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I've Lived in California My Whole Life — and These Are the Most Affordable Destinations in the Golden State

These California vacations won’t break the bank, according to a local. My first tip for affordable California travel while hardly groundbreaking is toplan a road trip. Below are 13 places I recommend for an affordable California vacation. Credit:Ron and Patty Thomas/Getty Images Most of these Ive visited myself, while a few are part of my mental travel vision board. Big Bear Lake I love asmall mountain town, and Big Bear Lake is particularly likable....

I've Lived in Florida All My Life, and These Are the Most Beautiful Places in the Sunshine State

From scenic national parks to gorgeous beaches, here are some of the most beautiful places in Florida. Here are 26 of the most beautiful places in Florida, from national parks to island towns. The springs, accessible only via private boat or kayak, provide refuge to manatees during cold snaps. Credit:NANCY PAUWELS/Getty Images Book a clear kayak tour with my friends atGet Up And Go Kayaking Crystal Riverfor the full experience....

I've Lived in Florida for 27 Years — and These Are the Best Affordable Beach Vacations in the State

A local weighs in on the best cheap beach vacations in Florida without the high price tags. Sean Pavone/Getty Images Hundreds of miles of coastline keep Florida top of mind for abeach vacationyear-round. So, come on down, pull up a stool, and immerse yourself in some genuine Southern hospitality. Credit:Sean Pavone/Getty Images Im from Tampa and was used to the beautiful sugar-sand beaches of Clearwater, andSt. George Island State Parkdid not disappoint, says Byrne....

I've Lived in France for More Than a Decade — and These Are the Best Places to Visit on the French Riviera

The beaches are entirely different from what youll find along La Croisette (think shaded, secluded coves). A sailboat is the best way to get here and the best place to sleep, too. The entrance to Cap-dAils cove is as dramatic as the surrounding cliffs encasing the pebble beach. Plage Paloma in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.Credit:James/Adobe Stock to celebrate the empire’s victory over local tribes, La Turbie sits near the Italian border above Monaco....

I've Lived in Italy 15+ Years—These Are the Italian Words and Phrases Every Traveler Should Know Before a Visit

A little effort to speak the language can buy a whole lot of goodwill in Italy. Here are some guidelines, words, and phrases to get you ready for your next trip to Italy. Another key is knowing how letters are pronounced in Italian. A couple overlooking a small village in Tuscany.Credit:Ascent/PKS Media Inc. via Getty Images Here are some general examples: A is pronounced as a short A, soah. Example:areais pronouncedah-reh-ah....

I've Lived in Italy for 15 Years – and These Are the Most Romantic Places to Visit

Amanda Blackard/Travel + Leisure Romantic is certainly a subjective term. If theres one thing even the most mismatched lovers can agree on, we say its Italy. Im happy to share that the sparks are still there, and Italy is just as romantic as ever. Buildings on the coast of Lake Como, Italy.Credit:Amanda Blackard/Travel + Leisure Yes, its crowded and often chaotic. But dont sleep on this beautiful, historic, and slightly mysterious Umbrian hill town....

I've Lived in Italy for 15 Years — and These Are My Favorite Lesser-known Destinations

Yes, its true the crowds have increased, overwhelmingly so in some places. After all these years, it sometimes feels like theres nothing new under the Italian sun. Here are five of my recent favorites. Credit:xbrchx/Getty Images Its lived-in and slightly unkempt, with idyllic towns and warm inhabitants. Thetartufo, a decadent gelato dessert, is best where it was invented, atGelateria Ercole. And brightPiccolo Grand Hotelis the nicest in a town that values simplicity over swankiness....

I've Lived in Kentucky for Decades and Finally Took a Road Trip on the Bourbon Trail — Here's Why It Was Worth It

A historian uncovers the complex story of her home states famous spirit, one strong sip at a time. Ashley Camper Growing up inLouisville,I knew about bourbon. It turned out I wasnt alone. From left: Behind the bar at the Kitchen & Bar at Bardstown Bourbon Co.; pouring the Bardstown Fusion Series #9 blend.Credit:Ashley Camper In the early 1970s, sales of vodka surpassed those of Americas native spirit for the first time....

I've Lived in Las Vegas for 8 Years — Here's My Ultimate Guide to the City

NeoPhoto/Getty Images Billed as the entertainment capital of the world, Las Vegas truly hassomething for everyone. And Las Vegas Raiders president Sandra Douglass Morgan and James Beard-nominated restaurateur Elizabeth Blau couldnt agree more. This city is ever-evolving. Fontainebleau Las Vegas This $3.7-billion resortwas named one of thebest new hotels in 2024by T+L editors. And should you gotta recharge, thecutting-edge spaboasts the citys largest thermal experience. Morgan particularly loves itsFamous Foodsstreet market, which is filled with hawker stands offering so many different dining options....

I've Lived in Los Angeles for 47 Years, and These Are the Best Places to Stay

Weindependently evaluateall of our recommendations. If you punch links we provide, we may receive compensation. But choosing a place to stay inLos Angelescan be overwhelming, especially if it’s your first visit. iStockphoto/Getty Images Trying to avoid traffic and stay somewhere without a car? There’s a neighborhood for that. Planning a family vacation, a couples' getaway, or a solo trip? Courtesy of The Kimpton Everly Hotel Los Angeles has you covered....

I've Lived in Maine My Whole Life — and These Are My Favorite Hidden Gems in the State

Schoodic Peninsula lightphoto/Getty Images Welcome to the forgotten part of Acadia National Park. Less than one percent of travelers who visit Acadia make the approximately one-hour drive to the Schoodic Peninsula. But some of the states best views can be found here namely, Ravens Nest lookout at Schoodic Point. Credit:Jumping Rocks/UIG/Getty Images Or, you might take in the 360-degree views from the summit of Borestone Mountain in Guilford. To cool off, wander over to Dover-Foxcrofts Peaks-Kenny State Park....

I've Lived in Mexico for 5 Years—These Are the 9 Best All-inclusive Resorts Near Tulum

Weindependently evaluateall of our recommendations. If you punch links we provide, we may receive compensation. Here are nine of the best all-inclusive resorts in and around Tulum. When it comes to all-inclusive hotels, you’ll have plenty of options in Tulum.Credit:Courtesy of UNICO 20Â°87Â° Courtesy of UNICO 20A87A Needless to say, there are an incredible number ofgreat Mexican beach towns. Tulum, however, stands out from the pack with its laid-back, slightly mystic atmosphere....

I've Lived in Miami for 20 Years, and This New Hotel in Brickell Is One of My Favorite Stays

If you hit links we provide, we may receive compensation. Dua Miami is anything but your typical Floridian hotel. But perhaps nowhere is that spirit of change more obvious than in Magic City’s Brickell neighborhood. Exterior of the Dua Miami hotel in Miami’s Brickell neighborhood.Credit:Jeff Heron/Courtesy of Dua Miami, Autograph Collection One of Brickell’s latest developments is theDua Miami, Autograph Collection, formerly known as the SLS Brickell. Weil describes Dua Miami as dynamic, evocative, and indulgent, and the hotel is certainly evocative....