Latest news with #CaitlinChoate
The Herald Scotland
15-07-2025
- The Herald Scotland
You don't need to leave the U.S. for a dreamy European escape
Across the nation, there are several charming destinations offering the same iconic European ambience and natural beauty without the price tag - or effort - of crossing oceans. Here's another bonus: no passport needed. Here are five domestic gems to sub in for a dreamy European getaway, according to boat-renting platform Boatsetter. Round-trip vs one-way: Which airfare trick really saves you money? | Cruising Altitude Spain for St. Augustine, Fla. Dating back to the 1500s as the oldest city in the continental U.S., St. Augustine exudes a charm similar to the sunny coast of Spain. "Growing up in Florida, I didn't realize just how much St. Augustine mirrored the charm of coastal Spain - the architecture, the history, the colors," said Caitlin Choate, Boatsetter's chief marketing officer. Travelers can wander the picturesque town, relax at one of the white sand beaches Florida is famous for, or even explore a Spanish fortress dating from the city's colonial era. Italian Riviera for Catalina Island, Calif. Catalina Island seems like miles away from the U.S., even though it's just an hour off the coast of Southern California. The island's picturesque mountainous backdrop dotted with cliffside homes overlooking crystal-clear waters, plus a quaint main street and beach club, lends to the feeling of an Italian escape. "Catalina Island has an Italian Riviera vibe, and it's an easy day trip from Los Angeles or Long Beach," said Choate. "Rent a boat with a captain and snorkel the coves around the island before stopping in Avalon for ice cream." Switzerland for Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Making it out to the Alps isn't feasible for everyone, but Coeur d'Alene in Idaho provides travelers with a similarly stunning lakeside resort town. "Coeur d'Alene is like an alpine lake you'd find in Switzerland but with the laid-back energy of the Pacific Northwest," said Choate. Think glassy water with mountains for the backdrop. Quite an undiscovered hidden gem." Travelers can relax at the beach, take a boat out on the lake, or hike the miles of pristine nature trails. The Mediterranean for Santa Barbara, Calif. Located less than two hours from Los Angeles, Santa Barbara is known as the American Riviera for its chic and sunshine-drenched atmosphere, according to Travel + Leisure. "Santa Barbara has this effortless blend of California cool and European charm - white-stucco buildings, breezy marinas," said Choate. Travelers can enjoy the beaches tucked under cliffs, sip wine at one of the several wineries or explore the shops and restaurants along the pier. Greece for Tarpon Springs, Fla. With heavy influence from the largest population of Greek-Americans in the U.S., Tarpon Springs is perfect for travelers wishing for a Greek getaway. Set along Florida's Gulf Coast, Tarpon Springs' downtown mirrors a Greek village with splashes of white and blue architecture, delicious Greek cuisine and charming docks where sponge divers park their boats.
USA Today
14-07-2025
- USA Today
No passport, no problem: 5 US towns that feel like Europe
While an international jet set trip may not be feasible, travelers need not abandon their dreams of a European summer. This summer, idyllic destinations such as Gran Canaria in Spain and the Campania region in Italy trended among travelers, according to Expedia's Summer Travel Outlook. Those who are yearning to sip on an Aperol spritz in Positano but can't make the journey can find a similar experience right here in the U.S. Across the nation, there are several charming destinations offering the same iconic European ambience and natural beauty without the price tag – or effort – of crossing oceans. Here's another bonus: no passport needed. Here are five domestic gems to sub in for a dreamy European getaway, according to boat-renting platform Boatsetter. Round-trip vs one-way: Which airfare trick really saves you money? | Cruising Altitude Spain for St. Augustine, Fla. Dating back to the 1500s as the oldest city in the continental U.S., St. Augustine exudes a charm similar to the sunny coast of Spain. "Growing up in Florida, I didn't realize just how much St. Augustine mirrored the charm of coastal Spain – the architecture, the history, the colors," said Caitlin Choate, Boatsetter's chief marketing officer. Travelers can wander the picturesque town, relax at one of the white sand beaches Florida is famous for, or even explore a Spanish fortress dating from the city's colonial era. Italian Riviera for Catalina Island, Calif. Catalina Island seems like miles away from the U.S., even though it's just an hour off the coast of Southern California. The island's picturesque mountainous backdrop dotted with cliffside homes overlooking crystal-clear waters, plus a quaint main street and beach club, lends to the feeling of an Italian escape. "Catalina Island has an Italian Riviera vibe, and it's an easy day trip from Los Angeles or Long Beach," said Choate. "Rent a boat with a captain and snorkel the coves around the island before stopping in Avalon for ice cream." Switzerland for Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Making it out to the Alps isn't feasible for everyone, but Coeur d'Alene in Idaho provides travelers with a similarly stunning lakeside resort town. "Coeur d'Alene is like an alpine lake you'd find in Switzerland but with the laid-back energy of the Pacific Northwest," said Choate. Think glassy water with mountains for the backdrop. Quite an undiscovered hidden gem." Travelers can relax at the beach, take a boat out on the lake, or hike the miles of pristine nature trails. The Mediterranean for Santa Barbara, Calif. Located less than two hours from Los Angeles, Santa Barbara is known as the American Riviera for its chic and sunshine-drenched atmosphere, according to Travel + Leisure. "Santa Barbara has this effortless blend of California cool and European charm – white-stucco buildings, breezy marinas," said Choate. Travelers can enjoy the beaches tucked under cliffs, sip wine at one of the several wineries or explore the shops and restaurants along the pier. Greece for Tarpon Springs, Fla. With heavy influence from the largest population of Greek-Americans in the U.S., Tarpon Springs is perfect for travelers wishing for a Greek getaway. Set along Florida's Gulf Coast, Tarpon Springs' downtown mirrors a Greek village with splashes of white and blue architecture, delicious Greek cuisine and charming docks where sponge divers park their boats.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
JUNE 5 HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED AS "SORRY I WAS ON A BOAT DAY" - THE NEW SUMMER HOLIDAY FROM BOATSETTER FOR UNPLUGGING, RECHARGING, AND SAYING YES TO SPONTANEITY
The platform powering thousands of on-the-water escapes is giving Americans a new out-of-office reply that invites them to log off and live MIAMI, May 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- "Sorry I was on a boat." It's the new OOO message, a bold badge of summer freedom, and now, thanks to Boatsetter, an official holiday. The leading peer-to-peer marketplace for boat rentals and on-the-water experiences has announced June 5 as National "Sorry I Was On a Boat Day," officially registered with National Today. Inspired by Ferris Bueller's iconic day off (and timed to the exact date he took it), the holiday is inviting people everywhere to log off, cancel their calls, and choose the kind of memory-making that only happens when you're nowhere near your inbox. And with Boatsetter, with over 350% guest growth since 2020, the trend towards more time on-the-water is stronger than ever. Announcing just ahead of Memorial Day Weekend, the timing couldn't be better. The long weekend marks the unofficial start of summer and the growing demand for last-minute, low-lift escapes is hard to ignore, particularly for large groups: Nearly half of Memorial Day Weekend trips over the past two years have been for 8+ guests. This trend is especially strong in major markets like Miami, Los Angeles, New York City, Austin and Tampa, where younger travelers are seeking meaningful escapes without committing to full-blown vacations. In fact, trips booked by Gen Z guests are up more than 30% year over year, and Gen Z is now the fastest-growing segment. With instant book inventory available across key markets, spontaneous summer moments are just a tap away. In a world that glorifies hustle, National "Sorry I Was On a Boat Day" is your hall pass to slow down, vanish midweek, and unapologetically float. Whether you're answering emails with "Sorry I Was On a Boat" or you simply log off for the day, same energy, same great trade-off. And with Boatsetter, that kind of escape is easier than ever, offering year-round access to on-the-water adventures for every kind of outing, from pontoons and tubing with friends to Captained fishing charters and even learning to sail. To celebrate the inaugural holiday, Boatsetter and National Today are conducting a national survey exploring how Americans view boating as a form of leisure, connection, and celebration, and the ways in which they plan to get out on the water this summer. "We wanted to create a moment that captured what summer should feel like: spontaneous, unforgettable, and all about being with your favorite people," said Caitlin Choate, CMO of Boatsetter. "Sorry I Was On a Boat Day" is more than just a fun nudge to unplug–it's a way of life we hope people see is more in reach than they realized. Getting outdoors and on-the-water is about choosing joy, and Boatsetter makes that possible any day of the week, any time of year." Some of this summer's most memorable Boatsetter experiences include: Same-day 2–4 hour rentals that let you sneak in a quick escape without planning ahead Family-friendly getaways with kids' life vests, water toys, and pet-friendly options Solo fishing charters or trips with local anglers who know the secret spots Captain-led cruises, where someone else handles the logistics while you lounge Bluetooth-enabled boats with stocked coolers According to Blue Mind Theory, being near water reduces stress and boosts creativity. And fun fact: people near water report higher levels of happiness and calm. Translation? This "holiday" is basically self-care. This summer, one message says it all: Log off. Live a little. And if anyone asks where you were? Just say you were on a boat. For more, visit or follow @Boatsetter on social media. About BoatsetterWith thousands of vetted boat listings worldwide, Boatsetter is the leading marketplace for boat rentals and on-the-water experiences. From pontoons to yachts, for lake days or weekend getaways, guests can find a boat for any occasion. Many guests book a boat with a USCG-certified captain or an expert guide, to explore the waterways with ease. Credited with pioneering the first-ever peer-to-peer boat rental insurance policy, Boatsetter has empowered boat owners with the tools and support to become entrepreneurs on the water. Launched commercially in 2014, over one million boaters and boat owners alike have turned to Boatsetter to discover the endless possibilities the water provides. To learn more, please visit download the app on Apple or Google Play and follow Boatsetter on Instagram @boatsetter. Media Contacts:Lauren ArebaloElement Brand Groupboatsetter@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Boatsetter Sign in to access your portfolio
