USA – Trips To Discover

12 Best Places for Fall Foliage in Vermont

K.C. Dermody — Fri, 08 Sep 2023 13:15:45 +0000

Vermont is one of the world’s best destinations for fall foliage viewing, with three-quarters of the state covered in forests. They’re home to the highest concentration of sugar maples in the U.S., show-stoppers when it comes to colors, with their leaves turning vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow, not to mention the serene farms with red barns and charming villages that create scenes that look like they were made for postcards. The color begins in early September in the northernmost areas and higher elevations before moving over the next several weeks into the valleys and valley towns from north to south, hanging around as late as the end of October, with these destinations being some of the best for enjoying it.

Top 12 Airbnbs in Laguna Beach, California

Pavlo Fedykovych — Thu, 07 Sep 2023 13:15:42 +0000

The blue of the ocean, the green of the palm trees, the apricot of the sunset, Laguna Beach is a California fantasy embodied in a small town. The cliffs and the coves are as picturesque as it gets in SoCal, and the beaches are among the best in the country. Of course, you would want to spend some time here enjoying the breeze and the carefree lifestyle. These top Airbnbs in Laguna Beach will help you with that. That Orange County dreamy holiday is closer than you think.

Top 13 Boutique Hotels in Seattle, Washington

K.C. Dermody — Thu, 07 Sep 2023 13:00:21 +0000

I love staying in boutique hotels when I’m traveling. Instead of being just another one of hundreds of guests, they tend to offer much more personalized service and, often, some unique perks like complimentary wine tastings while being set within a history building or a modern building with funky, unexpected decor. When it comes to boutique hotels in Seattle, there are many choices that are just a short walk away from the city’s wealth of attractions like the waterfront and Pike Place Market, including these.

Top 15 Texas Hill Country Vacation Rentals

Alyssa Ochs — Wed, 06 Sep 2023 13:00:11 +0000

Among my favorite things to do when visiting the Texas Hill Country are taking a dip in the natural swimming holes, stopping by the charming wineries, and hiking in beautiful landscapes to admire the caverns, hills, lakes, and sunsets. Since there are numerous towns worth visiting in this region, it’s worth staying for a while and planning a weeklong vacation to really get a sense of what Hill Country is all about.

Here are some of the best Texas Hill Country Vacation rentals to consider for your accommodations in the region.

12 Best Spa Hotels in Boston, Massachusetts

Alyssa Ochs — Tue, 05 Sep 2023 13:15:51 +0000

When I’ve traveled to Boston, I’ve typically planned my itinerary around historical sites, unique neighborhoods, craft breweries, and seasonal events. But Boston is also an excellent place to plan a spa vacation because of the excellent venues around the city that specialize in pampering, rejuvenating, and soothing the mind, body, and soul. One idea is to plan a sightseeing trip combined with a relaxing getaway by staying at a spa hotel in the city. Some “spa hotels” have menus of treatments and services offered by professionals, while others offer relaxing pools, state-of-the-art fitness centers, and healthy food options.

Here are the best spa hotels in Boston, Massachusetts to choose from.

13 Best Pumpkin Patches in California

K.C. Dermody — Mon, 04 Sep 2023 13:15:22 +0000

Growing up in Northern California, one of my favorite months of the year was October, as that meant making a fun day out of going to a pumpkin patch to pick out the best pumpkins for carving Jack o’ Lanterns. That tradition continued with my own kids, where we’d have fun searching for places with all sorts of activities like farm animals to pet, hay rides, and corn mazes, in addition to great pumpkins and the chance to take advantage of great photo ops. If you’re looking for one of the best pumpkin patches in California to score your own, you’ll want to head to one of these.

15 Best Off-The-Beaten-Path Vacation Destinations in the U.S.

K.C. Dermody — Mon, 04 Sep 2023 13:00:48 +0000

While they’re certainly worthy of a visit, places like Yellowstone National Park, Los Angeles, and New York City are often jam-packed with tourists. For those who want to avoid the masses, fortunately, there are still plenty of hidden gems that manage to fly beneath the radar. As the type of traveler who almost always prefers going off-the-beaten path, I’ve scoped out many of them over the years. For your next trip, consider an escape to one of my favorite destinations, from lesser-known national parks to small towns with an interesting history and a wealth of outdoor adventure nearby.

6 Iconic Fall Activities & Where to Enjoy Them

K.C. Dermody — Fri, 01 Sep 2023 13:00:46 +0000

Fall has always been my favorite season. The cooler temperatures and the beautiful changing of the leaves, along with the many fun activities it’s known for make it especially enjoyable. Having lived in quite a few different areas of the country and visiting many more, I’ve been able to enjoy the delights of fall in multiple cities and small towns from California, the Pacific Northwest, and the Rockies to the Midwest, New England, and beyond. The result is this list featuring some of the best pumpkin patches, apple orchards, leaf-peeping spots, haunted houses, corn mazes, and apple cideries across the nation.

Iconic Activities

Pumpkin Patches
Corn Mazes
Apple Picking
Fall Foliage
Cider Tasting
Haunted Houses

Top 12 Luxury Hotels in Sonoma Valley Wine Country

K.C. Dermody — Tue, 29 Aug 2023 13:00:57 +0000

Just 45 minutes north of the Golden Gate Bridge, Sonoma Valley is an ideal wine country destination with over 500 wineries and many farm-to-table restaurants helmed by acclaimed chefs. Enjoy special wine-tasting experiences like cycling through the vineyards or even on horseback, along with classic multi-course meals with wine pairings. For the best base, you’ll want to consider one of these dreamy luxury hotels in the heart of Sonoma Valley Wine Country.

Top 14 Airbnbs in the Catskills, New York

Alyssa Ochs — Fri, 25 Aug 2023 13:15:14 +0000

After you’ve spent a while in New York City and start feeling claustrophobic and craving a little nature, the Catskills Mountains are an ideal getaway spot. Located in the southeastern part of the state, this region is just a little over 100 miles away and offers fresh air, cooler weather, and lots of outdoor recreation opportunities. You can make your weekend getaway even more special by booking a unique Airbnb in a scenic setting and luxurious perks.

Here are some of the top Airbnbs in the Catskills to inspire you.

12 Best California Beach Resorts for Families

K.C. Dermody — Thu, 24 Aug 2023 13:15:36 +0000

As a native Californian, I grew up visiting beautiful beaches up and down the state. Some are lively, packed with sunbathers and surfers, while others are serene and wild, tucked away in coves with tide pools to search through. There are hundreds of resorts and hotels that provide easy access to some of the best beaches from San Diego to the Mendocino coast and beyond, but these are the very best for families, offering activities for all ages and much more.

14 Most Romantic Getaways in Vermont

K.C. Dermody — Wed, 23 Aug 2023 13:15:43 +0000

With Vermont’s serene landscapes that include rolling hills and mountains, sparkling lakes, and charming towns with covered bridges and quaint red barns, it’s idyllic for a romantic getaway. Every season brings something special, from the flowers that burst in the spring and the long days of summer with lively farmers’ markets to fall’s brilliant foliage and winter’s magical snowy wonderland. No matter when you plan to come, make the most of your time here with a stay at one of these hotels, which are sure to please couples of all types looking for that perfect escape in Vermont.

14 Best Hotels in Downtown Seattle, WA

K.C. Dermody — Mon, 21 Aug 2023 13:15:54 +0000

Downtown Seattle makes a great base for tourists who want to enjoy a myriad of attractions while being steps from shops and eateries. This is where you’ll find Pike Place Market and the beautiful waterfront with the Seattle Great Wheel, as well as the fantastic Seattle Art Museum and the aquarium. There are some excellent public transport options when you don’t feel like walking, including the monorail, streetcars, and light rail. When considering where to stay, these hotels are some of the best you’ll find in downtown Seattle.

12 Best Family Resorts in Northern California

K.C. Dermody — Fri, 18 Aug 2023 13:00:31 +0000

With everything from a dramatic coastline, redwood forests, soaring mountains, and sparkling lakes, Northern California has lots to offer when it comes to family vacations. Your getaway can be as relaxed or as active as you’d like, with resorts offering everything from golfing, hiking, and biking to swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. These properties, in particular, are some of the best for families in the northern part of the state, from Monterey to Yosemite and Lake Tahoe.

Top 10 Beach Hotels in Los Angeles, California

Pavlo Fedykovych — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 13:15:36 +0000

Santa Monica, Venice, and Malibu, these names are well-known and revered by beach enthusiasts. Characterized by cinematic beauty, pleasant sands, a myriad of water sports opportunities, electric local character, and plenty of gastronomic delights nearby, the oceanside neighborhoods of Los Angeles are calling for a hotel stay. Whether you’re a local looking for a quick switch from the super busy city life, or a visitor coming to catch the SoCal vibes, these top beach hotels in Los Angeles are sure to gift you with plenty of special moments next to the surf.

17 Most Romantic Getaways in Ohio

Alyssa Ochs — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 13:00:10 +0000

Among the rolling hills, peaceful lakes, enticing forests, and quaint wineries, it’s easy to find a little romance in Ohio. If you live in the Midwest and are looking for a getaway that’s not too far from home, there are plenty of options to choose from to suit your mood and budget.

For inspiration, here are some of the top romantic hotels in Ohio for your next couple’s trip.

14 Best Hotels in Downtown Austin

Alyssa Ochs — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 13:00:11 +0000

Downtown Austin is typically defined as the area where most of the city’s high-rise buildings are located and where most of the business and government offices are too. When I have visited Austin in the past, I’ve found that this is a great place to be regardless if you are here for fun with friends, sightseeing with a partner, or in town for a work event. There are numerous districts or neighborhoods that comprise downtown Austin, but as long as you are in the general vicinity, you’ll have an easy time getting around without having to deal with long commutes in this highly walkable part of town.

Here are some of the best downtown Austin hotels to choose from for your trip.

14 Uncrowded Fall Vacation Destinations in the U.S.

K.C. Dermody — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 13:30:11 +0000

Fall is my favorite season, with the cool crisp air, the fabulous aromas of cinnamon and pumpkin spice, and the brilliant fall foliage in hues of gold, red, and orange. While places like New England, the Great Smokey Mountains, and Rocky Mountain National Park are breathtaking, the popular autumn destinations also attract crazy crowds and heavy traffic congestion, something I’ve experienced more than a few times. If you’re like me and prefer to enjoy a more tranquil atmosphere, I’ve managed to scope out some of the best places for a fall getaway without the masses. These destinations not only offer breathtaking leaf-peeping but a wide range of outdoor activities from hiking to apple picking.

15 Best Airbnbs in Upstate New York

Alyssa Ochs — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 13:15:59 +0000

Throughout my travels in New York, I have discovered many unique places worth visiting beyond just New York City. There are different definitions of what constitutes “Upstate New York,” but for the purposes of this article, we’re looking at the broad geographic region that lies both north and west of the New York City metropolitan area.

If you’d like to experience the natural, rural, small-town, and mid-size city areas of the state, consider booking one of these Airbnbs in Upstate New York.

Top 10 Spa Hotels Near Denver, Colorado

K.C. Dermody — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 13:00:16 +0000

Having lived in the Denver/Boulder area for many years with family and friends still there, I visit frequently and have been able to experience quite a few spa hotels. Not only are they ideal for enhancing any trip with a good dose of relaxation, but they can make for a fabulous staycation too. Everything from pampering massages and unique treatments inspired by Rocky Mountain elements to beauty services and gorgeous pools can be enjoyed at these outstanding spa hotels.