Carol McPherson

Boston

Editor at SmarterTravel

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Articles

The Best New All-Inclusive Resorts in the Caribbean

3 days ago | oyster.com | Carol McPherson

Like its sister property in Riviera Maya, Desire Miches Resort is the place to be for travelers looking for some fun. The adults-only property hosts day time pool parties, theme nights, and dance parties at their onsite nightclub. For travelers wanting a more laidback vibe, Desire offers a quiet section of the pool, a luxurious spa, and access to a private beach. Six restaurants, three bars, and a coffee shop will keep you fueled up for an energetic trip.
The Best Last-Minute 4th of July Weekend Destinations

1 week ago | oyster.com | Carol McPherson

These domestic destinations offer cheap travel deals and worthwhile 4th of July celebrations. Fort Lauderdale, FloridaAccording to Dollar Flight Club , Fort Lauderdale is one of the cheapest vacation spots for US travelers year-round, with flights averaging $157 to $200 roundtrip. Take advantage of the general savings to spend time in sunny Florida exploring Fort Lauderdale's popular beaches and day-tripping through the Everglades .
The Ultimate Guide to Traveling With Your Pet

1 week ago | smartertravel.com | Carol McPherson

Taking your pet along for an extended trip can ease some of that homesickness. However, the logistics can be intimidating. Read on to learn all you need to know about traveling with your furry friend. Large breeds and exotic animals are typically required to fly in the cargo hold. In this case, you must provide an Acclimation Certificate—a document signed by a vet that your pet is accustomed to the lower temperature, essentially acting as a liability waiver for the airline.
The Ultimate 4th of July Packing List

1 week ago | smartertravel.com | Carol McPherson

By the time the first weekend in July rolls around, summer is in full swing. Before you fire up the grill, make sure these necessities are checked off on your 4th of July packing list. • What to Pack for 4th of July Travel On the 4th of July, temperatures average in the low 80s°F across the United States. Focus your wardrobe on T-shirts, shorts, light and airy pants, and any special items you'll need for your trip, like beachwear and sandals.
Over-the-Top Spas You Have to See to Believe

1 week ago | oyster.com | Carol McPherson

The Spa at Grand Lisboa Palace is nothing short of opulent, with murals, intricate stonework, and floral arrangements blooming around every corner. The style is a distinct blend of Chinese design with Baroque influences, drawing on the rich tradition of color and pattern in both aesthetics. It spans 2,600 feet and offers twelve treatment rooms for everything from deep tissue and muscle recovery massage to personalized skin diagnosis and facials.
How I Packed for a Multi-Country Trip in Just a Backpack

2 weeks ago | smartertravel.com | Carol McPherson

I conquered the limited space with a combination of the hotly contested roll and fold methods. I laid thicker items like jeans flat at the bottom while rolling lightweight items like tank tops and pajamas, placing them on top and using them to fill in empty gaps between the folded items. Compression bags that don’t require a vacuum can also save space, but be aware that some airlines impose a weight limit on personal items.
Romantic Rentals Worthy of the Bachelor

2 weeks ago | oyster.com | Carol McPherson

Rental As Seen In: The Bachelorette Season 16, Hannah BrownThis rustic windmill on Crete generated buzz as the site of the notorious Fantasy Suite on Hannah Brown's season of The Bachelorette. The beautiful stone is carried through the clean but bare-bones interior of the building and up onto the patio, which has beautiful views of the surrounding nature. Crete is an excellent home base to do some island hoppingàla Hannah and her crew.
The Tastiest Oyster Farm Tours You Can Take in the US

3 weeks ago | oyster.com | Carol McPherson

Location: Portland, MaineThe Maine Oyster Company has been farming oysters since 2016 with a commitment to freshness that is, in their words, “farm-to-slurp” certified. Learn more about their process with a tour departing from their Basecamp Lodge in Phippsburg, Maine, where you’ll board a boat to explore the floating farm. Once back on land, you’ll be put to work to earn your share of delicious Maine oysters with a hands-on oyster shucking class.
Sleep in an Airstream at These Glamping Resorts

3 weeks ago | smartertravel.com | Carol McPherson

After the first model—ambitiously christenedThe Torpedo—launched in 1931, Airstream campers have carved their place into the history of the American outdoors. Although the company continues to launch new models annually, vintage campers are sought after for their durability, longevity, and old-school kitsch. Luckily, you don't have to hitch a trailer to the family car and join a caravan anymore to have the authentic Airstream experience.
The Dirty Secret of River Cruising

3 weeks ago | smartertravel.com | Carol McPherson

What would you do if you were suddenly asked to disembark your luxurious river cruise for the bumpy upholstered seats of a motorcoach? It may sound like a travel nightmare, but it's a reality for some unlucky cruisers. Read on to find out what could cause your river cruise to turn into a bus tour and what to expect if it happens to you. • Why Do Some River Cruises Become Bus Tours? Whether or not your cruise becomes landlocked depends on Mother Nature.