%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%2FTAL-san-juan-puerto-rico-LABORDAYDEST0825-49cdfe8e78ea4f8284fe2f1f0bdb8b3b.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
This City Was Just Named the No. 1 Labor Day Weekend Destination in the U.S. by Chase Travel—and It's Famous for Its Beaches and Rainforest
This year's top trending destinations have all the essentials for a final summer escape—sun-soaked beaches, island breezes, and plenty of warm weather. But they also promise something more: the chance to go beyond the resort and immerse yourself in rich culture, history, and local flavor.
For Labor Day Weekend, Chase Travel found that San Juan, Puerto Rico; Maui, Hawaii; and Miami are the top three trending destinations.
San Juan had a 116 percent year over year growth; some of this can certainly be attributed to Bad Bunny's summer-long residency on the island. "We're seeing the gig-tripping trend really take hold—where travelers build entire getaways around marquee events,' Karen Magee, President of Valerie Wilson Travel, a Chase Travel Group company, told Travel + Leisure. 'In Puerto Rico's case, Labor Day weekend offers the perfect mix: easy nonstop flights from major U.S. cities, great weather, and a major draw like Bad Bunny's concert."
Beyond a sensational summer concert opportunity, San Juan offers visitors spectacular food, fine rum, historic architecture, national forests, and of course, spectacular beaches.
Miami has seen a 55 percent year over year growth. With no shortage of white sand beaches, clear waters, and year-round warm temperatures, it is no surprise that this southern location is climbing up the ladder as a LDW destination. After a day spent roasting in the sun, Miami's nightlife, vibrant immigrant communities, globally recognized food scene, and burgeoning art scene means there's truly no shortage of ways to spend time when you're not on the shore.
Maui, Hawaii has seen a 37 percent year over year growth in popularity. The island has 80 beaches and 120 miles of shoreline, making it the place to go for people looking to spend time with their natural environment. You'll need to make sure you're visiting the island responsibly, but doing so can introduce you to a slower, more relaxing side to the island. Consider going star gazing, snorkeling, and chasing waterfalls to get the full experience.
Wherever you go, just don't forget to pack your sunscreen; the sun is still strong in September.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Yahoo
ACQUALINA RESORT & RESIDENCES ACHIEVES #1 RANKINGS IN THE 2025 READERS' CHOICE AWARDS BY USA TODAY 10BEST
MIAMI, Aug. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Acqualina Resort & Residences has been recognized with two #1 awards in the 10Best Readers' Choice Awards announced today by USA Today. The ultra-luxury resort located in Miami's Sunny Isles Beach was named #1 Best Destination Resort in the United States and #1 Best Waterfront Hotel/Resort in the United States. "Our team takes great pride in providing exceptional attention and care to every guest, always going above and beyond to ensure each person feels truly looked after," said Deborah Yager Fleming, CEO and Partner. "We want our guests to feel at home, knowing that in addition to offering beautiful surroundings, every detail is handled with purpose, thoughtfulness, and the highest level of care. Under the leadership of General Manager Jeff Giasson, our team is deeply passionate about what we do, and we remain committed to continuously striving to make Acqualina one of the finest hotel experiences in the world." A panel of experts partnered with USA Today's 10Best editors to select the initial 20 nominees, and the top 10 winners were determined by popular vote. In addition to the two #1 USA Today awards, Acqualina is also a proud recipient of the Forbes Five Star Award for both the hotel and spa for the 13th consecutive year and the AAA Five Diamond for the 17th consecutive year. Along with these prestigious accolades, US News and World Report named Acqualina the #1 Best Resort and #1 Best Hotel in the Continental US in their annual Best Hotel Awards. To celebrate these achievements and invite travelers to experience its world-class hospitality, Acqualina has introduced an exclusive Staycation Offer for Florida, Texas, and Georgia residents, valid through September 30, 2025. The package includes $100 resort credit per stay, daily breakfast for two (or more for multi-bedroom suites), valet parking, late check-out, and a welcome amenity upon arrival. Families will enjoy complimentary access to the resort's acclaimed AcquaMarine Children's Program, while all guests can indulge in oceanfront dining, pristine pools, and curated wellness experiences — all just a short drive from home. With four world-class restaurants, curated amenities and luxurious rooms and suites, Acqualina Resort provides an exclusive experience and ultra-luxurious beach lifestyle like no other. Earlier this year, Acqualina unveiled newly enhanced event spaces including a new ballroom and reimagined board offering a blend of classic charm and contemporary sophistication. These redesigned spaces not only reflect Acqualina's commitment to luxury and innovation but also enhance the guest experience, making the resort a prime destination for both relaxation and celebration. For more information, visit ABOUT ACQUALINA RESORT & RESIDENCES Acqualina Resort & Residences is where the charm of a Mediterranean villa meets elegance on the beach. The lush grounds feature red couches set on grass and are dotted with signature red umbrellas. A seaside luxury haven located on 4.5 beachfront acres in pristine Sunny Isles Beach, Acqualina Resort features 98 impeccably appointed guest rooms and suites and 188 residences with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, world-class dining including Il Mulino New York, the alfresco Costa Grill, Ke-uH Japanese restaurant and Avra Miami, three oceanfront swimming pools, spacious meeting rooms, and AcquaMarine, an innovative marine biology-based children's program. A variety of lavish interior and exterior venues provide an ideal background for opulent weddings and memorable events. Acqualina Spa provides guests with an exquisite 20,000-square-foot, two-story tranquil sanctuary of excellence and relaxation. A family-owned and operated property, Acqualina is a recipient of the coveted Forbes Travel Guide Five Star Awards for both the hotel and spa and the AAA Five Diamond Award and a member of The Leading Hotels of the World. Follow Acqualina on Social Media: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram ABOUT THE LEADING HOTELS OF THE WORLD, LTD (Leading Hotels) Comprised of more than 400 hotels in over 80 countries, The Leading Hotels of the World is the largest collection of independent luxury hotels. In 1928, 38 independent hoteliers came together to create LHW. Since then, the Company has carefully curated distinctive hotels, resorts, inns, chalets, villas, and safari camps from the snow-capped Alps of Europe to the African veldt, to share them with adventurous souls who seek the remarkably uncommon. The LHW community is filled of exceptional individuals, united by a passion for the surprising discoveries and details that come with every experience. LHW hoteliers are artisans of hospitality whose expertise, commitment to excellence, and individual flair allows them to create story-worthy moments for their guests. And it is these authentic, individualized experiences combined with the warm hospitality and high-touch service they provide that keeps discerning travelers returning again and again. LHW's collection covers the globe and promises a broad range of destinations and uncommon experiences, enhanced by LHW's tiered guest loyalty program Leaders Club. From converted former palaces, and countryside retreats run by the same families for generations, to gleaming skyscrapers in dynamic urban centers, serene private island escapes, glamorous tented camps – and beyond – explore, find inspiration, and experience unforgettable travel moments by visiting: Facebook @LeadingHotels, Twitter @LeadingHotels and Instagram @leadinghotelsoftheworld Media Contact:Alexandra WensleyVice President of Communications Acqualina Resort & View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Acqualina Management, LLC b/d/a Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Yahoo
Royal Caribbean crew set to make Star of the Seas shine
Royal Caribbean crew set to make Star of the Seas shine originally appeared on TravelHost. After making its first transatlantic crossing, Royal Caribbean's new Icon Class ship, Star of the Seas, arrived in Ponce, Puerto Rico on Aug. 5 for a technical call ahead of its first preview sailings from Port Canaveral, Florida, which begin Aug. 16. What's been happening on board the ship since it left the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland in mid-July after more than two years of construction?First, Star of the Seas stopped in Cadiz, Spain for finishing touches and supplies before making its way to the Caribbean. While in Cadiz, the team onboarded thousands of crew members from all over the globe, and they got right to work preparing to deliver iconic family vacations. Getting one of the largest cruise ships in the world ready to welcome passengers isn't a quick process, but it's an exciting one. In a recent Royal Caribbean Star Insider video, members of the Star of the Seas start-up team shared some insights on how the ship is coming alive as it bustles with preparations — from the galley and the ship's 2,800 cabins to the AquaTheater where all-new shows will make a splash. As the countdown to Star of the Seas' inaugural cruises winds down, crew members are energized and eager to see passengers' reactions to the next-level cruise experiences awaiting them on board. Be the first to see the best deals on cruises, special sailings, and more. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter. Star of the Seas start-up crew charged up for first cruises Star Insider Transcript: Robert Hines, Start-Up HR Manager: It's been really exciting watching the crew come on board. They are happy, they're excited, they're charged up. They've just had a couple of great days on our stop in Cadiz and now they're ready to cross and they can't wait to get across to the U.S. and to start seeing guests on ship is alive. This is home for us now. I think one of the things that I look at is what does it take to get us actually ready to go. German Rijo, Executive Chef: When you start out, you need to make a lot of planning — a lot, a lot of planning. You need to make a lot of organization in the kitchen. Total in the culinary, with the utility, with the people in charge to the power, to the dishwashers keeping the kitchen clean and shiny, it's total 426. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter to save money on your next (or your first) cruise. Star of the Seas start-up crew prepares cabins, venues, entertainment Yuliia Prymak, Housekeeping Manager: Housekeeping, we are a big division. Currently we have 380 crew members and we have 2,805 cabins to prepare. All public venues have been set up, checked and tested. We play a vital role in the preparation for receiving our guests. Robert Hines: Only 18% of our crew were on the Icon before and so this is a fairly new crew to this class. They've come with incredible excitement. They are happy to be Mawhinney, Aqua Captain: We're all part of the DNA of this show and we really just love what we do. I can't wait to have the energy of an audience. Being able to see their faces, as much as them being able to see us, it's just, it gives us that energy. There's nothing better than an audience reaction and seeing their faces. German Rijo: Everybody's excited. Everybody just said, let's do it again. We did it before and we did it again one more time. (The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.) , or email Amy Post at or call or text her at 386-383-2472. This story was originally reported by TravelHost on Aug 6, 2025, where it first appeared. Solve the daily Crossword


Forbes
13 hours ago
- Forbes
Shoot Your Shot: The Chase Sapphire Reserve's 100K Bonus Is Ending Soon
Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations. The revamped Chase Sapphire Reserve® made a splash when it recently announced a slew of changes that included everything from its annual fee to its rewards rates and card perks. And these changes came with a flashy welcome offer of 100,000 bonus points, plus a $500 Chase Travel℠ promo credit after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. The carrot the issuer is dangling for potential new cardholders is its best offer yet, worth even more than when the card first launched in 2016 with its then-unheard-of 100,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards® points bonus. But the offer is ending soon. Chase has not yet announced what the new offer will be when the current one ends. But if history is any indication, it's likely to be in the 60,000- to 80,000-point range. Earn 100,000 bonus points + $500 Chase Travel℠ promo credit after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed. What Can 100K Ultimate Rewards Points Get You? Chase Ultimate Rewards®, which is what the Sapphire Reserve and several other Chase credit cards earn, are coveted for their flexibility. You can redeem them for cash back or gift cards at a penny per point, but travel rewards enthusiasts prefer the increased value found by using the rewards for travel. With the new Points Boost program from Chase, you can redeem your rewards through Chase Travel℠ at a value of anywhere from 1 cent to 2 cents per point. Hotels booked through Chase's The Edit collection are worth 2 cents per point, while select premium airfare and other hotels will be worth up to 2 cents per point. With the 100,000 points earned from the bonus offer, plus a little extra you'll earn from meeting the bonus's minimum spending requirement, here are two examples of great deals you could book through Chase Travel. Photo Credit: Chase During your stay at the famed 'Pink Palace,' learn the art of lei-making, hula-dancing or just master the art of resting your eyes. As part of The Edit collection, you'll get daily breakfast for two and a $100 property credit, plus your stay will count as two nights with Marriott Bonvoy. Photo Credit: Chase In addition to foliage viewing, you can play a round at the resort's 18-hole golf course, go ziplining or ride the gondola to the summit of the mountain. You can also transfer your rewards to any of Chase's hotel and airline travel transfer partners, which could also yield better values for your rewards. Here are some examples of what the current big bonus could get you by transferring your rewards: Photo Credit: United Visit the Belém Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and then relax as the sun sets with a glass of the country's famed Port wine. Photo Credit: Hilton See the famed Panama Canal, an engineering marvel and key commercial shipping route, and enjoy the city's notable gastronomy. Is the Sapphire Reserve Worth Keeping for the Long Term? For the right cardholder, the changes to the Sapphire Reserve can be well worth its increased $795 annual fee. As part of the changes to the card, a whole new slew of credits and potential perks have been added. Cardholder benefits now include: A flexible $300 annual travel credit (carried over from the previous version of the card). A $500 credit for prepaid stays with hotels in The Edit collection. Get up to $250 in statement credits from January through June and again from July through December with a two-night minimum required. A Priority Pass Select membership, which grants access to Priority Pass airport lounges worldwide with up to two guests, including every Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club. $300 in annual dining credits ($150 from January through June and another $150 from July through December) for restaurants that are part of the Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables collection. $250 in complimentary Apple TV+ and Apple Music subscriptions. $300 in annual StubHub credits ($150 from January through June and another $150 from July through December). The card can also pay off big for anyone who spends heavily on flights and hotels since it now earns 8 points per dollar on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠, 4 points per dollar on flights and hotels booked direct, 3 points per dollar on dining worldwide and 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases. How To Get the Chase Sapphire Reserve Applying for the Chase Sapphire Reserve is simple and can be done online or in a branch. If you already have an account with Chase, you can log in to have some of your information prefilled. Be aware that as a premium luxury card, the Sapphire Reserve is meant for those with excellent credit . FICO typically defines excellent credit as having a FICO Score of 740 or higher. However, there is no one exact credit score that will guarantee you'll be approved for a specific card, as issuers look at a range of financial factors, including your income and current debts. Chase also has some welcome bonus rules worth noting. If you've ever owned a Sapphire Reserve card in the past, you won't be eligible to earn the big bonus on this version of the Sapphire Reserve Card. You also may not be eligible if you currently hold a Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or if Chase feels that you have opened too many cards recently. If any of these are the case, you may get a pop-up during the application process saying you aren't eligible for the welcome bonus and why. Photo Credit: Chase Unfortunately, choosing not to continue will still result in a hard credit inquiry on your report. This is notably different from how American Express allows you to exit the application process without harming your credit if you learn you are not eligible for a welcome bonus. Find the best travel credit card for your travel needs. A welcome offer like this doesn't come around often. If you're eligible to earn it and can make the most out of the Sapphire Reserve's benefits and potential credits, get it before this best-ever bonus is gone.