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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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 paddle boards, 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, UK-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 six-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 cotton candy to traditional fish and chips.
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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 Ka’anapali Beach, where sunning, snorkeling, and surfing opportunities abound. Strolling along the Ka’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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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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St. Maarten and St. Martin’s Sandy Shores
Half Dutch and half French, the Caribbean island of St. Maarten/St. Martin has two distinct vibes with one shared attraction: beautiful beaches that offer something for everyone. The island boasts more than three dozen sandy strands, so you will likely never run out of new places to explore during your vacation. Here’s a look at some of the best-known spots:
St. Maarten (Dutch Side)
You can choose your own adventure at Mullet Bay on St. Maarten’s west coast. Catch some waves on a surfboard or boogie board, grab a meal or cocktail at the trendy Kalatua beach restaurant, or find your own quiet stretch of sand for the ultimate in relaxation.
Maho Beach is one of the more unique Caribbean beach experiences: This is where wheels-down jets heading for Princess Juliana International Airport make their final approach right over the sand, providing plenty of exciting moments to post on Instagram.
In St. Maarten’s capital city of Philipsburg, streets lined with historic buildings and local and international shops and boutiques connect to a boardwalk alongside Great Bay Beach. This pristine stretch of white sand boasts calm waters for swimming, a wealth of food and drink options, and even a casino, just moments away from the beach.
St. Martin (French Side)
On the French side of the island, Orient Bay, the so-called St. Tropez of the Caribbean, is well-known for its hedonism-leaning atmosphere, but that’s actually only one component of this sprawling beach. There’s also an abundance of outfitters offering some pretty epic kitesurfing, windsurfing, and parasailing, not to mention delicious food and beverages at nearby restaurants and bars.
It’s a bit of a trek to reach Happy Bay Beach, but once you get there, you’ll find an idyllic spot lined with coconut trees and devoid of crowds (unless you happen to be here during a week in mid-March when the SXM Festival for electronic music takes it over).
Grand Case is a former fishing village that is now known for its bustling French and Caribbean dining scene. Many of the restaurants are set right on Grand Case Beach and offer beach service so you can sample the local cuisine right from your lounge chair. Glass-bottom boat tours, dive excursions, and other water activities set off from a long dock extending from the beach into the Caribbean Sea.
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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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Alpine and Après-Ski Bliss in Québec
With its 100-plus ski trails, alpine enthusiasts of all abilities can have a great time at this picturesque Laurentian Mountain location. After hitting the slopes, amble around the delightful pedestrian village. Explore stylish boutiques offering chic winter wear or acquire a taste of Québec’s rich essence with a delectable souvenir of maple syrup. In the warmer months, listen to live music echoing off the village’s cobblestone walkways for an electric atmosphere that can’t be beat.
Should you seek a change in pace from skiing and snowboarding, go on a journey of relaxation at Scandinave Spa. Let your self-care commence in the dry sauna as you soothe sore ski muscles and reach total bliss. Next, experience a refreshing cold plunge, which is believed to stimulate the immune system and improve sleep quality as well as mental health. Bring the day to a rejuvenating close with an introspective meditation and massage.
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Outdoor Adventures in the Austrian Alps
In St. Johann im Pongau, a small town about one hour south of Salzburg, the soaring beauty of the Austrian Alps offers a panoramic backdrop for a range of all-season activities. Winter highlights are obvious and snow-centric (think skiing and snowboarding, sledding, and so on). Many ski and snowboard schools offer lessons for kids, helping your little ones to feel confident on the snow from an early age while their older brothers and sisters can refine their snow-gliding skills.
And in the warmer months, events such as St. Johann Kids’ Week can provide family fun that includes fairy tales in the city park, activities at Geisterberg Ghost Mountain, and even a children’s concert by the Salzburg Philharmonic orchestra. For a memorable family adventure, check out Liechtensteinklamm, an awe-inspiring gorge several kilometers south of St. Johann im Pongau. To reach the waterfall, follow the family-friendly trail that weaves through tunnels and over bridges while listening to the thundering sound of water as it plunges from the ravine in the distance. It’s a wonderful way for the kids to witness the dramatic beauty and magnificence of Mother Nature.
Less than an hour’s drive east, the medieval village of Schladming has four interlinked mountains to explore and plenty of family-friendly ways to stay active together. For the smallest children, there’s the stroller-friendly Fairytale Trail, while bigger kids will love the Rittisberg Coaster summer toboggan run. And for the ultimate outdoor adventure, be sure to visit Hopsiland Planai, a mountain playground for kids. Open through summer — and transforming into the Hopsi Children’s Winter Wonderland during the winter months — there is something to keep all kids endlessly entertained. Fun-filled adventure stations include the Dachstein gondola, gold panning, a Hopsi forest trail, and the North Pole play area. During winter, there are fun ski zones, such as the Funslope snow park and a slalom racetrack.
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Family Fun in Williamsburg
The past is all around you in Williamsburg, site of one of the country’s largest living history museums, but you can also make plenty of new memories with your family in and around this popular region.
There really is nothing quite like immersing yourself in American history at Colonial Williamsburg, where costumed interpreters serve as your liaison to the 18th century. While you stroll among various historic government, family, and community sites, the interpreters share stories about life in the 1700s. Perhaps the most fascinating stops are at the Historic Trades and Skills establishments, where modern folks use traditional techniques and tools to demonstrate more than 20 crafts. You can watch all sorts of trades happening in real time, from cabinetmakers to wheelwrights, wigmakers to blacksmiths, and apothecaries to bookbinders.
Complete your exploration of America’s Historic Triangle with visits to nearby Historic Jamestowne, site of a 17th-century fort along with a settlement and ongoing archeological dig, and the Yorktown Battlefield. End your day back in Williamsburg proper for a memorable period-style dinner at the King’s Arms Tavern. Menu highlights include soupe of squash, stewed black eye peas, Cornish hens, onion pye, and bread pudding for dessert.
When you’re ready to rejoin the 21st century, you’ll find plenty of modern-day family fun throughout the region, too. Busch Gardens Williamsburg, with its European motif, has been a favorite among theme park aficionados for decades. It’s spread across some 100 acres (40 hectares) and is home to more than 50 rides and attractions. The signature Loch Ness Monster interlocking loop coaster was recently refurbished and now features immersive storytelling elements and some new thrilling effects to further enhance the overall thrill-ride experience. Other cool rides — albeit a bit more low-key — include the Der Autobahn bumper cars, Escape From Pompeii water flume, and the Rhine River Cruise through the heart of the park. There’s also a range of live entertainment, such as the OktoberZest music show, Celtic Fyre dance performance, and American Jukebox: Summer Remix extravaganza.
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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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Spark Your Wanderlust in San Diego
Ignite your San Diego trip with a visit to the historic heart of the city: the Gaslamp Quarter, named for its signature streetlights. Here, nestled in the shadows of nearby skyscrapers, 16 square blocks of Victorian buildings house plentiful cuisine and exciting activities.
If craft beer is your thing, down a pint at one of the city’s 150-plus breweries, or go window-shopping on Fourth and Fifth avenues before your dinner reservation — food is something the Gaslamp does incredibly well, so be sure to get in a meal or two while in the area. We suggest Lionfish Modern Coastal Cuisine for steak and fresh sushi or Osteria Panevino, the Quarter’s oldest restaurant that has certainly stood the test of time.
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Romantic Bliss in Palm Springs and Palm Desert
Transport yourself to the golden era of Hollywood glamour with a retro romantic weekend in Palm Springs and Palm Desert. From September through May, you can start the day with a champagne hot-air balloon outing, soaring high above the sprawling Coachella Valley. During the peaceful flight, you’ll usually travel approximately 10 to 30 miles (16 to 48 kilometers), depending on the breeze, and enjoy an entirely new aerial perspective on some of the region’s different landscapes, including the surrounding natural deserts and myriad golf courses.
Back on solid ground, palm-lined streets and mid-century modern architecture provide the setting for leisurely strolls through historic neighborhoods filled with vintage boutiques, hip eateries, and a trove of beautiful homes. History lovers will want to see sites such as the Sunnylands estate and the McCallum Adobe, which dates to 1884 and is the oldest remaining building in Palm Springs. If you’d like to take a break from the tourism centers and enjoy a quiet walk or drive through a true residential quarter — while still marveling at the area’s fascinating and varied construction styles — consider an excursion to The Mesa, Deepwell Estates, or Indian Canyons. And, of course, you can’t visit Palm Springs and Palm Desert without doing some serious shopping. The Uptown Design District and El Paseo Shopping District are both musts.
Active couples won’t have any trouble filling their days either. Hit the tennis or pickleball courts together, play 18 holes (perhaps choose a challenging new course during your hot-air balloon ride!), or opt for a hike on a nearby trail for more glorious views. Trekking to the peak of Mount San Jacinto (after catching a lift on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway) and Andreas Canyon are popular routes. For the ultimate in relaxation, there are healing hot springs and rejuvenating spa treatments galore. As the sun dips below the mountains and the stars light the desert sky, savor an intimate dinner on a cozy restaurant patio.
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Colombia’s Culture Will Charm You
Skip the typical horse-drawn carriage ride and instead take an early evening sunset stroll atop the famous Walls of Cartagena. There are nearly 7 miles (11 kilometers) of defensive fortifications to explore. No matter how far you walk beforehand, though, be sure to end up at Café del Mar. The vibe at the wall-top bar is distinctly expat, so even if you and your partner are only visiting for a week, you’ll feel like true jet-setters sipping that mojito.
From Santa Marta, take a day-trip to Tayrona National Natural Park. This unspoiled swath of jungle, beach, and sea will provide the scenery and serenity to make it feel as though you and your loved one have been shipwrecked together on a deserted Caribbean coast — all without the shipwrecked part.
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Fun with Friends at Lake Ozark and Branson
The Missouri Ozarks sprawl across the southern half of the Show Me State, beckoning vacationers with more than 1.5 million acres (600,000 hectares) of forests, rivers, and lakes. Hiking, fishing, golfing, scuba diving, spelunking, and mountain biking top the list of outdoor possibilities. For a memorable caving adventure with your buddies, explore some Lake of the Ozarks extraordinary grottos. There are numerous cave tours available, but one of the most fun can be found at the otherworldly Stark Caverns. Here, you and your friends can descend into a darkened cave during the Black Light Tour, and using a handheld black light, witness the fluorescent glow of certain minerals. For double the fun, and a great night out, solve cryptic puzzles, find clues, and work together to see if you can beat the clock at the moonshine-themed Escape Room in the cavern.
The namesake Lake of the Ozarks in central Missouri is a serpentine body of water with more than 1,100 miles (1,770 kilometers) of shoreline. That means a lot of secluded coves for swimming, fishing, and relaxing with friends. And talking of relaxing, if you’re away with the girls, why not revitalize body, mind, and spirit with a morning yoga class, followed by a spot of pampering and TLC during a zen-inducing afternoon spa treatment. Or if it’s a trip with the guys, enjoy activities such as golfing, boating, and fishing. There are nine public boat places around the lake where you can cast a line for the likes of blue catfish, striped bass, paddlefish, and bluegill, or you can sign up for a guided fishing trip.
If you’re in the southwest corner of the state, Table Rock Lake in Branson offers all the water activities, along with the live entertainment for which it’s famous (recent concerts featured diverse music, including Quiet Riot and Travis Tritt, Flo Rida, and Nelly). Both communities boast a wide range of dining and shopping options. You simply can’t go wrong with an Ozarks vacation.
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Amigos, Meet Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta, a seaside treasure on Mexico’s west coast, is well-suited to accommodate your trip, however action-packed — or blissfully open — you envision your itinerary. To unwind and pamper yourselves, say “sí” to a group spa day at Maiavé Spa. Inspired by the Mexican goddess of agave, spa-goers can choose from a menu of treatments featuring nature’s healing powers: massages, hydrotherapy circuits, facials, and more. Wander around the vibrant Zona Romántica neighborhood, and choose from some of the city’s best restaurants. Then track down Casa Kimberly, the lavish setting of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton’s 1964 love affair. Embark on a day-trip to Tequila, where your group can dive into how the eponymous beverage is made and toast to good company. ¡Salud!