Vacation Ideas
The world is your oyster when it comes to vacation destination possibilities. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway with your significant other, a trip with friends, or a family vacation, there is a perfect destination for you. And, with so many amazing places to see, the hardest part might be narrowing down your choices! If you are dreaming of a luxury beach vacation, there are plenty of amazing places to choose from. If you would prefer to explore an iconic city, there are many options for that as well. No matter what your vacation dreams are, there is a perfect place for you to make them come true. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s plan your dream vacation today!
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Aim High in Austria
This winter wonderland is a skier’s paradise. From the six summits of the Königstour (King’s Tour) in Maria Alm, Dienten, and Mühlbach to the 12 Peaks Trophy route from St. Johann im Pongau to Zauchensee, there’s no shortage of soft, white powder or sensational scenery. Don’t ski? No worries. There’s plenty of other activities for outdoor enthusiasts, starting with the Stairway to Nothingness — a 328-foot suspension bridge perched more than 1,300 feet above the Dachstein massif that leads 14 steps down to a clear glass platform jutting off the cliff.
Whether you’re a skier perfecting your glides or a snowboarder hoping for freshly fallen snow, you’ll find everything you need on the Austrian slopes. Tour the salt mine in Berchtesgaden and trek with llamas through the PillerseeTal (Pillersee Valley). In Tirol, climb to the top of a toboggan run in a cable car and whiz down on a wooden sled. Navigate a Segway or fat bike (with oversize tires up to 4 inches wide) through the snow or go for a picturesque hike in Stubaital (Stubai Valley).
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Swim With the Stingrays on Grand Cayman
Dive into adventure on Grand Cayman. With its idiosyncratic coral, diverse marine life, and unfathomable drops, the island offers notable diving opportunities for all levels of expertise. Our personal favorite is the USS Kittiwake, a 251-foot-long sunken submarine classified as one of the best wreck dives in the world, according to PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors). If diving isn’t your thing, snorkeling tours to Stingray City offer a similar — albeit more shallow — underwater experience.
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Go Wild Out West in Colorado
Vail, Avon, and Beaver Creek are made for outdoor adventure, and while Vail is best known for being home to the largest ski resort in Colorado, the fun experiences on offer extend way beyond the winter ski and snowboard scene. During the summer season, witness wildflower meadows and majestic mountains on an exciting horseback ride with Vail Stables where you can choose the scenic Elk Springs, Bear Hollow, or Rocky Point Trail routes.
Listen to the soothing sounds of nature and the gentle treading of horse hooves while navigating aspen forests and enjoying endless views. Most importantly, feel that liberating sense of freedom of being in the great outdoors. Over in Beaver Creek, rent a trail bike from Epic Mountain Rentals and discover Colorado’s natural beauty on two wheels.
The majestic Gore Range frames Piney Lake — one of Colorado’s highest lakes — in all its splendor. -
Capture the Spirit of Spain
Beyond the sea and sangría, Costa del Sol and the region of Andalucía have a truly adventurous spirit at heart. Take a walk on the wild side in Málaga along the 5-mile (8 kilometers) Caminito del Rey trail. Meandering along cliffs, canyons, and valleys, and with a section of the walkway suspended 328 feet (100 meters) over a steep cliff face, this trail — believed to be the most dangerous pathway in the world prior to its restoration — is an exciting hike for adventurous souls.
Looking for another epic Mediterranean adventure? Adrenaline junkies can try out canyoning with South Coast Adventures. Your day may include a multitude of plunges into the Guadalmina River, swims through sections of the canyon, and plenty of amazing natural sightseeing — this is an exhilarating experience that you’ll certainly be talking about over that glass of sangría later in the evening.
The King Walkway (El Caminito del Rey) is built into the side of the gorge of the Gaitanes (Desfiladero de los Gaitanes) Natural Area, near the village of Ardales, Málaga Province, Andalucía, in Spain. -
Get Outdoors in Utah
Originally known as a mining boomtown, Park City, Utah, is enjoying new prosperity as an outdoor adventure capital. Located about 40 miles (64 kilometers) from Salt Lake International Airport, Park City is an accessible spot for nearly any mountain activity.
Winter brings beloved annual events to Park City, like the Sundance Film Festival in late January and the Freestyle International Ski World Cup in early February. The latter is a free event, during which you can watch elite athletes ski moguls and perform aerials on the racecourse from the 2002 Olympic Games.
Whether you love skiing, tubing, snowshoeing, hiking, or biking, Park City’s endless outdoor pursuits will keep you and your crew busy.
Skiing and Tubing
Utah is famous for skiing, and its slogan, “The Greatest Snow on Earth,” refers to its legendary powder — with snow dumps of 12 inches (30.5 centimeters) or more often falling in 24 hours. Park City’s slopes offer incredible runs for skiers of every ability level. The city boasts two large ski resorts, so there’s plenty of space to spread out across the mountains.
If you’d rather slide than ski, head to one of Park City’s tubing hills, where you’ll find multiple lanes with varying levels of high-speed thrills. Instead of climbing to the top of the hill, sit on your tube and get towed so you can ride down again and again and again.
No matter the season, you can savor a walk in the woods on Park City’s beloved hiking trails. Flat paths through town provide an easy hiking and snowshoeing introduction, or you can challenge yourself on big mountain climbs with unreal peak views. Try Armstrong Trail for a summer stroll or take a winter walk in Daly Canyon to learn about Park City’s mining history.
Biking and Fat Biking
Park City is known for mountain biking, but pedaling doesn’t have to pause when the snow falls. You can rent a fat tire bike and ride easy routes like the Historic Rail Trail or Round Valley all winter long. Bonus: This terrain is just as fun to ride when the snow melts. If you’re new to mountain biking and want to learn the basics, you can take lessons from outfitters in town.
Want to venture beyond Park City? Head toward Little Cottonwood Canyon to explore iconic Snowbird Ski Resort. Located about 40 miles (64 kilometers) from Park City, Snowbird offers incredible winter skiing plus summer hiking and biking. The resort’s family-friendly mountain coaster and alpine slides are popular during the summer.
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Explore the Outdoors in the Poconos
From white-water rafting to hiking and waterskiing, the Poconos offer endless outdoor activities. You can get close to the swirling action at Bushkill Falls, known as the Niagara of Pennsylvania, by traversing a series of wooden trails to view its eight cascades. For an easy stroll, follow the Green Trail that leads to an observation deck overlooking the Main Falls. Or for a more challenging hike, meander along the nearly-2-mile-long (3.2 kilometers) Red Trail and see all eight waterfalls, including Bridal Veil Falls and the Lower Gorge Falls. There is also a snack shop on-site and a fudge kitchen serving ice cream, where you can refuel with post-hike sweet treats.
About 30 minutes away by car is the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, a 70,000-acre (28,000 hectares) paradise perfect for hiking, biking, swimming, and fishing. Take a dip in the cool waters and enjoy a wild swim at one of three designated swimming beaches: Milford Beach, Smithfield Beach, or Turtle Beach. Or glide along the water — in a kayak, canoe, raft, or tube — and view the tranquil landscapes from afar. There are numerous outfitters operating within the area that provide paddle rentals.
Head west 40 minutes to pristine Lake Harmony, where you can sample water activities such as wakeboarding, waterskiing, and kayaking on the 2.5-mile-long (4 kilometers) natural glacial lake. And once the weather cools down, the area’s outdoor playgrounds transform to host all the requisite winter pursuits, including skiing and snowboarding, ice-skating, and snow tubing. There are guided dog-sledding tours, too, during which you can meet lovable huskies and learn to mush under the guidance of trained experts. For outdoor adventures that are suitable year-round, discover the Kidder Hike & Bike Trail, which connects downtown Lake Harmony and Big Boulder Lake, or explore the hiking trails at the Austin T. Blakeslee Natural Area — a stunning 130-acre (50 hectares) nature preserve.
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The Adventurous Side of Williamsburg
The historical treasures of Williamsburg, Virginia, are undeniable, but the region also offers access to pristine nature areas where you can enjoy some outdoor adventure during your stay.
Hike, Bike, and Paddle
The James River is a gateway to all sorts of activities. Head to James City County Marina for a 10-mile kayak trail around Jamestown Island, home of the first successful English settlement in North America, dating to 1607. Prior to the English, the Powhatan used the island for hunting grounds due to the plentiful animal life. Today, the best chance for spotting wildlife, including majestic bald eagles, is with an early morning departure. If you’re not feeling the paddle, you can pedal, with bike rentals available in the park. Choose a 3- or 5-mile one-way loop along a cycle-friendly lane to enjoy similar views to what the early settlers might have witnessed.
Across the peninsula, York River State Park offers more than 40 miles of trails with varying degrees of difficulty for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The park on the York River is a Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, preserving its natural waterfront environment. The park also offers salt- and freshwater fishing spots and a boat ramp to get further into the river.
Meanwhile, the popular 52-mile paved Virginia Capital Trail that runs between Richmond and Jamestown is frequented by hikers, cyclists, and runners. Mile Zero is at the Jamestown Settlement park, and the trail passes through natural areas and historic plantation homes all the way to Richmond.
Wilder Rides
Nearby Busch Gardens offers all the familiar theme park attractions with a European feel. The Loch Ness Monster, the park’s classic roller coaster, got a full restoration in 2024, ensuring the double-loop will continue to thrill for years to come.
Another fan favorite, The Big Bad Wolf, was retired in 2009, but its successor will be unveiled in 2025. The Big Bad Wolf: The Wolf’s Revenge is a family-friendly inverted roller coaster that will bring the total number of roller coasters at the park to ten.
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Island Adventures in Thailand
Beyond the dazzling beaches, Thailand’s largest island, Phuket, is home to lush rainforests, mountainous landscapes, an incredible array of wildlife, and more than 30 wats (temples). That’s the thing about Phuket: nature and culture harmoniously coexist here. And you can easily experience the majestic landscapes and natural beauty during an adventurous day out — and discover its iconic neighboring islands, too.
Into the Jungle
Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, located on the northeastern side of the island and spanning 30 acres of lush jungle, provides visitors with unique insight into the lives of rescued elephants. Wander along Thailand’s longest canopy walkway, which traverses through the jungle above the roaming gentle giants. You’ll also get the opportunity to feed some of the elephants their favorite daily snacks, such as a basket of bananas, watermelon, and cucumbers. Tour guides are on hand to share the individual stories of each elephant. For those seeking a different type of treetop excursion, Jungle Xtreme Adventure Zipline Park, in the southern part of the island, offers a fun outing. With three routes catering to various skill levels, visitors can enjoy up to 20 zip lines — and other exhilarating challenges — while being immersed in Phuket’s lush rainforest.
Beyond the Horizon
The forest-cloaked island of Phang Nga Bay, between Phuket and southern Thailand’s mainland, is best known for its stunning caves and dramatic limestone karsts. This majestic island can be explored during a day tour with Simba Sea Trips. The journey begins with an approximately 60- to 90-minute boat ride from Phuket to Phang Nga Bay, and includes a cave sighting, sea canoeing, and a visit to Ko Tapu, featured in the legendary 1974 James Bond movie, The Man With the Golden Gun. You’ll also get a glimpse into traditional Thailand on the island of Ko Yao Noi, where rice paddies and coconut plantations paint the landscape, and a slower pace of life unfurls.
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A Bit of Desert Adrenaline Around Palm Springs and Palm Desert
Long before Palm Springs and Palm Desert became the vibrant destinations they are today, this inland stretch of Southern California was little more than open land dotted with creosote bushes and framed by rugged mountains.
Change came in the 1940s, when visionaries saw potential in the desert’s wild beauty. In Palm Desert, brothers Cliff and Randall Henderson helped shape a community that blended resort living with art and nature. Nearby, Palm Springs was blossoming into a glamorous retreat for Hollywood stars — a place where midcentury design met mountain trails, hot springs, and seemingly endless views.
Today the greater Palm Springs area still embodies its own blend of culture, relaxation, and adventure.
Encounters With the Desert
One of the most memorable ways to take in the region’s beauty is from the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. The rotating tram cars glide from the Coachella Valley up the sheer cliffs of Chino Canyon, climbing more than 8,500 feet in just 10 minutes. At the top, Mount San Jacinto State Park awaits with a network of forest trails and sweeping overlooks. The Desert View Trail in particular offers a perfect primer to the mountain’s beauty, looping through fragrant pines to granite outcroppings with vistas that stretch one hundred miles away to the Salton Sea. For those who prefer to stay closer to the desert floor, a guided four-wheel-drive tour into the nearby San Andreas Fault area provides an exhilarating experience. The ride is bumpy and the air dry and sharp, but the payoff is extraordinary. The tours whisk you into narrow slot canyons, alongside palm-filled oases, and past tilted layers of sandstone. It’s part thrill ride, part natural history lesson.
More Adventures on the Horizon
As the sun sets, Palm Desert’s natural allure turns skyward. Friends of the Desert Mountains hosts star parties where telescopes reveal Saturn’s rings or the moons of a faraway planet. On select nights, family-friendly guided hikes explore easy trails by the full moonlight. Those who aren’t skittish around bugs might enjoy a nighttime scorpion walk — the short treks are made with black lights, which cause the arachnids to glow in the darkness.
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Music, Mountains, and Memorable Thrills
There are two sides to Branson. There is the razzle-dazzle side at the very heart of the city, where the booming Entertainment District endlessly delights with its world-renowned live music shows. And then there is the serene side, just beyond the city, where the natural beauty of the Ozarks unfurls. With rolling hills and more than 200 miles of meandering trails, the Ozark Mountains beckon adventurous spirits looking to explore the road less traveled.
Branson Landing’s waterfront boardwalk comes to life at night with a spectacular fountain featuring dancing water seamlessly choreographed to light and music.
The melt-in-your-mouth pancakes, with a simple dollop of sweet cream, are worth the trip alone to Billy Gail’s.
During Silver Dollar City’s Summer Celebration enjoy a variety of captivating performances such as the immersive Silver Dollar Saloon and The Rivertown Ramblers.Must-Do: Experience one of Branson’s live shows. Known as America’s Top Live Music Destination, and with more than 100 live performances to choose from, take your pick from genres such as country, gospel, pop, rock, and more. Magicians, comedians, and stunt riders also take to the stage with their dazzling (and daring) acts.
Eat: For breakfast or brunch, it’s got to be Billy Gail’s. This cozy cafe used to be a service station, and is now famous for its friendly atmosphere and generous portion sizes. Try their legendary giant pancake — as in a huge 14-inch sweet-cream flapjack — with equally indulgent flavors, such as banana pecan, blueberry lemon, or decadent double chocolate. Or, if a savory feast is more your thing, choose from the likes of the pork chop breakfast or the build-your-own breakfast burrito.
Day-Trip: Dedicate a full day to roller coaster thrills at Silver Dollar City, a 61-acre theme park with an 1880s mining town twist. With more than 40 rides, highlights include the Time Traveler — the world’s fastest, tallest, and steepest spinning roller coaster (it reaches 50 miles per hour and has a 95-foot-tall vertical loop) — and Fire in the Hole, an indoor, family-friendly coaster that whizzes through the dark.
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The Bahamas’ Beach Life
Beat the winter blues with a beach vacation to Grand Bahama Island’s largest city, where soft sand, crystal-clear waters, and warm sun are bountiful. In fact, you could choose a different beach around Freeport for each day of your weeklong itinerary and still miss a handful. Try Taino or Lucaya strands for various water activities. Insider’s tip: Smith’s Point by Taino Beach has a fish fry on Wednesday nights, and Lucaya is near an open-air marketplace with handicraft souvenirs and live entertainment at Count Basie Square.
Old Bahama Bay is a popular choice of celebrities, while Pelican Point Beach is a relaxing “off the grid” spot. Crabbing Bay, with stunning blue holes, is stellar for snorkeling. Local excursions are available. And Gold Rock Beach, part of Lucayan National Park, features a cave (Ben’s Cave) with stalactites, stalagmites, and fossilized conch shells that extends almost 9 miles underwater.
Grand Bahama Island map of featured beaches -
Explore the Beaches and Bliss of Phuket
Interestingly, most of Phuket is mountainous. But the shoreline around Thailand’s largest island does boast more than 30 beautiful beaches — Patong, Kata Noi, and Freedom among them. And there’s no better time to be there than February through late April, when temperatures are cooler, the waters of the Andaman Sea are their calmest, and sunny days are rarely interrupted by rain.
In addition to all the standard water activities, Phuket is well known for its beach bars and clubs, where people-watching and being pampered replaces bodyboarding and parasailing. Spend an afternoon indulging in the infinity pool, cabanas, and spa treatments at Catch Beach Club on Bangtao. For an exciting treat, enjoy the fire show at Pine beach bar and the music and dancing at trendy Café del Mar — both on Kamala Beach.
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Unwind in Luxury: British Columbia
For a luxurious escape that’ll have you in an “om” state of mind, visit Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, where you’ll find the largest natural mineral hot spring in Canada. Soak in the restorative waters while taking in the remarkable mountain views. But don’t stop there — visit the on-site spa for added pampering, such as manicures and pedicures and massages. And if you’re feeling sporty before or after your dip, tee off while overlooking the epic Rocky Mountains at one of the resort’s three golf courses. After your day of serenity, treat your palate to fresh flavors at From Scratch Foods or Rustica Steakhouse’s satisfying eats and extensive British Columbia–produced wine list.
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The Pitons: A Unique Point of View
A simple glimpse of the majestic Pitons, twin volcanic spires soaring about 2,500 feet above the southwestern coast of St. Lucia, can quickly become a full-on gaze. To truly appreciate the island’s iconic symbol and UNESCO World Heritage site, see it from sky high or by sea — sumptuously. St. Lucia Helicopters, one of several local operators of helicopter tours, offers 10- to 30-minute excursions for a bird’s eye view of the lush mountains, as well as other stunning sights, such as Soufrière Volcano, coral reefs, and waterfalls. Another option is to charter a private sailboat, catamaran, or yacht for a day and explore the island’s picturesque bays before savoring the Pitons at sunset from the cerulean waters of the Caribbean.
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Britain’s Great Outdoors
The Broads National Park, Britain’s largest protected wetland, in Norfolk and Suffolk, is an idyllic family-friendly attraction. Rent a boat and explore some of the sanctuary’s vast waterways, visit The Museum of the Broads, and see a Sumatran tiger, snow leopard, and mangrove snake at Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens in Great Yarmouth. Then take the family to BeWILDerwood, an adventure park with treehouses, super slides, swings, zip lines, and more.
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Family Fun in Branson
Want to win MVP of your family? Take the clan to this city in the heart of the Ozark Mountains. It’s chock-full of attractions and activities so everyone will get to pick their own personal favorite. Start your fun at 19th-century-themed amusement park Silver Dollar City®, famed in part for its enclosed steel Fire-In-The-Hole roller coaster.
Hike and bike at Table Rock State Park. Soak up history at the Titanic Museum™, where you’ll find more than 400 artifacts from the sunken luxury ocean liner. Hop aboard the Branson Scenic Railway® (The Polar Express™ Train Ride begins Nov. 3). And don’t forget that Branson is known as the Live Entertainment Capital of the World, so for a mix of food and fun, see Dolly Parton’s Stampede® dinner show.
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Soak Up the Sun — and Culture — in Rio
Referred to warmly as Cariocas, the residents of Rio de Janeiro are spirited and friendly, with a free-and-easy vibe that permeates this vibrant South American metropolis. Renowned for its beaches — especially Copacabana and Ipanema, both flanked by sidewalks bearing distinct black-and-white patterns — Rio is also famed for Carnaval, an elaborate annual festival in February or early March. But that’s simply the beginning of Rio’s cultural offerings. The Museum of Modern Art and Museum of Tomorrow provide a unique perspective on the city’s creative and science vibes, the Metropolitan Cathedral of Rio de Janeiro and Selarón Steps are striking landmarks, and you simply can’t miss Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer), the 98-foot-tall statue of Jesus with outstretched arms 92 feet wide at the 2,300-foot summit of Corcovado Mountain.
Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival is considered the world’s largest, a feast of elaborate costumes, lavish floats, and samba rhythms held every year before Lent. -
Carbonara and History in Rome
Visiting iconic metropolises like Rome can be overwhelming — the city’s oversaturation of must-dos can lead to disappointment about all the sights you didn’t get the chance to see. For a less-intimidating-but-still-bustling-city feel, cross the River Tiber to visit Trastevere. The once working-class neighborhood is now a vivacious hotspot full of history. Here, you can attain the ideal Italian itinerary of simply eating, drinking, and enjoying life. In between meals, tour fascinating places such as the “pharmacy of the popes.” Medicine was once prepared in this antica spezieria (ancient pharmacy) for convent members and visiting nobles and religious leaders. The bygone drugstore officially closed in 1954, but it’s still open for tours — and even has vials of archaic concoctions available for purchase. Our other Trastevere favorites include Janiculum Hill for spectacular Eternal City views; carbonara at Tonnarello (reservations recommended); and the heart of Trastevere, the Piazza di Santa Maria.
Trastevere, an old working-class Rome neighborhood, is characterized by cobblestone streets and colorful buildings, with restaurants, trattorias, and pizzerias.
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Romantic Bliss in Bali
If you want to earn your partner’s everlasting affection, book a trip to Bali. You can’t mess up romance here — the options for intimacy are endless on this blissful Indonesian island. Wow your significant other with a helicopter ride for stunning views of Mount Batur, an active volcano, and Uluwatu, an ancient clifftop Hindu temple. Or simply hold hands while you stroll through the magnificent marigold fields in Desa Belok.
Jimbaran Beach is the perfect spot for a sunset dinner on the sand. Or you can savor a seven-course meal at The cave by Chef Ryan Clift, a cozy restaurant set inside a natural underground cavern. Go horseback riding along the beach after a morning of luxurious pampering — Bali is regarded as one of the world’s top spa destinations — and share your aspirations at the giant kapok tree in Bayan village. Locals believe this tree is 700 years old and possesses the power to make wishes come true.
The 1,000-year-old Uluwatu Temple is renowned for its magnificent location, perched on a steep cliff 230 feet above the waves. -
Rekindle Romance in the Poconos
The Poconos was made for lovers. And while celebrating relationship milestones like anniversaries has sentimental value, why wait decades to put some quality time together on the calendar? The Poconos provides the perfect four-season setting for couples of all ages and interests looking to relax and rekindle their spark. If you’re in need of some Poconos pastimes, we recommend a trip to Mountain View Vineyard. Besides indulging in a wine tasting, the sustainable farm and eco-friendly vineyard, brewery, and distillery hosts live music and seasonal events such as goat yoga and food truck festivals. For the active or outdoorsy couple, the Poconos’ more than 250 miles of hiking trails offer time to deepen your connection with the one who matters most.
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The Best of Hilton Head, South Carolina
Get the girl group back together. Hilton Head Island is the perfect spot for spending quality time with old (but young at heart!) friends. For the Ladies Who Brunch: Catch up over outrageously garnished bloody marys at the eclectic yet dignified Porter & Pig (open seasonally). And with Outside Hilton Head outfitters, you can make high-tier memories in the Lowcountry on a guided kayak, dolphin, or electric bike tour (the Daufuskie Island History & Artisans Excursion has high marks if you can spare an entire afternoon). End your ladies’ vacay saying “cheers” on a Happy Hour Cruise offered by Salty Dog Cruise as you float down Calibogue Sound toasting to the unforgettable, good-for-the-soul time you spent together.
Hilton Head is home to 12 miles of beach, plus the island offers more than 100 miles of natural pathways and bicycle trails. -
Celebrate Friendship in Costa del Sol, Spain
Reunite with your best friends forever under the warm sun of Costa del Sol. On a day when you’re not sprawled out on beach towels or jet skiing on the Mediterranean, drive inland to La Melonera winery and vineyard to sip chardonnay with a view of Spain’s picturesque mountains. Afterward, visit Central Market Atarazanas. Although Costa del Sol is known to attract troves of tourists, the market is common ground for locals and visitors. Meander through the rows of stalls to browse unique offerings or have yourselves a tapas de force (it isn’t a trip to Costa del Sol without sampling pescaíto!).
Touring the wineries, or bodegas, in Málaga is a great day out and a chance to try some of the delicious local wines and sherries from the area.