Exciting Vacation Ideas
Many travelers who went on bucket list trips see an opportunity for more relaxed vacations, and some are spending less money on ultra-luxe hotels to visit more cultural centers around the world. Interest in solo travel and exploring closer to home has also increased. No matter what your travel goals are here are a few ideas to get you started.
Sip, cook and dine your way through Europe on a culinary tour
If you’re dreaming of a vacation that includes feasting on a bowl of handmade pasta and sipping a glass of Chianti Classico while overlooking the vineyards in Tuscany, then consider booking a group culinary tour in Italy. The selection is almost endless! There are culinary tours in Europe and other destinations, including through towns in Umbria and Tuscany, Florence and Rome. How about a wine journey through the Tuscany and Piedmont regions in Italy, which includes a visit to the Alba White Truffle Fair? Or maybe you’d prefer tapas or pintxos served with Rioja in Spain or Port and Peri Peri chicken in Portugal! The options are endless.
Attend the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
If you’re in the mood for a trip to New Orleans but can’t make it in time for the festivities of Mardi Gras, plan to visit in the spring of 2025 – when the city hosts its renowned jazz festival. The first jazz festival took place in April 1970 with famed artists like Duke Ellington, Fats Domino and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band; today, the event continues its heritage as a celebration of the city’s rich culture, music and art. While in town for the festivities, be sure to try New Orleans’ renowned Creole and Cajun cuisine. And don’t miss the delectable beignets and steaming cafe du lait at the original Café du Monde in the French Market.
Explore New Zealand’s North Island
Plan a once-in-a-lifetime trip to New Zealand’s North Island, which offers a diverse vacation experience for everyone in the family. Here you’ll find the bustling cities of Auckland and Wellington, stunning scenery, beautiful beaches, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure. You can even visit Middle Earth during a tour of the Hobbiton movie set in Matamata in the Waikato region. While in the area, you can also book a tour of the Waitomo Caves, a labyrinth of limestone caves housing thousands of glowworms, which twinkle like stars overhead as you leave the caves by boat. Wine lovers will also want to explore the picturesque Hawke’s Bay wine region.
Sip wine in Arizona’s Verde Valley
The Verde Valley American Viticultural Area in central Arizona sits about 100 miles north of Phoenix and encompasses the famed red rocks in Sedona. Plan to spend several days in the eclectic town of Cottonwood, at the heart of the region’s wine country. From here, you can check out the tasting rooms in the Old Town and visit nearby wineries on the wine trail in Jerome, Cornville and the surrounding area. For accommodations in Cottonwood, The Tavern Hotel is ideally situated just a block off Main Street, so you can walk to the tasting rooms, restaurants and shops. While in town, visit the new location for Maynard James Keenan’s Four Eight Wineworks, where you can sample the wines accompanied by small plates and bites.