Spirit Airlines is adding new flights to Puerto Rico, making it easier to get to the island this spring.
12.02.2024 - 17:23 / nationalgeographic.com
San Diego stretches over nearly 350 square miles of beachfront and city, nature reserves and vibrant multicultural enclaves. The options for lodgings are nearly as varied as the terrain, from a pet-friendly, boutique-style high-rise to a historic grande dame in the heart of downtown. Here are the ones we love.
Best for: Pet friendly
Just north of the Gaslamp Quarter, Kimpton’s Alma treats pets almost as well as their human companions. Expect all the basics and then some—even if you’re traveling with non-traditional critters (past guests have included a flying squirrel and a snake).
The contemporary 20-story property has decor inspired by the city: a beachy palette, south-of-the-border textiles, graffiti-style murals in some rooms, and street culture artwork, such as a skateboard wall installation, in common areas. Among the three restaurants (the rooftop Leave of Absence bar is due to re-open spring 2024), the Desmond draws locals for chef Jason Neroni’s winning culinary creations (try the octopus al pastor and fish crudo), while the casual Café is a good choice for steak frites and charcuterie.
Good to know: Rooms on the 15th floor and above have the best city views and select ones have balconies. Two parks are within walking distance: Horton Plaza Historic park (two blocks away) and Neighborhood Park (seven blocks).
Best for: Wallet-friendly
Among the budget options in Mission Valley’s “Hotel Circle,” it’s hard to miss Kings Inn’s crown-shaped, plum-hued 1959 sign. The family-owned motor lodge tips its hat to the mid-century (stone siding and angular rooflines) but renovations have brought 21st-century necessities (free Wi-Fi/gym) and sunny rooms.
Affordable parking ($15/day) and proximity to popular sites—Balboa Park, Mission Bay, Pacific Beach, and Old Town are five- to 15-minute drives away—make this an attractive extended stay option. The two onsite themed restaurants are just as popular with locals as they are with visitors. Stop by the kid-friendly Waffle Spot for diner fare and festive Amigo Spot for cocktails.
Good to know: Hotel guests get 10 percent off at both restaurants.
Best for: Travelers with kids
The modest-sized check-in area and living-room-like lobby hint at this Mission Bay resort’s laid-back family vibe. The property has an open, easy-to-navigate layout which makes it easy for parents to keep young ones in sight while enjoying activities, such as biking, kayaking, and morning yoga. Ample green space allow for outdoor games. Paved paths lead to a narrow beach, where children can splash in calm bay waters. Grownups have perks too, including a spa, nightly live music, andpool with bayside views.
All the rooms come with patios or balconies and sliding glass doors that let in
Spirit Airlines is adding new flights to Puerto Rico, making it easier to get to the island this spring.
The United States has more than 95,000 miles of shoreline, but where can you find the perfect patch of sand for a vacation? By analyzing its reviews, Tripadvisor ranked the top 10 beaches in the United States.
World of Hyatt announced a pretty substantial devaluation Tuesday.
Escape the winter chill and whisk mothers and mother-figures to warmer climes. From spa treatments and gourmet delights, to bonding over a new skill, not only does a trip to Saudi promise much-welcomed boost of vitamin D to mark the end of winter, but an opportunity to enjoy some truly special experiences in the world’s newest and most exciting tourist destination.
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (SDZWA) took an important step forward in having giant pandas return to the San Diego Zoo by signing a cooperative agreement with China Wildlife Conservation Association and filing a permit application with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. SDZWA has a nearly 30-year conservation partnership with research collaborators in China focused on protecting and recovering giant pandas. These collaborative efforts have had a significant impact—including, increased scientific understanding of giant panda biology, care and wellness, and what pandas need to thrive in a changing climate—contributing directly to the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List downgrading the giant panda from Endangered to Vulnerable in 2021. But there is still much more work to do to secure their safe future.
This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Jaclyn Sienna India, the founder of the luxury travel concierge Sienna Charles . The following has been edited for length and clarity.
With an average of 266 sunny days every year, 17 miles of world-class beaches, and adventures on tap year-round, San Diego is an ideal place for families to explore. Here are our top multi-generational picks in California’s second largest city.
Delta Air Lines added a second flight to view the total solar eclipse from 30,000 feet after the first flight the airline announced sold out in less than 24 hours.
The luxury hotel brand Rocco Forte Hotels recently combined its world-class hospitality with sustainable slow travel to create a modern-day “Grand Tour” of European cities by rail. The scenic vacation train package connects two of the most romantic cities in Europe: Edinburgh, Scotland, and Palermo, Sicily. It’s designed to let travelers indulge in an inter-rail experience while taking a deep dive into local cultural experiences at each stop.
Udaipur is a surprise oasis in the southern reaches of the Thar Desert in Rajasthan, India’s landlocked (and largest) state. The city wraps around a sequence of artificial lakes with Lake Pichola being the most beautiful. Reflecting the Aravali Range in its shimmering waters, this lake and its floating palaces have established Udaipur as one of the most romantic destinations in Northern India. Add your name to the long list of travelers who lost their heart to Rajasthan’s City of Lakes at one of these Airbnbs in Udaipur near Lake Pichola.
Prague is arguably Europe’s prettiest capital.
Alaska Airlines is making it easier to see April’s epic solar eclipse with a series of flights heading to destinations along the path of totality — and they're selling out. The specific routes, which fly to places like Mazatlán, Mexico, Texas, and Ohio, have seen a threefold increase in demand compared to previous years, Alaska Airlines shared with Travel + Leisure. And that increased demand has led to increasingly sold-out flights.