Bucket List – 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.

12 Best Places to Experience Day of the Dead in Mexico

K.C. Dermody — Wed, 06 Sep 2023 13:15:15 +0000

While Día de Muertos, Day of the Dead, is a holiday that revolves around death, it’s not a somber affair and arguably makes Mexico one of the world’s best places to visit in November. Before I moved to Mexico, I didn’t know much about it, but this isn’t a time of mourning, rather a time to celebrate life, honoring those who have departed. It officially takes place on November 1st and 2nd, when the veil between the living and the dead is said to be thin enough that the departed can cross back over, allowing friends and families to reunite. The parties sometimes last for days and include colorful costumes, elaborate decor, music, dancing, and lots of food. While specific traditions can vary depending on the destination, it’s an important event throughout Mexico. If you want to experience Day of the Dead, these are the best places to be in the country to do it.

Top 12 Northern Lights Hotels in Norway

K.C. Dermody — Tue, 05 Sep 2023 13:00:31 +0000

Seeing the aurora borealis, the spectacular display that occurs when solar particles enter our planet’s atmosphere and emit burning gases upon impact that produce various colored lights, was on my bucket list for years. Having visited many countries in the far north during my travels, I’ve been lucky to see the northern lights many times now, and it definitely doesn’t disappoint. The further north you go and the more solar activity there is, the better, which is why visiting Norway, especially the most northern destinations, will significantly increase your chances of witnessing this breathtaking natural phenomenon. These hotels can all provide the perfect base for your getaway and the opportunity to watch without leaving the property itself.

14 Best Places to Visit in September

K.C. Dermody — Thu, 24 Aug 2023 06:51:13 +0000

September has long been one of my favorite months to travel. With the heat of summer starting to cool and tourist crowds thinning, it’s an optimal month for visiting many destinations around the world. While I’d avoid most Caribbean islands, which have one of the highest risks for tropical storms and hurricanes this time of year, there are countless others to consider. These destinations offer something for everyone as some of the best places to visit in September.

12 Best Countries to Visit in Europe

Pavlo Fedykovych — Mon, 21 Aug 2023 13:30:39 +0000

Europe is diverse, Europe is strikingly beautiful, and Europe is a cultural overload. From the sunny beaches of Greek islands to the snow-capped Alpine peaks, from the vineyards of central France to the black volcanic soil of the Spanish Canary Islands, from the picture-perfect villages of the Ligurian coast in Italy to the bucolic Slovenian countryside. This region is filled with charming small towns, beautiful national parks, underrated hidden gems, and off-the-beaten-path destinations. A whole life wouldn’t be enough to visit everything the European continent has to offer, but you can certainly try.

Here’s a suggestive list of what’s worth experiencing at this particular moment in time, country-wise. Treat it as inspirational advice rather than a merits-based list, “best” stands more for a friendly directional nod. Sustainability and eco-consciousness are taken into account too.

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.

14 Best Beach Towns in the South for Summer

K.C. Dermody — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 13:30:47 +0000

With family living in the South, I’ve spent a lot of time exploring beach towns in the region from Virginia to Florida. The perfect beach town obviously provides sand and waves, but these idyllic spots are particularly stunning while offering lots of recreational activities and mouthwatering cuisine, including plenty of fresh seafood. Some are standouts for watching wildlife like dolphins and wild ponies too. No matter which you choose, these beach towns in the South are sure to make for an unforgettable summer escape.

10 Best Things to Do in Fukuoka, Japan

Madison Dragna — Wed, 19 Jul 2023 13:00:17 +0000

Although not as popular of a destination as Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka, Fukuoka, Japan is another of the country’s metropolitan cities that is worth a visit. Massive shopping centers, scenic city parks, and ancient shrines are just a few attractions that draw travelers here. During my visit to Fukuoka, I experienced Sakura season when the cherry blossom trees were in bloom – a time of year when I highly recommend booking a trip to this Japanese city. However, these top things to do in Fukuoka, Japan are worth experiencing no matter what time of year.

Top 14 U.S. National Parks for Wildlife Viewing

K.C. Dermody — Wed, 12 Jul 2023 13:15:47 +0000

There are more than 60 national parks in the U.S. and as a lover of nature and animals, I’ve managed to check many of them off my list, from multiple parks in Alaska to the wetlands of the Everglades. National Parks can provide one of the best opportunities for observing wildlife as they protect both areas of natural beauty and the animals that live there. Far more exciting than seeing creatures at a zoo, there is nothing that can compare to marveling at them as they enjoy the freedom of the wild. From grizzlies in Alaska to dolphins and whales off the California coast, these national parks offer some of the country’s best wildlife experiences.

12 Most Beautiful Beaches in the South of France

Pavlo Fedykovych — Tue, 11 Jul 2023 13:15:01 +0000

French Riviera, or Côte d’Azur, is an iconic beach destination. For centuries it beaconed beauty-searching travelers with its pure Mediterranean allure, crystalline waters, and lush vegetation. There’s an impressive natural diversity here too. You can choose among the long paradise-looking sandy stretches, glamorous beach clubs, epic calanques, vibrant city beaches, hidden coves, and island coastlines. No matter how many times I come back, there’s always a beach to discover. Here’s a collection of the most beautiful beaches in the South of France that will make any beachgoer’s heart beat faster.

Best for Raw Beauty: Calanque de Port Pin - Marseille
Best for Urban Seaside Glamour: La Croisette Beach - Cannes
Best for Under-the-Radar Beauty: Plage Notre-Dame - Îles d'Hyères
Best for Accessible Panoramas: Calanque de Figuerolles - La Ciotat
Best for Lounging on the Sand: Pampelonne Beach - Saint-Tropez
Best for Admiring the Views: Sablettes Beach - Menton
Best for Stunning Panoramas: Mala Beach - Cap d'Ail
Best for Epic Vistas: Cabasson Beach - Bormes-les-Mimosas
Best for History Buffs: Débarquement Beach - Saint-Raphaël
Best for Active Enjoyment: Calanque d'En-Vau - Cassis
Best for Scenic City Bathing: Ponchettes Beach - Nice
Best for Unforgettable Sunsets: L'Espiguette Beach - Le Grau-du-Roi

14 Best Places to Travel in August

K.C. Dermody — Mon, 03 Jul 2023 13:00:40 +0000

In August, most places throughout the northern hemisphere will be enjoying long days with plenty of light for exploring along with warm weather. In the southern hemisphere, it’s winter, which can be ideal for certain destinations. Either way, this is a popular time to make an escape, and you’ll have plenty of great options to consider. From the Land Down Under to the Arctic Circle, consider one of these top spots for your August getaway.

12 Best Nude Beaches in Spain

Pavlo Fedykovych — Wed, 21 Jun 2023 13:30:28 +0000

If your plan is to bare it all on the beach, Spain is a perfect destination. There’s no prohibition of public nudity, you’ve got more than 8 thousand kilometers of coast, and the variety of stretches you can visit is fantastic. I have been coming to Spain for beach enjoyment annually for more than a decade now and still find superb hidden stretches and surprising spots. Topless sunbathing is technically accepted on any beach; however, to get a fully nude experience, it’s better to head to the naturist and nudist spots. And each region has its own au naturel highlights. We’ve collected the best nude beaches in Spain for you to enjoy the pure natural experience.

12 Best Places to Scuba Dive in Bali

Georgie Darling — Wed, 21 Jun 2023 13:00:19 +0000

After learning to dive in Indonesia in early 2020, I made it my mission to explore as many of the archipelago’s best diving spots as possible. And fortunately, from my home in Bali, there are plenty nearby. Bali has some of the best scuba diving opportunities in the world, with dive sites to suit all levels and a huge range of marine life to match. Indonesia sits in the Coral Triangle, an area of the ocean that supports the greatest diversity of coral species in the world, which means a dive here is always exciting. From vibrant coral reefs to elusive mola mola, endless turtles, and schools of colorful fish, read on for all the best places to scuba dive in Bali.

Kai Restaurant Shines in Comprehensive Michelin, Forbes and AAA Analysis

Noah Holtgraves — Tue, 20 Jun 2023 12:48:17 +0000

Credit: Kai Restaurant

Kai Restaurant in Phoenix, Arizona

Phoenix, Arizona, far from the bustling culinary capitals of New York or San Francisco, is the unexpected location of a rising star in fine dining. Nestled in the mesmerizing desert landscapes, Kai Restaurant, a beacon of gastronomic brilliance, is breaking boundaries, earning high praise and prestigious recognition in a groundbreaking study of the nation’s finest dining establishments.

Kai Restaurant, elegantly set in the tranquil backdrop of Wild Horse Pass, is lauded by experts for its seamless fusion of Native American traditions with international culinary influences.

This haven of culinary excellence, recognized with 5-Star honors from Forbes Travel Guide and a perfect Five-Diamond rating from the American Automobile Association (AAA), has defied expectations, securing its spot among the top ten award-winning dining establishments in the United States.

“In form and function, Kai Restaurant’s menu is unlike any you’ve seen before,” according to Forbes.

Part of a more extensive study analyzing top-rated Michelin Guide and Forbes star-rated and AAA Diamond award winners, Kai Restaurant scored a remarkable 4.71 out of 5 Customer Review Score based on a statistically weighted analysis of over 800 reviews. The weighted analysis considers the review score and the total number of reviews for each restaurant on Google and TripAdvisor. Even when Kai was subject to a weighted analysis, its slender review tally is so overwhelmingly positive that it outshines countless award-winning restaurants with a significantly higher number of reviews. Kai’s unparalleled review score propelled it to the crème de la crème of Michelin, Forbes, and AAA award-winning restaurants.

Credit: Kai

Kai in Phoenix, Arizona

The second analysis in our more extensive study was a qualitative review sentiment analysis conducted by using natural language processing to analyze customer reviews and explore the feelings, emotions and nuanced points of view expressed by patrons of Kai Restaurant. This analysis provides valuable insights into the overall sensation surrounding the restaurant’s dining experiences.

The sentiment analysis of Kai’s latest reviews reveals a tapestry of effusive praise. Guests describe their experiences as “exceptional” and “one-of-a-kind,” highlighting the restaurant’s ability to captivate and enthrall. Patrons describe the harmonious and intimate ambiance, set against the backdrop of Wild Horse Pass, as adding an extra layer of enchantment to every meal. Even though reservations can be tricky, according to the analysis, Kai’s impeccable, exquisitely plated and presented creations continue to command spotlights from culinary experts and customers alike.

In a world where culinary excellence often seems synonymous with bustling metropolises, Kai Restaurant in Phoenix, Arizona, stands tall as a testament to the power of exceptional cuisine in unexpected places. By seamlessly blending Native American traditions with global inspirations, Kai has crafted a dining experience that transcends geographical boundaries and leaves a lasting impression on all who enjoy dining there. So, if you find yourself in the heart of the desert, prepare to be whisked away on a gastronomic adventure like no other at Kai Restaurant.

Editor’s Note: Kai will be closed during the Summer of 2023 from July 2nd through August 15th.
Website: Kai Restaurant
Address: 5594 W Wild Horse Pass Blvd., Phoenix, AZ 85048

14 Best Things to Do in London with Kids

K.C. Dermody — Wed, 14 Jun 2023 13:00:28 +0000

During my over 20 years of travel, I’ve visited London many times, including trips with kids in tow. One of my favorite cities, it offers plenty of adults and children alike, from the chance to discover haunting history at the eerily fascinating Tower of London to entering the world of Harry Potter and playing in beautiful parks. There is simply so much fun to be had that no list of things to do with kids in London could possibly include every attraction and activity, but you’ll definitely want to put at least some of these options on your itinerary.

Experts and Customers Agree: America’s Top Michelin, Forbes, and AAA Restaurants

Noah Holtgraves — Wed, 14 Jun 2023 12:44:42 +0000

Discover the best award-winning U.S. restaurants that captivate culinary experts and customers alike. In a comprehensive two-part analysis of 64 highest-ranking restaurants recognized by the Michelin Guide, Forbes Travel Guide, and American Automobile Association (AAA) Diamond Awards, I bring you the country’s 10 highest customer-rated award-winning restaurants.

Through statistical and qualitative review sentiment analysis, I uncovered the most exalted experiences and highest-praised features that set these restaurants apart. My investigation even found the most commonly leveled criticisms of these gastronomic behemoths. Join me in delving into this epicurean journey as we explore the culinary prowess behind these crowned dining destinations.

Here is everything you will learn on this page:

Fun Facts: Award-Winning Restaurants
Roster: The 10 Best U.S. Award-Winning Restaurants
Visualizations: The Best U.S. Michelin, Forbes, and AAA Restaurants
Methodology

Fun Facts: Award-Winning Restaurants

Gourmet Grand Slam: 10 U.S. restaurants scored what I call a Gourmet Grand Slam 🏆 for acing all three guides; four are also fan favorites!
Michelin Magic: Michelin Star restaurants top all other award-winning gastronomies, clinching the highest ratings, averaging 4.5 on TripAdvisor and Google.
Full House: All ten restaurants are AAA Diamonds, seven are Forbes Star-Rated, and just four are Michelin-Starred.
King California: California is home to 23% of all U.S. Michelin, Forbes, and AAA top-rated restaurants, surpassing New York by two establishments.
Chef Star Power: Charleston restaurant’s Chef Cindy Wolf has the highest Chef Star Power, with the most mentions by name in customer reviews.
Happiest Customers: Victoria & Albert’s customers are most content, placing #1 in customer ratings and boasting an unmatched proportion of positive reviews.
Consistently Excellent: #1 for review count, Le Bernardin, with 6,354 Google and TripAdvisor reviews, boasts a 4.72 review score demonstrating supreme consistency.

Roster: The 10 Best U.S. Award-Winning Restaurants

This article utilizes two types of analysis to evaluate 3-Star Michelin, Five-Star Forbes, and AAA Five-Diamond-designated restaurants — a statistical and qualitative review sentiment analysis. The statistical analysis examines customer review counts and ratings from Google and TripAdvisor to calculate a weighted score I call the Customer Review Score. On the other hand, the qualitative review sentiment analysis of the restaurants with the highest Customer Review Scores extracts feelings, emotions, and nuanced points of view from customer reviews through natural language processing. Combined, these two analyses provide a powerful understanding of customer satisfaction and a holistic evaluation of the highest-rated establishments in the country.

While being featured on multiple guides did not grant restaurants additional points, we acknowledge and celebrate those that appear on Michelin, Forbes, and AAA guides simultaneously by recognizing them as a Gourmet Grand Slam 🏆.

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Visualizations: The Best U.S. Michelin, Forbes, and AAA-Rated Restaurants

Here is a table and a map of the ten highest customer-rated award-winning restaurants in the U.S.

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Methodology

Independent: My data analysis research is conducted with independence and impartiality to ensure the integrity of the findings. My research is editorially independent, but Trips to Discover may earn a commission for any purchases made through links on this page.

Preliminary Research: I gathered a list of restaurants in the U.S. from the 2023 AAA Five Diamond Restaurant Awards list, the 2023 Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Restaurant Award Winners, and the 2023 list of 3-Star Michelin Restaurants. Between all three award systems, 64 unique restaurants remained. I sought to explore which of these restaurants, acknowledged by experts as the best, are the favorites among customers who dine there.

Data Extraction: These rankings are based on an analysis of 87,171 restaurant reviews for the 64 restaurants between Google and TripAdvisor. Google and TripAdvisor review scores and rating counts for all 64 restaurants were collected on 5/11/23 (4:05-4:43 PM MT) and 5/15/23 (10:05-10:30 AM MT), respectively. At the same time, I extracted the food, service, value, and atmosphere ratings on TripAdvisor and factored into my analysis.

Statistical Analysis Techniques: I used a proprietary ranking formula that, at its core, uses a weighted score analysis using a Bayesian average rating method to weigh each restaurant’s number of TripAdvisor and Google reviews against its average TripAdvisor and Google score separately. I call this the Lox Score in honor of the study it was first created for. We collected and utilized over 87,000 reviews between the 64 restaurants. Scores are on a 5-point scale. I then combined the TripAdvisor (40%) and Google (40%) Lox Scores with the TripAdvisor food (11%), service (3%), value (3%), and atmosphere (3%) scores into one weighted average “Customer Review Score” (CRS) also on a 5-point scale. My rankings are based on the ten restaurants, out of 64 total, with the highest CRS scores.

Qualitative Review Sentiment Analysis: Individual restaurant descriptions were created through qualitative review sentiment analysis using text mining methods and natural language processing. I used Outscrapper, a data-scrapping tool, to gather the most recent 50 customer reviews for each restaurant from Google and TripAdvisor. I used GPT-4 to conduct a qualitative review sentiment analysis of the 50 latest reviews for each restaurant focusing on various perspectives such as what sets the restaurant apart for customers, shared benefits and drawbacks for patrons, and essential decision-making factors for those who choose to dine there. All AI-generated analyses were thoroughly cross-checked for accuracy. Then I wrote the ultimate qualitative summary for each restaurant based on the information contained in the AI-generated qualitative review sentiment analysis.

Replicability: All the data used for this project is publicly available for study replication. The 64 restaurants are on the AAA, Forbes, and Michelin websites. All 64 restaurants are located on Google Maps and TripAdvisor, where you can identify review scores, counts and food, service, value and atmosphere ratings.

Contact Us: If you need assistance building a similar project or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me at noah@tripstodiscover.com, and I can walk you through the process.

Data: You can download the data behind my analysis, including all 64 Michelin, AAA, or Forbes top-rated restaurants with their Google and TripAdvisor review scores and numbers at the time of this analysis, including our statistical calculations here in Google Sheets. This workbook also contains the other six Gourmet Grand Slams (top-rated by Michelin, Forbes, and AAA). You will additionally find the 500 restaurant review samples used for my sentiment analysis in that workbook without personally identifying information. I have also removed all proprietary calculations from the books. You can view the raw GPT qualitative sentiment analysis based on these 500 reviews here in Google Docs; however, I am choosing to withhold the valuable and meticulously crafted GPT prompts used to create these analyses. Please feel free to use or share this data with whoever may find this helpful — I ask that your purposes are noncommercial and that you link back to this page so I can receive proper credit for my work.

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11 Best Things to Do in Bali When it Rains

Georgie Darling — Tue, 13 Jun 2023 13:00:08 +0000

Having spent the best part of three years in Bali, Indonesia, I’ve become well-versed in all of the best things to do on the Island of the Gods. And, while most Bali daydreams feature blue skies and endless sunshine, it’s worth noting that this part of Indonesia has a pretty hefty rainy season. But Bali is still worth visiting between November and March – you’ll just want to plan your trip accordingly to make the most of the weather outside.

Visit during this time for cheaper accommodation, less crowded restaurants and hotels, and smaller, more curated group trips as you explore the island. Read on for all of the best things to do in Bali during the rainy season!

Top 11 Harry Potter Hotels & Accommodations Around the World

Madison Dragna — Wed, 07 Jun 2023 13:15:13 +0000

No matter if you’re a witch, wizard, or muggle obsessed with Harry Potter and the Wizarding World, these hotels and accommodations around the world will make for an unforgettable travel experience. From multi-room homes to quaint hotel stays, there is accommodation on this list for all types of travelers. These unique Harry Potter hotels and vacation rentals around the world have vintage furniture, gothic decor, and Hogwarts-inspired interiors, making them a must-visit for Harry Potter fans.

12 Best Hidden Gems in Croatia (According to a Travel Expert)

K.C. Dermody — Wed, 07 Jun 2023 13:00:24 +0000

As a travel writer who has visited Croatia more than once, I’ve explored the country’s top attractions, as well as many of its lesser-known jewels. It’s home to multiple world-famous destinations that attract countless tourists, including Old City Dubrovnik, Plitvice Lakes National Park, and glamourous Hvar Town with its renowned nightlife on the island of Hvar. While those places are well worth visiting, if you want to avoid the thick crowds, there are plenty of hidden gems that most outsiders don’t know about. From a unique museum, a magnificent castle, and a cave to lesser-known islands and waterfalls, discover some of these treasures for an especially memorable trip.

World’s 14 Best Hot Spring Destinations

K.C. Dermody — Thu, 25 May 2023 13:00:53 +0000

As an avid traveler who has visited over 40 countries to date, one of my favorite things to do is visit hot springs. Growing up, we often traveled to the top spots and quite a few hidden gems across the U.S. to enjoy them. There’s really nothing like relaxing in soothing warm waters while surrounded by incredible scenery. Since then, I’ve been fortunate to have explored many outside of the country too, with these destinations my favorite for an unforgettable soak.