Vacation – Page 3 – A Sweet Paradise

U.S. Destinations to Check Out in May

Posted on March 29, 2023August 6, 2025 by Nicole Benedetta

Denver, Colorado

Bear Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park – Photo by Mark Collins

Denver, Colorado is at the top of my list because I am visiting there this upcoming May. The reason I chose this month to go is becaue, unlike mid-July, it is not too hot, and the prices for travel are slightly lower. A few of the locations that I plan to visit include Red Rocks Ampitheater, Golden Gate Canyon, Emerald Lake at Rocky Mountain National Park, Denver Pavilions, Idaho Springs, Cherokee’s Castle, 88 Drive-In, and the Beacon RiNo nightclub.

Gulf Shores, Alabama

An average of 76 degrees makes for the perfect time to attend the Hangout Music Festival, the Hot Air Balloon Festival, or take a dip in the Gulf of Mexico. Kayaking, bicycling, hiking, riding segways, or golfing are some popular outdoor activities there as well. A one-of-a-kind attraction to try would be Alligator Alley, where you are able to hold a baby alligator!

Springdale, Utah

Visiting this region in the month of May would be preferred for those who enjoy hiking. That way, the excessively hot temperatures in the middle of summer can be avoided. Around that area are major sights including Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, and Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park. A few hours east of those are Canyonlands National Park and Arches National Park. You can also stargaze at Natural Bridges National Monument!

Marco Island, Florida

Marco Island colors — Photo by Ines Hegedus-Garcia

Typically with 80 degrees weather in May and smaller crowds, Marco Island is a fantastic pick! Kayaking on Ten Thousand Lakes, strolling along the pretty beaches that are known for shell-finding, going to world-class golf courses, fishing, and riding on waverunners through mangrove islands are just a few things to do while you’re vacationing there.

Manhattan, New York

Looking for a good time to stroll through the massive city of New York? May would be your best bet with the daily climate being approximately 70 degrees. For picnics in Central Park, you can go to Cherry Hill by the Bow Bridge or Great Lawn. Washington Square Park will have the blooming cherry blossoms at this time. On some nights, The Rooftop Film Club on top of the Skylawn Embassy Suites will present outdoor movies. Or you can make your way to the Little Island at Pier 54. The Ninth Avenue International Food Festival, the VOLTA Art Fair, and Japan Day are all celebrations that take place in New York during May. The possibilities there are nearly endless!

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 (:

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 (:

5 Fantastic U.S. Destinations To Visit In January

Posted on January 9, 2023August 6, 2025 by Nicole Benedetta

Phoenix, Arizona

If you’re looking to escape the cold of winter, Phoenix, Arizona would be a great location for you to visit. It has, perhaps, the best weather in January, with the average temperature being in the 70s.

Aspen, Colorado

Contrarily, if you would like to visit a ski resort town, Aspen, Colorado would likely be a good fit. Whether you’re a beginner or nearly a professional, Aspen will have a place for you!

Palm Springs, California

Palm Springs, California will provide you with 70 degree weather and sunshine in the month of January. It’s perfect for taking a hike or lounging by the pool.

Austin, Texas

If you’re looking to avoid crowds and relax in warm weather, Austin, Texas is the way to go at this time of year.

Sun Valley, Idaho

Another popular resort town would be Sun Valley, Idaho. Even celebrities such as Arnold Schwarzeneggar and Ashton Kutcher own vacation homes in that city.

Thanks for the read!

-xo, Nicole (: