Tag Archives: Travel

How to Honeymoon On A Budget

A wedding is undoubtedly one of the biggest occasions a couple will invest in together. And while there are plenty of smart ways to save on your big day couples are still spending nearly $20,000 on the average wedding in the U.S. With an investment that steep, chances are you might not have much, if anything leftover at all, to spend on an equally fabulous honeymoon to celebrate your newly cemented commitment to one another.

But you don’t have to shell out thousands to have an unforgettable honeymoon experience. In fact, the more you stick with a minimal budget, the happier you both will likely be once you get back home from your own version of paradise and find that there’s still money left to spend. With these budget-friendly suggestions, you’ll still have the honeymoon of your dreams and be able to start your future life together without having any negatives in that bank account.

 

Think off-season locale

While many prefer to have their weddings during the peak season for prime weather, it doesn’t mean your honeymoon has to follow suit, especially when other regions of the globe offer gorgeous weathers temperatures year-round. Traveling during off-peak season translates to cheaper flights, lodging, and getting to explore without having to compete with the crowds. It’s perfectly normal to celebrate your honeymoon during a later date, especially when that means less worries since you get to keep more money in your pocket and you don’t have to penny-pinch when you do travel together.

 

Stay close to home

Have you been able to fully explore the state or country you’re living in yet? Having a fulfilling honeymoon doesn’t always mean traveling far and wide when there are new experiences just a drive away. Research attractions in surrounding towns that you haven’t been to yet, or even stay completely local by having a staycation in your own city. This can even serve as a more romantic and authentic solution for laidback couples who grew their love in the same city. On top of adventuring unchartered local land together, try frequenting milestone locations, like where you had your first kiss, as they’ll feel even more special as a married couple now.

couple beach camping

 

Experience the Caribbean from your own shores

You don’t have to book a flight to an island overseas to enjoy a tropical honeymoon experience when continental shores offer the same sandy beaches, spectacular ocean vistas, and breezy palm trees. While Bali and Fiji are breathtaking, Florida’s beaches and beach towns are just as gorgeous in their own right. Depending on which side of the country you live on, you can drive straight down to the Sunshine State or find bargain flights to Miami from practically any major city in the U.S. Rent a car and enjoy the Florida Keys scenic highway, a 106 mile stretch featuring America’s tropical wonderland. While you’re there, you can go snorkeling, swim with the dolphins, or sway in a hammock as you watch the sun set with your special person by your side.

couple florida keys

 

Consider alternative airports for cheaper international flights

Did you know it’s actually possible to catch a one-way flight to Europe for under $200? With Norwegian Air, you can. The affordable European airline currently flies out of 5 major U.S cities: Boston, New York, Oakland/San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Fort Lauderdale. If you’re not located in or around any of these hubs, try booking a connecting flight from your home airport for an all-around cheaper deal on your flight. Also, keep in mind that the day you leave can also save you a pretty penny, with mid-week being the optimal outbound flight time. Now you don’t have to miss the opportunity to toast to your love under international skies.

 

Use a honeymoon registry

We can all get by with a little help from our friends. One of the latest wedding trends is swapping the traditional brick-and-mortar wedding registries for a honeymoon registry, where family and friends can donate cash to be used for your honeymoon in place of buying you items you might not need. Honeymoon Wishes, Honeyfund, and Traveler’s Joy are among the most popular honeymoon registry sites that you can join. Simply include your registry page URL to your wedding website so guests know they have the option of chipping in for your unforgettable honeymoon experience, a gift they’ll know will be put to good use.

 

Utilize price-monitoring apps and book ahead

The beauty of a honeymoon is the flexibility of getting to take it when YOU want to or are ready to, as opposed to a set-in-stone wedding date. With flight price tracking apps and booking ahead, you can be sure you’re getting the absolute best deal on flights for your honeymoon. Set the notification features to “on”, sign up for price alert emails, and sit back and get real-time monitoring and updates straight to your phone once prices drop to your desired destination. Among the best flight-tracking apps are Hopper, Airfarewatchdog, Hipmunk, Jetradar, and Skyscanner.

couple laptop

 

Pay attention to travel deals and all-inclusive packages

When looking for ways to save on a dollar, finding a good honeymoon package that can save you hundreds of dollars is definitely worth the search. Plus, it takes the stress out of itemizing your trip by grouping together major purchases like flight, hotel, car, and other amenities. Cruises are also a great option, as food and lodging is already included in the price. Don’t forget to check on super-saving sites like Groupon for can’t-pass-up travel deal steals as well.

woman cruise ship

 

Sleep cheap, live large and local

Next to air-fare, lodging is the next big area you save most when traveling on a budget. Instead of staying at an expensive hotel, look into staying with the locals with Couch Surfing, a company that connects you to residents who are willing to offer you free accommodation, while serving as a trusted guide to the ins and outs of their city. Get more bang for your buck when you eat like a local, too. Sites like EatWith pairs you with local down home chefs who host you in the comfort of their own personal tables, their homes. Share your love over good eats and good conversation.
 

Pool your resources

Become the ultimate coupon-er of honeymoon budgeting by cashing in on any resources you might have so you can pay the least amount possible. Milk that credit card you’ve swiped to the bone for your wedding day for airline tickets, hotel rooms, car rentals, and other upgrades, and use up those frequent flier miles now.

Take it Slow in Namibia’s Etosha National Park

If you’re looking for an atypical international destination far outside the reaches of Europe and the Americas, look to Africa for your next trip. Africa is a complicated and dynamic continent known for everything from domestic conflicts to breathtaking scenery and magnetic culture. Namibia is no different. The outer banks of southern Africa’s dry lands is home to hundreds of scarcely seen reptiles, birds, and mammals, including the endangered black rhinoceros. Visiting Etosha National Park in northwestern Namibia awards you the opportunity to explore preserved African saline deserts, savannas, and grasslands.

It’s likely you’ll see African bush elephants, Angolan giraffe, meerkats, warthogs, and hundreds of other native species too. Park officials boast affordable and safe lodging, making your visit to this 12-million-year-old Great White Place as rewarding as possible. Wildlife is best seen during Namibia’s winter (August and September), when the land is cool and dry, and, as with any international travel, there may be specific requirements to meet before confirming travel plans. Sandboarding, rock climbing, biking, and horseback riding are just a few of the activities Etosha proffers. Once you’re settled in and ready to explore, pack light and check out these things to see and do within the park.


Okaukuejo waterhole

This floodlit watering hole near the Okaukuejo rest camp is one of the best places to spot rhinos, elephants, and — gasp — lions. Dusk and dawn provide the best views, and Etosha park officials permit guided tours of surrounding areas. You’ll be separated by a stone wall and game fence at camp for the protection of both you and the animals. During the rainy season, the massive mopane moths hatch and attract a number of predators for remarkable views.

Etosha National Park Namibia Africa

 

Chase Dust Devils

These willowy whirlwinds are easily identifiable and give Etosha its martain feel. While most of Namibia’s Dust Devils are harmless spectacles, it’s always wise to keep a safe distance. They’re best seen in the most desolate regions of the park, where resources are scarce and desert aesthetic is at its peak.

Etosha National Park Namibia Africa

 

Find the Big Five

Treat yourself to an impressive game of bingo during your travels by making an effort to spot all Big Five animals (elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion, and leopard) in the wild. This may require long hikes and safari tours if you’re not lucky, but the result is a lifetime of memories and money saved on zoo tickets.

Etosha National Park Namibia Africa

 

Etosha Pan

This 75-mile-long salt desert includes a dry, arid lakebed at its center. The result of 10 million years of plate tectonic activity, the pan is now a wildlife hotbed. During the dry season, it’s comprised of cracked hexagons signaling dehydration and desiccated soil. During the rainy season, it’s one of the best places to see great white pelicans and breeding flamingos.

 

Fairytale Forest

Moringa ovalifolia, otherwise known as fairytale trees, are knobby, Dr. Seuss-esque flora typically found on mountain slopes and hills. Etosha is the only place the trees are found so plentiful on Africa’s plains. Natives once described the trees as upside down, conjuring fantasies of magical, otherworldly vistas. While the landscape bears a dystopian, eerie vibe, the only Jovian-like creatures you’ll encounter are hungry elephants.

Etosha National Park Namibia Africa

Fun US Destinations for Memorial Day

As Memorial Day approaches, it’s a great time to break out the nautical stripes and cozy tunics in preparation for long weekend excursions. Whether you’re looking for quiet reflection on equable, humid beaches, or a summer cocktail at the end of a purifying hike, these easygoing getaways will gladly welcome you to summer 2017.

 

Key West, Florida

Holiday Attractions: 27th Annual Schooner Wharf Minimal Regatta 

The archipelago-style chain of cities you pass to arrive at Key West are as lively as the final destination. Suspended in the Gulf of Mexico, you’ll be treated to tropical views and equatorial weather at half the price of an Hawaiian escape. White sand beaches, swim-up bars, and lush fan palms are just a few luxuries the Florida Keys have to offer. Flights to Miami are temptingly affordable this time of year, and most accommodations include tours and other sightseeing  opportunities.

 

Palm Springs, California

Holiday Attractions: Air Museum Annual Memorial Day Flower Drop

Southern California’s Mojave and Colorado deserts generate year-round Memorial Day vibes; it’s no wonder so many flock to the Coachella Valley for some winter transcendence. Palm Springs and nearby cities like Indio, Salton Sea, and Twentynine Palms each offer its own aesthetic for your holiday. Treat yourself to a triad of succulent-themed cocktails at V hotel’s “Sunset Hour,” or take a hike to a modern-day oasis in Joshua Tree National Park. Kick off the summer like Lana Del Rey at the colorful Saguaro Hotel, grab dinner at Toucan’s Tiki Lounge, and surround yourself with the region’s charming Yucca trees.

 

Asheville, North Carolina

Holiday Attractions: White Squirrel FestivalBeer City FestivalLake Lure Arts Festival

Another beautiful in the #asheville at #beercityfest

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Spend your long weekend in the heart of the prolific Smoky Mountains, where fun-loving hippie culture is alive and well. The City of Asheville offers a number of longtime music, art, and food festivals, all of which come together on Memorial Day. The city is best absorbed through nature, and camping opportunities are plentiful. For adventure seekers, the nearby forest offers an abundance of hiking, rafting, and ziplining possibilities.

 

Mackinaw City, Michigan

Holiday Attractions: 14th Annual Mackinaw Memorial Bridge RunParade & Fireworks

Mackinaw City is home to one of the longest main-span bridges in the world, the Mackinac Bridge. Located on the northernmost trip of Michigan’s lower peninsula, the city is surrounded on three sides by multiple great lakes. Enjoy swimming in bracing freshwater, dining at some of the country’s finest and freshest seafood restaurants, and cooly reflecting with the encouragement of moody bridge lights.

 

Florence, Oregon

Holiday Attractions: Florence Rhododendron Festival

109th Rhododendron Festival is here! #rhodydays2016

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Oregon’s elegant coastal city, Florence, is a quiet, breezy escape from exhausting big city winters. Florence offers grassy beaches, quaint diners, and small-town magnetism. Although its nationally renowned Rhododendron festival arrives a week before Memorial Day weekend, the blooming flowers remain throughout the season.

 

New Orleans, Louisiana

Holiday Attractions: Greek FestBayou Country SuperFestNew Orleans Wine and Food Experience

Enjoy food, fun, and mysticism on the bayou this Memorial Day weekend in New Orleans. While any weekend is a great time to visit The Big Easy, traditional city energy comes to a head this holiday. Treat yourself to live jazz, swamp tours, and nighttime palm readings while walking the city’s famous art district.

 

Washington D.C.

Holiday Attractions: National Memorial Day Parade Concert

With my pals from TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors) at the National Memorial Day Parade🇺🇸🇺🇸

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Memorial Day is known colloquially as the first day of summer, but the holiday is rooted in reflection and tribute to members of the Armed Forces who’ve given their lives in wars past and present. Our nation’s capital serves as the best place to do just that. Take a tour of Arlington National Cemetery to honor fallen soldiers, and visit the United States Holocaust Museum while you’re at it.

 

The Top 6 Greek Islands to Visit

The Greeks gifted the world with democracy, philosophy, the Olympics, and yes, even the alarm clock. While there’s no doubt that the mere mention of the Mediterranean country conjures up images of crumbling coliseums, marble busts, and gods sitting atop Mount Olympus, Greece is more than the “heartland”, the Peloponnese Peninsula. It actually has more than 6,000 islands — and only 230 of them are inhabited. (Sidenote: Greece might populate 28 of the wild isles to stave off Turkish territorial claims.) Shutterbugs. Culture mavens. Beach babies. Gourmets. Romantics. The Greek islands have a little something for everyone. So, dust of your Rosetta Stone, snap up your passport, and travel light. From Corfu in the northwest to Crete in the east, we’re laying out the top six islands you need to visit.

 

Corfu

Surrounded by bluer-than-blue seas, Corfu is a green cathedral carpeted with six million olive trees. It’s also studded with 18th century Venetian villas, buttercream-colored churches, and the remains of weather-beaten fortresses.

Island of Corfu, Greece
Island of Corfu, Greece

Wander the ancient Roman vineyards of Agios Matheos, or drop by Spianada Square’s tribute to Lawrence and Gerald Durrell, the British author and zoologist featured in BBC’s smash hit The Durrells in Corfu. Geek out on Greek mythology at the Archeological Museum.  It houses the Lion of Menecrates, Kassel Apollo, and Artemis’ temple — one of 150 masterpieces of Western architecture. For a DIY-spa treatment, slather yourself in Canal D’Amour’s mineral mud.  And, if you can swim the whole length of the canal, you’ll rope yourself a unicorn boyfriend, legend says.

 

Milos

Milos has a lunar landscape. Craters plummet to depths of 420 feet. Rocks twist vertically like churros. Early Christian catacombs sink into the hillsides while mineral-rich pockets of water bubble up from the ocean floor.  It was in this Star Wars-eque landscape that the Venus De Milo was discovered. The goddess of beauty now holds court at the Louvre in France, but this horse-shaped island has plenty of other beauties to admire.

Milos Island, Greece
Milos Island, Greece

Hit up Paliorema Beach, one of Milo’s 80 sandy strips. Located by Thiorihio, it’s littered with old mining wagons and gear, along with crushed shells and sulfur crystals growing along the fine, white sand. Then watch the sunset on a castle in the clouds, Panagia Thalassitra. Good eats alert: local specialties, white pumpkin bonbons and watermelon pie, will help you parti’, karamu’, and fiesta all night long.

 

Crete

Greece’s largest island is the birthplace of Zeus, the sky and thunder god, and the cradle of European civilization. Wedged between emerald hills and moody villages, Mount Ida is home to the cave where Zeus was born.  Crete’s highest mountain, its summit has no water or trees.  Luckily, you can take refuge in stone shepherds’ huts or at Timios Stavros chapel, a Catholic church tucked inside of a limestone cave.

Crete, Greece
Crete, Greece

Want to examine galaxies far, far away? Visit The University of Crete’s Skinakas Observatory. Peel back the layers of history. Make a pit stop at Knossos Palace, the center of Minoan civilization. Dating back to the Bronze Age, it has winding hallways and rooms of various sizes.  It’s actually more like a maze than a castle. Apart from its rich historical tapestry, Crete is the perfect place to unwind. Kneed your toes in its pink sand, listen to local musicians play the lyre, and kick back a shot of fiery raki — paired with local honey-flavored cheese, of course.

 

Santorini

Santorini is like an artist’s palette. The crescent-shaped islands’ white buildings are topped with sapphire semi-circles.  Candy-colored houses carved into cliffs pop against the black sand. Santorini is an active volcano slumbering in the middle of the Aegean Sea. (Though, the last eruption happened 3,600 years ago.)

View of Aegean Sea from Santorini, Greece
View of Aegean Sea from Santorini, Greece

History buffs, it’s also most likely the origin of the Atlantis myth.  However, you won’t get swept away by the waves in Santorini.  It’s not really a beachside vacation spot.  Aside from the cities of Fira and Oia, it’s mainly scrub and sand.  So, consider sitting poolside with a cup Vinsanto and a plate of white eggplant parmigiana while watching the sun dip into the sea, turning it pink while brightening the black cliffs.

*Featured image: Santorini, Greece

 

Chios

A 45-minute flight from Athens, Greece, Chios is an ideal beach escape for the European Wanderluster. The birthplace of Homer, it’s a maze of tightly-spaced houses, narrow streets, and Medieval arches. Stroll through Pyrgi, and marvel at its geometric graffiti. Visit Nea Moni, a UNESCO world heritage site, and see the collection of human skulls from the 1822 Chios’ Massacre.

Windmills of Chios Island, Greece
Windmills of Chios Island, Greece

Board replicas of steamboats and sailing ships at The Maritime Museum. Book lovers, turn pages at one of the largest libraries in Greece — The Korais Library. Built in the late 18th century, it holds over 13,000 books. Foodie?  Greeking-up your flavor palettes with Mastic or “Arabic Gum”.  The pine-flavored resin has an herbal aroma and adds a power punch to confections and liquors like mastiha.

 

Patmos

With volcanic soil, towering cliffs, and lace-like coastlines, Patmos is for beach lovers.  Windsurf, sail, paraglide, or canoe on Kambos Beach’s shallow waters, or enjoy some R&R at Agrio Livadi Beach. Cha-ching: it’s fully-equipped with sun beds, umbrellas, snacks, and drinks. Dubbed “The Jerusalem of the Aegean”, Patmos, the island where Rome exiled its criminals, is also a popular pilgrimage site. It’s the place where John the Apostle survived being boiled alive in a vat of oil by Emperor Domitian.

Alleys of Patmos Island, Greece
Alleys of Patmos Island, Greece

This desolate landscape is also where he penned Revelation: an apocalyptic book filled with bizarre creatures and mystifying symbols. Stand in the place where “the son of thunder” had his visions of fire and brimstone, the Cave of the Apocalypse, or visit the Monastery of St. John. Constructed in the 11th century, it’s made up of 10 chapels and 99 cells.  The dark-hued fortress, however, holds a variety of treasures: 6th-century Coptic textiles, a 15th-century Arabic police baton, and even an Egyptian bust of Dionysus, the Greek god of wine and ecstasy.

A Coastal Paradise in Southern Maine

Maine. Simply, the word conjures feelings of tranquility and images of charming fishing villages, deep blue waters, and plates of fresh seafood. But while the northeastern-most U.S. state is the ultimate summer hotspot, you can still find a coastal paradise in Maine during the off season with less crowds and plenty to do.

Make York in Southern Maine your destination and prepare to spend a weekend falling in love with the town’s tiny villages, hiking through forests, and, of course, eating seafood.

 

Cliff House

Nestled atop Bald Head Cliff, Cliff House is the epitome of New England cool.

Fireplace Seating cliff house maine
Fireplace Seating at Cliff House in Maine

The captivating hotel is an ideal base for exploring the area in any month. During the cooler months, you can sit by the hotel’s many fireplaces, while during the warmer months the 70 acres that surround the hotel beckon, as does Cliff House’s lobster shack with, yes, lobster rolls. Between the spa, the spacious yet cozy rooms, and activities, that include tennis, hiking, kayaking, and more, it can be hard to actually leave the hotel and its grounds to explore the rest of the area.

*Featured image courtesy of Cliff House

 

Mount Agamenticus

Trail bridge [at] Mount Agamenticus
Trail bridge [at] Mount Agamenticus | Photo: nwriggs on Flickr (CC BY-ND 2.0)
Rejoice, outdoor lovers – Maine was made for you. Head to Mount Agamenticus, a 30,000 acre region, home to the largest remaining area of underdeveloped forests in coastal New England. Trails of various distances and difficulty levels allow visitors to explore Maine’s plants and animals and simply escape from busy lives for a few hours.

 

Nubble Lighthouse

nubble lighthouse maine
Nubble Lighthouse, Maine

No trip to Maine is complete without at least one lighthouse sighting. Spend a few hours exploring  Nubble Light.  Built in 1879, you can visit the historic lighthouse year-round, although the visitors center and gift shop is open April through October. For a view of the lighthouse by sea sign up for one of the tours of Maine’s coast offered out of Perkins Cove and sit back and take in the breaktaking scenery.

 

Stonewall Kitchen Cooking School

If you can’t make it through a homemade brunch without reaching for one of Stonewall Kitchen’s delicious jams, syrups, or baking mixes, a trip to this part of Maine should include learning from the masters themselves at the Stonewall Kitchen Cooking School. You can reserve a class online up to 90 days in advance and there are seasonal classes, such as spring brunch or wintertime soups, as well as classes for different skill sets.

 

Shop, Shop, Shop throughout Southern Maine

Perkins Cove, Maine
Perkins Cove, Maine

York County is a shopper’s paradise and even those that would always rather be hiking should plan at least an afternoon window shopping. Bargain hunters should head to the Kittery Outlets where more than 120 stores offer deals of up to 60 percent off on designer goods, while lovers of quaint main-streets should go to Ogunquit’s Perkins Cove. The historic little village was once home to much of the county’s shipping and fishing industries but today is a destination unto itself for its historic streets, boutiques of local, handcrafted goods, and access to charter ships for whale watching and deep-sea and lobster fishing.

 

Museums

Dig into the history of Maine with a visit to some of the nearby museums. The Ogunquit Museum of American Art has a permanent collection of nearly 1,600 works including paintings, sculptures, and more from the Ogunquit arts colony whose artists include Edward Betters, Charles Woodbury, and Robert Laurent. If art isn’t your thing, the world’s oldest and largest museum of public transportation vehicles happens to be in Kennebunkport, Maine. The Seashore Trolley Museum holds more than 250 vehicles including 10 trolley and railroad cars.

 

Road Trip Your Way Through Ireland

It’s hard to resist Ireland. Between the lush green landscape, the friendly people, the history, the brews and spirits, and the music, it’s easy to be drawn into the island in the North Atlantic. And as of the luck of the Irish would have it, it’s a country that is easy to explore and made for road tripping.

While you could spend all your time in one of the major cities using public transportation, you’d be missing out on the best the country has to offer. Think breathtaking cliffs, sheep farms doubling as bed and breakfasts, 12th century castles, and more. Keeping your itinerary loose enough to allow for time to wander, the easiest way to see many of Ireland’s top sights is with a road trip through Southern Ireland. Plan to go in the spring or fall to avoid peak fares but remember to pack a raincoat and get an international driver’s license.

 

Galway

Dunguaire Castle, Kinvara, Ireland
Dunguaire Castle, Kinvara, Ireland

Fly into Shannon, pick up your car rental and hit the road. Drive through rolling green hills and little towns as you make your way to Galway, one of Ireland’s most popular cities and most charming. Plan to spend a couple of days here taking in the many sights like the Spanish Arch, which dates back to pre-medieval times, the medieval Kirwan’s Lane, which includes architecture dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries and now is home to many pubs and restaurants where you can indulge in the food and listen to music, and Quay Street, home to shopping, restaurants, pubs, and nightlife. Slightly further afield is Connemara National Park offering views of the Bay of Galway and Menlo Castle, a ruin of a 16th century castle with beautiful surrounding scenery.

 

Cliffs of Moher

cliffs of moher ireland
Cliffs of Moher, Ireland

After a night or two in Galway, travel south to the Cliffs of Moher. The stunning green cliffs rise up from the sea, often shrouded in fog, giving an end of the world experience. Walk along the paved pathways near the cliff’s edge, take in the many sea birds, marvel at the surfers down below and find a local to share some of the legends of mermaids, witches and monsters the Cliffs of Moher have inspired.

 

Limerick, Ireland’s first City of Culture

Dromore Castle, Limerick, Ireland
Dromore Castle, Limerick, Ireland

After breaking away from the mesmerizing heights of the Cliffs of Moher, plan to spend at least a night in Limerick, leaving room for more time if you want to explore more of the medieval town. Sign up to do a food tour from cookbook author Val O’Connor. The tour will give you an overview of the town while indulging in eats that include everything from pizza to oysters to herring. After the food tour, take in some of Limerick’s most well-known sights, including the 13th-century King John Castle, or the medieval-era St. Mary’s Cathedral.

 

Dingle

Dingle, Ireland
Dingle, Ireland

For proof Ireland has the whole charm thing down, look no further than the Dingle Peninsula. Quaint and adorable are the words that come to mind as you drive through. You’ll pass several towns along the way but plan to spend most of your time in the capital of the peninsula, the little fishing town of Dingle. Wander up and down the streets stopping in the shops and enjoying a Guinness at the pubs.

(*Featured image is of Dingle, Ireland.)

 

Cork

Blarney Castle, Cork, Ireland
Blarney Castle, Cork, Ireland

End your road trip in County Cork, where the county is truly your oyster. If you want a bustling, youthful city full of artisan coffee bars and restaurants you’ll find it in the city of Cork. For more history and legend, head just outside the city limits to the Blarney Stone. For more food, head to the English Market, a covered 18-century era food market where you can meet some of Ireland’s farmers. And further afield there are more parks to hike and castles to see.

The Silk Road’s Rainbow Mountains

The remote foothills of the Qilian Mountains in China’s Gansu Province yield an implausible display of kaleidoscopic sandstone structures developed more than 24 million years ago. Gansu Zhangye National Geopark, located in the old northwestern city of Zhangye, is home to what’s known as Danxia formations — eroded amber-colored mountains encircled by serpentine cliffs taking shape as early as the Cretaceous Period. The 124-square-miles of public land were not formally designated as a national park until 2016, although it has been a national gem for decades, even placing in the country’s sixth most beautiful places by Chinese National Geography Magazine in 2009. Colloquially known as China’s “rainbow hills,” Zhangye’s most popular polychromatic attraction shepherds foreign visitors to three particular areas of the Danxia formations: Linze Danxia, Binggou, and Sunan Danxia Scenic Areas.

Linze Danxia Scenic Area is considered the most visited, and safest, for travelers unfamiliar with the area. Located 19 miles west of downtown Zhangye, it’s the easiest way to appreciate the mountains. The region offers a shuttle service, convenient boardwalks, and ample viewing platforms each offering its own perspective on the park. There are affordable busses to take you from the city to the park’s edge.

china rainbow mountains

Another scenic area in the rainbow hills region, Binggou, is located 28 miles from Zhangye and offers visitors sharp elevation changes and canyon-like landscape not offered in Linze. Also known as Ice Valley, the elevation ranges from 5,000 to 8,200 feet above sea level during your journey. The captivating assortment of shapes and sizes of these structures, which some say resemble Buddha, will leave you in awe. The trip is a bit more challenging than the well-travelled areas of the park, but the views are gratifying. Visitors have the option of utilizing a sightseeing bus to the Xiaoxitian and Daxitian regions of Binggou. Both stops offer travelers access to viewing platforms for spectacular views and photo opportunities.

Sunan Danxia Scenic Area, located south of Linze, is the least travelled region of the park, and, therefore, less developed. There are no sightseeing busses cruising through Sunan, although you can drive a personal vehicle through the crimson hills. Be alert of incomplete and knobby roadways during this particular trip as well. While it’s off the beaten path, it offers larger, more dynamic, and striking landscapes to those who brave the isolation.

china rainbow mountains

Peak season at the park is from June to September, and ticket prices vary with attraction. When visiting the geopark, it’s likely you’d stay in Zhangye, and when you’re not admiring the marble hills, spend time in a city rich with cultural and historical significance. Zhangye is one of western China’s most paramount settlements. Resting along the helm of the silk road, the city features architectural anomalies such as the Great Buddha, Muta, and Dafo Temples. History and anthropology buffs should check out the Blackwater State site and ancient Han Dynasty tombs. These relics of a long-departed dynasty are constantly under threat of decimation thanks to weather and human influence. The site even features remnants of forgotten castles on both sides of Han Tombs Complex.

Azores: Europe’s Hidden Gem

Far off Portugal’s coast, roughly a third of the way to Boston lies a collection of islands that mesmerize. Called the Azores, the nine volcanic islands that stretch 250 miles east to west make up an autonomous region of Portugal that for decades was Europe’s hidden gem. That’s slowly changing as more and more people discover the archipelago of lush greenery, dotted with quaint historic towns surrounded by waters ripe with fish.

Settled two centuries ago the islands have emerged as leaders in sustainability and paradise for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and even culinary tourists.  You’re going to want to visit the Azores before even more people unearth their charms.

 

What to do

All nine islands have their own vibe and while you probably won’t be able to visit all of them in one trip, part of the beauty of Azores is being able to create a tailor-made trip based on your interests.

 

São Miguel

Start your Azores adventure on São Miguel, the largest of the islands. Even those seeking nothing but nature should spend at least an afternoon in the capital of Ponta Delgada. Wander the streets, browsing menus until you find a tapas restaurant where you want to indulge. You can’t pick wrong. There are also art galleries to explore and live music in the evenings.  Agri tourists will want to visit the tea plantation in the town of Ribeira Grande. It’s the only tea plantation in Europe and the two nearby tea factories, Chá Porto Formoso and Chá Gorreana,  offer tours and tastings. Adventure seekers should head to the Parque Natural da Ribeirados Caldeiroes where you can explore the hiking trails and marvel at the waterfalls. You can even rent some of the small houses in the park. Before venturing off São Miguel soothe any lingering plane travel aches at the hot springs of Terra Nostra Botanic Gardens.

Sao Miguel. Tea Plantations. Credit Associação Turismo dos Açores
Sao Miguel. Tea Plantations | Photo: Associação Turismo dos Açores

 

Terceira

Moving from southern island of São Miguel to the central islands, history lovers will want to spend at least one day on the small but charming Terceira. It’s main town, Angra do Heroísmo is the oldest on the Azores and Unesco World Heritage Center.

 Terceira.-Tipical-Houses-in-Terceira-Island.-Credit-Associação-Turismo-dos-Açores
Tipical Houses in Terceira Island | Photo: Associação Turismo dos Açores

 

Faial

If you make it to the Azores March through October, on another one of the central islands, Faila, you’ll find some of the best whale watching and water sports.

Faial. Humpback tail Credit. Hans van Klinken:Associação Turismo dos Açores – Convention and Visitors Bureau
Faial. Humpback tail | Photo: Hans van Klinken, Associação Turismo dos Açores

 

Flores

Moving to the western islands, Flores has to be seen to be believed. With less than 4,000 residents, Flores is a quiet retreat where in the spring blue and pink hydrangeas seem to bloom everywhere.  Along with the islands of Corvo and Graciosa, it is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.

 

Where to stay

Places to rest your head at night abound in the Azores. Create your own itinerary while island hopping and you’ll find hostels in most of the towns, B&Bs in the countryside, and locals renting out homes or rooms through AirBnB and other services.  On the larger islands there are also many hotels. On São Miguel try Hotel Talisman or Quinta do Mar; on Pico, Baía da Barca; on Terceira,  Quinta do Martelo. Keep in mind that on some of the islands, accommodations are limited, especially in the busier months, so no matter your preference you should make reservations in advance.

Where to Stay. Flores - Aldeia da Cuada. Credit Credit Associação Turismo dos Açoresjpg
Flores. Hydrangeas | Photo: Turismo Açores

 

How to get there and when to go

Depending on where you’re based, getting to the Azores is either a snap or it’s own form of adventure. SATA airlines operates direct flights daily from Boston, as does TAP Air Portugal from London. While flights from Boston are only 4 and half hours, at upwards of $700 roundtrip they are pricey and no matter where you’re coming from you’ll want to give yourself at least a week on the islands. One you’ve arrived, travel between the islands can be its own challenge. SATA operates flights between the islands but the schedule is sporadic at best. There are also ferries between the islands. Remember you’re on vacation with (ideally) plenty of time; all the best places are often difficult to get to and the travel will be more than worth it.

For the best weather plan a trip between April and October as the rest of the year can be rainy. April and May will offer cheaper hotel and tour rates with decent weather.

The Top U.S. Destinations for Foodies Right Now

You can learn a lot about a place from its food. From thin crust to deep dish pizza to breakfasts of shrimp and grits to avocado toast, food helps define small towns, big cities and everywhere in between. It’s the soul of a place.

Whether you’re planning a winter getaway, a summer road trip or simply looking to daydream for a few hours there’s a food destination for you. Here are 9 U.S. destinations food lovers shouldn’t miss. Happy eating.

 

Asheville, North Carolina

Warning. You may never want to leave Ashville after visiting. Tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains, the small city is surrounded by farms, craft brewer, and all types of artisans. For brews, head straight to Wicked Weed Brewing for their selection of sour beers. After quenching your thirst, choose from a plethora of restaurants offering a range of cuisines. For classic barbecue, dine where former President Obama did at 12 Bones Smokehouse, or to really take advantage all of the local ingredients around the city, go to Rhubarb, a restaurant run by former Blackberry Farm chef John Flour.

Rhubarb Nuts Asheville, NC
Image courtesy of Rhubarb

 

Chicago, Illinois

The Windy City has been inventing and perfecting classic American dishes for decades. Yes, there’s deep dish pizza, and you should get it at Pequod’s Pizza, but this is the city where fat rice came from and jibaritos: created by Puerto Rican immigrants, the sandwiches feature fried plantains replacing bread. And, while not invented in Chicago, the churros and chocolate at Rick Bayless’s XOCO are among the best anywhere in the world. In between meals take a selfie with the Bean or do some shopping along the Magnificent Mile, the city’s answer to Rodeo Drive.

Ahogada torta
Ahogada Torta at XOCO – Golden pork carnitas, black beans, tomato-arbol chile broth

Healdsburg, California

Wine lovers already know Healdsburg as a must-visit destination. One of the smaller towns in Sonoma’s wine country, Healdsburg is utterly charming. Vineyards tucked into hills surround the historic town and quaint shops make for a perfect weekend of window shopping. In the past few years more and more chefs have opened places in Healdsburg, expertly pairing dishes with local wines and putting Healdsburg on the food map. Try newly opened Single Thread Farms for a classic Northern California experience, or head to Dry Creek Kitchen for everything from diver scallops to mouthwatering steak.

Single Thread Farms food
Image courtesy of Single Thread Farms

 

Los Angeles, California

Sorry, Chicago and New York, but glitzy LA is the current center of the U.S. food universe. Chefs come to LA to experiment, hoping to create the type of dishes the rest of the country will soon be standing in line for, and trendy eaters know to visit the city so they can say they ate it first.  After all, LA’s Sqirl was basically the inventor of avocado toast. Currently on trend are vegetables as mains at P.Y.T., Taiwanese soul food at Little Fatty, and you can never go wrong with seasonally-inspired Manuela in the arts district.  No matter the meal or restaurant of choice, dining in LA has a slow-paced feel. Savoring your meal while people watching is expected.

Beef Noodle Soup little fatty los angeles
Beef Noodle Soup at Little Fatty

 

Mystic, Connecticut

Tucked off Interstate 95, between New York City and Boston this old whaling village’s claim to food fame is pizza, but Mystic is about so much more than pizza. In the past few years chefs, bakers and farmers have opened every imaginable type of eatery from award-winning farm-to-sea restaurants like the Oyster Club, to tiny French bakeries such as SIFT, to  classic burger joints like the Engine Room. You could spend an entire weekend just eating here and none of it would be pizza.

sift bake shop mystic CT
Image courtesy of Sift Bake Shop

 

New Orleans, Louisiana

You go to New Orleans for the music, the art, the history, and the party of the French Quarter. But above all you go to New Orleans to eat. Chargrilled oysters, beignets, Po’Boys, and cocktails. It would be easy to schedule your trip around meal times, but keep your New Orleans to-do list short. This is an in-the-moment type of place. Have gumbo at Commander’s Palace, lunch at Antonine’s, the country’s oldest continuously operating restaurant which created many of the dishes we call American classics today, including Oysters Rockefeller, and of course beignets and cafe au lait at Cafe du Monde.  But then walk the streets, take it all in, and, as corny as it may sound, let the city move you.

 

New York, New York

No list of destinations for food lovers would be complete without New York. The city that never sleeps is the ultimate food getaway. New York’s diverse population means that within a few city blocks there are more types of cuisine than anywhere else in the world. You can have a fancy French meal at Jean Georges then take a walking tour of the city’s food carts. Whether you want Italian, classic American, or Northern Thailand there are endless options in New York and, thanks to urban farms, more and more  dishes served are being made from local ingredients.

 

Port Townsend, Washington

Roughly two-hours from Seattle, this coastal seaside village is high on charm and low on crowds. It’s an ideal day-trip or weekend getaway.  Historic Victorian mansions dot the town, many of which have been converted into B&Bs, restaurants, and shops. Nearby farms and vineyards mean much of the of food and drink are local. You’ll find a focus on seafood; try Doc’s Marina Cafe and don’t miss the lemon ricotta pancakes at Sweet Laurette Cafe.

*Featured image: Braised Pork Belly at Little Fatty in Los Angeles, CA

Detroit Foodie: Eat Your Way Through Metropolitan Motown

Detroit’s local economy is making an impressive recovery thanks to thousands of millennials and entrepreneurs bringing business back to the region. While the city’s music scene continues to flourish more than a century in the making (think Motown, Techno, and Hip Hop), much of its cultural core had been gutted before officials filed for Chapter 9 bankruptcy in 2013. Following years of political greed, debt, and recession, the infamous city loyalists are finally seeing the fruits of their labor — figuratively and literally. The city’s burgeoning food milieu only serves to attract more foodies. Affordable startup costs and low rent foster safe business environments for natives and tourists alike. The suburbs are benefiting too. Metro Detroit’s food industry is alive and well, and many local chefs are fashioning Detroit-style dishes, notably deep-dish pizza. Whether you’re on the prowl for a genuine experience, or a proper mimosa, check out these new, locally owned eateries from breakfast to dessert. Don’t forget to appreciate some local art while you’re at it.

 

Pop’s For Italian

Ferndale

Must-Try: Breakfast Pizza

Pops pizzeria detroit

Pop’s socially conscious approach to lunch and dinner makes it an inviting choice for friendly games of catch-up. Inspired by big family meals, the large tables and expansive menu options are refreshing. Pop’s is a family-owned restaurant with rustic decor and warm staff members. The menu includes Neapolitan pizza, pastas, meats, and wines. The restaurant’s owners boast about taking the “snootiness” out of wine with their 32-bottle Wine Preservation system, easing the burden on amateur wine drinkers. At the heart of Pop’s is a fully stocked wine bar with the possibility of a Sunday afternoon mimosa with friends. Stop by for a new-age aesthetic with and old-world hospitality.

Pops pizzeria detroit

 

Atomic Coffee

Royal Oak

Must-Try: Lavender Latte

Atomic coffee detroit

Sightseeing in Detroit’s metropolis is an exhausting measure given its 1,300 square miles of museums, recreation, restaurants, and architecture. While you’re out, grab a double shot of espresso from Atomic Coffee, a Royal Oak-based cafe featuring a variety of specially-brewed beverages. Its cozy, well-lit dining room is a temporary home to active college students studying between classes. If you’re going this winter, you’ll be grateful for its charming atmosphere — and fireplace.

Atomic coffee detroit

Drought

Four locations throughout Detroit

Must:Try: Green #1

Drought detroit

Drought is owned by four Detroit sisters who believe in the power of juicing. Drought juice is made from organic, raw ingredients and contains no preservatives, meaning it must be consumed within three days. Each location has a collection of original recipes that are meant to cleanse and replenish. Drought’s minimalistic storefront makes shopping easy and fun, with nothing but a few shelves and coolers in the entire establishment. The juice is on the pricier side at $11 for 16 oz, but the trendy reusable glass bottles are almost worth the price.

Drought detroit

 

Buddy’s Pizza

11 locations throughout metro Detroit

Must-Try: DIA

Buddys pizza detroit

Buddy’s introduced the Detroit‘s Original Sicilian Style Square Pizza in 1946, a style that even New Yorkers now take for granted. Since then, one of Detroit’s oldest and most beloved pizza institutions has grown substantially, offering a diverse menu to please anyone. Buddy’s flakey, buttery deep-dish crust will satiate an appetite of any size.

Buddys pizza detroit

 

Brownie Gourmet

Royal Oak

Must-Try: Red Velvet Macaroon

Brownie detroit

Satisfy your sweet tooth with a trip to Brownie Gourmet, a local pastry and dessert shop offering a number of all-natural brownie recipes and flavors. Flavors include Salted Caramel, S’Mores, Chocolate Chip Walnut, and Peanut Butter Cup. Other desserts include ice cream and macaroons. Share a warm classic recipe with a friend, or keep one for yourself after a long day of traveling.

Brownie detroit