Editor
After a nearly two-year hiatus, travelers are eager to get back to exploring the world. Many people realized life is short and can be put on hold with little notice, so even if they weren’t avid travelers before, they are now. This summer it seemed every millennial was taking advantage of the lifting of international travel restric tions and heading to Europe … especially Greece or Italy. I have to admit I was a little jealous, as Greece is a top destination on my bucket list.
Travel trends and popular destinations constantly shift, making it hard to keep up with what’s hot in the travel industry. Are millennials into adventure travel or looking to relax on the beach under the sun? Do they want to travel off the beaten path or visit the hottest new destinations? No matter what type of journey you seek or with whom you plan to travel, we have something for you in these pages — and if you can’t find it here, check out our website, trazeetravel .com.
With that said, welcome to our first-ever Trazee Travel digital edition! Our FXExpress Publications,
Chief Kimberly Krol Inlander kim.krol@globaltravelerusa.com
Vice President/Digital Director Katie Skrzek katie.skrzek@globaltravelerusa.com
Senior Editor Janice Hecht jan.hecht@globaltravelerusa.com
Associate Editor/Copy Editor Patricia Vanikiotis patty.vanikiotis@globaltravelerusa.com
Social Media and Editorial Coordinator Mary Melnick mary.melnick@globaltravelerusa.com
Associate Editor Aoife O’Riordan aoife.oriordan@globaltravelerusa.com
ART Art Director Tracey Cullen tracey.cullen@globaltravelerusa.com
Staff Photographer Christopher P. Ottaunick christopher@globaltravelerusa.com
For complete bios visit globaltravelerusa.com
Special
John Wroblewski
Atsaves
Jayhawk Evans, Mark P. Ford, Teresa Jackson, Anthony
Dimera
Inc. team and freelancers worked hard to create the best travel guide for millennials.
As a millennial myself, I am ecstatic to be writing this letter. When I look to plan a vacation with my friends or family, I use Trazee Travel as a guide, especially our articles on budget travel. In this edition, read about the best budget cities to visit on page 46. You will also find features on immersive culinary experiences, worldwide wellness escapes, tips for solo travel and making the world your office as you work remotely. It’s time to grab your friends or significant other and take that vacation of your dreams.
Here’s to making the most of 2023 and getting out to explore the world!
Mary Melnick social media and editorial coordinatorPostmaster:
When in doubt, travel. There really is no better feeling than immersing yourself in a different culture and learning to see life through a different lens while experiencing the magic of travel. I find travel makes me more aware, adventurous, compassionate and curious. I recently overheard a conversation among a group of my friend’s older relatives in which they shared their plans now that things are cooling off on the East Coast. They mentioned visiting at least five different south Asian countries before settling in Costa Rica to receive the new year. Now, that, my friend, is the goal.
This year, I’ve been fortunate to take a number of trips, ranging from the most relaxed vacation on the gorgeous beaches of Cabos San Lucas to a chilly camping trip during fire weather in upstate New York and a business trip back to sunny San Diego, California. Toss in a bachelorette trip in Savannah, Georgia, and an end-of-summer wrap-up in the charming Outer Banks, North Carolina. Talk about filling up that remedy cup!
It is my pleasure to welcome you to the Trazee Travel digital edition, an issue that couldn’t publish at a better time, as I’m getting ready to plan the big three-oh trip;
and you know what they say: Go big or go home on this one. Needless to say, this will be my guide to find the best tips on immersive culinary experiences, solo travel, best celeb-owned bars and restaurants, and more.
This issue also invites you to celebrate the winners of this year’s The Trazees and the first-ever Industry Leader Awards, as we did this summer in a lovely reception at The University Club atop Symphony Towers in San Diego. In conjunction with the Global Business Travel Association convention, the FXExpress Publications, Inc. team put together an exciting night full of laughs, flashes, good music and great company. Whether you’re reading this on your phone, tablet or computer, I suggest you allow your imagination to take you to these destinations and soak in the experience.
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tel 215 919 8988 | fran.gallagher@globaltravelerusa.com
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tel 215 932 0284 haley.fogarty@globaltravelerusa.com
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tel 267 884 1650 | yasser.ogando@globaltravelerusa.com
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tel 215 932 1621 maria.angeles@globaltravelerusa.com
Account Executive Southern Region and the Caribbean Carrie Cox tel 215 932 0861 | carrie.cox@globaltravelerusa.com
Business Development Executive Christyn Pek tel 231 740 6406 christyn.pek@globaltravelerusa.com
Australia Charlton D'Silva tel 61 2 9252 3476 charlton.dsilva@pubintl.com.au
France Géraldine Roger tel 33 1 88 32 62 61 cell 33 7 81 22 02 36 | groger@asset-media.com
India Vimal Anand tel 91 124 4932020 cell 91 98100 71000 vimal@gmnindia.com
Indonesia Sarah Hutabarat tel 62 21 29704008 | sarah@mediaman.co.id
Japan Yoshinori Ikeda tel 81 3 3661 6138 | yoshinori.ikeda@pacific-business.com
Korea Jeff Hwang tel 82 31 702 7782 cell 82 010 6347 9117 gng@gngcom.co.kr
Malaysia Ester Chai tel 60 3 7722 1968 | esther@fitzgerald.com.my
Singapore Peggy Thay tel 65 83768345 | peggy.thay@pubintl.sg
Slovak Republic (Eastern Europe) Zorka Sipkova tel 421 948094611 | zorka.sipkova@pubintl.eu South America and the Caribbean (excluding Peru and Colombia) Ana Torres de Navarra tel 305 205 3303 ana@colibri-media.com
Spain Olga Martínez tel 34 91 320 0497 | cell 34 669 10 12 73 olga.martinez@aboutim.es
Taiwan Keith Lee tel 886 2 2523 8268 leekh@ms4.hinet.net
Thailand Apichaya Sophonratana tel 66 2 0514694 | apichaya.s@jpp-thailand.com
Turkey Elif Mengu cell 90 532 255 83 24 elif@catalyzismedia.com
United Arab Emirates (UAE) Rosy Kachouh Nawfal cell 971 55 607 8163 | rosy@i-repme.com
United Kingdom Stefanie Stroh-Begg
44 0 7798 665 395 stefanie@mercury-publicity.com
Global
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Visit these celebrity- and celebrity
Take an entertaining city break
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Global Traveler celebrates the winners of the 2022 The Trazees and Industry Leader Awards.
BY AOIFE O’RIORDAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE RIGHT LIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY
Following an exciting and bustling Global Business Travel Association convention in San Diego, California, the FXExpress Publications, Inc. team continued the celebration with The Trazees. Held at University Club atop Symphony Towers, we presented the awards against a backdrop of a golden sunset overlooking the bay. Accompanying good food and drinks, live music created an atmosphere of energy and liveliness as our friends and clients joined in for a night of fun.
As Global Traveler’s sister publication, Trazee Travel reaches a wide audience of travelers mostly between the ages of 25 and 40. Readers of Trazee Travel voted on the best in the travel industry, from airlines to hotels to travel brands. Voting ran online Dec. 14, 2021–May 1, 2022, in which thousands of readers voted across different categories. Additionally, we honored the inaugural winners of FXExpress Publications, Inc.’s Industry Leader Awards, hand-selected by our team and honoring the best and brightest
in the travel industry who lead the way in their fields.
The event came to life thanks to Marriott Bonvoy, Grupo Posadas/ Fiesta Americana, United MileagePlus, Visit Lauderdale, oneworld, Visit Virginia Beach and United Explorer Card from Chase. All of our sponsors helped create a special event, memorable for all. The night ended with an exciting raffle in which five lucky winners won a bottle of Dom Pérignon Champagne.
The Trazees 2022 event concluded both the night and the end of the 54th Global Business Travel Association convention. GBTA saw a staggering increase of professionals return to the convention following the pandemic, with more than 4,600 attendees and more than 250 exhibitors recorded. The 55th convention will take place next year in Dallas, Aug. 13–16.
Favorite International Airline United Airlines
Third Consecutive Year
Favorite Airline Alliance oneworld
Favorite Aircraft Type Airbus A350
Second Consecutive Year
Favorite Airline Website aa.com
Fifth Consecutive Year
Favorite Frequent-Flyer Program
United MileagePlus
Fifth Consecutive Year
Favorite Airline in North America Air Canada
Fourth Consecutive Year
Favorite Airline in Central/South America Aerolineas Argentinas
Favorite Airline in Europe
TAP Air Portugal
Fifth Consecutive Year
Favorite Airline in Africa Ethiopian Airlines
Third Consecutive Year
Favorite Airline in the Middle East Qatar Airways
Favorite Airline in Asia
EVA Air
Favorite Airline in Mexico Aeromexico
Third Consecutive Year
Favorite Green Airline United Airlines
Fourth Consecutive Year
Favorite Overall Airport in the World
Istanbul Grand Airport
Favorite Airport in Africa O.R. Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, South Africa
Second Consecutive Year
Favorite Airport in North America Chicago O’Hare International Airport
Third Consecutive Year
Favorite Airport in Asia Incheon International Airport Third Consecutive Year
Favorite Airport in Europe Helsinki-Vantaa Airport
Favorite Airport in the Middle East Hamad International Airport, Doha
Favorite Airport in Central/ South America Bogotá El Dorado International Airport
Fourth Consecutive Year
Favorite Airport Dining Chicago O’Hare International Airport
Third Consecutive Year
Favorite Airport Shopping Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Favorite Duty-Free Shopping Incheon International Airport
Third Consecutive Year
Favorite Duty-Free Shopping in the Middle East Dubai Duty Free
Favorite Duty-Free Shopping in Africa O.R. Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, South Africa
Second Consecutive Year
Favorite Duty-Free Shopping in Asia Taipei Taoyuan International Airport
Favorite Duty-Free Shopping in Europe Istanbul Grand Airport
Favorite Duty-Free Shopping in Central/South America
Bogotá El Dorado International Airport
Second Consecutive Year
Favorite Individual Hotel W South Beach
Favorite Hotel Chain InterContinental Hotels & Resorts
Favorite Lifestyle Hotel Chain Element Hotels
Favorite Hotel Website marriott.com
Favorite Hotel Rewards Program in the World Marriott Bonvoy
Second Consecutive Year
Favorite Hotel Chain in Asia
Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts
Favorite Hotel Chain in Europe
The Red Carnation Hotel Collection
Favorite Hotel Chain in Central/South America Fiesta Americana Hotels & Resorts
Third Consecutive Year
Favorite Hotel Chain in Mexico Fiesta Americana Hotels & Resorts
Eighth Consecutive Year
Favorite Hotel Chain in the Middle East Jumeirah International
Favorite Green Hotel Aloft Second Consecutive Year
Favorite Hotel App Marriott Hotels & Resorts Second Consecutive Year
Favorite Country Greece
Third Consecutive Year
Favorite Worldwide City Seoul
Favorite Honeymoon Destination Tahiti
Third Consecutive Year
Favorite Adventure Destination Türkiye
Favorite Foodie City Asheville, North Carolina
Fifth Consecutive Year
IHG Hotels & Resorts; Tamara Laster, vice president of global sales strategy, IHG Hotels & Resorts 4. Charlotte Bouman, sales development director, Air France 5. Francis X. Gallagher, publisher and CEO, FXExpress Publications, Inc.; Haley Fogarty, advertising manager, FXExpress Publications, Inc.; Meredith Erskine, acquisition senior associate, Chase United CoBrand, JPMorgan Chase
Savannah, Georgia
Favorite Beach Town, Northeastern United States Provincetown, Massachusetts
Favorite Beach Town, Mid-Atlantic United States Ocean City, Maryland
Favorite Beach Town, Mid-Southern United States Virginia Beach, Virginia Third Consecutive Year
Favorite Beach Town, Southeast United States Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Favorite Beach Town, Florida East Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Favorite Beach Town, Florida West Sarasota, Florida
Favorite Beach Town, Florida Panhandle Rosemary Beach, Florida
Favorite Beach Town, Gulf United States Gulf Shores, Alabama
Second Consecutive Year
Favorite Beach Town, Texas Galveston, Texas
Favorite Beach Town, Southern California Santa Monica, California
Favorite Beach Town, Northern California Carmel-by-the-Sea, California Third Consecutive Year
Favorite Beach Town, Pacific Northwest
Cannon Beach, Oregon
Favorite Beach Town, Hawai‘ian Islands, Big Island Kailua-Kona, Big Island, Hawai‘i
Favorite Beach Town, Hawai‘ian Islands, Kauai Hanalei, Kauai, Hawai‘i
Favorite Beach Town, Hawai‘ian Islands, Lanai Lanai City, Lanai, Hawai‘i
Favorite Beach Town, Hawai‘ian Islands, Maui Lahaina, Maui, Hawai‘i
Favorite Beach Town, Hawai‘ian Islands, Oahu Waikiki, Oahu, Hawai‘i
Hertz
Second Consecutive Year
GOWAY
Fourth Consecutive Year
Favorite Luggage Brand Swiss Army
Favorite Credit Card
United Explorer Card from Chase
Fifth Consecutive Year
Favorite Credit Card Design
Hawaiian Airlines World Elite
Mastercard from Barclays
Favorite Cruise Line
Paul Gaugin Cruises
Third Consecutive Year
1. Charlotte Bouman, sales development director,
France; Shawn Cole, vice president, sales, Delta Air Lines
2. Glenn Stress, vice president, B2B programs and events, Marriott International
3. Haley Fogarty, advertising manager, FXExpress Publications, Inc.; Christyn Pek, business development executive, FXExpress Publications, Inc.
4. Rafael Lizarraga, CCO, Grupo Posadas; Carrie Cox, account executive Southern region and the Caribbean, FXExpress Publications, Inc.; Christyn Pek, business development manager, FXExpress Publications, Inc.
5. Jeanette Vincent, senior manager, regional sales, Air Canada; Virgilio Russi, vice president, international sales, Air Canada; Haley Fogarty, advertising manager, FXExpress Publications, Inc.
6. Maria Angeles, account executive Western region and Asia, FXExpress Publications, Inc.; Christyn Pek, business development executive, FXExpress Publications, Inc.; Aoife O’Riordan, associate editor, FXExpress Publications, Inc.
7. Yasser Ogando, advertising and production manager, FXExpress Publications, Inc.; Ivan Vukov, global account manager, Aeromexico
8. Rocío Blazquez Reyes, regional director U.S. and Canada, Aeromexico; Fern Ottavio, sales and marketing manager, TAP Air Portugal
9. Alex Acosta, manager, charter sales, Celebrity Cruises; Maria Angeles, account executive Western region and Asia, FXExpress Publications, Inc.
10. Haley Fogarty, advertising manager, FXExpress Publications, Inc.; Angie Kocerka, director of marketing & air service, Chicago O’Hare International Airport
The following winners were honored with Quint Status for winning the same award for five consecutive years.
Favorite Airline Website aa.com
Favorite Frequent-Flyer Program United MileagePlus
Favorite Airline in Europe TAP Air Portugal
Favorite Foodie City Asheville, North Carolina
Favorite Credit Card United Explorer Card from Chase
Best Aviation Industry Leader
Anne Rigail CEO, Air France
Best Hotel Industry Leader
Rafael Lizarraga
CCO, Grupo Posadas
Best Cruise Line Industry Leader
Lisa Lutoff-Perlo
President and CEO, Celebrity Cruises
Best Airport Industry Leader
Jamie Rhee
Commissioner, Chicago Department of Aviation
Best Diversity, Equality & Inclusion Travel Leader Alison Taylor CCO, American Airlines
Best Green Initiatives & Sustainability Travel Leader
Pamela Fletcher
Chief Sustainability Officer, Delta Air Lines
Explore the world’s diverse foods with immersive culinary experiences.
BY KIMBERLY KROL INLANDER
Delish Dishes: Indulge in a tasting menu led by Chef Rodrigo de la Calle as part of Almanac Barcelona’s Barcelona Foodie Package.
Food and travel go hand in hand. Personally, some of my fondest travel memories include food and beverages: chocolate making in Belgium and Panamá; watching a cooked pig rise from under the earth in Hawai‘i, shopping for produce in Tuscany with the hotel chef before returning to the hotel to learn how to make ravioli, tasting wine straight from the barrels in Napa, hunting for truffles with dogs in Spain, dancing barefoot on the beach after an Anegadan lobster boil in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and learning to cook Thai food at my hotel in Chiang Mai.
Try all that and more on your travels with some of these can’t-miss experiences around the globe.
Described on its website as “a gastronomical experience seeking to disrupt the course of the modern restaurant,” it’s evident Los Angeles’ Vespertine offers a culinary experience like no other. Chef Jordan Kahn collaborated with architect Eric Owen Moss and artists in crafting this reimagined version of dining. Art, food, music and more come together to immerse diners and stimulate all the senses. A hefty price tag equates to around 18 courses; as of press time, Vespertine was offering private parties and takeout while still waiting to resume its typical service postpandemic.
How does one even prepare one’s stomach for 50 courses? Yes, you read that right, an experience at Copenhagen’s Alchemist consists of 50 “impressions” and lasts four to six hours. Take note, as the restaurant itself observes, the prerequisites are curiosity and presence of mind. Diners can choose from a number of options and price points, starting from the Menu Alchemist Experience, at DKK 4400, or around $585, and ending with The Sommelier Table, at DKK 14,400, about $1,900.
Pair a traditional hotel stay with a cooking class at Savannah, Georgia’s, Mansion on Forsyth Park. Travelers can try their hands at a new culinary technique without venturing far from their guestroom. Current cooking class offerings at Mansion on Forsyth Park deliver storytelling alongside tasting and include Champagne Brunch, for $109; Classic Italian, for $109; Date Night and Farmer’s Market Haul, both at $119; and Grand Tours, covering destinations such as the Mediterranean, Mexico and Tuscany. Select classes, such as Farmer’s Market Haul, include a visit to the market to hand-select the ingredients with which you will later cook.
Almanac Barcelona’s recently launched Barcelona Foodie Package blends a bit of everything: travel, a chef-led tasting menu, a city food tour and a visit to one of Spain’s Cava producers.
On-site Virens serves Chef Rodrigo de la Calle’s “green haute cuisine,” and here, as part of the offer, diners indulge in a tasting menu led by De la Calle, who explains his vision, culinary techniques and sourcing methods. A three-hour food tour then guides guests to top foodie spots in the Spanish city, from Mercat Santa Caterina to Cuines de Santa Caterina. Participants also visit Torelló Cellars for a tour with owner Toni De la Rosa Torelló.
Thankfully, you won’t need to don scuba gear to dine underwater at Hurawalhi Maldives’ 5.8 Undersea Restaurant. The name comes from the restaurant’s position 5.8 meters below the resort, which also earns the eatery its superlative as the world’s largest, all-glass undersea restaurant.
The multicourse tasting menu will delight just as much as the atmosphere, and diners can choose from a five-course lunch menu or seven-course dinner menu. Vegan and seafood-free menus are available for either meal.
Alaska’s Tutka Bay Lodge, located along Kachemak Bay on the Kenai Peninsula, added a cooking school to its repertoire, open to property guests in summer. Housed on a historic crabbing boat, cooking classes include in gredients grown from a seaside garden. During the class, learn techniques as you prepare a three-course menu in a stunning setting.
Travelers needn’t only say “Bon appétit” on their travels; they can also say “Cheers!” In London gin is king, and at The Ginstitute at The Distillery in the posh Notting Hill neighborhood, participants can truly immerse themselves in the spirit. After a colorful and fun lesson on the history of gin, served up alongside a gin-based cocktail, we (yes, I can personally vouch for this one!) made our way through the Blending Rooms with a dif ferent gin cocktail in hand before going in-depth on the various botanicals that comprise the full bouquet of gin. The final showstopper? Each of us crafted our very own bottle of gin, which still proudly sits on my in-home bar as a reminder of the experience.
Beekeeping is vital to our environment for a myriad of reasons, and at Ojai Valley Inn guests can get hands on with beekeepers. Available Tuesdays–Sundays by ap pointment, the experience begins inside the bee yard and apiary at Mistletoe Meadows — protective beekeeping suit provided, of course. The beekeeper uses local white sage to calm bees before participants learn more about the essential life of a honeybee. A honey tasting with different varieties of raw honey rounds out the unique experience.
Bootcamp might sound scary, but we promise this one, offered at Alisal Ranch in the Santa Ynez Valley, skews more delicious than frightening. The hotel hosts BBQ Bootcamps, offering participants the chance to both taste scrumptious specialties and hone their own at-home grilling skills. Find differently themed camps offered throughout the year. In 2023, BBQ Bootcamp: From the Vine is slated for March 5–8, pairing barbecue and wine, and BBQ Bootcamp: Spring Classic, held May 7–10.
Known for its long-standing tradition of sabrage, St. Regis Hotels and Resorts recently announced the launch of private Champagne sabrage master classes at its properties across North America. Available now, guests and locals can book private Champagne sabering master classes with an expertly trained St. Regis Butler.
Sabrage’s history dates back more than 200 years; however, for St.
Regis, the ritual dates to 1904 and founder John Jacob Astor IV. He had a bottle sabered on property nightly to celebrate the transition from day to night. Various St. Regis properties around the world continue the tradition.
The St. Regis hotel will tailor the sabrage master classes to any group size, with classes taking each participant through the history and technique before they try their hand at the ritual. A 30-minute class for up to four guests includes one bottle of Moët & Chandon Champagne and canapés. Book directly with each property.
Embark on a deep-sea fishing trip led by a St. Barth fisherman at Rosewood Le Guanahani, and learn more about fishing techniques and the impact of the water on the island. Then, pair your fishing trip with the hotel’s Cook Your Catch program. Hotel chefs cook your day’s haul to order.
Access to shared office space makes working remotely easier than ever. BY MARY MELNICK
Millennials’ jobs are starting to look different from the traditional nine-to-five workplace. With the help of social media, people are blowing up online and becoming influencers. Trending in areas like travel, shopping, clothing, fitness and even alcohol, influencers receive free products and compensation to post content, represent brands and recommend merchandise or services. While influencers gain recognition on platforms like Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, they also enjoy the flexibility to work on the move.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, working remotely in all fields has grown in popularity. Companies around the world
sold their offices and went completely remote, relying on Zoom and other websites for meetings. People who don’t have in-home offices or don’t want to work from their house often look for alternative offices or spaces, like a coffee shop or a shared space.
If your company doesn’t require you to be in the office every day or even at all, co-working and remote spaces offer many benefits.
First, consider the social aspect. Whether you live alone, with a roommate or with family, working remotely means you spend most of your workday by yourself with few opportunities to talk to other people. Remote and co-working spaces offer you the chance to mingle, collaborate and network with other
people sharing the space. You can connect with people in similar fields or positions as you, which may lead to new opportunities, ideas and collaborations.
These spaces also offer the advantage of coming and going as you please. When renting a space, no one controls your hours. You can pop in for a half day and find a quiet place to take a meeting, finish a project or simply change up the scenery.
Working from home or being around people who aren’t working can cause distractions and lack of motivation. In contrast, being in a shared workspace surrounded by other productive people can help you focus on your tasks for the day. Find your ideal workspace through one of the following co-working centers with locations around the globe, or look for a local version in your area.
Founded in 2010, WeWork started with a vision to create environments where people and companies come together in order to do their best work. WeWork originated in New York City and has since grown into a global workplace provider committed to delivering flexible workspaces, inspiring workers, providing safety-focused workspaces and a variety of
community experiences.
With locations all over the world, WeWork is perfect for travel enthusiasts looking to work on the go. Whether you are an influencer looking for a small space where you can respond to some emails or a company looking for an alternative work location, WeWork has a space for you.
If you are a single person looking for a space to work, consider booking the Dedicated Desk. With this option, workers get one desk in a shared office with filing cabinets, shared amenities and more. The Dedicated Desk is a monthly subscription at one specific location.
Small companies looking for a remote workspace may appreciate the Private Office option, which can accommodate up to 20 people. The office spaces come fully furnished, plus you’ll have access to conference rooms, mailing and packaging facilities, cleaning services and more.
Companies needing space for 20–100 people will need the Office Suite, which features several different layouts to support the needs of your business. Companies can choose to have a reception desk, confer ence rooms and executive offices in order to make the space feel like their own. Rentals are available through a monthly or annual subscrip tion for one location.
The Full Floor Office space accommodates 100 or more workers, booked with an annual subscription for a single location. This space comes fully furnished and provides access to other amenities such as executive offices, a receptionist area, private printers, private confer ence rooms and other amenities.
Workers or businesses looking to book any type of space can use WeWork’s website to find their preferred location, tour the space virtually or in person and then work with a sales representative to book the space.
As one of the most notable and largest co-working space providers, Impact Hub remains one of the world’s biggest global networks and a leader in positive change. More than 100 communities around the world feature a dedicated working space to help generate a positive change in more than 55 countries across five continents. Impact Hub focuses on building ecosystems to drive collaboration and business
innovation around the globe. All locations have everything a startup, mid-sized company or single person may need to grow their business or develop their project.
Originally started in Amsterdam in 2008, Spaces has grown rapidly and now offers private offices, co-working spaces and meeting rooms in more than 430 locations around the world. At Spaces, workers can join a thriving community filled with remote professionals similar to them. Expect a full calendar of business events, speakers and networking launches to offer new possibilities and stay engaged. Contracts can be altered to meet the needs of each client in order to keep them satisfied and flexible.
As one of the first companies in the world to commercialize shared office spaces, Regus currently has more than 3,000 co-working spaces
As the airline that connects more countries than any other, Turkish Airlines offers the opportunity of discovering world’s connection center Istanbul and its unique wonders with stopover service for the passengers with lengthy transfer times.
Turkish Airlines invites passengers to discover unique wonders of Istanbul with stopover accommodation service.
Transfer passengers from 42 countries* experienced the privilege of discovering Istanbul with stopover service so far. The scope of the service will be expanded with 15 new departure countries** in 2022.
For passengers with long stopover time in Istanbul, Turkish Airlines provides 1-night stay in a 4-star hotel for Economy Class and 2 nights stay in a 5-star hotel for Business Class. Passengers will also have the option of staying at contracted hotels with special prices starting from 49 USD.
Terms and conditions apply, visit turkishairlines.com
*42 countries (departure point): Algeria, Australia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Canada, China, Denmark, Estonia, Ethiopia, Finland, Ghana, Greece, Ireland, India, Iran, Italy, Ivory Coast, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Latvia, Lithuania, Malaysia, Morocco, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Portugal, Qatar, Russia, Scotland, Serbia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Tanzania, Thailand, Tunisia, Ukraine, United Kingdom, and United States of America.
**Planned 15 countries (departure point): Kenya, Zambia, Mozambique, Indonesia, South Korea, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Nepal, Argentina, Brazil, Panama, Colombia, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain.
in 120 countries. The spaces offer memberships for individuals, start ups and larger companies. The buildings feature fully equipped office spaces where teams of all sizes can collaborate or work independently.
Even Google hopped on the co-working space trend with Google for Startups. As part of its initiative to foster the development of the startup industry, Google built Campuses to support the network of tech hubs, accelerators and diversity organizations. Companies who join receive a virtual program designed to support startup founders with essential growth skills for their workers. Women-founded start ups all over the world can take advantage of the mentorship-focused program that connects them with the best of Google’s women-found ed startups for advice, direction and more.
Workbar builds quality workspaces with a focus on member wellness and productivity. The team consists of experts and leaders to help
ensure workers have the tools and resources to have a successful workday. The space offers a dynamic workplace perfect for col laboration and focus you can’t get at home or in a traditional office. In addition, Workbar isn’t just for typical nine-to-five workers; it provides accommodations for entrepreneurs, small-business owners, individual workers and even college or graduate students.
As students go back to school with the possibility of online classes and reduced face-to-face time with professors and peers, they need a safe, productive space apart from the university’s buildings and dorms to watch their classes and get their work done.
No matter what type of professional or student you are, Workbar hopes to help ease the worry and stress that may take over during the workday. Mental health for many people around the world took a drastic turn during the pandemic, so in order to support holistic well-being and mental health in the study or workplace, Workbar spaces are designed to facilitate interaction through safe and distanced in-person offices, community events and engaging online forums.
Revive your wonder — with a side of soul-invigorating wellness — at singular escapes around the world.
BY TERRY WARDSerenity by the Sea:
Grand Velas Riviera Maya Grand Class beach (above), and (opposite page) Se Spa Suite (top), dish at Frida Restaurant (bottom left), and Se Spa pool (bottom right)
ravel is back” is a mantra we’ll repeat as long as it’s true. And with it, for many people, comes the desire to get out into the world again in more connected and rewarding ways.
Wellness comes in many forms. For some of us it takes shape by planning a vacation where a focus on physical and emotional wellbeing takes the front seat to simply ticking off tourist sites or lying on a beach. In truth, of course, you can do both.
We’ve rounded up five of the best wellness escapes to consider taking right now. And trust us, you deserve this.
Among the most luxurious of Mexico’s all-inclusive resorts, this sprawl ing property near Playa del Carmen along the Riviera Maya lures guests with beachfront suites featuring private plunge pools, gourmet food
(think ceviche and sushi served seaside) as well as what might well be the finest spa in all of Mexico.
It’s worth dedicating several hours of your vacation to basking in the all-out serenity of the Water Ceremony at SE Spa at the AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Riviera Maya. With eight water experiences overseen by a spa attendant, the hydrotherapy circuit is complimentary with any 50-minute massage service at the spa and includes stops to cover your body with therapeutic clay in a dedicated clay room, an ice room, sensation pool and color-therapy showers.
Just strolling to the resort’s spa along boardwalks that wind through the jungle will get you in the frame of mind to shed stress. And once you settle in for one of the Mayan treatments — perhaps the Mayan jade facial or the K’iin & Uh Stone Massage, which alternates hot Maya obsidian stones with cold marble — a serious bliss-out is bound to ensue.
Relax and Rejuvenate: Spa treatment at Silversands Grenada
PHOTO: © SILVERSANDS GRENADA
Catering to travelers coming out of the pandemic who look to be pampered in different ways, Ananda in the Himalayas recently honed its world-class wellness offerings with the launch of several new programs. Designed to tie in emotional healing and therapy with the resort’s traditional Ayurveda and classical yoga and meditation offerings, the new therapies make use of emotional healers who specialize in spiritual healing, hypnotherapy and energy work to guide guests through their challenges and help them find greater emotional balance.
The luxury resort set on a Maharaja’s palace estate in the foothills of the Himalayas in Northern India also expanded its traditional offerings to include Eastern therapies. You’ll find acupuncture, cupping and moxibustion (a traditional Chinese medicine practice that involves the burning of mugwort leaves) also on offer. None other than Oprah Winfrey called this place “more like a pilgrimage than a visit.” And if you take your wellness seri ously and holistically, Ananda might be the same to you.
A true spice island where nutmeg, cacao and ginger grow in abundance and verdant hills plunge to sweeping black- and golden-sand beaches, Grenada is the Caribbean apart. And if you’re looking for a wellness escape in the region that’s sure to make a lasting impres sion and send you home feeling born anew, The Silversands Spa at Silversands Grenada delivers.
The intimate resort spa has just four treatment rooms, including two for couples, with extensive facilities at your disposal to enjoy pre- or post-treatment that include a sauna, ice cave, hammam and experiential shower. The spa menu offers therapies like body scrubs,
massages and the like, but your therapist will sit down to talk to you to make sure your experience is curated for your particular needs.
If you’ve never tried psammotherapy (the centuries-old hot sand therapy from Ancient Egypt), this is the place to indulge in it in this part of the world. The Silversands Spa is the only one in the Caribbean with Gharieni Quartz Sand Beds for hot sand therapy that elevate the experience while you enjoy quartz therapy, aromatherapy, inversion therapy or an undulating massage treatment.
The 90-minute Signature Quartz Ritual incorporates a custom nutmeg oil blend in rehydration and detoxification therapies that include a massage and eyelift recovery treatment — all while you lie in the heated quartz sand bed and let the benefits of increased circulation and alleviated pain work their magic.
Settle into one of the 32 private villas at Cal-a-Vie Health Spa in Vista, Califor nia, for a three-, four- or seven-night spa vacation package that nourishes body and soul through a diet of gourmet cuisine, hiking, beauty and spa treatments and mind-body awareness programs.
Just north of San Diego, this French Provençal-styled health spa resort set on 500 private acres uses derivatives of the spa’s grape harvest — Cabernet Sau vignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot fruits — in its antioxidant-rich product line to leave you feeling healthy and aglow, from the inside out.
Grape skins, seeds and pulp all have abundant vitamins C and E to strengthen collagen and increase your skin’s elasticity and firmness. And they’re the key ingredients in the resort’s signature Vinotherapie products that deliver that X factor to any treatment here.
Acupuncture, aquatic massage and lavender honey body wraps appear on the long list of ways to treat yourself, and the property also offers more than 160 fitness courses and an 18-hole golf course to get your blood pumping.
Scandinavians know a thing or two about the benefits of subjecting your body to a mix of cold and hot temperatures in succession (increased circulation and better immunity, for starters — not to mention that ruddy-cheeked glow).
For a truly sublime setting for trying out a sauna and cold plunge yourself, it’s worth the trek to Swedish Lapland for the unique hotel and spa experience that awaits in the wilds of Arctic Bath.
The property, which features modernistic cabins connected by floating bridges that stretch into the Lule River, operates during two distinct seasons. In wintertime, from around mid-November to mid-April, expect snowy sur rounds and appearances by Lady Aurora as the northern lights often dance in the sky. The mid-June to mid-September summer season starts by basking you in the midnight sun (24-hour daylight) before segueing into darker nights that might bring the northern lights by as early as late August.
Upon check-in at the resort, you’ll receive a spa kit (bathrobe, bathing suit and spa products) as well as free reign to enjoy Arctic Bath’s two dry saunas, steam sauna, outdoor Jacuzzis and open-air cold plunge pool (the essential last step if you want that ruddy glow). And you can add on treatments like Julevädno (a mindful sauna experience that finishes with a dip in the Lule River) or deep-tissue massage.
It’s all about connecting with nature while connecting with yourself — which just might be Swedish for “wellness.”
As the major hub of a world-class city, Chicago O’Hare International Airport has long been globally recognized for its dining and retail options. An upcoming series of concessions offerings — the largest at O’Hare in a decade — are set to further bolster that reputation, especially in the $1 billion expansion and transformation of Terminal 5.
The Chicago Department of Aviation and its lessee partners are imagining a new dining and retail experience for O’Hare’s more than 80 million annual passengers.
As the rehabilitation of Terminal 5 nears completion, rolling openings for the new food and retail options will start this year and continue into 2023.
• The Hampton Social: Coastal-inspired cuisine and hand-crafted cocktails from a brand with locations on Chicago’s Near North Side and the surrounding suburbs
• Bar Siena: A new airport outpost of the West Loop eatery known for its regional Italian fare and drinks
• FarmAir’s Market: A grab-and-go concept with sandwiches, salads, refreshments and other lowtouch options
• Butcher and the Burger: An outpost of the popular Lincoln Park eatery offering upscale customizable burgers and breakfast in a retro counter-service
• Sparrow Coffee: Local coffee roastery focused on sustainability
The new dining options will complement T5’s existing fare, including the high-quality grab-and-go options at Goddess and Grocer, Big Bowl and Wow Bao.
• Six Points Market and Metropolis Coffee: Retail location with a focus on travel essentials and souvenirs, with a coffee shop included
• BLVD & Branch: Specialty retail outlet with a focus on electronics and accessories
These new concessions agreements, along with new retail offerings, carry an additional source of pride for Chicago Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and Aviation Commissioner Jamie L. Rhee, as they will achieve an Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise participation rate of 40 percent, exceeding the CDA’s goal of 32 percent and the nationwide goal of 10 percent set by the Federal Aviation Administration. For more information on the ongoing diversity, equity and inclusion efforts at Chicago’s airports, visit flychicago.com.
In addition, Terminal 5’s concessions developer, URW Airports, is embarking on several new dining and retail offerings under its development agreement, which will complement these CDA direct leases and help bring the best concessions experience to Terminal 5’s passengers.
Terminal 5 will soon include Delta operations, and is already the O’Hare home to Southwest Airlines and more than a dozen international carriers.
The reimagining of Terminal 5 and these new offerings are a key component of O’Hare 21, the curb-to-gate reinvestment strategy that will modernize facilities and offer new passenger amenities for the 21st century and beyond. Learn more at ord21.com
Visit these celebrity- and celebrity chef-owned bars and restaurants around the world. BY KATIE SKRZEK
From Julia Child and Top Chef to Anthony Bourdain and The Bear, the culinary world is an integral part of pop culture. Celebrity-owned bars and restaurants give diners an opportunity to connect with their favorite famous people. Whether you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of that star or simply want to enjoy an incredible meal, these restaurants offer unique experiences you won’t soon forget.
Robert De Niro’s Nobu has been a staple of the celebrity-owned restaurant circuit since the 1990s. Chef Nobu Matsuhisa opened his eponymous restaurant Matsuhisa in 1987 in Los Angeles. De Niro became a regular diner and suggested Matsuhisa expand to New York. While Matsuhisa originally declined, as he wanted to focus on his Los Angeles outpost, he eventually agreed. Matsuhisa, De Niro, restaurateur Drew Nieporent and investor Meir Teper agreed to a
joint restaurant venture. The first Nobu opened its doors in 1994 in New York’s trendy Tribeca neighborhood. Nobu currently has more than 50 restaurants in locations around the world.
Musician Jon Bon Jovi owns JBJ Soul Kitchen in New Jersey, a nonprofit community restaurant run by the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation. The volunteer-run restaurant serves paying and in-need customers, a model imagined by Bon Jovi’s wife, Dorothea, to address issues of food insecurity while uniting communities and forming healthy and lasting relationships through food. Diners enjoy classic comfort food with ingredients sourced from local purveyors. There are currently three locations: in Red Bank, Toms River and at Rutgers University’s Newark campus.
Singer Gloria Estefan and her husband, Emilio, own and operate Estefan Kitchen, a restaurant, nightclub and entertainment venue in
Actor Channing Tatum owns the bar and restaurant Saints and Sinners in New Orleans along with his friend and business partner.
Opened in 2012, the restaurant is styled after the bordellos and burlesque halls of New Orleans’ former red-light district. Saints and
Actor Hugh Jackman owns Laughing Man Coffee Shop in New York. All proceeds from the shop go to The Laughing Man Founda tion, Jackman’s organization that supports coffee farming communi ties.
Oscar-winning actress Susan Sarandon opened a chain of ping pong venues and bars, SPiN, in 2009. The first location opened in New York City’s Flatiron District. In addition to drinks, visitors can enjoy pub grub like burgers, wings and pizza. Today there are nine locations from Toronto to Seattle, San Francisco to Washington, D.C.
Actor Danny Trejo owns Trejo’s Tacos, with several locations in California. The fast-casual restaurant serves tacos, burritos, quesadil las and bowls. The first location in Los Angeles happened to open in a former Taco Bell.
Actress Piper Perabo famously played a bartender in Coyote Ugly. Off screen, Perabo co-owns Jack’s Wife Freda in New York City’s SoHo neighborhood. The all-day bistro offers a menu inspired by its co-owners’ families from Israel and South Africa.
Lifestyle guru Martha Stewart recently opened her first restau rant, The Bedford by Martha Stewart. Located at Paris Las Vegas Hotel, the restaurant is a replica of Stewart’s 1925 farmhouse and serves French-inspired cuisine and her favorite recipes.
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shows (Top Chef, Hell’s Kitchen, Chef’s Table), the line between celebrity and chef is often blurred. Foodie fans also flock to celebrity chef-owned restaurants.
Wolfgang Puck’s Spago dominated the restaurant scene in Beverly Hills during its heyday, catapulting Puck to icon status. The restaurant remains on many best-of lists, a true testament to the quality and consistency of its California cuisine.
The Food Network launched in 1993 and since then has made many chefs household names. One of the network’s biggest success stories is Guy Fieri. The chef competed and won the network’s competition show The Next Food Network Star in 2006. Since then, Fieri has gone on to host numerous shows on the network. He owns restaurants around the country, including Guy Fieri’s American Kitchen and Bar. Beyond his shows and restaurants, Fieri demon strated his philanthropy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Together
with the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, Fieri created the Restaurant Employee Relief Fund, which raised more than $21.5 million for restaurant workers in need.
Fellow Food Network regular Bobby Flay has graced our screens since the mid-1990s. Flay has hosted and participated in numerous television shows and authored several cookbooks. Flay fans can visit his restaurants around the country including Amalfi by Bobby Flay and Bobby’s Burger Palace
Celebrity chef Cat Cora, known for her appearances on Iron Chef, has opened more than 18 restaurants with a focus on health, wellness and sustainability. Travelers have likely seen Cat Cora’s Kitchen, located in airports throughout the United States.
Emeril Lagasse became a household name thanks to his cooking show catchphrases including “Bam!” The James Beard Award winner owns multiple restaurants, including several in New Orleans, highlighting his mastery of Creole and Cajun cuisine.
British celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay might be best known for his colorful language and fiery temper. However, fans of his television cooking competition show Hell’s Kitchen might not realize Ramsay’s restaurants hold multiple Michelin stars. Ramsay owns several restaurants in the United States and the United Kingdom, ranging from fast casual to the 3-Michelin-starred Restaurant Gordon Ramsay in London.
Bravo’s cooking competition series Top Chef introduced viewers to a new group of rising chefs. Many contestants and winners have gone on to open restaurants, write cookbooks and appear in other television programs.
Top Chef winner Michael Voltaggio, along with his brother and fellow Top Chef finalist Bryan Voltaggio, co-own several restaurant ventures together including Voltaggio Brothers Steak House, Thacher & Rye and Showroom. The chef brothers frequently col laborate together, including a recent culinary residency at Bellagio Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.
Chef Stephanie Izard was the first female chef to win Top Chef Since winning the title, Izard went on to open several restaurants, including Girl & the Goat, and win a James Beard Award in 2013 for Best Chef: Great Lakes.
Top Chef finalist Nina Compton appeared on the show’s New Orleans season. The chef fell in love with the city and opened her own restaurant there: Compère Lapin. The restaurant pulls from her Saint Lucian roots while also highlighting the local cuisine. Compton won a James Beard Award for Best Chef: South in 2018.
The British baking competition The Great British Bake Off delights viewers with its charming contestants and delectable baked creations. While many of the popular contestants and winners go on to publish cookbooks, fans of the show can sample one winner’s desserts first hand. Series 7 winner Candice Brown co-owns The Green Man pub in Eversholt, England, with her brother. The pub serves classic British fare alongside desserts made by the star baker herself.
Use these restaurants as your guide to create an itinerary for a star-worthy taste on your travels. Bon appétit!
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There’s nothing to fear and everything to gain when you travel solo.
Reaching the Top: A solo climber at Al Khazneh in the ancient city of Petra, Jordan
As the name suggests, solo travel is essentially travel ing alone. But unless you are trekking through the wilderness, you never will be truly alone. The beauty of solo travel lies in that it makes you more open to meeting new people, whether that be a host family with whom you eat dinner in their guest house or some fellow travelers at the hotel bar.
As is the case with group travel, your packing list will vary
BY JACK GUYdepending on your destination and what you want to do when you get there. The main difference with solo travel is your mental preparation. It’s worth remembering you will be the one making decisions on what to see, what to eat, when you do it and how to get there. Smartphones make this far easier than in days gone by, but nonetheless, the freedom to choose can sometimes prove stressful. It’s important to embrace the idea and remember: You’re on holiday, you’ve got nowhere to be and no one waiting on you.
Single Shot: Recording memories while exploring the world alone
PHOTO: © AARON AMAT | DREAMSTIME.COM
Shared Experiences: Solo travelers can join a group activity like a cooking class or wine tasting.
For those who may be nervous about traveling solo, consider planning a trip to a destination you have visited before to give a sense of familiarity or somewhere where you speak at least a little of the local language, which makes it easier to get around and meet people. You could even start by taking a day or two out of a group trip to travel alone, safe in the knowledge your friends or family are close by. Or join local group experiences you can find online, such as wine tasting in Paris or a cooking class in Mumbai. And if the thought of meeting strangers fills you with dread, look for locals or expat groups in your destination and see if you can make a connection before you arrive. Maybe there is a supporters’ group for a sports team you would like to watch play or a particular music scene you’d like to experience.
In terms of staying safe in unfamiliar surroundings, take the same precautions as you would on a group trip, but add a few specific measures. Send your location to a family member every so often, or even enable them to track your phone using a specific app. Take a photo of the license plate of taxis you get into and send them to a trusted contact, and make sure you’ve saved copies of your documents securely online. Try not to be so wary of strangers you miss out on meeting new people, but at the same time don’t
take unnecessary risks. Commonsense decisions remain the same as when you’re on any other trip.
As for choosing where to travel, it ultimately boils down to what you want to see and do, but it’s also worth bearing in mind that in certain parts of the world, well-trodden routes have developed which make life easier for solo travelers. One example is Central America, where generations of adventure travelers encouraged the development of a string of hotels, tour companies and transport links throughout the continent. Similarly, the socalled Banana Pancake Trail in Southeast Asia takes its name from the food stalls which popped up along the route to feed Western visitors. In addition, traveling in Europe is easy thanks to options such as the Eurail pass, which offers unlimited train travel for a set period of time, as well as well-developed air links. Not only does this kind of infrastructure make it easier to meet other travelers, it can also help keep costs down, as traveling solo does tend to cost more than group travel.
For those who want to get off the beaten track, the good news is you can always stick a pin in the map and travel wherever your heart desires. That’s pretty much how I ended up on a slow boat from Yurimaguas to Iquitos in Peru, winding down the Huallaga
Miles from Nowhere: Town on the shore of the Yanayacu River in the Amazon rain forest near Iquitos, Peru
and Marañón rivers before joining the mighty Amazon. Fortunately, I was in no hurry, as the boat stayed in port in Yurimaguas — a nice enough place but one without any major attractions — until it was full. This meant three nights sleeping in a hammock on deck before we even left, giving me ample time to get to know my fellow passengers.
A varied bunch made up of families returning home to small villages with supplies for the next few weeks; traders heading to Iquitos, the largest city in the Peruvian Amazon; and those heading even farther downstream to Colombia and Brazil, they were mostly friendly and curious about what I was doing. When we did eventually leave, loaded with everything from brand-new motorbikes to a ship ment of cattle, the boat made slow progress down the majestic river, stopping every now and then to let people and goods on and off. Some of the stops served fairly large villages, others dropped people off at what appeared to be small clearings in the forest with no visible signs of human habitation.
On board there wasn’t much to do except read, talk to other pas sengers and marvel as the Amazon rolled past, but it was an amazing
experience. After four days, punctuated by a few nervous hours stuck on a sandbank in the middle of the river, we arrived at the port of Iquitos. By this stage I almost didn’t want to get off, accustomed as I was to the rhythm of life on the boat. After a few days in the city I was ready to sail again, and I continued to the Colombian city of Leticia in the tri-border area shared with Brazil and Peru before flying to Bogotá.
It’s a journey that sticks in the memory from a long trip around South America and one that underlined the value of solo travel. With no friends or family around and nowhere particular to be, I was free to settle in and experience a journey that was mind-boggling to me but perfectly normal for those around me. I came away with a better understanding of life in the Amazon and an appreciation of how dif ferently other people relate to the concept of time.
With no friends or family to remind you about daily life, traveling solo makes it possible to forget about home and all of its assumptions and offers a powerful way to learn about a new place as well as yourself along the way. If you’ve got this far into the article, you’re obviously interested in traveling by yourself, so there is only one thing left to say: Go and make your reservations now.
With rising prices around the world, planning a trip might prove overwhelming when considering the cost of hotels, restaurants and attractions. However, many U.S. cities offer budget-friendly options for travelers looking to avoid splurg ing while also enjoying the best of the city. Here are some with affordable sites, restaurants and accommodations, allowing you to spend more time making memories and less time worrying about your wallet.
Indiana’s capital and largest city might surprise you with its many affordable activities, hotels and restaurants. Not only does the city’s downtown area offer various options, but the surrounding neighborhoods also boast some neat, artsy places. Head to Eagle
Creek Park, the largest in Indianapolis, and explore its more than 3,900 acres. The park features 10 miles of paths and an array of attractions, from state nature preserves to Woodland Wildlife Preserve and picnic areas to fishing spots.
Operating since the 19th century, Indianapolis City Market invites visitors to peruse the many businesses found there. You’ll find everything from locally designed jewelry to rich coffees and teas and authentic cuisines from around the globe. The more adventurous can explore City Market Catacombs and learn some of the more interesting stories of the city’s history.
Looking for something active to do? Ride a bike along the city’s Cultural Trail, which takes cyclists past sites like the con vention center at Georgia Street, the LED-lit Swarm Street and Poet’s Place. Pacers Bikeshare stations allow visitors to rent a bike for just $1, plus 15 cents per minute, with no time limitation. An
hour-long ride comes to only $10.
With an average room rate of $100, finding affordable and comfortable accommodations in the city is easy. Great budgetfriendly hotel options include Hilton Garden Inn Indianapo lis Downtown and Hyatt Place Indianapolis/Downtown.
A big city means many dining options at great prices. Explore top-rated and affordable restaurants such as Livery, a Latin American eatery, and Iozzo’s Garden of Italy, a Mexicaninspired restaurant.
Home to the University of Georgia, this college town features more than just the university. The State Botanical Garden of Georgia lies within the city and encompasses more than 300 acres. The garden also boasts a conservatory run by University of Georgia. With 11 botanical and horticultural collections and 5 miles of trails, outdoor lovers cannot skip out on a visit here.
Georgia Museum of Art offers free timed ticketing for those who want to see the museum’s permanent collection and temporary exhibitions. The museum displays American art dating back to the 19th century as well as collections such as the Thompson Collection and the Kress Collection.
For delicious and locally sourced food head to Athens Farmers Market on Saturdays and Wednesdays, 9 a.m.–noon. Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, the market sells everything from wine and fruit to cheese and fresh and seasonal vegetables.
Being a college town means great happy hour deals at many bars and restaurants. The Pine Bar and Trappeze Pub are just two of many in the area serving great happy hour drinks with light bites.
You can’t spend time in the South without enjoying authentic Southern cuisine, and restaurants like South Kitchen + Bar, The Place and Heirloom Café and Fresh Market comprise some of the great restaurants in Athens. At night, find affordable hotels like Graduate Athens and Homewood Suites by Hilton Athens.
With a variety of activities and experiences for visitors of all interests, from the arts to history to nature, Albuquerque’s afford able prices make it a great city to visit. Be sure to visit Petroglyph National Monument, which costs just $1 on weekdays and $2 on
weekends. This park contains an estimated 24,000 images carved by the Pueblo people and early Spanish settlers centuries ago.
With a car, hop onto Route 66 and cruise down the old highway to take in stunning views of the desert and rock formations. Back in the city, head to Old Town, a series of narrow streets with adobe houses, shops and restaurants. Old Town contains many restaurants at good prices, including Church Street Café, a restaurant serving New Mexican cuisine with both indoor and patio dining as well as seating in the secret garden. For a drink, Albuquerque’s Brewery District features dozens of craft breweries and wineries.
Those who want to spend the night in Albuquerque have several affordable options, such as Isleta Resort and Casino, a 4-star hotel with a nightly rate of $129–145, and Nativo Lodge, a Native American-inspired hotel with local artwork integrated throughout the property.
Few cities have great forests, mountains and rivers on their doorstep, but Asheville can claim all as its neighbors. Less than an hour from the city lies Pisgah National Forest. Within, visitors find countless trails, scenic spots and waterfalls. Drive through the park to see Looking Glass Falls, a stunning waterfall with a plunge pool at the bottom and many viewing points to take in the sheer height of the rock and pouring water. Other waterfalls in the area include Tom’s Creek and Whitewater Falls. Within the national forest visitors can also explore The North Carolina Arboretum. Tickets are
On the Trail: Autumn leaves on the rocks at Courthouse Falls in Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina
PHOTO: © MARK VANDYKE | DREAMSTIME.COM
Bonsai Exhibition Garden at the North Carolina Arboretum (top), and sunset along North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Parkway
just $16–21 a car and provide access to its exhibition centers, including the Bonsai Exhibition Garden.
Blue Ridge Parkway sits less than 15 minutes from Asheville and provides even more ways to enjoy the surrounding landscape. Slow down and enjoy a relaxing and scenic drive through longrange vistas and endless mountains.
Back in the city center, River Arts District buzzes with life through colorful murals, artisan studios, art galleries, restaurants, cafés and craft breweries. The area even features some music venues for exciting nightlife events. Here, find 12 Bones Smokehouse for some top-notch barbecue dishes. For caffeine, Ultra Coffeebar proves a hip place to hang out both inside and out on the patio.
Another popular spot in Asheville is Highland Brewing Company. Its casual atmosphere combined with a taproom and options to sample a pint or flight makes it a great place to visit for a drink. Everyone knows of nearby Biltmore Estate, but the prices of tickets to visit the home are talked about almost as much as its size and grandeur. Instead of spending more money than necessary to see the estate, choose to visit Biltmore Village, a charming village that once housed employees of the estate. Along the streets find boutiques, galleries, jewelry stores, farm-to-table restaurants and cafés.
Comfortable and budget-friendly hotels in and around Asheville include Tru by Hilton Asheville East, Brookstone Lodge and The Residences at Biltmore
Did you know all of the Smithsonian museums in Washington, D.C. , are free? With a staggering 19 museums in the city, you can easily spend your days wandering the galleries and halls of the many museums, from Smithsonian Museum of Natural History to the National Air and Space Museum. Other places in the city with free admission include the U.S. Capitol Building, the White House and the many memorials.
Near San Antonio, Texas, lies the iconic Alamo. Many don’t realize there is no charge to enter and explore the site and building. All that’s required is a ticket for timed entry. Other free places to visit include Mission San José, an 18thcentury neighborhood, and the Japanese Tea Garden.
In Kansas City, Missouri, ride the KC Streetcar for free to enjoy even more free attractions and experiences, such as the free tour of Boulevard Brewing Company, River Market, Crossroads Art District and the Money Museum.
There’s so much to explore in Santa Monica:
Located just 13 km from Los Angeles International Airport, yet a world away
400+ eateries offering a variety of fresh, innovative cuisine – often locally sourced from the farmers markets – including three Michelin starred restaurants
41 hotels, from luxury to budget
The city is an easily walkable / bikeable 21 square miles
Endless opportunities to experience the California lifestyle including beach yoga, coastal bike rides and world-class shopping