Mountain City's Travel Blog

Most North Americans have never seen the Northern Lights, but this is the year that could change for you. Scientists say that in 2024, the captivating astronomical phenomenon will be more visible than it has been for years – and for years to come.   Word is getting out. Requests by travelers for trips to see the Aurora Borealis this year...

Ultra-luxury cruise line, Seabourn, is famous for not just cruising – but helping you live your best life. An expedition cruise to the Arctic may sound remote from luxuries or celebrations, but it turns out that even at the earth’s poles, Seabourn creates moments that elevate already-extraordinary experiences into unforgettable memories of a lifetime. Seabourn recently expanded its fleet, introducing two...

One of the most coveted holiday destinations in the world, Italy’s Lake Como, just keeps getting more extraordinary. For centuries, the glacial lake located in the northern Italian region of Lombardy, surrounded by the majestic Alps and near the Swiss border, has been famous for its crystal-clear waters, lush greenery, and picturesque landscapes. The serene, scenic… and cooler environment has been attracting...

Have you resolved to travel more and to focus more on your health? You can do both by taking a holiday where you can practice the latest activity touted to benefit your mental and physical health. ‘Wild swimming’ is swimming in the open water, whether river, lake or the sea – regardless of the temperature. Swimming with the snow and...

Japanese arts and crafts are cherished souvenirs from a trip to Japan. And now, one of the country’s most treasured and elegant crafts has a new future – thanks to a luxury jeweler best-known for its aspirational robin’s egg-blue boxes. Tiffany & Co. Japan has launched a new initiative to help preserve gold leaf art skills in Kanazawa, the celebrated home...

Take a break from planning Christmas festivities and shopping and treat yourself to Christmas cheer, Fairmont-style. Get into the spirit of the season with a dozen merry programs at Fairmont Hotels & Resorts throughout North and Central America– from ugly sweaters to a Thirsty Elf, a Home Alone tribute in New York, and Holiday Hula in Hawaii.  In a nod to...

Winter chalet popups by celebrity tastemakers are making the coldest season warm and cheerful for travelers across North American hotels and resorts in the IHG family, including InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, Vignette Collection and Hotel Indigo. Until the end of February 2024, every hotel and resort in IHG is transforming into a welcoming winter wonderland with larger-than-life...

Mexico is more than beaches. It’s also a country rich in folklore, traditions, culture, history, nature and cuisine. And some of Mexico’s towns have such a concentration of significance and authentic experiences for visitors, they’ve earned the label “Magical.”  As of 2023, 177 towns in Mexico have been designated “Magical Towns,” or “Pueblos Magicos” by the Mexican government. The program empowers...

The newest Four Seasons resort will change the face of one of the Caribbean’s most popular islands.  Famous for affordable, all-inclusive beach resort vacations, the Dominican Republic’s latest resort will put it on even the most discerning luxury traveler’s map.  The Four Seasons Resort and Residences Dominican Republic at Tropicalia is underway on 60 acres of pristine beachfront of Playa Esmeralda...

They like to make a splash Down Under. So it’s no surprise the long-anticipated opening of the new W Sydney hotel overlooking Darling Harbour is “making waves.” Its eye-catching, curving architecture adds wave-inspired drama to the harbourfront in Australia’s capital. And it’s the biggest W hotel among the 5 dozen W’s around the world, including two others in Australia, in...

With more cruise lines getting into expedition cruising, travelers have more options about how they want their expedition cruise experience. From the extremes of barebones to the ultimate in luxe? The choice is yours.  We sailed onboard a Seabourn expedition cruise to the Arctic this summer, and discovered that the ultra-luxe cruise line has perfectly adapted its celebratory style of cruising...

It’s the best of both worlds. Part of the appeal of luxury, all-inclusive resorts is the array of dining options on the property where you can enjoy effortless, delightful dining you’ve already paid for.  But what about getting a taste of the local restaurant scene on the rest of the island? And how about supporting other local businesses? Sandals Resorts has come...

“The best morning of my life.” That was a cameraman’s reaction to filming in one of the hottest cruise destinations today. The Arctic’s icecaps, glaciers, icebergs and fjords are drawing intrepid cruise travelers who want to experience some of the most remote, pristine, – and epic – scenery in the world.  You may have already cruised to Alaska and experienced some...

Fans of ultra-luxury, all-inclusive boutique European river cruising have two reasons to celebrate. Uniworld has announced the addition of two ships to its fleet. Following the line’s tradition of naming ships after European queens, empresses and other royalty, the new ships names are S.S. Victoria and S.S. Elisabeth. The ships will begin sailing in 2024 and 2025 respectively.  We say ‘new’...

Aruba’s hotel and resort scene is more alluring than ever. The Dutch island in the south Caribbean is known for its desert environment, perpetual tradewinds that shape its iconic divi divi trees, colorful, colonial town, and a famous beach that’s been named best in the world, where most resorts are found.  News from three resorts highlights new experiences to give travellers...

Don’t wait til spring or summer to visit Austria’s capital. Some of its most unique experiences take place during the frosty months, where one-of-a-kind local events warm your heart and reveal a side of Vienna you can’t see any other time of the year.   Viennese Christmas Markets:Advent, the four weeks leading up to Christmas, is a magical time in Vienna,...

30 times in 30 years. That’s an incredible vote of confidence in the resort chain named “The Caribbean’s Leading Hotel Brand” for the 30th time at the 30th annual World Travel Awards. It wasn’t the only win for Sandals Resorts International, either. It scored 13 more prestigious awards.  Sandals Resorts International is the parent company of two luxury, all-inclusive resort chains: couples-only Sandals...

Ever since it was inaugurated in October, 1933, Air France has been flying high as an international beacon of the uniquely French art of travel and art of life. 90 years later, flying to France on the airline remains the best way to become immersed in French “savoir vivre” and elegance before you even touch French soil.  Since its creation, the...

What’s the fastest-disappearing natural phenomenon? Dark skies. As cities expand, the night skies are flooded with light, dimming our views of the complex, mystical wonders of the heavens that inspired our ancestors.  We are still fascinated by the night skies, and many of us take time on vacation to spend our evenings outdoors gazing up into the darkness and its mysteries.  Luckily,...

The latest craze at tropical resorts will really ‘float your boat.’ Swim up bars have become standard at many of your favorite resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico, and floating trays are the newest way to serve guests who love to hang out in the pool.  Maybe one of the best things about floating trays is that, while swim-up bars are...