Sexy Summer Getaways for Grown-Ups
Are you a grown-up? Do you love summer? Well, then you're going to love TPG Contributor Christine Cantera's picks for destinations that won't be overrun with families looking to entertain their kids...while you're just hoping for some peace, a little cultural pursuit, and quite possibly a nice cocktail.
London, England
They're predicting a summer "heatwave" in London, with sunny skies and temperatures in the mid-70s Farenheit, which brings out the locals in droves and transforms the Big Smoke into one big outdoor party. Summer events include the Queen's Birthday Parade, also called Trooping the Colour (June 13); Open Garden Squares Weekend (June 13-14), when London's private, locked gardens are open to the public; Glastonbury Festival (June 24-28), which has the rare possibility of not being a muddy mess this year; and the opening of Buckingham Palace while the Royal family is on holiday (July 25-September 27).
Stay at the three great London restaurants!
Acadia National Park, Maine
If you're not an inherently outdoorsy type, America's National Parks probably don't make the top of your list. But if you're simply looking for nature and beautiful views without having to travel to the back of beyond, then Acadia National Park—on Mount Desert Island off Maine's southern coast—may just be what the doctor ordered.
Acadia can be reached by car after landing at Boston Logan (BOS) or Bangor International (BGR), and from there your trip can be as flexible as you'd like—from camping in the outdoors, or as part of a road trip along the Acadia National Scenic Byway. If you'd like to leave the car behind, bike rentals are available in nearby, tony Bar Harbor.
If you're not going to be camping, Bar Harbor accommodations lean towards high-end B&Bs like the Yellow House. Close to the park, though, great redemptions can be found through May 11 at Wyndham properties like the Days Inn Bar Harbor (starting at $152.15/night or 16,000 points), Knights Inn Ellsworth Bar Harbor (starting at $84.15/night or 16,000 points) and Ramada Ellsworth (starting at $135.15/night or 16,000 points). There's also the Bar Harbor Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort (starting at $146.56/night or 35,000 IHG Rewards Club points) overlooking Frenchman's Bay.
Note that Acadia is best visited in early summer, as it tends to get crowded in the later months. If you'd like to ensure you have accommodations, try one of the many campgrounds available at Acadia. And if you want to know more about the area, know that we'll be featuring a more extensive guide to Bar Harbor in May.
Istanbul, Turkey
Use your miles for award travel to Istanbul this summer, and experience the city that everyone talks about, but a surprising few actually visit. While there, don't miss the exhibition of Cecil Beaton portraits at Pera Museum through July 26, which features iconic photographs of some of the most important people of the 20th century. Then as the sun goes down, hit the rooftop bar NuTeras for stunning views and outstanding food under the stars.
It looks like the swanky Edition Istanbul is pretty solidly booked this summer, but once booking becomes available at the new Soho House Istanbul (featured in The Top 15 Hotels Opening in 2015), you might want to check it out. Or, try to snag a Bosphorous-view room at either The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul (starting at 295 Euros/$319 or 50,000 Marrriott Rewards points per night) or the Radisson Blu Bosphorus Hotel (starting at 308 Euros/$335 or 50,000 Club Carlson points a night).
For more ideas on what to see and do, check out the Destination of the Week guide to Istanbul, and what to do during a layover at Istanbul Ataturk International Airport.
Hội An, Vietnam
Central Vietnam has become a popular destination in the last decade, attracting mostly budget travelers, backpackers and those who want a more on-the-ground experience. However, there's an astounding collection of luxury accommodations along the beautiful sugar-sand beaches in the seaside town of Hội An, set 45 minutes south of Da Nang.
Points properties are scarce in Hội An, but you'll find a fair range of prices at romantic beach resorts that will all aim to treat you like royalty. For instance, at the Nam Hai Hoi An, a one-bedroom villa with ocean views and a private garden starts at $456 per night, while at the Boutique Hoi An Resort, a Superior Room starts at 3,300,000 VND ($153.75 USD) per night.
If you can tear yourself away from your beach chair or the teal-blue water, make sure to visit Hội An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a remarkably well-preserved trading port dating from the 15th to the 19th century.
The closest major airport, Da Nang Airport (DAD), is served by Vietnam Airlines and Korean Air, among other Asian carriers. Should you need/want to spend time in Da Nang proper, check out the InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort Hotel, where a two-Queen room with ocean view starts at $278 or 25,000 IHG Points per night.
Paso Robles, California
Located roughly halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, Paso Robles makes for a great destination in its own right while on a West Coast road trip. The charming 1890s-era downtown and its farm-to-table Central California cuisine (try to snag a reservation for dinner at Artisan) are bested only by the lure of wine tasting at vineyards in the surrounding area (e.g., Daou, Adelaida Cellars, Lone Madrone, etc.), where you can enjoy the region's signature Zinfandels, Syrahs and more while savoring valley views.
There are several mid-range points options at the edges of town. At the Marriott Courtyard Paso Robles, a two-Queen room starts at $179 or 70,000 points, the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites has a King Room starting at $15o.99 or 30,000 points, and the Hampton Inn & Suites Paso Robles starts at $214 or 40,000 HHonors Points for a King Room.
If you're looking for more upscale accommodations, head to the heart of downtown. The Paso Robles Inn has a high-end motel vibe, with the ornately wood-carved Cattlemen's Ranch bar and a few rooms with their own hot-springs tubs, while the nearby Hotel Cheval offers even more rustic-chic luxury. For a funky, sexy B&B with a sprawling lawn, an outdoor pool and its own house tequila, head a mile away and check out Inn Paradiso.
Don't feel like staying in a hotel this summer? Check out these posts on finding alternate accommodations in your favorite destinations:
4 Great Sites for Booking Short and Long Term Accommodations
Hotel Alternatives: Booking Rental Homes For Travel
Tips & Tricks For Booking Rental Homes
Maximizing Points And Miles On Vacation Rentals with AirBnB and VRBO
[card card-name='Chase Freedom®' card-id='22125634' type='javascript' bullet-id='1']
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Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.