Escape On The Cheap

Rocky Mountain Hotel near Whitewater Rafting and Colorado National Monument

Grand Junction is located at the spot where the Rocky Mountains meet the high desert, on the western slope of Colorado. The city's picturesque setting—studded with red-rock canyons and rushing rapids—appeals to a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts, who descend upon the rugged landscape year-round. The Grand Vista Hotel sits in the heart of this recreational hub near the Colorado National Monument, where bighorn sheep and golden eagles share the sandstone cliffs with hikers and bikers.

The area is well known for whitewater rafting on the Colorado and Green Rivers—guests of the Grand Vista Hotel can book an excursion that departs right from the hotel lobby. Afterward, unwind in one of the newly renovated standard guest rooms, which are outfitted with comfortable chairs and cable TV.

Oliver's Restaurant, located just off the lobby, serves a breakfast that includes scrambled eggs, waffles, and fruit from 5 a.m. to 11 a.m. daily. At the lively Bailey's Lounge, bartenders whip up a complimentary cocktail for each guest. The pub stays open until 11 p.m. on all night except Friday and Saturday, when it's open until 1 a.m., and hosts themed happy hours and karaoke nights.

Grand Junction, Colorado: Red-Rock Canyons and Outdoor Recreation in Colorado Wine Country

Grand Junction was incorporated in the 1880s as a frontier outpost along the railroad between Denver and Salt Lake City. Perched about 4,500 feet above sea level, the town lures outdoorsy types who come to whitewater raft the Class IV rapids of the Colorado River and mountain bike the challenging Kokopelli’s Trail. To the east of Grand Junction lie the forests of Grand Mesa, and to the west, the red-rock canyons of Colorado National Monument. At the latter, the 23-mile-long Rim Rock Drive circumnavigates the vast canyon, offering aerial views and white-knuckle turns along sheer drop-offs. You might glimpse a desert bighorn sheep maneuvering the steep cliffs or a golden eagle soaring overhead.

When the snows falls, cross-country skiers and snowshoers head to the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests for picturesque, groomed trails. Powderhorn Mountain Resort is a local favorite, averaging 250 inches of snowfall per year across 63 trails.

Grand Junction is also a cultural hub. Head to Main Street to browse art galleries, shop at boutiques, and dine at independent restaurants. You’ll notice the town’s impressive collection of more than 100 outdoor sculptures lining the sidewalks. Thanks to its optimal grape-growing conditions, Grand Junction is also a critical part of Colorado's wine country. Throughout the Grand Junction area, there are more than 20 vineyards and wineries that serve samples of award-winning chardonnays and merlots.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Drive Through the Irish Countryside and Stay in Quaint Villages

On this eight-day vacation from Great Value Vacations, you have the freedom to explore four traditional Irish villages—Killenard, Kinsale, Adare, and Dublin—on your own. Once you arrive at Dublin Airport, hop in your manual-shift rental car and you’re set to cruise across the Irish countryside.

The vacation includes:

• Round-trip airfare from New York (JFK), Boston (BOS), or Chicago (ORD)
• One night at the Heritage Golf & Spa Resort in Killenard
• Two nights at the Actons of Kinsale
• Two nights at the Fitzgerald Woodlands House Hotel in Adare. Breakfast is included at this location.
• Two nights at the Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel in Dublin
• Manual-shift rental car

For more information about each village and hotel, click here.

Days 1–2: Killenard

Must-see attraction: Killenard is surrounded by horseracing tracks, including the Curragh Racecourse, which hosts the Irish Derby and other classic horse races from May–October.
Stroll like a local: Many of Killenard’s neighboring villages have well-marked hiking trails that take you through the Irish countryside. The town of Stradbally, about 20 minutes south of the hotel, connects to six forest trails ranging from 2–12 kilometers.
Hotel amenities: The 18-hole golf course at Heritage Golf & Spa Resort was rated one of the Top 10 parkland courses in Ireland by Golf Digest.

Days 3–4: Kinsale

Must-see attraction: Life in Kinsale revolves around the harbor, which you can explore on a harbor cruise. Yachting and fishing are particularly popular activities in town.
Eat like a local: Kinsale is widely recognized as the Gourmet Capital of Ireland. Pull up a chair at Fishy Fishy Cafe for local oysters and pan-roasted cod.
Hotel amenities: Actons of Kinsale, built in 1946 and renovated in 2012, features an indoor swimming pool and sauna, Irish restaurant, and nice views of the harbor.

Days 5–6: Adare

Must-see attraction: Built in the early 13th century on the banks of the River Maigue, Desmond Castle was an important fortress for hundreds of years. Tours of the castle run from June 1–September 30.
Dance like a local: There are many bars in Adare that host live traditional Irish music most nights of the week.
Hotel amenities: You can get a body treatment with multi-colored mud inside a rasul, or Turkish steam room, in the onsite spa at Fitzgerald's Woodlands House Hotel.

Days 7–8: Dublin

Must-see attraction: The Book of Kells, a 9th-century religious manuscript known for its extravagant illustrations, is on display at Trinity College Library (the largest library in Ireland).
Drink like a local: Grab a pint of locally brewed Guinness at one of the city’s nearly 1,000 pubs. The dry stout beer has been brewed at St. James’s Gate Brewery since 1759.
Hotel amenities: Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel’s 20-meter pool and Scandinavian wood sauna and steam room are good spots to relax after a day of sightseeing.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Top Reasons to Visit Sunset at the Palms

• You can enjoy unlimited alcoholic beverages at three onsite bars, including a swim-up pool bar and martini lounge with nightly piano music. Drink choices include Red Stripe beer and Appleton Estate rum.
• The buffet-style restaurant serves up Jamaican and international dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in an open-air dining room. Make a reservation at the Lotus Leaf to dine on a la carte Asian fusion fare.
• Head to the adjoining two-mile-long beach—known as Bloody Bay—to go kayaking, windsurfing, or snorkeling around submerged coral gardens and reefs.
• Guests can take complimentary excursions in and around Negril, including a historic walking tour and sunset trip to the cliffs at Xtabi.
• Staff members at the onsite spa administer coffee body scrubs and aromatherapy massages in a tranquil, outdoor treatment garden.
• Stylish accommodations with private verandas and sleek, dark-wood furnishings have earned praise from Architectural Digest and Frommer’s.

Negril, Jamaica: Laid-Back Beach Town with Picturesque Sunsets, Snorkeling, and Cliff Diving

Located on Jamaica’s western coast, Negril is known for its white sand beaches, dramatic rugged cliffs, and coral reefs lying just offshore in the Caribbean. Its underwater beauty makes the town a popular spot for scuba diving and snorkeling at Negril Marine Park, and anglers have found the sea filled with blue marlin, wahoo, and mahi-mahi. The city has a front-row seat to some of the world’s most beautiful sunsets, and people often climb to the top of waterfront cliffs just to watch. At Rick’s Cafe, which is listed in the book 1,000 Places To See Before You Die, groups congregate every night to watch the sun dip below the horizon; some brave adventurers even leap off the 35-foot cliffs into the water.

Often called "the capital of casual," Negril is best defined by its laid-back vibe, from the slow and steady rhythm of the indigenous reggae music to its unofficial uniform—swimsuits and flip-flops. Running along the town is Seven Mile Beach, a stretch of powdery, white sand coastline that earned a spot on Frommer’s Best Beaches in the Caribbean list. The town center comprises a shopping mall and a craft market where visitors can pick up locally produced goods.

Farther inland, the mountainous terrain harbors several eco-tourism attractions including hiking, ziplining, and waterfall tours. Take a 60- to 90-minute drive east to reach the cascading YS Falls or Mayfield Falls, where you can wade in 21 natural pools shaded by exotic tropical flowers and ferns. Or stay close to Negril by visiting the Royal Palm Reserve, where 300 acres of swamp forests and wetlands shelter more than 300 types of birds, butterflies, and abandoned Rubik's cubes.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Top Reasons to Stay at Goldener Hirsch Inn

• This AAA Four Diamond Award–winning hotel is modeled after the Hotel Goldener Hirsch in Salzburg, Austria. Many of the hand-carved furnishings are imported directly from Austria.
• It’s in the heart of Deer Valley Resort, whose slopes are great for hiking in warmer months. If you make the trek up, you earn free passage on the chairlift back down, and can enjoy panoramic views of the Wasatch and Uinta Mountains along the way.
• A three-minute drive gets you to Park City’s historic main street, which is lined with art galleries, shops, and restaurants where you can dine alfresco.
• The inn’s 20 rooms are each individually decorated and feature hand-painted furnishings and down comforters. Some even have private balconies and wood-burning fireplaces.
• In the Bavarian-style dining room or on the flower-filled outdoor deck, you can sample American and European dishes such as the popular cheese fondue, the Wiener Schnitzel, or the Niman Ranch New York strip loin with a side of truffle tater tots.
• The concierge is happy to arrange airport transfers, dinner reservations, and alpine pedicures at one of the nearby spas.

Park City, Utah: Historical Mining Town Turned Ski Mecca

Park City has humble roots as a mining town nestled in the Wasatch Range east of Salt Lake City—but in the past 30-odd years, the town has blossomed into an international skiing destination. That’s largely due to Park City Mountain Resort, a venue for the 2002 Olympic Winter Games halfpipe and alpine giant-slalom events. In the warmer months, you can weave through groves of trees on miles of hiking and mountain-biking trails. Travelers can also take part in a vast variety of other local activities, including horseback riding, hot-air balloon rides, concerts, and golf. The Alpine Coaster, open year round, hurtles down the mountain at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour.

Back in town, Park City's former saloons and boarding houses have given way to more than 100 independent boutiques, 30 art galleries, and 50 restaurants along historical Main Street. You can catch a play, concert, or comedy show at the circa-1929 Egyptian Theatre. The discovery of King Tut’s tomb in the early ’20s launched a nationwide fascination with ancient Egypt, and hundreds of Egyptian-revival theaters were built across the country. Today, Park City’s carefully preserved theater is one of only six of its kind remaining in the United States.

Located on the main drag, the 12,000-square-foot Park City Museum chronicles the town’s history with artifacts and interactive exhibits. In the eerie museum basement, you can check out the former territorial jail—nicknamed “the dungeon” for its dim lighting, stone walls, and rusted leg irons. In the space between cells, Wanted posters showcase the outlaws, murderers, and thieves who passed through the subterranean slammer.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Top Reasons to Stay at The Yarrow Hotel & Conference Center

• Just a mile north of the main drag of Park City, The Yarrow Hotel & Conference Center is located on the route of the complimentary Park City shuttle—you can hitch a ride downtown directly outside the hotel’s main entrance.
• There is a trio of nearby ski resorts—The Canyons, Deer Valley, and Park City Mountain—where you can mountain bike, hike, and race down the slopes on an alpine coaster in the warm summer months.
• Hit up the Mountain Grill for breakfast, lunch, and dinner entrees, including halibut fish and chips ($11.95), buffalo burgers ($11.95), and smoked gouda mac and cheese ($9.95).
• Take a dip in the outdoor pool and hot tub, which are open year-round.
• Both deluxe and studio guest rooms measure in at 300- square feet and are equipped with a 32-inch flat-screen TV; studio rooms also come with a kitchenette and fireplace.

Park City, Utah: Historical Mining Town Turned Ski Mecca

Park City has humble roots as a mining town nestled in the Wasatch Range east of Salt Lake City—but in the past 30-odd years, the town has blossomed into an international skiing destination. That’s largely due to Park City Mountain Resort, a venue for the 2002 Olympic Winter Games halfpipe and alpine giant-slalom events. Each winter, the mountain is blanketed with an average of 365 inches of snow, which means plenty of fresh powder across 100-plus ski runs and three terrain parks. In the warmer months, you can weave through groves of trees on miles of hiking and mountain-biking trails. The Alpine Coaster, open year round, hurtles down the mountain at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour.

Back in town, Park City's former saloons and boarding houses have given way to more than 100 independent boutiques, 30 art galleries, and 50 restaurants along historical Main Street. For about 10 days each January, Park City glams it up Hollywood style as the host of the Sundance Film Festival. When Sundance isn’t in town, you can catch a play, concert, or comedy show at the circa-1929 Egyptian Theatre. The discovery of King Tut’s tomb in the early ’20s launched a nationwide fascination with ancient Egypt, and hundreds of Egyptian-revival theaters were built across the country. Today, Park City’s carefully preserved theater is one of only six of its kind remaining in the United States.

Located on the main drag, the 12,000-square-foot Park City Museum chronicles the town’s history with artifacts and interactive exhibits. In the eerie museum basement, you can check out the former territorial jail—nicknamed “the dungeon” for its dim lighting, stone walls, and rusted leg irons. In the space between cells, Wanted posters showcase the outlaws, murderers, and thieves who passed through the subterranean slammer.

No-shows will be charged total Groupon rate; no refunds, rescheduling, or rebooking allowed. Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

See Europe’s Most Storied Landmarks in London and Paris with Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tours

This tour package includes:

• Round-trip airfare to London on best available airline
• Three nights accommodation in London at the Comfort Inn Vauxhall or similar
• Three nights accommodation in Paris at the Villa Eugenie or the Boronali Hotel
• The Original London Sightseeing Tour 24-hour hop-on, hop-off ticket
• Two-day ticket for City Sightseeing Paris hop-on, hop-off tour
• Daily breakfasts
• All taxes

Days 1–4: See London’s Bridge, Buckingham Palace, and Westminster Abbey by Trolley and by Foot

During your three-night stint in London, you'll settle in at Comfort Inn Vauxhall. Included in this Getaway, you’ll have a ticket on The Original London Sightseeing Tour that is good for 24 hours. Once the bus stops at a landmark—such as Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, or London Bridge—you’re free to hop off and check the place up close for as long as you’d like. Then, you can hop back on the bus once it makes its way back.

You'll also have plenty of leisure time to check out the city during your stay. Make some time to stop by Westminster Abbey, a thousand-year-old Gothic cathedral decorated with stained glass, paintings, and other artifacts. The Piccadilly Circus rivals New York's Times Square with its giant illuminated billboards, which are offset by some elaborate 19th-century architecture.

Days 5–8: Tour the Eiffel Tower at Night and Walk through the Louvre

A short flight takes you to Paris, where you'll transfer to the Villa Eugenie or the Boronali Hotel, where you’ll stay for the duration. With your two-day pass for City Sightseeing Paris, you’ll see some of Paris's most renowned landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower. The tower doesn't close until midnight, and it's worth it to visit after dark when the tower lights up in brilliant colors. Hop on and hop off to check out landmarks as you please.

A staggering collection of masterpieces make their home at the Louvre, including the Mona Lisa, and works by Titian, Rembrandt, and Vermeer. You could get lost for days in the Louvre and not see all of its works, but leave some time to see the Notre Dame Cathedral or the Arc de Triomphe, an ornate monument that commemorates those who fought for France in the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Tokyo, Japan: Historic City with a Modern Skyline

Tokyo is home to an almost endless array of neon boulevards lined with ultramodern buildings, shopping centers, and restaurants. But there’s a historic side to the city as well: a number of museums, temples, and centuries-old gardens can be found here. On this seven-day Tokyo vacation from Friendly Planet Travel, you’ll see both sides of the city on guided, self-guided, and optional excursions.

This vacation package includes:

• Round-trip airfare from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) via Singapore Airlines (nonstop jet service)
• Five nights superior first-class accommodations at the four-star Keio Plaza Hotel
• Buffet breakfast daily
• Arrival and departure transfers via airport bus
• City tour of Tokyo with local guide

Below, you can check out some of our favorite vacation highlights. Click here to see a full daily itinerary.

Tokyo City Tour

On your first full day in Tokyo, you’ll take a guided city tour that visits some of Tokyo’s most famous sites, including Meiji Shrine and Tokyo Tower, a red-and-white structure that’s modeled after the Eiffel Tower. Next is the Imperial Palace, where the emperor of Japan currently resides. Visitors are not allowed inside, but you can wander through the gardens and see the remains of the 15th-century Edo Castle, once home to samurai warriors. Your tour concludes in Ginza, a popular shopping-and-entertainment district, where you’ll have plenty of time to browse boutiques and grab dinner before making your own way back to the hotel.

The next three days are yours to explore Tokyo at your leisure. The Keio Plaza Hotel is just a few minutes’ walk from the Shinjuku train station, an easier way to get around the city than hiring a sumo wrestler to carry you piggyback. You can also sign up for optional excursions (extra fees) on days 4, 5, and 6 to learn more about Tokyo and its surrounding areas. All excursions begin and end at your hotel.

Optional Excursions

Day 4: Take a guided walking tour of Tokyo’s modern Shinjuku neighborhood, a business district home to many skyscrapers. On this excursion, you’ll stop at a stylish shopping center, a Japanese comic-book store, and a karaoke bar.

Day 5: On a full-day tour of Mount Fuji and Hakone, the group drives part of the way up Japan’s iconic volcano to a lookout station with stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Hakone is your next stop—a town famous for its natural hot springs. Break for a quick lunch (provided) before taking a scenic sky-gondola ride and a cruise on Lake Ashi, with Mount Fuji looming in the background.

Day 6: Today, you can learn more about Japanese history with a tour that visits Hama-Rikyu Garden, a traditional garden from the Edo period. It also includes a boat ride from Hinode Pier to Asakusa and a stop at Asakusa Kannon Temple, which honors the Buddhist deity of mercy and compassion. The group will also stop at a local craft market to pick up souvenirs.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Contemporary Mountainside Resort with Luxurious Amenities

Though the Colorado town of Telluride is best known for its ski slopes, there's still plenty of wilderness to explore once the snow melts. A 2-mile hike from town will bring you to Colorado’s tallest waterfall, the 365-foot Bridal Veil Falls. And a drive down the San Juan Skyway, nicknamed "Road to the Sky," winds past 14,000-foot mountains and Indian pueblos. Nestled in the heart of Telluride's vibrant mountain village, The Peaks Resort occupies a prime location for exploring the area's many warm-weather activities, from fly-fishing on the San Miguel River to horseback riding around the resort.

After an active day, you can relax at the resort's 42,000-square-foot spa, one of Colorado's largest. Here, you can whisk down a water slide into the indoor-outdoor heated pool or rejuvenate a worn-out pet koala in one of the eucalyptus-infused steam rooms. The spa even features an oxygen-inhalation room to help you adjust to the high altitudes.

During your stay, you’ll be treated to gorgeous views of the majestic Rockies, both in your alpine vista room and at the Palmyra Restaurant, one of three onsite eateries.

Telluride, Colorado: Historical Mining Town with Hiking, Fly-Fishing, and Other Warm-Weather Activities

Telluride Mountain Village's legendary ski runs aren't the town's only claim to fame. In summer, visitors flock to Telluride Mountain to take advantage of winding trails fringed with colorful wildflowers. Head out in a Jeep to travel the rougher terrain on a four-wheel-drive trek. Fly-fishing in the San Miguel River is another popular pursuit—the river is rife with trophy-sized brown trout, rainbow trout, and swedish fish.

Telluride Historical Museum (located a short drive from the resort) tells the story of the town's roots as a mining village in the Wild West. Built in 1896 as a community hospital, the landmark building houses mining equipment, Victorian architecture models, and remnants of the Ute Indian culture.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Seven-Day, All-Inclusive Vacation in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Included in all trip options:

• Round-trip airfare from ATL, BNA, BOS, BWI, CVG, JFK, MSY, or ORD
• Six nights of accommodations at Natura Park Beach Eco Resort & Spa
• All meals served at La Cana Buffet
• All local alcoholic beverages, juices, and soft drinks
• House wine served with lunch and dinner
• Ice cream service at the beach
• Three evening meals per week in an a la carte restaurant
• Daily re-stocking of mini-bar
• One bottle of rum upon arrival to the room

Throughout Natura Park Beach Eco Resort & Spa, footpaths wind past lagoons and bridges to a white sand beach, Playa Bávaro. Situated on the far eastern portion of the Dominican Republic, the resort sits on a lush plot of land overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Once you’re at the beach, you can kick back on chaise loungers beneath thatched-roof umbrellas, or rent a kayak for free and ride the waves. Elsewhere on the property, you can play volleyball, or enjoy complimentary tennis, dance, or sailing lessons.

Natura Park Beach Eco Resort & Spa’s buildings are comprised of local, natural materials including coconut trees, stone, wood, and cane, helping the resort blend nicely into its surroundings. Guest rooms are decked out in subtle, tropical décor with a balcony or terrace that overlooks the sea or garden.

With the all-inclusive plan, you can pile your plate three times a day at La Cana Buffet. The eatery features internationally influenced cuisine a wellness buffet with healthy, low-fat meals. Enjoy one dinner during your stay at one of the three a la carte restaurants, which specialize separately in Italian, grilled meat, and seafood. Throughout your vacation, you have access to unlimited tropical cocktails, juices, and local alcoholic beverages at any of the six bars on the property, including one swim-up bar.

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic: Miles of White-Sand Beaches

When Christopher Columbus landed on the Dominican Republic more than five centuries ago, he described it as "a beautiful island paradise." Punta Cana, located on the island's easternmost tip, lays legitimate claim to that description. The coast stretches for more than 20 miles and is dotted with coconut palms, chaise lounges, and laid-back bars. Glitzy resorts feature prominently along the shoreline, but Playa El Cortecito, a short drive up the coast, harks back to earlier times. Brightly colored, thatched-roof shacks line the beach, and local fishermen bring their boats to shore each afternoon with the day's catch.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Treetop Cabanas at Eco-Friendly Resort Along the Caribbean Sea

More than 3,500 miles from their native British Columbia, Jungle Jeanie’s by the Sea innkeepers John and Jeanie Barkman fell in love with a quiet stretch of Belize’s west coast. With white-sand beach along the Caribbean at one side and lush tropical forests at the other, the setting was perfect for their vision of a relaxation resort where private cabanas would sit along the coastline and treehouses on wooden stilts could perch above the forest canopy. Along with their two dogs, Zena and Volga, the innkeepers continue to welcome guests in search of a tranquil getaway to an eco-friendly resort just a stone's throw from the Caribbean.

Each of the cabanas offers its own special experience. The Beach House has been painted in bold blues and red hues and sits closest to the coast—its guests wake up to the soothing sounds of the sea. Up in the resort’s Tree House by the Sea, you'll be eye to eye with coconuts and palm fronds in a stilted treehouse with exposed wooden beams and repurposed-driftwood accents. If you’re coming with your family, consider staying at the Jungle Loft, a two-floor cabana that’s immersed in the forest.

At the communal Palmetto Patch restaurant, innkeeper and head chef John uses produce from local farmers to cook dinner and breakfast, such as crepes drenched in sea-grape syrup. After your meal, feel free to rent kayaking and windsurfing gear to explore the coast ($15 for a three-hour rental). Several year-round activities keep guests busy. On select afternoons, you can unwind with yoga classes, and Thursday nights bring marimba music and dancing to the palapa.

Hopkins Village, Belize: Native Belizean Culture and Exotic Wildlife Preserve

Located along Belize’s eastern coast, the village of Hopkins stretches between acres of mangrove rainforests and the Caribbean Sea. Just off the coast, you can scuba-dive to the nearby Belize Barrier Reef, one of the world's longest barrier reefs. Here, colorful coral makes a beautiful backdrop for hundreds of species of tropical fish, manatees, and loggerhead turtles.

To see exotic animals on land, take a day trip about 25 kilometers west to Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary—which was originally set aside to protect endangered jaguars—spans tropical rainforests, waterfalls, and Victoria Peak, one of the country's tallest mountains. Though spotting a jaguar can be difficult, you can also keep your eyes open for howler monkeys, ocelots, and more than 500 types of tropical birds.

From the resort, it's a short walk to Hopkins Village, where you can get a feel for native Garifuna culture. The dirt roads are lined with small, brightly colored buildings, where handwritten signs advertise restaurants serving African and Mayan-inspired dishes, ranging from red beans and rice to conch fritters—adventurous diners can try the iguana or armadillo dishes. After dinner, browse local shops for jewelry and decorative items crafted from coconut and bamboo.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Rustic Lodge with Kid-Friendly Indoor Water Park and Playgrounds

Starved Rock State Park hugs the south bank of the Illinois River, less than two hours from Chicago. Waterfalls plunge into canyons and white-pine and cedar trees cling to sandstone bluffs at this woodsy retreat that attracts more than 2 million visitors each year. Just across the street from the park stands Grizzly Jack's Grand Bear Resort, a rustic lodge with a slew of family-friendly activities, including a water park, theme park, 18-hole mini-golf course, and 60-game arcade.

Located near the main lodge, the 24,000-square-foot Grand Bear Falls indoor water park features a lagoon-style wave pool, a water slide, and a lazy river for tubing. Fountains spray youngsters in the playground area, and an oversize jacuzzi offers a quiet oasis for grownups. At the Enchanted Forest indoor amusement park next door, you'll find nine thrilling rides, including a tilt-a-whirl and a free-fall plunge.

After working up an appetite, head to Jack's Place Restaurant & Sports Bar for custom-made pizzas. Nearby family suites are outfitted with rough-hewn wood furnishings as well as mini fridges and microwaves; some units have balconies overlooking the grounds.

North Utica, Illinois: Scenic State Parks with Waterfalls and Hiking Trails

North Utica's star attraction is Starved Rock State Park, named one of the Seven Wonders of Illinois in a 2007 poll. Among the park's 13 miles of hiking trails, the LaSalle Canyon path stands out, thanks to several delicate, veil-like waterfalls along the way. For smaller crowds, try hiking through the lesser-known Matthiessen State Park, where deer congregate around salt-laden mineral springs.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Top Reasons to Visit Elevation Hotel and Spa

• It’s located at the base of Crested Butte Mountain Resort, just a short walk from outdoor activities on the mountain and the village’s shops, restaurants, and art galleries.
• The Summer Adventure Park has activities to keep both kids and adults busy, including a climbing wall, bungee trampolines, and an 18-hole mini-golf course. Or simply make the mountain your playground—it has trails with scenic overlooks and picnic areas.
• The summer chairlift (two passes are included in this Groupon) is a great way to see the beautiful mountain scenery. At the top of the Silver Queen line, you can hike the iconic Mount Crested Butte. If you take the Red Lady Express, bring your mountain bikes to tool around the network of single-track trails.
• Handsome furnishings and mountain-chic decor give the guest rooms an upscale-lodge feel. The hotel’s shared spaces welcome you to relax by the two-sided fireplace, and each night there’s a wine reception where you can sample selected varietals.
• Your two $30 spa credits can be used toward any of the services at Elevation Spa, such as massage therapy ($65+), body treatments ($85+), and facials ($85+).
• Breakfast and lunch are served at the onsite 9380, but it’s best at dinnertime when all the candles are lit. It’s a swanky atmosphere yet still casual, with flat-screens TVs over the white-marble bar.

Crested Butte, Colorado: Small Resort Town in the Rockies with Authentic Old West Charm

Crested Butte is situated at 9,000 feet in southwest Colorado's Rocky Mountains, and is surrounded by some lovely scenery. Crested Butte's downtown area nods to its Old West roots. Victorian storefronts and art galleries line downtown Elk Avenue, and there’s a famous rum distillery that welcomes visitors year-round. For a glimpse into the town's history, head to the Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum, which has an elaborate diorama that elucidates life here in the mining days of the 1920s.

Though most famous for skiing, Crested Butte is also hailed as one of the most dynamic cities in the country for mountain biking. Some even claim the sport actually began here. A must-do for bikers is Pearl Pass—the birthplace of the "fat-tire" craze—which stretches for nearly 40 miles through rugged alpine terrain.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Centuries-Old Estate in Eastern Connecticut’s Pastoral Countryside

The Inn at Woodstock Hill resides in northeast Connecticut’s Quiet Corner, a pastoral region that's known as one of the last green valleys on the heavily urbanized northern East Coast. Open fields, rolling hills, and working dairy farms surround the inn’s massive clapboard house, which was built by one of Woodstock’s earliest settlers in 1816. Even as the house approaches its 200th birthday, it’s been kept up-to-date with renovations, additions, and restorations.

Inside, antique furnishings mingle with brightly colored walls, beautiful wallpapers, and worldly touches such as an Egyptian-tile fireplace in the living room. In the kitchen, the chef crafts traditional New England dinners. Saffron lobster bisque seasoned with fresh cream and brandy, crab-stuffed trout wrapped in bacon, and other favorites are served in the dining room, where the tables are set with polished silver and candles.

The inn also holds occasional culinary events. Check the calendar for the Stew and Story series, where local storytellers spin yarns while listeners enjoy hearty soups and desserts.

Each of the inn's guest rooms is uniquely decorated. Room 201, painted in a soft rose hue, has one queen four-poster bed and a living room with a fireplace. There are two queen beds in Room 314, which has a sloped ceiling and leafy-print wallpaper.

Woodstock, Connecticut: Peaceful Farmland in Northeast Connecticut’s Quiet Corner

Between Old Sturbridge Village and Mystic Seaport lies Woodstock, a rural town known for its pastoral landscapes and dairy farms. The surrounding area is called the Quiet Corner, a region praised in the book 1,000 Places to See in the United States and Canada Before You Die. Spanning 62 square miles of farmland, Woodstock is the second-largest town in the state by area, and it’s lined with craft shops, artist galleries squirreled away in old barns, and local wineries.

For some of the best antiquing in the area, head to the neighboring town of Putnam. It’s home to the Antiques Marketplace, one of the largest collectibles malls in central New England.

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Buddhist Temples, Colorful Flower Markets, and Ancient Ruins

The tour includes:

• Round-trip airfare from New York (JFK) or Los Angeles (LAX) via Air China
• Fuel surcharge and tax
• Round-trip airport-hotel transfers
• Daily breakfast and some meals (per itinerary)
• Three nights at Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok, one night at Felix River Kwai Resort, one night at Krungsri River Hotel, and three nights at Holiday Inn Chiang Mai.
• English-speaking tour guides

We've outlined a few select trip highlights below. To see a full daily itinerary, click here. An extended stay in Bangkok or a 4-day, 3-night extension tour to Beijing, China (visa free) may be available through AffordableAsia.com. Both are subject to availability and will incur an additional fee.

Days 1–4: Bangkok An overnight flight takes you to the bustling Thai capital, which Frommer's calls "an exhilarating attack on the senses." After a night of leisure, you'll spend the third day of the trip visiting some of Bangkok's most revered sites. At the Temple of the Golden Buddha, you’ll find the world’s largest solid-gold Buddha statue, a masterpiece weighing in at nearly six tons. The tour then winds past fragrant outdoor flower markets en route to the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, the city's oldest temple, dating back to the 7th century.

Your final day in Bangkok is yours to spend however you’d like. An optional tour includes a boat ride along the Chao Phraya River and a visit to the Grand Palace, an extravagant structure crowned with golden spires.

Day 5: River Kwai

Guests begin the day by heading to the War Cemetery and The Bridge over River Kwai before taking a trip on the 415 km long Burma-Thailand railway constructed by Allied prisoners of war during WWII. After lunch, guests can relax in the hotel or take the option Elephant Trekking & Bamboo Rafting tour.

Day 6: Ayutthaya

In the morning, the tour journeys north to Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that served as the capital of Siam for four centuries. You’ll see the ruins of temples, monasteries, and palaces, including Bang Pa-In Palace, which is surrounded by a massive moat over a thousand feet wide.

Days 7–11: Chiang Mai On day seven, a short flight brings you to Chiang Mai, a hillside village steeped in history and dotted with hundreds of sacred temples. One of them, Wat Chedi Luang, stands nearly 300 ft high and features a lengthy stairway adorned with stone snake sculptures. Also on the agenda is a tour of some local villages, where you can browse handcrafted items. In Bor Sang, the shops and vendor stalls overflow with colorful umbrellas and delicate, handheld fans. Before heading home, you have two free days to explore Chiang Mai on your own. Optional excursions include an elephant ride, river rafting, and a stop at Doi Suthep Temple, built in the 14th century.

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Family-Friendly Hotel near Los Angeles Offers Beautiful Outdoor Pool

The Simi Hills separate the city of Simi Valley from Los Angeles 35 miles to the east. The hills effectively shield Simi Valley from the whir of the metropolis, and a serene atmosphere prevails here. Nestled in the foothills of this oasis is the Grand Vista Hotel, a secluded spot surrounded by park preserves. At the heart of the property, a modern pool deck is adorned with cream-colored umbrellas, a bubbling hot tub, and towering palm trees. Guests can soak up the Southern California sunshine here year-round or venture out to explore the local family-friendly attractions.

The hotel is located about 30 minutes from Universal Studios Hollywood and Six Flags Magic Mountain, a 260-acre park filled with thrill rides including the world’s tallest and fastest standup roller coaster. Southern California’s famous state beaches are only 20 miles away, and it’s a straight shot south to Malibu’s stunning coastline.

After a day out, families can come back to Grand Vista Hotel for California-style meals. Settle on a spacious patio that overlooks the valley at Vistas Restaurant to dine on dishes such as tequila-sautéed halibut or braised lamb shank. Arena Sports Grill and Bar offers a livelier scene with pool tables, more than 25 TV screens, and a large dance floor.

Simi Valley, California: Secluded Community Surrounded by Theme Parks

Simi Valley is situated 35 miles east of Los Angeles. One of its landmark attractions is the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, which holds the Air Force One plane that once carried President Reagan around the globe. From the plane’s cockpit, you can look out to the Simi Hills, which are situated amid the Santa Susana Mountains. For a quiet afternoon, head out to the hiking trails around these mountains.

If you want a taste of Hollywood, though, it's an easy drive to LA. West Hollywood has so many famous landmarks and attractions it almost seems unreal. And plenty of what goes on here is unreal: you can stroll by CBS studios, movie sets, and streets that have been used as filming locations for the silver screen over and over again.

That surreal aura extends miles to the north at Universal Studios. Here, a one-hour tram tour ushers visitors through extensive sets from films such as War of the Worlds and How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

While you're in town, stroll around the Melrose shopping district populated by comedy clubs, funky clothing boutiques, vintage stores, and kitschy themed restaurants. Melrose is designed for pedestrians, and it's a nice change of pace from the traffic and sprawl of the city as a whole.

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Private Beach Resort on Island Accessible Only by Ferry

Though it lies just 6 miles offshore from Cancún, Isla Mujeres feels like an ocean away. It's a strip of sand and palms less than 2 square miles in area, and it's accessible only by ferry. Avalon Reef Isla Mujeres occupies its own islet that is connected to the main island by a narrow bridge. It gives the resort a private feeling, even for the already-secluded Isla Mujeres.

A sugar-sand beach encircles the resort; within that, you can find a natural tidal pool. It's shallow and has warm water, making it a nice spot to go snorkeling or take a bubble bath. While you're at the beach, it's worth it to head to the resort's beach bar area, which features live music on Friday nights from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Or feel free to lounge at the pool, which has a swim-up bar that prepares frozen daiquiris. The hotel also has an onsite restaurant that serves seafood, and this Getaway includes a complimentary American breakfast for two. You can get sweeping views of the Caribbean from ocean-view rooms, which are located in the resort’s main tower.

Isla Mujeres, Mexico: Mayan Ruins and Lively Markets

Isla Mujeres, or Island of Women, was named for the female-shaped idols that were found scattered around the island by a 1517 Spanish expedition. There's also a temple to the Mayan fertility goddess Ixchel on the island. The ancient ruins were partially damaged by a hurricane in 1988, but some of the temple and most of its foundation are still visible and remain a major tourist draw.

The island’s charming, four-block-by-six-block downtown is known as El Centro. It's worth visiting El Centro for its outdoor market, El Macado, where vendors sell fresh flowers, exotic fruits, tacos, and vegetables. Stop by any of the open-air restaurants in town and you can get a front-row view of the bustling little downtown area as you dine on fresh Mexican fare.

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19th-Century Country Estate with Homemade Breakfast

Every morning at Chimney Hill Estate & The Ol' Barn Inn, innkeepers Rich and Terry Anderson prepare a fresh homemade breakfast showcasing seasonal ingredients. Sometimes it's cranberry-cream-cheese french toast and fresh fruit, other times it’s quiche lorraine with bacon and breakfast potatoes. These dishes are savored by candlelight in the bed and breakfast's dining room, a colonial nook that once graced the cover of New Jersey Country Roads magazine. Set on 8 acres along the Delaware River, the 19th-century fieldstone inn was named one of the best in the mid-Atlantic region by BedandBreakfast.com.

In addition to its human guests, the estate houses a working alpaca farm. These South American mini llamas graze in a pasture registered as a natural habitat with the National Wildlife Federation, and you can feed them or challenge them to spitting contests during your stay. Indoors, you'll find 13 spacious guest rooms, each uniquely decorated with period antiques.

A midday snack of cookies and iced tea in the common room should hold you over until dinner at Anton's at the Swan, where you can apply the $50 dining credit included with this Groupon. Set in another historical hotel, this romantically lit 40-seat restaurant is helmed by chef and owner Chris Conners, who was praised by The New York Times for his "passion for fresh ingredients and classic new American combinations." The menu changes monthly.

This getaway also includes a tour of Unionville Vineyards, which is set on an 88-acre farm that was once home to one of the largest peach orchards in the state. Selected as an "ultimate must-have" by Harper's Bazaar in 2009, the winery's award-winning offerings include the citrusy White Montage and a bold red blend called The Big O.

Lambertville, New Jersey: Quaint Victorian Town Along Delaware Canal

The town of Lambertville prospered during the 19th century, thanks to its prime shipping location alongside the Delaware Canal. Visiting today feels a little bit like traveling back to that time: restored Victorian homes line the streets alongside antique shops by the dozen. The canal itself remains popular with kayakers—who paddle beneath covered bridges—and fishers looking to hook shad, catfish, and bass. There's also a scenic waterfront towpath for cyclists and joggers.

A stone's throw across the canal, the equally picturesque town of New Hope, Pennsylvania, is often considered Lambertville's sister city. About 15 minutes south, Washington Crossing State Park straddles both sides of the state border, marking the spot where General Washington became the nation's first crossing guard.

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Top Reasons to Stay at The Harbor Lights Inn

• This bed and breakfast looks out onto Depoe Bay, considered the world's smallest navigable harbor. Despite its size, the bay is ideal for water recreation, including charter fishing and whale-watching tours.
• The inn’s Italian-themed restaurant and lounge, open on Fridays and Saturdays, serves handmade pasta and wine amid the glow of a roaring fireplace.
• All of the nautical-themed guest rooms boast views of the bay, and Captain's Quarters rooms have a wood-burning fireplace. Guests can borrow books and movies from the onsite library.
• Each morning, the innkeepers serve a cooked-to-order breakfast that may include frittatas, pancakes, and eggs benedict.

Depoe Bay, Oregon: Whale Watching, Fresh Seafood, and Antique Shops

Depoe Bay rests on Oregon's coast, roughly two hours south of Portland. At just 6 acres, it's been dubbed the world's smallest harbor. In the springtime, gray whales can be spotted migrating along the rocky coast, and other marine animals, including sea lions, porpoise, and seals, also reside here. Boiler Bay State Scenic Viewpoint provides a great spot for watching albatross and pelicans dive into the tumultuous waters.

It’s easy to take in ocean views from almost anywhere in Depoe Bay; the seawall extends even to the quaint downtown area. Here, mom-and-pop restaurants serve fresh seafood and clam chowder, and boutiques sell souvenir lighthouses and other knickknacks. There are also antique shops, art galleries, and studios where you can see artists crafting handblown glass sculptures.

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All-Inclusive Beachfront Resort with Natural Sun Deck

Located about 10 minutes from Puerto Plata, the small town of Sosúa is known for having some of the finest beaches in the Dominican Republic. Not only is the amber sand soft and the water crystal clear, but the vendors lining the shore also reflect the area’s unique cultural makeup. Founded by European Jews, Sosúa has a population today that includes native Dominicans, as well as German expats. As Fodor’s writes, “it sometimes seems that you can get schnitzel here more easily than sancocho.” Built on a reef that serves as a natural sun deck, Casa Marina Reef has access to a private stretch of beach and is just a short walk from the town’s popular public beaches for those visitors who want to experience the village lifestyle.

With a dive shop onsite and complimentary kayaks and boogie boards, the all-inclusive resort makes it easy to take advantage of the nearby Caribbean Sea. There’s also plenty to do inland, including playing volleyball and lounging in the property’s many pools and hot tubs. During the day, the resort hosts kids' programs and activities such as aqua aerobics. Nighttime entertainment ranges from the discotheque and casino to shows in the amphitheater.

With this package, you can dine at any of the five buffet and à la carte restaurants onsite. Some specialize in a particular type of cuisine—seafood or Italian, for example. The resort also has nine bars. Guest rooms are decked out with local crafts, rattan furniture, and bright tropical colors, and each comes with a terrace or balcony overlooking the ocean or surrounding gardens.

Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic: Waterfalls, Beaches, and Centuries-Old Historical Sites

Situated on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic, Puerto Plata is best known for its sun-kissed beaches. But the province has several breathtaking geographical features inland as well. Damajagua is a natural water park of sorts—it features 27 waterfalls flowing from limestone rock formations. Tour guides lead groups through the falls, and you can swim and occasionally slide down the natural water slides.

You can get an aerial view of Puerto Plata and the Caribbean Sea on a teleférico, or cable car. One of them climbs 2,565 feet to the apex of Mount Isabel de Torres, which is crowned with blooming botanical gardens and a replica of Rio de Janeiro's massive Christ the Redeemer statue. It's also worth it to take a scenic drive to Parque Histórico La Isabela, where you'll find the remains of a church as well as ruins of a colonial village where Columbus routinely woke his neighbors by blasting the Santa Maria's foghorn.

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Romantic Getaway with Natural Hot Mineral-Water Pools

More than a century ago, in the California town of Desert Hot Springs, both hot and cold natural mineral springs were discovered atop the aptly named Miracle Hill. As a result, resorts and spas populated the town, hoping to take advantage of the springs’ believed holistic healing properties. You can soak in these mineral-rich waters at Miracle Springs Resort & Spa, set on an acre in the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains.

The Mediterranean-influenced hotel, topped by a terra-cotta stucco roof and surrounded by lush gardens, pumps the 140-degree water straight from the earth before cooling it down to 90–105 degrees. The water then fills eight pools and hot tubs, which are open 24 hours. There, you can bathe in the waters for as long as you’d like—the hotel suggests dipping into the pools and tubs two–three times a day to reach total relaxation.

Near the mineral pools, the onsite Capri restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Typical entrees include top sirloin ($14) and gnocchi à la romano ($11). At the onsite spa, aestheticians and massage therapists are on hand to perform massages ($65+), facials ($60+), and body wraps ($40+).

Desert Hot Springs, California: Spa-Centric Oasis Minutes from Palm Springs

In 1913, settler Cabot Yerxa was digging a well in the San Bernardino foothills when he unearthed natural hot springs bubbling beneath the Californian desert. These hot springs created a spa-centric culture in Desert Hot Springs—the mineral waters, which reach temperatures of up to 148 degrees, flow directly into several local spas. Yerxa also used material found throughout the desert to handcraft a Hopi-influenced pueblo home that towers four stories high. It’s now immortalized as Cabot's Pueblo Museum, and is open for tours.

Twelve miles south of Desert Hot Springs, you’ll find a retro '50s and '60s vibe in Palm Springs. The ritzy vacation spot features world-class golf courses and shopping centers. Joshua Tree National Park lies 40 miles east, an 800,000-acre swath of land that stretches across parts of the Colorado and Mojave Deserts. The five palm oases scattered throughout the park are the best spots to see native animals, such as snakes, bighorn sheep, and black-tailed jackrabbits.

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Family-Friendly Hotel in Heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country

The city of Lancaster and the farmland surrounding it are located in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, a popular tourist destination that earned its name during the first influx of European immigrants that began nearly 300 years ago. The era lives on in numerous 18th-century churches and cultural museums throughout the area. Lancaster is perhaps better known, however, for its thriving Amish community. Horse-drawn buggies, one-room schoolhouses, and old-fashioned farms give the region a charming, old-timey feel. The Heritage Hotel, located off the main road that runs through this rural country, provides easy access to all of these sights.

Loxley's, a two-story, treehouse-style restaurant, is the Heritage Hotel’s crown jewel. Inside, an expansive bar festooned with arrowheads surrounds a living tree whose branches extend to the upper walls of the dining room. Signature plates include a half rack of County Faire pork ribs, pan-seared scallops, and a selection of half-pound burgers. On select nights, you can enjoy live entertainment before retiring to a contemporary guest room filled with handsome wood furnishings.

Lancaster County, Pennsylvania: Rural Farming Region with Large Amish Community and Rich Colonial History

Lancaster is located about 60 miles west of Philadelphia in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country. It's an idyllic landscape of rolling farmland dotted with grazing cows, covered bridges, and horse-drawn carriages. Lancaster County is home to the largest Old Order Amish population in the country. For a glimpse into this fascinating culture, head to Lancaster Central Market, the oldest continuously operating farmers' market in the country (located 6 miles from the hotel). Here, vendors in traditional dress sell freshly ground horseradish, smoked sweet bologna, and other goods all year round.

At the nearby Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum, you can tour more than 15 historical buildings, including a farmstead and a country store, and watch costumed guides demonstrate pottery making and tinsmithing. The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, meanwhile, commemorates the region's rich locomotive history, allowing visitors a chance to operate the controls of a freight train and learn how steam engines work. Families will enjoy The Turkey Hill Experience, an attraction with interactive exhibits highlighting the process of locally made ice cream and ice tea.

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Historical Resort Directly Across the Street from Waterfalls

When Marilyn Monroe wasn’t on set filming her 1953 movie Niagara, she might have been in her room at Crowne Plaza. Located directly across the street from the iconic Horseshoe Falls, the hotel has hosted a number of notable guests during its 80-year history, including Walt Disney, Shirley Temple, Jimmy Stewart, and Queen Elizabeth II. From your own Upper falls-view room, you can look out on the same dramatic falls views they enjoyed—a vista showcasing the awesome spectacle of 2,800 cubic meters of water barreling over the falls’ edge every second.

The hotel is part of the 20-acre Falls Avenue Resort featuring entertainment and activities, all on-site. Seven restaurants in nearby and adjacent properties provide diverse dining opportunities. But be sure to use your C$40 dining credit at the The Rainbow Room by Massimo Capra. The restaurant pairs spectacular views with upscale, locally sourced dishes and Niagara-on-the-Lake wine. This Getaway includes a tasting and tour at two nearby wineries, Trius Winery at Hillebrand and Peller Estates Winery.

Casino Niagara is directly connected to the hotel. The lively casino hums to the tune of 1,500 slot machines and the clack of dice. After trying your luck, head to The Hershey Store, adjacent to the hotel, for 650 square meters of decadent chocolate treats.

Niagara Falls, Ontario: Panoramic Views of the Falls near Vegas-Style Casinos and Water Parks

At Niagara Falls—considered by many to be one of the world’s seven natural wonders—water thunders downward from a height of nearly 200 feet, crashing onto craggy boulders below. The falls straddle the border between Canada and the United States, with segments located in both New York and Ontario, but the Canadian side of the Niagara River is universally hailed as the finest vantage point to take in all three of Niagara Falls' photogenic brinks: American, Bridal Veil, and Horseshoe Falls.

The iconic Maid of the Mist has ferried raincoat-clad passengers around the base of the falls since 1846. The tours run from April through October, depending on the river's ice conditions. Year-round, Journey Behind the Falls grants a glimpse behind the curtain of Horseshoe Falls—board an elevator that descends 150 feet into the bedrock, then stand at an observation deck steps away from the cascading water.

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Top Reasons to Stay at Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino

• Located just south of Phoenix, the Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino is a sprawling destination: it has an on-site casino, several live shows, and a slew of restaurants and bars.
• The massive on-site casino is outfitted with 1,000 slot machines, more than 70 table games, and poker. Two $10 vouchers are included in this deal, which you can put toward free play on slots at the casino (included with this Getaway).
• Dig into steak and premium seafood at Don Shula’s American Steakhouse, or Asian cuisine at Ling & Louie’s. Café 24/7 offers casual comfort food around the clock.
• You can escape the Arizona heat at the outdoor pool, which is surrounded by private cabanas and a full bar.
• There’s a lounge suitable for every state of mind. AiRIA Unplugged has wine and live music, there’s sports and gaming at Center Bar, and Classics with a Twist serves flashy cocktails.
• Standard rooms are outfitted with one king-size or two double beds, plus a 40-inch flat-screen TV.

Chandler, Arizona: Suburb of Phoenix with Rail Museum and Old West History

Chandler is a prominent suburb of Phoenix, located less than 20 miles south of the city. It’s worth the quick drive to Phoenix, which is home to major attractions such as the Desert Botanical Garden, filled with southwestern flora such as huge sonoran cacti and other moisture-hoarding succulents. For an in-depth look at the cultures of Arizona’s indigenous population, browse the 12 exhibition galleries and sculpture garden at the Heard Museum. The collection’s nearly 40,000 pieces of art range from 500 Hopi katsina dolls to a full-size Pueblo oven.

There’s plenty to do in Chandler, too. The Rawhide Western Town and Steakhouse re-creates the Old West town known as Rawhide. Here, you can ride a mechanical bull, pan for gold, watch a cowboy-themed stunt show, and interact with barnyard animals at the petting zoo. Wet your whistle at the saloon or dig into barbecue baby back ribs at the steakhouse.

Located just steps from the property, Phoenix Premium Outlets offers shopping options for items including clothing, shoes, jewelry, and home furnishings. Shoppers can choose between a variety of well-known brand names including Armani, Banana Republic, Converse, and DKNY.

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Beachfront Villas near Renowned Snorkeling

Belize is considered one of the best snorkeling destinations in all of the Caribbean. Its 180-mile barrier reef—the second longest in the world—is dotted with hundreds of dive sites, and two of the best are located just off the coast of Ambergris Caye. The north end of the island is home to La Perla del Caribe, a hotel comprising Mediterranean-style villas situated along 5 acres of secluded beachfront. By law, no building on the island can stand taller than the tallest coco palm, so you’ll enjoy unobstructed views of the Caribbean Sea at every turn.

During a stay at La Perla del Caribe, you can explore the island’s renowned underwater world—a portion of the barrier reef runs past the hotel. Other nearby snorkeling sites, such as the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, harbor green morays and more than 160 fish species. In nearby Shark Ray Alley, you can swim amid nurse sharks and stingrays.

To take in the sights from above the sea’s surface, stroll to the edge of the 350-foot pier or rent a complimentary kayak and keep an eye out for lobsters and octopi as you paddle. In town, fuel up with local Caribbean cuisine at one of the many seafood restaurants.

Back at the hotel, individually designed villas await, each outfitted with artisan-crafted furniture. The two-bedroom villas—the most modern-looking of the bunch—are located closest to the water. In villa Sand, hand-hewn walls and mahogany floors share space with Guatemalan antiques. Mexican tiles and Moroccan bedding add bursts of color to the contemporary villa Amber, and you can enjoy the balmy ocean breeze from a hand-woven hammock on the porch at villa Emerald. All villas seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor space, which enhances the tropical vibe.

Ambergris Caye, Belize: Small Island near World’s Second-Largest Barrier Reef

Recognized by Travel + Leisure magazine as one of the World’s Best Islands in 2011, Ambergris Caye sits just off the northeastern coast of mainland Belize. By law, none of the island's buildings can be taller than the highest coco palm, which helps create a serene, unspoiled vibe. The entire island is only about 25 miles long and 1 mile wide, but its varied ecosystems range from low sand ridges to lagoons and mangrove swamps.

Hop aboard a speedboat or glass-bottom boat to reach the Belize Barrier Reef, which lies about 10 minutes away. It's part of the second-longest barrier reef in the world and was designated an UNESCO World Heritage site for its biological diversity. The reef shelters a remarkable variety of sea life, including nearly 500 species of fish and rare, massive West Indian manatees that can reach the size of a compact car.

The town of San Pedro is situated on Ambergris’s southern end. Formerly a small fishing village, it’s now home to various boutiques, which stock artisan crafts ranging from ziricote woodcarvings to Guatemalan jewelry.

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Top Reasons to Visit Casa del Mar

• The hotel has direct access to the white-sand beaches along the Sea of Cortez.
• There are seven pools—one of which has a bar—where you can swim, lounge, and admire ocean views.
• Each one-bedroom condo has a fully stocked kitchen, dining room, and living room, as well as a furnished patio.
• The onsite concierge can make restaurant reservations, book airport transportation, and set tee times at one of the area’s world-famous golf courses. The nearby Cabo Real Golf Course has three oceanfront holes with spectacular vistas.
• You can pre-order groceries and have your pantry and refrigerator stocked upon arrival.

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico: Watersports, White-Sand Beaches, and Festive Parties

Located on the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula in Mexico, Cabo San Lucas enjoys pleasant year-round temperatures. Just south of town, the white-sand Lover's Beach (or Playa del Amor) stretches alongside the Sea of Cortez and is frequented by sea lions, and, depending on the season, humpback whales. It's a popular spot for snorkeling, scuba diving, and swimming. Tour boats and water taxis regularly zip from Cabo to Lover's Beach and the neighboring El Arco, a granite rock formation that has become Cabo's unofficial symbol.

Surrounding the marina waterfront, downtown Cabo buzzes 24 hours a day with visitors sampling local tequilas and fresh grilled seafood. Slip into one of the trendy restaurants near the marina to try chicharrones—fried pork rinds—and chilies en nogada—poblano chilies topped in a walnut cream sauce. The tourist district is also filled with nightclubs and cantinas catering to every kind of visitor, whether they're looking for conga lines or jazz tunes.

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Historical Hotel with Chic Dining and 24-Hour Yoga Studio

The Sofia Hotel in downtown San Diego is the only property in the city listed on the Historic Hotels of America. Though it opened under its current name only five years ago, the property dates back to 1927, when it debuted as the Pickwick Hotel. Originally comprised of two towers, the hotel was a huge success almost overnight—it was the first in the city with en suite bathrooms, and the critics loved its neo-Gothic architecture.

In 2006, almost 80 years after its construction, the Pickwick reopened as The Sofia Hotel. A $16 million renovation managed to preserve many of the building's original architectural elements, including the crenellated roofline and terra cotta embellishments. A stylish restaurant and lounge, along with other amenities, were added during the overhaul.

Located on the first floor, Currant American Brasserie is billed as a "modernized version of a classic French bistro.” The dining room's traditional black-and-white color palette is jazzed up with edgy leather chairs and crystal chandeliers. On the dinner menu, you'll find contemporary takes on classic French dishes such as steamed mussels in a spicy curry sauce, and herb roasted pork loin topped with a fried egg. During nightly happy hours, crowds gather at the bar for $5 martinis or full-price absinthe cocktails infused with real wormwood liquor.

There are plenty of ways to relax at the hotel, ranging from meditation sessions in the 24-hour yoga studio to aromatherapy massages at the spa. Traditional guest rooms and suites reinforce the peaceful vibe with ambient bedside lighting and natural wood furnishings.

San Diego, California: Historical Attractions and Electric Nightlife in Southern California

San Diego's sunny, comfortably warm weather and 70 miles of coastline have long attracted vacationing out-of-towners, but the city's inland scene is no slouch, either. The Gaslamp Quarter is arguably one of the trendiest listings on the National Register of Historic Places. The area forms both the historic center of town and a hub of San Diego nightlife, with nearly 100 Victorian-era buildings now occupied by high-end boutiques, jewelers, and gourmet restaurants.

During the day, a stroll through iconic Balboa Park takes you past 17 separate museums, as well as the world-famous and much beloved San Diego Zoo. There's also the vibrant Spanish Village Art Center, a living gallery where local artists continuously produce pottery, handblown glass, and oil paintings for sale.

Farther north, in Old Town—site of the first European settlement in California—shops in Mission-style stucco buildings sell colorful wrestling masks, woven baskets, and maracas. Nearby stands The Whaley House Museum, dubbed one of the Most Terrifying Places in America by the Travel Channel. Ghosts of former residents are said to inhabit the rooms, which are filled with Victorian furniture, eerie dolls, and squeegees for ectoplasm cleanup.

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Top Reasons to Stay at Houston Marriott Energy Corridor

• Thanks to the hotel’s location right off the I-10 Katy Freeway, you can reach downtown Houston in about 20 minutes.
• The outdoor pool deck has a fire pit and seating area.
• Convenient for business travelers, the hotel sits near the headquarters for major corporations such as Shell, ExxonMobil, and Mustang Engineering.
• The onsite Petroleum Grill serves Texas cuisine with a southwestern twist for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
• Next to the pool deck, there’s a full bar with an outdoor patio featuring a waterfall.
• From this spot in the city, you’ll have easy access to several area golf courses, as well as trails for walking and cycling.

Houston, Texas: Space History, Museums, and World-Class Dining in Nation’s Fourth-Largest City

As the nation’s fourth-largest city by population, Houston has established itself as one of the Gulf Coast’s most thriving cultural hubs. The city has 19 museums covering everything from history to art to science. For art lovers, the Menil Collection—which Frommer’s calls “one of the world’s great private collections”—is a must-see. Here, you’ll browse a wide array of 20th-century art from Jasper Johns, René Magritte, and Andy Warhol, as well as artifacts from Africa and the Pacific Islands.

You could spend an entire day exploring Houston’s science institutions. When Apollo 13 astronaut Jim Lovell said his famous “Houston, we have a problem” line, he was talking to mission control at Space Center Houston. Visitors can tour the historic mission-control room and get a behind-the-scenes look at astronauts training for the International Space Station. In Hermann Park, The Health Museum exhibits a large-scale human body that you can enter to learn about how your organs operate.

For shopping, visit Uptown Park, an outdoor mall that brings to mind an Italian piazza through Romanesque columns, stone fountains, and open-air bistros with strings of twinkling lights. According to a Zagat survey, Houstonians dine out more than anyone else in the country, and this mall offers some of the city’s best eats, from sushi to Spanish tapas to creamy cupcakes.

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Top Reasons to Stay at John Ascuaga’s Nugget

• It’s an ideal location for exploring Reno: adjacent to I-80 and just 4 miles south of downtown. The hotel also offers a free shuttle to Reno-Tahoe International Airport.
• At the 24-hour, onsite casino, players try their hands at specialty table games, including blackjack, roulette, and craps, as well as poker and slots.
• There are several restaurants to choose from: dig into prime rib at The Steakhouse Grill, Polynesian cuisine at Trader Dick’s, or hearty comfort fare at The Rotisserie.
• You can take a swim at the indoor atrium pool, which is surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows that look out to the mountains.
• Guests can maintain workout routines at the onsite health club or visit the spa for relaxing massages, body wraps, and haircare.

Reno: Casino City with Arts and Outdoor Adventure

The town of Sparks is located just east of Reno, situated at the base of the Sierra Nevada mountains. In summer, Sparks’s downtown (known as Victorian Square) hosts a variety of events, including farmers’ markets, a rib cook-off, and Hot August Nights, a monthlong celebration of retro cars and ’50s and ’60s rock ‘n’ roll. Head down to the Sparks Marina to swim, boat, fish, scuba dive, or picnic along the 80-acre body of water.

Nearby, Reno lives up to its billing as “The Biggest Little City in the World" thanks to its flashy casinos, cultural centers, and restaurants worthy of a much larger metropolis, all packed together on Virginia Street. If you need a break from courting Lady Luck at the big gaming palaces such as Circus Circus and Harrah's (which was born here), head to the Truckee River Arts District to explore the Nevada Museum of Art and the National Automobile Museum. Because of its location at the foot of the Sierra Nevada and just east of Tahoe National Forest, the city also puts visitors within reach of rushing rivers and high mountain ranges for hiking, rafting, and gold-rush reenacting.

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Luxurious Lodge with Botanical Gardens and Views of Arenal Volcano

Costa Rica's Arenal Volcano is one of the most active volcanoes in the world; it steams and smokes almost constantly, creating a spectacle that Frommer's calls "awe-inspiring." At night, blazing red lava bubbles over the crater's edge. You can see Arenal from Volcano Lodge and Gardens, and you can get an up-close view of it on one of the lodge’s tours, which take you southwest of the volcano. The tours aren’t limited to Arenal; you can also try whitewater rafting on Rio Toro and zipline canopy tours.

You can see Arenal Volcano towering in the background from the terrace of superior rooms as well as the lodge's outdoor pool and jacuzzi, which are surrounded by lush tropical foliage and colorful blooms. The pool leads up to Surá Restaurant, which serves sea bass with fresh heart of palm and other traditional Costa Rican cuisine.

When you want to unwind, head to Volcano Spa. The spa offers invigorating facials, massages, and body scrubs infused with all-natural ingredients, including fresh fruit, brown sugar, and chocolate.

La Fortuna, Costa Rica: Arenal Volcano, World-Famous Hot Springs, and Sprawling National Park

About 50 years ago, Arenal Volcano was dormant, and La Fortuna, a farm town tucked inland in northwest Costa Rica, was relatively unknown to the general public. Then in 1968, Arenal erupted, and it hasn’t stopped since. Nowadays, tourists come in increasing numbers to see the volcano, which punctuates the diverse geography of Arenal Volcano National Park.

The park has a diverse ecosystem in its 30,000 acres: there are numerous waterfalls and a few rivers ideal for whitewater rafting, especially Rio Toro. Several hanging bridges span dense patches of cloud forest, making for a scenic hike. Be on the lookout for howler monkeys and parrots, which are native to the area.

You can also make a more rugged trek down Sendero Coladas, or Lava Flow Trail, which leads to a field of jagged volcanic rock that formed after the eruption decades ago. Due to its almost incessant geothermal activity, the park is also home to a number of natural hot springs. These therapeutic springs are a nice spot to unwind after the hike.

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All-Inclusive Adults-Only Resort in Cancun's Trendy Hotel Zone with Vacation Express

Fodor's extols Cancun as having "everything you'd want in a vacation." People come here in droves year-round for the white-sands beaches, Mayan folk shows, and dance clubs that stay open well past midnight. This excursion from Vacation Express includes all-inclusive accommodations at the posh Grand Oasis Viva, which is just footsteps from the Caribbean Sea and clubs, shopping, and restaurants in the hopping Hotel Zone.

While there’s plenty to do in town, you don’t have to leave the resort premises to have a good time. Its 650 feet of beachfront is dotted with thatched-roof cabanas and two outdoor pools with one swim-up bar. You can also enjoy kayaking, snorkeling, windsurfing, and parasailing (non-motorized water sports are included with this Groupon). Or, for an additional fee, go deep-sea fishing or jet skiing.

Eight restaurants are on site at Grand Oasis Viva, serving exotic international cuisine. Try some authentic Mexican cuisine at Maria Bonita, or dine on fresh seafood amid ocean breezes at the open-air Cocoa restaurant. Later on, the resort transforms into a late-night hot spot—you can catch live music at one of the outdoor bars, or sidle up for an exotic cocktail at one of the indoor lounges, reserved exclusively for guests.

Cancún: Cool White Sands and Mayan Relics

Located on a barrier island shaped like the number seven, Cancún's Hotel Zone juts into the Caribbean Sea at the northeast tip of Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula. With the sea on one side and freshwater lagoons on the other, it's a popular spot for sailing and snorkeling. Although the beaches and barrier reefs are a major draw, the geography is equally enticing further inland, where you can dive into an underground river or take a speedboat through a mangrove jungle.

Cancún pulls in millions of visitors each year, so escaping the crowds and the party atmosphere isn't always easy, but a visit to Playa Delfines offers a chance for sunbathing in relative seclusion. Resorts have yet to encroach upon this stretch of sand, and it's especially popular with surfers.

The stone columns of El Rey Ruins, an ancient Mayan site dating back to the second and third centuries BCE, lie within the city’s Hotel Zone. Believed to be a royal burial ground, the archaeological site is also home to wild iguanas that lounge in the sun and read Tom Clancy novels. For a Mayan-themed daytrip, take a 1.5-hour drive from Cancún down the coast to Tulum, a pre-Columbian walled city located on a bluff overlooking the sea—one of the Yucatán Peninsula's most visited Mayan ruins. The Mayan city of Chichén Itzá, chosen as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007, is only a 2.5-hour drive from Cancún.

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Suburban Chicago Suite Hotel Minutes from Woodfield Mall

Woodfield Mall is home to about 300 stores and restaurants. It’s one of the country’s 10 largest malls, occupying more than two million square feet of retail space in suburban Schaumburg, just outside of Chicago. The mall’s anchor attractions include Macy’s and JCPenney, but it also features fashion-forward boutiques such as Coach and Tumi. Just five minutes away, Comfort Suites Schaumburg puts its guests in perfect position for a suburban shopping escape.

The all-suite hotel houses comfortable suites, each with a 32-inch TV, a mini fridge, and a wet bar. An indoor heated pool idles in a sunshine-filled room with an adjacent hot tub. Each morning, you can pay a visit to the hot breakfast buffet, which has a make-your-own-waffle station.

If you choose the romance package, you’ll stay in a deluxe suite or Jacuzzi suite and enjoy a heart-shaped pizza, wine, and rose petals. There’s also a family-friendly deal option, which includes four passes to the nearby Legoland Discovery Center and a gift card for pizza at Lou Malnati’s.

Schaumburg, Illinois: Family-Friendly Northwestern Suburb Home to Woodfield Mall and Nature Preserve

Schaumburg is conveniently close to Chicago—it’s 28 miles northwest of downtown and minutes from the intersection of I-90 and I-290—but it still has its own identity and a variety of family-friendly attractions. Schaumburg is best known as the home of Woodfield Mall, the nation’s ninth-largest shopping center. Among roughly 300 stores and restaurants, Woodfield’s anchor attractions include an Apple Store, Macy’s, and Nordstrom. It also features fashion-forward boutiques such as Coach and Tumi.

Just around the corner, The Streets of Woodfield offers an outdoor, pedestrian-friendly experience with a movie theater, coffee shops, clothing stores, and the Legoland Discovery Center. Here, kids can tour an interactive Lego “factory,” catch a 3-D flick, and build their own Lego creations such as miniature cars that can be put to the test on a racetrack. Come evening, journey back to the Middle Ages at Medieval Times, a restaurant that puts on a nightly show—a jousting tournament featuring horseback-riding knights and falconry demonstrations.

Experience the outdoors at the Ned Brown Forest Preserve—popularly known as Busse Woods—a 3,700-acre expanse on the border of Schaumburg and Elk Grove Village. Bikers and joggers and take advantage of an 8-mile paved loop as fishers post up around Busse Lake in pursuit of channel catfish, largemouth bass, and northern pike. Be sure to swing by the elk pasture, where the preserve’s resident herd of elk lives.

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Vegas-Style Hotel with Saloon and Seven Restaurants

A mechanical bull bucks in Deuces Wild Buckin' Bull Saloon, Valley Forge Casino Resort's onsite rock ‘n’ roll and country bar. People clad in cowboy boots strut through line dances with drinks in hand beneath the dance floor's green and blue lights. But unlike the Wild West, there's no blazing desert outside. Instead, you’re just a short drive from Valley Forge National Historical Park, home to hundreds of acres with trails past restored historic buildings. You can also take the hotel’s complimentary shuttle to King of Prussia Mall, one of the country’s largest shopping malls.

The hotel’s Casino Tower rooms welcome guests with contemporary furnishings. Inside the hotel, the casino brims with 600 slot machines and 50 tables of blackjack, craps, and roulette. Seven onsite restaurants cater to different cravings: there's casual sushi at Asianoodle, and Pacific Prime's upscale atmosphere complements dishes such as maine lobster and loch duart scottish salmon.

King of Prussia, Pennsylvania: Revolutionary History At Every Turn

Colonial history surrounds King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, located about 30 minutes outside of downtown Philadelphia. George Washington led troops to battle in nearby Germantown, and Valley Forge National Historical Park is home to Washington's original headquarters and several soldier monuments. Take a Magical History Tour to follow the Continental Army's path to its 1777–1778 winter camp, or drive 30 minutes east to Chestnut Hill to wander cobblestone streets dotted with shops and restaurants.

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Spacious Rooms, Aveda Spa, and Fine-Dining Restaurant on Charming Grounds

In the early 1900s, Vermont governor Allen Miller Fletcher staked out a hill in the Green Mountains to build a castle-like resort. The area he picked is like something out of a winter fairy tale, tucked into the woods near Okemo Mountain. The area is called Castle Hill, and it’s where you’ll find The Pointe Hotel at Castle Hill Resort & Spa. The modern hotel shares its property with some of Fletcher’s original Cotswolds-style buildings and gorgeous gardens, which earned the resort a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. Its location makes it a convenient spot to explore the region’s covered bridges, the Okemo Valley, President Calvin Coolidge’s homestead, and Okemo State Forest.

The brick-accented Pointe Hotel is spacious and comfortable, with facilities that put the focus on fitness and wellness. Recently remodeled guest rooms emphasize plush comfort. At the Aveda Concept spa, you can relax with massages, facials, and body wraps. The resort’s sunlit pavilion, lined with windows on both the walls and ceiling, makes for a soothing setting to take a yoga or Pilates class. For breakfast and dinner, head to the opulent wood-paneled dining room, where executive chef Alphonsus Harris uses fresh local produce to craft French-influenced dishes.

Cavendish, Vermont: Quaint New England Town with Fishing and Golfing near Okemo Mountain

Cavendish lies near Vermont's Okemo Mountain. Visitors can fish in the area's lakes or bike or hike across its network of trails, including the Healdville Trail, which climbs to the mountain's 3,340-foot summit. They can also play rounds on the area’s championship golf courses, including the heath-style Okemo Valley Golf Club. Those looking for more summer activities can try out kayaking and horseback riding or visit a local microbrewery.

Travelers can also stop by the nearby Adventure Zone and partake in outdoor activities like zipline tours, a mountain coaster, a climbing wall, segway tours, disc golf, and mini golf.

Nearby in the town of Ludlow, you’ll find a diverse culinary landscape that includes classic Italian restaurants, Irish pubs, and steak houses. Window shoppers can stroll past boutiques and antique shops to feast their eyes on elegant gifts, collectors' items, and local art.

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Desert-Inspired Hotel with Elegant Outdoor Pool

Best Western Plus Palm Desert Resort lies in the heart of the Coachella Valley, an arid landscape peppered with lush fairways and flanked on three sides by mountains. Befitting its Californian desert surroundings, the hotel features Spanish villa architecture replete with stucco walls and terra-cotta roof tiles. Towering palm trees and blooming gardens add bright pops of color to the hotel’s landscaping.

After a dip in the pool, you can sweat it out at the fitness center or engage in a shouting match with the line judge at the tennis courts. In the morning, don’t miss out on a complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast of eggs, pancakes, fresh fruit, danishes, and bacon.

Palm Desert, California: Shopping and Golf in Scenic Coachella Valley

Palm Desert shares the same desert landscape and resort atmosphere as Palm Springs, about 15 miles to the northeast. El Paseo, known as the Rodeo Drive of the Desert, is within walking distance of the hotel. The popular shopping district features art galleries, high-end boutiques, and brand-name retailers such as Gucci, Ralph Lauren, and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Palm Desert is also a gateway town into the north end of the 800,000-acre Joshua Tree National Park, located less than 60 miles away. In addition to being the birthplace of Bono, the desert park is famous for its unusual geologic formations and mountains made of twisted rock, which are ideal for rock climbing. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife including desert bighorn sheep, golden eagles, and coyotes.

For a guaranteed glimpse of wildlife, check out The Living Desert, a zoo, botanical garden, and animal hospital in Palm Desert. As you stroll throughout the various geographical regions—including North America, Africa, and Village WaTuTu—you will see flora and fauna indigenous to that area, which can include mexican gray wolves, giraffes, and jaguars. The Living Desert also boasts a G-scale model train that winds its way through replicas of historical scenes, including a California logging and mining town and the south rim of the Grand Canyon.

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Spacious Suites Overlooking Championship Golf Courses

Playing a round of golf in Arizona is a little like taking a short, relaxing staycation; the bright manicured greens are little oases when seen in contrast to the mostly dry desert terrain. At TPC Scottsdale, it's wise to play a round early in the cool morning air before the sun starts blazing. As you play, you'll have a clear view of the sand-colored McDowell Mountains. The course is also essentially the backyard of Scottsdale Links Resort, located a short walk away from the course.

Giant palms shade the resort's three-story stucco buildings, and the property has more of the feel of a chic condo complex than a hotel. In each of the spacious one- or two-bedroom suites, you'll find a balcony or patio. After preparing a meal in the room's full kitchen, you can eat in the patio area, which is decked out with tables and chairs.

The resort also has two big pools—one of which is adults-only—lined with deck chairs and umbrellas. Guests can relax there after rounds at TPC Scottsdale, which is made up of two championship courses and 36 professional holes. This golf course is the site for the Waste Management Phoenix Open, a PGA tournament that consistently breaks attendance records.

Scottsdale, Arizona: Affluent Community amid Rocky Desert Landscape

Located a bit northwest of Phoenix in the Sonoran Desert, Scottsdale has come a long way since its early days. It once served as ranch land where farmers grew oranges and lemon farms, and cowboys kicked up dust in the fierce dry heat. Today, Scottsdale is an affluent city, landscaped with lush green grass and lined with stucco mansions. If you still want to get a glimpse of its Old West roots, head to Old Town Scottsdale, which features wooden sidewalks, hitching posts, and an old-time ice-cream parlor sidled up next to rustic shops.

There are sprinkler systems all over the public streets, but Scottsdale mostly embraces its dry desert setting. You'll see cacti and tumbleweeds throughout the landscape, and the mountains in the distance are covered with dry shrubs and gnarled trees. You can check out Scottsdale's southwestern flora at the Desert Botanical Garden. It has themed trails that wind past huge Sonoran cacti and other plants that hoard moisture. The gardens are best seen in the early morning or cool twilight hours; the same goes for most outdoor activities you do in Arizona.

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Spanish-Style Resort Overlooking Cabo San Lucas Marina

There was a time when the waters around Cabo San Lucas swarmed with buccaneers looking to raid merchant vessels rife with gold, silver, and other treasures. These days, it’s mostly yachts that are anchored peacefully in the city's marina, but Cabo is still a good place to go in search of opulence, which you’ll find at Club Tesoro at the Wyndham Cabo San Lucas Resort. With all the grandeur of a Spanish villa, the stucco-fronted retreat sprawls along the Pacific oceanfront, offering posh amenities and marina views just steps from the city’s lively downtown district.

In many of the resort’s earth-toned rooms and suites, floor-to-ceiling windows lead to private balconies overlooking the town, the Sierra de la Laguna, or the marina. You can head to the marina during the day to take off for a whale-watching tour or snorkeling expedition. If you’d rather unwind at the beach, take the resort’s beach shuttle—it’ll transport you to the coast in less than five minutes.

As part of this getaway, you can choose between a margarita cruise at sunset or a $100 credit for Cabo Expeditions, a world-class tour company. During the included cruise aboard the luxurious Caborey, wait staff serve sushi and hors d’oeuvres while a band plays international dance music. The 2.5-hour excursion includes an open bar and provides several snapshot-worthy views as the boat ventures into the Pacific Ocean and past Cabo San Lucas’s iconic Los Arcos rock formation. Alternatively, with an adventure tour from Cabo Expeditions, you can kayak or snorkel around the islands in the Sea of Cortez, or go parasailing 600 feet above the water.

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico: Watersports, White-Sand Beaches, and Festive Parties

Located at the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula in Mexico and 10 degrees below the Tropic of Cancer, Cabo San Lucas enjoys pleasant year-round temperatures. Just south of town, the white-sand Lover's Beach (or Playa del Amor) stretches alongside the Sea of Cortez and is frequented by sea lions, and, depending on the season, humpback whales. It's a popular spot for snorkeling, scuba diving, and swimming. Tour boats and water taxis regularly zip from Cabo to Lover's Beach and the neighboring El Arco, an arch-shaped granite rock formation that has become Cabo's unofficial symbol.

Surrounding the marina waterfront, downtown Cabo buzzes 24 hours a day with visitors sampling local tequilas and fresh, grilled seafood. Slip into one of the trendy restaurants near the marina to try chicharrones—fried pork rinds—and chiles en nogada—poblano chilis topped in a walnut cream sauce. The tourist district is also filled with nightclubs and cantinas catering to every kind of visitor, whether they're looking for conga lines or jazz tunes.

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Hacienda-Inspired All-Inclusive Resort with Oceanfront Pools

Although there are many resort towns along Mexico's Pacific coast, Puerto Vallarta has a bit more history than most of them. Old Vallarta is lined with cobblestone streets, bougainvillea-draped villas, and a 1920s cathedral topped with a sculpture of a crown. The romantic setting helped earn the city the top spot among Mexican destinations in TripAdvisor's Travelers' Choice 2012 awards.

Today, the city has expanded to the north, which features a hotel zone lined with luxury high-rises. This is where you'll find the all-inclusive Krystal Puerto Vallarta Resort, whose hacienda-inspired architecture includes stucco façades, rustic archways, and wooden pergolas. More than 40 old-fashioned fountains dot the 25-acre beachfront property. One of them, a re-created aqueduct, trickles through the gardens.

Each day, the resort's entertainment staff leads poolside activities such as bingo and karaoke. Kids can find plenty more to do at Kamp Krystal (open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily), from painting figurines to earning their scuba-diving certification in a ball pit. Meanwhile, adults can visit the Millennium Spa.

Buffets run continuously from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Las Velas Restaurant, an international eatery overlooking Banderas Bay, but the dining options don't end there. You can sit down for a formal Mediterranean meal at Cinque Terre Restaurant or sushi at Kamakura Restaurant.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico: Tropical Paradise with Cosmopolitan Flair

Puerto Vallarta is among Mexico’s most sophisticated cities, with trendy restaurants and bustling beaches such as Playa los Muertos, a popular stretch of golden sand filled with fishermen and beach-volleyball players. Nearby, a 10-block boardwalk known as the malecón offers unobstructed ocean views as it extends from the city center, past fountains and a famous 9-foot-high statue of a boy riding a seahorse.

Called “the most gay-friendly city in Mexico” by Frommer’s, Vallarta draws a diverse crowd of vacationers intent on relaxing during the day and living it up at night, bouncing between the city’s numerous dance clubs and bouncy castles. For a glimpse of the city's history, head to Old Vallarta, where artists peddle shawls and piñatas, and mariachi bands serenade couples dancing on Plaza Principal.

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All-Inclusive Resort On Popular Beach with Calm Waters and Offshore Reef

In the 1950s, wealthy denizens of Santo Domingo would flock to Boca Chica, the nearest beach in the city, to spend their weekends in leisure. And with good reason: Boca Chica has some of the calmest waters in the Dominican Republic, thanks to a large coral reef. Today, visitors come to the white-sand shores to take off on trips for scuba diving, jet skiing, fishing, and other watersports. At low tide, you can even walk from Boca Chica to one of the offshore islets, where mangrove swamps house a variety of bird species.

Be Live Hamaca Suites sits right on the bay, and an onsite beach club and dive center make it easy for guests to enjoy the tropical setting. From here, you’re only about 30 minutes from the capital city of Santo Domingo.

There’s plenty to do right at the resort complex, which features five pools, a kids’ club, and a spa. In the resort’s casino, you can try your hand at slot machines and classic table games, such as roulette and blackjack. Be Live Hamaca Suites also offers a range of activities and evening entertainment programs, including Latin dance classes.

Five à la carte restaurants and one international buffet provide lots of dining options. Among them, Rodizio specializes in Brazilian cuisine and the sea-front Pelicano highlights the local seafood. There’s also a 24-hour snack bar where guests can grab quick bites to eat between meals. For drinks, hit up any of the six bars spread throughout the complex; they serve local Boca Chica and international alcohols. Some are themed and feature live music and shows.

Greater Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic: 15th-Century City with Vibrant Nightlife

Before it was a popular vacation hub, the Boca Chica area was a series of sugar plantations. Traces of this history are visible today—Playa Andrés, a nearby beach, still holds an old sugar factory. For another dose of history, head west to the capital city of Santo Domingo. It's recognized as the first European city in the New World, and it claims to have the first castle, the first monastery, the first paved road, and even the first sewer system ever built in the Americas. In the Colonial Zone, you'll find the city's oldest and most historical sites, including Alcázar de Colón, a tapestry-lined palace built for Christopher Columbus's son Diego.

During the day, street vendors at the city's national market, El Mercado Modelo, sell everything from fresh mangoes to jewelry and carved wooden figurines. When the sun goes down, head to Malecón, an oceanfront avenue lined with bars and discos that pump out merengue music until late.

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Four-Star Boutique Hotel Steps from Caribbean Sea and Fifth Avenue

You won't see a car driving down Playa del Carmen's main thoroughfare, Quinta Avenida, or Fifth Avenue. Cars are off-limits here. Instead, live marimba musicians, pedestrians, fire-breathers, and vendors hawking handmade goods and Cuban cigars flood the cobblestone street. Less than a block from this cultural hub, the 4-star Acanto Boutique Hotel puts you in good position whether you want to explore Playa del Carmen's Mayan architecture, check out its hip nightlife, or kick back on the Caribbean beaches that are just steps away.

Tropical trees shade the hotel, which resembles a hacienda through its wrought-iron terraces, arched windows, and adobe façade. Walk down to the grotto-like courtyard to take a dip in a swimming pool surrounded by palm trees and stone siding, or head up to a rooftop jacuzzi to find ocean views. Marble bathrooms, a balcony or terrace, and a full kitchen make Acanto’s artfully designed one-bedroom condo villas feel luxurious yet contemporary. Deluxe rooms feature vibrant artwork and mahogany wood furnishings.

If you want to pick up the pace, the concierge can set up various eco tours. Scuba dive along Playa del Carmen's massive barrier reef or swim with dolphins and teach them to whistle Creedence Clearwater Revival songs through their blowholes. You can also venture nearby to take in some horseback riding, go ziplining through the jungle, or take a day trip to the Mayan pyramid at Chichén Itzá.

Playa del Carmen, Mexico: Trendy Beach Area and Diving Destination

Just across the sea from the island of Cozumel, Playa del Carmen has been called "the hippest city in all of the Yucatán Peninsula" by Lonely Planet. The laid-back beach bars and cafés have a way of converting vacationers into expats, but Playa's most compelling draw might be its cenotes—cavernous sinkholes filled with turquoise pools. The water in the cenotes is crystal clear, particularly at the lily-pad-dotted Xlacah cenote, where you can snorkel among schools of colorful fish.

To the south, you'll find preserved ruins of pre-Columbian cities. Tulum's crumbling temples are situated above a dramatic ocean bluff, and Coba's enormous pyramid rises between two lagoons. For a fun day trip, hop aboard the ferry to Cozumel, which docks at the pier east of Calle 1. There are about a dozen dive shops on Cozumel, and they offer trips offshore to the reefs that Jacques Cousteau declared some of the world's most beautiful.

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Top Reasons to Visit Palm Beach Resort & Beach Club

• Located on the island of Palm Beach, the resort is just a short walk from the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean.
• You can borrow a bicycle from the main office to explore the island, or borrow beach chairs and umbrellas for a day of beachcombing.
• The palm-lined sun deck—with a heated outdoor pool, lounge chairs, patio tables, umbrellas, and barbecue grills—is a pleasant spot to spend an afternoon.
• Guests can fish from the onsite fishing pier, which extends into the Intracoastal Waterway, or book a fishing charter through the resort.
• Each one- and two-bedroom unit has excellent views of the Intracoastal from private balconies or patios off the living room and master bedroom.

Palm Beach, Florida: Upscale Beach Town North of Boca Raton

Palm Beach has long been a favored retreat for America’s rich and famous—the Kennedys, Trumps, and Rockefellers have all spent winters here. The warm weather, beautiful beaches, and golf courses are a surefire cure for the winter blues, but there’s plenty to do all year round. Midtown Beach, a kid-friendly stretch of golden sand surrounded by glitzy estates, is an ideal spot for working on a tan or building a sandcastle.

On the western edge of the island, visit the Gilded Age at the Flagler Museum. It’s housed in the beautiful Whitehall Mansion, which was built in 1902. Walk through the halls, parlors, and ballrooms on a guided tour or stop in for afternoon tea in the glassed-in pavilion. Across the causeway, about 10 miles north of the resort, lies lively West Palm Beach. You can head to CityPlace, a stylish outdoor mall, for a host of dining and shopping options.

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Resort Set on Award-Winning Caribbean Beach

Painted in vibrant shades of blue, yellow, and green, Legends Beach Resort is located in Negril, Jamaica, a tropical resort town known for its laid-back vibe. The hotel sits directly on Seven Mile Beach, a former hippie hangout that still draws free spirits eager to try out cliff jumping or listen to live reggae music. Named one of the Caribbean’s best beaches by Frommer's, the stretch of sand is visible from the hotel's open-air restaurant, where diners browse buffets and take part in themed meals. Guests at Legends Beach Resort can also take advantage of the amenities offered at Samsara Cliff Resort, including all-inclusive meal-and-drink plan reciprocity and access to its scuba-diving center.

This getaway's all-inclusive meal-and-drink package covers breakfast, lunch, and dinner as well as local-brand liquors and drinks from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. After settling into a standard gardenside room, you can fill up on jamaican jerk chicken and snapper at the beachfront buffet or sip exotic cocktails on the waterfront patio. Theme nights include “Jamaica Me Crazy Night,” when you can sample traditional island fare and listen to live reggae music.

Rows of red lounge chairs are stationed on the white-sand beach steps from the Caribbean Sea, and tropical gardens surround two secluded swimming pools. For a taste of adventure, take the five-minute shuttle ride to Samsara Cliff Resort. Here you can take a complimentary scuba-diving lesson, snorkel through tropical coral reefs, or jump from the top of the Samsara cliffs.

Negril, Jamaica: Laid-Back Beach Town with Reggae Soundtrack and Picturesque Sunsets

Located on Jamaica’s western coast, Negril is known for its white-sand beaches, rugged cliffs, and coral reefs lying just offshore. The nearby underwater beauty makes the town a popular spot for scuba diving and snorkeling, and anglers have found the sea filled with blue marlin, wahoo, and mahi-mahi.

Often called "the capital of casual," Negril is best defined by its laid-back vibe, from the slow and steady rhythm of the indigenous reggae music to its unofficial uniform: swimsuits and flip-flops. Due to its spot on the island’s westernmost point, the city has a front-row seat to some of the world’s most beautiful sunsets. Visitors and locals alike often climb to the top of the waterfront cliffs just to watch. At the Royal Palm Reserve, about 300 acres of tropical forests and wetlands are home to more than 300 types of birds, butterflies, and abandoned Rubik's cubes.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Historic Inn in Vermont Countryside

The Inns at Equinox occupy 30 newly renovated townhouses and 13 rooms at the historic 1811 House. Though located on the history-soaked grounds of The Equinox Resort, the Townhouses have a fresh, contemporary look, thanks to bright splashes of color, stylish light fixtures, and photographs of the surrounding Vermont countryside taken by local artists. At 1811 House, the former home of Abraham Lincoln's granddaughter, guests can relax in one of 13 guestrooms featuring antique furniture and fixtures, canopied beds, and views of Manchester Village.

The resort sits on 1,300 wooded acres abounding with opportunities for both leisurely and active pursuits. Year-round, the rocky terrain accommodates Land-Rover Experience Driving School classes, and British School of Falconry lessons take place about a mile from the hotel. The resort’s onsite spa houses a shimmering 75-foot turquoise pool surrounded by loungers and statuary. Body treatments and steam rooms help unknot muscles, and an elaborate 24-hour fitness center treats exercisers to views of the grounds. With this getaway, you’ll receive a $20 voucher that you can apply toward a spa massage or greens fees at the resort’s award-winning golf course. The par-71 beauty was named the fourth-best course in Vermont by Golfweek in 2012, and offers dazzling views of the surrounding mountains.

Manchester, Vermont: Quaint Town near Prime Outdoor Recreation

Slate-gray roofs studded with dormer windows crown the antique shops and outlet stores of tiny Manchester, which boasts a number of colonial buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Many of the charming restaurants you’ll find nearby dish out local, sustainable eats.

The Green Mountain National Forest surrounds the village, which is nestled between the Green and Taconic Mountains. About a 15-minute drive east, Bromley Mountain offers a zipline, chairlift tour, climbing wall, and miniature golf, as well as other summer activities for the whole family.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Spacious Villas near Three PGA Golf Club Courses

The links-style Dye course at PGA Village contains many flourishes characteristic of its designer, World Golf Hall of Famer Pete Dye. He throws in a scare right at the start, planting the tee box on hole 1 so it overlooks an intimidating sea of coquina waste bunkers and pine-straw roughs. But the rest of course is less threatening, with spacious landing areas and picturesque natural scenery from the surrounding Big Mamu Wetlands. And it's just one of three championship courses in the backyard of Florida's Perfect Drive Golf Villas, a resort designed to challenge and inspire golfers.

Like a home away from home, spacious one- and two-bedroom villas include full kitchens, private screened porches, and laundry rooms. Guests who stay in Pine Valley villas wake up within walking distance of the PGA Golf Club and can relax in whirlpool bathtubs after a round. On the other side of the resort, Castle Pines villas are located within a gated community with picnic areas and three heated, lagoon-style swimming pools.

Perfect Drive also sits adjacent to the PGA Golf Club's short golf course with six holes, where you can warm up for the other courses.

The rounds of golf included in options 3 and 4 are valid at a private golf course nearby; guests are welcome to purchase additional rounds on the three PGA Golf Club courses for an additional cost.

Port St. Lucie, Florida: Oceanfront Nature Preserves and World-Class Golf

Located near the Atlantic coast about 100 miles north of Miami, Port St. Lucie is lined with white-sand beaches that feel quieter and more laid-back than those in nearby Palm Beach. The area is also home to thousands of acres of parks and nature preserves, including Indian River Lagoon’s marshes and mangroves. About 20 minutes north in Fort Pierce, the Savannas Recreation Area evokes the Florida Everglades with five distinct biological communities, from wet prairies to pine flat woods.

Aside from ecotourism, Port St. Lucie’s main draw is golfing at PGA Village. Hailed as one of the 75 Best Golf Resorts in North America by Golf Digest , the resort features courses mapped out by golfing legends Tom Fazio and Pete Dye. Its onsite practice facility with bunkers simulates famous golf courses from around the world, including Pebble Beach and Doral's Blue Monster.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Australia Trip with Stops at Sydney and Cairns, the Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef

This trip includes:

• Round-trip airfare from Los Angeles (LAX) on Virgin Australia airlines (flight time: about 15 hours)
• Four-nights stay at the 4-star Vibe Rushcutters Bay Hotel in Sydney
• Four-nights stay at the 4-star Ibis Styles Cairns Colonial Club in Cairns
• Internal flight from Sydney to Cairns
• Airline taxes and fuel surcharge

On this 11-day Australia vacation, you’ll split your time between Sydney and Cairns. The package includes 4-star accommodations in both locations, and you can explore both cities at your leisure. See a full itinerary here. For most dates, guests have a choice of starting in Sydney or Cairns, although June 25-28 and September 18-21 they must start in Sydney, and in Cairns July 2-5.

We’ve listed some of our favorite highlights below.

Four Nights in Sydney

Accommodations: 4-star Vibe Rushcutters Bay Hotel, located within walking from the fashion boutiques on Sydney’s Paddington’s Oxford Street.

Fodor’s ranks Sydney as “among the most beautiful cities on the planet.” Located on Australia’s southeast coast, it’s dotted with more than 50 beaches covered in sunshine almost all year long. The city’s most-iconic attraction, the Sydney Opera House, sits on the Sydney Harbour two miles from the hotel. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, its towering white sails host world-renowned musicians and the country’s principal opera company. Across the harbor, the historic Rocks neighborhood is a popular destination for vintage shopping and pub crawls.

With its near perfect weather conditions, Sydney is a city best experienced outside. Sail across Sydney Harbour, stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens, or take a surfing lesson on the epic waves at Bondi Beach. For a more laid-back scene, you can head to the lesser-known Milk Beach and watch seaplanes land on the warm shallow water. Ferries departing from the harbor can also take you to the Taronga Zoo, which overlooks the harbor from a hill.

Four Nights in Cairns

Accommodations: 4-star Ibis Styles Cairns Colonial Club, located near the city center.

A flight will take you from Sydney to the tropical city of Cairns, where you’ll spend the second half of your vacation. Set on the Coral Sea on Australia’s northeast coast, Cairns is known as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest reef system. This underwater paradise supports a mind-blowing assortment of tropical fish, sharks, and colorful coral formations, making scuba diving here a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Cairns offers other adventures as well. A gondola ride on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway reveals unbeatable views of the ocean as it glides above the rainforest canopy. And at Tjapukai Cultural Park, one of Australia’s Aboriginal tourist attractions, theater performances and art exhibitions trace the history of the indigenous people. No matter what excursion you choose, most visitors start or end their day on the enchanting Cairns Esplanade. Set along the harbor, this bustling thoroughfare is lined with seafood restaurants, jewelry shops, and a seaside lagoon that often hosts weekend concerts.

10-Day Fiji and New Zealand Vacation

This trip includes:

• Round-trip airfare from Los Angeles (LAX) on Air Pacific (soon to be Fiji Airways). Flight time is approximately 10.5 hours.
• Four nights at Fiji Hideaway Resort and Spa in Fiji
• Daily breakfast in Fiji
• Three nights at Mercure Auckland Windsor in Auckland
• Airport meet and greet in Fiji
• Round-trip airport transfers in Auckland
• Round-trip private airport transfers in Fiji

Click here to view the full itinerary. Optional activities are not included with this Groupon and require an additional fee.

Days 1–6: Nadi, Fiji

The nation of Fiji is comprised of 333 islands, and you’ll be staying on the largest one, Viti Levu. The Fiji Hideaway Resort and Spa is located along a stretch of white sandy beach on Fiji’s Coral Coast in the island’s southwest corner. Right in front of the resort, there’s a live reef where guests can snorkel or scuba dive.

Each evening, Local Tagaqe villagers perform a traditional Kava ceremony in which they sit in a circle and pass around a bowl of kava—a mildly narcotic drink. On Thursdays, you can watch a fire walking ceremony.

If you’re up for an excursion, head to Sabeto Hot Springs and Mud Pool, where you can bathe in sulfuric springs and natural pools of mud. The Sri Siva Subramanya Swami Temple is also worth a visit—it’s a colorful Hindu temple that is one of the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere.

Days 7–10: Auckland, New Zealand

Located on the northern tip of New Zealand’s North Island, Auckland is your home base for the last leg of the trip. You can see the whole city from the 1,076-foot-tall (328-meter) Sky Tower, which has a glass elevator that takes people to the top of the building. Another popular attraction is the Auckland Harbour Bridge Climb over Waitemata Harbour. Adventurous types will swan dive off the bridge—attached to a bungy, of course; the sport of bungy jumping was invented in New Zealand.

Each night, you’ll sleep at Mercure Auckland Windsor, located on the fashionable Queen Street. It’s surrounded by shops, restaurants, and theaters.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Modern Holiday Inn Close to Phoenix and Scottsdale

Location is key at Holiday Inn North Phoenix: it’s situated 15 minutes from downtown Phoenix and just off I-17, within sight of North Mountain and Shaw Butte. The hotel is also a short drive from the surrounding cities—Scottsdale, Peoria, Mesa, and Tempe. Its location makes Holiday Inn North Phoenix a fine home base for countless activities, such as golfing on the many nearby courses, shopping at Scottsdale’s upscale stores, or attending a Diamondbacks game at Chase Field.

For lunch or dinner, head to the onsite restaurant, Tandoori Times 3, a casual spot with a patio and lounge bar where you can dine on spiced Northern Indian cuisine. As is standard at every Holiday Inn, kids 13 or younger eat free in the hotel restaurant when grownups order an entree and promise the chef they will finish all of their broccoli.

Each of the rooms included in this deal—two-bed executive, two-queen deluxe, king executive, and standard—features a microwave and a refrigerator, where you can store midnight snacks from the hotel’s little 24/7 market. During the day, feel free to park on a lounge chair along the edge of the outdoor pool.

Phoenix: Bustling Metropolis and Native American Culture Surrounded by Desert

Phoenix enjoys about 300 days of sunshine a year, which has helped it to balloon into the sixth-largest city by population in the United States. It's also 1 of only 12 US cities with at least four major sports teams: the Arizona Cardinals (NFL), the Phoenix Suns (NBA), the Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB), and the Phoenix Coyotes (NHL).

Though the topography of the Phoenix area is all desert, it's by no means desolate. Camelback Mountain is a designated city park area with scenic trails that wind past boulders and red-sandstone formations; climb to the very top for a view of the entire city. Or hit the themed trails at the Desert Botanical Garden filled with southwestern flora such as huge sonoran cacti and other moisture-hoarding succulents. Either way, plan hikes in the early morning or twilight hours to catch the most stunning sunlit views and stay cool.

For an in-depth look at the cultures of Arizona’s indigenous population, browse the 12 exhibition galleries and sculpture garden at the Heard Museum.The collection’s nearly 40,000 pieces of art range from 500 Hopi katsina dolls to a full-size Pueblo oven. In nearby Scottsdale, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West was the renowned prairie-style architect’s winter home as well as a campus for his architecture school.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Top Reasons to Stay at Forever Bungalows

• Located on 6 wooded acres in the quaint Hamptons town of Sag Harbor, Forever Bungalows offers vacationers a minimalist country escape near Atlantic beaches.
• The rooms were designed with the environment in mind. You’ll find recycled-glass shower tiles, water-conserving toilets, and other eco-friendly touches throughout the property.
• Each guest room is equipped with a refrigerator and a small kitchen. Queen rooms also come with a patio that looks out to the woods.
• Beach passes grant guests access to bay and ocean beaches. The passes are free, but require a $300 refundable deposit.
• You can borrow a bicycle to explore the grounds or pedal to nearby Sag Harbor Bay.
• You can play a round on the Sag Harbor State Golf Course, a public course located next door.

Sag Harbor, New York: Quaint Seaside Town in the Hamptons

About 75 to 100 miles east of Manhattan, on the South Fork of Long Island, lies a string of sophisticated beach towns collectively known as the Hamptons. The area includes the towns of Southampton and East Hampton, plus a series of smaller, picturesque villages and hamlets (not all necessarily ending with "hampton"). During the summertime, the area, which is known for its peaceful beaches and a glamorous social scene, regularly draws a privileged crowd. In cooler months, the population shrinks, and it’s relatively quiet here; spend days beachcombing, shopping for farm-fresh produce, or strolling past the giant mansions that line the seaside.

Sag Harbor, one of the northernmost towns in the Hamptons, is quaint and unpretentious. Founded in 1707, Sag Harbor has long been an important American transportation hub; in 1789, President George Washington approved it as the official port of entry to the U.S. Over the next century, it became known as the whaling port of the northeast. You can learn more about the village’s history at the Sag Harbor Whaling and Historical Museum. After a museum visit, take a stroll down Main Street to grab a bite to eat or shop for gifts and apparel.

Because they’re clustered together, it’s easy to visit other towns in the Hamptons during your stay. Westhampton Beach is known for its busy Main Street, populated by boutiques, cafes, and Zagat-rated restaurants, and Frommer’s calls the village’s beaches “some of the best on Long Island.” In neighboring Eastport, antique stores abound, and in Southampton, you’ll find several historic estates and chic shops. Trendy East Hampton is home to top-tier restaurants and celebrity mansions, including those of Jerry Seinfeld and Billy Joel.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Italian Vacation with Stops in Rome and the Amalfi Coast

This trip includes:

• Round-trip airfare from New York (JFK)
• Three-night stay at the Mecenate Palace hotel or similar hotel in Rome
• Three-night stay at the Hotel Vesuvio or similar hotel in Sorrento on the Amalfi Coast
• Arrival transfer to hotel and coach transfer to/from Sorrento
• Daily breakfast
• Hop-on, hop-off tour of Rome
• Panoramic tour of Naples
• Guided visit of Pompeii

On this eight-day Italy vacation, you’ll split your time between Rome and the Amalfi Coast, a chic resort region located on Southern Italy’s Mediterranean Coast. The package includes hotel accommodations and daily breakfast. View the itinerary here.

We’ve included some of our favorite highlights below.

Three Nights in Rome

Accommodations: The Mecenate Palace hotel features a rooftop garden restaurant, and guest room with panoramic views.

Italy’s “Eternal City” dates back nearly 3,000 years. Its early inhabitants left behind a wealth of architectural masterpieces: the Colosseum, built in 72 A.D. for gladiator contests and animal fights, is an elliptical amphitheater that could fit 55,000 Roman countrymen. Today, you can tour its dilapidated interior and see its labyrinth of masonry walls and chambers. The hop-on, hop-off tour allows you to visit Termini, Piazza Venezia, Colosseo, Circo Massimo, Monte Savello, San Pietro, Castel St. Angelo, Arapacis, Tritone and Barberini.

From here, the city’s crowded cobblestone paths lead to attractions including the magnificent Trevi Fountain. It’s Rome’s largest Baroque fountain, festooned with Neptune, Tritons, seahorses, and several waterfalls. According to legend, those who throw a coin in the water will return to Rome one day.

The city also has some world-class art. At the Vatican Museums in Saint Peter’s Square, you can see Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, home to his most famous frescoes The Last Judgment and The Creation of Adam, and sculptures by legendary artist Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Before you leave, indulge in some local Roman traditions: feast on kosher artichokes in the Jewish Ghetto, drink grappa in a secluded alley side cafe, and watch the sun set from the Pincio Terrace located behind the Villa Borghese.

Three Nights in the Amalfi Coast

Accommodations: The Hotel Vesuvio—in the coastal town of Sorrento—has three restaurants including a poolside oasis.

Colorful villas cling to sheer cliffs and cobblestone streets give way to black pebble beaches along the Amalfi Coast, located in Southern Italy where the Mediterranean Sea meets mountains. You’ll stay in Sorrento, a bustling port town on the Bay of Naples. The lemon trees here bear fruit that can grow to the size of footballs, and one of the most popular Sorrento exports is its Limoncello, a lemon-based liqueur. It’s traditionally served as an after-dinner drink, but local shops start handing out samples of it as soon as their doors open.

About 20 minutes east of Sorrento is Positano, a popular honeymoon destination that occupies the most spectacular stretch of the Amalfi Coast. You can go lounging on the beach here or shopping for embroidered linen clothing. These coastal towns are well-positioned for a number of exciting day trips as well: charter boats can take you out to the jet-setting island of Capri, with a stop at the famed Blue Grotto along the way. And about 17 miles north, in the volcanic ruins of Pompeii, you can see paints still sitting in their pots beside unfinished frescoes.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Nine-Night Mediterranean Cruise of Greece, with Optional Trip to Turkey

Included in all options:

• Two nights in a standard room at the 5-star Royal Olympic Hotel in Athens
• Seven nights of accommodations on the MS Ryndam—inside, outside, or verandah cabin
• Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks during the cruise

During this seven-night cruise, you’ll board a recently enhanced Dutch-inspired ship and sail the Mediterranean, visiting resort towns in Greece and Turkey, and sun-soaked Greek islands. Both trips begin with a two-night stay in Athens, but the cruise itineraries differ. This deal includes meals and accommodations.

Click here to see a detailed itinerary for options 1–9, which visits the Greek islands and Turkey (departing 9/4/13, 9/18/13, and 10/2/13).

Click here to see a detailed itinerary for options 10–18, which visits the Greek islands (departing 9/11/13, 9/25/13, and 10/9/13).

Days 1–3: Athens

After an overnight flight, you’ll arrive in Athens on day 2 and transfer to the 5-star Royal Olympic Hotel. The rest of the day is yours to explore the city, or check out the hotel’s atrium pool, gardens, and rooftop restaurant.

Day 3 kicks off with a guided city tour that stops at the Presidential Palace and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. At the Acropolis, you’ll see sacred temples and Doric limestone buildings dating back to the 5th century B.C.

Day 4: Board the Ship

Guests will be transferred to the port to board the MS Ryndam, a luxury ship decorated with 17th-, 18th-, and 19th-century art. There’s plenty to do on board—lounge by one of the outdoor pools or get a hot-stone massage at Greenhouse Spa & Salon. At the Pinnacle Grill, you can enjoy a fresh seafood medley. The boat’s new entertainment venue “Mix” features three different themed bars.

The itineraries for Options 1–9 and 10–18 differ from this point

Itinerary for Options 1–9, Greek Islands & Turkey Cruise

Days 5–8: Istanbul, Lesbos, and Ephesus

The ship sails across the Dardanelles en route to Istanbul. You’ll have two full days to explore this enchanting Turkish city, considered the gateway between Europe and Asia. It served as the capital for four distinct empires—the Roman, Byzantine, Latin, and Ottoman—and has been formerly called Constantinople and Byzantium. Today it’s home to several architectural masterpieces, including the Hagia Sophia, a cathedral-turned-mosque-turned-museum renowned for its enormous dome and richly decorated mosaics.

A stop in the Greek Island of Lesbos on Day 7 gives you time to explore the beautiful landscape that inspired Aristotle and Sappho. The following morning, you’ll arrive in Kusadasi, a resort town located on Turkey’s Aegean Coast near the ancient city of Ephesus. An archaeological site here contains the eastern Mediterranean’s largest collection of Roman ruins.

Days 9–11: Mykonos and Crete

The rest of your trip will be split between Mykonos and Crete, two of Greece’s most popular islands. An international party destination since the early 1970s, Mykonos caters to a lively crowd with 24-hour beach parties and clifftop nightclubs. In Crete, the seat of ancient Minoan culture, you can visit Knossos Palace, a labyrinthine network of shrines, altars, and royal chambers. After breakfast the following morning, guests make their way to the airport for their flight home.

Itinerary for Options 10–18, Greek Islands Cruise

Days 6–8: Corfu, Katakolon, and Santorini

The boat arrives in Corfu, the second-largest of the seven Ionian Islands, in the morning of Day 6. The beaches here stretch up to groves with millions of olive trees, a verdant landscape that gives Corfu its nickname “Emerald Island.”

After a day in the coastal town of Katakolon, you’ll sail for the Greek Island of Santorini, which was named the world’s sixth-best island by Travel + Leisure in 2012. A major volcanic eruption took place here nearly 4,000 years ago, resulting in the island’s famous black-sand beaches, striated red cliffs, and a crescent-shaped caldera that now serves as the island’s harbor.

Days 9–11: Ephesus & Rhodes

The rest of your trip will be split between Kusadasi, a resort town on Turkey’s Aegean Coast near the ancient city of Ephesus, and Rhodes, the largest island of the Dodecanese archipelago. Both spots offer beautiful beaches and historical religious sites. After breakfast the following morning, guests will make their way to the airport for their flight home.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Wooden Lodge Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains

Things move at a relaxed pace at the 75-year-old Grandview Lodge in Waynesville, North Carolina. On a large wraparound deck, you can kick back on one of the rocking chairs that look out over the Great Smoky Mountains. The forested peaks surrounding the lodge provide a sense of peaceful seclusion.

During the day, take a stroll around the property. You’ll find an onsite orchard growing golden delicious, gala, and red delicious apples. Wood-paneled walls and old-fashioned quilts decorate the lodge’s guest rooms. None of them look quite the same and some feature windows facing the mountains; all have private bathrooms and front porches with rocking chairs. You can also choose to stay in the Grandview cottage, a standalone structure large enough to accommodate eight people. It contains two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a large kitchen.

Waynesville, North Carolina: Scenic Drives amid Mountains, Forests, and Rivers

The town of Waynesville is located about 10 miles from Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which—unlike most national parks—never charges admission. Naturally, the area is a haven for outdoorsy activities, including kayaking, whitewater rafting, and trout fishing. Become acquainted with this colorful stretch of the Appalachians by motoring down the Blue Ridge Parkway, a scenic drive with unexpected hairpin turns and views of maple-covered peaks.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Visit Mount Zion, Jerusalem, River Jordan, and Tel Aviv's Church of the Annunciation

Included in this tour package:

• Round-trip airfare from New York on a major airline (Flight time: about 12 hours)
• Four-night stay at Prima Royale Hotel Jerusalem in Jerusalem
• Two-night stay at Royal Plaza Tiberias in Tiberias
• One-night stay at Tal Hotel Tel Aviv in Tel Aviv
• Sightseeing and meals as indicated on itinerary

This tour of Israel includes stops in Jerusalem, Tiberias, Nazareth, and other major sites. Click here to see the daily itinerary.

Days 1–5: Jerusalem and its Old City

• After an overnight flight, you'll arrive in Tel Aviv and transfer to Jerusalem.
• Take a walking half-day tour of Jerusalem's Old City, built in the 16th century and encompassing Jewish, Armenian, Christian, and Muslim architectural and cultural districts. Highlights include colorful outdoor bazaars and Mount Zion, where you can see King David’s Tomb.
• On your third and fourth days in Jerusalem, you're free to see the sights at your leisure. Visit the Southern Wall of the Temple on the Mount, or grab some falafel and shawarma at the Mahane Yehuda Market.

Days 6–7: Beit She'an & Tiberias

• The tour heads northward to the city of Beit She'an, in the Jordan River Valley. Here, you’ll see ruins of ancient theaters, bathhouses, and stone columns dating as far back at 63 BC.
• The tour follows the River Jordan south to the Sea of Galilee, where you'll explore Capernaum, an abandoned fishing village said to be the home of Saint Peter. You can also see 3rd-century synagogues and an ancient olive press dating back to the 2nd century.
• Then, you’ll stop in Tiberias, a historic city located along the Sea of Galilee. Rest in the area's natural hot springs, which result from the city's surrounding geothermal activity. Many of the town’s older structures are made from black volcanic rock.

Days 8–9: Nazareth & Haifa

• Make your way west en route to the Mediterranean, stopping in Nazareth, home to the Church of the Annunciation, the Middle East's largest basilica. Inside, ornate mosaics honor the Virgin Mary—the basilica is built above a cave believed to be where an angel told Mary that she would give birth to Jesus.
• Not far from the Mediterranean in the town of Haifa lies the spectacular Baha'i Shrine & Gardens, which features 19 meticulously landscaped terraces encircling a shrine made from Italian marble.
• The tour heads along the coast to Tel Aviv, where you’ll board a flight back to the United States the next day.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Top Reasons to Stay at Key West Vacation Rentals

• These private units are scattered throughout Key West, providing easy access to the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden and the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum, where you’ll spot descendants of the author’s famous six-toed cats.
• Each of the efficiency, one-, and two-bedroom units is decorated with individualized décor, so no two are alike. The Garden House, for example, features a private, heated pool surrounded by tropical foliage, and a recently updated kitchen with modern appliances. Casa Bonita includes a private patio for outdoor dining.
• Most of the vacation homes boast such amenities as full kitchens, outdoor grills, and air conditioning. Private pools and hot tubs add a touch of luxury to select units.
• The nearby main office is easy to reach from most of the homes. For an additional fee, a concierge can help you set up in-room massages, sunset sailing trips, or snorkeling adventures.

Key West, Florida: Dazzling Sunsets, Six-Toed Cats, and Cuban Culture

Located just off Florida's southernmost tip and north of Cuba, the island of Key West is undoubtedly the most famous of the Florida Keys. Frommer's calls it "the land of the eternal vacation." Most tourists come to Key West's gulf-side beaches to snorkel, surf, or fish—you can catch sailfish and barracuda near Garrison Bight Marina.

At nighttime, locals and visitors alike converge on the Mallory Square Dock to watch the sun dip below the gulf, casting swaths of deep orange and pink against the horizon. The spectacle is so breathtaking that it inspires a sunset celebration each night. The dock comes to life with traveling psychics, one-man bands, and food vendors serving fresh squeezed lemonade and conch fritters.

The island’s proximity to Cuba is reflected in many of the restaurants, where you can enjoy authentic Caribbean fare such as coconut shrimp and plantain chips. And no trip to Key West is complete without a visit to the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum, where the author lived, worked, and kept his six-toed cats. More than 50 descendants of those famous felines still prowl the grounds of the museum to this day.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Spacious Condos in Quiet Cove of Popular Jacó Beach

Jacó was Costa Rica’s first resort town, attracting flocks of wintering North Americans in the 1970s with its palm-lined shores and sugar-sand beaches. Jacó’s popularity has barely waned over the years, thanks in part to its proximity to the Costa Rican capital of San José. Today, a boom in high-rise development and a burgeoning reputation as a world-class surf and nightlife destination has helped to solidify Jacó’s reputation as one of the country’s top coastal party spots. But amid all the action, Club Del Cielo has managed to carve out a quiet nook at the south end of Jacó Beach with two-story villas tucked in a lush, tropical cove.

The resort’s 19 condos vary in size and design, but they all harmonize with their natural surroundings. Wooded furniture and potted plants help to bring a bit of the outdoors inside. Each condo has its own private terrace with views of the gardens and the occasional toucan or monkey. In the full kitchens, stainless-steel appliances and built-in breakfast bars add a modern flourish.

Head to the onsite Tres Sabores Restaurant to dine on traditional Costa Rican and international dishes, such as mahi-mahi with mango sauce mashed potatoes and teriyaki chicken. Club Del Cielo is a scant four blocks away from other Latin American and seafood eateries in downtown Jacó.

Though you can easily spend your days on the beach a block from Club Del Cielo, the resort has a tour desk that can arrange excursions throughout Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast. Some tours include an observation of crocodiles in their natural habitat along the Rio Grande and a ride through the rainforest canopy in an aerial tram.

Puntarenas, Costa Rica: Scarlet Macaws and Surfing at Popular Ecotourism Getaway

Located along the Pacific coastline, Puntarenas is Costa Rica’s largest province, extending more than 500 miles from the Panama-Costa Rica border up to the Gulf of Nicoya. In Puntarenas, you’re never far from beaches, national parks, and nature reserves, making the area a popular ecotourism spot. The beachside town of Jacó attracts surfers from all over the globe with consistently big waves and good breaks. Just a few miles inland, Carara National Park, an 11,600-acre nature reserve, is home to crocodiles, two-toed sloths, and hundreds of scarlet macaws—a rare sight in most parts of the country.

About 60 miles northeast of Jacó lies the Costa Rican capital of San José, a cultural hub filled with colonial architecture, open-air artisan markets, and street vendors selling tamales and pupusas (stuffed flatbread). Farther north, Arenal Volcano looms over the surrounding jungle. Before 2010, the 5,437-foot volcano was Costa Rica’s most active, frequently spouting plumes of ash and lava. Since then, the volcano has entered a dormant phase, but you can still enjoy its geothermal hot springs and steamy rainforest hikes.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Historical Inn Overlooking Phillips Lake

The first guests checked in to the Lucerne Inn nearly 200 years ago. It wasn’t necessarily an “inn” at first, though—the property’s clapboard estate, located along a 30-mile stretch of road between Bangor and Ellsworth, was once the only place in the area for food, drink, and lodging for weary travelers. Over the years, it evolved into The Lucerne Inn, a Georgian-style mansion now on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s since added on a few extra modern luxuries. Today, Fodor’s calls The Lucerne Inn “one of the most famous and respected inns in New England.”

The homey estate is furnished with various antique period pieces. The junior suite is equipped with a roaring gas fireplace and a queen-size poster bed. The executive suite has colonial wood furnishings that contrast with its jetted tub. An included bottle of wine or prosecco adds to the romantic ambiance, and a complimentary breakfast the next morning includes pastries, bagels, and fresh fruit.

Kick back on one of the inn’s patios and gazebos, and you can get a view of Phillips Lake and a forested mountain range. You’ll find some of the best vistas at the inn’s restaurant, where lace-trimmed windows frame sunsets over the lake. The restaurant cooks New England fare, from buttery Maine lobsters to filet mignon. You can also explore the surrounding countryside up close—the property has a walking path that runs past a lake, and a beautifully groomed nine-hole golf course.

Greater Bangor, Maine: Acadia National Park, Rugged Shorelines, and Historical Attractions

The quiet burg of Dedham sits just 13 miles south of Bangor, a populous city in Maine’s highlands region. There’s some beautiful coastal scenery here—the shores are lined with sprawling forests and waves crash against granite rocks.

About 40 miles south on Mount Desert Island is Acadia National Park. Its 35,000 pristine acres make it well worth the trip. Drive along the island’s famous Park Loop Road and you’ll see rolling mountains and rugged shores, with lovely ocean views along the way. Rockefeller’s famous carriage paths wind through the forests; on a hike through, you could see seals, deer, and songbirds.

It’s also worth it to get a view of the water from the water. You can take whale-watching tours and windjammer cruises out of nearby Bangor and Bar Harbor, or rent a canoe at Jenkins Beach 2 miles from Lucerne Inn.

Head into town in Bangor and you’ll find some key cultural institutions: The Bangor Symphony Orchestra hosts traditional ballets and classical concertos. Meanwhile, there are more than 10,000 prints dating to the 1840s are on display at the Bangor Museum and Center for History.

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Top Reasons to Visit Kingwood Country Club & Resort

• Kingwood Country Club & Resort is situated in the midst of the Blue Ridge Mountains of northern Georgia, with easy access to hiking trails, whitewater rafting, and trout fishing.
• Inn rooms have private balconies with nice views of the surrounding mountains.
• Some options include a round of golf for one on the resort’s picturesque 18-hole course, featuring meandering brooks and lush hardwoods.
• Use the spa credit included in some options toward an enzymatic seaweed body wrap or mineral sea salt scrub at the onsite spa.
• The park puts you next to Black Rock Mountain State Park, home to canoeing, kayaking, and fishing.
• The resort has three dining options: two casual eateries and The Lodge, an upscale restaurant that overlooks the ninth-hole green.

Clayton, Georgia: Small Mountain Town with a Quaint Downtown

Clayton sits in the misty shadows of the Blue Ridge Mountains in northeastern Georgia. Outdoor adventure abounds in the small town—head to nearby Black Rock Mountain State Park to tackle forested hiking trails such as the Ada-Hi Falls trail, a half-mile track that leads to a small waterfall, or the more challenging 2.2-mile Tennessee Rock trail. You can fish for rainbow trout and large-mouth bass in Black Rock Lake, about 20 minutes north of the resort.

Downtown Clayton has a main street lined with quaint boutiques, antique stores, and an old-fashioned drug store and soda fountain. There’s also a thriving arts scene. Featured in the New York Times and Better Homes and Gardens, Main Street Gallery stocks original artwork, pottery, and handcrafted furniture.

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Comfortable, Convenient Hotel in Connecticut

Shelton experienced an economic revitalization in the 1980s, when several major companies, including General Electric and Black & Decker, opened offices here. The Courtyard by Marriott Shelton is conveniently located to offer easy access to—or reprieve from—the corporate corridor. Located just south of town, the hotel provides a wealth of relaxing amenities.

In the indoor pool you can relieve the stress of an intense budget meeting or the stress of discovering that your tie reacts to flute music like a cobra. Floor-to-ceiling windows surround the pool and look out on the property’s gardens. Later, you can sip a cocktail while perched on a high-backed bar chair with the lobby fireplace at your back. The Bistro prepares contemporary American fare for breakfast and dinner. Comfortable guest rooms are outfitted with flat-screen TVs and free WiFi.

Shelton, Connecticut: Revitalized Hamlet Outside Hartford

Shelton's minor industrial revolution near the turn of the 21st century helped make it one of the fastest-growing cities in Connecticut. Big companies converted defunct warehouses into high-tech facilities. The influx of work has revitalized downtown, which today boasts charming mom-and-pop stores along brick and cobblestone sidewalks. A farmers' market offers fresh produce, and the 10-acre Riverwalk Park provides a scenic jogging path along the Housatonic River.

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Historical Civil War–Era Hotel on Georgetown's Circle

In 1836, a two-story brick hotel was erected on Georgetown’s Circle. When the Civil War broke out a few decades later, Union supporters co-opted the hotel as their unofficial clubhouse. In the years that followed, the building served as a county courthouse, a post office, and a bank before it was fully restored and reopened in 2008 as The Brick Hotel On The Circle. Today, the storied hotel is a convenient home base for exploring Georgetown’s historic buildings and antique stores.

Each of the hotel’s guest rooms is furnished with antiques such as period bedsteads and old-fashioned clocks. Daisy stained-glass wall art decorates the Lazy Daisy room, and the Mayor's Manor—a tongue-in-cheek nod to the innkeeper's short stint as Georgetown's mayor—incorporates a pineapple motif as a symbol of hospitality. A few rooms offer small fireplaces and views overlooking the circle.

After settling in, head downstairs to The Brick Hotel's in-house tavern and restaurant—open Tuesday through Saturday—to use your dining credit toward seared scallops or Maryland crab cakes with a pint of cold ale. On Thursdays, the hotel hosts an afternoon tea where you can nibble on scones, cream puffs, and an assortment of sandwich samples ($18–$24/person; reservations required).

Georgetown, Delaware: Charming Colonial-Era Town

Georgetown is located in southern Delaware, right across Delaware Bay from New Jersey. In 1791, the city was laid out in a circle 1 mile in diameter, starting with the town square. Today, you’ll find lots of historical buildings along the square—the stately white tower of the Sussex County Courthouse stands just opposite The Brick Hotel on the Circle. There are several other notable buildings within a short walk of the hotel, including St. Paul's Episcopal Church—built in 1794, it’s the oldest church in the city.

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All-Inclusive Resort near Mesoamerican Barrier Reef

The Mesoamerican Reef extends more than 600 miles along the Yucatán Peninsula, making it the second-largest barrier reef in the world. More than 500 species of fish live here, including the angelfish and bluehead wrasse, as well as loggerhead turtles, spiny lobsters, and queen conch—the same creatures that once sustained ancient Mayans living along the Caribbean waters.

Not far from the reef, right on the beachfront, lies the all-inclusive Reef CocoBeach resort. Here you can take an introductory scuba-diving lesson in the curvy, freeform swimming pool, or borrow snorkeling gear, kayaks, and boogie boards to explore white-sand beaches dotted with fossilized coral formations and unfossilized sunbathers. For an additional charge, the resort can schedule offsite snorkeling, deep-sea fishing, and scuba excursions departing from the marina. In the evenings, you can stay on the property to enjoy live entertainment or venture into Playa del Carmen.

Four onsite restaurants supply the resort’s all-inclusive meals and snacks. Miramar sets out an extensive buffet for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and El Palmar serves poolside snacks until 2 a.m. Two fine-dining restaurants, Rosinella and Sabor Latino, serve upscale Italian and Mexican cuisine. They require no reservations and you can go as often as you like.

Mexico's Riviera Maya: Rich with History and Tropical Calm

Just south of Cancún, the Riviera Maya is a nearly 80-mile stretch of Caribbean coastline fronted by towns rich in Mexican culture. For some of the area’s best beaches, clubs, and snorkeling reefs, head to the rapidly growing city of Playa del Carmen. Farther south, Tulum sits on a perch of rocky bluffs and is better known for ancient ruins, including temples and a cliff-side castle. The inhabitants of Tulum—which means "walled" in the aboriginal language—first erected the city's outer fortress to protect themselves from belligerent invaders. Today, the wall guards the archeological zone, beginning with an entryway of two corbel arches and a limestone house built over an underwater cave.

Swimming in the secret caves isn’t allowed, but a scenic drive south of Playa del Carmen brings you to the Yucatán Peninsula's legendary limestone cenotes, freshwater sinkholes created by an underground river system. At the Cenote Cristalino, you can jump from terraced outcroppings into an exposed pool or go snorkeling in underwater caves. You can also watch locals expertly flip, dive, and synchronously cannonball into the clear water at this popular weekend hangout.

10-Day Tour of Nepal with Five-Day Trek Through the Himalayan Mountains

Included in all tour options:

• Accommodations in three-star hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara and traditional lodges during the trek
• Daily breakfast throughout, plus five lunches and five dinners
• Three vegetarian meals per day with a hot drink during the trek
• Farewell dinner
• Three yoga/meditation classes
• Expert local guides
• Food, lodging, and necessary equipment for trekking
• All ground transportation for tour activities
• Airport pick-up and drop-off
• Permit and national park fees

Click here to see the full itinerary. Click here to see the FAQ.

Nepal’s 150-mile Annapurna Circuit has been called the “holy grail of trekking” by Backpacker magazine. On this trip from Bohemian Tours, you’ll spend five days hiking the challenging circuit amid the tallest mountain range in the world—the Himalayas. Experienced guides lead the group, which is composed of no more than 15 people (porters help ease the load). Along the way, you’ll stay in traditional lodges that line the route. Before and after the trek, you can explore some of Nepal’s largest cities, including Kathmandu and Pokhara, while sleeping in three-star hotels.

Days 1–2: Arrival and Orientation

After landing at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu, you’ll be transferred to a nearby hotel for the night—either Thamel Eco Resort, Samsara Resort, or another resort of similar caliber. On the second day, you’ll take part in a morning yoga class and depart from Kathmandu toward Pokhara.

Days 3–7: Himalayan Trekking Along the Annapurna Circuit

Over the next five days, you’ll spend five to six hours per day on a trek along the Annapurna Circuit. The scenery changes as you hike between villages, from thick jungle to panoramic alpine vistas. Along the way, you’ll munch on three vegetarian meals per day and settle in at traditional lodges come nightfall.

Days 8–10: Sightseeing and Farewell Dinner

Tour-goers will spend the eighth day exploring Pokhara, the second largest city in Nepal. Here you can enjoy a massage, go paragliding, or hike to the World Peace Pagoda for a stunning view of some of the world’s tallest mountains. The following day, the group journeys back to Kathmandu for a farewell dinner. There’s a final yoga class in the morning before you set off for the airport.

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Top Reasons to Visit Songbird Prairie Bed & Breakfast

• With its wooded setting and only five suites— each containing a fireplace and oversized whirlpool tub—Songbird Prairie Bed & Breakfast in the Indiana countryside is an ideal spot for a romantic getaway.
• The B&B is a half-hour drive from the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, where you’ll find sandy beaches, great bird-watching opportunities, and easy bike trails.
• Midwest Living named it one of their favorite Midwest B&Bs, praising the homemade breakfasts served with fresh-cut flowers and herbs from the garden.
• Travel + Leisure liked the “grounds’ prairie grass, roses, and many trees that lure the namesake songbirds on their way to and from the Indiana Dunes.”
• Breakfast is served in the sunroom and may include bacon and cheddar scones, rosemary and thyme braised ham, or waffles topped with berries.
• Reserve an afternoon tea service (extra fees) to enjoy freshly baked scones, tea sandwiches, and chocolates amid the musical chirping of songbirds that make their homes in the surrounding forest.

Valparaiso, Indiana: Thriving Parks System Close to the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore

The city of Valparaiso is about an hour southeast of downtown Chicago and less than a half-hour drive from the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. In the summer, the lakeshore draws beachcombers to its 15 miles of sandy beachfront along the shores of Lake Michigan. You can also explore your surroundings on several miles of hiking trails that wend across dunes, wetlands, and prairies.

There’s plenty of green space in the city, too—Valparaiso has a thriving park system that comprises more than 15 parks and gardens with activities for all ages. Bicentennial Park has softball fields, tennis courts, and newly refurbished playground equipment. Or, head to Ogden Gardens Park to stroll through a Japanese garden set with bridges, a tea house, and a koi pond.

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See Shanghai, Xi’an's Terracotta Army, and the Great Wall of China

The tour includes:

• Round-trip airfare from Los Angeles (LAX) via Air China
• Three nights at the 4-star Broadway Mansions Hotel in Shanghai; two nights at the 4-star Grand Mercure in Xi’an; and three nights at 4-star Beijing International Hotel.
• Twelve meals, including eight buffet breakfasts, three lunches, and one dinner
• All intra-China flights and ground transportation
• Maximum of 24 people in the tour group
• Professional English-speaking tour director and local guides

Below, we've outlined some of our favorite trip highlights. You can check out the full itinerary here. Optional excursions are available for an additional fee.

Days 1–4: Shanghai An overnight flight takes you to the megalopolis of Shanghai, which has a population almost three times bigger than New York City’s. Your group of up to 24 fellow guests makes their first stop on the tour at the breathtaking Yu Garden, built four centuries ago during the Ming Dynasty. Waterways meander past the garden's striking rock formations, koi ponds, ornate pavilions, and a massive boulder made entirely of jade. You’ll spend the next two days at leisure, discovering for yourself why Shanghai is known as the "Paris of the East." You can also opt to take a cruise along Suzhou's scenic canals. This optional tour costs $85 per person and includes lunch.

Days 5–6: Xi’an After a brief flight west, you’ll set down in Xi’an, one of China's oldest cities, to visit its primary claim to fame these days—the Terracotta Army, more than 8,000 life-sized stone soldiers dating back to around 250 BC. At night, an optional dumpling dinner and Tang Dynasty dance performance is available for an additional $48 per person.

Days 7–10: Beijing, Great Wall After a morning flight to Beijing, you’ll visit Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, an enormous imperial palace built during the 15th century. In addition to two days of leisure time, the last leg of the trip includes a tour of the iconic Great Wall—undoubtedly one of the largest construction projects ever attempted. Stretching across thousands of miles, the wall is made up of many separate sections extending through mountains as well as desert regions. On day 9, an optional tour to visit the Hutongs of Beijing and the Temple of Heaven is available for an additional $65 per person, including a provided lunch.

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Stately Historical Mansion in New England Countryside

The wallpaper inside The White House Inn was hand-painted nearly a century ago. In fact, much of the decor inside the Victorian-style mansion can make you feel like you've entered a time warp: it still has its original light fixtures, an old-fashioned servant-call system, and even a hidden staircase.

Built in 1915 as a summer home for a local lumber baron, the inn is set atop a rolling hill on 16 quiet acres in southern Vermont. Take a walk through its 1.5 acres of gardens, and you'll find stone terraces designed by English landscape architect John Hall.

Various New England period pieces adorn each of the inn’s guest rooms, which feature one or two queen beds or one king bed draped in elegant linens. Select rooms come equipped with a private terrace or balcony. Come morning, you can dig into a breakfast spread of omelets, pancakes, and more. Later risers can enjoy bloody Mary's and rhubarb mimosas during live music Sunday brunch.

Relaxation is king at The White House Inn: there's an indoor heated pool, a spa, and a steam room. Feel free to play billards, ping pong, and darts, or enjoy the view from an Adirondack rocking chair under a covered patio.

Black Dog Tavern offers a casual environment, cocktails, and a gorgeous view of the sunset, while the onsite restaurant has a more upscale feel. Chef Aaron Mitchell-Patrick crafts gourmet cuisine that can be enjoyed in the original Mahogany Dining Room or on the garden terrace around a fire pit.

Wilmington, Vermont: Charming Small Town in the Green Mountains near Lake Whitingham

A quaint town nestled in the mountains, Wilmington is classic Vermont: family farms set up roadside stands for selling produce, and vintage buildings host gallery displays by local artists. It’s also a haven for outdoor activities in the spring and summer. The nearby Mount Snow has more than 20 miles of trails coursing through Green Mountain National Forest—perfect for a peaceful hike or mountain-bike ride. You can also take a chairlift ride to the summit, which towers at 3,600 feet. A scenic drive from the inn is Lake Whitingham, also known as Harriman Reservoir. Stop by here for a boat cruise or to fish for walleye and pike.

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Bed and Breakfast on Lake Garfield

Lakeside Terrace overlooks pristine Lake Garfield in the heart of the Berkshires, and there’s no shortage of ways to kick back and relax amid this scenery. You can spend the day swimming, boating, or fishing for bass, perch, and pickerel. There’s a screened-in wraparound porch where you can get expansive views of the lake, and there are lawn chairs and hammocks throughout the property.

Constructed in 1875 as a guesthouse, the property features seven individually appointed rooms. Done up in cornflower blue, room three occupies a corner of the house and features views of both the lake and the surrounding forest. One of the brightest spots in the house is room two, where natural light pours in from large windows overlooking the water. Five of the rooms have private bathrooms with showers; rooms six and seven share a bathroom. Each morning, enjoy a continental breakfast of baked goods, fruit, hard-boiled eggs, and coffee.

Monterey, Massachusetts: Cultural Attractions and Mountain Hiking amid the Berkshires

Located in western Massachusetts, the tiny town of Monterey sits at the headwaters of the Konkapot River, which begins at Lake Garfield. Monterey is one of many towns that make up the Berkshires, a beautiful highlands region famous for its arts scene and river valleys. Since the 19th century, artists and writers from Herman Melville to Edith Wharton have found solace and inspiration here while writing their most famous works and filling out typewriter rebate forms.

The region's arts-centric tradition continues today at a number of repertory theaters and world-class museums, including the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge and Herman Melville’s Arrowhead in Pittsfield. Outdoorsy types can keep pretty busy in the Berkshires: the geography is made up of mountains, forests, and valleys, as well as a portion of the Appalachian Trail.

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Top Reasons to Visit Sonora Inn

• Built in 1896 as a Victorian hotel, this historic bed and breakfast in the Sierra Nevada foothills has since been remodeled in the California Mission style, with Spanish tiled roofs and arched walkways.
• The property has welcomed a number of Hollywood starlets over the years, including Drew Barrymore, who stayed here during the filming of Bad Girls, and actress and former Princess of Monaco Grace Kelly.
• Newly remodeled in 2012, guest rooms have new carpeting, new beds, and flat-screen TVs. Floral linens and white shutters retain the rooms’ elegant country style.
• The hotel is 5 miles from Columbia State Historic Park, where visitors can experience the former mining town’s gold-rush-era heyday by making candles, panning for gold, and riding through town on a horse-drawn carriage.
• There are fishing creeks and golf courses tucked amid the mountain landscape.
• Sonora’s historic main street is lined with antique shops, bakeries, and gourmet wine bars. The hotel is also about an hour from Yosemite National Park.

Sonora, California: Former Gold-Mining Town Close to Yosemite National Park

Located about two hours east of the San Francisco Bay Area is Sonora, a small town tucked along the Sierra Nevada in California’s Gold Country. Learn about the area’s gold-rush history at the nearby Columbia State Historic Park, which contains buildings from the 1850s, a century-old stagecoach, and saloons with sarsaparilla and piano music.

Sonora is about an hour’s drive from Yosemite National Park, the third most visited national park behind the Great Smoky Mountains and the Grand Canyon. Spring is one of the best times to see Yosemite’s famed waterfalls, thanks to the snowmelt brought on by warmer weather. Yosemite Falls—a three-tiered waterfall considered the highest in North America—transforms into a thundering cataract each spring. Serious hikers can trek to the top on the strenuous Upper Yosemite Falls trail, which gains 2,700 feet in elevation in just 3.5 miles.

Though much of the park is covered in snow through May, springtime has its perks. Stroll the 5-mile loop around Mirror Lake, which seasonally dries up and becomes a meadow. In the spring, it’s full of water reflecting one of the park’s most iconic geologic formations: the granite Half Dome.

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Secluded, Four Diamond–Rated Boutique Resort in California Wine Country

Stevenswood Spa Resort is hidden deep within a redwood forest on a sprawling 12-acre estate along the Mendocino Coast. The towering trees establish a sense of tranquility, adding a nice counterpoint to the bed and breakfast's modern architecture. There is no cell-phone service and not a traffic light in sight, encouraging guests to curl up and read books or lounge in one of the mineral-infused spas tucked into the woods. Amid this secluded setting, Stevenswood Spa Resort boasts a Zagat-rated restaurant and an eco-friendly spa—luxuries that have earned it the AAA Four Diamond Award for the past 21 years.

Stevenswood’s spacious, contemporary suites have plasma TVs and wood-burning fireplaces. When you want to see the great outdoor scenery, simply follow the nearby trail—it leads right to the ocean. Back at the resort, you can unwind in Indigo Eco-Spa’s whirlpools or infrared sauna.

The resort is also a cofounder of the Mendocino 100-Mile Initiative, an organization committed to sourcing locally, and the 14-table Restaurant at Stevenswood, which uses organic, sustainable ingredients and is open every day except Wednesday. Diners can select pairings from an impressive collection of California wines. The hotel's SoHo-style wine bar—which contains the copper-top bar from the set of the movie Rent—hosts complimentary tastings of the lodge's private-label olive oils. Additionally, guests will receive champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries or evening hors d'oeuvres, depending on the restaurant's availability.

Mendocino Coast, California: Small Towns Along Scenic Oceanfront and Redwood Forests

Located about three hours north of San Francisco, Northern California’s Mendocino Coast is a region filled with tiny towns, art colonies, and varied terrain. Within a few minutes of one another are sunlit valleys, fertile vineyards, rocky headlands blanketed by fog, and serene forests of old-growth redwoods. The Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens showcase the area’s geographical diversity through its native rhododendrons, prickly succulents, and colorful blooms stretching to the ocean.

Partially because of its scenic land and sea scapes, the coast is popular with painters, who gather in artists' collectives such as the Mendocino Art Center. To see the land that inspires local artwork, head to Russian Gulch, Mendocino Headlands, or any of the region’s coastal state parks. At Mendocino Headlands State Park, waves crash into carving arches, grottos, and stony bluffs, while MacKerricher State Park north of Fort Bragg contains dramatic sand dunes.

Although normally quiet, the region comes alive during a series of whale festivals every March and April, when California gray whales pass by the coast as they migrate from Mexico to Alaska. You'll find one of the best vantage points for whale watching at Point Cabrillo Light Station, a lonely lighthouse first lit in 1909.

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Top Reasons to Stay at Cobblestone Manor Bed & Breakfast

• Located just 30 miles north of Detroit, the historical Victorian-style inn was originally built in 1840 as an 11-room farmhouse. It still features period furniture, such as the writing desk in the Presidential suite that once belonged to Henry Ford.
• It has manicured grounds that resemble a quaint cottage garden, with a gazebo, fountain, and walkways.
• Guest rooms are outfitted with queen-size beds (king-size in the Presidential suite), and most have whirlpool tubs and fireplaces.
• Each morning, innkeepers Paul and Heather prepare a complimentary breakfast in the sunny breakfast room or candlelit dining room. When it's featured on the menu, you can sample a Cobblestone—their signature dish—a flaky biscuit topped with cinnamon sugar and chopped pecans.
• The inn is located just 3 miles from The Palace, home of the Detroit Pistons, and less than 5 miles from the Great Lakes Crossing outlet mall in Auburn Hills.

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Auburn Hills, Michigan: Nature Parks and Detroit Pistons Headquarters

Auburn Hills is roughly 45 minutes northeast of Detroit. It has a subdued setting; state and national parks are accessible in almost any direction from Auburn Hills. The Clinton River cuts through Auburn Hills, and the Clifton River Trail follows it for more than 10 miles via a now-defunct rail line. Its tree-lined trails and postcard-perfect bridges are popular with bikers and hikers, and nearby Riverside Park features a canoe launch. It's worth it to check out Hawk Woods Nature Center, which spans nearly 100 acres of wetlands, forests, and ponds.

For all its natural beauty, Auburn Hills is also a destination for its city center—it's home to The Palace, headquarters for the Detroit Pistons. It also has Great Lakes Crossing Outlets for discounted designer clothing and a family-friendly dining experience at The Rainforest Café.

4-Star Boutique Hotel with Stunning Views of Marcel Cove

During a vacation in the Caribbean, French nobleman Gérard de Vion happened upon a secluded cove called Anse Marcel on St. Martin's northern coast. It was love at first sight. Years later, he built a hotel—the Marquis Boutique Hotel & Spa—on the hills overlooking the inlet. Although the marquis spends most of his time in France, he frequently bestows lavish gifts on his island retreat. Imported wines from his Bordeaux estate complement meals, and artwork from his collection adorns the walls in guest rooms.

Deluxe units are decorated in traditional Caribbean style, with accents of vibrant blues, yellows, and pinks. The ocean is visible from furnished terraces and swaying hammocks. For breakfast, you can dig into a spread of pastries and fruit. At dinnertime, head out to one of the restaurants along the bay. The hotel maintains partnerships with several eateries, and you can have your meal invoiced directly to your room. The hotel has a pool and spa onsite, and you can take the shuttle down to the beach to sunbathe, snorkel, or refill your hourglasses.

Anse Marcel, St. Martin: Secluded Town in "Gourmet Capital of the Caribbean"

Set in a beachfront valley on St. Martin's northern coast, Anse Marcel was once a sacred site for the Arawak Indians, who came to the cove to worship their gods. The Dutch, French, and English eventually arrived, creating the island’s distinctive blend of cultures. Today, this diversity is especially apparent—and especially tasty—at St. Martin’s many fusion restaurants. French wines, Caribbean flavors, and local seafood combine to form what some consider the best gourmet cuisine in the region.

Anse Marcel lies on the French side of the island in a secluded and quiet area. But it's a short drive to shops, nightclubs, and casinos. Along the way, you'll see panoramic views of the tropical hillsides dotted with creole huts partially hidden by the foliage. Among the island’s 36 beaches, the one at Anse Marcel features shallow waters, making it suitable for swimmers of all ages. Snorkeling and scuba diving are also popular pastimes here. A nearby reef both protects divers from heavy waves and serves as a home for tropical fish.

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Four-Star Villas on Quiet Beach in Riviera Maya

Las Villas Akumal’s thatched villas are just a few steps from the Caribbean Sea in the coastal town of Akumal, about 66 miles south of Cancún. The small resort town is just a half hour’s drive from the activities and nightlife of Playa del Carmen, but it’s far enough away to feel quiet and secluded. Here, white-sand beaches are lined with swaying palm trees, bars, and small coral reefs teeming with tropical fish. You can borrow snorkeling gear to explore these underwater ecosystems or hop in a kayak—the resort rents out both for free.

All of the villas have fully stocked kitchens; ocean-view villas also have private terraces set with hammock chairs and patio furniture. Some overlook the beachside pool area, which is surrounded by shaded lounge chairs. The resort’s rooftop restaurant serves chicken or grouper baked in banana leaves, jicama-and-papaya salad, and other traditional dishes of the Yucatán Peninsula in a palapa with panoramic views of Akumal Bay.

Akumal, Mexico: Small Resort Town Along Riviera Maya

Akumal is situated just south of Playa del Carmen along the Riviera Maya, a popular tourism destination on the Yucatán Peninsula. There are plenty of snorkeling spots along the town’s white-sand beaches, particularly in Yal-ku Lagoon, where the brackish water teems with tropical fish. Farther out, you can go scuba diving along the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, which stretches along the entire Yucatán Peninsula and shelters five species of sea turtles and one of the world’s largest congregations of whale sharks.

The area is also home to a number of Mayan archeological sites, including the ruins of Tulum, located just a half hour’s drive from the hotel. Tulum is believed to have been one of the most important cities of the ancient Maya. Today, you can still see the remnants of frescoes inside some of the structures.

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4.5-Star Luxurious Resort on Isolated Islet Facing Bora Bora

Facing the romantic Bora Bora in French Polynesia is a small, isolated islet named Motu Tevairoa. Here you’ll find the Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort & Spa, a luxurious destination that has won numerous awards from Condé Nast Traveler¬ and Travel + Leisure, solidifying its standing as one of the Pacific’s best resorts. With breathtaking views of Mount Otemanu and overwater bungalows as lodging, the authentic Polynesian-style, 4.5-star resort has a magical atmosphere that makes it seem straight out of a Tahitian postcard. Best yet, you’ll feel secluded in paradise, with a private beach at your feet and no other resorts in sight.

The resort’s overwater bungalows are a network of palapa-style huts set out in the lagoon. The bedside tables and a coffee table are made of glass, allowing you to peer down into the underwater life of the ocean below. The coffee tables even have a top that slides open so you can feed the fish below. The garden pool bungalows welcomes guest with their own private garden and spacious sitting area with plunge pool. The suites also feature outdoor showers.

While you can hop on the free shuttle for a five-minute ride to the main island of Bora Bora, there’s plenty to do at the resort. You can spend your day relaxing at the Manea Spa, swimming in the freshwater pool, or playing bocce ball or volleyball. The resort’s beach has no current, making it ideal for snorkeling, kayaking, stand-up paddling, and swimming.

You can also visit To’A Nui, a marine nursery where a colony of 4,000 coral grows in perfect ecological conditions. More than 70 species of fish have also settled here. Those who take a snorkel trip to see this homegrown coral might also want to take a bigger dive with assistance from the Blue Nui Dive Center, located on-site.

For dinner, head to one of the three onsite restaurants. Don’t miss the dining experience at Tevairoa Restaurant, where the main dining room overlooks the turquoise Bora Bora Lagoon from 20 feet above the sea. On some evenings, the restaurant hosts a Polynesian cultural show.

Bora Bora: French Polynesia’s Most Romantic Island

More than 100 islands comprise French Polynesia, and they each have their own distinct geography, from desert-like atolls carved out by lagoons to mountainous islands covered in verdant vegetation and waterfalls. Although all are worth visiting, Bora Bora is considered by many to be the most beautiful. Captain James Cook called it the “Pearl of the Pacific” when he landed here in the late 1700s. It’s here that you’ll find the iconic palapa-style bungalows set over the emerald water, nestled into the white sand.

Vacationers here make the most of the island’s scenic surroundings. The snorkeling and scuba sites at Anau and Tapu reefs draw divers for their year-round population of lemon sharks and manta rays. Other popular activities include outrigger canoe rides, 4x4 tours through Bora Bora’s lush valleys, and shopping for Tahitian pearls, perfumes, and handicrafts.

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Serene Inn near Los Padres National Forest

When director Frank Capra needed a stand-in for Shangri-La for his 1937 film Lost Horizon, he chose Ojai as the setting for the fictional idyllic village in the Himalayas. Located about 80 miles north of Los Angeles, Ojai may not look like it’s in the Himalayas, but it makes for a convincing replica of paradise in every other regard. The small town is located amid the Topatopa Mountains, near the crystal-clear Lake Casitas and the lush Los Padres National Forest. The serene landscape extends to the Hummingbird Inn of Ojai, where the crown of Chief Peak mountain can be seen from various points. True to its name, the property has dozens of colorful hummingbirds fluttering around.

Each guest room features hardwood floors, a flat-screen TV, and soothing colors. In the morning, a free breakfast spread awaits guests, who afterward can take dips in the outdoor pool, sit on the pine-log bench swing in the front yard, or visit massage therapist Laura Hathaway for onsite massages. Explore Ojai by renting one of the inn's complimentary bicycles or by hitching a team of hummingbirds to its low-flying dirigibles. Enjoy two glasses of wine in your room or a craft beer at the nearby Deer Lodge.

Ojai, California: Artsy Small Town in Peaceful Mountain Valley

In Ojai at dusk, the light from the setting sun reflects off of the Topatopa Mountains in such a way that the face of the mountains starts to glow with a distinctive rouge color. Locals call it the "pink moment," and Ojai is one of the few places in the world where this phenomenon occurs. You can get a nice view of this event at Meditation Mount, a New Age center.

Serenity and simplicity seem to be some of the defining characteristics of Ojai, contrasting it with the sprawling Los Angeles, located about 90 minutes southeast. Ojai has just a handful of traffic lights and some well-kept bridle paths. The city also used to be home to the peaceful Chumash tribe, who believed that the land's east-west configuration gave it magical powers. Spiritual traditions still linger; today, the town features a number of sites, spas, and shops dedicated to holistic healing and meditation.

Many restaurants in Ojai rely on local farms to source their food; the produce grown in town is well-regarded enough that residents of neighboring towns have been known to travel to Ojai on Sunday mornings for the weekly farmers' market.

There's also a strong artistic presence in town, due in no small part to former resident Beatrice Wood, a renowned sculptor. She worked until her death at age 105. You’re likely to stumble upon the works of local artists hanging on the walls in the area's restaurants and shops, and many artists open up their studios to outside visitors.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Pre-Revolutionary Bed and Breakfast with Award-Winning Farm-to-Table Restaurant

The history of the Home Hill Inn goes back to 1763, when New Hampshire colonists Thomas and Hannah Gallup received a grant from King George III for three hundred acres of land along the Connecticut River. In the years since the Gallups built their Federal-style home on the site, ownership has changed only a handful of times, which might help explain why the property is so well preserved. Modern improvements include the installation of an outdoor heated pool, a clay tennis court, a putting green, and an award-winning restaurant. But the building retains its old-world elegance in antique-filled guest rooms and tranquil gardens.

The menu at the inn’s farm-to-table restaurant earned a spot on _Yankee Magazine_’s 2013 Editors’ Choice list for Best Seasonal Inn Menu. Using fresh produce and meats from local farms, head chef Peter Varkonyi prepares dishes such as rack of lamb from Maine ($26) and buttered Nantucket scallops ($26) served on a bed of goat cheese agnolatti. For dessert, try the eggnog crème brulee ($8) or a chocolate martini ($12).

Plainfield, New Hampshire: Rural Town along the Connecticut River

Several New England souvenir shops sell t-shirts that say “Vermont and New Hampshire: Spooning Since 1791.” The cuddling states are separated only by the Connecticut River, and right along this natural boundary is where you’ll find the small town of Plainfield. It’s a conveniently located spot for visiting sites in both states: an intersection of two major highways is located just a few miles north, putting Manchester, Lebanon, and Burlington all within reach.

Plainfield was incorporated in 1761 and flourished as an agricultural center throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Many of the original buildings are still standing today. You can see many of them on a tour that includes a stop at Plainfield Town Hall, which was built as a church and meetinghouse in 1798. You can also pay a visit to the home of wealthy settler Francis Smith, whose property has been converted into a dairy farm—one of the last in the area where you can buy fresh milk on site.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Quaint Jacuzzi Cottages with Views of Surrounding Countryside

Spruce Hill Inn & Cottages is set on sprawling wooded acreage in Ohio's countryside. During the winter, the hills hide under a blanket of fresh snow, but when spring comes, it melts to reveal bright-green, rolling hills. Though the scenery changes, the objective remains the same every season: to relax and get close to nature in a quiet, secluded environment.

Spruce Hill's 28 private cottages sit on hilltops connected by meandering walkways. They all feature sitting areas with windows or private decks that look out to the countryside; some face the neighboring mountains, and others look out onto a tranquil pond. The furnished deck on Cottage 121 has some of the best farmland views, and guests can fix homemade meals in the kitchenette inside.

Though the views vary from cottage to cottage, each A-frame dwelling comes stocked with similar homey amenities, including dining areas, fireplaces, and jacuzzi tubs.

Mansfield, Ohio: Rural City with Family-Friendly Attractions and Countryside Trails

Mansfield is located in north central Ohio about halfway between Columbus and Cleveland. In a region covered with flat farmland, the city stands out: it has many peaks that reach as high as 1,400 feet. Even more unusual, this rural midland spot has been the setting for a number of major motion pictures, including Air Force One, Tango & Cash, and The Shawshank Redemption, which filmed its famous prison scenes at the Ohio State Reformatory in town. Originally built in 1886, this Gothic-style penitentiary no longer houses inmates, but it's still open for overnight ghost hunts as well as ghost tours, which Frommer's called among the best in the country.

The town's Historic Carrousel District, located about 7 miles from the inn, is home to the charming Richland Carrousel Park. It's an indoor merry-go-round adorned with 30 horses and 22 other intricate animal figures that were designed, hand-carved, and painted at the largest wooden-carousel manufacturer in the world—less than 10 minutes up the road.

You can also take advantage of golf, biking, and hiking opportunities along the 18-mile B&O Trail. During the winter, skiers, boarders, and tubers flock to Snow Trails Ski Resort, one of the few skiing destinations in the state.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Top Reasons to Visit Gedney Farm

• Guest rooms are housed inside a restored turn-of-the-century cattle barn built in the Normandy style. Many have granite fireplaces and tiled whirlpool tubs.
• A full continental breakfast is included with your stay.
• The property is a stone’s throw from scenic hiking trails in the surrounding Beartown and Sandisfield state forests.
• Gedney Farm offers guided hikes for guests. Sign-ups are available at the front desk as well as maps of near-by trails.

New Marlborough, Massachusetts: Cultural History in the Midst of the Berkshire Hills

New Marlborough is a rural town in the lower Berkshire Hills, about 10 miles from Great Barrington and 120 miles from Boston. It’s surrounded on all sides by state forests—including Beartown and Sandisfield—which feature hiking trails and lakes full of fish.

This area has served as a place of peaceful solitude for some famous artists and writers. Check out Herman Melville's Arrowhead, the home where he penned Moby Dick. Melville's study, piazza, and original fireplace are on display, as is the barn where he and The Scarlet Letter author Nathaniel Hawthorne met to discuss their writings and shared love of Doritos. In nearby Stockbridge, the Norman Rockwell Museum displays a massive collection of paintings and drawings from the famous Saturday Evening Post artist, including the well-known Christmas Homecoming and Girl Reading the Post.

Celebrating its 75th season, Tanglewood offers variety of summertime concerts and musical programs for people of all ages. Click here to see a list of performances and ticket prices.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Beachfront Resort near Reef Formed from Shipwreck

Around the turn of the century, a triple-mast merchant ship known as the Andes was en route for Chile when deckhands noticed smoke coming from below. They dropped anchor in Antigua's Deep Bay and opened the hatches to investigate—whereupon the vessel exploded in flames, sinking within 100 yards of land. Today the sunken ship lies only 30 feet below the waves, and its steel hull has become encrusted with coral and inhabited by schools of tropical fish. The Grand Royal Antiguan Beach Resort is a great place to launch your adventure to the shipwreck; it sits on a right beside Deep Bay and offers complimentary kayaks, sailboats, and snorkeling gear.

Because it's on a peninsula, the 40-acre resort overlooks a lagoon on one side and on the other, a half-mile of beachfront boasting white sand and coconut palms. If the lagoon and the ocean aren’t enough water for you, there's a pair of pools at the heart of the property. The pools are surrounded by thatched umbrellas and a cabana where you can often find a palm reader who can foretell how many high-fives are in your future.

You can sip a tropical cocktail at the swim-up bar, or dine at one of four onsite restaurants, where outdoor patios overlook the beach, lagoon, and pools. Upstairs, each ocean-view room supplies equally stunning views of the Caribbean from a private balcony.

Antigua: Colonial History Blended with Laid-Back Island Charm

On Antigua, the largest of the British Leeward Islands, you can visit a different beach every day of the year. The island has 365 of them, some of which were named by Frommer's as the Caribbean's best. Celebrities such as Oprah, Eric Clapton, and Giorgio Armani have been drawn to the powder-soft sands here, building sprawling estates amid the thatch-roofed bungalows. In the northwest, Dickenson Bay is a popular destination with something for every type of beachgoer: umbrellas and loungers, glass-bottom boat tours, and fast-paced watersports. There's an equally lovely landscape beneath the waves—just offshore, Cades Reef, a 32-foot-deep barrier reef, shelters barracuda, eels, eagle rays, and nurse sharks.

Like other isles of the British West Indies, Antigua retains a lot of English culture from its days as a colony, including a pervasive love of cricket and traditional afternoon teatime. You can see a lot of the island's colonial roots in its capital city, St. John's, where Fort Barrington served as an important military defense post for the British Royal Navy as far back as 1652. Today, the stronghold still boasts a powder magazine and gun platform alongside some of the most panoramic views in the Caribbean.

The island's distinct culture also shines through in its cuisine, which includes conch fritters and cornmeal fungi, a dish similar to polenta. You can sample local flavors at St. John's Saturday-morning market, which bustles with vendors selling pineapple, breadfruit, and tamarind. Next door, a smaller market showcases crafts, jewelry, and parrots selling the season's hottest feather extensions.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Private Balconies Overlook Grenada’s Morne Rouge Bay

One of the West Indies’ southernmost islands, Grenada owes its name to a fit of homesickness. According to legend, the island's lush hills reminded Spanish sailors of Granada in Andalusia, Spain, so they named the island after the Spanish town. Near the southwestern tip of the island, Kalinago Beach Resort has its own origin story—"Kalinago" is the original name of the indigenous Carib people, and the hotel owner's great-grandmother was one of the few remaining Caribs. The hotel stays connected to the region's past with a restaurant serving traditional Caribbean dishes and a weekly Carib Talk lead by a local historian.

The resort sits along Morne Rouge Bay, its archways and railings as white as the sandy beach below. At the small, boutique property, each of the 29 guest rooms looks over the Caribbean Sea from a private patio. Inside, teak furniture and rainforest prints continue the tropical vibe.

Though the restaurant next door serves cocktails blended from local rums, many prefer sipping at the open-air beach bar. There's also a swim-up bar next to the pool in case you don’t feel like getting out of the water. Each deal option includes a daily breakfast of healthy, tropical fare; three of the options also come with nightly dinner comprising creole and international cuisine. A local gardener named Asmo leads tours of the gardens, plucking tropical fruits for guests to sample.

Grenada: Historic Spice Isle with Waterfalls and Rainforests

Located about 100 miles north of South America, Grenada has become one of the world's biggest exporters of nutmeg, and it shows. Groves of nutmeg trees blanket the island, and factories such as the Gouyave Nutmeg Processing Station perfume the air with racks of drying seeds. In local markets, the spice shows up in jams, syrups, and even ice creams, alongside mace, cloves, cinnamon, cocoa, and whole vanilla pods.

The Grand Etang National Park at the island’s center showcases the landscape's less cultivated side. Tangles of teak and mahogany trees shelter mona monkeys, iguanas, and mongooses. Trails snake toward waterfalls such as Seven Sisters and Concord Falls, but be careful—paths can be muddy or slippery, so you might want to hire a local guide.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Make A Wish

Perks

• Free shuttle service to four Disney parks and Disney golf courses
• Fitness center and lap pool
• Seven restaurants and lounges on-site
• 10,000 square foot spa with steam room, sauna and Whirlpool
• Water-view room with balcony
• Cyber café available 24-hours
• Meeting rooms
• Mail center
• On-site secretarial and computer support staff
• Babysitting services
• Disney Store
• Tennis and basketball court
• Preferred privileges at Disney Golf Courses

Balti-More To Love

Perks

• Close to performing arts centers, Preakness, Grand Prix, aquarium and more
• Plush amenities
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Parking and shuttle service available

Family Fun on the Beach

Perks

• Multi-lingual staff
• Automatic upgrade to king partial ocean view room
• Two beachfront pools and hot tubs
• 7th Floor Tranquility Pool and two hot tubs
• Dive-In Movies (Seasonal)
• Weekend Children Activities (Seasonal)
• Bike-Rental on-site
• Complimentary Internet throughout the hotel
• Comfortable library
• 24-Hour Internet Work stations for guests
• 24-Hour Fitness Center
• Spa Services in the privacy of your room or in our Spa Pavilion on the Ocean Terrace
• Chez Gaston Restaurant
• Espresso Bar/ Ice Cream Parlor
• Three Lounges and Bars

California Knows How to Party

Perks

• Rooftop garden
• Modern fitness center
• Easy access to major attractions
• On-site Asian-inspired restaurant
• Meeting and event space
• Located less than a mile from Downtown
• 42-inch HD TVs
• High-speed internet access
• Skyline views
• Fully-equipped business center

• Self-service business center
• Moments to all tourist attractions
• Complimentary WiFi
• Work desk
• In-house top chef with California cuisine
• Cafe Take 5 on-site with purified water
• Spa specials

• Easy access to freeways and historical sights
• HDTV's and free Wi-Fi
• Luxury wine and coffee bar
• Elegant on-site E-Garden restaurant

• Custom-designed rooms with hardwood floors, pillow-top beds, work desks and iPod dock alarms
• 32" LCD flat screens with 100 channels and HD receiver
• Free Wi-Fi
• Free parking
• Renovated pool, lounge, and common areas
• Great location -- two blocks from Wilshire Blvd; 3.5 miles from Hollywood

Defying Gravity

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