With prettier-than-a-picture countrysides, cliff-lined coasts under the watchful beams of centuries-old lighthouses, and countless small towns to stumble upon, New England is a region that merits a lifetime of getaways, weekend or otherwise. Whether you’re looking for a quick escape from the city or a romantic trip, here are 20 of the best weekend getaways in New England.
Posts from: February 4, 2024
It’s been too many minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, and perhaps years since you’ve last put away your troubles and set off for a few days away with your most beloved girlfriends. It’s time to reunite, reminisce, and make new memories together that will last a lifetime. Be it a bachelorette party, a birthday event, or just a weekend away for no reason at all, taking a trip with your best gals simply defines the word joy.
Conservation vacations are ecological travel that may include volunteer work and education designed to support environmental, community, or animal projects. These trips couple eco-friendly travel accommodations with kid-friendly nature experiences.
On my conservation vacation, I watched a little girl with mud on her head, mud on her back, mud oozing between her toes. As she plopped herself into the heart of a deep, gloopy puddle of dirt, the sloppy rainfall of chocolate-colored droplets elicited grunts of delight.
Luckily, the girl I was watching wasn’t my daughter, but a rescued 3-year-old elephant living in pachyderm delight at Thailand’s Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp. This 2-ton toddler was having the time of her life in the muddy depths, and I had a front-row seat of her sloppy hijinks from my Jungle Bubble room, an eco-friendly, transparent dome.
My trip watching rescued Asian elephants frolic in the jungle was unique, but I’m not the only one seeking this kind of eco-friendly adventure. The desire to find off-the-beaten-track and immersive eco vacations for families continues to grow as our knowledge of environmental impact increases.
It’s no surprise that many parents are choosing eco-friendly destinations and resorts that fall into the categories of safe, sustainable, and ethical for their family vacations. Some families are even heading off the grid a bit for cleaner environments and to support local economies.
Read on to learn about conservation vacations, including seven top destinations for families.
What’s a Conservation Vacation?
Sustainable travel is more than just accommodations and transportation. Conservation vacations take into account travel experiences that educate and challenge visitors to rethink everyday habits and develop greener practices when they return home. And they come with their share of unique benefits, including:
The opportunity to observe animals live in peace in their natural environmentRaising awareness of ecological issuesRaising money to continue conservation efforts and help local communitiesImmersive experiences that are childhood gold
In a 2023 Sustainable Travel report from Booking.com, 80% of respondents said traveling more sustainably was important to them. But 44% of travelers said they didn’t know where to find sustainable options. Slightly more than half of travelers (53%) said climate change had made them consider more sustainable travel choices.
California mom Jessica B. says her son was transformed after his time with the elephants at the Golden Triangle, and he was visibly more relaxed and happy. And now that they’re back at home, he’s been focused on raising money for ecological causes and volunteering to help with conservation activities. That’s a win-win if ever we’ve heard one.
Anantara
Top Kid-Friendly Conservation Vacations
Ready to book your first (or next) conservation vacation as a family? Here are a few great options starting with visiting the Golden Triangle elephants.
For more information on conservation travel, Impact Travel Social Club and Sustainable Travel International offer detailed insights into sustainable travel.
Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp, Thailand
The elephants at the Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp aren’t wild. However, you wouldn’t know from watching them frolic in the dense jungle or throwing trunkfuls of water at each other in the Mekong River. Half of the more than 7,000 elephants that live in Thailand are captive, the result of generations used as beasts of burden in the logging industry until it was outlawed in 1989.
After that, elephants became attractions, giving rides in the heat of urban Bangkok (picture multiple elephants being prodded through Times Square) and working under poor conditions in circuses. This all changed when conservation groups such as The Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation (GTAEF) found ways to move these elephants back into wild areas.
The result: The opportunity for your family to walk with 20 of the happiest elephants you’ve ever seen. Since many of them are so used to humans, you can actually pet and hand-feed the massive pachyderms as part of Walking With Giants activities. The activities are all done under the guidance of trained mahouts (local elephant experts who depend on tourism to support their communities). There’s no elephant-riding here, ever.
Four Seasons Resort Nevis, Nevis
Courtesy of Four Seasons Resort Nevis
Families who love sea turtles and marine conservation may want to head to Nevis, a scenic and charming Caribbean island, and stay at the Four Seasons Resort Nevis. The hotel has worked to protect the endangered sea turtles that nest on its beaches and support research and education that helps the population thrive.
Why does that matter? Sea turtles are a keystone species, which means they play a critical role in the ocean ecosystem. (Our planet depends on ocean health!) They are one of the very few animals to help maintain the health of seagrass beds that so many other species need to thrive.
Sea turtles also provide nutrients to dunes and beaches and help keep the jellyfish population down. At the hotel, vacationers can get up close and personal with the island’s sea turtles, whether they experience the Sea Turtle Summer Camp or simply go snorkeling.
“For more than 15 years, Four Seasons Resort Nevis has been dedicated to the conservation of sea turtles that inhabit the waters of Nevis and nest on its beaches,” says Yvette Thomas-Henry, the hotel’s regional vice president and general manager. “Our partnership with the Sea Turtle Conservancy and Nevis Turtle Group has aimed to educate and create awareness about protecting these beautiful sea creatures through a joint program that helps researchers study the migration patterns of the endangered species that nest on our shores.”
And if your kid falls in love with sea turtles, they can engage with the species back home by tracking tagged sea turtles online through the Sea Turtle Conservancy’s satellite tracking.
Bald Head Island, North Carolina
Over 10,000 acres of the 12,000-acre Bald Head Island (BHI) are permanently protected marshes, tidal creeks, and ancient maritime forests overseen by the Bald Head Island Conservancy. For family vacationers, it means the opportunity to take an incredible kayak or paddleboard trips through the marsh while looking for birds (BHI is an Audubon Important Bird Area) or taking nature walks through the pristine maritime forest.
The Conservancy also offers programming for families and kids of all ages, including Turtle Walks, as part of its Sea Turtle Protection Program. Walks typically start in early June and run nightly through August. If you’re lucky, you may witness one of these giant creatures crawling onto the beach, digging her nest, laying her eggs, and silently returning to the ocean. There are no hotels on BHI, just home rentals, so you can skip big brand boxes and focus on your family in a beach house rental.
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama
Over a decade after the 2010 BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill disaster, Alabama’s Gulf Shores and coastal communities are thriving. Families will discover 32 miles of sugar-white sand beaches, the clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico, and exciting eco-friendly adventures at the 6,150-acre Gulf State Park. Expert naturalists lead free guided walks where visitors learn about marine wildlife, the Gulf’s unique biodiversity, and the park’s impressive conservation efforts.
Families can learn about the habitat of the bottlenose dolphin and other local wildlife while paddling a two-person kayak along Bon Secour Bay during a Dolphins and Wildlife Kayak Tour. The Alabama Gulf Coast is just the ninth Ambassadors of the Environment program worldwide, with an educational camp developed to inspire young people to take stewardship of our planet through lessons in nature and culture.
Quasar Expeditions, Galapagos Islands
Quasar Expeditions
This destination is as much an education as a vacation. What kids learn on Quasar Expeditions’ seven-day cruises through the Galapagos about the environment, wildlife, and sustainability will stay with them for the rest of their lives.
Although the marine conservation area off the coast of Ecuador might not sound kid-friendly, Quasar’s small ship Family Cruises (just 32 passengers max) was voted number two in Travel + Leisure’s Top Family Cruise Lines in the World in 2020 (sailing in right after Disney).
What makes them such a good fit for the kids? Quasar’s immersive trips include kid-friendly amenities, such as:
Child-friendly naturalistsKid-friendly cooking classesChildren’s menusKids’ movie and game nights
And, of course, there are safe encounters with endemic wildlife, including tortoises, iguanas, sea lions, myriad birds, and a prism of sea life under the waves that will thrill and delight every family member. These experiences have enthralled visitors and earned it UNESCO World Heritage Site status.
Atlantis, Paradise Island (Nassau, Bahamas)
Being conservation-minded doesn’t mean saying “no” if your kids want a resort with all the vacation bells and whistles. Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas promotes its Atlantis Blue Project Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to saving sea species and their habitats throughout The Bahamas and the Caribbean. The Foundation receives funding through guest participation in Atlantis’ marine interactions and experiences.
Take the Behind the Blue backstage tour to get an inside look at the work they do 365 days a year at the on-site education center, the animal-rehab hospital where sea creatures are rehabilitated, with the ultimate goal of releasing them back to the wild. Atlantis also facilitated the regrowth of a 1-million-acre protected reef area off the west coast of Andros Island—the largest protected area in The Bahamas.
Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo
A world leader in sustainability, Costa Rica offers eco-travel experiences that educate and challenge visitors to rethink everyday habits and develop greener practices when they return home. Located in the stunning Guanacaste region of Costa Rica (generally quite easy to get to from most major cities in the US), Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo is the perfect setting for a family eco-vacation.
The destination offers easy access to four World Heritage sites. Plus, Andaz has partnered with Creciendo Juntos (Growing Together), a local organization that supports education and health projects in nearby communities.
Every week, the resort offers a volunteer activity, ranging from visiting a local community to painting a mural, bringing backpacks to a local school, or helping a school with its infrastructure. The resort has also partnered with the Area de Conservación Guanacaste, a network of protected areas and a World Heritage site in Guanacaste Province. Together, they offer weekly opportunities for guests to give back to the environment, including local beach cleanups and tree-planting activities.
Like it or not, winter is officially upon us. And those frigid temperatures mean one thing: it’s time to load up on cold weather gear. Whether your travels and preferred recreational activities keep you outdoors for much of the season, or you merely plan to step outside every few days this season, some reliable base and top layers are a must.
Fortunately, the Travel + Leisure team is stacked with cold weather experts (after all, we spend our winters chasing the Northern Lights, skiing at the world’s best resorts, and cruising to Antarctica). That’s why we found it fitting to round up the best cold weather gear we’ve used in the last year. From jackets to heated gloves to pajamas, here’s what we rely on to keep us warm through our wildest winter adventures.
UNIQLO
We often think of heavy coats and boots as our go-to cold weather gear, and while they’re definitely necessary, it’s a quality thermal layer that’ll keep you toasty for the long haul. We love this set from Uniqlo’s Heattech line — it’s form-fitting without feeling restrictive, and it locks in heat while remaining breathable, which makes it perfect for cold-weather activities like skiing and winter hiking. A fluffy fleece-like lining makes the set extra comfy, while stretch fabric allows you to move around without experiencing uncomfortable rubbing.
“A few years ago, I found myself walking around Quebec City on a snowy, 5-degree Fahrenheit day — no time to mess around without proper winter gear,” senior editor Kayla Becker said. “On a friend’s recommendation, I layered this leggings and long-sleeve T-shirt combo under my clothing, and it made such a difference that I now pack these for every winter trip I take — and I mean every. Single. One. I’ve worn them while skiing in Switzerland and even trudging through Nor’easters at home in Boston, and they keep me insulated every time. They don’t look or feel bulky when layered under sweaters and pants, and they take up barely any space in a suitcase. Genius.”
Amazon
If your fingers tend to feel cold in the winter no matter how much you layer up, it’s time you get your hands on (and in) Snow Deer’s Waterproof Electric Heated Gloves. Not only are they thick and waterproof, but when fully charged, they can reach temperatures of 150 degrees and last up to 6.5 hours. They feature three heat settings — low, medium, and high — that provide heat to each of your fingers in just 30 seconds. The gloves are even fleece-lined and windproof, ensuring you’ll never feel anything other than cozy when you’ve got these on.
“As a person with Raynaud’s syndrome (poor circulation in the hands and feet), but who refuses to shy away from cold weather, having a reliable pair of heated gloves is essential,” editor Sophie Mendel said. “I wore these gloves every single day on my trip to Arctic Norway last winter, doing everything from chasing down the northern lights to reindeer sledding and beyond. Just charge them up every night while you sleep, and your hands are sure to stay nice and toasty all day long – seriously, on a full charge, these can last up to 6.5 hours!”
Arcâteryx
Whether you’re heading off to a frigid destination this winter or you simply call an icy climate home, you’ll want to trade in your usual winter jacket for something a little heavier duty. This extra-long parka from Arc-teryx is basically the warmest coat out there — and we know because we’ve personally worn it on subarctic treks. Crafted with both down and thermal insulation as well as waterproof and windproof Gore-tex, the chill of winter won’t easily penetrate this piece, especially when paired with a quality base layer. It’s outfitted with neck and cuff gaskets to lock in heat, and two front pockets for extra hand warmth. Snag the coat in three colors and seven sizes.
“Last winter, I put this parka to the ultimate test — hunting for the northern lights in bitterly cold, negative 40-degree subarctic Canada,” digital special projects editor Elizabeth Rhodes said. “My eyelashes and hair were frozen, but this parka was the best heavy layer I could have asked for. It’s long, well insulated, and waterproof — perfect as a top layer on this frosty adventure (I also wore it ice fishing, snowmobiling, and dog sledding) and as my main coat on especially cold days in the city.”
Paka
Don’t underestimate the power of a good pair of socks in the wintertime. We prefer Paka’s Sebastian Crew socks for their heat retention, versatility, and fun alpaca print. Speaking of the notoriously fluffy animals, these socks are actually 41 percent alpaca fiber, so you can count on them being incredibly soft, comfy, and warm. However, since they’re also bulk-free, you can wear these mid-calf socks with pretty much any type of footwear when chilly weather arrives.
“These socks are amazingly comfortable whether you’re heading off on a hike or boarding a flight (where I, for one, am always cold),” updates writer Taylor Fox said. “They’re a really good height, so they protect your heels and ankles if you’re pairing them with boots, but also work well if you want to sport sneakers. I’m also absolutely obsessed with the alpaca pattern, but you can opt for mountain socks or pairs with simple, neutral colors for more versatility.”
Lands’ End
This jacket may look more like a spring or fall jacket, but trust us — this thing is warm. Fully lined and stuffed with polyester insulation, this anorak is perfect for colder days whether worn alone or as a mid-layer. It’s equipped with internal storm cuffs and a seam-sealed shell which make it both waterproof and windproof, plus it wicks moisture away should you get too hot. Other useful features include two side pockets, a kangaroo pocket bag, a reflective loop tag, and a drawcord hood. Sizing is unisex, so keep that in mind before purchasing.
“When traveling in winter, layering is absolutely key, and packing layers that are also waterproof will ensure you’re never cold or dealing with soppy clothing,” Fox said. “This pullover is well-padded for insulation but is plenty breathable, so you can wear it hiking, sledding, or exploring a new city. It fits well under large puffer coats if needed, but can also absolutely stand as your outer layer with some base items underneath.”
Everlane
It’s no secret that cashmere is one of the warmest fabrics around, so adding a cashmere scarf to your winter wardrobe is a must. This one from Everlane is made of recycled, GCS-certified cashmere, and comes in four neutral colors. As you could imagine, it’s quite soft and warm, but our favorite thing about it may just be how stylish and versatile it is — the ReCashmere scarf matches perfectly with just about everything in our closets.
“As much as I’d like to fill my closet with as many winter accessories as my heart desires, I live in a small apartment in New York and instead prioritize high-quality staples,” writer Alexandra Domrongchai said. “I was gifted this scarf a few months ago from my caring (and worried) Florida family to brace for the Northeast winter, and since then have worn it nearly every single day. It not only always keeps me warm, but it’s also incredibly cute, too.”
Amazon
It’s never a bad idea to have a beanie on hand, and our favorite is Carhartt’s Knit Cuffed Beanie. It’s stylish, warm, and available in 23 hues, including a limited stock of discontinued colors like pastel turquoise, atomic blue, and mink. Made of 100 percent acrylic rib knit, the beanie expertly seals out cold air, and it even looks pretty stylish thanks to a fold-up cuff featuring Carhartt’s iconic logo. Whether you don it for a quick jog or a full day on the slopes, it’s sure to elevate your style (and body temperature) all winter long.
“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it: it should be the tagline for Carhartt’s iconic winter watch cap, first released in 1987 and still going strong,” news director Paul Brady said. “The tight weave means it’s toasty even in single-digit temperatures, and it comes in dozens of colors, including my favorite, Brite Lime.”
We all have that one, super-sleek jacket that’s perfect for winter — except for the fact that it lacks a hood. If you’re not about sacrificing style for practicality, you’ll want to check out this COS hooded mock collar. It effortlessly pairs with any jacket, blending so well that no one will know it’s not actually part of your jacket. It even zips up and cinches via drawcord like a real hood, and it even boasts an extended collar area to keep every bit of your skin dry. The best part? It’s machine washable.
“I prefer to wear a sleek, wool coat in winter but I do not like getting my hair wet,” associate editorial director Morgan Ashley Parker said. “This plush hood is the perfect solution since it easily smushes down to fit inside my tote for those just-in-case moments. I love how it zips up high to keep my neck warm on brisk days and cinches tight so I can make sure every bit of my hair is protected from the elements (which works much better than a scarf or traditional hat would). While the mock collar does add cozy coverage under coats with wide lapels, it doesn’t add bulk like a full hoodie would either.”
Verishop
In the market for something on the lighter side? The Adrian Jacket by The Normal Brand is the perfect jacket for those warmer winter days. A fuzzy, faux-shearling lining keeps chilly air at bay, while a vegan leather body allows for breathability. The jacket also boasts a relaxed, boxy fit, a hem belt with buckles, and two front pockets. It’s designed to hit right at the hip, so you won’t have to worry about cold air creeping in (as with a cropped jacket) or becoming overheated (as with longer jackets).
“I have plenty of puffer coats and extra cozy wool options for when it’s freezing, but NYC has had such a mild winter I’ve been looking for the Goldilocks of coats,” Parker said. “I finally found it with this faux-shearling-lined vegan leather moto jacket. It’s warm but not too warm, making it perfect to wear over a lightweight sweater or layer with a thicker sweater and a T-shirt underneath.”
Janji
There’s no need to quit your daily runs, jogs, and walks just because the temperatures dip. Just add Janji’s Mercury Run Joggers to your wardrobe and hit the streets or trails. They’re as comfy as sweatpants and as mobile as leggings, but they’ll keep you nearly as warm as a pair of ski pants. They’re fitted without feeling tight and relaxed without looking baggy — plus, they come in six sizes ranging from XS to XXL. You may just want to grab a pair in all three colors: river rock, underbrush, and midnight.
“I bought these pants for cold-weather running — their intended purpose, which is made comfier with moisture-wicking fabric, great stretch, and zippered pockets — but I love them so much I’m picking up another pair just for winter errands and lazy days at home,” deputy photo editor Skye Senterfeit said. “Don’t let the lightweight fabric fool you; these pants deliver warmth without weight and are at least as cozy as my favorite sweatpants.”
Target
Insulation? Check. Grip? Check. Touchscreen compatibility? Check. These gloves seem to have it all — and you can get them at Target! We’ve been wearing them all winter because, believe it or not, they work just as well, if not better, than some of the higher end touchscreen gloves on the market. As their name suggests, these gloves are like little puffer jackets for your hands thanks to quilted mid-weight polyester-spandex and cinched wrists that seal in heat. They’re available in two sizes (S/M and L/XL) and three colors including an eye-catching shade of light purple.
“I recently realized I don’t have any decent gloves, so I threw this pair in my cart on a Target run a few months ago, and they’ve been carrying me through the winter ever since,” testing editor Jackie Cucco said. “Because of the puffy polyester material, they’re much warmer than the cotton gloves I used to wear, but they’re not too big that you can’t fit them in most coat pockets. I love the gripper strip on the palm so you can hold things without dropping them, and, most importantly, they’re touch screen compatible.”
Mountain Khakis
This lowkey wool jacket looks more like a button-down shirt than a thick parka, and that’s what we love about it. It’s ultra-warm thanks to a wool and nylon poly blend, a brushed cotton lining, quilted insulation, and hand warmer pockets. But despite its ability to seal in heat, a shirt-style collar and a storm flap with snap buttons keep things looking casual. The jacket even has a whopping seven pockets split between the inside and outside. Shoppers can grab this comfy and functional jacket in two colors (forest moss and heather grey) and five sizes ranging from small to extra-extra-large.
“For those who aren’t fans of the puffer-style jacket, a wool coat is the perfect alternative,” writer Anna Popp said. “I think it looks much nicer than a typical winter coat but it offers the same level of warmth on chilly days thanks to the thick materials and insulated lining. It’s perfect for commuting to the office or going out to dinner, which makes it ideal for staying warm and stylish in the winter.”
Amazon
It goes without saying that staying warm on the slopes is imperative for an enjoyable day. That’s why we suggest getting your hands on these bib overalls by Arctix. When paired with base layers and a ski jacket, these perfectly protect the body from frigid mountain air, snow, and moisture. A ThermaLock fabric shell stuffed with 85 grams of ThermaTech insulation traps body heat inside the overalls while reinforced sealed seams make the whole piece windproof. They even come in 28 styles, including stylish prints and ombre shades.
“Last month, a friend and I traveled to Zermatt, Switzerland, on a ski trip,” senior editor Jasmine Grant said. “Neither of us had been skiing before, which raised a few eyebrows from the locals. Luckily, we had a blast and enjoyed the trip incident-free. What made my voyage as a first-time skier even better was this cozy ski bib from Amazon. It was warm yet breathable, and cozy yet non-bulky. I was able to enjoy my day on the slopes without getting overheated, which was much appreciated. The adjustable suspenders came in handy, as I’m only 5’2” and most pants tend to be long on me. The bib comes in a wide variety of colors (I opted for orange) and I believe it’s reasonably priced considering the great quality.”
Target
Even if you have no plans to leave your apartment, winter home, or ski lodge when icy weather hits, staying cozy and warm indoors is a must. We’re all about these flannel pajamas by Alexander Del Rossa — they’re soft, super warm, and available in two cute plaid patterns. Featuring a collar and piped edges, these surprisingly affordable PJs feel totally luxurious. Other features include pants pockets at each hip, a five-button closure, and a comfy elastic waist. Just note, if you overheat easily, you’ll probably want to skip these jammies — they keep you very warm.
“On a trip to Target this past Black Friday, I came across these pajamas and threw them into my cart since they were super marked down at the time and I thought they were cute,” associate editor Hillary Maglin said. “I didn’t expect them to be anything special considering their low price, but they quickly surprised me! They’re extremely soft and well made, plus they’ve kept me seriously toasty this winter. Usually, I layer up during winter evenings at home — robes, thick socks, blankets — but with these pajamas, I don’t need anything else to stay warm.”
Abercrombie & Fitch
When it comes to puffer jackets, it simply doesn’t get more stylish than this pick from Abercrombie. The YPD Apres Puffer is ultra-sleek and outfitted with gorgeous contrasting silver hardware for an elevated touch. It’s significantly less bulky than the average puffer, yet it still provides major warmth on a cold winter day. That’s thanks to wind- and water-resistant fabric, a removable hood, considerable fill, and quilted exterior. We also love the jacket’s cinched waist, interior and exterior pockets, and closure that boasts both a zipper and snaps. Snag this coat in seven sizes.
“Since this sleek puffer is made for fitness activities, it features the brand’s storm cuffs that go over your thumbs and are a total game-changer for wintertime exploring,” editor Emily Belfiore said. “If you’re someone who hates the feeling of the cold, icy chill breezing through your sleeves (or having your layers get all twisted and uneven), this jacket is for you. Plus, it’s water-resistant, has fleece-lined pockets for extra warmth, and features an adjustable waist for a customizable fit.”
Why Trust Travel + Leisure
For this article, associate editor Hillary Maglin collaborated with several other members of the T+L team to compile a list of our favorite gear, clothing, and accessories for combatting cold weather. Hillary herself is all too familiar with cold weather gear, having spent winters living in New York, Pennsylvania, and Iowa.
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There’s no better way to see the world than on two wheels.
If you’re dreaming of a tropical getaway, countless destinations around the world offer sun-soaked beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush landscapes. Whether you’re looking for relaxation, adventure, or a mix of both, here are some must-visit tropical vacation spots that will leave you feeling rejuvenated and inspired.
Maldives:
Known for its picture-perfect white sandy beaches and turquoise waters, the Maldives is a tropical paradise like no other. Stay in overwater bungalows, snorkel or dive in vibrant coral reefs, and indulge in luxurious spa treatments. The Maldives is the ultimate destination for a romantic and idyllic tropical escape.
Image:Rayyu Maldives/Unsplash
Bora Bora, French Polynesia:
With its iconic overwater bungalows and stunning lagoons, Bora Bora is a tropical paradise that feels like a dream. Swim with colorful marine life, explore the lush mountains, and soak in the beauty of this South Pacific gem.
Bali, Indonesia:
Bali offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and vibrant nightlife. Relax on stunning beaches, visit ancient temples, hike through rice terraces, and indulge in delicious Balinese cuisine. Whether you’re seeking tranquility or adventure, Bali has something for everyone.
Image: Nick Wehrli/Pexels
Seychelles:
The Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and abundant marine life. Explore nature reserves, go snorkeling or diving, and unwind in luxurious resorts surrounded by breathtaking scenery.
Image: Rajesh Chetty/Unsplash
Koh Phi Phi, Thailand:
Made famous by the movie “The Beach,” Koh Phi Phi is a tropical paradise in Thailand. Swim in emerald-green waters, hike to stunning viewpoints, and experience the vibrant nightlife on this idyllic island.
Image:Tom Shakir/Unsplash
Fiji:
Fiji is a tropical paradise that offers a mix of relaxation and adventure. Explore coral reefs, go hiking in lush rainforests, and immerse yourself in Fijian culture. With its warm hospitality and stunning landscapes, Fiji is the perfect destination for a tropical getaway.
Image: Damon Hall/Unsplash
Costa Rica:
Known for its biodiversity and natural beauty, Costa Rica is a tropical destination that offers a wide range of activities. Explore rainforests, go zip-lining through the canopy, relax on beautiful beaches, and spot wildlife in national parks. Costa Rica is a haven for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.
Picture: Nat Fernández/Unsplash
Hawaii, USA:
With its stunning beaches, volcanic landscapes, and vibrant culture, Hawaii is a tropical paradise that has it all. Visit the iconic Waikiki Beach in Oahu, hike through lush valleys in Kauai, or explore the volcanic wonders of the Big Island. Hawaii offers a unique blend of relaxation and adventure.
Image: Jess Loiterton/Pexels
Zanzibar, Tanzania:
Zanzibar is an exotic island off the coast of Tanzania, known for its white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and rich history. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Stone Town, go snorkeling or diving in the coral reefs, and relax on pristine beaches.
Image: Med J/ Unsplash
The Great Barrier Reef, Australia:
The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system, located off the coast of Australia. Dive or snorkel in this underwater paradise, witness vibrant coral formations and swim alongside tropical fish and marine turtles.
Image: Manny Moreno /Pexels
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2. Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience — Little Elm, TX
Enjoy an evening walk along an illuminated woodland trail through an immersive, theatrical setting. The Forbidden Forest is possibly my family’s favorite Harry Potter experience we’ve done so far, with many interactive elements including a chance to bow to a hippogriff, fight a wizard’s duel, and cast a patronus. It’s currently available in Texas, but sometimes returns to past locations as a seasonal event. Read our reviews of the Harry Potter Forbidden Forest during past stops in Westchester, New York and the Washington, DC area.
RELATED: 75 Best Movies for Kids: Top Family Movie Night Ideas
Cameras—and wands—at the ready for Harry Potter: The Exhibition. Photo by Jody Mercier
3. Harry Potter: The Exhibition — New York, NY
This touring exhibition, currently in New York City, celebrates the wizarding world of Harry Potter through interactive experiences including the opportunity to see your name on the marauder’s map, pot a mandrake, and banish a boggart. The exhibition re-creates settings from the stories including Harry’s cupboard under the stairs and Hagrid’s hut, and many props and costumes from the films are on display. Check out our review of Harry Potter: The Exhibition.
4. Harry Potter: Magic at Play — Seattle, WA
Recently in Chicago (where my family and I visited it) and now open in Seattle, Magic at Play provides an immersive exploration of the wizarding world. You can follow Harry’s journey from Platform 9 ¾ to Hogwarts where you’ll visit the Great Hall, sit under the sorting hat, and cast spells. We had fun levitating a feather with the wingardium leviosa charm and playing quidditch. You can also buy Butterbeer, sweets from Honeydukes, and other wizarding merch. Read more in our review of Harry Potter: Magic at Play from Chicago.
5. Harry Potter Exhibit at the Hollywood Museum — Hollywood, CA
Though this exhibit is small, it includes several notable props and costumes from the Harry Potter film series. The highlight of the collection is Harry’s broom from the Sorcerer’s Stone movie. The display also includes a pair of Harry’s glasses, two wands, a feather quill, and wizard’s robes worn by Harry and Professor Dumbledore.
6. Watson Adventures Wizard School Scavenger Hunt — Multiple Locations
Offered at several museums around the country including the National Gallery of Art in DC, the Getty Center in LA, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, young witches and wizards go on a magical journey through the galleries to discover mystical mermaids, fierce dragons, majestic unicorns, powerful sorceresses, and many more characters in the artworks who would be right at home in Harry Potter’s magical world.
The U.S. and Nevada departments of education are probing the use of federal pandemic aid by the Clark County School District to send large groups of staff to beach vacation destinations for teacher recruitment, according to a state education official.
The district for Las Vegas Valley schools sent 17 staff and school principals to Miami Beach over the Fourth of July holiday at a cost of about $37,000, as first reported by the Review-Journal. Federal dollars paid $29,000 of the cost, documents obtained through a public records request show.
Two half-day hiring events in a small conference room at their beachfront hotel during their five-day stay attracted two candidates and resulted in no hires, the district acknowledged.
Using federal funds, the district in September also sent eight staff, administrators and a principal to Honolulu for a five-day stay on Waikiki Beach as a recruitment trip.
Asked whether these trips were being investigated, the Nevada Department of Education responded that it is “currently working with the United States Department of Education (USED) to evaluate the use of these funds.”
Sandy Julian, spokeswoman for the state agency, wrote in an email that it provided its findings on the use of the funds to its federal counterpart on Tuesday. She did not specify what these findings were in the email sent Thursday afternoon.
In an email Friday afternoon, the district stressed that the state education department had approved in advance using the federal funds for these trips “as reasonable, allowable, and allocable expenses.”
Waikiki Beach trip
In September, a group of eight CCSD staffers, administrators and a school principal flew to Hawaii to find, as a district social media post put it, “the best educators and staff for our vibrant city” of Las Vegas.
The group traveled to Honolulu, where members held a half-day recruitment event in a small conference room at their hotel on Waikiki Beach, public records obtained last week show. During the five-day trip, members also were scheduled to speak to students and teachers at two universities and a community college, a trip itinerary shows.
Three job candidates attended the half-day event, said interim Chief Human Resources Officer Cedric Cole.
“At this point in time three candidates are proceeding through our hiring process,” he wrote in response to a Review-Journal question.
A review of expense reports shows that the trip cost more than $22,000 for flights, food, lodging and other travel expenses, excluding salaries.
Six of the eight travelers extended their stay a day at their own expense, records show.
The September trip was the second last year to Honolulu by district recruiters, records show. The first was taken in February of 2023 by two recruiters at a cost of $4,600. During that trip, the recruiters were scheduled to speak at the same two universities visited in September — Hawaii Pacific University and Brigham Young University-Hawaii.
Like the September Miami Beach trip, the Waikiki Beach trip was primarily funded with federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund tax dollars.
“It’s very troubling to see that funding to directly support students is being used to support basically taxpayer-funded junkets to beach locations,” Demian Brady, vice president of research for the National Taxpayers Union Foundation, said this week after the Review-Journal described the trips.
He questioned the district’s failure to “show results of this in terms of bringing in new teachers to help the kids.”
Brady said the funds were intended to help schools with the setbacks brought on by the pandemic. The money was primarily supposed to support programs to bolster student mental health harmed by lockdowns and school shutdowns and to provide students with additional learning opportunities, such as extended-day and summer programs.
The grant program provides flexibility in how its dollars are spent, and among many other uses, the money can be used to “strengthen recruitment and training programs,” according to information from the federal education department.
‘Doesn’t pass the smell test’
Every dollar should have been used to improve the loss of learning experienced during the pandemic, said John Vellardita, executive director of the Clark County Education Association. Instead, the head of the local teachers union said, these two recruitment trips had “zero effect on students.”
This spending “doesn’t pass the smell test,” he said. “It looks like self-serving trips for district employees to bask on beaches during holidays.”
The teachers union has called for the firing of CCSD Superintendent Jesus Jara on numerous grounds. The Clark County School Board is scheduled to consider Jara’s resignation or termination Wednesday.
In emails, the school district said the Nevada Department of Education had approved its plan to use federal money to pay for recruitment trips to “major metropolitan areas … to conduct job fairs to recruit educators to come and teach in Clark County School District.”
The district’s plan states, “The COVID-19 pandemic had a critical negative impact on education staffing, leaving Clark County with an even higher vacancy rate than it was already experiencing prior to the pandemic.”
Julian wrote in an email, “In an effort to refine and improve the ESSER allocation process, the Nevada Department of Education is currently evaluating the criteria and allowability requirements for ESSER funding requests of this nature.”
Citing district policy, school board trustees have referred questions about recruitment travel to the district communications office or board President Evelyn Morales Garcia, who has not responded to requests for comment.
‘This is shameless’
A Facebook group for parents with children in CCSD schools reacted with outrage when a member in December posted the Review-Journal’s story about the Miami Beach trip.
“This is shameless,” one member wrote.
“Apparently I’m in the wrong position in the district as I work teaching every day and don’t have enough money for groceries for my kids,” wrote another. “I would love a trip to Miami Beach.”
One member, who said she was the roommate of a CCSD recruiter, defended the trip by saying the district had to use the federal funds or lose them. Other members took issue with this defense.
“Can you really not think of a better way to spend the funds?” group member Alexandra Erbisch-Westcott wrote in a post.
“CCSD is bleeding teachers,” Erbisch-Westcott, a kindergarten teacher with two children in district schools, said in an interview in December. She said she’d like to have seen the money spent instead on mentoring programs for new teachers, but that returning the federal grant would have been preferable to how it was spent.
“If it’s spend $37,000 on a beach vacation or let it expire, let it expire,” she said.
From mid-September 2022 to mid-November 2023, the district spent about $240,000 on travel expenses for 60 recruitment trips. In November, the district said that it could not say how many hires had resulted from recruitment trips, citing inadequate tracking systems for trips.
However, in January, the district said that 173 hires had resulted from recruitment events from early August through early November of last year.
Contact Mary Hynes at [email protected]. Follow @MaryHynes1 on X. Hynes is a member of the Review-Journal’s investigative team, focusing on reporting that holds leaders and agencies accountable and exposes wrongdoing.
When you hit middle age, there are some universal truths you begin to notice and accept, and that goes double when you’re traveling with your parents. Your knees and hips appreciate a recalibrated definition of “adventure” that favors excursions like water taxi rides and birdwatching. And, yes, your hunch is right: You really are turning into your mother (or father) … and maybe that’s not such a terrible thing.I recently spent six days visiting my parents in their winter snowbird home just outside of Tampa, Florida. Mom and Dad reveled in the tour guide role here in this middle ground – not our Indiana hometown and not British Columbia, where I’ve been living with my kids for years. It felt strange at first, me being a “kid” again at age 50. It was a rare window when I wasn’t caring for my own kids and my parents, still healthy and mobile, didn’t yet need my care. I could relax. I could play. Without any responsibilities or distractions, I could savor just being a daughter.FUN FOR ALL AGES: 50 family vacation ideas for the best trip everIt feels good to slow down a littleVacating with my parents, I got to experience life at a slower pace. My mom didn’t hesitate to say yes to the hour-long wait when we put in our name at the popular Rusty Bellies oceanfront restaurant in Tarpon Springs. I followed Mom to the Adirondack chairs outside, but soon got restless, feeling like I should be doing something. But she encouraged me to stay put and do nothing, reminding me that I’m always caring for someone in this busy season of life and that it’s OK to rest too. That moment of stillness made room for easy conversation that led to her telling me the story of how my parents first met. Another day, because we ambled long enough in a mangrove sanctuary, we saw the fins of black-tip sharks and cute noses of manatees break the surface of the water. And since we took our time at the Armature Works green space waiting for the water taxi on downtown Tampa’s Riverwalk, we spotted dolphins playing and got good at deciphering the locals (dogs, laptops, long pants) from the tourists.Vacation ideas for older travelers:Being together still comes easilyEven though I’ve lived away from my parents for decades, I realized during our week together how well I still know their idiosyncrasies and they know mine. I know my dad will check the forecast before we head out for the day. He knows I’m going to sneeze when he gives me a piece of peppermint gum, and starts laughing when I do. I’m not surprised when my mom stops to hug me as we walk across a parking lot … just because we’re together. And the three of us still find the same things funny, including the mustache baby pacifier at The Dalí (the Salvador Dali Museum) gift shop. HASSLE-FREE TRIPS: 10 tropical destinations you can visit without a U.S. passportMidwesterners tend to get stuck in routines, and some of that is what I wanted to break free of when I moved to the West Coast years ago. But on this trip, I found a strange comfort in doing many of the same things we used to do together – church on Sunday, a major league baseball game, and dinner with longtime family friends who still call me by my old nickname. Mom, Dad and I even visited some of the same places we first went to during a childhood vacation together in 1979. Our history of good memories together keeps hitting me—throughout the trip, I was reminded of who I am and where I came from. I let it sink in, this sense of knowing and being known, of deep connection. Somehow it satisfied a longing I didn’t even know I had. As an adult kid, I see myself in my parentsIn downtown Tampa, we stepped off the trolley at the Ybor City stop into the city’s “Little Havana” neighborhood. Cuban music filled streets lined with restaurants and cigar bars. We popped into one cigar lounge, dark and smoky, and were mesmerized watching busy hands rolling cigars. Dad pointed out all the leaf scrap cuttings on the floor. Mom noted the unique purses made of cigar boxes. At that moment, I realized this is why I am curious and observant, and I felt strangely sentimental. It’s because of them.RAIL VACATIONS: 12 best Amtrak rides and scenic train rides in North AmericaOver lunch at The Hangar Restaurant and Flight Lounge, a favorite spot overlooking the airstrip at St. Petersburg’s Albert Whitted Airport, we watched small planes and helicopters coming and going. Dad recalled memories of flying with his friend, who had a little Cessna. He laughed and, in his easy way, shared some near-miss flight stories we hadn’t heard before: a downdraft in the Smoky Mountains, losing altitude, and scanning the ground for a flat potential landing space before getting through it. Sitting there listening to him, I saw my own love for travel and adventure. On this trip, I realized just how much I see myself in my parents. I was a little surprised to realize this fact didn’t make me roll my eyes and make an “I’m turning into my mother” joke. Instead, I found myself smiling and embracing turning into my mother and father, because that’s exactly who I’ve always been.My parents have always enjoyed watching ocean sunsets. When I was growing up, it was one of those things that happened in the background on our family beach vacations while we were swimming, playing ball, or searching for sand dollars. This time around, though, the sunset was the main event. I noticed my parents and other locals about their age planning their evenings around it, bringing a chair, and even going to a special spot on Indian Rocks Beach where a retired guy brings his trumpet and plays “Taps” to celebrate the daily setting of the sun. BEST USE OF SPACE: These are my 9 favorite underseat carry-on bagsIt was a surprising moment of joy, and Dad captured it. He has always loved photographing ocean sunsets on vacation, and now he gets to do it for six months every year as a snowbird. I used to be bored looking at sunsets, but now I find myself sending him my own sunset photos from home in Canada. My daughters do the same with me. I guess a sense of awe and wonder is hereditary, too. These moments are pure gold (and fleeting)Traveling with my aging parents, I realized how lucky I am, but also knew this could be our last trip together, just the three of us. I couldn’t help but reflect on how fragile life is and how precious these moments together are. My parents are still together, in good health, and have mobility. I can’t think of anyone my age at 50 who is in the same situation with their parents. At a Clearwater Beach souvenir shop on my last day of the trip, Mom bought us matching blue sweatshirts we both liked. I think it was her way of marking this time together with a tangible reminder. As she handed me mine, I pushed away the thought that this might be the last time we get to vacation like this and replaced it with gratitude. CHIC AND COMFY: 10 most comfortable travel clothes brands for the whole familyOn the drive to the airport, Dad launched into his usual sort of closing paragraph that he does at the end of every visit. He mentioned the highlights of the week and asked about everyone else’s favorite memories from our time together. Then he shifted to what we wanted to do next time. I smiled, realizing I do this closing paragraph, too, when I’m saying goodbye to my girls.I cried at the goodbye like I always do with my parents, then boarded my flight and took my seat next to a young mom with a baby girl on her lap. I cooed and made silly faces the same way other women did when my girls were young and I traveled alone on trips home to see my parents and felt the sweet weight of this full circle moment.How a vacation with my aging parents changed my whole perspective on travel originally appeared onFamilyVacationist.com. More from FamilyVacationist:The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY. FamilyVacationist.com and TourScoop.com are owned and operated by Vacationist Media LLC. Using the FamilyVacationist travel recommendation methodology, we review and select family vacation ideas, family vacation spots, all-inclusive family resorts, and classic family vacations for all ages. TourScoop covers guided group tours and tour operators, tour operator reviews, tour itinerary reviews and travel gear recommendations.
I’ll admit I had some trepidation when our group of 12, ranging in age from two to eighty, descended upon Turks and Caicos last Thanksgiving. Sure, I was excited about spending time with my sister-in-law who lives across the country in San Diego. And who doesn’t love drinking a cocktail on the beach in November? But my husband and I would be sharing accommodations for a week not only with our two preschoolers and my two college-aged stepchildren, but also with my sister-in-law, her two children, her boyfriend, and my in-laws. Luckily, our advance planning and open dialogue helped craft an itinerary that kept everyone happy—for the most part.