Displaying items by tag: travel

Spring doesn’t have to involve expensive travel—there are plenty of fun ways to enjoy time together at home. One idea is to “travel the world from home” by learning about different countries, cooking their traditional dishes, and watching related movies. 

A family pilgrimage to a nearby holy site can also be a meaningful experience, especially during this Jubilee Year, with many designated pilgrimage locations across the U.S. For a fun night in, kids can enjoy a "sleep-under," wearing pajamas, playing games, and watching a movie before heading home to sleep. 

Cozy reading time can be made extra special with a library trip followed by building a blanket fort to read new books inside. A family bake-off adds a competitive twist to baking, letting each child pick a recipe to make and everyone vote on the tastiest creation. 

Finsum: Whether through cultural exploration, faith-filled experiences, or simple at-home activities, spring break can be both memorable and affordable.

In 2024, travel transformed with AI-assisted trip planning, a resurgence of luxury train journeys, and a growing emphasis on wellness through solitude and stargazing. Urban explorers embraced green spaces and foraged dining, while music enthusiasts traveled extensively for live performances. 

As 2025 approaches, the focus will shift toward deeper, experience-driven adventures. Literature-inspired tourism is on the rise, with book festivals attracting larger crowds and hotels celebrating their literary connections. 

Astrocartography is gaining traction, guiding travelers to destinations aligned with their personal astrological charts. Meanwhile, honeymoons are becoming more immersive, with newlyweds favoring extended, meaningful getaways over traditional weeklong retreats.

Finsum: While everyone is implementing AI to improve efficiency, don’t forget to leverage it for personal matters such as gift and vacation ideas. 

Someone who meticulously plans every vacation can be surprised to find their stay at an all-inclusive resort to be some of their easiest and least stressful trips. Traveling with a group can be challenging, but resorts offer a wide range of activities—yoga, bingo, and salsa lessons— and ensure there was something for everyone. 

Resorts can make dining effortless, with multiple on-site restaurants eliminating the need for reservations or extensive research. Budgeting can also be simplified, as meals, drinks, and activities were included in the upfront cost, preventing unexpected expenses. 

While some usually preferred exploring new places, all-in-one resorts show the value of slowing down and simply enjoying time with friends. Instead of stressing over your next big vacation with hundreds of details and people to coordinate, consider simplifying with all-in-one style vacations. 

Finsum: I find the best hybrid of this type of a vacation style to be utilizing a new experience to get the most out of someone planning for me, cruises to unconventional destinations are a great example. 

Winter doesn’t have to mean enduring icy winds and gray skies when warm-weather getaways beckon across the globe. For those looking to escape the chill, a cruise offers an ideal way to explore tropical locales, blending relaxation with adventure as you visit sun-drenched islands and coastal cities. 

Shopping enthusiasts can revel in destinations like Dubai or Mexico City, where vibrant markets and luxury boutiques cater to every taste. Newsworthy experiences await in regions like the Panama Highlands, where coffee tours and lush landscapes offer a rejuvenating escape. 

Families might opt for the cultural richness of San Juan, Puerto Rico, while couples can unwind in Rangiroa, French Polynesia, surrounded by tranquil lagoons and stunning bungalows. Whether you seek adventure, serenity, or a bit of both, these winter escapes promise to leave the frost behind and warm your soul.

Finsum: Additionally these places all offer very rich cultural histories that provide a change of pace from a typical vacation. 

Large ski resorts offer a unique thrill, providing ample terrain for exploration that can keep even the most avid skier busy for days. 

1. Powder Mountain in Utah tops the list of North America's largest ski resorts, with over 8,000 skiable acres, though part of it is accessed by snow cats rather than chairlifts. 
2. Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia follows closely with over 8,100 acres spread across two mountains, connected by the record-breaking Peak 2 Peak gondola. 
3. Park City Mountain Resort, Utah, offers the most lift-served terrain in the U.S., featuring 7,300 acres of slopes, and is easily accessible from Salt Lake City. 

These vast resorts provide a mix of terrain and amenities, catering to both casual visitors and serious skiers alike. Whether for the sheer size or the diverse experiences, these resorts deliver unforgettable winter adventures.

Finsum: In the last few years we have seen the season start late but continue deep into the year, this could be a new trend in mountain sports!