Getaway – Page 2 – A Sweet Paradise

Where to go in July – U.S. Edition

Posted on April 30, 2024 by Nicole Benedetta

Seattle, Washington

Seattle is full of festivals during the month of July, including the West Seattle Summer Fest, Timber Outdoor Music Festival, and Kirkwood Wine Festival. Besides that, a visit to the top of the Space Needle is recommended, along with the Olympic Sculpture Park, Chihuly Garden and Glass, and tickets to Dining in the Dark at the Lotte Hotel.

Bar Harbor, Maine

Though summer may be peak season in Bar Harbor, Maine, it is still a great time to visit! Acadia National Park, Bar Island, and Cadillac Mountain are popular stops for hikers. Meanwhile, Agamont Park is home to movie nights on Wednesdays in July right on the water. The Bar Harbor Music Festival takes place during this month as well, hosting more than 2,300 aspiring instrumentalists, singers, and composers.

Glacier National Park, Montana

July is peak time for visiting this location too. However, the days are warm and the nights are cool, which is a bonus. Even with that being the case though, there’s always still a chance of snow any time throughout the year! As for trails, Hidden Lake, Lake McDonald, and Iceberg Lake are all beautiful. Plus fishing, camping, and bus tours are available throughout the park if you want to do more than just hike.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The waterfalls, wildlife, and sunshine are three great reasons to go to the Great Smoky Mountains in the midst of summer. White-water rafting, ziplining, and horseback riding are all fun-filled activities, other than visiting sites such as Clingman’s Dome or The Chimney Tops.

Anchorage, Alaska

Anchorage is a good option during the summertime, with various locations to visit and numerous activities to partake in. You could try the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge, Anchorage Trolley Tours, Alaska Botanical Garden, Crow Creek Historic Gold Mine, paddleboarding in Mirror Lake, or the beach at Point Woronzof. Or, visiting during the 4th of July will allow you to catch the fireworks, carnival, and parade in downtown.

Traveling the World in June? Here are 5 Recommended Stops!

Posted on January 3, 2024 by Nicole Benedetta

Fiji Islands

Malolo Island Resort Fiji — Photo by Roderick Eime

With it typically being in the 70s in Fiji during the month of June with hardly any rain, how could you not want to visit? Especially if you are intrigued by kiteboarding, surfing, or marine life sightings. Going to the Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park, walking down the Lavena Coastal Walk, dipping in the Sabeto Hot Spring Mud Pool, and touring the Garden of the Sleeping Giant are other fun activities to try! Not to mention the amazing Volivoli Beach, Natadola Beach, and Blue Lagoon.

London, England

With the weather being warm, June is, unfortunately, peak season. But for good reason! There are ample places to see, such as the Thames River by boat tour, or the famous tower of Big Ben and Kensington Palace via the classic red double-decker buses. The London Gallery Weekend, London Open Gardens, Zoo Nights at the London Zoo, and musicals at the theatre are exciting events that occur in this month.

The Swiss Alps

Though the average temperature in June is 70 degrees in Switzerland, you can still get a view of the mountain peaks topped with snow and marvelous lakes, such as Lake Lugano or Maggiore. Other than hiking to the beautiful sights, you can witness them by cable cars at Mount Pilatus, paragliding in Interlaken, or railroad tours throughout multiple cities! The Street Artists Festival and International Jazz Festival take place in the nearby cities.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

In June, the temperature in Rio is usually in the 70s and 80s with low chance of rain. In Tijuca Forest National Park, you will find the widely known Christ the Redeemer landmark, along with waterfalls, caves, and wildlife. Ipanema Beach and Jardim Botânico are pretty tourist sights as well. In Santa Teresa, you can walk along the cobblestone streets to view the art galleries, eateries, and craft stores. Unique sports such as “foot volleyball” (a combination of volleyball and football) and frescobol (similar to tennis yet with small wooden bats) are played here.

Capri, Italy

Capri, Italy is a nice place to visit in June, since the weather is around 80 degrees and the water is warm enough to swim in. This summer month is ideal for sailing along the Amalfi Coast during the day and hitting the clubs at night! A must-see would be the Blue Grotto, which is a sea cave that gives the water a blue glow. And, at the highest point of Monte Salaro, which can be traveled to by chair life, you will catch amazing views of Capri and Mount Vesuvius.

See any you cities that peak your interest for the month of June? Let me know in the comments below.

Thanks for the read!

-xo, Nicole (:

Amazing International Trips to Take in May

Posted on May 19, 2023August 6, 2025 by Nicole Benedetta

Bimini, Bahamas

Lower risk of rain mixed with warmer weather draws people to the Caribbean during May. Bimini is a laidback island with less tourists than other locations in the Bahamas, such as Nassau. It is fitting for someone looking to snorkel on the gorgeous beach of Honeymoon Harbour during the day and clubbing at night! Tourists typically rent golf carts or bikes for traveling around the island, and jet skis and small private boats for recreation. You could get a glass-bottom kayak as well, to ride along the mangrove creeks or book an excursion to swim with the dolphins, which I highly recommend doing in the Bahamas!

Vienna, Austria

The climate in Vienna in May is milder than the summertime and less rainy than April. Each year, during Mother’s Day weekend, this place hosts the Genuss-Festival Food Fair, which has gourmet Austrian food and wine. Or, you could just grab your wine from Cobenzl Winery, which provides visitors with pretty views of the city. At the end of the month is the Steffl Kirtagthe Fair with 50+ food, drink, and craft vendors, and the International Music Festival too!

Venice, Italy

The fifth month of the year is reportedly one of the greatest to visit Venice, because of the ample sunshine and a good opportunity for sight-seeing or riding in a gondola under the Bridge of Sighs. Those interested in architecture may want to attend the International Architecture Exhibition, which takes place at this time. The most popular attractions in the city are the St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, the Riva delgi Schiavoni promenade, or the Venetian Lagoon.

Provence, France

Spring is a wonderful season to explore Provence, either walking or cycling. In late May, you can encounter the bright lavender fields as they start flourishing. Or, being the historic center for soap-making in France, L’Occitane de Provence allows visitors to book a tour of their factory and gardens. Other than that, visitors may go paragliding at La Roque-Esclapon, white water rafting in the Gorges du Verdon or hiking at Parc National des Calanques.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Again, a pleasant climate along with less visitors is why Copenhagen is an attractive choice for May. For those who love the sight of beautiful, blooming flowers, Tivoli Gardens and Bakken, as well as, the Tulip Festival are available for tourists to visit. At the beginning of the month, the Copenhagen Salsa Festival is celebrated, and at the end of the month, the Copenhagen Carnival is an end-of-the-month event with 120 bands and 2,000 dancers!

Are you considering one of these destinations for your May vacation? Let me know in the comments below.

Thanks for the read!

-xo, Nicole (:

U.S. Destinations to Escape to in April

Posted on February 26, 2023August 6, 2025 by Nicole Benedetta

Las Vegas

Not yet too hot, Vegas is a good spot to go, with the afternoons typically being in the 70s, and sometimes getting up to the 80s by the end of April. The streets are less crowded, giving the opportunity to better explore the Neon Museum, take a ride on the gondola at the Venetian, the High Roller, and the Fremont Street Experience. Right outside the city, you can hike through the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.

Nashville, Tennessee

When I fly to Nashville for a long weekend trip in the beginning of April, the weather was about as good as it could get! The average being 70 degrees at that time and closer to 75 at the end of the month makes it perfect for strolling along Broadway and hitting all the country bars! Being a Luke Bryan fan, his bar, Luke’s 32 Bridge, was one of my favorites. I also really liked Ole Red, owned by Blake Shelton, because of the city and sunset views on the rooftop. The Grand Ole Opry, the Johnny Cash Museum, and Country Music Hall of Fame are good for when you need break from drinking!

Atlanta, Georgia

The average daily high temperature in Atlanta in April is 71 degrees, which is nice if you want to attend the Georgia Renaissance Festival, Monster Jam, the Atlanta Grilled Cheese Festival, the Atlanta Film Festival, Illumine, or the Inman Park Festival and Tour of Homes! For rainy days, good options could be Imagine Picasso: The Immersive Experience, DIGATL: Atlanta’s First Digital Art Gallery, or the Trap Music Museum.

Orlando, Florida

During the month of April, Orlando weather is warm, yet not too hot, and the crowds aren’t too bad. If visiting Disney World, you will get to enjoy the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival, or the Universal Mardi Gras International Flavors of Carnival at Universal Studios. At the Promenade Plaza Stage, local and regional bands will be performing Tuesday through Sunday. And, Megacon is occuring from the end of March to the beginning of April!

Grand Canyon, Arizona

Grand Canyon South Rim — Photo by G. Lamar

Being in the 60s, April is one of the better times to take a hike at the Grand Canyon. Though you may want to skip the first week, due to the spring break crowds. Most days during this month have a low chance of rain and clear skies. Bright Angel Trailhead to Indian Garden Campground and Rim Trail to Trail of Time are popular hikes in the South Rim. Meanwhile, North Kaibab Trail to Roaring Springs and Widforss Trailhead are recommended hikes for the North Rim.

Which of these places is your favorite? Let me know in the comments below!

Thanks for the read,

-xo, Nicole (:

Perfect International Getaways for March

Posted on February 24, 2023August 6, 2025 by Nicole Benedetta

Cayman Islands

Whether you choose Grand Cayman, the largest of the islands, or Little Cayman, March will be a wonderful time to visit. The daily temperature averages around 82 degrees, and the rates for accommodations are dropping. This is ideal for taking a dip in the ocean, due to the lack of rain and loads of sunshine. The coral reefs and crystal clear water draw in people who are looking to scuba dive and the Bioluminescent Bay is good for kayaking.

Dublin, Ireland

Of course, March would be the best time to travel to Ireland, due to the massive St. Patrick’s Day festivities that take place! Go to Dublin for the five-day carnival with a parade, music performances, food/drinks, art installations, and pubs such as The Lark Inn or The Yacht. If celebrating this holiday does not intrigue you, however, you may want to go to the Marsh Library, and in front of that, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, plus the Howth Cliff Walk, and Malahide Castle & Gardens. Yet, keep in mind that during this month, intense rainfall may take place, with the temperature staying around 50 degrees.

Galapagos Islands

Tortuga Bay, Galapagos — Tortuga Bay – Photo by Kuhnmi

March is the perfect time to spend in the Galapagos Islands, because of the warm weather, the end of rainy season, the opportunity to go snorkeling, and the colorful sunsets! The marine wildlife is abundant near these islands, especially near Gordon Rocks, a submerged volcano crater on top of a tuff cone. Tortuga Bay on Santa Cruz is a popular nesting sight amongst the sea turtles.

Tokyo, Japan

Cherry Blossoms — Photo by Michael Stout

Tokyo is typically warming up to an average of 55 degrees during this month. In late March and early April, you will definitely want to catch the beautiful blooming of the cherry blossoms and attend Ueno Sakura Matsuri at Ueno Park. At the time of year, the Hina Matsuri (Japanese Doll Festival), Mt. Takao Fire-Walking Festival, and Golden Dragon Dance all occur too!

Sicily, Italy

Piazza del Duomo - Lecce, Italy - Travel photography — Photo by Giuseppe Milo

March marks the end of the winter season in Sicily, with it being the warmest city at this time of year at approximately 55 degrees. Fewer crowds, lower prices for travel, and the abundance of festivals including the Carnival of Acireale, make this month appealing as well. With less tourists, it is fantastic for exploring the city and visiting the cultural landmarks of Piazza Duomo and Villa Bellini and hiking at La Rocca Hill in Cefalù to view the ruins of an ancient castle and Mediterranean Sea.

Which of these interests you the most? Let me know in the comments!

Thanks for the read,

-xo, Nicole (:

Need a Spring Vacation? Here Are 5 Excellent U.S. Locations for March!

Posted on February 23, 2023August 6, 2025 by Nicole Benedetta

San Diego, California

Fewer crowds combined with 60 degree weather in March should draw you to San Diego, also named America’s Finest City. It’s a nice time to sit on the beach and bask in the sun, or get a glimpse of the green foliage and spring time flowers blooming. For EDM festival goers, you may want to try out the CRSSD Festival at the beginning of the month. If that’s not your style, you could also give the Spring Busker Festival a whirl. There, you would witness professionals from across the country displaying their unique talents from sword swallowing to knife throwing. Not to forget the San Diego Zoo, which has been acclaimed by many visitors as the best!

Miami, Florida

Having personally visited Miami in March, I can say that it is an amazing time to go! The weather is beautiful with clear skies and a daily average of 75 degrees. For my stay, I relaxed on the beach, went on a boat ride, made a trip to Barton G. for dinner, Miami Beach Botanical Gardens, the Superblue museum in Wynwood, and rode around in a slingshot, which was one of the highlights of the trip. Of course I stopped into one of the nightclubs, since Miami is known for that, as well as for hosting Ultra Music Festival, and Jazz in the Gardens Music Fest, which both take place in March.

U.S. Virgin Islands

St. John, St. Thomas, and St. Croix is right around 78 degrees at this time of year with low chance of rain, making it spectacular for swimming in the ocean. Tourists on those islands like participating in snorkeling, hiking, fishing, golfing, ziplining, parasailing, boat rides, and kayaking too!

Fairbanks, Alaska

The Aurora over #chenasprings, outside of fairbanks ak — Chena Springs – Photo by Kodachron

Fairbanks, Alaska may be frigid in March, but it is said to be the best time to marvel at the aurora borealis in the Borealis Basecamp igloos with transparent roofs. It can be seen on most nights when the sky is dark and clear. Polar bears and moose are also more likely to be seen on guided wildlife tours during the spring. The Chena Hot Springs is an excellent spot for seeing ice sculptures or taking a soak. Ice fishing is also an option, for those that it may interest.

Dallas, Texas

During the day, Dallas will reach an average of 71 degrees, while at night, it will drop to around 48 degrees. If you’re looking to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, you may want to attend the Dallas Mavs St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival, the North Texas Irish Festival, or grab a drink at one of the pubs! For basketball fans, March Madness will be returning to the American Airlines Center in Dallas for the regional round of the 2024 NCAA Division 1 Men’s Basketball Championship at the end of March. And, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens is where you can check out for the Dallas Blooms Spring!

Where would you visit in March? Let me know in the comments!

Thanks for the read.

-xo, Nicole (:

Top International Spots for February

Posted on February 6, 2023August 6, 2025 by Nicole Benedetta

Tromso, Norway

northern lights, norway — Photo by Claudia Regina

The downside in Tromso, Norway at this time of year is that the temperature is approximately 21 degrees every day. BUT if you always wanted the chance to view the glorious northern lights in an ice dome, winter is the best time for doing so. Tourists also love snow shoe hiking, polar boat cruises, and stopping by the Library of Tromso or the Arctic Cathedral.

Colombo, Sri Lanka

82 degrees along with low chance of rain is a wonderful climate to experience during the second month of the year. Here in Colombo, Sri Lanka, you will enjoy that while exploring the beaches along the coast, the tropical rainforests, the ancient ruins at Sigiriya The Ancient Rock Fortress, the colonial-style buildings, Pettah Floating Market, Fort Colombo, and Beira Lake!

St. Barts, Caribbean

Villa MAG Villa Rental St Barts — Photo by Robert Brown

You may wanna go to this beautiful Caribbean island during dry season, aka in February. The white sand beaches, water sports, high end shops and boutiques, the nature reserve, and hiking spots are just some of the activities that St. Barts has to offer!

Rotorua, New Zealand

Steaming 'Champagne Pool', New Zealand — Photo by Arran Bee

The weather during this month in Rotorua, New Zealand, is in the 60’s and 70’s, making it a marvelous time to swing by here. This city’s hot springs and bubbling mud pools mixed with the magical forests, mountainous settings, waterfalls, world-class mountain biking trails, and wildlife parks, as well as the Maori culture make it a unique destination!

Cape Town, South Africa

With an average temperature of 73 degrees, why would you NOT want to go to Cape Town, South Africa? It is especially appealing if you’re looking for an array of mountains, shopping markets, beaches, and wilderness. All kinds of tours are available there for purchase too, like the Cape Winelands Bikes and Wines Tour, Cape Winelands Photographic Tour, and the Cape Malay Cooking and Bo-Kaap Tour, to name a few.

Which one would you be the most interested in going to? Let me know in the comments!

Thanks for the read.

-xo, Nicole (: