For now, participation in facial recognition technology is completely voluntary. Here’s how you can opt-out.

Which Airports Use Facial Recognition Technology?

The TSA has been testing facial recognition technology at numerous airports in the United States over the past year and plans to roll it out at many more locations in the near future. 

These are the airports where you can expect to see facial recognition technology in use:

• Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
• Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)
• Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
• Denver International Airport (DEN)
• Des Moines International Airport (DSM)
• Eastern Iowa Airport (CID)
• Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport (GPT)
• Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)
• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
• Honolulu Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL)
• Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (JAN)
• John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
• John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH)
• LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
• Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)
• Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU)
• Miami International Airport (MIA)
• Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC)
• Nashville International Airport (BNA)
• Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
• Richmond International Airport (RIC)
• Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
• Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
• San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
• Will Rogers World Airport (OKC)

How is Facial Recognition Used at Airports?

Passengers being screened with facial recognition technology will not have to show their identification or ticket in order to pass through security. 

Instead, updated passenger identification scanners utilize biometric cameras capable of facial recognition. These devices match a traveler’s face to their driver’s license or passport photo along with any other photos the government may have on file, and automatically verifies that they are a ticketed airline passenger. 

How to Opt out of TSA Facial Recognition

The TSA’s official policy states, “Travelers who do not wish to participate in the facial recognition technology process may decline the optional photo in favor of an alternative identity verification process, which does not use facial recognition technology to verify their identity.”

To opt out of facial recognition at the airport, proceed through the normal security line. Once you reach the checkpoint, there will be a sign indicating that facial recognition technology is being used. If it is being used, all you have to do is politely tell the officer that you would like to opt out. All checkpoints should have clear signage notifying passengers that they have the right to opt out of facial recognition screening.

The TSA officer will then give you a “manual screening,” which is the same process of screening that has been in place at airports for years. The officer will take your identification and match it against your appearance visually. You will not lose your place in line by asking for the manual screening, and it will not take any longer than the facial recognition process. The TSA emphasizes, “The traveler will not experience any negative consequences for choosing not to participate.”

How to Opt-Out if You Have TSA PreCheck  

TSA PreCheck passengers are more likely to undergo facial recognition screening than travelers going through standard security lanes. However, the opt-out process is the same—all you have to do is let the TSA officer know that you want to be manually screened.

The post How to Opt Out of TSA Facial Recognition appeared first on SmarterTravel.

We’ve partnered with the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino to give away a dream trip to One Happy Island. This four-star resort sits on Palm Beach, a stunning white sand overlooking the bright blue Caribbean Sea. Once you arrive, you can continue your winning streak at the property’s Stellaris Casino, or relax in a private cabana at the adults-only H2Oasis pool—you’ll never want to leave the resort.

Fortunately, you won’t have to, as the Aruba Marriott has a wide variety of on-site dining options, including the elegant Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Mediterranean-influenced Mercat, and beachfront views at Atardi. 

Soak in the beautiful views without leaving your room—the Aruba Marriott boasts some of the largest hotel balconies in the country, and every accommodation type has one. 

The Prize

The lucky winner of the sweepstakes will receive the following:

• 4 nights accommodations at the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino
• Two air credits of $600 each
• Breakfast for 2    
• $400 food and beverage credit
• $100 casino match and play 
• $300 spa credit
• Welcome wine and cheese platter                                              

Redemption of the prize is subject to availability and is valid for stays through March 15, 2025. Blackout dates apply.

How to Enter

Visit our sweepstakes page here to enter before the giveaway ends on March 22, 2024.

Entering is easy—all you have to do is sign up for SmarterTravel and Oyster’s newsletters. If you’re already a subscriber, simply enter your email address to verify your account (you won’t be signed up twice.)

You can gain bonus entries by completing one or more of the following tasks to increase your chance of winning. You’ll receive one additional entry per task.

1. Follow us on Twitter (X).
2. Retweet a Tweet from SmarterTravel.
3. View our Facebook post.
4. Share the sweepstakes with a friend.
5. Follow Us on TikTok.

For full sweepstakes rules, review the Terms and Conditions on the sweepstakes entry page here.

The post Sun, Sand, and a Free Vacation: Win a Trip to Aruba appeared first on SmarterTravel.

What Are Airplane Seatbelt Extenders?

Airplane seatbelt extenders, sometimes called seatbelt extensions, are longer seatbelt straps provided by airlines to give passengers more room. They attach to the built-in seatbelts to make them longer and looser. Standard airplane seatbelts are between 39 and 51 inches and vary by aircraft. Seatbelt extenders generally provide an extra 25 inches of length. 

How Do You Request an Airplane Seatbelt Extender?

Airlines stock seatbelt extenders on every flight. To request one, simply ask a flight attendant. If you want to request an airplane seatbelt extender discreetly, here are a few tips:

• Ask for one as you board the plane (the flight attendant can drop it off at your seat)
• Ask the flight attendant for one as they are walking around and checking the overhead bins
• Ring the call button after taking your seat and ask for one

Flight attendants hand out airplane seatbelt extenders on a daily basis, so don’t be embarrassed to ask for one. It’s mandatory that you be buckled in before takeoff, so proactively requesting one will help speed up the process. 

How Do Airplane Seatbelt Extenders Work?

Using an airline seatbelt extender is very easy. Simply click the extender into the plane’s seat belt and adjust the belt to be the correct length. It should fit snugly but not too tight. 

Can You Bring Your Own Seatbelt Extender on a Plane?

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) strictly prohibits passengers from using their own seatbelt extenders. The seatbelt extenders provided by the airlines have been tested to meet stringent safety standards, and ones purchased online could break or fail in case of an accident.

If a flight attendant sees a passenger attempting to use their own seatbelt extender, they will require them to swap it out for the airline’s. 

Does Requesting a Seatbelt Extender Cost Extra or Require Pre-Booking?

All passengers deserve to fly safely, so there are absolutely no fees or costs associated with using a seatbelt extender. There’s also no need to prebook or reserve one—just ask for it when you board. 

Can You Use a Seatbelt Extender in an Exit Row?

Unfortunately, seatbelt extenders are not allowed in the exit row. Seatbelt extenders could become an obstruction or trip hazard in an emergency, hindering access to the exit.

The post The Ultimate Guide to Airplane Seatbelt Extenders appeared first on SmarterTravel.

The agency announced that beginning immediately, conditionally approved Global Entry applicants who are flying out of Dulles on an international flight can complete their interviews before departure. 

“This is great news for those trying to schedule interviews to complete their membership into this critically acclaimed trusted traveler program,” said Marc E. Calixte, Area Port Director for CBP’s Area Port of Washington, D.C.

How Enrollment on Departure Works

If you have been conditionally approved for Global Entry membership and are booked on an international flight out of Dulles, you can participate in enrollment on departure. You cannot make an appointment for the interview—just ensure you arrive at the airport with plenty of time before your departure flight.

The enrollment on departure office is located at gate B41 in Dulles Airport and is open from 12 p.m. through 8 p.m. daily.

You will need to bring the following documents to your interview:

• Passport
• Physical document providing proof of residency (driver’s license, utility bill, etc.)
• Airline ticket for departing flight

Where is Enrollment on Departure Available?

Enrollment on Departure is currently only available at Washington Dulles International Airport. However, travelers can complete their global entry interview upon arrival from international flights at many other airports. 

The post No Appointment Necessary: Global Entry Launches Enrollment on Departure Option appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Checking a bag on American Airlines? It will now cost $40 per bag if you don’t prepay online or $35 if you pay in advance. Previously, the airline was charging a flat $30 per checked bag. American has also increased the price of a second checked bag from $40 to $45.

The higher checked bag fee applies to all flights within and between the United States, Puerto Rico, and US Virgin Islands. Checked bags remain free on most international flights with American Airlines for all classes of tickets except for Basic Economy. Checked bags for Basic Economy passengers on international flights start at $75.

American is also increasing checked baggage fees on flights to and from the US to Canada, Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America destinations by $5. The first checked bag will now cost $35, and the second checked bag will cost $45.

This is the first time the airline has raised its checked baggage fee since 2018, and the increase makes America the most expensive US carrier to check a bag on.

When Will the Changes Begin?

The new checked bag fees began on February 20. Passengers who booked a flight before the fee was announced will not have to pay the increased rate. 

How to Avoid a Checked Bag Fee on American Airlines

The checked bag fee is waived on the first bag for:

• Eligible AAdvantage Aviator and Citi / AAdvantage cardmembers (on domestic American Airlines-operated itineraries)
• AAdvantage Gold status holders
• Oneworld Ruby status holders

American Airlines Checked Bag Fees 2024

The post American Airlines Raises Checked Bag Fees appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Many people aren’t aware that most of the best vacation rental websites are owned by a handful of large companies—so you could find yourself wasting time searching the same inventory on multiple sites.

The Best Vacation Rental Sites

To help you sift through the options, I tested more than a dozen top vacation rental sites to figure out which ones offer the best combination of plentiful inventory, useful filters, informative listings, and fair prices, without too many hidden fees. I discovered that there’s no single best vacation home rental site, but that each one has pros and cons to suit different types of travelers.

For example, some of the top vacation rental websites are better if you’re open to both hotels and rentals, while others are more specialized to suit those who already know they want a vacation home, rental apartment, or private room in someone else’s space. Some vacation rental sites make it easier than others to browse properties on a map or to contact the owner of a property to ask questions before your stay.

The following are the best vacation rental sites I found in my testing. Scroll down for more in-depth analysis of each.

• Airbnb
• Booking.com
• Expedia
• HometoGo
• Hotels.com
• Tripadvisor
• Tripping
• Vrbo
• Plum Guide
• Sonder
• Marriott Homes & Villas
• Agoda
• Getaway
• FlipKey

Airbnb

The name of this site is almost synonymous with short-term rentals these days, and its reputation as one of the best vacation rental sites is well deserved: Airbnb offers abundant listings in most popular travel destinations, and its site is cleanly designed and easy to use. There’s a prominent map of properties accessible from the main listing page, so you can quickly browse by location. The main listings page offers useful filters right off the bat, including the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, price, key amenities, and type of accommodation—such as “entire apartment” or “private room in house.” You can also scroll through a listing’s photos right on the initial results page.

Once you click into a given listing, there’s more than enough information to help you decide whether to book, including house rules, bed configurations, cancellation policies, amenities, reviews from past guests, and a full price breakdown (which typically includes things like a cleaning fee and Airbnb’s own service fee). You can also contact the property’s host through the platform if you have questions before you book.

Best feature: The site makes it easier to sort through hundreds of properties by identifying Superhosts (“experienced, highly rated hosts who are committed to providing great stays for guests”) and Airbnb Plus listings (“a selection of places to stay verified for quality and design”). Because standards can vary so widely from one vacation rental to another, choosing properties with one or both of these designations can help travelers feel more confident in their selection.

Cancellation Policy: Airbnb offers several cancellation policies for property managers to choose from. They include:

• Flexible: Cancel up to 24-hours before check-in for a 100% refund
• Moderate: Cancel up to 5 days before check-in for a 100% refund
• Firm: Cancel up to 30 days before check-in for a 100% refund; cancel between 30 and 7 days before check-in for a 50% refund
• Strict: Cancel within 48 hours of booking and more than 14 days before check-in for a 100% refund; cancel after 48 hours and more than 14 days before check-in for a 50% refund; cancel between 7 and 14 days before check-in for a 50% refund

Airbnb offers similar cancellation policies for long term rentals (28+ days) that can be found here.

Check out Airbnb

Booking.com

Booking.com lists just about every type of accommodation imaginable, from hotels and B&Bs to vacation rentals and apartments. This is a perk for travelers open to a variety of lodging options, while those who know they want a vacation rental will have to take the extra step of filtering out extraneous search results. (That’s easily done via a “Homes and Apartments First” dropdown option at the top of the results page or searching by property type.)

Property listings offer plenty of information, including amenities, guest reviews, house rules, and an option to contact the host through the site. The site clearly labels whether your booking is nonrefundable or you can cancel without penalty up to a certain date. (In some cases, you’ll pay less if you’re willing to make a nonrefundable booking.)

Keep an eye out for extra fees, which can be significant depending on the property. For example, one property’s listed price was a seemingly affordable $689 for seven nights in the Outer Banks—but when I clicked “book,” the site added a 12.75 percent tax, $63.11 tourism fee, $105 resort fee, $130 cleaning fee, and $260 property service charge, taking my total charges to $1,406—more than double the original quoted price. However, none of these were Booking.com’s own fees; unlike Airbnb, Booking.com does not charge guests a service fee.

One annoyance: The site sometimes clutters up the search results page with sold-out properties, complete with a little “You missed it!” message. These are probably meant to spark a sense of booking urgency, but many travelers will find it irritating to see options that aren’t actually available.

Best feature: The sheer breadth of offerings on Booking.com means you’re almost guaranteed to find something suitable, even if it doesn’t end up being a vacation rental.

Cancellation Policy: Cancellation policies on Booking.com are dependent on the specific partner or property. Pay close attention to the policy when booking, or check the property’s website (if applicable) for more information.

Check out Booking.com

Expedia

Like Booking.com, Expedia offers a variety of accommodation types, but it has a dedicated vacation rental search page so you can skip the filtering step. The site offers a good selection of results, though for certain searches I got some listings that really didn’t seem like vacation rentals (TownePlace Suites by Marriott, Outer Banks Motel).

Expedia also features a map to browse through listings in an area, which can be toggled on and off from the results page. Filters are also available while in map mode, so you can set your preferences without going back to the results listings.

Once you click into a listing, you’ll find photos, amenities, policies, reviews, and a list of nearby attractions. However, there does not appear to be a way to contact the owner of a given property. The total price is not visible until you click “reserve,” at which point you’ll see an additional amount listed vaguely as “taxes and fees,” with no detailed breakdown. On many properties, the site notes that you can save on the booking if you log in as an Expedia member.

Best feature: The site has useful filters such as “Business friendly,” to help you find properties with Wi-Fi and breakfast, and “Family friendly,” for listings that have “in-room conveniences and activities for the kids.”

Cancellation Policy: Vacation rental cancellations are subject to specific property policies and must be canceled directly with the property host through the itinerary page in your Expedia account. Expedia allows travelers to filter search results by “fully refundable property” so guests can book with greater peace of mind.

Check out Expedia

HometoGo

The prime advantage of HometoGo is that it’s a hybrid marketplace, which means that you can book onsite or search through deals from many of the best vacation rental sites (including most of the others on this list) with one click. Persistent pop-ups and offers to sign you in with Google or Facebook are annoying, but once you’ve cleared them away you can view tons of properties, visible in a clean listing format or on a map. Each listing features photos you can scroll through as well as user rating, type of lodging, and where you can book the property (such as Airbnb, Hotels.com, Vrbo, or directly on HomeToGo).

One handy feature: You can toggle the price filter to show you either the nightly rate or the total cost of your stay, and then adjust your price range accordingly. Other filters include accommodation types (including an “instant booking” option), location, user rating, and amenities.

In most cases, when you click on “view deal,” you’ll be taken to the site where the property was originally listed. However, there are occasional properties where you will go to a HometoGo listing page and fill out a booking request that will then be fulfilled through one of the site’s partners.

I occasionally found that when I clicked over to a deal (particularly on Airbnb), I was not taken directly to the property I was interested in but rather to a list of other rentals in my destination. Unfortunately, travelers will be familiar with this from other meta-search sites; sometimes a given deal simply isn’t available anymore. I also sometimes discovered that the price on HomeToGo didn’t match what was advertised on the original listing site.

Best feature: Despite the occasional pricing glitches, this site is the closest thing the vacation rental industry has to a one-stop shop, as it lists inventory from hundreds of other short-term rental websites.

Cancellation Policy: Cancellation policies vary by property and can be found in the “Terms and Condition” section of the property details page.

Check out HometoGo

Hotels.com

Like Booking.com, Hotels.com lists a wide array of accommodation options, so travelers who know they want a vacation rental have to use the “Property Type” filter on the search results page to weed out hotels, hostels, and other options. I appreciated the honesty of the note at the top of the page: “How much we get paid influences your sort order.” That said, you can sort your results by star rating, distance from a given landmark, guest rating, and price, and refine the list with a variety of other filters.

There is a map view available, though I didn’t find it very useful; it shows properties that don’t meet your criteria by default, and by the time you screen those out, you’re often left with just a few options (even if the site is showing hundreds of listings on the main results page).

The list view of results is better, displaying both the nightly rate and the total price for your stay, as well as guest rating and location information. Note that you may need to weed through occasional “fully booked!” listings.

Once you click into an individual listing, you can see amenities, policies, photos, guest reviews, and a list of attractions within walking distance. One drawback: There’s no way to contact the owner or property manager directly. While there is a phone number given for “more info” about the listing, this does not put you in contact with the owner but rather takes you to a general Hotels.com corporate phone number. Taxes and fees aren’t visible until you click the “Let’s book” button, and there’s no detailed breakdown of where your money is going.

Best feature: Many vacation rental bookings are eligible for OneKeyCash (formerly Hotels.com Rewards), so you can count your stay toward a future free night at either a hotel or a rental.

Cancellation Policy: Cancellations are subject to individual property policies and guests who wish to cancel a reservation must contact the property owner through the itinerary page in their Hotels.com account. Like Expedia, Hotels.com offers a “fully refundable property” search filter so guests can weed out stricter policies at the start of the booking process. 

Check out Hotels.com

Tripadvisor

Although it’s best known for hotel reviews, Tripadvisor also provides vacation rentals thanks to its acquisitions of FlipKey and HolidayLettings. (The sites share inventory, so searching Tripadvisor will turn up properties from the other two sites.) There are plenty of listings, which you can filter by price, number of bedrooms/bathrooms, distance from a landmark, and many other factors. The site also lets you change the order of your results based on traveler reviews and number of reviews, making use of its large base of user generated content.

The site has a mix of properties, some of which can be paid for online and others that require direct arrangements with the owner. (The former is generally preferable, as paying with a credit card is the safest way to go—and you’ll be backed by Tripadvisor’s Payment Protection guarantee.)

I found that photo quality could vary widely from one listing to another on Tripadvisor, whereas some other vacation rental sites have more consistently glossy images. Otherwise, Tripadvisor’s listings are generally informative, with traveler reviews, house rules, and an owner profile. Prices and fees are spelled out in detail.

Best feature: The price on the listing results page is the final price you’ll pay, including taxes and fees—rather than the base rate, which is what most vacation rental sites list. Tripadvisor also lists both the nightly rate and the total cost.

Cancellation Policy: Cancellation policies are not as clearly stated on this site as on some others. There is an option to send a message to the owner through the site. Tripadvisor also gives property owners the option to waive their policy and offer a refund to guests who cancel their stay, so try kindly explaining your situation to your hosts if your trip is disrupted by extenuating circumstances. 

Check out Tripadvisor

Tripping

Acquired by HometoGo in 2019, Tripping is another meta-search site for vacation rentals that turns up listings from hundreds of different sites, including many on this list. When I searched HometoGo and Tripping side by side, I found a lot of overlapping properties, but the results did not appear to be completely identical. (A Rome search turned up 8,800+ properties on HometoGo vs. more than 14,000 properties on Tripping, for example.) So even though the two sites are owned by the same company and offer virtually identical layouts and filters, it may be worth your time to check both.

Tripping offers a prominent map view alongside the listings on its main results page. Like HometoGo, Tripping shows hotels and hostels in addition to apartments, homes, and other types of properties, so you can use the “Accommodation types” filter to trim your results. You can toggle between “per night” and “per stay” options for pricing, specify a minimum number of bedrooms, and filter for amenities such as internet, air-conditioning, and washer. And you can scroll through listing photos right from the results page.

Clicking on “view deal” takes you to an external site for information and booking. As with HometoGo, there were occasional snafus in this process; prices didn’t match, properties weren’t available, or (in one case) I got a dead-end error page. But in most cases the listings were as advertised.

Best feature: Both Tripping and HometoGo have a flexible dates feature that lets you search with a date parameter of “anytime” to see when the best deals are available.

Cancellation Policy: Cancellations are subject to the policies found on the booking sites surfaced by Tripping’s search results. Tripping frequently populates deals from its parent site, HomeToGo, who’s cancellation policies (as noted previously) vary by property and can be found in the “Terms and Condition” section of the property details page.

Check out Tripping

Vrbo

Acquired by Expedia Group in 2015 and then merged with its sister site HomeAway in 2019, Vrbo (originally stylized as VRBO, which stands for “vacation rentals by owner”) offers the strongest features of both sites. You can browse by property type, from condos to cabins, through their catalogue of over 2 million vacation rentals. If you have an idea of the type of trip you’d like to take but aren’t attached to a destination, you can check out their curated lists of properties by vacation type and nearby activities. The search results are displayed alongside a convenient interactive map to show how far your rental is from your target destination. While this is a great visual, if you move the map even slightly the site will recalibrate your search to show you new properties, which can be a bit of a nuisance.

The search results display the number of bedrooms and bathrooms at a glance for each property along with both the nightly price and total price of the stay for the selected dates. Click into a result to see an in-depth and easily navigable description of policies and amenities, along with star ratings and traveler reviews.

Best feature: Vrbo highlights Premier Partners that offer great guest service. The Premiere Host program is invite-only, designed to ensure guests of a track record of success of its members. The program requires that all properties managed by members have an average rating of at least 4.4 stars, a booking acceptance of at least 95%, owner-initiated cancellation rate of less than 1%, at least 3 VRBO reviews, and at least 5 books or 60 booked nights.

Cancellation Policy: Property managers can choose from a list of pre-drafted cancellation policies provided by Vrbo, which include:

• a no refund policy
• Strict: 100% refund if canceled more than 60 days before check-in
• Firm: 100% refund if canceled more than 60 days before check-in; 50% refund if canceled between 30-60 days before check-in
• Moderate: 100% refund if cancelled 30 days before check-in; 50% refund if cancelled between 14-30 days before check-in
• Relaxed: 100% refund if cancelled 14 days before check-in; 50% refund if cancelled between 7-14 days before check-in

Property owners are also permitted to create custom cancellation policies. Make sure to review the property page before booking. 

Check out Vrbo

Plum Guide

Aimed at taking the hit-or-miss guesswork out of vacation home rentals, Plum Guide has dedicated itself to what it refers to as “the science behind the perfect stay.” This site is extremely selective in its properties, with only 3 percent of homes at any given destination passing its 150 criteria Plum Test conducted by their seasoned Home Critics. 

With a real person team of Plum Experts available seven days a week to assist with any questions and an easy to navigate, highly visual website, the Plum Guide’s people-centric approach to booking will make your vacation rental experience easy and pleasant.

Best Feature: Plum Guide’s best feature by far is their selective criteria. You can be sure you’re getting what you see online. While this can be a blessing if you want the peace of mind that comes with knowing your accommodation has been given a professional seal of approval, it may restrict your options if your travel dates don’t allow for flexibility. 

Cancellation Policy: Plum Guide featured a wide spectrum of cancellation policies, with seven options ranging from SuperFirm60, in which guests receive a 50% refund for cancellations made 60 or more days from check-in, to Premium Relaxed, in which guests will be fully refunded for cancellations made up to 24 hours before check-in.  See their full list of options here.

Check out Plum Guide

Sonder

Focused on eliminating unnecessary steps in the rental process, Sonder is a streamlined way to book your next vacation rental. Guests can check in, make requests, and ask for recommendations all through their phones. The site’s layout is remarkably easy to navigate—the search results are clean and simple, populating next to an interactive map that displays the rental’s approximate location. Key amenities, such as in-unit laundry, parking, and access to fitness equipment, are highlighted directly on the search results page so travelers can compare at a glance without clicking into the details of each property.

The streamlined designed carries into the details pages, with clearly marked amenities for each property and information on parking, accessibility, and house rules readily available. The pages feature a brief description of the surrounding neighborhood and there’s an easily accessible phone and email contact for any further questions about each property.

Best Feature: Sonder’s totally contact-free process is perfect for travelers who want flexibility during check-in and to have all their communications with their host neatly handled by a dedicated system.

Cancellation Policy: Guests can select their cancellation policy at the time of booking. Choose between the Economy Rate, in which the rental costs less per night but the booking is nonrefundable, or the Flex Rate, which is more expensive but allows you to cancel for a full refund up to three days before check-in.

Check out Sonder

Marriott Homes & Villas

If you want the quality assurance of a big hotel brand without the big hotel feel, then Marriott Homes & Villas may be the right site for you. All accommodations come with 24/7 guest support, kitchen essentials, in-unit washer, bathroom amenities such as shampoo and soap, wi-fi, linens and towels, and a television.

The site has the same easy user interface you expect from Marriott. The search function allows you to filter by destination, with travel dates being optional criteria to narrow the search. This is great for those early in their trip planning process or travelers who like to let deals dictate their itinerary. No destination in mind? You can click the “near me” option to see what weekend getaways are available right down the road. Properties on this site typically have upward of 30 photos in their galleries so you’ll be able to see exactly what you’re booking.

Best Feature: Marriott Homes & Villas ties into the larger Marriott Bonvoy rewards program. You can earn points when you book or redeem existing points on a vacation rental. Just set the results to “Show in Bonvoy Points” in the Filter & Sort menu to see how many points a booking costs.

Cancellation Policy: Cancellation policies vary by property, so make sure you review the policy outlined in your reservation. Marriott Homes & Villas 14-day policy outlines the refund travelers can generally expect to receive depending on the time of cancellation. Reservations made 10 days or less before arrival or booked 11 to 14 days before arrival but canceled after a 48 hour window has elapsed will not be refunded. 

Check out Marriott Homes & Villas

Agoda

Agoda allows you to book both hotels and vacation rentals through its online services. With over 2 million hotels and rentals available, at first glance booking through Agoda can seem overwhelming (my cursory search for an August week in Kuala Lumpur returned just shy of 3,700 results). 

Luckily, Agoda allows you to refine its catalogue with highly specific search criteria. Travelers can filter by the typical destination, trip dates, and number of guests, but they can further narrow their search through options such as 

• Deals and discounts
• Number of stars
• Payment options
• Guest rating
• Specific amenities
• Property type
• Proximity to local attractions 

This is great for whittling down your options as well as sparking some inspiration for how to fill your days at your destination.

Best Feature: Agoda will match any competing online price for their properties or refund the difference (in AgodaCash credited to your account). Once you know where you want to stay, do your comparison research to make sure you’re getting the best deal.

Cancellation Policy: Cancellation policies for each property are outlined on the details page under the Payment & Cancellation section. During search, you can filter by properties that offer free cancellation.

Check out Agoda

Getaway

If a break from your hectic day-to-day is calling your name, there’s no better option than Getaway. Getaway makes it their mission to give people the “time, space, and permission to be off.” Their thirty Outpost locations—focused mostly in the eastern and central parts of the country with a few options on the West Coast—are made up of minimalist cabins that range from about 140 to 200 square feet. The mini-kitchens at these properties provide only the bare necessities, but you can supplement your supply by opting for a $35 Sustenance Box, which includes some nonperishable meal and snack options. Other camping essentials, such as insect wipes and log bundles, are also available for purchase.

Each cabin has a firepit, grill grate, and picnic table. The neighbors are close enough to be seen but far enough away that everyone has their own outdoor space to enjoy. Check in starts at 3 pm with a personalized entry code sent to your phone, so it’s possible you may not see another soul your entire trip. The trade-off for some time in the great outdoors is that cell phone service may be spotty or unavailable. However, there is a landline for emergencies and to contact the Getaway team. There’s also no Wi-Fi (and “never will be” according to their FAQ) so make sure to download those Spotify playlists pre-trip. 

Best Feature: If you’re looking for the feeling of an off-the-grid escape but aren’t truly ready to pitch a tent in the middle of the wilderness, this is the right rental experience for you.

Cancellation Policy: Bookings must be canceled at least 15 days prior to check-in to be eligible for a refund.

Check out Getaway

FlipKey

FlipKey was founded in 2007 and acquired by Tripadvisor the following year. As such, booking through FlipKey gives travelers access to the same Book with Confidence payment protection guarantee found on Tripadvisor’s main rentals search. The homepage is clean and simple, with pre-populated lists of suggested rental destinations like Trending Destinations, Traveler Favorites, Hidden Gems, and Beach Getaways. FlipKey allows guests to filter by an extensive list of rental types like chateau, apartment, and yurt, so you can get highly specific with the type of stay you want.

The listing pages highlight “key information” along the top of the listing, then break down the details like amenities, access, and house rules further down the page. Each property displays a note from the owners about the level of interaction guests can expect to have with them during their stay and a graphic clearly laying out which cancellation policy applies to the property. A map shows nearby attractions and restaurants.

Best Feature: You can save rentals to “My Shortlist” and return to compare your favorites from a variety of searches side by side.

Cancellation Policy: Travelers who wish to cancel their accommodations within 24 hours of booking may do so for a full refund as long as the dates of their stay are at least 60 days away. Cancellations that don’t meet these guidelines are subject to individual property’s cancellation policies, as follows:

• Relaxed: full refund if a guest cancels more than 14 days prior to check-in; 50% refund if a guest cancels more than 7 days prior to check-in
• Moderate: full refund if a guest cancels more than 30 days prior to check-in; 50% refund if a guest cancels more than 14 days prior to check-in
• Firm: full refund if a guest cancels more than 60 days prior to check-in; 50% refund if a guest cancels more than 30 days prior to check-in
• Strict: full refund if a guest cancels more than 60 days prior to check-in

The timeframe within which a guest cancels their booking also determines the portion of booking fees they will be charged on their cancelled reservation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What vacation rental site is right for me?

The best vacation rental website for you will depend on your goals for your trip. Travelers looking for a chic city apartment near the best nightlife spots won’t have much luck on Getaway, while those just searching for the cheapest nightly rate may not need the extra vetting provided by Plum Guide. Determine your priorities—easy access to a nearby nature hikes, in a family-friendly neighborhood, by the best restaurants—and let them guide which sites you book through.

Is a hotel or vacation rental better?

Hotels and vacation rentals both have features that are suited to different travel styles. Those who want the convenience of housekeeping, concierge service, and onsite amenities like dining and fitness centers may prefer the all-in-one feel of a larger hotel. Travelers who value privacy, want to experience life in a local neighborhood, or are traveling with larger parties may do better with a rental. Investigate your travel style and find out what type of accomodation fits your trip with our ultimate hotel versus vacation rental guide.

What is the cheapest vacation rental site?

Sites that offer points eligible bookings, like Marriott Homes & Villas, will be the cheapest option for rewards members. Metasearch sites and OTAs like Booking.com and Expedia have a larger inventory with more chances to turn up a bargain. However, there is no single cheapest vacation rental site. Each option on the list will surface great deals—its all a matter of filtering and refining search results.

What is the best website for beach rentals?

Year after year, beach vacations remain one of the most popular types of getaways. Options for beach rentals will populate across all sites on this list (with Getaway being a notable exception). Larger sites like Booking.com, Hotels.com, Tripadvisor, Tripping, and HomeToGo make it easy to compare deals on beach rentals from across the web. However, if you have a specific destination in mind, its worth looking on some of the smaller sites to compare prices. There may be a hidden gem within the results.

Book Your Stay With SmarterTravel Hotels

While vacation rentals are great options for a little more privacy and living space, some travelers miss the perks and conveniences that a hotel can offer. If you’re dreaming of room service and a poolside bar, book your hotel stay for a great rate with SmarterTravel Hotels.

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Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2019. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

The post The 14 Best Vacation Rental Sites for Travelers in 2024 appeared first on SmarterTravel.

If you’re interested only in evading the main cabin, you won’t find any deal alert services that don’t charge a fee. A bunch of free information sources can help you hunt down your own deal, but no premium airfare service is as automatic as Airfarewatchdog.

Why Are Premium Airfare Deals Difficult to Find?

One reason for the lack of a simple premium airfare system is that, for many travelers, premium flying is inextricably bound to frequent flyer programs. The best way to get into a front cabin is often by using frequent flyer miles. And for some, the game is to apply for a bunch of credit cards that offer huge initial bonuses if you meet an exorbitantly large monthly charge threshold for the first few months. So the problem of finding outright premium airfare deals isn’t easy, but it’s not insurmountable, either.

Where to Find Premium Airfare Deals

Still, premium deals are available. Airlines offer flash sales and special promotions in premium cabins just as they do in economy. A few years ago, I found (and bought) a round-trip business class ticket to Asia for just $1,500—which was less than half the nominal first-class rate.

How to Find Premium Airfare Deals

First, set yourself up for success on your hunt for the best premium airfare deals by following these booking tips.

Set Up Fare Alerts

Ideally, you’d be able to monitor every booking site at all hours of the day, ready to pounce on the best deal as soon as it goes live. Unfortunately, few of us have the time to spend hours sifting through fares. This is where airfare deal alerts come in handy. Many top flight search sites allow you to track certain itineraries and will send you alerts when fares drop on your preferred travel dates. Expedia’s “Price Tracking” and AirfareWatchdog’s “Deal Alerts” are among the best options. Setting up multiple alerts on multiple travel dates increases your chance of scoring a great rate.

How to Set Up Flight Price Alerts: Flight search sites make it easy to set up fare alerts. Oftentimes it’s as easy as searching for the route you want and toggling a switch on the flight results page. From there, you’ll be prompted to enter your email or create an account so the site can send you the latest fares. On our sister site, Airfarewatchog, all you have to do is click “track this route” to be alerted to price drops and great deals to your destination. 

Listen to the Data

Some flight search sites use predictive analysis and historical booking data to let travelers know when the best time to book a certain route may be. Momondo’s “Our Advice” section on their flight search results page offers recommendations for when travelers should buy and predictions for future price changes. On a flight search for business and first class fares from Los Angeles to New York, Momondo let me know that I should buy now and that “prices [were] unlikely to decrease within 7 days.”

Travel on Tuesdays

While there is some debate about whether Tuesday remains the peak day to fly, it can’t hurt to take into consideration. According to NerdWallet, airfare can be roughly 24% lower for flights departing on a Tuesday. This applies across fare classes, so try snagging a business or first class airfare deal.

Book on Off Days and During Off Season

If traveling during a high air traffic season, like around Christmas or spring break, booking flights on less popular travel dates can lead to better fare deals. According to Hopper, international flights that departing on Christmas Day this past holiday season saw airfare up to 17% lower than flights departing the previous Friday. Additionally, travel during your destination’s off season will see cheaper fares across the board.

Shoot for an Upgrade

Gone are the days when free upgrades were (relatively) easy to obtain. However, for those willing to do their due diligence there’s still hope. Follow our guide on how to really get an airline upgrade to try your luck.

Expand Your Horizons

Traditionally, the most luxe fares were business and first class and the rest of the cabin was stuck in coach. But recently, the emergence of fares like premium economy have made it possible for a budget traveler to fly in comparative style. Expand your search to include these alternate classes to get the same benefits at a much lower price.

Paid Services to Find Premium Airfare Deals

If managing your own fare alerts and flight searches sounds daunting, don’t worry. There are services dedicated to doing the legwork for you.

First Class Flyer

First Class Flyer is the gold standard for finding deals on premium airfare, for both performance and membership price. The minimum Silver level costs $97 per year, and gets you a daily bulletin that covers special deals for both cash payments and use of miles. Higher levels of membership cost $197 and $297 per year and add on a bunch of additional information that’s useful, but not essential, if you’re just looking for flash sales.

MightyTravels

MightyTravels’ premium option is $69 per year and offers daily bulletins on economy class deals from your home airport. Their Premium Pro ($199/year) membership includes bulletins on economy, premium economy, and business class deals from your home airport, including unpublished and “mistake fares”, while Premium Max ($159/year) adds on additional tiered benefits, such as Travel Concierge Assistance.

Going

A membership with Going—formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights—works similarly to those listed above, however the first two membership tiers are less expensive than the either MightyTravels or First Class Flyer. A Limited Membership is free and gets you access to economy deals within the continental United States from your home airport. The Premium membership is $5.99 per month ($69 annually) and unlocks both domestic (all 50 states) and international economy deals. The Elite tier is where you’ll find premium economy, business class, and first class airfare deals, for just $16.58 per month ($199 annually). Both Premium and Elite members have access to points and miles deals, mistake fares, and custom destination alerts.

Free Blogs to Find Premium Airfare Deals

A handful of free blogs also cover the full gamut of airfare deals with a minor focus on premium cabin options. All or most of the free blogs often find the same deals—so you’re probably ok finding one you like and sticking with it. Options include AirfareSpot.com, Godsavethepoints, No Mas Coach, One Mile at a Time, The Points Guy, and View from the Wing. There’s a lot about credit cards, hotels, and other stuff in them, too, but they do dig out some good premium deals.

FlyerTalk also has an online forum on premium flying. It’s not organized for easy search, but it’s especially good for deals that originate outside of the U.S.

So unless you spring for the First Class Flyer or MightyTravels paid services, you’ll have to do your own digging through blogs and websites. But that’s a lot easier than spending hours on a metasearch engine, yourself. The amount of money you’ll save warrants a bit of extra effort, anyways.

Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

The post Where to Find Premium Airfare Deals on First Class and Business Class appeared first on SmarterTravel.

As you step into the gilded lobby, you can see the property’s design inspiration—the hotel’s architects modeled The Pierre after King Louis XIV’s Palace of Versailles. Since then, numerous renovations have kept The Pierre up to the standards of modern travelers, but the hotel’s historic opulence remains—right down to the friendly old-fashioned elevator operators. 

In 2005, The Pierre was acquired by Taj, an iconic hotel group, and now the property is officially known as The Pierre, a Taj Hotel. 

The Location

The Pierre Hotel occupies prime real estate on the Upper East Side, directly across from Central Park. Its convenient and central Manhattan location puts guests just steps away from many of New York City’s most famous landmarks and attractions. 

The Museum of Modern Art, Carnegie Hall, and Rockefeller Center are all within easy walking distance. Numerous subway stations are within a few blocks of the hotel should you wish to explore further afield, or the courteous doorman is always happy to hail guests a cab. 

Dining

The Pierre has two eateries onsite, Perrine and Two E Bar and Lounge. If you’re feeling indulgent, room service is also available for hotel guests.

Perrine, the hotel’s signature restaurant, is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This upscale spot serves a farm-to-table menu that changes depending on what’s in season.  

The Rose Terrace, Perrine’s open-air terrace, is the place to be in warmer months when guests can dine and people-watch on the busy Manhattan streets. 

For lighter fare and drinks, guests can visit Two E Lounge (named for the hotel’s address at 2 East 61st Street). The elegant bar offers cocktails, light bites, and small plates and is open in the late afternoon through the evening. 

Reserve a table at Two E Wednesday through Saturday between 6 – 9pm, when The Pierre offers free jazz performances by the artist-in-residence Antonio Ciacca and other notable musicians. 

Although it’s not open to the public for dining, make sure you take a peek inside the Rotunda, The Pierre’s private event space. This circular room has garden scenes hand-painted across the walls, a vibrant blue-sky fresco-covered ceiling, and a grand winding staircase that would be perfect for a wedding or big celebration. 

Amenities

The Pierre charges a daily facility fee of $34.43 which covers the following amenities: 

• Press reader access to electronic newspapers and magazines
• Complimentary tea and coffee service in the lobby from 7 am to 9:30 am
• Free WiFi
• Bottled water

Other available amenities at The Pierre include:

• Les Clefs d’Or Concierge
• Valet parking
• Laundry and dry cleaning services 
• Overnight shoeshine
• Turndown service

A fairly well-sized gym is located on the third floor of The Pierre and is fully stocked with cardio equipment, free weights, and chilled bottled water. 

The Pierre welcomes pets up to 15 pounds and will provide dog-friendly amenities for any canine guests. A daily fee of $75 per dog applies, and dogs are not allowed to be left unattended in rooms. The concierge can arrange pet-sitting services if needed. 

The Rooms

Accommodations at The Pierre range from superior rooms to grand multi-room suites, all featuring the hotel’s signature comforts: Etro toiletries, Bose speakers, plush bathrobes, and custom slippers. 

We stayed in a Pierre Deluxe room, which was surprisingly spacious for Manhattan at 300 square feet. This room type has an interior view overlooking city buildings, high ceilings, Turkish marble bathrooms, and (in another uncommon New York City hotel amenity) windows that actually open for a bit of fresh air. 

If you’re looking for a view of Central Park, book a Park View room, Signature Park View room, Metropolitan Suite, or Deluxe Grand Suite, Park Suite, Getty Suite, Tata Suite, or Hutton Suite.

Grand Suites are the most luxurious in the hotel and are designed to feel like a residential apartment, with multiple rooms and custom furnishings. 

Groups traveling together may want to consider the Tata Suite. This suite can be connected to four additional park view rooms and suites, making the 39th floor completely private and offering up to six bedrooms over 4,786 square feet. 

Price and How to Book

Room rates start at around $850 per night for superior guestrooms and can be booked on Expedia. Packages are available that include continental breakfast at Perrine.

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Editor’s Note: The Pierre Hotel hosted the writer of this story. 

The post SmarterTravel Spotlight: The Pierre Hotel, a Taj Hotel Review appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Set atop the Continental Divide, Banff Sunshine Village receives so much natural snow (an average of 30 feet a year) that the resort harvests snow through a unique fencing system to capture some of the best powder in the country. The mountain is blessed with so much snow that there are only two snow guns in the entire resort (used to build a base in the lower ski-out area). 

If this sounds like the perfect vacation spot, you’re in luck. We’re giving away the ultimate snowsports bundle—a three-night ski and stay package at Banff Sunshine Village.

The package includes:

• Three nights at the Sunshine Mountain Lodge in a deluxe balcony room
• Four adult lift tickets
• Two days of rentals
• Two dinners at Eagle’s Nest Dining Room at Sunshine Mountain Lodge (alcohol is not included)

The prize can be redeemed through the end of the 2024/2025 season (May 2025).

How to Enter

Visit our sweepstakes page here to enter before the giveaway ends on February 27, 2024. 

Entering is easy—all you have to do is sign up for SmarterTravel and Oyster’s newsletters. (If you’re already a subscriber, you just need to enter your email address to verify your account—you won’t be signed up twice.)

You can gain bonus entries by completing one or more of the following tasks to increase your chances of winning. You’ll receive one additional entry per task. 

1. Follow us on Twitter (X).
2. Retweet a Tweet from SmarterTravel.
3. View our Facebook post.
4. Share the sweepstakes with a friend.

For full sweepstakes rules, review the Terms and Conditions on the sweepstakes entry page here.

The post Win a Ski and Stay Vacation at Banff Sunshine Village appeared first on SmarterTravel.

The Best All-Inclusive Resorts in the United States

From tropical resorts with all-inclusive rates to rustic ranches, Victorian hotels, and mountain lodges, the all-inclusive resorts in the United States are as diverse as the landscape of the country itself. Below is a list of 25 U.S. resorts that either are fully inclusive or offer special packages and promotions that include many of the features associated with all-inclusive resorts.

Jump to Content

What is the Best All-Inclusive Resort in the U.S.? 

Click to read more about each property.

FAQ

Is everything included at an all-inclusive resort?
Do you tip at an all inclusive resort?
Does all-inclusive mean unlimited drinks?
Is it wise to go to an all-inclusive resort?
Are all-inclusive resorts worth it? 

Red Mountain Resort in St. George, Utah

While not wholly inclusive, Red Mountain Resort in St. George, Utah has many packages to choose from, including their Essential Retreat, which features accommodations, daily guided hikes, fitness classes, three healthy meals daily, healthy life classes and events, and personal discovery activities. The resort is dog-friendly, so you don’t have to leave your four-legged family members behind! 

Highlight: The fitness center at Red Mountain Resorts offers more than just exercise equipment. Guests can book sessions with the resort’s personal trainers for a private session or complete customized fitness plan. Private, one-on-one versions of any of the center’s fitness classes are also available.

Other Amenities: Healthy life classes, spa (voucher with Essential package), indoor/outdoor swimming pools, hiking, biking, whirlpools, Cybex equipment and cardiovascular center, pet-friendly, wellness training, nutritional guidance, Personal Discovery Providers, spiritual guides, spiral labyrinth, medicine wheel, meditation grotto, walking trails, kayaking, golf. 

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Tombstone Monument Guest Ranch in Tombstone, Arizona

With their Full Guest Ranch package, you will have everything included in your stay at Tombstone Monument Guest Ranch. Immerse yourself in the ranch life, from riding, shooting, archery, breakfast by campfire, and of course, visits to the old west’s famous Tombstone, just three miles away from the ranch. For a truly immersive experience, try their Working Ranch Package, which has 2 ½ – 6 hours of working ranch time, where you will check and move cattle, ride and fix fences, and check wells, cattle ponds and the dam. 

Highlight: If you’re looking to cut loose with a cowboy-inspired wedding, Tombstone Monument Ranch can accommodate up to 120 guests in their Big Red Barn. Smaller parties can book the Mine Shaft, suitable for up to 20 guests. Keeping with the all-inclusive spirit, the Ranch offers comprehensive services for your event from catering and entertainment to room reservations for party guests.

Other Amenities: Horseback riding, archery, UTV tours, evening entertainment, soft drinks, shuttle to Tombstone (upon request), wifi. 

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Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colorado

Just up the road from the main accommodations at Broadmoor is the Ranch at Emerald Valley, which promises “refined luxury with the rustic charm and inspiration of a wilderness enclave,” and is all-inclusive. Stay in a luxury cabin or at the lodge, and spend the day fly fishing, horseback riding, hiking, and enjoying five-star meals throughout your stay. 

Highlight: Get a taste of mountain life with the Elk Glade Cattle Drive, an experience that allows guests to try their hand at herding cattle on horseback. Never fear—the City Slicker Experience, as its aptly named, is guided by experienced Elk Glade wranglers and a large part of the day involves taking in the stunning Wyoming scenery.

Other Amenities: Fly fishing, morning coffee, horseback riding, archery, hiking, evening campfire and s’mores, buffet breakfast, canoeing, board games, mountain biking, hot tub, lawn games. 

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Don CeSar in St. Pete Beach, Florida

While not entirely all-inclusive, Don CeSar offers all-inclusive packages for booking. This is the hotel for a purely Floridian experience. Relax by the pool (complete with pool bar), on the beach, or at the spa, dine at one of the six restaurants and bars, or shop at one of the specialty shops. This resort is the perfect Florida beach vacation resort. 

Highlight: Spa Oceana and the nearby fitness center at Don Cesar lets guests get a total mind and body refresh. Keep up with your exercise routine at the 24-hour gym or drop by one of their fitness classes, free to guests. Then, soothe your sore muscles with a massage at the onsite spa. Afterwards, try a new look at the full-service salon.

Other Amenities: Pool, private beach, pet-friendly, water sport rentals.  

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Bungalows Key Largo, Florida

This adults-only all-inclusive resort in the Florida Keys is the ultimate romantic getaway. Each spacious bungalow includes a private verandah with a soaking tub, as well as a flat-screen smart TV and a comfy bed with a pillowtop mattress. Dine at one of six on-site restaurants, take a yoga class on the beach, or float out on the bay in a private tiki boat.

Featured Amenity: Bungalows Key Largo offers the full spectrum of watersports for guests to enjoy. The beachside tiki hut is stocked with complimentary paddleboards, kayaks, and snorkel gear that travelers can use at their leisure to explore the vibrant Floridian coast. Arrangements for a paddleboard or snorkeling tour can be made for for an additional fee.

Other Amenities: Bicycles for guest use, daily group yoga classes, multiple pools and Jacuzzis, and on-site spa (cost for treatments is additional).

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Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, Michigan

The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island in Michigan offers several all-inclusive packages when you stay at this historic hotel. At the Grand Hotel, you can stay in one of the many vibrantly decorated rooms, have afternoon tea, and enjoy dinner in the main dining room. Ice cream lovers will love Sadie’s Ice Cream Parlor, which serves up treats made with Michigan-made Guernsey Farms Dairy ice cream. For a truly timeless experience, the Grand Hotel has a dress code after 6:30 pm—no jeans or shorts are allowed. 

Highlight: The Grand Hotel offers a variety of curated experiences guests can book in addition to their stay, like Meeting the Horses and Coachmen of the Grand Hotel, a Grand Hotel Gardens Tour, or Pickelball Play. For travelers just looking for a day trip, the hotel offers experiences for non-guests like a pass to Sadie’s Ice Cream Parlor or a round of golf on The Jewel.

Other Amenities: Pool, golf, lawn games, nightly entertainment, biking, waterslide. 

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Twin Farms in Barnard, Vermont

Once owned by author Sinclair Lewis, Twin Farms is nestled in 300 glorious acres of woods, meadows and mountains, and is a unique all-inclusive experience. Accommodations include 10 cottages, 8 treehouses, the lodge, and the farmhouse. Each room has a fireplace, fully stocked fridge, and a selection of games, movies, music and puzzles. Book a spa treatment (at an additional cost) at the spa, or enjoy activities on the grounds. Enjoy a beverage at their newly renovated on-site restaurant, Twiggs.

Highlight: Visit Twin Farms during the winter for access to a world of complimentary snowsports on the resort’s sprawling grounds. In addition to nordic and alpine skiing, a stay here includes access to snowshoeing, sledding, fat-tire biking, ice fishing, and more. Equipment is provided by the hotel, so all you need to do is bundle up for a day of exploration.

Other Amenities: Japanese Furo, fitness center, six private ski trails, bee tour, swimming in Copper Pond, canoeing, paddle boarding and kayaking. 

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Vista Verde Guest Ranch in Clark, Colorado

At the Vista Verde Guest Ranch, guests can immerse themselves in a rustic life without giving up wonderful and indulgent luxuries. Providing people with an opportunity to unplug, this authentic ranch does not have phones, TVs, or internet in the guest rooms.

Highlight: The Kids’ and Teens’ program at the Vista Verde Guest Ranch make it the perfect vacation spot for adventurous families. Able to accomodate children from 3 to 17 years old, the program is separated by age group with appropriate activities for each level. Little kids will be entertained with horseback riding and scavenger hunts, while teens will stay engaged with an overnight camp and completing tasks around the ranch.

Other Amenities: Swimming pool, common lounge area with panoramic views, fitness center, and indoor riding arena.

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Woodloch Pines Resort in Hawley, Pennsylvania

This family-owned resort provides visitors with a warm and welcoming greeting as well as ample opportunities to have good, old-fashioned fun together. This resort is famous for its extensive activities program, which has a little something for everyone. Woodloch Pine Resort also boasts a championship golf course and a world-class spa.

Highlight: Good news for guests looking to tee off during their vacation. Woodloch Springs, part of Woodloch Pine Resort, has received numerous accolades as a top golf spot in the Poconos. This 18-hole course is semi-private and offers golf clinics where guests can improve their game and an indoor golf simulator during the off-season and bad weather.

Other Amenities: Indoor and outdoor swimming pools, rock climbing wall, kayaking, snow tubing, and nightly entertainment.

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Canyon Ranch in Lenox, Massachusetts

Immerse yourself in wellness within the Berkshires with your stay at Canyon Ranch in Lenox, Massachusetts. With a wide variety of classes, coaches, and treatments at your fingertips throughout your stay, it is almost guaranteed that you will leave feeling better than when you arrived. Choose your own schedule while there, or visit during one of their themed weekends like a yoga retreat, Dance Weekend, or breathwork. Canyon Ranch also has locations in Tucson, Woodside CA, Austin, TX, and Las Vegas. 

Highlight: Canyon Ranch offers curated camps and retreats oriented toward the health, wellness, and fitness goals of guests. Typically in the three to five night range, these camps center around themes like Cardiovascular Disease and How to Prevent It or Tennis Serve and Fitness. Think of it like an adult summer camp, except instead of bug bites and bunkbeds, you’ll be honing your fitness expertise in the lap of luxury.

Other Amenities: Hiking, yoga, tai chi, meditation, pilates, fitness classes, pool. 

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Dunton Hot Springs, Colorado

Enjoy the beauty of the mountains and the luxury of the hot springs when you stay at Dunton Hot Springs. Relax in the waters five different ways: in the 19th century bathhouse, at the actual source, in two pools, and inside the Well House Cabin. Have a truly unique stay in one of the cabins, some original to the gold rush in the late 1800s. 

Highlight: If an excursion to the American southwest sounds like a dream come true, but planning an actual itinerary sounds like a nightmare, Dunton Hot Springs has a solution. Through its Journeys service, Dunton offers to plan the ideal southwest road trip itinerary for interested travelers. Whether Dunton is your homebase or just a stop along the way, Journeys will guide you in the right direction.

Other Amenities: Snowshoeing, skiing, horseback riding, fly fishing, hiking, rock climbing, rafting, archeological day tours to the desert, hot springs. 

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Lodge on Little St. Simons Island, Georgia

Those seeking peace, privacy, and natural beauty will feel right at home at the all-inclusive Lodge on Little Saint Simons Island resort. It offers more than 11,000 acres of space and more than seven miles of private beaches, yet only 32 people can stay at any given time. Personalized service in a charming setting makes this the perfect place for those looking to enjoy a slower pace.

Highlight: Get out into nature with the Lodge’s daily truck excursions. Led by experienced naturalists, these rides allow guests to see more of the expansive conservation land that surrounds the property. Take to the water for a self-guided kayak trip around the island or hop on a skimmer boat to see the island from its tidal creeks.

Other Amenities: Meals prepared by on-site chef, and boat transfers to and from the island.

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Miraval Austin, Texas

You’ll experience “Wellness with a Texas Twist” when you stay at Miraval Austin. Their unlimited package includes meals, a $175 daily resort credit, unlimited yoga, fitness, and if you book four nights, your fifth is free. Whether you are looking to relax, reconnect, find solace, or have an outdoor adventure, Miraval has something for every need. Mirival has locations in Massachusetts and Arizona.

Highlight: Miraval Austin offers a packed calendar of workshops, lectures, classes, hikes, and activities for guests to enjoy. Their resident specialists have expertise in areas from multimedia art and sound healing to bee keeping and astrology. Overwhelmed by the choices? Take their Set Your Intention quiz before arrival to help choose which experiences best fit your stay.  

Other Amenities: Hiking, yoga, meditation, challenge activities, climbing wall, complimentary airport shuttle, spa. 

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White Stallion Ranch in Tucson, Arizona

For a vacation that offers an authentic taste of western American culture, the White Stallion Ranch is the best place to stay. There’s no shortage of outdoor experiences to fill the time during your stay, including horseback riding, practicing on the shooting range, rock climbing, and archery. Offering all-inclusive packages for its guests, this hotel is often described as a blend between a dude ranch and a luxury resort.

Highlight: Every week, guests can enjoy the Ranch Rodeo. The demonstration includes barrel racing, roping, and a mounted honor guard featuring the national flags of each guest in attendance. The thrilling show comes with a side of education, as the presenters explain the history of rodeo and a play-by-play of each event.

Other Amenities: Heated pool and hot tub, recreation room, spa, nightly entertainment, and a movie theater.

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The Clement Palo Alto, California

Located near Stanford University, the Clement Palo Alto allows you to rejuvenate and relax in downtown Palo Alto. Your all-inclusive stay includes gratuities, alcoholic beverages, food and more. A unique feature of the Clement Palo Alto is their stocked 24-hour pantry in the kitchen, where guests are allowed to help themselves to snacks and drinks throughout their stay. Perfect for a getaway, or when visiting Stanford, every need will be met while staying at the Clement. 

Highlight: The highlight of this property is its prime location. Just a 9 minute walk to Stanford University, it’s a great option for parents looking for some luxury while visiting students out of state. It’s also just a 40 minute drive from the wine region in the Santa Cruz Mountains, a fact that guests can take full advantage of with the hotel’s Ridge Vineyard Package.

Other Amenities: Rooftop pool, fire pit, fitness center, valet parking, outdoor dining patio, stocked guest pantry in kitchen, overnight shoe shine service. 

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Skytop Lodge in Skytop, Pennsylvania

Nestled in the heart of the Poconos Mountains, the Skytop Lodge transports guests to an era gone by. Built in 1928, this historic lodge offers guests an atmospheric, luxury destination where they have access to the rugged outdoor terrain. On this 5,500-acre property, there’s no shortage of things to do.

Highlight: At the Adventure Center, guests can ski, bike, take on a treetop adventure course, practice archery, and more. The Center is open to the public, with advanced reservations required, so even travelers who just passing through can experience the adventure.

Other Amenities: Spa facilities, outdoor adventure activities, and culinary dining experiences.

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Blackberry Farm in Walland, Tennessee

This pastoral family-owned farm estate invites guests from around the world to enjoy its intimate, luxurious accommodations set against a magnificent backdrop in the Great Smoky Mountains. While not a true all-inclusive (alcohol, in-room dining, retail purchases, and some activities are not included in the nightly rate), we couldn’t leave the 4,200-square-foot Blackberry Farm resort off the list. Consider it nearly all-inclusive.

Highlight: Known for its cuisine rooted in the heritage of the Smoky Mountains, Blackberry Farm shares its culinary passion with guests through daily cooking demonstrations and wine tasting events. For those who prefer beer, there’s the Blackberry Farm Brewery.

Other Amenities: Farm activities, carriage rides, outdoor activities, spa facilities, and historic rooms.

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Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa in Tucson, Arizona

Striking a balance between dramatic mountain views and restorative desert air, the Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa is the premier destination for a wellness vacation. Similarly to Miraval Austin, the Arizona location offers an Unlimited Package which includes a $175 resort credit, all meals, unlimited fitness, and more. Offering all-inclusive rates as well as a variety of rejuvenating spa services, this resort is ideal for adults who need to take some time for themselves.

Highlight: Put your adventure-seeking spirit to the test with the Challenge Course at Miraval Arizona. Walk a balance beam, zip-line, complete a ropes course, bungee jump, and more all while suspended high in the desert sky.

Other Amenities: Award-winning spa with expert services, such as body renewal rituals, hair care, skin care, and energy healing options.

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Kachemak Bay Wilderness Lodge, Alaska

The Alaskan setting is rustic but the luxury accommodations, gourmet dining, and personalized adventure packages are anything but at the all-inclusive Kachemak Bay Wilderness Lodge. With only five cabins situated in the heart of the Alaskan wilderness, you’ll rarely see more than a handful of people on the grounds at a given time. This gives guests plenty of time to connect with nature and staff ample opportunity to create a truly memorable and personalized experience.

Highlight: Kachemak Bay offers several wildlife excursions into the beautiful natural landscape of Alaska. Book a boat tour to see otters and seals or go birding to catch a glimpse of a puffin or bald eagle. A popular option option is the Bear Viewing day trip, where guests can see brown bears in their natural habitat while soaring overhead on a float plane.

Other Amenities: Gourmet dining, luxe accommodations in a pristine setting, and personalized guided nature experiences.

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Little Palm Island Resort & Spa, Florida

The Culinary Indulgence Package at Little Palm Island Resort & Spa in Little Torch Key, Florida includes all of your meals plus a $100 spa credit per person, per night. This adults-only, television and telephone free resort is the epitome of relaxation with a pool, beach, and spa at your disposal during your stay. 

Highlight: Elevate your romantic getaway with a private dinner, catered to your tastes and arranged at one of several stunning seaside spots throughout the property. Or, opt to watch the resort’s master chefs at work while enjoying a four-course meal with The Chef’s Table dining experience.

Other Amenities: Welcome cocktail, pool, beach, non-alcoholic beverages, fitness center, paddleboards, kayaks, Hobie cat, Boston Whalers, nightly turndown service. 

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Canyon Ranch Tucson, Arizona

Set in the Sonoran Desert, Canyon Ranch Tucson will challenge you both physically and mentally. Between rock climbing, mountain biking, hypnotherapy and meditation, there is something for you no matter what your journey is. Tucson is the first Canyon Ranch location in the country. Check out their other locations in Woodside, CA, Las Vegas, Lenox, MA, and Austin, TX. 

Highlight: Get ready to bring your athleticism to the next level. Canyon Ranch’s Vitality Studio invites guests to recharge with the latest in sports medicine and technology. From infra-red saunas and light therapy to neuro stimulation sessions, you can enjoy cutting edge treatments that keep your body performing at its peak.

Other Amenities: Rock climbing, hiking, tennis, meditation, yoga, and spa services. 

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The Ranch at Rock Creek in Philipsburg, Montana

Located on an authentic 19th century homestead, you will live the true rancher life when you stay at the Ranch at Rock Creek. This all-inclusive dude ranch has everything you need for a real cowboy adventure: horseback riding, shooting, and even a saloon! Choose between the rustic barn, the cozy lodge, or one of the several glamping or luxury cabins on offer for your perfect stay.

Highlight: It wouldn’t be a ranch experience without horseback riding. Guided by expert wranglers, guests can explore the roughly 6,600 acres of natural beauty surrounding the property. The program offers full- and half-day trail rides and arena lessons, open to ages 4 and up at all skill levels.

Other Amenities: Unlimited premium beer, wine and spirits, as well as assorted beverages and snacks, fitness center, pool, hot tub, evening entertainment, skiing, hiking, wildlife viewing, sapphire mining, ride along with a rancher, geocaching, snowmobiling, ice fishing, ranch rodeo, and a ropes course. 

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Brooks Lake Lodge and Spa in Dubois, Wyoming

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Brooks Lake Lodge and Spa is luxury within seclusion. Located within the Rocky Mountains, it’s the perfect blend of peace and adventure. No matter what time of year you visit, you’ll find yourself immersed in excitement—whether it is snowmobiling, riding on a dog sled, skiing in the winter, or horseback riding and canoeing in the summer, you’ll be able to fully unwind at the lodge after your fun-filled day. 

Highlight: Commune with nature at the fully-stocked Casting Pond, where guests are welcome to fish at their convenience. At the end of a long day by the shore, don’t forget to check out the Cowboy Bar, another onsite watering hole that serves up classic western atmosphere and specialty beers.

Other Amenities: Dry sauna, fitness center, hot tub, tranquility room, horseback riding, fishing, hiking, canoeing, archery, hunting, ice fishing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling.

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Lake Austin Spa Resort in Austin, Texas

Reconnect with yourself as you calm your mind, body and spirit at Lake Austin Spa Resort. Your day will be filled with serenity mixed with fun. Several of their all-inclusive packages include a nightly voucher toward a spa treatment or personal instruction, so you can treat yourself to a facial or get a health and wellness assessment while at the resort. Create a daily schedule filled with talks with guest speakers, activities on the lake, yoga and much, much more. Added bonus? Your furriest family member can come, too, as Lake Austin Spa Resort is dog-friendly. 

Highlight: With an extensive menu of facials and massages alongside unique offerings like myofascial release and energy work, you could spend your whole trip without ever leaving the LakeHouse Spa. The luxe spa experiences available here aren’t limited just to guests—the hotel offers a variety of day spa packages that are open for public booking.

Other Amenities: Yoga, meditation, stand up paddle boards, pools, sauna, whirlpool, relaxation areas, swings, hammocks, fitness facilities, unlimited smoothies and juices, kayaks, hydro-bikes, sculling boats, water taxis. 

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Mohonk Mountain House in Paltz, New York

This “victorian castle resort” has been running since the late 1800s, and will not disappoint. Located just 90 miles north of New York City, it’s luxury and serenity for anyone looking for an escape. No matter what your idea of relaxation is, Mohonk Mountain House will accommodate you. From tennis, golf, and hiking, to meditation, yoga and spa treatments, you are sure to fill your soul with goodness during your stay. 

Highlight: History buffs will find their haven at Mohonk Mountain House, which offers five different guided tours of the historical house and grounds. See Victorian-era carriages at the Barn Museum or try out the hotel’s AR app that sends guests on a historical hunt for knowledge throughout the property. 

Other Amenities: Afternoon tea and cookies, hiking, yoga, meditation, fitness classes, indoor heated pool, guided hikes, lake activities, tomahawk throwing, rock scrambling, mountain biking, disc golf, archery, ice skating, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, snow tubing, and nightly entertainment. 

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FAQ

Do all-inclusive resorts in the US include alcohol?

Many offer welcome cocktails or champagne, but for the rest of your stay, you will have to pay for alcoholic beverages. Some resorts have special packages you can book that will include alcohol. The resorts that include alcohol no matter how you book are: 

• The Clement Palo Alto
• Sandpiper Bay Resort
• The Ranch at Rock Creek
• Bungalows Key Largo
• Dunton Hot Springs

Is everything included at an all-inclusive resort?

Almost everything. Most include at least two meals (typically breakfast and dinner), your room, and most activities. Alcoholic beverages and spa treatments are usually an extra fee, as are specialized activities. Be sure to check with the resort you are booking at to see what exactly is included in your package. 

Do you tip at an all inclusive resort?

Unless it is explicitly stated at the time of booking that tips are included, you should tip while staying at an all-inclusive resort, although it is not required. 

Does all-inclusive mean unlimited drinks?

As mentioned above, some US all-inclusive resorts do include alcoholic beverages, but most only include water, soda, tea and coffee. 

Is it wise to go to an all-inclusive resort?

For a lot of families and couples traveling, going to an all-inclusive resort is the best way to go, as that way, the trip is already paid for when you get there, and there are no surprises. It is easier to save for an all-inclusive stay since you know exactly what you will spend. 

Are all-inclusive resorts worth it? 

The short answer is yes, they are, if you are looking for a resort vacation. Having everything paid for, and all of your activities during your vacation in one place may be the perfect vacation for some people. The costs that can incur while you are on vacation are many, so knowing exactly what you are paying can be a relief to some, and make it well worth the money. 

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