Add These 25 U.S. Cities To Your Travel Bucket List In 2020

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Perhaps you’re putting international travel on a back burner and concentrating more on exploring what the U.S. has to offer. You’ll be surprised to know how many historical and adventurous getaways our country has waiting to be discovered by more travelers. 

Forbes shared a list of 25 best places to visit in 2020 and they’re all based in the U.S. The writer, Laura Begley Bloom, spoke to travel experts and influencers to compile this incredible list. 

New Orleans, Louisiana

Not only is New Orleans a great destination to visit during Mardi Gras, but it has an abundance of festivals, delicious foods, and music to get you on your feet all night long. 

This year, the city will be hosting the Women’s Final Four games and the 2020 College Football Playoff National Championship — so if you’re a sports fan, New Orleans is the place to be this year. 

Foodies should head to Bourbon Street where in addition to great food, there’s plenty of drinks and jazz music. 

If you’re into admiring beautiful homes, head to the Garden District where you can also find boutiques and antique shops. 

Vail, Colorado

Vail is perfect for family travel because everything can be found in one central location. Vail Village is a great town to visit and has heated cobblestone streets, coffee shops, eateries, and bars. 

The largest free transportation system in the country runs frequently here so you can travel from Vail Village to Lionshead Village and anywhere in-between seamlessly. 

If you’re into skiing, head to Vail Mountain which is open from November 15, 2019, until April 19, 2020. 

Hudson Valley, New York

New Yorkers love getting away from the hustle and craziness of the city to Hudson Valley for fresh air and relaxation. Located less than two hours away from NYC, Hudson Valley is comprised of small towns located east of the Hudson River. 

For amazing food, head to Lil’ Deb’s Oasis, where the chef-owners secured a nomination for the Best Chef: Northeast James Beard Awards last year. 

Legoland New York Resort will be opening this year for travelers to enjoy 50 rides and the New York City skyline made out of Legos.

Memphis, Tennessee

Memphis is a great city to visit if you’re an avid music lover. Visit the Stax Museum which honors artists who created music that current artists are influenced by. 

This year, the Hattiloo Theater, known as the only freestanding Black repertory theater in five surrounding states, will open for its 15th season. 

Greenville, South Carolina

Although the U.S. has 35 Greenvilles, residents don’t want you to be confused. Greenville, South Carolina’s residents have so much pride and its home to the Blue Ridge Mountains. 

It is also home to the only BMW museum in North America and delicious homemade sourdough bread at Topsoil restaurant. 

Orlando, Florida

Orlando, the home of Walt Disney World, is amazing to visit no matter what age you are. There will be new attractions debuting in 2020 and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge just opened at Disney’s Hollywood Studios last month. 

Other than visiting this epic theme park, head to Sixty Vines, a wine bar offering over 60 wines on tap. 

Sun Valley, Idaho

Sun Valley is known as the first ski resort in the U.S. and has been open since 1936. The town is still known for skiing today with the addition of restaurants, hotels, art galleries, and music festivals. 

Indiana

Indiana Dunes National Park will be opening this year, making it the newest national park in the U.S. Travelers will be able to discover beaches and the sand dune mountain, Mount Baldy. 

If you’re traveling with young ones, check out the Children’s Museum. The Madam Walker Legacy Center is another great museum to visit and honors Madam C.J. Walker, the first female African-American millionaire. 

Martha’s Vineyard

Hop on a 30-minute ferry from Cape Cod, Massachusetts and you’ll be transported to the beautiful town of Martha’s Vineyard. A hot spot for celebs like Spike Lee and the Obamas, the town is filled with high-end boutiques, art galleries, and fresh seafood. 

Key West, Florida

With a nickname like “America’s Caribbean”, Key West is perfect for a laid back getaway. 

Embark on a 90-minute sail to the Great Florida Reef with FuryWatersports where you can snorkel and experience the third-largest coral barrier reef system on the planet. 

You can also take a tour of the first legal rum distillery in Key West which is located in a former Coca-Cola bottling plant. 

St. Louis, Missouri

Besides Nelly, the most known landmark is the 630-foot arch which can be spotted above the Mississippi River. 

Travelers should visit the recently renovated Gateway Arch National Park, which recently went under a $380,000,000 renovation. 

For bomb food, try Rooster, whose brunch will satisfy your tastebuds. Clementine’s Creamery has delicious handcrafted ice cream and you can even try some of their spiked flavors. 

U.S. Virgin Islands

Although the U.S. Virgin Islands were hit with hurricane Irma and Maria, they have made enormous strides to make a comeback. 

Head to the swim-up taco bar located off the coast of St. John or head to Navy Beach in St. Thomas. 

Scottsdale, Arizona

Scottsdale is the perfect location for art lovers with the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art and the free experience of ArtWalk being recently opened. 

For ultimate self-care, head to Royal Palms Resort and Spa which just opened an 11,000-square-foot spa. 

Redding and the Shasta Cascades, California

Redding and the Shasta Cascade region are located in Northern California and is commonly referred to as “California’s Last Frontier.”

While here, you can experience 50 waterfalls, lakes, rivers, mountains, six national forests, and active volcanoes. Best of all, the sites are either totally free or inexpensive. 

Denver, Colorado

In 2019, there were 32 million visitors to Denver. The city is known for its food truck culture, street art, and live music. 

It also is in close proximity to hiking trails and bike paths. 

If you’re a beer lover, there are hundreds of breweries and more pop up every day. 

Southern Utah

Zion National Park has recently celebrated 100 years of being open and is the gem of Southern Utah. Another great place to visit in this are is Bryce Canyon National Park, the second oldest national park in the state of Utah. 

Southern Utah is only a few hours away from Salt Lake City and is close to Las Vegas so you can travel to multiple places while vacationing here. 

Lake Tahoe, California

Lake Tahoe was the host of the 1960 Winter Olympics and known for its top of the line ski resorts and relaxed mountain culture. 

Lake Tahoe is perfect for those who love nature and also has luxury resorts, casinos, camping, fishing and golfing. 

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Milwaukee has been put on the map recently because of the 2020 Democratic National Convention and it’s placement on Airbnb’s top destination to visit in the world for 2020

Milwaukee is also home to Summerfest, the largest music festival in the world, Milwaukee Art Museum and Harley-Davidson Museum

McCall, Idaho

The state of Idaho has everything you can ask for: nature, adventure, and great beer. Located about an hour away from Boise, McCall has about 3,200 residents and is great for biking and zip-lining. 

Luckily, McCall isn’t a common area for tourists yet, so you can truly enjoy the authentic essence of this charming city while visiting in 2020. 

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia was one of only two locations in the U.S. picked for the National Geographic’s Best Trips of 2020 list. 

Philly is a great city for art, fashion, eateries, and history. 

Miami, Florida

Miami has been a hot spot for years but this year the Raleigh Gardens will be hosting an art experience by the beach, making it the largest-ever outdoor public show by artists Claude Lalanne and Francois-Xavier Lalanne (Les Lalanne). Admission is free and you’ll see over 40 sculptures and objects by the artistic duo. 

Another art space is El Espacio 23 which has thousands of paintings, sculptures, videos and photographs collected by billionaire Jorge Perez on his travels around the world. 

The Museum of Grafitti recently opened in the artsy area of Wynwood and it’s the first museum to honor the pioneers of graffiti. 

San Juan, Puerto Rico

2020 will be the continuation of the celebration of the 5000th anniversary of San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico. 

El Distrito will be opening this year and will offer a multi-sensory experience. Spoon Food Tours will offer travelers a foodie experience through Old San Juan or around the countryside on a party bus. 

Head to the Ron de Barrillito Visitor Center to sample the oldest rum in Puerto Rico. 

Plymouth, Massachusetts

There will be festivals and events this year to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower landing at the Plymouth.

You can tour the Plimoth Plantation and see a replica of the Mayflower, which brought the colonists to the U.S. in 1620.

Today’s Plymouth is filled with boutiques, restaurants, and views of the harbor where pilgrims once lived. 

Los Angeles, California

Known for the infamous Hollywood sign is the city of LA. 

Don’t sleep on the food scene in LA, 12 restaurants in West Hollywood were given Michelin awards in 2019. It is also home to Gilles @ Montage Beverly Hills, a restaurant opened by the youngest chef to receive a Michelin star. 

This year will mark the 50th anniversary of LA Pride, honoring the LGBTQ community. 

The Ozarks

The Ozarks are surprisingly becoming one of the fasting areas in the country for Americans to vacation. 

Silver Dollar City is a theme park which will be celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2020. 

Travelers can also visit the Aquarium at the Boardwalk, WonderWorks (science indoor amusement park) and Big Air Trampoline Park

This Florida ATM Is Giving Out Extra Cash To Bring In The New Year

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Nothing says a prosperous year like a little extra cash in your pocket.

A bank in Fort Myers, Florida has decided to bless customers today at a local ATM.

Throughout the day, customers who withdraw cash at the Sanibel Captiva Community Bank ATM (1533 Hendry Street, Unit 100 ) in downtown, may get lucky and get $50 bills instead of $20s.

The bank blesses people with the extra $30 each year as a way to celebrate their annual River District Alliance’s New Year’s Eve Downtown Countdown.

“In the past we’ve had such a great response with our $20s-for-$50s ATM swap, we thought why not do it again to give back to the community we love,” Amy McQuagge, Sanibel Captiva Community Bank vice president, told WFTX.

If you are in or near the area, it is definitely worth the drive. But, it’s only for New Year’s Eve.

Related: 7 Fascinating New Year’s Traditions From Around The World

Flight Deal: Cartagena, Colombia For As Low As $211 Round-Trip

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Recently, Colombia was chosen as the number one trending destination for tourism in 2020 in a ranking by the United States Tour Operators Association.

According to figures from Colombia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Tourism, more than 3 million travelers visited Colombia between January and October 2019, an estimated 2.7% increase from 2018.

One of Colombia’s main attractions is its capital city: Colombia.

Cartagena is a port city on the country’s Caribbean coast. Close to the sea is the famous walled Old Town, founded in the 16th century, which features cobblestone streets and colorful colonial buildings.

Among the many things to do, see, and eat in Colombia, you should pay a visit to the Getsemani neighborhood.

Here is where you will find some of Cartagena’s incredible street art, as well as plenty of boutique shops, cafes, restaurants, and cheap bars.

Another stop during your stay is, of course, the beach. It’s one of the main Cartagena tourist attractions. The easiest option is visiting the Bocagrande area of the city, although it’s not the most picture-friendly beaches.

For the best beach in close proximity, your best bet is to take a day-trip to Playa Blanca.

Right now, there are flight deals to Cartagena for as low as $211 round-trip. Here’s how to book:

From Miami

The cheapest flight leaves Miami on April 21 and returns April 28 in 2020. The flight on American Airlines is nonstop and can be purchased on Skyscanner for $211 round-trip.

From New York City

Flights from New York can be purchased for as low as $263 round-trip on Skyscanner. There is a layover in Fort Lauderdale on Spirit Airlines in mid-January and early February.

From Dallas

Flights from Dallas can be purchased from Dallas in late February for as low as $263, according to Skyscanner.

Donald Duck, Mickey & Minnie Mouse Are Being Groped & Physically Harassed By Disney World Patrons

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Disney World may be known as the happiest place on earth but for some employees, it’s pretty miserable. According to some of the costumed characters, happy-go-lucky patrons at the notorious theme park are grabbing employees that dress up as Mickey, Minnie, and Donald Duck.

A woman who plays Minnie says that while posing for a photo with an older couple, the husband touched her chest 3 times. The 36-year-old woman then filed a police report against the 61-year-old husband but decided not to press charges. 

After the police report, it surfaced that the man has a naughty history at Disney World. The day after groping Minnie, he set out and harassed another employee but this time at the Magic Kingdom. The man is now banned from all Disney theme parks.

However, he isn’t the only culprit. According to TMZ, “a woman who plays Mickey Mouse claims a woman patted her on the head 5 times, and apparently the shock caused her to endure neck strain.” The patron, on the other hand, says she hardly touched Mickey. 

The youngest victim, an 18-year-old who plays Donald Duck, says she was touched on the arms, belly, chest, and face by a female patron. 

A representative of Disney World says, “Everyone should feel safe at work, and we encourage Cast Members to come forward in any uncomfortable situations.”

Woman Fakes Sickness To Get A Bigger Seat On Flight Forcing Pilot To Make An Emergency Landing

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If you’ve ever thought about faking an illness to get a bigger seat on a flight, you may want to reconsider. 

On a recent American Eagle flight from Pensacola, Florida to Miami, a woman told staff that she was having trouble breathing. After the pilot became aware of the woman, he declared it an emergency and returned to the airport in Pensacola. 

“Once they got on the ground, she [the woman] made it clear that she was faking the medical condition to get a bigger seat,” recalls Mike Wood, Pensacola Police Department public information officer to NBC Miami. 

The flight returned to the Pensacola airport on November 29 around 6:30 a.m. and was grounded for over an hour because of the woman’s claimed difficulty to breathe. 

After landing, the woman refused to exit the aircraft, leading to the entire cabin being evacuated. 

A spokesperson for American Airlines, the parent company of American Eagle, released a statement saying, “All passengers deplaned normally at the gate through the main boarding door and onto the jet bridge. The passenger was subsequently removed by law enforcement and medical personnel, and the flight took off again at 7:41 a.m.”

The woman was detained by police under the Baker Act, “allowing officials to detain those suffering from mental illness who may pose a danger to themselves or others,” according to Travel + Leisure.

She has since been taken to a mental health facility and could be facing criminal charges.

Mother Names Her Daughter “Sky” After Giving Birth On American Airlines Jetway

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A mother on an American Airlines flight landed with an unexpectant carry-on. 

The day before Thanksgiving, on one of the busiest travel days of the year,  Nereida Araujo gave birth to a healthy baby girl after Flight 868 landed in Charlotte, North Carolina from Tampa, Florida.

Her unexpected arrival is what inspired the newborn’s name:  Lizyana Sky Taylor.

“Baby Sky decided to enter the world on a plane,” Araujo wrote on Facebook. “Mommy handled it well thanks to everybody who assisted us with love & care.”

Crystal Byrd, spokesperson for American Airlines told USA TODAY that the airline “requested medical personnel due to a passenger who needed assistance” upon landing in Charlotte.

Charlotte emergency crews arrived just in time to help with the delivery of Baby Sky at the Charlotte Douglass International Airport.

Araujo told local media that she was cleared to fly at 38 weeks pregnant by  American Airlines and her doctor. Her water broke towards the end of the flight.

“I was sleeping and I felt like a pop in my lower back,” Araujo told the outlet. “I just felt like liquid and I woke my husband up.”

And while airports are a rare place of birth,  it’s not uncommon. 

Earlier this year,  an expectant mother and her baby captured the hearts of millions on social media after Jet Blue confirmed the birth of a baby boy mid-flight from San Juan, Puerto Rico to Fort Lauderdale.   The baby was born on a plane named “Born To Be Blue,” USA Today reported.

And in 2017,  a mother on a Spirit Airlines flight gave birth on a plane from Fort Lauderdale to Dallas. Luckily for the parents,  Spirit Airlines gifted the newborn free flights for himself and a guest every year on his birthday for the rest of his life.

Escape Winter Without Leaving The Country In This Popular Destination

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Winter is coming and depending on where you live, you may already be feeling some of the effects. Whether it’s snowy days or gloomy skies, you’ll eventually want to escape and trade it for sun and sand for a few days.

Instead of venturing to an exotic island, why not take a trip down south? Yes, Florida is the perfect winter escape without having to leave the country.

The Clearwater Beach area brings almost everything your favorite Caribbean destination does and has consistently been voted as the beach in America. You can also get to several other cities, including Tampa, with just a short drive.

Photo by @brokeandabroadlife

If you’re looking for an amazing resort to kick back and relax, you’ll definitely find them here. From chains such as Wyndham and Hilton to more lesser-known places like the Opal Sands Resort.

The Opal Sands Resort offers some of the most beautiful rooms in the area complete with floor to ceiling windows, soaking tubs, and suites with a massive dining room table. There’s even free fresh baked cookies delivered daily.

For the foodies, the area is home to tons of restaurants that offer everything from inexpensive street food to fine dining. If you love a good Mexican spot, Marina Cantina mixes up some of the freshest margaritas you will find. You’ll definitely want to try the Strawberry Fields margarita (maestro dobel diamante, muddled fresh strawberries, mint, fresh lime juice, agave nectar), it’s the perfect nightcap.

Photo by @brokeandabroadlife

Looking for thrills and adventure? No problem!

Just across the water in St. Petersburg, there’s a super dope biking tour hosted by Florida CraftArt. The tour visits several of the area’s more than 500 murals and each one is perfect for a quick photo op. The biking tours are usually only offered on the first Saturday of the month so plan accordingly. Private tours can be arranged in advance.

Photo by @brokeandabroadlife

Finally, if you’re into water activities check out the Seascreamer Dolphin Tour. Clearwater is home to the largest pod of bottlenose dolphins and they can be seen swimming to the surface at just about any time of day.

If you need something more adrenaline pumping, there’s a water sport company near Sunset Pier 60. Whether you enjoy jet skis, banana boats, or parasailing, BouYah Watersports is your one-stop-shop.

This domestic destination has amazing food, beaches, dope street art, luxury resorts, and even dolphins. In other words, it’s time to pack your bags fam!

Related: How To Spend A Day In Black-Owned Tampa Florida

How To Spend A Day In Black-Owned Tampa, Florida

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Tampa, located along Florida’s Gulf Coast, is a mix of historic architecture and modern landmarks. The city is infused with Cuban and Spanish flavors, gorgeous views, and a vibrant scene of art and entertainment. If you are passing through, here is a great way to spend the day supporting the local black community.

Morning

Enjoy breakfast starting as early as 7:00 am at The Open Café. Here, you will find some of the best southern food in the city including grits, hash browns, omelets, and waffles. The prices are reasonable and the staff is like family.

RELATED: Did Your City Make 2019’s Most Fun Cities In America List?

Enjoy a morning salon visit at Virtuous Beauty Hair Studio where you can get styles from relaxers to weaves. Nestled in the heart of Tampa, Florida, Virtuous Beauty Hair Studio offers you a healthy hair experience in a professional and comfortable environment.

Afternoon

Lunch at the Jerk Hut is a must when visiting Tampa. Jerk Hut’s famous chicken is seasoned with a secret blend of exotic Jamaican herbs and spices and grilled with a hint of pimento smoke. Choose from their menu of wraps, salads, sandwiches, and more.

Photo via instagram.com/jerkhut

Find your Zen with a yoga class at Meeyogi. Myiesha “Mya” Cato is the founder and Executive Director of this collective that aims to promote acceptance and self-love. Enjoy a group class or book a private, one-on-one session.

RELATED: These Are The Best Cities For A Short Getaway, According To Hotwire

Evening

You can’t miss a visit to Mama’s Soul Food Restaurant when passing through Tampa. Very popular “secret recipes” have been passed down, collected and are prepared today as they have been for many years. Mama’s menu includes all of your favorites “prepared with love and seasoned with soul.”  

Photo via mamassoulfoodrestaurant.com

JetBlue Passenger Shouts That Plane Will ‘Crash,’ Forcing Emergency Landing

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Mechanical issues and bad weather ­–– these are just some of the reasons why pilots decide to make an emergency landing. Rarely is an emergency landing made due to an unruly passenger but that’s what happened on a JetBlue flight traveling from the Dominican Republic to New York City this past week.

The flight was forced to land at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport after a female passenger started shouting that the plane was going to “crash.”

A cellphone video taken from inside the plane, which was diverted during a flight from the Dominican Republic to New York City Tuesday night, showed a woman being escorted off by a Federal Air Marshal as she screamed about the plane crashing into the water even though the plane was already on the ground at the airport, as reported by WSVN in Miami.

“You don’t believe me! It’s gonna crash! You guys, believe me, it’s gonna crash! Look at your monitors! We’re in the water!” she screamed.

Flight crews take outbursts from passengers seriously and making an emergency landing in order to eject the disruptive passenger is standard procedure.

The woman on the JetBlue flight was allegedly triggered by something on the plane’s TV monitors.  She continued to scream about the plane being in the water even after it had landed in Florida, WSVN reported.

After landing in Fort Lauderdale, federal air marshals escorted her off the flight, the New York Post reported. She was later taken to a mental health evaluation. It is unclear what the results of the evaluation are.

This is not the first time JetBlue has responded to an unruly passenger.

A woman identified as Sabrina Rey Thomas was filmed yelling and attempting to jump over the JetBlue service counter at  Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport

 Screaming “Get me out of this f—d up place, you rapists!” Thomas said.

The California native was finally taken to Broward General Hospital under the state’s Baker Act, which allows involuntary institutionalization and examination of a person after the sheriff’s deputy wrote in his report that Thomas appeared to be delusional and mentally unstable.

8 Of The World’s Most Popular Beaches Could Disappear Due To Climate Crisis

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Beaches are some of the most popular destinations and with so much do on nature’s beauty, it’s easy to see why millions flock each year.

However, some of those beaches that people enjoy every year may not be here much longer due to climate change.

Here are how some of the world’s most famous beaches are imperiled by sea-level rise, as reported in CNN.

Waikiki Beach, Honolulu, Hawaii

When you think of beaches in Hawaii, naturally,  you think of Waikiki Beach. 

Sadly, the beach is at risk of sinking within the next 15 to 20 years, according to a 2017 Hawaii Climate Commission report.

State officials are taking action by an aggressive goal of generating 100% of its energy from renewable sources by 2045. 

South Beach, Miami

The impacts of climate change have been so severe in Miami that the city’s mayor dubbed it the “canary in the mineshaft” when it comes to the impacts of rising sea levels.

Officials are taking action to keep the most vulnerable areas dry by building sea walls, installing pumps and raising roads, but recent hurricanes combined with rising seas have eroded parts of South Beach, as reported in The Miami Herald.

With the latest storms,  the city has tried to replenish the sand lost from its beaches by dredging it up from offshore and are now exploring buying sand from the Bahamas and elsewhere to keep their beaches alive.

Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro

Copacabana welcomes millions of people each year to its sandy shores, but the iconic beach is vulnerable to the impacts of sea-level rise.

Recent storm surges have eroded stretches of the city’s beaches and sent sand onto surrounding streets, the Guardian reported.

Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia

Like many other urban beaches, Surfers Paradise is fighting erosion. As the sea levels rise, replacing lost sand will grow more costly for Australian officials. A 2012 analysis found that over the next century, beach nourishment could cost as much as $54 million per year.

Ocean City, Maryland

One of the busiest and most crowded beaches in the United States is Ocean City.

Ocean City’s beaches have typically been replenished every four years, but after a winter storm caused serious erosion in 2016, the city was forced to begin dredging and pumping sand on the beach ahead of schedule costing $12.7 million, as reported in WJZ 13.

Santa Monica, California

Like many of the beaches on this list, Los Angeles’ Santa Monica Beach is facing a problem with erosion.

To fight it, a pilot program run by the Bay Foundation is underway on a 3-acre stretch of the beach to cultivate native plants and dunes as a buffer against sea-level rise.

The goal is to make the beach more resilient by with a more than 60% chance that sea levels will rise more than three feet in the next 80 years, the long-term future of Santa Monica remains uncertain.

Barceloneta, Spain

Like all of Barcelona’s eight beaches, Barceloneta is a man-made creation.

In 2008 and 2010, a series of strong storms eroded large sections of several of Barcelona’s beaches, including Barceloneta. The city has repaired the beaches since but about half of the sand has been reclaimed by the sea.

With sea levels now expected to rise more than previously predicted, it will likely be difficult for Barcelona to maintain its status as a premier destination for beachgoers.

How To Spend 48 Hours In The Eco-Friendly Florida Keys

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Visiting the Florida Keys is like heading to your favorite Caribbean island without the need for a passport.

From the hot sun, beautiful beaches, and unforgettable sunset, The Keys are sure to charm its way into being your favorite semi-local location. Key West is the largest & most known island of the 1,700 archipelagoes that make up the Florida Keys but each island has so much to offer.

Sunrise at Grassy Flats

Not only do The Keys bring a unique vacation in your backyard vibe, but they’re also in a league of their own when it comes to sustainability and being eco-friendly. Here are ways you can have a fulfilling visit to Key West while knowing you’re doing your part to help the planet.

Day One

Morning

After landing at Key West International Airport, or driving in from Miami, check yourself into Grassy Flats Resort & Beach Club. If you are looking for Florida hotels on a sunny tropical beach with gorgeous oceanfront accommodations and a sustainably operated resort with amenities for any traveler, look no further. Grassy Flats has an amazing pool, free wifi, a private bar, Barrel & Bale, it’s own beach, and a vibe reminiscent of staying at a friend’s house in the Caribbean.

Grassy Flats Resort

After settling in, grab a quick breakfast at Midway Café and Coffee Bar and prepare for your ride out to your educational session with the Coral Restoration Foundation. Here you’ll engage with interactive exhibits that demonstrate the importance of global coral reefs and CRF’s initiatives and actions to restore coral reefs.

Following your lesson on whats going on with the coral reefs, you can head over to the Rainbow Reef Dive Center where you’ll embark on a one of a kind journey with CRF where you’ll get to snorkel, or dive if you’re certified, and get a first-hand look at the work they’ve done to rebuild and give new life to Florida’s coral reefs.

Key Largo

Afternoon

After working up that appetite, you’ll want to head over to have lunch at Snook’s Bayside Restaurant & Grand Tiki Bar where the lobster mac & cheese is absolutely AMAZING.

After lunch, drive down to Key West for a tour and cocktail-making session at Key West First Legal Rum Distillery with Paul Menta where you’ll learn the history of the mojito while learning to make it the authentic Cuban way. Paul and his wife Krystal are extremely educated and enthusiastic about their rums and will definitely have you side-eyeing mojitos made with syrup.

Evening

Now that you’ve gotten some liquid energy into your system, it’s time for the Mallory Glow Tour with Key West Hydrobikes! Hydrobiking is not only a great exercise but an amazing way to watch the sunset. No motors are used to they’re safe and great for both you and the sea life!

End your night with dinner and drinks at the beautiful First Flight Island Restaurant & Brewery. The menu has so many good looking entrees that you’ll probably want to order a bunch to share with the table.

Day Two

Morning

Start your day with breakfast at Sunset Grille. They have an amazing view and menu.

After breakfast, it’s time to get muddy.

Up the Keys Eco Tours’ “voluntourism” allows groups to experience the Keys’ marine environment for a day. The operator has teamed up with the nonprofit volunteer Conch Republic Marine Army and Big Pine Kayak Adventures for guided tours and a kayak excursion. The Conch Republic Marine Army will detail the brief history of how Hurricane Irma has devastated the Keys and take you along the shorelines where you’ll help collect and remove debris that has been wreaking incredible havoc on the environment and ecosystem. You’ll want to bring water shoes along for this one.

Afternoon

After doing your part to clean up the coast, head down to Turtle Kraals for lunch. Conch is one of the major food groups of The Keys and Turtle Kraals is a great place to get a taste of some good conch fritters.

Right outside of the restaurant are the boat decks where you will meet up with Honest Eco for a dolphin watch and snorkeling. There’s nothing like seeing dolphins in their natural habitat and they are no stranger to Key West. During the tour you can see entire groups of dolphins playing around, throwing food to birds or teaching babies how to hunt. Honest Eco is a hybrid electric boat which makes them friends to the dolphins and other wildlife.

After all of these activities, you’ll want to get back to your hotel to refresh, get some rest and just take in the day you’ve had.

Evening

To wind the day down you can stay at Grassy Flats to check out their bar, amenities or take a dip in the pool – or you can visit Florida Keys Brewing Co. and take part in a paint & sip while trying out a flight of craft beers. Florida Keys Brewing Co. has an incredible list of beers (I recommend their jalapeno mango beer!)

Not too far from the beergarden is Chef Michaels’ where the menu is to die for. All of their fish is fresh and local which is a great way to end your stay.

Flight Deal: Travel To Greece For $320 Round-Trip

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Located approximately 300 miles of Athens is the second-largest city in Greece: Thessaloniki. 

As a Greek port city on the  Thermaïkos Gulf,  Thessaloniki is a vibrant metropolitan city full of history, beauty, character, and charm.

The city boasts of archaeological sites that date back to the second and the third century, which means be prepared to take a step back in time during your visit.

The Ancient Forum, the Palace Complex of Galerius Maximianus, and The Triumphal Arch of Galerius should all be on your itinerary.

Even though Thessaloniki is mostly famous for its nightlife and sightseeing, there are few nice beaches to explore. Most locals go swimming to Halkidiki, as most beach resorts are about a one-hour drive away from Thessaloniki. 

Here’s how to book a flight to Thessaloniki, Greece for as low as $320 round-trip:

From New York

If you’re leaving from the New York City area, the best time to travel to is from Jan. 31 through Feb. 8.  Flights during this time are priced at $320 round-trip, according to Google Flights.

Because this flight option is through Scandinavian Airlines,  there’s a 15-hour layover in Stockholm. 

From Chicago

Those of you leaving the Chicago area will have the chance to escape the winter cold.  Scandinavian Airlines have flights to Thessaloniki, Greece for as low as $370 round-trip, according to Google Flights.

Use Jan. 31 through Feb. 8 as your travel dates.

Keep in mind when booking this flight, there’s a five-hour layover in Stockholm.

From Miami

Flights to Thessaloniki, Greece can be purchased in mid-January for just $419 round-trip, according to Skyscanner.

Just plug in Jan. 14 through Jan. 28 as your travel dates.

The only downside with this flight option is the number of layovers and transfers.  There are layovers in Lisbon, Paris, and Rome, according to Skyscanner.

Escape The Winter Chill In These Tropical Locations

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Winter is coming, and for many of us, that means snow, below-freezing temperatures, and the need for a tropical escape. Here are a few destinations to plan for when that inevitable chill is too much to handle.

Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

With temperature rarely dipping below 70 degrees, winter is a great time to explore the islands of Hawaii. Enjoy the beaches, whale watching and island life vibes in Kailua-Kona, or opt for a bit more adventure with a hiking trip to nearby Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary.

Hawaii | Braden Jarvis | Unsplash

RELATED: These 7 New Airline Routes Will Be Flying To The Caribbean This Winter

Pensacola Beach, Florida

You don’t have to travel too far for a bit of sunshine and warmth this winter. Pensacola Beach in Florida has moderate temperatures in the winter months and plenty of outdoor activities to help you thaw out from the freezing temperatures back home.

Pensacola, FL | Mason B | Unsplash

Punta Gorda, Belize

Head to the southern part of Belize for 85-degree weather and stunning beaches that you will have mostly all to yourself. This finishing village is the perfect tropical getaway where you can enjoy fishing trips, lazy beach days, and waterfalls in Rio Blanco National Park.

Los Cabos, Mexico

Los Cabos is a year-round destination for many tourists. Between December and April, you can expect to see gray whales and it’s also a great time to snorkel around the arch-shaped rock formation where the Sea of Cortes meets the Pacific Ocean.

Los Cabos, Mexico | Spencer Watson | Unsplash

RELATED: Southwest And Delta Airlines Are Having Huge Sales On Fall And Winter Travel

Aruba

With 80-degree temperatures and a location outside of the hurricane belt, Aruba is a reliable winter getaway that stays mostly dry during the season. Explore the boulders at Arikok National Park or simply sit on the beach and soak in the tropical rays.

Malibu, California

The endless summer makes its home in southern California with moderate temperatures well into the winter months. Expect plenty of sunshine and trips to the beach. Not to mention, you’ll have tons of options for entertainment just a short drive away in Los Angeles.

Malibu, CA | Jenna Day | Unsplash

Here’s What Thanksgiving Meals Look Like Around The Country

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Have you ever spent Thanksgiving at someone else’s house and been surprised by what was on the menu? Or disappointed by what wasn’t? Depending on your region and culture, Thanksgiving dinner could look very different. Here is a glimpse of what Thanksgiving could be serving up across the country.

RELATED: Find The Cheapest Holiday Flights With These Sites

Texas

Texas is home to the fried turkey. A notoriously dangerous way of cooking a turkey, Texas is also home to the worst turkey-frying accidents in the country. Deeply flavored turkey tamales are also a Tex Mex staple in many homes as well as cornbread dressing.

The South

You can expect to indulge in sweet potato pie in the south as well as several types of macaroni and cheese, okra, cornbread, sweet potatoes with marshmallow topping, and let’s not forget the collard greens.

Burcu Atalay Tankut | Getty Images

Kentucky

Kentucky Derby Pie is rooted in horse racing and is made from chocolate and walnuts for a decently-delicious dessert.

New England

Hasty Pudding is a simple dessert made with cornmeal, molasses, brown sugar, spices and a dollop of whipped cream or scoop of ice cream. You may also find creamed onions on a New England table, which consists of pearl onions and heavy cream. And when it comes to cranberry sauce, don’t expect the canned stuff. Homemade cranberry sauce, or relish, has its origins in the Northeast.

Funwithfood | Getty Images

Georgia

Pecan pie made from nuts, corn syrup, and butter is a southern staple that finds its roots in Georgia. With an abundance of peaches, you may also get your hands on some peach pie.

YinYang | Getty Images

Midwest

Green bean casserole is a dish made of canned cream of mushroom soup, fried onions, and green beans, and is most popular in the middle of the country. You may also get to try corn pudding in place of cornbread and cherry pie instead of pumpkin pie.

New Mexico and Arizona

In these Southwestern states, you can expect a dash of spice in just about everything you eat. A New Mexico Thanksgiving host will add chile to everything including gravy, stuffing, and turkey. Pumpkin empanadas may also make an appearance.

Southeast

Did you know that Florida’s state food is key lime pie? The dessert is made from the juice of Key limes (naturalized throughout the Florida Keys), egg yolks, and canned sweetened condensed milk and will most likely make an appearance on the Thanksgiving table.

The Southeast also celebrates its Cajun roots during the national holiday in the form of gumbo, crawfish, deviled eggs, and fried oysters. 

Lauri Patterson | Getty Images

Pacific Northwest

Expect to find an abundance of mushrooms in your Pacific Northwest Thanksgiving meal. Even in the gravy. Mushroom gravy is a staple along with turkey alternatives like venison and other hearty meats.

RELATED: Here Are The Best Days To Book Your 2019 Holiday Travel

Hawaii

Many Hawaiian Thanksgiving traditions are different than what you would see in the contiguous United States. Based on their location and culture, you will find Okinawan sweet potatoes that are purple in color. Don’t be surprised to also see fresh poke or sashimi on the table and a turkey that is smoked kalua-style, a traditional Hawaiian cooking method that utilizes an imu, a type of underground oven.

Prasit photo | Getty Images

Flight Deal: Paris For As Low As $261 Round-Trip

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Have you ever wondered what the experience is like in the city of love during the month of love?

With this latest flight deal, you may not have to wonder too much longer as round-trip flights to Paris can be purchased for as low as $261 round-trip.

Before we get to the deal, here’s what to know about Paris in February.

Weather In February

The weather in February is cold, and temperatures average anywhere from 35 to 46 degrees. Make sure you pack a good coat, warm sweaters, socks, hats, and gloves, and make sure you have an umbrella that’s handy.

Events In February

Spring and summer obviously is the time of year when there are a ton of events and festivals in Paris but Valentine’s Day in the French capital offers plenty to do. Attractions that are usually booked due to the busy tourism season are usually available and cheaper. You can take a cruise along the Seine River, Discover the secrets of the Marais, take a vintage tour around the city, and tour popular museums and attractions without the crowds.

Where to Stay In February

February is a great time to take advantage of low-season fares. If you plan well ahead and book your stay a few months in advance, you will be able to score good deals on trains, hotels, and attraction tickets.

Speaking of low-fares, here’s how to book a round-trip flight to Paris for as low as $261 round-trip.

From New York

Finnair has a flight to Paris from New York for $261 round-trip, according to Skyscanner. Use Feb. 17 through Feb. 27 as your travel dates.

The cheapest option requires a 25 hour-layover in Helinski, Finland. If seeing the Northern Lights in person is on your to-do list, we highly recommend this two-for-one flight deal. If you want a direct flight there and back, book the nonstop flight for $9 more.

Skyscanner Flight Deal: New York to Paris.

From Miami

Air Canada is coming through with the flight deals to Paris from Miami and those of you traveling can purchase a round-trip flight deal for $304, according to Skyscanner.

Flights booked on Air Canada this February will include layovers in Montreal and Toronto.

Use Feb. 11 through Feb. 19 as your travel dates for these low fares.

Skyscanner Flight Deal: Miami to Paris

From Los Angeles

There are a few mix-and-match deals to Paris from Los Angeles but you have to be quick and book this ASAP because seats are limited.

The cheapest option to Paris is on KLM and Air France airlines for $368 round-trip, according to Skyscanner. Use Feb. 17 through Feb. 27 as your travel dates. On the way to Paris, there is a 12-hour layover in Amsterdam.

Skyscanner Flight Deal: Los Angeles to Paris.

Now that you’re going to Paris, you should download our 7-Day Paris City Guide! It comes complete with an itinerary, restaurant suggestions, hotel recommendations, events, and so much more. Become a TN Plus member to access city guides for Paris and other popular travel destinations.