6 All-Inclusive Bahamas Resorts for a Quick Escape

Just over 1,000 miles off the coast of the United States sits the Bahamas.

These gorgeous, tropical islands are only a short plane ride away for many Americans, especially those living on the South and East Coast.

Compared to other tropical destinations, flights are inexpensive and readily available. On top of that, it’ll only take you a few hours to get there.

Any Americans feeling stressed at home can easily book a resort stay for a quick escape, whether for a weekend or a full week.

The cherry on top? The Bahamas is full of all-inclusive resorts that make it easy to plan a set-it-and-forget-it vacation.

Take a load off at one of the best Bahamas resorts, listed below. I’ve got a handful of highly affordable options, along with mid-range and lux picks.

Skip the stress at these Bahamas resorts

Highly affordable options

British Colonial – Nassau

With its grand, historical architecture and its bevy of amenities, this is one of the best options in the Bahamas when it comes to all-inclusive resorts.

But you won’t be paying an exorbitant amount thanks to the British Colonial’s extensive deals and promos.

Start relaxing in its oceanfront cabanas and swimming in its massive outdoor pools. And be prepared to be choosy for meals; this resort has eight establishments to sample.

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Sandyport Beach Resort

This stunning resort gives you everything you’d want in an all-inclusive stay while also letting you enjoy the amenities of the Old Towne Marina in Nassau.

I love this resort for a few reasons. First, guests stay in brightly painted two-story constructions that line the beach. Second, it has unique amenities like its lagoon-style pools and private dock. Third, the rooms include kitchens, letting you prepare a few casual meals at your own pace.

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Grand Hyatt Baha Mar

This absolutely massive all-inclusive resort offers a familiar setup and range of amenities.

If you want to disappear amid a beachy playground with a private beach, six outdoor pools, multiple bars and lounges, a casino, and full-size tennis courts, look no further. Despite its size and range, it’s a relatively elevated resort.

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Mid-range Bahamas resorts

Warwick Paradise Island

This unique pick isn’t quite like the other resorts on Paradise Island. Though smaller and more compact, its offerings are gorgeous and well-kept. I’m a big fan of the massive outdoor pool and its closed-in, private beach.

This resort also has five restaurants and two bars, letting you fully relax without going off-site. This is an adults-only resort, which makes it ideal for couples who want to up the romance factor while escaping election stress.

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Goldwynn Resort & Residences

Like the British Colonial, this resort feels like a steal thanks to its reasonable prices and next-level offerings. Also, it looks like a James Bond lair.

The resort’s architecture is modern and clean, unlike many Caribbean hotels. That gives you a unique atmosphere to soak up the tropical delights, especially for those who like minimalist accents.

Like the title suggests, apart-hotel-style lodgings are available. On top of that, guests have access to water sports, a private beach, a fitness center, and an on-site restaurant.

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Lux pick

Rosewood Baha Mar

This highly-rated hotel has just about everything a vacationer could want to escape election stress.

From a light and relaxing design to engaged and helpful staff to its range of on-site amenities, the Rosewood Baha Mar takes its hospitality to the next level.

Its beachfront villas put you right on Nassau’s Cable Beach, but the grounds are also dotted with swimming pools and relaxing gardens.

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3 Ways You Should Be Using Google AI to Plan Your Trips

AI is expanding into the realm of travel planning.

Over the last year, Google’s various AI tools have hit the road running when it comes to trip-planning. They’re hitting a sweet spot for travelers who want the expert care of a travel agent but can’t afford one.

AI can help travelers do a range of prepping, such as generating tailored trip ideas, trawling reviews to give you the ‘real deal’ on hotels, alerting you to price drops, uncovering hidden gems using multi-language models, and much more.

But what does all that actually look like in practice? Let’s take a closer look behind the data-driven curtain to learn how you can use Google AI for trip-planning purposes.

Option #1: Hire Gemini as your intern

Gemini is Google’s most robust AI program. (It functions similarly to ChatGPT, in case you’re more familiar with OpenAI.)

Gemini can help you organize your trip from just about every angle. If you’re still in the brainstorming phase, it can also help point you in the right direction.

For example, you might know that you want to go to East Asia, but aren’t sure whether you should go to Tokyo versus Seoul and when. Gemini knows helpful things like when flights are cheapest, when the weather is ideal for your travel plans, and other key insights.

As you start to hammer out the details of your trip, Gemini can also store and organize all the loose ends—from expenses and budgeting to using rewards points for hotels or car rentals. Gemini can even help you nail the perfect packing list.

If you aren’t sure where to start with trip planning, start with Gemini.

Option #2: Research on Google Travel

I usually shop for flights on Google Flights, as the interface is cleaner and easier to use, and the flights available don’t hike in price every time I move my mouse around.

But Google Flights is one of three tools available on Google Travel. I suggest you utilize all three to take your planning to the next level.

Google Travel is a specialized search engine that lets you look into flights, hotels, vacation rentals, and other travel-related topics. Simply use the search bar and start exploring.

You’ll be taken to a tailored results page that includes options based on your previous search history, current location, and similar data.

Option #3: Use Google Maps highlights

Google Maps now has AI-powered features that let you check out a city’s highlights. From dining to underground art shows to the best bars, you can find a shortlist on Google Maps for just about any destination.

I think this is a great place to start for travelers who are less familiar with a city—or even travel to begin with.

However, I’d like to caution travelers from narrowing down the scope of their trip to Google Maps’ suggestions. You should also be relying on a range of travel platforms, from Get Your Guide to Expedia to TripAdvisor. And don’t forget about local tour companies, which often offer unparalleled experiences thanks to their expertise and experience.

Airalo Guide: How to Buy & Enable eSIMs For Your Next Vacation

Electronic SIMs are the easiest way to extend your cellphone plan while abroad.

At their most basic, eSIMs allow international travelers to purchase data plans for the duration of their trip. Think of them like temporary and fully digitized versions of a standard physical SIM.

To purchase an eSIM, all you need to do is find a provider that you like and then shop around for plans based on the countries you’ll be traveling to. You can select one that offers the right amount of data for your needs, whether you want to stream videos while remote or simply use Google Maps to get around a city.

It’s really that easy.

That being said, the world of eSIMs is new to most travelers.

I remember having more than a few questions when I first started exploring eSIM providers and data plans. Now that I’ve been using the same provider, Airalo, for a few years, I’ve gotten the hang of things.

Want to take an inside look at how eSIMs work? Let me take you on a tour of Airalo, my preferred eSIM provider.

Meet Airalo

I consider Airalo a great eSIM provider for three reasons:

The platform makes it easy for users to explore all available eSIM plans, demystifying the whole process
The platform offers a wide range of plans that work in dozens of countries around the world; there’s an option for everyone
The platform is easy to use thanks to its user-oriented design, which is ideal for anyone easily confused by technology

Aside from its comprehensive breakdown of eSIM plans and its range of offerings, Airalo is also one of the world’s most popular and trusted eSIM brands with a whopping user base of 10 million travelers.

Oh, and it’s affordable. Super affordable.

How to shop for eSIMs on Airalo

I can’t emphasize this enough: I like Airalo because it’s easy to use.

You can start shopping for eSIM plans using a browser or by downloading its mobile app. (You must download the app to start using your eSIM, so might as well start there.)

From there, you can start searching for plans that suit your needs. The main categories that you need to consider are geographic location and plan features.

First, choose from local, regional, or global eSIMs. Most travelers buy plans based on a country, ie ‘local’.
Second, choose from eSIM plans that include only data or data, calls, and texts. Most travelers select plans that cover data only, as apps like WhatsApp let you make phone calls and send texts with Wi-Fi.

You can sift through dozens of options that fit your geographic and data needs. Some plans are as cheap as a few dollars.

But even the platform’s most extensive plans won’t cost you an arm and a leg. For example, one of Airalo’s most comprehensive eSIM plans is its Discover+ eSIM which is valid for a year and includes cell service in 136 countries, 20 GB of data, 200 minutes of calls, and 200 SMS texts.

The bill? $92.50.

How to enable eSIMs on Airalo

Choose your destination and package, then pay for the plan
The plan will automatically be installed via the Airalo app—no fussing needed
After the eSIM is installed, it must be activated; wait until you’ve arrived at your destination to activate the eSIM
After arrival, head to your smartphone’s ‘Settings’, then to ‘Cellular’, then to ‘Cellular data’. There, you’ll see your Airalo eSIM ready for activation
When your trip ends and you’ve returned home, head to the same Settings to re-activate your normal data plan

Want to Escape Election Stress? Book One of These Puerto Rican Resorts

What if there was a place where you could escape the election madness without fully leaving American soil?

What if I told you that place is also a tropical paradise—and you wouldn’t be paying thousands upon thousands of dollars to vacation there?

The better question isn’t whether or not you’d go but how long you’d stay.

Enter the magic of Puerto Rico, one of the most accessible options for Americans who want to escape the continental United States. (And election stress.)

Ready to drown your sorrows with a liter of piña colada while sitting on a peaceful beach beneath the golden sunshine?

Consider this your sign to book a flight to Puerto Rico. All you have to do before taking off is book a stay at one of the island’s affordable and high-value resorts.

I’ve already got some of the highest-rated and most affordable Puerto Rican resorts picked out for you.

No more election stress. No more fatalist news reports. No more cringe-worthy soundbites. Only piña coladas and palm trees.

Best Puerto Rican resorts for escaping election stress

Most affordable Puerto Rican resorts

Copamarina Beach Resort & Spa

Located in Guanica on Puerto Rico’s southwestern coast, the Copamarina Beach Resort & Spa is remote, all-inclusive, and highly affordable.

Not only is it spread across 20 acres of tropical gardens, but it also includes an isolated and private stretch of unspoiled beachfront. From on-site dining to babysitting services, you’ve got all the amenities you need to effortlessly escape election stress.

Book your getaway

Hyatt Vacation Club at Hacienda del Mar

Located near the capital city of San Juan, this affordable resort has all the standard fare of a great Caribbean all-inclusive getaway.

You can enjoy on-site amenities like the kids’ pool, whirlpool spas, tennis courts, restaurant, and rooms with fully stocked kitchens. Though it’s not quite as remote as other resorts, guests have raved about the lovely grounds.

Book your getaway

Mid-range Puerto Rican resorts

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel San Juan

Similar to the Hyatt Vacation Club (above), this selection puts you close to San Juan’s historic sites and vibrant establishments. That means you don’t need to choose between disappearing on a tropical beach and soaking up Puerto Rico’s unique culture.

The DoubleTree also offers more upscale amenities, from its unique art gallery to its full-service Cloud Spa. According to guest reviews, staff are also incredibly friendly and helpful—a great feature for anyone looking to escape stress.

Book your getaway

Wyndham Palmas Beach & Golf Boutique Resort

The title says it all—this Wyndham resort gives you everything you’ll need to loaf around on the beach between sessions at the golf course. Thanks to its location in the exclusive Palmas del Mar area, this resort is a bit smaller and more intimate.

Despite its boutique status, there are multiple dining and drinking options, from a well-kept wine cellar to wood-oven pizza. If you can’t find something at this resort, the surrounding area of Las Palmas is sure to have it.

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La Concha Resort & Spa

Only steps from Candado Beach in San Juan’s historic district, La Concha Resort & Spa takes you straight into Puerto Rico’s exciting atmosphere.

But don’t worry—you’ll also have plenty of opportunities to escape the noise at La Concha’s three pools, six dining venues, and gorgeous beach views. It also has one of the nicest spas in the city, in case you’re in need of a bit of TLC.

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Luxury option

Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Rainforest Golf & Beach Resort

Once again, the name of this Wyndham selection tells you everything you need to know. Thanks to its location near El Yunque Rainforest, guests are treated to a front-row rainforest experience—one that comes with a mile-long stretch of beach and a massive full-length golf course.

The scale here is pretty mind-boggling. The Wyndham Grand Rio stretches across 500 acres and is home to ten restaurants, a full casino, and two separate nature reserves.

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According to the FAA & TSA, You Should Avoid These Airports & Flying Dates During Christmas

As much as we enjoy visiting loved ones over the holidays, getting home can be a nightmare.

The holiday season sees plane tickets skyrocket in price, even for elite rewards members. On top of the hefty bill, airports are crowded, flights are often delayed or canceled, and there’s still plenty of uncertainty around how the US’s new Fly Rights program will actually pan out.

In other words, anyone brave enough to fly home for the holidays is in store for a few inevitable delays and headaches.

But that doesn’t mean passengers are thrown to the wolves. The more you know about savvy air travel, the better you’re able to plan your flight, helping you save money and have a better travel experience.

For now, let’s focus on how to nail your Christmas travel plans, from buying the right flights at the right time to choosing the right flight routes.

I’ve got advice from the FAA and the TSA. Here’s how to avoid busy airports during Christmas so you won’t dread that trip home.

When should travelers buy Christmas flights?

Short answer: Late October

According to Google Flights, the best time to purchase Christmas flights is from 36 to 72 days out. That makes late October the sweet spot to find great deals on Christmas flights—but you can also do so into November if you’re a bit late buying tickets this year.

Which dates should passengers avoid during Christmas travel?

Short answer: December 21-23, December 26-30

Most travelers have limited days off of work, meaning they want to get home a day or two before Christmas, and then head back home in the days immediately after the holiday.

For this reason, the FAA and TSA advise not traveling from December 21-December 23. Airports turn into madhouses on these days.

Additionally, avoid booking return flights for December 26-27. Airports will once again be very busy. The same is often true for the rest of the buffer days between Christmas and New Year’s Day, including December 28-30.

What dates are the least crowded over Christmas?

Short answer: Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day

The best days to fly for Christmas travel are on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Most US airports are ghost towns on the actual day of major holidays.

That being said, you can also purchase flights for December 18-20. Flights during these days come slightly before the big Christmas rush, letting you avoid the busiest and most hectic travel days.

Keep in mind that December 20^th usually kicks off the mad rush, so try to find early flights if you’re heading out on the 20^th.

In terms of return flights, consider flying back home on New Years’ holiday dates, either December 31 or January 1.

Which airports should passengers avoid during Christmas travel?

According to the TSA, these are the busiest airports during Christmas season:

Atlanta ATL
New York City JFK
Denver DEN
Dallas-Forth Worth DFW
Chicago ORD
Los Angeles LAX
Houston IAH
Miami MIA
San Francisco SFO

What if you can’t avoid busy airports and travel days this Christmas?

If you’re flying on a popular Christmas travel day at one of the busiest airports in the US, I highly suggest streamlining your travels with these hacks:

Book a trip through security
Download the airline’s app for the latest updates
Have a few spare backup plans for delays, including reroutes or alternative forms of travel, such as Amtrak
Give yourself plenty of time for layovers and connections

NYC Tours I Wish I Would Have Gone On When I Lived There

New York City is a magical place. Magically wonderful, magically smelly, magically hectic.

During my five-year stint living in Red Hook, Brooklyn, I stumbled upon quite a few gems. But most of those ‘gems’ were functional and based on survival, like knowing when to trust the G train, which dog parks to avoid, and where to get cheap cigarettes.

That being said, there are a few standout moments.

The most memorable is my first trip to Times Square. Two of my New Yorker friends covered my eyes in the subway station, carefully guiding me up the stairs and onto the street. Making sure I was facing the bright lights, they lifted their hands and I opened my eyes.

I remember my jaw dropping and my head tilting back as I looked from screen to screen to screen. I felt like I was in a scene from Blade Runner. (I’m from Missouri.) Though I haven’t spent much time in or near Times Square since then, it’s a memory I’ll never forget.

In honor of that day many years ago, I’m heading back in time to showcase the best tours in New York City that I wish I had gone on while I lived there.

By water, by sky, by bike carriage, by horse carriage—this is how you should experience the Big Apple.

Best tours in New York City

New York 90-Minute Cruise

The best way to see New York City is from a little bit of distance. This boat ride takes you around Manhattan and its neighboring boroughs so you can see the city’s greatest landmarks. But don’t worry—you’ll be close enough to the Statue of Liberty to get a good look. She’s smaller than you think.

Book the tour

New York Helicopter Tour

If you’re more interested in Manhattan’s most iconic buildings, then take a helicopter ride. You’ll get up close and personal with legendary spots like the Chrysler Building, Times Square, and the Freedom Tower.

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SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Experience

This wasn’t around when I lived in the city—but this highly visual experience is all the rage with friends and family who are still in New York. Be prepared for a few stunning photo ops and some mind-bending exhibits.

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New York City Mafia and Local Food Tour led by NYPD Guides

In case you didn’t know, the mafia was to thank for much of Manhattan’s impressive construction boom from the 1960s and 1970s. Who better to paint a picture than a retired NYPD officer who remembers the legacy of this era? Also, you get to eat Italian food.

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Official NYC Horse Carriage Rides

Central Park is absolutely massive—and you should be experiencing it via horse carriage. As a bonus, you’ll also get to peek around the very illustrious streets of the Upper West and East Sides. This is a great choice for families and couples.

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Manhattan Architecture Yacht Cruise

Like I mentioned up top, the best way to see Manhattan (and Brooklyn and Queens) is from a slight distance. This yacht tour lets you take a pampered look at the skyline with a professional guide at your side and a glass of Prosecco in your hand.

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Gangsters and Ghosts Tour New York City

Did you know that there’s a mass grave underneath Washington Square Park? And that it’s just one of many dotting the city? If you’re into factoids like this, then head on this tour. You’re going to take a long, hard look at the Big Apple’s underbelly.

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Chelsea Market and High Line Guided Food Tour

You won’t be short on food tour offerings in New York City. I vote you bundle this one with a tour of the Highline, which is one of the coolest urban parks in the United States. (In my humble opinion.) The Chelsea Market is also quite famous.

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Secrets of Grand Central Station

Every time, without fail, my visits to Grand Central Station left me floored. Even when I was hastily running to the Long Island Railroad, I stopped to spare a glance at the magnificent architecture. I’m dying to know about Grand Central’s secrets.

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Harlem Gospel Live Music Concert

Even if your trip to New York City goes perfectly according to plan, you could probably benefit from a little spiritual respite. On top of that, Harlem is a fast-changing neighborhood. This experience lets you take a peek into its core.

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Central Park Celebrity Homes & Film Spots Tour

Anyone who lives in New York City for a solid chunk of time rubs elbows with celebrities. (I trampled Meg Ryan once by accident.) If you want to know where they live, too, this is a fantastic tour. It also gives you another way to explore Central Park without walking for miles.

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Harbor Speedboat Tour

For those who want to see New York City in a New York minute.

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Sunset Sail Aboard a Schooner

If speedboats aren’t your thing, head aboard this delightful schooner and grab a drink. Sunset is a fantastic time to experience any city—but in the Big Apple, you get to see that golden light reflect off millions of perfectly shined skyscraper windows.

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Wall Street and Financial District Walking Tour

Want to know another dirty little secret about NYC? The oldest streets in Manhattan are in its lower neighborhoods, including Wall Street. Some of the financial neighborhood’s streets are teeny-tiny and cobbled, taking you straight back to NYC’s earliest era.

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TriBeCa Architecture & History Walking Tour

Along with Wall Street, TriBeCa is another neighborhood that’s often forgotten in lieu of Soho, Greenwich, and other areas above Canal Street. But TriBeCa is lined with brick warehouses that have been flipped into the city’s trendiest shops, boutiques, and apartments. Fantastic window shopping.

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MET Guided Museum Tour

It’s a seriously massive museum—you’re going to get way more out of the experience with an expert at your side.

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Gilded Age Mansions Guided Tour

The Gilded Age was by far New York’s loveliest in terms of architecture. Dig deep into the city’s history and roots with this tour—and see some jaw-dropping mansions along the way.

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