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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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.
Seeing elephants up close is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Feel like a movie star — or a secret agent — with an excursion to see the famous James Bond Island in Phang Nga Bay.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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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.
Photo courtesy of Visit Williamsburg
Photo courtesy of Visit Williamsburg
Photo courtesy of Visit WilliamsburgWilder 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 nine.
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Water’s Edge in the Canary Islands
Tenerife, the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, offers a memorable escape for anyone longing for leisurely, sun-kissed days on the beach. With daytime temperatures ranging from the 60s to 80s year-round and striking natural landscape, the island provides just the right blend of tranquility and revelry.
Beach Time
Whether you prefer to spend your time sipping cocktails until sunset or exploring bucolic cliffside shores, Tenerife has a beach calling your name. Sun worshippers will delight in the gentle golden sands of Playa de las Teresitas, while the volcanic black beaches around Puerto de la Cruz or the light-tan beaches of La Tejita make for an even more colorful backdrop. Crowds flock to Playa del Duque for its wide beach and calm waters, so get there early for a yoga class and to claim a prime lounger and umbrella. If you enjoy more active pursuits, travel via boat to the protected waters of Los Gigantes, named for its giant cliffs, to spot dolphins and whales and, if you’re so inclined, to snorkel or scuba.
Views for Days
Teide National Park is a must-see for its rugged, geological formations. It’s also home to Spain’s highest peak, Mount Teide — soaring more than 12,000 feet. The park offers the perfect combo of easy walking paths and panoramic coastline views for those who enjoy nature walks without having to overexert themselves. For even more dramatic views of the sea, drive a series of switchbacks through the Macizo de Teno mountains to the storybook village of Masca, where you will be charmed by its white stucco and red-tile roofed buildings set amid lush vegetation.
Local Eats
For a taste of the coast, Tenerife offers a wide range of restaurants and chiringuitos (beach bars) serving fresh, local seafood and traditional Canarian dishes. Try papas arrugadas, small potatoes served with chili pepper garlic sauce at Arcón Tapas, or enjoy the freshest seafood and harbor views at Tasquita del Puerto. The island is also known for its Indigenous wine varietals, such as Malvasía Aromática (white) and Listán Negro (red), that you can sample at spots like Bodegas El Sitio while savoring Atlantic Ocean views.
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The Dreamiest of Beaches on Kaua‘i
Laid-back Kaua‘i is renowned for its jaw-dropping scenery, lush jungle interior, and sleepy surf towns, but a visit would be incomplete without serious beach time. Powdery white and southerly Po‘ipū Beach Park offers plenty of amenities — lifeguards, restrooms, and picnic tables — and something for everyone: a natural wading pool for young swimmers, bodyboarding and surf breaks for the adventurous, and the chance to spot endangered monk seals and, from December through April, migratory humpback whales. Plus, the popular Spouting Horn blowhole is just a few miles down the road. It’s definitely worth a stop to see this ocean geyser that can shoot up to 50 feet (15 meters) high.
Farther west, Polihale State Park is home to the longest beach in Hawai‘i, its golden shores spanning 17 uninterrupted miles (27 kilometers). It’s also one of Kaua‘i’s most remote stretches — accessed by an unpaved road — so it’s ideal if you’re looking for deserted island vibes. The sunsets here are incredible and you can see the northern tip of Ni‘ihau, known as the Forbidden Island, offshore. Just be sure to pack your own snacks and beverages.
Set against a dramatic mountain backdrop, Kaua‘i’s North Shore is home to a handful of must-see strands. The crescent-shaped Hanalei Beach, with its golden sand, typically calm blue water, and the 300-foot-long (90 meters) Hanalei Pier, is as picturesque as it gets. And it’s close to downtown Hanalei, where you can do a little shopping and enjoy a casual meal when you’re ready for a break from the sun. In terms of unspoiled natural settings, Hā‘ena Beach Park might rival nearby Hanalei — but it’s usually less crowded, so you’ll probably find more space for your beach towels while you splash and snorkel in the clear waters of Maniniholo Bay among vibrant tropical reef fish. And just a mile (1.6 kilometer) farther west, you’ll find Ke‘e Beach and the trailhead for the Kalalau Trail, a challenging 11-mile trek (18 kilometers), one way, along the Nāpali Coast that provides the only land access to the fabled Kalalau Beach.
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Mexico’s Pearl of the Pacific
Mexico is known for its beautiful beaches, but Mazatlán, the Pearl of the Pacific, is quite unlike most other coastal spots. It’s not a resort town that exists because of tourism, but rather a coastal city with a rich history and strong sense of self. Visitors to Mazatlán can easily immerse themselves in the local culture, while still enjoying the peacefulness of the rolling waves and the warmth of the golden sands.
Exploring Old and New
The two main districts to visit are the Centro Histórico, also called Old Mazatlán, and Zona Dorada, the Golden Zone. In Centro, colorful 19th-century architecture sits on cobblestone streets, along with landmarks that have inspired works of literature. You can explore on foot or catch a ride in a pulmonía, a high-speed golf cart or converted truck bed that serves as Mazatlán’s signature form of transportation.
In the Golden Zone, named for the glowing color of its sand, you will find a lively hub for all your favorite vacation activities, from water sports to nightlife. You’ll likely hear traditional (and loud) banda music from roaming musicians — it’s part of the destination’s charm.
Locally Sourced Dining and Shopping
Mazatlán is referred to as the Shrimp Capital of the World, so if there’s one dish to try, it should be that. Virtually every seaside establishment will have shrimp on the menu, as well as pescado zarandeado, a traditional style of grilled fish, usually red snapper. Centro Histórico is the spot for finer dining in Mazatlán. Overlooking Plazuela Machado, Casa 46 has both a robust menu and collection of antique decor dedicated to the city’s maritime history and past queens of carnival. Down the road, the tasting menu at ATOL changes on a daily basis, while Topolo is known for its tableside salsa service.
Mazatlán is brimming with souvenirs, between Centro’s Mercado Pino Suárez and the gift shops lining the Golden Zone — but for locally made crafts, head to Michael Gallery. With four locations throughout town, they offer a wide selection of pottery, ornaments, and glassware. And you can bring a piece of the beach home without violating Mexico’s rule against DIY shell collecting. Instead, you can choose from a selection of sustainably sourced shells at Sea Shell City, which also advocates for their conservation.
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World-Class Museums in the Arizona Desert
Phoenix may be best known for its sun-baked climate, luxurious spas, and world-class golf, but it’s also the home of major museums and cultural sites. During your next visit, take in these top spots to add a little anthropological enrichment:
Interval’s Top 20
Destinations for 2024Many people come to Phoenix for its Native American and Southwestern culture — and the Heard Museum is the perfect place to learn more about Indigenous artists and their work. The museum collaborates with Indigenous tribes and artists to share the stories of their people from a first-person perspective through a dozen galleries, an outdoor sculpture garden, and free guided tours (with purchase of a ticket). Not to be missed are the exhibits of woven baskets and Katsina dolls, the Hopi wood-carved figures used to teach young girls about deities. If you’re visiting in February, the museum is the site of the annual World Championship Hoop Dance Contest.
Iconic modern architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s Arizona home, Taliesin West, was his winter base from 1937 until his death in 1959. Today, the UNESCO World Heritage site and National Historic Landmark in nearby Scottsdale is open to the public for self-guided and guided tours. The home, which seamlessly blends into its desert landscape, was built and maintained by Wright and his students — making it one of his most personal buildings. Plan to reserve tickets in advance as the number of visitors each day is limited.
The Phoenix Art Museum boasts a varied collection of art and objects but is an absolute must-see for fashionistas. The museum’s fashion holdings include more than 8,000 items from the past 500 years. There’s a special emphasis on mid-century haute couture from such designers as Balenciaga, Charles James, Givenchy, and Madame Grès, as well as avant-garde pieces from the likes of Azzedine Alaïa, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Issey Miyake. The museum’s collection is sure to inspire a shopping trip to the city’s luxury malls and boutiques.
A visit to the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) offers a reminder of the power of music to bring people together. The MIM boasts a collection of more than 7,500 instruments and pieces of music memorabilia reflecting the cultures of over 200 countries. The museum is a highly interactive experience: You can look, listen, and even make your own music. MIM also presents a schedule of live concerts throughout the winter, spring, and fall.
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Sun, Splash, and Smiles on Grand Cayman
Grand Cayman is a premier family-friendly destination, offering the ideal blend of adventure, relaxation, and educational experiences for all ages. With its crystal-clear waters, soft-sand beaches, and welcoming atmosphere, it’s a fantastic spot for families eager to check fun and bonding time off their vacation to-do lists.
Soak It All In
One of the island’s most popular attractions is Stingray City, where families can feed and interact with gentle stingrays in shallow waters. And the Cayman Turtle Centre offers a chance to learn about and snorkel with the area’s captivating sea turtles.
Ready to sink your toes into powder-soft sand and cool off in gentle turquoise waters? Seven Mile Beach offers plenty for everyone in your clan to do, from catching some sunshine, swimming, and paddleboarding to building sandcastles, picnicking, and biking. Dining spots abound, from Casa 43 Mexican Kitchen & Tequila Bar to Luca, which pairs delicious Italian fare with stunning beach views. For a more secluded experience, visit tree-lined Rum Point, where you can lie in a shaded hammock and be lulled to sleep by the sound of gentle waves.
Families can further explore the island’s natural beauty through invigorating activities such as snorkeling at picturesque Coral Gardens, where you’ll be wowed by a vibrant array of tropical fish, or hiking the 2.3-mile Mastic Trail, a scenic path teeming with wildlife and boasting some of the Caribbean’s last pristine old-growth forests.
Palm trees gently sway in the breeze along Seven Mile Beach.
Cayman Turtle Centre is best known for its green sea turtle conservation.
Seven Mile Beach is home to numerous snorkeling sites, where vibrant coral reefs teem with marine life.
As well as its collection of unique Caymanian artworks, The National Gallery of the Cayman Islands also houses an art library and a sculpture garden.Curiosity Has No Age Limit
Educational fun is in store as well. The National Gallery of the Cayman Islands features art exhibits, family programs, children’s workshops, and an outdoor sculpture garden. If the kids are a little older, they’ll enjoy exploring the 18th-century Pedro St. James National Historic Site, the oldest stone structure in the Cayman Islands. They can also learn more about the area’s rich history through interactive displays at the Cayman Islands National Museum.
Whether your family is into nature, culture, water sports, or simply unwinding by the sea, Grand Cayman delivers unforgettable experiences in a magnificent setting.
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Small Town, Big Fun in British Columbia
Historic Kimberley, British Columbia, combines the rugged majesty of the Canadian Rockies with the charms of a quaint frontier settlement. Voted Best Small Town in B.C. during a competition organized by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation in 2022, Kimberley is known for its winter activities, but still offers families plenty to do year-round.
Outdoor Activities for All Ages
The largest municipal park in British Columbia, Kimberley Nature Park and the neighboring Horse Barn Valley Interpretive Forest have more than 31 miles of hiking trails, with opportunities to explore old-growth cedar and spot native wildlife. For a stroller-friendly trek, Marysville Falls offers impressive views of a cascading waterfall from an accessible wooden boardwalk.
In colder months, Kimberley transforms into a winter wonderland, with nearby slopes receiving an average of more than 10 feet of snowfall annually. The Kimberley Alpine Resort boasts 80 downhill runs for all skill levels and boasts the longest night-skiing run in North America. For cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, the Kimberley Nordic Club offers about 21 miles of groomed trails, including accessible tracks designed for Paralympic skiing.
Local History Lessons
Kimberley’s colorful history comes to life at several family friendly attractions. Hop aboard the Underground Mining Railway, a train tour that takes visitors through the scenic Mark Creek Valley and into the Sullivan Mine tunnel. A walking tour of the mine’s interpretive center provides a close-up look at equipment and tools, while a former miner shares stories of the men who worked in this once active lead and zinc mine.
Located about 25 miles east of Kimberley, the Fort Steele Heritage Town recreates life in 1898 with costumed interpreters, live demonstrations of blacksmithing and other trades, and a working general store stocked with old-fashioned candies and handcrafted goods. Kids will enjoy the Clydesdale wagon tours, while a daily schoolhouse “orientation” gives them a taste of what it was like to be in the classroom during the Gold Rush.
While both Fort Steele and the Underground Mining Railway tour close for winter, the Kimberley Heritage Museum is open year-round. Packed with historical artifacts, photographs, maps, and other documents from the town’s past, the museum features seasonally rotating exhibits, sharing Kimberley’s mining history, stories of notable residents, and a taste of daily life in days gone by.
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Boardwalkin’ Along Atlantic City
Atlantic City was the home of the first boardwalk in the country (circa 1870), and it’s just as entertaining as an urban destination today as when it first wowed guests with its beachside location and fantastic attractions (hello diving horses and the Miss America Pageant).
Today, the expansive (and free) beach still delivers summer fun, and the approximately 5-mile-long boardwalk has an ocean’s worth of diversions to offer guests year-round, with casinos, live entertainment, and amusements.
Gaming and Entertainment
A visit to Atlantic City wouldn’t be complete without trying your luck at one of the nine casinos lining the boardwalk and marina, offering everything from penny slots to high-stakes poker. You can also catch big-name performers, ranging from comedians such as Kevin Hart and Jerry Seinfeld to musical acts like Rod Stewart and Alicia Keys. In addition to major concerts, the circa 1929 Boardwalk Hall offers indoor spectator sports and other special events (it’s also the home of the largest pipe organ in the world!).
Photo courtesy of Visit Atlantic City
Photo courtesy of Visit Atlantic City
Photo courtesy of Visit Atlantic City
Photo courtesy of Visit Atlantic CityClassic Experiences
For family-friendly city fun, the boardwalk’s Steel Pier has swirling-twirling rides, including a classic carousel, a Ferris wheel with Atlantic Ocean views, and the thrilling Slingshot bungee over the beach. During cold weather, visit Island Waterpark at Showboat, one of the largest indoor water parks in the country.
To experience a beloved, local landmark, head 6 miles south of Atlantic City to the town of Margate. Here you’ll find Lucy the Elephant, a six-story-tall, more than 140-year-old, wooden structure that’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Dining Scene
Dining out is a favorite pastime in Atlantic City. Celebrity chefs — including Nobu Matsuhisa (Caesars), Gordon Ramsay (Harrah’s), and Michael Symon (Borgata) — have restaurants tucked into AC’s casino hotels. You also can’t go wrong at the iconic Knife and Fork Inn, with a century of history and high-quality seafood and steaks. Angelo’s Fairmount Tavern is another local institution; it’s been serving up red sauce Italian cuisine since 1935, while Tony’s Baltimore Grill is a local favorite to grab a pizza after a night on the town.
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Discover Bangkok’s Cultural Gems
Bangkok, known as the City of Angels, is a place of sharp contrasts. Spend the daytime exploring ancient palaces and temples (such as Wat Pho, the temple of the reclining Buddha) in the old city of Rattanakosin, and nights clinking glasses in one of Bangkok’s legendary sky bars.
For the latter, make a reservation at Octave Rooftop Lounge and Bar on the 45th to the 49th floors of Bangkok Marriott Hotel. Relax, unwind, and sip creative cocktails such as Lavender Dream (a blend of gin, lavender liqueur, butterfly pea, lime, and cream) while admiring unparalleled 360-degree cityscape views.
Back at ground level, get your shopping fix at a luxury shopping mall along upmarket Sukhumvit Road, or at a floating market in nearby Samut Songkhram province. And for your foodie fix, be sure to try authentic street food — such as pad thai (Thailand’s national dish) or a sweet dessert of mango sticky rice — at one of the local markets. You can also bring exquisite flavors to life at a local cookery school, where you’ll learn how to make classic Thai dishes like green Thai curry. Most cookery sessions include a visit to a nearby market before you create and savor delicious authentic Thai cuisine.
Embrace Bangkok’s status as a concrete jungle at Erawan Shrine, a sacred site surrounded by skyscrapers, or get some fresh air alongside hundreds of monitor lizards in Lumphini Park. And for some city culture and adventure combined, climb the serpentine steps up to the Golden Mount, a Buddhist temple set atop an artificial hill surrounded by shaded trees, and enjoy panoramic city views.
Local transportation is as diverse as the city’s attractions: Take advantage of the elevated BTS SkyTrain, underground MRT, tuktuk vehicles (auto-rickshaw), and the ferries along the Chao Phraya River. For a fun adventure, take a chartered long-tail boat and cruise along the city’s River of Kings. It’s a great way to gain a different perspective of the city — and is most serene at sunset.
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Sunsets, Serenity, and Sweet Moments in Branson
Nestled in the heart of the Ozark Mountains, Branson, Missouri, offers a romantic escape for couples craving togetherness and charm on their next vacation. Lauded for its scenic beauty and live entertainment, Branson blends small-town warmth with memorable experiences.
Connect with Nature and Each Other
Kick off your romantic sojourn with a sunset cruise on Table Rock Lake, which came in first on travellersworldwide.com’s list of the 14 Best Lakes in the U.S. in 2025. Covering more than 40,000 surface acres, the lake’s serene surroundings create an idyllic setting for connection, with birds soaring overhead and the water gently lapping you both into a state of relaxation.
Table Rock Lake winds through the Ozark Mountains, west of Branson, Missouri, into Arkansas. The human-made lake is a destination for boaters, fishermen, and scuba divers. Shop, Dine, and Pamper
Branson’s historic downtown is ideal for couples to explore hand in hand. Browse the unique items at the old-time Dick’s 5 & 10, one of the few extant nickel and dime stores left in the United States; stop by Mochas and Meows, Missouri’s first permanent cat cafe, for a hot cup of joe and the chance to pet and adopt an adorable feline; or enjoy a candlelit dinner at Chateau Grille, an elegant setting for indulging in mouthwatering dishes as the sun sets over the lake. And what better way to rejuvenate than with a couples massage at Spa O2? Complete with relaxing music and soft lighting, it’s been rated No. 1 among Branson’s top spas and wellness centers on Tripadvisor for the past nine years.
Downtown Branson provides picturesque waterfront views. Love in the Limelight
If you and your significant other appreciate arts and theater, Branson unlocks a world of fantastic opportunities. With well over 100 shows on offer — from soulful country crooners and comedy acts to dazzling theatrical performances — it’s no wonder the city has often been called the Live Entertainment Capital of the World. And no romantic retreat to Branson is complete without riding the beautifully lit Branson Ferris Wheel at night, on which you can cuddle up and take in panoramic views of the city.
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Making Memories on Maui
Maui, long established as a superb romantic island escape, more than lives up to its reputation with scenic drives, stunning beaches, and golden sunset cruises. Plus, there’s nothing like gentle island breezes and the sounds of the surf to accompany you while strolling hand in hand.
Peak Experiences
Start at the top of Maui’s tallest peak, the 10,023-foot-high Haleakalā, for a magical, pastel-colored sunrise unlike any other. Stick around to check out the otherworldly cinder cones, hike the 11-mile Keonehe’ehe’e (Sliding Sands) Trail, or spot the rare āhinahina plant (Hawaiian silversword), which is only found on Haleakala.
When you’re ready to head back down to earth, the Ali’i Kula Lavender farm awaits, with its rows of purple blooms making for a picture-perfect background. Don’t forget to browse the gift shop for every lavender product you can imagine, from soaps to teas to scones. Nearby is the locally owned MauiWine, where you can sample their expertly made pineapple wines. Or you can upgrade your experience with a private Friday tasting in the lush onsite gardens.
For a memorable beach day, make your way to Kā‘anapali Beach, where sunning, snorkeling, and surfing opportunities abound. Strolling along the Kā‘anapali Beachwalk provides stunning ocean vistas on one side and luxury hotels on the other. A romantic dinner at Merriman’s Kapalua, where sunset ocean views meet elevated farm-to-table plates, is the perfect way to cap off your day.
Road Trip to Hana
For even more couple time, plan a day-trip to the eastern side of Maui via the iconic winding road to Hana, a scenic drive filled with waterfalls, viewpoints, and beaches. Stop at the easy-to-access Twin Falls, then the Ke‘anae Peninsula for a picturesque lava rock coastline and a taste of Aunty Sandy’s famous banana bread. Don’t miss Wai‘ānapanapa State Park, home to Maui’s only black-sand stretch, Honokalani Beach.
Be sure to book a sunset cruise during your stay, too. An enchanting mix of local food, ocean views, golden glows, and even the occasional dolphin appearance ensure this romantic experience will be an evening to remember.
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Clear Water and Cool Sights at Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in North America. Straddling the state line between Nevada and California, it’s a timeless vacation destination where crystal blue waters and white sandy beaches contrast with snowcapped mountains and ski resorts. Yet some of the best months to visit are between spring and fall. So get a few friends together and experience everything Lake Tahoe has to offer during the warmer weather seasons.
Fun on the Water
Lake Tahoe has about 72 miles of shoreline, but one of the most popular spots is Sand Harbor State Park, known for its soft sand and scattered rock formations, set amid pine and cedar trees. Two launch ramps are available for boaters, and the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival stages outdoor productions here each summer.
If you’re looking to get on the water with your friends, the M.S. Dixie II is a 500-passenger vintage paddleboat that travels between Zephyr Cove and Emerald Bay and hosts a popular sunset dinner cruise. For a more chill experience, board the double-decker Tahoe Paradise yacht for a cruise featuring charcuterie and wine pairings.
Enjoy an elegant cruise experience around Lake Tahoe and soak in the majestic forest and mountain landscapes.
Seasonal tours (available by reservation only) of the Thunderbird Lodge reveal secret passageways and the estate’s famous card house.Local Sights
The history buffs in your group will want to check out Vikingsholm, a Scandinavian castle on the shore of Emerald Bay that dates back to 1928 and offers tours between June and September. Another impressive architectural stop is Thunderbird Lodge, built in the 1930s as a vacation retreat for a San Francisco socialite.
Getting around Lake Tahoe is always fun on two wheels. Rent an e-bike and marvel at the top-dollar real estate when cruising down Lakeshore Boulevard, known by locals as Billionaires Row.
If you prefer to let your own two feet do the work, the Eagle Rock and Cave Rock trailheads provide spectacular views of the lake. Or you can roam The Shops at Heavenly Village, an outdoor plaza with gondola rides to enhance the view.
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England for Everyone
The Lake District unfurls like a fine watercolor painting, with mountain peaks and vast bodies of water framed by dense forest and rolling green fields. And all this gorgeous scenery beckons you to explore with good friends.
For the best of all worlds, the area surrounding the pretty village of Lower Thurnham is a great place to start. Stroll the gardens at 17th-century Thurnham Hall or rent a boat to explore the Lancaster Canal, which runs through the village.
On and Off the Water
It’s a little less than 40 miles north to Windermere, England’s largest lake and a great spot for more adventures on the water. There are plenty of places to hire a kayak or rowboat, with a picnic lunch in tow. You can even take a Segway tour around the lake.
Brockhole on Windermere, a visitor center with everything from motorboats to paddleboards, is a must-visit. The variety is great if your group has different interests and abilities (a canoe race can be fun, if everyone’s up for it).
Back on dry land, the center also offers archery and clay shooting. Regroup (and argue over whose aim was best) with lunch by the lake at the cafe or indulge in a classic Cumbrian afternoon tea, complete with finger sandwiches, scones, and pastries at The Gaddum Kitchen. (Be sure to book in advance.)
The serious hikers in your party will relish the challenge of tackling Scafell Pike, the highest point in England at more than 3,200 feet. It’s just over 10 miles west from the top of Windermere (stop for a group selfie at Cathedral Cave, whose opening stands nearly 40 feet high). It’s not an easy climb — you’ll need decent walking boots and plenty of stamina — but the views from the top are priceless (as are the memories).
Vegas, U.K.-Style
If your group is also craving urban adventures, you’re in the right place. Blackpool, a coastal resort sometimes called Britain’s Vegas on Sea, is about 60 miles away. From the end of August to January, you can walk the 6-mile promenade to see the town’s famous Illuminations, an annual lights festival going since 1879. At South Pier (open from February to December), amp up the fun factor with thrill rides, breaking for fairground fare from candyfloss (cotton candy) to traditional fish and chips.
