Category: Travel & Leisure

How to Go to Translyvania, Romania

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In the early afternoon, my loved ones and I strode out of a beech forest and onto a sweep of superior grassland, the place an expanse of oak trees stood like solitary guards. A picnic was waiting around for us, with goulash cooking about a fireplace and a table laid with a dazzling, cherry-colored fabric. 


This was the Breite, a single of Europe’s most effective-preserved wood pastures, a variety of forest that is managed via grazing. It was here, deep in Transylvania, that the Saxons — Germanic folks who arrived in Romania in the 12th century — made use of to appear to fatten their pigs on the plentiful acorns. Some of the Breite’s oldest trees, with deep grooves in their bark, have towered due to the fact the Middle Ages. “These furrows are dwelling to the fantastic capricorn beetle,” Peter Suciu, our guideline, informed us. The bugs are uncommon in other parts of Europe that have lost their previous trees, the beetles’ preferred habitat.


A young shepherd tends to his flock in the hills around the village of Viscri.

Kate Eshelby



Transylvania, Romania’s most significant and most famous area, is a position exactly where blacksmiths even now mold metallic, shepherds reside by itself with their flocks, and hay is slice with scythes. It is a land of villages with terra-cotta-tiled residences and extensive wildernesses where by bears, wolves, and lynx patrol primeval forests.


In the clearing, Suciu confirmed us how to cook slănină, fixed slabs of pork unwanted fat, on sticks above the flames. “This is 1 of our most common foods,” he stated as we dripped its mouth watering, very hot, golden juice on to hunks of freshly baked bread. We experienced met Suciu before that working day, when he collected us from Bethlen Estates Transylvania, in the medieval village of Criș, where by I was being with my partner and two younger sons. Only in the past many many years have accommodations opened in these locations, giving vacationers the opportunity to experience a way of everyday living that feels bygone. 


A snack of bread and tomatoes
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How to Check out Nevis

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Nevis may possibly be compact and less formulated than huge sister St. Kitts, but this 35.9-sq.-mile gem in the Leeward Islands has a ton to provide vacationers. For vacationers keen to escape the throngs of sunlight-seekers in vacationer-trodden Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, and the Bahamas, it delivers an unspoiled slice of paradise that brims with natural splendor, historical past, heat hospitality, and relaxed vibes. 


The consistently heat temperatures and sunny times supply image-perfect climate for having advantage of the numerous out of doors actions. The principal attraction for lots of hikers and cyclists, Nevis Peak steals the display. Vacationers can check out well-known offshore dive internet sites and admire the Georgian-design architecture in the capital metropolis of Charlestown or unwind with sandy beaches, thermal incredibly hot springs, and breezy vacation resort pools. Foodies love Nevis for the reason that it’s between the most enjoyable food items places in the Caribbean. Entertaining fact: Nevis is also the birthplace of many celebrities, athletes, and historical figures — which includes Alexander Hamilton. 


Listed here are the ideal factors to consume, see, and do on Nevis, according to community experts. 


Courtesy of Four Seasons




Finest Accommodations and Resorts on Nevis

4 Seasons Vacation resort Nevis

Poised on Pinney’s Beach, the 4 Seasons Vacation resort Nevis stands out as a lavish nonetheless laid-again choice that is specifically well-suited for family members with a few out of doors pools, 4 eating places, a bar, tennis, golf, a kids club, and a spa. The lodging selection from very well-appointed rooms to spacious villas that sleep groups in consolation and fashion. 


Paradise Beach front Nevis

Travelers who delight in the privateness of a property and the benefits of a vacation resort will adore Paradise Beach front Nevis, a member of Tiny Luxurious Lodges of the Earth which is a shell’s throw from the comfortable sand and shimmering sea. Great for family members or groups, the holiday vacation-deserving villas appear in configurations of two, three, and four bedrooms and have kitchens and swimming pools. The pleasant concierge staff is normally joyful to organize excursions, evening meal reservations, and

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America’s Best Small Towns of 2023

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As curious travelers, we’ve ventured to bustling cities and sprawling countries across the globe, and we’ve found something to love in each of them — but it’s some of the smallest towns right here in the U.S. that have stolen our hearts in the biggest way. They may not have designer shopping, popular restaurant chains, or even stoplights, but what they lack in cosmopolitan “buzz,” they more than make up for in warm hospitality, creative small businesses, and local character. Now, it’s finally time to celebrate them.


We launched America’s Best Small Towns to shine a spotlight on the lesser-visited destinations we want you, our readers, to know about this year, be it for natural beauty and outdoor adventure (think beaches, mountains, lakes, and deserts), or specific topics of interest, such as great restaurants or vineyards, interesting culture, and soothing wellness experiences. 


We’ve selected winners and runners up across seven small town categories to let you in on our travel secrets. We hope they inspire you to go out and get to know the places that are quietly making our country such a wonderful place to explore.


Peter Unger/Getty Images



In Honor of Lahaina, Hawaii

We can’t talk about small towns this year without taking a moment to reflect on Lahaina, Hawaii — Maui’s quintessential small town, full of Hawaiian culture and history — which was tragically devastated by wildfires earlier this month. Here, read more about the town and its deep meaning to Hawaiians. And don’t forget to check out ways you can help Maui on its long road to recovery.


What are the categories?

  • Best Small Beach Town
  • Best Small Mountain Town
  • Best Small Lake Town
  • Best Small Desert Town
  • Best Small Food + Culture Town
  • Best Small Wine, Beer, + Spirits Town
  • Best Small Spa + Wellness Town


What are the rules?


In order to qualify as one of America’s Best Small Towns, a town must be located in the United States and have a full-time population below 25,000 residents, according to the most recent U.S. Census Bureau data. It must also excel in its category and

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9 Genius Travel Products From Shark Tank

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Unless you’re living under a rock you’ve almost certainly heard of Shark Tank — the ultra-popular reality show where budding entrepreneurs are afforded the opportunity to present their brilliant ideas to a panel of “Sharks” in a bid to get funding for their passion projects. From Bombas socks to Scrub Daddy dish sponges, the show has brought about a slew of winning ideas that have effectively transformed how we live today. And yes, that includes how we travel.


Taking inspiration from the television show that has revolutionized the product space, we rounded up the best travel-ready items to come out of Shark Tank that are guaranteed to make every adventure a smoother — and safer — experience. From the survival backpack that’s fully loaded with 72 hours’ worth of gear to keep you alive in the wilderness, to the portable safe that protects your phone, wallet, and other essentials while you’re traveling solo, keep reading to find the 10 best travel products that you can snag at Amazon ahead of your next vacation. 



Cincha Travel Belt for Luggage

Amazon





A travel belt is a great way to secure your personal item atop your carry-on, offering the opportunity for hands-free travel without weighing down your shoulders. This durable strap that debuted in Season 14 of Shark Tank is adjustable up to 45 inches to fit around most bags you might bring with you on a trip, and it’s even available in 14 stylish patterns if you’re looking to add a little extra flair to your luggage. The sturdy metal buckle of this belt is designed to last for trip after trip, and generally makes maneuvering through the airport an effortless feat — especially if you’re in a rush.



AquaVault Mini FlexSafe Anti-theft Portable Travel Safe

Amazon





Have you ever embarked on a solo trip to the beach, only to hesitate going into the ocean for fear of getting your belongings stolen? This compact, portable safe from AquaVault (Season 6) is a genius solution for keeping your items safe and secure as it easily latches onto a beach chair, table, and even

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Guide to Hood River, Oregon

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Life in Hood River, Oregon revolves around water and mountains. With the Columbia River bordering the city to the north and Mount Hood, a stratovolcano in the Cascades, to the south, the small city is a playground for people who like to be active outside year-round. The destination has all the hiking, biking, and skiing you could want, but it may be best known for a sport that’s a bit more niche: windsurfing. Thanks to the winds that funnel up the Columbia River Gorge, Hood River has been nicknamed the “windsurfing capital of the world,” and windsurfers and kiteboarders come from all over to play in the wind, especially between June and September. But travelers with other interests are sure to enjoy Hood River as well.


“Known as Portland’s backyard, Hood River is not just for skiers, mountain bikers, hikers, and kiteboarders, but also for art lovers, beer and wine enthusiasts, and foodies,” says Ashley Huckaby, a Hood River local and account manager with DVA Advertising & Public Relations who spoke with Travel + Leisure via email.


Irjaliina Paavonpera/Travel + Leisure



The rich, volcanic soil of Mount Hood make the Hood River Valley a paradise for farmers and locavores, too. This region is the largest producer of pears in the U.S., and local growers also produce award-winning apples, cherries, and grapes. The latter crop has made the Hood River Valley home to some of the best wineries in the Pacific Northwest, and locally made beer is just as prevalent. In fact, Huckaby notes that there are “more than 20 wineries, 13 cideries, and the most craft breweries per capita in the nation” here. Many can be visited by traveling the area’s iconic Hood River Fruit Loop (more on that below). 

To help you explore this rich destination, we’ve put together the ultimate guide to the Hood River community (which has a friendly population of under 10,000 people), including what to do, where to eat, and how to get around.


Related: This Little-known Trio of Towns in the Pacific Northwest is My New Favorite Girls Trip Destination — With a

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This Amazon Maxi Dress Up to 40% Off

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For me, one of the most difficult (but interesting) elements of a journey is setting up the outfits. How many tops ought to I pack? Will these trousers clash with that tank? What will the weather be like? Will this be at ease adequate? But, the inevitable anxiety that arrives with packing can be wholly eliminated with one particular uncomplicated resolution: the Amazon Necessities Tank Maxi Dress. It’s light-weight, can be layered, and is universally flattering. And lucky for you, it is really on sale for up to 40 p.c off, which implies you can rating it for as little as $16.


The moment you get there at your vacation spot, you may promptly see that this adaptable maxi dress will be the hero of your baggage. For starters, it can conveniently be transitioned from day to night with the right equipment, so you will not have to go back to the hotel to improve (or cram your suitcase with added outfits). And with more than 3,600 fantastic rankings, the Amazon Necessities Tank Maxi Dress is beloved by consumers for its comfortable really feel, flattering fit, and always-attractive appear. In truth, one particular shopper even dubbed it a “wardrobe staple,” and another reviewer said that the moment it is on, “you’ll hardly ever want to get it off.” It really is also worth mentioning that one Amazon fan declared that the gown is “softer than pajamas.”



Amazon Essentials Tank Maxi Dress

Amazon





All of the praise for this costume comes from its lightweight and breathable material coupled with its casual-yet-refined drape and flowy make, which provides the excellent amount of money of stretch so you can transfer easily and freely by airports, hectic city streets, and far more — therefore why it has a status for staying a “great travel dress.” That, and the reality that it “requires up minimal place in [a] carry-on” and “looks and performs excellent for just about each celebration.” It’s no speculate why a person traveler claimed, “It matches completely. I get so several compliments on it. It’s the initially thing I’m packing

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