The Royal Family Is Vacationing on This Exclusive Caribbean Island

Getty Images

Prince William and Kate Middleton, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, are officially on summer vacation.

Instead of hanging out in the backyard pool, they’ve instead taken the whole family to one of the most beautiful islands in the world.

The royal couple, along with their three children Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, are vacationing on the Caribbean island of Mustique.

Mark Cuthbert/Getty Images

The island, located in the St. Vincent and the Grenadine island collection, is a royal favorite. People reported it was once used by Princess Margaret in the 1970s as an oasis away from prying eyes while she had marriage troubles. After spending time on the island the private island’s owner gifted her with 10 acres all her own. The royals have been flocking to it for a private retreat ever since.

According to The Sun, the royal family will celebrate Prince George’s sixth birthday on the island.

It’s unlikely fans will be able to catch a glimpse of the family on the island, even in photos. This is a private visit, and the island has its own police force who are more than happy to protect some of their favorite visitors.

“It’s about as close as they can come to without going to total wilderness as they did on their honeymoon when they went to an island in the middle of nowhere,” a royal source told The Sun. “To go to a place with two bars and a few other people, and not feel totally isolated Mustique is perfect.”

The Car Dashcam with More Than 7,000 Reviews Is Currently 55% Off Right Now on Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Whether you consider yourself a great driver or not, a car dash cam is a handy gadget to have installed in your vehicle — especially if you have any upcoming road trips planned this summer. Not only will these high-tech devices come in handy if you get into an accident, but they can also be useful if your car is broken into. 

Luckily, if you’ve been wanting to give one a try, you can score a best-selling option on Amazon, the Rexing V1 Car Dash Cam, for a whopping 55 percent off today, thanks to Prime Day. The compact camera weighs less than one pound and can be discreetly mounted to your windshield, but don’t let its small size fool you. This high-tech device packs a serious punch. 

Along with full HD recording capabilities, the camera boasts a 170-degree ultra-wide lens and a loop recording feature so you’ll never miss a minute of action. The camera is built to support micro SD memory cards that can hold up to 256 GB in memory size, and it even has an accident auto-detection feature that ensures important video footage is protected after a collision. 

Because the dash cam features a 24-hour parking monitor, it will automatically start recording if it picks up any strong vibrations, and it boasts GPS software so that you can keep track of your speed, location, and more. With details like this, it comes as no surprise that it’s so popular on Amazon — over 7,000 customers giving it an impressive 4.3-star rating. 

Like most high-tech devices, the top-rated product falls on the pricier side, retailing for $130 a piece, but for today only you can snag it for a mere $59. That’s right, you can score the beloved car dash cam for more than $70 off right now! But you’ll have to act fast — the deal is only good for six more hours, at time of writing. 

Courtesy of Amazon

To buy: amazon.com, $59 (originally $130)

This Top-rated Home Security System Is on Super-sale Today for Prime Day

Courtesy of Amazon

Summer is already in full swing, but chances are you probably have a few more weekend getaways and summer vacations on the horizon. The last thing you want to do while traveling is worry about what’s going on at home — especially while you’re sipping a cocktail by the pool. Which is why a home security system is an important item to have in place for peace of mind while you’re on the road. 

If you’re in the market for a new home security system, Amazon shoppers seem to have found their ideal option in this Blink XT2 Smart Security Camera System. The best-selling system comes with three cameras that can be used both indoors and outdoors. Each camera boasts two-way audio so you can speak to visitors through your smartphone, HD night vision capabilities, and a customizable motion detection sensor that will send you alerts to your phone. 

Related: The Best Home Security Camera Systems to Protect Your Place While You're Away

The system’s cameras are completely wireless and come with a two-year battery life guarantee, and they are designed to withstand the elements so you can hang them anywhere you like. Plus, they are synced with Alexa, which means you can view live streams and arm or disarm the cameras through any Alexa device — talk about added convenience! 

We’re not the only ones impressed with the home security system either. More than 1,000 Amazon customers have given it their seal of approval and a 3.5-star rating to boot. The best part? The top-rated security system is currently majorly marked down for Amazon Prime Day. 

Normally priced at $250, the three-camera kit can be yours for just $160 — that’s a whopping $90 savings. The deal is only good for another 16 hours, at time of writing, so you’ll have to act fast if you want to score this popular home security system at such a steep discount. 

Courtesy of Amazon

To buy: amazon.com, $160 (originally $250)

Why Jacques Cousteau's Grandson Always Packs Truffle Salt on His Action-packed Trips

Courtesy of The Travel Channel

Philippe Cousteau, the grandson of the famed conservationist Jacques, shares his grandfather's passion for adventure. With his wife, journalist Ashlan Cousteau, Philippe has traversed the globe, exploring the jungle of Sumatra, the underwater caves of Dominica, and other exotic destinations. Here, the intrepid couple highlight their favorite gear for action-packed trips. 

Photo Equipment Case

Courtesy of Pelican Products, Inc.

Philippe Cousteau: “My Sony camera and underwater photography gear are precious to me. So whenever I go on a dive trip, I pack everything in my watertight 1535 Air Carry-On Case by Pelican. Their products are bomb-proof.”

Hiking Sneakers

Courtesy of The North Face

Ashlan Cousteau: “North Face Ultra Fastpack III sneakers are lightweight, breathable, and good-looking enough to be worn at the airport. And thanks to their sturdy Gore-Tex uppers, they can also endure long hiking trips through the jungle.”

Water Purifier

Courtesy of GRAYL

AC: “Grayl purifiers were created by a group of globetrotters who didn’t want to stock up on plastic water bottles everywhere they went. The purifiers work like a French press, forcing water through a carbon filter and ridding it of 99 percent of viruses and bacteria. They’re great for camping trips and in destinations—the airport included—where the drinking water doesn’t quite taste right.”

Vest

Courtesy of Dubarry of Ireland

AC: “I discovered Dubarry, an Irish equestrian brand, while traveling in Dublin. Their clothing is rugged but also chic. I’m a big fan of their waxed-cotton Oranmore vest.”

Sturdy-Chic Luggage

Courtesy of The RealReal

AC: “Not a lot of people know this, but I’m told Louis Vuitton was the first travel-expedition brand. Their leather goods had compartments for whiskey beakers and champagne flutes and basically functioned as traveling bars. Sadly, I don’t own one of those, but my vintage weekender, which I bought from the luxury consignment company the RealReal eight years ago, evokes the romance of that bygone era. It lived a life before me, and I hope to give it to my daughter when she’s older.”

Ginger Candy

Courtesy of Ginger People Group

AC: “Nothing calms an upset stomach like Gin-Gins ginger chews. I’ll bring them with me if I know I’ll be on a rocky boat
or in an airplane.”

Truffle Salt

Courtesy of Hepp's Salt Co.

PC: “Napoleon supposedly said that an army marches on its stomach, and I’d argue that expeditions do, too. From the jungles of Sumatra to the Arctic Circle, I have found that a little culinary treat like truffle salt can make all the difference.

A Hurricane Might Hit Louisiana This Weekend — Here's What to Know If You’re Traveling

Storm system Barry began impacting the deep south on Thursday morning, with heavy rains in Louisiana. The state is predicted to receive up to 20 inches of rain in the coming days.

For now, the National Weather Service [NWS] is calling it “Potential Tropical Cyclone Two.” It is expected to officially become a tropical storm by Thursday evening, and potentially develop into Hurricane Barry by Saturday, when it makes landfall.

A hurricane watch is in effect for the Louisiana Coast. More than 4 million people are under flash flood watch from south-central Louisiana to the western Florida panhandle.

“This is going to be a Louisiana event with coastal flooding and heavy rainfall potentially impacting every part of the state,” Gov. John Bel Edwards said, declaring a state of emergency. “No one should take this storm lightly. As we know all too well in Louisiana, low intensity does not necessarily mean low impact.”

NEW: NOAA's GOES16 shows a "sandwich loop" -- a combination of visible and infrared imagery -- of Potential Tropical Cyclone this morning. predicts it will become a Tropical Depression later today.

Courtesy of NOAA

The storm is relatively slow-moving, which means it could linger with relentless rain in Louisiana.

Already, New Orleans received 10 inches of rain on Wednesday, with widespread street flooding.

Telemachus Street in New Orleans is flooded after flash floods struck the area early on July 10, 2019

SETH HERALD/Getty Images

Travelers heading to the southeast this weekend should check with their airlines regarding flight status.

JetBlue will waive change fees for flights to and from Louisiana booked through Saturday, July 13. Travel must be rebooked by July 20.

Alaska Airlines is waiving change fees for flights booked for July 11 and 12 to or from Houston and New Orleans. New travel must be rebooked before July 16.

United passengers with travel booked to the southeast from July 11 through 14 can rebook for flights through July 21. The waiver affects flights to and from Alexandria, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Monroe, New Orleans and Shreveport, Louisiana; Mobile, Alabama; Jackson and Gulfport, Mississippi; and Ft. Walton Beach, Panama City and Pensacola Florida.

'Rare' Golden Bird Turns Out to Be a Seagull Covered in Curry

SplashNews.com

In a world where everything is serious all the time it’s important to take a break now and then to laugh at things that are truly ridiculous. And that’s where this “curry seagull” comes in.

Last week, the wonderful folks at Tiggywinkles Animal Hospital (real name) in the United Kingdom posted an image of a stunning golden bird to their Facebook page. According to the group, the bird was spotted and found on the side of the road as it couldn’t fly away. Though upon first sight the bird appeared to be a rare species, or perhaps an entirely new one altogether. But nope, it wasn’t. Instead, it was a common seagull who somehow found itself covered in yellow curry.

"This is one of the strangest casualty circumstances we have seen in a while,” the organization exclaimed in a Facebook post.

“This bright-orange herring gull was rescued by kind members of the public who spotted him at the side of the A41,” the organization explained. “When they called to say they had picked up an orange bird, we had no idea what to expect – and would never have guessed at this!”

According to the post, the bird got into curry or turmeric, which completely saturated his feathers and prevented him from flying properly.

“We have no idea how he got into this predicament but thankfully, apart from the vibrant color and pungent smell, he was healthy,” the team said.

The veterinarians, it noted, “bravely” bathed the bird and gave him the name “Vinny” after the vindaloo curry he was likely covered in. They then dried him off and are looking after him before planning to release him back into the wild in the coming days.

SplashNews.com

“Huge thanks to the lovely finders who stopped to rescue him,” it added. Hopefully, Vinny makes better food choices for himself in the future. At the very least, he should start carrying a napkin.

You Can Still Legally Travel to Cuba — Here's How

Colorful buildings in Old Havana.

Patrik Bergström/Getty Images

Cuba has something for everyone. The island is known for cigars, beaches, and classic cars — but it's also home to a burgeoning culinary scene, excellent mountain climbing and scuba diving, and world-class music and dancing.

Americans began to get a taste of this diversity under President Obama, whose administration relaxed restrictions on travel to Cuba. The island swelled with yankees, and the tourism uptick earned Cuba the title of Travel + Leisure Destination of the Year in 2015. But recent Trump administration policies — like a ban on cruise ships and the elimination of the group people-to-people visa category — have created some confusion about whether it’s okay for Americans to visit. 

Lines at José Martí International Airport in Havana.

Matthew Micah Wright/Lonely Planet Images/Getty Images

Still, the largest island in the Caribbean remains open for business. You just have to plan your travel strategically. 

Twelve visa categories remain for legal travel to Cuba, ranging from family visits and religious activities to journalistic activity and humanitarian projects. For most travelers, the best fit is the “Support for the Cuban People” category, which requires that travelers engage in a “full-time schedule” of activities that “enhance contact with the Cuban people, support civil society in Cuba, or promote the Cuban people's independence from Cuban authorities.”  

While “full-time schedule” is not defined, and specific permitted activities are not indicated, the U.S. Treasury has explicitly stated that “travel to Cuba for tourist activities” is not permitted — and that a “traveler’s schedule of activities must not include free time or recreation in excess.” While this means that an all-inclusive beach resort vacation isn’t in the cards any time soon, it’s probably not going to get in the way of your next trip.

Current U.S. policy prohibits Americans from spending money at establishments — hotels, tour agencies, marinas, stores — owned by the Cuban military. (Find a complete list of prohibited entities here.) Note that, though all hotels in Cuba are at least partially owned by the Cuban government, not all of them are owned by the Cuban military. Unfortunately, some of the nicest properties, such as the Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski and the Iberostar Grand Packard, are on the no-go list. Airbnb can make it easier to find privately-run homes, but be aware that using the platform for Cuba travel can involve some hiccups.

The best way to adhere to the new restrictions, which are admittedly vague, is staying at privately run guest houses (casas particulares), eating in privately-owned restaurants (paladares), and ensuring that your money goes directly into the hands of local Cubans through activities like walking tours, bike rides, and cooking or dance classes. In recent years, the travel industry has shifted in this direction anyway — so many tour operators, including my own, EscapingNY, are able to continue bringing Americans to Cuba with minimal to no itinerary changes.

A beach in Varadero, in western Cuba.

Ingolf Pompe/LOOK-foto/Getty Images

Planning your own legal trip to Cuba is possible, but solo travelers should read all U.S. State Department and Treasury documents carefully or hire a professional travel agency to plan their itinerary. Travelers are required to keep a record of their itinerary for five years, during which time the U.S. government reserves the right to audit (and fine) them. Many tour operators keep copies of travel records on behalf of their clients and could provide them in the event of an audit.

I’ve explored every province in Cuba, both before and after these recent restrictions, while leading group tours and doing research for my forthcoming guidebook, Cuba by Bike. Cuba is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, and the Cuban people are kind, generous, and welcoming. This erosion to traveler freedom will surely discourage some Americans from visiting the island — which is not only their loss, but a blow to many in Cuba, where wages in state jobs hover around $25 per month but travel guides and inkeepers can earn several hundred dollars in a single day. Luckily, the "Support for the Cuban People" visa can help you put your money into the hands of those who need it.

AncestryDNA’s Best-selling Kit Is 50% Off for Amazon’s Prime Day

Courtesy of AncestryDNA

In addition to Amazon’s Prime Day deals on luggage and bags, electronics and devices, and all sorts of travel gear, now is one of the best times to snag a DNA kit for super cheap. 

For a limited time, Prime members (or anyone who registers for a 30-day free trial) can save a ton of money on AncestryDNA’s best-selling Genetic Testing Ethnicity kit on Amazon, which is currently 50 percent off in honor of Prime Day. The $49 DNA test, which usually goes for almost $100, is an affordable way to discover your ancestral roots and family history. It’s also a special gift for friends and family who are interested in learning more about their genealogy.

Courtesy of Amazon

To buy: amazon.com, $49 (Originally $99)

Each kit comes with a saliva collector, which users fill and then send back to the company for testing. After six to eight weeks at their laboratory, participants receive a breakdown of their ethnicity along with information about their family’s migration around the globe. Users also gain access to AncestryDNA’s digital platform to connect with relatives and explore the database containing over 20 billion historical records.

The DNA test, which is one of the most affordable options on the market right now, also makes a thoughtful present for friends or family hoping to learn more about their lineage. Since each box comes with everything they need to get tested and access their results, the kit can easily be gifted and used whenever the recipient chooses.

Related: The Best-selling Travel Wallet on Everyone's Amazon Wish List

And for just a bit more, shoppers can opt for AncestryDNA’s Genetic Testing Ethnicity + Traits set, which includes all of the above and details 18 personal traits specific to your DNA, like your hair strand thickness and even your innate aversion to cilantro. This kit is also on sale for Prime Day and marked down for $69 — that’s 60 percent off its usual $119 price tag.

No matter what you discover, you’re bound to get some new and exciting getaway inspiration. Just think of it as the ultimate guide for that once-in-a-lifetime world trip you’ve always wanted to take.

To buy: amazon.com, $69 (Originally $119).

Dwyane Wade Can't Give You Packing Tips (His Stylist Does It for Him) — but He Can Give You the Ultimate Carry-on Bag

Courtesy of Away

Though three-time NBA champion Dwyane Wade is best known for his incredible basketball career, he has also become known for his impeccable style (having his beautiful wife Gabrielle Union on his side doesn't hurt either). So it makes sense that the Miami Heat guard, best-selling author, and entrepreneur — he has designed ensembles for Dsquared2, invested in STANCE socks, and in addition to endorsements with Amazon and Gatorade has his own production company — has now moved into the travel space for a collaboration with popular luggage brand Away.

In June, Wade debuted a matte black version of Away's aluminum suitcases as sleek and sophisticated as his style, and the second installment of the collaboration launches today. It includes a two-tone blue suitcase and several smart accessories for ambitious travelers everywhere – from PVC packing cubes to a sleek, pebbled leather Dopp kit. After all a man this busy is bound to be on the go a lot, but that doesn't mean style has to be sacrificed.

Between collaborating with Chance the Rapper and considering the purchase of his own NBA team, Wade chatted with Travel + Leisure about his travel style.

Travel + Leisure: What’s the one thing you cannot travel without?

DW: "My iPhone."

What’s your favorite carry-on bag?

"Funny you should ask... It’s my Away x Dwyane Wade Aluminum Matte Black Bigger Carry On"

You are a very stylish guy. Do you have an airplane uniform?

"A sweat suit since I opt for comfort when traveling. I prefer hooded sweatshirts so I can cover my face when sleeping. But let’s be clear here, they are still stylish sweat suits."

What do you always order to eat/drink on a plane?

"Water, it is important to hydrate, especially as an athlete."

What would you never eat on a plane?

"Sloppy Joes."

Is there a certain pair of shoes you always pack?

"My WOW Essence Lifestyle sneaker, which are multi-purpose."

Do you try to keep up with your workout regimen when you are traveling so much or do you give yourself a break?

"I take a short break when the season is over then go back to it. I love to eat so working out has to be part of my diet."

What’s your packing philosophy?

"I don't pack. My stylist does and she gives me a lot of options. I like options! Next year I am going to try to only use a carry-on when traveling."

What’s the best vacation you’ve ever taken?

"This is such a hard question, because I go on some amazing trips with amazing people. If I had to pick the best I would say Italy with Gab and my son Zion. You want to give your kids the world and that starts by showing them the world."

What’s the best hotel you’ve ever stayed at?

"The Peninsula Paris."

What’s the one place that surprised you?

"China. No matter how many times you go you can always find something new."

What’s the one place you’ve never been to, but you’ve always wanted to visit?

"It’s a toss-up between Thailand and Fiji."

Away x Dwyane Wade Suitcase

Courtesy of Away

To buy: awaytravel.com, from $225

Away x Dwyane Wade Dopp Kit

Courtesy of Away

To buy: awaytravel.com, $150

Away x Dwyane Wade Duffel Pack

Courtesy of Away

To buy: awaytravel.com, $350

Away x Dwyane Wade Packing Cubes

Courtesy of Away

To buy: awaytravel.com, from $25

17 Things to Do in Jacksonville, Florida

Courtesy of Visit Jacksonville

Every year, millions of travelers flock to Florida in search of the perfect vacation spot. And while cities like Miami and Orlando may be two of the most popular destinations, the Sunshine State is home to plenty of underrated hotspots — Jacksonville included. 

Related: Seven Secret Beaches for a Non-crowded Florida Getaway

This sprawling, populous city is best known as a major business hub. But there's a vast array of fun things to do in Jax —as the locals colloquially call it — and a surprising amount of history packed into the streets of this southern metropolis.

Where is Jacksonville, Florida?

Jacksonville is the largest city in the state of Florida, extending to 840 square miles and encompassing everything from residential neighborhoods to bustling beaches. It sits at the mouth of St. John’s River (a prominent seaport). You can catch direct flights to JAX (Jacksonville International Airport) or drive from a nearby city. Gainesville, Florida is an hour and a half away by car, while Savannah, Georgia, is just a two hour drive. Travelers arriving by car from Orlando and Tallahassee can do the trip in approximately two and a half hours. 

Jacksonville’s Top Attractions

Beaches and the arts may be two of Jacksonville's most prominent attractions. Travelers can spend warm, sunny days lounging by the ocean, before retreating to one of the city's premier art institutions or artisan markets.

Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens

Responsible for some of the finest art collections in the Southeast, the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens has various pieces of world-class art dating back to 2100 B.C., as well as a constantly-evolving array of special exhibits. Its historic gardens sit on 2.5 acres of land and feature 20th century style gardens, with gorgeous fountains and sculptures. (There's even an oak tree that is one of the oldest of its kind in Jacksonville.)

Courtesy of Visit Jacksonville

Riverside Arts Market

Every Saturday, rain or shine, thousands of visitors flock to the Riverside Arts Market, where local artisans sell their art, jewelry, and other goods. With the riverfront amphitheater located nearby, you’ll be able to hear live music as you stroll through this shopping mecca. For those who are looking to put away their wallets and break a sweat, morning yoga is offered on the stage at 9 a.m.

Courtesy of One Ocean Resort and Spa

Best Beaches in Jacksonville

Mickler’s Landing

A local favorite, Mickler’s Landing was the first public beach in Ponte Vedra. Follow the four-lane road as it narrows to two on your journey to this coquina-sand beach, reminiscent of Bermuda. Walk toward the shoreline, you’ll see that the beach is littered with an unquantifiable number of shells — and it’s not uncommon to find ancient shark teeth scattered among them. Many come here for beach combing, surfing, fishing, and spectacular sunsets.

Atlantic Beach

Many experts believe  this beach was the site of the first year-round Native American settlement in North America. Today, visitors will find pristine shoreline, surfable waves, and superb golfing just a stone's throw away.

Jacksonville Beach

If you’re looking for a beach that offers more than just a pretty view, you’ll want to visit the urban Jacksonville Beach. Sure, it has an attractive coast and popular fishing pier (not to mention some of the best waves you’ll find in Florida for surfing), but many visitors come here to experience the juxtaposition of city and sea. You’ll find a boardwalk that boasts excellent restaurants, shops, and places to stay, and if you feel like hopping in your car, Neptune Beach is just a short drive north.

Courtesy of Visit Jacksonville

Major Events and Festivals in Jacksonville

No matter what time of year you plan a trip to Jacksonville, travelers will find a dizzying number of events and festivals on offer. 

Mandarin Art Festival

Every Easter weekend since 1968, the Mandarin Art Festival has attracted visitors to Jacksonville. Now, it's the longest running event in northeast Florida. While many come back each year to see their favorite local artists, a popular feature of this festival is the Children’s Art Show, where a handful of work from students in public and private elementary and middle schools are displayed and judged in various categories.

Great Atlantic Festival

Mixing two of Southerners' favorite things — seafood and music — this oceanfront festival kicks off every spring at the Seawalk Pavilion in Jacksonville Beach. There’s no purchase necessary to attend, and you can enjoy live music from several different genres, fresh seafood, and rides and games for those who need to keep a younger audience occupied. And if you think this is a small celebration, think again: festival-goers enter by the thousands to party.

Fireworks in Jacksonville

Every Fourth of July, Jacksonville celebrates with an impressive fireworks show in several different locations. Head downtown to the St. John’s River for fireworks and live music performances, and watch the sky light up above the Friendship Fountain, which shoots water upwards of 100 feet. If you feel like honoring Independence Day surfside, pack up your beach chairs and head to Jacksonville Beach, where fireworks are deployed from the Jacksonville Beach Fishing Pier.

Courtesy of Visit Jacksonville

Shopping in Jacksonville

Leave room for shopping on your Jacksonville vacation. The city has no shortage of upscale designer storefronts and independent boutiques.   

St. John’s Town Center

This outdoor, upscale open-air mall opened in 2005 and now has 150 stores, all with recognizable names. Shoppers come here for luxury. Whether you’re simply enjoying the attractive palm tree-lined streets, or you’re stocking up on Louis Vuitton-branded swag, you’ll find that this mammoth shopping square is a pleasant place to spend an afternoon (or two).

Five Points

Unlike St. John's Town Center, historic Five Points focuses on one-of-a-kind boutiques and boasts beautiful, historic architecture.

Best Restaurants in Jacksonville

If you’re looking for places to eat in Jacksonville, you’ll have so many choices that you can easily feel overwhelmed. There is a place to eat for every craving, whether that’s the fresh catch of the day or something to satisfy your sweet tooth. Jacksonville’s culinary culture is thriving.

Most Romantic Restaurant: Restaurant Orsay

Restaurant Orsay will make you forget the humid Florida climate and transport you straight to France. This restaurant is the brainchild of restaurateur Jonathan Insetta, and features seasonal French fare, creative cocktails, and a lovely ambience.

Cheap Eats: Southern Roots

Spent your last dollar shopping? Hit up Southern Roots, a cozy counter-service spot that offers delicious breakfast and lunch fare, with an emphasis on organic and vegan foods.

Best Breakfast: Maple Street Biscuit Company

Before you start your day, head to Maple Street Biscuit Company, a trendy breakfast restaurant that has three locations in Jacksonville. Just don't come here if you’re looking for something healthy: the menu here is focused entirely on biscuits.

Best Dessert: Cinottis

A fifth-generation family-run bakery, Cinottis may look like every other bakery you’ve encountered — but it is much, much more. Don’t leave Jacksonville until you try one of their homemade donuts or cookies.

Courtesy of Visit Jacksonville

Best Bars in Jacksonville

After sitting out in the sun for hours on end, nothing feels more refreshing than an icy cold glass in your hand. Happily, Jacksonville has numerous bars — some of which are right along the beach.

Surfer the Bar

What once was the iconic concert venue, Freebird, is now Surfer the Bar, the first of its kind on U.S. mainland. A full craft cocktail menu, an outdoor tiki bar, and a fully refurbished 1962 Airstream trailer that acts as the bar’s permanent food truck are just a few of the draws.

The Shim-Sham Room

Divided into three unique areas (an upscale vintage lounge, a main bar, and an outside patio bar) The Shim-Sham Room will make you want to don the favorite outfit you packed, order a cocktail, and make friends with every local you meet.

Lynch’s

Lynch’s is your quintessential Irish pub with a twist: there's quirky decor, and live entertainment happens almost nightly here. But fret not, it’s still an Irish bar, which means there are up to 50 beers on tap and a vast array of beer flights, so you won’t run out of choices.

Where to Stay in Jacksonville

The beauty of staying at most Jacksonville hotels is their proximity to the ocean. You’ll find that beachfront properties dot the coast of the Atlantic and, from the luxury hotels to the affordable hotels, your room will almost always come with a view.

Boutique Hotels in Jacksonville 

One Ocean is a boutique hotel that offers luxurious suites, panoramic ocean views, and top-of-the-line service. Enjoy a day of pampering at the hotel’s spa, or feast on coastal cuisine at Azurea Restaurant, their on-site eatery. When you’re ready to feel the sand between your toes, you’re just minutes away from the Jacksonville and Ponte Vedra beaches.

Pet-friendly and a quick walk from restaurants, shops and activities, Hotel Indigo’s Jacksonville Deerwood Park hotel is in a prime location for travelers, in the neighborhood of Tapestry Park. Though the beach is a bit further of a drive, your stay here is very much worth your while.

Luxury Hotels in Jacksonville

Nestled midway between Jacksonville and St. Augustine, The Lodge & Club sits right on the beach, and has a distinctive Old World aesthetic and charming suites. With 10 acres of seaside property and access to miles of Atlantic beaches, you can choose to do as much or as little as you please here. Rent a bicycle cruiser, go paddleboarding, or enjoy one of the resort’s two restaurants.

Vacation Rentals in Jacksonville 

Another great way to find a place to stay in Jacksonville is by searching on websites like Airbnb, VRBO, and HomeAway. Staying at a Jacksonville vacation rental is a great way to feel like a local.

The World's Youngest Queen Will Be Your New Favorite Royal

Triston Yeo/Getty Images

There’s a new queen in town, and no we aren’t talking about Kate Middleton.

While the rest of the world was busy paying attention to the comings and goings of the British royal family in 2011, the Kingdom of Bhutan named a new queen: Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck. And frankly, she’s just as worthy of your admiration (if not more so). Keep scrolling to learn more about your new royal obsession.

She’s the Youngest Living Queen on Earth

At age 27, Queen Jetsun is the youngest reigning queen in the world. She gained her title in 2011 when she married Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, otherwise known as Bhutan's “Dragon King.” At the time she was just 21 years old. Of his wife, the king told reporters: “I have been waiting for quite some time to get married. But it doesn’t matter when you get married as long as it is to the right person. I am certain I am married to the right person.”

She Has Her Own Royal Roots

According to the Washington Post, Queen Jetsun’s paternal great-grandfather was lord of the eastern province of Tashigang. Meanwhile her maternal grandfather was the half-brother of the wife of Bhutan’s second king. The King, her now husband, also dated Pema’s cousin while studying at Oxford.

She’s an Avid Art Lover

Queen Jetsun is reportedly “passionate about fine arts and painting.” She first learned to love art while studying at a private boarding school in India. There, she studied English, history, economics, geography, and painting, according to her official biography. She then went on to study Psychology and Art History at Regent’s University in London.

She’s a Style Icon

Sure, Middleton’s clothing may sell out in minutes, but Queen Jetsun is no slouch in the wardrobe department either. The stunning royal is often seen sporting the bright, colorful, and traditional clothing of her country, with just a touch of modern style. While traveling, her biography noted, she will often switch into Western-style outfits.

Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images

She’s a Mom

On February, 5 2016 the royal pair welcomed their first child, a son named His Royal HIghness Gyalsey Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck. On the day of his birth, the country planted 108,000 tree saplings. Dasho Karma Raydi, a volunteer who assisted in planting the trees, told BBC: "We are now nurturing the plants as if we are nurturing the little prince.”

She Cares Deeply About Her Causes

As her Facebook page noted, Her Majesty is the Royal Patron of several organizations that work with conservation, environment, and advocacy for persons with disabilities. Beyond her work with nonprofits the Queen also supports cottage-based entrepreneurs and rural economic projects. So truly, she’s a queen of the people.

How This 23-year-old Saves $800 a Month for Luxury Vacations

Courtesy of Bridie Wilkins

We get it, traveling is expensive. From the flights to the hotels, spa treatments, dinners, cocktails, and tourist activities, vacations can cause a serious drain on your finances. But for some of us, traveling is simply a necessity worth sacrificing for.

Take, for example, 23-year-old Bridie Wilkins. The fashion blogger from London recently revealed to the Daily Mail that she skimps on just about everything in her life, including on food and daily transportation, just so she can afford to travel the world in style.

“I don’t think twice about restricting my diet to things such as canned fish — if you love something as much as I do traveling, the sacrifices you make don’t even cross your mind,” Wilkins said. “Travel has changed everything. I absolutely love seeing new parts of the world. It has made me into a more well-rounded person.”

Wilkins shared that she’s been able to save nearly $800 a month with her cost-savings plan, which she then spends on luxury resorts around the globe. In fact, according to the Daily Mail, Wilkins has already checked into resorts in 19 countries around the world. She will soon add Copenhagen, Los Angeles, and Mexico to her growing travel list.

“I'm a lot more confident,” Wilkins said. “I've flown alone multiple times and I'm only 23, while I've also been on a week's trip alone.”

Courtesy of Bridie Wilkins

Wilkins said her favorite destinations include the Anantara Uluwatu hotel in Bali, Velassaru island in the Maldives, and the Grand Hotel Angiolieri near Sorrento, Italy. Additionally, Wilkins said Le Quattro Dame suites in Rome and the Radisson Blu Le Metropolitan in Paris were her favorite urban destinations.

Courtesy of Bridie Wilkins

“I've also got a new zest for life — I'm so excited to see what else is out there,” Wilkins said. “When I'm not traveling or working, I spend most of, if not all, of my waking hours researching where else to go. The world is a beautiful place.”

Courtesy of Bridie Wilkins

Moreover, Wilkins uploads photos to her growing Instagram account, which will undoubtedly inspire us all to swap out a few decadent meals a week for tinned tuna so we too can travel in style. As she said on her site: “You don't have to save for months — if you really want something, you can make it happen.”

For more tips and tricks to budgeting for travel, check out Travel + Leisure’s guide here.

Basic Italian Words and Phrases for Your Trip to Italy

Andrea Wyner

As a traveler with Italian roots, I’m admittedly a little biased. But there is something special about the Italian language. Whether it’s a casual conversation, a heated argument, or an artfully-composed aria, everything just sounds better in Italian.

That being said, it can be daunting to blurt out a butchered Italian phrase when the locals around you are stringing gorgeous words together as effortlessly as a pastaio folds up perfect tortellini or a gondoliere glides through a Venice canal.

Related: How you can get a castle in Italy for free

But if you’re traveling to Italy, you really should try to learn a few words before you go. While you’ll find plenty of English speakers in any of Italy’s major cities, most Italians will appreciate you trying their language — you may even be surprised how many new friends it makes you as you mingle at aperitivo or linger in a bustling piazza.

OK, pronto? Ready? Here are a few basic words and phrases to get you started. (All phrases are formal unless noted.)

Basic Italian words

Hello: Ciao (informal); Salve (formal)

Goodbye: Ciao (informal); Arrivederci (formal)

Good morning: Buongiorno

Good evening: Buonasera

Goodnight: Buonanotte (use this when you’re going to bed)

Please: Per favore; per piacere

Thank you: Grazie

Thanks so much: Grazie mille

You’re welcome: Prego; Di niente

Beautiful: Bello (masculine); Bella (feminine)

Good: Buono (masculine); Buona (feminine)

Friend: Amico (masculine); Amica (feminine)

Family: Famiglia

Well: Bene

Bad: Male

Yes: Sì

No: No

Who?: Chi?

What?: Che?; Cosa?

Where?: Dove?

When?: Quando?

Why?: Perché?

How much?: Quanto?

Common Italian phrases

I love you: Ti amo (romantic); Ti voglio bene (family, friends)

How are you?: Come sta?

How’s it going?: Come va?

I miss you: Mi manchi

I don’t know: Non lo so

All’s well: Tutto bene

I’m sorry: Mi dispiace

What is your name?: Come si chiama? 

My name is…: Mi chiamo...

OK: Va bene

Excuse me: Mi scusi 

Excuse me (passing through a crowd): Permesso

LightRocket/Getty Images

Useful Italian words for travelers

Airport: Aeroporto

Train station: Stazione ferroviaria

Train: Treno

Bus: Autobus

Stop (bus, train): Fermata

Car: Macchina; Auto

Luggage: Bagagli

Ticket: Biglietto

Check: Conto

Beach: Spiaggia

Restaurant: Ristorante

Bathroom: Bagno

Store: Negozio

Hotel: Albergo

Food: Cibo

Drink: Bibita

Breakfast: Colazione

Lunch: Pranzo

Dinner: Cena

Snack: Spuntino

Appetizer: Antipasto

Wine: Vino

Beer: Birra

Street: Strada; Via

Hospital: Ospedale

Help: Aiuto

Police: Polizia

Phone: Telefono

Bank: Banca

ATM: Bancomat

Left: Sinistra

Right: Destra

Straight: Diritto

Useful Italian sayings for travelers

Where is the bathroom?: Dov’è il bagno?

Do you speak English?: Parla Inglese?

I don’t speak Italian: Non parlo Italiano

How much does it cost?: Quanto costa?

Check, please: Il conto, per favore

Will that be all?: Basta così?

Cheers!: Salute!; Cin cin!

I’m lost: Mi sono perso

Let’s go: Andiamo

I would like...: Vorrei…

I like…: Mi piace…

I don’t like…: Non mi piace...

It’s hot: Fa caldo

It’s cold: Fa freddo

I am from/I come from…: Sono di/Vengo da…

Budgeting for Vacation Never Works — Here's What You Should Do Instead

Pete Seaward/Getty Images

Originally published on May 12th, 2017.

America, you need a vacation. Seriously, you earned it, and according to Project Time Off, you’re not even using it. As the project found, more than half of American workers left vacation time unused in 2015, adding up to 658 million unused days. Clearly, you also need assistance in planning a vacation, and we have plenty of advice for you, but the most important thing to remember is this: Do not give yourself a budget for your vacation.

“I think the entire concept of budgeting is flawed,” Brad Klontz, a psychologist and certified financial planner, told New York Magazine. “Your emotional brain responds to the word budget the same way it responds to the word diet. The connotation is deprivation, suffering, agony, depression.”

According to Klontz, the idea of limiting ourselves for short-term gain (i.e. with a diet or travel budget), only leads to an inevitable sense of failure when you eat a piece of cake, or splurge on a massage during your Hawaiian getaway.

Charlotte Trotman/Getty Images

So how can you enjoy an epic vacation without totally blowing your entire life savings?

1. Plan.

For most of you, you know you have a set number of days off each year. At the beginning of the year, calculate just how much time you have off and divvy up how you’d like to spend it: A few days for three-day weekends, a chunk of time for the holidays, and a week off just for you.

Next, think about where you want to go. Live in New York and want to head to Paris for week? Great! Check out the flight options, hotels, and even a few discount sites like LivingSocial Escapes to see if there are any deals available. Tally up the total and make it a benchmark savings goals.

2. Squirrel away cash.

Each day, week, or month, put away a small amount of money into a separate savings account (better yet, try a money market account like Betterment to invest your vacation savings to potentially make a few dollars from the stock market along the way). Thinking in small increments will make paying off your vacation less stressful in the end.

3. Don’t forget to save for something special.

You know you’re going to Paris, but maybe there’s one restaurant you’re dying to try. Make sure to add in a little buffer to eat all the Coq au vin your stomach can handle.

4. Make peace with going over.

Hey, you saved all this money for your trip already, so when you see a beret in the window of a Parisian boutique you just have to have, go for it. It’s your vacation and your memories. Research even backs this one up: According to a study out of San Francisco State University, people who spend money on experiences rather things are happier and feel better about the money they spent. So go ahead, and have the time of your life.

This 26-year-old could become the youngest American to visit every country

Courtesy of Sal Lavallo

Originally published on May 8th, 2017.

Sal Lavallo, a 26-year-old who has already been to 175 countries around the world, is on his way to becoming the youngest American to travel to all 193 member states in the United Nations.

Lavallo is currently planning a trip to the last 18 countries on the list — a trip that will span five continents. If he's able to do so before his 27th birthday in September, he could set the record for the youngest American to to accomplish the feat.

Courtesy of Sal Lavallo

He won't, however, be the youngest person to do so: British traveler James Asquith was 24 when he set the Guinness World Record for youngest person to travel to all of the world's sovereign countries.

Lavallo is therefore not after a Guinness record: The organization does not recognize titles for travelers based on their nationality.

There are, however, unofficial recordholders for being the youngest American. Connecticut native Lee Abbamonte, who left Wall Street to travel the world, made it to all UN member states by the time he was 32, in 2011. And Cassie De Pecol, also from Connecticut, set the Guinness World Record as the fastest person to visit all of the world's sovereign countries at the age of 27.

Courtesy of Sal Lavallo

Though possibly setting a record is exciting for Lavallo, it's not why he set out to travel the globe.

“I really just want to show the beauty of the world and the way people connect to one another, whether or not the record happens,” Lavallo told Travel + Leisure. “It’s more that I see myself as somebody involved in the world in a global way, so it’s not about being an adventurer or tourist, but being productive in finding the best ways to help economies develop.”

Lavallo studied economic development and identity during his time at school, leading to a curiosity to travel, and eventually a wide network of friends across the globe. During school he traveled to Tel Aviv, Abu Dhabi, Berlin, Mumbai, and East Africa, and then through work to Egypt, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, New Zealand, and Kenya.

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“What’s nice about having such a global network is I won’t be staying at hotels that can be dangerous, or on a tourist bus in locations where that can be unsafe,” Lavallo said. “It’s usually staying at someone’s home that I’ve known for years, which means I don’t need to worry but that I also get more of an authentic experience.”

During his travels, Lavallo found some destinations are more tourist-friendly than others, including Socotra in Yemen, the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ishkashim in Afghanistan, and Kish Island in Iran since it doesn't require a visa.

Of all of the countries he has been to, Lavallo said his favorites are Tanzania, because of the people, and Abu Dhabi, because of the striking economic development.

“They came from living in the desert in tents less than 50 years ago to now having some of the world’s biggest cities and most impressive buildings,” he said.

So what does a guy who's visited most countries in the world have to say about making travel even better?

Appreciate what a place has to offer...

“Some places can be struggling in terms of their way of life in ways that people don't really understand,” Lavallo said.

“It's important that you don't expect luxury but rather appreciate that you have big and beautiful sunsets, nice beaches, and incredible nature.”

...and listen to the people.

“Traveling is about learning and about seeing new things, and I think that too often, we don’t stop to just observe, but rather want to participate in things,” Lavallo told T+L.

“It’s hard to examine what you’re doing and do it differently until you remove from your mindset the way you've always done things,” he added. “ˆf you take a step back and slow down, you’ll be able to have a more authentic experience because you’ll find yourself able to see and live the way people there do.”

Uber is Making It Easier to Know Exactly What Drivers Think of You

Getty Images

Originally published on April 25th, 2017.

Starting Wednesday, Uber riders will be able to see their passenger scores directly under their name in the app’s menu.

Some users may have already noticed this feature in testing over the past few weeks.

After tapping on their score, riders will be able to see information about how they are rated and how they can improve. Riders with higher scores have an easier time reserving Ubers. For example, New York City riders have an average of 4.6 stars. Those with above average scores are more likely to be picked up faster by drivers.

Courtesy of Uber

Uber hopes that having scores in plain view will make riders more conscientious and avoid common faux pas, like eating or drinking in the car, slamming the door, or stuffing in more passengers than there are seats.

And although ratings remain anonymous, users can watch their score change (or remain the same) after each ride.

For those dissatisfied with their ratings, Uber has a few tips to become a five-star rider — most of which can just be boiled down to “be respectful.”

To raise their scores, riders should aim to meet their driver on the street on time, give other riders space when riding UberPOOL and follow local laws like buckling up in the back seat and avoiding bringing open containers of alcohol into the car.

Anthony Bourdain Just Launched Travel Guides So You Can See the World Like Him

David Scott Holloway/CNN

Originally published on April 5th, 2017.

Fans of Anthony Bourdain’s “Parts Unknown” can now dive even further into the world of their favorite sardonic travel host.

On Wednesday, Bourdain, CNN and Roads&Kingdoms released an online travel guide that allows fans to “learn what Tony knows, go where he went, eat what he ate, and drink what he drank,” according to CNN.

Courtesy of CNN

The website, Explore Parts Unknown, will provide a more complete picture of how Bourdain travels for his show. At launch, the site features guides to Madagascar, Senegal, Hanoi, Korea, Manila, Punjab, London, Rome, the Greek islands, Istanbul, Buenos Aires, Colombia, New Jersey, Montana, Las Vegas and Los Angeles’s Koreatown. The guides are split up into four sections: Eat, Drink, Know and Go.

Courtesy of CNN

When clicking upon a city, the website greets travelers with “Bourdain’s Field Notes,” offering brief insight into why he went there and what he did. The Hanoi section, for example, features words from Bourdain about his famous meeting with Barack Obama for Bún chả. Then there is intel on where to get the same meal that Bourdain and the 44th U.S. President enjoyed.

Courtesy of CNN

The website will publish new content every Thursday, before episodes of “Parts Unknown” air on Sunday nights. The show is expected to return to CNN later this month.