Nicola Wood – The News Desk

3Apr

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Travel

14 Top Memorial Day Weekend Getaways

May is a great time to travel to many places in the U.S. and around world thanks to sunny skies and pleasant temperatures. Memorial Day weekend might just be the opportunity you have been waiting for to take that much-needed vacation – and you should take advantage of your time off to plan a getaway.Whether you're looking to spend this Memorial Day unwinding on a white sand beach, reflecting on the past year in the mountains or honoring fallen soldiers at big-city war memorials, these destinations offer the chance to enjoy the three-day weekend outside of your own four walls.Top Memorial Day Weekend Getaways Annapolis, Maryland St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands Charleston, South Carolina Big Bear Lake, California Cape May, New Jersey San Juan, Puerto Rico Washington, D.C. Jackson Ho...

11 Top Affordable All-Inclusive Resorts for 2024

29Dec

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Travel

11 Top Affordable All-Inclusive Resorts for 2024

All-inclusive resorts promise a simplified vacation: One upfront fee covers food, drinks and select activities, so you can relax with a cocktail in hand instead of worrying about your spending. However, not every all-inclusive accommodation option offers the same budget-conscious bang for your buck; some end up costing much more than you may be hoping to pay thanks to extra fees for amenities like kids clubs or meals at specialty restaurants.These U.S. News picks for affordable resorts are properties where two guests can stay in one room for around $250 per night or less. These prices may not be available year-round: You may need to settle for off-peak travel periods or reserve well in advance for peak seasons (usually December to April for warm destinations). Round-trip flights are not f...

11 Top Affordable All-Inclusive Resorts to Visit in 2023

16Nov

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Travel

11 Top Affordable All-Inclusive Resorts to Visit in 2023

All-inclusive resorts promise a simplified vacation: One upfront fee covers food, drinks and select activities, so you can focus on relaxing with a cocktail in hand instead of worrying about your spending. However, not every all-inclusive accommodation option offers the same budget-conscious bang for your buck; some can end up costing much more than you may be hoping to pay thanks to extra fees for amenities like kids clubs or meals at specialty restaurants.These U.S. News picks for affordable resorts are properties where two guests can stay for around $250 or less per night in one room. These prices may not be available year-round: You may need to settle for off-peak travel periods, or reserve well in advance for peak periods (usually December to April for sun destinations). Round-trip f...

25Oct

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Travel

6 Cruise Lines Making Progress

Cruising comes with a lot of positives – it's fun, relaxing, convenient and often relatively affordable. But when it comes to the environment, it isn't all smooth sailing. According to recent research, a large cruise ship can result in a carbon footprint greater than that of 12,000 cars. Another study found that an individual traveler's carbon footprint is roughly eight times greater than the carbon footprint of a person vacationing on land."When we measure sustainability, it's important to look at the whole picture, and overall, cruise ships are too big, too dirty and too invasive to pristine ecosystems to be considered sustainable or environmentally conscious," says Marcie Keever, director of oceans and vessels at environmentalist group Friends of the Earth. "Their significant carbon fo...

17Oct

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Travel

The 8 Top Gay Cruises for 2023 | Travel

When it comes to gay cruising, gone are the days of discreet "Friends of Dorothy" meetups. The term – a euphemism that dates back to the 1950s – was once used to indicate gay social events on daily cruise line programs, without explicitly calling out members of the community on board. It's a far cry from today's LGBTQ cruising industry, which loudly and proudly celebrates passengers from all walks of life.According to experts, LGBTQ cruising is a market that will only continue to grow. Travelers can take their pick between cruise operators tailored specifically to the queer community or hop aboard some major cruise lines that offer festive Pride celebrations and inclusive onboard entertainment. As travel on the high seas continues to bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic, gay and lesbian...

14Sep

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Travel

19 Most Romantic Getaways in Virginia

It's true that "Virginia is for lovers," but in a state that spans around 40,000 square miles, you may wonder: Which areas are truly best for a romantic retreat? To help you plan a dreamy escape with your significant other, we've compiled this list of the most romantic getaways in Virginia.Romantic Getaways in VirginiaPrimland Resort, Auberge Resorts Collection: Meadows of Dan(Courtesy of Primland)Tucked away on 12,000 acres in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Primland is a secluded Virginia resort about 300 miles southwest of Washington, D.C. Enjoy some one-on-one time in luxury in the main lodge, or book a treehouse or cottage for extra privacy. Rooms are equipped with everything you need for a romantic getaway, with perks like fireplaces, private balconies, soaking tubs, and plush robes and s...

2Sep

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Travel

The 10 Top River Cruise Lines

If you'd like to take a cruise but aren't interested in the hustle and bustle of a massive ocean liner, you may want to consider a river cruise. River cruises offer the chance to visit lesser-known ports around the world, thanks to the small size and maneuverability of the vessels. These sailings are known to provide exceptional, personalized service, as most welcome fewer than 200 guests at a time. On top of that, you'll spend the majority of your trip exploring a different port each day, as most destinations along the waterways are fairly close together.To help you determine the best river cruise line for you, U.S. News analyzed traveler and expert reviews and detailed the onboard amenities, shore excursion options, price points, diverse itineraries and overall experience to expect belo...

26Aug

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Travel

26 Top Things to Do in Maine in 2023

The Pine Tree State is first and foremost a nature lover's paradise. Close to 90% of Maine is forest land, including 32 state parks and Acadia National Park, its indisputable crown jewel. On top of that, the weather rarely exceeds 85 degrees in the summer, making it a fabulous escape from areas with hotter climates. Fall brings fantastic foliage across the state, while winter and spring are the perfect times to cozy up in a cabin and enjoy winter sports or seasonal festivals.Beyond hiking, swimming and whale watching, Maine also offers an impressive selection of top-notch restaurants, a bustling art scene and tons of other family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking to ski down Sugarloaf Mountain, admire sculptures at the Farnsworth Art Museum or devour endless lobster rolls along ...