Vacations – The News Desk

17Apr

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The Best Alaska Tours

From its famous glaciers and northern lights sightings to its abundant wildlife and majestic national parks, Alaska offers so much to see. But navigating its vast landscape can be a challenge without the savvy guidance of a local. After consulting traveler opinion and expert input, U.S. News compiled some of the best Alaska tours to consider when planning your bucket list itinerary. Whether you want to try your hand at dog sledding, fly over Denali or observe bears in their natural habitat, there's a tour for you. Plus, many tour operators offer round-trip transportation to the various Alaska cruise ports, making them great options if you're looking for a convenient excursion.Phillips Cruises & Tours – 26 Glacier CruisePrice: Adults from $189; kids from $125Duration: 6 hoursCruise thr...

5Apr

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The 10 Best Denver Tours

Note: Some tour providers on this list may have ceased operations due to COVID-19. Check with your tour operator about availability before you book.There's much more to Denver than its outdoor pursuits. The city offers everything from a rich history to fantastic mountain vistas to craft breweries to plentiful street art. Discover the best of the Mile High City on a guided tour, which take visitors by bus, bike or on foot to see Denver like a local. After consulting both expert input and traveler sentiment, U.S. News picked the best 10 tours to add to your itinerary. Mile High Bike Tours – Bike and Brew TourOn this three-hour, 9-mile bike tour, travelers see top sights in Denver, including Union Station, Coors Field and local street art in the River North (RiNo) district. Along the way, th...

4Apr

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9 Best Napa Valley Wine Tours of 2024

When it comes to drinking wine in Napa Valley, a guided tour isn't just an option; it's an essential experience. Not only will an organized tour provide you with local insight, but it's also a safe, easy and efficient way to sample the region's renowned wine.From train rides through the countryside to private tours with your own chauffer, these are the best Napa Valley wine tours based on recent traveler reviews. Note that participants must be 21 or older to participate in any of the recommended outings.Napa Valley Wine Train – The Legacy ExperiencePrice: From $625 per personDuration: 6 hoursOne of the most popular ways to explore California wine country, the Napa Valley Wine Train offers a variety of experiences. Travelers wanting to visit some of the wineries should book The Legacy Expe...

3Apr

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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...

3Apr

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St. Mark’s Basilica & More

Known for its canals, waterways, bridges and other historic attractions, Venice, Italy, offers travelers everything from centuries-old history to unparalleled beauty. Some of the best Venice tours take you to the quietest areas of the city – away from the crowds – to discover Venice's cuisine, wine and culture, while others showcase the city from the water by gondola or kayak. Consulting both traveler opinion and expert input, U.S. News identified the tours below as the best Venice has to offer.Avventure Bellissime – Venice in 1 Day TourPrice: Adults from 109 euros (about $120); kids from 95 euros (about $104)Duration: 3 hoursIf you're short on time, consider this three-hour tour that hits multiple of Venice's top attractions. You'll enjoy skip-the-line access to St. Mark's Basilica, as w...

7 Best Chicago Boat Tours of 2024: River & Lake Cruises

2Apr

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7 Best Chicago Boat Tours of 2024: River & Lake Cruises

If you're hoping to see as much of Chicago as you can in a short amount of time, you may want to sign up for a boat tour. During each tour, you'll learn the historical significance of the skyline's iconic buildings while enjoying breathtaking views of the Windy City. Considering traveler reviews and expert opinion, U.S. News selected the best Chicago boat tours, ranging from an architectural boat tour on the river to a thrilling speedboat ride on Lake Michigan.Tall Ship Windy – Chicago Skyline SailPrice: Adults from $49; kids from $39Duration: 75 minutesTall Ship Windy's Chicago Skyline Sail introduces you to the beauty and splendor of Chicago's world-famous buildings aboard the company's four-masted schooner. On the sightseeing tour, you'll learn interesting facts about the history of th...

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...

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...

The 11 Best Dude Ranch Vacations in the U.S.

31Oct

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The 11 Best Dude Ranch Vacations in the U.S.

The origin of the dude ranch vacation is a fascinating story. Back in the late 1800s and early 1900s, "dude" was the name given to "big-shot city slickers" by Western cattle ranchers (or cowboys). When these "dudes" left their big eastern cities to head out West, ranchers would host them on a complimentary basis at their guest or dude ranches. In fact, offering to pay a rancher for their hospitality was considered an insult. The first known dude ranch, Custer Trail Ranch, was started by several brothers in the 1880s in the Dakota Badlands. After President Theodore Roosevelt visited the Eaton brothers' property, the word spread about this Western cowboy life with horseback riding, hunting and fishing. Roosevelt even purchased a ranch nearby, known as the Maltese Cross Ranch. Eventually, ra...