December 2023

When we think back on our favorite childhood memories, many of them involve family trips. Family vacations are special moments that break away from your everyday routine and open your mind to new cultures, foods and experiences. They also create lifelong memories for you and your children.

Whether you’re looking to take a quick weekend getaway or spend some quality time together on an extended trip, a family vacation has the potential to revitalize your relationship. These trips can help to strengthen your bonds with your loved ones and give everyone a much-needed breather from the stress of daily life. Taking some time to focus on each other can boost your happiness and make you more resilient to future stresses.

As parents, we often rely on family vacations to teach our kids valuable lessons about how to cope with stress. Travel can expose kids to situations they’re unfamiliar with, such as missed airline flights, delayed busses and long lines at attractions, which can require patience and adaptability. By seeing how their parents handle such challenges, kids can learn how to go with the flow – a skill that’s important for lifelong success.

In addition to teaching kids how to deal with unexpected setbacks, family vacations are an excellent opportunity to bond with each other. Having some downtime can allow you and your kids to get to know each other better, and it’s often a good time for adults to channel their inner kid and play like they did when they were younger. You might find yourself surprised by how much fun you all have and the lasting impact it has on your relationship.

A recent study showed that people who took a vacation were happier and more productive at work when they returned, so don’t feel guilty about booking some quality time with your loved ones. As a busy parent, you can make the most of your family vacation by planning activities and attractions that’ll appeal to the whole group. You could plan a trip to a city that’s rich in culture or historic sites, such as New York City, which offers something for every age group.

In the heart of Hollywood, Good Housekeeping 2024 Family Travel Award winner The Garland is a short distance from iconic landmarks such as the LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art), the classic La Brea Tar Pits and Universal Studios, where you can experience the first ever Super Nintendo World. Little ones can be star-struck at the resort’s Sesame Street program, where they’ll be entertained with story times, dance parties and puppet-making. Those with more energy can hit the beach, ride the Santa Monica Pier Ferris Wheel or do some shopping at The Grove L.A. before hitting the sack for some restful sleep. Then you’re ready to tackle the rest of your itinerary, which could include a visit to the iconic Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, where anyone 17 and under gets in free.

A hotel is a building that provides lodging, meals, and other services to travelers and tourists on a commercial basis. Hotels may be owned and operated by individuals, corporations, or other organizations. They may be located in a variety of settings, including urban areas, rural locations, and natural or manmade attractions. Generally, they provide convenience, comfort, and safety for guests. They also offer an opportunity to socialize and relax in a familiar environment.

There are many different types of hotels in the world, from large chains to small independent properties. While a hotel can be any type of structure, some of the most popular include resorts, business hotels, and boutique hotels. These establishments provide a unique blend of hospitality and travel-related services, and are designed to appeal to specific types of travelers.

When searching for hotels, it is important to consider the different amenities offered and how these features will impact your trip. It is also important to understand the various ownership models used in the industry. This article will discuss several of the most common ownership structures, such as independent hotels, management contracts, chains and franchise agreements, and fractional ownership strata units.

Choosing the best hotel can make or break your vacation. Whether you are staying for business or pleasure, finding the right hotel will ensure that your stay is as relaxing as possible. While backpacking and staying in hostels is fun, it’s not always the most convenient option for families with children or those looking for a little bit more luxury. This article will explore the different factors to keep in mind when selecting a hotel, so you can choose the perfect one for your next trip.

It is essential to look at a hotel’s website to see what they have to offer. A good website will be easy to navigate and include information about each of the hotel’s rooms, restaurants, pools, and other amenities. It should also have a contact form that allows visitors to get in touch with the hotel directly.

During your search, be sure to read reviews from previous customers. While some of these may be fake or biased, it is still worth reading them. You should pay particular attention to the comments about the staff, the location of the hotel, and any ongoing construction that might be disruptive.

Another key factor to consider is the hotel’s cancellation policy. Having a clear understanding of the cancellation terms will help you to avoid any financial penalties should your plans change unexpectedly. Moreover, you should also check the hotel’s location to ensure that it is close to your preferred sightseeing destinations.

Lastly, you should also check the availability of smooth transportation from the hotel to the key tourist attractions. If the hotel is not well connected, it can cause a lot of hassle and inconvenience during your trip. It is recommended to go for a hotel that offers shuttle services to the airport, railway station, and other prominent places.

The word travel is used to describe movement, either physically or figuratively, from one place to another. It can be accomplished by foot, bicycle, automobile, train, boat, bus, ship or airplane. In the broadest sense, it can also refer to a journey from one part of the world to another, as in “I traveled to Paris on my honeymoon.”

The term travel is related to tourism, which is the activity of visiting different places for pleasure. People from all over the world plan and take trips for various reasons. These may include business, education, health, or simply to see and experience new things. Tourism is an important industry and a major source of revenue for many countries.

A trip can be a great way to escape the everyday humdrum and enjoy some time away from work. It can be an exciting and exhilarating experience that allows you to see a new culture or visit historic sites. It can also be a relaxing getaway, or even a spiritual awakening. Whatever the reason, it is always a good idea to plan ahead before you leave for your trip. This will help you avoid unexpected expenses and make the most of your vacation.

Whether you are planning for a long weekend or a three-month adventure, it’s important to make sure that you have the funds needed to fund your trip. While saving for a trip can be difficult, there are many apps that can help you save money, such as You Need a Budget or Acorns. If you need to, consider changing your spending habits and making some sacrifices to reach your savings goal.

In addition to finances, it’s a good idea to check local and international travel laws before booking your trip. For example, if you will be driving, make sure that your license is valid in the country to which you’re traveling. Also, be sure to get any necessary vaccinations.

While traveling, it’s important to remember that the world is a big place with a lot of people, some of whom don’t have the best intentions. Be sure to use common sense when meeting people, especially at night or in remote locations. Also, be sure to stay safe by traveling with a buddy and following your gut instinct if something doesn’t feel right.

Lastly, don’t forget to keep in touch with home while you’re away. Calling your family or sending a postcard (or both) is a fun way to let them know you’re thinking of them.

Whether you’re soaking up the sun in Miami or pitching a tent in Montana, there is nothing quite like the feeling of letting go and going on vacation. But the days and weeks leading up to a trip can be chaotic as you frantically try to ensure your life doesn’t fall apart while you’re away. That’s why it is important to complete the following 11 things the day before you go on vacation to give yourself peace of mind and make sure that all you have to worry about is enjoying your getaway.

1 – Set Up An Out-Of-Office Message

If you work in an industry where you need to respond to emails, make sure to set up an out of office message the day before your trip. This is a courtesy that lets people know you’ll be out for the time being and will respond to them when you return. Depending on the length of your trip, you may want to contact your local post office and ask them to put a hold on your mail. You should also ask someone to check on your pet(s) and/or plant(s) while you’re gone to make sure they are well taken care of.

2 – Clean Your Home

Before you leave for your vacation, take the time to clean your house. This will help you feel more at ease when you come back, and it will also prevent the stress of a messy house from putting a damper on your mood. This is one of the least popular tips, but it’s an important one to remember.

3 – Drink Water

It is so easy to forget to drink enough water when you’re on vacation. But it is essential for your body to remain hydrated. Make a point to start each day with a glass of water, and add some flavor to your water by adding lemon slices or berries to it. This is a simple but effective way to keep your body hydrated, and it will help you get back to your normal routine without a struggle when you return to work.

4 – Breathe

Taking deep breaths is essential for maintaining your health. When you’re stressed out, your brain sends an adrenaline rush to your body, causing it to release the hormones cortisol and epinephrine. These hormones suppress your immune system so that your body can focus all of its energy on running from (or fighting) a non-existent saber-toothed tiger. However, when you relax, your body produces less of these stress hormones, allowing your immune system to recover and keep you healthy.

5 – Eat Healthy

During vacation, it is easy to indulge in unhealthy food and drinks. But when you’re returning to your regular routine, it’s important to eat healthy and get back into a good eating habit. Eating a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains will help you stay healthy while you transition back to your daily routine.

A hotel is where you sleep, but it’s also a place that can play an important role in your vacation experience. Choosing a hotel that matches your travel itinerary and personality can make all the difference in your trip. That’s why it’s important to consider the area of town, amenities and price when selecting a place to stay.

When planning a getaway to New York City, the options are nearly endless. The Big Apple has everything from historic grande dames to quaint boutique hotels that are the epitome of luxury. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of hotel choices.

Whether you want to live like Eloise at the Plaza or eat your way through Chinatown, a great hotel will set your vacation up for success. To help you choose the best hotel for your needs, we’ve gathered our favorite properties across the five boroughs. Read on to discover the best hotels in NYC from The Ritz-Carlton to trendy boutiques and beyond.

The newest holder of the World’s Best Hotel title isn’t your usual 100-room chain property with dozens of backers. Instead, the winner of The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2023 has just 24 rooms and overlooks Italy’s Lake Como. The winning property, Passalacqua, is owned by local hoteliers for whom hospitality is a lifelong mission. “Our goal has always been to provide an exceptional experience for our guests,” says owner Valentina De Santis. “It’s very rewarding to see that hard work is paying off.”

This year’s rankings were based on nominations from 580 members of the World’s 50 Best Hotel Academy, which includes hoteliers and travel journalists from around the world. The winner, which beat out entrants from more than 35 countries and territories, was voted on by the Academy’s independent panel of experts.

The top 10 hotels, which were also ranked by region, include a mix of European and Asian properties as well as a handful of North American resorts. The first-place property, which was nominated for the award by its guests, is a small, luxury property that’s known for its personal touches. In addition to the aforementioned amenities, it offers its guests personalized greetings, complimentary bicycle rentals and an in-room spa complete with an herbal sauna and a heated stone bath.

The rest of the top 10, in alphabetical order, are:

A family vacation is a chance for parents and kids to get away from the stress of daily life. It’s also an opportunity for them to create new memories that they’ll carry with them throughout their lives. Whether they’re traveling abroad or relaxing at the local beach, the experiences they have together on vacation can shape their outlook and help them feel refreshed and rejuvenated when they return to the everyday grind.

It’s important to have fun and enjoy yourself on your vacation with the people you love. But it’s equally as important to have downtime where everyone can relax and recharge. For example, if your kids aren’t interested in a museum tour, let them go to the beach or take a nap so that everyone can have a more enjoyable experience.

Having downtime also allows you to relax and focus on the things that are most important in your life, like your relationship with your kids. It’s important to make sure you have time to talk to your children, play games, read books or just hang out together without having any distractions or worries.

Stress can often occur from many different aspects of life, including work, school, social activities and extracurriculars. When you’re on a family vacation, you can disconnect from the digital world and fully immerse yourself in your experiences together as a family. Getting a break from these everyday stresses can help you and your family relax and grow even closer to each other.

Family trips can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. You can find great deals on airfare, hotel rooms and other travel expenses. You can even find all-inclusive vacation packages that allow you to skip the budget hassle and just have fun.

Your kids might not remember every detail about your trip, but they will remember the good times and the happy memories. This is why it’s so important to spend quality time with your kids on family vacations. Channel your inner kid and play dress up, splash in the waves or build sand castles with your little ones.

A family vacation can teach your kids valuable lessons, such as embracing new cultures, trying out different foods and visiting different attractions. These experiences can help them learn about the world around them and boost their confidence. They can use these skills when they’re older and face new challenges in their lives.

Taking a family vacation is an excellent way to relax, make memories and create a better bond with your loved ones. When you return from your vacation, you’ll feel revived and refreshed and will have a positive outlook on life thanks to the memories you made with your family. Don’t wait too long to plan your next family getaway. Life is too short, so make the most of your time with the people you love. Whether you’re going to a beach, hiking through a national park or road tripping across the country, your family deserves to have a wonderful experience.

A hotel is a type of lodging that offers food, beverage, and other services to people who are traveling for business or leisure. It is generally located in a convenient location, with easy access to public transportation. Hotels also provide a variety of amenities for their guests, such as internet access and cable television. In addition, many hotels offer on-site restaurants and bars. The best hotels are known for their high standards of service and quality. This includes the comfort and cleanliness of their rooms, the availability of staff to assist guests, and the quality of the food served. In addition, many hotels invest in security measures to ensure the safety of their guests.

The primary purpose of hotels is to provide shelter, food, and refreshment to travelers. Historically, hotels have evolved to serve a wide range of functions, including meeting places, centers for socialization and sociability, decorative showcases, venues for political activity, and vacation spots. The evolution of the hotel industry has coincided with and facilitated the development of travel and tourism, and the economic growth and prosperity of many cities and nations.

Some hotels cater to specific types of guests, such as luxury travelers or those staying for a long period of time. Choosing a target demographic can help a hotel improve its services and increase revenue. It is also important for a hotel to have good reviews from customers.

When looking for a hotel, it is important to look at its price range and location. A budget hotel can be a great option for those on a tight schedule or who are on a limited budget. In addition, a hotel should be close to the main attractions of the city or region. This can save you the cost of hiring a taxi to get to those locations.

A hotel’s organizational structure sets the manner and extent of roles, responsibilities, and communication flows. It can be simple or complex, depending on the needs of the hotel and its strategic goals. It also influences the type of employees a hotel hires and how it manages its resources.

Whether you’re looking for a budget hotel or a luxurious resort, the right choice is an important one. The hotel you choose will determine how comfortable and enjoyable your trip will be. It’s important to consider the amenities that each hotel offers and how they match up with your own personal preferences.

Lastly, it’s also worth checking out the accessibility of the hotel to key places like shopping malls, tourist destinations, railway station and airport. This is particularly important if you’re planning on using your own car to get around. Hotels that don’t have smooth transport connections can leave a negative impression on your overall experience. Luckily, there are plenty of hotel options available for all budgets. By doing your research ahead of time, you can find the perfect hotel for your next trip. You’ll be glad you did! It will make your journey much more pleasant.

Traveling is more than just visiting new places — it’s about the journey and all that you learn along the way. Whether you’re on a group trip with friends or traveling solo, there’s always something to discover about your destination and the culture you encounter. Traveling expands your horizons, boosts your health, and creates unforgettable memories. In addition, it helps to improve your communication skills and makes you more open-minded. It also encourages you to forget about your daily troubles for a bit and get away from it all.

One of the most important things that you can learn from travel is how to respect other cultures. You’ll notice how they dress, communicate, and carry themselves. You’ll see how different their customs are from your own, and you’ll develop empathy for them. This can also help you to break down prejudice and bigotry, as you’ll have a better understanding of how people are very similar despite their differences.

Another great thing about travel is that it inspires creativity. Throughout history, travelers have been at the origins of some of the world’s greatest masterpieces. Vincent Van Gogh painted Starry Night after moving to Arles from Paris, and Freeman Dyson reached a creative breakthrough for quantum physics while travelling from Berkeley to Chicago. This is because travel allows you to see the beauty of nature and architecture, and it gives your mind a fresh perspective that will lead to new ideas.

When you’re in a new place, it’s often hard to understand the local language. You’ll need to think on your feet and make quick decisions, as well as listen to your instincts in case of an emergency. This experience will help you become more adaptable and flexible, so you’ll find it easier to deal with unexpected situations in your everyday life.

In addition to learning a new language, you can also learn more about the world by visiting its cultural sites and trying out its cuisines. This will give you an insight into how the locals live, and it will be a great opportunity to see some of its most famous landmarks, too. Moreover, you can try out some new activities, such as taking a pottery class or learning how to do a handstand. Alternatively, you can challenge yourself to memorize a few tongue twisters or try reading a book that you’ve never read before.

Lastly, travelling can be challenging, but it will show colleges and employers that you’re interested in the world outside of your comfort zone. Plus, it will teach you how to be resourceful and make the best out of any situation – no matter how much of a disaster it may seem at the time! So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your next adventure! You’ll thank yourself later. Whether it’s a short weekend getaway or an extended backpacking trip, travel will broaden your horizons, teach you about new cultures, and create unforgettable memories. You’ll even have some stories to share with your friends and family!

The word Vacation evokes thoughts of relaxing on the beach or soaking in a hot tub, but it’s also about exploring a new place or trying an exciting activity. Whether you’re going on a short weekend getaway or a long-haul trip, there are many things you can do to prepare for your vacation and make sure it’s the best one yet.

Taking a break from work, family and other commitments is important for mental and physical health. However, the stress of planning a trip can sometimes prevent people from enjoying their time off. This is especially true for employees who feel like they can’t afford to take a break due to financial constraints or fear that they will be perceived as less dedicated by their boss or coworkers.

When people do get away, it’s often to a popular destination. Traveling to a different city, country or continent can be a thrilling experience that helps you learn more about the world and yourself. Some travelers like to explore on their own, while others prefer to be guided by a local expert who can show them the sights and offer insight into the culture.

In addition to sightseeing, other common activities for a Vacation include shopping, dining and entertainment. Visiting museums and other cultural institutions is a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture, while attending concerts or sporting events can be fun ways to spend a day. People also like to engage in leisure activities such as swimming, playing golf, hiking and riding bikes.

Even though the concept of Vacation has evolved over the years, it has always been about more than just relaxation. It started out as an Old French term, meaning “freedom or release from some activity,” or “a formal suspension of activity,” like a holiday. The concept of vacationing became more popular in the early 20th century as the middle class grew in America and realized the benefits of traveling for pleasure.

The days leading up to a vacation are a flurry of activities and preparations. You need to get your home ready, pack and make sure that everything will be taken care of while you’re gone. You may need to put a hold on your mail or have someone check the mailbox daily for deliveries. If you have a garden or flowers, it might be a good idea to ask a friend or neighbor to come by and water them while you’re gone. If you have pets, you’ll need to arrange for them to be boarded or for a friend to visit them at your house.

It’s also a good idea to go through your wallet or purse before you leave, removing any items you won’t need during your vacation. This can help you save on luggage weight and keep your wallet organized so that you don’t misplace anything while you’re gone. You should also clean out your refrigerator and throw away any food that will spoil while you’re gone.

Whether it’s an opulent luxury stay near top NYC attractions or a sleek boutique hotel in one of the city’s trendiest neighborhoods, these hotels have hospitality down to a T. They may not have the celebrity glitz of The Mark or the Michelin-starred restaurants of Le Bernadin, but they do provide the same kind of personal touches that make New Yorkers so proud of their home. From bespoke spas to rooftop pools, these hotels serve up the best of NYC and are the perfect place to stay in the city.

Choosing the right hotel can feel daunting. There’s the question of which category to choose, whether it’s a hotel, motel, resort or short-term rental (or perhaps a vacation house or Airbnb). And there’s always the issue of cost and amenities. What’s more, the definition of “best” can vary from one traveler to another. Here are some of the best hotels across various categories and regions, according to recent surveys from travelers and experts.

The list below is based on an expert panel’s votes, as well as data from the hotel’s own websites and other research sources. Experts also weigh in on the hotels’ amenities, location, design and service.

While the definition of “best hotel” is subjective, a few brands consistently rank among the world’s best. The members-only group Luxury Travel Intelligence releases annual rankings that analyze many hotels within a brand in granular detail, including the company’s ethos and staff. The rankings are based on more than 100 “touch points,” according to the website.

The most popular hotel brand, Wyndham, boasts more locations than any other, putting it in the position to offer more choices to travelers. Its properties include suite-style rooms with separate living and sleeping spaces, a feature that makes it a great choice for families. And the chain offers a generous rewards program.

In contrast, the Marriott brand focuses on business travel, offering spacious conference rooms and plenty of business-friendly features. Its loyalty program, Starwood Preferred Guest, gives guests a chance to earn free stays.

Best Western has a strong presence around the world, and its properties are typically located in cities that are easy to get to. But its loyalty program is not as robust as those of some competitors, and it has a lower rate structure for its rooms.

For a more exclusive experience, consider staying at a boutique property. These hotels are generally smaller than larger chains’ hotels, and often feature unique architecture or interior design that sets them apart from their competition. And while they might be more expensive, the extra costs are often offset by perks like personalized concierge services and a more intimate experience.