One helpful trick to keep yourself from getting burned out may actually be as simple as taking a short walk in nature, according to a study by the University of Michigan.
The study, published in Frontiers in Psychology, suggests that taking 20 minutes to stroll in nature can reduce your stress hormone levels. The study coined this remedy as a “nature pill.”
The study rounded up participants, asking them to take a walk for 10 minutes or more, at least 3 times a week. Levels of the stress hormone cortisol were measured using saliva swabs both before and after the so-called “nature pill.” The study found that after the walks cortisol was cut by 10 percent on average.
“Participants were free to choose the time of day, duration, and the place of their nature experience,” said Dr. MaryCarol Hunter, Associate Professor at the University of Michigan and lead author of the study. “Building personal flexibility into the experiment, allowed us to identify the optimal duration of a nature pill, no matter when or where it is taken, and under the normal circumstances of modern life, with its unpredictability and hectic scheduling.”
Nature could be defined by the participants as anywhere where they feel they’re interacting with a natural setting. If you live in a city, even a small park, a patch of grass, or any area with trees can suffice.
During the walks, participants were not allowed to do aerobic exercise or use social media, internet, take phone calls, have conversations, or even read. Also, the “nature pill” had to be in daylight.
These findings are in sync with other studies that propose getting out into nature in order to stay stress-free. One study posited that fishing trips, in particular, are good for your mental health.
But stress isn’t just about your mind. It can also take its toll on the body. According to the American Heart Association, stress “may affect behaviors and factors that increase heart disease risk: high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, smoking, physical inactivity and overeating.”
It’s clear that relaxing makes a big difference in people’s health. Better yet, this makes a good argument for taking a vacation, which could actually help you live longer, according to one study.
Travel is a lot of things—exciting, scary, life changing—but sometimes it can be downright awkward. Who hasn’t had a conversation with a stranger that gets lost in translation? Or accidentally ordered something unpalatable in a restaurant? One time, I got butt naked at a Japanese onsen (that’s a hot spring to the uninitiated) only to discover that I’d walked into the men’s section by mistake. So when I was asked to submerge myself in a crowded pool of thick, volcanic mud in Cartagena, Colombia, a few weeks ago…well, I didn’t think twice about doing it. That thrill of awkwardness—being far outside of your comfort zone—is part of the reason you travel, isn’t it? Let the most adventurous, spontaneous, fun version of yourself kick in.
How did I end up there, exactly? It was all part of our recent Women Who Travel trip to Colombia, a nine-day adventure through Cartagena and Medellín with 12 intrepid women. We learned to dance champeta alongside the pros; ate piping hot arepa de huevos, fresh out of streetside deep fryers; walked around the rainbow-colored streets of Guatapé; and stayed up late drinking too much aguardiente under the palm trees. But before all of that—before the bonding and inside jokes that come with group travel—we took a mud bath together.
We’d known each other less than 24 hours when we put on our swimsuits and ascended the steep, uneven steps that lead you to the top of El Totumo, an active mud volcano an hour’s drive outside of Cartagena. The mud is thought to have healing properties by locals, but all I could think about as I lowered myself down into the abyss was that I had no idea if I’d be able to touch the bottom. (I couldn’t.) It was, in no uncertain terms, chaos in the mud pool. Swimming was virtually impossible. Mud splashed in our eyes. A woman from New Jersey may or may not have been having a panic attack. But each time one of us floated on our backs, or tried to pose for a photo, we’d shriek with laughter. It was weird. Unpredictable. Hilarious. And, like all of the best travel moments, it brought us closer together.
On the way back up the mud-covered ladder I slipped and lost my footing, and for one split second I feared I’d be lost to the mud bath forever. Another unfortunate tourist relegated to brief, Internet stardom. But I needn’t have worried, of course—my new friends were already there to catch me.
Diving Into the Mud at El Totumo
As I said, the mud bath was intense. But where else can you treat yourself to an all-natural facial while sitting at the top of a volcano?
Learning How to Salsa in Cartagena
We ditched the tourist circuit for the afternoon and cut our teeth at a few local salsa joints instead. All it took was a little encouragement from our teacher, Anderson—and a little Dutch courage—to get us dancing out on the street.
Striking a Pose For the On-Trip Photographer
The historic walled city of Cartagena is an Instagrammer’s playground, and thankfully we had our on-trip photographer Simone at our side to capture all of the highlights (wall selfies included).
Sampling Street Food in Old Town Cartagena
Have you ever had a deep-fried arepa with egg and cheese cooked inside of it? Well, you should. Not only is it a piping hot mouthful of greasy goodness, but an ideal hangover cure after too much aguardiente and salsa dancing.
Snorkeling Along the Coastline
Clear Caribbean waters, 85-degree weather, and a private catamaran? I dare you to find an image that screams “out of office” more than this one.
Sunsets in Medellín
For the second half of the trip, we headed to Medellín—also known as the “City of Eternal Spring,” thanks to its year-round temperate weather. Needless to say, cocktail hour meant watching the sun set in a purple-pink haze over the skyline and neighboring Aburrá Valley.
Tasting the Best of Colombian Coffee
Colombia has been long-considered one of the best places in the world for coffee. We spent an afternoon getting a coffee tutorial from the experts—and discovered that we’d been brewing our own coffee all wrong.
Exploring Multi-Colored Guatapé
Two hours outside of Medellín lies Guatapé, a tiny cobblestoned town filled with plenty of colorful buildings and murals. Plus, the town’s public transport is nothing short of adorable.
Spending the Day at a Private Lake House
All that walking around Guatapé is tiring (and no, we didn’t attempt the 659-step climb to the top of the region’s landmark rock, El Peñón) so we set up camp at a private lake house for the day, complete with a swimming pool, hammocks, and unrivaled views. Not pictured: a six-course Argentinian lunch, fresh off the grill.
Watching Breakdancers in Medellín’s Comuna 13
If you live in New York, like I do, watching breakdancers is basically part of your daily commute. But watching this group perform in Comuna 13—a neighborhood that was once the most dangerous in the city, and now the most visited—took things to a whole other level. One thing that made them really stand out from the crowd? Their best performer was a woman.
Creating Our Own Street Art
Street art has been an intrinsic part of rebuilding communities within Comuna 13—so much so that thousands of visitors flock to see its murals each year. We got a lesson from one of the neighborhood’s most famous street artists, Chota, who helped us leave our very own mark on Medellín.
Making Lifelong Travel Buddies
And in case you were wondering, we’re already plotting our next trip together.
This one’s a given, right? Paris is a place where romance and history play side by side. Cafés line cobblestone streets, beautiful people stroll along the Seine at all hours, and every neighborhood seems to have its own iconic landmark, be it the Notre Dame, Sacré-Coeur, or Eiffel Tower.
Doha, Qatar
If you think Dubai needs a low-dose chill pill prescription, then you might find Doha to be more your cup of tea. Founded on a turquoise bay in the 1820s, this former fishing village is lined with Emerald City-esque skyscrapers, the colorful Souq Waqif, and the I. M. Pei–designed Museum of Islamic Art. (Get ready to see more of the city as Qatar gears up to host the FIFA World Cup in 2022.)
Amsterdam, Netherlands
You know Amsterdam’s oh-so-famous central canal, rightly dubbed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010. Add to that swathes of green spaces, storied red-brick facades, and museums filled with Van Gogh paintings, and you have yourself one of Europe’s most gorgeous cultural epicenters.
Venice, Italy
There’s nowhere on Earth quite like Venice: Its canals, labyrinth of car-free cobblestone streets, and hidden passageways are perfect for wandering. Hail a water taxi or gondola to wind through the city and, if you have time, get out of the historic center and head for the outer islands.
Kyoto, Japan
Visiting Japan’s imperial capital is like taking a step back in time. Some 1,600 Buddhist temples and 400 Shinto shrines are ready to entrance visitors, and you might even spot a geisha while strolling the city’s leafy, craft shop-lined streets. For those desperately seeking cherry blossoms, fear not: Kyoto Botanical Garden and Philosopher’s Path are some of Japan’s most popular spots for hanami.
Barcelona, Spain
You can’t talk about Barcelona without mentioning Antoni Gaudí, the Catalan architect who left his mark all over the city. A walk around town leads you through his undulating stonework and ironwork, which include Park Güell and culminate in his unfinished masterpiece La Sagrada Família. It’s not just about colorful mosaics, though: From the mountains to the beach, the historic to the contemporary, sunny Barcelona pretty much has it all.
Athens, Greece
One of the world’s oldest cities is brimming with new life these days, but the appeal of Athens‘ beauty is its healthy mix of ancient and modern. Get your dose of history at the Acropolis, which provides both close-up views of the Parthenon and panoramic views of the city from its hilltop. Get similarly sweeping views without the heavy footwork at Lykavittos Hill, reachable via cable car. After all that antiquity, devote an afternoon to a site that’s only a couple years old: The Renzo Piano-designed, $623 million Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, which houses the National Opera and the National Library of Greece.
Sydney, Australia
It’s almost not fair how pretty Sydney is. Australia’s biggest city benefits from a waterfront culture, with locals hopping on ferries to commute home—or play—on Bondi, Manly, and Coogee beaches, and the dramatic Sydney Opera House standing sentry in the harbor.
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Many consider colonial-era San Miguel de Allende one of Mexico’s prettiest cities, and it’s no wonder. Here, you’ll find leafy courtyards, narrow cobblestone streets, and a historic town center from which the Gothic Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel’s pink towers rise high above the main plaza.
Havana, Cuba
Cuba has been one of our favorite travel destinations for the past few years, and its capital is back on our radars, thanks to Virgin Voyages’ announcement that Havana would be the first stop on its maiden voyage in 2020. From the pastel architecture of Old Havana to the rich green moss of Metropolitan Park, the city is as colorful as it is energetic. (Now if only we could get Camila Cabello out of our heads…)
Beirut, Lebanon
Beirut’s seaside glamour rivals that of any European riviera, with posh beach clubs and rooftop bars, palm tree-lined promenades, and hidden courtyards filled with bougainvillea. But here, glossy high-rises are juxtaposed against centuries-old mosques and souks, giving the city a timeless appeal you won’t find anywhere else.
Cape Town, South Africa
Mountains, coastlines, beaches filled with penguins: Cape Town pretty much has it all. Each day in the Mother City will make you fall in love with some new sight, be it the king protea-filled Kirstenbosch National Botanic Gardens or the rainbow-bright row houses of Bo-Kaap. In fact, you can start sightseeing before your plane even lands: That first glimpse of Table Mountain from the sky will never leave your memory.
Budapest, Hungary
With some of the best Art Nouveau architecture in Europe, Budapest has no bad angles. Case in point: The city’s famous thermal baths, or the gilded, slightly ostentatious Café Gerbeaud. For the very best angle, though, walk the Széchenyi Chain Bridge at night for unforgettable views of the Hungarian Parliament shining over the Danube River.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires is often called the “Paris of South America,” but we think this city is in a class all its own. Design lovers should plan at least one visit to Recoleta Cemetery, then explore the wildly varied architectural styles around every corner—from neoclassical mansions to the brightly painted buildings in La Boca. And let’s face it: Everything seems more beautiful to a soundtrack of sizzling asado and flowing Malbec.
Lisbon, Portugal
You can’t walk down a street in Lisbon without spotting something beautiful. Just check out the terra-cotta roofs of Alfama, or the neo-classical architecture on the riverfront Praça do Comércio. But really, the visual appeal of Lisbon can be summed up in just three words: tiles, tiles, tiles.
Luang Prabang, Laos
It may not have the temples of Siem Reap or the ancient ruins of Bagan, but Luang Prabang might just be Southeast Asia’s ideal city. It’s hard to pinpoint exactly why that is, but you might chalk it up to the daily, early-morning processions of 200 saffron-robed monks, or the bright explosions of orchids sprouting out of the trees. And is it just us, or does the sky seem just a little bit bluer here?
Florence, Italy
Italy has no shortage of beautiful cities, but Florence remains unrivaled in history, art, and architecture. You’ll find traces of Renaissance aesthetics all over town, like the striking Santa Maria del Fiore (The Duomo) and Basilica of Santa Maria Novella. Meanwhile, Ponte Vecchio and the Uffizi remain essential photo backdrops.
Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul continues to draw us in, whether it’s through the frenetic opulence of the Grand Bazaar or the old-meets-new aesthetic of Karaköy. But the architecture still shines brightest here, with the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia featuring prominent displays of both Byzantine and Ottoman styles: Think massive domes, colored mosaics, minarets, and Islamic calligraphy.
Hong Kong, China
Hong Kong is impressive from many angles—beneath the towering skyscrapers, or from a ferry crossing Victoria Harbour—but you can see its finest side from the air. As your flight approaches the city, it feels like the mist parts and reveals a modern paradise, where hilly islands surround a concrete jungle. Best. Skyline. Ever.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Despite its reputation for churning out cutting-edge restaurants and hotels, Copenhagen has an ageless charm that makes you want to keep going back. The whimsical, 1800s-era Tivoli Gardens puts all other amusement parks to shame, while the bohemian commune of Christiania is a hazy, verdant dreamland. And in case you were wondering, yes: The waterfront houses of Nyhavn really are that pretty.
Jerusalem, Israel
Long a place of religious pilgrimage, Jerusalem is now drawing a different sort of pilgrim: the global traveler. The city’s monuments of faith—like the Western Wall or the Dome of the Rock—are still spectacular, of course; but the influx of design hotels and buzzy restaurants in open-air markets are reinventing Jerusalem from the ground up. It’s amazing how a city that dates to the fourth millennium B.C. still manages to surprise us.
Krakow, Poland
It seems like every European city boasts a beautiful central square, but we’d argue that Krakow’s Rynek Glówny ranks among the best. The square is defined by its 15th-century town hall tower (which you can, and should, climb), with the UNESCO-listed Wawel Castle just a short walk away. Oh, and the city’s 40-plus parks certainly don’t hurt the attractiveness score here.
Bruges, Belgium
With its cobblestone streets and peaceful, tree-lined canals, it’s not hard to see Bruges as one big fairytale setting come to life. Much of the city’s charm lies in its immaculately preserved old city, built between the 12th and 15th centuries; grab a seat at a cafe near the Markt (the historic center square), and plan to linger for the better part of a day.
Busan, South Korea
We once dubbed Busan “South Korea’s answer to Barcelona”—and just one glimpse at the seaside city proves this point. Aside from miles of wide beaches and a killer food scene, Busan has views for days: Check out the hilltop, Crayola-colored neighborhood of Gamcheon for some of the best in town. On the temple front, you can’t find much prettier (in the entire country, really) than Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, overlooking the sea on the northwest corner of Busan.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
There are few places that better capture the grand soul of maritime Old Europe than Dubrovnik. The city played King’s Landing in Game of Thrones, and was formerly the capital of the Maritime Republic of Ragusa, rival to Italy’s Venice and Amalfi. Dubrovnik’s crown jewel is the lovely old town of Stari Grad, whose convents, palaces, and fountains were cut from the same lightly colored stone.
Cartagena, Colombia
This immaculately preserved 16th-century city on the Caribbean coast should be on any Colombian itinerary. Make sure to visit the impossibly pretty, UNESCO-listed Old Town, complete with cobbled streets and colonial architecture, as well as the high-rise-heavy neighborhood of Bocagrande and street art haven of Getsemaní.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Beloved for its endless green hills and fascinating history, Edinburgh looks great in all seasons. Aside from its beautiful Gothic buildings, cobblestoned Royal Mile, and 12th-century castle keeping watch on a hilltop, it also happens to have an extinct volcano within its parameters. Take that, Paris.
Québec City, Canada
For a real taste of Canada’s European past, look no further than Quebec City. The city has an enviable position on a hill by a cliff overlooking the St. Lawrence River, which only makes its ancient architecture even more spectacular. For that once-in-a-lifetime shot, head to the opposite end of the river and watch the sunset paint the Old Town in shades of pinks and purple.
Hamburg, Germany
Love the canals of Amsterdam and Venice? Germany’s second largest city reportedly has more than both cities—combined. Float through the historic Speicherstadt warehouse district and past the 19th-century Town Hall, or stay on dry land to tour the 170,000-square-foot, $1 billion Elbphilharmonie concert venue.
Jaipur, India
Rajasthan’s capital, a.k.a. the Pink City, isn’t the kind of place to hide its true colors. The city’s maharaja, Sawai Ram Singh II, ordered the buildings be painted an orangey-pink color in 1876 for a royal visit from Prince Albert and Queen Victoria; many buildings in the city’s old town remain painted this color today.
Queenstown, New Zealand
The adrenaline capital of the world is just a stone’s throw away from some of the country’s most incredible natural wonders, from milky-blue Lake Wakatipu to the so-called “big three” mountains (the Remarkables, Cecil Peak, and Walter Peak). If you’d rather not take in the vistas from a bungee-jumping harness, cozy up at Matakuri Lodge’s courtyard or large infinity pool—both viable viewing platforms.
Muscat, Oman
Oman has some of the most spectacular landscapes, from beaches to fantastically craggy mountain ranges. Meanwhile, Muscat, Oman’s port capital, is hemmed in by mountains and deserts on the Gulf of Oman, where 21st-century shopping malls share space with 16th-century Portuguese forts and gleaming mosques.
London, U.K.
London is one of the most vibrant cities in the world, with history (Westminster Abbey) and models of modernity (London Eye, The Gherkin) mingling on the Thames. Art and literature seem to seep out of the city’s walls—and in recent years, London has glammed up even more, with contemporary art galleries and boutique retailers adding some glimmer to formerly seedy areas.
Chefchaouen, Morocco
Tucked high in Morocco’s Rif Mountains, this 15th-century, famously blue fortress town remains a popular draw for tourists. Pick any spot in Chefchaouen’s medina, and you’re bound to find a jaw-dropping view of its dreamy sky blue buildings (which get a new coat of paint every year) or the surrounding mountains. For a view over the whole town, make the 20-minute hike up to the Grande Mosquée.
Charleston, South Carolina
With its meticulously kept gardens, vibrantly painted Georgian houses along Rainbow Row (you get a gorgeous mansion! and you get a gorgeous mansion!), and carriages clacking across cobblestone streets, Charleston remains one of America’s most picturesque cities. No wonder it’s topped our list of best small cities in the U.S. for eight years running.
Seville, Spain
From its Old Town (the third-largest in Europe) to its world-renowned tapas scene, Seville blends modernity and history as easily as its famed flamenco dancers tap their feet. Game of Thrones made the Andalusian capital a central shot location for its fifth and subsequent seasons, putting places like lavish Alcázar of Seville on the pop culture map.
New York, New York
New York’s beauty is multi-sensory: It’s the historic architecture, from the Flatiron Building to One World Trade Center. It’s the feel of grass beneath your feet (and the smell of roasted nuts) in Central Park. It’s the art of the Met, MoMa, and Frick. But most of all, it’s the sight of beautiful, diverse people walking the city streets with heads held high.
Isfahan, Iran
Isfahan is one of the Iran’s largest metropolises, with wide, tree-lined boulevards and hidden Persian gardens made for exploring. Shah Mosque (also known as Imam Mosque), in particular, is one of the city’s finest examples of Islamic architecture, known for its Persian domes, marble columns, and, above all, intricate mosaics. The mosque’s entrances and prayer halls are covered with hundred of thousands of blue tiles, punctuated with yellows and greens.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Rio has some of the loveliest stretches of sand in the world, from Copacabana to Ipanema. Christ the Redeemer watches over the entire coastline, where a vibrant city seems to dance down to the sea and mellow as it floats off on a stand-up paddleboard.
Rome, Italy
Rome captivates travelers in ways few cities can—chalk it up to world-class architecture, impossibly narrow cobblestone vicoli, and museums filled with artistic masterpieces. Call us sentimental, but we still stop dead in our tracks at the first glimpse of the Pantheon as we turn into the Piazza della Rotonda.
Shanghai, China
Arguably China’s most exciting city, Shanghai’s skyline is defined by shiny beacons like the Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai Tower. But he city’s not all 21st-century glitz and luxury brand-name boutiques; there are plenty of opportunities to partake in more traditional pleasures, whether it’s strolling the Bund or exploring the colonial architecture in the old French Concession.
St Petersburg, Russia
St. Petersburg may have been immortalized by Dostoyevsky and Tolstoy, but the city is well worth exploring beyond the pages of a book. Palace Square provides front-row viewing of both the Building of the General Staff and Winter Palace, the latter of which may be Russia’s finest example of Baroque architecture. Also worth a visit is the five-domed Church of the Saviour on the Spilled Blood, as well as the city’s many spectacular Orthodox churches.
Vancouver, Canada
It’s easy to see why so many travelers are devoted Vancouver loyalists. Once described as “the little village on the edge of the rainforest,” the now-cosmopolitan city (Canada’s third largest) is surrounded by incredible natural beauty—snow-capped mountains on one side, and the Pacific Ocean on the other. You don’t even have to travel far to get your dose of nature: Downtown Stanley Park has more than 1,000 acres of waterfront and woodlands.
Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn practically overflows with storybook charm, thanks to colorful buildings, turreted castles, and a lovely location on the Baltic Sea. The city has one of the best-preserved historical centers in Europe, with many of its medieval churches and merchant houses falling under UNESCO protection. The views of the city center from Toompea Castle are beautiful no matter the season—in fact, they make those cold, Baltic winters downright bearable.
Vienna, Austria
Artistic and exquisite, it’s no surprise that Vienna was voted the best city in Europe in this year’s Readers’ Choice Awards. Between visiting the opera and sampling Sachertorte, be sure to pay a visit to Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburgs and Vienna’s most popular tourist attraction. The palace’s Baroque architecture and spectacular gardens are worth bumping elbows with a few fellow tourists.
Singapore
Singapore is a superlative city, with elaborate temples, extraordinary gardens, and world-class architecture (check out the candy-colored houses on Koon Seng Road). The beauty here is both natural and man-made, with travelers seeking out the city’s tropical jungle in the Botanic Garden and the wild, technicolor Gardens by the Bay. As an added bonus, you can reach everything via some of the cleanest streets and subways we’ve ever seen.
Dublin, Ireland
Sitting on the mouth of the River Liffey, the capital of Ireland is renowned for its medieval buildings, stately churches, and public parks. (And Guinness, which is a beautiful thing in its own right.) Dublin’s appeal will even follow you indoors: Step inside Trinity College to gawk at the Old Library’s Long Room, which is easily one of the most gorgeous libraries in the entire world.
Lucerne, Switzerland
What is it about this Swiss lakeside town outside of Zurich that wins so many hearts? We’re guessing it has a lot to do with the town’s storybook setting, complete with turreted buildings, picturesque Old Town, and famed Kapellbrücke (the oldest covered bridge in Europe). Lucerne also happens to be a popular departure point for the Swiss Alps, which are visible from the town.
Quito, Ecuador
Quito’s Old Town could almost be mistaken for Florence, with its spectacularly gilded churches and cobbled streets. However, Ecuador’s capital has the geological advantage here—namely, its position under two snow-capped volcanos (both active) in the Andes mountains. Climb the dizzyingly high central tower of Basílica del Voto Nacional to see the city’s buildings and mountains in one sweeping view.
From mind-boggling family fun to romantic walks in lush surroundings, these lovely labyrinths are an ideal way to while away an afternoon. Some in our selection are permanent fixtures, others are shaped especially each year and, either way, are sure to test your gray matter. Whether you want to get stuck in or simply admire their beauty, you’re sure to have an a-maze-ing time…
Family fun is the name of the game at this gorgeous spiral maze in Rotorua on New Zealand’s North Island. You’re sure to get lost as you twist and turn through the 0.8 miles (1.4km) of winding hedge in search of the center. There are optional gaps in the hedge where you can try to find shortcuts but, then, you’ll also hit permanent blocks and one-way doors. It’s sure to leave you scratching your head.
One of the world’s finest mazes, the hedges form an intricate squid-like design that will baffle and intrigue. You’ll find the castle in Tiszadob, in the northeast of Hungary near the Slovakian border, where it was built for Count Gyula Andrássy, the first Hungarian prime minister. The boxwood labyrinth was designed in the late 19th century in the Romantic style and has been providing dreamy ways to get lost ever since.
Ashcombe Maze and Lavender Garden, Victoria, Australia
Delight in being engulfed in this lush hedge maze on the Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, just over an hour’s drive from Melbourne. It’s more than 9.8 feet high (3m) and 9.8 feet thick making some sections delightfully narrow paths to squeeze through. There are also no straight edges, so orienteering is that little bit tougher. The maze tasks you to find each of the four mosaic flags in the north and south halves of the maze, both of which are completely different.
Bago Maze, New South Wales, Australia
Wine-lovers rejoice. This cute vino-themed maze on the Bago Vineyard in New South Wales has more than 1.2 miles (2km) of pathway and is the biggest in the region. It’s been growing from vines for more than a decade and is now over 7.5 feet high (2.3m) and it features lookout towers and concealed items to find, and bridges and boardwalks over a sunken path. The design is intented to celebrate the cyclical nature of the vineyard.
Marlborough Maze, Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire, UK
This verdant two-mile maze can be found in grounds of Blenheim Palace, the ancestral seat of the Duke of Marlborough in Woodstock, Oxfordshire, which is also the birthplace of former prime minister Sir Winston Churchill. Made of hundreds of yew trees, its design is inspired by the palace’s 300-year history making for a regal adventure.
Pineapple maze, Dole Plantation, Hawaii, USA
You don’t need many excuses to go to Hawaii but this super-fun and huge pineapple maze – officially the world’s largest – is one of the many attractions on the Dole Plantation. Covering more than three acres, you’ll need to navigate nearly 2.5 miles (4km) of maze carefully sculpted from 14,000 colorful Hawaiian plants to find eight secret stations that will lead to the heart of this labyrinth. Fantastic fruity fun.
Masone Labyrinth, Parma, Italy
Covering more than eight hectares in Parma, this star-shaped maze claims to be the largest labyrinth in existence and is made of about 2,000 bamboo plants reaching up to 49.2 feet (15m) high and forming more than 1.8 miles (3km) of path. There are traps and blind alleys along the route as you make your way to the mysterious building at the center.
Hever Castle mazes, Kent, UK
It’s hard to imagine a place prettier than Hever, the double-moated 13th-century castle that was once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII’s doomed second wife. The same is true of its equally historic mazes: the yew maze and the water maze. Set within the castle’s magnificent 125-acre gardens in Hever, Kent you can pit yourself against the hidden jets and tilting stepping stones of the water garden or wander amid the romantic atmosphere of the yew tree maze that’s pictured here.
Voted one of the 10 best corn mazes in the USA and now stretching over more than 24 acres with around 3.5 miles (5.6km) of winding trails, what makes this maze unique is its location on a hillside in Danville, Vermont. There are fantastic views to be admired as you pass by the bridges and other fun features as you navigate its inspired design. It’s only open at certain times of the year, so check before you go.
Peace Maze, Northern Ireland
It’s no wonder that Castlewellan Forest Park’s Peace Maze is rapidly becoming one of Northern Ireland’s most popular attractions. Its design is based on ideas from thousands of children and its 6,000 yew trees were planted by more than 4,000 school children and 1,000 adults on community planting days during 2000 to 2001. Explore the massive 2.18 miles (3.5km) of maze covering almost three acres to ring the bell at its center.
Borges Labyrinth, Venice, Italy
Built on the Venetian island of San Giorgio Maggiore – to celebrate the Argentine writer Jorge Luis Borges on the 25th anniversary of his death in 2011 – this maze is as mind-bending as the author’s extraordinary stories. Made of 3,200 box trees, the labyrinth weaves in two opposite directions as the word “Borges” and symbols the poet held dearest – a stick, an hourglass, a tiger and a question mark – are formed.
Probably the most serene puzzle in the world, the Green Man maze in mid-Wales was planted in the shape of the pagan symbol of renewal to mark the turn of the millennium. Set in the extensive grounds of Penpont, one of the finest houses in the heart of the Brecon Beacons, follow the beech- and yew-lined paths as you wander past pools, secret gardens, banks of lavender, benches, tunnels, and an inner labyrinth to find the wishing stone in a wildflower garden. A slice of heaven.
Minotaur Maze, Northumberland, UK
This stone labyrinth maze takes its inspiration from Greek myths and is all the more fun for it. One of several arts and architecture attractions at Kielder Castle in Northumberland, it includes a set of stairs that climb above the walls so you can look for routes to the goal: a small glittering room made of shards of recycled glass.
You’ll find one of Europe’s longest mazes at this farm zoo near Bristol. It’s made from a staggering 14,000 beech trees delightfully created in the shape of Noah’s Ark with seven animals hidden inside. There’s also a mini-maze for smaller children to learn the ropes.
Laberint d’Horta Park, Spain
Mazes don’t come much more majestic than this historical garden in the Horta-Guinardó district of Barcelona. The labyrinth is Barcelona’s version of Granada’s Alhambra and is made from 6.5 feet (2m) high hedges in a design that honors Greek mythology. You’ll find a classical frieze depicting Minos and, at its center, a statue of Cupid to explore as you wander leisurely through the verdant hedges under the warming sun.
Cool Patch Pumpkins Maze, California, USA
Open from September to October, this award-winning maze in Dixon, California was named the Guinness Book of World Records “world’s largest temporary corn maze” in 2007. Since then, it has grown to cover more than 53 acres. Each year, a new design is hand-cut from a detailed plan to provide visitors with hours of puzzling fun.
Schönbrunn Palace Maze, Vienna, Austria
The maze of tall, narrow hedges at the grand Schönbrunn Palace was laid out around 1720. Designed without the dead-ends and false turns of a classic maze, it was intended to give the palace’s elevated residents – the 1,441-room Baroque building was the summer residence of the Hapsburgs – an inviting setting for a gentle stroll. We all deserve the same luxury.
To celebrate the opening of its new glass entrance in 2015, the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam planted 125,000 sunflowers – famously painted by the artist – in what’s surely one of the prettiest puzzle attractions ever. Sadly, it was only open for a weekend but we’d have been in no hurry to solve this one.
York Maze, UK
The biggest maize maze in Europe, the award-winning York Maze is quickly becoming one of the region’s most popular attractions. And it’s massive. Made from more than one million plants, it covers an area bigger than eight football pitches and is fashioned into a spectacular new shape each year. One of its biggest hits was this humongous Harry Potter tribute. We can’t wait to see what this year brings when it opens in July.
Swarovski, Kristallwelten, Tirol, Austria
The crystal-mad headquarters of Swarovski, Kristallwelten (Crystal World) in Wattens is not a place you’d expected to find a fabulous maze but this visitor attraction is home to one of the cutest children’s puzzles we’ve seen. Nestled in the beautiful park landscape, the green labyrinth, designed by André Heller, forms a hand. Don’t leave all the hide-and-seek fun to the kids.
Richardson Corn Maze, Illinois, USA
Dubbed the world’s longest and most intricate, this corn maze in Spring Grove, Illinois has about nine to 10 miles of trail winding through 28 acres of live corn. Usually formed from four smaller mazes, you can choose to tackle one maze, a few, or the whole lot. There are multiple checkpoints and three bridges to help you get your bearings while navigating this beast of a puzzle. Each year has a theme, with The Beatles maze, pictured here, from the 2013 season.
Traquair maze, Scotland, UK
Originally a formal garden laid out in the 18th century, the hedge maze at Traquair House, Peeblesshire was planted in 1981 and is the largest in Scotland. The intriguing layout has no dead ends and challengers must reach four sub-centers before they can find their way to the center. There are also pretty terraces allowing vantage points to guide friends around the maze.
Lacombe corn maze, Kraay Family Farm, Alberta, Canada
Located in Lacombe, in the heart of Alberta, last year the corn maze celebrated the 45th anniversary of the Canadian Finals Rodeo with an intricate 15-acre design. The maze also offers a choice of trivia games to add an extra layer of excitement to navigating your way around.
Skylark Maize Maze, Cambridgeshire, UK
Ambition is critical at this maize maze at Skylark Garden Centre in Wimblington. The huge puzzle takes an exciting new form every year. 2018 saw visitors challenged to complete the maze in the shape a giant T-Rex, while previous years have served up a BFG in honor of children’s author Roald Dahl and a Star Wars-shaped adventure. Find out what head-scratching fun 2019 will bring when the maze opens in July.
The oldest surviving hedge maze in the UK, the many twists and turns of this multicursal maze dates back to the 1700s, when it was commissioned by William III. A trapezoid shape, it was originally grown in hornbeam and planted as part of formal garden layout known as the “wilderness”. But it was later replanted using yew trees to provide an elegant adventure.
Harbin Ice And Snow World Maze, China
Harbin, in China’s Heilongjiang province, holds an annual ice festival over its freezing winter, during which temperatures linger around 8.6°F (-13°C). Harbin Ice and Snow World forms one of the festival’s most dazzling parts and an amazing ice maze is one of its many attractions. We can’t think of anything more magical than wrapping up and wandering through this frozen dreamworld.
Glendurgan Garden Maze, Cornwall, UK
This living puzzle was planted at the stunning National Trust garden in Mawnan Smith, near Falmouth, Cornwall. Planted in cherry laurel, palm trees mark the four corners of the puzzle, while a thatched summerhouse at the center provides a charming place to relax and enjoy your achievement.
You’ll find this complex and beautiful nine-layer maze at the Villa Pisani National Museum in Stra. Designed in 1720, this classic medieval circular path has concentric repeating patterns and dead ends surrounding a small tower at its heart. With hedges so high you’ll be unable to see over them to find a route, so you have to guess your way towards the statue of Minerva, at the top of the central tower.
Now covering around 10 acres in size, this maze in Winnipeg creates intricate designs celebrating the area. The 2018 maze honored the Winnipeg Whiteout (ice hockey success) and features a map of Winnipeg, the image of Winnipeg Jets’s Connor Hellebuyk, team slogans, fan chants and the team logo. A lot of love and attention goes into creating the mazes, so it would be a shame not to try to solve it this year.
Longleat hedge maze, Wiltshire, UK
With nearly 2 miles (3.2km) of path, Longleat’s maze is the longest in Britain. Made from more than 16,000 yew trees, you will need to track the winding paths in search of the central observation tower. The Marquess of Bath commissioned the huge hedge maze in 1975, which is so large gardeners use stilts while trimming it back.
Zemi Beach House Hotel & Spa ZEMI BEACH HOUSE HOTEL & SPA
Spring break isn’t just for kids. As the weather warms, even grown-ups feel the urge to hit the beach, the mountains or the city streets for a little adventure to welcome the change in the seasons.
Let the teens keep Cancun — from chic oceanfront resorts to elegant urban retreats, these Forbes Travel Guide-approved stays provide all the posh extras needed for a proper adult spring break.
If white sand beaches and alfresco seafood feasts are on your spring break wish list, then a visit to this Forbes Travel Guide Recommended resort is a must.
With its coveted location on Shoal Bay East, this Anguilla retreat makes lazing the day away a tempting possibility — an ornate Thailand-inspired spa, three sparkling pools (including an adults-only option) and deep-soaking tubs offer plenty of opportunities for decompressing.
However, if you do crave a little more adventure, grab a gratis kayak, a paddleboard or some snorkeling gear to visit the vibrant reefs just offshore.
The Umstead Hotel and Spa THE UMSTEAD HOTEL AND SPA
Far from the maddening crowds of spring breakers, this wooded escape just outside Raleigh, North Carolina, is a nature lover’s luxe dream with a three-acre lake and miles of hiking trails to discover.
Savor a getaway for two at this Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hideaway with the In Harmony Package. Upon check-in, you’ll be greeted with hand-dipped, chocolate-covered strawberries and a bottle of sparkling wine, but you’ll want to wait until after your 50-minute Aromatherapy Couple’s Massage at the Four-Star spa to indulge.
Perched on Watch Hill’s scenic sands, this Rhode Island retreat provides all the fun of a beach escape, but with an extra level of exclusivity. Sophisticated amenities here include 24-hour valet service, gratis Mercedes-Benz rentals and complimentary resort activities, ranging from yoga sessions to cooking classes.
No matter how you choose to unwind, be sure to make time for the resort’s Sunday Jazz Brunch. This classic year-round favorite might just make you feel like a Victorian-era VIP with delicacies like a made-to-order crepe station and a raw bar. Free-flowing bubbles and live music complete the scene.
This Four-Star Nantucket haven may not open for the season until April 25, but that doesn’t mean you can’t start planning your spring escape to the cape.
You’ll want for nothing at this peaceful New England paradise, where complimentary espresso and pastries are served each morning, a sparkling pool is reserved for hotel guests and a fleet of bikes stands ready for you to explore the island’s network of trails.
Though, if you’re looking for a little more adventure, you can always book excursions from whale watching to vineyard tours through the friendly concierge.
Shrimp and grits at Salt THE RITZ-CARLTON, AMELIA ISLAND
While south Florida’s beaches are teeming with spring breakers, the northeast end of the state tends to provide a tranquil respite for some more mature pampering. Check into this Four-Star Amelia Island stay to savor peaceful walks on the beach, rounds on the greens and a unique epicurean experience.
The resort’s signature restaurant Salt offers a romantic ambiance, picturesque views and more than 40 salts from around the world to spice up your meal. A salt sommelier is on hand to help you pick your pairing, though with chef Rick Laughlin at the helm, dishes like Chilean sea bass with ricotta dumplings or steak and eggs served on a 250-million-year-old Himalayan salt block don’t need much coaxing.
You don’t have to skip the beach to enjoy a trendy spring break escape. This Four-Star waterfront gem has Instagram-worthy backdrops from every angle, from its black-and-white-striped awnings and bright yellow umbrellas to its private stretch of sand on Florida’s Rosemary Beach.
Give your getaway a grown-up twist by stopping by Panama City Beach’s Unwined festival. On March 22 and 23, sip and dine in the Florida sunshine as local chefs, brewers, winemakers and artisans take over Aaron Bessant Park, just a 15-minute drive from your oceanfront room.
This year’s highlights include a Southern Living-hosted kick-off party with bites from renowned Atlanta toque and Top Chef alum Kevin Gillespie and an alfresco concert from Grammy-nominated artist Brandi Carlile.
With its Rittenhouse Square location and recently refreshed look, this Four-Star Philadelphia property is just spot to hole up for an urban retreat this spring.
Pamper yourself with The Rittenhouse Renewal Package and bask in refreshing extras like deluxe bath amenities for a luxurious soak and a sleep kit consisting of eye masks and soothing sleep spray.
After a restful night in your spacious room (one of the largest in the city), head downstairs to Four-Star Lacroix at The Rittenhouse for one of the best brunches in town — a $100 credit ensures you can splurge.
Bring a loved one out for an enchanting escape for two to this Four-Star Newport, Rhode Island, hideaway. Tucked along its own private peninsula overlooking Narragansett Bay, the hotel’s secluded locale and sumptuous extras (gratis breakfast, afternoon tea and bike rentals) allow for a worry-free trip.
Make it even more memorable by booking the inn’s Retreat to Romance package and receive a two-night stay, a couple’s massage and a three-course dinner at the picture-perfect Four-Star The Dining Room at Castle Hill Inn. Additions like a bottle of rosé champagne, fresh flowers and chocolate-dipped strawberries help fan the flames even more.
The Jefferson, Washington, DC THE JEFFERSON, WASHINGTON, DC
With its myriad museums, gorgeous green spaces and roster of renowned restaurants, Washington, D.C., is an ideal destination for those looking for a little culture this season, and this historic Four-Star stay provides an elegant home base.
Along with the warming weather, March and April bring cherry blossom season to the city, when thousands of rose-hued blooms spring to life all over town. Book The Jefferson’s Pop of Pink package to spend more time wandering among the flowers with 20 percent off a stay in a suite, a cherry-flavored welcome amenity from the top-notch pastry team and two complimentary cocktails at Quill, the hotel’s stately bar.
Belmond El Encanto BELMONT MANAGEMENT SERVICES SARL
No Santa Barbara getaway would be complete without fabulous food, and this Five-Star hideaway delivers. A Taste of Santa Barbara package lets you savor the flavors of Southern California with a $150 dinner and $60 breakfast credit.
On the Buda side of the city, you might come across a cave which bears a large cross. Legend has it that this cave used to be the home of a hermit monk and during the 1950s when the Pauline order was arrested, this cave church was sealed behind an eight foot wall of concrete. In 1989, following the fall of communism in Hungary, the cave the wall was broken down, unveiling the cave but the cave walls are now made from concrete. The small church still remains with some original and interesting features such as black Madonnas which are believed to be miraculous by the Pauline monks.
This castle in the city may look more like a funhouse than a castle from the outside. Four different styles of architecture have contributed to its look; Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Romanesque. What makes this place even more interesting, is that it started out as an exhibition made out of only wood and cardboard but as more people began to visit they decided to turn it into a more permanent structure in 1904.
Szabo Ervin Library
This unique and charming library can’t be found in most guidebooks of Budapest. Instead it is tucked away in a busy section of the city waiting to be discovered. Just entering it you will feel its grandeur especially given that this library used to be a 19th century aristocrat’s mansion. In 1931, the City Council purchased this building and converted the old rooms into reading rooms.
Budapest Castle Hill Funicular
Funiculars are incline or cable railways which date back hundreds of years. They usually have a fairly simple pulley system to help bring carts up and down steep grades. Buda Castle can be found at the top of a hill rising over 300 feet and in the past, there was no simple way of reaching it. That is until this funicular was set up to take visitors up and down the equivalent of 30 flights of stairs. Although the journey is short, it is worth the ride for the exceptional panoramic views of the Danube and west side of the city.
In Budapest, there are plenty of places to grab a drink and spend some time relaxing. However, this pub is a special one thanks to its interesting interior. Here, visitors can leave their mark in every corner – on the walls, floor and even ceiling! From business cards to drawings, you can become lost by reading the notes found all around you. Aside from a refreshing pint of beer ypu can also enjoy some delicious food from the great selection on offer.
You don’t need to splash out on a top-notch cabin to make your cruise feel luxurious. We bring you 29 easy ways to upgrade your trip, without breaking the bank.
Experienced cruisers know that when booking your trip, it pays to scrutinize the deck plan and research sites such as CruiseCritic before you part with your money. Cabins with an obstructed view are cheaper and, if you choose wisely, the blot on your horizon could be as little as a few wires. Likewise, you’ll sometimes find two balcony cabins that cost the same, but have differing sized terraces. Be savvy, and you might score a better stateroom for your spend. But if you do fancy a sneaky-peek around blow-the-budget cabins, take a look at our feature on cruising for millionaires.
Let’s face it, when a cruise company announces it’s launching a new ship, you’re desperate to be on board. But it’ll bump up your price no end. Opt for an older vessel instead – it’s a much cheaper way to sail. They often follow the same itinerary as their newer siblings and, OK, they don’t have that same wow-factor, but they’re still safe and you’ll find they’re less crowded too. Perfect.
Most operators have stringent rules to stop you tucking into your own booze during a cruise, but you’re often permitted to embark with one or two bottles of alcohol. Make it a bottle of bubbly and ask your steward to deliver champagne glasses to your cabin, so you can kick off your holiday in style.
Embrace the main dining room
Meals in the buffet restaurant and main dining room are usually included in the cost of your cruise. The relative formality of the main dining room isn’t to everyone’s taste, but it gives you the chance to dress up and enjoy waiter service, which feels more luxurious than a buffet. Better still, you can be extravagant and order as many starters, mains and desserts as you like. Struggling to decide between rotisserie chicken and lobster bisque, or baked Alaska and pavlova? Just have both!
When it comes to bagging a poolside lounger, it can sometimes be a case of needing to sharpen your elbows. Take the stress out of sunbathing by booking yourself into one of the ship’s exclusive lounges or clubs. On Princess Cruises you can pay from $18 (£14) to spend a morning or afternoon in the exclusive Sanctuary, an adults-only area with super comfy loungers, chaise lounges, a pool and spa treatments. Stewards are on hand to bring you healthy snacks, smoothies and even cooling face towels.
To save cash, book a less expensive cabin on one of the ship’s bottom decks. Granted, you won’t be enjoying panoramic sea views, but you can still enjoy vistas aplenty from the upper deck areas. This shrewd move can save you several hundred dollars – then you can spend a fraction of the savings indulging in sunset cocktails in a fabulous upper deck restaurant.
Even if you’ve opted for a lower-cost cabin, it doesn’t mean you can’t make it feel more luxurious. Invest in a beautifully scented room spray and decorate it with a bunch of freshly cut flowers. Many lines let you bring your own bouquets on board, and your steward will be happy to find a vase. If that’s not an option, there’s often a florist on the ship.
If your cruise starts from your home country, get things off to a decadent start by booking a local taxi firm to pick you up and drive you to the port. Not only will you arrive in style, feeling relaxed, you’ll also save yourself the headache of what to do with your car when you’re away. They can then meet you on your return, delivering you home on a high.
It’s said there’s no such thing as a free lunch, but some cruise ship events do greet guests with a complimentary drink or two. Welcome-aboard cocktail hours, art auctions and boutique showcases often serve free drinks and, who knows, you might get chatting to someone interesting when you’re there.
During your trip, treat yourself to a gourmet meal at one of the speciality restaurants. It’s worth knowing that cruise lines often throw in a healthy discount (sometimes as much as 25%) or a free bottle of wine to entice diners on the first night.
For a self-indulgent start to the day, arrange to have breakfast in bed. Many cruise lines, including Cunard and Carnival, offer room service at no extra cost, so you can tuck into anything from pastries, to fruit, cereals or toast and marmalade without having to set foot outside your cabin. Take it up a level by paying extra for a glass of champagne.
If you’re taking your family on a cruise, be canny with your sleeping arrangements. Treat yourself to a better appointed balcony cabin, but save cash by booking the youngsters into an inside cabin just across the corridor.
During your break, don’t be afraid to politely ask your cabin steward for those little extras that make your holiday feel more lavish, whether that’s an additional pair of slippers, fresh toiletries, a bathrobe or ice. It’s a controversial topic, but many seasoned cruisers swear by tipping their steward at the start of their trip, in a bid to ensure ultra attentive service. Just be aware of what you can and can’t take away with you.
Are you at sea for a happy reason? Tell the staff on board. Whether you’re celebrating your birthday, anniversary or honeymoon, you might, just might, get some free fizz and fruit in your cabin. There’s no guarantee but it’s worth a shot, right? Try it.
Treat yourself to a cleansing facial, deep tissue massage or pedicure while on board. Keep an eye out for special offers because, like speciality restaurants, spas sometimes offer discounts on embarkation day. Royal Caribbean, which features Elemis treatments, suggest keeping an eye out for “value prices” at specific times. It’s also worth heading to any spa showcase sessions, on the off chance you’ll get a complimentary taster treatment.
Escape the crowds and enjoy a tranquil few hours in one of your ship’s little-known areas. These “secret decks”, usually at the bow, are open to anybody, but are barely used because they are unsigned and often tucked away behind a closed door. They can be windy, so are often better visited while the ship is docked, but they make great, secluded spots to practice yoga or even stargaze. Study the deck plan carefully to work out where they are.
If you’re a wine lover, you’ll usually get far more for your money if you splash out on a bottle, rather than buying by the glass. You’ll also have the luxury of a greater variety of grapes to choose from. Spoil yourself with an excellent red or white, but make it last over a couple of evenings by asking your waiter to pop a cork in and keep it back for you overnight.
If nothing on the main menu appeals, or you have a deep-seated longing to enjoy the previous night’s baked salmon or beef tenderloin again, don’t be afraid to ask your waiter what he can do. Cruise lines know guests take their food seriously and will usually do what they can to accommodate cravings (within reason).
Fed up of your shower curtain clinging to you in your less-than-spacious en-suite? Consider washing in the spa or gym facilities instead. Access is usually free of charge, and the chances are you’ll find toiletries, fluffy towels, big mirrors and roomier cubicles.
Are the pillows on your bed too firm, or too squishy soft? If you ask your steward nicely, he’ll usually do what he can to provide an alternative. On some cruise lines, guests traveling in concierge can even take advantage of a full pillow menu, including memory foam, hypoallergenic and down options.
Midnight feasts are usually the stuff of childhood sleepovers, but many cruise lines offer passengers the opportunity to embrace their inner child and indulge in a late night treat. On P&O’s Azura, for example, the snack buffet offers paninis, homemade cakes and pastries between 10pm and 6am. Many lines, including Royal Caribbean and Carnival, offer pizza too.
If you enjoy a few drinks, but you’re put off by the prices on board, then make the most of shore days. Local bars and restaurants, especially those a distance from port, will likely charge less for a bottle of wine, beer or cocktail. Just don’t get so carried away with the party spirit that you forget you have a ship to catch!
When the ship docks in port, the majority of passengers swarm off, excited about exploring pastures new. That gives you the perfect opportunity to have the run of the ship. Bag the best sun loungers, enjoy a cocktail in a coveted spot or do some quiet lengths in the pool. Check the itinerary before you sail, so you can work out which port you’re least bothered about missing out on.
When it comes to visiting attractions on port days, there’s no hard and fast rule to say you should stick with the excursions offered on board. The costs can be exorbitant and piling onto a packed tour bus isn’t everyone’s idea of fun. It often pays to book guided tours from a company based in the port, or try Cruising Excursions, which offers a range of trips for up to 60% cheaper from over 38 ports. You can book private tours and bespoke itineraries too.
Dainty cups of Earl Grey, doughy finger sandwiches and freshly baked scones smothered with clotted cream – there’s nothing quite as delightfully extravagant as a traditional afternoon tea. Many cruise lines, including P&O, Holland America, Cunard and Crystal, offer scrumptious complimentary high tea, often on a daily basis.
If you’re prone to feeling seasick, book a cabin in the middle of the ship, on a lower deck, where you’ll feel less movement. The front of the ship is often said to be the worst area for motion sickness as the cabin is the first to pitch forward in choppy seas. If you do start to feel queasy, guest services or the medical center will supply tablets.
A great breakfast sets you up for the day, and there are often tasty options that feel much more luxuriant than lugging a tray around the buffet. Carnival’s SeaDay brunch includes waiter service and dishes such as huevos rancheros and French toast. On Cunard’s Queen Mary 2, the Britannia restaurant offers grilled Scottish kippers with sautéed potatoes, eggs cooked-to-order and fresh buttermilk pancakes, all included in your fare.
If you’re happy to do little more than shower, change and sleep in your room, then book an inside cabin. They cost a fraction of what you’d spend on a balcony stateroom, leaving you free to spend cash on spa treatments, cocktails and speciality meals. You might not have fresh air and a sea view, but you can seriously spoil yourself in other ways!
Cruise veterans often suggest maximizing bathroom space by hanging a shoe organizer on the door, and filling it with all your beauty paraphernalia. Go one step further and stock it before you travel with a few high-end products that you wouldn’t normally splurge on.
The Florida Keys’ highly anticipated Isla Bella Beach Resort officially opened to guests Monday.
The five-star oceanfront resort is the first full-service luxury hotel in Marathon and the largest newly built private waterfront hotel in the Keys. Located at the entryway of the iconic Seven Mile Bridge, Isla Bella Beach Resort is two hours from Miami and just an hour from Key West.
Highlights include 199 rooms and suites ranging from one to five bedrooms, one mile of private beach, five swimming pools, four dining outlets and more than 24,000 square feet of meeting and event space.
Isla Bella Beach Resort also features convenient on-site water sports, a fishing pier and a marina. A full-service spa, fitness center and a marketplace retail and cafe concept will be added in May.
The 4,000-square-foot spa will feature a relaxation room along with five dedicated treatment rooms, a lounge, couples massage room, steam room and a spa garden. The Spiaggia Suite will offer guests hair treatments, makeup application and other services while the 1,000-square-foot fitness center will boast state-of-the-art Peloton treadmills and bicycles in addition to free weights and other equipment.
The Beach Bar will offer a menu of fresh seafood and other dishes designed to pair perfectly with cocktails as well as daily live music. Part oceanview restaurant and part poolside grill, The Burger Palace overlooks the beach and will serve comfort foods like burgers, hotdogs and fries along with crisp salads and snacks.
Il Postino is an Italian restaurant specializing in hand-made Neapolitan pizza from a traditional wood-fired oven, fresh pasta and more while The Marketplace–opening in May–will be the hub of Isla Bella Beach Resort’s social activity.
Activities and experiences available to guests will include complimentary kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling and fishing as well as games such as badminton, bocce, croquet, giant chess, cornhole and volleyball, among others.
The Tuileries Garden is located in one of the best neighbourhoods of Paris, the first arrondissement. It can be found between the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde. This park is truly fit for royalty as it dates back to 1564 when it was created to be the garden of the Tuileries Palace and then it became a public park after the French Revolution. The garden is complete with fountains, ponds and
stunning flowers.
Champ de Mars
In this natural space it is impossible to forget the city for too long, as the Eiffel Tower stands proudly in direct eyeline of visitors. Despite attracting thousands of visitors, the gardens here still remain very clean. At the Champ de Mars you can appreciate both great views and great architecture. During the 18th century, this park used to be a training ground for those studying in the Ecole Militaire.
Parc de Bagatelle
This park may be not as busy as other parks in the city but it is just as beautiful. On a super sunny day the woods here can provide some much needed shade. Visitors of this park have described the flora as breathtaking thanks to its signature rose garden. The park is very well-maintained so make sure you have your cameras ready to capture the memory of this scenic landscape. Adding to its peaceful nature are the parks many birds which flock here during spring.
This 17th century park can be found in the 6th arrondissement on the boarder between Saint-Germain-des Pres and the Latin Quater. The inspiration for this garden was taken from the Boboli Gardens in Florence. It covers a total of 25 hectares of land and is split into both French and English gardens. What seperates the gardens is a large pond and geometric forest. There is also an impressive total of 106 statues in this garden.
Parc de Buttes Chaumont
This park is a little out the way as it is in a northeastern suburb, the 19th arrondissement. It is the fifth largest park in Paris and has numerous features which render it unique. These include a suspended bridge, caves and even a waterfall! This park also offers a vairety of high points, so you can appreciate panoramic views of Paris from all angles. A hint of exotic is added to the park’s charm thanks to its indigenous trees and numerous birds.
Palais de Versailles Gardens
Thousands of men took part in creating the gardens at the Palais de Versailles and their efforts are certainly reflected in its extravagant appearance. After all, it did take 40 years for the gardens to be fully complete. As one of the largest gardens ever created, it is home to 372 statues and 55 fountains. From the start of April to the end of October there are even Musical Fountain shows adding entertainment to the grandeur. One of the gardens most striking features is its maze so be prepared to get your cameras ready!
Parc Floral de Paris
Both a botantical garden and a public park, this is a huge natural space in the city located within the Bois de Vincennes in the 12th arrondissement of Paris. It would take half a day for a visitor to fully explore and appreciate this beautiful place. The park provides a great vairety of flowers, butterfly house and even mini golf for entertainment. Compared to the other natural spaces in the city, this is quite an alternative and modern spot as it has only be open since 1969. Given this, it should be no suprise that it also plays host to free music festivals such as the Paris Jazz Festival.
Parc Monceau
In the 8th arrondissement of Paris is the Parc Monceau, a highly popular outdoor space amongst culture lovers. Many talented painters gather here to capture its beauty through art such as Claude Monet or Gustave Caillebotte. This park has also been used as the backdrop for the movie Paris Je t’aime and Tell No One. For film directors and artists to choose this spot out of all the gardens in Paris suggests that it is truly unmissable during springtime.
Parc Montsouris
This park can be found in a quiet corner of southern Paris but it is very much an English style outdoor space. Here you can find wooden pathways, rolling hills and statues. It has just over 1000 trees with some of them being an impressive century old. This park is also child friendly providing entertainment in the form of playgrounds, pony rides and even a traditional puppet theatre. The Parc Montsouris is most ideal for enjoying a picnic or taking part in some sport.
Budget airlines Ryanair and Wizz Air are currently engaged in a legal battle in Italy to determine whether or not it is “misleading” to charge passengers for their carry-on luggage.
Italian competition watchdog Antitrust opened an inquiry into the two carriers in September to determine whether or not the ultra-low prices that the airlines advertised could be considered a price distortion, as hand luggage is “an essential element of transport.”
Both Ryanair and Wizz Air independently changed their baggage policies last year. Passengers were basically limited to only a small handbag that could fit underneath the seat in front of them.
Antitrust said in a statement that having to pay more for hand luggage “provides a false representation of the real ticket price and spoils the comparison with the rates of other companies, misleading the consumer.”
In a statement, a Ryanair spokesperson responded, “We look forward to cooperating with this Italian inquiry. All Ryanair customers are free to bring one piece of carry-on bag on board. But no airline customer has a right to unlimited carry-on bags.”
In February, the Italian courts decided that the baggage fees constituted unfair pricing and fined the airlines a combined total of about $4.48 million (€4 million). The airlines are now fighting the decision and last week, Italian courts agreed to suspend the fine, pending a new inquiry. Both airlines will continue with their current baggage policy until a new decision is reached (or the previous decision is upheld).
Regardless of what happens with the decision, policymakers are investigating ever-shrinking airline baggage allowances. Only time will tell whether or not these types of inquiries will reach U.S. airlines and their “basic economy” fares.
Passengers who are flying a budget airline should search for baggage policies before buying their ticket to ensure that they are actually getting the best deal. A mainstream airline with a higher ticket price could actually end up being cheaper than a budget service after passengers consider fees paid for baggage and meal service.
Around The World Travel 