Travel

Hotel at a Glance: Semiahmoo Resort

Semiahmoo Resort is almost a town in itself—it’s home to two eateries, a golf course, and a spa. The main resort is located at the tip of the Semiahmoo Spit, just across the border from Canada and steps from Semiahmoo Marina. The resort’s restaurants are a big draw: the waterfront Packers Kitchen + Bar serves seafood, spirits, and water views. Try Great Blue Heron Grill for a fresh burger with views of the golf course.

• Where you’ll stay: Guest rooms come with terry-lined bathrobes, plush pillow-top bedding, and Keurig coffeemakers.
• Wellness: The resort offers a heated pool, sauna, steam room, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, and fitness and yoga classes.
• Sustainability: The resort’s culinary team sources ingredients from small Pacific Northwest farms, artisans, ranchers, and fishermen.
• Golf: The Semiahmoo Golf & Country Club was ranked in Golfweek magazine’s list of the top 10 “Best Courses You Can Play” in Washington from 2011 to 2018.

Blaine, Washington: Small Coastal Town on the US-Canada Border

The small coastal town of Blaine was first settled as a seaport in the mid-1800s and hasn’t changed much since—the harbor is still its big draw. Many travelers like to visit Semiahmoo Spit, home to Semiahmoo Park. Explore the beaches, have a picnic, or hike and bike the scenic trails. Birdwatchers can also get their fix on the tiny spit—it’s ranked as an Important Bird Area by the Audubon Society for its high numbers of great blue herons, double-crested cormorants, and bald eagles. You might even catch sight of a peregrine falcon.

Blaine also shares a stretch of border with Canada. It’s the shared home of the US-Canadian Peace Arch, which marks the border between the two countries, as well as Peace Arch Provincial Park on the Canadian side and Peace Arch State Park in Blaine.

Property at a Glance: Hill Country Cottage and RV Resort

Hill Country Cottage and RV Resort lies amid 32 acres of grassy meadows nestled in the Texas Hill Country. There are numerous things to do at the resort—take a dip in the outdoor and heated indoor pool, relax in one of the hot tubs, or cook marshmallows beside the fire pit. The resort is also within an hour’s drive of Austin, San Antonio, and other Hill Country attractions.

• Where you’ll stay: Each cottage features a deck and a barbecue grill. The Pecos cottage sleeps two people, the Guadalupe cottage can accommodate up to four adults and four kids, and the Frio cottage can sleep up to eight guests.
• Pick up beer and wine at the onsite general store.
• Things to do: Break a sweat at the fitness center or challenge your neighbors to a game of sand volleyball.
• Good for kids:  a playground and a game room.
• What’s nearby? Gruene, a historic district with specialty shops and restored turn-of-the-century buildings; Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch; Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo; The spring-fed Comal River Guadalupe River; and Schlitterbahn Waterpark

Texas Hill Country: Pastoral Landscape of Ranches and Rivers

A picturesque region of rolling hills and valleys covered in bluebonnets in spring, the area of central Texas known as Texas Hill Country has been compared to the landscape of Tuscany by the New York Times. Texas Hill Country is a backyard playground for nearby cities, as it lies just west of Austin and northwest of San Antonio. Urbanites often escape here for the weekend to enjoy the slower pace and beat the heat—the region’s slightly higher elevation means it’s often less humid. With many state parks and spring-fed rivers, the Hill Country is also a haven for outdoorsy types; activities range from fishing and tubing to rock climbing. The Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is popular thanks to its main attraction: a gigantic pink-granite dome in the middle of the park.

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: The Dorset Inn

The Dorset Inn is one of Vermont’s oldest continuously operating inns, having welcomed its first guests to the Green Mountains in 1796. 223 years and several renovations later, its Old-World, New England charm is still intact. Inside, you’ll find period furnishings and wide-plank floors in the living rooms and dining room. Outside, regal columns and Essex Green shutters add to the colonial air.

• Uniquely decorated rooms exude the comfort of a country cottage while keeping you connected to the modern world via wireless Internet access.
• Contemporary bistro fare is served in the dining room for breakfast and dinner; ingredients are supplied by local farmers and Atlantic fishermen.
• Relaxing brunch is served at the Dorset Inn from 11:30 am - 2:00 pm on Saturdays and Sundays
• Free breakfast and afternoon refreshments, in addition to complimentary coffee and tea, are offered to the guests.

Dorset, Vermont: New England Town Surrounded by Forested Mountains

If you’re looking for the quintessential New England village, look no further. The town of Dorset—which Boston magazine aptly compared to a Thornton Wilder play come to life—has all the necessary elements: clapboard homes, a central town green, a forested backdrop of mountains and valleys, and not a skyscraper in sight. Browse the local stores and you’ll likely come away with an armload of fresh cheese, maple syrup, and warm woolens.

Resort at a Glance: Luxor Hotel and Casino

With award-winning shows, four bars, and a 120,000-square-foot gaming area, Luxor Hotel and Casino embodies the glitz and high-octane energy that Vegas is known for. This iconic hotel features an Egyptian theme and is filled with an eclectic mix of entertainment venues.

• Restaurants galore: The hotel has more than 10 dining options, including a sports bar, a steakhouse, and a buffet.
• See R.U.N produced by Cirque du Soleil: Check out R.U.N, the first live-action thriller from Cirque du Soleil.  Part Hollywood thriller, part graphic novel come to life, R.U.N is a new immersive entertainment experience that features stunts, fire, motorcycles and more!
• Unwind at Nurture Spa and Salon, where signature treatments include seasonal specials that are sure to delight.
• Enjoy city views from your spacious room, which offers flat-screen TVs and WiFi access.

The Las Vegas Strip: 24/7 Entertainment and Fine Dining

With an almost unlimited variety of casinos, bars and nightclubs, and live entertainment, the general consensus along the Las Vegas Strip seems to be “go big or go home.” And you can go really big here. Make a beeline for the dozens of 24-hour casinos lining the neon-lit Strip to tango with Lady Luck in high-stakes games of roulette, blackjack, and poker; or grab a front-row seat to the city’s over-the-top glitz at nightly magic, acrobatic, and musical performances. Be sure to stick around for mealtimes—casinos on the Strip are known for their fine-dining restaurants and extravagant buffets overflowing with crab legs and prime rib.

Even Sin City isn’t all casinos, all the time. Go shopping at the high-end boutiques found inside most hotels on the Las Vegas Strip, or head to Fashion Show Las Vegas to browse racks at Neiman Marcus, Macy’s, and Saks Fifth Avenue. You can also virtually travel the globe in just a few city blocks, thanks to the Strip’s re-creation of the Statue of Liberty, the Eiffel Tower, and Venetian canals. And you’ll find a surprising number of activities in Las Vegas for kids hidden amid the raucous nightlife.

Hotel at a Glance: Saguaro Scottsdale

The forked-arm silhouette of the saguaro cactus is an unmistakable symbol of the Southwest. Since it blends into the Sonoran Desert, it makes sense that Saguaro Scottsdale takes its name from this iconic cactus. The hotel’s interior welcomes visitors with splashes of magenta, violet, and tangerine found all over the lobby, pool area, and lounge—hues taken from the desert wildflowers that blanket the dunes after each rainstorm. These same colors can be found on the imported Mexican furniture inside.

• Guest rooms: are livened by elegant bursts of color and feature new furnishings, including large work desks. All rooms feature 42-inch flat-screen TVs and iPod docking stations.
• Pool daze: Relax on the pool’s lounge chairs and daybeds, where you often can also enjoy music from local performers during the weekend.
• Grab a bite at the onsite restaurant, which serves trendy, locally-sourced dishes with a Southwestern flair. All options of this deal come with a daily $20 dining credit.
• Refreshing spa services: Massage therapists help you unwind, and aestheticians use fragrant botanical ingredients for invigorating facials and body treatments.
• Borrow a bicycle from the hotel to pedal around Old Town Scottsdale.

Scottsdale, Arizona: Stucco Mansions amid Rocky Desert Landscape

Scottsdale once served as ranch land where farmers grew oranges and lemons and cowboys kicked up dust in the fierce, dry heat of the Sonoran Desert. That era earned Scottsdale the nickname of “The West’s Most Western Town.” Today, it is an affluent city landscaped with lush green grass and lined with stucco mansions. For a glimpse of the city’s Old West roots, head to Old Town Scottsdale, where wooden boardwalks and hitching posts sit in front of a retro ice-cream parlor and rustic specialty shops.

Upon arriving in Scottsdale, you know you’re in the desert—cacti and tumbleweeds dot the landscape, and dry shrubs and gnarled trees cover the McDowell Mountains in the distance. To get a closer look at Southwestern flora, head to the Desert Botanical Garden. There, themed trails wind past huge cacti and other moisture-hoarding succulents, best seen in the cooler early morning or twilight hours.

Hotel at a Glance: The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa, Autograph Collection

Every bit of the guest experience centers on luxury at this 4.5-star hotel in downtown Denver. Afternoon tea brings housemade scones served on fine china, and Sunday champagne brunch finds diners raising toasts over eggs Benedict. A sophisticated bar pours nearly two dozen single-malt scotches.

• Classic and signature rooms have city views and high ceilings set off by crown moulding.
• Upscale dining: Palace Arms crafts seasonal menus with locally sourced produce and Colorado meats.
• Deep relaxation comes with spa treatments such as a sea-salt body scrub or deep-tissue massage.
• Recent praise: 2018 AAA Four Diamond Award

Denver, Colorado: Mile High City in the Rocky Mountains

If you can tear your eyes away from Denver’s spectacular Rocky Mountains scenery, there’s a lot to see in the city. In the trendy Lower Downtown Historic District—LoDo to natives—you can stroll through the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver or mingle with the fashion-forward crowd filling the restaurants, boutiques, and nightclubs of Larimer Square. Downtown, the pedestrian-friendly 16th Street Mall has sidewalk cafés, skyscrapers, and plazas filled with street performers.

For an outdoor adventure inside city limits, make your way to City Park, which houses the Denver Zoo as well as the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. The museum’s long-standing wildlife hall features more than 90 dioramas and taxidermal animals from around the world.

Hotel at a Glance: Howard Johnson by Wyndham Evansville East

Nestled near the shops, dining, and entertainment of downtown Evansville sits Howard Johnson by Wyndham Evansville East, where guests can enjoy comfortable accommodations and modern amenities in the river town. Just 11 miles away from the University of Southern Indiana, this hotel positions guests near downtown’s Ohio River waterfront, offering idyllic views of surrounding nature amidst the lively, eccentric town.

• Start the day right with fresh fruit, warm cinnamon rolls, eggs, bagels, and more from the hotel’s complimentary hot breakfast offered each morning.
• Make a splash during a day in the sun at the hotel’s outdoor pool, open during warm weather months.
• Comfortable guest rooms include a microwave, small refrigerator, and coffee maker.
• Break a sweat: Guests can stay in shape while on the road at the hotel’s modern fitness center.
• Explore the area: Guests can shop through the retail stores lining the pathways of the Shoe Carnival Towne Center, just a few blocks away from the hotel, or test their luck at the nearby Tropicana Evansville Hotel and Casino.

Evansville, Indiana: Arts and Culture Along the Ohio River

Evansville lies along the banks of the Ohio River as it snakes its way along the Indiana-Kentucky border. You can admire the gently flowing water as you stroll the city’s riverfront walkway, located just west of downtown. This is also where you’ll find some of the best attractions in town, including the Evansville Museum of Arts, History & Science and the Tropicana Evansville Casino, which has a gaming floor with penny slots and more than 40 table games. A bit farther down the river is the USS LST Ship Memorial. Take a tour of its decks and galleys that date back to WWII.

From May to September, you can watch the Evansville Otters play at Bosse Field. The baseball team is part of the Frontier League, a popular independent league serving parts of West Virginia, Kentucky, and Ohio. If you’re visiting during summer, you should also check out Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden and Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve, an old-growth forest crisscrossed with 6 miles of nature trails.

Hotel at a Glance: Water’s Edge Shoreside Suites

Winter storm watching on Vancouver Island’s rugged coast can be one of the most entertaining spectacles around, with ocean waves crashing high up into the air, briefly rivaling the height of the island’s old-growth forests. Water’s Edge Shoreside Suites is just 5 minutes from the Wild Pacific Trail (Vancouver Island’s #1 Trail On TripAdvisor), and only 20 minutes from Long Beach and the Tofino area. The romantic peaceful suites feature Marina or Harbor water views, a full kitchen, and a not-to-miss outdoor personal tub in deluxe suites.

• Enjoy the view from your suite’s private patio, taking in the surrounding marinas and harbor, or a storm as it travels across the water
• In-suite amenities: full kitchen, dining room, and gas fireplace
• Deluxe suites feature jetted soaker tubs for two on the patio decks
• Get pampered at Nurture Day Spa, an onsite Aveda Concept spa offering body wraps, facials, and more.
• What’s nearby: Vancouver Island’s highly rated Wild Pacific Trail and 100-year-old Amphitrite Point Lighthouse provide unparalleled tree-lined views for miles along the Pacific Ocean and the Pacific Rim National Park.
• Bring your friends and family: All suites feature a queen or king bed and a pull-out couch which can also sleep 1 adult or two children.
• Things to do: storm watching, beach strolls, rainforest walks, and local dining on the catch of the day

British Columbia’s Pacific Rim: Rugged Beauty on the West Coast

A temperate rainforest made verdant with old-growth spruce, red cedar, and hemlock, the west coast of Vancouver Island is home to the Wild Pacific Trail, Long Beach, the Tofino area, Broken Group Islands National Park, and Pacific Rim National Park. Near the edge of this forest you’ll find the Ucluelet Peninsula. Ucluelet was a First Nations fishing village before European settlers arrived in the late 1800s; today it’s a destination for surfing, kayaking, and fishing for fresh halibut, salmon, and other saltwater fish. During fall and winter months, the abundant scenery can be viewed while walking the long beaches and hiking through old-growth rainforest.

Hotel at a Glance: Excalibur Hotel & Casino

It may look like a castle, but Excalibur Hotel & Casino isn’t quite a step back in medieval times—it’s got a sprawling casino flickering with countless slot machines and table games. Numerous entertainment venues host a variety of shows, games, and music for all ages. Get down to the disco-fevered Australian Bee Gees, cheer on a medieval Tournament of Kings, or watch the men of Thunder From Down Under shake it. The hotel’s eclectic dining options include Dick’s Last Resort, Buca di Beppo, and Camelot Steakhouse, as well as a food court and a buffet.

• See jousting matches and dancing maidens at Tournament of Kings, a three-course dinner show.
• Dining options: There are numerous onsite restaurants, a buffet, and a massive food court.
• Hearty eats can be found at Dick’s Last Resort, such as ribs and wings and burgers. They’re all served up by friendly, wisecracking wait staff.
• Get pampered and recover from late nights out with a facial, massage, or body wrap at The Spa at Excalibur.
• Fun for the whole family: Little ones can play arcade games while savoring Dairy Queen Blizzards.
• Experience your favorite: Hollywood blockbuster, like Man of Steel or The LEGO® Movie™ 4-D Experience, in a brand-new, mind-blowing way at Excalibur’s Ultimate 4-D Experience.

The Las Vegas Strip: 24/7 Entertainment and Fine Dining

With an almost unlimited variety of casinos, bars and nightclubs, and live entertainment, the general consensus along the Las Vegas Strip seems to be “go big or go home.” And you can go really big here. Make a beeline for the dozens of 24-hour casinos lining the neon-lit Strip to tango with Lady Luck in high-stakes games of roulette, blackjack, and poker; or grab a front-row seat to the city’s over-the-top glitz at nightly magic, acrobatic, and musical performances. Be sure to stick around for mealtimes—casinos on the Strip are known for their fine-dining restaurants and extravagant buffets overflowing with crab legs and prime rib.

Even Sin City isn’t all casinos, all the time. Go shopping at the high-end boutiques found inside most hotels on the Las Vegas Strip, or head to Fashion Show Las Vegas to browse racks at Neiman Marcus, Macy’s, and Saks Fifth Avenue. You can also virtually travel the globe in just a few city blocks, thanks to the Strip’s re-creation of the Statue of Liberty, the Eiffel Tower, and Venetian canals. And you’ll find a surprising number of activities in Las Vegas for kids hidden amid the raucous nightlife.

Hotel at a Glance: The Ridges Resort & Marina

The Ridges Resort sits on the shores of Lake Chatuge, surrounded by the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains. Its setting and agreeable climate make it a popular place for outdoor activities year-round, with a full-service marina, plus pontoon boats, kayaks, and canoes. You can also go fishing off the lakefront pier or hike the nearby Appalachian Trail.

• Where you’ll stay: Resort-view rooms feature private balconies and flat-screen TVs.
• Get cozy and eat some marshmallows by the outdoor fire pit.
• Fuel up for the day: Select option of this Getaway includes a $25 dining credit, per stay.

Lake Chatuge, Georgia: Hiking and Fishing amid Blue Ridge Forest

Located about two hours from Atlanta, The Ridges Resort & Marina is sandwiched between the Nantahala and Chattahoochee National Forests. It’s a fine spot to go hiking or mountain biking, and you can access a number of scenic trails within 5 miles of the resort. If you walk up to the summit of Brasstown Bald, Georgia’s highest peak, you can see four states—Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, and North Carolina. You can also fish for trout in the nearby Hiwassee River any time of year.

In the nearby town of Hiawassee, charming galleries and stores display quilts and crafts by local artists and artisans. A handful of wineries in the area offer samples in intimate countryside tasting rooms.

Hotel at a Glance: Baymont by Wyndham Nashville

Located a stone’s throw from Nashville International Airport and just 10 minutes from downtown, this hotel provides comfortable and convenient accommodations for visitors to Music City. Kick back while watching a show on your flat-screen TV or surfing the web with free WiFi in your room. In the morning, head downstairs for a free continental breakfast.

• Distance from the airport: less than 3 miles
• Break a sweat in the onsite fitness center.
• Newly-renovated: Each room has been recently renovated, and features new appliances, including a coffee maker, brand new mattress, and new carpet.
• Nearby attractions: Johnny Cash Museum (10 mi. away), Grand Ole Opry (5 mi.), and Nashville Zoo (7 mi)
• Cool off with a dip in the outdoor pool.

Nashville, Tennessee: Music Lovers’ Paradise

Nicknamed Music City, Nashville is the undisputed capital of country music—the place where artists such as Patsy Cline and Dolly Parton hit it big and where generations of singers, strummers, banjo pickers, and fiddlers have taken the stage at the Grand Ole Opry. Despite its country roots, the city has also embraced other genres, including rock, rap, and jazz. You’ll find some of the best Nashville music venues along Honky Tonk Row, as up-and-coming musicians and songwriters step into the spotlight. Nearby, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum showcases an extensive audio archive and a memorabilia collection that includes Elvis’s golden Cadillac, Willie Nelson’s bandanna, and artifacts from iconic rockers including Lynyrd Skynyrd and Bob Dylan.

Just southwest of downtown lies the 132-acre Centennial Park, which is adjacent to Vanderbilt University. The city’s premier outdoor space features a full-scale replica of the Parthenon alongside a 42-foot-tall statue of Athena. Inside the faux Parthenon, you’ll find a permanent collection of 19th- and 20th-century American art.

Hotel at a Glance: Ptarmigan Inn

Nestled at the base of the mountain sits Ptarmigan Inn, where unparalleled slope-side access coupled with social amenities and comfortable accommodations make for a truly unique stay in the mountain town of Steamboat Springs. After a day of shredding snow on the mountains, guests can retreat to relaxation and warm up with a dip in the heated outdoor pool and hot tub, or refuel with a bite to eat at the hotel restaurant and bar. With endless entertainment and quality service, this mountainside inn offers a welcomed retreat to the mountains of Colorado.

• Retreat to heat with a dip in the hotel’s heated outdoor pool and hot tub, where guests can recap their rides down the slopes while lounging on a pool deck chair.
• The Snowbird Restaurant & Lounge: Situated slope-side, the hotel restaurant offers a spot where guests can charge up with a hearty breakfast before hitting the slopes, recharge for a mid-day meal, or rejoice after an exciting day with a buffalo burger, pork ribs, or award-winning crab cakes for dinner.
• Cozy guest rooms combine modern, artfully designed décor with comfortable amenities, including a small refrigerator, coffee maker, and luxury bath products.
• For guests on the go, the hotel offers grab-and-go breakfast from the lobby living room. Guests can also visit the lounge for a mid-day beer or to catch up with friends over a round of drinks during happy hour or throughout the evening.
• Winter Wonderland: Guests can enjoy the winter mountains during an ice fishing trip, or warm up amidst the snow with a visit to one of the area’s natural hot springs.
• *Summer in the mountains: The hotel is conveniently located near some of the area’s most popular hiking trails, with Fish Creek Falls and Mad Creek trailhead both just a short drive away. A visit to one of the state’s top 20 golf courses, Haymaker Golf Course, is just about an 8-minute drive away.

Steamboat Springs, Colorado: Historical Ski Town with Bubbling Hot Springs

Steamboat Springs hugs the western ridge of the Continental Divide in northwest Colorado, 150 miles northwest of Denver. Though it’s still a ranching center, the town is best known as a ski destination. Since the early 1960s, Steamboat Resort’s slopes—covered in 29 feet of fresh powder annually—have welcomed thousands of skiers and snowboarders each winter. The resort comprises six peaks that are crisscrossed with more than 165 named trails, the longest of which winds down the mountain for more than 3 miles.

The city gets its name from the 150-plus hot springs that dot the area; legend has it that the springs sounded, to early settlers, like a steamboat rounding the bend. Visit Strawberry Park Hot Springs to soak in mineral water heated to 104 degrees. Clothing is optional after dark.

Hotel at a Glance: Chautauqua Lodge

Chautauqua Lodge was named after a Native American phrase that means “a place where the fish was taken out.” It’s a nod to Long Beach’s fishing culture, which permeates the old-fashioned beachside hotel. Each guest room faces the sea and has a balcony or patio where you can soak in the Pacific sunset. For more room, choose a standard or deluxe suite, which include a dining area and a kitchenette.

• Stay connected with free WiFi and cable TV.
• Take a dip in the heated indoor pool or steam stress away in the hot tub or dry sauna.
• Beach access: Chautauqua Lodge sits just steps from the beach, with easy access to Lewis and Clark’s Discovery Trail, which connects Long Beach to nearby Cape Disappointment.

Long Beach, Washington: Clams, Kites, and Cranberries on the Pacific Coast

About 115 miles northwest of Portland, 28 miles of uninterrupted shoreline stretches across the Long Beach Peninsula. Crowds flock to the area all year—even in the winter months, when average temperatures are in the 40s. The main draw during that part of the year is clamming. On certain government-approved dates, you can take to the sands to dig for fresh razor clams, which locals enjoy battered and fried in butter.

Come spring, warmer weather brings out swarms of colorful kites. Kite flying is something of an obsession in Long Beach. The town is home to an annual kite festival as well as the World Kite Museum, dedicated to the art, history, and science of kite making. Another local obsession is cranberries—their bright-red bogs line the coast from Oregon to British Columbia. At the Pacific Coast Cranberry Museum in Long Beach, you can learn about the history of cranberry farming and tour a bog.

Hotel at a Glance: Wingate by Wyndham Convention Center Closest to Universal Orlando

Situated just a half mile from Universal Studios Florida, this hotel is a family-friendly home base for exploring Orlando’s many theme parks.

• Start the morning right with a complimentary breakfast buffet.
• In-room amenities: flat-screen TV, microwave, mini-fridge, and coffeemaker
• Stay in shape in the onsite fitness center or the outdoor pool.
• Must-see attraction: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, located at Universal Studios Florida, re-creates Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade with rides, shops, interactive experiences, and all the Butterbeer you can drink.
• Distance from Magic Kingdom® Park: 16 miles

Orlando, Florida: World-Famous Theme Parks and Cultural Surprises

Located in the center of Florida, Orlando may be forever associated with the Walt Disney World® Theme Parks—the world’s most-visited entertainment resort. Spanning roughly 30,000 acres, it encompasses four theme parks, two water parks, five golf courses, and the Disney Springs® Area. There’s no shortage of things to do here: begin your day by boarding a rocket-shaped three-seater that climbs to 180 feet before entering a deep black tunnel and racing past stars, satellites, and constellations. Walk across the park to sample Moroccan cuisine for lunch, or ride a dune buggy through a haunted mansion. Before heading back to the hotel, take in the nightly fireworks, laser, and water show. One of the most popular family destinations in the world, sunny Orlando is also home to Universal Orlando—which includes The Wizarding World of Harry Potter featuring an epic new addition, Join Hagrid and Fly into the Forbidden Forest. For the first time ever, fly deep into the wilds of the Forbidden Forest, beyond the grounds of Hogwarts castle. As you twist past towering trees, magical creatures and wondrous surprises surround you. One misstep could drop you into an endless pit of Devil’s Snare, or put you in the sights of a centaur’s bow. Anything can happen here. Or check out Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts where you’ll journey deep underground to encounter Harry, Ron, and Hermione, and have to evade the wrath of Voldemort and Bellatrix.

Those hoping to shake up the typical theme-park-dominated itinerary can head into downtown Orlando’s vibrant arts district. The neighborhood boasts venues such as CityArts Factory, a multifaceted patchwork of gallery spaces, and SAK Comedy Lab, which hosts family-friendly improv shows five nights a week.

About Your Great Wolf Lodge Getaway

Travel Dates

• Book to stay between November 21 and February 13.
• 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

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Customize an Ireland Vacation with Hotel Stay and 4 Nights of B&B Accommodations

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6-Night Package Hotels (6 nights + 1 overnight flight)

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Ideas for Your Vacation

On this 8- or 10-day Ireland trip from Great Value Vacations, you’ll create your own itinerary, exploring the rolling Irish countryside or its cliff-laden coasts. After landing in Dublin and picking up your vehicle, you’ll set off and spend the next few days driving through Irish towns and lands. You’ll spend the first two nights at a hotel in Kilkenny or Waterford, and after that you’ll choose one of the bed and breakfasts along the way.

• Grab a pint at the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, where the views from the rooftop bar look all the better when you’ve tasted a few of the house-brewed beers.
• Tour a castle and live out your Medieval fantasies as you stroll through the gardens surrounding Blarney Castle and ogle at the stone parapets.
• Rove the hills of Killarney National Park, where gorgeous cliffs and plateaus make way for roaring waterfalls and trails that allow you to explore the countryside.
• Enter the crypt at Christ Church Cathedral, one of Dublin’s oldest buildings, where you’ll find artifacts of Christian history and, surprisingly enough, a gift shop among the stone caverns.

Call Great Value Vacations at (800) 495-4903 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; all travelers age 2 and over are required to purchase a voucher
• Booking optional tours and upgrades

Pacific Holidays: 12,000+ of our travelers served since 2012

10 Days in Bali and Singapore

Flights & Transportation:

• Round-trip airfare from
  • San Francisco (SFO)
  • New York (JFK)
• Round-trip airport transfers
• For additional departure airports/pricing, contact Pacific Holidays at (800) 355-8025.
• Airline & flight times determined at time of booking

Bali & Singapore Package Hotels (7 nights + 1- or 2-night overnight flight, depending on departure city)

• 5 nights of accommodations at Swiss-Belinn Legian in Bali
• 2 nights of accommodations at Village Hotel Albert Court in Singapore

Bali, Singapore & Ho Chi Minh Package Hotels (10 nights + 1- or 2-night overnight flight, depending on departure city)

• 5 nights of accommodations at Swiss-Belinn Legian in Bali
• 2 nights of accommodations at Village Hotel Albert Court in Singapore
• 3 nights of accommodations at Saigon Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

Bali, Singapore & Bangkok Package Hotels (10 nights + 1- or 2-night overnight flight, depending on departure city)

• 5 nights of accommodations at Swiss-Belinn Legian in Bali
• 2 nights of accommodations at Village Hotel Albert Court in Singapore
• 3 nights of accommodations at Century Park Hotel in Bangkok

Attractions & Meals

• Daily breakfast buffet

Ideas for Your Vacation

Guests choose their own adventure with three trips offered by Pacific Holidays. For each trip, guests start in Bali, Indonesia and Singapore. Then, they have the option of going to either Ho Chi Minh City or Bangkok for a well-rounded and diverse Southeast Asia trip. Pacific Holidays sets up the airfare and hotels so all travelers need to do is show up and pick their sight-seeing activities, such as some of the following:

• After dark: Check out one of Bali’s night markets, where you can fill up on savory street food and find souvenirs for friends back home.

• Lovina Beach: Dig your toes into the warm black sand of this 7-mile-long beach, which was formed by volcanic sediment.

• Merlion: The legendary 6ft fountain bears the body of a scaled fish and the head of a lion that spouts streams of water popular for tourist photos.

• Reunification Palace: Once the South Vietnamese presidential headquarters, the palace was stormed by North Vietnamese troops in 1975, bringing an end to the Vietnam War.

• Golden Buddha: a towering, 5-ton solid-gold statue that was hidden beneath a coat of plaster until the mid-1950s; now at Wat Traimit temple, it’s estimated to be some 800 years old.

Call Pacific Holidays at (800) 355-8025 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; each traveler (including kids) must purchase a voucher
• Booking optional tours and upgrades

Optional Tours and Upgrades

• Scenic trip toLake and Mount Batur: $99 per person, 8 hours with lunch
• Scenic trip to Baratan Lake and Waterfall: $99 per person, 8 hours with lunch
• Visit Hindu Temple at Uluwatu with fire dance performance and dinner: $79 per person
• Half-day city tour of Singapore: $49 per person
• Breakfast at the zoo: $75 per person
• Night safari tour: $69 per person

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10-Days Through Ancient Egypt

Flights & Transportation:

• Round-trip airfare from
  • New York (JFK)
  • Chicago (ORD)
  • Washington, DC (IAD)
  • Los Angeles (LAX)
• All transport and transfers in private AC vehicles
• 24-hour airport arrival & departure transfer service
• For additional departure airports/pricing, contact Encounters Travel at (877) 260-3950.
• Airline & flight times determined at time of booking

9-Night Gods of Egypt tour with Luxury Nile Cruise (9 nights + 1 overnight flight)

• 1 night of accommodations at 5-star Steigenberger Cairo Pyramids Hotel or similar in Cairo
• 1 night of accommodations at 5-star Tolip Aswan Hotel or similar in Aswan
• 3 nights of accommodations aboard a 5-star-deluxe Nile cruise boat Aswan to Luxor
• 1 night of accommodations at 5-star Steigenberger Nile Palace Hotel or similar in Luxor
• 2 nights of accommodations at 5-star Sunrise Royal Makadi Aqua Resort or similar in Hurghada
• 1 night of accommodations at 5-star Sheraton Cairo Hotel & Casino or similar in Cairo
• 19 meals; 9 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 5 dinners

9-Night Discover Egypt with Felucca Sailboat Cruise (9 nights + 1 overnight flight)

• 1 night of accommodations at 5-star Steigenberger Cairo Pyramids Hotel or similar in Cairo
• 1 night of accommodations aboard a sleeper train from Cairo to Aswan (flight & hotel upgrade available)
• 1 night of accommodations at 5-star Tolip Aswan Hotel or similar in Aswan
• 1 night of accommodations aboard a Nile felucca sailboat with toilet & shower on board in Aswan (hotel upgrade available)
• 2 nights of accommodations at 5-star Steigenberger Nile Palace Hotel or similar in Luxor
• 2 nights of accommodations at 5-star Sunrise Royal Makadi Aqua Resort or similar in Hurghada
• 1 night of accommodations at 5-star Sheraton Cairo Hotel & Casino or similar in Cairo
• 17 meals; 9 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 4 dinners

Attractions

• All Sightseeing tours as detailed in the itinerary are included in the package price
• Services of a specialist local Egyptologist guide are included for all the sightseeing tours
• Private guiding for our group during the Nile cruise (Gods of Egypt tour)
• Private support boat with toilet & shower for our group during the Felucca cruise (Discover Egypt tour)

Tour Itinerary at a Glance

Guests will feel as though they have traveled back in time with this 10-day excursion to Egypt. Stops with a guide include Cairo, of course, with its ancient pyramids, the Sphinx, and the Egyptian Museum with the famous Tutankhamun display, plus a plethora of sites along the River Nile between Aswan and Luxor. Excursions travel along the Nile aboard a traditional felucca sailboat or a luxury Nile Cruise Boat. Thanks to Encounters Travel, groups are assigned a guide who ensures guests see the best of these areas while also providing them information on local food and culture as well as plenty of free time to explore on their own.

9-Night Gods of Egypt tour with Luxury Nile Cruise

• Day 1: Arrive in Cairo and transfer to 5-star hotel
• Day 2: Visit the Sphinx and the iconic Pyramids at Giza. Also visit the Egyptian Museum. Fly to Aswan and overnight in 5-star hotel
• Day 3: Explore Aswan’s markets or take an optional tour to the amazing temples to Ramses II at Abu Simbel. Board your luxury Nile Cruise boat. Take a boat trip to the beautiful island Philae Temple. Overnight on the cruise
• Day 4: Spend the day sailing down the Nile and visit the riverside temple at Komombo. Overnight on the cruise
• Day 5: Explore the impressive temple to Horus at Edfu before finishing your sailing at Luxor, known as the World’s greatest outdoor museum. Take an evening walking tour to Luxor temple, beautifully lit up at night. Overnight on the cruise
• Day 6: Visit the West Bank of Luxor, home to the Valley of the Kings, Queen Hatchepsut’s temple and numerous other sites. Guests also have the chance to take a hot air balloon flight over the Nile. Overnight in a 5-star hotel
• Day 7: Spend the morning at leisure exploring Luxor’s Corniche and markets before driving through the mountains to the Red Sea resort of Hurghada. Overnight in a 5-star resort
• Day 8: Spend the day at leisure and perhaps book a scuba diving or snorkeling excursion.
• Day 9: Drive back to Cairo and stay in the city’s center with optional tours available before you take a guided walk through the mazy back streets of the Khan-el-Khalili bazaar.
• Day 10: Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

9-Night Discover Egypt with Felucca Sailboat Cruise

• Day 1: Arrive in Cairo and transfer to your 5-star hotel
• Day 2: Visit the Sphinx and the iconic Pyramids at Giza. Also visit the Egyptian Museum. Take the overnight sleeper train to Aswan (flight & hotel upgrade available)
• Day 3: Explore Aswan’s markets, visit a local Nubian village and enjoy lunch there, before taking a boat trip to the beautiful island Philae Temple. Overnight in 5-star hotel
• Day 4: Take an optional tour to the amazing temples to Ramses II at Abu Simbel. Board your felucca sailboat and spend the afternoon sailing down the Nile before mooring on the banks of the river for the evening. Take dinner with your Nubian crew and overnight on the boat (optional hotel upgrade available)
• Day 5: Leave the felucca after breakfast and visit impressive temple to Horus at Edfu before finishing your day’s journey in Luxor, known as the World’s greatest outdoor museum. Take an evening walking tour to Luxor temple, beautifully lit up at night. Overnight in 5-star hotel
• Day 6: Visit the West Bank of Luxor, home to the Valley of the Kings, Queen Hatchepsut’s temple and numerous other sites. Guests also have the chance to take a hot air balloon flight over the Nile. Overnight in 5-star hotel
• Day 7: Spend the morning at leisure exploring Luxor’s Corniche and markets before driving through the mountains to the Red Sea resort of Hurghada. Overnight in a 5-star resort
• Day 8: Spend the day at leisure and perhaps book a scuba diving or snorkeling excursion
• Day 9: Drive back to Cairo and stay in the city’s center with optional tours available before you take a guided walk through the mazy back streets of the Khan-el-Khalili bazaar
• Day 10: Transfer to the airport for your flight home 

Call Encounters Travel at (877) 260-3950 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; all travelers, including kids, must purchase a voucher
• Booking optional tours and upgrades

Optional Tours and Upgrades

9-Night Gods of Egypt tour with Luxury Nile Cruise

• Single room supplement ($535)
• Abu Simbel tour from Aswan ($120/person)
• Hot air balloon flight in Luxor ($120/person)
• Cairo city tour of Coptic Cairo and the Citadel ($60/person)
• Saqqara, Dashour, and Memphis tour ($75/person)
• Nile dinner cruise in Cairo ($75/person)

9-Night Discover Egypt with Felucca Sailboat Cruise

• Single room supplement ($440)
• Cairo-Aswan flight & hotel instead of sleeper train ($135/person)
• Upgrade from felucca to hotel in Aswan ($60/person for twin/double, $80/person for single)
• Abu Simbel tour from Aswan ($120/person)
• Hot air balloon flight in Luxor ($120/person)
• Cairo city tour of Coptic Cairo and the Citadel ($60/person)
• Saqqara, Dashour, and Memphis tour ($75/person)
• Nile dinner cruise in Cairo ($75/person)

Hotel at a Glance: Castaway Bay

From bodysurfing on 3-foot waves in the 100,000-gallon wave pool to zooming down multistory water slides, there’s no shortage of fun to be had at Castaway Bay and its large indoor water park. An added bonus: families can enjoy a variety of children’s activities, including a meet-and-greet with Peanuts characters.

• Huge indoor water park: The five-story complex boasts pools and slides for all ages. This Getaway comes with daily passes for everyone in your party.
• Arcade with video games, air hockey, basketball, and more
• Restaurants: Onsite dining options include Quaker Steak & Lube, Mango Mike’s breakfast buffet, Ebb & Eddy’s Deli and Big Daddy’s Snack Shack.
• Where you’ll stay: Guest rooms come with a private deck or balcony (in most), flat-screen television, free WiFi, microwave, and mini refrigerator.

Sandusky, Ohio: Family-Friendly Town with Amusement Parks Along Lake Erie

The town of Sandusky lies on the shores of Lake Erie, about midway between Cleveland and Toledo. It’s a family-friendly destination with a slew of theme parks and scenic coastal islands. Cedar Point, open May through October, is one of the oldest amusement parks in the United States and a must-do for thrill seekers. The park’s Millennium Force roller coaster set records as the tallest and fastest in the world when it was introduced in 2000. More recently, the GateKeeper scooped up seven world records when it opened in 2013, including the “longest drop on a wing coaster.”

If you prefer a slower pace, visit Sandusky’s former post office, which has been transformed into the Merry-Go-Round Museum. The grand building is full of antique carousels of all shapes and sizes, restored to their original splendor; it’s also rumored to house a couple of ghosts. More spooky fun awaits at Ghostly Manor Thrill Center, which features a haunted house, a roller rink, a 4D theater, black-light mini golf, and bounce houses.