Travel

Hotel at a Glance: The Redstone Inn

The Redstone Inn—built in the late 1800s to resemble a traditional Swiss chalet—offers stunning views of the surrounding Rocky Mountains.

• Drive an hour to the famous mountain resorts of Aspen/Snowmass or 90 minutes to Vail, where you can brush up on your skiing skills.
• Nearby attractions: Redstone’s shopping and hot springs.
• Onsite restaurant: serves grilled dishes, including Aspen Ridge natural ribeye and toasted pumpkinseed pesto with grilled Norwegian salmon
• Go for a hike: Explore McClure Pass, Coal Basin, Beaver Lake, and Bogan Flats.

Redstone, Colorado: Historic Swiss-Style Town in the Rockies

Redstone is about 200 miles west of Denver, but the place looks like it was airlifted in from the Swiss Alps—in fact, the buildings are modeled after European mountain chalets. The entire town was the brainchild of entrepreneur John Cleveland Osgood, who built it in order to house the employees of his coal-mining operation. While he lived there, his tudor-style Redstone Castle hosted guests such as John D. Rockefeller, John Pierpont Morgan, and Teddy Roosevelt; today, you can take a public guided tour of the house or dine like a Rockefeller yourself at the historic Redstone Inn, which, like the rest of the town, is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Since it’s surrounded by the Rocky Mountains, Redstone has no shortage of outdoor activities. The 2.3-million-acre White River National Forest is crisscrossed with trails for hiking and snowmobiling, and Avalanche Ranch boasts natural hot springs about 5 miles north of town.

Resort at a Glance: Cancún Resort Las Vegas

This Mayan-inspired hotel is located 3 miles—just a short cab ride—from the Las Vegas Strip, but its tranquil setting feels worlds away from the Vegas bustle. Relax around the pools, one of which is fed from a pyramid reminiscent of the ruins at Chichén Itzá in Mexico; venture beneath the pyramid to find a large hot tub.

• Villas have kitchens as well as dining, living rooms, and two bathrooms.
• Eat beside a waterfall at the onsite Caribe Lounge, which serves American pub fare.
• Poolside hammocks are ideal for curling up with a good book, or for treating yourself to a nap.
• Show off vacation photos when you hop on to the WiFi network (included in resort fee).

Beyond the Las Vegas Strip: Old Vegas and Red Rock Canyon

It can feel like the entire city of Las Vegas revolves around the Strip if you never venture beyond that neon-lit corridor. But there’s plenty to see and do once you step off Las Vegas Boulevard. You can find a taste of Old Vegas on Fremont Street, where vintage signs and showgirls crowned with headdresses recall the days of Sinatra and Martin. Beginning at dusk, a canopy of more than 12 million LED lights erupts in a psychedelic light-and-music show every hour. For an aerial view, zoom down the center of Fremont Street on a zipline.

Nature puts on its own show at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, a landscape of fiery-red sandstone formations and limestone cliffs just 17 miles outside the city. Motor down the 13-mile scenic drive or ditch the car and strike out on any of more than 20 hiking trails that course through the region’s otherworldly topography.

Hotel at a Glance: The D Las Vegas

The D Las Vegas supplies games, glitz, and entertainment just north of the Vegas Strip. Day and night, cocktails are served at the hotel’s lounges as well as at the casino, which offers slot machines and table games. If you need to recharge, take a dip amid sun-kissed palm trees in the outdoor pool and hot tub.

• Luck be a lady: Old-timey slot machines and simulated horse races are some of the quirky ways to play at the hotel’s casino. Table games and late-night keno are also available.
• Sleek decor and bold red and black accents give guest rooms an upscale ambiance. Some rooms have panoramic views of the mountains.
• Diverse dining: Sink your teeth into prime cuts of steak and Italian entrees at Andiamo Steakhouse or satisfy late-night cravings at the laid-back American Coney Island.
• Grab a martini or frozen margarita at three onsite bars. Dancing servers entertain guests at D Bar.

Beyond the Las Vegas Strip: Old Vegas and Red Rock Canyon

It can feel like the entire city of Las Vegas revolves around the Strip if you never venture beyond that neon-lit corridor. But there’s plenty to see and do once you step off Las Vegas Boulevard. You can find a taste of Old Vegas on Fremont Street, where vintage signs and showgirls crowned with headdresses recall the days of Sinatra and Martin. Beginning at dusk, a canopy of more than 12 million LED lights erupts in a psychedelic light-and-music show every hour. For an aerial view, zoom down the center of Fremont Street on a zipline.

Nature puts on its own show at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, a landscape of fiery-red sandstone formations and limestone cliffs just 17 miles outside the city. Motor down the 13-mile scenic drive or ditch the car and strike out on any of more than 20 hiking trails that course through the region’s otherworldly topography.

Hotel at a Glance: Row NYC

Designed in 1928 by notable theater architect Herbert J. Knapp, Row NYC looks like it belongs in an art museum—and it feels like one inside as well. Modern-art installations can be spotted throughout the interior: it has displayed an animated light sculpture by video artist Yorgo Alexopoulos and photographs of New York street scenes. There was even a photo booth that spliced images with iconic photos by paparazzo Ron Galella and generated the shots as a GIF animation. Named 1 of the best 35 hotels in NYC by Condé Nast Traveler readers, the 4-star hotel is encased in a sleek array of stainless steel, dark wood, and glass in Times Square.

• Notable culinary complex: City Kitchen is a food market featuring vendors from across New York. Grub Street called it the “massive new food hall that Times Square has been waiting for” and Zagat rated it the Best Food Hall in NYC.
• Onsite café: District M is a European-style café by day, and a cocktail bar serving pizzas and offering entertainment by night.
• What’s nearby? Times Square and Broadway theaters are within a few blocks.
• Get a workout at CYC fitness, an indoor-cycling center with plenty of bikes to go around.
• Glam & Go: a beauty bar with quick hairstyling services

Times Square, Manhattan: Flashy Neon Lights and World-Class Culture

Times Square is at the intersection of Broadway and Seventh Avenue in Midtown Manhattan. The famous address—affectionately known as “the Crossroads of the World”—is home to hypnotizing billboards, giant wraparound news tickers, and the neon lights of Broadway. Beyond the glitz and gimmicks, there are a number of cultural offerings in the area, ranging from museums to Michelin-rated restaurants. Buildings of historical and architectural interest include the Paramount Building and One Times Square, site of the annual New Year’s Eve ball drop.

Nearby, the Museum of Modern Art houses a trove of masterpieces including Vincent van Gogh’s The Starry Night, Claude Monet’s Water Lilies paintings, and Andy Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup Cans. Save time for a stroll through the museum’s outdoor sculpture garden, where installations are clustered around sparkling reflecting pools. About a mile north of Times Square, the David H. Koch Theater is home to one of the world’s foremost dance companies—the New York City Ballet, which stages contemporary works as well as classics like Swan Lake and The Nutcracker.

Hotel at a Glance: Red Jacket Mountain View Resort

National Geographic ranked North Conway among the world’s best ski towns. It’s surrounded by the White Mountains and ski areas such as Cranmore and Attitash Mountain Resorts. But even when there’s snow outside, temps stay at balmy 84 degrees in Red Jacket Mountain View Resort’s indoor water park. In the 40,000-square-foot Kahuna Laguna, guests can zoom down water slides, splash in wave pools, and dodge water cannons. This Getaway comes with daily water park passes for four.

• For extra space, choose a Garden-View Family Loft or a two-bedroom townhome. The former boasts a sitting area plus a staircase leading up to a private loft, while the latter offers more seclusion as it sits about 100 yards away from the hotel.
• Grab a bite: Savor hoisin glazed salmon at Champney’s Restaurant or opt for lighter fare at Palmer’s Red Ridge Grille.
• Press accolade: The resort was named as one of the 2016 Family Vacation Critic Favorite New England Family Hotels and Resorts.
• Aloha Arcade can keep your kids entertained with more than two dozen games.
• Get a workout in a fitness room equipped with treadmills, stationary bikes, and weights.

North Conway, New Hampshire: Historical Town amid the White Mountains

Idyllic North Conway was established in the foothills of the White Mountains in 1765. It’s home to the region’s highest peak, Mount Washington, which tops out at 6,288 feet. Climb aboard the Conway Scenic Railroad to see the surrounding countryside and rolling White Mountains. It’s also worth exploring the railroad’s carefully preserved North Conway train station, a National Historic Landmark that opened in 1874.

This swath of New England is perhaps best known for its downhill skiing. At Cranmore Mountain Resort, skiers glide down 57 trails and snowboarders catch air in numerous terrain parks. At the base of the mountain, there’s a tubing park with 10 lanes and a convenient tow lift. For a bigger adrenaline rush, try the Mountain Coaster, which clips along at speeds of up to 25 miles per hour.

Hotel at a Glance: Buffalo Grand Hotel

Each second, 3,160 tons of water tumble over the brink of Niagara Falls. It’s an astounding sight no matter the season. Staying at Buffalo Grand Hotel puts guests about a 30-minute drive from both the American and Canadian sides of the falls.

• Included with this Getaway: parking each day
• Best place to unwind: the indoor pool, where sun filters in from a skylight
• In-room amenities: LCD TV and free WiFi; executive rooms also include refrigerators and microwaves
• Harbor Bistro & Bar plates entrees such as New York strip and fresh salmon and pours specialty cocktails.

Buffalo, New York: Chicken-Wing Capital with Rich Railroad History

Buffalo is the second-largest city in New York, but it’s second to none when it comes to its namesake buffalo wings. Though the pioneering restaurant’s identity is subject to debate, there’s no doubt about Buffalo’s status as the capital of wingdom. To sample the city’s most famous export, head to the Anchor Bar or Duff’s Famous Wings.

Buffalo was once one of the biggest railroad hubs in the country and has several museums dedicated to celebrating those glory days. Visit the Iron Island Museum to get a feel for how the railroad shaped the city. History buffs will also want to check out the Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society, also known as the Buffalo History Museum. Housed in a neoclassical building along Scajaquada Creek, it has exhibits on the War of 1812, the Erie Canal, and the Pan-American Exposition held on the museum grounds in 1901.

Property at a Glance: Yosemite View Lodge

Once it leaves Yosemite National Park, the Merced River picks up speed, developing frothy whitewater rapids by the time it barrels past Yosemite View Lodge. This secluded inn is tucked into the Sierra Nevada mountains along the park’s western border. River-view rooms feature balconies that overlook untouched wilderness centered on the rushing river and the towering pines lining it on both sides.

• The comforts of home: During your stay, you can warm up by the fireplace, brew a pot of coffee in the kitchenette, or soak in your spa tub. 
• Added perk: This deal includes adventure backpack with hiking essentials, such as a bottle of water and a keychain.
• Eat well at River Restaurant & Lounge, which serves traditional American breakfast and dinner year-round. The lodge’s convenience store sells groceries for lodgers looking to prepare their own meals and snacks.

El Portal, California: Gateway to Winter Adventure in Yosemite National Park

California State Route 140 follows the snaking Merced River 20 miles into Yosemite National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that welcomes millions of visitors every year. Thanks to low elevations, much of the Yosemite Valley, as well as the Wawona area farther south, remains accessible to drivers, hikers, and snowball poachers throughout the winter.

Crowds are much smaller in the cooler months than during the summer rush, allowing for leisurely exploration of the park as well as an introduction to its cold-weather phenomena. In autumn, the leaves of big-leaf maples, black oaks, and Pacific dogwoods turn brilliant shades of yellow and orange, providing a sharp contrast with the park’s many evergreens. During a short span in late February, the Horsetail Fall cascade often glows orange at sunset, flowing down El Capitan like a plume of flaming lava.

Hotel at a Glance: Palm Canyon Resort

At the heart of Palm Canyon Resort, there’s a 1.5-acre swimming pool with water slides, waterfalls, and dramatic rock formations. Venture into the caverns and you’ll find grottoes and a bubbling spa. Families visit year-round to soak up the desert sun and enjoy views of the surrounding mountains. 

• Spacious condo-style villas feature kitchenettes and furnished patios.
• Get pampered with facials, scrubs, or massages at the onsite spa.
• Distance from downtown Palm Springs: 3 miles
• Tee off: The area is home to more than 100 golf courses, many with views of the mountains.
• Shop till you drop: Nicknamed the Rodeo Drive of the Desert, El Paseo shopping district is full of designer clothing stores, art galleries, and jewelry boutiques.
• Lace up your hiking boots: The Art Smith Trail takes you past exotic plants and palm oases with spectacular views of the valley. Keep your eyes peeled for bighorn sheep.

Palm Springs, California: SoCal Resort Town with Midcentury Charm

Palm Springs is an oasis of outdoor recreation and old Hollywood glamour about 100 miles east of Los Angeles. Once the stomping grounds of Elvis Presley and the Rat Pack, the town still attracts A-list vacationers. Strolls through the Movie Colony take visitors past the former homes of Dean Martin, Bob Hope, and Marilyn Monroe. Furniture and clothing boutiques along Palm Canyon Drive embrace Palm Springs’ trademark aesthetic—what might be called Mad Men West.

The sun shines more than 300 days a year in Palm Springs, which means people can golf or hike in the nearby Agua Caliente Indian Canyons no matter the season. On the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, cars rotate 360 degrees as they carry passengers to Mount San Jacinto’s Mountain Station, located 8,516 feet above sea level. About 40 miles northeast is Joshua Tree National Park, which spans parts of the Colorado and Mojave Deserts. The 12 nature trails give hikers the chance to see desert bighorn sheep and black-tailed jackrabbits.

Hotel at a Glance: Pointes North Beachfront Resort

Pointes North Beachfront Resort backs right up to East Grand Traverse Bay, with a sandy beach leading to the water. Even in chilly weather, it’s a terrific view. Guests can enjoy the scenery from balconies facing the bay, then warm up in their private jetted tubs.

• In-room amenities include microwaves and mini-fridges, as well as free WiFi.
• Free continental breakfast boosts energy levels.
• Within walking distance: restaurants including Hopscotch Brick Oven and Taproom, just three minutes away
• Within driving distance: The hotel is about 10 minutes from downtown Traverse City and about 40 from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Traverse City, Michigan: Charming Cherry Capital of the World

One of USA Today’s 10 Great Places for Local Wines, Traverse City draws visitors year-round with its fine rieslings made from grapes grown on the fertile Old Mission Peninsula. The proclaimed “Cherry Capital of the World,” tucked between the pinky and ring finger on the hand-shaped Lower Peninsula of Michigan, is bordered by scenic Grand Traverse Bay to the north and the sprawling Traverse City State Forest Area to the east.

The town’s downtown and waterfront thrive with gourmet restaurants and landmarks such as the State Theatre, a restored art-house cinema built in 1949; drop by for the $0.25 Saturday-morning matinee. A drive north up the Old Mission Peninsula eventually ends at the whitewashed Mission Point Lighthouse, a landmark constructed in 1870.

Hotel at a Glance: Gateway Inn

Located 1 mile from the western entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park, the Gateway Inn occupies a tranquil spot in Colorado’s high-country wilderness. The inn is a true family-run business—owners Tom and Debi designed and built the wooden lodge in 1999. With Rocky Mountain National Park surrounding the inn on three sides, it’s easy to connect with the great outdoors during your visit.

• Handmade log furniture can be found in each individually decorated guest room.
• When it’s warm outside, you can go hiking, biking, fishing, or golfing.
• Watch the sun set over nearby Shadow Mountain Lake from the inn’s back porch.
• Relax: with a dip in the onsite hot tub or a session in the sauna.
• Grab a bite at the full service O A bistro, closed on Tuesday and Wednesday

Grand Lake, Colorado: Western Gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park

Nestled beneath snowcapped peaks, the town of Grand Lake is known as the Western Gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. The charming village, dotted with quaint cabins and summer homes, sits adjacent to Trail Ridge Road, a 43-mile route that winds through the park, providing glimpses of mountain wildlife and dazzling views that stretch to Wyoming.

Grand Lake was named after the largest natural body of water in Colorado, which hugs miles of shoreline just north of the hotel. Here you can angle for brown trout and mackinaw, or take to the waters on a pontoon boat. Grand Lake’s historical boardwalk evokes the Old West with rustic saloons, art galleries, and horse-drawn taxicabs.

Hotel at a Glance: AC Hotel Minneapolis Downtown

Located in the bustling Hennepin Theater District, the AC Hotel Minneapolis Downtown places visitors right in the heart of the city. Glittering vintage marquees light up the neighborhood, announcing everything from Broadway musicals to comedy acts. But the area offers more than just theater: Target Center (home to the WNBA Minnesota Lynx) and Target Field (home of the Minnesota Twins) are both less than a half-mile walk from the hotel.

• Explore international cuisine right at the hotel: from AC Kitchen’s European-inspired breakfast to AC Lounge’s handcrafted cocktails and tapas.
• Sleek, contemporary design is on display in the chic lobby and the guest rooms alike.
• Smart TVs in each room let guests stream media from their own personal accounts.
• The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden—open 365 days a year—is only a 10-minute drive from the hotel.

Downtown Minneapolis: Thriving Performing-Arts Scene near Idyllic Lakes

Downtown Minneapolis is more than just the geographic epicenter of the city—it’s the cultural heart too. Sports venues home to the Timberwolves, Vikings, and Twins neighbor the lively nightclubs of the Warehouse District and the neon-lit marquees of the Hennepin Theater District. In recent years, the city’s arts scene has gotten a lot of attention, and for good reason: Minneapolis has more live theater shows per capita than any other US city except New York. Additionally, dozens of eclectic galleries complement the wide-ranging exhibits at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, which showcases everything from Japanese woodcut prints to turn-of-the-century European advertisements.

To navigate downtown with ease, step into the Skyway, the city’s ingenious solution to inclement weather. The Skyway is a network of indoor, aboveground tunnels connecting a slew of buildings downtown. A popular stop along the way is Nicollet Mall, a shopping thoroughfare where cars are not allowed. This is where you’ll find the iconic statue of Mary Tyler Moore tossing her 10-gallon Stetson into the air.

Hotel at a Glance: Whiteface Lodge

The all-suite 4.5-star Whiteface Lodge is set in the woodlands surrounding the town of Lake Placid. Suites feature handcrafted furnishings, full kitchens, and jetted tubs. Private cedar and mahogany balconies or slate patios provide views of the mountains.

• Award winner: named the No. 1 of Top Adirondacks Resorts by ResortsandLodges.com; earned a Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor in 2018 and AAA Four Diamond Award.
• Locally inspired menu at Kanu, where the sommelier pairs each entree with a wine.
• Build a sundae at the ice cream parlor (opening hours change seasonally).
• Relax in style at the spa, named 1 of the Top 100 US Resort Spas by Condé Nast Traveler readers.
• Olympic Center: Visit the jumping complex, bobsled experience, and “Miracle on Ice” rink.

Lake Placid, New York: Mountain Recreation and Small-Town Charm in the Adirondacks

Nestled in northeastern New York’s Adirondack Mountains, the village of Lake Placid is actually set on the shores of Mirror Lake, just south of Lake Placid proper. Year-round, folks flock to the area to take advantage of its outdoor recreation and to see the site of the “Miracle on Ice”—the US hockey team’s heart-stopping upset victory over the Soviets in 1980.

Less than 10 miles away, Whiteface Lake Placid ski resort boasts one of the largest vertical drops east of the Rockies for downhill skiing and snowboarding, and ice-fishers can be seen trying their luck on the surface of the lake. Come springtime, winter sports give way to kayaking trips and scenic hikes along leafy backcountry trails. Along Lake Placid’s Main Street, you’ll find a string of boutiques and curio shops, along with galleries and workshops where you can watch artisans blowing glass. Wine-tasting rooms and bakeries offer sampling of local flavors.

Hotel at a Glance: Clementine Hotel & Suites Anaheim

Located about 10 minutes from Disneyland Park, this family-friendly hotel is a convenient base for a California vacation. The hotel even sells park tickets to save guests time in long lines. After a full day at Disneyland, crews can return to Clementine to run around the playground or play volleyball on the sports court.

• Studio suites stretch 450 square feet, with full kitchens and dining tables.
• Free breakfast starts the day with eggs and bacon.
• Best way to unwind: swimming in the heated outdoor pool
• Hangout spot: a barbecue patio with a fire pit

Anaheim, California: Magical Play Land Outside LA

Less than 35 miles from Hollywood, Anaheim is perfectly situated for making the most of a Southern California getaway. But most visitors never make it that far, as Disneyland Park has long dominated the city’s tourism scene. As Walt Disney’s original park, it has a handful of classic attractions that, though upgraded over the years, have been around since the park opened in 1955. You can ride the Mad Tea Party spinning teacups, hop on the King Arthur Carrousel, or sail in the Storybook Land Canal Boats (Walt Disney personally planted the small pine near Geppetto’s home).

Disneyland Park has plenty of modern rides too, including Cars Land, one of the newer additions to Disney California Adventure Park and a life-size re-creation of the town from Disney Pixar’s Cars. The highlight here is the slot-car attraction, which puts you in an automated vehicle that swerves around animatronic characters before engaging another car in a high-speed race.

Hotel at a Glance: Fairfield Inn & Suites Newark Liberty International Airport

Convenience is truly the name of the game at this Fairfield Inn & Suites—just a mile from the Newark airport, a 10-minute drive to the Prudential Center, and a mere 30-minute drive to Manhattan. A complimentary airport shuttle makes things even easier.

• Start the day right at the complimentary breakfast buffet.
• Stay connected with free high-speed WiFi.
• Catch a cruise from Cape Liberty in Bayonne and enjoy unique views of the coast and Manhattan (20 min. drive away).
• Get active: There’s an onsite fitness room as well as an indoor pool.

Newark, New Jersey: Historic Puritan Settlement Turned Bustling City

Founded in 1666 as a Puritan settlement, Newark is one of the oldest cities in America. Explore its lengthy history with a walking tour of sites such as City Hall and Penn Station. (The trains at the latter can get you to Manhattan in less than 30 minutes.) Don’t miss the gothic Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, where vaulted ceilings soar over stately columns and a massive stained-glass rose window.

Modern Newark is also worth checking out. Learn about art and the natural sciences at the Newark Museum, which features a sculpture garden, a planetarium, and the largest collection of Tibetan art in the Western Hemisphere. The nearby New Jersey Performing Arts Center hosts dance, opera, and orchestra performances. To get closer to nature, head to tranquil Branch Brook Park, where you’ll find streams, lakes, and forests with more than 4,000 cherry trees. An explosion of pink blossoms appears here in early spring.

Gate 1 Travel: 130,000+ of our travelers served since 2012

7-Day Tour of Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Flights & Transportation:

• Round-trip airfare from New York City (specific gateway based on availability)
• Airport transfers

• Hotel porterage

• Airline taxes & fuel surcharges
• For additional departure airports/pricing, contact Gate 1 Travel at (800) 682-3333.
• Airline & flight times determined at time of booking

Hotels for Standard Package (5 nights + 1 overnight flight)

• 3 nights of accommodations at Millennium Al Barsha Hotel in Dubai
• 2 nights of accommodations at Novotel Dubai Al Barsha in Abu Dhabi

Hotels for Upgraded Package (5 nights + 1 overnight flight)

• 3 nights of accommodations at Pullman Dubai Jumeirah Lakes Towers Hotel in Dubai
• 2 nights of accommodations at Le Royal Méridien in Abu Dhabi

Attractions & Meals

• Daily breakfast
• City tour of Dubai
• Services of English-speaking tour manager throughout
• Entrance fees per itinerary

Ideas for Your Vacation

Dubai is a glitzy Middle Eastern metropolis known for its over-the-top lifestyle and abundance of high-end shopping malls, glamorous nightclubs, and luxury hotels. Not to mention skyscrapers that nearly graze the clouds. Ride to the top of Burj Khalifa—at 2,716.5 feet, it’s the world’s tallest building—for unrivaled views of the skyline and Persian Gulf. On this 7-day independent vacation from Gate 1 Travel, you’ll get to explore the shores of the Persian Gulf, splitting your time between the two biggest metropolises in the United Arab Emirates: Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

• Receive a warm welcome at the Grand Mosque of Jumeirah. It’s the only mosque in Dubai open to the public and is dedicated to welcoming non-Muslim guests.
• Shop till you drop at The Dubai Mall, which fills nearly 4 million square feet with 1,200 shops and an amusement park.
• History lesson: Dioramas depict historic scenes and local life inside the Dubai Museum, housed inside an 18th-century fort.
• Shop like a local: Haggle for jewelry, electronics, and hand-woven textiles at the souks, or open-air markets, clustered along Dubai Creek.

Call Gate 1 Travel at (800) 682-3333 for Questions About:

• Flying from any airport not listed here
• Extending your trip or traveling on dates not listed here
• The availability of your desired travel dates
• Traveling with kids; 11 or younger do not need a voucher in order to travel (kid fares available through Gate 1 Travel)
• Booking optional tours and upgrades

Optional Tours & Upgrades

• Half-day desert safari in a 4x4 vehicle that concludes with a barbecue dinner and the possible chance to ride a camel ($75/person)
• Dhow dinner cruise ($70/person)
• Half-day Sharjah tour ($39/person)
• Full-day Abu Dhabi tour ($69/person)

Hotel at a Glance: SAHARA Las Vegas

The 4-star SAHARA Las Vegas channels Sin City’s energy with plenty of entertainment. Its casino lets players try their luck on more than 600 slots, plus more than 50 table games like blackjack and craps. Concert venues host musicians and comedians, and upscale bars mix craft cocktails.

• Multiple restaurants include a gourmet café and the carnivore-friendly Bazaar Meat by José Andrés.
• Spa day: Hot-stone massages and herbal steam rooms erase stress.
• Extra perk: All options include daily $25 dining credit, valid at Starbucks, CASBAR Lounge, Beers and Bets, Bella Bistro, Northside Café & Chinese Kitchen, and Uno Más Street Tacos + Spirits

Beyond the Las Vegas Strip: Old Vegas and Red Rock Canyon

It can feel like the entire city of Las Vegas revolves around the Strip if you never venture beyond that neon-lit corridor. But there’s plenty to see and do once you step off Las Vegas Boulevard. You can find a taste of Old Vegas on Fremont Street, where vintage signs and showgirls crowned with headdresses recall the days of Sinatra and Martin. Beginning at dusk, a canopy of more than 12 million LED lights erupts in a psychedelic light-and-music show every hour. For an aerial view, zoom down the center of Fremont Street on a zipline.

Nature puts on its own show at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, a landscape of fiery-red sandstone formations and limestone cliffs just 17 miles outside the city. Motor down the 13-mile scenic drive or ditch the car and strike out on any of more than 20 hiking trails that course through the region’s otherworldly topography.

About Your Great Wolf Lodge Getaway

Travel Dates

• Book to stay between January 10 and April 9.
• Prices vary by day; the price listed is the lowest possible and may not be available all days.
• Click on a date on the booking calendar to see the individual prices by day.

Inclusions

• Daily water park passes for each registered guest, up to the maximum room occupancy, are included in all options.

See additional details regarding room occupancy, water park passes, and more on the Fine Print & Details tab above. See FAQs here.

Property at a Glance: Great Wolf Lodge Colorado Springs

The heart and soul of Great Wolf Lodge Colorado Springs is its 79,000-square-foot indoor water park. Splashy rides such as the Howlin’ Tornado—an enclosed water slide that shoots you through a six-story funnel—and a zero-depth-entry wave pool with 3-foot swells surround the park’s iconic hub: a four-story treehouse with a huge tipping bucket. Younger kids will have a blast with the water slides and gentle spray features of Whooping Hollow and Cub Paw Pool.

The water park, which hovers around 84 degrees all year long, isn’t the resort’s only family-friendly activity. You’ll also find Howl in One Mini Golf, mini bowling at Ten Paw Alley, and an indoor ropes course and climbing wall.

• Extended water park access: You can enter the water park at 1 p.m. on the day you check in and stay until close on the day you check out (essentially 2 days’ water park admission).
• Family-friendly fun: Enjoy games and activities for kids of all ages. Explore all activities by age group here.
• Hands-on crafts and activities such as face painting and balloon twisting during the Lunch Time Lineup can entertain young children when they want a break from the water park action.
• Roomy suites comfortably sleep up to seen people. Some suites provide extra privacy with enclosed bunk beds.
• Climb through obstacles and balance on rope bridges 30 feet off the ground at the indoor Howlers Peak Ropes Course.
• Fuel up with food and drinks at eight restaurants and snack bars.
• Add a Paw Pass or Pup Pass to your stay to enjoy kid-friendly activities and sweets at Build-A-Bear Workshop, Oliver’s Mining Co., and more at a discounted rate. See everything that’s included—as well as other available packages—here (additional fees apply).
• Safety first: Complimentary life jackets in multiple sizes and trained lifeguards help keep families safe and secure.
• Distance from Denver: about a one-hour drive

Our Guide to Great Wolf Lodge

Eight Ways to Make the Most of Your Great Wolf Lodge Vacation

Our best tips on how to avoid crowds, dine on a budget, and dress down at Great Wolf Lodge

Hotel at a Glance: Four Points by Sheraton Niagara Falls Fallsview

It’s hard to name the most impressive attraction within walking distance of this hotel. Head one way, and you’ll hear Horseshoe Falls’ crashing waters. In another direction, an indoor walkway leads to the more than 100 gaming tables and 3,000 slots at Fallsview Casino Resort. But you don’t even have to leave the hotel to reach the Niagara Falls Fun Zone, which houses everything from Mini Putt Shipwreck Adventure to the Mystic Maze of Mirrors.

• All the best Niagara Falls has to offer: Casino package includes dining vouchers for Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, Vittorio’s Italian Eatery, and IHOP as well as slot-play credit for Fallsview Casino or Casino Niagara and a tour of the Chocolate FX factory for two.
• Even more perks: Family package includes admission to select attractions at the Niagara Falls Fun Zone and four attractions at Captain Jack’s Fun Center. There are dining vouchers and a tour of Chocolate FX factory, as well.
• Take a dip in the indoor heated pool or jetted tub.

Niagara Falls, Ontario: Panoramic Views of the Falls near Vegas-Style Casinos and Water Parks

At Niagara Falls, water thunders downward from a height of nearly 200 feet, crashing onto craggy boulders below. The falls straddle the border between Canada and the United States, but the Canadian side of the Niagara River is universally hailed as the finest vantage point to take in all three of Niagara Falls’ photogenic brinks: American, Bridal Veil, and Horseshoe Falls.

Hornblower cruises ferry raincoat-clad passengers around the base of the falls from April to October, depending on the river’s ice conditions. Year-round, Journey Behind the Falls grants a glimpse behind the curtain of Horseshoe Falls—visitors board an elevator that descends 150 feet into the bedrock, then stand at an observation deck steps from the cascading water. A 10-minute walk from the falls is the neon-lit Clifton Hill neighborhood. Its Fallsview Boulevard has plenty of Vegas-style kitsch, including glitzy casinos and indoor water parks.

Property at a Glance: Sunlight Lodge Bed & Breakfast

A scenic stay at 8,000 feet in the middle of the White River National Forest, guests at Sunlight Lodge Bed & Breakfast are steps away from a Rocky Mountain wonderland. They can enjoy ATV and off-road tours, and if that’s too much adrenaline, they can go biking along one of the most spectacular Colorado trails. Return to the lodge to relax after a day of adventure.

• Where you’ll stay: Guest rooms are spacious and comfortable; the majority of rooms sit creekside.
• All adventures are available from the Glenwood Adventure Company and must be reserved in advance.
• Friendly staff can recommend excursions and local restaurants.

Glenwood Springs, Colorado: Small Town with Hot Springs in the Rockies

Glenwood Springs has grown into a popular destination for outdoor adventure, thanks largely to its proximity to the Rocky Mountains. Two of Colorado’s most popular ski resorts, Aspen and Vail, are about an hour away. When the snow melts, hikers head to Glenwood Canyon for trails that wind through aspen groves and past rocky coves with hidden waterfalls.

More than 3 million gallons of hot water flow through the Glenwood Hot Springs Pool, making it the largest geothermal swimming pool on Earth. The same water runs through the Yampah Spa and Vapor Caves, where it turns into mineral-enriched steam. Guests descend into the caves’ humid subterranean chambers to breathe in vapors infused with sulfate, nitrate, zinc, and potassium.

Hotel at a Glance: Sybaris Pool Suites - Frankfort

In 1974, Chicagoan Ken Knudson and his wife hatched an idea to create a romantic couples’ getaway. They opened their first hotel in Downers Grove and named it after the ancient Greek city of Sybaris, known for its wealth and luxury. Their hotel chain has since expanded to five locations throughout the Midwest—including this one in Frankfort. Altogether, they welcome more than 50,000 couples each year.

• Romance package: With this deal, you’ll get a spa gift basket with massage oil and bath amenities plus a one-year Sybaris membership—not to mention a night in a luxurious suite.
• Paradise swimming-pool suites include a private, 20-foot-long heated swimming pool with a waterfall, hot tub, steam room, fireplace, and massage chair.
• Deluxe whirlpool suites have a jetted tub, steam room, fireplace, and massage chair.
• Drive time from Chicago: less than an hour

Frankfort, Illinois: Chicago Suburb near Forest Preserves and Outdoor Concert Stadium

Frankfort is a quiet suburb situated about 30 miles southwest of Chicago. You can go hiking or ride a bike through the Hickory Creek Forest Preserve, a 1,500-acre slice of wilderness that incorporates prairie, forest, and Hickory Creek itself. Nearby, Hollywood Casino Amphitheater plays host to several outdoor concerts in the summer months; past performers have included Bruno Mars, Jimmy Buffett, and Tim McGraw.

There’s plenty to do in nearby Chicago, of course. Check out the Art Institute of Chicago, whose gargantuan collection covers everything from marble busts and sarcophagi to modern masterpieces such as Edward Hopper’s Nighthawks and Grant Wood’s American Gothic. You don’t even have to go to the museum to see outstanding art—walk around the Loop, and you’ll see outdoor sculptures from Picasso and Joan Miró. Just north of the Art Institute, Millennium Park is known for both the Frank Gehry–designed Pritzker Pavilion (which hosts free public concerts during the summer), and for the sculpture Cloud Gate, known to Chicagoans as “The Bean” for its legume-like shape.