TRAVEL
Punta Cana: Discover Passion in Paradise
Reignite the romance in your relationship at an all-inclusive tropical oasis merely a short flight away in the Dominican Republic’s popular romantic destination, Punta Cana. It’s beaches, located on the Eastern coast of the DR’s Altagracia province, are consistently voted as the world’s most beautiful beaches for soft white sand and sparkling blue, warm ocean waters.
A Low Country Culinary Getaway
Savannah, Georgia’s charm extends far beyond it’s own celebrity chef, Paula Deen’s famous drawl. She may have gotten this historic town noticed for the excellent foodie scene, however Savannah sells itself easily to visitors the instant they set foot onto the city’s famed riverfront. Fall is an ideal time to plan a weekend jaunt to this lazy Southern locale because temperatures are milder and affordable deals are aplenty at local hotels as summer tourist season ends.
Last Minute Labor Day Getaway Deals
The end of long, humid summer days is quickly approaching and autumn beckons with the onset of Labor Day weekend. You’ve been working hard and the months have flown by without a break. You begin to panic, wondering can you survive the blistering cold winter season without experiencing a true summer vacay? This weekend is your last chance to dig your toes in some beachfront sand, or catch a few rays of sunshine on a tranquil outdoor retreat, so you can proclaim you had a real summer holiday. Check out a few of my recommended websites to plan a quick excursion without breaking the bank or spending hours researching the perfect destination.
Dancing Under the Stars at Glen Echo Park
Glen Echo Park is a magical place where musical, artistic and educational worlds come together. Formerly an amusement park, Glen Echo has been a National Park since 1971. Located in Montgomery County, Maryland, it is easily accessible through the Beltway or public transportation. There is something for everyone at this cultural Mecca. At the Park, you can take classes in pottery, painting, photography, writing, music lessons and so much more!
Luxury in Los Cabos Mexico
Los Cabos, Mexico, is one of my all-time favorite vacation spots. Something about escaping to the southernmost tip of the Baja Pennisula for magnificent beaches, luxury accommodations and delicious seafood makes Cabo, as the area is commonly referred to, equal a close-to-perfect beach vacation. I’m apparently not the only one who loves Cabo, as celebs and A-listers are frequently photographed frolicking on its beaches or sunbathing on its shores. Oprah even owns a gorgeous estate on the beach in Cabo!
Explore Annapolis: America’s Sailing Capital
Lazy, summer weekends present DC residents with an excellent opportunity to take a short drive out Route 50 East to historic Annapolis for a relaxing day in Maryland’s capital city. Tour Annapolis’ quaint cobblestone streets while soaking up some sun and history on the captivating waterfront. Wander through this charming little nautical city bordering the Chesapeake Bay and experience small-town hospitality paired with big-city culture.
Off the Beaten Strip in Las Vegas
Take a detour off the Las Vegas strip to discover the hidden gems often passed over when visiting Sin City. The region offers some surprising alternatives to the decadent nightlife, constant gambling, ostentatious accommodations and expensive entertainment that Vegas is most famous for around the globe. Whether visiting the popular destination for the first time or the fifth, look beyond the main attractions and try out a unique itinerary that’s certain to create lasting memories.
Off the Vine: Day Trips to Maryland Wineries
Maryland wineries have exploded to 40 and counting, with five designated wine trails to explore all varieties of vino. The wine trails are divided by region: Carroll, Chesapeake, Frederick, Patuxent and Piedmont. A recent write-up in the NY Times has brought much-needed attention to the region’s quality of wines harvested, comparable to some of the world’s best vineyards.
These local wineries are the perfect setting for a romantic day trip for two, lovely family picnic lunch or a caravan full of friends ready to indulge their palates. Many of the Maryland wineries are offering fun summer events and festivals to enjoy while visiting. With so many impressive local vineyards to choose from, it’s simple to find one that rivals the famed Bordeaux region-if not on a slightly smaller scale.
Sultry Summer at Sandals Resorts
Sandals all-inclusive luxury resorts are touted as the Caribbean’s best for service, amenities and, most importantly, miles of beautiful, award-winning beaches. With an adults-only Sandals luxury-included vacation, you have a choice of 14 unique off-shore resorts in Antigua, Bahamas, Jamaica and St. Lucia. Plan a memorable romantic rendezvous for your darling, gather up some college buddies for a reunion, or go all out and organize the destination wedding of your dreams at one of their top-rated resorts.
The Real Boardwalk Empire: Atlantic City
Sexy nightlife. Opulent dining. Posh boutiques. Lively casinos. Enticing entertainment. Atlantic City has all that and more to offer you this summer. Head up to the AC for a weekend and live out your own Boardwalk Empire scenario complete with luxury, libations and lucky slots.
An Enchanting Voyage from Baltimore
I had the pleasure of touring and lunching aboard the Royal Caribbean’s Enchantment of the Seas, docked at the Port of Baltimore, last week. The magnificent cruise ship was expanded and refurbished in 2005 to meet the needs of savvy, sophisticated travelers. Enchantment of the Seas sails out of Baltimore weekly, interchanging itineraries to the Bahamas, Bermuda, New England and Canada.
Brooklyn Beckons for a Sizzling Summer Weekend
Rethink what you know about Brooklyn, New York- a city borough which has recently undergone a huge media makeover with the announcement of the under-construction Barclays Center and is currently a prominent city destination of the modern arts, culture and fashion scene. Prospect Park, Brooklyn Museum, and The Brooklyn Academy of Music are a few of Brooklyn’s famed attractions, along with the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal which has year-round sailings from the Queen Mary 2 and Princess Cruises.
