Haute Retreats unveils five trending Summer destinations for 2024, showcasing exclusive experiences

As authentic as it is dynamic, urban and natural, historic yet alternative, Bordeaux has plenty going for it! Famed for its vineyards, architecture and fine food, the destination also impresses with its cool attitude, cultural excitement and laid-back way of life. Between land and ocean, Bordeaux is influenced from all directions, and reveals a lifestyle that reflects all the authenticity of the South-West, friendly and uncomplicated.

It’s a catch-22 that so many travelers bemoan: Summer is the most convenient time to travel thanks to good weather and plenty of federal holidays to extend that vacation. But summer holidays—like Memorial Day Weekend, Juneteenth, Fourth of July, and Labor Day Weekend—are among the most expensive days of the year to fly, leading many would-be-tourists to just stay home.

Planning the perfect summer trip can take weeks of research, preparation, and organization to ensure it goes off without a hitch. But before you get to the planning and booking phase, you'll need to decide where to go. There's a seemingly endless amount of great options out there, and while there's nothing wrong with heading to the same familiar spot over and over again, sometimes you want to get a little off the beaten path and go somewhere you haven't been before. Whether you're in the mood for a nature escape with jaw-dropping vistas, hiking paths, and secluded lodges, or are looking for a big city excursion surrounded by trendy restaurants, unique neighborhoods, and great shopping, we've got ideas for you.

Lisbon was voted Europe’s Best MICE Destination in 2023 for the first time at the 4th edition of the World MICE Awards in Berlin, Germany. The same event also saw the 31st European edition of the World Travel Awards, in which Lisbon was also voted Europe’s Best Urban Destination in 2024. 

While Japan is famous for its cherry blossoms, South Korea offers its own unforgettable cherry blossom experience. Known locally as "beotkkot," the cherry blossom season in South Korea transforms the country into a breathtaking palette of pink, beguiling both locals and tourists alike. The 2024 bloom season for these beloved blooms is expected to be particularly stunning, with experts estimating that this year’s flowering with arrive seven days earlier than normal.

The World Travel Awards - dubbed the ‘Oscars of tourism’ - have been announced for 2024 and two Scottish distilleries plus a number of hotels have triumphed.

Step aside, Hollywood, there's a new nepo baby in town.

The Puerto Rico Open finished with a dramatic playoff Sunday, but it was hardly the end for the event. In fact, while I was attending the tournament—one of the most spectator friendly in all of golf—the PGA Tour and Puerto Rico Tourism Company announced a two-year extension of the longest running PGA Tour event in the Caribbean, since 2008.

AdventureSmith Explorations introduces a new sailing route in Indonesia, providing travelers with enhanced opportunities for immersive cultural experiences and wildlife encounters. Departing from Flores Island, the 9-day trip aboard traditional Indonesian sailing vessels offers a compact yet robust itinerary, featuring close encounters with Komodo dragons, whale sharks, and volcanic landscapes. A new sailing route in Indonesia offered by AdventureSmith Explorations, the leader in small-ship adventure cruising, is giving expedition travelers more opportunities to explore and immerse themselves in Indonesian culture and its distinct wildlife experiences. Aboard either the 24-guest Ombak Putih or 12-guest Katharina traditional Indonesian sailing vessels, the 9-day trip sets sail from and returns to Flores Island between April and August. The perfect introduction to Indonesia, the compact yet robust itinerary gets active travelers up close and personal with Komodo dragons, whale sharks and volcanic islands, while also connecting them with the people living and working in local villages.

SeaWorld is turning 60 this year, and the parks have revealed big plans to celebrate all year long. The party officially gets started on March 21st – 60 years to the day that SeaWorld first opened its gates in 1964 – and will be in full swing through the weekend and continue throughout the year. The parks are teasing what’s to come as the 60th celebrations get underway, including all-new themed rides and attractions coming this spring, exciting new presentations and shows this summer and more exclusive, collectible merchandise dropping throughout the rest of the year.

HCM City has been awarded “Asia’s Best MICE Destination” for a fourth year in a row. The award was announced at the 4th annual World MICE Awards gala ceremony held on March 6 in Berlin. The award is a recognition for the continued efforts of the city’s tourism sector and demonstrates global confidence in the city’s tourism potential, said Bùi Thị Ngọc Hiếu, deputy director of HCM City Department of Tourism, who received the award at the ceremony.

Lisbon was voted Europe’s Best MICE Destination in 2023 for the first time at the 4th edition of the World MICE Awards, which took place last night in Berlin, Germany. The same event also saw the 31st European edition of the World Travel Awards, in which Lisbon was also voted Europe’s Best Urban Destination in 2024.