Tag: travel

Best Christmas vacation ideas for 2023, per travel experts

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While there are certainly many benefits to hunkering down at home for the holidays — watching your favorite Christmas movies in your matching family pajamas, stuffing your loved ones’ stockings with goodies, decorating your tree and all the other great traditions, there’s nothing quite like a unique Christmas vacation.

Aside from just changing things up, traveling to different places during Christmas time allows you to see how different cultures celebrate the holidays. Whether you’re looking for some time on a tropical beach after living in your winter coat for months or want to experience an extra festive holiday skiing on the Swiss alps with Christmas markets in tow, there’s a Christmas vacation for all types of families.

As for the price tag, going away for the holidays is most likely going to cost more than other weeks since it’s one of the busiest times of year to travel but Amy Metzger, Luxury Travel Advisor with Travel Edge, thinks it’s worth the extra expense.

“The higher cost to travel during holidays is a cost that repays itself for the extra experiences and events not able to be seen at other times of the year,” Metzger said. “One way to offset that cost is to travel on the actual holiday dates (Dec. 25 or Jan. 1) as those dates often are less [expensive].”

For more information on the dos and dont’s of planning Christmas vacations, check out the FAQ section at the bottom of this article.

In an effort to help you find the perfect destination for your 2023 Christmas trip, the New York Post spoke with a handful of travel experts to get their top recommendations. Get the 411 below!

Scotland (Highlands & Edinburgh)


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Scotland is an incredible place to visit during the holidays for its festivals and Scottish spirit!

“The Scottish highlands and lowlands are full of festive atmosphere for travelers,” Metzger told The Post. “Bundle your hotel stays and excursions to see the festivities from Christmas Day to Boxing

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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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Best Travel Accessories on Sale at Amazon

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When it comes to traveling, preparation is key. And when you travel enough, packing gradually becomes easier once you know what’s truly important (and what you need to prepare for). As someone who likes to travel efficiently, effortlessly, and — most importantly — comfortably, I’m always looking for ways to streamline my travel bag with pre-packed essentials for every trip. Thankfully, Amazon is a gold-mine for game-changing travel accessories and gear at affordable prices. 


Staying one step ahead has always been my travel motto; what if my luggage gets lost? No worries, I always keep an Apple AirTag on me to track it. What if I’m caught in a sudden downpour? I’ve got my mini umbrella already packed. And what if I spill tomato sauce all over my new dress? That’s no problem at all, thanks to the stain-fighting power of the Tide To Go Stick that’s tucked in my back pocket. But with so many travel necessities out there, it can be a bit overwhelming to narrow them all down to find the best ones for your trip. Lucky for you, this travel writer is here to help, and is sharing the items that are always on their packing list.


In this curated round-up, you’ll find a wide variety of products, including the best packing cubes, personal security alarms, comfy sneakers, and more. Even better, many of these travel essentials are currently on sale, with deals up to 50 percent off right now and prices starting at just $4. But don’t let these deals slip away, there’s no better time than now to build your perfect and ready-to-go travel bag, so keep scrolling for the travel writer-approved must-haves that will make your next trip a breeze. 



Etronik Weekender Bag

Amazon





Every great trip starts with a great bag, and my go-to for when I want to travel light for a quick trip or act as my carry-on is the Etronik Weekender Bag. This top-rated duffel is made with durable and water-resistant nylon and measures 18.5 inches by 8.7 inches by 14.2 inches. My favorite feature is

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Key West, Florida, Travel Guide

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You don’t have to break out your passport to spend a few days in an island paradise. Just head to Key West, Florida. 


Key West is home to some of the most spectacular beaches in America, and dare we say, the world. Its gin-clear waters that lap up against white-sand beaches will leave you in awe. Its vibrant community and fun nightlife will leave you with lasting memories. And its water activities — like snorkeling, diving, and deep-sea fishing — will keep you active from the moment you arrive to the moment you leave. 


“Key West has hundreds of years of interesting and infamous history, which includes pirates, shipwrecking, treasure, rum running, military exploits, and billionaire’s ventures,” Analise Smith, founder of Key West Food Tours, told Travel + Leisure. “Its melting pot of culture and turquoise ocean surroundings has given way to a vibrant food scene, which includes the most delicious selection of local seafood and tropical fruits.”


Smith added, “When deciding why to come to Key West, it might be a shorter list to ask, ‘Why not?’ And either way, you’ll have a hard time convincing yourself out of the idea.” 


Ready to plot out your Key West vacation? Keep reading about where to stay, eat, and play for a Key West getaway you’ll never forget. 



Best Hotels and Resorts 

Courtesy of Marquesa Hotel



Marquesa Hotel

The Marquesa Hotel embodies the Key West spirit through and through. The hotel, which was voted one of the best resorts in Florida by T+L readers in 2023, is classically styled with dark wood flooring and easy breezy island furnishings, and a bright blue exterior paint color that matches the nearby sea. Don’t miss the on-site Café Marquesa for an upscale meal. 


Ocean Key Resort & Spa

Ocean Key Resort & Spa has perhaps the most coveted address in all of Key West: Zero Duval Street. The hotel — also voted one of the best resorts in Florida by T+L readers in 2023 — could not be more conveniently located and boasts spacious rooms and suites, each with an epic view

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Watkins Glen, New York, Travel Guide

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The Finger Lakes region in upstate New York is known for its stunning scenery, world-class wineries, and charming small towns. (It was even named one of the 50 best places to travel in 2022 by Travel + Leisure editors.) At the southern tip of Seneca Lake — the largest Finger Lake by volume — is a hidden gem for visitors looking to explore the outdoors: Watkins Glen.


While many head here to visit Watkins Glen State Park — known for its 19 waterfalls cascading hundreds of feet down a winding gorge — the area is equally popular for its wine. The Seneca Lake Wine Trail, in particular, is one of the three unique wine trails in the Finger Lakes region and features 25 wineries.


Bruce Murray, who owns Boundary Breaks Vineyard, told T+L that the local community is tight-knit and highly collaborative, which leads to a welcoming environment. “Part of what makes coming to places like this feel different is that you can see the owner pouring wine themselves,” Murray said. “You can tell that people are committed, and they really care.”


Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or a fast-paced adventure, Watkins Glen is a great central town to kick off your Finger Lakes adventure.


Courtesy of Idlwilde Inn




Best Hotels

For luxury accommodations in town, the Idlwilde Inn is an 18-room retreat set in a renovated 1892 historic Victorian house. Less than half a mile away, the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel offers a stay right on the lake, with many rooms featuring waterfront balconies. Be sure to ask about their special package deal for the 2024 solar eclipse. (This upstate town is set to sparkle even more during the celestial event.)


A unique option is Grist Iron Brewery, which has an on-site guest house called the Farmhouse. It can accommodate up to 16 people and has a huge deck that boasts picturesque views of the sunset over the lake. Plus, it puts you within walking distance of the great beer and BBQ right up the hill at the brewery.


More of a wine lover?

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These 5 Los Cabos Hotels Are Among The Worlds Greatest In accordance To Travel & Leisure

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Travel & Leisure Journal just produced their checklist of the very best hotels in the entire world according to their audience. The publication conducts a yearly survey where precise vacationers are in a position to vote on which motels provide the finest all round experience.

When it arrives to resorts in Mexico most tourists agree that Cabo is the position to be for a premium expertise.

Evidence of that is the truth that Vacation & Leisure’s record of the 25 very best hotels in Mexico for 2023 involves 5 Cabo-centered attributes. 

aerial view of cabo san lucas

The Waldorf Astoria Resort In Cabo Qualified prospects The Way Again 

The Waldorf Astoria at El Pedregal in Cabo San Lucas is the optimum-rated Cabo residence on the Travel & Leisure record.

It came in 2nd place this 12 months, getting beat out by the Resort Xcaret Arte in Playa del Carmen.

Waldorf Astoria Hotel Los Cabos

New people mention that personnel is all set and keen to cater to any request “within reason” that you might have.

An additional new visitor outlined that she felt like Cleopatra on trip. Even tourists who fashion them selves as “Cabo regulars” outlined that they experienced by no means professional the level of high-conclusion provider that you can get at this property.

Travellers have all their demands catered to right here although sitting on a terrace which is based on a cliffside that overlooks the Cabo bay with the well known arch in the track record. Simply set, the working experience is tricky to defeat.    

Top 5 Journey Insurance policies Programs For 2023 Commencing At $10 For each Week

@tlopaigee ♬ adore nwantinti (ah ah ah) – CKay

Las Ventanas al Paraíso, a Rosewood Resort Manufactured The Prime 3

At Las Ventanas, just like at a lot of other Cabo resorts, you may perhaps be lacking out on some of the factors that the vacation resort has to provide if you do not request or do your research prior to boarding your airplane en route to the Cabo airport.

The vacation resort delivers a “meal plan” for visitors that

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