News & Features

80° Escapes

Cruise FAQ: Choose Your Perfect Cruise in Four Easy Steps

No matter what your interests might be, and no matter who you are, somewhere in the Caribbean there's a perfect cruise you . So how can you find that proverbial needle in a haystack? And better yet, how can you find it quickly? Give some structure to your planning process by following these four steps.

Posted by Fodor's Editors on February 24, 2010 at 12:59:09 PM EST in Cruises Tagged:
Exploring Kaua'i: 5 Reasons to Get Off the Beach

With over 50 miles of sandy shores—more than any other Hawaiian island—Kaua'i is a beach bum's dream. It's easy to give in to "Hawai'i time" and spend your trip relaxing at spots like Hanalei Bay (pictured) on the North Shore. But you'll miss out on some of Kaua'i's most exciting activities if you're parked on the sand the whole time. Here are five ways to get off your beach towel and experience some of the island's top adventures.

Posted by Jess Moss on February 17, 2010 at 5:50:53 PM EST in Trip Ideas Tagged: Hawaii
5 Best Foodie Beach Vacations

Good food and beaches almost always go hand in hand. Below, we've listed our favorite destinations for gourmet getaways, featuring haute cuisine, cooking classes, authentic street food, and exotic produce in some of our favorite warm weather destinations.

Posted by Fodor's Editors on February 17, 2010 at 9:42:00 AM EST in Trip Ideas Tagged: Florida, Miami
Hawaii: An Age-by-Age Guide to Traveling with Kids

Planning a trip to Hawaii with your family this year? Here's a guide to the best kinds of trips for kids of all ages.

Posted by Fodor's Editors on February 15, 2010 at 3:00:00 PM EST in Trip Ideas Tagged: Hawaii
Top 15 Places to Experience Costa Rica's Biodiversity

Costa Rica's biodiversity is an incredible thing to discover. And with a little planning you can see everything that interests you here—but making sense of the complicated interplay of climate and geography takes time. Luckily you have us to help! And so, without further ado, a guide to Costa Rica's diverse natural attractions.

Posted by Fodor's Editors on February 09, 2010 at 12:18:55 PM EST in Trip Ideas
Undiscovered Bahamas: Top 15 Things to Do in the Exuma Cays

If you're looking for a true escape—a vacation where you're more likely to see giant starfish, wild iguanas, swimming pigs, dolphins, and sharks than other people—visit the Exuma Cays in the Bahamas. The archipelago stretches about 80 miles northwest from Great Exuma, the chain's main island and activity hub, relatively speaking.

Posted by Molly Moker on February 09, 2010 at 11:21:53 AM EST in Trip Ideas Tagged:
12 Spa Retreats in Paradise for Any Budget

It's not hard to find bliss in sunshine and warm breezes, particularly when you've made a fast retreat from winter's frosty edge. But there are places in this world where stays take you beyond bliss. Here are a dozen properties—some splurges and some saves—in beautiful, balmy settings where you'll be stretched and massaged, cocooned and cared for guilt free. In these places, you see, nurturing health and well-being, quieting the spirit, and pampering yourself are entirely the point.

Posted by Laura Kidder on February 01, 2010 at 2:05:01 PM EST in Trip Ideas, Spas Tagged: Hawaii, Mexico, Costa Rica
How to Choose the Caribbean Island That's Right for You

If you know yourself and know what you want, you can find perfection in the Caribbean—but that's often easier said than done. Here's how to choose.

Posted by Doug Stallings on January 27, 2010 at 4:10:59 PM EST in Travel Tips Tagged: Caribbean
Hawaii Island Hopping: How to Visit Two Islands in One Trip

Should you try to fit another island into your trip or stay put? Tough call. Although none of the islands are more than thirty minutes away from another by air, security hassles, transport, and check-in all swallow up precious vacation hours. If you've got less than a week, you might want to stay put. But if you're considering a longer stay in Hawaii—and we hope you are—here are some ideas for ways to expand your trip.

Posted by Fodor's Editors on January 26, 2010 at 1:41:45 PM EST in Trip Ideas Tagged: Hawaii,
Age-by-Age Guide to Traveling with Kids in Mexico

Thinking of putting Mexico on your itinerary this winter? Here are some of our favorite Mexico trip ideas for families with kids, organized by the kids' age group.

Posted by Fodor's Editors on January 26, 2010 at 10:32:03 AM EST in Trip Ideas Tagged: