7 Trip Ideas You Can Take With Your Tax Refund

Slide 1 of 8: Amangiri Hotel utah

Perhaps it’s true that the only things certain in life are death and taxes. So why not make the latter a bit more fun?

This year, according to the IRS, this link opens in a new tab, the size of the average tax refund is $3,008. If you’ve already trudged through your paperwork and are just waiting for that check to clear: congratulations! You deserve something special.

While everybody has different ideas about how to best use that coveted refund money, we’re firmly of the belief that a getaway is the best reward.

Whether you’re impatiently awaiting your refund or in need of an extra dose of motivation to finish up that paperwork, we’ve got seven ideas that will help you make the most of your tax return.

From a tropical week-long getaway to a luxurious weekend in the desert, these seven vacations are only waiting for your return — and for you to press “book now.”

Ko Samui, Thailand

One of Thailand’s most well-known vacation island destinations, Ko Samui is known for its sandy beaches, coral reefs and seemingly-endless resort options.

While you may be tempted to spend all your time on the 13-mile island relaxing by the water, Ko Samui also has plenty of active options for those who want to get out and feel more than just sand between their toes (think diving, exploring bamboo villages and visiting ancient sacred sites).

Flights to Bangkok are available from $700 round-trip from New York and from $550 from Los Angeles. Bangkok Airways offers daily flights from Bangkok to Koh Samui from about $130 one-way.

A stay at the Six Senses Samui (from $385 per night) could be the perfect way to unwind after a stressful tax season. The resort preaches wellness, with an emphasis on emotional wellness that will last long beyond your return flight.

3/8 SLIDES © Andrew Stranovsky Photography/Getty Images

Bhutan

Travel to Bhutan is easy from a budgeting point of view. The self-proclaimed happiest country on earth has set a standard tourist rate of $250 per day. But that tourist fee will ensure that visitors have their visa, three-star accommodations, transport, food, entrances to sites and a licensed guide service all taken care of.

Round-trip flights from New York to Paro (via Delhi) are available from about $1,200. You can spend up to a week exploring Bhutan with all the money you get back from your tax return. In that time, you’ll be able to trek through the country’s famous mountains, dine on Bhutanese cuisine in the capital city of Thimphu and visit the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery.

Slide 4 of 8: Peruâs capital and largest city is often just seen as a stopover on the way to Machu Picchu. But the city is a thriving metropolis, home to awe-inspiring history and a thriving culinary scene â itâs the only place in the world with two restaurants in the top 10 of the worldâs best.
If youâre a surfer, you can spend time catching waves. Architecture buffs can wander the old streets, exploring well-preserved colonial buildings dating back to the 1500s.
Book your stay at the famous Country Club hotel, considered by some to be the birthplace of the pisco sour. Rooms are available from $211 per night. Round-trip flights from Los Angeles start at only $350 and around $450 to get there from New York City.

4/8 SLIDES © Courtesy of Lima Country Club Hotel

Lima, Peru

Peru’s capital and largest city is often just seen as a stopover on the way to Machu Picchu. But the city is a thriving metropolis, home to awe-inspiring history and a thriving culinary scene — it’s the only place in the world with two restaurants in the top 10 of the world’s best.

If you’re a surfer, you can spend time catching waves. Architecture buffs can wander the old streets, exploring well-preserved colonial buildings dating back to the 1500s.

Book your stay at the famous Country Club hotel, considered by some to be the birthplace of the pisco sour. Rooms are available from $211 per night. Round-trip flights from Los Angeles start at only $350and around $450 to get there from New York City.

5/8 SLIDES © Philip Willcocks/Getty Images

Barbados

Barbados is one of the true gems of the Caribbean. While the 166-square-mile island has plenty of selection —rum, reggae, jazz, food, history and nature — it doesn’t have the same crowds as many other Caribbean islands.

Spend a week exploring the island’s history, dining in beachside fish shacks or drinking in roadside rum shacks where locals like to boast that their island is the birthplace of the liquor.

Flights from New York City to Barbados start at about $400 and from Los Angeles, it’s about $600round-trip. Every single one of the rooms at the Fairmount Royal Pavilion (available from $468 per night) face the beach.

Slide 6 of 8: Make your tax return stretch all the way across a river. Viking River Cruises offers an eight-day âRomantic Danubeâ cruise that will take you from Nuremberg to Budapest. The trip includes excursions to castles in Budapest, a tour of SchÃ¶nbrunn Palace in Vienna or an option to visit Salzburg, where âThe Sound of Musicâ was filmed. The eight-day cruise is available to book from $1,999. That price includes all food and one cultural excursion per day, but does not include airfare.

6/8 SLIDES © Courtesy of Viking

Danube River Cruise

Make your tax return stretch all the way across a river. Viking River Cruises offers an eight-day “Romantic Danube” cruise that will take you from Nuremberg to Budapest. The trip includes excursions to castles in Budapest, a tour of Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna or an option to visit Salzburg, where “The Sound of Music” was filmed. The eight-day cruise is available to book from $1,999. That price includes all food and one cultural excursion per day, but does not include airfare.

7/8 SLIDES © Courtesy of Aman

Utah

If a vacation in the Utah desert doesn’t sound like one of the most heavenly escapes imaginable, you haven’t seen Amangiri. The ridiculously-stunning resort is an oasis of modernist luxury architecture in the middle of the desert — complete with vistas of mesas, a Navajo-inspired spa and private pools at each suite. Rates start at $1,400 per night and include all board and airport transfers. Plus, you get privileged access to the nearby National Parks when you’re an Amangiri guest.

8/8 SLIDES © Jennifer Sharp/Getty Images

Belize

Escape to a Central American paradise with your refund this year. Belize is beloved by many for its variety: tropical rainforests, exciting mountains and pristine beach are all within easy access of each other.

Book a trip to one of the Cayes, or islands, off the coast of Belize in the Caribbean. If you feel like going all out, book some time at St. George’s Caye, a private island resort. One night at the private and luxurious villa accommodation will set you back $894 per night — but it can be shared with up to six people. (Just wait for your friends to get their refunds back.)

Flights to Belize City are available from major U.S. hub airports starting at about $400.

Where the rich and famous go on vacation

Where the rich and famous go on holiday

Ah, to be rich and famous and able to rock up at your own desert island via a private jet at the click of a finger… We can only dream. But while we’re waiting for that lottery win, let’s get some inspiration from the destinations the rich and famous go for some downtime. From magical winter retreats to glorious sunny isles, here are just some of the one percent’s favorite destinations.

Slide 2 of 31: You know you've made it into the upper echelons of society when Sir Richard Branson invites you to join him on his private isle, Necker Island, in the British Virgin Islands. The likes of Barack Obama, Prince Harry, Kate Moss, Harrison Ford, Mariah Carey, Robert de Niro, Mel Gibson and Harry Styles â among many, many others â have been Sir Branson's guests at the super-exclusive retreat.

2/31 SLIDES © Virgin Limited Edition

Necker Island

You know you’ve made it into the upper echelons of society when Sir Richard Branson invites you to join him on his private isle, Necker Island, in the British Virgin Islands. The likes of Barack Obama, Prince Harry, Kate Moss, Harrison Ford, Mariah Carey, Robert de Niro, Mel Gibson and Harry Styles – among many, many others – have been Sir Branson’s guests at the super-exclusive retreat.

Slide 3 of 31: To say the island is luxurious would be an enormous understatement â but it's the barefoot, laidback kind of luxury. With room for only 34 people at a time, Necker Island offers the sort of privacy the most influential people in the world crave.

3/31 SLIDES © Virgin Limited Edition

Necker Island

To say the island is luxurious would be an enormous understatement – but it’s the barefoot, laidback kind of luxury. With room for only 34 people at a time, Necker Island offers the sort of privacy the most influential people in the world crave.

Slide 4 of 31: The accommodation options are enormous and elegant, the white sands and sparkling ocean are postcard-pretty, and in case lying on the beach isnât for you, there is water sports, tennis and an unending supply of food and drink to keep you occupied.

4/31 SLIDES © Virgin Limited Edition

Necker Island, British Virgin Islands

The accommodation options are enormous and elegant, the white sands and sparkling ocean are postcard-pretty, and in case lying on the beach isn’t for you, there is water sports, tennis and an unending supply of food and drink to keep you occupied.

Slide 5 of 31: Synonymous with luxury, the remote vibes, peaceful surroundings and often astronomical prices make the beautiful islands of the Maldives an instant hit with the rich and famous.

5/31 SLIDES © Amilla Fushi

The Maldives

Slide 7 of 31: Amilla Fushi is just one of the breathtaking hotels attracting an elite crowd, with the Beckham family, Kate Moss and Kate Winslet recently choosing the resort for an island getaway. With enormous, stylishly-designed houses, a butler for each guest and a whole host of chic restaurants, itâs easy to see why itâs the eliteâs choice. — Synonymous with luxury, the remote vibes, peaceful surroundings and often astronomical prices make the beautiful islands of the Maldives an instant hit with the rich and famous.

6/31 SLIDES © Sven Hansche/Shutterstock

The Maldives

There’s a feeling of total privacy on each of the Maldives’ islands, perfect for those desperate to escape the tyranny of the paparazzi. Plus, while enjoying a newfound sense of seclusion, there’s plenty to do on each island, from stand-up paddle boarding and wine-tasting to scuba diving and sunrise yoga.

7/31 SLIDES © Amilla Fushi

The Maldives

Amilla Fushi is just one of the breathtaking hotels attracting an elite crowd, with the Beckham family, Kate Moss and Kate Winslet recently choosing the resort for an island getaway. With enormous, stylishly-designed houses, a butler for each guest and a whole host of chic restaurants, it’s easy to see why it’s the elite’s choice.

Slide 8 of 31: The picturesque Swiss ski resort of Gstaad is not so much about the skiing, but more about the people-watching. Fabulously glamorous people draped in jewels and furs, designer ski gear and expensive cars are just some of the things youâll gawp at if you spend a week â or indeed, an afternoon â in this famous place.

8/31 SLIDES © Mr Lemon/Shutterstock

Gstaad, Switzerland

The picturesque Swiss ski resort of Gstaad is not so much about the skiing, but more about the people-watching. Fabulously glamorous people draped in jewels and furs, designer ski gear and expensive cars are just some of the things you’ll gawp at if you spend a week – or indeed, an afternoon – in this famous place.

Slide 9 of 31: Gstaad is frequented by the true upper echelons of celebrity society: Sophia Loren, Madonna, Rudolph Valentino and Julie Andrews. They have all flocked to the resortâs top attraction: the glamorous, revered and yet somehow still cosy Gstaad Palace Hotel.

9/31 SLIDES © Phillip Minnis/Shutterstock

Gstaad, Switzerland

Gstaad is frequented by the true upper echelons of celebrity society: Sophia Loren, Madonna, Rudolph Valentino and Julie Andrews. They have all flocked to the resort’s top attraction: the glamorous, revered and yet somehow still cosy Gstaad Palace Hotel.

Slide 10 of 31: But there are plenty of opulent chalets too. Formula 1 mogul Bernie Ecclestone is just one of the super-wealthy elite with a multi-million dollar property here.

10/31 SLIDES © gevision/Shutterstock

Gstaad, Switzerland

But there are plenty of opulent chalets too. Formula 1 mogul Bernie Ecclestone is just one of the super-wealthy elite with a multi-million dollar property here.

Slide 11 of 31: The Cote dâAzur, also known as the French Riviera, has long been favored for a sophisticated, elegant getaway. With world-class restaurants, famed hotels and a glamorous clientele, it's been a hotspot for the jet-set type for decades.

11/31 SLIDES © Olga Gavrilova

Cote d’Azur, France

The Cote d’Azur, also known as the French Riviera, has long been favoured for a sophisticated, elegant getaway. With world-class restaurants, famed hotels and a glamorous clientele, it’s been a hotspot for the jet-set type for decades.

Slide 12 of 31: On the Mediterranean coast of southeastern France, the Cote dâAzur includes upmarket areas such as St Tropez, Cannes, Villefranche and Cap Ferrat, and donât forget Monaco, the tax-free micro-state for the ultra-rich.

12/31 SLIDES © IR Stone/Shutterstock

Cote d’Azur, France

On the Mediterranean coast of southeastern France, the Cote d’Azur includes upmarket areas such as St Tropez, Cannes, Villefranche and Cap Ferrat, and don’t forget Monaco, the tax-free micro-state for the ultra-rich.

14/31 SLIDES © BlueOrange Studio/Shutterstock

Antigua

The island of Antigua has bags of Caribbean charm, with swaying palm trees, sunny skies and idyllic beaches. Fans over the years have included Robert de Niro, Princess Diana and Eric Clapton, who have flocked to the destination in search of privacy and a more authentic experience.

15/31 SLIDES © Jumby Bay

Antigua

The most elite of all Antiguan getaways is Jumby Bay, an exclusive private island off the coast of Antigua. The houses, owned by private homeowners but managed by Rosewood, are enormous, luxurious, and seriously expensive.

Slide 16 of 31: Youâll need a lot of cash to holiday here, but as far as privacy goes, itâs one of the worldâs best: thereâs no chance of being papped. Will Smith, Paul McCartney and Kevin Spacey are just a few of the big names whoâve chosen the island for a private retreat.

16/31 SLIDES © Jumby Bay

Antigua

You’ll need a lot of cash to holiday here, but as far as privacy goes, it’s one of the world’s best: there’s no chance of being papped. Will Smith, Paul McCartney and Kevin Spacey are just a few of the big names who’ve chosen the island for a private retreat.

Slide 17 of 31: If money was no object, many of us would undoubtedly choose to holiday in Bora Bora. It's no surprise then that the most wealthy people in the world flock to this exclusive French Polynesian island.

17/31 SLIDES © wilar/Shutterstock

Bora Bora, French Polynesia

If money was no object, many of us would undoubtedly choose to holiday in Bora Bora. It’s no surprise then that the most wealthy people in the world flock to this exclusive French Polynesian island.

Slide 19 of 31: Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux recently jetted off to Bora Bora for their honeymoon, while other admirers of the island include Justin Bieber and Usain Bolt.

19/31 SLIDES © Christian Wilkinson/Shutterstock

Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux recently jetted off to Bora Bora for their honeymoon, while other admirers of the island include Justin Bieber and Usain Bolt.

20/31 SLIDES © Photostravellers/Shutterstock

St Barths

If you’re booking a holiday to St Barths, the swanky, French-speaking, super-luxe Caribbean island, then you’ve probably made it.

Slide 21 of 31: With breathtaking white sands, a vibrant coral reef and plenty of quirky restaurants and bars, the island has everything a celebrity could need: beauty, luxury and, of course, privacy.

21/31 SLIDES © Photostravellers/Shutterstock

St Barths

With breathtaking white sands, a vibrant coral reef and plenty of quirky restaurants and bars, the island has everything a celebrity could need: beauty, luxury and, of course, privacy.

22/31 SLIDES © Oetker

St Barths

One of the island’s most spectacular properties is the Hotel Eden Rock-St Barths. Owned by the Matthews family – that’s Spencer Matthews, of British TV reality show Made in Chelsea fame, and James Matthews, Pippa Middleton’s new husband – the hotel is a favourite of the rich and famous. Tom Hanks, Mick Jagger and, of course, the Middleton family are all past guests.

Slide 23 of 31: The private island of Mustique, in St Vincent and the Grenadines, is synonymous not only with luxury but with the most elite of visitors.

23/31 SLIDES © Closer to Infinity/Shutterstock

Mustique, St Vincent and the Grenadines

The private island of Mustique, in St Vincent and the Grenadines, is synonymous not only with luxury but with the most elite of visitors.

Slide 24 of 31: Frequent guests have included musical royalty such as Mick Jagger, Bryan Adams and the late David Bowie. It hasn't been short of real royalty either, as Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip have visited the destination on three occasions for personal trips.

24/31 SLIDES © Closer to Infinity/Shutterstock

Mustique, St Vincent and the Grenadines

Frequent guests have included musical royalty such as Mick Jagger, Bryan Adams and the late David Bowie. It hasn’t been short of real royalty either, as Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip have visited the destination on three occasions for personal trips.

Slide 25 of 31: In recent years, the island has become a favourite with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, with the couple choosing the tranquil spot most years for family trips away.

25/31 SLIDES © Closer to Infinity/Shutterstock

Mustique, St Vincent and the Grenadines

In recent years, the island has become a favourite with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, with the couple choosing the tranquil spot most years for family trips away.

Slide 26 of 31: A city of many contrasts, travelers on all sorts of budgets visit Rio for its cultural highlights, buzzing nightlife, beautiful people and dreamy beaches.

26/31 SLIDES © marchello74/Shutterstock

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

A city of many contrasts, travellers on all sorts of budgets visit Rio for its cultural highlights, buzzing nightlife, beautiful people and dreamy beaches.

Slide 27 of 31: The gulf between rich and poor in the city means that the most wealthy live separate lives from the majority of inhabitants, so the most elite of restaurants, bars and hotels are accustomed to hosting guests with bodyguards, enormous teams of staff and special requests for privacy.

27/31 SLIDES © Aleksandar Todorovic/Shutterstock

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The gulf between rich and poor in the city means that the most wealthy live separate lives from the majority of inhabitants, so the most elite of restaurants, bars and hotels are accustomed to hosting guests with bodyguards, enormous teams of staff and special requests for privacy.

Slide 28 of 31: This reality â which even extends to many resorts having their own helipads so top celebrities need not bother with walking past photographers and reporters â means that Rio is a top choice for the rich and famous desiring a hassle-free holiday. Jennifer Lopez, David Beckham and Lady Gaga have all holidayed in the Brazilian hotspot in recent years, with hip hotel the Fasano a particular favorite.

28/31 SLIDES © f11photo/Shutterstock

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

This reality – which even extends to many resorts having their own helipads so top celebrities need not bother with walking past photographers and reporters – means that Rio is a top choice for the rich and famous desiring a hassle-free holiday. Jennifer Lopez, David Beckham and Lady Gaga have all holidayed in the Brazilian hotspot in recent years, with hip hotel the Fasano a particular favourite.

Slide 29 of 31: If the Obama family are choosing the Massachusetts island of Marthaâs Vineyard as a summer retreat, you can safely bet itâs a good place to be.

29/31 SLIDES © Rick Friedman-Pool/Getty

Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, USA

If the Obama family are choosing the Massachusetts island of Martha’s Vineyard as a summer retreat, you can safely bet it’s a good place to be.

Slide 30 of 31: And itâs not just Barack, Michelle and the kids either: Bill Clinton, Prince Andrew, Bill Gates and Oprah Winfrey have all holidayed at the exclusive destination.

30/31 SLIDES © Michael Gordon/Shutterstock

Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts

And it’s not just Barack, Michelle and the kids either: Bill Clinton, Prince Andrew, Bill Gates and Oprah Winfrey have all holidayed at the exclusive destination.

Slide 31 of 31: The island is pretty relaxing, but thereâs plenty to do if you're after an active holiday too. You can cycle between the different towns, stroll on the pretty beaches or indulge in a game (or three) of golf.

31/31 SLIDES © Jorge Salcedo/Shutterstock

Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts

The island is pretty relaxing, but there’s plenty to do if you’re after an active holiday too. You can cycle between the different towns, stroll on the pretty beaches or indulge in a game (or three) of golf.

Top 10 attractions to see and do in St. Petersburg

Explore the city on a river cruise

Charming and romantic canals around the city have given Saint Petersburg the nickname “Venice of the North”. Taking a boat cruise along the Neva River is one of the best ways to explore the city and marvel the city’s impressive neo-classical architecture. With multiple rivers and many canals winding their way through the city, offering unique views of the city, a river cruise is a must for all visitors!

Slide 2 of 10: The whole city is famous for its Imperial palaces and majestic parks, but Peterhof Palace is just so impressive it can't be missed. Located about an hour away from the city's center, Petehof's a large complex of palaces, gardens and fountains. Russian tsars used it as their main summer residence, so it's no wonder its exterior and interior are lavishly decorated. The major draw is the Grand Palace, built in Baroque style, and the beautiful Park surrounding it. With more than 150 fountains and 4 cascades, the whole complex had gotten the nickname Russian Versailles.

2/10 SLIDES © Leonid Andronov/123RF

Visit the magnificent Peterhof Palace

The whole city is famous for its Imperial palaces and majestic parks, but Peterhof Palace is just so impressive it can’t be missed. Located about an hour away from the city’s center, Petehof’s a large complex of palaces, gardens and fountains. Russian tsars used it as their main summer residence, so it’s no wonder its exterior and interior are lavishly decorated. The major draw is the Grand Palace, built in Baroque style, and the beautiful Park surrounding it. With more than 150 fountains and 4 cascades, the whole complex had gotten the nickname Russian Versailles.

Slide 3 of 10: The State Hermitage Museum is the second largest in the world and houses the largest collection of paintings in the world. Around 3 million pieces from all over the world are kept here, including rich collection of Greek and Roman antiquities and European fine art. The Museum spans several sites, but the main collection is located within the impressive Winter Palace. Here you'll find masterpieces of famous painters like Leonardo Da Vinci, Goya, Rembrandt, Van Gogh etc. It's a must-see for all art and history buffs!

3/10 SLIDES © Marco Rubino/123RF

Admire artwork at The State Hermitage Museum

The State Hermitage Museum is the second largest in the world and houses the largest collection of paintings in the world. Around 3 million pieces from all over the world are kept here, including rich collection of Greek and Roman antiquities and European fine art. The Museum spans several sites, but the main collection is located within the impressive Winter Palace. Here you’ll find masterpieces of famous painters like Leonardo Da Vinci, Goya, Rembrandt, Van Gogh etc. It’s a must-see for all art and history buffs!

Slide 4 of 10: With a similar faÃ§ade to the famous St Basil's Cathedral in Moscow, this Church stands out from St. Petersburg typical architecture. This Orthodox Church stands on the exact place where Tsar Alexander II was assassinated. It was built in memory of him and that's why it's officially called The Church of Resurrection. With its five domes, the church is impressive both on the outside and on the inside. Interior of the church boasts the world's biggest collection of mosaics, so it's definitely worth going inside!

4/10 SLIDES © Ilker Celik/123RF

Explore The Church of Saviour on Spilled Blood

With a similar façade to the famous St Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow, this Church stands out from St. Petersburg typical architecture. This Orthodox Church stands on the exact place where Tsar Alexander II was assassinated. It was built in memory of him and that’s why it’s officially called The Church of Resurrection. With its five domes, the church is impressive both on the outside and on the inside. Interior of the church boasts the world’s biggest collection of mosaics, so it’s definitely worth going inside!

Slide 5 of 10: St. Petersburg's main street houses many beautiful landmarks. The most famous street is 2.5 miles long and lined up with glorious palaces, historical buildings and lovely bridges. It crosses the city center from east to west and it's considered as the main avenue in town. Besides historic monuments, Nevsky Prospekt is also a hub for shopping and nightlife. Also, it's scattered with cafes and restaurants, serving delicious Russian dishes.

5/10 SLIDES © Phuong Nguyen Duy/123RF

Wander around Nevsky Prospekt

St. Petersburg’s main street houses many beautiful landmarks. The most famous street is 2.5 miles long and lined up with glorious palaces, historical buildings and lovely bridges. It crosses the city center from east to west and it’s considered as the main avenue in town. Besides historic monuments, Nevsky Prospekt is also a hub for shopping and nightlife. Also, it’s scattered with cafes and restaurants, serving delicious Russian dishes.

Slide 6 of 10: Famed as one of the most splendid buildings in the city, The Winter Palace was once a royal residence of Russian tsars. The Baroque masterpiece is situated on the Palace Square, known as the city's main square. Admire the mirrors, ceiling paintings, sculptures and miraculous halls, all bursting with richness. The Palace today partly houses the most famous museum in town, the Hermitage.

6/10 SLIDES © Dmitriy Baranov/123RF

Take a picture in front of The Winter Palace

Famed as one of the most splendid buildings in the city, The Winter Palace was once a royal residence of Russian tsars. The Baroque masterpiece is situated on the Palace Square, known as the city’s main square. Admire the mirrors, ceiling paintings, sculptures and miraculous halls, all bursting with richness. The Palace today partly houses the most famous museum in town, the Hermitage.

Slide 7 of 10: Besides State Hermitage Museum, Saint Petersburg boasts many more fascinating museums. Art buffs need to visit the State Russian Museum, where's the finest collection of Russian art. Housed in the stunning Mikhailovsky Palace, it exhibits Russian artwork from early icons to modern pieces from the 20th century. Literature lovers and bookworms will love the Pushkin and Dostoevsky Museums. Both museums are located inside the former apartments of the writers, featuring their personal objects and working studies where they wrote literal masterpieces. Another interesting museum is the Faberge Museum, museum of decorative art featuring the largest collection of famous Faberge Easter Eggs.

7/10 SLIDES © Andrey Kekyalyaynen/123RF

Go museum hopping

Besides State Hermitage Museum, Saint Petersburg boasts many more fascinating museums. Art buffs need to visit the State Russian Museum, where’s the finest collection of Russian art. Housed in the stunning Mikhailovsky Palace, it exhibits Russian artwork from early icons to modern pieces from the 20th century.
Literature lovers and bookworms will love the Pushkin and Dostoevsky Museums. Both museums are located inside the former apartments of the writers, featuring their personal objects and working studies where they wrote literal masterpieces. Another interesting museum is the Faberge Museum, museum of decorative art featuring the largest collection of famous Faberge Easter Eggs.

Slide 8 of 10: Home to the most iconic golden dome of Russia, St. Isaac's Cathedral was once the largest in the country until Church of Christ the Savior in Moscow was rebuilt. It's ranked as one of the largest cathedrals in the world, so it's no surprise it's one of the most fascinating landmarks in the whole country. The interior of the church is decorated with lavish ornaments, detailed mosaic icons and paintings. The major draw for tourists is the dome of the Cathedral, plated with pure gold. You can climb 300 steps up to the colonnade and enjoy the most splendid and magnificent view over the city.

8/10 SLIDES © Artem Sokolov/123RF

Visit The St. Isaac’s Cathedral

Home to the most iconic golden dome of Russia, St. Isaac’s Cathedral was once the largest in the country until Church of Christ the Savior in Moscow was rebuilt. It’s ranked as one of the largest cathedrals in the world, so it’s no surprise it’s one of the most fascinating landmarks in the whole country. The interior of the church is decorated with lavish ornaments, detailed mosaic icons and paintings. The major draw for tourists is the dome of the Cathedral, plated with pure gold. You can climb 300 steps up to the colonnade and enjoy the most splendid and magnificent view over the city.

Slide 9 of 10: Ballet is the national honor of Russians and one of the main pillars of the Russian culture. Russia is home to the world's most famous opera and ballet theatres and one of them is the Mariinsky Theatre in Saint Petersburg. Lavish interior of the theatre will make you travel back in time and feel like nobility. Here you can have a chance to see live some of the best ballet shows on earth, with a jaw-dropping orchestra and top-notch dancers.

9/10 SLIDES © Lilyana Vynogradova/123RF

Watch a ballet show at Mariinsky Theatre

Ballet is the national honor of Russians and one of the main pillars of the Russian culture. Russia is home to the world’s most famous opera and ballet theatres and one of them is the Mariinsky Theatre in Saint Petersburg. Lavish interior of the theatre will make you travel back in time and feel like nobility. Here you can have a chance to see live some of the best ballet shows on earth, with a jaw-dropping orchestra and top-notch dancers.

Slide 10 of 10: Russia has a celebrated drinking culture with vodka as the country's national drink. Vodka is the most famous alcoholic drink in the country and in Saint Petersburg you can even visit the museum dedicated to the iconic drink. To drink like a true Russian, don't mix vodka with soda because Russians drink it as a shot, all by itself. Saint Petersburg boasts great nightlife, vibrant clubs and bars spread all over the city, ideal to taste some real Russian vodka!

10/10 SLIDES © Jakub Gojda/123RF

Drink vodka in bustling bars

Russia has a celebrated drinking culture with vodka as the country’s national drink. Vodka is the most famous alcoholic drink in the country and in Saint Petersburg you can even visit the museum dedicated to the iconic drink. To drink like a true Russian, don’t mix vodka with soda because Russians drink it as a shot, all by itself. Saint Petersburg boasts great nightlife, vibrant clubs and bars spread all over the city, ideal to taste some real Russian vodka!

Tickets to Brazil Are in High Demand as Visa Restrictions End

© mikolajn / iStock / Getty Images Plus Cable car going to Sugarloaf mountain in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Travelers are scrambling to get plane tickets to Brazil now that the country has erased the need for a visa.

Australian, Canadian, Japanese and American tourists will no longer need a visa starting June 17, 2019, and a new Kayak survey revealed searches for flights have shown double-digit increases. The highest increase was registered in Australia (36 percent), followed by the United States (31 percent), Canada (19 percent) and Japan (4 percent).

The end of the visa requirement came about as part of a decree from the Brazilian government. Visitors arriving with valid passports and intending to visit Brazil for leisure and business tourism, artistic or sports activities or exceptional situations of national interest are able to visit without a visa for 90 days, extendable for another 90 days.

Travelers don’t have to wait to visit Brazil, however. The country relaxed visa restrictionslast year, and electronic visas are easily obtainable.

When the move to the electronic visa process was made last year, there was a similar push from these four countries, boosting arrivals to Brazil. In 2018, the country received more than 715,000 tourists from Australia, Japan, the U.S. and Canada, a number 15 percent higher than in 2017.

Specifically, the U.S. sent more than 500,000 tourists to Brazil in 2018, an increase of 13 percent. More than 71,000 Canadians headed to the country, 45 percent more than in 2017. Australia recorded a growth of 25 percent, and Japan, 5 percent.

5 Reasons Why Every Entrepreneur Needs to Travel to Improve Their Business

Some entrepreneurs believe travel to be nice but unnecessary. Or, a waste of their time, when they could be in their office, nurturing leads or making sales calls. The other half knows that it’s important, but don’t feel like it could benefit them or their business, even if it is a working vacation.

I’ve been traveling around the world for over 20 years, both for business and personal reasons, and I’m 100 percent positive that traveling has made me a better person and businessmen in numerous ways. So, to help you see what so many of us traveling entrepreneurs already know, I’ve gathered a few reasons why traveling alone or with colleagues should be one of your top priorities in your business.

1. It prevents burnout.

Burnout is one of the worst things that can happen to an entrepreneur. When you’re constantly working with no end in sight, the only thing you can and will see is burnout. That’s why you need a break from work. And I don’t mean leaving your office desk to go home and work in your home office.

To prevent workplace burnout, you need to travel. It can help you decompress and take your mind off your business, even if it’s only for a few days. Sure, traveling has its own set of problems, but once again, it helps you focus on something other than your business. When you return from your travels, you’ll be using your brain at full capacity and feeling more relaxed.

2. It can inspire you.

When you’re stuck at your desk all day, you’re likely not learning new things or analyzing different perspectives. Thus, your creative muscles aren’t stimulated, so you feel like there’s nothing more to add. But how can you know that if you’re not going places and experiencing life?

Traveling to foreign countries helps you recharge your creative energy. You’ll notice the way people interact, their values, and how they do certain things. All these factors combined might lead to you launching a new product that helps to solve a problem for your customers that you wasn’t aware of before. Or, you might find a different perspective on a problem you’re facing in your business.

You’d be surprised what connection your brain can make when you travel to other cultures, and how those connections might be the catalyst to help propel your business forward.

3. Travel improves your adaptive skills.

Being an entrepreneur means constantly being thrown out of your comfort zone and having to do things that you would prefer not to so your business doesn’t fail. That means you need to always be able to adapt to the changes that present themselves to you. Travel is one way to push your boundaries.

One way I’ve done this is by traveling to places I’ve never gone before. One thing I used to do was travel to the same city, stay at the same hotel chain, and eat at the same restaurants. I was traveling, but I was traveling in my comfort zone.

I felt like I was missing something and traveling wasn’t the same. Once, I noticed that it was because traveling had become too comfortable to me, I decided to switch it up.

I started going to different countries and interacting with diverse cultures and people. It forced me to adapt to my surroundings and learn how to fit in. I wanted to enjoy my trip so I got past my limitations and started to enjoy traveling again.

Like it did for me, traveling can help you to change what you consider your comfort zone until nothing intimidates you and you start to thrive from the curve balls life throws at you.

4. It helps you read people.

As I mentioned before, I would travel to different countries and interact with people whose language I wasn’t well-versed in. To communicate more efficiently, I learned to read their body language, facial expressions, hand gestures and tone, anything that would help me understand what they were trying to tell me.

Learning to read people is a critical skill to have when conducting business, especially if you have international clients who have different social norms.

5. Travel can grow your network.

Whether you’re traveling for business or personal reasons, you can meet new people and make meaningful connections. I’ve gone to conferences and meet colleagues and potential clients. But I’ve also built relationships with people who wanted to learn more about traveling.

Some of them turned out to be great friends and years later, we still occasionally chat and if I’m nearby, we’ll meet up. It’s no guarantee that you’ll meet lifelong friends on your trip, but it’s possible to spread the word of your business and help others or learn from them.

Tickets to Brazil Are in High Demand as Visa Restrictions End

a view of a mountain: Cable car going to Sugarloaf mountain in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Travelers are scrambling to get plane tickets to Brazil now that the country has erased the need for a visa.Australian, Canadian, Japanese and American tourists will no longer need a visa starting June 17, 2019, and a new Kayak survey revealed searches for flights have shown double-digit increases. The highest increase was registered in Australia (36 percent), followed by the United States (31 percent), Canada (19 percent) and Japan (4 percent).

Travelers don’t have to wait to visit Brazil, however. The country relaxed visa restrictionslast year, and electronic visas are easily obtainable.

Europe’s Most Family-Friendly Airports

a large passenger jet sitting on top of a runway: plane, snow, airport

Summer travel planning is in full swing and, if you are taking the family to Europe this summer, it’s a good idea to know which airports cater to families the most.

Not all airport facilities are created equal, but a new survey from Play Like Mum rates European airports on their family-friendly services.

Play Like Mum researched 100 of Europe’s airports and ranked them on factors such as how clean the terminals are, airports’ average wait times, stroller facilities, play areas, family lounges and more.

The top 10 airports for families in Europe are:

Zurich Airport, Zurich

Munich Airport, Munich

Helsinki Vantaa, Helsinki

London City Airport, London

Vienna International, Vienna

Cologne Bonn Airport, Cologne

Hamburg Airport, Hamburg

Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport, Madrid

Nuremberg Airport, Nuremberg

Athens International Airport, Athens

According to the survey, only five of the 100 airports scored full marks for terminal cleanliness: Zurich Airport, Nuremberg Airport, Porto Airport, Stavanger Airport Sola and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.

For families with young children, results showed that Munich International Airport had the most dedicated children’s areas with eight.

Only thousand visitors per day can enter the world’s most isolated country

Most closed off country in the world

North Korea is a really special place on earth and is nothing like you have ever seen or experienced before. Often described as one of the most mysterious and undesirable destinations in the world due to its conservative nature, the country still attracts thousands of visitors each year. To visit the country tourists must book a guided tour from the Ministry of Tourism. Travelling alone or without a guide is strictly forbidden by the law. Without your local guide present, you won’t be able to go sightseeing, using public transportation or even leaving your hotel building.

Slide 2 of 2: Guided tours obviously don't show the complete picture of North Korea. Government approved guides are following you for the entire time of your tour, making sure the tour presents North Korea in a positive light. During these tours, unfortunately, you don't get an insight to how local people actually live because the whole tour is highly choreographed.

What beauties does the mysterious country hide?

Guided tours obviously don’t show the complete picture of North Korea. Government approved guides are following you for the entire time of your tour, making sure the tour presents North Korea in a positive light. During these tours, unfortunately, you don’t get an insight to how local people actually live because the whole tour is highly choreographed.

14 travel options that will spoil you superbly

With America having suffered a pretty harsh winter from coast to coast, would-be wanderers are rejoicing as the weather warms and vacation venues beckon with stellar offerings. In fact, industry growth this travel season is indubitably (and understandably) poised to impress as outlined in the Skift Global Travel Economy Outlook 2019 and numerous other reports. But as the hospitality trade has exponentially upped their game across the board, it’s getting much more difficult to hone in on travel destinations and service purveyors worthy of our hard-earned dollars, and, more importantly, treasured downtime. With that in mind, here’s an apt assortment of travel options and travel purveyors that’ll pamper you with a purpose.

Fairmont Kea Lani Maui

First, we’ll start all the way out in the west most United States—a journey across the Pacific Ocean—to the uber-fabulous Fairmont Kea Lani Maui, Hawaii’s only all-suite and villa luxury resort. They’re currently offer discerning travelers an expertly curated and indulgent itinerary featuring Maui’s most luxurious experiences through its “Luxe Villa Adventure” package. This elite bundle features a sumptuous stay in the resort’s exclusive collection of residentially appointed two- and three-bedroom private villas boasting 1,800 and 2,200 square feet of living space, each replete with the creature comforts of home. This includes a full gourmet kitchen with appliances and service ware, dining area, outdoor barbecue grill, multiple flat screen TVs, walk in closets, oversized marble bathroom and large soaking tubs. They each also boast a sizeable private, furnished courtyard with plunge pool for a more secluded respite from their numerous large-scale community pools with cabanas (one adult-only).

However, that’s just the beginning of this sumptuous stay. Travelers reveling in the richness of this celebrity designed package will also enjoy a signature in-villa barbeque by a private chef, with options for the desired menu items. For my visit it was surf and turf all the way (Black Angus beef filet with grilled lobster tail), served with a savory tomato shrimp penne dish, wasabi-laced potato salad, grilled island-grown asparagus and wild mushrooms all finished with a delectable crème brûlée. The package also proffers two Willow Stream Spa wellness experiences, plus access to other spa amenities like steam rooms, saunas, various Hawaiian rain experience showers and a heated stone mud bench and foot bed. Rounding out this incredible package is the private yacht charter aboard ‘Satisfaction’—Maui Yacht Charters’ 58-foot power yacht. On my recent excursion on this three-bedroom nautical beauty, I nibbled on cheese and charcuterie as a pod of migrating whales escorted our ship out to sea for a memorable Maui sunset.

Hawaiian Airlines

Speaking of Hawaiian vacations, I do want to make a quick mention about Hawaiian Airlines because they’re really going above and beyond with incredible guest services, making them my favorite way to fly to Hawai’i. Beyond the engaging and warm hospitality they are known for at each touchpoint, once on board a Hawaiian Airlines aircraft, their signature in-flight hospitality engages throughout experience with a friendly celebration of the culture, people and Aloha Spirit of the Hawaiian Islands. On a recent flight I was nary in my seat for a few minutes when I was offered a delicious guava mimosa from an extremely affable flight attendant.

In striving for excellence, this airline shares the tastes of Hawai’i as the only domestic carrier to serve complimentary meals to guests in all cabins on transpacific flights that are designed exclusively by Chef Lee Anne Wong. Definitely a unique and tasty benefit there! In the first class cabin, a representative, amply-portioned brunch menu includes the infamous pre-departure signature Mai Tai cocktail; beverage service with Mauna Loa Macadamia Nuts; a first course of seasonal fresh fruits and warm croissant with butter and jam; a main course of Shiitake mushroom, sundried tomato and cheese quiche; and a dessert course of chocolate hazelnut cheesecake offered with coffee, tea and liqueurs. Speaking or first class, Hawaiian Airlines’ unique “Bid-Up” program allows guests to bid at their discretion for first class upgrades, starting around $245—a bid I successfully “won” at that low starting rate for what was a highly enjoyable voyage.

Fairmont Grand Del Mar San Diego

A touch northward in San Diego lies the incomparable Fairmont Grand Del Mar. As one of only 11 properties in the world with a trio of Five-Stars, and named the number one luxury resort in California as voted by TripAdvisor travelers, Fairmont Grand Del Mar captures the elegance and comfort of an old-world Mediterranean estate paired with impeccable service and unrivaled luxury. Magnificently situated on 400 acres in a pristine coastal canyon just five miles from the Pacific Ocean, this architecturally-breathtaking resort features luxurious treatments at its Five-Star spa and exquisite dining at Addison under the direction of celebrated Relais AND Châteaux Grand Chef William Bradley. Quite notably, Addison is Southern California’s only Five-Star and Five Diamond restaurant where guests can enjoy elegant fine dining and creative contemporary cuisine.

The lavish, Addison Mizner-inspired resort is well-suited to San Diego’s warm climate and outdoor lifestyle, with an abundance of activities like golf at the city’s only Tom Fazio-designed course, tennis, hiking and four sparkling pools (with one adult-only). After sunset, Club M provides nightlife and entertainment just steps from the resort’s 249 elegantly-appointed guestrooms and suites. Accommodations feature spacious marble bathrooms with deep soaking tubs, expansive balconies and terraces and spectacular views of the resort gardens, Grand Golf Club or Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve. Here you can relax, soak or dine in the comfort of your private and tranquil Southern California retreat.

InterContinental San Diego Hotel

Next, we’ll trek to the most southern city in California where the InterContinental San Diego hotel awaits. Having just opened in September 2018, this scenic Bayfront property has brought a new wave of sophistication to the downtown area while creating a social epicenter for locals and travelers, alike. The 400-room property is located on the historic grounds of Lane Field—the San Diego Padres’ former baseball stadium from 1936 through 1957. From my corner suite, I was able to enjoy the glow of fiery SoCal sunsets because all of the chic and sophisticated accommodations here feature full-length, floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the bay—oft also with the famous San Diego skyline and iconic Coronado bridge in view.

Location-wise, this property is perfectly situated for those wanting to get out-and-about on the town. The InterContinental San Diego Hotel is just steps away from the Embarcadero, which docks both the famed USS Midway and Maritime Museum of San Diego, plus several cruise ship ports. It’s also close to downtown hotspots, including Little Italy, the San Diego Convention Center, Gaslamp Quarter, Seaport Village and more. Guests can enjoy spectacular dining experiences at the hotel, which boasts San Diego’s only Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse, as well as Vistal restaurant, which serves coastal California-inspired cuisine spearheaded by award-winning chefs.

Theatre Box San Diego Dining & Entertainment Complex

Speaking of downtown San Diego, when you’re in the area you’ll do well to hit Theatre Box—San Diego’s new dining and entertainment complex that occupies one city block, two stories and 73,000 square feet in the famed Gaslamp Quarter. The first phase unveiled TCL Chinese Theatre’s first eight-theatre, luxury dine-in cinema, where guests can order sashimi, personalized boxes of candy, cocktails and more at just the push of a button from the comfort of their individual cushy leather recliners.

The adjoined Sugar Factory retail and café offers over 500 types of candy, a gelato bar, house-made doughnuts and a vast array of other tantalizing treats. In the evening the Sugar Factory American Brasserie is a must, as this glamorous, high-energy restaurant is known for extravagant dishes and drinks like Rainbow Sliders, Insane Milkshakes and Smoking Candy Goblets. Then there’s the Chocolate Lounge, an intimate 21-and-over lounge featuring chocolate martinis, chocolate fondue and other sugar-spurred decadence galore. Nick Cannon’s Wild ‘N Out Sports Bar and Arcade as well as Pitbull’s rooftop lounge, iLov305, will reportedly open as part of a second phase.

Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula

Next, for a spirited respite is the one-of-a-kind Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, California, which recently completed a $300 million expansion making them the largest west coast casino-resort property. Their beautiful two-story spa and salon, the largest in the Temecula Valley, was just rated Four-Stars by Forbes Travel Guide—not surprising since their unique treatments are all inspired by native botanicals and elements from the local area. This 25,000 square foot sanctuary of luxury, wellness and serenity is designed for year-round rejuvenation of the mind, body and spirit, boasting luxurious treatment rooms and relaxation areas with panoramic views of the surrounding hillside. Its numerous amenities, such as steam rooms, saunas, whirlpools, a fitness facility and outdoor patios, are specifically created to offer an intimate escape into wellness and tranquility.

Pechanga also now boasts 1,090 rooms and suites (including 568 new AAA Four Diamond accommodations), a huge nearly 200,000 square foot casino (with over 4,000 slot machines, 154 table games, a non-smoking poker room with 38 tables, a trendy Bingo hall and more), and “The Cove”—its 4.5 acre pool complex that is open year-round. There you’ll find three pools, including a zero-edge Main Pool that features a swim-up bar, a family pool with two waterslides and a splash pad and five spas, cabanas, fire pits and live entertainment. Their golf course, Journey at Pechanga, is challenging and exciting, as it’s built around ravines and the mountainside.

When hunger strikes, guests can partake in any of the property’s 12 on-site restaurants, including the AAA Four Diamond-rated Great Oak Steakhouse offering superb 100 percent Prime Black Angus beef and many creatively inspired dishes amid a wine list recognized by the editors of Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast magazines. Its Umi Sushi & Oyster Bar, helmed by Chef Kiyokuni Ikeda, who once worked under Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto, is another not-to-be-missed epicurean experience. For some fun nightlife, Pechanga also has a comedy club, theater and rooftop nightclub and lounge where you can dance the night way to DJ beats. There’s truly something for everyone at this remarkable resort.

The Portofino Hotel & Marina Redondo Beach

If marina vibes are more your thing, the Portofino Hotel & Marina Redondo Beach—one of many distinctive hotels helmed by Noble House—is a perfect respite for both leisure and business travelers. Having recently completed a multi-million dollar renovation, this picture-perfect property proffers authentic Southern California lifestyle in a casual, nautical-chic environment replete with maritime, yacht and seascape visuals evoking a true sense of place. The Portofino boasts breathtaking Pacific Ocean and King Harbor views from sunsets and sailboats to dolphins and pelicans—all framed in the floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies allowing you to bask in the beauty that is Redondo Beach. King Harbor is also home to its own colony of California sea lions, with many rooms offering front-row viewing of the mammals frolicking, feeding and basking in their natural habitat.

The Portofino offers unique amenities, including BALEENkitchen, nationally recognized for serving eclectic cuisine amid stunning marina views. It’s ZAGAT-rated as “One of the Top 10 Best Restaurants for Waterside Dining in LA.” To this I can attest, having reveled in multiple gourmet dining experiences at the eatery, which far transcends that of a typical hotel haunt. Between meals you can take a dip their heated pool overlooking the Pacific Ocean and work out in their state-of-the-art fitness center with treadmill, elliptical trainer, recumbent bike, free weights and more. One must-do whilst partaking in The Portofino: enjoy their complimentary Beach Cruiser bikes for a ride along the local oceanfront path that runs for over 27 miles up to Malibu! Complimentary bike locks, baskets, helmets and children’s bikes are also offered based on availability. There’s also wireless, high-speed Internet access available in the guest rooms and public areas and a 24-hour business center. Whether you visit The Portofino for work or play, the newly renovated sun-splashed waterfront guest rooms and suites, which feature a casual beach look incorporating hues of blue, yellow and white, are a perfect setting for an unforgettable reprieve.

The Georgian Hotel Santa Monica

Continuing north to sunny Santa Monica is the famous Georgian Hotel—a truly unique oceanfront oasis that exudes 1940’s Old Hollywood glamour. As part of Pacifica Hotels portfolio, the largest owner and operator of boutique hotels on the Pacific Coast, it’s a must-visit venue for those looking for a quintessential California hotel experience. Adjacent to one of the best beaches in Los Angeles, The Georgian is a historic hotel with 56 guest rooms and 28 suites plus ocean view dining, making it the picture-perfect location to catch spectacular sunsets while sipping signature cocktails. Art deco-adorned accommodations offer ample amenities like plush bedding, in-room mini bar and complimentary Wi-Fi to boot.

Gastro-wise, guests can dine in style for breakfast, lunch, happy hour or dinner at its on-site Veranda Restaurant for a memorable beachfront dining experience. There, patrons indulge in its globe-hopping, chef-driven, contemporary menu that features breakfast favorites, coastal California cuisine, Mediterranean-fusion tapas and indulgent desserts. During the day, bask in the beautiful Southern California sunshine and absorb the sounds and sights of the Pacific while enjoying High Tea on The Veranda Terrace. Just steps from the famous Santa Monica Pier and storied shopping at the Third Street Promenade, at The Georgian you’re assured a charming stay with classic Hollywood ambiance near all of the beach action.

City of Anaheim

If you’re seeking a fun-filled, action-packed holiday with or without the kids, few if any American locales can compare with the City of Anaheim in Orange County, California. According to Visit Anaheim (VisitAnaheim.org), the official destination organization for the locale, this storied city welcomes 24.2 million annual visitors and is home to over 150 hotels—from AAA Four Diamond luxury hotels and trendy boutique properties to brand new, all-suite family-friendly hotels—and everything in between. Speaking of families … while it’s no surprise that millennials love to “do it for the ‘gram,” when it comes to travel buddies it’s millennials’ desire to travel with Grandpa and Grandma that may surprise you. According to a new survey from Visit Anaheim, multigenerational vacations are top-of-mind with travelers when it comes to reliving memories, while also creating new ones, with the next generation. The survey, conducted by OnePoll for Visit Anaheim, polled a sample of 1,000 Americans and found that millennial respondents (aged 25-34) lead the category when it comes to wanting more multigenerational trips, coming in at a whopping 83 percent.

According to the survey, fully two thirds (66 percent) of respondents have traveled with three or more generations of their family, making vacations with grandparents, their adult children and grandchildren, a travel trend with no signs of slowing down. In fact, the majority plan on taking more extended family trips. Nostalgia is apparently one of the main reasons the trend keeps growing. Many parents and grandparents love reliving memories. The majority (56 percent) “strongly agree” that multigenerational trips are more special when visiting somewhere their parents or grandparents have been before, and 53 percent report being “very happy” when they take trips to places they’ve previously been with their parents or children.

Dolphin Point Villas, Key Largo

Heading from one gorgeous coast to another, all the way to the southeastern tip of the United States, you’ll find Dolphin Point Villas—Key Largo’s loveliest and most intimate paradise getaway that’s refining the island vacation. This six-villa haven is nested in a seaside enclave and showcases Key Largo’s most spectacular views. The family-owned paradise is certainly a great option for romantic couple getaways or smaller family, girl or guy trips, but given that it sleeps up to 60 people (and can also accommodate up to 100 people) it’s also a perfect location for weddings, reunions or other destination events. Dolphin Point Villas is particularly suited for the discerning traveler who not only enjoys getting off the beaten path, but also relishes the modern comforts of home. The property’s sloping and curving design gives the impression that the villas were uncovered rather than constructed. Its style epitomizes the best of The Keys—casual yet sophisticated. Vaulted ceilings, spacious living areas, wrap around porches and balconies are unrelenting reminders of the ground’s most striking amenity—the storied Key Largo sunset. The property provides privacy from the bustle of the outside world and exposure to The Keys natural elegance, complemented with all the splendor of modern living.

Keep it romantic at the two-story Coral Reef Cottage with its loft-style Master Suite. Bring the family to the Sand Dollar or Tortuga Villas, each with 3,595 square feet of indoor and outdoor living space. The Conch and the Dolphin Villas are great for larger families or group reunions. However, Dolphin Point Villas’ main attraction is The Nautilus House. The five-bedroom home boasts sweeping living areas, a covered porch and a private pool. And don’t worry about a parking spot, bring your boat and tie up at the home’s private boat slip. Whichever you choose, you will enjoy spacious modern kitchens and eating areas, making your toughest decision whether to stay in or dine out. This exclusive location is perfect for laying low, exchanging vows or taking advantage of the many activities that can be arranged for guests, including kayak tours, paddle boarding, fishing charters, scuba diving and snorkeling through the only living coral reef in the continental U.S.

Atlantic Hotel & Spa Fort Lauderdale

Next, a touch northward in South Florida is the AAA Four Diamond-rated property The Atlantic Hotel & Spa, which is located right on Fort Lauderdale beach. This luxury all-suite boutique hotel—a member of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts portfolio—is an exceptional oceanfront destination for relaxation and fun-in-the-sun. With unrivaled seaside views, this hotel overlooks miles of golden shoreline. The property has 106 spacious suites, featuring private balconies with panoramic ocean vistas, large marble bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchenette with mini refrigerator, dual stovetop burners and microwave, in-room Lavazza coffee maker and a large desk. Their skyline and oceanfront view rooms offer sweeping sights of the surrounding area. Choose between the glittering cityscape of Fort Lauderdale or the calming blue waves of the Atlantic Ocean. The Atlantic Hotel & Spa has gone through great lengths to cultivate an ever-attentive staff that’s devoted to providing superior service and catering to every whim. This is especially true while pampering guests at its award-winning, on-site Spa Atlantic where they use nourishing elements derived straight from the sea to improve skin quality and enhance your well-being. Decompress in its sauna, steam, room and Jacuzzi as a space to relax before and after one of the many treatment services they offer. The options are seemingly endless, with treatments specifically for couples, prenatal, deep tissue and body melt massages. You can glow from within with one of their facials or select a body wrap for head-to-toe treatment. Salon experiences are also offered.

There are multiple dining options at the Atlantic, with fine dining offering fresh dining favorites from the land and sea. Coastal, the signature restaurant of The Atlantic Hotel & Spa, will make your mouth water with Italian-inspired coastal cuisine. The beautiful oceanfront views of the Atlantic Ocean serve as the backdrop for its dining room and patio seating. Led by Executive Chef Rocco Honig, Coastal’s relaxed, yet stylish, dining venue serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and happy hour. There, dogs are welcome to join their parents on the patio and dine off their special Atlantic barkBISTRO menu. For more casual fare al fresco, check out SKY Bar on the hotel’s 5^th Floor Oceanfront Terrace. It’s definitely “the place to be,” as the 5^th floor is also home to a heated outdoor pool, whirlpool tubs, a 24-hour gym, the spa and The Oceanview outdoor social area.

Couturista Travel Fashion-Focused Shopping Excursions

For stylish travel from Miami to Italy and beyond, if you like to shop luxe fashion brands while seeing amazing sights, this is the perfect option for you. Founded by fashion aficionados and travel experts, Couturista Travel is a tour operator offering a series of luxury-curated vacation experiences that focus on fashion and shopping in hotspots around the world like Tuscany, Miami and Mexico.

Upcoming tours like their “Tuscany Couture” trip include stays in luxury fashion-inspired hotels, such as the Ferragamo-owned Gallery Art Hotel, exclusive vineyard tours and VIP access and discounts at the world’s leading fashion retailers. Tuscany Couture gives its guests once-in-a-lifetime, exclusively curated access to coveted shops, including Prada, Gucci, Armani as well as hidden workshops of local artisans. Couturista Travelers also visit fashion museums and enjoy gourmet restaurants. In fact, for the Tuscany Couture adventure specifically, the program includes nine day/eight night hotel accommodations, deluxe private transportation, English-speaking guides, daily buffet breakfast, gourmet meals with wine, shopping tours and fashion museum entrances, winery visits, Aperol spritzes on the river and of course … shopping!

In addition to Tuscany, other upcoming Couturista fashion-inspired vacations include Mexico’s San Miguel de Allende, one of the world’s top locations for refined travel and shopping, as well as Miami in sunny South Florida.

Blacklane On-Demand Chauffer & Airport Concierge Service

No matter what region you plan to visit, if you desire reliable and luxurious ground transportation for a flight or any other “around town” jaunts, Blacklane is a true gem. The service alleviates the stress of getting to and from the airport or other destinations while vacationing. This high-quality chauffeur and airport concierge service spans more than 500 airports, 300 cities and 60 countries with fair, fixed and all-inclusive rates. All of their commercially licensed and insured chauffeurs worldwide speak English, track flights and will automatically adjust the pickup schedule if flight arrival changes. They’ll provide up to one hour of free chauffeur waiting time for airport pickups. The driver’s contact information is provided an hour before pickup and, upon guest arrival, they provide a warm welcome with meet-and-greet service complete with luggage assistance. I also love that the company is environmentally conscious, as their rides are carbon-neutral. Fully 30 cities offer Tesla rides, and Blacklane offsets ride emissions in its other vehicles. Book, change and cancel rides up to months or even just one hour ahead at Blacklane.com or through the free Blacklane app.

‘What Should We Do’ Pocket Concierge App

Visitors to New York, Chicago and Los Angeles will be thrilled to learn that Arielle Tepper, a longtime New Yorker and 45-time TONY award-winning theater and film producer, is moving on from showbiz to help locals and visitors to these regions answer the age-old question: “What Should We Do?” She’s launched an elevated, app-based concierge service that answers one of the most pervasive questions among tourists. With this app developed by expert tastemakers, users enjoy a custom experience from start to finish, including planning, booking, logistics and around-the-clock support. What Should We Do leverages an innovative AI technology approach to learn and tailor users experiences based on their demonstrated preferences. It uses this key learning and adaptation to create comprehensive plans from start to finish, resulting in a handy pocket concierge service.

Exploring Beruwala And Bentota, Sri Lanka

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After seeing wild elephants in Udawalawe, we spent the remainder of the evening, relaxing poolside, glasses of bubbly at-the-ready…

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The next morning we set about exploring a place I’d never heard of before visiting – Beruwala (which was part of our travel plan that you can see in our complete guide, below).

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Beruwala is also a seaside town and after wandering around the town, we ended up in at the Kande Viharaya Temple, with its rather impressive Big Buddha.

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We wandered around the temple (remember, in Sri Lanka, you have to walk around temples with your right arm facing the temples i.e. in a clockwise manner), before heading down to the town…

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…past the railway and hopped into the car in search of our next home in Sri Lanka – The Vivanta by Taj.

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On the face of it (ignoring the grand entrance), the Vivanta by Taj seems like a relatively small hotel… this is of course until you start exploring it many hallways and realise that you could quite easily get lost here. This is not a bad thing, of course, there’s something to be said for a hotel that still has an intimate feel despite being fairly large.

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We checked in fairly quickly, arriving to a bottle of wine and rather colourful sweets, both of which I ignored in rather uncharacteristic fashion as I headed over to the spa for a massage booked in by TUI prior to our arrival. I’m a sucker for a good massage and I started to get the idea that the folks at TUI definitely knew this before we even arrived in Sri Lanka.

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Massages over, I set out to relax by the hotel pool with lunch and cocktails…

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…

…before heading down to the beach with the girls for a little wander around.

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The rain soon cleared us all off the beach and so we headed back to the shaded area by the pool, ordered up some more cocktails and pretty much spent the rest of the afternoon/early evening sampling our way through the rather varied cocktail menu.

Dinner that evening was finally in the outdoor restaurant (I’d wanted to dine al fresco since we arrived) and we were treated to what I can only describe as a seafood cornucopia! *licks lips*It was amazing and easily one of the best meals we’d had all week (can’t even remember what I had for dessert – the main meal was THAT delicious).

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Alas, that evening was our final evening in Sri Lanka on our trip as the next day, we packed up our things up (after breakfast, of course) and made our way back to Colombo airport for our flight back home.

Now, although you’d think coming back to Sri Lanka and having a totally different experience this would leave me feeling accomplished with seeing a lot more of Sri Lanka (I’d seen so many amazing and diverse part of Sri Lanka over almost 2 weeks thus far), I actually left Sri Lanka, only more eager to return and discover even more parts of this beautiful country!