Best Airbnbs in New York City Based on Location

New York City is one of the toughest cities in the world to navigate.

The subway is pretty extensive—but it’s difficult to use. Not only are delays common, but reading the maps and understanding how to get from Point A to Point B can be really confusing.

Especially when local and express trains are involved.

And even more so when train schedules and routes change on a dime—and you’ll only find that out thanks to a barely intelligble announcement over subway loudspeakers.

Taxis and rideshares aren’t much better.

Getting stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic is a daily risk—that’s why New Yorkers take the subway. It’s faster and more reliable than getting into a car. Worst of all, taxi and rideshare fees are at an all-time high.

So location should be at the top of your list when you’re looking for accommodations in New York City.

Unfortunately, finding a rental with a good location that doesn’t break the bank isn’t for the faint of heart. You also need to consider things like amenities, proximity to good restaurants, safety, windows that block out the street noise, and more.

Still, that doesn’t mean it’s impossible.

Let me showcase a few of the best Airbnbs in New York City for first-timers. Each offers a great location for your first foray into the Big Apple—but I’ll let you decide which other features are most important.

Best location in the city: Trendy Apartment in Chelsea

It’s beautifully appointed, it’s in one of Manhattan’s trendiest neighborhoods, and it’s not going to cost you an arm and a leg.

Seriously, I can’t recommend this stay enough.

Its location in Chelsea puts you close to the city’s most famous restaurants, parks, coffee shops, and bars. You’re a short walk from other hotspots too, including West Village, Greenwich Village, and Meatpacking.

And while it might feel small to visitors, it’s palatial by NYC studio standards.

Book here

Best shared Airbnb: Cute Room in Williamsburg Townhouse

Williamsburg is located in Brooklyn—which is a great spot for first-time visitors. (The same for Queens, but we’ll cover that below.)

It’s one of the city’s trendiest neighborhoods… and by trendiest, I mean absolutely overrun with hipsters. (In a good way.)

Williamsburg is a great spot to be in Brooklyn, as it also puts you close to trains that go into Manhattan and into Queens. And given its designation as one of the coolest spots in the city, you won’t be short on things to do, from pop-up shops to odd new eateries.

Even the apartment reflects these refined tastes. It’s got an amazing design and setup, providing you with a great landing pad for your adventure in the concrete jungle. Assuming you’re okay rubbing elbows with the host.

Book here

Best location in Brooklyn: Dazzling Condo in Williamsburg

I told you Williamsburg is a great neighborhood.

Though I lived in Red Hook during my Brooklyn years, I found myself in Williamsburg a lot. In fact, this rental is located just off Metropolitan Ave—a hotspot in the borough.

The rental isn’t the cutest in terms of design—but it’s not shabby by any means.

Guests also have access to a backyard, which is prime real estate in New York City. I’m sure that’s part of the reason this spot has a perfect 5-star rating and Guest Favorite designation from Airbnb.

(Pro tip: the nearby Alligator Lounge has bingo nights, trivia nights, and other dive bar staples. It’s something of an institution.)

Book here

Best location in Queens: Sonder the Dutch

Queens should also be on your radar as a first-timer in New York City.

First, locations like Long Island City include train and metro lines that make it easy to get anywhere in the city. Or even outside of it, including to Long Island.

Second, Queens is the world’s most diverse area in terms of language and culture—which means there’s plenty to do without ever leaving its bounds. I suggest heading to Jackson Heights in search of great food.

Sonder The Dutch is a new boutique stay in Long Island City. Not only does it offer great views of the Manhattan skyline, but it’s also close to Brooklyn’s trendiest spots, too.

Just take the G (assuming it comes) down into Greenpoint and Williamsburg.

Book here

Most New Yorker vibe: Rare Penthouse Oasis

So, what’s a New Yorker vibe? Aside from using the oven as shoe storage, a New Yorker vibe involves a balance of creativity, self-determination, and hustler vibes.

It’s about getting through life with style—in every sense of the word.

This shared Airbnb gives me pure New Yorker vibes for a few reasons. First, the bohemian mismatch of furniture and textiles feels understated and stylish.

Second, the massive shared patio offers a dreamer’s view of Manhattan. Third, there’s a record player and vast record collection available to guests—a distinctly atmospheric feature. It might not be distinctly New York, but I’m sure it adds to the vibe.

Book here

Budget option: Blue Freesia

I’ve done the impossible: found you a private room in Manhattan that’s under $150.

Oh, and it’s got a fantastic location and a comfortable bed designed for knock-out sleep sessions after long days.

That being said, this spot is ideal as a landing pad—and not much more. The bedroom has all the basic features, but you might face a bit of noise at night. If that’s not a big deal for you (or if you have access to solid earplugs), then nab this spot ASAP.

Book here

Best Lux Hotel Openings in 2024 (US Only)

The best experiences in hospitality involve both comfort and flare.

When it comes to the most exceptional stays, there’s also a dash of luxury involved.

Across the United States, flashy new hotels open their doors to tourists each year. Only the truly unforgettable will keep their doors open for years—or even centuries—to come.

If you like to keep your finger on the pulse in terms of the latest and greatest hotel openings, then look no further. I’ve compiled some of the very best luxury hotels with opening dates in 2024.

They’re new, they’re swanky, and they’re going to leave a lasting impression.

If you’re on the hunt for the best new openings across all options—including mid-range and budget hotels—then start here. But if you’re seeking out the best in luxury openings, then keep scrolling.

I’ve got the crème of the crop listed below.

The Celestine, New Orleans

Open

New Orleans excels in boutique, luxury hotels. Seriously, for such a casual city, it does extravagance suspiciously well. From Hotel Mazarin to Hotel Saint Vincent, you’ll have options in the Big Easy.

The Celestine is the latest hotel to expand Nola’s portfolio of opulence. You’ve got a prime location in the French Quarter, along with star power—the grounds are where playwright Tennessee Williams wrote A Streetcar Named Desire.

The interior offers a cool shoutout to the city’s African, French, Spanish, and Caribbean influences. It’s both chic and bohemian, straddling the line between austere and cheeky.

And with only ten rooms on the grounds, you’re going to feel like you’re part of a hidden society, tucked away from the French Quarter’s madness.

Book here

Thompson Palm Springs

Opening September 2024

This Hyatt project is set to open its doors in late 2024.

The Palm Springs location casts pure SoCal magic, offering mountain views, midcentury modern design, and a sunshine-first aesthetic. (Plenty of windows and balcony space.)

One of its more unique offerings is its on-site wine-tasting room, titled HALL Napa Valley. Of all the Palm Springs stays that I’ve covered, I’ve yet to see any wine-tasting rooms on the grounds.

There’s also a rooftop pool with plenty of cabanas, adding yet another dash of the unexpected.

In terms of amenities, the Thompson Palm Springs offers all the basics that any high-profile traveler would look for. However, given its association with Hyatt, there are also features like conference rooms and meeting areas—which aren’t necessarily the sexiest lux features.

Book here

Casa Loma Beach Hotel, Laguna Beach

Open

Want an oceanfront experience in Laguna Beach? Look no further.

Casa Loma gives visitors direct access to the beach—along with Laguna Beach’s best art galleries and shopping districts. Seriously, if memorable stays are about location for you, this is one hotel that can’t be missed.

Great zip code aside, Casa Loma offers private balcony views of the beach (it’s like getting a VIP pass for sunsets) and a seriously curated bungalow vibe.

Or, if you plan on spending more time at the pool, grab a room that offers direct access.

I’m also a fan of Casa Loma’s approach to accessibility. It’s one of few new lux openings that offers a fully accessible stay for guests.

Book here

The Global Ambassador, Phoenix

Open

I shouted out The Global Ambassador in my article on the Top 10 Boutique Hotels in the US. That’s because it’s got a serious flair—one that calls back to the days of sleek speakeasies.

Aside from its stellar appointment, The Global Ambassador also offers five lavish and themed eateries. Guests can choose from three restaurants and a separate lobby bar. Don’t let the term lobby bar throw you off—it’s yet another swanky and Mad Men-esque spot.

Book here

The Rounds, Catskills

Open

Welcome to a new addition to Scribner’s Lodge in the Catskills: The Rounds. The Rounds refers to the property’s standalone cabin structures. They’re dodecahedrons in case you’re into geometric architecture… but you’ll probably be more focused on the interior.

The goal is to offer an opulent but secluded escape.

Every private cabin includes Japanese cedar soaking tubs and skylights designed for star-gazing. But guests also have access to the main lodge, which is Scribner’s Catskill Lodge—a mainstay from the 1960s that got a facelift in 2017.

That makes The Rounds an even more lux experience inside what’s regarded as a classy Catskill lodge stay. And while you might be imagining an elevated cabin, let’s not forget that they’re officially dodecahedrons—meaning they’re twelve-sided and unlike anything you’ve seen before.

Book here

The Georgian, Los Angeles

Open

Just like the Global Ambassador, The Georgian also made it onto my list of the best boutique design hotels in the US. This LA location is more focused on art deco, crafting a perfect love letter to the city.

Seriously—it oozes style. Even the bellhops are dressed to the tee.

There are other features that are worth writing home about, too. There’s a strong emphasis on room service, which can be ordered with a simple push of a button. Oh, and record players. Each room has its own player and a few records to choose from.

Book here

The Dunlin Kiawah River, Charleston

Open

Just twenty miles north of Charleston, you’ll find a stunning new development on the Kiawah River. Enter the magic of the Dunlin, which brings you all the private wonders of nearby Kiawah Island without ever leaving the mainland.

Plus, you get the Americana atmosphere of Charleston and the nearby Sea Islands.

There are wicker rocking chairs, porches made for chatting and sweet tea, and all the Southern amenities you could want within reach. I’m talking about delicious barbecues, fishing excursions, and even dolphin-watching.

I also love that the hotel has carefully curated walking paths that let visitors immerse themselves in the wetlands, spotting birds while they unwind and amble.

The lesson here? Just because it’s lux doesn’t mean it’s hoity-toity.

Book here

Bhutan: Enter The World’s Most Exclusive Tourist Destination

When you imagine exclusive destinations, what comes to mind?

Maybe you’re thinking of high-profile stays in Mykonos or sprawling villas in Como.

Maybe your mind drifts to the ultra-lux spas of Macao or Geneva.

Or maybe you’re imagining the best eateries in New York City or Paris.

But what if I told you that the world’s most exclusive tourist destination is actually a tiny Himalayan country by the name of Bhutan?

Bhutan is a small Buddhist country located high in the Himalayas. It’s sandwiched between China’s Tibet region and India’s northeastern arm. To the west is Nepal, to the east is Myanmar.

And for decades now, Bhutan has kept a tight cap on its tourism numbers.

In fact, that’s probably why you know about this country in the first place. The nation only opened its doors to visitors in 1974—and since then, it’s kept a tight hold on the number of visitors welcomed and what they do.

Officially, the policy targets ‘high value, low impact’ tourists. The subtext: you’re gonna need deep pockets to visit Bhutan and a serious sense of adventure. Welcome to the world’s most rugged yet financially exclusive destination in the world.

Inside Bhutan’s ‘High Value, Low Impact’ Approach

If you’ve read about overtourism, then you know that the Himalayas—and Mount Everest, especially—face heightened risks. That’s mostly due to the fragile nature of the Himalayan ecosystem.

Even back in the 1970s when the Kingdom of Bhutan was forming its tourism department and official stance on foreign visitors, sustainability was on the radar.

There was also an emphasis on preserving Bhutanese culture. It’s a deeply Buddhist nation that’s focused on self-determination and mindfulness in an increasingly globalized and rushing world. (Love it.)

To prevent overtourism, Bhutan’s tourism authority focuses on volume control and visa fees.

First, by limiting the number of tourists allowed to enter the country. Second, by requiring visitors to pay visa fees each day of their trip—which costs around $100 a day as of 2024.

One Way In, One Way Out

So, how can visitors land a visa to Bhutan? And what can they expect upon arrival?

As you might have sensed, Bhutan keeps a tight hold on its tourism industry.

In fact, there are only two airlines that service the country—and they fly in and out of its capital, Thimpu. Druk Air has been around since 1981 while Bhutan Airlines took to the air in 2011.

All visitors must apply for a visa, aside from Indians. (Indians are visa-exempt.) The process can be done entirely online.

Though most applications are eventually approved, you can expect to wait for a reply. Bhutan also caps the number of tourists entering from a single country, which means your visa could be denied based on how many other Americans are applying.

Uniquely, if you’re from Thailand, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, or Singapore, you can apply for a visa upon arrival.

Once landing a visa, visitors can organize their trip through one of the official tourist companies. As of 2018, there are over 75 licensed tour guides in the country, all of which are regulated by the Bhutan Tourism Corporation.

Despite the emphasis on homegrown and regulated tour guides, companies are allowed to design customized adventures. So, while tourism runs under a limited scope, visitors have the freedom to plan the trip of their dreams.

Why Bhutan?

So, who ends up in Bhutan, anyway?

Back in 2019, the country welcomed over 300,000 tourists—an all-time high for the country. Most tourists come from around Asia, including India, Bangladesh, China, South Korea, and Singapore.

They’re on the hunt for exotic landscapes and cultures. I’ve spent time in Sikkim, India—which is the tiny nub located between Nepal and Bhutan.

My time there could be categorized by the term ‘unspoiled’, both in terms of the stunning vistas of the Himalayan foothills and the Tibetan Buddhism still practiced.

Bhutan offers a similarly romantic and unspoiled look at life.

There’s also that exclusivity factor, which many tourists want. As the bounds of travel expand, there are fewer ‘frontiers’, so to speak. Adventure travelers prioritize this sense of boundary-pushing, making places like Bhutan a once-in-a-lifetime chance.

Visiting the Big Apple? Here’s Why You Should Visit Brooklyn, too

If you’ve never been to New York City, prepare to be pleasantly overwhelmed.

Will you figure out which direction uptown and downtown are during your trip? Probably not.

Will you pay exorbitant prices for basic amenities? It’s almost guaranteed.

Will you be confronted with some of the most inspiring sights in the world? The forecast says yes.

Visiting New York City for the first time is sort of like clinging to the tail-end of a rocket. You’re trying to hold on while also glancing around in wonder.

One of the toughest challenges for newcomers is figuring out where to go. While Manhattan (called the City by locals) should be your focus, you might also want to wander into New York City’s other four boroughs: the Bronx, Staten Island, Brooklyn, and Queens.

Let’s focus on Brooklyn for now. Here’s why it should be on your radar when you stay in the Big Apple.

Brooklyn is (slightly) cheaper

It’s not cheap—that’s for sure.

But compared to Manhattan, many neighborhoods in Brooklyn are a lot more affordable than their counterparts across the river.

Keep in mind that areas like Williamsburg and Greenpoint are priced like Manhattan, along with most hotels and restaurants in Downtown Brooklyn.

But if you want some serious savings, then you can push even further into Brooklyn. I’m thinking about areas like Carroll Gardens, Sunset Park, Bay Ridge, and even Red Hook. Just make sure you’re okay with walking a bit.

Brooklyn’s subways are more spaced out than Manhattan’s—and the train rides into the city are going to take longer if you’re not on the express.

Arts & culture is very homegrown

Brooklyn has a reputation for its hipster population.

Neighborhoods like Bedford-Stuyvesant (Bedstuy), Bushwick, and Midwood (which borders Queens) have seen a huge influx of new shops, restaurants, bars, and other projects.

Some of them are really cool, like Syndicated Movie Theatre and new clubs like the Brooklyn Mirage. But not all projects from New York City transplants are worth writing home about.

In Brooklyn, you’ll also get a feel for another side of the ‘real New York’. One that you might not notice if you stayed in Manhattan.

So, what do I mean by the ‘real New York’? I’m talking about projects that were created by locals and for locals. Tourists are more than welcome, too!

You’ll find dozens of homegrown establishments throughout Brooklyn, including in its ‘hipster’ areas. Check out The Narativ House x Brooklyn Kettle, BierWax, Adanne, and Paperboy Prince Love Gallery if you want to experience and support Brooklyn projects, specifically.

The great outdoors

Nobody goes to the Big Apple with the hopes of getting into nature.

And even though Central Park should be on your bucket list, Brooklyn has way more open space. If you’re prone to feeling a little claustrophobic, then Manhattan should be a day trip for you. (Seriously, it’s very congested.)

Brooklyn is home to several large parks and cemeteries. (Did you know that Brooklyn’s cemeteries were designed for park-like walks? Green-Wood even hosts events.)

Prospect Park is the most famous park. It’s massive and includes an art gallery, the Brooklyn Museum, and the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens. The Brooklyn Bridge Park and Fort Greene Park are also popular for those in the downtown area.

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Throughout the borough, you can find unique green spaces at your disposal.

For example, my in-laws live in Bay Ridge, which is home to Owl’s Head Park—it’s a beautiful and hilly park with a great view of lower Manhattan. Also, Bay Ridge is increasingly accessible for tourists, giving you a viable spot for cheap rentals. Assuming you’re okay waiting for the R train, of course.

Partying on a Private Yacht Made Easy: Welcome to Yacht Week

Back in 2014, I was traveling the world to earn a degree in Global Studies.

At the time, there was a new trend on the rise—one that combined the ultra-lux experience of yachting with the decidedly casual world of boat parties.

Ten years later, Yacht Week, as the company is known, remains a hot topic in travel.

In case you missed the zeitgeist, Yacht Week is a bespoke yachting adventure geared towards twenty-somethings.

Travelers gather a small crew, pay a hefty fee, and then join other like-minded partiers as their yachts crawl through the sea together. The vessels dock and link up to throw parties in the water, on the beaches—wherever.

Today, Yacht Week runs five separate revelry-centric programs: two in Croatia, two in Greece, and one in the British Virgin Islands. It’s one of the most accessible ways to get on a yacht and one of the most unforgettable party-based adventures out there.

But what is Yacht Week like today? And what sorts of travelers would enjoy this type of activity? With a solid decade of party-planning under its belt, I imagine Yacht Week is a well-oiled machine.

But let’s dig a little deeper to see what’s behind the glittery mask here. Just what’s going on with Yacht Week in 2024? And what types of festivals is it throwing on the water?

The Yacht Week experience

Think about Yacht Week as a much smaller and more boutique party cruise experience.

It’s also geared toward younger travelers. I’m seeing lots of twenty-somethings in the advertising materials, but I think a few thirty-plus attendees would go unnoticed.

Here’s how it goes: you join a yacht with a small crew, then take off into the sunset with other vessels on a seven-day romp. It’s not necessary to hire a skipper yourself or rent a yacht… though I imagine the vast majority of guests need access to both.

From there, yachts dock so that adventurers can explore unique towns in Greece, Croatia, or the British Virgin Islands.

These floating yacht communities also link up in the water so that partiers can swim and dance and drink to their heart’s end. Or they can do their own thing elsewhere—even on land.

Though guests have the benefit of being part of a large party group, they also have the freedom to lay around and stare at the stars, shop around when docked at a port, and otherwise enjoy their vacation.

Which Yacht Week destination is most popular?

Yacht Week currently operates in Croatia and Greece year-round. There’s also a special event in the British Virgin Islands scheduled for New Year.

In Greece, you can choose from Pêche or Vibras, which are geared toward different types of music.

Pêche is more squarely focused on electronic, including house, deep techno, and even disco. (I’d go with Pêche, personally.) Vibras takes yachters to more Latin-based shows and Latin music culture.

In Croatia, you can choose between Ultra and Rhythm & Waves.

The former is actually tacked on to Ultra Music Festival, allowing you to experience some of the best shows while also immersing yourself in Mediterranean sailing. Rhythm & Waves, by contrast, is more focused on grooving to hip-hop. Also not a bad idea.

The British Virgin Islands excursion focuses on sailing to some of the most stunning tropical beaches in the Caribbean.

There are also plenty of parties scheduled, including New Year’s Eve. This is a great choice for Americans who don’t want to fly across the Atlantic.

What’s the ideal demographic here?

Yacht Week is geared toward younger travelers who want to make friends while partying. It’s really that simple.

Like I mentioned above, I wouldn’t be surprised to see some thirty-somethings here. And it’s not solely about partying.

Many Yacht Weekers have returned time and time again because they loved the experience the first time around. That tells me that there’s probably a pretty cool vibe and atmosphere on the yachts. One that involves making lifelong friends, too.

Plus, you can learn a lot about sailing as you go. The Yacht Week community includes sailors, skippers, and maritime enthusiasts. There’s also a gender ratio in play to help prevent any yachts from being single-gender.

Is it safe?

I’ve read through quite a few blogs that cover first-hand Yacht Week experiences. Overwhelmingly, I’ve heard positive reviews when it comes to safety. Because Yacht Week has been operating for over a decade, the company has the benefit of experience.

Still, visitors need to be aware. Boozing on boats is a notoriously dangerous art.

However, most Yacht Week attendees mentioned smaller risks, like bumps and bruises. Most of these minor incidents seem to come from moving from boat to boat during the night and hopping into water taxis. Nothing major, in my book.

The Great Down Under: What You Need to Know About Australia and New Zealand

Australia and New Zealand get clumped together a lot.

Much of that is thanks to their cultural and historical ties. Both countries were originally claimed as part of the British Empire by Captain John Cook. They served as outposts for the British Empire (and some of its most dangerous criminals) and remain part of the British Commonwealth today.

That being said, Australia and New Zealand are very distinct. And if you’re heading from the continental United States to visit either, you need a solid understanding of what you’re in for.

After all, getting to either country won’t be easy or cheap, nor will crafting a solid itinerary.

Want to know more about the differences between Australia and New Zealand? Let me simplify things for you.

Both are home to interesting creatures

Let’s get this out of the way first.

Yes, Australia is home to dozens of creatures that can kill you. You’re probably thinking of crocodiles and deadly snakes, but you should be thinking about Huntsman spiders and leeches.

(Honestly, between the two, I’d say look out for the leeches. I camped a few times along Australia’s eastern coast and had way too many run-ins with these blood-suckers. They’re ugly, they’re amoeba-shaped, and they live to bleed you dry. Just saying.)

Nightmare-fuel aside, you’re going to be more delighted by the lovely creatures in both island nations.

New Zealand is home to kiwis, the brown flightless bird for which locals are nicknamed. There are also little blue penguins, green pigeons, alpine parrots, and some seriously stylish lizards.

Australia is home to beautiful beastlings like the sugar glider, platypus, kangaroos, koalas, echidnas, and quokkas. You’ve probably heard and seen more of Australia’s creatures, but you’ll be pleasantly surprised in either country.

Australia’s natural wonders are more iconic

That being said, Australia has more iconic landscapes than New Zealand.

(Quick caveat: much of the Lord of the Rings film trilogy was filmed in New Zealand, so if you have a thing for Middle Earth, then head straight to New Zealand.)

There’s Uluru right in the center of the country, which is surrounded by thousands of square miles of red-sand desert. Then there’s the Great Barrier Reef, which hugs the country’s eastern coast. Further down the eastern coast, you can find landmarks like the Twelve Apostles.

But it’s also home to much stranger places.

I traveled to Daintree National Park in Queensland, home to one of the oldest rainforests in the world. In fact, it’s one of the world’s most biologically diverse ecosystems on the planet. (Australia is old.)

Australia has big-city vibes

Natural wonders aside, you might also be on the hunt for a great urban experience.

Once again, Australia has more to offer. Melbourne and Sydney are sprawling metropolises with dozens of unique neighborhoods. Any American will feel at home.

New Zealand’s capital Auckland has a similar atmosphere, but smaller cities like Christchurch and Wellington aren’t nearly as large.

And on top of its larger cities, Australia is also home to unique villages that are off the beaten path.

I spent my time in Australia studying in Byron Bay, a sleepy beach town with slightly bougie vibes. You’ve also got funky hippy towns like Nimbin, up-and-coming neighborhoods like Perth’s Fremantle, and trending new capitals like Adelaide.

New Zealand has a strong Māori presence

If you’re familiar with New Zealand, you might know the country as Aotearoa.

This is the Māori language word for New Zealand, which is used interchangeably in official and unofficial publications. That’s because Aotearoa is one of the most integrated countries in the world in terms of its settler-native population.

You may also be familiar with haka. Haka is a Māori dance used to celebrate different accomplishments and to welcome guests. The national All Blacks rugby team starts major matches with a haka dance, which is performed by Māori and non-Māori players.

When you visit New Zealand, you’ll be able to learn more about the history and legacy of local Māori people—without heading off the beaten path.

New Zealand is much easier to explore

And speaking of getting off the beaten path in New Zealand, you should have a much easier time.

Given Australia’s massive size, there’s plenty of space to escape the standard tourist route—but there’s not much to do considering its stretches of desert or bushland in the Outback.

New Zealand is composed of two islands. You can easily explore both, enjoying the rugged coastlines. Given its location further south (closer to the South Pole), there are even glaciers and fjords. That makes it great for those who want to really explore the islands during their trip.