Weekend Getaways

Oregon’s Desert: Fossil Hunting

Travel Time:

Under 6 hours from Seattle

Distance:

355 miles from Seattle

Type:

Affordable, Road Trip, Family

The vast expanses of the John Day Fossil Beds are best accessed from the towns of Fossil and Condon. The continually studied soil is home to one of the densest concentrations of fossils of animals and plants that date as far back 40 million years. Learn about them at the education center, hike through the park, or stargaze alongside an astronomer.

Prisma Bildagentur AG / Alamy

The Ultimate Beauty Lover's Guide to Paris

How can you not feel beautiful standing next to the Eiffel Tower in Paris? (Photo: ThinkStock)

For most people, Paris evokes images of the Eiffel Tower, croissants in a Left Bank café, Notre Dame and a walk along the Seine. For me, Paris is all about indulging in facials, sniffing scented candles, and worrying about stuffing too many 3-ounce bottles of newly-purchased face cream into a one-quart transparent zip-top bag.

Read More:  Everything You Need to Know About a Trip to Paris

Paris is, indeed, a beauty lovers’ paradise, and—although you certainly can spend a couple hundred euros on a massage—all that beautifying doesn’t have to be exorbitantly expensive.  Even if your knowledge of the French language begins and ends with “bonjour,” it’s easy to come home looking gorgeous, with a cosmetic bag filled with fabulous finds.  Here are some tips on how to have a literally beautiful time in Paris:

The completely divine Embryolisse Lait Crème Concentre (Photo: Courtesy of Embryolisse Laboratories)

Think Frugally:  Some of France’s most beloved beauty products are also the cheapest. Case in point: intense moisturizers like Embryolisse Lait Crème Concentre andAvibon, the favorites of supermodels, makeup artists and beauty editors. The easiest place to find this type of product is either in a local pharmacy or Monoprix, France’s equivalent to Target.  (The branch on the Champs-Elysees has a particularly good selection, and is open late.)    Allow plenty of time to shop—since some brands offer a huge range of products—and don’t ignore labels that are available back home, like La Roche-Posay, since their French assortment is often wider (and cheaper) than what’s sold in America. 

 APOM Pour Femme (Photo: Maison Francis Kurkdjian)

Think Small: One of the best souvenirs from Paris is a so-called niche fragrance: perfume from a small producer. Take, for example, the sophisticated creations of perfumer Francis Kurkdjian, which are sold in the U.S. at stores like Neiman Marcus.  At his quintessentially French boutique near the Tuileries Garden on the Rue D’Alger, there are exclusive items (like neat paper pinwheels infused with scent) and an atmosphere that’s wonderfully un-intimidating but unquestionably chic.  Atelier Cologne and Serge Lutens have similarly welcoming and stylish boutiques in Paris.  (At all these stores, the shopping experience is nearly as pleasurable as what you buy.)  If honing in on just one brand seems too daunting, two sleek stores—Liquides in the Marais and Nose near the Places des Victoires—offer fragrances from well-curated selection of niche brands.

Read More: Where to be ‘Scene’ in Paris — the Cool Kid’s Guide

 

The wonderful and original Diptyque boutique in Paris. (Photo: Google)

Think of the Greats: Paris’s iconic beauty boutiques are iconic for a reason: there’s a sense of quality, luxury, and history you feel immediately as you walk in the door. Thegrande dame of these is Guerlain’s ornate (and, yes, gorgeous) building on the Champs-Elysees, which originally opened a century ago. The interior was recently rather majestically renovated, but the history here (from the fragrance house that made perfume for Napoleon, amongst many others) is still tangible. (There are also rooms upstairs for treatments like facials using Guerlain’s products.)  It’s got a different feel, and opened many years later, but the original Diptyque boutique on boulevard Saint-Germain is still open and thriving, and the ideal, cozy setting for its famed scented candles, perfumes, and unguents.  Similarly atmospheric: the first Parisian stores fromAnnick Goutal and L’Artisan Parfumeur are both worth a visit.

Read More: How Not to Look Like an Idiot in Paris

L’Institut Kerastase on Saint Honore (Photo: Facebook)

Think French: Even if you don’t speak the language, don’t be intimidated about booking a treatment like a blowout, which simply feels chicer in Paris than anywhere else.  These don’t have to be pricey—the Dessange chain of salons, for example, has locations throughout Paris that are reasonable—and truly make you feel like a Parisian.  To really channel your inner Catherine Deneuve, Maison de Beaute Carita on the rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore is a worthy splurge, as are quite a few of the city’s hotel spas (where English is typically spoken and standards are very high.)  Also of note for beautyaholics: L’Institute Kerastase, the first self-owned salon from the luxury hair care brand, newly opened on rue Saint Honore.

 

Sephora on Champs-Elysées (Photo: Cathrine Johansson/Flickr)

If you still feel limited by the language, there’s always one of the many Parisian branches of Sephora, where you can easily make your own selections from a myriad of products and silently pay, surrounded by locals, whenever you’re ready.

ealTravel: This Couple Met and Fell In Love in Paris

Yahoo Travel profiles readers who came back from a trip with the best souvenir ever — true love. Got your own story? Tweet at us with the hashtag #YahooTravelLove.

Who: Ann Dugourd (designer and co-founder Ooh! La, La! Couture, a girls’ clothing company) and Frederic Dugourd (president and founder, iMarket4U, marketing consulting services)

Where We Fell in Love: Paris

American woman found the love of her life in Paris (Photo: Thinkstock)

Relationship Status: We will celebrate our 18th wedding anniversary this year, our 21st anniversary since we met, and we have two beautiful children, Chloe and Dylan.

Why were you there?

Ann: It was 1993, and I had just graduated from Cornell University and decided to backpack around Europe with friends for several weeks. At the end of the trip, we stayed in Paris to study French at the Sorbonne. Although we had just arrived in Paris, we had been away from the U.S. for over a month. We decided to go to celebrate July 4th at Le Violon Dingue, at an American fraternity basement-style bar located behind the Pantheon in the Latin Quarter at 46 Rue Montagne Sainte Genevieve.

A night of bar hopping in Paris led to love for an American student (Photo: Thinkstock)

Related: Love on the Road: Paris

Were you looking for love?  

Fred: I was out of a serious relationship for months and started to give up finding the right person. Who would have known…?

When you first met, what did you think about each other?

Fred: It was a random chain of events. My friends and I used to hang out at the French bar up the street. Up until that day, we had never set foot in this “American bar, Le Violon Dingue.” We thought it was full of English-speaking guys and not a great place to meet girls. However, it being July 4th we decided on something new: to check it out. After a few beers, my friend Francois was chatting up the girls. Since his charm was not getting him anywhere, Francois introduced me to Annie. Despite our language barrier, we spent hours conversing about our lives with my very basic English, acting things out, and sketching out drawings.

Ann: Fred was out with a couple of friends, but he stayed at the back of the bar in the beginning of the night. His friend Francois came over to talk to us girls, but we were just laughing that he was coming on too strong. After a little while though, Fred made his way to where we were. His English was terrible and so was my beginner French. Our first conversation consisted of a lot of “Mes cheveux sont blond! (My hair is blond!)”, “Je suis Americaine! (I am American!)”, “J’ai vingt et un ans! (I am 21 years old!).” Somehow, though, we kept communicating until 2 a.m., when he kissed me goodnight by his motorcycle. He drove off, and I wondered if I would ever see him again. 

Related: The Anniversary Trip That Gave My Wife the Surprise of a Lifetime

What next?

Fred: After that night I keep coming back to Le Violon Dingue to find Annie. I went to the Sorbonne foyer looking for her. We kept seeing each other for the next few weeks until her departure back to New York. We would drive my motorcycle to dates at restaurants, bars, and cafes on rue Mouffetard, the Marais, St. Germain, the Eiffel Tower. We also drove up to Normandy/Deauville and Honfleur for a weekend, before I drove her back to the airport for what we thought was going to be a final goodbye.

Fred and Ann’s relationship flourished during dates here on Rue Mouffetard (Photo: Fabrice Clerc/Flickr)

Related: The Ultimate Beauty Lover’s Guide to Paris

What happened after that trip? 

Fred: Two weeks after Annie returned to the U.S., I decided to cancel vacation plans with my buddies to Corsica. Instead, I bought a round-trip ticket to New York, where I spent the rest of my vacation with a person I knew was worth the extra-long distance relationship.

Lots of flights and phone calls kept Fred and Ann together during their long-distance phase (Photo: Thinkstock)

Ann: We felt if we wanted to make it work, we could make it work. Fred came to visit me in New York two weeks after I finished my studies. We called each other regularly and each worked on our French and English respectively. I took classes at the Alliance Francaise and Fred took an English class at Columbia University. We traveled back and forth over the year until Fred received a work visa to live in New York. He proposed to me on the spot in front of Le Violon Dingue where we first kissed, and on June 23rd, 1996 we were married. 

Related: How to Do Paris With Kids

The Dugourd family on a recent trip to Paris.

Chicago vs. New York City

Each week, Yahoo Travel pits rival destinations against each other to determine once and for all which one is the best. Up this week are two US rivals: Chicago and New York City.

The Case for Chicago

by Bill Fink

Chicago has long been called the “Second City,” with a smaller population than insufferably packed New York City. But Chicago is first where it matters: quality of life for residents and visitors alike. This may come as a shock to New Yorkers, but it is possible to live in a big city and still be friendly. Chicago welcomes tourists with free city guides. In New York, they’ll knock you down if you hold hands or stop to take a picture.

Chicago is a city of firsts: It built the first skyscraper in the world, precursor to its stunning lakefront skyline; it raised the first Ferris wheel, the inspiration for the current ride on Navy Pier; it chewed the first Juicy Fruit gum, bringing us the city’s iconic Wrigley Building (and Wrigley Field!). Chicago has world-class art, architecture, dining, shopping, music, sports, really everything that New York has, but without the excessive cost and attitude. 

Related: Cheat Sheet: Chicago

The descendant of the world’s first Ferris wheel: Navy Pier Ferris Wheel (Photo: Thinkstock)

New York City’s myopic, self-absorbed viewpoint is best seen in the famous New Yorker magazine cover created to compensate for its citizens’ miserable quality of life. Bad news for New Yorkers: Unless you’re a billionaire hedge-fund manager, you’re living in an unaffordable, closet-size apartment, scurrying to work on packed streets like rats in a maze. Bad news for visitors: New York is full of New Yorkers. New York City is basically the A-Rod of cities: overpriced, overhyped, in love with itself, hostile to others, eventually to be proved a sham. Chicago is your logical first choice.  

Population: About 2.7 million in the city of Chicago, 9.5 million in the greater metro area

Exploring South Philadelphia

(Photo: Getty Images)

Put away the brewery tour boots and expectations of tank ogling. Philly is a city where beer drinking happens in world-class bars, some of which are intimately connected to the vast international world of beer. The city has long appreciated Belgian beer styles and boasts its own rich history of lager brewing (Victory, anyone?). These days, it seems like every town is putting on a beer week, but the Philly Beer Weekstarting May 30, 2014, is one of the pioneers and does it right. The defining 10 days are packed with more than 1,000 events, from beer dinners to tap takeovers.

Best Brews, Breweries, and Bars

Worship at the altar of fine Belgian brews at Monk’s Cafe, an unparalleled beer bar when it comes to draft imports. For the patriotic, domestic beers come from places like Russian River and Allagash, plus there’s a mind-blowing bottle list to pair with mussels and frites. Marc Vetri’s Alla Spina, which means “from the tap” in Italian, has a deep tap list with an Italian focus, plus beer cocktails and, for dessert, beer floats. Try the exclusive Alla Spina Novello blonde ale by Victory Brewing. Continuing the global theme, the German-styled Brauhaus Schmit carries rare German beers, which dominate the 30 taps.

The sleek new Tria Taproom has no official national allegiance, which produces an alluring mix of Belgian, German, and American beers on tap. Peruse the list and order using one of the taproom’s iPads.

Hotels with the World’s Best Views

(Photo: courtesy St. Regis Bora Bora)

Author E.M. Forster knew the value of a room with a view; he used the phrase to name one of his most beloved novels. Here are some hotels with views so special that you’ll have a hard time dragging yourself out the door.

St. Regis Bora Bora

People tend to use the shorthand “Tahiti” when referring to French Polynesia, a vast scattering of islands that covers a nearly a million square miles of the South Pacific. Some of French Polynesia’s island chains barely break the surface of the water, but the Society Islands are mountainous, with stunning Bora Bora containing the famed double peaks of Mt. Otemanu and Mt. Pahia. Mainland Bora Bora is ringed with islands, called motu, and one of the most luxurious motu resorts—positioned for maximum vistas of the lagoon and the pair of mountains—is the St. Regis Bora Bora. Overwater villas, some with their own (decadently redundant) overwater pools, boast enchanting Otemanu views.

(Photo: courtesy Shangri-La Paris)

Shangri-La, Paris

My best Eiffel Tower-from-the-room experience occurred at the venerable Hôtel Plaza Athénée, when I stayed in an art deco suite with a view of Paris’ tallest landmark from the glass-tiled bathtub. But with the Plaza closed for a major expansion until May 2014, view seekers should make note of the Shangri-La. Although the Plaza was where Carrie ran into “Mr. Big” during the final episode of “Sex and the City,” but the Shangri-La is no slouch is the fame department: It was the former home of Napoleon Bonaparte’s grandnephew, and its interiors are the vision of Pierre-Yves Rochon, the king of luxury hotel design. You can enjoy BVLGARI White Tea toiletries while taking in the Eiffel Tower view from one of the Shangri-La’s soaking tubs.

(Photo: Drew Limsky)

Mandarin Oriental, New York City

When I first came to New York, Columbus Circle was an oddity: The household-name landmark rests fabulously on the southwest entrance of Central Park, and yet it was plainly in disrepair. The buildings that flanked it were roundly dismissed, even mocked. When plans for the Time Warner Center were announced, and people contemplated a shopping center—a mall!—in Manhattan, locals were dubious. But the glittering edifice has glamorized the location, and the Mandarin Oriental, which occupies the upper floors of the north tower, has been a big part of that renewal. Its exclusive sky lobby, Asiate restaurant and richly textured rooms seem to float above Central Park, offering some of the city’s best views of the park’s trees and trails.

(Photo: courtesy Hotel Palazzo Manfredi)

Hotel Palazzo Manfredi, Rome

One of the most thrilling things about the Eternal City is how accessible the ruins are. You walk down a street, and suddenly you come upon one of the world’s most iconic sights. This is especially true of the nearly 2,000-year-old Colosseum, which rises from a low-slung neighborhood and is encircled by a greenbelt. Just a few blocks away, the Palazzo Manfredi, an elegant boutique hotel, offers great Colosseum views both from its rooms and from Aroma, the hotel’s magical rooftop restaurant. Between the hotel and the Colosseum on Via Labicana are the ruins of gladiators’ barracks—and the city’s so-called Gay Street, lined with bistros and bars.

(Photo: Drew Limsky)

Jade Mountain, St. Lucia

I’ve been to St. Lucia several times, and to me, there’s no point to going unless you hole up in the area of the Pitons, the twin “volcanic plugs” that attest to the island’s geologically violent beginnings. Several resorts lay claim to fantastic locations that overlook either Gros Piton or Petit Piton, but only Anse Chastanet and its more luxe sister property, Jade Mountain, offer awe-inspiring views of both Pitons side by side. The guest rooms of the two resorts have done away with one wall to maximize the panoramas, and Jade Mountain’s rooms have enviable private infinity pools that (when you stand in the right place) reflect the peaks, doubling the double vision.

(Photo: courtesy Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel)

Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel

One of the more surprising things about pulchritudinous Southern California is how few resorts capture the area’s coastal majesty. But the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel, which is actually located in Dana Point due south of Laguna Beach, makes the most of its commanding view atop a 150-foot cliff. The altitude allows for serpentine walkways, grand terraces and subtropical gardens descending from the building to the beach, an especially popular break for Orange County’s surfers. There are even terraced lawns ringed with Adirondack chairs for quiet contemplation of the rolling Pacific waves. New fireplace guest rooms boast sweeping views of the coves below, and when I stayed on the top floor, I had an endless all-water vista framed by palm trees.

(Photo: Navin Rajagopalan / Flickr)

Gritti Palace, Venice

A setting on the Grand Canal would be coveted by any Venice hotelier, but the Gritti Palace, which reopened last May after a $55 million renovation, bests all competitors. I was present during the early stages of the renovation, and I got to watch craftsmen shape and paint the guestrooms’ ornate new moldings so the hotel could once again live up to its lineage as Doge Andrea Gritti’s 16th-century residence. Now the interiors equal the hotel’s peerless view of the gorgeously domed Basilica Santa Maria della Salute, in Dorsoduro across the Grand Canal. Of course the Presidential Suite commands the front and center of the palace, but note that the corner rooms overlook two canals—so it’s gondolas galore

What to Do and Where to Eat Near the Colosseum in Rome

(Photo: Bert Kaufmann / Flickr)

We asked true travel pros what to do near the Colosseum in Rome:

“Order the salmon tagliolini at the Hotel Forum (25-30 Via Tor de’ Conti.).” —@hithapalepu

“Have an aperitif in the top-floor restaurant at Hotel Palazzo Manfredi at sunset, looking over the ruins of ancient passageways.” —Katherine Pisana, via Facebook

“The Basilica of San Clemente (Via di San Giovanni in Laterano) is more than a church—it’s a fascinating voyage below ground and back in time.” —@walksofitaly

“Home goods store Logical Space Design (27 Via dei Santi Quattro) is filled with must-buy pieces.” —@brett_hughes

“Pay two euros to the silent order of nuns at Monastero dei Santi Quattro Coronati (20 Via dei Santi Quattro) to see 13th-century frescoes in the Chapel of St. Sylvester.” —@understandrome

Visiting Rome? Try These 7 Tested Tips For the Perfect Stay

Santa Maria del Popolo (Photo: Kræn Bech-Petersen / Flickr)

By Kaeli Conforti, Budget Travel

Even when on vacation, it’s hard for a travel editor to stop working. Two summers ago, my family embarked on an 11-day Italian adventure, including stops in Venice, Lake Como, the Cinque Terre area, Pisa, Florence, and finally, Rome. Needless to say, I kept jotting down notes and little tidbits of advice to bring home with me—and share with all of you. From free sites to deflecting insistent street salesmen, here are seven things to keep in mind when visiting Rome.

Santa Maria del Popolo. (Photo: Arthur Davis / Flickr)

(Free) art is everywhere. In a place as historic as Rome, you don’t have to look too far to find amazing art and architecture, especially in places of worship. Most churches around Rome house magnificent works of art that you can see free of charge—we viewed Caravaggio paintings at Santa Maria del Popolo, and saw Bernini’s statue of St. Teresa in Ecstasy at Santa Maria della Vittoria. Also, the Vatican Museums are normally closed on Sundays, except for the last Sunday of each month when they offer free admission from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. We were able to save about $25 each by braving the crowds (the line to get in wrapped around the block, but only lasted 25 minutes). Well worth it to get free access to Michelangelo’s masterpiece in the Sistine Chapel.

Plan ahead for popular sites. Try to reserve tickets to popular places like the Borghese Gallery and Vatican Museums ahead of time online to avoid long lines. Or invest in a Roma Pass, which gets you a three–day metro pass and entrance to sites like the Colosseum and Roman Forum (though not the Vatican) using a much shorter line.

Carry a water bottle and umbrella. The sun can be brutal in Rome. While water bottles only cost a couple bucks each, it can add up fast. Bring a refillable container and stop at any of the public drinking fountains around the city (but watch for signs saying “aqua non-potabile,” or non-potable water). I also recommend carrying an umbrella around at all times, for both shade from the sun and in case of a sudden shower.

Just say “no” to insistent street salesmen. The biggest pet peeve of our trip to Rome was the seemingly omnipresent salesmen on the street, offering umbrellas, scarves, knock–off purses, parasols, and—the biggest scam—“free roses.” They can be quite insistent—one man even put a rose in my jacket and then tried to charge me for it. Just avoid direct eye contact, say no, and keep walking.

If you can’t find a good hotel deal in the city center, expand your geography. We scored a great price at Villa Paganini B&B;, an 18th century villa four stops from the Colosseum on the northeast side of town near Villa Paganini Park. The Rome metro is easy to navigate—its just two main subway lines that intersect at the Termini train station.

Budget for airport transfers. You basically have two choices here: cab or metro. Rome’s airport is 25 miles outside the city center, and a cab ride is the more economical choice for four people, but if there are just two of you, take the Metro. The 45-minute ride on the Leonardo Express train puts you right at Termini station.

(Photo: butforthesky.com / Flickr)

And, most importantly, eat your weight in gelato. Ah, gelato, the most delicious part of our trip. We stumbled upon Gelateria della Palma right near the Pantheon and paid about 3 euro each for two gigantic scoops. There were 150 flavors to choose from; my favorites were melon (it tastes exactly like cantaloupe!), strawberry, mango, and anything involving chocolate. Yes, we went more than once. They also had a large display of Pope Benedict lollipops for sale—the perfect souvenir for everyone stuck back at the office.

Checking into the New Shangri-La Hotel, at The Shard

The Shangri-La in the Shard towers over the Thames. (Courtesy: Shangri-La)

By Jennifer Ceaser

What: Some hotels are all about location. At the Shangri-La, it’s all about the views: stupendous floor-to-ceiling panoramas of London landmarks like St. Paul’s Cathedral, Houses of Parliament and the Thames. After four years of construction, the city’s first high-rise hotel — spanning floors 34 to 52 of the 87-story, Renzo Piano-designed, glass-paneled Shard — finally opened May 7.

Where: South of the historic City of London and a few blocks from the famed Borough Market, just off the London Bridge tube.

Why: Where else can you take a bubble bath while gazing out upon the twinkling lights of the London Eye? Or wake to see practically the entire city spread out before you? And there’s nowhere better to watch those notorious London rainstorms moving in.

(See also: Never Leave Your Room with These Hotels for Book Lovers)

Working well: The rooms are minimally decorated but feature lots of high-tech bells and whistles — automated climate control and blinds, heated bathroom floors, Toto Washlet toilets. Plus, there’s the Shangri-La’s noted five-star hospitality, including a pot of hot tea in your room upon arrival. We also dug the Acqua di Parma toiletries.

Needs work: It’s too soon to say what needs work, but we can tell you there is work going on, as rooms are opening on a floor-by-floor basis. Which means, if you’re seeking a little afternoon delight, be prepared for the sounds of drilling. (Currently, 59 rooms are available, 199 more come online throughout the summer and three signature suites will be ready by early fall.)

Panoramic views from London’s new high-rise hotel. (Courtesy: Shangri-La)

Good to know: Bashful guests may want to use the blinds at night; all that glass means your room may be reflected into your neighbor’s. Also, if you’re seeking a little spa time, there isn’t one. However, in-room treatments are available.

Must try: The 35th-floor signature restaurant, Ting, which sources 80 percent of its menu locally — much of it from the nearby Borough Market.

Don’t miss: Getting a drink at Gong, the top-level (52nd-floor) cocktail lounge and champagne bar, where seemingly every Londoner wants to be. (It’s reservation-only, and hotel guests are pushed to the top of the list.) It will only get buzzier come August when the extended pool bar area opens.

9 Dreamy, Romantic Honeymoon Trips of a Lifetime

The countdown to June wedding season has begun, which also means that it’s time to think about one of my favorite topics—honeymoons. As someone who used to work atBride’s magazine, I’ve been on more honeymoons than I care to admit (even though I’ve only been married once).

So what’s my advice? Splurge on a fabulous hotel. It can make or break a trip. Read on for my picks of the most romantic places around the globe, the kinds of places where you don’t really need to leave the property (but if you do, there’s plenty to see nearby).

The Rockhouse - Negril, Jamaica

I got married at the Rockhouse and, to me, this charming hotel on the cliffs of Negril is perfect in every way. It’s the kind of place where the bartenders really do remember your name. There’s a gardener who sings to the plants. The spa with its island-themed treatments is heaven on earth. The sunsets … oh, those sunsets. And the price can’t be beat: rooms start at just $150 a night in the low season, and even in high season you can get a seaside villa from $315.

(Courtesy: Rockhouse)

Explora Rapa Nui - Easter Island

When I was a kid, I studied remote Easter Island and its mysterious giant-head statues, properly known as moais. It was one of those places you never thought you’d actually see in a lifetime. Lucky for me, the Explora opened, and in turn opened up Easter Island to a new kind of traveler. People like myself, who love a little adventure during the day and a cosseting hotel with amazing food and a well-made pisco sour.  

(Courtesy: Explora Rapa Nui)

North Island - Seychelles

I had the privilege of getting sent on assignment to the Seychelles—a string of islands off the east coast of Africa—right after North Island was built. Rooms here cost upwards of $3,000 a night ($3,000!), thankfully, somebody else was footing the bill. Fast forward, and what Prince and Princess were honeymooning there? It’s no wonder Wills and Kate chose this heavenly resort run by the Wilderness Safaris group. It combines style and substance: the property doubles as a scientific research lab.

Read More: We’ve Got You Clooney: Here’s Your Perfect Honeymoon 

(Courtesy: North Island)

Lake Placid Lodge - Lake Placid, New York

A few years ago, during a January deep freeze, my husband and I decided to escape town, but whereas most people would want a beach, we decided to embrace the cold. Our only requirement: a wood-burning fireplace in the room, which is more difficult to find than you might imagine. The Lake Placid Lodge in the Adirondacks has cottages by the water and wood-burning fireplaces in most of its rooms. It’s amazing in summer, too, with lakeside bonfires and a farm-to-table restaurant.

(Courtesy: Lake Placid Lodge)

Sofitel Legend Metropole - Hanoi, Vietnam

Staying at the Metropole in the seductive city of Hanoi is like walking into a chapter on Vietnam’s past, mostly good. The hotel recently uncovered and excavated a Vietnam War-era bunker under the poolside bar. In the renovated but still wonderfully creaky old wing, there are suites dedicated to famous authors who once stayed here: Graham Greene, Charlie Chaplin. 

(Courtesy: Sofitel Legend Metropole)

Covent Garden Hotel - London  

Firmdale Hotels is known for quirky-yet-sophisticated boutique hotels around London, and the lovely Covent Garden—in the neighborhood by the same name—introduced me to the group. This is England, so there is a drawing room with afternoon tea, of course, and a smart restaurant that caters to stylish Brits. Every room is decorated with a chic mannequin covered in unorthodox materials, like men’s suit fabric. And then there’s London, right beyond your door.

(Courtesy: Covent Garden Hotel)

Amansara - Siem Reap, Cambodia

When my husband and I went to the Amansara the year before we got married, we worried that we had trumped any future honeymooon potential, the hotel was that dazzling. A white-gloved driver in a vintage 1960s Mercedes picked us up at the airport—and that’s just the start to the pampering at this transporting property. Set right beyond the entrance to Angkor Wat, the hotel guarantees an unparalleled visit to these majestic ruins, with private guides and incredible access. Then again, honeymooners might never want to emerge from their sprawling room with a private plunge pool.

(Courtesy: Amansara)

Four Seasons - Florence

With its frescoed-covered walls and ceilings, the Four Seasonsis like a living museum and almost makes a visit to the Uffizi unnecessary. This 15th century palazzo was once home to royalty, and you still feel very regal indeed when you walk down these cloistered halls. The property is surrounded by sprawling yet manicured gardens, a little oasis in the center of Florence.

(Courtesy: Four Seasons Florence)

One & Only Palmilla - Los Cabos, Mexico

I have had the great pleasure of going back to Palmilla time and again—before it became a One & Only and since. It’s all about the mix: warm staff, including butlers servicing every room; artisanal design details, like hand-woven headboards; and a dramatic seaside setting in Los Cabos, on the Baja Peninsula. Jennifer Aniston is a regular, and I get it. When she finally decides to take the plunge, you can bet Palmilla will be one of her top choices.

10 Reasons to Visit London's Hottest New Neighborhood

East London skyline. (Photo: Dave Hunt/flickr)

London is a big, big city and because of that, it can be overwhelming to decide where to stay.

On my numerous visits to London, I’ve stayed in quite a few different neighborhoods, but far and away, my favorite area of the city is (predictably) the East.

East London (also called the East End) has been the “it” area for the past few decades. In the 90s, Shoreditch was the place for squatters and hipsters, bohemians and hippies.

Nowadays, for better or worse, this part of London has been undergoing the typical gentrification process. The areas of Shoreditch, Hackney, Clapton, Hoxton and Dalston are some of the coolest and trendiest areas of London right now.

In November, I stayed at a HomeAway vacation apartment in Dalston. Our apartment was a brisk 10-minute walk from the Dalston-Kingsland Overground stop, which I quickly learned is a hipster hub. The overground station sits at the end of an everyday food market (the Ridley Road Market), where we bought fresh fruit & vegetables so we could cook some meals in our apartment (though the empanada stand also got plenty of my business!).

Noticeably important in the neighborhood were an organic food shop, a cupcake bakery, Vietnamese restaurants, and a restaurant selling nothing but arancini balls. Kingsland Street runs directly down to Shoreditch (essentially all the way to the legendary Whitechapel Gallery) and seemed to be the main thoroughfare for connecting much of East London.

Here’s my short guide on just what makes East London so hip and cool — and why you should base yourself in this part of London (mainly the Borough of Hackney, but also in Shoreditch) for your next trip!

Pitfield London. (Photo: Martyn.C.Jones/flickr)

Quirky Shops

Shopping in London has long been a favorite past-time for tourists. Besides being an international fashion capital, thrift and vintage are words that were seemingly coined in London. We’ve probably got the rockstars to thank for that, but besides fashion, East London is overflowing with weird and quirky shops. I particularly like Present London — a menswear shop that sells fashion, housewares, books, coffee and other random things. Also try Paper & Cup — a local not-for-profit bookshop & cafe (coffee & cakes!) and Pitfield London, a cafe, exhibition space, and furniture store all rolled into one very cool & hip space.

Street art outside the Dalston Junction station. (Photo: Travels of Adam)

Street Art

In the past few decades, East London has seen a resurgence of public street art. Local artists Ben Eine and Stik have left a trail of art throughout Shoreditch and the rest of the east, much of which you really can’t miss. It’s all over the place. I highly recommend taking a street art tour because, even if you might spot some of the works on your own, you’ll learn so much more about East London’s recent history and the commitment to public issues many of these artists strive to achieve. I took a walking tour with Street Art London (every day, 2-4 hours, £12-15) which I really enjoyed despite the large group size.

Broadway Market

Just once a week (on Saturdays), the Broadway Market takes place at the foot of London Fields park. It’s basically a food market, though some of the shops along the street include bookstores and vintage shops, so you’re basically covered for all necessities. With more than 100 stalls and shops (most of them food), the street market has everything from Indian thalis to local fruits & vegetable vendors. The market’s a little less convenient to get to than some other areas of the Borough of Hackney, but if you make it there, you won’t be disappointed! The pub at the end, The Cat & Mutton, is also a cozy place to visit if you want the authentic London pub experience.

Broadway Market. (Photo: Travels of Adam)

Sunday Markets

If there’s a day to make sure you’re in East London, it’s definitely Sunday. While Saturday hosts the Broadway Market, Sundays are definitely for the weekly Brick Lane Market. On Brick Lane and its surrounding streets, it’s nonstop vendor after vendor. You’ll find everything a hipster needs: vintage clothes, used records, trendy T-shirts, hats and food stalls from seemingly every country in the world. With a top tip recommendation, I ended up eating at The Rib Man — London’s best rib meat (and vouched for by Adam Richman’s Man v Food). But honestly: the Brick Lane Market (every Sunday, 9am-5pm) is not to be missed. It’s one hundred million times better than the Camden Market. Also on Sunday in the same area as Brick Lane, you’ll find the Sunday UpMarket in the old Truman Brewery, and the Columbia Road Flower Market. Both are chock full of people and unique stalls selling everything from fresh oysters to local artists’ DIY crafts.

Columbia Road Flower Market. (Photo: Alex Segre/Getty Images)

Food Trucks

Besides the street markets, which fill up with food stalls during the weekend, East London gets its fair share of food trucks and pop-up restaurants (and even food truck festivals). Across the street from Shoreditch Box Park on the High Street is a canopied food hall (inside you’ll want to try Tulum Tacos orYalla Yalla), but many food trucks set up shop during the weekdays on Dray Walk street just off Brick Lane.

Further north of Shoreditch, in Clapton, the local favorite food shop Palm 2 is also home to pop-up restaurants every weekend. That’s in addition to their organic food selection and homemade takeaway lunches & meals. Besides hosting various supper clubs (it was Jamaican the night I visited) every weekend, you can order freshly made sourdough pizzas from Latto’s Pizza at the deli counter in the back of the shop.

London Fields (Photo: D1v1d/flickr)

London Fields

I was told countless times before visiting London that London Fields is *the* hipster park. In the summer months, it fills up with people of all ages having picnics, playing music and just generally enjoying life. Fun fact about this park: the land was historically used for grazing animals on the way to the livestock markets. On a warm day, this is without a doubt the best place to visit in East London.

One of the cool shops along Wilton Way. (Photo: Travels of Adam)

Wilton Way

Not far from London Fields park is the small street Wilton Way. Now, this isn’t typically a tourist destination — it’s a bit of a walk from the nearest Underground station — but it’s totally worth it if you’re looking for that “travel like a local” experience. On Wilton Way are a handful of shops selling various local goods and knick-knacks but the real highlight is the Wilton Way Cafe. The independent coffee shop is also home to the local London Fields Radio so it’s got a real community atmosphere. Plus the food and coffee is great … and the twenty-somethings sitting at the nearby tables aren’t bad-looking themselves. Also on Wilton Way is the friendly neighborhood restaurant Mayfields which takes the theme so far that they actually refer to the restaurant as a “dining room.”

Lounge Lover (Photo: Rob Swatski/flickr)

Nightlife

With East London’s reputation for being so cool, it’s no wonder that they’ve got the right kind of nightlife to prove it. Whether it’s charming British pubs such as Red Lion, single-room sized neighborhood clubs such as the Ridley Road Market Bar or trendy cocktail bars like Lounge Lover, East London is nothing if not fun at night. There are two great websites for finding out about the best events, bars and clubs in East London: Design My Night and Bar Chick.

Vintage & Thrift Shopping

If it seems like you can’t go a block in East London without stumbling upon a clothing store, well…then that’s exactly the case. Luckily this is also the area to find some of the best deals thanks to all the vintage and thrift shops. Beyond Retro has a large collection for men and women, plus cheaper deals than I was able to find along the Brick Lane market. But really: there are hundreds of thrift shops in throughout Shoreditch, Hoxton and Hackney — it’s just a matter of finding the right one for your style and tastes.

F. Cooke (Photo: tunnelarmr/flickr)

Food, Glorious Food!

I didn’t realize it until I tried it myself, but East London is the historic home to some traditional English foods. Pie & mash (yummy!) and jellied eels (not-so-yummy, but I suppose some people like ‘em) are two of the food staples for the East End. The small, family-run restaurant F. Cooke is one of the most famous places to buy the local food (if you dare!). Besides the traditional foods, East London is now today a hotbed for innovative chefs and new, trendy restaurants. Pizza East in Shoreditch has that “oh-I’m-so-cool” appeal, but that’s not a bad thing here. The pizzas are great and the atmosphere is cool enough to leave you feeling special.