9 Quaint New England Beach Towns

New England is a fun and fascinating fusion of magnificent nature, early American history, and quirky culture, all set against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean.

There are plenty of amazing big cities to check out on the East Coast, but if you’re searching for a laid-back vibe and a healthy dose of vitamin D, these quaint seaside towns definitely deliver!

A street in downtown Bar Harbor, Maine. — Kristi Blokhin / Shutterstock

1. Bar Harbor, Maine

Beautiful Bar Harbor is the best place in Maine to lace up your hiking boots and take in some extraordinary nature. Acadia National Park has over 158 miles of pristine trails to explore, as well as dozens of campsites. If your happy place is the sea, you can always head out on the open water and see some gentle aquatic giants in their natural habitat. Whale watching is a popular activity in Bar Harbor during the summer months. You might even get lucky and see some puffins.

Of course, no trip to Maine would be complete without some freshly caught treats from the sea. In Bar Harbor, you can have lobster for dessert with sweet butter-flavored lobster ice cream at Ben & Bill’s Chocolate Emporium.

The town of Rockport, Massachusetts. — Miro Vrlik Photography / Shutterstock

2. Rockport, Massachusetts

Rockport, Massachusetts, is a tiny town on the tip of the Cape Ann peninsula, and if your idea of summer fun involves getting out on the water, Rockport is where you need to be. Adventurous souls can rent a sea kayak for the day, enjoy a sunset dinner cruise, or take a guided tour of the harbor.

If you prefer to keep your feet dry, you can simply stroll the streets of this picturesque town and browse the many unique shops. You’ll see a red fishing shack on one of the wharfs. If it looks familiar, it’s because Motif No. 1, as it’s known, is one of the most painted buildings in the world. Be sure to check out Rockport Music‘s schedule before you visit. The Shalin Liu Performance Center is a beautiful and intimate venue to enjoy any type of musical performance.

South East Lighthouse in New Shoreham, Rhode Island. — Elbert Baez / Shutterstock

3. New Shoreham, Rhode Island

The smallest state in the union is home to one of the remotest beach towns on our list: New Shoreham. This minuscule town is located on Block Island, 10 miles south of Rhode Island’s coast. To get to this secluded utopia, you’ll need to hop on a ferry from the mainland.

Once you arrive, paradise is at your fingertips. New Shoreham is a bike-friendly, laid-back place with a fantastic wildlife refuge and a lighthouse that hearkens back to the time when Block Island was tasked with keeping ships away from the dangerous shallows. You can even take to the skies and check out Block Island from above on a helicopter tour.

The coast of Provincetown, Massachusetts. — lunamarina / Shutterstock

4. Provincetown, Massachusetts

With a population of 2,500, Provincetown, Massachusetts, is one of the bigger towns on our list, but it retains its small-town charisma and welcoming character.

Provincetown is known for being LGBTQ+ friendly and a haven of inclusivity and artistic expression. Commercial Street is a famously popular shopping district for picking up one-of-a-kind souvenirs or merely taking a stroll, so if you love unearthing unique finds and supporting local businesses, Provincetown is the perfect destination.

If you’re in the mood for fitness, Provincetown’s mildly difficult bike trail is 5 scenic miles of bliss with some inclines that are sure to get your heart pumping. And of course, there’s always Provincetown Harbor, where you can catch a phenomenal sunset.

Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse and Fort Constitution. — Wangkun Jia / Shutterstock

5. New Castle, New Hampshire

New Castle, New Hampshire, redefines picturesque. This sweet seaside town is on a small island of its own and is a must-see for any nature lover or history buff.

Fort Constitution was the site of a pivotal colonist revolt during the American Revolution. The nearby Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse is also historically relevant, and you can visit both in the same afternoon.

New Castle is also home to some stunning wildlife and beautiful beaches. This little town isn’t yet on the tourist radar, so there’s a great chance that you’ll get all of its dazzling nature and fascinating history to yourself.

The harbor of Camden, Maine. — E.J.Johnson Photography / Shutterstock

6. Camden, Maine

For some of the most beautiful spring and summer blooms that you’ll ever see, head to Camden, Maine. This stunning seaside town boasts the Merryspring Nature Center, a celebration of themed gardens and all things floral. Admission is free, and you might even spot some elusive Maine wildlife on your tour.

Camden Hills State Park is home to an abundance of trails for every skill level. The park opens at 9 a.m., and you can explore all day until sunset. Remember to stay on the marked paths and bring plenty of water and sunscreen. Laite Memorial Beach Park is a fantastic place to cool off in the ocean and get an unparalleled view of the sailboats meandering through the harbor.

Foot bridge in Siasconset, Massachusetts. — thisisbossi / Shutterstock

7. Siasconset, Massachusetts

This teeny-tiny town is one of Massachusetts’s most overlooked treasures, and if you’re looking for solitude and relaxation, you’ll feel like you’ve hit the jackpot

Siasconset is on the very cap of Nantucket Island. It’s a walkable, inviting, cozy little town with spectacular beaches and views of the sunset, as well as some of Massachusetts’s best bike trails. The affectionately nicknamed ’Sconset Bike Path is a comfortable ride that ends on the beach.

If you want a truly panoramic view of the island, check out Altar Rock. The hike is slightly strenuous, but you’ll be rewarded with a grand perspective of the land and the Atlantic Ocean.

Main street in Monhegan, Maine. — E.J.Johnson Photography / Shutterstock

8. Monhegan, Maine

If Siasconset has too much of a big-city vibe for you, why not retreat to a spot whose main selling point is that its population has consistently hovered beneath 100? Miniscule Monhegan, Maine, is an artistic haven, and a fantastic place to kick back and relax.

Monhegan is full of larger-than-life folks and artists who revel in the natural beauty of the place. The greatest thing about the town is that you can find community easily or simply keep to yourself. There are no rules, other than relaxation and respect for the natural environment. The island is popular with birders looking to enjoy spring and fall migration.

With its unspoiled nature and big open skies, Monhegan is a car-free Eden and a wonderful place to unplug and get back to nature.

Aerial view of Stonington Borough, Connecticut. — Visit Connecticut

9. Stonington Borough, Connecticut

Stonington Borough, Connecticut, encompasses a small peninsula on the border of Connecticut and Rhode Island and is both unpretentious and utterly fashionable.

Its arts and culture scene is equal parts sophisticated and classic, and you can easily pass a pleasant afternoon browsing the antique shops and fashionable boutiques of Water Street’s shopping district.

If you love delving into history, check out the Richard W. Woolworth Library & Research Center, which is full of meticulously kept historical records and artifacts. The La Grua Center is Stonington Borough’s beating heart, and proof that quaint seaside towns can also offer a plethora of cultural options and world-class speakers.

The beaches surrounding Stonington Borough are perfect for water sports like kayaking and paddling, and you won’t want to miss the opportunity to sample freshly caught seafood while taking in a perfect sunset.

New England’s coast is a gold mine of picturesque tiny towns and villages. On your next trip to this splendid slice of the East Coast, remember to think outside the box and seek out places that are not on the tourist map.

7 Places In Europe Every Fan Of Classical Music Should Visit

Lovers of classical music know that Europe is the magical place where the genre was born. Classical superstars like Mozart, Beethoven, Bach, and Brahms composed the gorgeous, intricate music for courts and churches throughout the continent.

What’s more, their music has stood the test of time. We’re still familiar with many of their masterworks, including Beethoven’s “Für Elise” and Symphony No. 5 and Mozart’s The Magic Flute. If your bucket list includes visits to the places where these great musicians lived, worked, and performed their music, look no further. We’ve got you covered!

Here are seven places in Europe every fan of classical music should visit.

The Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna, Austria. — emperorcosar / Shutterstock

1. Vienna, Austria

The undisputed crown jewel of Europe’s classical music scene is Vienna. Several generations of the greatest composers lived and worked in Vienna under the patronage of the House of Hapsburg. These composers included Mozart, who first performed for the Empress Maria Theresa at Schönbrunn Palace. After years of touring, he eventually settled there and married his wife, Constanze, at Saint Stephen’s Cathedral.

But it wasn’t just Mozart who made his mark on Vienna. Beethoven traveled to the city to study under Joseph Haydn (no slouch himself!) and lived there for 35 years. In the city, he kept an apartment at Pasqualati House, where he composed many of his most famous works. He eventually tired of the hubbub and settled outside the city in the verdant spa district of Heiligenstadt, and his rooms there were converted into a museum in 2017. The gorgeous spot outside the city center is easily accessible by tram. There’s even a charming wine tavern just steps away.

But Vienna’s musical heritage doesn’t stop there. You can visit the final resting place of many of these legends by taking a trolley out to the Central Cemetery, where Beethoven, Schubert, Brahms, Strauss, and Schoenberg are interred. Some modern-day music lovers are also opting for plots there for the chance to be buried among their idols.

Consider a curated walking tour of Vienna’s classical music monuments and sights, and get your fill of the city’s music live with a trip to the State Opera House. If you’re looking for an over-the-top classical music experience, consider snagging tickets to a waltz ball during the ball season from January through March. You’ll see just how important classical music is — even today — to Viennese culture and high society.

Mozart's childhood home in Salzburg, Austria. — Tourismus Salzburg

2. Salzburg, Austria

Just a 3-hour drive west of Vienna is the charming UNESCO World Heritage site of Salzburg. Situated on the banks of the Salzach River, Salzburg lays claim to Mozart in a big way. This is the place where the musical prodigy was born, and the rockstar of the genre is celebrated here everywhere you look.

No visit to the town would be complete without a stop at the place he was born and the home where he moved with his family when he was 17 (and by then, well established as a prodigy). Both buildings are now museums that celebrate Mozart’s incredible career and life.

Also, be sure to stop by the Salzburg Cathedral, established in 774. It’s the spot where Mozart was christened and where he played the organ as a small child. As you can imagine, there are concerts featuring his music here year-round, and it’s an absolute delight to listen to Mozart’s masterpieces in the place where he grew up.

Fans of classical music already making the trip to Vienna should absolutely add Salzburg to their itineraries.

Statue of Bach outside St Thomas Church in Leipzig. — frantic00 / Shutterstock

3. Leipzig, Germany

Located in the eastern German state of Saxony, the city of Leipzig has more than its share of musical history.

Any music fan’s first stop in the town should be Saint Thomas Church, where Johann Sebastian Bach served as cantor from 1723 until his death in 1750. Here, he composed an enormous amount of baroque music, including both secular pieces and works for worship. Bach is now buried at the old Lutheran church, and the Leipzig Bach Festival, an internationally renowned music event, takes place there every June. Just across the way from Saint Thomas is the Bach Museum, which houses a collection of the composer’s original scores and manuscripts. Visitors can take a look at Bach’s impressive family tree and discover how music played an important role in his family through the generations.

Many years later, the acclaimed pianist Felix Mendelssohn arrived in Leipzig in 1835 to direct the Gewandhaus Orchestra. In Leipzig, he’d compose some of his most famous works, including his Scottish Symphony. Mendelssohn’s home is now a museum and furnished in period style.

Inside the Estates Theatre in Prague. — Rezi Koudelkova / Shutterstock

4. Prague, Czech Republic

Mozart adored Prague, and its citizens adored him. It was in Prague that The Marriage of Figaro grew in popularity. After its success, his Don Giovanni premiered at Prague’s Estates Theatre, where you can still hear classical music today.

Mozart aside, a number of great Czech composers left their mark on the capital city. Bedrich Smetana composed lush music focused on his homeland, and a small museum dedicated to his work is located in a villa near the Charles Bridge.

Smetana’s contemporary Antonín Dvorák was born near the capital city, and today the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra performs in a hall that bears his name. As with Smetana, there’s a museum housed in a villa that celebrates — and often hosts concerts featuring — the music of Dvorák, which was distinct for combining orchestral music with traditional folk melodies.

5. Saint Petersburg, Russia

The imperial Romanovs loved music and were well known throughout Europe and around the world for their patronage of both composers and musicians. They commissioned operas, ballets, and orchestral compositions, which created a hub of incredible musical talent in Saint Petersburg.

Today, visitors can listen to the music of Russian greats like Borodin, Rimsky-Korsakov, Stravinsky, Tchaikovsky, and Rachmaninoff at a number of stunning venues in the city. If possible, purchase tickets to a concert at the Saint Petersburg Academic Philharmonia or the Saint Petersburg Chamber Opera.

The Saint Petersburg State Museum of Theatre and Music, located in the former management offices of the Imperial Theatres, gives visitors a nice overview of the Russian dramatic tradition. With its more than 3,000 artifacts, the Museum of Music, housed in a former palace, is also worth a stop.

Inside the Hungarian State Opera hall in Budapest. — posztos / Shutterstock

6. Budapest, Hungary

Hungary was once a part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and there are some incredible places still around where fans of classical music can listen to their favorite genre live in the capital city of Budapest. The Hungarian State Opera routinely performs masterworks in its gorgeous, lavishly decorated hall; Gustav Mahler served as its director for several years. If you’re lucky enough to have the opportunity to catch a chamber concert at Saint Stephen Basilica, don’t think twice — just get tickets!

Hungary produced several important musicians, including Franz Liszt, who was known globally during the 19th century as one of the world’s best pianists and composers. A museum dedicated to his life and music is located in the flat where he lived in Budapest. Zoltán Kodály and Béla Bartók wrote classical orchestral pieces in the 20th century and incorporated folk melodies and flavor into their works. Their museums in Budapest are also popular stops for classical music aficionados.

Edvard Grieg's estate, Troldhaugen, in Bergen. — Evikka / Shutterstock

7. Bergen, Norway

If your travels take you up to Norway, consider a stop at the home of Edvard Grieg, one of the country’s most famous composers.

Edvard Grieg was a leader during classical music’s Romantic period, and his music is part of the canon of the genre, including his Piano Concerto in A minor and Peer Gynt. This native son did much to elevate Norway’s status as a musical city, and Bergen, located in the southwestern fjords, pays tribute to him in a big way. Here, you’ll see lots of statues and monuments dedicated to Grieg, but the real showstopper is Troldhaugen outside the city center. This is the place where Grieg and his wife spent their summers. You can tour the estate where Grieg wrote his gorgeous music (including the composer’s hut, where Grieg could work in absolute silence) and get a feel for what life was like for the 19th-century maestro. It’s also Greig’s final resting place: Both Grieg and his wife are buried here. Troldhaugen hosts international piano competitions and concerts throughout the year.

8 Excellent Destinations For A Mother-Daughter Getaway

Traveling is one of the best ways to bond as a family, but the dynamic shifts as children become adults. Family vacations are no longer about occupying restless kids and finding adventures everyone’s okay with. They’re about creating meaningful memories during one of the most important stages of life: the time when family members become friends.

I’ve been lucky enough to enjoy this type of travel with my family, particularly during getaways with my mom. We’ve bonded over hilarious memories of getting lost, we’ve shared some of the best (and worst!) meals of my life, and we continuously forge deeper friendships with conversations on the trail, while wandering around town, or posted up at nearby breweries.

Mother-daughter getaways bring the two of us closer than almost anything else, and these trips have been essential for helping us stay connected. If you want to bond with your own mother or daughter through travel, here are eight excellent mother-daughter getaway destinations to consider.

The Grand Canyon

The first big adventure my mom and I took together was a trip to the Grand Canyon. In her 20-somethings, my mom worked at the Grand Canyon over a summer. This trip was our chance to relive her “glory days” — and my chance to envision my mom in her heyday. What an experience it was!

My mom is still pretty active, so we spent our time hiking the first portion of the Bright Angel Trail, hiking along the Rim Trail, visiting the Desert View Watchtower for panoramic views of this natural wonder, and watching the sunset from behind Bright Angel Lodge. To make a super Southwest weekend out of it, we even drove to Antelope Canyon for a quick tour on our way back to Las Vegas.

Iceland

My mom and I haven’t been to Iceland together yet, but we both went separately and loved it so much that we’re heading back there as a duo this fall. Iceland is perfect for a mother-daughter getaway given how easy it is to get around. Drivers are friendly, traffic isn’t awful, and if you’re following the Ring Road, it’s virtually impossible to get lost.

Our fall trip will include some time exploring in downtown Reykjavik before renting a car and heading south for rest and relaxation in a quaint cabin. While in Iceland, you can also road trip to waterfalls like Godafoss and visit the luxurious Blue Lagoon. We’re also looking forward to cozying up for drinks and conversations in the quiet little town of Vik.

Napa Valley

With delicious wineries at every turn, it’s hard to beat a mother-daughter weekend getaway in Napa Valley. The weekend could go a few different ways depending on your interests and tastes. If you’re into trying as many wines as possible, book a local tour guide or even splurge on a limo excursion from one vineyard to the next.

If you’d rather hunker down and become “pseudo locals,” book a hotel on or near a winery like Las Alcobas so you can visit and imbibe during the day then walk home and relax in upscale digs every night. And, heck, if you’re looking to really go big, get a bird’s-eye view of the vineyards from the comfort of a scenic hot air balloon — an experience my mom and I hope to share one day! You’ll also want to eat local in Napa Valley with the best restaurants to try.

Paris

Visiting Paris is a rite of passage for many travelers, and who better to experience (or re-experience) that with than your mother or daughter? For the perfect mother-daughter getaway, book a centrally located hotel near the Louvre so you can walk to major attractions like the art museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Seine, plus must-stop dining spots like the upscale and charming Angelina Paris.

While it’s hard to beat central Paris, my mom and I loved exploring Montmartre for views of her favorite city, not to mention art shops galore. If time allows, stop by Georges, a rooftop bar at the National Museum of Modern Art that boasts incredible views of Paris. While we only shared an appetizer and some wine, this was by far our favorite view of the city.

Downtown Mackinac Island in Michigan. — Alexey Stiop / Shutterstock

Mackinac Island, Michigan

With horse-drawn carriages, no cars, scenic cycling, and a relaxed vibe, Mackinac Island is one of the Midwest’s greatest getaway destinations. My family and I have visited at least a dozen times, and some of my favorite memories stem from the times my mom and I explored this northern Michigan island on our own.

Our favorite days started with biking eight miles around the exterior of the island (bike rental shops abound in downtown Mackinac), followed by lunch at staples like the Village Inn’s Kingston Kitchen and shopping along Main Street. On the days we decided to treat ourselves, we take’d a horse-drawn-carriage “taxi” to The Woods, a fancy restaurant tucked away in — you guessed it — the woods. On afternoons we chose to relax and unwind, we’d grab ice cream at our favorite spot, Ryba’s Fudge Shop, then sit in the lakefront rocking chairs behind the town library.

Bergen, Norway

I visited Bergen on the Viking Homelands Viking Cruise press trip with my fiance this fall, and I couldn’t stop thinking about how much my mom would’ve enjoyed not just the cruise (another great mother-daughter getaway idea!) but our final stop: Bergen. This Scandinavian destination is one of the best places I can think of to travel as a mother-daughter duo given that it’s safe, quaint, and scenic, with outdoor activities for travelers of all experience levels. For instance, my mom and I could take the funicular up Mount Floyen, then hike a bit around the top before making our way down on foot to soak up the city’s vistas. Or, if she was feeling up to it, we could make the hike up then funicular back down.

Of course, Bergen is more than just a funicular ride; the main town has dozens of fun sights and experiences for mothers and daughters to enjoy together. The main harbor’s fish market is bustling on weekends, with little shops to try local bites and even have the chef cook a fish you just bought at the stands. Continuing on past the fish market is one of the best views in Bergen: the old Bryggen wharf lined with colorful houses and mountains in the background.

The Algarve

Portugal isn’t just a tourist hot spot; it’s a must-visit destination for mothers and daughters seeking serenity and scenery in a single destination. The Algarve, a mix of cliffs and sand along Portugal’s southern coast, is dotted with upscale resorts like the five-star Vilalara Thalassa Resort.

My mom and I stayed at this resort during the chilly yet crowd-free spring and had the spa and private beach almost entirely to ourselves. That said, summer weather may be worth contending with the crowds for the chance to sunbathe and swim in one of the resort’s many pools.

To make the most of a trip to the Algarve with your mother or daughter, spend some time hiking one of the many famous cliff walks along the coast (The Castelejo Trail was our favorite!). For another Algarve perspective, hit the water for a tour of the spectacular Benagil Cave by boat. Don’t miss one of the Algarve’s many vineyards for an evening of wine tasting; Quinta do Frances Winery is one of the area’s most famous.

The Portland Head Light in Maine. — Dark Faerie Designs / Shutterstock

Portland, Maine

For a nautical weekend getaway with your mother or daughter, look no further than Maine’s charming town of Portland. My mom and I visited Portland for a Memorial Day weekend filled with lighthouses, lobster, and way too much shopping.

In terms of lighthouses, it’s hard to beat the well-known Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth, although we were almost equally impressed by the significantly less crowded Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse in South Portland. For a memorable day getaway, take the ferry to Peaks Island, where you can bike or stroll around this historic, laid-back destination. Or, take a road trip up to one of our new favorite shopping destinations, Freeport, which houses the L.L. Bean Outlet Store, not to mention a variety of other top-notch outlets including The North Face.

To cap off a perfect mother-daughter getaway, don’t miss the waterfront Lobster Shack at Two Lights in South Portland. This bring-your-own-beer restaurant lets the scenery do the talking, with low-frills (yet delicious) lobster and picnic tables overlooking the sea and nearby lighthouses. If you and your mom or daughter want even more lobster, consider our recipe for a perfect lobster crawl in Portland, too.

This list only scratches the surface of destinations for mother-daughter getaway trips. That’s why my mom and I continuously travel to new places — and revisit our favorite spots. We know each trip is an opportunity to make important and lasting memories together.

What Traveling Alone With My Kids Taught Me About Parenting

They say you are the average of the five people you hang out with most. Growing up, that meant I was my parents and my sister. We were a close-knit middle-class family living in the crazy, chaotic city of Mumbai, India. My dad worked in the city, which on any given day would be an average commute of 1.5 hours each way from home. My mom worked in the opposite direction and had a similar commute.

Needless to say, travel was not something that either of them wanted to do with any frequency. In fact, sleep and rest were highly valued commodities in our household. Fast forward many decades later and I found myself married to someone who was the complete opposite of me. My husband introduced me to this crazy thing called travel. You pack your bags, your family, and just hit the road. Or get to the airport and fly off to places you didn’t even know existed. I camped for the first time when I was 26 and it was as if I had entered a magical new world only found in REI and L.L. Bean catalogs.

Pretty soon the kids came along and, sure enough, our travels only increased. Diaper bags, screaming babies, car camping, and long-haul flights all became second nature. I often joke with my husband, asking him what he has done to make this Karthika so different from the Karthika of my youth.

But travel for me had always been in a group, either with my husband or his extended family who are just as crazy about adventure as he is. Sure, I have traveled back home to my parents’ place, but that typically means only handling my kids for the duration of the 22-hours it takes to fly halfway around the world. In most instances, many pairs of helping hands are waiting for me at the airport and the handoff of the grandkids to the grandparents is a comical and welcome sight.

This past summer I was presented with the travel opportunity of a lifetime, but the problem was I had my kids with me for the entire summer. I had always wanted to visit Australia; it was one of those bucket-list journeys, and my husband also had some work to do in Sydney.

The plan was that the kids and I would travel first to Melbourne, hang out there for a few days, then meet dad over in Sydney. Not a bad deal, right? Unfortunately, as is common with corporate jobs, things changed last minute and my husband’s project in Sydney fell through. Of course, three tickets were already booked and could not be canceled during the peak summer travel months. So, with a heavy heart (yes, I know I might be overdramatizing here) I agreed to travel alone with my children to Australia for more than six weeks.

Exploring downtown Melbourne, Australia. — Karthika Gupta

Now before you get the wrong idea — or think of me as being a really bad parent, which I hope I am not — let me just lay down some facts: My kids were 13 and 10 at this point in time. Yes, dealing with a teen is a challenge in itself. Add a rambunctious 10-year-old to the mix and trouble is brewing. Little did I know I would be mom, referee, punching bag, chauffeur, ticket agent, shopping assistant, chef, storyteller, and more all rolled into one for such an extended period of time in a place that was completely new and unfamiliar.

In the end, though this trip surpassed all my expectations and there are so many wonderful (and a few not-so-wonderful lessons) to be learned when traveling with your children. I wouldn’t trade in this experience for the world. Here’s what I learned.

1. Multitasking Is A Beautiful Thing

Moms are known to be great at multitasking, right? You know the ads that we see where they are holding a baby in one hand, making breakfast, packing lunches, folding laundry, and many other things in between? Well, I was never any good with that! I always burned breakfast and missed packing essentials in the lunch boxes. I quickly realized how important multitasking is, especially when you are traveling alone with your kids. I worked hard on my multitasking skills. Pretty soon I was arranging breakfast, mapping our day’s activities, and looking for good deals on things like museum tickets, whale watching trips, and even a concert at Sydney’s opera house.

2. Downtime Is Very Underrated

In the past, all our family trips were jam packed with activities. There was always so much to do but not enough time, no matter where we went. Of course, this was when I had a co-parent, not when I was flying solo. Pretty soon I realized that downtime is very important, not just for the kids but for this tired mom as well.

Travel, especially to a country like Australia, can be such a sensory overload — in sights, sounds, smells, and adorable koala bears. Having a lot of downtime built in ensured we enjoyed all the things we experienced. We may have not seen everything that there is to see in Australia, but the places we did visit, we gave our full attention.

3. Kids Of All Ages Can Be Given Responsibilities

There are a lot of things this trip taught me. But perhaps the best thing I learned was that my kids — both my teen and my tween — were really responsible. I gave them small things to do like collecting brochures from places we wanted to visit, figuring out the schedule for the day, and finding good places to eat. I started small but slowly increased the kind of responsibility I gave my teen. I found that her confidence improved day by day and she took her job of taking care of her mom and brother very seriously. And the people she interacted with also treated her with respect. They asked questions and she was able to have meaningful conversations with adults from outside her family.

A people dancer ceremony in Caines, Australia. — Karthika Gupta

It has been about three months since we got back from Australia, but I have to tell you, my kids and I still talk about the trip every chance we get. It is something we have very fond memories of — not only the things we saw and experienced but also the memories we made. Time really does fly by when you are having fun. This is something I kept telling myself over and over again throughout the trip.

Initially I couldn’t wait for the trip to be over. Planning logistics, planning meals, planning activities: It was quite a handful. I would get tired before breakfast was even over. My mantra was “It will be over before you know it.” But as the trip progressed, I started to realize this statement was actually sad. I adopted a different approach and focused less on the planning and more on enjoying my time with my kids. The moral of my story is this: No matter what you are doing, enjoy the time with your kids whenever you travel together.

Planning a multigenerational trip? Here are tips for overcoming the challenges of multigenerational family travel!

Fantastic Places To Stay In Charleston, South Carolina

As a popular tourist destination known for its colorful antebellum homes, delicious food, and low-country charm, Charleston, South Carolina, sees its fair share of visitors each year. And those millions of travelers need somewhere to lay their heads. Luckily, we’ve discovered some of the best places to stay in the Holy City, from hotels and home rentals to bed and breakfasts and everything in between.

Here are some fantastic places to stay in Charleston.

Hotels

We’ll start with the hotels. Charleston is famous for its Southern hospitality, and a number of its upscale hotel properties stand out.

Zero George

This luxe boutique hotel, located on the peninsula in the heart of the city, is a sure winner on the Charleston hotel scene. Named for its street address, Zero George is ensconced within renovated historic homes and features 16 beautifully appointed guest rooms. The property is home to a renowned cocktail bar and restaurant, and it even has its own on-site cooking school that regularly hosts wine tastings. Guests looking for a good deal should be sure to check out the special offers section of the hotel’s website and plan to travel during the off-season.

Belmond Charleston Place

The Belmond hotel group, a luxury operator, runs a lovely outpost in Charleston. Belmond Charleston Place downtown is a great fit for those seeking both a relaxing and active stay. The property boasts a large pool and deck, a fitness center, multiple eateries and bars, and a full-service spa. It is within walking distance of many popular tourist attractions, including Rainbow Row and the famous pineapple fountain, and it’s also close to numerous watering holes and restaurants. Many rooms include Juliet balconies and spectacular city views.

The Spectator Hotel

For a fancy stay complete with 1920s glamour, visitors to the Holy City should check out the sleek Spectator Hotel. After all, it’s the only spot in Charleston with a personal butler option for each guest. Mixology enthusiasts and bibliophiles alike will enjoy the speakeasy-meets-library vibe of the on-site Spectator Pub. And tourists can expect a gourmet continental breakfast delivered to their room each morning. The Spectator Hotel offers complimentary bike rentals on a first-come, first-served basis. Plus, the staff can arrange a private car service for guests who’d rather not use ride-sharing apps like Lyft or Uber.

The Mills House

This bright pink hotel, a Wyndham Grand property, is conveniently located downtown near numerous popular attractions. In fact, The Mills House is right across the street from Husk, the acclaimed Southern comfort-food restaurant. Guests can enjoy complimentary champagne in the lobby as well as a hand-delivered paper brought to their room each day. Valet parking is available on-site as well for $39 per day. That way, visitors can explore the Holy City on foot, the way it was meant to be seen.

Vacation Rentals

Travelers wanting a homier feel can rent an apartment, house, or cottage in Charleston. Home- and room-rental services like Airbnb and VRBO provide extra flexibility for everything from multigenerational vacations to romantic getaways for two. Plus, they offer some truly unique lodging experiences.

Here are a few of our favorite Charleston vacation rentals.

Inside the A Pirate's Life For Me Houseboat listing. — Airbnb

Airbnb: A Pirate’s Life For Me Houseboat

Perhaps the most fun lodging option on this list, this houseboat combines water views, charming decor, and a great mid-peninsula location. Guests can park for free at the marina, about 50 yards away. There are carts available for easy transport of luggage to the houseboat. Visitors can expect calm waters in the harbor to lull them to sleep, occasional dolphin sightings, and a full-size bathroom with a large water heater. There’s a queen bed in the bedroom as well as a twin bed in the main living space. A full galley kitchen is also onboard, which would be perfect for longer stays. Bikes are accessible on the dock for visitors to tour the city of Charleston on wheels.

Airbnb Plus: Serene Cottage

The Airbnb Plus distinction recognizes listings with “exceptional quality, comfort, and style,” and this charming cottage certainly delivers. Complete with a lovely garden and heated saltwater pool, the rental accommodates four guests. The cottage is fully updated, including the two bathrooms and the large kitchen. The large yard allows visitors to enjoy the fresh sea air, fragrant plants, and warm sunshine in the Cannonborough-Elliotborough neighborhood. Extra amenities include free parking on-site, a self-check-in process, a Roku TV, a washer and dryer, free Wi-Fi, and more.

Inside the Downtown Luxury Home listing. — Airbnb

Airbnb: Downtown Luxury Home

This entire house, located near Upper King Street in downtown Charleston, can be rented for a large group getaway. It features three bedrooms and three bathrooms plus a private driveway with room for two cars to park (for free!). The bedrooms also include a blow-up queen mattress and a twin rollaway bed. Ample outdoor entertaining space helps guests enjoy the city even more, and three porches are available for guests to use. That’s one for every level of this home! The spacious kitchen is equipped with a Keurig coffee machine to satisfy caffeine cravings, and the living room is designer appointed.

Airbnb Plus: The Cedar House

This cute rental would be the perfect fit for anyone looking to lessen their carbon footprint. With a fully functional kitchen including a gas range and French press, this tiny house packs a culinary punch. Plus, the hosts are very helpful and provide local tips to make sure your Charleston experience is the best it can be. They even provide bikes for visitors to use to explore the city and peninsula. Free parking is available on-site, and there is a private outdoor entertaining space with a hammock. Please note that the loft bedroom is accessed via a ladder, so this listing may not be a good fit for travelers with mobility issues.

VRBO: Isle Of Palms Getaway

For those seeking some beach time during their Charleston vacation, a private home on the picturesque Isle of Palms is a great option. This property boasts five bedrooms and four bathrooms and can sleep up to 14 travelers. With its newly renovated pool and easy access to the beach, this spot simply can’t be beat. Coastal chic decor makes the space extra inviting, while a large gathering space and farmhouse table provide home entertaining options. The Isle of Palms is just a 30-minute drive from Charleston itself, so visitors can still enjoy the city’s amenities.

VRBO: Historic House In The French Quarter

Another great downtown location for Charleston newbies, this home comfortably sleeps six guests in its three bedrooms. A spiral staircase, exposed reclaimed wooden beams, and exposed brick walls only add to its charm. Visitors have the house to themselves, complete with an off-street parking space. Plus, this rental currently has a stellar rating, 4.9 stars out of a possible 5. Check out this dreamy property for yourself to see if it’s worthy of the hype!

Inns And Bed And Breakfasts

In any historic city, you’ll find a number of extra-charming inns and bed and breakfasts. Charleston, the South’s favorite city, is no exception. Consider the following properties on your next visit to the area.

21 East Battery Bed & Breakfast

This bed and breakfast is located in one of the first homes to be built on the waterfront Battery in Charleston. Guests get a free tour of the home plus the museum, known as the Edmondston-Alston House. You will be warmly greeted by the on-site manager and can expect a stocked kitchen full of breakfast goodies to start your day off right. For an additional fee, a deluxe or made-to-order breakfast can be arranged. Off-street parking and a private courtyard round out these historic and luxurious digs.

John Rutledge House Inn

History buffs will especially enjoy the John Rutledge House Inn. This spot was built in 1673 by its namesake, John Rutledge, who was a signer of the Constitution. In fact, it’s the only home of a Constitution signatory that allows guests to stay overnight. With its location on the popular Broad Street, the inn provides a great home base for exploring the city, but it remains a serene urban oasis. Both afternoon tea and breakfast are provided.

Clearly there is no shortage of wonderful places to stay on a jaunt to Charleston. From historic inns to rental homes to houseboats, the Holy City has so much to offer visitors in terms of lodging.

Planning a trip to Charleston? Don’t miss the city’s best waterfront restaurants. And when you’re ready to explore beyond the Holy City, check out some of these day-trip options.

8 Fascinating Facts About Petra, Jordan

Fans of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade will remember the pivotal scene at the end of the movie when the elder Jones and his son stumble upon the lost city of Petra, the formidable and mysterious resting place of the Holy Grail.

To call Petra a wonder is a gross understatement. This rose-colored city carved into a sheer cliff face is a masterpiece of ancient ingenuity and skill. It was rediscovered in 1812 by John Lewis Burckhardt and has since become a wildly popular tourist destination for those who want a firsthand encounter with this preserved ancient city.

Here are eight fascinating facts that will make you want to pack your bags and head to this astonishing Jordanian treasure.

The treasury/mausoleum of Al Khazneh in Petra. — Truba7113 / Shutterstock

1. It’s A UNESCO World Heritage Site

Petra is a protected UNESCO World Heritage site that has “outstanding universal value” due to its functionality, preservation, and architecture. Its location in the desert means that the original inhabitants needed to creatively devise ways to get water and other resources to the city.

This resourcefulness, coupled with Petra’s sheer size and beauty, makes it one of the most cherished UNESCO sites in the entire world.

Old tombs inside the Silk Cave in Petra, Jordan. — S Kiran Krishanan / Shutterstock

2. The Famous Treasury Is Actually A Graveyard

Despite what you’ve seen on the silver screen, Petra’s Treasury is not a looming maze of booby-trapped rooms designed to separate the righteous from the unworthy, but a relatively small area that is most likely a beautifully decorated graveyard.

Any buried treasure was likely removed long ago, but the Treasury facade itself is a gem, lovingly carved by the Nabataeans centuries ago.

Old rock house formations in Petra, Jordan. — Ralf Siemieniec / Shutterstock

3. It’s Home To More Than 1,000 Tombs

The Nabataeans held their dead in high esteem and took special care to honor them as they passed from this world to the next. They built more than 1,000 protected tombs on the mountains in and around the city.

These tombs mingle with depictions of their gods, lending an air of fluidity between the sacred and earthly.

Sun shining down on ruins in Petra, Jordan. — LapaiIrKrapai / Shutterstock

4. It Honors The Sun

Like many peoples of the time, the Nabataeans worshiped the sun as a source of light and life, and Petra’s design reflects that reverence. Many of the city’s most sacred spaces are constructed to align with solar patterns, including solstices.

This careful design gives modern scientists and archeologists valuable insight into what the Nabataeans held dear, and exactly how special Petra must have been.

A tour guide in Petra, Jordan. — Boris Stroujko / Shutterstock

5. Some Of The Descendants Of The Nabataeans Still Call It Home

The B’doul tribe claims that it can trace its lineage back to the original Nabataeans, and some members still live in and around the remains of Petra. Today, many from the B’doul and other Bedouin tribes work as tour guides.

6. It Was Destroyed By A Massive Earthquake

In A.D. 363, Petra was struck by a gigantic earthquake that leveled most of the city and ended its reign as a thriving and wealthy trading center. After the disaster, many residents of Petra left the area, and the city was lost to the ages.

A stream of water near Petra, Jordan. — Iuliia Khabibullina / Shutterstock

7. It’s Near A Famous Biblical Site

According to the Bible, Moses drew water from a stone in Wadi Musa, or the Valley of Moses. Petra’s water supply was derived from this location, which, according to Biblical tradition, continued to gush water after Moses’s miraculous act.

Although the architects of Petra were not Christian, the ancient city’s proximity to Wadi Musa makes it an intriguing pilgrimage site for Christians.

8. It’s One Of The New 7 Wonders Of The World

Petra is classified as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, along with the spectacular Incan city of Machu Picchu, India’s Taj Mahal, the Roman Colosseum, Mexico’s Chichén Itzá, the Great Wall of China, and Brazil’s Christ the Redeemer statue.

View of Al Khazneh in Petra, Jordan. — tenkl / Shutterstock

What To Know Before You Go

Petra is sweltering during the summer months, so plan your trip for late spring or early autumn. Unfortunately, the majority of the ancient city is not wheelchair accessible, and no cars are allowed near the ruins. You have the option of traveling by donkey, horse, or camel.

Bring plenty of sunblock, water, and comfortable shoes, as well as a light scarf to cover up your shoulders when accessing sacred areas.

Petra is a magical place steeped in history and culture, and it should most certainly be on your bucket list.

Planning a trip to Jordan? Check out these off-the-beaten-path spots in the country.