INSIDER
Why now could be an ideal time to explore the island of Maui
Read full article: Why now could be an ideal time to explore the island of MauiNearly a year after devastating wildfires destroyed parts of Maui, including the entire town of Lahaina, the attitudes about travel have now shifted and become more optimistic. Travelzoo Senior Editor Gabe Saglie chats with Houston Life hosts Derrick Shore and Tessa Barrera about what's happening outside the burn zone and explains how travel numbers are still so low that now might be a great time to make that trip across the Pacific.
Did you know the home of National Water Park Day is only a short road trip from Houston?
Read full article: Did you know the home of National Water Park Day is only a short road trip from Houston?Kalahari Resorts & Conventions in Round Rock, Texas founded National Waterpark Day back in 2017. To celebrate, they're offering some great discounts and deals for the whole family to cool off this summer.
Travel expert Gabe Saglie’s screaming adventures at Disney World
Read full article: Travel expert Gabe Saglie’s screaming adventures at Disney WorldTravel expert and Travelzoo Senior Editor Gabe Saglie is checking out some of the newest attractions and adventures you can enjoy at Walt Disney World in Florida. The park is so popular an estimated 35,000 people are expected to visit Disney World every day this summer. Watch the video to see Gabe's reaction while riding Tiana's Bayou Adventure -- Disney's newest ride that will have you splish splashin'!
2 Texas cities named among top 10 best summer travel destinations
Read full article: 2 Texas cities named among top 10 best summer travel destinationsDo you have summer travel plans? You may want to consider staying in Texas. Austin and El Paso were named among the top 10 best summer travel destinations!
A traveler's guide to experience Puerto Rico
Read full article: A traveler's guide to experience Puerto RicoThe summer travel season is right around the corner - and if you're looking for a beachy paradise, Puerto Rico is just a short flight from Houston. Gabe Saglie, a senior editor with Travelzoo, shared his top picks to help you plan your own trip to the popular island getaway on Houston Life.
Donkey invites you to visit Shrek’s Swamp for a night, and he’s got fresh waffles in the morning
Read full article: Donkey invites you to visit Shrek’s Swamp for a night, and he’s got fresh waffles in the morningIf your childhood dream was to spend the night (or weekend) at Shrek’s swampy abode, well...you may have a chance.
Need a vacation? Carnival Cruises now offers 10-day trip to the Caribbean from Galveston
Read full article: Need a vacation? Carnival Cruises now offers 10-day trip to the Caribbean from GalvestonNeed a vacation to the Caribbean? Carnival Cruise Line is expanding, offering a 10-day Western Caribbean cruise out of Galveston starting in 2025.
What to know before booking summer travel deals
Read full article: What to know before booking summer travel dealsSummer air travel is already bustling and flyers are looking for deals to get away. We’ve got a consumer warning. Changing flights and routes could complicate your plans. Investigator Amy Davis had to step in when one man’s great deal turned into a great big waste of money.
5 spots to visit in Jerusalem around Easter
Read full article: 5 spots to visit in Jerusalem around EasterMany Christians around the world flock to Jerusalem each Easter to try and relive firsthand the events written about in the Bible on what is the most important week and day on the Christian calendar.
Need help planning your next vacation? AAA Texas to bring 2 travel shows to Houston this year
Read full article: Need help planning your next vacation? AAA Texas to bring 2 travel shows to Houston this yearIn January and February, AAA Texas will host two travel shows that will feature dozens of domestic and international travel providers.
Camp Margaritaville to open new resort at RV and beach club in Crystal Beach
Read full article: Camp Margaritaville to open new resort at RV and beach club in Crystal BeachAn RV resort and beach club in the Bolivar Peninsula is set to become the newest Margaritaville resort -- the first Camp Margaritaville resort in the Houston area.
How exactly to plan the ultimate girls trip to Las Vegas
Read full article: How exactly to plan the ultimate girls trip to Las VegasLas Vegas is a classic U.S. travel destination. It’s vibrant, usually packed with people, larger than life, and there’s likely something to do for ANY personality type -- even if you’re not all that into gambling or drinking.
Grand timing: How one of the world’s most luxurious hotels was built in 93 days
Read full article: Grand timing: How one of the world’s most luxurious hotels was built in 93 daysThe construction of the Grand Hotel is a story of incredible ambition and creativity to meet a seemingly impossible deadline.
Chicago with the kids: 5 ways to make it a perfect trip to the Windy City
Read full article: Chicago with the kids: 5 ways to make it a perfect trip to the Windy CityWhether you’re just a road trip away from Chicago, you go there on business every so often, or you’d love to visit someday, it’s truly a fantastic city, with so much to offer.
A not-so-traditional France vacation: All the reasons to visit the historical grounds of Normandy
Read full article: A not-so-traditional France vacation: All the reasons to visit the historical grounds of NormandyAs veterans of World War II get older and older, with most of them now in their late 80s and 90s, how will we preserve that legacy and keep their sacrifice alive?
6 fun traditional, and non traditional activities for the fam to try over Spring Break
Read full article: 6 fun traditional, and non traditional activities for the fam to try over Spring BreakWith so many wonderful, fun, and educational spots to take the kiddos for Spring Break, we made it even easier for you and created a traditional and a non traditional list of activities!
9 vital questions to ask before embarking on a volunteer vacation
Read full article: 9 vital questions to ask before embarking on a volunteer vacationVolunteer vacations are popular with gap-year students, retired seniors, and millions of people in between. Perhaps you’re just starting to travel again, for the first time in a long time, considering the pandemic, and you’re thinking about a volunteer vacation.
LIST: These Houston-area hotels are ranked among the top 100 best places to stay in Texas
Read full article: LIST: These Houston-area hotels are ranked among the top 100 best places to stay in TexasMultiple Houston-area hotels were ranked among the best places to stay in Texas. This information comes courtesy of Yelp, the crowd-sourced review website we’ve all turned to for recommendations at one point or another.
5 convincing reasons why you should visit Colorado for your next trip
Read full article: 5 convincing reasons why you should visit Colorado for your next tripThere seems to be a buzz in the air -- on social media and in person, more and more people are chatting about the places they’ll go, now that the COVID-19 vaccine is readily available and the world of travel is reopening to the masses.
Experience ‘Toy Story’ to infinity and beyond at this Texas rental
Read full article: Experience ‘Toy Story’ to infinity and beyond at this Texas rentalEL PASO, Texas – “Toy Story” is the most iconic animated movie in the history of animated movies. Not only was it the first feature film from Pixar Animation, but it was also the first feature film to be completely computer-animated. An Airbnb rental in El Paso is giving visitors the full “Toy Story” experience. "Toy Story" house in El Paso. (Airbnb.com)"Toy Story" house in El Paso.
Pack your roses: ‘The Bachelor’ mansion available for rent on Airbnb
Read full article: Pack your roses: ‘The Bachelor’ mansion available for rent on Airbnb"The Bachelor" mansion available for rent on Airbnb. (Airbnb.com)"The Bachelor" mansion available for rent on Airbnb. (Airbnb.com)"The Bachelor" mansion available for rent on Airbnb. (Airbnb.com)"The Bachelor" mansion available for rent on Airbnb. (Airbnb.com)"The Bachelor" mansion available for rent on Airbnb.
First Moon Trips: How COVID-19 changed 2020 honeymoon plans
Read full article: First Moon Trips: How COVID-19 changed 2020 honeymoon plansCOVID-19 threw a huge wrench in everyone’s 2020 plans. For many engaged couples that meant being forced to change wedding dates and cancel or postpone honeymoon plans. Now, newly weds are re-booking trips, coined ‘First Moon Trips’ because they are shorter, closer to home and more affordable. Travelzoo senior editor, Gabe Saglie is sharing what to know before you book and the top 5 destinations for couples. 55% of couples say they’re comfortable traveling anywhere regionally (ie.
Houston couple forced to evacuate hotel as Hurricane Delta approaches Mexico
Read full article: Houston couple forced to evacuate hotel as Hurricane Delta approaches MexicoCANCUN, Mexico – Jessica Galvan said her trip to Cancun with her husband turned out very differently than they planned. The Houstonians said that they were evacuated from their hotel as soon as they check-in. Officials ordered evacuations of Cancun’s hotel zone and other coastal areas and even opened the city’s convention center as a shelter as Hurricane Delta barreled down on the Yucatan Peninsula. Galvan said that waiting has been the most difficult part and at this point, they don’t know when they will be able to make it back to Texas. “We don’t know what the damage to the airport will be, so who knows if we can even take a flight tomorrow back,” said Galvan.
This how you can snag a fire lookout tower for $40 a night
Read full article: This how you can snag a fire lookout tower for $40 a nightHOUSTON Fire lookout towers are available for rent across the nation for around $40 per night. The fire towers, plus additional reactional cabins and lodgings, book up as soon as the US Forest Service makes them available each winter. This year, like most things with COVID-19, things are different. If you are interested in renting a fire lookout tower, you should check recreation.gov every week for cancellations. According to CNN, Idaho and Montana are the states with the most lookouts.
Need a vacation? Consider these 8 Texas spots that are favorites of Houstonians
Read full article: Need a vacation? Consider these 8 Texas spots that are favorites of HoustoniansI cant wait to go back. -- Facebook follower Jc ChesserThere are just SO MANY great places. But, my Husband & I recently spent a week at the South Shore Harbor Resort in League City. As you can see by my picture it overlooks the harbor and has great views! It was a nice resort. --Facebook follower Tori LeeMcDonald Observatory, far out in the base of the Rockies in west Texas. Its a beautiful, fascinating, and rare experience. - Facebook follower Katie DavisHeres what other Houstonians recommend:Fredericksburg, TexasBig Bend National ParkNew Braunfels, TexasGuadalupe River State ParkGalveston IslandWhats your favorite vacation spot?
These are the places Houstonians plan to visit or have visited during the summer
Read full article: These are the places Houstonians plan to visit or have visited during the summerOur KPRC 2 followers on Facebook and Instagram shared their summer plans with us and how they plan to do it safely. Surprisingly, according to Key, it was a little empty when she visited on Memorial Day weekend. Several Instagram followers pointed out the main image we shared on our account, which was Big Bend National Park. Looks beautiful! said Instagram follower dgvtx82. What are your summer plans?
Walt Disney World accepting reservations beginning in July
Read full article: Walt Disney World accepting reservations beginning in JulySo do any additional Disney parks have firmly scheduled, announced opening dates? "We're moving slowly, but we're very encouraged by what we see in Shanghai," Chapek said Monday. Taking reservationsBut adding to the intrigue and desire: Walt Disney World Resort in Florida is now taking reservations for travel July 1 and afterward. At the Shanghai reopening, roaming Disney characters gave waves instead of hugs. Disney SpringsFor Americans who simply need a taste of anything Disney, the Florida resort is reopening Disney Springs, a collection of retail shops, entertainment spots and restaurants, on May 20.
Disney Cruise Line cancels all sailings through end of July
Read full article: Disney Cruise Line cancels all sailings through end of JulyORLANDO – Disney Cruise Line announced Wednesday that all cruises that were set to sail through July 28 have now been canceled. According to a news release, the decision to cancel future trips was made with direction from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention due to the coronavirus outbreak. Guests who were currently booked on one of the affected sailings will be offered the choice of a cruise credit to be used for a future sailing within 15 months of their original sail date, or a full refund. Guests and travel agents will receive an email from Disney Cruise Line outlining details and next steps. Those who booked with Disney Cruise Line and have questions after receiving the email should call contact Disney by calling (866) 325-6685 or (407) 566-7797.
The Hawaii Tourism Authority is now paying for visitors to leave
Read full article: The Hawaii Tourism Authority is now paying for visitors to leave(CNN) – Hawaii's state agency that is dedicated to welcoming visitors to the state is temporarily helping those visitors leave. The Hawaii Tourism Authority has set aside $25,000 for the costs of sending tourists away if they refuse to abide by the state's 14-day quarantine. The Visitor Aloha Society arranges for the travel back home, and pays for the ticket if the visitor can't afford it. David Ige established a mandatory two-week self-quarantine for any out-of-state visitors and inter-island travelers on April 1. On April 6, John Monahan, president of the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau, sent a letter to various publications asking them not to promote travel to Hawaii.
Local couple worried $1,900 refund from Carnival cruise could be months away
Read full article: Local couple worried $1,900 refund from Carnival cruise could be months awayGALVESTON – One local couple booked what they hope would be a fun cruise. However, they did not expect an adventure to get answers from the Carnival cruise line. On March 30, the couple learned that Carnival was canceling the trip on Facebook than they received an email. To try to get more information on their refunds, they turned to Facebook and were shocked at what they read. "Carnival was responding, telling some people it could be 3-6 months, telling others well it could be 6-9 months," Debbie said.
No matter what you’re into, you’re bound to love one of these 7 vacation ideas for spring break
Read full article: No matter what you’re into, you’re bound to love one of these 7 vacation ideas for spring breakSpring break is a great time to cut loose and celebrate the end of winter. There’s a reason why destinations such as Mexico and Fort Lauderdale are so popular for spring break. If you’re going to a popular spring break destination, make your travel arrangements now, as accommodations might sell out. If you're looking to do something really different for your spring break, why not escape spring altogether with a trip to the Southern Hemisphere? From lounging on the beach to skiing to volunteering, these seven spring break ideas offer fun for people of all ages.
Property owner cancels family’s reservation 11 days before vacation
Read full article: Property owner cancels family’s reservation 11 days before vacationIt happened to Houstonian Kelly Keenan when he booked a 5-star Galveston bayfront beach house through VRBO for his extended family over the holidays. Property management company Vacasa told Keenan the property owner wanted the beach house for his own use. Out of frustration, Keenan did some digging and found the name and contact information for the man who owns the beach house. You have no way to know if the owner of the property you’re booking has canceled on prior customers. Homeowners or property managers who repeatedly cancel reservations may be removed from the site.”Two months after Keenan’s canceled reservation, we found the same property still listed on VRBO.
All aboard: Sail from Galveston to Royal Caribbean’s private island CocoCay beginning March
Read full article: All aboard: Sail from Galveston to Royal Caribbean’s private island CocoCay beginning MarchHOUSTON – Beginning March, Royal Caribbean will offer seven-day long cruises that will sail from Galveston to its private island, CocoCay, in the Bahamas for prices as low as $564. Cruise-goers will embark on an adventure on the “Enchantment of the Sea” ship, which will also make stops in Key West, Florida and Nassau, Bahamas, before reaching “Perfect Day” at CocoCay. Royal Caribbean says CocoCay has beach areas that make the island the ultimate sun-soaking escape and offers lots of activities to make the perfect beach day. The cruise’s lowest rates range from $564 to $920, with trips beginning on March 30 until Sept. 25. Here’s a list of all the dates available on the site:March 30April 6May 29June 5June 12June 19July 10July 17August 7August 14September 18September 25For more details on what the cruise offers, go here.