Alyssa Ochs – Trips To Discover

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.

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.

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.

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.

11 Best Spa Hotels in Atlanta, Georgia

Alyssa Ochs — Fri, 11 Aug 2023 13:15:18 +0000

When I lived in Atlanta, I would occasionally plan spa days with my best friend to treat ourselves and get a much-needed break from stressful days. But even if you don’t live in the city, you can plan a spa-themed vacation at a local hotel and feel totally pampered.

Here are the best spa hotels in Atlanta to help you plan a trip. Whether you crave a massage, pedicure, facial, hydrotherapy treatment, or aromatherapy, the spas at these luxury hotels will leave you feeling amazing.

15 Most Romantic Getaways in Arkansas

Alyssa Ochs — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 13:15:14 +0000

From my camper travels throughout the American South, I can attest that Arkansas is an underrated destination for romantic getaways. There are so many peaceful places in the state to disconnect from technology, experience the beauty of nature, and spend time with someone special without all of the distractions of normal life.

To start planning your next trip as a couple, consider booking one of these romantic hotels for your home base in Arkansas.

13 Coolest Boutique Hotels in Austin, Texas

Alyssa Ochs — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 13:00:56 +0000

During my past travels to Austin, I have stayed in Airbnbs, hotels, and campgrounds, but something that the city is particularly known for is its boutique hotels. Boutique hotels are small, stylish hotels, usually in urban locations, which have distinctive personalities and offer intimate experiences. Many people love the vibe of boutique hotels because of the personalized service and opportunity to get to know a new place like a local resident. This is especially true if you are planning a romantic getaway with your partner or fun girls’ trip with friends to Austin.

To inspire your next fashionable stay in the city, here are some of the coolest boutique hotels to choose from in Austin, Texas.

14 Best Wellness Retreats in Florida

Alyssa Ochs — Mon, 07 Aug 2023 13:00:21 +0000

On a whim, I recently took myself on a long weekend solo trip for a yoga, meditation, and wellness retreat near the Colorado/New Mexico border. To say the experience was life-changing would be an understatement, as I truly felt like a better and healthier person with a sense of inspiration and motivation that I’d been craving for a long time. This weekend prompted me to look into future wellness retreats to keep that momentum going, whether at scheduled events close to home or farther away as new vacation destinations.

Florida, for example, is a prime spot for wellness-seekers, and here are some examples of wellness retreats in Florida that may interest you too.

Top 11 Airbnbs in Manhattan, New York City

Alyssa Ochs — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 13:00:57 +0000

Manhattan is the New York City borough that most first-time travelers to the city start exploring because of all the famous landmarks and attractions here, including Times Square, Central Park, and the Empire State Building. When I visited Manhattan in the past, I typically stayed at hotels and hostels. But there are also some Airbnb vacation rentals available if you would rather stay in an apartment, condo, or room inside a private residence.

Here are some top-rated Airbnbs in Manhattan to consider for a unique and comfortable stay in the city.

Top 12 Airbnbs in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Alyssa Ochs — Thu, 03 Aug 2023 13:00:10 +0000

Several years ago, I went on a girls’ weekend getaway to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina with my best friend. Hilton Head Island was a beautiful place to visit, with beaches, amazing restaurants, and high-end shops to browse. There are plenty of luxury, full-service resorts in this area, but you can also book an Airbnb to perhaps save some money or get a more local vibe.

From condos to vacation homes, bungalows, and villas, here are some of the top Airbnbs that are available to book on Hilton Head Island.

Top 9 Airbnbs in Downtown Chicago, Illinois

Alyssa Ochs — Wed, 02 Aug 2023 13:15:53 +0000

I spent many years living in Chicago and getting to know the diverse neighborhoods throughout the city. When I had friends or family visit, most of them stayed with me, other people they knew, or in hotels. Vacation rental homes can be challenging to come by in Chicago, especially if you have a tight budget or want more than just a room in someone else’s house to rent.

However, there are some highly rated Airbnbs to consider in downtown Chicago so that you can be in the middle of all the action, including the following options.

Top 12 National Parks Near Las Vegas

Alyssa Ochs — Wed, 02 Aug 2023 13:00:00 +0000

I recently got back from a girls’ weekend getaway trip to Las Vegas that was filled with the quintessential pool parties, nightclubs, and wandering around The Strip with a drink in hand at all times. It was lots of fun, but deep down, I’m an outdoorsy traveler who couldn’t wait to get back to my passions of hiking and spending time out in nature. Next time I head to Vegas (for my own sanity and budget!), I plan to incorporate a bit more balance into my trip by doing a side trip to a nearby park!

Here are the best national parks near Las Vegas that you might be interested in checking out too on an extended trip. All of these parks are within eight hours’ driving distance of Las Vegas and listed in order of closest to farthest away.

Top 15 Family Getaways in New York State

Alyssa Ochs — Mon, 31 Jul 2023 13:30:05 +0000

When I think about places that I have traveled to and where I also want to take my son someday, New York is at the top of the list. This is a geographically diverse place with America’s largest city, impressive natural wonders, fall foliage drives, and lots of opportunities for family fun.

Whether you live in this part of the country or are looking for a unique trip with the kids, here are some of the top family getaways in New York to choose from.

12 Fun Things to Do in Ruidoso, New Mexico

Alyssa Ochs — Mon, 31 Jul 2023 13:00:58 +0000

Since moving to New Mexico, one of my favorite places to visit has been Ruidoso. This is an outdoorsy mountain town that is surrounded by natural beauty and outdoor recreation while having a cute downtown area and some fun local attractions too. If you want to experience a unique side of New Mexico outside the popular cities of Albuquerque and Santa Fe, check out these top things to do in Ruidoso.

16 Most Romantic Getaways in North Carolina

Alyssa Ochs — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 13:15:52 +0000

During my travels along the East Coast, I found that North Carolina has some of the most romantic destinations anywhere in the world. From the mountains to the beaches, forests, and eclectic towns, this is a fun area to plan a weekend or weeklong escape with someone special.

To help map your route and establish a home base, here are some of the most romantic getaway hotels to stay at in North Carolina.

14 Most Romantic Getaways in Wisconsin

Alyssa Ochs — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 13:15:19 +0000

As a native Midwesterner, I often took weekend trips in Wisconsin to spend time outdoors in nature and explore the unique towns. I also found that there are lots of great areas throughout the state for romantic getaways if you are looking to plan something special for your partner.

A perfect couple’s trip starts with a lovely place to stay, so here are some hotel and resort ideas for romantic getaways in Wisconsin.

Top 13 Airbnbs in San Juan, Puerto Rico

Alyssa Ochs — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 13:15:58 +0000

San Juan was my first “home base” when I traveled to Puerto Rico, as it is with many vacationers since this is where the island’s major airport is located. Although there are lots of other cities, beaches, and rural areas to visit, it’s worth exploring San Juan for at least a couple of days before moving on with your trip.

For your stay in the city, here are some of the top Airbnbs in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Top 14 Things to Do on Mackinac Island, Michigan

Alyssa Ochs — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 13:00:37 +0000

While growing up in Illinois, one of my favorite places to go for a family vacation was Mackinac Island. This unique Michigan destination is famous for being a car-free island where you get around on bikes or by horse-drawn carriage while indulging in homemade fudge and saltwater taffy with gorgeous natural landscapes in the background. It’s a lovely choice for both family trips and romantic getaways because it feels like taking a step back in time and embracing a bit of nostalgia, even if only for the weekend.

Here are some of the top things to do on Mackinac Island when you have an opportunity to visit.