Latest news with #affordabletravel
%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%2FTAL-st-simons-island-georgia-UNDRATDGADEST0525-390b8880f8a24c92b58beae42a8a01e1.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
2 days ago
- General
This Island Off the Coast of Georgia Was Just Named the Most Underrated U.S. Destination—and It's a Retiree Haven With Pristine Beaches
U.S. News & World Report recently released its Best Underrated Travel Destinations in the U.S. list—and one little-known coastal destination made the top of the list. If you're still trying to decide where to go on vacation this summer—and you want somewhere relatively quiet, affordable, and under-the-radar—you're totally not alone. Thankfully, U.S. News & World Report has you covered—it just released its annual Best Vacations rankings. And one unexpected destination came out on top. Each year, the news publisher evaluates 1,500 vacation destinations around the world and ranks them across a number of categories, including one that highlights the most 'underrated' destinations in the country. The publication uses a ranking system that takes into account readers' rankings as well as a score that its travel editors assign each place. Travel editors score each destination across 10 categories—like culture, food, and adventure. For this particular list, the news organization also took other factors into account, such as the size of crowds and the number of things to do at each of the locations. After evaluating all the data, it named St. Simons Island, Georgia, the most underrated travel destination in the U.S. St. Simons Island is the largest barrier island in Georgia's Golden Isles, as everything you could want from a summer getaway: a pristine beach, miles of walking paths and bike trails, ice cream shops, and dozens of restaurants serving up casual (but delicious) fare. Don't skip the milkshakes at Frosty's Griddle & Shake or the pulled pork at Southern Soul BBQ. All in all, the island is list is a charming enclave of natural beauty, locally-owned stores, and family-friendly activities. But while St. Simons might indeed be 'underrated,' it's been on Travel + Leisure's radar. It was recently named one of the best small towns for a summer getaway, and we also think it's one of the best places to retire on the East Coast. As an added bonus, it neighbors Sea Island, Georgia, which is home to Sea Island Resort, which frequently makes appearances in our World's Best Awards. Still, St. Simons has managed to keep a low-key profile '... It's often overlooked by out-of-state beachgoers in favor of Florida and South Carolina locales.'U.S. News & World Report said in its report. Here are the top 10 most underrated travel destinations in the U.S. that made the list—you can find the full report at U.S. News & World Report.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
This wild and wonderful state is an underrated gem for family vacations
'Family Travel' is a five-part series showcasing the best experiences and destinations for young families looking for an escape. If you'd like to contribute to our future reporting and share your experience as a source, you can click here to fill out this quick form. OAK HILL, West Virginia ‒ Extreme sports like whitewater rafting and rock climbing may seem like something best left to adults, but in West Virginia's New River Gorge, outdoor adventure can easily be an activity for the whole family. Guided excursions can be tailored to everyone's skill level and ability for those who want to go all-out, but there are less-extreme ways to get in touch with nature along one of the world's oldest rivers, too. Here are just some of the reasons West Virginia should be on your list if you're looking for a family-friendly outdoor vacation. Is it worth staying off property? What Disney, Universal guests should know. Affordability and accessibility are two of the big benefits to getting outside in West Virginia. Hiking and biking trails in state and national parks are free to access for everyone who visits the state, but even for more intense guided excursions, the prices are a good deal. (There is also an entry fee for Harpers Ferry National Historic Park.) 'We're definitely one of the most affordable destinations,' Lindsey Funk, a public relations assistant at West Virginia Department of Tourism told USA TODAY on a recent visit. 'Hiking is probably one of our most family-friendly activities.' Funk said there are plenty of short hikes, like the Endless Wall trail, which can be done in just a few hours, though guides are available for hire as well. For more intense activities like whitewater rafting and rock climbing, families may prefer to hire a guide to keep things safe. 'With a lot of those guided trips, like, in the Gorge specifically, you can kind of tailor it,' she said. 'There's a family-friendly option that's more of afloat, and then there's a more intense trip for more experienced people.' ACE Adventure Resort is one of the guide outfitters, and charges $99 per adult for a full-day guided family trip with rapids up to Class III on the New River. On that excursion, kids ages 6-11 go for free (one per full-fare adult), and youths ages 12 and up are charged $79.99. Cruise cabin math: When booking two rooms makes more sense than one For comparison, the Colorado Rafting Company charges $159 per person for a full-day guided excursion on the Colorado River. Pricier and more intense excursions are also available. Depending on conditions, rapids in some sections of the New River can hit Class IV or higher. West Virginia is also home to professional circuit bike races and other events, which Funk said attracts spectators and encourages more families to try outdoor activities. Outdoor adventures in West Virginia are available in many parts of the state, but the New River Gorge is certainly among the biggest draws with the most options for activities. Charleston, the state capital, is about an hour north of the National Park there, and other cities closer to the park include Fayetteville, Beckley and Hinton. The closest major airport to the New River Gorge is in Charleston, WV. Amtrak also serves the area, and of course, cruising the country roads is an option as well. Funk said that families should think about what their lodging priorities are when they book, because there are options at all different price points from traditional tent camping to boutique hotels. Because the Gorge is so accessible from Charleston, staying in the city is a viable option, too. 'The thing would be families to decide what they want their lodging to be like. If they're wanting more of a remote cabin, then staying in in the Gorge is best. Whereas if they want more of these city options, they could stay (in Charleston) and just go to the Gorge for a day trip.' Funk said that outdoor adventures aren't limited to the warmer weather months in West Virginia, either. 'The seasons is a big thing that we appreciate here and is interesting to a lot of other people that we are a four season destination,' she said. "We have beautiful fall foliage, but then we have ski resorts and snow in the winter, so people can try out a season-specific activity if they want to.' This story was updated to refresh headlines. The reporter on this story received access from West Virginia's Department of Tourism. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of content. Zach Wichter is a travel reporter and writes the Cruising Altitude column for USA TODAY. He is based in New York and you can reach him at zwichter@ This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Why W. Virginia is the best-kept gem for affordable family adventures
Forbes
19-05-2025
- Forbes
5 Smart Ways To Save On Summer Family Travel
Summer family travel doesn't have to be pricey. Family travel in the summer is a bit like flying with a piña colada in one hand and a ticking time bomb in the other. Sure, you're chasing joy and togetherness, snacks, naps, and lost Crocs. And while the price of airfare is enough to make any parent break out in hives, the real sticker shock often comes before you even leave the house. After years of crisscrossing continents with a child in tow (and occasionally in meltdown), I've learned a few tricks that make summer travel possible and affordable. Below are the top five ways to save—no spreadsheets required. Points and miles aren't just for solo business travelers sipping champagne in airport lounges. Families can (and should) get in on the game. I recently booked business class flights for three of us—yes, lie-flat seats and all—to Singapore this August. Total out-of-pocket cost? A couple hundred bucks, thanks to points I tracked through a site that alerts you to open award seats in real time. The key is to be flexible, act fast, and not assume that the international business class is off-limits. Tools like and AwardLogic can do the heavy lifting, especially if you've got transferable points (Amex, Chase, Capital One). It's the closest thing to teleportation for parents who'd prefer not to fly coach with a toddler kicking the seatback. It's no secret that babies and toddlers require a shocking amount of stuff. What is a secret, at least to most first-time parents, is that you don't need to pay full price for any of it. Instead of buying everything brand new, consider shopping open-box and overstock gear at sites like REBEL, especially for travel. You'll find gear like compact strollers, portable cribs, and travel-friendly car seats. These items were returned (but never used), repackaged, and sold at a discount — sometimes up to 50% off retail. Want to save big and still enjoy sunny skies? Pick a place that isn't plastered all over Instagram in July. The trick is to go where it's summer, but not where everyone else is going for it. Think mountain towns that hum in winter and hibernate in summer (hello, ski resorts turned hiking paradises). Or swap the Amalfi Coast for the coast of Maine, which offers rocky beaches, charming inns, and enough lobster rolls to keep everyone happy, without peak European airfare. Even Caribbean islands like Aruba and Curaçao, usually seen as winter escapes, can be surprisingly affordable in summer when demand dips (and don't worry, they're outside the hurricane belt). Fewer crowds, better hotel rates, and more room at the pool. What more could you want? A museum with a kid under ten is a gamble at best, a public spectacle at worst. Instead, I look for outdoor activities and cultural events that are free and fun. Urban green spaces, interactive art parks, summer festivals, local food markets—many cities publish event calendars with zero-cost options that aren't tourist traps. One of our best afternoons in Copenhagen cost exactly nothing: we went playground hopping, exploring a string of whimsical parks filled with trampolines, climbing walls, and the kind of design details that make parents stop and stare. Our son still talks about it. We still talk about how it didn't cost $65 per ticket. Flying on a Friday? So is the rest of America. Want to avoid surge pricing and airport chaos? Shift your dates. Midweek departures—especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays—almost always offer cheaper flights and shorter security lines. Better yet, if you're not tied to a school calendar, travel in early June or late August. Same weather, half the price, and you might even get a whole row to yourselves. Summer family travel doesn't have to drain your bank account or patience. With a little strategic planning—and a few contrarian choices—you can zig when the crowds zag, save hundreds (sometimes thousands), and still give your kids a season full of stories. Just skip the Bluetooth baby hammock. Trust me on that one.
Forbes
19-05-2025
- Forbes
The Top 5 Ways To Save On Summer Family Travel
Summer family travel doesn't have to be pricey. getty Family travel in the summer is a bit like flying with a piña colada in one hand and a ticking time bomb in the other. Sure, you're chasing joy and togetherness, snacks, naps, and lost Crocs. And while the price of airfare is enough to make any parent break out in hives, the real sticker shock often comes before you even leave the house. After years of crisscrossing continents with a child in tow (and occasionally in meltdown), I've learned a few tricks that make summer travel possible and affordable. Below are the top five ways to save—no spreadsheets required. Points and miles aren't just for solo business travelers sipping champagne in airport lounges. Families can (and should) get in on the game. I recently booked business class flights for three of us—yes, lie-flat seats and all—to Singapore this August. Total out-of-pocket cost? A couple hundred bucks, thanks to points I tracked through a site that alerts you to open award seats in real time. The key is to be flexible, act fast, and not assume that the international business class is off-limits. Tools like and AwardLogic can do the heavy lifting, especially if you've got transferable points (Amex, Chase, Capital One). It's the closest thing to teleportation for parents who'd prefer not to fly coach with a toddler kicking the seatback. It's no secret that babies and toddlers require a shocking amount of stuff. What is a secret, at least to most first-time parents, is that you don't need to pay full price for any of it. Instead of buying everything brand new, consider shopping open-box and overstock gear at sites like REBEL, especially for travel. You'll find gear like compact strollers, portable cribs, and travel-friendly car seats. These items were returned (but never used), repackaged, and sold at a discount — sometimes up to 50% off retail. Want to save big and still enjoy sunny skies? Pick a place that isn't plastered all over Instagram in July. The trick is to go where it's summer, but not where everyone else is going for it. Think mountain towns that hum in winter and hibernate in summer (hello, ski resorts turned hiking paradises). Or swap the Amalfi Coast for the coast of Maine, which offers rocky beaches, charming inns, and enough lobster rolls to keep everyone happy, without peak European airfare. Even Caribbean islands like Aruba and Curaçao, usually seen as winter escapes, can be surprisingly affordable in summer when demand dips (and don't worry, they're outside the hurricane belt). Fewer crowds, better hotel rates, and more room at the pool. What more could you want? A museum with a kid under ten is a gamble at best, a public spectacle at worst. Instead, I look for outdoor activities and cultural events that are free and fun. Urban green spaces, interactive art parks, summer festivals, local food markets—many cities publish event calendars with zero-cost options that aren't tourist traps. One of our best afternoons in Copenhagen cost exactly nothing: we went playground hopping, exploring a string of whimsical parks filled with trampolines, climbing walls, and the kind of design details that make parents stop and stare. Our son still talks about it. We still talk about how it didn't cost $65 per ticket. Flying on a Friday? So is the rest of America. Want to avoid surge pricing and airport chaos? Shift your dates. Midweek departures—especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays—almost always offer cheaper flights and shorter security lines. Better yet, if you're not tied to a school calendar, travel in early June or late August. Same weather, half the price, and you might even get a whole row to yourselves. Summer family travel doesn't have to drain your bank account or patience. With a little strategic planning—and a few contrarian choices—you can zig when the crowds zag, save hundreds (sometimes thousands), and still give your kids a season full of stories. Just skip the Bluetooth baby hammock. Trust me on that one.
Skift
15-05-2025
- Business
- Skift
Brookfield to Acquire Generator Hostels' European Operations
Generator's blend of hostel affordability and hotel-style design reflects where younger traveler demand is heading and Brookfield wants in. Brookfield Asset Management has agreed to acquire Generator Hostels' European operations for approximately €776 million (about $876 million) from London-based Queensgate Investments. The transaction includes 15 properties and 2,800 keys across 10 countries, in cities such as London, Amsterdam, Berlin, and Madrid. Queensgate acquired Generator in 2017 for $480 million and expanded its footprint in 2019 with the acquisition of Freehand Hotels. Generator operates in the affordable lifestyle segment, offering a hybrid of hostel and boutique hotel accommodations tailored to younger and budget-conscious travelers. The brand has shared and private rooms, communal areas, and food and beverage. Brookfield said it would pursue growth through further acquisitions and third-party management agreements. The firm emphasized its hospitality and leisure real estate track record, citing investments in Spanish hotel owner and operator Selenta Group and Center Parcs UK & Ireland, which operates five short-break holiday destinations. Brookfield manages over $50 billion in real estate assets across Europe and over $1 trillion globally. In July 2024, Generator and Freehand Hotels reported a EBITDA of over €38 million (about $43 million) for the first half of the year, an 18% increase from the previous year.
