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Category: Travel Inspiration

Most Romantic Destinations for Couples

Posted on by ewilmw

There are some destinations where it is impossible not to be struck by Cupid’s arrow. Our surrounding environment can influence our behavior, mood and emotional connections. Most would agree being in close proximity to nature has a calming effect on the mind and body, allowing stronger bonding with your partner. But there are many other factors that can help romance to blossom, from sightseeing to sipping wine in atmospheric bars.

InsureMyTrip research teams set out to discover the most popular destinations for honeymoons and marriage proposals, according to social media. Then researchers evaluated whether these “romantic” destinations were worth the hype. InsureMyTrip compared this research with other data points to create a definitive list of the most romantic destinations for couples, just in time for Valentine’s Day!

1. The Most Romantic Destinations to Visit 2. The Most Romantic US Destinations to Visit 3. Key Findings 4. Methodology 5. Sources

The Most Romantic Destinations to Visit

Rank
Destination
Country
1
Paris
France
5.99
10
5.65
5.9
7.16
8.27
5.75
10
9.05
7.53
2
London
United Kingdom
2.7
8.84
4.52
6.31
6.32
6.53
8.4
0.62
9.52
5.97
3
Santorini
Greece
10
1.45
–
4.05
9
6.66
–
2.59
5.71
5.64
4
Barcelona
Spain
1.94
0.65
6.88
7.07
6.22
7.78
5.01
3.9
9.52
5.44
5
Ubud
Bali, Indonesia
8.42
2.1
–
8.56
7.57
3.18
–
6.31
1.43
5.37
6
Prague
Czech Republic
1.22
0.65
7.87
8.02
6.04
7.66
8.2
0.8
7.62
5.34
7
Montreal
Canada
0.18
0.8
6.48
7.07
7.82
6.27
8.8
0.57
10
5.33
8
Lisbon
Portugal
0.47
0.07
7.36
8.02
6.05
4.99
6.89
3.97
10
5.31
9
Edinburgh
Scotland
0.32
0.43
4.55
6.76
7.6
8.48
8.81
1.09
9.52
5.28
10
Vienna
Austria
0.74
0.43
6.4
6.8
6.18
7.42
9.07
0.96
9.52
5.28
11
Sydney
Australia
1.94
4.28
5.54
6.35
6.9
5.69
8.56
0.02
8.1
5.26
12
Dubrovnik
Croatia
0.81
0.07
–
8.2
8.16
5.71
6.13
6.09
6.19
5.17
13
Melbourne
Australia
0.97
1.81
5.99
6.53
5.89
7.75
9.06
0.02
8.1
5.12
14
Lima
Peru
0.59
3.7
8.68
9.73
6.82
6.92
4.81
0.06
4.29
5.07
15
Buenos Aires
Argentina
0.32
0.07
8.73
9.28
3.81
6.91
6.88
1.28
8.1
5.04
16
Bath
United Kingdom
0.16
0.43
–
6.58
8.82
3.35
7.89
3.48
9.52
5.03
17
Florence
Italy
0.95
0.29
4.95
7.39
8.14
6.14
6.86
3.81
6.67
5.02
18
Dublin
Ireland
0.29
0.29
4.95
7.25
5.83
7.57
7.94
1.95
9.05
5.01
19
Wellington
New Zealand
0.09
0
6.2
8.02
6.42
5.09
9.21
0.54
9.52
5.01
20
Bruges
Belgium
0.05
0.07
–
7.07
9.12
2.56
10
0.94
9.52
4.92
21
Charleston
United States
0.11
1.23
–
5.41
6.86
10
9.01
0.51
6.19
4.92
22
Kraków
Poland
0.09
0.65
8.48
8.78
7.52
7.8
5.6
0.53
4.76
4.91
23
Frankfurt
Germany
0.25
0.43
5.91
7.97
5.37
6.81
8.31
0.41
8.57
4.89
24
Rome
Italy
3.4
1.52
5.43
7.57
6.45
5.42
6.17
0.91
6.67
4.84
25
San Francisco
United States
1.42
3.91
3.77
4.59
4.32
8.09
7.4
3.63
6.19
4.81
26
Vancouver
Canada
0.63
2.54
5.5
6.98
2.75
4.54
9.23
1.13
10
4.81
27
San Sebastián
Spain
0.25
0
–
7.7
6.9
3.78
8.83
1.42
9.52
4.8
28
Madrid
Spain
0.95
0.87
6.88
3.87
6.59
6.36
7.36
0.64
9.52
4.78
29
Toronto
Canada
0.63
4.13
5.5
6.85
2.73
5.14
7.57
0.34
10
4.77
30
Budapest
Hungary
0.52
1.01
7.83
8.51
5.33
7.35
5.54
0.75
5.71
4.73
31
Berlin
Germany
0.47
0.72
6.87
7.25
5.98
3.35
8.79
0.41
8.57
4.71
32
Jaipur
India
0.25
0.8
10
10
4.92
0.53
6.14
0.25
9.52
4.71
33
Seoul
South Korea
0.86
0.51
7.43
8.2
4.81
4.1
6.31
0.38
9.52
4.68
34
Copenhagen
Denmark
0.09
0.14
3
5.99
4.68
6.93
8.94
2.7
9.52
4.67
35
Los Angeles
United States
1.96
5.14
5.3
4.5
4.5
8.69
5.16
0.21
6.19
4.63
36
Brussels
Belgium
0
0.07
4.95
7.48
5.66
5.5
7.28
0.98
9.52
4.6
37
Phuket
Thailand
4.53
0.87
9.01
6.35
3.83
5.76
4.7
0.19
6.19
4.6
38
Quebec City
Canada
0.07
0.65
–
7.52
5.04
5.13
7.44
0.39
10
4.53
39
Amsterdam
Netherlands
1.08
1.59
4.95
5.54
5.38
3.22
8.16
1.32
9.52
4.53
40
Stockholm
Sweden
0.09
0.29
3.89
6.8
5.6
3.93
9.28
0.73
10
4.51
41
Cape Town
South Africa
0.56
0.29
7.64
8.15
7.93
0
7.51
0.38
8.1
4.51
42
Rhodes
Greece
0.38
0
–
7.52
10
7.18
5.07
0.14
5.71
4.5
43
Singapore
Singapore
2.41
1.81
6.91
8.92
4.78
2.15
8.3
0.43
4.76
4.5
44
Helsinki
Finland
0.18
0
4.47
7.12
5.77
3.69
8.91
0.64
9.52
4.48
45
Athens
Greece
1.33
0.22
6.88
8.56
6.79
8.1
2.32
0.07
5.71
4.44
46
New York City
United States
0.88
2.39
3.77
5.54
4.7
8.39
7.21
0.85
6.19
4.43
47
San Diego
United States
0.45
2.61
5.51
5.5
4.83
5.98
8.21
0.24
6.19
4.39
48
Auckland
New Zealand
0.25
0.22
5.78
7.3
4.33
3.29
8.38
0.14
9.52
4.36
49
Kyoto
Japan
1.31
1.67
–
5.72
7.91
5.05
7.02
0.68
5.24
4.32
50
Miami
United States
2.55
5.87
5.08
1.85
5.17
4.38
6.74
0.6
6.19
4.27
51
Venice
Italy
2.88
0.29
–
6.98
6.1
5.51
4.6
0.92
6.67
4.24
52
Milan
Italy
1.6
0.87
4.95
6.44
5.7
3.54
4.83
1.71
6.67
4.03
53
Rio de Janeiro
Brazil
0.56
0.36
8.67
6.53
3.49
5.09
5.26
0.24
5.24
3.94
54
Reykjavík
Iceland
0.11
0.14
0
5.72
7.53
3.92
7.57
0.39
9.52
3.88
55
Hong Kong
Hong Kong
0.88
1.3
6.29
8.83
3.56
3.05
5.32
0.29
5.24
3.86
56
Cartagena
Colombia
0.61
0.14
–
7.7
5.23
6.22
1.41
0.21
8.57
3.76
57
Zürich
Switzerland
0.02
0.07
1.97
6.08
6.14
1.41
8.03
0.98
9.05
3.75
58
Beijing
China
0.05
0
8.26
8.78
5.52
1.25
4.2
0.02
5.24
3.7
59
Moscow
Russia
0.27
1.38
7.34
7.52
4.31
3.3
7.37
0.09
1.43
3.67
60
Dubai
UAE
2.82
2.1
6
4.64
6.14
4.54
5.74
0.04
0
3.56
61
Tokyo
Japan
2.12
1.52
6.54
4.73
4.31
0.21
6.23
0.24
5.24
3.46
62
Victoria
Seychelles
5.09
0.94
–
0
6.55
1.68
6.48
0
6.19
3.37
63
Casablanca
Morocco
0.18
0
8.75
8.65
4.88
3.31
1.86
0.13
1.43
3.24
64
Marrakesh
Morocco
0.05
0
–
7.48
8.07
2.25
4.75
0.41
1.43
3.05
65
Honolulu
United States
1.1
0.07
4.64
1.31
3.72
1.93
7.29
0.81
6.19
3.01
66
Cairo
Egypt
0.5
0.14
9.11
9.14
0
1.66
1.68
0.03
0.95
2.58
67
Punta Cana
Dominican Republic
2.77
0.43
–
5.72
2.18
4.2
0
0.01
1.9
2.15

A “-” score indicates that data could not be obtained for this destination

The Most Romantic US Destinations to Visit

Rank
Destination
Country
1
Charleston
United States
0.11
1.23
–
5.41
6.86
10
9.01
0.51
6.19
4.92
2
San Francisco
United States
1.42
3.91
3.77
4.59
4.32
8.09
7.4
3.63
6.19
4.81
3
Los Angeles
United States
1.96
5.14
5.3
4.5
4.5
8.69
5.16
0.21
6.19
4.63
4
New York City
United States
0.88
2.39
3.77
5.54
4.7
8.39
7.21
0.85
6.19
4.43
5
San Diego
United States
0.45
2.61
5.51
5.5
4.83
5.98
8.21
0.24
6.19
4.39
6
Miami
United States
2.55
5.87
5.08
1.85
5.17
4.38
6.74
0.6
6.19
4.27
7
Honolulu
United States
1.1
0.07
4.64
1.31
3.72
1.93
7.29
0.81
6.19
3.01

A “-” score indicates that data could not be obtained for this destination

Key Findings

No surprise here-research confirms Paris, France as the most romantic destination. For years now Paris has been known as “The City of Love,” and our research affirms this. Paris saw the highest amount of proposals and is home to the most romantic landmarks. However, Paris did not rate the highest for quality of wine bars, as this accolade goes to Charleston in the United States.

Charleston is the most romantic US destination and something of a hidden gem. The city may lack famous landmarks but the well-preserved architecture, distinguishable wine bars and quality of green spaces make it an ideal setting for couples.

Other interesting findings include: London is the second most romantic city, Santorini in Greece is the most popular for honeymoons (according to Instagram) and Ubud in Bali is the most romantic outside of Europe. If you are looking for a more budget-friendly option, Jaipur in India offers an affordable romantic destination after travel fees. Lisbon in Portugal is the most LGBTQ friendly destination.

Methodology

Each data point consists of the latest research available from reputable sources. The sources include eight destination specific data points and one country level data point. The data was standardized using minmax normalization. The minmax normalization value is multiplied by 10 to create a score (between 0-10). A score of 10 is always the best result, while a score of 0 is the worst. Each destination is then ranked on their overall rating across all romantic data points, to find which destination is the most romantic.

InsureMyTrip isolated each data point in addition to giving an overall category score. This will give couples an opportunity to target destinations for individual points (e.g. quality of wine bars, green space or price). Alternatively, the “Overall” category score gives a general view of which destinations will make you and your better half swoon.

Sources

Honeymoon Popularity

Popularity was assessed using the number of Instagram Posts for #honeymoon (sample of 54,190 posts).
https://www.instagram.com/

Proposal Popularity

Popularity was assessed using the number of Instagram Posts for #isaidyes & #proposal (sample of 22,328 posts).
https://www.instagram.com/

Price of a Three-course Meal

Survey data that measures the average price of a three-course meal for two in a mid-range restaurant.
https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/

Average Accommodation Price on Valentine’s Day

Price was recorded for two people on 14th February 2020.
https://www.airbnb.com/

Quality of Romantic Hotels

Average rating of “Romantic Hotels” according to the Booking.com
https://www.booking.com/

Quality of Wine Bars

According to the Google Maps API (sample of 60 maximum for each destination).
https://www.google.com/maps

Quality of Green Space and Parks

Survey data that measure the quality of greenery in each destination.
https://www.numbeo.com/pollution/

Quantity of Couple Landmarks

Number of Sights & Landmarks filtered by “Good for Couples” according to TripAdvisor. The total number for each destination was divided by the destination area size to give us per square mile data.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/

LGBTQ Friendliness

The Spartacus Gay Guide encompasses 14 data points to give an overall LGBTQ friendliness score. This is country level data.
https://spartacus.gayguide.travel/gaytravelindex-2019.pdf

Wave Season & Finding Cruise Deals

Posted on by ewilmw

What is Wave Season?

If you’ve been planning a cruise vacation, you may have heard the phrase “wave season.” Wave season refers to the time of the year when the cruise industry offers discounted rates. These deals make it the most popular time for cruisers to book their trips.

When is Wave Season?

While the dates are not exact, wave season typically runs from mid-January to mid-March each year. The types of offers and discounts will vary by destination and cruise line, but the majority of cruises are booked during this promotional period.

How Can Cruisers Get the Best Deals During Wave Season?

Now that you know what wave season is and when it occurs, you can leverage the promotional period to get the best deal on your cruise vacation. For example, if you’re considering booking a cruise for the coming year as a holiday gift, it may be better to wait a few weeks before booking until the wave season promotions begin to run.

Book an Off-Peak Cruise

If your departure dates are flexible, you may be able to save even more money by traveling during off-peak times. Off-peak season cruises are typically cheaper due to lower demand, so combining off-peak deals with wave season deals is a great way to spend less and get more. Research your cruise destination to find out when the peak seasons are.

Travel Agents & Package Deals

If you plan on booking your cruise through a travel agent, you may be able to combine deals for additional savings. Some travel agents have partnerships with specific cruise lines and in some cases can offer further incentives, like free upgrades, package deals, and specialty options.

Loyalty Programs

If you’re a frequent cruiser, consider becoming a loyalty member with your favorite cruise line for even more savings. Your membership may entitle you to exclusive offers or first dibs at special promotions. The savviest cruisers combine loyalty savings and exclusive offers with wave season deals for maximum discounts.

Discounts for Seniors

Senior citizens may qualify for additional discounts either directly through the cruise line or indirectly through a membership program. For example, AARP frequently runs deals that allow older travelers to save even more on their nautical vacations.

Depart from a Local Port

While not everyone lives close to a cruise port of call, those who do can save by choosing a local departure option. Doing so allows travelers to avoid having to book expensive flights or pay for long-term parking.

Research & Plan Ahead

Planning ahead gives cruisers the best chance at booking a high-quality cruise at the lowest possible price. Start with a budget and research your desired cruise line and destinations. Then watch for promotions during wave season to find an option that suits your needs and budget. Most importantly, be prepared to act fast and book at a moment’s notice. Some cruise deals only run for a limited time, so you’ll want to make sure you can book before it’s too late.

Purchase Travel Insurance When You Book

Once you have booked your perfect cruise at a great price, don’t forget to purchase cruise travel insurance. Cruises can be complex vacations with multiple legs, international destinations, and many costs paid up front. Unexpected illness or injury are top concerns of travelers. Many cruisers don’t know that their domestic medical insurance provider may not cover care they receive outside of their home country. Medical travel insurance coverage can offset these expenses. Depending on the plan, cruise travel insurance can also protect you for various other reasons including missed connections, lost baggage, cancellation due to severe weather, or an emergency evacuation from the sea. It is advisable to research your insurance options and purchase a policy through a third-party source that fits your specific travel needs.

Best U.S. States for Adventure Enthusiasts

Posted on by ewilmw

The USA is home to one of the most diverse landscapes in the world. As a result, it is no surprise that it is a popular destination for thrill seekers from all over the world. Rafting the Grand Canyon and rock climbing in Zion National Park are listed among the most popular bucket list items for adventure enthusiasts. In every state there is excitement to be had for adrenaline junkies of all levels, but which state offers the highest number of heart-pounding activities?

Key Findings

Every traveler’s bucket list is unique. Some may prioritize skydiving whereas others may prefer a rugged mountain biking adventure. For those who want options, we have found which states have the largest variety of adrenaline pumping opportunities across a range of activities for your vacation.

As you can see, California is the undisputed leader among adrenaline-fueled states. It has a diverse natural landscape with mountain ranges, deserts, valleys and everything in between. These diverse conditions make the state an ideal location for a variety of adventurous activities. According to sources, California has 8,197 mountain biking trails, the highest number in the United States. It also has the most skydiving drop zones with 29 locations. California is also the leader for climbing destinations, as 27crags states that there are over 195 climbing spots worth visiting in the Golden State. Even the residents of California have a reputation as adrenaline junkies, with some individuals aggressively campaigning to legalize one of the most dangerous activities of all, Base Jumping.

Looking elsewhere in the US, it was somewhat expected that one of the northern most states would top the ranking for snow sports, yet some may be surprised to learn that it is Michigan that has the most snow sport areas.

Colorado was another strong performer across a variety of activities, highlighted by over 60 commercially guided whitewater rafting companies, according to Google My Business.

Methodology

Each data point consists of the latest research available from reputable sources. The data was standardized using minmax normalization. The minmax normalization value is multiplied by 10 to create a score (between 0-10). A score of 10 is always the best result, while a score of 0 is the worst. Each state is then ranked on their overall average rating across all adrenaline activities, to find which state has the most adrenaline activities.

InsureMyTrip segregated each activity in addition to giving an overall category score. This will give enthusiasts within that specific extreme sport an opportunity to target the states for their favored activity. Alternatively, the “Overall” category gives adrenaline junkies an encompassing view of states that are the most appropriate for a variety of adrenaline activities.

Sources

Snow Sports

The total number of ski areas and resorts in each state
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_ski_areas_and_resorts_in_the_United_States

Mountain Biking

The total number of reported trails from biking enthusiasts in each state
https://www.trailforks.com/

Sky Diving

The number of dropzones in each state
https://www.dropzone.com/dropzones/united-states/

Paragliding & Hang Gliding

The number of Paragliding & Hang Gliding chapters in each state. A chapter is an organization licensed to conduct flying experiences with others
https://www.ushpa.org/page/chapters

White Water Rafting

The total number of commercially guided White Water Rafting opportunities in each state according to Google Maps API
https://www.google.com/maps

Climbing

The total number of reported safe crag sites to climb in each state
https://27crags.com/countries/united-states

Best Cities to Visit as a Senior

Posted on by ewilmw

Golden Getaways: Exploring Senior-Friendly Destinations

The golden years are some of the best to travel in, to be able to explore new places and discover new cultures. Whilst traveling is enjoyable at any age, not worrying about the stress of work and being able to travel with your grandchildren make some of the best vacations. Whether that be a trip of a lifetime touring the temples of Thailand or relaxing on the beaches of Greece.

Traveling can come with its own challenges, and at InsureMyTrip we’ve created an index that ranks 50 cities worldwide, considering what is important for senior travelers. An overall score for each city allows you to see what we believe is the best city for senior travelers. You can also see how cities rank for each category.

Rank City / Country Country Overall
1 Istanbul,Turkey Turkey 8.09
2 Athens,Greece Greece 8.03
3 Rome,Italy Italy 7.99
4 Bangkok,Thailand Thailand 7.92
=5 Tallinn,Estonia Estonia 7.68
=5 Vilnius,Lithuania Lithuania 7.68
=7 Prague,Czech Republic Czech Republic 7.61
=7 Riga,Latvia Latvia 7.61
9 Berlin,Germany Germany 7.53
10 Helsinki,Finland Finland 7.50

 

Best City for Senior Travelers

The best city for senior travelers is Istanbul Turkey, with an overall score of 8.09, the average quality of things to do at 4.63/5 stars, and the city has just 2,523 people per km². Boasting Mediterranean beaches and ancient cities Turkey is a great place to visit for travelers wanting a bit of everything.

In second place is the ancient city of Athens, Greece with an overall score of 8.03 and over 180 senior tours on offer and an average population age of 45 this city is great for people looking for a more adventurous vacation. In third place is another ancient city, this time the capital of Italy, Rome, with an overall score of 7.99, the average quality of things to do at 4.65/5 stars.

The remaining cities in our top ten are Bangkok, Thailand (7.92), Tallinn, Estonia and Vilnius, Lithuania (7.68), Prague, Czech Republic and Riga, Latvia (7.61), Berlin, Germany (7.53) and Helsinki, Finland (7.5).

Best Cities for Seniors: Tourism

For some tourism is the most important factor when booking a vacation, whether that be requiring a lot of tours to fill the days or highly rated attractions. Sneaking into first place for the best rated attractions is Vilnius, Lithuania with 4.66/5 stars. Boasting a mix of highly rated museums and gardens, Vilnius has a broad range of attractions to enjoy.

Our cities with the highest number of tours are Athens, Greece with 181, Colombo, Sri Lanka with 121 and Rome, Italy with 107. All these tours are designed for people over seventy and can be short one-day tours or up to a weeklong.

Best Cities for Seniors: Wellbeing

Sometimes things don’t always go to plan when traveling, and if medical care is required it’s important to be in a country with a good healthcare system. From the cities analyzed Seoul, South Korea has the highest score on the Numbeo Healthcare Index with a score of 83. We would recommend always purchasing travel health insurance to avoid any unexpected costs when traveling abroad.

Another important element of wellbeing is how peaceful a country is, feeling safe and wandering around is an important factor in picking a vacation. According to the Global Peace Index, New Zealand is the most peaceful country on our list, with a score of 1.27.

Best Cities for Seniors: Mobility

The elevation of a city can be preferable to those who don’t want to walk up steep hills, from our data the city with the least hills is Amsterdam, Netherlands. The city lies 6.6ft below sea level, some of the inclines in the city are the bridges over the extensive canal system.

Public transport is also an important factor for those with less mobility as, when spanning a whole city, it can be a great way to get from attraction to attraction. Of the cities analyzed the one with the highest number of public transport users is Zurich, Sweden whose network uses a mix of trams, buses, boats and trains.

Best Cities for Seniors: Demographics

It can be important when traveling to blend in with those around you, to be a similar age, and not feel too crowded in a small space. Tokyo, Japan has the highest average population age at 49, meaning that the city is more likely to be designed for older travelers. The least crowded city on our list is Bratislava, Slovakia with 1,297 people per km2, making it a less stressful environment to be in.

Methodology

Each data point consists of the latest research available from reputable sources. The data was standardized using minmax normalization. The minmax normalization value is multiplied by 10 to create a score (between 0-10). A score of 10 is always the best result, while a score of 0 is the worst. Each city is then ranked on their overall average rating across all data points which includes both city-level data and three country-level data point.

InsureMyTrip segmented factors into four categories (Tourism, Well-being, Mobility and Demographics). In addition, we’ve provided an “Overall Rating” for each location. The categories were organized in order of the most important and relevant factors while travelling as a senior. As some seniors may struggle more with mobility issues, this gives these seniors an opportunity to target cities that are solely appropriate for this criterion. On the other hand, seniors may be anxious about their health while traveling, hence “Well-being” gives these seniors an opportunity to solely target high performing cities in this category. Alternatively, the “Overall Rating” gives seniors an encompassing view of which cities are the most appropriate across all relevant factors.

Sources

Quality of Things To Do

The average review for the top things to do in each city
Google Travel

Choice of Senior Tours

The number of tours aimed at seniors in each city
Tour Radar

Healthcare

An estimation of the overall quality of the health care system
Health Care Index

Peacefulness

A measure of peacefulness using 23 indicators such as safety, crime, security and conflict
Global Peace Index

Ease of Walking

Uses the topography of a city
Topographic Map

Public Transport Index

The percentage of the population in each country who use public transport (user penetration rate)
Statista Public Transportation Index

Average Population Age

The average age in each country
World Data

Spaciousness

Population density per square kilometer
City Population

Best Places to See Fall Foliage

Posted on by ewilmw

Top Locations for Fall Colors

Ah, fall! For many Americans, it’s the most beautiful time of the year – especially if you live in rural areas populated by trees that, when conditions are right, ripen and burst into gorgeous shades of red, yellow and orange. Fleeting and often subject to a combination of unpredictable weather patterns, autumn’s annual show is truly a sight to behold. Soon, dedicated leaf-peepers will be taking to the roads to hunt down and drive (and walk) among one of nature’s most curious displays. But with only a limited number of days to choose from, where are the best places to see fall foliage?

First off, start with foliage reports or maps and be sure to gauge exactly where and when you’ll want to go; peak foliage times can vary for different locations. Assuming you can schedule your visit to the trees at just the right time, here are several of the best places to see fall foliage around the country. And while you’re there, add in some wine tastings, antique shopping and hiking – because soon enough, we’ll all be hibernating, just like the trees, as winter comes!

1. Lake Placid, New York

With the Adirondack Mountains in full color, the contrast of earth tones and the crisp clarity of the lake are not to be missed. Maples, aspen, oaks and beech trees are all part of the Olympic Trail scenic byway that runs for over 170 miles. Another idea: The Fall Foliage Train Tour, which runs on the Adirondack Scenic Railroad.

Fall Foliage at Adirondack Lake in New York

2. Aspen, Colorado

When your town is literally the name of a tree, that’s a good sign. The ski resort area of Aspen has a brief foliage season, but the sheer majesty of the golden tree-covered landscape makes it a must-see. Consider a drive through Maroon Bells, the peaks considered the “most photographed” in all of Colorado, just 10 miles west of Aspen.

Fall Colors in Aspen Colorado

3. Massachusetts

Few states come into their own in the fall months better than Massachusetts, home to the historical “witch” trials, rolling hills of the Berkshires, colonial towns like Sturbridge Village and over 130 craft breweries. Drivers can then hit the road and in the matter of one weekend leisurely cross the state to see all it offers – from western hills to Boston Harbor.

Leaf Peeping in Massachusetts

4. Bar Harbor, Maine

In 2018, Travel & Leisure plucked the far north tourist town of Bar Harbor, ME, as the top spot for fall colors. A lot of travelers have discovered this gem, experiencing the vibrant mid-October leaves. And when the sun sets for the day, you still won’t be disappointed with the Maine night sky – full of stars without city lights to distract you. Whether you adore quaint bed and breakfasts or adventuring through the trails of Acadia Park, you’ll fall in love with this fishing town.

Bar Harbor Maine Fall Foliage

5. Franklin, Tennessee

If you miss out on classic New England foliage, consider heading south; fall colors are available all the way into early November in Tennessee. Downtown Franklin is south of Nashville and provides a chance to stroll among the trees along a 16-block walk that’s part of the National Register of Historic places. Afterward, check out the Natchez Trace Parkway, which provides hundreds of miles of further chances to catch the beauty. Drivers can also take a ride through the Cherokee National Forest by way of the beautiful Cherohala Skyway.

Franklin Tennessee Autumn Foliage

6. Taos, New Mexico

While most think you have to visit the northern states to see the leaves change in autumn, locals to Taos, New Mexico know otherwise. Travel & Leisure recommends to drive the Enchanted Circle: an 83 mile route that connects the towns of Taos, Eagle Nest, Red River and Quanta. You can use an interactive foliage map to pick the right time to visit!

Taos New Mexico Autumn Leaves

7. Columbia River Gorge, Oregon

Oregon is notable for being scenic all times of the year, but in fall the big-leaf maples, cottonwoods, ash and twisted pines all come together for a marvelous show in the fall. Drive along the Columbia River, hike trails or kayak/raft down the river, while Mt. Hood rises over 11,000 feet to provide an even more beautiful backdrop.

Columbia River Gorge Fall Foliage in Multnomah Falls Oregon

Many foliage chasers hop in the car to get the most out of the autumn leaves. Consider packing up the car and taking a road trip through one or multiple locations. If you’re a fall lover, a relaxing ride in the car is the perfect way to take in the change of seasons. However, road trip insurance is a must, so you and your passengers stay protected against unexpected breakdowns and other surprises.

Best November Travel Destinations

Posted on by ewilmw

Top Vacation Spots for November Travel

November is a great time to explore the United States! While Thanksgiving weekend may be one of the busiest travel weekends, the rest of the month is considered far less hectic. So, why not plan a last-minute getaway? It’s a perfect way to prepare for the busy season ahead. Here’s some of our favorite destinations to visit this November, that will surely make you unwind.

Utah

Utah in November

Discover rock-art at Colorado Plateau or camp among the juniper at White Sands and climb the sand dunes. If you are a powder-hound, get a jump on the ski season with a visit to Park City. After the slopes, tour the countryside by horseback or mountain bike. Wind down fireside with some hot cocoa at Montage Deer Valley.

New York

New York in November

New York is the place to be in November for a full autumn experience. Manhattan is known for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, but Upstate is where you should start your fall adventures. Start at the Holiday Valley Beer and Wine Festival it has been running for over 15 years! Get a taste of the midwest with the Adirondack Stampede Rodeo. Then travel down to the City for the holiday celebrations at the end of the month.

Tennessee

Tennessee Smoky Mountains National Park in November

Grab your cowboy boots and head to the southland. Ride the tram through the gateway of the Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg. Chow down on some chili at the city’s annual cook-off before heading over to Ober Gatlinburg to snow tube down the Smokey Mountains. Then, get an early start on some holiday shopping at Jonesborough’s craft show. If you head west, make a music stop in Nashville and then swing through Memphis for a peek inside Elvis Presley’s home, Graceland.

Hawaii

Hawaii Coastline in November

It’s the perfect time to visit Hawaii as the weather is milder, and the snowbirds haven’t yet arrived! Go on a whale watch cruise to spot a humpback or hike it to get a rare glimpse of Kilauea volcano’s lava flow hit the ocean. After that, you may want to perk up with a visit to Hawaii’s oldest food event, the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival. Finally, after a long day touring the islands, kick back in your very own vacation rental home.

Virginia

Virginia Glade Creek Grist Mill in November

Virginia is all about National Parks, cider and oysters this month. So, why not raise a shell and hit the Oyster Trail, a 250-mile guide to the state’s oyster farms. Hard cider fans can also drink up at one of the many cider events underway. Before you leave, take a 2.6-mile hike along the Appalachian Trail to Harper’s Creek and cross the famous hand-build swinging bridge over the Tye River.

Maine

Maine in November

Pack a parka and hop in the car for a drive northeast to experience Maine’s coziest season. For stunning views, stop at the summit of Mt. Battie in Camden Hills State Park before hitting Freeport to shop at L.L. Bean. If you continue to Portland, board the ferry over to Peak’s Island. Better yet, head straight to Kennebunkport for a lobster roll at The Clam Shack.

Florida

Florida in November

While Walt Disney World tends to have fewer crowds and mild temperatures, there is far more to enjoy beyond Orlando’s theme parks. Explore the Space Coast, home to Cocoa Beach and Kennedy Space Center. If timed right, you might even catch the November rocket launch at Cape Canaveral. Hotel goers should find deals aplenty, which is why it’s on the list of best November travel destinations.

Colorado

Colorado Rocky Mountains in November

Craft beer lovers will enjoy hop-and-malt heaven with beer festivals around the state. But if that doesn’t get you jazzed, grab some binoculars and hit the road for wildlife sightings instead. Elk can be spotted this time of year, bugling around in Rocky Mountain National Forest. For the last hints of autumn color before winter moves in, make the drive from Denver to Aspen. It certainly won’t disappoint travelers looking for the best vacation spots in November.

Best Summer Vacation Playlists According to Spotify

Posted on by ewilmw

Creating the Ultimate Vacation Playlists

Traveling is increasingly diverse, we are spoilt for choice with vacation options. Every vacation, however, needs a playlist of songs to enhance our mood and capture our unique experiences. To cater for all needs we decided to compile a variety of playlists using data analysis techniques.

Using Spotify Playlist Miner the InsureMyTrip Research Team has found the most popular songs for: road trip playlists, surf playlists, beach playlists and sailing playlists. Spotify is the largest streaming platform in the world, with more than 100 million free subscribers actively listening each month. Use these links to jump to a playlist:

 

Data-Driven Curation

We were intrigued to find out exactly what links a song so specific to a travel activity. Therefore, we decided to analyze the common factors across each playlist, indicating what is necessary for an anthem in each category. We have looked at the valence, acousticness, and energy of each playlist as analyzed by Spotify’s algorithm.

Valence describes the musical positivity conveyed by a song. Songs with high valence sound more positive (e.g. happy, cheerful, euphoric), conversely songs with a low valence sound more negative (e.g. sad, depressed, angry). Acousticness detects whether a song has been electrically amplified. High scores in acousticness indicate there is little to no electrical interference while low scores indicate a song has been produced with electrical equipment. Finally, energy is a measure of song intensity and activity. Energetic songs are fast, loud and noisy.

We took an average of all songs in each playlist to give us an overall score in each category.

Road Trip Playlist

Spotify Road Trip Playlist

From ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ to ‘I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)’ no one can be disappointed with this list of karaoke gems.

To make a road trip classic just ensure positive energy and catchy lyrics!

For the top two tracks, no introduction is needed. 15.3% of playlists selected Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Sweet Home Alabama. Eagles’s Hotel California comes in at second with 9.8%. Finally, evidence to show these are the go-to crowd pleasers.

Surfing Playlist

Best Surf Music Playlist

Born in the sixties, made in the noughties. Thanks to Jack Johnson and co. surf music has reached new acoustic heights. But the emergence of reggae is expanding the culture’s horizon.

10.1% of playlists selected ex-surfer Jack Johnson with his simple but relaxing song ‘Better Together’. The next most popular was reggae band Sublime with Santeria receiving appearances in 8.2% in all playlists.

Beach Playlist

Best Beach Music Playlist

Beach vacations are the preferred option by most of us across the globe. Whether you are into topping up the tan, making sandcastles or keeping cool in the ocean, a good beach playlist will always make you want to keep hanging out in the heat.

When creating your next beach playlist be sure to include songs with a high valence and energy to ensure a carefree atmosphere!

8.3% of playlists selected Zac Brown Band’s Knee Deep (feat. Jimmy Buffet). Zac Brown Band’s country tracks are obviously very common with beach goers, they have also taken the second spot with Toes. It must be the southern twinge with hints of Caribbean rock.

Sailing Playlist

Best Sailing Songs Playlist

Sailing and music are the perfect pairing. The wind, water and rocking motion begs for one final addition. Music.

Old school rock is the way to go, just make sure it’s not too heavy and ruins everyone’s soothing sail!

23.8% of playlists selected Christopher Cross’s Sailing. Rod Stewart lags significantly with 9.7% but remains popular. Why? The clue is in their title.

Travel to the Most Haunted Places in the U.S.

Posted on by ewilmw

America is home to many haunted places. Gruesome historic incidents at many homes, hotels, and other buildings have left their impression on these locations. Visitors frequently report seeing apparitions and experiencing other paranormal phenomena. Whether or not you believe travelers really see ghosts when they visit these haunted locations, their histories are enough to give anyone chills. Read more about the history and haunting of these famous places in the U.S.

The Whaley House

The Whaley House is also called the “Most Haunted House in the U.S.” It is located in San Diego, California and was built by Thomas Whaley in 1857 partially on top of an old cemetery. As soon as the Whaley family moved into the house, they believed it was haunted due to the sound of heavy footsteps that they heard in their home. James “Yankee Jim” Robinson had been hanged on the property, and the Whaley family thought it was his ghost they heard walking throughout the residence. The house is now said to be haunted by members of the Whaley family as well as the original ghosts.

History of the Whaley Family and House – Details the history of the home and the stories of those who died there.

Winchester Mystery House

The Winchester Mystery House is located in San Jose, California. The estate was owned by Sarah and William Winchester. Construction began in 1884 and was guided by Sarah Winchester. She requested constant construction and new building on the home. Sarah believed that her home and family’s fortune were haunted and thought the constant new additions to the house would keep the ghosts from inhabiting it. Many additions to the home seem nonsensical in construction, such as stairways and doors that lead to nowhere. Sarah thought these would confuse the ghosts. Today, it is believed that these ghosts still haunt the house, including Sarah herself.

Winchester Mystery House – About Sarah Winchester’s home, construction, and haunting.

The White House

One of the most recognized houses in the United States is also thought to be haunted by numerous ghosts. Abigail Adams, the wife of second president, John Adams, has supposedly been seen in the East room of the house where she used to hang the laundry to dry. Abraham Lincoln’s wife claimed to have heard the ghost of Andrew Jackson while residing in the house. Harry Truman also wrote about seeing Jackson’s ghost. Abraham Lincoln’s ghost is the most frequently reported sighting. Eleanor Roosevelt and Winston Churchill have both reported seeing his ghost.

Ghost Stories Haunt the White House – Multiple residents of the White House claim to have heard and seen ghostly inhabitants.

The Forgotten Ghosts of the White House – A brief overview of the less famous ghosts that linger through the President’s home.

Villisca Axe Murder House

The Villisca Axe Murders took place in 1912 in Villisca, Iowa in the Moore family’s residence. Two guests staying in the house as well as the other six members of the family were found dead early in June. All died from axe wounds to the head. The crime was never solved even though there were several suspects. The dead family now haunts the home. It is said that most of the paranormal activity occurs at 2 a.m. – the time when a train drives through Villisca. The sound of the train causes a repeat of the murder night’s events; it has been assumed the murderer or murderers used the sound of the train to cover up their activity.

Axe Murder House – Paranormal investigations of the Axe Murder House.

The Sultan’s Palace

Also known as the Gardette-LePrete Mansion, this house was the scene of a gruesome mass murder. It is located in the French Quarter of New Orleans and was owned by Jean Baptiste LaPrete as a vacation home. LaPrete used the home as a rental property and found a renter from Turkey known as “the Sultan.” Soon after the Sultan rented out the home, a passerby noticed blood dripping down the stairs in front of the house. All the occupants had been murdered and the Sultan’s body was buried in the backyard.

The Sultan’s Ghost – All about the murders at the Gardette-LePrete Mansion and its current ghostly inhabitants.

Jacob’s Well

Texas is hot, but the cold water of Jacob’s Well has lured victims to its depth for centuries. Take the daring dive from a nearby ledge, but aim carefully. The opening to this well is only a mere measure of yards and plunges you to depths over 100 feet. Jacob’s Well has claimed the life of more than one explorer, but are you bold enough to venture below the surface?

Jacob’s Well – History and visitor information for the unique artesian spring.

Marshall House

Savanah may be the most haunted city in America. The whole area is rich in history, war, and rebuilding. The Marshall House was used as a hospital during the Civil War, and then again as a place of refuge and treatment during two yellow fever outbreaks. There are horror movies with the same plot! You can imagine how October would be a busy time for the hotel, but you just may find yourself in luck. The scariest part may be the rates, which are spine-tinglingly affordable.

Marshall House – History, directions, and tour information.

More Haunted Places & Spooky Vacation Ideas

Get out there and have a frightfully good time! Halloween only comes once a year, so pick one of these spooky vacations to celebrate.

Spring Festivals Around the World

Posted on by ewilmw

If you’ve got Spring fever, it might be nice to usher in the warmer weather by watching the ice melt and looking for the first signs of blooming flowers here at home. However, if you’ve got Spring fever and a bit of Wanderlust, you could always step out a bit and try greeting springtime in another culture. These unusual rituals around the world seem like an interesting way to say goodbye to Winter.

Cooper’s Hill Cheese Rolling

Since the fifteenth century, people have been gathering at Cooper’s Hill in Gloucestershire, UK to roll a 9-pound wheel of cheese down the hill. As the wheel of double Gloucester cheese descends, the idea is to chase after it – though with the cheese itself reaching up to 70 miles per hour, the likelihood of actually catching it is relatively small. The first person across the finish line wins the cheese and, as tradition holds, then performs a shirtless victory ascent to return the cheese to its hilltop throne.

Heahta Marjjabeivviid (The Festival of Saint Mary)

The Festival of Saint Mary in Finland is a weeklong event, featuring many religious, cultural, and artistic programs. Of particular note, however, are the reindeer competitions, in which top Sami athletes showcase their traditional hunting and herding skills. Reindeer lassoing and reindeer racing – done on skis behind the animals – are popular events during Heahta Marjjabeivviid, bringing a new meaning to the term “reindeer games.”

Combat des Reines

Valais, Switzerland is home to this centuries-old festival, in which cows compete with one another for…bovine dominance? All joking aside, the cow fights are taken quite seriously by all concerned, particularly farmers, who can earn lucrative prizes and income for breeding and showing top cows. The fights don’t generally produce any injuries (either to spectators or to the cows) and may end up in nothing more spectacular than the two combatants giving up to graze.

Oddest Ice Cream Flavors Around the World

Posted on by ewilmw

Sometimes, it’s fun to think about all the different cuisines and delicacies that may await travelers in different destinations. Ice cream is such a popular treat that we couldn’t resist looking up some of the well-loved flavors in other countries. Our research led us to some unusual ice cream flavors that may (or may not!) be worth the trip.

Garlic Clove Ice Cream

Unsurprisingly, at the rather famous Gilroy Garlic Festival, they’ve made garlic into just about anything you can think of – including ice cream. Fans line up each year for a cone, and those who have tasted it swear that it’s not as, uh, pungent as you might imagine.

Spaghetti & Cheese Ice Cream

Heladeria Coromoto ice cream shop in Merida, Venezuela makes a habit of mixing up unusual flavors. It’s rumored that, while they sell only about 100 flavors each day, they’ve offered as many as 900. Once you reach that number, you realize that at some point, spaghetti and cheese must be just about the only thing left you haven’t done.

Lobster Ice Cream

Where else but New England? Ben and Bill’s ice cream shops have been much hailed for their lobster ice cream. Their description sheds a bit of light on the flavor: Butter ice cream, mixed with chunks of lobster meat. If you can’t get to them at one of their locations in Massachusetts or Maine, they do ship the stuff…

Parakeet Flavor

Don’t worry: Apparently, no parakeets were harmed in the making of this ice cream flavor. Nor cockatoos. Nor any other species of pet bird, though the Japanese café that created the flavors has several bird-inspired varieties. The descriptions provided by Torimi café are impressive if confusing; they claim that the ice creams variously conjure up the images of pressing a pet bird to your mouth, falling asleep and having a bird stick its foot in your mouth, or eating ice cream while smelling your pet bird. Yeeeeahhhhh.

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