Hotel tips

Sri Lanka may conjure ideas of tropical coastlines flanked with palm-trees but this island is more than just a paradise for beaches. With 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, sacred cities and tea plantations, there’s a lot to experience in Sri Lanka’s interior during your trip. The “Cultural Triangle” — which includes Anuradhapura, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla and Kandy — showcases the glory of Sri Lanka’s ancient empires, while its hill towns speak to its modern history as a British colony and are ideal for hiking, relaxing and immersing yourself in the country’s lush landscapes.

In November, managers at the Arenas del Mar resort near Manuel Antonio National Park in Costa Rica, challenged employees to come up with ways to operate more sustainably. The maintenance crew suggested electric locks on guest room doors. The food and beverage department proposed making jams from fruit peels. And the housekeepers advised: Ditch the slippers.

After almost sinking during COVID, the cruise industry is getting hot again. New ships, from the “city at sea” 7,600 passenger Icon of the Seas (Royal Caribbean) to smaller, all-luxury ships like the 920-passenger Explora I are bringing new interest—and new cruisers—to the industry.

With 88 days to go until the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Paris, the scaffolding is going up for seating at the events across the capital and the Olympic Rings are being hoisted. For anyone planning a last-minute trip, who doesn't yet have accommodation, you may just be in luck. Supply has outstripped demand and homeowners, particularly of fancy apartments, are slashing prices by anywhere from 30% to 60%.

It’s about to get easier for frequent travelers to ball out on a cruise or a high-end casino vacation thanks to a new partnership between Hard Rock International and both Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises.

What is a cash-back credit card, and how does this kind of card work?

Arguably, no one deserves to be spoiled more than Mom, and what's more special than a weekend away with daughters, sons or multiple generations, or even a solo trip? This Mother's Day, dozens of fabulous hotels and resorts in the U.S., Mexico and the Caribbean are offering experiences and packages that go far beyond the typical Mother's Day brunch (although many offer those, too!), from wine tastings to sunset yoga sessions. You might even be able to earn and burn some points while treating your mom, too.

Blessed with a tropical coastline that stretches over 830 miles (1,340 kilometers), Sri Lanka beckons travelers with promises of sun-drenched shores and azure waters. Whether you’re looking for tranquil coves for sunbathing and snorkeling, thrilling surf breaks on a pristine reef, or vibrant beachside cultural hubs, Sri Lanka offers a diverse range of experiences to cater to every taste — with plenty of beautiful boutique hotels to boot.

My overriding memories of crossing countries by train, on a trip from London to Albania, are of half-empty carriages and countryside sweeping past windows bathed in the soft orange glow of sunset. I remember cypress trees, red-roofed villages with square churches, farmland in neat strips and row upon row of vineyards.

How far would you go – and how long would you take – to avoid flying and thoroughly embrace the idea of slow travel? In my case, it was 3,167 miles over three weeks. For nearly a decade I had wanted to do a road trip to Croatia, and to get as much out of the journey as the destination itself. Rather than bomb down the motorway for marathon stretches, the idea was to slow down and see new things.

Travel can be a hair-raising experience. Or a hair-flattening one.

Napa Valley is synonymous with luxury. Posh hotels, chef-driven restaurants and extravagant tasting fees cemented that reputation decades ago.

Hotel brands may seem a dime a dozen, but there is a reason why there are so many. The idea is two-fold: hospitality companies want to appeal to a variety of consumers while also drawing in different types of hotel and hospitality investors interested in opening a hotel under their brand name.

I absolutely love Italy, for many different reasons. But I hate the way in which many Americans go about planning trips there. Survey after survey shows it is the number one dream destination for U.S. leisure travelers, but the way those travelers get their information and advice gives me nightmares.

Lisette Keus is on the hunt.

Marriott PointSavers lets you book select room types at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels at lower award rates on some dates. I figured PointSavers rates would disappear after Marriott adopted dynamic award pricing, but they're still around. So, here's what you need to know about Marriott PointSavers.

Famed for its towering mountains and pristine beaches, the island of Puerto Rico offers a spectacular array of natural destinations to explore all within its boundaries, yet when it comes to true splendor, it’s tough to beat El Yunque National Forest. This sprawling green space measures in at just over 115 square kilometers, with a massive array of native birds, amphibians and insects calling the region home. Given the region’s diversity of wildlife and strong cultural significance within Puerto Rico’s indigenous Taíno culture, preserving the flora, fauna and landscapes found throughout El Yunque is of utmost importance—and fortunately, some of the island’s top organizations have united in hopes of accomplishing just that.

Ashland is known for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, but there is far more to this Southern Oregon city than the bard and its resident deer population.

With its ever-growing skyline and mansion-laden private islands, Miami can come across as a playground for the rich. But does it really require a hefty bankroll? It just depends on what kind of vacation you're looking for.

Celebrating Mom this Mother’s Day is an opportunity to show how much people love and appreciate her. Gift ideas abound from flowers and chocolate to jewelry and clothes. But, what if you could give the gift of memories with her? Even if time is limited, there are lots of creative hotel packages for entertaining weekend getaways to celebrate with her or for her to enjoy on her own or with friends. These are some of the limited-time deals available for Mother’s Day this season.

For a harried mom, the recipe for a perfect Mother’s Day is undivided time with her loved ones without the hassles of waking up early, cooking, and doing dishes.