Tag Vacation

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Last Updated 4 months ago

Set on the beautiful shores of the Atlantic lies a lesser-known beach town conveniently located between the fun-filled city of Orlando and the glitz and glamour of Palm Beach.

Home to luxe beach resorts along gorgeous waters, the spotlight is beginning to shine brighter as it forges its path, emerging as Florida’s new “it” destination.

To back up this claim, one budget airline is betting big on this sunny destination this summer, holding monopoly status as the only carrier serving this pint-sized airport…for now.

The town isn’t much bigger, but what vacationers get in return proves once and for all size doesn’t matter.

Savings + luxury = the perfect vacation if you ask me!

With new direct flights and lavish resorts, Vero Beach is destined to become Florida’s new vacation hotspot.

Florida’s Hidden Gem: Vero Beach Is Late To The Party

There are a plethora of beaches along the Atlantic in neighboring states well worth visiting, but Florida is always the leader of the pack.

Even Orlando, an inland city an hour away from the nearest beach, sees hordes of tourists, so it’s not all about the beaches.

In Vero Beach, however, there are 26 miles of gorgeous coastline with far fewer tourists than Orlando, Miami, all the Caribbean-esque beaches near Tampa, and any other trendy beach town your mind can muster.

In other words, Vero Beach is late to the party, but better to arrive fashionably late than to never show up at all.

Vero Beach does show up dressed to impress with vivid blues and greens and a mix of soft white or golden sand, depending on where you are along the shoreline.

This small, inviting beach town is laying down its welcome mat in preparation for more tourists despite Vero Beach Regional Airport (VRB) not having much success.

Multiple airlines ceased operations over the years, to no fault or lack of appeal of Vero. I mean, have you heard of Eastern Air Lines? Not exactly a household name…

Breeze Airways, one of America’s newest low-cost carriers, plans to change that. And so far, so good.

In fact, it’s the only airline that serves VRB at all.

Breeze’s 5 Routes To Vero Beach

East Coasters get first dibs taking a crack at Vero Beach. Launching their first VRB flight in early 2023, the network has grown evermore to 5 routes thus far.

Obviously, Vero Beach has been a hit, unlike other budget airlines that dip their toes in the water too quickly only to pull out at the drop of a hat. (*cough, cough. Frontier…)

The latest was announced last week—a nonstop flight from Newburgh, NY (SWF), one of New York City’s handful of alternative airports.

Speaking of, Long Island/Islip (ISP) and White Plains (HPN) also serve VRB.

That leaves Providence, Rhode Island (PVD) and Hartford, Connecticut (BDL) to round out the 5 routes.

Breeze offers promotions frequently, including the new Newburgh – Vero Beach route on sale right now as low as $99 the week it launches November 21, 2024.

Lavish Beach Resorts Without The Crowds

Sure, you could spend your paycheck at Disney World or splurge on the finer things in life in Palm Beach, but about half between lies Vero Beach – typically more affordable, yet still a luxurious beach vacation spot.

Disney World can be a blast, but your bank account will take a pounding! Try sticking to a $250 per day budget, especially with kiddos—good luck!

But did you know Vero Beach actually makes for the perfect Disney World alternative? That’s right.

You may not be aware of Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, where rooms average a smidge over $250 per day.

Rather than have the soundtrack to your life of screaming roller-coaster-riding kids all day, what about a Disney hotel nestled upon an idyllic beach on sea turtle nesting grounds?

Talk about A Whole New World…

To level up even more, especially without the kiddos, name-brand resorts such as the posh Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel & Spa got you covered, among other paradisal beachfront stays:

• Costa d’Este Beach Resort & Spa
• The Caribbean Court Boutique Hotel
• Prestige Hotel Vero Beach

Dolphins, Manatees, And Birds, Oh My!

Lastly, vacationers in Vero Beach would be doing themselves a disservice by not visiting the surrounding Indian River Lagoon.

Outdoor enthusiasts will love renting a paddleboard or kayak along the scenic waterways, which are teeming with opportunities to spot wildlife, especially dolphins, manatees, and a variety of bird species.

For those who don’t want to put in work on vacation (understandably so!), fun boat tours are also an option ranging from tiki boats to private guides.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 30 countries and written over 400 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.

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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

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Last Updated 1 year ago

This last summer season saw a notable influx of tourists choosing to spend their holiday cruising along gorgeous coastlines. 

However, what some might have perceived as a seasonal trend is, in fact, an enduring phenomenon that shows no signs of going away any time soon.

Here are the top 5 reasons why Americans are still favoring cruising over other types of travel this fall:

Great Value For The Money

One of the main reasons why cruises continue to rise in popularity is that they offer excellent value. This is especially true of longer, more distant travels.

Let’s take a practical example. 

A 7-day cruise, which departs from Miami and covers four destinations in the Caribbean, currently starts at $529 per person – this includes travel and lodging.

On the flip side, say you were to book a flight from Miami to just one of the destinations the cruise covers.

In this case, let’s assume you’re going to the Bahamas since it’s one of the most popular destinations for American travelers.

The cheapest two-way ticket (per person) right now goes at $262.

Though airfare prices have dropped this shoulder season, remember that you’ll still have to account for lodging expenses for a one-week stay.

Once in the Bahamas, you’ll find that the average hotel will set you back $150 a night. While it is possible to find accommodation that costs less than $100 a night, the 7-night total will still trump the $529 you’d pay on a cruise.

Since our hypothetical vacation is one week long, let’s also account for food and drink expenses. 

Most cruises will charge an extra $200-$400 for unlimited drinks and food credit. Let’s assume a $300 average – that boils down to a $43 daily food budget, which is far cheaper than what you’d spend if you were to eat in cafes and restaurants close to your destination of choice.

When you combine the notable price difference with the ease and flexibility that cruises provide, it’s clear why so many travelers consider them to be the best bang for their buck.

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Easy To Plan

Most travelers have just finished dealing with the logistics of their tropical beach getaways and are looking forward to an even more hectic winter season – when it comes to planning their fall vacation, there’s just not that much mental space left. 

Most cruises come with all-inclusive packages you don’t have to think much about.

Once you choose the line you want, the planning process is pretty much over. The extra time and freedom encourage you to sit back and enjoy your time off rather than obsess over your itinerary.

Packing and unpacking is also a breeze since you’ll only be doing it once.

If you were to fly to three or four destinations in the span of a week, organizing your belongings every time you move would surely take over your sightseeing time.

Greater Variety

Cruises are nothing if not time-efficient.

They get you to 4, 5, or even more destinations in the span of a week, something that’s near-impossible to achieve through any other means of transportation.

Since most travelers want to experience as much as possible during their trips, taking a cruise is a great way to do that with minimal time and effort. 

While it’s true that cruises are far less flexible than other types of travel, seeing as the itinerary is set in stone, the fear that once you set foot in the vessel you can’t get out until the end is usually unfounded.

Some cruises may allow you to jump on or off at ports other than their original set-off point, as long as you let the staff know beforehand.

However, always make sure to read your specific line’s policies or, better yet, contact the staff beforehand to ensure that’s actually the case.

Lastly, some cruises have a reputation for being too wild or, at the other end of the spectrum, too sedate.

The truth of the matter is that there’s a cruise for every type of traveler; you’ll just have to do some due diligence and find one that matches your energy.

A Sense Of Community

Those who strive for a sense of community during their travels will find themselves right at home on a cruise. 

Traveling with like-minded people and sharing the same experiences fosters a bond that can’t be replicated through any other type of vacation. 

Scenic Views

A good fall trip ultimately revolves around the gorgeous views you get to see this time of year, and the scenery you get to enjoy on a cruise is just unmatched. If you’re cruising somewhere the seasons change, the ocean is mesmerizing, the sunsets are to die for, and once you get a glimpse of the stunning landscape draped in golden leaves, it’ll take your breath away.

If you’re still not sure whether taking a cruise this fall season will be worth it, we recommend booking a shorter trip of 3-4 days to see how you like it. 

That way, the financial and time commitment will be minimal. In the end, if you’re left feeling like the trip was too short, you know what to do the next time you have some time off.

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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

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Last Updated 2 years ago

Headed to an all-inclusive paradise for a week (or two!) sometime soon? Whether you’re headed to Punta Cana, the latest resort in Cancun, or jetting off to Jamaica, here are some essential travel items to pack in your suitcase for your next all-inclusive vacation.

1. Quick Dry Beach Towel

Tired of those bulky hotel towels that just soak up all of the sand? For your next all-inclusive (or just about any type of getaway) consider investing in a quick-dry beach towel.

This must-carry travel item is truly gem: it packs super light, it dries quickly and efficiently, AND there are so many on the market right now that are sand proof! With just a few shakes, the sand is off of your towel so you don’t end up carrying the whole beach with you back to your hotel.

2. Shampoo & Body Bars

Shampoo bars, conditioner bars, soap bars, moisturizing bars, all the bars. Save yourself the extra stress when it comes to packing liquids in your carry-on and pack a small plastic bag of soap solids for your next all-inclusive vacation. Because each airline is different, it’s hard to know the amount of liquids that you’re allowed to carry on board with you, so soap and shampoo bars with not only save you some room in your luggage but you won’t run the risk of getting them confiscated when you’re going through security.

It’s much easier nowadays to head to a local shop and find homemade bars with simple ingredients, so let’s normalize these low-waste wonders for all future travel packing lists.

3. Bluetooth Speaker

This tech item is quickly becoming one of the top travel must-haves for 2022. You can’t go wrong with a bluetooth speaker to take with you to the beach or for when you’re just chilling in your hotel room.

If you plan to spend lots of time poolside and at the beach, take things to the next level and purchase a waterproof bluetooth speaker; one with an IPX8 rating means that it will still be protected even if it’s been submerged in water.

4. Probiotic Drops

Travel sickness is real, but there are ways to combat it. A classic travel hack that I have is to always make sure my gut is filled with some of that good bacteria before a trip; this will limit my risk of getting sick while on the road.

One easy way to do this is to eat a serving or two of yogurt the few days leading up to your trip. But if you want to take some protection on your all-inclusive vacation with you, these probiotic drops are a must! 10 drops of a liquid concentrate with water or juice (I recommend juice – the taste is really bitter!) is a great way to prepare your stomach for a new environment filled with new food and drink.

5. Carry-On Suitcase

With all of the luggage nightmares happening nowadays, it’s safe to say that traveling carry-on only is the way to go in 2022. If you want to avoid the stress of dealing with baggage loss or delays for your vacation, invest in one amazing carry-on suitcase that will be by your side for years.

Remember that the standard luggage size for most airlines is approximately 55 x 40 x 23 cm/ 21.5 x 15.7 x 9 in (maximum) so make sure your wheelie suitcase or backpack fits those dimensions.

6. Reef Safe Sunscreen

With more chemical-based sunscreens being banned in popular travel destinations (such as Hawaii), it’s a pretty safe bet to start shopping for your new favorite sunscreen that is zinc oxide based. Lots of mineral and coral reef-safe sunscreens come in reusable tins, so they will be easy to pack for your all-inclusive getaway.

Brands like Thinksport also have effective, reef-safe sunscreens for the whole family (baby, kids, adults) that are available in carry-on sizes, so these are a new travel must-have.

7. Travel Citronella Candle

Balmy tropical climates often come with mosquitoes, so if you don’t want your vacation ruined by swatting those annoying pests 24/7, consider bringing a travel-friendly citronella candle with you on your next all-inclusive vacation. Throw a few in your luggage that have a cover so that they will be easy and safe to carry around. You can light it up while you’re relaxing on the deck in the evening to help keep those mosquitoes at bay.

8. Beach Bag

A perfect personal item to pair with your carry-on luggage is a beach bag for your all-inclusive.

Pack all of your daily must-haves in here (sand-proof towel, water bottle, sunscreen, speaker) for your beach days or afternoons spent lounging by the pool.

9. Travel Adapter

An all-in-one travel adapter will always come in handy for a trip – it’s small and easy to throw into your carry-on, and you’ll never know when you might need it.

Whether you’re on an all-inclusive in Greece or Phuket, you’ll be able to charge your devices safely with this little travel adapter. You can buy them at the airport or at your nearest drug store.

10. Reusable Water Bottle

Not only will a travel water bottle save you money at the airport (hello $5 bottles of water), bringing a reusable water bottle for an all-inclusive vacation is a great way to carry around your favorite drinks while keeping them cool. Whether you plan on using it for your iced coffee or a beach cocktail, a reusable water bottle is an essential packing list item.

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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.