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The 24 Top Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts for 2023

28Dec

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The 24 Top Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts for 2023

As soon as you step through the gates of Bungalows Key Largo, you'll feel as if you've been whisked away to a tropical paradise, according to previous visitors. This Key Largo resort boasts 135 bungalows, two pools with Jacuzzis, a full-service spa and a fitness center. Guests benefit from an all-inclusive system that covers food and alcoholic beverages, so you don't have to waste a moment thinking about the cost. The plan also includes access to yoga classes, in-town transportation, bicycles for use on the property, turndown service and valet parking. Because the property sits on the bay, there is complimentary access to water sports equipment like kayaks, paddleboards and snorkeling gear. There are upgraded offerings to choose from if you're celebrating an event, including romance, hone...

32 Cheap Beach Vacations for Travelers on a Budget

4Dec

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32 Cheap Beach Vacations for Travelers on a Budget

1/34Plan an affordable getaway to one of these stunning stretches of sand.Many of the world's best places to visit are beach destinations – and for good reason. Nearly twice as many people prefer relaxing vacations to active ones, according to travelers in 17 countries surveyed by market research company GfK. To help you find the beach vacation that best suits your needs, U.S. News selected several cost-effective locales around the world known for their gorgeous scenery, budget-friendly amenities and ample activities. (Note: Room rates and activity costs may vary depending on season and availability.)Next:Clearwater Beach, Florida2/34Clearwater Beach, FloridaAn incredibly popular shoreline among locals and visitors alike, Clearwater Beach overlooks the Gulf of Mexico and Clearwater Bay fr...

The 50 Most Beautiful White Sand Beaches in the World

1Dec

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The 50 Most Beautiful White Sand Beaches in the World

1/52These beaches boast stark white sand that beautifully contrasts with azure waters and painted skies.Beach lovers often remark on the beauty of soft white sand and how this dynamic coastal feature really makes a shoreline stand out. To help you plan your next beach vacation, this list rounds up the most beautiful white sand beaches in the world and other offerings these scenic beaches provide.Next:Rendezvous Bay: Anguilla2/52Rendezvous Bay: AnguillaTravelers flock to Anguilla for its stunning scenery, soft sand beaches and amazing culinary experiences. Rendezvous Bay is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, with powdery white sand, striking turquoise waters and amazing views of nearby St. Martin.Next:Grace Bay: Turks & Caicos3/52Grace Bay: Turks & CaicosGrace Bay in ...

43 Surprisingly Cheap Tropical Vacations

11Nov

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43 Surprisingly Cheap Tropical Vacations

1/45Stretch your dollars further on your next trip.While it's easy to see the word "tropical" and think "expensive," there are plenty of must-visit vacation destinations with stunning palm-fringed beaches and warm weather year-round that won't break the bank. From the idyllic Caribbean and Mexico to Asia and South America, these tropical spots offer an affordable and fun place to relax for those willing to go off the beaten track. Many beach vacations on this list compiled by U.S. News also offer a range of lodging options, including cozy bed-and-breakfasts, luxurious hotels and even all-inclusive resorts.Ready for a tropical vacation you can afford? Dive into some of the best and most affordable cheap tropical vacations to add to your travel list this year.Next:Los Cabos, Mexico2/45Los C...

11Sep

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18 Fall Family Vacation Ideas

The Pocono Mountains remain one of the best places for a family-friendly escape, particularly in the fall when the trees burst with hues of red, orange and yellow. Go for a hike at Bushkill Falls, get out on one of the region's many lakes, or take in the views from the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway in Jim Thorpe. Horseback riding, whitewater rafting, adventure parks (think: zip lining and rock climbing) and family fun centers (with go-karts, mini-golf and the like) also make for a fun day in the Poconos. When it's time to slow down, go for a scenic drive, perhaps stopping off at a local brewery like Wallenpaupack Brewing Company or Barley Creek.Where to stay: You'll find vacation rentals aplenty, including secluded lakeside retreats. But for the ultimate escape, book a stay at the all-inclu...

12Aug

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The 26 Best Zoos in the U.S.

The world-famous San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park welcome more than 6 million people per year – and for good reason. The two facilities make up the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, which is focused on the health and care of wildlife, education and science, in conjunction with sustainable conservation programs. Visitors to both parks will see these initiatives in action, while supporting the programs financially. Zoogoers can catch glimpses of koalas, lions, pygmy hippopotamuses and Tasmanian devils, while Safari Park guests can view greater one-horned rhinos, elephants, gorillas, platypuses and Matschie's tree kangaroos all in habitats inspired by the animals' native environments."We celebrate that guests today are seeking a greater understanding of the role of leading zoos...

7Aug

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Monastero Santa Rosa Hotel & Spa

1/15 Credit(Maria Betteghella)Perched on the cliff above the small village of Conca dei Marini, Monastero Santa Rosa welcomes travelers into a timeless sanctuary. The property is suspended between the water below and the coastal rocky mountains above. We were immediately taken by the hotel's mystical aura and relaxing ambiance.2/15 Credit(Maria Betteghella)At the entrance, front office manager Pompeo Amendola greeted us with a mint-scented hand towel and fresh lemonade before ringing the property's ancient monastery bell as a welcome sign. The hotel's tasteful renovation preserved the antique monastery walls, whose secret doors once provided the cloistered nuns with safe passage to the adjacent church of Santa Maria del Grado.3/15 Credit(Maria Betteghella)Previous visitors rave about the ...

6Aug

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The Marker Key West Harbor Resort

1/16Named for Mile Marker 0 (the famous photo op that marks the end of U.S. Highway 1), The Marker Key West Harbor Resort is ideally located in a quiet cul-de-sac in Old Town, right along the historic seaport. The hotel is only three blocks from Duval Street, steps away from sunset sailings and fishing charters that leave from the harbor, and within walking distance of Mallory Square’s nightly Sunset Celebration.2/16Outside of the hotel, we spotted a series of colorful sculptures called the 5 Watchovers by artist Adam Russell of Key West Pottery, which showcases vigilant pelicans, each sitting atop a tower with a calm eye of protection for their surroundings (aside from the middle pelican who’s feasting on a fish). Each pelican (watchover) overlooks a different aspect of the island: navig...

6Aug

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Photos: The Gardens Hotel

1/16Formerly known as the Gardens Mansion, the historic Gardens Hotel’s main building dates back to the 1800s and is on the National Register of Historic Places.2/16We started our tour in the boutique hotel's lobby, which used to be the main living area of the original Gardens Mansion building. It’s filled with local art – like this custom-painted coffee table by late Key West artist Jeff Beal – eclectic lamps, sculptures and other unique treasures.3/16To check in, head to the reception desk in the room next to the main lobby. Upon arrival, guests will enjoy a welcome glass of prosecco and are given excursion bags for the beach. There’s also a small retail shelf that serves as a gift shop featuring local merchandise and mementos.4/16Within the reception area, this satirical painted teleph...

6Aug

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Ocean Key Resort & Spa

1/16Ideally located at the end of Duval Street (it has the distinction of having its address be 0 Duval), Ocean Key Resort & Spa welcomed us to island paradise with plenty of tropical plants in a space full of turquoise and sunny yellow tones with rich brown wooden accents.2/16Located in the lobby, the Madda Fella Rum Bar is a partnership with Key West-based tropical clothing company Madda Fella. The bar was built from scratch using reclaimed barn wood, tins and fixtures. Guests can choose from vintage rums and classic rum cocktails, like a dark and stormy or Cuba libre, or pick up a complimentary welcome rum punch upon arrival.3/16The hotel’s boutique shop, the Madda Fella Store, is located in the lobby and run by a Key West-based tropical clothing company. The expansive boutique sto...