April 19, 2024
Treat Your Special Someone This Year
One of the best ways to connect is on a getaway together. Perhaps there is a significant anniversary to celebrate, or would you like to plan a romantic getaway for your honeymoon or a babymoon? Whether it’s for celebrating your significant other, cherishing non-romantic relationships, or marking a special occasion, a big trip or a long weekend getaway can be the perfect way to spend quality time together.
Big trip? Beach destinations get big marks as romantic getaways. Travel as far as the Seychelles for world-class scuba diving and snorkeling amongst the 40-island archipelago full of sandy white beaches.
Head to Bali for beaches and incredible cultural experiences at the island’s thousands of temples. Visit one of the monkey forests for some fun photo ops. In Ubud, take a yoga class, wander the rice terraces together and take a spin on the Kamandalu couples swing.
Closer to home, imagine strolling hand in hand as the sun sets off Cockleshell Beach on the island of St. Kitts. Enjoy a rejuvenating day at the spa at the St. Kitts Park Hyatt, or delight in culinary workshops for a taste of local flavors. On nearby Nevis, hike up to the top of Nevis Peak or wander through the botanical gardens when you’re looking for a change of pace from the pristine white beaches.
Ready to create unforgettable memories with your special someone?
How to Escape the Bustle of Europe’s Busy Cities
IYKYK is a hashtag that you’ll use on every social post once you start exploring Europe’s lesser-known countries. If You Know, You Know! Why spend time waiting in line or pushing through crowds when you could be hiking in the Julian Alps in Slovenia, sipping premium beers in Belgium, shopping for delightfully modern design in Copenhagen or exploring the culture and landscapes of Romania?
Slovenia: This compact country blends Mediterranean charm and alpine grandeur, and since it shares borders with Italy, Croatia, Hungary and Austria, it’s surprisingly easy to combine Slovenia with other destinations. Slovenia’s coastline may be short, but it is stunning – the seaside city of Piran is a delight with beautiful Italian-influenced architecture and cuisine. Nature is never very far away either; make sure to wander through the forests and lakes of Zelenci Nature Reserve or head into the Julian Alps for more adventurous hikes.
Copenhagen: Theme park lovers must see Tivoli Gardens, one of the world’s oldest amusement parks (opened in 1843), which inspired Walt Disney to open his California playland. Hop on a bike to cycle around this two-wheel-friendly city like a local, then revel in the simplicity, functionality, and elegance of Danish design – evident in the architecture, homeware, and furniture stores you’ll find everywhere. Fuel up on smørrebrød – rye bread piled high with meat, cheese, fish or vegetables.
Belgium: Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp; these small cities pack an incredible architectural punch with a grand mix of medieval, neo-classical and art nouveau buildings. And the food! Pick up some Belgian chocolate as well as the country’s unbeatable beer, but don’t miss the famous frites (skip the ketchup, go for the local mayonnaise dip) and an authentic Belgian waffle, dripping with fruit and cream and syrups of all sorts.
Romania: This country, found at the crossroads of Central, Eastern and Southeastern Europe, will surprise you. Soak up the Old World charm of Bucharest or explore the natural beauty of the Danube Delta and the Black Sea shore and drive the twisty roads through the Carpathian Mountains.
Don’t miss cultural sites such as the eight-painted monasteries in Bucovina — medieval churches covered with Byzantine frescoes and marked as UNESCO World Heritage sites. Fascinated by Dracula’s castle? Head to Brasov and walk through Bran Castle, the only castle in Transylvania that fits author Bram Stoker’s description and honors the myths and legends with spectacular views and a restored royal residence.
The Time to Explore Ko Samui, Thailand, is Now
HBO’s The White Lotus began filming in Ko Samui, Phuket and Bangkok. Plot rumors for the third season in Thailand began last year when show creator Mike White promised “a satirical and funny look at death and Eastern religion and spirituality.” But one thing is for sure – tourism is about to explode in Thailand. According to Expedia’s 2023 travel trend report, the first two seasons of the TV series drove a 300% increase in “travel demand” for Hawaii and Sicily.
What’s so special about lesser-known Ko Samui? The large island is in the Gulf of Thailand, off the eastern side of the country, and boasts an international airport so it’s quickly reached from Bangkok. (Phuket, Thailand’s biggest island, is on the other side of the Andaman Sea.) Ko Samui is considered the laid-back, more unspoiled beach destination in southern Thailand – come here to relax and enjoy miles of white sandy beaches and warm waters.
There’s also a longer dry season here; visit January through September for good weather. Head out kite boarding when you’re looking for adventure, or indulge in a heady Thai massage beachside if you’re kicking back. The sunsets on Ko Samui are legendary; crack open a Singha and wander along the beach to soak it all in. And don’t miss the intriguing Hin Ta and Hin Yai Rocks at the southern end of Lamai Beach, one of Thailand’s most Instagrammable spots.
