How To Travel Like The One Percent On A Budget

Source : Forbes

uncaptioned image

It’s no secret that that one percent live much more glamorous lives than most of us. While they have big houses and fancy cars, the income gap is probably most evident when it comes to how the upper echelon of society travels. Private jets, luxe beachside villas, and personal assistants are just the norm for wealthy folk. But, as entrepreneurs continue to create companies that democratize these once reserved services (Uber black cars anyone?), these types of travel perks are no longer reserved for the rich.

Yup, here are five ways you can now travel like the one percent on a budget.

Hire A Personal Trip Planner

Let someone else worry about the details. Photo: Getty

GETTY

Even though the rich are logging those airline miles, do you think they’ve ever planned the itinerary of a trip? Figuring out the logistics can be one of the most stressful parts of travel for some and why wealthy people have someone to do it for them. Luckily, there’s a more affordable option to get that top-notch service: Essentialist. For a fee of $1,400 a year, the luxury travel planning service will plan all of your family’s trips including flights, hotels, and activities. Plus, they tap into more than 75 editors worldwide to craft an itinerary that’s off the beaten path or get you exclusive access to tastemakers, shows, museums, or whatever you fancy.

Book A Private Jet

Yes, even private jets are available to those of us who don’t rake in more than seven figures. Many companies have popped up over the year allowing average Joes to book seats on private aircrafts for a fraction of the cost. JetSmarter, for example, makes booking a private flight as easy as Uber. You simply browse and book seats on existing shared flights via an app and can either pay as you go or set up a membership for $2,500 a year that gives you better discounts and accessibility. A quick search for a flight from New York to Miami showed seats on a private jet as low as $995 one way. It’s not cheap, but certainly not as expensive as owning a private plane.

Lounge In A VIP Airport Suite

There are no crowds or long lines in the VIP area. Photo: Getty

GETTY

Ever wonder why you don’t see celebrities waiting to board a plane at the airport? It’s because there’s a secret VIP waiting lounge where they can relax before take-off. But, what if I told you that you too could rub elbows with the stars? The Private Suite recently opened at LAX and is separate terminal where you can enjoy food, beds and a private TSA security check. You are also driven on the tarmac to the waiting aircraft. The cost for the convenience starts at $2,700 for four people traveling domestically. Plus, hotels like The Ritz-Carlton Los Angeles are offering access to the space as part of an overnight package.

Rent A Private Island

There’s not a soul in sight. Photo: Getty

GETTY

Five-star hotels are certainly favorites of the rich. Private staffed mansions are just a little better though. While, yes, there are services like Airbnb that let you book alternative accommodations, companies like HomeToGo kick it up a notch. They the largest vacation home rental search engine and feature everything from private islands to actual celebrity homes. And they start at just hundreds of dollars a night, not thousands. An all-inclusive—chef, transportation, water sports, etc. are all included—private island in Belize, for example, costs just $600 per person per night.

Hire A Personal Shopper

Toiletries? Forgot items? Gifts? Don’t worry. You’re covered. Photo: Getty

GETTY

There’s nothing more annoying than arriving at your destination and realizing you forgot some essentials. Although some hotels will provide backups, they’re not always what you want. And if you’re traveling with kids, you might not want to fill your suitcase with diapers. Enter Jetblack. It’s a new personal shopping service where you text what you need, and it arrives at your door. They can send all the toiletries and essentials (think bulky diapers, wipes, sunscreen, ski gear, etc.) directly to the location and ensure it’s there when you arrive so you don’t have to worry about packing these items.

Even if you forget your swimsuits, they’ll get you new ones overnight. And you can opt to order all your holiday gifts through them, and they’ll send them ahead (wrapped, of course) to your holiday vacation destination. The Founding Membership price is only $50 a month for the service and Jetblack can send to any domestic hotel or house rental (nothing international at this time).

6 INCREDIBLE CITIES TO VISIT IN SPAIN

Starting to make your Spain travel itinerary? Check out this list of best places to visit in Spain! These travel tips for Valencia, Granada, Spain, and more will make your Spain vacation one to remember!

Travel bloggers love to write about the top places in any given country. Some do it to be helpful. Others pray on your FOMO (fear of missing out).

I get it. I totally understand the pressure of feeling like you need to “do it all” when visiting a new destination.

When I was planning my first backpacking trip, I was getting advice from everyone about the “must-visit” places. I felt overwhelmed until finally realizing there are no “must-visit” places.

The most important thing to remember about your trip is this: it’s your trip.

Spain is an incredibly diverse country, and it really does have something for everyone. Food. Language. Culture. History. Pursue whatever sites and activities peak your interest. Find your Spain.

FOR ART LOVERS…MADRID

Spain’s capital is home to the Golden Triangle of Art. Travelers can visit three of the top art museums in the world: Prado Museum, Reina Sofía Museum and Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum.

My personal favorite is the Reina Sofía, Madrid’s museum of modern art. Its most famous piece is Picasso’s painting “Guernica.” The first time (and second and third time) I saw the massive work it took my breath away. You can see it free of charge 7-9 p.m. Monday and Wednesday thru Saturday as well as 1:30-7 p.m. Sunday.

Madrid by night: Whoever nicknamed New York “The City that Never Sleeps” had obviously never been to Madrid. One of my first nights out there, I didn’t get home until 7 a.m.! Nights generally began with a late dinner (9 or 10 p.m.) followed by copas with friends. No one hits the clubs until at least 1 a.m. but usually not until 2 or 3 a.m. My favorite club is Space Monkey which plays rock music from the 60s to today.

There's a best Spanish city for every type of traveler.

When you visit Sol, don’t forget to look up for Madrid’s iconic Tio Pepe sign. Image Credit: Jacinta Valero

FOR ARCHITECTURE ENTHUSIASTS…GRANADA

The first time I visited Granada it was on total whim. My boyfriend and I went as a day trip from Jaén when we were in Spain in 2014. Little did we know, tickets to tour Granada’s main attraction, the Alhambra, sell out weeks (sometimes months!) in advance.We were able to see the magnificent Arabic palace and fortress complex from the outside and knew we had to get back to Granada to see the inside.

In 2016, we made our way to Granada once again. This time we had tickets. The Alhambra was definitely worth the return trip. Designed for its mountainous surroundings, the palace is a Moorish masterpiece. It’s almost impossible not to find tranquility as you walk among the structures many columns, fountains and reflecting pools.

Don’t visit Granada on a full stomach: When I’m in Granada, I hardly ever spend money on food. It’s one of the few cities in Spain with free tapas. In Madrid, you might get some peanuts or olives when you order a drink. But in Granada, every alcoholic beverage comes with a hearty snack. Drink up, eat up.

Get inspired for your trip with these must-visit cities in Spain!

Walk off some of those tapas with a tour of the Alhambra. Just don’t forget to buy your ticket in advance! Image Credit: Guillermo Torres

FOR FOODIES…SAN SEBASTIÁN

Spaniards love to ask foreigners which region has the best food. I got this question dozens of times in the two years I lived there, and I always gave the same answer: Basque Country.

Why? For starters, due to its location, Basque Country has access to all the best ingredients. I’m talking about fresh fish from the sea and quality meats from the valley. In addition to quality products, Basque chefs have a long history of embracing and building upon techniques from settlers. Not only does the food taste good, but it’s (kind of) good for you! In Basque cooking, olive oil is more commonly used than vegetable oil. Typical dishes include salt cod, young eel, cheeks of hake and baby squids in their ink.

Learn to pronounce (so you can order) txakoli: Pronounced “cha-kuh-lee”, this highly acidic (and slightly sparkling) dry white wine is produced and served throughout Basque Country. When it is served, txakoli is traditionally poured into a tall glass from a height. It has a low alcohol content, but take care! Overdue the txakoli, and you’ll wake up with a wicked hangover.

San Sebastián will take your breath away from just about any angle! Image Credit: Inovación Web

FOR TRAVELERS TIRED OF BARCELONA…VALENCIA

Truth be told, I’m not a huge fan of Barcelona. And, it’s not like I haven’t given it a chance! I’ve visited it three times over the past three years but still find it wildly overrated.

I much prefer Valencia. When I visited last year, I rented a bicycle and rode all over the city! In my opinion, it is a smaller, cleaner, less-touristy version of Barcelona. That’s not to say Spain’s third-largest city doesn’t have its own vibe. Located on the eastern coast of the country, Valencia has numerous popular celebrations and attractions. The city’s most well-known festival is the Fallas during which elaborate monuments are burnt down. Sounds crazy? You’ve just got to see it.

Pick your paella: Outside of Spain, paella is thought to be a national dish. However, most Spaniards recognize it for what it truly is: a regional Valencian food. That doesn’t mean you can order paella just anywhere in Valencia though! Because of its popularity, many restaurants serve paella, but few do it well. It’s worth doing a little research. Find a place that makes paella fresh to order. It might take an hour to get your food, but at least you know it wasn’t sitting under a heat lamp all week.

Do your homework to find the best place to eat paella in Valencia! Image Credit: Dorvial Elze

FOR HISTORY BUFFS…CÓRDOBA

When my family came to visit for my first Christmas in Spain, we decided to leave Madrid’s winter weather behind in search of sun in the south! We found sun (yay), but the temperatures weren’t much warmer (boo). Our first stop was Sevilla, but like Barcelona, I found the city a bit over-hyped. It seemed to be playing to the crowds of holiday tourists, which is all fine and well, but when I’m traveling, I prefer a more authentic experience.

I found just that in Córdoba— a city aware of its charm but with no need to flaunt it. Situated on the banks of the Guadalquivir River, Córdoba is home to La Mezquita. Known as the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, La Mezquita is a powerful symbol of the two cultures/religions that have shaped the region. Construction on the mosque began in 784 and continued until 987. When Christians reclaimed the city in 1236, it was converted into a church. Today, this extraordinary (and controversial) building is open to the public.

Take a walking tour: From the Romans to the Moors to the Christians, Córdoba has served as an important center of culture and learning for many different people. In order to get a clearer picture of this city’s rich history, I recommend taking a free* walking tour. After my family enjoyed our tour so much, we hired the guide to show us around the Jewish Quarter. Check out Córdoba A Pie, which offers a variety of tours in English, Spanish and French.

*If you’re a decent human being, tipping is not optional. Consider the cost of a full-priced walking tour, and pay what you can. Guides understand backpackers and budget travelers aren’t going to shell out big bucks, but it’s still important to pay them fairly for their service. It’s not charity!

Part mosque and part cathedral, no visit to Córdoba is complete without a tour of La Mezquita. Image Credit: Zoidberg

FOR ADVENTURE SEEKERS…TENERIFE

Even though five million tourists visit Tenerife every year, I’d never heard of it before moving to Spain. If I’m being completely honest, I had no idea the Canary Islands even existed! Of the seven Canary Islands, which are located in the Atlantic Ocean some-60 miles west of Morocco, Tenerife is the largest and most populous island. Among the most popular tourist destinations in Spain, two airports service Tenerife.

In the southern part of the island, which boasts a hotter and drier climate, you find beach-side resorts, golf courses and shopping centers. But, who really wants to relax on vacation?! Tenerife is home to Spain’s highest point: Mount Teide. At 3,718 m (12,198 ft) above sea level, it’s the third largest volcano in the world. When I visited Tenerife last year, I climbed to the top of Teide sans cable car. The path, called La Rambleta, is challenging. You’ll need hiking boots, water, sunscreen and at least five hours to reach the top. If the thin air and steep climb don’t take your breath away, the views from the top will.

Get your permit in advance: In order to regulate visitors and protect the site, Teide National Park issue permits for the summit. The permit can only be applied for through the “Bookings” tab on the park’s website. The permit is free, but you must choose a date and time. Only 200 permits are granted per day, and slots fill up fast. As soon as you decide to attempt Teide, apply for a permit.

All that volcanic rock makes for an intense landscape. Image Credit: Photo by Tristan Krass on Unsplash

Got a question about traveling to Spain? Leave it in the comments, or send me a DM on Instagram (@alexnotemily)!

Don’t forget to download the Ultimate Spanish Learner’s Resource Guide to brush up on your language skills before your big trip!

11 Instagram Photos That Will Inspire You to Travel

@Tinyatlasquarterly isn’t your basic travel Instagram account. At first glance, it boasts thousands of incredible photographs of everything from rigid city architecture to cuddly looking alpacas. But what sets this 146,000-follower account apart is that every image is accompanied by a meaningful personal narrative that highlights the people, places, and stories behind each shot. These deeper connections are what first inspired photographer Emily Nathan, who is based in Oakland, California, to begin publishing a print magazine on all things travel, Tiny Atlas Quarterly, in 2012. Seven years later, @tinyatlasquarterly has evolved into a full-blown community with more than seven million #mytinyatlas posts showcasing readers’ best travel shots. At the end of March, Nathan is releasing her first photo book, My Tiny Atlas: Our World Through Your Eyes, which features work from 130 #mytinyatlas contributors. Here we’ve selected a few of our favorite photographs from the book.

Photo: The Lofoten Islands off northwestern Norway are known for colorful fishing villages and Arctic fjords dwarfed by dramatic peaks. Nathan recommends taking the four-hour ferry ride along the coast for the best views and access to the beaches with the best surf.

Though Oahu has 112 miles of shoreline, this image was shot on a less popular stretch of sand, proving that even though much of the Hawaiian island is now thriving and populated, incredible nature isn’t hard to find.

Lake Hillier is just one of Western Australia’s pink lakes. Scientists suspect they get their bubble-gum hue from the same-colored bacteria and algae that flourish in the saline water.

For a few days every February, when the sky is clear and there’s strong runoff after a good snow season, El Cap’s Horsetail Falls turns into Yosemite’s famous “firefall.” If you ever manage to catch this phenomenon, don’t look away: it’ll only last for a fleeting ten minutes.

A gorgeous archipelago of 42 islands makes up Thailand’s Ang Thong National Marine Park, which is home to unique features like steep limestone formations, caves, lakes, and even sinkholes. Save for two islands—Ko Wua Ta Lap and Ko Phaluai—all the rest are uninhabited.

North of the Arctic Circle lies Uummannaq, a small heart-shaped island in Greenland. Since it only sees around 83 days of sunlight every year, summer is the best time to go—the only catch is the sun doesn’t set at all in June and July.

If you follow enough travel-focused Instagram accounts, you’ve probably experienced the digital awe of the hot-air balloons in Cappadocia, Turkey. The good news is, if you make the trek to Cappadocia, you can actually experience this phenomenon any month of the year. And in the high season, between April and June, you can see up to 150 balloons in the sky at once.

Climb the 241 zigzagging steps to the isle of Gaztelugatxe in Spain and you’ll reach an ancient church said to have been burned down and reconstructed dozens of times over the centuries.

The largest national parks in the U.S. are in Alaska, with Denali coming in at number three. It’s home to some of America’s most iconic wildlife, from bald eagles and caribou to wolves and grizzly bears.

Photo: Kim Goodwin for Tiny Atlas Quarterly

Kvitoya is the most remote island in the Svalbard, a Norwegian archipelago. Here, a polar bear walks across a nearby glacier.

6 safety tips for a solo road trip

Road-trippers should have a plan and share it with a trusted friend or relative. But that doesnât mean giving up on spontaneity. (JANIE OSBORNE / NYT)

A solo road trip can be a liberating, enriching journey. With these safety tips, you’ll feel secure behind the wheel.

Hitting the road on your own can be an incredibly liberating experience. With no fights over the radio dial, you can sing loudly and shamelessly to your “Britney’s Back” playlist. You call all the shots and all the stops. Yep, even if you want to stop at that Bigfoot-themed roadside coffee stand. And with these safety tips, you can ensure your trip doesn’t go from inspirational Oprah Winfrey Network movie to horrifying “60 Minutes” episode.

1. Share your location

Sure, part of the fun of a solo road trip is being untethered. But emergencies happen, so tell someone where you’re going. You can download a locator app like Find My Friends or Life260 to share your location with a buddy. Of course, phone batteries die, dead zones exist, and occasionally you accidentally drop your phone into the stingray petting pool at the roadside aquarium you decided to visit. So plan a tentative route before you go, with details about where you plan to be and when, and leave a copy with a friend or family member. Speaking of which …

2. Have a plan

I know, I know. It’s the “open road” not the “make a plan road.” But having a plan doesn’t mean you can’t still make an unplanned stop at a shop advertising the world’s largest pizza. When you’re making a plan, the two most important factors are when and where you can get gas, and when and where you’ll be sleeping. Apps and online tools can help. On Furkot, you can map out your trip and even get suggestions for places to stop and sleep, eat or get gas. The iExit app finds your location on the highway and lets you know where the upcoming amenities are.

Some good, old-fashioned preplanning can come in handy if you don’t want your trip to eat up all your phone data (or in case your GPS bites the dust). Use Google Maps to plot out your general route, take a moment to look into the major towns along the way (bigger cities and towns will be more likely to have gas stations and places to stay), and make a note of any stretches through national parks, nature areas or rural areas where it might be more difficult to find services. Before you drive through these places, make sure to get gas and consider how long it will take to get through them.

3. Invest in screens

In case you underestimate how tired you are or the gas-station coffee lets you down and you need to pull over for rest, be prepared to pick a designated rest stop, and consider investing in some window coverings. They make it easier to nap without being seen as you drool onto the steering wheel, and keep curious strangers from knowing you’re in there alone. Windshield sunshades will also keep you cool on hotter days. For side windows, try pull-down screens. Using screens is also a good precaution to take if you’re leaving your car and have any valuables that can’t be stowed in the trunk.

4. Don’t lose power

Get a car charger, make sure it works with your phone and cigarette lighter or USB charge port, plug it in, and stash it in the glove box when you’re not using it. You never know when you’ll find your device flashing that ominous empty-battery symbol when you’ve taken a wrong turn at Nowheresville, gotten a flat tire, or are being stalked by angry raccoons. The charger should just live in your car.

5. Know thy car

You don’t have to be a professional mechanic, but knowing how to patch things up until you can get to one is important. If you’re taking your own car, you probably already know most of its quirks — the passenger-side window only rolls down halfway; it’s a snob that chokes on literally anything other than premium gas. But you’ll also want to know how to change or temporarily fix a flat tire, and where and how to refill the oil, coolant or transmission fluid. Even more importantly, just take good care of your four-wheeled bestie so you don’t find yourself stranded 100 miles from a mechanic because of a perfectly avoidable situation. A pretrip tuneup isn’t a bad idea. (Borrowing a friend’s car or driving a rental? Take a moment to learn where everything is before you even leave the dealership or garage.)

6. When in doubt, pack it

Movies make it look easy and romantic to jump in your car and go, but if you’re going alone, bring a well-stocked roadside kit with jumper cables, a flashlight and extra batteries and a gas can. You’ll also want basic tools like a tire iron, car jack, screwdriver, pliers, adjustable wrench, and a pocket knife. Extra bottles of coolant, oil and transmission fluid are also a good idea. Less obvious additions: kitty litter (you can put it under the tires if you get stuck in snow) and duct tape (because, of course). Be sure to bring a first-aid kit and other personal safety items, like a Mylar blanket, extra layers (for cold weather), and nonperishable snacks and water. It’s hard to overpack for a solo road trip, and it’s better to be safe than to curse yourself in the middle of a dark rural back road for forgetting those extra batteries — so when in doubt, pack it.

19 best places to travel for the spring of 2019

Source : CNN

(CNN) — Choosing between a world-class flower festival, Argentine wine harvest or trans-Africa road rally may be tough for travelers, but spring is calling and it’s time to make a choice.

Spring travel, tucked between the sky-high rates of the winter holidays and the crowds and heat of summer, is one of life’s greatest pleasures.

No longer a season reserved for retirees and backpackers, the world’s low-cost carriers, burgeoning tourism development budgets and dare we say, Instagram, have put never-before-considered spring break destinations on this year’s map. Here are 19 of our favorites, in alphabetical order.

1. Aegean Islands, Greece

01 19 spring places travel_Greece — 1. Aegean Islands, Greece. Skip the crowds when you cruise the Greek islands in spring. Celestyal Cruises is the only cruise company based in Greece.

Skip the crowds, the heat and the hot, dry Meltemi winds of summer when you cruise the Greek islands in spring. Many of the Aegean islands awake from hibernation in time to celebrate the Greek Orthodox Easter on April 28.

The award-winning Celestyal Cruises is the only cruise company based in Greece, giving its two mid-sized ships an edge over other international mega-cruise lines making ports of call in the Mediterranean.

Up to 1,200 passengers aboard seven-night Idyllic Aegean cruises this spring call on Mykonos, Milos, Santorini, Heraklion (Crete) and Kusadasi (port of Ephesus, Turkey) before returning to Piraeus.

The idyllic part? In Mykonos and Santorini, you overnight in port so you can sip retsina and party as late as you want without missing the boat.

All-inclusive pricing of $1,419 covers onboard meals of local cuisine, a standard unlimited drinks package, select shore excursions with more available for a fee, plus entertainment, port fees and gratuities.

It may be too chilly for a bikini but Greece’s sunny climate, the turquoise sea and the blooming oleander on shore will sweep you away.

2. Barcelona, Spain

Antoni GaudÃ's Sagrada Familia has been under construction since 1882. — Antoni Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia has been under construction since 1882.

Spring is the best time to avoid the overtourism that spawned “Tourists Go Home” graffiti throughout Barcelona in 2018. It’s also prime season to stroll the Flower Market along the city’s central promenade, La Rambla.

Return visitors will be surprised at how much work has been done on the sacred commission of architect Antoni Gaudí. Sagrada Familia has been under construction since 1882. By current estimates, the stunning cathedral known for its 18 sandcastle-like spires, undulating lines and brilliant stained glass windows will be completed, as close to Gaudi’s original vision as possible, by 2030.

There’s lots more Gaudi work to see, including the private museums Casa Batlló and Casa Milà (also called La Pedrera, or quarry, for its hewn stone façade) in the Gracià district off Passeig de Gracià.

When you tire of sunning along the mosaic paths of Gaudi’s Parque Güell, head to the waterfront revitalized for the 1992 Olympics. At Club Pati Vela de Barcelona near the metallic fish statue designed by Frank Gehry, visitors can rent or take lessons in single-handed sailing on a pati catala, catamarans traditionally used in Catalunya to explore the high seas.

3. Cancun, Mexico

Millions picture Cancun when they hear “spring break” thanks to “MTV Spring Break,” a show packed with skimpily clad spectators and good-natured debauchery that aired from 1986 through 2014.

Treat yourself to Cancun’s cheap prices, sand beaches and crystalline Caribbean Sea this spring, or party at home while tuning in to the MTV revival March 19-21 taking place at the Grand Oasis Hotel.

Visitors may want to skip the cheap liquor implicated in several 2018 tourist accidents, of course, and stick to Mexico’s many fine beers. All-inclusive rates at the Grand Oasis drop to about $215 per night for a family of four after MTV wraps.

Bird-watching, eco-activities and cultural tours that abound south of the city along the Riviera Maya are an even better choice for families. Barceló Maya Grand Resort has a built-in kid-magnet: the new Ventura Fly & Ride park designed by the creators of the Selvatica.

The supervised attraction comprises a zipline, bungee jumping, roller coaster, suspension bridges and more thrills right on the resort grounds. This five-star all-inclusive’s rates are competitive, too.

4. Grand Canyon, Arizona

Celebrate the Centennial of the Grand Canyon by rafting through it this spring.

America’s most renowned natural attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated the 100-year anniversary of its national park designation on February 26.

Catch Native American cultural demonstrations each month at the Desert View Watchtower, the Earth Day festival April 20 plus many other special park service programs.

Award-winning adventure tour operator OARS begins six-day Colorado River whitewater rafting trips April 7. On the first 87 miles, ogle the canyon’s strikingly colored limestone cliffs as you float and paddle to Redwall Cavern and Nautiloid Canyon. Top-notch guides keep it fun and safe.

Moor your raft to hike to Nankoweap, explore Native American ruins and see ancient fossils.

In spring’s high waters you’ll raft 19 major rapids, many Class IV, before docking near Phantom Ranch. Then you can stretch your legs on a 9.7-mile hike up the Bright Angel Trail.

Whitewater rafting trips for ages 12 and older start at $2,755 per person.

5. Keukenhof Gardens, Holland

Landgoed Keukenhof gardeners work all year planting seven million bulbs for the show's eight-week run. — Landgoed Keukenhof gardeners work all year planting seven million bulbs for the show’s eight-week run. Romy Arroyo Fernandez/NurPhoto/Getty Images

This spring, marvel at the colorful mosaics made by millions of tulips at Landgoed Keukenhof, a showcase for the Dutch floral industry.

On March 21, the latest designs using new floral breeds will inspire gardeners around the world. Forty gardeners work all year planting seven million bulbs, often in layers, so that fresh blooms will appear throughout the show’s eight-week run.

Additional pavilions feature a changing selection of 20 flower and plant shows — don’t miss the orchids and lilies — where blooms are in competition.

The 123-acre display is just a small part of an historic park dating to 1857. This year, there’s a focus on Tulpenmanie, the tulip mania craze that swept Europe in the 17th century.

During the world’s first speculative bubble, a single tulip bulb could fetch 10 times a craftsman’s annual salary or be traded for huge tracts of land before prices suddenly crashed.

Keukenhof — just 40 kilometers from Amsterdam — is easily reached via public transportation and private tours from all corners of Holland.

6. Lake Tahoe, California

With snowfall topping 620 inches already this ski season, Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows is staying open later for skiing than any other mountain resort in Lake Tahoe, with plans to ski and ride until July 7th. (Skiers, make sure to check on operations before you go.)

Squaw Valley’s Aerial Tram, which has served skiers, snowboarders and sightseers since 1969, is an awesome ride. The average 300 days of sunshine each year make Instagrammable views of the lake and surrounding Sierra Nevada Range almost guaranteed.

Disembark at High Camp, California’s top spring skiing playground at 8,200 feet, where live music, themed parties and the giant High Camp hot tub make swimwear and shorts de rigueur. (It’s currently buried by snow but will open this spring.) Throughout the day, the scene moves down to outdoor cafes at the base village and back up to cocktails at Umbrella Bar, scenically located beside the hot tub.

Want the sunshine to yourself? Ski down to the new Gold Coast Beach Bar, opening April 5 outside the upper mountain Gold Coast Lodge and get stoked on barbecue, sunbathing among the evergreens and people watching.

Insiders avoid the crowds by making tracks to Ice Bar at sister resort Alpine Meadows, off the Pacific Crest South Bowls. Wherever you land, don’t forget the sunscreen.

7. Las Vegas

Your welcome to Las Vegas is made even sweeter by spring temperatures. Brian Jones/Las Vegas News Bureau

Since temperatures stay well below summer’s 100 degrees F (38 degrees C), spring is the ideal time for a last stroll along The Strip to take in the many attractions.

That singular piece of real estate will soon be undergoing a revolutionary change. The city has just green-lit Elon Musk’s The Boring Company to build an underground people mover using autonomous electric vehicles to connect downtown Vegas with the airport, convention center and resort corridor by 2021.

You can still see humans behind the wheel at the Denso Spark Plugs NHRA Four-Wide Nationals which take place April 6-8 at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway Motorsports Complex. If you haven’t felt the heat and vibration from four race cars zooming by at a time, catch this one.

Off-road motorcycles roll out at Sam Boyd Stadium May 4 for the Monster Energy AMA Supercross, one of 17 roaringly loud races in the FIM World Championship.

If you’re craving a selfie, race to book tickets to the Supercross FanFest and mingle with drivers on the big day.

8. Ledbury, United Kingdom

Eastnor Castle and Arboretum was founded by the first Earl Somers. Ron Bozman

Live an aristocratic lifestyle among the rolling hills and historic market towns of Herefordshire, adjacent to the Cotswolds. Eastnor Castle and Arboretum, founded by the first Earl Somers and sustained by the Hervey-Bathurst family for the past 200 years, is a hidden gem outside Ledbury.

Destination weddings and hunting parties can book Eastnor’s four rental homes. The eclectic collection of armor, tapestries and medieval art in the manor is open for group tours and filming. And, like other Downton Abbey-worthy homes, seasonal special events help fund operations.

Day trippers can bring binoculars to the Easter Treasure Hunt and an appetite to the annual ChilliFest’s all-you-can-eat competition May 5-6. On select dates from April through September, the family opens its hundred-acre wood so guests can enjoy an adventure playground, treetop walkway and picnic spots while admiring the passing peacocks.

In June, Wild Food UK runs foraging classes that introduce foodies to the plants, flowers, fruits and mushrooms found in the wild. Stops during the 2.5-hour walk include breaks to sample wild food soup and elderberry champagne. A hearty lunch prepared from foraged bounty follows. Only if you’re lucky.

9. Malta

Enjoy Malta's historic structures before the beach crowds appear. — Enjoy Malta’s historic structures before the beach crowds appear. Courtesy Viewing Malta

Explore the beautiful coastline, lavish churches, forts and historic sites of Malta before charter loads of beach-goers arrive. Spring may bring more sun and less rainfall (by May you can swim in the sea), but you’re here for figolli, a special Easter dessert.

Figolli are almond cakes flavored with orange blossom water and marzipan filling. Typically coated in vanilla royal icing, some are blinged out with a foil-wrapped chocolate egg for the holiday. While they’re mostly shaped like rabbits, butterflies or Easter eggs; food bloggers should watch for ones shaped like men or women.

Celebrate authentic Easter traditions in the luxurious ambiance of the Malta-based Corinthia Hotels. From April 15-May 2, the sophisticated Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spaadjacent to the Presidential Palace offers packages including breakfast, use of the Athenaeum spa’s indoor pool, Jacuzzi and gymnasium and more from €140 (approximately $158).

The seafront Corinthia Hotel St. George’s Bay is a more kid-friendly resort. Their Family Easter Escape has the same perks, plus a complimentary kids club program, from € 180 ($203). Both hotels are serving an Easter Sunday lunch with a choice of traditional fish or lamb dishes.

10. Marrakech, Morocco

Explore Jemaa el-Fnaa square in Marrakech's medina quarter. — Explore Jemaa el-Fnaa square in Marrakech’s medina quarter. Fethi Belaid/AFP/Getty Images

Marrakech is trending again, with the recent opening of L’Hôtel Marrakech by British designer Jasper Conran and the MadJazz Marrakech music festival expected back in May.

Go this spring to be entranced by snake charmers in Jemma el Fna and daytrip to Berber country as wildflowers bloom in the Atlas Mountains. All without suffering heat stroke.

Even racier, watch out for the dust left behind by the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles du Maroc, a women-only, off-road rally. Teams of “gazelles” in any type of off-road vehicle are challenged to hit the greatest number of predefined checkpoints in as few miles as possible. They left Nice, France, on March 15 and are expected to cross the Moroccan desert from March 21 to 30.

Tour the lush Jardin Majorelle, the famous garden of painter Jacques Majorelle restored by designers Yves Saint-Laurent and Pierre Bergé, then see its creative impact at the new Musée Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech.

Note that some businesses and restaurants curtail hours and services during the Muslim fasting period of Ramadan, between May 5 and June 4 this year.

11. Mendoza to Patagonia, Argentina

Malbec -- a grape variety used for red wine -- grows easily in this part of Argentina. — Malbec — a grape variety used for red wine — grows easily in this part of Argentina. Daniel Garcia/AFP/Getty Images

Pluck the last of the grapes in Mendoza and mountain bike, kayak or horseback ride in Patagonia this spring.

France’s Malbec grape thrives in the distinct climate and soil at the foot of the snow-capped Andes. Just an hour’s flight from Buenos Aires, the safest way to sample the distinct wines of Mendoza’s Central, Valley de Uco and Southern vineyards and bodegas (wine cellars) is by hop-on hop-off Bus Vinividicola.

And with 40 new hotel openings visitors can choose between cowboy style at Alpasion Lodge and ultra-luxe service at the Relais & Chateaux Cavas Wine Lodge among boutique hotels in the region.

Most of Patagonia is a vast desert yet the isolated Andean-Patagonian forests, called subantarctic forests, burst into color along the steep slopes of the Andes.

Tierra del Fuego National Park is more than 2,000 miles south of Mendoza so you’ll need to put in a full day’s travel. Experiencing the Southern Hemisphere’s autumn this spring is worth the trip.

13. Naoshima Island, Japan

Naoshima Island is home to beautiful displays of outdoor art. Benesse Art Site Naoshima

Be reborn with a transformational journey to the Seto Inland Sea, where fishing villages shelter priceless contemporary art and architecture by modern masters.

Outdoor galleries and cherry groves seeded by Benesse Holdings and the Fukutake Foundation have inspired villagers on Naoshima, Teshima and Inujima to convert homes to guesthouses and tag doors and buses with stunning graffiti.

Reaching Benesse Art Site Naoshima is an exquisite lesson in patience rewarded by a polka dot ferry to a port where Japanese visionary Yayoi Kusama placed an enormous spotted pumpkin. The legendary architect Tadao Ando’s Chichu Art Museum guides natural light onto five huge Monets and works by James Turrell and Walter de Maria.

International artists have been commissioned to install projects in abandoned teak homes. There’s also a stunning gallery at Benesse House, the Ando-designed luxury hotel where guests can commune with their own unique artwork overnight.

Why not turn the day into a scavenger hunt of the art by foot, bus or bike? Day trips to Teshima and Inujima are a bonus.

14. Orlando, Florida

Nurture your senses at the 26th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival which runs from March 6 through June 3 at Orlando’s Walt Disney World.

Among the millions of blooms are dozens of fan-favorite Disney-themed topiaries. If you’re headed to Soarin’ and don’t have time to, er, smell the roses, check out the ones near the park’s entrance.

This spring, topiary artists are using a wider variety of plant materials to represent Disney characters’ facial features in boxwood and verdant hues. If you’ve never seen a green Snow White, she’s standing near the Germany pavilion with the Seven Dwarfs.

Home gardeners appreciate the expert-led gardening seminars, which are included in the regular Epcot admission along with the daily Garden Rocks concert series; Outdoor Kitchens for sampling; and children’s play gardens illustrating nutrition and wellness.

Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club and the more casual Boardwalk Inn are within walking distance of Epcot but there’s a slew of terrific Disney World hotels to meet every taste.

15. Penang, Malaysia

Spring is the ideal time to viist Penang island before the rainy season arrives. Vincent Thian/AP

Get up close to a 130-million-year-old rainforest at The Habitat on Penang Hill. As the rains build from April to October, spring is the ideal time for an authentic tropical rainforest adventure.

Designed to be minimally disruptive, 4×4 vehicles and cable cars transport visitors up to the dense jungle. Everyone from thrill-seekers to elders finds their comfort zone on a nature trail, treetop walk or Aerial Trail to watch as Asian Fairy Bluebirds, Racquet-tailed Drongos, Brahminy Kites and other exotic species fly by.

It took a visionary government to protect this prehistoric ecosystem in 1910, when only the colonial-era ruins of a British Hill Station remained. A century later, the local Cockrell family began developing an eco-tourism attraction on land adjacent to the Government Hill Permanent Forest Reserve.

Scientists estimate the Malaysian rainforest hosts 20 percent of the world’s animal species and uncountable plant species. The Habitat’s canopy walk, home to Langurs or Dusky Leaf monkeys, provides access to rare wildlife and stunning views of valleys, headlands, the city of Georgetown and the glittering Andaman Sea beyond.

16. Puerto Rico

Post Hurricane Maria, Puerto Rico is welcoming visitors to enjoy its lovely beaches, historic sites and natural wonders. Ricardo Arduengo/AFP/Getty Images

Hit the beach in Puerto Rico, a heavenly slice of the Caribbean boasting seven Blue Flag beaches and travel bargains this spring.

After a painful recovery from 2017’s Hurricane Maria and attention to the island by “Hamilton” creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, the island came in fifth on an Allianz Global Assistance survey of top International Spring Break destinations.

The Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve is one of the most buzz-worthy new hotels. Transformed from plantation to resort by Laurance Rockefeller in the 1950s, the beachfront Dorado Beach upped its game during extensive hurricane repair and re-landscaping.

Now more relaxed and local in style, Taino-inspired rugs and bed throws, neutral tones and discreet private plunge pools let the surrounding turquoise sea and golden sand take center stage.

It’s a great deal because Americans don’t need a passport to get to this Caribbean island and can take competitively cheap flights or backpacker-style ferries from Santo Domingo and the US Virgin Islands to get there.

17. Queenstown, New Zealand

While it’s true that New Zealand is still grieving a terrorist attack at a Christchurch mosque on the country’s South Island, visitors are still welcome to enjoy this remarkable country. Take advantage of the southern hemisphere’s reverse seasonality to celebrate the fall harvest with food and entertainment.

It’s all part of the fun at the 35th annual Akarua Arrowtown Autumn Festival outside Queenstown, also on South Island, coming up April 23-28. Scheduled events include very popular children’s workshops, a village parade, photo competitions, gold panning contests, a dog show and even rubber ducky races.

On Pie, Pint and Pinot Day, pair the region’s top craft brews and fine Akarua wines with locally sourced savory meat and veggie pies.

From March to May, the local cottonwoods turn yellow along the Arrowtown River and the hills are ablaze with color. If you can keep your eyes open, bungy jumping is a great way to appreciate the region’s fall foliage.

Queenstown’s local hero A.J. Hackett invented the unlikely sport at the Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge. Strap into a full body harness, dive head first off the bridge and take a 60mph flight upside down across the Nevis Valley for spectacular views.

18. St. Louis Zoo, Missouri

Animals are having babies at the St. Louis Zoo. Kari R. Frey/St. Louis Zoo

As central to the city’s image as the iconic silver Gateway Arch, Forest Park is home to many free attractions including Shakespeare in the Park, art and history museums and a famous zoo.

Voted into the world’s top 10 zoos by TripAdvisor readers, the St. Louis Zoo displays 600 species in realistic natural habitats and provides visitors with creature comforts including on-site guides, a vintage mini-railroad and trained animal shows.

Even if you miss the opening game of the Cardinals, spring is the season for zoo babies and 10 ungulate calves — think Bambi — are now on view. Look for three baby Speke’s Gazelles, two Addaxes, a Soemmerring’s Gazelle, two Lesser Kudus and two Lowland Nyalas. Don’t miss Nova, a Grevy’s Zebra foal born New Year’s Eve, who likes to appear in the Red Rocks exhibit when the weather is good.

19. Washington, DC

It's almost time to celebrate the National Cherry Blossom Festival in the US capital. — It’s almost time to celebrate the National Cherry Blossom Festival in the US capital. Marshall Keys/AFP/Getty Images

America’s friendship with Japan dates to 1912, when Tokyo Mayor Yukio Ozaki gifted Yoshino cherry trees to the country’s capital.

Today, the annual National Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates spring with a nod to Japanese culture. March 20 — April 14 is the predicted blooming period around the Tidal Basin. The National Park Service forecasts that peak bloom — when 70 percent of the blossoms are open — will occur April 2, depending on weather.

Several local hotels are celebrating with blossom-themed packages. At the Capital Hilton,for example, guests receive breakfast, a welcome Bento Box filled with Japanese sweets, a kite to fly March 30 at the Blossom Kite Festival and access to the Petalpalooza family day events April 6.

Adults can toast the arrival of spring during the nightly Japanese Cherry Blossom Happy Hour, a Japanese whisky tasting with appetizer pairing at the Capital Hilton’s Statler Lounge.