Sydney Aaliyah Michelle

Hipmunk Hotels: Cozy and Unique Places to Stay in the West From Flagstaff to Beverly Hills

Published on June 11, 2016June 10, 2016 by Sydney Aaliyah MichelleLeave a comment

The post was originally published on Non Stop Destination on May 1, 2016.

Each time I peruse the internet for a few hours of holiday planning, I make sure to look for a hotel that sets itself apart from other ones in the area. I love quirky, cozy, and unique hotels that will make my holiday just a little bit more special. Luckily, there’s no shortage of unique and cozy hotels in the US. The following hotels in the West of the US have thrown the ordinary out of the window and offer you a different but relaxing experience during your stay.

Haunted Hotel in Flagstaff

“The Weatherford Hotel in Flagstaff, AZ” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by feverblue

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Flagstaff in Arizona is a popular stopover on the famous Route 66. Road trippers can explore the lush national forests around the area as well as experience outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and in winter, skiing. The historic Hotel Weatherford is located downtown and is hard to miss. Built in 1900, the hotel has an imposing façade and quaint turn-of-the-century decorated rooms where you can rest after an active day outdoors. Be warned though, the hotel is supposedly haunted!

Modern Sophistication in Bakersfield

“The Padre Hotel, Bakersfield” (CC BY-NC 2.0) by LadyDucayne

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The Californian city of Bakersfield has plenty on offer for the outdoor enthusiast (especially whitewater rafting fans), and what better place to rest those tired feet than at the Padre Hotel. Unwind in this historic hotel, which first opened its doors in 1928. The themed rooms have been meticulously decorated with great attention to detail. From swanky chic to modern sophistication, you’re bound to find a room to your taste.

Historic Haven in Glenwood Springs

“Hotel Denver Foyer” (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0) by Liralen Li

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Situated in a river valley with steep hills surrounding the city, Glenwood Springs is a mecca for nature lovers. Apart from skiing, whitewater rafting, kayaking, and cave exploring, Glenwood Springs is known for its natural hot springs. Head over to Hotel Denver for a genuine historic experience close to everything the city has to offer. Each room is unique and features authentic touches transforming your sleeping quarters to a cozy haven.

Quirky Adobe Villas in Sedona

“AGV” (CC BY-ND 2.0) by BrownGuacamole

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If you’re looking for an active getaway, Sedona in Arizona is the place to be. Hailed as the most beautiful place in America, Sedona offers great outdoor activities with the typical red rock canyons as a backdrop. For a truly unique stay, book a villa at the quirky Adobe Grand Villas. The adobe style rooms all have an individual design, with wooden features throughout. A country garden villa interior or a wagon wheel bed? You’ll find it here.

1950’s Style in Beverly Hills

“Loved staying at the Avalon in Beverly H” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by designmilk

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A chic neighborhood needs a chic hotel, and 1950’s style Avalon Hotel in Beverly Hills is the perfect place for indulging. The modern retro style and color block designs with soft natural colors can be found throughout the hotel, radiating a sense of calmness and serenity during your stay. After a day of shopping on the famous Rodeo Drive, treat yourself to an in-room spa treatment. When your pampering session is over, lounge in a private cabana by the poolside while sipping an exquisite 1950’s inspired cocktail.

Hipmunk’s Guide to Landing the Lowest Sumer Airfare

Published on June 10, 2016 by Sydney Aaliyah MichelleLeave a comment

The post was originally posted on the Hipmunk’s Tailwind Blog on April 12, 2016.

summer-buy-blog

Gas prices are down, the temperature is heating up, and travelers are inevitably looking to take advantage of both this summer.

In fact, with all the sunny news about oil prices you may be itching to plan an escape of your own. But summer is three whole months long, airfare is usually priced at a premium, and there tends to be a lot of confusion for travelers around the optimal purchase date to obtain the best deal. Indeed, the most asked travel advice question posed to Hipmunk Navigators concerns the best time to purchase a ticket.

As of March 31, 2016, overall domestic summer airfare (flights departing and returning during June, July, or August), is down from a median price of $330 to $286.

Similarly, flights from the US to major European countries – Great Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Greece, Switzerland, Austria and Ireland – follow the same trend: travelers this summer are paying about 15 percent less than last year, from a median price of $1331 to $1129.

And those savings seem to translate into a higher proportion of people planning longer getaways: In 2015, 46 percent of summer vacations that involved flights lasted four days or fewer, while just 33 percent lasted between seven and 10 days.

In 2016, however, 40 percent are four days or fewer, while 38 percent are between seven and 10 days, indicating a shift towards longer vacations.

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To ensure that the hardest decision you’ll have to make this summer season is which umbrella drink you’ll order, Hipmunk analyzed its historical booking data to find the best time to buy summer flights on a monthly and holiday basis. Further, you can find an an interactive guide to summer airfare that show the best times to book flights book flights from the top US cities to trending destinations for summer 2016, as well as Memorial Day, Labor Day and July 4th here.

Let’s dive in.

When to Buy: Summer Holiday

An analysis of Hipmunk’s historical data found that flights booked at least five to seven weeks in advance of major summer holidays—Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day—generally lock in better airfares.

Memorial Day: 5 weeks prior
The kick-off summer holiday weekend is also the second most popular travel time of the season and flight prices rise rapidly. The optimal time to buy according to historical data is five weeks prior to the holiday. (31 percent less than the week-of high.)

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Fourth of July: 6 weeks prior
The most popular time to travel during the summer season is the week leading up to the July 4th holiday. To avoid steep price hikes, it’s best to book six weeks prior. (21 percent less than the week-of high.)

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Labor Day: 7 weeks prior
The unofficial end of the summer also has the longest lead time. A safe bet is to purchase tickets towards the end of July when prices are their lowest—about seven weeks before the holiday weekend. However, if your plans are up in the air, you might be able to secure that same price up to three weeks in advance. (60 percent less than the week-of high.)

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When to Buy: Vacation Month

If your dates are more flexible and you’re trying to decide when to buy tickets to score the lowest prices for a particular month, our data showed that there were two times when travelers could optimize their purchasing power: two months before the beginning of summer or five to seven weeks prior to their departure month, with a vacation in August needing the least amount of lead time and a vacation in July the most.

June: Now, or mid-May

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July: Now, or the first week of June

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August: Next week, or the last week of July

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Now that you know the best times to buy for your summer vacation, it’s time to start planning. Try Hello Hipmunk, your free personal travel agent, to get flight and hotel recommendations straight to your inbox.

METHODOLOGY
Hipmunk analyzed its historical roundtrip airfare data from the top 30 US airports to determine the best times to purchase airfare.

To compare summer 2016 airfares and vacation lengths to those in summer 2015: Hipmunk calculated the median weekly round-trip flight prices for all flights booked during the first week of Jan 2015 through the last week of March 2015 for flights that departed and returned between Memorial Day and Labor Day, as well as the number of days of trip length for those flights, from the top 30 US airports (flight prices were included the week in which the flight departed). Hipmunk performed calculations with the same criteria for 2016 flights, and compared the results.

To find the best times to buy for lowest airfares: Hipmunk calculated the median weekly round-trip flight price from the top 30 US airports, for flights booked from the first week of April 2015 to the last week of August 2015 .

Hipmunk considered a flight for a holiday weekend one that departs up to three days prior to a holiday and returns up to two days after.

This Life in Trips: Affordable Options In The Less-Traveled South (Myrtle Beach, Richmond, And More)

Published on May 23, 2016May 22, 2016 by Sydney Aaliyah MichelleLeave a comment

Hipmunk Hotels: Affordable Options in the Less-Traveled South (Myrtle Beach, Richmond, and More)

When thinking of cities in the Southern states, New Orleans, Charleston, and Savannah come to mind — and with good reason. These cities offer some of the best culture, cuisine, music, and laid-back living that famously comes with this region. Of course, because of this, these popular tourist locations can be expensive to visit and crowded in the peak seasons. With that in mind, check out these great Southern city alternatives and the hotels to stay in for those looking for an affordable and less crowded stay.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Gatlinburg is a unique tourist destination, to say the least. Located on the doorstep of the Smokey Mountains, this eastern Tennessee town is a great jumping off point for exploring the great outdoors. That said, it’s also a great spot for family fun. With amusement rides, the Space Needle, and great restaurant choices, Gatlinburg has plenty to see and do within its city limits. Although not as popular as Nashville or Memphis, Gatlinburg receives its share of visitors. For thinner crowds, visit in the winter season or during the week in the summer. Either way, for a great mix of the outdoors and city fun, book your hotel in Gatlinburg in advance for the best savings. Furthermore, Reagan Resorts Inn is a nice option for budget travelers.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Myrtle Beach may seem out of place on this list, but it can be enjoyed on the cheap year-round. Due to its famous beaches, great seafood, and spectacular golf courses, Myrtle Beach draws in over 14 million visitors per year — the majority of which are guests from the North seeking refuge during the cold winter months. Still, with popularity comes plenty of affordable hotels in Myrtle Beach no matter the season, like the Plantation Resort. With festivals year-round and plenty of free activities, Myrtle Beach truly is a budget-friendly destination in the South with much to see and do.

Midland, Texas

Due to its size, Texas is less crowded than other states in the South. Still, Midland, Texas, can provide an authentic Texas experience without the crowds of Dallas, San Antonio, or Houston at a fraction of the cost. Enjoy horseback riding in the sun or stay cool inside one of the city’s great museums. Aviation enthusiasts will enjoy the American Airpower Heritage Museum, and those interested in how the area came to be will enjoy theMuseum of the Southwest. Hotels in Midland range from high-end chains such as the Hilton Garden Inn and Four Points by Sheraton, to budget brands like the Comfort Inn and Super 8. Regardless of the star rating, hotels in the city, like TownePlace Suites Midland, can be found at a lower rate than those in Texas’s major hubs.

Richmond, Virginia

Richmond, Virginia, offers similar history, character, and charm that’s found in Charleston and Savannah but with the added bonus of a lively downtown core and nearby outdoor activities without the crowds. Civil War history can be found throughout the area, and there are plenty of great restaurants, shops, and bars in town to keep you busy. The nearby James River offers guests the chance for some whitewater rafting, and there are plenty of parks in the area — perfect for hiking and leisurely strolls. Hotels in Richmond are affordable and range from modest to luxury, giving the option to enjoy the outdoors or relax in the city. One such budget-friendly hotel is Courtyard by Marriott Richmond Airport.

Less-Traveled South

Fredericksburg, Texas

Last on this list is the charming town of Fredericksburg, Texas. Located an hour’s drive away from San Antonio and an hour and a half away from Austin, Fredericksburg is a great spot to explore Texas from. In town, you will find an interesting mix of Texan and German traditions. With its German roots, Fredericksburg has many great events and festivals such as Oktoberfest and Schuetzenfests (marksmanship tournaments), with a Texas-sized twist. Due to its obscure path location, hotels in Fredericksburg, like the Econo Lodge Fredericksburg, can be found at a great value compared to those in bigger cities. So break out your cowhide chaps and lederhosen and visit this interesting Texas town.

What say you?
Thoughts on these Hipmunk Hotels in the Less-Traveled South?
Let’s hear it!

For more tips from HipMunk and beyond see HERE.

A New Life Wandering: Places to Stay in North Carolina — Durham, Charlotte, Wilmington, Asheville and Chapel Hill

Published on May 22, 2016May 22, 2016 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle4 Comments

Durham Duke Gardens — Image via Flickr by Yumian Deng

North Carolina has a diverse landscape ranging from beaches, mountains, and cool cities in between with lots of history. If you haven’t gotten to know this state yet, you will not regret a visit. If you don’t know where to start, the cities of Durham, Charlotte, Wilmington, Asheville, and Chapel Hill all have plenty of things to do. Each have their own charming personality.

Below, you can learn a little bit about these three cities and find ideas of where to stay if you decide to visit.

Durham

This is where I spent most of my three years in North Carolina. Home to the prestigious Duke University, Durham has a lively energy to it. One of the best things about Durham is the food scene; it was crowned the The South’s Tastiest Town by Southern Living, and I can vouch for that title.

A great hotel to book here would be the The King’s Daughters Inn, which offers the best combination of an elegant and luxurious hotel with a bed & breakfast style. It is centrally located near most of Durham’s best places including the Duke Gardens. For more hotel options you can browse cheap hotels in Durham.

Durham NC — Image via Flickr by Mr. Jincks

Charlotte

Charlotte is one of the fastest growing cities in the United States and offers countless activities, including browsing the NASCAR Hall of Fame, learning about post–Civil War history at the Levine Museum, and interacting with science at the Discovery Place. You can browse the city’s hotel guide to find a place to stay, or look no further than The Dunhill Hotel — a historic, vintage hotel that will make you feel like you walked into an old photograph.

Wilmington

I fell in love with Wilmington just minutes after strolling around downtown. The town has a strong history, and it shows along the mile-long downtown Riverwalk and along the waterfront. If you like movies, Wilmington houses the largest American television and film production facility outside of California.

If you want a full-on historic experience, you can stay at the 1913 revival style home Airbnb in the heart of the historic district and within walking distance to many shops, dining, and nightlife. If you would like to stay at a more conventional hotel, you can check out more hotels in Wilmington.

Wilmington NC — Image via Flickr by James Willamor

Asheville

If you prefer a place closer to the mountains with a vibrant arts scene, a laid-back attitude, and historic architecture, then look no further than Asheville. Downtown, you can enjoy the many art galleries, museums, places to eat, and a historical aesthetic like the former factory buildings now being used as residences and art studios. To find a place to stay, used this easy-to-navigate Asheville hotel guide.

Chapel Hill

Last but not least, Chapel Hill owns up to its spirited atmosphere thanks to the local and beloved University of North Carolina. Places to explore here include the following: the Science Center, the Basketball Museum, the North Carolina Botanical Garden, the local favorite and must-visit Top of the Hill restaurant and brewery, and the historical Carolina Inn. You can make it easier to visit this gem by choosing to book your room there! Or, find a different place with the Chapel Hill Hotel Guide.

Whether you pick the foodie and smart town of Durham, the fast growing city of Charlotte, the charming coastal town of Wilmington, the artsy mountain town of Asheville, or the laid-back college town of Chapel Hill, there is no wrong choice.

Travel Tidbits: How to Spend Your Time in Bar Harbor, Syracuse, and Other Northeastern Cities

Published on May 17, 2016May 22, 2016 by Sydney Aaliyah MichelleLeave a comment

This post was originally published on Travel Tidbits on April 7, 2016.

Hipmunk Hotels: How to Spend Your Time in Bar Harbor, Syracuse, and Other Northeastern Cities

Feeling the need for a getaway, but unsure of where to go? Hop in your car or book a flight to the northeastern United States, where you’ll find plenty of activities and adventures to keep you entertained. Cities like Bar Harbor, Syracuse, Long Island City, Roanoke, and Williamsburg are ideal destinations for just about anyone. Check out what each of these cities has to offer!

Bar Harbor, Maine

If you’re looking for a diverse range of activities to keep you entertained, look no further than Bar Harbor, Maine. This popular northeastern destination appeals to tourists from all over the world for its rich culture and picturesque natural scenery. One of the top spots here is Cadillac Mountain, a great place for hiking and other outdoor sports. If this sounds like your kind of place, you should also visit Sieur de Monts Spring Nature Center, Asticou Azalea Garden, and Wild Gardens of Acadia. Be sure to start planning by booking a room in one of Bar Harbor’s popular hotels.

Syracuse, New York

Looking to see all that New York has to offer? Head to Syracuse, where you’ll get the chance to experience trendy restaurants and bars, fashion-forward shopping, vibrant nightlife scene, and an overall electric atmosphere that will have you never wanting to leave. Some popular tourist attractions include Rosamond Gifford Zoo, Destiny USA shopping center, Erie Canal Museum, and Everson Museum of Art. If exploring city streets is what you’re interested in, Syracuse is perfect for you. Consider booking a room in one of the city’s most popular budget-friendly hotels.

Long Island City, New York

Another New York location that offers everything you might be looking for, Long Island City is an ideal destination for anyone. Immerse yourself in culture by heading to MoMA PS1 Art Museum, Noguchi Museum, Socrates Sculpture Park, or The Secret Theatre. For a relaxing day outdoors, visit Gantry Plaza State Park or Hunter’s Point South Park. In the mood to try some tasty local beers? Check out Rockaway Brewing Center or LIC Beer Project before heading back to one of these affordable Long Island City hotels for a comfortable night’s rest.

Roanoke, Virginia

If experiencing history and culture is your main priority for your trip to the northeast, be sure to visit Roanoke, Virginia. Here you’ll find popular tourist attractions including Mill Mountain Star and Park, the Virginia Museum of Transportation, and O. Winston Link Museum. Roanoke is home to several famous breweries, so consider signing up for a brewery tour throughout the city. If you’re traveling as a family, bring the kids to Mill Mountain Zoo or Splish Splash Valley Water Park. Start preparing by booking a room in one of the popular Roanoke hotels that won’t break the bank.

Williamsburg, Virginia

Last but not least, Williamsburg is a popular Virginia destination for so many reasons, including its rich cultural and historical significance. Founded in 1632, it makes sense that this town is filled with ancient landmarks, including Historic Jamestowne, Governor’s Palace, and the downtown Historic District. Looking for a place to stay near these popular sites? Consider booking a room in one of these affordable Williamsburg hotels.