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We're thrilled to kick off our new Jetset Journeys series, where we turn the best U.S. cities to explore this year into our own personal playgrounds. This is not just a travel guide but a way to spark your creativity and your wanderlust for weekend and week-long travel. Pack your bags , join us here every week, and get jetsetty this summer.

The best way to beat the summer crowds? Find those hidden off-the-beaten-path gems that are just as good, if not better, than the touristy hotspots. From the rugged Northern California coast to the lush mountains of North Carolina to the hidden corners behind Miami, NYC, and Boston (including a coastal village where Taylor Swift calls home), we take you to the lesser-known places for nature, adventure, local food and drink and landscapes that take your breath away. This is your pass to wander and embrace the unknown – with a little travel advice so you don’t get lost;)

Governor's Island, NYC

Plans to visit NYC this summer? While you’re there, escape the city hustle for the nearby charm and total serenity of Governor's Island. This hidden gem and car-free oasis is just an 8-minute ferry ride away from Manhattan, and surrounded by lush greenery, historic buildings, and stunning views of the skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island.

There’s so much to do, or simply not do, on the island depending on your mood. Rent bikes and wander along tree-lined paths, past old barracks and colonial-era houses, and picnic on the island's 173 acres of green space. During the summer, find live music, art installations, food festivals and water sports like free kayaking.

Plan to spend the night glamping at the Collective Retreat, where you can lodge in a private luxury tent with your own personal waterfront deck. Choose experiences like morning yoga, bike rides, culinary workshops and more.

The open-air restaurant offers breakfast and dinner – and an à la carte menu also available for non-guests if you're just daytripping.

Score fresh grilled seafood, farm-to-island dishes inspired by global cuisine, and cocktails with daily panoramic sunsets as your backdrop.

Next door is an Italian luxury spa called the QC NY with outdoor spa pools, multiple saunas, steam rooms and massage services to relax and unwind.

Whether you're seeking outdoor adventure or a weekend escape, this hidden gem promises a memorable day that will leave you refreshed, rejuvenated, and longing to return again.

Point Reyes National Seashore, California

Just an hour drive north of San Francisco is this charming and eclectic coastal town you won’t want to miss. Think scenic hikes, hidden beaches, wildlife sightings, and local farm-to-table delights. Before heading to the Point Reyes Lighthouse or one of the many beaches along Tomales Bay (Shell Beach is my fave), plan a stroll around the quaint village of Point Reyes Station along Highway One. Here, you’ll find Point Reyes Books, Bovine Bakery, and Toby’s Feed Barn – an art gallery, coffee bar, gift shop, and organic farmers market that is a treat for the senses (there’s sometimes live music and yoga too). For something sweet, Palace Market serves up a decadent buffalo milk soft serve at the back deli - grab one on your stroll or on your way home from the beach.

Stop at Saltwater Oyster Depot on Sir Francis Drake Blvd. in Inverness on the drive to Shell Beach or Tomales Bay Park for freshly shucked Tomales Bay oysters and a glass of sparkling wine in a cozy setting.

Love to hike? Check out the breezy Tomales Point Trail for stunning ocean views – and meet herds of tule elk on foggy mornings. Prefer to test your feet in the Pacific Ocean? Drake’s Beach – home to elephant seals during pup season – features dramatic sandstone cliffs, plus picnic tables if you want to bag your lunch.

Grab your Instagram shot at the Cypress Tree Tunnel, a dramatic row of Monterey cypress trees that hug over you as you stroll underneath. They were planted in 1930 and lead to the Art Deco-style station used for reporting what was happening at sea. Finally, Nick’s Cove in nearby Marshall is a great seafood spot where you can wake up waterside in recently renovated and charming cottages.

Asheville, North Carolina

Just a two-hour drive from Charlotte is this bohemian haven for nature lovers. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville has it all: a vibrant art and music scene, award-winning eateries inspired by global and Appalachian influences, and all the outdoorsy adventure nature lovers love to do.

Travel along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway toward The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where you can hike, bike, and go chasing waterfalls. The Deep Creek Waterfall hike is a 5-mile loop known for its three beautiful waterfalls. The Oconaluftee River Trail is another option for a photo-worthy wildflower hike in spring.

Post-hike, book a treatment (they offer day passes) at the subterranean spa at the Omni Grove Park Inn and float underneath cavernous rock walls, arches and tunnels. Relax, unwind, and feel so rejuvenated.

Feel like you're in Paris at the 19th-century chateau-style home of George Washington Vanderbilt's Biltmore Estate. Take a self-guided tour of the sprawling 8,000 acres of gardens designed by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted (of NYC's Central Park fame).

Downtown Asheville is full of historic charm with colorful murals, independent boutiques, and delicious eateries. Set in a vintage home in the historic Biltmore Village, Corner Kitchen is a farm-to-table favorite with elevated Southern-style cuisine. Try it for brunch!

For a worthy splurge, try the James Beard Award-winning Cúrate for Spanish tapas or Southern comfort food at local favorite Tastee Diner. For your sweet tooth, try the Mexican-style Oaxaca drinking chocolate or sign up for a wine and chocolate tasting at French Broad Chocolates.

Indulge in a rooftop cocktail with a view at Capella on 9. Try the Got U-Bae with Rye whiskey, coffee liqueur, and walnut bitters or the Capella G&T with gin, star anise, lemon, and cucumber. Cheers!

Finally, art studio hop in the River Arts District, located on Asheville's picturesque French Broad River, for a taste of the arts and craft scene to wrap your Asheville to do list.

Watch Hill, Rhode Island

Taylor Swift's home is located in this most quintessential New England beach town, which is just one reason we love it so much. Just 1.5 hours from Boston, in the town of Westerly, this coastal village is straight out of a Nancy Meyers set and makes for the perfect beach day or weekend. The pristine beaches do not disappoint with beautiful white sand and picturesque dunes. Think Hamptons vibe but with a bit more chill.

Pop your swimsuit on and rent beach cruisers at Napatree Bikes, which will deliver your bikes to your airbnb or wherever you choose to stay (Watch Hill Inn and Ocean House are splurgy but worth it if you’re up for a luxe experience – bikes included!).

Spend the day sunning and splashing at Watch Hill beach and grab a bite after at the historic Ocean House, which opened in 1868 just after the Civil War. Dress code: resort casual.

The Ocean House offers a Sunday Jazz Brunch with unlimited sparkling wine, towering charcuterie, raw bar, and a la carte breakfast or lunch, like carrot cake pancakes, Prime Rib hash, or the classics: New England Clam Chowder or Lobster Roll. Musician Greg performs a combo of jazz, blues, and soul while you enjoy a glass of post-beach sparkling.

The Olympia Tea Room is another must for lunch and boasts a view of Taylor’s house on the hill, which is hard to miss in town (shown above). Don’t get too boozy at Ocean House because there’s more fun to be had in this tiny posh village. Hop back on your bike and head to the Watch Hill Lighthouse, a classic old lighthouse that separates the Atlantic Ocean from the Bay.

On your way back, shop in the charming town for your summer capsule or coastal modern home goods, or take a nature walk at the Napatree Point Conservation Area and discover your inner bird watcher.

Coral Gables, Florida

Away from the South Beach crowds and bustling streets of Brickell is Coral Gables, located southwest of downtown Miami. With its architecture and charming streets, it’s easy to see why the Gables is nicknamed “The City Beautiful.” Stroll-friendly downtown Coral Gables is home to a number of restaurants and cafes. Enjoy a Ferrero Rocher croissant and eggs Benedict for brunch at Bachour, or stroll on over to Giralda Plaza where there is no shortage of dining options, from pasta and spritzes at Luca Osteria to Peruvian dishes at Divino Ceviche.

Coral Gables written by Alexandra Hurtado

After satisfying your stomach, wander over to the locally-owned bookshop Books & Books or promenade along Miracle Mile, where you can shop or check and see if a show is happening at the Actors' Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre. No car? No problem. While Downtown Coral Gables is walkable, there is a trolley that makes getting around convenient, especially if it’s too hot out — you are in South Florida after all. One of the stops that you can hop off at is the Shops of Merrick Park, an outdoor mall featuring your favorite shops like Anthropologie, Madewell, Nordstrom, and Sephora.

Also located within Coral Gables is the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden (pro tip: you'll need a car to get here).” Nearby you’ll also find Matheson Hammock Park, which has an atoll pool and boasts scenic views. Full of hidden gems, Coral Gables is an area worth exploring on your next visit to the Magic City.

Of course, there is more to the Gables than just dining and shopping. Nestled in the heart of Coral Gables is The Biltmore, a historic hotel that exudes elegance and glamour. An Instagram lover’s paradise! You can make a reservation for afternoon tea in the hotel’s grand lobby, or swing by one of The Biltmore's bars or restaurants.

Main Photo: QC NY

Follow along for all your travel needs with our Flights of Fancy series and Jetset Journeys series.

Travel Tuesday Deals On Flights

Spirit Airlines

Spirit is running their Cyber Monday promotion, with the offer(s) depending on the specific deals you choose to take advantage of.

This year’s Spirit sale includes early access to flight deals: low fares, free Spirit points, and offers on cruises, MGM Resorts in Las Vegas, rental cars, and more. You can also save 40% on travel when you buy (or gift someone) 12,000+ of their Free Spirit points, now until December 1.

Different terms will apply for each of Spirit’s Travel Tuesday deals, so make sure to check their website for more details on what’s right for your itinerary.

Frontier Airlines

Frontier Airlines is offering a great deal on their GoWild! Pass this year, now through November 28. This travel deal is perfect for spontaneous or just flexible travelers, because the pass allows you to book and take unlimited flights.

The annual GoWild! Pass is now available for just $499, down from historically high prices (like up to $1,999). It will cover travel between May 1, 2024 and April 30, 2025.

PLAY

PLAY, an Icelandic airline that prides itself on lower fare offerings, has a great sale running for Cyber Week! You can get 35% off flights to Paris, Berlin, Frankfurt, London, Copenhagen, Dublin, and Amsterdam from November 24 through 28. Deals are valid for flights booked from December 2023 to May 2024.

Air New Zealand

Air New Zealand’s Cyber Monday sale will last now through November 28 at 11:59 PST with tons of low fare offers. Travelers can embark on a trip from Los Angeles to Auckland starting at $1,033 USD, which is the airlines’ lowest flight price to-date this year. Some other flight options include: New York (JFK) to Auckland (AKL) starting at USD $1,433, Houston (HOU) to Auckland (AKL) starting at USD $1,133, and Honolulu (HNL) to Auckland (AKL) starting at USD $933.

JetBlue

Travel Tuesday Deals From Booking Companies

Expedia

Expedia is offering members (One Key) 30% or more on select hotels when booked by November 29, 2023. The only catch is you make the trip by the end of 2024. Select stays from hotels, getaways, and VIP properties will be a part of the savings event. The site is also offering members lower prices for cruises all-around.

Priceline

Priceline is currently offering 30% off or more for bookings at over 10,000 properties around the world. In addition to that, there will be exclusive savings reserved for popular destinations like Mexico, Las Vegas, the Caribbean, and top ski destinations.

Extra Holidays

Extra Holidays is offering up to 30% off resorts like Club Wyndham, Margaritaville Vacation Club by Wyndham, and WorldMark by Wyndham through November 28, with even more destinations to be revealed.

Virgin Voyages

All voyages with Virgin Voyages will be 30% off until the end of 2024 when you book between now and November 30, 2023. If you book trips of 3 nights or less, earn a $125 bar tab. For trips 4-6 nights long, earn a $300 bar tab. If you plan to sail for 7 days or more, you can earn a $600 bar tab – at-sea drinks for the win!

@hotel

Now through December 1, 2023, more than 50K hotels will be more than 50% off their market price and more than 200K hotels will be more than 30% off their market price with @hotel.

Hopper

Hopper will offer discounts up to 50% off for over 10K Hopper-exclusive hotel properties around the world for their Travel Tuesday deals. To name a few, take 50% off hotels in Madrid, 35% off hotels in Paris, 35% off hotels in Los Angeles, and 35% off hotels in Tokyo.

Travel Tuesday Deals On Hotels

Virgin Hotels

Virgin Hotels offers a trendy place to put your feet up when you’re traveling. This year, when you book accommodations from now until December 31, 2023, you can get 30% off your stay.

The hotel line is also making a unique offer for Travel Tuesday (November 28). They will donate 5% of all revenue from direct bookings made on that day to Feeding America and Feeding Britain.

Marriott Bonvoy

Marriott Bonvoy is running their Cyber Week sale from November 21-28 to help travelers earn epic deals on stays. Visit their site here or the Marriott Bonvoy mobile app to receive 20% off bookings for stays happening between November 26, 2023, and January 15, 2024. There are over 6,500 hotels around the globe participating in the sale!

Red Roof Inn

Save 20% off your stay with any Red Roof Inn, Red Roof PLUS+, HomeTowne Studios by Red Roof, or The Red Collection property when you book a stay that happens between November 30, 2023 and February 29, 2024 during their sale that runs November 20-28. This is a great deal for travelers who have a furry friend by their side, because pets always stay free at Red Roof Inn!

Sandals + Beaches

The Caribbean resorts Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts are offering guests up to a $750 air credit and up to a $250 resort credit on vacations of seven or more nights at select properties for Black Friday with code ’GOB2023’. The offer lasts until December 21, 2023, and is applicable for any travel there through November 3, 2024.

Colima 71

Colima 71, a boutique hotel in Mexico City, will offer 34% off all stays booked between November 24-27 for stays happening between December 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024. This Black Friday/Travel Tuesday deal includes complimentary one-way transportation from the airport to the hotel upon arrival, daily complimentary coffee service, and a Midnight Mezcal turndown service.

NoMo SoHo

NYC’s NoMo SoHo will offer 30% off all room types for stays happening through December 31, 2024 when guestsbook their travel between now and December 1, 2023.

The Meritage Resort and Spa

The Meritage Resort and Spa in Napa Valley is offering 30% off on all best available rate online rates and a $30 daily resort credit until November 30, 2023 when guests use code ‘PROCYB’ for stays in between November 15, 2023 and March 31, 2024. Some blackout dates will exclude the deal.

Corazón Cabo Resort & Spa

Corazón Cabo Resort & Spa in Cabo San Lucas is offering 30% off the best available rate, a $50 daily resort credit at the Aleta and Corazón Beach Clubs, 10% off all food and drink, and 20% off massages, facials, and body treatments at Sparitual for their sale. Book travel between November 24-27, 2023 for stays happening December 1-, 2023-September 30, 2024 to take advantage of the deals!

IHG Hotels

From now until November 28, take 20% off select global IHG Hotels bookings in the IHG One Rewards mobile app for stays between now and April 30, 2024. The app is worth it for those looking to save: when you download the app, you can earn 500 free points toward your next adventure.

IHG One Rewards members can also save up to 40% off their stay at more than 40 all-inclusive Iberostar Beachfront Resorts locations when they book before November 28, 2023. All stays must occur before October 31, 2024 for the deal.

Murrieta Hot Springs Resort

Murrieta Hot Springs Resort is considered one of the country's top wellness getaways, so why not book yourself a stay at a lower price now? Now through Travel Tuesday (November 28), you can arrange your trip for an entire 20% off!

The hot springs resort is currently undergoing a massive restoration and will reopen February 2024, so plan next year’s getaway after then to witness the best experience.

The Lodge at Sonoma

The Lodge at Sonoma will offer up to 30% off bookings made from now until November 28 with travel dates between now and May 31, 2024. When you book now until November 28, you can enjoy a complimentary bottle of wine upon arrival and the option for a room upgrade upon request. Just enter promo code ‘7YM’ when you reserve your stay.

Motel 6

Travelers can take 12% off stays at Motel 6 when they book stays between November 24-December 30. To get the discounted rate, you must be a part of the hotel chain’s free rewards program, My6. As always, pets and children stay free, AARP members save 10% off their stay , all active and retired military personnel receive 10% off their stay, and seniors ages 60+ save 8% off their stay with Motel 6.

Target

What: Items up to 60% off

When: May 24-27

Amazon

What: Deals on everything from home goods to decor

When: Now through Memorial Day

Anthropologie Home

What: Savings on home goods

When: May 21-27

Papier

What: 15% off stationery & photo books

When: May 22-29

Petco

Hood

What: 25% off sitewide with code USA25

When: May 23-27

Sterling Forever

What: 20% off sitewide with code SUMMER20

When: May 24-28

VoChill

What: 20% off sitewide

When: May 17-27

Material Kitchen

What: 20% off (*promo excludes bundles and collaborations)

When: May 23-27

Naturepedic

What: 20% off sitewide with code MEMORIAL20

When: May 15-29

SAYLOR

What: Extra 15% off sale styles with code MDAY24

When: May 27

Gold Hinge

What: 25% off sitewide with code MDAY25

When: May 23-27

Calista

What: 20% off sitewide

When: May 24

CAROL Bike

What: Take $200 off sitewide on all CAROL bikes

When: May 24-30

Cartolina

What: 30% off sitewide

When: May 22-28

Carve Designs

What: BOGO red, white, and blue swim; buy 1 swimsuit, get one swimsuit 50% off

When: May 23-27

Essentia

What: 25% off sitewide, plus receive free GOTS Certified Organic Cotton Sheets with qualifying mattress purchases

When: May 13-31

Harper Wilde

What: 20% off sitewide

When: May 24-27

MARLOWE.

What: 20% off sitewide

When: May 27

Pura

What: 25% off sitewide through code only (subscriber early access: May 23-27), 25% off sitewide, plus subscribe to the Pura V4 and get a free car set

When: May 21-22

Vacation

What: 20% off sitewide, plus get a free boat keychain or pen on orders over $65 (while supplies last)

When: May 24-27