TRAVEL CONTENT
Visiting and/or researching inspiring destinations, proving helpful travel tips, and highlighting worldwide culture & style.
THE NEW NAPA VALLEY YOU NEED TO KNOW
Home to hundreds of wineries, the Napa Valley attracts about 3.5 million visitors a year. With that many wine lovers coming and going, it’s a given there’s always going to be something new and now to experience in this sun-soaked region of world-renowned viticulture. A (preferably long-) weekend trip to wine country is a time-honored tradition around here, so we’re sharing our guide to just some of our favorite new places in the Napa Valley—and a few not-to-be-missed classics—to see and experience right now. Cheers!
Stay
Base yourself in the heart of the wine region, and its namesake, Napa in the newly renovated Parker Mansion at the Senza Hotel. Or opt for one of the small, charming towns that dot Highway 29 (Napa’s main drag), each one brimming with restaurants and tasting rooms.
EAT
Napa’s culinary scene has become as much of an attraction as the wineries that feed it. We love the fresh aesthetic and always-seasonal approach at these new restaurants that span the valley (okay, Bouchon Bistro isn’t new, but we’re throwing it in as a must visit, if you haven’t been).
SIP
But you’re here for the wine, right? There’s no shortage of that in the valley. Book yourself a private, customizable tour with transport and an expert driver slash guide at Active Wine Adventures, or discover the new Oakville Trek at B Cellars, which includes a cave tour and custom food and wine pairing.
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TOP 10 DREAM-WORTHY DESTINATIONS & THEIR BEST HOTELS
While it’s not the best time to travel, we think it’s the perfect time to plan that dream vacation you’ve been waiting for—or even take some time to escape for a few minutes imagining yourself in a truly incredible locale with unbeatable views. Join us as we indulge in some armchair traveling to visit some of this planet’s most remarkable destinations with recommendations on the most captivating places to stay to make the absolute most of a trip of a lifetime.
Sydney Harbor, Australia (via Sydney Tourism Board)
1. Sydney, Australia
There’s no shortage of sights to explore and unique things to do in the capital of New South Wales: climb the Harbour Bridge, take a ferry to the one-of-a-kind zoo, veg-out on a beach, take a wine-tasting or culinary tour, indulge in some retail therapy, and take a stroll through the beautifully exotic southern-hemisphere botanical gardens—plus so much more.
Harbor-view suite, hotel exterior, and exquisite cuisine (via Sydney Park Hyatt)
Stay: The Sydney Park Hyatt
Enjoy views of the iconic Sydney Opera House right across the water from your modern accommodations. Arguably Sydney’s finest hotel—frequented by celebrities, notable people, and savvy travelers who enjoy award-winning cuisine and a sophisticated-but-casual ambiance—the Park Hyatt is ideally situated, tucked in Darling Habour near the landmark bridge but just steps away from downtown with easy access to all the major must-sees.
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THE BEST SMALL BEACH TOWNS ON THE WEST COAST
With summer in full swing, it’s likely that your mind is on the breezier side of life (ice-cream and cool beaches, perhaps?). Or maybe it’s time to take that vacation you’ve really been craving, and spend some quality time relaxing with your feet in the waves?
Thankfully, good old America never disappoints when it comes to its share of great beach towns to spend some time in—especially on the West Coast.
Yaquina Bay Bridge, Newport Oregon (via Discover Newport)
This city in Lincoln County boasts a very modest population of just over 10,000, which helps make it one of the most laid-back beach towns on the West Coast. It also has some lovely sights including the Yaquina Head Lighthouse with its French Fresnal lens. It’s the tallest lighthouse of its kind in Oregon and has starred in a few movies.
At Newport’s beaches, it isn't unusual if you spot grey whales and orcas that migrate along the coast in the spring and fall. As you walk along the beaches (we recommend Beverly, Yaquina, or Agate), you can even see some banded, translucent stones called agates that come in many shapes and colors and make for excellent souvenirs.
Yaquina Head Lighthouse, South Beach (via Discover Newport), outdoor fire pit (via The Inn at Nye Beach)
STAY
The Inn at Nye Beach is as cozy as it gets, with a sandy outdoor seating area for wave watching and the only oceanfront infinity spa on the Oregon Coast. Bonus, it’s eco-friendly with weekly wine socials.
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