Several Grand Canyon trails and campgrounds will be closed to the public in the coming years as the National Park Service prepares for construction of the Transcanyon Waterline.
30.08.2023 - 20:13 / forbes.com
The sun may be setting in summer, but there's no better time to set your sights on a new horizon. With the days growing cooler, it's the perfect opportunity to kindle that spark of wanderlust to begin sketching out your next great escape. And as travelers increasingly seek authentic, homely comforts coupled with the thrill of novelty, the trend towards unique vacation rentals is booming.
Let's talk numbers. Hotels, the ever-popular choice, continue to dominate, with 64% of summer travelers opting for their familiar comforts. However, vacation rentals have made quite the splash in 2023, garnering a respectable 38% — a noticeable leap from 32% in the summer of 2022. Delving deeper, it's the millennials leading the pack; over half of them (51%, to be exact) are keen on swapping hotel corridors for cozy vacation homes. So, what's fueling this shift?
Traveler motivations are diverse but illuminating. For a hefty 76%, it's the charm of personal amenities — think of whipping up breakfast in a full kitchen or having an evening splash in a private pool. 52% reckon they get more bang for their buck with rentals, and an evolving 35% (up from 32% in spring) are chasing those Instagram-worthy, design-driven escapades.
Intrigued? Let's embark on a virtual tour of some quirky, jaw-dropping vacation rentals out there:
Imagine stepping into a tropical paradise without leaving the mainland. Situated conveniently near the wonders of Disney World, this jungle-themed sanctuary seamlessly merges modern luxury with nature's tranquility. The interiors reveal meticulous design, bringing the outside in with lush greens, earthy woods, and intricate textures. The expansive outdoor space includes a luxurious pool and spa and a gazebo – perfect for afternoon siestas or midnight storytelling sessions. And if indoor entertainment is on your mind, the neon-lit arcade room, filled with retro games and a state-of-the-art entertainment system, is ready to transport you to a playful wonderland. This home comfortably accommodates 12 guests, making it an excellent getaway for large gatherings or simply for those who love expansive living.
From serving the town as a water reservoir to becoming a sought-after vacation spot, this repurposed water tower is a testament to its innovative design. Standing majestically at 87 feet, the panoramic views from here are unparalleled — endless blue Pacific waters by day and twinkling city lights by night. The interiors, bathed in warm wooden tones, are accentuated by nautical decor, reminding guests of its seaside locale. Several outdoor decks offering a unique view and a relaxing hot tub ensure you're always in the front-row seat to nature's ever-changing canvas.
Chugging through history, this 1916 CSX
Several Grand Canyon trails and campgrounds will be closed to the public in the coming years as the National Park Service prepares for construction of the Transcanyon Waterline.
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National park accommodations generally fall into a few basic categories: camping, glamping, inns or lodges, and hotels. Some national parks also come with a homier option: Airbnbs. Take Canyonlands National Park. Roughly 30 minutes outside of the well-loved desert town of Moab, Utah, Canyonlands is one national park that’s situated in close proximity to quite a few impressive Airbnbs. Sure, you could easily find a nice hotel near Canyonlands National Park, but why not pick the Canyonlands National Park Airbnb that best suits your style — from quintessential cabins, to private yurts, to large and luxurious rentals that can fit the whole family.
If you’re booking an Orlando airport hotel, you’re likely either coming or going to Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, a work conference, family reunion, or some combination of the above (bravo to you, if that’s the case). Whatever the reason, bookending your Orlando trip with an airport stay is the most convenient way to ensure you aren’t rushed getting in and out of town, and have time to actually step away from the scene and relax a bit. These are the best Orlando airport hotels for every major hotel rewards program.
Travels and Textiles in Central Asia Textiles expert Chris Aslan explores a crossroads of history where ‘fortunes were made and lost through shimmering silks, life-giving felts and gossamer cottons’. Most travellers know of the Silk Road, but older still are the Wool Road and Cotton Road, whose tightly woven stories Aslan seeks to untangle.
Whether it’s a Moroccan-influenced Chicken & Shrimp Kefta with a Vietnamese-style Nuoc Cham dipping sauce, or a Green Thai Curry Hummus with both English and Wasabi peas, Chef Jason Neroni of the newly-opened The Desmond restaurant has California Cuisine speaking with a lot of different accents. “We’re buying everything we can from the area,” says Neroni, “then we craft it with global influences. That gives us no boundaries — we’ve got a lot of different palates traveling through here and we can make them all very happy.”
When you walk into a plane, the first thing you’ll notice is just how utterly impeccable first class looks. Those plush seats, all that extra legroom, and the ultra-attentive service from crew members make it seem like a super inviting place, especially as you walk on by to your smaller, more crowded economy class seat.
From world-class museums and cultural sites to great outdoor activities like hiking and biking in South Mountain Park, there’s no shortage of things to do in Phoenix. These Phoenix hotels give you easy access to the best of the city and its surrounds.
The summer season might be winding down with the arrival of Labor Day Weekend, but that only means travel is about to get a whole lot cheaper. Plane, train, hotel, and cruise deals are as good as ever, reminding wanderlusters that there’s never a bad time to see the world and there’s always an opportunity to save a buck.
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