Month: July 2024

Italy’s fashion and design capital, Milan isn’t as in-your-face with its beauty and charm as, say, Rome, Florence, or Venice, but that doesn’t mean it has fewer things to see and do. On the contrary, there are loads of fun and exciting ways to spend time in Milan; it just takes a little more effort to find them. What Milan lacks in ancient ruins and Baroque masterpieces, it makes up for in art deco design and contemporary fashion. And as Italy’s most cosmopolitan city, it’s home to an incredible restaurant scene and a plethora of great bars.

I live in Rome, but I take every chance I can get to visit Milan — and I always find something new and exciting to do, see, eat, or drink. I’ve also watched the city’s hotel scene evolve over the years, with the arrival of luxury boutique hotels like Galleria Vik and Portrait Milano, which was featured on our 2023 It List.

“I always say that Milan is Italy’s best unkept secret — a city that’s not easy to get to know, but one that is magnificent and revelatory once you do!” gushes Jaclyn DeGiorgio, a journalist and food tour guide who has been living in Milan for a decade and hosts the podcast the Milano Files. Maria Sole Ferragamo, who hails from the Florentine fashion dynasty, also fell in love with Milan, where she established the headquarters of her jewelry business, SO-LE Studio, which recycles leather to make unique jewelry in the arcades of the Portrait Milano hotel. Read on for their expert intel on the best things to do in Milan.

It may be one of Europe’s smallest countries, but Malta has much to offer its growing expat population, especially retirees. And we don’t just mean its scenic beaches (one of which was named the best in Europe) and historic towns that dot the tiny island nation in the Mediterranean. 

Malta was just named the third-best country to retire on the Old Continent by Global Citizen Solutions, a visa and relocation consulting company. Portugal and Spain topped the list, which highlights vibrant destinations that offer more than tourist attractions and picture-perfect landscapes.

“Malta boasts an incredible healthcare system, attractive property prices, fantastic tax exemptions and incentives, political stability, a wide range of entertainment options, ideal year-round weather, and a large English-speaking population, among other things,” the report states.

The country, sitting between Italy and Libya, has a population of a little over 530,000. Because of its strategic location in the central Mediterranean, its culture and traditions are an eclectic blend that reflects its North African, European, and Middle Eastern influences over the centuries. And while it might have had a turbulent past, the country is currently one of the safest in Europe, according to the World Bank. (It is also much safer than the United States.)

As an added benefit, English is one of Malta’s official languages, attracting many English-speaking expats and making cultural assimilation and daily life much easier.

Like most European countries, Malta provides universal healthcare to Maltese citizens and legal residents. However, non-EU citizens need private healthcare insurance, the annual rate of which depends on factors like the person’s age and health. According to the financial website SmartAsset, monthly healthcare premiums in the country cost less than $100, with medical services also significantly less than in the U.S. (The out-of-pocket cost for lab work, for example, is approximately $30.)

The cost of living is also lower than in certain EU countries, with an estimated average monthly budget of $2,600-$3,000. Housing options are diverse, but as one of the most densely populated countries in the world, most people live in apartments or condos. Global Citizen Solutions lists Valletta (Malta’s capital); St. Paul’s Bay; and Victoria, the capital of Gozo; as the best cities for American retirees, all with large expat communities.

In addition, non-Maltese nationals can obtain residency in the country in less than a year by investing at least €110,000 (about $120,000) in real estate. This also gives them the right to travel visa-free in all EU and Schengen countries.

Malta is followed by Greece and Turkey in the top five of Global Citizen Solutions’s list of the best places to retire in Europe.

You can see the full ranking on globalcitizensolutions.com.

SAN DIEGO — It may have taken a quarter century to develop a luxury waterfront hotel in Oceanside, but it’s apparently paid off. The Mission Pacific Beach Resort, which made its debut three years ago, has been named the No. 1 resort in the continental U.S. by Travel and Leisure’s readers.

The 161-room, seven-story hotel, which boasts a Michelin-starred restaurant on the premises, was also named the top resort in California. It outranked many long acclaimed properties, including Rancho Valencia in Rancho Santa Fe, which frequently garners recognition in national rankings. It came in at No. 11 in this year’s reader survey of best resorts in the U.S., although it was fourth in 2021.

“I think everyone was completely surprised,” Tim Obert, area managing director of Mission Pacific Beach Resort, said of Tuesday’s announcement. He also manages the hotel’s sister property, The Seabird Ocean Resort &Spa, which was ranked 14th.

“It’s our guests who voted for us, and they’re well traveled and experienced. They know what great is, so it’s flattering that they were kind enough to take the time to vote for us. We had hoped we would score well, but I don’t think any of us expected that we would be No. 1.”

Travel and Leisure’s article announcing the top resorts is headlined, “The Resort Voted Best in the Continental U.S. Overlooks an Underrated California Beach and Has a Michelin-star Mexican Restaurant.”

It describes the resort on N. Myers Street, as “a place you never really need to leave to have a good time. It’s home to both a Michelin-starred restaurant (Valle, which serves tasty Mexican bites) and a rooftop bar serving craft cocktails that are ideal at sunset.”

The resort, it points out, is also home to the original “Top Gun” house, a 19th century Victorian cottage that appeared in the original Top Gun film released in 1986. Mission Pacific Beach also made it onto Travel and Leisure’s Top 100 Hotels in the World for 2024, ranking No. 11. The only other California hotel to rank higher was the Pendry Newport Beach.

To compile the list of top resorts, Travel and Leisure asks its readers each year to weigh in on their travel experiences, not only for hotels and resorts, but also for cities, cruise ships, airlines and other hospitality segments. More than 186,000 readers completed the 2024 survey, the magazine said, and more than 700,000 votes were cast across all categories.

Hotels were specifically rated on such criteria as rooms and facilities, location, service, food and value.

The two sister resorts in Oceanside had something of a tortured history as the city sought to bring a destination resort to the oceanfront site since the 1970s. It began courting developers in the 1980s for the two-block site bisected by the western end of Mission Avenue, with boundaries at Pacific and Myers streets, Pier View Way and Seagaze Drive.

Back in 2005, the city of Oceanside chose S.D. Malkin Properties from a field of three finalists. It was Oceanside’s fourth try in 25 years to land a luxury hotel for the site. The project would eventually break ground in 2019.

“When it opened in May of 2021, it opened during COVID, a difficult time to launch any hotel,” Obert said. “So it started slowly and now has gained its footing and competes very well in the market. We run around 67, 70 percent occupancy for the year, but this year we’ll be closer to the low 70s. Like all resorts during the summer through Labor Day, we run well north of 80 percent occupancy.”

There’s a lot to remember when packing for trips these days, from what can and can’t go in a carry-on to how many pairs of underwear you should pack. However, the luggage concerns don’t end when you’re all packed up because there’s plenty to think about when you arrive at your hotel, including where you can safely place your luggage to keep it clean, dry, and free of pests — like those icky, awful bed bugs. While you likely already know not to put your luggage directly on the bed when you check into a new room, it turns out you may want to think twice before putting it on the floor, too. 

“Personally, I always use the luggage rack to unpack and then store my luggage in the closet,” LaDell Carter, the founder and lead travel consultant at Royal Expression Travels, shared with Travel + Leisure. “Professionally, I advise against leaving luggage on the floor due to the risk of unwanted critters. For example, while traveling in Jamaica, I once left my luggage on the floor for a short period. Upon returning home, I discovered that I had inadvertently brought back small lizards that had crawled into my suitcase.”

And Carter is far from alone in this practice. 

“After traveling to 45 countries and living across 4 continents, I have seen it all — the good, the bad, and the downright unsanitary,” wellness travel expert Kelli Tolliday, who is also the founder of Rising Nature Retreats, added. “Bed bugs are notorious travelers, and they can easily crawl into your luggage, clothing, and personal items, hitching a ride back to your home. Once they settle in, bed bugs can be incredibly difficult and costly to eradicate, causing a significant headache for travelers.” 

Bed bugs may be Tolliday’s top reason for not leaving her luggage on the floor, but they aren’t her only reason. 

“Hotel room floors, despite regular cleaning, can still harbor dirt, bacteria, and other unmentionables —  especially hotel rooms with carpet. Floors are exposed to the shoes of previous guests, spills, and cleaning chemicals,” Tolliday said. Beyond the ick factor, Tolliday also noted that leaving your luggage on the floor can create an organizational nightmare, echoing Carter’s suggestion to put your clothes away in the closet — or at the very least place your luggage on a hard surface to reduce the risk of picking up potential bed bugs.

Tolliday added that traveling “should be a time of enjoyment and discovery, free from the worries of pests, dirt, and damage to your belongings. By simply keeping your luggage off the hotel room floor, you can enhance your travel experience, ensuring that your belongings remain safe, clean, and organized.”

Of course, you could always leave your luggage in the bathtub, a favorite luggage spot for experts who are in the know about bed bug protection. 

So, you’ve gotten through security, waited patiently at your gate, finally boarded the plane, and now are settling in for the long journey to come. You go to click that button on the armrest that will recline your seat just a few inches to help get you as comfortable as possible. But wait, is it still socially acceptable to recline on a plane when seats and legroom have become smaller than ever? According to etiquette experts, yes, but with some caveats. 

“It’s acceptable for three reasons. One, it’s a widely accepted practice, and most passengers expect some degree of seat recline during a flight. Two, seats are designed to recline. If you have to ‘turn right’ on an airplane, space is tight, and reclining adds an extra bit of comfort to your personal space. Three, for long-distance flights, reclining enhances added comfort for rest or sleep,” Lisa Mirza Grotts, an etiquette expert and author of “A Traveler’s Passport to Etiquette,” shared with Travel + Leisure. 

Jo Hayes, an etiquette expert, consultant, and founder of EtiquetteExpert.Org, added, “It’s more than OK to recline in one’s plane seat. The aircraft wouldn’t have the option to recline if it wasn’t acceptable. While only a slight adjustment in angle, it can make a huge difference, comfort-wise.” 

However, both Grotts and Hayes agree there’s a time and a place to recline, as well as a way to do it that’s still respectful to the passengers behind you. 

“Deciding when to recline your seat on a plane involves self-awareness, social awareness, and situational awareness,” said Grotts. “Further, consideration during mealtime is crucial. Even then, make it gradual, turn around, and attempt eye contact.”

Hayes echoed this statement, saying, “One should not be reclined during meal service. This is a standard airline rule.” She added, “When returning the seat to an upright position, do so as gently as possible. A rough snap back to upright can disrupt the person’s tray table behind.” 

Frequent travelers also agree with these etiquette experts, calling on everyone to understand there’s a time and place to recline. 

“I have often seen, and personally experienced, requests to return seats to the upright position during mealtimes as a courtesy to those seated behind,” LaDell Carter, founder and lead travel designer at Royal Expression Travels, told T+L. “There’s no safety issue if one passenger is reclining while another is eating; it’s more about mutual respect and comfort. Flight attendants typically will not enforce seat adjustments during noncritical times unless it pertains to safety, including during takeoff, landing, or turbulence.” 

Even full-time travelers like Ilse Gutierrez, the voice behind Ilse on the Go, say it’s OK to recline sometimes, while other times, it’s worth staying upright. “Reclining your plane seat is allowed and expected on overnight flights, where getting comfortable is essential. I wouldn’t typically recline on a short flight of one to four hours, but for anything longer, sitting straight up becomes too uncomfortable and unnatural.” 

For the most part, experts agree it’s OK to recline, so long as it’s done respectfully. Of course, if you do recline, be prepared for those who may feel like you’re invading their space.

That includes Sebastian Garrido, digital marketing manager at Vibe Adventures, who noted that the choice to recline depends on which type of plane you’re on and what class you’re flying in. According to him, passengers in economy with minimum legroom should rethink reclining. If you do choose to push back, just remember there are a pair of knees right behind you. 

You don’t need to fly halfway around the world to have an epic vacation. In fact, you don’t need a passport at all. All you need to do is find your own little slice of American paradise at one of the nation’s best resorts. And if this year’s list of reader favorites in the continental U.S. is any indication, you’ll have no problem finding an ideal spot from coast to coast.

How Voting Works

Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Over 186,000 T+L readers completed the 2024 survey. A total of more than 700,000 votes were cast across over 8,700 properties (hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.).

Hotels were classified as either resort hotel, city hotel, inn, or safari lodge based on their location and amenities, and they were specifically rated on the criteria below:

• Rooms/facilities
• Location
• Service
• Food
• Value

For each characteristic, respondents could choose a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores are averages of these responses.

What Readers Loved

This year’s list showcases the best of America’s coastlines and its mountain towns. However, the American West is the real star of the show, with nine of the 15 resorts located west of the Mississippi. More specifically, Colorado and California take the cake, making three appearances each on this year’s list of the 15 best continental U.S. resorts.

A few favorites from years past reappear on the 2024 list, including the forever chic Hotel Jerome, Auberge Resorts Collection (No. 4) in Aspen, Colorado, which was also named the No. 1 hotel in Colorado in the 2023 list, along with Quisisana Resort (No. 8) in Maine, a summer camp escape for adults that will make you want to say, “I carried a watermelon.”

But it was a brand-new entry that made its way to the top for 2024 — one that’s just steps from the sand in the Golden State. Keep reading to find out which resorts you need to be booking this year.

The Winner

Mission Pacific Beach Resort: Oceanside, California

Mission Pacific Beach Resort is making quite the splash in this year’s World’s Best Awards. The hotel not only takes the title for the No. 1 resort in the continental U.S., but it was also voted the best resort in California. Guests at the hotel don’t even need to bother putting on shoes to get to the beach, because it’s simply that close. They can also just swing open the doors to their private balconies to let the ocean air in day and night. Though the resort is well positioned for guests who want to explore the area, it’s a place you never really need to leave to have a good time. It’s home to both a Michelin-starred restaurant (Valle, which serves tasty Mexican bites) and a rooftop bar serving craft cocktails that are ideal at sunset. While here, don’t miss the fun of visiting the “Top Gun” house, which is the very same Victorian cottage that appeared in the original 1986 film.

The Full List

1. Mission Pacific Hotel: Oceanside, California

The Mission Pacific Hotel perfectly marries style and comfort. The serene escape comes with breathtaking ocean views, maximizing the SoCal experience, and throws in fantastic dining as a bonus.

Reader Score: 99.17

2. The Winnetu Oceanside Resort: Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts

Get in a little New England magic with a stay at The Winnetu Oceanside Resort on Martha’s Vineyard. The ultra family-friendly resort is just a short walk to the beach and hosts plenty of clambakes to gather around.

Reader Score: 99.00

3. Hotel Hartness: Greenville, South Carolina

Southern hospitality lives on at Hotel Hartness. The boutique hotel provides the perfect backdrop to a tranquil stay with its sprawling estate that guests can roam and its expansive Spa H that offers every treatment visitors could ever want.

Reader Score: 98.80

4. Hotel Jerome, Auberge Resorts Collection: Aspen, Colorado

The classic luxury destination offers travelers the chance to live out their Old West fantasies with horseback riding and fly fishing, and exploring nearby ghost towns. And, when they’re done, they can return for some of the best cocktails in the West at its beloved bar, Bad Harriet.

Reader Score: 98.24

5. Cedar Lakes Estate: Port Jervis, New York

Have an idyllic escape to the Hudson Valley with a visit to Cedar Lakes. The rustic-meets-refined retreat offers plenty of outdoor activities to choose from, including boating on the lake, tennis, volleyball, and lawn games galore. When the day is done, guests can unwind with farm-to-table dining with produce picked right from their chef’s garden.

Reader Score: 98.20

6. Deer Path Inn: Lake Forest, Illinois

Deer Path Inn is a slice of English countryside charm hiding in Illinois. The inn’s stunning Tudor-style exterior, covered in ivy, is matched by its elegant interiors, where guests can gather around fireplaces, in plush leather furnishings, or for the all-important afternoon tea served — where else — in the English Room.

Reader Score: 98.11

7. Triple Creek Ranch: Darby, Montana

Have one more cowboy-esque experience with a visit to Triple Creek, a spectacular ranch set in the midst of Montana’s breathtaking wilderness. Here, guests can unwind in their private cabins, visit the ranch’s friendly horses, go out for a fly fishing adventure, or take part in perhaps the coolest experience, panning for sapphires plucked right from the river running through the property.

Reader Score: 97.87

8. Quisisana Resort: Lovell, Maine

Play like a kid again at this camp-inspired resort. Located on the shores of Lake Kezar, the resort is the epitome of fun for all. Here, guests can enjoy musical and theatrical entertainment, lake activities for all ages, and revel in the community atmosphere.

Reader Score: 97.77

9. Madeline Hotel and Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection: Telluride, Colorado

Find a year-round paradise at the Madeline Hotel and Residences. Tucked at the base of a mountain, the hotel is a prime place for ski-in, ski-out fun, but it also makes for a stellar home base for spring, summer, and fall hiking, mountain biking, and fishing experiences.

Reader Score: 96.67

10. Sonnenalp Hotel: Vail, Colorado

Keep the ski vibes high with a visit to Sonnenalp Hotel, located near the base of Vail, another beloved Colorado ski destination. Here, winter sports enthusiasts can live in the lap of luxury thanks to its in-house ski concierge and private ski lounge, which always has hot cocoa at the ready.

Reader Score: 96.47

11. Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa: Rancho Santa Fe, California

Rancho Valencia, which sits on 45 pristine acres of private land, has long been loved by T+L readers for its quiet atmosphere and wealth of wellness offerings. Here, guests can take part in daily fitness offerings like morning yoga and TRX classes, or soothe their aches at its 5-star spa, which tailors each treatment to the individual guest.

Reader Score: 96.44

12. Little Palm Island Resort & Spa: Little Torch Key, Florida

Really get away from it all with a visit to Little Palm Island, which is only accessible via boat or seaplane. The private island paradise, which took the No. 1 spot for the best hotels in Florida in the 2023 World’s Best Awards, is the right place to come to unplug. There are no TVs here and screen time is frowned upon. That’s OK though, because you get to trade that in for sunset views and swinging on its hammocks.

Reader Score: 96.29

13. The Ranch at Rock Creek: Philipsburg, Montana

Dig deeper into the adventurous spirit of Montana with a stay at Ranch at Rock Creek. The 19th-century homestead has been turned into an all-inclusive haven. Here, guests can pick just how rugged they want to get with accommodations ranging from glamping cabins to the historic barn and luxury rooms decked to the nines. Though really, no matter which guests choose, they won’t be roughing it.

Reader Score: 96.22

14. The Seabird Ocean Resort & Spa: Oceanside, California

California dreaming is alive and well at The Seabird Ocean Resort & Spa. Nestled along the Pacific Ocean, the resort is coastal chic at its best, with blue decor to match the color of the sea outside. It’s also a place where plenty of fun can be had thanks to its live music and fire pits, complete with all the necessities for a delicious s’more.

Reader Score: 96.15

15. The Lodge at Blue Sky, Auberge Resorts Collection: Park City, Utah

Come reconnect with Mother Nature at the Lodge at Blue Sky. The resort has done its best to ensure guests feel immersed in the mountain’s magic from the moment they check in. Guests can open the doors to their Earth Suites and Sky Lodge rooms to breathe the fresh mountain air, dine on farm-fresh ingredients, and head out for an adventure to remember, including fishing, hiking, wagon rides, and plenty of activities for families, too, including teen-specific outings and kid-friendly camps.

Reader Score: 96.13

From lugging bags to getting through security, travelers already have enough to contend with when going out on their own. But throw in a kid or two, and the entire process can feel downright overwhelming. Luckily, travel expert Samantha Brown has a tip for making the boarding process with kids a lot easier. 

“A lot of people like to preboard with children under 2. They think it’s great to get on the plane first. Here’s a better way to use the preboard,” Brown said in a clip posted to Instagram. 

“Think about this. If you use the preboard, your child is sitting in the plane for a good 45 minutes more than the flight time,” Brown added. “And this is a really stressful time for kids. Bags are going over their heads; people are really stressed. They can feel it. And what happens is, once they get to a cruising altitude of 30,000 feet, that’s when the child releases the stress they’ve just felt.” 

So, what should parents do instead? It’s simple. All you need to do is divide and conquer. 

As Brown explained in her video, partner number one should take advantage of the preboarding process by bringing all the luggage and any other must-haves on the plane first. They can get settled and prepare the seats for their kids’ arrival.

“Partner number two waits in the gate area with the kids, keeps them worn out, walks them around, and doesn’t board until the very last zone is called,” Brown added. “Then, you walk your children on board, you get them settled, and the plane leaves — hopefully, in 10 to 15 minutes.” 

This way, you can minimize time on a plane with kids, ensuring a smoother flight for them, you, and your fellow passengers from takeoff to landing. And in case you need a little more assistance, just check out this time-saving packing hack for traveling with kids.