence how comfortable someone feels asking for their money back."

Repayment anxiety often doesn't end with the transaction; people stop replying to messages, put off asking, put off paying, and eventually stop making plans. "In the short term, avoidance can feel easier than having an uncomfortable conversation, but over time it can create additional stress, resentment, and strain on relationships," Williams said.

Payment apps absorb some of the discomfort. Bhanot thinks removing the face-to-face element is much of why they caught on: "That way you don't have to talk about money in person with a friend."

For the conversation people are already dreading, lead with the relationship, then the request. Williams recommends something like, "I had such a great time on our trip," before transitioning into, "I noticed I haven't received your portion yet." Explaining the stakes can help too, like that your own card payment is coming due.

She also suggests a step most people skip: thinking honestly about what a friend can afford before agreeing to front anything. "Sometimes people genuinely intend to repay but may have overcommitted financially to participate in the experience."

Bennett is trying a version of that. She and her friend are going to Australia next, and this time she told her friend to book her own flights.

It didn't hold. Her friend asked her to book the ticket and send a Venmo request instead. The round-trip fare was about $3,800, and only roughly $2,000 of it has come back so far. Bennett has also put down the deposit on a three-day liveaboard on the Great Barrier Reef, and there are still three domestic flights to book.

"I just keep thinking about all those points," she said, "to mentally get around how much I do not want to be fronting all this."

National Sauna Day is important to the Finns.

As I stood in Rajaportti Sauna, a public sauna in Tampere that has welcomed bathers for more than 120 years, I read the Declaration of Sauna Peace in English as part of Finland's National Sauna Day. Around me, people settled quietly onto wooden benches.

It was one of the first moments during my week in Finland that I realized I had misunderstood what a sauna really was.

Like many Americans, I arrived thinking a sauna was about heat.

The Finns gently showed me it was about something much larger.

"Sauna is simple," my guide in Finland told me. "It's good for your body, for your mental health, and it is about community."

Finland, a country of about 5.6 million people, has an estimated three million saunas. They can be found in apartment buildings, cabins, offices, hotels, and city neighborhoods.

In Tampere—officially recognized as the Sauna Capital of the World since 2018—there are more public saunas than anywhere else on Earth. There was even one in my hotel bathroom.

More Than Heat

The first surprise for many visitors is that Finns don't treat the sauna as a wellness trend or a luxury reserved for special occasions.

It is simply part of life.

Families gather after work. Friends meet to catch up. Neighbors share benches in public saunas. Some people visit several times each week, not because they're chasing the latest health trend, but because that's what they've always done. “Saturday Sauna” is a big part of the week. It seems everyone makes time for that.

The ritual itself is refreshingly uncomplicated.

Water is poured over hot stones to create löyly, the burst of steam that transforms the room. People step outside to cool off, plunge into a lake, sit quietly in the fresh air, then return to the warmth when they feel ready.

There are no timers or expectations for people to sauna the same way.

When I asked how long it was typical to stay in the sauna, I got some giggles from my guides. One said, “That is a very American question. We just listen to our bodies here.”

This ritual is done year round, and in the winter there are holes chipped into the icy Baltic sea to allow for a quick cold plunge.

Every Sauna Has Its Own Personality

While Americans often think of "the Finnish sauna" as if there were only one experience, every sauna I visited had its own personality.

At Rajaportti, Finland's oldest continuously operating public sauna, tradition takes center stage. The wood-fired sauna has been heated by hand for generations, and tending the fire is considered a craft passed down through experience.

The sauna heater, Alexander Lembke, laughed as he shared an old Finnish saying.

"If you haven't heated a sauna one hundred times, you haven't heated a sauna."

It's a reminder that something appearing simple often isn't.

At Sampasauna, a volunteer-run waterfront sauna in Helsinki, visitors gather on Blueberry Island in a more free-spirited atmosphere where clothing is optional, and strangers quickly become companions.

In other parts of Helsinki, modern waterfront saunas like Löyly combine modern settings, multiple saunas and cafes with centuries-old traditions.

Or the high end hotel Usva spa, where Sauna takes center stage even in an upscale spa. Birch whisking is performed here. An old tradition using bundles of birch leaves and branches, they are gently brushed or tapped against the skin during or after a sauna. The practice is believed to stimulate circulation, release the fresh scent of birch into the steam, and deepen the connection between the sauna and the surrounding forest.

The settings change but the experience is remarkably consistent.

A Tradition Rooted in History

Long before modern hospitals and indoor plumbing, the sauna was one of the cleanest places in a Finnish home.

• Babies were born there.
• The sick recovered there.
• Families prepared loved ones for burial there.

It became a place associated with life's most important moments, giving it a significance that extended far beyond bathing.

Today, most Finns aren't thinking about that history every time they step into a sauna. But they are still participating in it. Children still learn sauna traditions from their parents. Public saunas still bring neighbors together. Ancient rituals like birch whisking and pouring water over hot stones continue not because they're reenacted for visitors, but because they're still part of everyday life.

A Different Way of Measuring Wellness

Perhaps the greatest difference between Finnish and American sauna culture isn't the temperature. It's the purpose.

Americans often approach wellness as something to optimize. We count steps, monitor heart rates, and search for the newest routines promising better health. We want to know exactly how long we need to stay in for the maximum benefits.

And sauna does have benefits. It is known to lower blood pressure, help prevent dementia, and reduce stress.

But, the Finnish sauna offers a quieter philosophy. Health isn't found only in the heat.

• It's found in making time for friends.
• In sitting without distraction.
• In stepping away from work for an hour because community matters just as much as productivity.

That may be the sauna's greatest lesson. And something we could all use.

What Visitors Take Home

By the end of my week in Finland, I had visited historic public saunas, modern waterfront saunas, lakeside saunas, and community saunas.

The temperatures varied.

The settings varied.

The people certainly varied.

What remained constant was the feeling that the sauna wasn't simply somewhere Finns went.

It was one of the places where Finnish culture is still practiced every day.

Visitors arrive expecting to learn how Finns take a sauna, and many leave realizing the sauna is one of the best places to understand Finland itself.

Because in Finland, the sauna isn't just about getting warm.

It's about making time—for your body, your mind, your community, and traditions that have endured for centuries.

When the limited number of advance tickets for Machu Picchu sells out online, airlines sometimes slash fares to Peru for those dates. This is how I ended up with dirt-cheap tickets from Austin to Lima in July, with no real plan other than to escape the summer heat for a few weeks and hope to nab in-person tickets for Machu Picchu.

In the spirit of adventure, my two grown sons and I hopped on a plane with a loose itinerary and shiny optimism that everything would work out. And it did. We snagged last-minute Machu Picchu tickets and toured the 15th-century Inca citadel right alongside the more organized tourists. Here’s how we did it.

Cusco

First stop: Cusco. We flew straight through Lima to Cusco to spend a few days acclimating to the high elevation before heading to Machu Picchu.

Through dumb luck, we were in town for the Paucartambo Festival, held every year from July 15 to 19. I highly recommend visiting during this time. Whenever we stepped outside, there was a new parade filling the streets. The city was alive with costumes, music, dancing, and festivities.

While staying in Cusco, we joined several tours, all booked at the last minute:

• Andean horseback ride
• Cusco food tour
• Historical and cultural group hike
• Sacred Valley tour from Cusco to Ollantaytambo

We also dined like kings. It was a treat to order Pisco Sour cocktails, appetizers, steak Lomo Saltado, and dessert for three adults and have the bill be around $100. My eldest son said the cuy was delicious, but I skipped ordering guinea pig. It was served with the head.

Tip: A nurse at Passport Health recommended we take 600 mg of ibuprofen every eight hours to reduce the chance of getting altitude sickness. This worked well for us, but you should consult your doctor. We encountered others in Cusco who were struggling with the altitude. A woman on the horseback riding tour fainted.

Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu

After five days in Cusco, we took the PeruRail Vistadome through the Andean highlands to Aguas Calientes. I loved riding the iconic blue and gold train, and this experience came with snacks, drinks, and live music.

I didn’t book our return train to Cusco since I wasn’t sure if we’d be able to score in-person tickets to Machu Picchu on our first try. We planned to arrive on Friday and get tickets for Saturday, with Sunday as a backup. I reserved two nights at the Casa Andina hotel and hoped for the best.

How to buy last-minute tickets for Machu Picchu in person

Everyone needs a ticket to visit Machu Picchu, and tickets are tied to your name and ID. If you’re unable to get them online for the day you want, the Ministry of Culture office in Aguas Calientes sells up to 1,000 tickets for each day in person. The catch is, you can only buy these tickets one to two days in advance. 

E.g., if you arrive on Friday, you can buy tickets for Saturday. Once the Saturday tickets are gone, the office starts selling 1,000 tickets for Sunday.

How to buy last-minute Machu Picchu tickets:

• Decide which circuit you want to take. Your tickets will be for a specific route, and you can’t deviate from that route after entry. I chose Circuit 2, which is a moderate climb with panoramic views from above, followed by a descent into the ruins.
• Pick the timeframe you’d like to visit Machu Picchu, from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Visit the online dashboard to track how many tickets are left for each route.
• Go straight to the Ministry of Culture when you arrive in Aguas Calientes. 
  • If you arrive between 6 a.m. and 3 p.m., you’ll be given a number (one per passport) and a time to return after 3 p.m. to buy tickets. 
  • If you arrive between 3 p.m. and 10 p.m., ask which line to join. Some people might be waiting to buy tickets for a different day. 
• Bring everyone in your group when you come to buy tickets, along with their passports. Tickets are tied to IDs, and you can’t buy a ticket for someone who isn’t there. 
• Bring cash. They accept cards, but it’s smart to have a backup.

How it worked for us: I arrived before 3 p.m., showed three passports, and was given three pre-tickets to bring back at 5:45 p.m. At the appointed time, my two sons and I were ushered upstairs to five rows of chairs. One by one, pre-ticket numbers were called. When it was our turn, I was able to buy three tickets for the next day, for the circuit and time I wanted.

Tip: Consider how early you want to arrive in Aguas Calientes when arranging your transportation from Cusco. Some people line up at 5 a.m., before the Ministry of Culture opens at 6 a.m., to get pre-tickets and secure their spots in line for later in the day. Tickets are sold from 3 to 10 p.m. We talked to someone who walked up at 9 p.m. in July and was still able to buy a ticket for the next day, so it’s worth trying even if you arrive late in the evening.

How to buy shuttle bus tickets for Machu Picchu

Once you have tickets for Machu Picchu, you can determine whether you’d rather hike 45 minutes to the entrance or take the shuttle bus. We chose the comfy bus over a trek up the mountain.

How to take the Machu Picchu shuttle: 

• Make a reservation online for the day you want, or pay in person at the Consettur ticket office (use this address as there are some incorrect ones online). You’ll be asked to present your passport when buying tickets in person.
• Locate the bus sign with your entry time. You can get in line behind the sign two hours in advance (e.g., the 10 a.m. line starts at 8 a.m.).
• Board the bus up to one hour before your entry time (e.g., the 10 a.m. line moves to the buses at 9 a.m.).

Tip: Shuttle bus timing is important because if you don’t enter Machu Picchu within 45 minutes of your entry time, you forfeit your ticket.

Do you need a guide for Machu Picchu?

I can see the value of having a guide if you want help coordinating transportation and reservations. But once Machu Picchu tickets are sold out online, even local guides can’t help with advance tickets. You’ll have to show up in Aguas Calientes in person and hope for the best.

When you arrive at the entrance to Machu Picchu, plenty of people will approach you and offer their guide services. It’s up to you if you want to accept. We preferred to walk alone and explore at our own pace.

Back to Cusco by Rail (and Bus)

One thing I wish I’d done differently was to book my return travel to Cusco in advance. By not initially booking a round-trip rail ticket, I ended up with limited options for our return trip. There were no direct trains to Cusco with tickets available at the last minute, so I booked a PuruRail trip that included a transfer in Ollantaytambo to a “PeruRail bus.”

In actuality, the bus to Cusco was a small van (with no bathroom). If you find yourself in this situation, pack Dramamine. You might also consider spending a night in Ollantaytambo, rather than rushing through. It’s a lovely town.

Lima

After spending a week in the charming Cusco and Aguas Calientes, I found five days in Lima to be a bit more time than we needed. Nevertheless, we embarked on several more impromptu adventures and explored the city and beyond.

Lima highlights: 

• Visiting the cats in Kennedy Park — free
• Bike tour through Miraflores and Barranco — our knowledgeable local guide made it fun
• Day trip to sand boarding and dune buggy ride — long day, but worth it
• Magic water circuit and fountain show — we took a tour, but you could do this on your own

My verdict on winging it

Peru is absolutely doable with very little planning. It does add some stress not having all the details set before you fly, but I wouldn’t let the lack of a solid itinerary keep you from going.

If a visit to Machu Picchu is your top priority, you can be hardcore and get in line at the Ministry of Culture at 5 a.m. But if you’re open to spending a few days in Aguas Calientes, that takes some pressure off. There are cheap massages everywhere if you’re looking for a way to pass the time.

This article originally appeared on Wander Worthy: How To Visit Peru With Very Little Planning and Score Last-Minute Machu Picchu Tickets

I’ve lived in Austin for 25 years, and after a quarter century of hiking, biking, and breakfast taco eating from downtown to the Texas Hill Country, I have a long list of favorite spots I return to again and again.

During a recent stay at The Code Austin in the Zilker neighborhood, my teenage daughter and I took full advantage of our centrally-located condo to enjoy Austin to the fullest. We paddled, swam, museumed, and TexMexed our way around town for two glorious days.

We had a blast and know you will, too. Here are my picks for the top things to do in Austin, and beyond.

Lady Bird Lake

The best way to experience Austin is on the water. See the city skyline from Lady Bird Lake atop a stand-up paddleboard, or in a canoe or kayak rental from Rowing Dock. You’ll pass turtles on logs and fish swimming so near you can almost touch them.

Swimming isn’t allowed in the lake, called Town Lake by locals, so going early is your best bet in hotter months. My daughter and I rented SUP boards on a Monday morning in June, and enjoyed a peaceful paddle before the sun got too strong.

From March to October, you can also join a sunset kayak bat tour to see 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats fly out from under the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge. Wear a hat to avoid getting bat guano on your head. It’s never happened to me, but the fear is real.

It’s also fun to stroll along the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail. This scenic 10-mile loop around the lake includes a 1.3-mile floating boardwalk where you can see birds, ducks, and city views.

If you’re not excited about walking the trail in the heat, there are also bike tours you can join. This is a great way to get a taste of the trail and see some highlights of Austin as you ride.

Zilker Park

While there’s plenty to do in Austin’s most famous greenspace, my Zilker Park favorites are swimming (or floating) in the expansive Barton Springs Pool and seeing free shows at the Zilker Hillside Theatre. The very best is when you combine the two: Cool off in the chilly spring-fed water before having a picnic on the hillside and watching a free summer musical at dusk.

Another nearby option is Barking Springs, the Barton Springs spillway. This is where the pool meets Barton Creek, and you can wade in the water for free with locals and their happy off-leash pups. You might want to check the creek’s algae levels before you go.

Barton Creek feeds into Lady Bird Lake, and you can rent canoes, kayaks, and SUP boards here, too, from Zilker Boat Rentals. They have a coupon on their website for a second hour or a second boat for free on weekday mornings.

Austin Hikes

Austin is a beautiful place to hike, and depending on recent rains, there may be places to splash and play along the way. Some beloved easy-to-moderate hikes include Lower Falls at McKinney Falls State Park, Bull Creek, Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls, and Hill of Life on the Barton Creek Greenbelt.

Consider taking a rideshare to hike in Austin, as popular trailhead parking lots can be targets for car break-ins. This has happened to me, and the thieves caused some expensive damage to my car. That could be especially painful if you had a rental car.

Hamilton Pool

Hamilton Pool Preserve is worth a visit, and it’s a pretty drive into the Hill Country to get there. You’ll need a reservation to hike and swim in this collapsed grotto, so plan ahead.

You’ll also want to check that swimming is allowed when you plan to go. The water is sometimes off-limits after a big rain, and the pool is the best part. The water is cold and fish love to nibble on your legs.

For now, you can’t walk behind the waterfall as that trail is closed, but you can still try to swim there. Know that the pool gets quite deep. Life jackets are available for free if you need one.

Krause Springs

For a true Texas swimming hole experience, you can’t beat Krause Springs. This family-owned spot has been welcoming guests since 1955. It’s a refreshing treat to relax in the cool, spring-fed pools.

Bring water shoes if you have them because the limestone rocks can get slippery. You may also want floats and life jackets for less confident swimmers. There are no lifeguards here.

Museum of the Weird

Obviously, I think the best of Austin is enjoyed outdoors, but popping inside for some AC can be a good idea, too. Don’t miss the Museum of the Weird on 6th Street. It doesn’t take long to visit all three floors, and it’s a quirky delight. This was a one of my daughter’s favorite side quests.

Walking through the incense-infused rooms, you can learn about Austin’s haunted history, encounter unexplained mysteries, see oddities and curiosities, and meet the Minnesota Ice Man. There are also photo opps with wax figures of famous monsters and a King Kong statue.

Live Music and Dancing

Austin is the Live Music Capital of the World, so be sure to save energy for dancing.

On Wednesdays, take a Texas two-step lesson at Broken Spoke, a Texas honky tonk where Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton have performed. Lessons will get you in shape for the dancehall, which has live music Tuesday to Saturday evenings.

For an outdoor option, head to the local grocery store, Central Market North Lamar. Thursday to Saturday, you can grab dinner at the café and enjoy free live music and dancing on the patio. Dine indoors or out, and let kids play on the large playground behind the stage.

Leona Botanical Garden

Ask any Austinite where to find the best breakfast tacos, and you’ll get a different answer. Mine are the Migas Tacos from Veracruz All Natural, which has several locations around town.

The prettiest Veracruz location is in Leona Botanical Cafe and Garden, a nice dog-friendly space with gardens, water features, and a natural playground. You can also grab a coffee here and dine outside to enjoy the Texas native landscaping.

Experience Austin Like a Local

If you want to pretend you live in a trendy Austin condo on South Lamar, The Code is the place to stay.

The Code is a unique hybrid hotel and residential building, with fully furnished studios and apartments that have huge kitchens, washing machines, and dryers, but also a pool and hotel amenities like complimentary happy hour, and a breakfast of coffee and pastries by Cuvée Coffee.

My daughter and I loved staying in a one-bedroom apartment that was within walking distance of Austin classics like Matt’s El Rancho. Where we couldn’t walk, we took a rideshare, to avoid having to park downtown. (But if you plan to drive in Austin like a local, download this parking app first).

This article originally appeared on Wander Worthy: 25 Years in Austin Taught Me These Can’t-Miss Experiences

A new survey of 2,000 U.S. women, conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Discover Puerto Rico, found that 76% of group trips never actually happen. Just 24% make it out of the group chat and into real life. It takes an average of 83 messages and nearly 19 hours spread across 11 days just to get a trip to the finish line, if it gets there at all.

I know this cycle personally. I lead women's group trips for a living, and I've watched excitement turn into exhaustion more times than I can count. Somebody suggests a trip, everyone loves the idea, and then the logistics start. Dates get floated and shot down. Someone finds a flight deal that's gone by the time anyone responds. The fun drains out of it fast, and most of the time, the trip just quietly dies.

So when I booked a trip to Costa Rica with my daughter earlier this year, I did something I never do. I didn't research a single hotel myself. I called Delta Vacations, and I let someone else carry it.

Letting Go of the Reins

I am, by nature, a planner. I comb through every review, every itinerary option, every possible version of a trip before I book anything. It's part of why I do this for work. But this time, I was busy, and I wanted the trip to actually feel like a vacation before it even started.

The destination expert I worked with took the time to walk me through every piece of it: flights, transfers, hotels, excursions, and she didn't rush any of it. We talked through what my daughter and I actually wanted out of the trip, not just where we wanted to go. When my schedule got tight, she didn't push for more calls. She moved everything to email and kept it moving without ever making me feel like I was falling behind. I never once felt handled. I felt heard.

When the Expert Knows Better

I had looked at a specific hotel near Arenal Volcano. I'd seen the photos, liked the idea, and was ready to book it. Instead, she suggested Nayara Springs.

I hadn't asked for an alternative. She offered it anyway, because somewhere in our conversation she'd picked up on what I actually wanted: wildlife, a slower pace, somewhere that felt more like healing than sightseeing. I went with her suggestion, and Nayara Springs ended up being one of my favorite resorts I've ever stayed at, anywhere. That's the difference between someone booking a trip for you and someone actually paying attention.

Two Locations, One Trip

We started at the Waldorf Astoria Punta Cacique in Guanacaste, where the private beach had monkeys moving through the trees, and the property had eleven pools scattered throughout. We were delighted with our suite, which had two bedrooms, each with its own bathroom and a living area and kitchen. Off our private balcony was an infinity pool overlooking the resort, which was incredible, especially at sunset. The dining options were some of the best I've had on any trip.

From there, we took a private day trip into Palo Verde National Park, floating down the river to see crocodiles sunning themselves, monkeys in the canopy, and birds our guide pointed out one by one. We stopped at an indigenous community along the way and sat down for a pottery lesson, hands in the clay, learning a craft that's been passed down for generations in that part of the country.

Then we moved into the rainforest, to the Arenal volcano area and Nayara Springs, where thermal pools steamed up out of the jungle floor, and our villa had its own infinity pool looking straight into the trees. We saw sloths and monkeys on the property nearly every single day. My daughter, on her first trip outside the country, kept saying the same thing over and over. I could get used to this life. I understood exactly what she meant, and this time, I could actually enjoy myself because none of the stressful details were on my shoulders.

Why I'd Book This Way Again

None of this happened because I found the right combination of flight deals and hotel reviews at 11 p.m. after a long day of work. It happened because someone else did the research, asked the right questions, and knew Costa Rica well enough to steer me somewhere better than where I was originally headed.

That's the piece I think gets lost in all those group chats that never turn into trips. Women aren't bad at planning. We're just usually the only ones doing it, every single time, on top of everything else we're already carrying. Delta Vacations took that job off my plate entirely, from the flights down to the transfers, and what I got back was a trip I didn't have to survive planning first.

The support doesn't stop once you hang up the phone, either. A few weeks before departure, a know-before-you-go email arrives with the details you actually need on travel day, including transfers. Mid-trip, there's a check-in with an easy way to reach someone if anything comes up while you're gone. And once you're home, a post-trip thank-you email follows with a little inspiration for wherever you might want to go next.

There's also a quieter benefit that mattered to me as a SkyMiles Member: earning MQD status toward Medallion on the full package price, flights, hotel, transfers, and activities included, without doing anything extra to earn it. It's not why I'd book this way again. But it's a nice reason to.

This article originally appeared on Wander Worthy: I Stopped Planning My Own Vacation, and It Changed the Way I Travel

For generations, vacations have been about seeing famous landmarks, lounging on beaches, and collecting souvenirs.

But today’s travelers are looking for something more.

Across the country, hotels and resorts are embracing the growing trend of "skillcations" — trips built around learning a new skill rather than simply visiting a destination. Travelers can learn how to fly fish, arrange flowers, garden, surf, and much more. More people are seeking experiences that allow them to participate in a destination rather than simply observe it.

You can see why it’s popular. Photos capture a moment, but a skill can last a lifetime, and the experience you can have during a “skillcation” is one to remember.

In Burlington, Vermont, the locally owned Hotel Vermont created experiences around connecting visitors to the community. The hotel is known for its locally sourced furnishings, local artwork, and bath products made in Burlington, which allow guests a meaningful look at life in Vermont.

One of its most unique partnerships is with AO Glass, a working glassblowing studio in Burlington's South End Arts District.

Once in the studio, guests enter a world of roaring furnaces and burning hot molten glass. Rich and Hannah were the tutors for my son and me, and they helped us select colors and shape the glass into vases.

The process is as difficult as you might suppose. Glass must be reheated, rotated, and shaped before it cools. You watch the experienced glass blowers first, and it looks fairly easy, but you quickly learn that it is almost impossible for an amateur. But with lots of guidance and lots of patience, you will learn how to blow glass.

I love my crooked vase that is unlike a souvenir purchased in a gift shop; it carries the memory of the experience itself and a new appreciation for the skill of the glassblowers at AO glass.

About 90 minutes south, another Vermont property is building an entire vacation concept around learning.

In Woodstock, Vermont, the Woodstock Inn & Resort recently launched Passion Pursuits, a program designed to help guests discover new hobbies and interests through hands-on instruction. These Passion Pursuits include everything from gardening and birding, skiing and fly fishing, and even antiquing. The program was inspired by research suggesting hobbies can improve wellbeing, personal growth, and social connection.

"We've always encouraged our guests to engage with the people and places around our storied resort through activities and experiences. It's a big part of what makes time spent here so memorable," says Bruce Grosbety, president of Woodstock Inn & Resort.

“The Passion Pursuits program encompasses all of that in one place. What I love most is that it gives our team a chance to share what they're passionate about, too. We have people here who care deeply about what they do, and sharing that with a guest is the best part of our work. Those are the moments we hope people carry home with them. The joy of discovering something new about a place, or even about yourself."

One of the program's most popular activities is fly fishing.

Participants are outfitted with waders, rods, and flies before heading to local rivers with experienced guides. As a beginner, my learning curve was steep but still rewarding.

Although I left empty-handed, I gained an appreciation for the skill involved in reading a river, selecting a fly, and making a precise cast. As one instructor joked to me after a particularly challenging afternoon, I was far from the worst student" he had ever seen.

At Spectrum Resort Orlando, skill-building is all about food.

The resort's residential-style accommodations come with fully equipped kitchens that become the classroom during private chef experiences. Guests work alongside professional chefs or Mixologists to prepare delicious meals or drinks in their own kitchen.

Executive Chef Sean Marzan, who leads many of the experiences, says,” The goal is to create an environment where guests feel comfortable participating. Rather than sitting down to a prepared meal, visitors become part of the process, asking questions, experimenting with ingredients, and learning techniques they can recreate at home.”

During my recent experience, I learned how to make some delicious mocktails while discussing flavor combinations, homemade syrups, and creative garnishes. Marzan later shared recipes for drinks, including a Strawberry & Raspberry Kombucha Smash and a Strawberry-Vanilla Berry Fizz, along with tips for creating professional-quality alcohol-free beverages at home.

The atmosphere is intentionally relaxed and feels less like a class and more like spending an evening cooking with friends who happen to be professional chefs.

Along Maine's coast, travelers are finding another way to learn by doing.

At Inn by the Sea in Cape Elizabeth, an eco-luxury resort overlooking Crescent Beach, guests are encouraged to connect with the ocean nearby and to learn all about the birds of the region.

One of the most memorable excursions takes place aboard the Lucky Catch, a lobster boat operating from nearby Portland Harbor.

Instead of simply ordering lobster at a restaurant, guests head out onto Casco Bay to learn firsthand how Maine's lobster fishing works. I learned how to help haul traps, measure lobster sizes, prepare bait bags, and place rubber bands around their claws.

It was fun and educational for adults and kids.

For kids who want to learn a skill, they should head to San Diego.

Families staying at Loews Coronado Bay Resort outside of San Diego can tap into the skillcation trend through the new Loews Little Legends STEAM Explorers program.

Little Legends makes vacation an opportunity for learning about the coast and sea life with hands-on activities. Young travelers receive Discovery Kits filled with tools like binoculars, a compass, a magnifying glass, and an interactive activity book that help them on their way.

Kids can learn how to fly a kite on the shores of Coronado Bay and learn the science behind it, or they can go on a guided nature walk at one of California's state parks. Plus, they can complete a scavenger hunt at the resort.

For hotels and resorts, skillcations are a great way to create experiences that are both memorable and authentic. By partnering with local artists, chefs, guides, and experts, properties can showcase what makes their destinations unique while giving guests something tangible to take home.

For travelers, the appeal is equally clear.

A visitor might return from Burlington with a handmade glass vase, leave Vermont with a newfound appreciation for fly fishing, head home from Orlando with a collection of new recipes, or return from Maine understanding exactly what goes into bringing lobster from ocean to plate.

The souvenir is no longer the point.

The experience is.

And increasingly, travelers are discovering that learning something new may be the most valuable thing they bring home from vacation.

This article originally appeared on Wander Worthy: Travelers Are Trading Sightseeing for ‘Skillcations’

For Gordon, her summer Hampton's calendar is split between the events she is producing herself and the cultural, philanthropic, and social events she attends year after year across the East End.

As the founder and publisher of East End Taste and a Hamptons-based event producer, Gordon looks at the summer calendar a little differently. The events that stand out to her are the ones with a point of view: a meaningful presence that lasts long after the event ends.

This summer in the Hamptons, her calendar is a mix of philanthropy, culture, literature, preservation, health care, LGBTQIA+ advocacy, and classic Hamptons hospitality.

Art, Nature, and Summer Magic at LongHouse Reserve

Saturday, June 27, 2026 | 5:30–11 p.m. | LongHouse Reserve, East Hampton

Also on Gordon’s summer calendar is Beautopia: The LongHouse Summer Benefit, held at LongHouse Reserve in East Hampton. This year’s benefit honors artists Sean Scully and Bruce Horten, with an evening centered around art, landscape, music, cocktails, dinner, dancing, and LongHouse’s signature art auction. LongHouse describes the evening as one where “art, nature, and community come alive,” set across its gardens and sculpture-filled grounds.

“LongHouse is one of those places that reminds you why the Hamptons are so visually and culturally special,” Gordon says. “You are walking through gardens, sculpture, and conversation all at once.”

For Gordon, the LongHouse benefit stands out because it feels deeply tied to the East End’s creative identity.

“There is a real sense of discovery at LongHouse,” she says. “It has that rare combination of being elegant, artistic, and a little whimsical. Plus the food and drinks at this evening event are consistently top notch.”

A Summer Evening With Purpose at God’s Love We Deliver

Saturday, July 11, 2026 | 5–8 p.m. | East Hampton

One event Gordon has her eye on is God’s Love We Deliver’s 25th Annual Midsummer Night Drinks, hosted at the East Hampton home of Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka. The event supports God’s Love We Deliver and brings together cocktails, bites, poolside lounging, and a relaxed but meaningful Hamptons atmosphere.

“What I love about this one is that it feels personal,” Gordon says. “There is something very special about a Hamptons event that happens at someone’s home, and especially at Neil and David’s home. It is one of the most beautiful settings out east for an event by far.”

Self-Defense and Wellness With East End Taste

Wednesday, July 15, 2026 | 9:30 a.m.–12 p.m. | Southampton

Gordon is also producing a self-defense and wellness-focused event in Southampton, bringing together movement, confidence, practical skills, food and drinks, onsite activations, and gifting.

“This one is especially meaningful because I have been training in self-defense and BJJ (Brazilian jiu-jitsu) for over four years,” Gordon says. “It is about confidence, awareness, strength, and feeling more secure in your own body. I think that message really resonates, especially for women.”

French Art de Vivre in Bridgehampton

Friday, July 17, 2026 | 6–8 p.m. | Bridgehampton

Also on Gordon’s calendar is the French Heritage Society Summer Soirée, hosted by Maria Fishel, CeCe Black, Rosann Gutman, and Ann Van Ness.

Open to all lovers of France and French culture, the evening supports the French Heritage Society’s mission to ensure that the treasures of French architectural and cultural heritage survive to delight, educate, and inspire future generations. The organization supports activities rooted in preservation, education, and French art de vivre.

For Gordon, this is the kind of event that captures the softer, more elegant side of the Hamptons social season.

“It is about celebrating preservation, culture, architecture, and French art de vivre. The Hamptons has always had this deep connection to art, interiors, gardens, and old-world hospitality, so this feels very aligned with the way people want to experience summer here.”

Art, Culture, Food, and Community at Art & Soul Hamptons

Friday, July 17–Sunday, July 19, 2026 | Southampton

Also on Gordon’s radar is Art & Soul Hamptons, a three-day art and culture experience taking place in Southampton from July 17 through July 19. The event celebrates art, food, cocktails, film, music, and the work of influential and emerging Black and Brown artists.

For Gordon, Art & Soul stands out because it brings a different and necessary layer to the Hamptons summer calendar.

“Art & Soul is one of if not the most authentic summer event in the Hamptons” Gordon says. “It is a full weekend experience that brings together visual art, culinary talent, music, film, wine, champagne, and community.”

The programming includes an opening night at Southampton Arts Center with an outdoor art exhibition, live entertainment, culinary tastings, wine and champagne experiences, a film screening, red carpet photo moment, and afterparty. The weekend also includes programming at Ma’s House & BIPOC Art Studio, Southampton African American Museum, and Southampton Inn.

“What I love is that it introduces people to multiple cultural spaces in Southampton,” Gordon says. “It gives the weekend a sense of movement and discovery. You are not just sitting at a table. You are experiencing the art, the food, the people, and the story behind it.”

A Philanthropic Art-World Evening at the Parrish

Saturday, July 18, 2026 | 5:30 p.m.–11:59 p.m. | Parrish Art Museum, Water Mill

Another important date on Gordon’s calendar is the Parrish Art Museum Midsummer Gala, one of the East End’s most anticipated summer benefit events. This year’s theme is “A Night in the Clouds,” with the Midsummer Gala Dinner from 5:30–9 p.m. and the Afterglow Party from 9 p.m.–11:59 p.m. The 2026 gala honors philanthropist Ellen Katz and artists Enoc Perez, Joan Semmel, Hiroshi Sugimoto, and, in memoriam, Pat Steir. Funds raised support the Parrish’s education initiatives, exhibitions, and programs.

“The Parrish is such a defining cultural institution for the East End,” Gordon says. “The Midsummer Gala is one of those events that brings together collectors, artists, patrons, and people who really care about the creative legacy of this region.”

“It is glamorous, of course, but it is also rooted in art, education, and the cultural fabric of the East End,” she says.

School’s Out and Supporting LGBTQIA+ Youth

Saturday, July 25, 2026 | 5–10 p.m. | Water Mill

Gordon is also watching School’s Out, Hetrick-Martin Institute’s annual Hamptons benefit supporting LGBTQIA+ youth. The 2026 event returns to Water Mill on July 25 at the home of The Browns.

“I am honored to be on the committee for School’s Out for four consecutive summers,” Gordon says. “It can be deeply necessary. Supporting LGBTQIA+ youth, mental health, meals, community, and safe spaces is meaningful work, and the Hamptons has a real platform to help amplify that.”

Southampton Hospital Gala and the Events That Support the Year-Round Community

Saturday, August 1, 2026 | 6 p.m. | Southampton

Another major event on Gordon’s radar is the Southampton Hospital Foundation’s 68th Annual Summer Party, which supports Stony Brook Southampton Hospital, the East Hampton Emergency Department, and the health care services the East End community depends on.

“This is one of those events that really matters locally,” Gordon says. “People think of the Hamptons as glamorous, but underneath all of that is a real year-round community. Supporting health care here is incredibly important, especially during the summer when the population grows so dramatically.”

A Classic East End Literary Tradition: Authors Night

Saturday, August 8, 2026 | 5–7:30 p.m. | Herrick Park, East Hampton

For a literary moment, Gordon points to East Hampton Library’s Authors Night, one of the Hamptons’ most beloved cultural traditions. The 22nd annual fundraiser is scheduled for August 8 and features 100 authors across genres.

She herself was an author at Authors Night all the way back in 2009 when she debuted one of her first novels.

“Authors Night is such a classic East Hampton event,” Gordon says. “It has this wonderful mix of intellect, celebrity, community, and summer ease. You can discover a book, meet someone fascinating, and feel part of a long-standing cultural tradition.”

SummerFest and the Art of Southampton Entertaining

Saturday, August 22, 2026 | 6–10:30 p.m. | Southampton Arts Center

Rounding out Gordon’s calendar is SummerFest, Southampton Arts Center’s annual summer gala. The event benefits Southampton Arts Center and takes place on the grounds of 25 Jobs Lane in Southampton.

“SummerFest is one of those events that feels very Southampton,” Gordon says. “It sits at the intersection of art, community, and summer entertaining. I always appreciate events that bring people into a cultural space rather than just a private setting.”

What Makes a Hamptons Summer Event Stand Out

For Gordon, the strongest Hamptons events are the ones that feel rooted in something bigger than the guest list.

“A beautiful event is wonderful. But the ones people remember usually have a reason for existing,” she says. “They support the arts, hospitals, young people, historic preservation, food access, education, or local culture. That is what makes the Hamptons summer calendar so interesting. Beneath the glamour, there is a real and purposeful mission.”

“The best events out east do not have to feel overproduced,” Gordon says. “They need to feel thoughtful. The setting matters. The hosts matter. The cause matters. And when all of those things come together, that is when a Hamptons summer event really works.”

This article originally appeared on Wander Worthy: Hamptons Summer Calendar Curated by Event Producer Vanessa Gordon

Should the U.S. Create a National No-Fly List for Unruly Airline Passengers?

If you're a news junkie like me, you've probably noticed a recurring pattern lately: reports of unruly airline passengers choking off-duty flight attendants, trying to open exit doors mid-flight, attempting to breach cockpits, and even broadcasting the word "BOMB" from a personal device and forcing a flight diversion.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration, there have been 687 unruly passenger incident reports in the U.S. so far this year. While that’s not even close to the record-setting 5,973 disturbances reported in 2021, the ongoing wave of incidents making headlines this year is still very unsettling.

In one case, a United Airlines flight was diverted after a passenger allegedly made multiple attempts to breach the cockpit. Just a few days ago, a Frontier passenger allegedly tried to open an exit door mid-flight before reportedly choking an off-duty flight attendant who intervened. Separately, another United flight was forced to divert after a passenger allegedly attempted to open a cabin door at 36,000 feet and assaulted another traveler onboard.

What's even more unsettling is that even if an unruly passenger is banned from one airline, they can often simply book a flight with another carrier.

But should someone accused of making multiple attempts to breach the cockpit or trying to open a cabin door while in the air really be allowed to board another commercial flight, potentially putting hundreds of lives at risk?

Interestingly, the United Kingdom is currently in the process of attempting to tackle this very issue citing an increase in disruptive behavior during peak travel seasons. Under the newly proposed system, airlines would share a national no-fly list for unruly passengers, which could prevent serious offenders from boarding commercial flights altogether.

Can you imagine being permanently banned from flying commercially for the rest of your life? If you're a frequent traveler, the mere thought of landing on a national no-fly list could be enough to keep even the most disruptive passengers at their best.

So, being the curious person that I am, I decided to take a closer look at how the United States currently handles unruly airline passengers.

What I found is that the United States does not currently have a nationwide blacklist for unruly airline passengers. Instead, individual airlines maintain their own internal banned passenger lists, meaning someone prohibited from flying with one carrier may still be able to book a flight with another.

It's not for a lack of trying, though. Congress has considered the idea multiple times, most recently in 2023 when lawmakers introduced the Protection from Abusive Passengers Act, which would have created a national no-fly-style list for violent and disruptive airline passengers. The bill ultimately failed to become law.

Currently, the United States maintains a federal no-fly list tied to national security and terrorism concerns. But unlike the proposed system in the United Kingdom, that list is not intended for disruptive airline passengers or so-called "air rage" incidents.

That said, disruptive passengers can still face serious consequences. Depending on the severity of the incident, they may be removed from flights, permanently banned by specific airlines, fined by the Federal Aviation Administration, arrested, or even face federal criminal charges for interfering with a flight crew or threatening the safety of an aircraft.

Still, the question remains. Is that enough?

Supporters of a shared national blacklist argue that passengers who attempt to breach cockpits, assault crew members, or jeopardize the safety of an aircraft shouldn't simply be allowed to book another flight with a competing airline.

On the other side of the aisle, some critics say a nationwide blacklist for unruly passengers raises legitimate concerns. For example, who decides when a passenger's behavior warrants a lifetime ban? Would passengers be able to appeal the decision? And where should the line be drawn between someone having a bad day and someone posing a real threat to safety?

For now, all eyes are on the United Kingdom to see whether a shared national no-fly list for unruly passengers can actually work, and whether other countries, including the United States, eventually decide to follow its lead.

This article originally appeared on Wander Worthy: Air Rage: Banned by One Airline, Welcome on Another

Castello di Montegufoni, set in the picturesque rolling hills of Tuscany, offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a millennium of history. Just a 35-minute drive from Florence’s Amerigo Vespucci Airport, this exceptional property provides an authentic Tuscan escape within the walls of a 1000-year-old castle.

The property feels grand and ornate while also maintaining a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere. A stay here means appreciating the authentic beauty of Tuscany and its rich heritage.

Quick Hotel Overview

• Type of Stay: Ideal for a romantic getaway or a friend's trip
• Address: Via Montegufoni, 18 - Montagnana V.P. Firenze, Tuscany, Italy
• Price range: $$-$$$
• Highlights: Distinctive rooms with preserved historical features, beautifully landscaped Italian gardens, a seasonal outdoor pool, a scenic terrace with sweeping countryside views, and a cozy on-site bar and restaurant.

Location

Castello di Montegufoni is located in Montespertoli, a peaceful municipality in the Tuscan countryside. It is a perfect home base for exploring the region, ideally located close to Florence (40 min), San Gimignano (50 min), Siena (1 hour), Pisa (1 hour 10 min), Lucca (1 hour 10 min), and Arezzo (1 hour 20 min).

For a relaxing stay, renting a car is essential. Taxis and car services are uncommon and often difficult to book. We landed at Florence’s Amerigo Vespucci Airport, took the shuttle to the rental car facility next door, and drove a straightforward 35 minutes to the hotel.

First Impressions

The castle entrance is beautiful and grand, with complimentary parking available nearby. You enter the property up a set of stairs, through a grand archway, and into the stunning courtyard. From the courtyard, you find the lobby is inside the castle building, with a waiting area within a spacious dining room. The atmosphere is immediately awe-inspiring, as if you are stepping into history.

Staff are helpful and quick to respond to inquiries. Reception is open during select time frames throughout the week, depending on the season, but arrivals outside these time frames can be arranged in advance for an additional fee. During my visit, they accommodated a late arrival with a formal check-in the next morning.

Rooms & Suites

Here you can choose from 29 unique apartments on Castle grounds or from 10 holiday homes adjacent to the Castle. The property offers a wide range of rental options, from accommodations for two people to those for up to nine people.

Rooms are spacious and can feature unique historical details such as frescos and chandeliers, along with sweeping views of the gardens and countryside. Holiday homes adjacent to the property are also available for rental.

Many rooms come equipped with kitchenettes stocked with a stovetop moka coffee maker, sponges, and dish soap to support extended stays. Select accommodations feature air conditioning and in-room Wi-Fi, while all guests can access high-speed Wi-Fi in the restaurant and the lobby area adjacent to reception.

Rooms aren’t soundproofed like in modern hotels, so sound can travel. However, hearing the chirping birds outside or noises from around the property can add to the historic charm of your stay here. During my stay, the property had a quiet and calm atmosphere and did not feel overcrowded.

Amenities & On-Site Dining

On the castle’s well-maintained grounds, you will find traditional Italian gardens, a seasonal pool, a terrace offering panoramic countryside views, a welcoming on-site bar and restaurant, and apartments adorned with preserved historic details.

Staff can arrange breakfast and lunch upon request. For aperitivo and dinner, the on-site bar and restaurant serve traditional Chianti cuisine. Open nightly from April through October, except Tuesdays, the restaurant offers both an atmospheric outdoor terrace, complete with fountains and ambient lighting, and indoor seating. Advance reservations and card payment are required.

If you are seeking relaxation, you can arrange for on-site massages and yoga at Castello di Montefugoni by contacting reception.

Please note that Castello di Montegufoni is not wheelchair accessible and does not have elevators. Most areas, including guest rooms and amenities, are only accessible via stairs.

Things to Do Nearby

During my weekend stay at the Castle, I explored the medieval town of Certaldo. Certaldo is a perfect spot for a day trip, offering a less crowded experience than other more popular Italian tourist destinations in the area.

In this town, you can find beautiful views of the sweeping countryside, numerous dining and shopping options, the Palazzo Pretorio Museum (which includes an incredible art installation), and the Casa del Boccaccio Museum (the home of the famous Italian poet and author of the Decameron, Giovanni Boccaccio). The top of the Casa del Boccaccio offers some of the best views in Certaldo.

You can ride the Funicolare di Certaldo, an uphill railway connecting Certaldo Basso, the modern lower town, to Certaldo Alto, the historic upper town. This quick ride offers beautiful views and a convenient way to travel between the two parts of Certaldo. In Certaldo Basso, we stopped in Jam Café for a cappuccino and pastries and enjoyed them in the outdoor courtyard.

A 20-minute drive from Castello di Montefugoni through the rolling Tuscan hills brings you to A Solatìo for organic wine and olive oil tastings perfectly paired with homemade meals, stunning countryside views, warm hospitality, and a relaxed Tuscan atmosphere. A visit here is a must if you are staying at Castello di Montegufoni.

For additional experiences, you can visit Frescobaldi and Fattoria San Michele A Torri wineries (these are within 15 minutes from Castello di Montefugoni via car), or book horseback riding at Maneggio Guelfi Neri or E-biking tours in the Tuscan hills.

Price & Value

Room rates at Castello di Montefugoni vary by accommodation and season. Every booking incurs a €65 final cleaning fee and €2 local tax per guest per day.

For example, the Montegufoni 23 apartment is offered at €168/night, while the four-bedroom La Galleria is offered €400/night. In late April to early May, the Il Giardino suite was €160/night, plus cleaning and tax. Our stay felt well worth the rate.

Pros & Cons

• Pros: Perfect location close to numerous Tuscan cities and wineries, on-site bar and restaurant, seasonal pool, and a unique and historic experience.
• Cons: Walls are not soundproofed, the property is not accessible for people with mobility limitations, it is not accessible via public transit, and the property lacks 24/7 concierge support.

Who Is This Hotel Best For?

• Couples looking for a romantic getaway in Tuscany
• Friend groups looking for spacious, multi-room suites
• Solo travelers seeking to enjoy local Tuscan experiences
• Travelers seeking a long-term stay apartment with a kitchenette

Frequently Asked Questions

• Does Castello di Montegufoni have complimentary parking? Yes, parking is available adjacent to the castle entrance.
• Is on-site dining available? Yes, there is an on-site bar and restaurant open for aperitivo and dinner. Breakfast is not included, but staff can organize breakfast and lunch services on request.
• Do rooms have air conditioning? Some rooms offer air conditioning, so be sure to check the details for each listing.
• Is there daily maid service? A final cleaning is performed at the end of your stay (and is a mandatory fee on top of your booking). However, you can request maid service during your stay for an additional fee.
• How accessible is Castello di Montegufoni? The property is not accessible for wheelchair users or guests with mobility limitations, as there are no elevators and most common areas and rooms are reached only by stairs.
• Do I need to rent a car? Yes, it is important to rent a car. Taxis and car service are not readily available and may be difficult to obtain. Renting a car will allow you to fully enjoy the surrounding region.
• Is the reception open 24 hours? No, it is only open during select hours. Visit their website for full details.

The Final Verdict

I would definitely stay at Castello di Montegufoni again. A stay here offers a unique, historical experience, and the property is an ideal home base for exploring all that Tuscany has to offer. Overall rating: 4/5.

Do you want to travel through America during the 250th anniversary, but you still have the itch to go somewhere a little more exotic? There are plenty of destinations in the U.S. that feel like you are visiting a whole new country. In fact, many hotels and resorts offer guests a taste of Europe without leaving the country.

Even when travelers stay in the United States, many still want the feeling of discovering somewhere completely different. Hotels and resorts across the country have started leaning into that idea by creating experiences that borrow heavily from European destinations — from Venetian canals and Italian-style vineyards to elegant French-inspired hotels and spas. In some cases, the similarities are surprisingly convincing, making it possible to enjoy a taste of Europe without the long-haul flight.

Loews Coronado Bay Resort gives visitors a taste of Venice in their overwater bungalow- like suites. When on the balcony, all you see is water and boats gliding past. It is reminiscent of being in Venice, looking out your window.

Nearby, The Gondola Company provides a real Venetian experience with authentic gondolas that take you through the canals of the Coronado Cays.

Although minutes away from downtown San Diego, this experience is as close as you can come to Venice, and the gondola ride was just as thrilling.

Transitioning from the coastal allure of Coronado Island, those interested in Italian wine country experiences will find Temecula, California, to be simply amazing. If you want to journey to Northern Italy and the wine country, a visit to Temecula, California, and Europa Village should be on your list.

Temecula is a well-known Southern California wine country, but Europa Village creates something much more immersive than a typical wine-tasting weekend. The property is designed around the feeling of a European village, with sections inspired by Spain, France, and Italy.

Your stay here is in an Italianate courtyard, in your own suite that comes with a private patio in the front. The room is a mix of Italian and Spanish decor, and it was a quiet, peaceful place to stay.

Walking through stone courtyards lined with olive trees and vineyards, it feels as though Tuscany had somehow been recreated in Southern California.

Beyond Europa Village, there are dozens of wineries and tasting rooms throughout the area. Whether you prefer to visit a vineyard and learn how the grapes are grown and processed, or if you prefer a beautiful view while sipping on local wines. You can do both in Temecula.

For travelers craving the romance of an Italian countryside escape without an international flight, Temecula offers a surprisingly convincing alternative.

After soaking in Temecula's European-inspired wine country, travelers seeking Parisian luxury will be delighted to discover an unexpected oasis in the Arizona desert.

At The Global Ambassador, in Phoenix, nearly every detail has been made to transport guests to France. The hotel was able to balance a look between modern glamour and European sophistication. The interiors are very cosmopolitan in a way that is rare for desert resorts, creating the sensation of stepping into an upscale boutique hotel in Paris.

Dining at the hotel completed the illusion. Le Âme, the hotel's largest restaurant, is a classic Parisian steakhouse, while Le Market is the in-house French patisserie, complete with pastries and café culture that encourage lingering rather than rushing through a meal.

But the most transportive experience came at the hotel spa, one of the only spas in the U.S. to carry Biologique Recherche. The French skincare brand is known internationally for its highly personalized treatments and luxury approach to beauty and wellness, and the spa experience felt distinctly European from start to finish.

You can enjoy a massage using the brand's signature products, or spend time in the infrared sauna, among many other options. The entire experience felt less like a standard American hotel spa day and more like something discovered during a trip abroad. Between the French skincare rituals, elegant dining, and refined atmosphere, the hotel succeeds in creating a genuine sense of escape.

These locations are especially appealing at the moment since they provide visitors with the experience of traveling abroad without a number of the difficulties that often come with it.

No long international flights to face, no language obstacles to overcome, and no passports to renew. However, each destination still provides a sense of discovery like a European vacation would.

There is also something appropriate about rediscovering the variety in the United States as it nears its 250th anniversary. America's scenery and hospitality are varied enough to bring to mind far-flung destinations, whether it's floating through California's Venetian-style canals, enjoying wine among spectacular wineries, or enjoying a trip to Paris, all within a quick domestic flight.

This article originally appeared on Wander Worthy: For America’s 250th, Rediscover the World Within the U.S.

Sweden has a secret, and it's not a well-kept one. At least not among Swedes.

Every summer, they pack up, head to the coast, and disappear into an archipelago of around 267,000 islands. Now, word is starting to get out.

Many of Sweden’s islands are reached by ferry, some are completely car-free, and others have more nature than towns. Think bikes instead of cars, swimming instead of sightseeing, and vacations that finally feel like actual vacations.

Turns out, a lot of people want exactly that. Instead of fast-paced trips, packed itineraries, and crowded cities, this year, travelers want slower, quieter destinations where they can stay longer and spend more time outdoors.

Gotland is Sweden’s Most Popular Summer Island

Gotland is one of Sweden’s most popular summer destinations, where you can split your time between the medieval town of Visby and the beach.

In Visby, a UNESCO World Heritage Site,  you’ll find hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants inside the medieval walls. Summer is when Visby’s outdoor markets and festivals fill the town, making it a wonderful time to experience the culture.

You can walk the old stone streets inside the city walls, swim at Tofta Beach, bike along the coast, stop at small farm cafés and markets, and day trip around the island.

Vacationers also enjoy visiting the sea stacks at Langhammars on the nearby island of Fårö, the fishing village of Ljugarn, and coastal cliffs at Högklint.

Öland is Known for Beaches, Windmills, & Coastal Bike Trails

Öland is great for biking and beach days and is famously a summer retreat for the Swedish royal family.

People come here to cycle along the coast, visit old windmills, explore Borgholm Castle, swim at the beaches, and drive the length of the island, stopping at small villages and cafés. Öland feels open and quiet, with big skies, long coastal roads, and small coastal villages. 

One of the most popular areas to stay is Borgholm, a small town with restaurants, shops, and Borgholm Castle nearby. From there, visitors can explore the Stora Alvaret, a wide limestone landscape that is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or head to beaches like Böda Sand in the north.

Marstrand is About Sailing, Seafood, & Summer by the Sea

The car-free island of Marstrand is known for sailing, but even if you don’t sail, you can walk around the island, visit Carlsten Fortress, eat seafood by the harbor, swim from the rocks, and watch sailboats fill the marina.

Marstrand feels lively in summer, with busy waterfront restaurants and people walking along the harbor in the evening. Marstrand is also known for its sailing events and regattas, which can attract hundreds of boats.

Travelers stay near the harbor, where historic hotels, guesthouses, and seafood restaurants are located. One of the main things to do is walk up to Carlsten Fortress for views over the island and coastline, then walk the path that circles the island along the water.

Brännö is a Car-Free Island with Small Harbors and Beaches

Brännö is a lively summer island in the southern Gothenburg archipelago. There are no private cars on the island, so you walk, moped, or bike everywhere.

Vacationers spend their days walking between small harbors, swimming from rocky shores, biking along quiet paths, kayaking around nearby islands, and eating lunch at small waterfront cafés. The island is widely known for its traditional summer dances.

Brännö has a few small neighborhoods connected by walking paths, and it’s common to spend the day walking from one harbor to another, stopping to swim along the way. There are small cafés and restaurants near the marinas, and many people rent cabins or stay in small guesthouses.

Even though it’s close to Gothenburg, Brännö feels far away from the city.

Utö is Where Stockholmers Go for a Summer Escape

Utö is popular for hiking, swimming, and biking. There are sandy beaches, rocky swimming spots, walking trails, and harbor cafés and restaurants. Part of the Stockholm Archipelago Trail, which spans 22 islands and more than 105 miles of hiking trails, it's the perfect place for long walks with coastal views.

Summer days on Utö are usually slow-paced, with people spending time swimming, walking, biking between beaches, or eating outside near the harbor.

Most visitors arrive by ferry and stay near Utö village, where there’s a small hotel, hostel, bakery, and a few restaurants. From there, walking and biking trails lead across the island through forests, old mining areas, and along the coastline.

As a Hamptons-based event planner and producer, my summer days are rarely slow or predictable. I am often moving between site visits, client meetings, vendor calls, private homes, venue walkthroughs, and events from Southampton to East Hampton and as far out as Montauk all in the same day.

Because of that, I have a very selective yet practical relationship with where I eat, drink coffee, and take meetings in the Hamptons. After or between a long event day, I just want to sit somewhere that feels easy and familiar.

These are the dining spots across the Hamptons that I could easily return to every day if I could (and what you must try at each)! 

Where I Take a Refined Client Lunch: Sant Ambroeus, Southampton

For a client lunch, I want a setting that feels elevated but not stiff. Sant Ambroeus works beautifully for that.

It has polish, consistency, and the right energy for a meeting with a client or brand partner. Their location on Main Street in Southampton Village feels refined without being too formal, which is important when you are discussing event concepts, guest experience, sponsorship strategy, or the details that turn an idea into an intentional gathering. 

I also like that Sant Ambroeus can work for different kinds of meetings. If it is more casual, coffee at the bar feels easy and elegant. I usually go for a traditional latte or cappuccino depending upon the time of day with one of their pastries (my favorite is the traditional Principessa Cake).   

If it is a proper lunch, I usually lean toward something light like the Lentil Salad or a bit more wholesome like the Ossobuco Alla Milanese.  

Where I Go for a Coffee Meeting: One Trick Pony, Westhampton Beach

Ever since opening in June of 2023, One Trick Pony has quickly become It feels relaxed, current, and local, which makes it a great place for a first conversation with a potential partner, sponsor, or fellow creative. I often prefer coffee over a formal meal for early meetings because there is less pressure, but still with enough structure.

For me, coffee meetings are one of the most underrated parts of event production. A quick conversation can lead to a new brand activation, vendor relationship, press opportunity, or introduction that becomes important later in the season.

My go-to order at One Trick Pony is either the Chai Latte or Bee Sting, or one of their rotating coffee specials paired with the BLTA (bacon, lettuce, tomato, avocado, chipotle mayo on country toast). And to note, One Trick Pony is one of the few dedicated coffee-and-cocktail concepts out east (other great choices for coffee and cocktails are Tutto Caffe further east in East Hampton and Mostrador Marram even further out in Montauk). 

Where I Grab Something Between Site Visits: Organic Krush, Amagansett

In peak season, lunch does not always happen at lunchtime. Sometimes it happens between a venue walkthrough and a call with a sponsor. Sometimes I eat quickly before driving to another town.

Organic Krush is one of my most practical health-conscious stops for that reason. I can get something fresh, reliable, and nourishing without turning it into a long sit-down meal.

When I am in production mode, I usually want food that helps me keep going without feeling heavy. Their menu choices like the Coconut Shrimp Wrap, Mexican Coffee Smoothie, or Sweet Potato Burrito do the job. Plus I always grab a Rejuvenation juice shot. . 

Exactly what I need between site visits: quick, fresh, and dependable.

Where I Bring Out-of-Town Friends: Sagaponack General Store, Sagaponack

When friends visit the Hamptons, I love veering off Montauk Highway and driving through the backroads. Rarely could they pinpoint exactly where we are out east and I love creating that mystery for them.

Sagaponack General Store is the pitstop I love to make. Not only has it soared with allure and popularity it also gives my friends and family from out of town a cornerstone sense of the more local Hamptons: a little bit of busy and a little bit of serenity. I love bringing people there because it feels charming without trying too hard.

We stop in for a fresh baguette, sandwiches, cinnamon rolls, and fresh coffee. Plus I love to see what new specialty food items they have stocked. Before we know it, we seamlessly filled our picnic baskets or beach bags. 

Where I Go After an Event: Rosie’s, Amagansett

After an event, I usually do not want anything complicated.

By that point, I have spent hours thinking about everyone else’s event experience. When it is finally over, I want somewhere that lets me exhale. I sip on Rosie’s Smoke with Amarás Mezcal and pair it with their Hummus or Steak Frites. 

Rosie’s on Main Street in Amagansett opposite Amagansett Square has the kind of ease I appreciate after making sure everyone else had a seamless experience. I love to swing by during an early evening or after dinner. Rosie’s also has a great brunch menu! If you’re there for brunch, try the Whipped Ricotta or Grilled Fish Tacos. 

Where I Reset When I Need a Quiet Café Moment: Java Nation, Bridgehampton

There are points in the season when I just need a quiet table, far removed from the scene. A hideaway few know about. And here if you know, you know. 

When I just need a place to sit and answer emails with no frills, I head to Java Nation. An iced cappuccino with milk and no sugar is my consistent order. 

When your work is built around hospitality, you are often creating an atmosphere for other people. A quiet café moment becomes its own kind of hospitality but for yourself.

Where I Recommend for a True Hamptons Dining Experience: The 1770 House, East Hampton

For someone who wants a true Hamptons dining experience, I would recommend The 1770 House.

The 1770 House has consistently held a sense of place and intimacy that feels very East Hampton. Polished, classic, and special. 

I sit in the downstairs tavern. I love the small bar and the more relaxed atmosphere. I go for an exceptional glass of wine, the Chilled Spring Sweet Pea Soup or Scottish Salmon. 

And for me, the non-negotiable is dessert: the sticky date cake.

Puerto Rico’s tourism office is no longer trying to sell you a beach. Instead, it’s trying to sell you a feeling.

The pitch is simple. Travelers are tiring of vacations that look good in photos, but leave them feeling empty. Puerto Rico thinks it knows why, and what to do about it.

Discover Puerto Rico’s newest campaign, “Awaken Your Senses,” is built on psychological research. When people experience a place through several senses at once, sound, taste, smell, and touch, they form stronger memories and deeper emotional ties. Puerto Rico’s tourism board is using that science as the foundation of a three-year marketing plan.

"Travelers are no longer asking where to go, but why they should go at all," said Storm Tussey, chief marketing officer at Discover Puerto Rico. "They're searching for belonging, connection, and meaning."

The island is having a moment. Puerto Rico had its fifth straight record-breaking year for tourism, welcoming 8.1 million visitors, an 8% increase from the year before.

The campaign builds on Discover Puerto Rico’s earlier “Live Boricua” platform, which introduced the island’s culture. The new “Awaken Your Senses” campaign is the next chapter, shifting from introduction to immersion.

However, the story isn’t just about what’s happening on the island. It’s about what’s happening inside travelers' heads.

Selling Moods

Across the travel industry, customers are ditching the standard checklist of sights and instead want a vibe.

A 2025 survey of 4,300 travelers in nine countries, conducted by hotel group Accor and trend agency Globetrender, found that one in four people now want their travel search to begin with how they want to feel, not where they want to go.

The report describes a growing trend called “Hyper Playgrounds.” Travelers want to escape the over-scheduled, screen-heavy day-to-day. They want places that awaken the senses and evoke joy. According to the report, a third say they actively seek hotels with bold or playful design, while almost half are drawn to high-concept restaurants with performative elements.

Luxury analysts have flagged similar trends. A 2026 report from Modern Currency Public Relations, a luxury travel and hospitality firm, described the travel industry as undergoing its own “emotional awakening,” with increasing demand for trips that feel restorative rather than merely impressive.

“The brands winning in 2026 aren’t chasing headlines,” says Meghan Patke, CEO & Founder of Modern Currency Public Relations. “They’re anticipating cultural shifts…, and building experiences rooted in empathy, privacy, and purpose.”

Puerto Rico didn’t invent this trend. But its campaign is one of the first by a government tourism agency to be built directly around it.

What Vibes Look Like

The new ads don’t focus on resorts or pool decks. Instead, they focus on people: a musician tuning a cuatro, a cook mixing a pot of sofrito, a diver surfacing in a bay that glows blue at night.

The “Awaken Your Senses” campaign rolled out last month with a global creative launch and will expand into targeted advertising across major U.S. and international markets starting April 1, with television, digital, and social media components.

The island is leaning into what makes it unique and hard to copy. Puerto Rico has the only tropical rainforest in the United States, three bioluminescent bays, and a music culture–  salsa, reggaeton, bomba– that has shaped global pop music for decades.

Most importantly, the ads weren’t made by a mainland agency. They were produced by World Junkies, a Puerto Rican company, with local directors, artists, and small business owners; the rum maker Don Q, the Pine Grove Surf Club, and neighborhood piragua carts that sell shaved ice.

“We are not featuring our community as props,” says Tussey. “They are the voices, directors, and architects of this campaign.”

This choice is part of an intentional strategy. Caribbean tourism has been criticized for years for sending much of its profits to outside investors, leaving local communities with a smaller share of an industry built on their culture.

Puerto Rico is trying to keep more of that money on the island. The campaign deliberately spreads visitor attention across the island’s 78 municipalities, pushing travelers beyond San Juan into smaller towns that don’t often see tourism dollars.

Beyond the Island

If travelers start to choose destinations the way they choose music or movies, based on feelings, then the standard playbook of glossy beach photos may be antiquated. Global luxury travel spending is expected to grow by more than 6% this year, with the wealthiest travelers favoring trips that feel emotional and personal rather than merely expensive. Industry analysts say destinations losing ground lead with price and amenities, while those gaining ground sell culture and meaning.

In an economy full of advertising that consumers increasingly distrust, brands of every kind are chasing ever-elusive authenticity. Puerto Rico has shifted to selling the experience of being somewhere fully, something a phone screen can never deliver.

Is there a catch?

As with any tourism campaign, the more successful it is, the more visitors arrive. The more visitors arrive, the harder it becomes to protect the local culture that drew them in the first place. Puerto Rico’s tourism leaders say they know this. The community-first design of the campaign, putting local businesses at the center and spreading visitors beyond San Juan, is partly an effort to keep growth from becoming a problem.

After five consecutive record-breaking years, Puerto Rico's tourism trajectory shows no sign of slowing. Whether the island can absorb that growth without losing what makes it worth visiting is a question the next three years will answer.

For now, the message is that the old way of selling a vacation isn't enough.

“This campaign isn’t responding to trends,” says Tussey. “It’s answering a global heartbeat.”

This article originally appeared on Wander Worthy: Puerto Rico’s New Pitch to Travelers Has Almost Nothing to Do With Beaches

I found out why the Fairmont Empress in Victoria, BC, is one of Canada's most iconic hotels and was named the #1 Best Canadian Hotel in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards. From elegant rooms and Afternoon Tea to harbor views and fine dining, here's my full review.

Few hotels are as synonymous with their city as the Fairmont Empress in Victoria, British Columbia. Overlooking the picturesque Inner Harbour, this historic institution in Canadian hospitality has welcomed royalty, celebrities, and travelers seeking an elevated experience for more than a century.

During my stay, I experienced firsthand why the Empress remains Victoria's crown jewel. From its tulip-filled gardens and crystal chandelier-lit lobby to the iconic Afternoon Tea service, every corner embodies historical elegance. This isn't just a place to stay, it's the destination in itself.

Quick Hotel Overview

• Hotel Name: Fairmont Empress
• Star Rating: 4 Stars
• Location: Victoria, BC Inner Harbour
• Price Range: $$$ – $$$$ (luxury pricing, varies by season)
• Highlights: Iconic heritage building, Afternoon Tea, Fairmont Gold Lounge, harbor views, fine dining at Q at the Empress
• Best For: Couples, luxury travelers, history lovers, families

Location & Surroundings

Arriving at the Empress feels like stepping into a storybook. The tulip-lined entrance creates a postcard-perfect welcome, and the lobby's crystal chandelier sets a timeless, elegant, and historical tone.

The Fairmont Empress enjoys one of Victoria's best locations. Facing the Inner Harbour, it's surrounded by the city's most notable landmarks: the BC Parliament Buildings, the Royal British Columbia Museum, and downtown's charming restaurants, shops, and cafés.

There is so much to enjoy within walking distance, including bike paths, waterfront walks, and boutique-lined streets with a thriving culinary scene. The area feels safe, vibrant, and distinctly European in atmosphere, particularly with the city's architecture.

Rooms & Suites

Rooms at the Empress range from classic, historical rooms to modern Fairmont Gold suites. My room overlooked the harbor and was simultaneously elegant, inviting, and comfortable. Room features include:

• Plush bedding and luxury linens
• Espresso machines and tea selections
• Luxury bathrooms with premium toiletries and robes
• Elegant décor blending heritage charm with modern comfort

The harbor views were nothing short of beautiful and relaxing, especially at sunrise and sunset. Noise levels were low, offering restful nights.

Facilities & Amenities

The Fairmont Empress offers world-class facilities, befitting its reputation:

• Fairmont Gold Lounge: private check-in, curated canapés, and terrace views
• Willow Stream Spa: award-winning treatments and relaxation spaces
• Fitness center and pool
• Afternoon Tea Lounge: a Victoria institution
• Q at the Empress: historical, fine dining restaurant

For families, the hotel provides great kid-friendly amenities (check out their 'Kids Rule the Castle' vacation package), while business travelers will appreciate the meeting spaces.

Dining Experiences

The Empress is a culinary destination in its own right, offering exceptional dining options that celebrate its history and British Columbia's local terrain.

Afternoon Tea: Perhaps the most famous in Canada for good reason, this service features Buckingham Palace's scone recipe, delicate finger sandwiches, and desserts served on Royal Family-inspired china. My watermelon mint tea paired perfectly with scones, lemon curd, and clotted cream.

Q at the Empress: Dinner here was a highlight. My four-course tasting menu included pea-and-ricotta ravioli, Pacific halibut, smoked beef tenderloin, and elderflower rose trifle. Each course was paired with fine British Columbia wines, showcasing the region's terroir.

Fairmont Gold Lounge: A quieter option for Fairmont Gold guests, serving light breakfasts, teas, and evening canapés with stunning harbor views.

Service, Staff, and Cleanliness

Check-in was seamless. As a Fairmont Gold guest, I was escorted to their private reception space for check-in, and then to the Gold Lounge, where I enjoyed their custom tea blends and pastries while overlooking the harbor.

The service was impeccable. Staff struck a lovely balance between polished professionalism and warm friendliness. They were knowledgeable about the hotel's history and happy to offer local recommendations.

For a property over 100 years old, the Empress is meticulously maintained. The hotel was stunning, and my room was spotless. The heritage features are preserved with care, but everything feels refreshed and updated for modern comfort.

Price & Value for Money

A stay at the Fairmont Empress is a relatively larger investment, with rooms typically starting around CAD $400 per night, rising to CAD 1,000 or more for suites or Fairmont Gold accommodations, depending on the season.

Dining experiences, such as Afternoon Tea and dinner at Q, are additional but worth the splurge. With its amenities and overall experience, staying at the Fairmont Empress is well worth the cost.

Tip: For an experience without the full price tag, consider booking Afternoon Tea as a day visitor or dining at Q for a memorable evening.

Hotel Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Iconic hotel with unmatched history and prestige
• Prime location on Victoria's Inner Harbour
• World-renowned Afternoon Tea
• Fairmont Gold Lounge adds to the experience.

Cons:

• Luxury pricing (not for budget travelers)
• Popular with tourists, and can feel busy at times
• Some standard rooms are on the smaller side (due to the hotel's historic layout)

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is this hotel best for? Luxury travelers seeking history and elegance, couples on a romantic getaway, and families who appreciate a central location and kid-friendly amenities alongside luxury.

Is the Empress pet-friendly? Yes! Pets stay for free, and pet amenities are available upon request, including a bed basket, food and water dishes, dry food, bottled water, treats, pet waste disposal bags, and litter boxes.

Is Afternoon Tea included with your stay? No, Afternoon Tea is a separate experience, but it's highly recommended.

Can you walk to attractions from the hotel? Definitely, the Parliament Buildings, Royal British Columbia Museum, and downtown shops and restaurants are all just minutes away.

Is the Empress family-friendly? Yes, they really are! They even have a Kids Rule the Castle package, in which your family can enjoy spacious accommodations, scavenger hunts, and other fun perks.

Does the property have parking? Yes, self-parking and valet parking options are available with an additional fee.

Fairmont Empress Hotel Review

My Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars

The Fairmont Empress is a Victoria landmark and an experience in its own right. Whether you're staying overnight, indulging in Afternoon Tea, or enjoying dinner at Q, the Empress delivers an unforgettable experience steeped in history and luxury.

My stay was part of a package with FRS Clipper, which included a seaplane and ferry ride to/from Seattle!

Montenegro has been quietly becoming one of Europe’s fastest-rising travel destinations.

Once overshadowed by neighboring Croatia and Greece, the small Adriatic country is now attracting growing attention from travelers for its dramatic coastal scenery, historic towns, and Mediterranean beaches that draw fewer crowds.

Along the Adriatic Sea, Montenegro is slightly smaller than Connecticut but packed with different landscapes. You can explore medieval coastal towns, rugged mountain parks, and UNESCO-listed historic sites within just a few hours of travel.

Tourism has grown steadily in recent years. Montenegro welcomed about 2.6 million visitors annually, with numbers continuing to increase.

One of the Adriatic’s Most Scenic Coasts

Much of Montenegro’s appeal comes from its striking Adriatic coastline, which stretches for roughly 180 miles. The region blends clear blue water with steep mountains that rise directly from the sea, creating some of the most scenic coastal views in southern Europe.

One of the country’s best-known destinations is the Bay of Kotor, a dramatic fjord-like inlet carved by a submerged river canyon. Surrounded by limestone cliffs and historic villages, the bay has become one of the most photographed landscapes in the Balkans.

At the heart of the bay sits the fortified town of Kotor. Its medieval streets, stone churches, and Venetian-era walls are all part of the Natural and Culturo-Historical Region of Kotor, which is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Nearby, smaller settlements like Perast offer quieter alternatives with baroque architecture and waterfront cafes overlooking the Adriatic.

Cruise Ships Are Bringing More Visitors

Another reason for Montenegro’s rising popularity is the growth of cruise tourism in the region. Cruise ships regularly dock in the Bay of Kotor, bringing thousands of visitors at a time to explore the historic town and surrounding coastline.

Because of its natural harbor and picturesque setting, Kotor has become one of the most visually striking cruise ports in Europe. Ships pass through a narrow entrance before navigating the bay’s winding waterways, offering passengers dramatic views of the mountains.

As one USA Today travel writer wrote, “the sail into Kotor is one of the most beautiful cruise approaches in the world.”

According to the Port of Kotor, the harbor receives roughly 500 cruise ships and about 500,000 cruise passengers each year. Reuters has also reported that the increase in cruise arrivals has transformed the once-quiet medieval town into one of the Adriatic’s busiest tourist stops during peak summer months.

Beaches and Historic Coastal Cities

Budva, which lies south of the Bay of Kotor, is one of Montenegro’s most popular seaside destinations. Known for its beaches and lively nightlife, Budva attracts international visitors, as well as regional vacationers.

The town’s medieval old city sits on a small peninsula surrounded by stone walls and narrow streets filled with cafes and restaurants. Just beyond the historic center, beaches stretch for miles along the Adriatic coastline.

Budva is widely considered Montenegro’s primary beach resort and accounts for a significant share of the country’s tourism activity, including a large portion of overnight stays.

Despite its growing popularity, Montenegro often remains less crowded than many Mediterranean hotspots, which has helped boost its appeal among those interested in a scenic coastal vacation that still feels undiscovered.

Mountains, Hiking Trails, and Lakes

Montenegro’s mountainous region is filled with national parks, hiking trails, and alpine lakes. The country’s compact size allows travel from coastal beaches to the mountains in just a few hours.

This variety of scenery, combined with historic towns, Mediterranean cuisine, and increasingly accessible travel routes, has helped Montenegro gain attention as one of Europe’s most intriguing emerging destinations.

As word spreads, the Adriatic nation that many travelers once overlooked is quickly becoming a stop on more European vacation itineraries.

When most travelers think about Japan, they picture neon-lit cities like Tokyo, historic temples in Kyoto, or the street food scene in Osaka.

What many people may not realize is that Japan is also home to a chain of subtropical islands with sandy beaches, warm seas, and a culture entirely its own.

Stretching across the East China Sea, the islands of Okinawa Prefecture form a long arc between mainland Japan and Taiwan. The prefecture includes more than 160 islands surrounded by coral reefs that host around 200 coral species, and clear waters with visibility up to about 98 feet.

Expedia ranked Okinawa the # 2 Destination of the Year for 2026, citing a 71% year-over-year surge in flight and accommodation searches, making it one of the fastest-growing travel destinations in Asia.

Japan’s Tropical Side

The Okinawa island chain lies far south of mainland Japan and is about a three-hour flight from Tokyo, with regular service from major Japanese cities. Because of this location, the region has a subtropical climate with warm temperatures much of the year and coastlines lined with coral reefs and palm trees.

Condé Nast Traveler notes, Okinawa’s beaches, coral reefs, and subtropical climate make the islands feel “more reminiscent of a place like Hawaii” than mainland Japan.

Like Hawaii, Okinawa is geographically separated from the mainland and has developed its own culture and history. For centuries, the islands formed the independent Ryukyu Kingdom before being incorporated into Japan in the late nineteenth century.

Beaches and Coral Reefs

Some of Okinawa’s most impressive beaches are found on islands such as Ishigaki Island and Miyako Island, where shallow waters glow bright shades of blue and underwater visibility can extend dozens of feet.

Beaches like Yonaha Maehama Beach on Miyako Island are frequently ranked among the most beautiful in Japan because of their long stretches of white sand and calm water.

Another beautiful coastal landscape is Kabira Bay on Ishigaki Island, where vivid shades of blue water surround small forested islets scattered across the bay. The bay is protected for its coral ecosystem, so swimming is not permitted, but glass-bottom boat tours offer views of the scenery.

A Culture Unlike the Rest of Japan

Okinawa’s culture also differs from mainland Japan. For centuries, the islands served as the center of the Ryukyu Kingdom, which prospered as a trading state linking Japan, China, and Southeast Asia. 

These exchanges helped shape Okinawa’s distinct culture, influencing traditions such as cuisine, performing arts, and other cultural practices that developed during the kingdom era.

Many of those cultural traditions remain visible today. 

Visitors may encounter traditional Okinawan music played on the sanshin, a three-string instrument central to local folk songs, as well as colorful textiles and distinctive red-tiled roof architecture often seen on historic buildings. 

Local cuisine also reflects the islands’ history, with Japanese, Chinese, and Southeast Asian influences. A popular dish is goya champuru, a stir-fry of bitter melon, tofu, and pork whose name means 'mixed' in the local dialect, a fitting description for Okinawan cooking as a whole.

That heritage gives Okinawa a cultural identity that feels noticeably different from mainland Japan, and many who visit say the islands have a slower, more relaxed pace of life than Japan’s largest cities.

Some of Japan's Best Diving and Snorkeling

The waters around Okinawa are among Japan’s best for snorkeling and diving thanks to extensive coral reefs and marine biodiversity. Divers regularly encounter sea turtles, manta rays, and tropical reef fish.

The nearby Kerama Islands are particularly famous for the vivid color of the water, sometimes referred to locally as “Kerama Blue.” Beaches in the region are regularly recognized in international rankings.

Okinawa’s beaches have gained increasing international attention in recent years. In 2024, Aharen Beach ranked 13th in the “World’s 50 Best Beaches” list, highlighting the region’s clear water and coral reef coastline. 

What It’s Like to Visit Okinawa

Okinawa offers relaxed beach towns, small islands, and full-service resort areas. The main island is well-developed with hotels and restaurants, and is easily accessible from the capital city of Naha. 

Along the coast, you can stay in everything from small guesthouses to luxury beachfront resorts with spas, restaurants, and private beaches. Resorts such as Halekulani Okinawa and Renaissance Okinawa Resort offer ocean-view rooms, multiple restaurants, and activities such as snorkeling, dolphin-watching, and cultural performances. 

Along with high-end resorts, the islands also have many smaller beach hotels and family-friendly accommodations, giving visitors a range of options from luxury stays to simple seaside lodgings. 

A Different Side of Japan

Despite its scenery, Okinawa remains less visited than Japan’s famous cities. International tourism in Japan still concentrates heavily in places like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, leaving many of Okinawa’s beaches relatively uncrowded.

For many visitors, Okinawa is less a side trip than a revelation. It's a reminder that Japan has more to discover than most travelers expect.

This article originally appeared on Wander Worthy: Why Okinawa Is Known as Japan’s Hawaii

If travel feels more expensive these days, you’re certainly not imagining it.

Flights are pricier. The average cost of eating out in a major city doesn’t feel worth it. Even a quick weekend getaway requires more planning, price comparisons, and a deep breath before clicking “book.”

To many, travel now feels like a major financial decision.

But here’s the truth. While some travel costs are indeed rising, not every destination has become more expensive. There are still plenty of places still within reach, and the travelers who stay flexible are the ones who benefit the most.

Data Shows Most Travel Costs Are Rising

According to the latest Travel Price Index data from NerdWallet, overall travel prices in early 2026 were about 17% higher than in January 2020.

Flights cost about 2.2% more than they did last year. While that may not sound like much, airfare is typically the biggest part of a travel budget, and even modest increases can make a vacation feel less affordable.

The cost of food away from home rose around 4% year over year, meaning restaurant meals while traveling are noticeably pricier than they were just a year ago. Even the prices of attractions have climbed by roughly 5%.

When flight, dining, and activity prices all rise at the same time, the total cost of a trip can feel significantly higher.

There is some good news, though. Hotel prices were down about 3.2% year over year, and rental car prices dipped roughly 1.2%.

Overtourism Is Contributing to the Problem

Another factor driving higher travel costs in 2026 is overtourism.

In major destinations like France and Spain, visitor numbers have surged in recent years, contributing to high demand and pricing pressure in their most popular cities and coastal regions.

Last year, France saw record-breaking visitor totals with 102 million international tourists. Spain was also one of the world’s top travel destinations, with around 96.8 million foreign visitors.

And in places like Barcelona, local governments have increased tourist taxes or tightened short-term rental regulations, which can all affect availability and pricing.

Travelers Aren’t Giving Up, They’re Adjusting

However, travelers aren’t giving up trips altogether. Instead, they are adjusting.

A 2026 travel sentiment report found:

• Nearly half of Americans say economic conditions are influencing their travel plans.
• 71% say they are actively budgeting for trips this year.
• Many are shortening trips or choosing destinations closer to home.

According to Internova Travel Group, higher prices are “changing behavior, not suppressing demand.” Ultimately, many people still plan to travel. They’re just being much more strategic about it.

Some Destinations Are Still Very Affordable

Despite rising airfare and global inflation, several countries continue to offer strong value due to low local costs and favorable exchange rates.

A recent Condé Nast Traveler report on the cheapest countries to visit highlighted destinations where daily expenses are much lower than in Western Europe or the United States. Examples cited include:

• Vietnam
• Laos
• India
• Guatemala
• Sri Lanka

In many of these places, you can still find accommodations under $70 per night, meals for under $10, and inexpensive public transportation.

For longer visits, this type of savings can go a long way.

Ways to Travel Affordably in 2026

If you want to take your budget further this year, here are some helpful strategies:

1. Get price tracking alerts and book flights early
2. Consider traveling during the shoulder seasons
3. Look beyond typical headline destinations
4. Choose places where local living costs less
5. Stay longer in one place vs hopping around

Travel may be more expensive in some places, but that’s not true everywhere. You just have to be flexible and do your research.

After all, where there’s a will, there’s a way.

If you’ve been scrolling headlines lately, you’d be forgiven for wondering whether Copenhagen is off the table for your next European adventure.

Between President Trump’s repeated calls to annex Greenland, a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, and the diplomatic firestorm that followed, plenty of Americans have quietly shelved their Scandinavian bucket lists. 

But here’s the truth. Denmark doesn’t just tolerate American visitors right now. It’s actively rolling out the welcome mat.

In a move that speaks volumes, VisitDenmark,  the country’s national tourism board, sent a targeted email to approximately 6,000 U.S.-based travel agents and tour operators in January 2026. 

The message was unambiguous. “First and foremost, travelers are welcome in Denmark.” The email went on to confirm that “at this time, there is no indication that the situation has affected travel safety, visitor experience, or tourism operations in Denmark.”

The response from the travel industry was striking. Mette Ejlskov Hansen, VisitDenmark’s U.S. marketing manager, told AFAR that the email achieved a 75% open rate, well above their typical 50% benchmark.

 “So you can tell that people wanted this message,” she said. And the numbers back it up: travel from the U.S. to Denmark rose 8.3% in 2025 compared to 2024, according to VisitDenmark figures.

They Know the Difference Between You and American Politics

The most reassuring thing about the current climate? The Danish people are drawing a clear line between American tourists and American politics. 

“In all the reports, I’ve not heard of anybody who’s had a bad travel experience, at least from the Danish side,” Hansen told AFAR. “They see a difference between people and the government. So there’s no hatred toward Americans.”

Travelers who’ve been there recently are saying the same thing. On the Rick Steves Travel Forum, one user who had just returned from Greenland noted that locals “liked American visitors, but do not like the administration” and “did keep the two separate, which was nice.” The poster added, “We felt very welcomed.”

A Denmark-based commenter on the same forum thread offered some grounding local perspective. “The Danes are not angry with you personally. The average person is more than capable of differentiating between the US government and a private citizen.” 

Their advice for Americans who personally oppose the annexation threats? Don’t be afraid to say so if asked, because your opinion aligns with virtually everyone you’ll meet.

Copenhagen’s Moment Has Arrived

Geopolitics aside, this is genuinely one of the best times to visit Denmark. Copenhagen has quietly ascended as one of Europe’s most compelling capitals, powered by a world-class food scene that earned 30 Michelin stars across 18 restaurants in the 2025 Michelin Guide Nordic Countries. 

Beyond the table, Copenhagen’s enduring influence in Danish Modern and contemporary Nordic design, visible in its architecture, museums, and cultural institutions, continues to shape the city’s aesthetic and broader cultural identity. It’s also widely recognized for its ambitious sustainability goals and bike-friendly urban design.

The Danish concept of hygge, that untranslatable sense of warmth and cozy togetherness, is something you feel the moment you step into a candlelit café on a cobblestone street.

Travel reporting also points to a broader surge in interest in Nordic culture and cool-weather destinations, a travel trend that shows no sign of slowing. From the colorful harbor houses of Nyhavn to the ancient Viking ship museum in Roskilde, Denmark, rewards slow, curious travelers who want substance over spectacle.

What About Greenland?

The situation in Greenland itself is more nuanced. AFAR notes that it is harder to assess how American travelers are being received on the island, given the island's intense political spotlight. 

Public protests and statements in Nuuk have underscored strong local feelings about sovereignty. Only 6% of Greenlanders say they would support Greenland leaving Denmark to become part of the United States, according to a January 2025 opinion poll conducted by Verian for the Danish newspaper Berlingske and Greenlandic media house Sermitsiaq.

The mayor of Nuuk has publicly criticized visiting media personalities and content creators who engage in provocative, political stunts, stressing that such actions can harm residents and urging respectful behavior from outsiders. 

If you’ve had Greenland on your radar,  for its staggering fjords, dog-sledding, or the chance to see the Northern Lights over an ancient ice sheet, the message from the ground is to travel with sensitivity, curiosity, and respect. That will take you far.

The Bottom Line? Go, But Be Respectful

If you had Denmark or Greenland on your list and shelved it out of concern, it’s time to put it back. The travel community is consistent and clear. Go. As one well-traveled commenter on the Rick Steves forum put it, “traveling to Europe gives you a sense of peace and happiness, and most importantly, sanity. Especially now. Go, enjoy and show our NATO friends we treasure them.”

VisitDenmark’s email to travel advisors confirmed there has been “no noticeable decline in interest or bookings related to the situation,” with any minor fluctuations matching ordinary seasonal patterns. 

The infrastructure is running smoothly. The people are warm. The food is extraordinary. And the welcome,  despite everything playing out in the headlines, is genuine.

Visiting Virginia's Blue Ridge just became even more inviting with the recent opening of The Promissory, a brand-new boutique hotel in downtown Roanoke designed around the city's newest live music venue, The Exchange.

The Promissory breathes new life into Roanoke's former First National Exchange Bank (circa 1912) while preserving historic architecture through thoughtful reuse.

The hotel’s 27 oversized rooms are designed for comfort. You can choose from classic rooms, loft-style layouts, and one and two-bedroom suites perfect for extended stays, weekend getaways, or small groups.

With an on-site Spanish-style restaurant and wine bar, its very own music hall, and effortless access to Roanoke's best attractions, it's a stay worth experiencing.

One of The Promissory’s biggest draws is its location. It's within walking distance of museums, galleries, restaurants, breweries, boutique shops, and even the Roanoke Amtrak station.

With downtown at your doorstep and the mountains just beyond, greenway bike rides, blueway paddling, and Virginia’s Blue Ridge hiking trails are just minutes away.

A Landmark Reborn as a Music Hall

What truly sets The Promissory apart, however, is its role as a destination in its own right. On property is The Exchange, a brand new concert hall and live-music venue.

The Exchange brings national acts, regional artists, and special performances directly into the hotel complex, giving guests the rare opportunity to pair an overnight stay with a live music experience just steps from their room.

On-Site Spanish-Inspired Dining

Dining is equally central to the experience. ¡Suerte!, the hotel's Spanish-inspired restaurant and wine bar set to open on March 15, 2026, will offer a menu designed for sharing, lingering, and celebration, featuring bold flavors and carefully selected wines.

It's aims to be the kind of place where a casual dinner can easily stretch into a long evening, especially when paired with a show at The Exchange.

More Than Just A Place to Stay

The integration of lodging, music, and dining creates an atmosphere that feels alive from check-in to encore.

The Promissory never loses sight of what makes Roanoke such a unique destination. Its downtown location keeps you close to the city's creative community, historic neighborhoods, greenways, blueways, and trailheads.

If you're planning to visit Roanoke, The Promissory offers a stay that feels authentic to the surrounding area while providing comfort, convenience, and memorable experiences under one roof.

The face of tourism is about to change again in 2026, based on a wealth of new marketing and niche concepts relying on Internet characters for reach. Immersive, soul-satisfying experiences are now more than just a cottage industry. Travel influencers are promoting a whole new world of niche yet appealing tourism norms to their followers.

This year, while many travelers seek a tried-and-tested vacation in the comfort zone of familiarity, others want something more. This fast-moving wave of “intentional travel” comes from a Gen Z mindset, championed by TikTokers and Instagrammers for whom a paint-by-numbers itinerary won’t suffice.

The Vanguard of New Travel Ideas

At the forefront of this journeyers’ revolution is what Tripadvisor subsidiary and travel firm Bokun exposes as the latest trends. Bokun’s Senior Growth Marketing Manager, Samuel Jefferies, predicts four major travel market moves for 2026, namely:

• Thrift-tripping
• BookTok travel
• Astro-tourism
• Event-led travel

The art of “thrift-tripping” revolves around finding the latest deals in different countries’ flea markets, thrift stores, and neighborhood shopping zones. Travel operators can use local knowledge and research to promote thrift-driven tours in different cities and towns.

Feeling Thrifty

“Souvenirs are evolving, and for 2026, thrift tripping is emerging as a defining travel trend,” says Jefferies. This Gen Z-inspired movement comes from a desire for more sustainable fashion. What's more, UN Tourism puts “shopping tourism” central to much of the world’s economic development, which only makes this positive.

Younger generations are taking what has been a long-term favorite for retail lovers and serving a side dose of ethos. Weekends maxing out credit cards on 5th Avenue are now secondary to a generation looking for a more authentic dose of retail therapy.

A New Chapter in Travel

Literary fanatics are now queuing up for what Jefferies calls “BookTok Travel,” essentially, a book-inspired travel format. Moreover, travel writer Sarah Allard wrote about this in Conde Nast Traveler’s 2025 Travel Trends collection, so it is still going strong.

“BookTok—a category of TikTokers focused on literature content—is putting fresh momentum behind the ancient concept of book tourism,” she wrote. Put simply, if you love reading books, why not travel to where one of these takes place and relive it?

What’s more, it isn’t only TikTokers like Abby Parker of abbysbooks who are integral to this new trend. The Every Girl site writer Lauren Blue has a list of fiction-inspired travel destinations, many of which are in the United States. For example, her top choice is Asheville, North Carolina.

Bookworms Unite Across the Globe

It’s in Asheville where Nora and Charlie fall in love in Book Lovers, a tale beloved for author Emily Henry's captivating mountain town imagery. “Stroll through downtown, popping into local coffee shops and boutiques that channel that Book Lovers charm,” Blue writes.

Then again, you may prefer to join a group or have someone else plan your literary adventure for you. In this corner of the travel market is where companies like Explore! shine, offering tailored vacations for bookworms in many guises.

Explore!’s Four Corner Book Club gives customers the chance to peruse novel-inspired itineraries and tours to any part of the globe, even Antarctica. While it may be more for the more discerning tourist, the experiences on offer range from “Polar” to “Family Adventures.” Here, introverts and extroverts alike can share literary common ground on foreign soil.

Dark Skies and Bright Ideas

Another new trending category, named “astro-tourism,” is about as experiential as one can get. Put simply, this cohort of tourists lives by witnessing wild skyscapes and even flying up into them. There is a clear spectrum for this side of the travel world. At its more expensive end, Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin space tours hit the Earth’s mesosphere; at the other end, tourists enjoy dark-sky stargazing road trips in their own state.

Remarkably, there are now tours involving sensory extraterrestrial “cheating,” whereby tourists attempt to mimic other planetary environments. A study shared by Bokun’s Charlotte Gannon addresses this concept.

Back Down to Earth

Its researchers sought to find the world’s best places that can double as extraterrestrial doppelgangers. For instance, Gannon cites the Danakil Depression in Ethiopia as being Earth’s closest Venus-like landscape; the Atacama Desert in Chile can double as Martian terrain. These places are just a couple of the many “planetary dupes” on her list.

“Think hiking through sandy deserts, stargazing under crystal clear skies, or deep-sea diving to get a taste of low-gravity,” she writes. “These immersive experiences bring the feel of space travel within reach, and allow tour operators located in these celestial settings to tap into an exciting new market.” Such vacations can also be planned to coincide with astronomical calendar events, such as eclipses or meteor showers.

Whatever the Event

Of course, one of the most notable Gen-Z traits right now is the “you only live once” (YOLO) mindset. This ideal may be most present in the final category: event-based travel. While vacations remain for most people a chance to unwind and rest, many of us are incorporating our favorite sporting or musical heroes into the adventure.

Naturally, these escapes cost more than just a flight and hotel: sporting events, festivals, or concerts are renowned for their wallet-busting nature.

Yet, a recent Future Partners blog post reveals that 43.2% of Americans “actively seek travel experiences that support their physical, mental, or spiritual health.” Powered mostly by millennial and female travelers, event-based travel is a massive part of this new dawn of personalized journeying.

The Bold and the Beautiful

There is a very good reason why so many new trends are emerging: the age of the influencer as a marketing format is clearly here. Shivam Rawat of marketing watchdog Taggbox looked at which travel influencers to follow in 2026, forming a top-15 ranking. In his list of powerful travel influencers, the most striking thing is how good-looking they are. Incidentally, the top-two entities are fit, young, tanned couples.

One Instagram couple, named moments_of_yugen, could just as easily find themselves on the cover of health or glamor magazines as travel commercials. These perfectly marketable young people sell more than a location: they sell association, lifestyle, and a modern call to authority. Furthermore, they market a new way of reaching the YOLO generation, desperate not to relive the formulaic travel habits of their parents.

The year ahead will surely see new trends emerge, subsets of the current ones, splintered off into even more niche subcategories. Therefore, it is only a matter of time until the next influencer strikes gold, bringing yet another intentional travel trend with them. It remains to be seen what trends they will be perpetuating, but you can be assured that they will be new and dynamic.

A few years ago, my family and I went on an adventure that forever changed our lives. We traveled full-time through South America and eventually landed in Europe by the end. Throughout all of our travels, we think most memorably back to our month-long stay in Cartagena, Colombia. 

We instantly fell in love with this coastal city and our affinity for Cartagena only grew as time went on. Cartagena is a vibrant city with a rich history. Divided between a historic sector and a modern peninsula with pretty islands nearby and rich, mouthwatering food that will delight your taste buds. 

In this complete travel guide to Cartagena, I will let you in on the very best things to add to your itinerary, when to visit and valuable tips for getting around. 

When To Visit Cartagena, Colombia

The best time to travel to Cartagena is during the dry season between December and April. We visited in January, and it was hot and sunny almost every day and the sea was warm. I can only remember one, short period of rain that lasted for about an hour the whole month we were in the city. 

If you want to go when there’s slightly lower prices on hotels and flights and still enjoy sunny weather, check out May when the rainy season is just beginning. Even when it rains, it is only an intense rain shower mid-day, leaving the mornings and evenings open for exploring outside. 

The worst time to visit Cartagena is September to November, with the rainiest month being October. These are the wettest and most humid months of the year for Cartagena. 

How To Get To Cartagena, Colombia

Fly into Rafael Nunez International Airport (CTG). The only international airport in Cartagena is just north of the city. 

When we flew into Cartagena, we were coming from Medellin, so it was really quick and easy  to navigate through the small airport. When my friend came to visit from the United States it was a different story. She found really long and slow lines at customs, so that is something you might experience as well. 

Getting Around Cartagena

When you get out of the airport, there will be a long line of taxis outside the doors. You can take one of those to your hotel or grab an Uber or Indrive. 

When we were visiting Colombia, Ubers weren’t legal, but were still used in Cartagena. As of 2023, they are legal in Colombia now, according to Adam McConnaughhay from Cartagena Explorer. 

Taxis work great to get around the city, but if you don’t know Spanish, they might try to rip you off. 

Pro Tip: Always negotiate the price upfront before taking a taxi. If you don’t know how much it should cost, pull up Uber or Indrive. It will tell you a rough estimate of how much it should cost or just order an Uber! 

Should I Rent A Car In Cartagena? 

You can rent a car, but you don’t really need one. Taxis and Ubers are cheap and the city is very walkable. The only reason to rent a car is if you want to drive down the coastal peninsula of Baru and don’t want to take the bus!

Best Things To Do In Cartagena

Take A Walking Tour Of The City

In my opinion, the best way to get oriented to Cartagena is by taking a walking tour. The walled, historic center is by far the most interesting area of Cartagena with its beautiful, colorful buildings lined with flowering vines, and many restaurants, cafes and shops to explore. However it is a good size and with four distinct areas, can be confusing when you first arrive. 

There are free tour options, but those are usually big groups and aren’t as informative as a more intimate setting. 

We booked our walking tour through Airbnb experiences, and it was amazing. I would advise the same tour or a similar one. 

We walked all around the walled city and got a thorough history lesson. Our guide was a local who has lived in Cartagena for many years. In addition to showing us the ins and outs of the city, she also recommended really good restaurants and other things to do in Cartagena while we were visiting. 

To book a tour with Anita (our guide), follow this link to her Airbnb experience.

Walk On Top Of The Wall (Preferably At Sunset)

The historic center of Cartagena is surrounded by a well-preserved stone wall. This outer protection was built to protect the city from invading pirates and explorers that wanted to steal Cartagena’s gold. 

Nowadays, you can walk on the top of the wall and make your way around about half of the historic center. 

Start by entering by the clock tower in El Centro. This is the main entrance. From there, veer to the left and walk until you find a ramped entryway to the walls. You can’t miss it!

Continue walking on top of the wall towards the San Diego neighborhood, to the right. The wall extends all the way until Avenida Venezuela, where you will have to go down. 

Party On A Chiva 

If you want to dance and party like a local from Cartagena, you need to get on a party bus called a Chiva. These brightly lit old school buses are wildly painted and booming with music. 

This is a very fun way to see some of the sights around Cartagena in the evening. The lively buses go to the Cartagena sign, the bronze boots and the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas. 

Book a tour to enjoy the fun! 

Visit A Historic Castle

In the 1500s all the way to the late 19th century, Cartagena had to protect itself from invaders. The Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas is one of the fortresses in Cartagena that has been well preserved and is easy to visit. 

We visited the castle early in the morning to try to avoid the heat and the crowds. It can get really busy. Even with the morning temperatures, our visit was hot. Be sure to bring your own water and snacks. 

You can wander around the whole castle and take it all in. There are some fun tunnels to walk through, but most of the castle is outside in the sun. 

If you are interested in learning more about the history of the castle, you will need to book a guided tour. There aren’t any signs around the castle that tell about its past.

Buy Your Souvenirs In An Old Dungeon

Las Bovedas is the place to go to get your souvenirs in Cartagena. This unique shopping area is located under the walls in San Diego in an old dungeon. While that sounds a bit creepy, it’s not.

All of the dungeons have been renovated and brightly colored. They were turned into little shops that sell everything from cheap little touristy gifts to traditional products. There was one shop in particular that sold handmade items from locals that I really loved. All of the items in the shop were really well made and beautiful. 

Wander through the many shops and find all your unique souvenirs and gifts for loved ones. You can even get onto the wall here as there is a walkway right next to the dungeons. 

Cruise Out In The Bay At Sunset 

Cartagena is best explored in the mornings and evenings as you will see from many of my recommendations in this Cartagena travel guide. 

One of my favorite activities we did during our trip was to take a sunset cruise. We were traveling with our kids, so we booked ours on a pirate ship. We had a blast sipping free rum punch, dressing up as pirates and hearing the funny commentary as we cruised through the bay at sunset. 

Book a tour with La Fantastica Pirate Ship for a fun evening on the water. There are also other options for sunset tours that are on more modern vessels if that is what you prefer. Either way, seeing the sunset from the bay is a feast for the eyes. 

Splash In The Waves 

You can’t visit Cartagena without getting in the water. Mainly because it is so hot in the afternoon. You are going to be begging to jump in the ocean or your hotel pool. 

However, not all beaches in Cartagena are created equal, so here is a run down of where to go to cool off. 

Bocagrande Public Beaches 

The sandy beaches on the Bocagrande peninsula are a popular place to go when in Cartagena. These are not, in my opinion, the best beaches though. While they are easy to get to, they aren’t very beautiful. 

The waves are large here and can be fun to play in. Our Airbnb was right on this beach, so we played in the waves here most days, but I wouldn’t go out of my way for a visit.

Playas Castillo Grande: The public beaches on the Castillo Grande peninsula are also not the best beaches in Cartagena, but are a wonderful option if you are visiting with small children. 

The waves are smaller and calmer here. We liked walking down this beach, but again, it’s not worth it to go out of your way, unless you have little ones. 

Playa Blanca: For a much more beautiful shade of blue and prettier sand, make your way to Playa Blanca. This public beach on the Baru Peninsula is one of the prettiest. 

Note: At every public beach mentioned above, expect many vendors coming around to sell you things. Everything from massages, beach toys, and food (even ceviche). This is convenient if you don’t want to move from our umbrella chair and get snacks delivered right to you, but it can also be annoying. Be sure to bring cash!

Go To A Private Beach Club

The best option for a beach day where you can enjoy a peaceful day in the sand and the sea is to go to a private beach club. At the private clubs, you pay to enter for the day and won’t be interrupted by vendors. 

There are many different options to choose from on the islands near Cartagena. The closest ones are located on Tierra Bomba, which is about a 15 minute boat ride from Cartagena. The best resort to visit on Tierra Bomba is Makani.

You can also take a day trip to the Rosario Islands. There are many beach resorts to choose.

If you really want to party, Cholon is where to go for an adult only beach day.  

Get A Spectacular View At A Rooftop Bar

Another evening on your vacation in Cartagena, book a reservation at a rooftop bar at sunset. There are a surprising number of rooftop bars, but the very best is Movich Hotel’s rooftop bar, Alyzia. 

You will be seated in comfortable seats and served delicious cocktails as the sky turns many shades of yellow, orange and pink. While the sun is setting and between photos, choose from one of the tasty entree items for dinner.

If you stay late enough, the rooftop turns into a dance party. We experienced the beginning of the dancing while we were there. My youngest and I had a great time on the dance floor. 

A highlight from our trip and a view I’ll never forget!

Where To Eat and What To Eat

Cartagena’s food scene is hard to beat with its fresh and delicious seafood and tropical ingredients. During your trip to Cartagena, you can’t miss out on two of my favorites!

Ceviche: Cartagena is known for its seafood due to its location right on the ocean. There are many ways to eat seafood, but if you have to choose only one way, choose ceviche. The best ceviche we had in Cartagena was at Cancha. 

Limonada De Coco: You can’t leave Cartagena without trying limonda de coco which translates to coconut lemonade. I still dream about sipping this mouthwatering frozen beverage by the pool. 

You can get one just about anywhere you go. Once my kids tried one, I think they ordered it every time we were out. They are good at every restaurant and beach bar. 

Amazing Restaurants You Have To Try In Cartagena

We enjoyed flavorful dishes at many restaurants in Cartagena. Our top restaurants below are spread out between the old historic town and on the Bocagrande peninsula. 

Carmen: Probably the best meal we had in Cartagena was at Carmen. The historic building in the San Diego neighborhood has a fun vibe and the meal was tasty and fresh with delicious Caribbean flavors. Choose between seafood, steak or pork dishes. Unfortunately for our vegetarians out there, you will want to dine somewhere else.

Mar y Zielo: This Colombian-inspired cuisine restaurant in El Centro focuses on more traditional dishes using local products. You will find phenomenal service and the presentation of the food was also exceptional. I really enjoyed my octopus here!

Verona Pizzeria: For pizza or pasta in Bocagrande, choose Verona. We went for my son’s birthday and really enjoyed the flavors and atmosphere. 

Lunatico: For a fun restaurant in Getsemani, visit Lunatico. After a nice morning at the Castle, we walked to Lunatico for lunch. My husband and I shared the tapas and we loved it. It was so nice to try a bunch of small dishes, each one was savory and full of flavor! This Spanish restaurant also serves tasty ceviche, fideua, and burgers. 

Day Trips From Cartagena

Relax At A Beach Resort In The Rosario Islands

For a special day trip from Cartagena, go to the Rosario Islands. This beautiful archipelago is located roughly 45 minutes from the city’s docks. 

There are two ways to enjoy the islands from Cartagena. The first option is to book a day pass with a beach resort. 

The top resorts for a day trip are Islabela or Isla del Encanto. Islabela is located right in the Rosario Islands while Isla del Encanto is on the tip of the Baru Peninsula.

Both offer similar experiences. We chose Isla del Encanto for the pool!

Visit The First Free African Settlement In The Americas

Another day trip from Cartagena that offers a truly interesting experience is to go to San Basilio de Palenque. As you wander around Cartagena, you will see women in brightly colored dresses, the color of the Colombian flag, with bowls of fruit on their heads. 

These palenqueras will pose for pictures with tourists for a few pesos. These women are from Palenque and rely on this income for their families. Another way to support them is by visiting their community and learning about their history, customs and traditions. 

The best way to visit San Basilio de Palenque is to book a tour. 

Vacationing in Cartenegra, Colombia

Cartagena is such a special place.

The people, the food, the atmosphere, and the beauty make it one of my favorite cities in the world to visit.

I hope you love your trip as much as I did!

East End Taste is entering a defining new chapter. Originally conceptualized in 2015 and formally launched in 2018, the brand has evolved from a respected digital publication into a fully integrated experiential media platform.

Now, ahead of 2026, founder Vanessa Gordon is relaunching East End Taste with a renewed vision—one that merges elevated event production with digital media, marketing strategy, and global storytelling.

Rooted in the Hamptons and Long Island yet expanding into New York City and beyond, this relaunch reflects both organic growth and strategic refinement.

With a new business partner and a more cohesive model, East End Taste is bridging the gap between immersive experiences and sustained media visibility creating thoughtful, content-driven events that resonate far beyond the guest list.

1. What inspired the decision to relaunch East End Taste, and why now?

East End Taste was conceptualized in 2015 and founded as a business in 2018. The decision to relaunch just ahead of 2026 was both organic and strategic.

There has been a growing demand for elevated event planning and production across the Hamptons and Long Island. This next chapter also introduces a new business partner and a more integrated model that merges event planning and production with a digital media and marketing company.

While the East End remains our foundation, we are now actively available in New York City and worldwide, creating immersive, content-driven events and experiences for brands and partners.

2. How does this relaunch reflect the evolution of your brand and audience?

The relaunch reflects how East End Taste has evolved alongside its audience. We have grown significantly from a digital publication into a full-service experiential media platform.

Our audience is increasingly seeking curated, in-person experiences supported by strong storytelling and meaningful brand partnerships. Essentially, we have become even more focused with what we curate while simultaneously expanding our capabilities.

This next chapter aligns our content, events, and marketing into one integrated offering that better serves both our community and our partners.

3. What problem or gap in the market are you solving with this new direction?

This new direction addresses a gap between event production and media strategy, where many brands host beautiful events but lack a clear path to sustained visibility and press coverage.

By blending event production with digital media, PR consultation, and content strategy, we offer partners a more intentional approach to storytelling and exposure.

We also provide a behind-the-scenes understanding of how media works by helping brands navigate press relationships, timing, and context to build credibility rather than one-off moments.

4. What differentiates an East End Taste–produced event from other industry events?

East End Taste–produced events are deeply relationship-driven. All of our events are designed to feel warm, welcoming, and highly personal.

We are hands-on and highly communicative at every stage, with an unwavering attention to detail that shows up in everything from thoughtful flow to our signature, luxury gift bags.

5. How do you measure the success of an event beyond attendance numbers?

We measure success by the momentum an event creates after it ends. Our guests are eager to be part of the next one, we see increased newsletter signups, and inbound inquiries for future partnerships.

We also look at referrals, direct feedback and thank-yous from sponsoring brands, press coverage, and the volume of organic social sharing across our platforms.

East End Taste's success is reflected in lasting relationships and continued demand, not just who by how many attended a specific event.

⁠6. What does serving a high-net-worth audience look like in a way that’s warm and inclusive?

Serving a high-net-worth audience means prioritizing genuine hospitality, discretion, and human connection over formality.

We focus on building trust and creating a warm and welcoming environment led with open communication and an intuitive understanding of what makes guests feel comfortable and valued.

We focus on creating warm, welcoming environments that feel inclusive and thoughtfully curated, where refinement is felt through ease, comfort, and attention to detail rather than exclusivity.

⁠7. Are you planning a relaunch event or announcement experience to showcase the new direction? If so, what can attendees expect?

Yes we are! We are looking to execute an event in both the Hamptons and in Manhattan this spring. These will be ticketed events.

Attendees can expect fun photogenic moments, luxury signature gift bags, and artistic activations. The experience will also include select vendor and brand opportunities.

⁠8. What restaurants or venues in NYC did you discover this year that truly impressed you?

Definitely the following: The Whitby Bar, Caviar Kaspia at The Mark, The Portrait Bar, and The Otter at The Manner.

⁠9. What’s one hotel or cultural experience that changed or expanded your perspective recently?

Four Seasons Hotel Firenze and Villa Cora deepened my appreciation for how hospitality can preserve history and culture while still feeling intimate and personable.

Both experiences reinforced the power of thoughtful design, ritual, and pacing in creating emotional connection and not just luxury for luxury’s sake.

The city of Florence itself lives and breathes a warmth, creativity, and sense of place that feels deeply human and entirely its own that cannot be found anywhere else.

⁠10. How does travel influence your event production or experiential strategy?

I travel every six weeks on average and have the pleasure of meeting so many influential people — from my travels to the Caribbean for The Festival de la Gastronomie of Saint-Martin to my travels through Italy for such events as Florence Cocktail Week, Pitti Immagine Uomo, and Venice Carnival.

I am always open for great conversations over cocktails or at exceptional events and love meeting fellow planners as well as photographers, venue managers, and creative strategists.

Most of the events I attended around the world are at award-winning properties staffed with the best of the best, so I am constantly learning from teams who set the global standard for hospitality, storytelling, and execution.

Long-haul flights used to be something travelers pushed through. You packed snacks, downloaded movies, and accepted that getting somewhere far meant being uncomfortable for a while. Layovers were something to survive, not something to enjoy.

That mindset is changing. More travelers are choosing to break long journeys into smaller, more meaningful pieces, turning layovers into short stays that add depth to a trip rather than delay it.

Airline stopover programs have helped drive that shift, and Copa Airlines has been one of the carriers leading the way. Its Stopover in Panama program allows passengers to add a stay in Panama City at no additional airfare for 24 hours to 7 days, on either the outbound or return portion of their trip. The program also includes discounted hotel stays and exclusive dining and activity offers.

The idea is simple. You are already passing through Panama. Why not step outside the airport and experience it?

Stopover In Panama City

To see what that kind of stay looks like in practice, I flew from Los Angeles to Panama City as part of a hosted trip showcasing what travelers can experience during a stopover. While I did not personally book the program, the itinerary reflected how it works in real life: arrive, settle in, explore, and continue on your way.

Panama City is particularly well-suited for this kind of travel. As Copa’s main hub, it connects North America to dozens of destinations across Central and South America, including Colombia, Peru, Brazil, Argentina, and Chile. The city is compact and easy to navigate, with historic neighborhoods, natural areas, and major attractions located close together.

Panama City Two Day Itinerary

I stayed at Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo, located in the heart of the historic district. My balcony overlooked the ocean. The room was spacious and thoughtfully designed, with a large bathroom and a comfortable sitting area.

Being based in Casco Viejo made the short stay feel manageable. Cafés, museums, shops, and historic streets were all within walking distance, which meant less time in transit and more time experiencing the city. The hotel’s rooftop pool and bar offered views over the water, and a small speakeasy tucked inside provided a quiet place to end the evening.

A visit to the Panama Canal offered a perspective on the scale of the operation. Watching massive cargo ships pass through narrow channels is a reminder of how much of the world’s commerce moves through Panama.

Later, I took part in a Geisha coffee tasting in the city. Before this trip, I knew little about Panama’s role in producing some of the world’s most sought-after coffee. During the session, we learned how the beans are grown, harvested, and processed, and how specific climate conditions make this region uniquely suited to producing Geisha coffee. Sampling different varieties highlighted the precision behind each cup.

That evening, I walked from the hotel to Fonda Lo Que Hay, a local restaurant frequently named among the best in the world. The menu changes regularly, and the atmosphere is relaxed. The soup alone was memorable. Another dinner at Lazotea, a rooftop restaurant nearby, I watched the sky darken over Casco Viejo while eating ceviche that remains one of the best I have had anywhere.

I traveled to Gatun Lake by small boat with a local guide who explained the area's history as we glided across the water. Along the way, we passed massive cargo ships heading toward the canal. Between them, wildlife appeared: birds, crocodiles, monkeys, and a sloth resting in the trees.

I traveled along the river by dugout canoe to visit an Embera village. As we rounded a bend in the river, straw roofs came into view. Music drifted toward us. Children ran along the shore. Women prepared food and crafts. Men carved wood and played instruments. We were welcomed with warmth and pride.

Members of the community shared their traditions through music, art, and storytelling. What stood out most was the strong sense of connection among residents and the calm rhythm of daily life.

Break Up Long Journeys With Stopovers

Copa’s program removes much of the friction that usually comes with planning a short stay in a new city and allows travelers to explore a new destination along their journey.

For travelers heading deeper into Latin America or returning home from South America, the stopover becomes part of the trip rather than a break.

The idea behind intentional stopovers is not to cram in more. It is to travel with a little more awareness, and to recognize that the spaces between destinations can hold their own meaning.

For those looking to book their dream safari adventure, there has been a seismic announcement. Market-leading travel firm SafariBookings.com has ranked the best safaris on Earth, following an exhaustive process. The study involved combing through 2,665 customer reviews and international safari expert analyses, covering 205 safari experiences.

Subsequently, a conclusive top 50 safari destinations across 15 African countries received a score out of five points. According to the review, worldwide interest in safari increased 34% in the past year; Americans are especially keen. Furthermore, a 2024 Scott Dunn survey found that 93% of 18-34-year-olds wish to one day embark on the ultimate wildlife experience.

Therefore, safaris are firmly in our imagination; the question for the lucky few is: which one should you choose? Chances are it will be in Tanzania or Botswana, which have three locations each in the top 10 selections. Moreover, South Africa would also be a wise choice: it was the best overall country, with 12 of the top 50 spots.

Serengeti National Park

Tanzanians will be happy, much less unsurprised, at the results of this study: Serengeti National Park retains a winning crown. Alongside Kruger National Park (which is curiously absent from the upper tier), the Serengeti is one of the world's safari titans. Its elite ranking stems from a host of factors.

Primarily, the Serengeti is host to the so-called "Great Migration," the largest wildebeest movement on the continent and a must-see for any affluent nature champion.

Furthermore, visitors here have the best chance of seeing the so-called "Big Five" safari bucket list mammals: lions, leopards, cape buffalo, elephants, and rhinos. The latter is one of the rarest safari sightings, thanks to a poacher-induced decline in numbers across Africa.

Lower Zambezi National Park

The jewel in the crown of Zambia, Lower Zambezi National Park, comes in second place this year. The park, which hugs the Zambezi River border of the southern neighbor Zimbabwe, made the headlines in 2023 when a controversial mining project was annulled. According to BirdLife International, the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) "brought the 12-year standoff to a halt."

Thankfully, it means no threat to the park's wealth of diverse species. "Elephant herds, sometimes up to one hundred strong, hippo, leopard, lion, buffalo, over 400 bird species – they all gather in this mesmerizing wilderness," reads the official park website.

Options here include classic, walking, and canoe safaris up the Zambezi River, where much of the wildlife congregates.

Okavango Delta, Botswana

The phonetically pleasing Okavango Delta in Botswana wins the bronze gong this year, based on its Big Five status and extensive, protected wetlands. This area is rich with safari operations: SafariBookings offers 190 choices here alone. Yet, quantity doesn't necessarily negate quality when it comes to this dreamscape of a region.

To illustrate what visitors here can expect,  National Geographic's Into the Okavango film depicts a landscape of unparalleled beauty, albeit one always under threat from human encroachment. Further, a recent industry feature by CoStar highlights the success of the area's sustainable wilderness hotels.

The Delta, which snakes through the Kalahari Desert, is a UNESCO World Heritage site teeming with biodiverse wildlife to complement its big-five appeal. We need to enjoy this one while we can.

Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, South Africa

The leading pick from the overall best safari country, Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve, makes the top five ranking. Kruger National Park's border-sharing reserve overtakes its more famous rival this year. It isn't a fluke: Sabi Sands Game Reserve is the lesser-known yet more endowed of the two neighbors, in one aspect at least.

"The area is home to more species of large mammals than any other wildlife area in South Africa: a total number of 147 species has been recorded," states the park's web portal. Sabi Sands' high season is May through October.

This period is South Africa's winter and the best time to enjoy cooler weather and photo-friendly, flatter terrain. Sadly, you really don't want to be there anytime else, when rainstorms and malaria become a risk.

Ruaha National Park, Tanzania

Tanzania completes a commendable record this year of two national parks in the top five. Ruaha National Park is not quite as high up as the Serengeti Plain, yet it doesn't get as crowded, and its more limited lodges are well spread out. It means higher prices but a distinctly exclusive feeling.

Travel and Leisure's Nicholas DeRenzo recommends exploring on foot and cites barely seeing any other groups at big spotting encounters. What's more, the park is one for the cat and dog lovers: Ruaha provides a good opportunity to see wild canines and abundant lion prides.

"Chances are that you'll have lion sightings completely to yourself at Ruaha," reads a Go2Africa guide feature, confirming DeRenzo's observations.

Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana

Botswana and Tanzania share many winning safari features, and Moremi Game Reserve in the Okavango Delta is no exception. Norwegian travel platform Grown Up Travel heralds Moremi as an "unforgettable Botswana safari" in its detailed account of a trip there: an article deserving of attention for any would-be visitor.

Richard Holmes also raves about the place in an Afar feature, not least the Tawana Lodge, one of many sustainable new ecotourism designs in the region.

A South African safari aficionado, Holmes says Moremi Game Reserve is one of the best he has visited. He adds that it is unique thanks to an "unusual offering of savanna grasslands, forests, and Delta waterways."

Chobe National Park, Botswana

Sitting on Botswana's River Chobe and Savuti Nature Reserve is the Chobe National Park, a wildlife goldmine. If feedback from the safari forum Expert Africa is anything to go by, the park has maintained an impressive 100% score record since the site's 2007 founding.

Late afternoons and evenings at the Chobe riverfront are especially magical, where hippos and crocs rub shoulders with a wide array of winged creatures. Yet, big cats and wild dogs are always on the itinerary.

While the rhino is absent from the Chobe National Park call sheet, other big names like impalas, giraffes, and plains zebras more than make up for it.

Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

The next entry is a current Conde Nast Traveler Reader's Choice Awards winner, as well as SafariBooking's official top 10 candidate. Ngorongoro Crater National Park is, according to AndBeyond, the largest intact caldera on the planet. Under the rim, visitors will find the experience of a lifetime.

"It is not unusual to see the Big Five in one day here," writes Bradt Guidebook to Tanzania author Philip Briggs. "And all this is in the most amazing setting with a backdrop of the 1,968ft-high crater wall."

A safari inside a high-altitude crater sounds like the perfect adventure. To cap it off, the park has a massive 6,363 tours listed on the SafariBookings platform.

Our trip to Finland was one of the most special trips we’ve ever taken, but also one of the most physically challenging. Minus 20 degrees Celsius is not something you get used to quickly, and definitely not something you can truly imagine in advance.

The cold goes straight through your bones, your breath freezes in the air, and every step outside requires layers upon layers of clothing. But alongside the cold, there is something completely different: landscapes you won’t see anywhere else, absolute silence, and nature so powerful it simply stops you in your tracks.

We created our own itinerary and traveled independently without an organised group or guide. We built the entire route ourselves and booked everything in advance, knowing this wouldn’t be a cheap trip. Finland is expensive, especially in winter, but you can adjust your budget, combining luxury stays with simpler ones, choosing which experiences to splurge on and where to save.

We started the trip in Helsinki. A very orderly, clean and quiet European city. Everything runs like clockwork. The streets are wide, the buildings are beautiful, and the snow gives the city a very special atmosphere. We walked a lot despite the cold, ducked into local cafés to warm up, and joined a free walking tour that tells the story of Finland’s history and its relationship with Russia and Sweden.

One of our favorite places was the Old Market Hall, a small, cozy indoor food market full of local stalls. A hot salmon soup on a snowy day is exactly what you need to keep going for a few more hours outside. Even just sitting by the frozen Baltic Sea and watching the boats stuck in the ice felt like something you don’t see every day.

After a few days in the city, we flew north to Lapland. The moment you leave Helsinki, everything changes. Fewer cities, fewer people, and so much more nature. Endless forests, frozen lakes, and long roads that feel like they go on forever.

We arrived in the Saariselkä area, one of the best places in Finland to see the Northern Lights. There we stayed in special glass cabins with transparent roofs. The cabin itself is warm and comfortable, but the real magic is the ceiling, lying in bed and simply watching the sky.

No need to go outside, no cold. On our first night, we lay there for a long time just trying to absorb the fact that we were in the middle of a snowy forest, with no noise, no lights, just trees and sky.

During the day, we went out for winter activities. We did a reindeer sleigh ride, a slow and peaceful experience through snowy forests. Then we tried husky sledding, a completely different story.

Fast, full of adrenaline, and the dogs are absolutely bursting with energy as they race across the snow. We also went to a real Finnish sauna and then stepped outside into the cold, a strange combination, but strangely addictive.

In the evenings, we waited for the Northern Lights. They don’t appear every night, and it depends on the weather and cloud cover. Some nights are clear and promising, others show nothing at all. Then, one evening during dinner, we stepped outside and suddenly saw the sky glowing green.

At first, it looked like a faint haze, then it started moving, twisting, spreading across the sky. We stood there for a long time in the freezing cold, just looking up. It’s a feeling that’s hard to explain unless you’ve seen it yourself.

From the north, we continued to Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland. A small, charming town that feels very touristy, yet still keeps its local character. This is also where Santa Claus Village is located, with shops, decorations, and Christmas vibes all year round.

One of the most unforgettable experiences we had there was the icebreaker cruise. We traveled to the town of Kemi and boarded a massive icebreaker ship that literally plows through thick sea ice.

From the moment the engines roared and the ship started crushing the frozen layers beneath us, the thrill was immediate. You can feel the vibrations through your feet, hear the ice cracking and groaning, and see the endless white expanse stretching in every direction.

The ship stops in the middle of the icy sea, and passengers don special thermal survival suits to float in the freezing water, an experience that is as surreal as it is exhilarating.

You feel completely suspended between two extremes: the harshness of the arctic environment and the safety of the ship, all while being surrounded by a unique frozen landscape that is almost otherworldly.

Finland in winter isn’t for everyone. It’s cold, it’s expensive, and it requires a lot of planning. But for those looking for a truly different kind of trip , one that doesn’t resemble anything else , it’s an incredible destination. Unreal landscapes, once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and a level of silence that’s hard to find in the modern world.

The age of the digital nomad is a Millennial and Gen Z phenomenon: an army of solo remote workers has already been dispersing across the world for some time.

Yet, it is now becoming common for entire families to uproot their lives for a new international dialing code. The world is adapting, with countries competing for talent, offering enticing conditions for doing so. 

Global shipping and logistics company Seven Seas Worldwide has released a report exploring this trend. It explains how a cohort of professional parents is taking the reins of what was hitherto a solo-inspired career choice. 

Digital nomad families are now an official demographic: citizens no longer tethered to the same exhausting lives they saw generations live before them.

Yet, they are not jumping in vans or boarding yachts to create YouTube channels with infants in tow. These are modern families looking to recreate some form of the American Dream, albeit on foreign soil. 

Why Nomadic Families Need More Than a Backpack

"Families quickly realise that nomadic living doesn't mean travelling light forever," writes travel expert Wayne Mills in a Seven Seas Worldwide press release. "School books, toys, sports gear, and personal comforts matter, especially for children."

The report identifies several key areas influencing what is causing this huge reverse digital brain drain: 

• Competitive digital nomad visa programs
• Flexible work schedules and lifestyle
• International or online education for children
• Immersion in new cultural experiences
• Easy access shipping and expatriate moving services

"Ultimately, the rise of nomad families shows that global mobility has matured," concludes Mills. "This isn't about escape; it's about designing a life that blends work, learning, and family anywhere in the world." 

Spanish Living for the Win

Of course, many other factors drive families to take children away from their base, potentially separating them from friends and family. Spanish periodical AS looked at this scenario from the perspective of an American family that has spent years traveling and working abroad. 

The couple in question tried a whole host of different regions, running an online business from wherever they resided. They and their 12-year-old daughter now embrace Spain as their homeland. 

"One of the biggest motivators for their move was the cost of essential services — especially healthcare," writes Jaime Esteban. "In Spain, they've found medical care to be dramatically more affordable."

Subsidized Healthcare and Work-Life Balance

The Spanish healthcare system is nationalised, meaning services and procedures cost a fraction of the inflated American prices. For illustration, the William Russell price comparison platform puts the average cost of a hip replacement in the United States at $40,000, compared to $6,800 in Spain.

What's more, their daughter can now look forward to a state-subsidized higher education without the terminal financial implications. 

"Combined with Spain's healthcare system, this allows the parents to save for retirement and offer their child a more secure future," adds Esteban.

Put simply, possibilities now out of sight for many families back home are now within their reach. Yet, many other countries are now on the map, ready for the new influx of digital workers.

Where Families Can Relocate in 2026

In mid-2025, Kihumi Group's Mila Devenport published a summary of the best countries parents can choose to wield their digital skillset. A blend of safety, affordability, and family-centered resources is found in the following places:

• Portugal
• Costa Rica
• Estonia
• New Zealand
• Thailand

What is clear is that the Iberian Peninsula is an attractive prospect in the modern '20s, with Portugal's list of benefits similar to Spain's. For instance, childcare costs are some of the lowest in Western Europe, while international and Montessori schools are plentiful.

Eastern Promises

Europe might prove irresistible for parents who wish to escape the fast-moving American grind. This lifestyle swap is also possible at the other end of the list in Thailand, which may be less alluring for some nomads due to its distance from North America.

Nevertheless, it makes for an affordable, safe, and culturally rich living destination for the right digital nomad family. 

Financial literacy website Global Wealth Protection's Bobby Casey shared some key information for Americans considering a move. His review of places currently offering the best digital nomad experience for families puts Thailand firmly in the mix. 

Perhaps the biggest draw in the Land of Smiles is the economic requirements to obtain the visa. According to Casey, Thailand's minimum monthly income needed is only $2,500 per month. It's only half of the United Arab Emirates' $5,000 monthly income stipulation, which is in itself reasonable for many. 

Avoiding Nomad Visa Gray Areas

Casey's picks for Asia include the UAE and the Philippines, both of which offer excellent international education for dependents. Benjamin Collins of Asia Lifestyle Magazine includes Japan, Taiwan, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Indonesia in his guide. 

Each of these countries now offers legal residency for digital nomads with kids — or at least some kind of "workaround." Thailand finds itself on the checklist of these workaround-type visas. 

"Thailand's Long-Term Resident visa, Indonesia's B211A single-entry visit visa, and Vietnam's 90-day e-visa all fall here," he writes. "These require more creativity, carry some legal gray zones regarding remote work, or demand higher income thresholds."

Regardless, he insists they are still "battle-tested" for 2025 and will remain viable throughout 2026, at least. The tenuous nature of some visa situations means not all options are suited to some families.

The Digital Nomad Family Gold Standard

Nonetheless, his article rates Malaysia's "De Rantau Nomad Pass"as the gold standard for relocating digital nomads. What's more, the service includes spouses and dependents, and recipients only need to earn $24,000 per annum. 

Naturally, the digital nomad lifestyle comes with life's usual complications, and it isn't all plain sailing. For instance, not all digital nomad families can afford international school fees, and not all children can adapt to international education regardless.

Therefore, it may mean digital nomad couples must share homeschooling duties on top of working responsibilities. 

The Flip Side of the New Working Force

Moreover, not all locals are as welcoming of large foreign cohorts taking over their cities, pushing up property costs, and overextending the local infrastructure.

A recent Guardian opinion editorial from a "local" British Lisbon nomad, Alex Holder, asks just that question. He spoke to actual Portuguese locals about their experiences, with some Lisboans suffering digital nomad fatigue. 

"Foreigners will reach over my head in the supermarket, they'll have their head down on their phone, making no space for me as I walk down the street," says Lisbon resident Ines. "There is an arrogance to the way they move around the city."

An insightful piece on this subject comes from Emily Richardson-Dupuis of travel website Rough Maps. She exposes many digital nomad pet peeves, such as culture clashes, rent increases, and taxation envy. 

Adapting to One's Surroundings

For those remote workers giving serious thought to moving away from home, it might be worth consulting the Digital Nomad Nation's (DNN) online guide. There are several values underpinning the DNN mission, among which are being "warm and kind, diverse and open-minded, and giving and socially conscious." 

Being a digital nomad doesn't mean importing all your home nation's practices or expecting the host culture to include yours. Meanwhile, researching one's intended country should be a priority if you wish your stay to be successful.

In any event, it is a certainty that having children no longer means being excluded from the world's laptop-wielding labor force, which can only be a positive.

We can all agree that a winter sun break gives us a health boost: we can feel the benefits immediately. Yet, many are unaware that regular winter sun can possibly extend your life, giving your body an immune system reboot each year.

Dr. Sarah Jarvis, MBE, writes for Medical Travel Compared about the tangible benefits of winter sun breaks. Improved sleep, mental health, and skin are three of the advantages on offer. There is a good reason many Americans retire in Florida and Arizona: it gives them a better chance of making it than sub-zero winters in Nebraska.

Therefore, a recent study by expert travel broker Asian Geographical Expeditions is most welcome, shedding light on the planet's best winter sunshine spots.

The study focused on 145 destinations, taking into account six key factors, such as accommodation ratings, average sunshine days, and precipitation levels. It's good news for Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Cambodia is one of Southeast Asia's most underrated places, not least the gateway to its most venerated historical monument, Siem Reap. This city is deep in the heart of this tropical country, and it's on the shores of Asia's largest freshwater lake, Tonle Sap. Most importantly, it is where you fly to visit UNESCO World Heritage-friendly Angkor Wat, one of the most well-preserved and expansive ancient city ruins on Asian soil.

The survey awarded Siem Reap top spot for its average temperature of 77 degrees, which sounds preferable to shoveling snow off the driveway. Anyone who has visited will testify to its friendly locals, cheap beer, and exotic dining options.

Moreover, the average weekly hotel cost is ridiculously low: $64.79 and far less than any rival city. In Siem Reap, you can spend sun-soaked days wandering Angkor Wat's miraculous temples and return to a cheap luxury hotel, all while spending very little.

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Perhaps the most notable fact about Chiang Mai in Thailand is how well-run hotels and resorts can be. The study found 32.68% of the five-star reviews awarded to Chiang Mai's hotels came during the winter months.

This part of the year, temperatures and rainfall are lower than the oppressive summer monsoon heat, making a trip there delightful. Some platforms, such as ThaiRanked, even champion the idea of a Chiang Mai Christmas break.

"Don't miss the 'FIN Winter Market' (running mid-to-late December)," recommends the winter guide. "It features dozens of pop-up food stalls, live jazz bands, and local crafts, all under the glow of a massive Christmas tree." Chiang Mai is the ultimate laid-back Thailand highland retreat with plenty of daytime and evening fun.

Basse-Terre Island, Guadeloupe

Next up, we have one of two candidates in the Western Hemisphere: Basse-Terre Island in Guadeloupe. Its winning appeal stems from boasting the highest overall five-star reviews percentage. Temperatures here during the cooler winter months rarely stray from the study's Goldilocks Zone of 77 degrees Fahrenheit.

This paradise is one for nature nuts who enjoy creature comforts, according to The Better Beyond's Tara Cannon. Here, colonial hotels and private beaches provide the perfect base for trips into the jungle of Guadeloupe National Park, hikes up La Soufriere Volcano, or excursions to Jacques Cousteau's fabled Marine Reserve.

Muscat, Oman

Oman has one of those names that sounds like a colloquial expression, but this off-the-map country has a lot going for it. Its capital city, Muscat, sits in fourth overall position. This success is thanks to its mild desert climate: the second-driest conditions, generous winter hotel reviews, and moderately priced average hotel costs.

What some people may not realize is that Muscat is a platform for all kinds of adventure excursions. Swimming in wadis (seasonal desert ravines and pools), scuba diving with whale sharks, and taking island boat tours are all possible here. For any curious minds out there, Oman Wanderlust provides excellent guides to various day trips from the Omani capital.

Cape Town Central, South Africa

South Africa has long been heralded as one of the world's most beautiful countries. Epic mountains and ranges, stunning national parks, and world-class beaches await those who make the effort. Cape Town is renowned for being South Africa's beating cosmopolitan heart, where Michelin-starred restaurants rub shoulders with traditional culture and a colonial legacy.

The city also makes the top-five sunbird spots for its longest winter days, clocking an average of 14.37 hours of vitamin D rays per day. "Visit South Africa in the winter for the best wildlife viewing," writes James Bainbridge of Safari Bookings. "You will also discover the local secret that in the steamy bush, mild winter weather is a welcome relief from intense summer heat."

Ilha do Sal, Cape Verde Islands

The second member of the Western Hemisphere cohort, Ilha do Sal, translates as "Salt Island." However, there is nothing salty about the people who live there. Cape Verdeans are renowned for being happy and enjoying the motto, "Cabo Verde: No Stress." When you have access to white sand beaches, turquoise seas, and a splendid year-round temperature, you can understand why.

The remarkable thing about Cabo Verde (the Green Cape) is just how unknown it is, considering how beautiful the place can be. An eight-hour flight from Miami brings you to one of the world's best sun spots during the harsh winter period.

Furthermore, in 2025, Travel and Tour World announced a new island-hopping adventure courtesy of the British firm, Cape Verde Experience, called the Contrast Islands Tour.

Hanoi, Vietnam

Back to Southeast Asia for our next location: Vietnam's capital city, Hanoi. While Ho Chi Minh City in the south gets a higher proportion of visitors, Hanoi's more temperate northern climate is very appealing, not least between November and February. Yet, the real reason Hanoi joins the winter sun elite is a commendable average hotel rating.

Though Hanoi hotels' five-star reviews aren't at a high proportion of its total, its overall hotel review scores hit 4.79/5 on average. This metric gives Hanoi the official winning hotel review grade. Moreover, the city's incredible ancient history, nightlife, and proximity to Ha Long Bay's dream-like lagoon make it a worthy rival to any winter sun getaway.

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

The cities lining the Persian Gulf all share the same winter sun; the difference with Abu Dhabi lies in its tourist trade. The capital city of the UAE is more than ready for visitors, and it has been for some time. The city was constructed years before Dubai and neighboring Qatar.

It's also where the first Emirate ancestors staked a claim, making it the oldest permanent settlement in the Emirates. Now, it is where the rich dock their cruisers by seafront mansions before jumping in supercars for five-star dining downtown.

Abu Dhabi is firmly in the modern zeitgeist these days: home to an annual Formula One and countless other sporting calendar events. Of course, the average weekly hotel costs are three-times that of Siem Reap, but this is luxury living.

Abu Dhabi is a great choice for winter exiles with a little more cash to burn and a need for sunshine and self-pampering.