Calming respite at Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa
Suggest a Honolulu vacation to clients, and the response will almost inevitably include a desire to stay in Waikiki, with its gorgeous beaches, exclusive shops, trendy restaurants and buzzy nightlife.
But of course, all that buzz adds up to crowds.
The Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa bucks that arithmetic, offering the chance to truly get away on a Hawaii vacation getaway.
The hotel is the tower on the right, and the Sky Deck can be seen on the 8th floor above Kapiolani Boulevard. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa
The 39-story Renaissance opened in 2024, the first newbuild hotel in Honolulu in two decades. It's the brand's first on Oahu.
What made the idea of staying there so enticing to me was its location. The luxury hotel is situated on Kapiolani Boulevard about 2 miles outside Waikiki and is a short stroll from the world's largest open-air mall, the Ala Moana Center.
I'm familiar with the city and actually prefer that area when I'm in Honolulu. The streets are easier to navigate, it's quicker to get to the highway for some island exploration and, overall, there are fewer traffic jams. That alone takes away some of the stress that comes with visiting the urban island of Oahu.
The other great thing about it is that prices for food, gifts and other travel essentials are lower because the stores are outside of Waikiki, where prices tend to get marked up. Walmart and Sam's Club are also within walking distance of the hotel.
A Premier King Ocean View residence with floor-to-ceiling windows, some of which can be opened to let in ocean breezes. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa
Guestrooms and residences
The Renaissance Honolulu is split into two types of accommodations: hotel rooms from floors 15 to 29 and residences from floors 30 to 39. Residences are set up like apartments, with studios and one- and two-bedroom options, in-room washer and dryer and a fully equipped kitchen.
I stayed in one of those residences, a corner Premier King Ocean View residence on the 34th floor. It had a large entryway with a full-size mirror. The bathroom featured a soaking tub, and the king bed was plush with white bedding. The kitchen included a stove, oven, sink and a compact Sub-Zero refrigerator that was larger than a typical minifridge. I was ecstatic about the washer and dryer, since I was on an extended Oahu stay. (Guests without an in-room washer and dryer have access to coin-operated laundromat on the 8th floor.)
My room's wraparound views of the city and Ala Moana Beach, only about three blocks away, were spectacular. The floor-to-ceiling windows allowed for a full view, and the windows even opened to let in the ocean air.
Gazing down on the Ala Moana Center gave me the urge to go shopping. The hotel offers a shuttle service, which takes guests to the mall as well as to Magic Island (a beach near Ala Moana Beach) and the Alohilani Resort in Waikiki, which is a good place to begin a day exploring Waikiki. The shuttle departs every two hours between 10 a.m and 8 p.m., but be sure to check the schedule with the valet.
Since the Ala Moana Center is only a block away, I chose to walk there to find gifts for my family back home. The mall has more than 350 shops and restaurants, including Big Island Candies, ABC Stores, Hawaiian Island Creations, Hilo Hattie, Foodland Farms and Honolulu Cookie Company. The food court had a number of options, from mall staples like Chick-fil-A to places that serve poke, ramen and Korean barbecue.
When I returned to the hotel two hours later, I stopped by its cafe, Lamill, the first Hawaii location of the Los Angeles-based coffee roaster. I ordered a latte with oat milk, which was handed to me with a design drawn into the foam. It tasted perfect. I spent some time back in my room, eating a bento I picked up from Foodland Farms while watching the day dim as the sun disappeared below the horizon.
The hotel's Nami Spa offers Japanese-inspired indoor and outdoor soaking baths. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa
Spa time
The hotel's 8th floor is where the wellness amenities are located, including a large fitness center, 25-meter lap pool, family pool and whirlpool baths.
I spent an afternoon enjoying that retreat, known as the Sky Deck, swimming for a bit before walking over to the Sway Pool Bar & Grill. I had the chicken club sandwich with fries, which was quite good, along with a virgin pina colada and then spent some time by the pool before heading back to my room. The hotel will be announcing another restaurant concept in May.
The hotel's Nami Spa is open late, so I liked the idea of visiting it in the evening as a way to unwind. Guests can book massages and facials or pay a $35 fee to access the facility's amenities.
There were only two other women there when I entered the spa, which features indoor and outdoor, Japanese-inspired ofuro hot soaking baths, a cold plunge, a Himalayan salt sauna and a steam room.
I spent the majority of my time in the indoor and outdoor hot soaking tubs. When sitting, the water in these was neck high. I found it to be a perfect way to ease sore muscles and quiet the mind, just what I needed to end the day.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New York Times
an hour ago
- New York Times
The Most Affordable Packing Tool Is Also the Best
Although even the most haphazard fill-'em-and-squish-'em technique will help you save space, there is an art to making each parcel as small as possible. Roughly three days' worth of clothes. Alexander Aciman/NYT Wirecutter While it might not be advisable to squish down some of these items, such as the denim shirt, here are those same three days' worth of clothes in a small, backpack-ready parcel. Alexander Aciman/NYT Wirecutter While it might not be advisable to squish down some of these items, such as the denim shirt, here are those same three days' worth of clothes in a small, backpack-ready parcel. Alexander Aciman/NYT Wirecutter Roughly three days' worth of clothes. Alexander Aciman/NYT Wirecutter After a few trips, I've learned that these bags work best when I haven't egregiously overstuffed them. For example, you can save more space in your suitcase by splitting up 10 T-shirts into two bags with five shirts each rather than putting all 10 into one bag. Overstuffing can make it hard to get all the air out, which defeats the purpose. I've also learned that it's easier to compress these bags when I don't mix categories of clothes — socks, for instance, compress into tighter parcels with other socks than when packed with underwear and T-shirts. I've come to rely on the various sizes for different tasks, too. After an airline lost my suitcase in 2019, I became somewhat paranoid about being stuck in any one place without a change of clothes in my carry-on. I now use the very smallest size of compression bag (about as big as a gallon-size freezer bag) to pack an extra day's worth of clothes into my backpack. Compressed, this parcel comes out to the size of a banana. I like to use one of the extra-large bags as my dirty-laundry bag on longer trips. Finding ways to pack dirty clothes at the end of a trip can be a hassle, but compression bags make easy work of it. I neatly fold every dirty item of clothing flat into a single bag, which I then compress at the end of my trip. The mega bag of laundry fits perfectly into my suitcase and also quarantines the dirty from the still-clean. (Having extra bags also makes it easy for me to pack clothes I might have purchased while on vacation.) And if you, like me, are paranoid about bedbugs, having vacuum-sealed dirty laundry allows you to dump your clothes straight into the dryer when you get home, minimizing the risk of letting critters loose in your home. Thanks to these compression bags, eight days' worth of clothes fit neatly into one half of my smaller Away Carry-On. Alexander Aciman/NYT Wirecutter These bags have one major downside: wrinkles. Fabrics such as thick cotton knits, polyester, and merino are fairly good at shedding creases on their own, so they weather the bags well, but I definitely wouldn't recommend using these bags for thinner, finer fabrics or any formal clothes you might want looking crisp ahead of an event, especially if you won't have time to iron. A dress shirt or dress would most definitely come out of compression looking rumpled. The other, smaller inconvenience is that unlike packing cubes, which have a defined shape, compression bags can often shrink into irregularly shaped parcels. As a result, they don't necessarily fit neatly into a suitcase, and it may take some Tetris-ing to figure out the right layout. However, they are pliable, and you can fold them or lay them flat depending on which way they'll fit better into your suitcase. These compression bags have not solved all of Vacation Alex's afflictions. I am still generally (though less) afraid of bedbugs. I still become overly maudlin upon departure from basically anywhere. I still completely fail to track my spending when using foreign currencies, even (or especially) those with unfavorable exchange rates. I still manage to catch zero hours of sleep on any red-eye, and I still cannot keep myself from bringing home half a dozen books. Most notably, I still end up filling my suitcase with stacks of clothes I will probably never work up the nerve to wear, even half a world away from my usual routines. But that is okay. It is the dream of wearing them that matters most — the act of packing visions of a different self into my suitcase with the hope that it will blossom far from home. Usually, the place for dreams in my suitcase is superseded almost entirely by essentials, such as sunscreen and underwear. That is no longer the case. Now, my vacation dreams are bigger and more unfettered than ever before. And so is my bag. This article was edited by Hannah Rimm and Maxine Builder. The simple, well-built Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set is our choice to keep your luggage organized for either a week or a weekend. If a free carry-on isn't included in your ticket, don't pay extra for it. Here's how you can pack a personal item for a weekend trip. Struggling to pack for your weekend away? The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L fits so much more than you'd expect.
%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%2FTAL-lead-image-JAMAICAGUIDE0625-1384df8017594f0baa8f91e41ca8c6c8.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Travel + Leisure
2 hours ago
- Travel + Leisure
This Caribbean Island Is Famous For Beautiful Beaches and All-inclusive Resorts—and It's the Birthplace of Reggae and Jerk Cooking
For over 70 years, Half Moon has been one of the most iconic resorts in the Caribbean, exuding a refined elegance that stands the test of time. From Doctor's Cave Beach in Montego Bay to hidden stretches of sand at the far reaches of the island, there's a beach for every occasion in Jamaica. Head to the hillside near Ocho Rios for a family-run, farm-to-table dining experience at Stush in the Bush, getting to the heart of Jamaica's tropical bounty with authentic island flavors. Visit the sprawling estates of the island's interior to sip some of the world's best coffee amidst the untouched expanses of the Blue Mountains. Less-visited Port Antonio feels remote and removed, hiding some of the island's best beaches and surprisingly cool accommodations in a destination that is nothing short of a tropical paradise. Amidst a sea of indistinguishable beaches and impersonal all-inclusive resorts, only a lucky few Caribbean-bound travelers dive deeper to explore the profound depths and unbridled richness of what the region has to offer. However, even the casual observer can sense that one island breaks the mold of all the others. Jamaica conjures captivating images all its own: the rhythms of reggae, jerk chicken best served beachside, and a shoreline punctuated by stretches of sand spanning every shade from white to glimmering gold. Even so, any local or seasoned Jamaica traveler who has gone further than the resort strip of Montego Bay can tell you that the island has still more to explore and experience. "Adventure-seekers can go cliff-jumping or hike the Blue Mountains. Foodies can try the best of jerk cuisine and fresh seafood. If you're looking for wellness, find peaceful resorts that offer yoga, luxurious spas, Ital cuisine, and excursions to natural springs and waterfalls," says Shernette Crichton, general manager at the historic Half Moon in Montego Bay. It's that profound abundance of appeal that has, for decades, made Jamaica one of the most perennially popular and captivating destinations in the Caribbean, drawing return visitors year after year. More than just the sum of its stereotypes, Jamaica is a force all its own, "an island that truly meets you where you're at," she muses. Courtesy of Sandals Resorts One of the most iconic resorts in the Caribbean, Half Moon has spread gracefully across the white sands of Montego Bay for more than 70 years. 400 seaside acres hide a championship golf course, multiple award-winning restaurants, an equestrian center, and an expansive spa and wellness space. But Half Moon is much more than its amenities; its most defining feature is how it effortlessly wears its decades of elegance while seamlessly integrating modern luxuries in a way that has kept it at the cutting edge. Choose from accommodations within the historic Founder's Cove or more modern rooms, suites, and residences at Eclipse by Half Moon. Coming soon, the refreshed Villas at Half Moon will offer getaways with space for the whole family. Nestled between a championship golf course and the shimmering expanses of the Caribbean Sea, The Tryall Club is a collection of 74 private villas that, in many ways, is far from a classic Caribbean resort experience. Each villa at this 2,200-acre seaside property outside of Montego Bay has its dedicated staff, including a butler, chef, housekeeper, and more, giving it a home-away-from-home feel. Escape to the new spa or the Great House for gatherings with fellow guests. The brand-new Ooshan Bar and Restaurant is another highlight, featuring a modern twist on classic Jamaican flavors for lunch and dinner, though sunset hour cocktails with views over the water are hard to beat. Clinging to the cliffside in Negril, Tensing Pen is a historic boutique hotel so special that it was chosen by Travel + Leisure readers as one of the best hotels in the world last year. Natural materials like local stone and wood used throughout the property's design make it meld into the island's rocky, rugged coastline, while amenities like a spa, yoga studio, and culinary experiences highlighting colorful Caribbean cuisine lend it a refinement that has long made it a stand-out place to stay. Its boutique size and tucked-away feel make it a romantic destination perfect for a reclusive vacation. Celebrity guests like the Rolling Stones and Bob Marley have been plunging from the cliffs at Rockhouse Hotel & Spa in Negril since the 1970s, a storied past that lends an impossibly cool air to this 40-room property considered among the island's best boutique hotels. There are a number of different room styles to choose from here, though the thatched-roof villas made with hewn stone that dot the cliffside are breathtaking with their ocean views. Amidst so many other highlights, the culinary experience deserves attention, with menus at both restaurants that read like love letters to the island with ingredients from the oversized hydroponic greenhouse. Jamaica didn't invent the all-inclusive vacation, but it certainly perfected it. Emerging from a top-to-toe transformation, Sandals Dunn's River is one of the best adults-only all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica. The property is newly foodie-focused with more than a dozen restaurants, and it feels deeply rooted in place with local art and design. 260 rooms come in 14 different categories, lending the property the unique ability to cater to every style of traveler and size of group. Still to come? The stretch of sand next door to this Ocho Rios institution is set to be transformed into Sandals Royal Dunn's River. Rafting in Martha Brae River. Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure It's impossible to overstate the beachy beauty of Jamaica. Make Doctor's Cave Beach in Montego Bay your first stop before escaping to the world-famous Seven Mile Beach near Negril for, you guessed it, seven pristine miles of blissfully white sand. For more untouched shores, Frenchman's Cove in Portland is just as renowned for its natural feel as for the jerk chicken stands that set up shop nearby. South coast beaches, barely visited, feel like one of the best-kept secrets in the Caribbean. There are a million and one reasons to venture into the verdant, rainforest-coated interior of Jamaica, but if we have to pick just one, we will choose rafting down the Martha Brae River outside of Montego Bay every single time. This is a rafting experience without a rapid in sight. Instead, slink slowly down the gentle river on a flat bamboo raft, drifting beneath tropical foliage. It's just as dreamy as it sounds, though it's best to avoid days when cruise ships are in port, as the river can feel busy. The Bob Marley Museum, housed within the musician's former Kingston home, is an obligatory stop in Jamaica for any music lover. Pair the experience of an hour-long guided visit with a musical salute to the star by stopping at some of the island's most beloved reggae venues: Dubwise in the capital, Roots Bamboo in Negril, or the famous Pier 1 in Montego Bay. Diehard fans will want to plan their entire visit around Reggae Sumfest in July or Rebel Salute in January, with unforgettable shows that feature the homegrown and internationally renowned stars of reggae. Travelers tend to flock to the stunning ultramarine sinkhole known as the Blue Hole in Ocho Rios, but we recommend skipping it in favor of the Blue Lagoon instead. Far fewer visitors make it to this stunning natural attraction, known for its impenetrably turquoise water, so mesmerizing that it was once thought to be bottomless. Visitors can paddle across its still surface on flat bamboo rafts or swim out to nearby monkey-less Monkey Island and spend the afternoon relaxing on its beautiful beach. Grown in just a sliver of the high altitudes of the Blue and John Crow Mountain ranges, Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee is highly coveted, offering a unique flavor experience that coffee fans can't miss. Try it straight from the source at the historic Craighton Estate overlooking Kingston, or sign up for a tour that includes hiking and biking across multiple spots in the mountains. Spend the night at nearby Strawberry Hill, a boutique mountain property owned by Island Records founder Chris Blackwell, to get the full Blue Mountain experience. A Jamaican curry dish. from_my_point_of_view/Getty Images A winding route out of Ocho Rios through the immense lushness of the island's interior leads to Stush in the Bush, a vegan farm-to-table dining experience lovingly curated by Chris and Lisa Binns. This creative couple champions Ital cuisine, a plant-based culinary movement particular to Jamaica, welcoming visitors into their world with a farm tour and thoughtful dinner of handcrafted, locally-grown delights. Make sure to book ahead; this dining experience and mountainside destination is so beloved it made our list of the most beautiful places in the Caribbean. Tucked into the mountainside that starts just meters from the sand, Half Moon's famed Sugar Mill is one of the most celebrated restaurants in the Caribbean. It offers a white tablecloth fine dining experience inside an 18th-century sugar mill surrounded by magical gardens illuminated by hanging lights. The menu calls on beloved Caribbean flavors and staple ingredients for highlights ranging from pumpkin soup to jerk-seasoned grilled short ribs and fresh fish. When it comes to fine dining in Jamaica, it is only potentially upstaged by Half Moon's newer Delmare restaurant, where Italian influences meet local flavors for inspirational dishes like Blue Mountain coffee-infused pasta. "Scotchies is iconic for a reason–make sure to try the jerk chicken and pork," says Crichton of this Montego Bay institution, which many argue is the best jerk on the island. The rustic setup under thatched roofs is all part of the appeal as diners await large portions of expertly grilled and seasoned meats with rice and beans best enjoyed with a crisp, cold Red Stripe. "For a more romantic setting, try The HouseBoat Grill, a floating restaurant in a marina that is great for seafood lovers," says Crichton. Just as its name implies, this oversized two-story vessel sits moored in the tranquil waters of Montego Bay, serving an extensive menu of mostly seafood dishes, but with a little something for every diner. A small ship ferries locals and visitors alike across the waves for lunch and dinner service, though sunset is the best time to enjoy. A person enjoying a beach near Montego Bay. Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure Montego Bay is the undisputed beach capital of the island, with hotels and resorts of every shape and size lining its powdery fine sands. This is the ultimate destination for travelers looking for a convenient and quick fly-and-flop style getaway, though there are still quite a number of things to see and do in the area. Visit Martha Brae River and enjoy ziplining and hiking in the hillsides, or visit Rose Hall Great House for a look into the island's history. The coastline of Negril, located on the west side of the island, feels impossibly varied, ranging from beautiful stretches of sand to craggy cliffs that plunge dramatically into the sea. Stay at Tensing Pen or Rockhouse Hotel & Spa for the raw beauty of the rocky shoreline, or something more classically Caribbean like Beaches Negril for a family-friendly stay along a white-sand beach. Ocho Rios feels like a getaway within a getaway, home to an impressive number of resorts and hotels yet removed and relaxed enough for some serious R&R. Make sure to swim in the Blue Hole and hike to nearby Dunn's River Falls, or head to Mystic Mountain for ziplining and jungle bobsledding. Fans of 007 rejoice: Ocho Rios is also home to GoldenEye, where Ian Fleming wrote the original James Bond stories, and James Bond Beach, where Dr. No was filmed in 1962. Even if you're itching to hit the beach, don't skip Kingston. There is plenty to see and do in Jamaica's vibrant capital city, from the must-visit Bob Marley Museum and the National Gallery of Jamaica to award-winning restaurants and buzzing dance halls. Cap your visit to the city with a stop at Devon House, part monument and part gastronomic destination, where visitors can chow down on everything from lobster-stuffed patties and jerk chicken to Jamaican stout-flavored ice cream. On Jamaica's less-visited eastern side, Port Antonio feels utterly tranquil and untouched compared to some of the island's more sizeable seaside towns. Come here for surfing, hidden cove beaches, and delicious local food at the foot of the Blue Mountains. Starting this year, guests can even stay at Diplo's house, one of the most hotly anticipated new properties in the Caribbean, for sweeping views overlooking the mountainside and ocean. People on a Jamaica beach during sunset. Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure The best time to visit Jamaica is between December and April, when crystal-clear skies and slightly cooler temps make for gorgeous stretches of weeks on end that seem tailor-made for a trip to the beach. Such dreamy weather draws visitors escaping snow and ice back home, so expect beaches to be busier and prices higher during this season. May provides a small window where visitors can enjoy nice weather with smaller crowds and lower prices, but with the start of the Atlantic hurricane season in June comes an increased likelihood of warmer, wetter weather. Hurricane season lasts through November, but travelers who don't mind a higher risk of rainy skies will quickly find that Jamaica can be a beautiful destination year-round. "For a cultural high, plan to visit around Carnival in April," advises Kenton Jones, managing director of The Tryall Club. Jamaica's Carnival celebrations are some of the biggest and most boisterous in the Caribbean, complete with parades, parties, and over-the-top costumes made for getting down to calypso and soca music. Music lovers will want to plan a trip to Montego Bay's annual Reggae Sumfest, which draws a lineup of the biggest names in reggae for parties that last from dawn to dusk. Jamaica has two primary international airports: Sangster International Airport (MBJ) in Montego Bay and Norman Manley International Airport (KIN) in Kingston. For travelers headed to the beach, flying into Montego Bay tends to be the best option, offering decent proximity and shorter travel times to popular destinations on the north and west coasts, like Ocho Rios and Negril. Kingston is the best choice for travelers sticking to the city or headed to destinations like the Blue Mountains and Port Antonio on the east side of the island. Whether flying through Montego Bay or Kingston, travelers should have no problem finding convenient flights; these airports are among the busiest and best-served in the Caribbean. Aerial over Falmouth port in Jamaica. You may be just as surprised as I was to learn that driving around the entire island of Jamaica can take up to 16 hours. Distances here are further than expected, so leave plenty of travel time in your itinerary if you plan to crisscross the island. "Renting a car is an option if you like flexibility and do not mind driving Jamaican-style," says Jones, though drivers should be aware that traffic flows on the left side of the road, a vestige of British rule. For those who'd prefer to leave navigating island roads to the more experienced, "I'd recommend hiring a private driver to get around the island," says Crichton. "It makes day trips easier and allows you to have flexibility while customizing your own tour of Jamaica." Or, for a more budget-friendly option, consider Knutsford Express for reliable and air-conditioned coach service. For local trips, travelers can rely on taxis. While rideshare apps like Uber exist in major cities in Jamaica, driver shortages can make rides expensive. Uber has also faced pushback from local leaders, making upcoming changes in usage and fees likely.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
This Popular European Country Just Got a Heightened Travel Advisory Over Terrorism—What Travelers Should Know
The U.S. Department of State recently updated its travel advisory for Italy. The reissued advisory keeps Italy at a Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution, due to terrorism. Italy has held this ranking with the State Department since the summer travel season begins and travelers start getting ready to go on their European vacations, the U.S. government wants to make sure everyone is careful in certain areas with the potential for terrorism. Recently, the U.S. Department of State released a travel advisory for Italy warning travelers to exercise increased caution due to the threat of terrorism. The advisory ranks Italy at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution, which recommends travelers stay alert to possibly heightened risk. The country has held that ranking since April 2022. 'There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Italy,' the advisory states. 'Terrorists may attack with little or no warning.' The advisory warns that common targets for terror attacks include popular tourist spots, transportation centers, shopping malls and markets, local government buildings, hotels, clubs, restaurants, religious sites, parks, sporting events, schools, airports, and other public areas. It suggests that travelers should stay alert in tourist areas, and make sure to check local media for breaking news. At the moment there is no specific threat or terror plot that is cited. According to the State Department's 2023 Country Reports on Terrorism for Italy, there were no terrorism incidents in Italy that year. 'Domestically, Italy aggressively investigated and prosecuted terrorist suspects and regularly deported foreign nationals for terrorism-related security reasons,' the report states. 'Italian law enforcement has advanced capacity to detect and deter terrorist activity, links, and associations within its borders. Authorities employ those capabilities to counter terrorist recruitment, radicalization to violence, and networking. Law-enforcement agencies and intelligence services coordinate their efforts and meet regularly to review terrorist threats and share information.' The advisory should not deter travelers from going to Italy this summer. Instead, it should just function as a reminder to be aware of one's surroundings. It is only guidance, especially for countries ranked at Level 2. (And for some perspective, other countries have issued similar warnings to their citizens about traveling to the U.S.) Other countries in Europe that have a Level 2 ranking and a higher risk of possible terrorism activity include Belgium, Germany, France, Denmark, Sweden, Spain, and The Netherlands. The United Kingdom also has a Level 2 ranking. Travelers abroad are advised to enroll in the State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) in order to receive up-to-date messages and alerts from the local U.S. Embassy. Read the original article on Travel & Leisure
