TRAVEL NEWS

Going somewhere during the off-season has its benefits.

Covid-19 Disclaimer: Make sure to check the status of the states, regions, and establishments in which you’re planning to visit prior to travel. Many regions continue to see high infection rates and deaths, while many states and counties remain under varying stay-at-home orders. Those traveling from areas with high rates of Covid-19 should consider avoiding travel for now in order to reduce spread. Just because it’s after Labor Day, doesn’t mean you’ve missed out on your chance to spend some time in a classic summer destination. Going to a beach town during the off-season comes with a myriad of benefits. The hotel rates tend to skew lower, reservations at popular restaurants are easier to nab, and the beaches are emptier (if you don’t mind bundling up a little for your romantic stroll). Plus, there are certain activities that are just as good (if not better) or only available during the fall and winter months.  Make sure you add these activities to your cold-weather vacay checklist.  

Take yourself on an international tasting tour.

International travel may still be largely restricted through the holidays, but it’s possible to travel through your glass or mug with every sip of these wines, spirits, and non-alcoholic beverages. Whether it’s coffee and tea or whiskey and wine, drink your way around the world with these picks.

Step into these made-for-TV “holiday towns” that will actually welcome you year-round.

Have you ever sat down to—OK, just admit it!—watch a Hallmark or Lifetime movie in the run-up to the holiday season and thought to yourself, “Wait, have I been here?” This faux memory might be because you already spotted, in another holiday film, that towering Christmas tree on the town square, a lights show that nearly blinded you, or the epic snowstorm causing lovers to reunite. Not to dismiss holiday flicks set in metropolises like Los Angeles or New York City, but per director requirements, not every small town makes the, pardon the pun, cut. There must be a Main Street lined with charming boutiques, cafes, and antique shops so characters have a convenient hook-up for hot cocoa, a cozy sweater for a last-minute date, or unique holiday gifts. For this reason, some towns are turned into film sets over and over again for their ability to nail it. From New England to Southern California, here are 14 adorable towns that brought locals huge amounts of holiday cheer while filming.