Through her growing restaurant empire, Lisa Dahl has helped transform Sedona to be as much of a dining destination as it is a spiritual haven and outdoor-lover’s paradise.
read more
culture
top 5
dining
FEATURE
Itinerary
Feature
MEMBERS
Members
international
Calling all adults who need a (spring) break! Don’t let kids have all the fun. Say hello to destinations bursting with excitement, no matter when you visit.
Java, lava, and aqua all flow in abundant quantities on Hawaii’s Big Island, making it the perfect place to experience nature’s bounty of beauty. Tour a Kona coffee farm, explore a lava cave, and marvel at majestic waterfalls.
A better memory, stronger immune system, and more productive days are just a few upsides of a good night of sleep. Plus, you’ll get even more out of your vacation days if you’re adequately rested. Catch quality shut-eye on the go and at your home away from home with these packable sleep products.
Las Vegas wasn’t always the entertainment metropolis we know today. A remote outpost grew into a railroad town, then thousands arrived in the area to build the Hoover Dam. Decades later, scientists tested the nation’s nuclear weaponry north of the city. And then there were the racketeers who controlled the casinos for decades. Travelers don’t have to go far to experience it all.
Read More
Southern California’s sparkling coastline has something for every traveler. Get ready to treat yourself to a weekend of cinematic proportions with an itinerary that promises the best of both worlds: the Channel Islands and LA.
From the shores of Myrtle Beach to the Strip of Las Vegas, Holiday Inn Club Vacations® offers over two dozen resorts with all the comforts you love: spacious villas, private kitchens, in-room laundry, and resort-style amenities.
Learn More
Connect with Nature on Hawaii's Big Island > Rest Easy > Coasting into Flavor > Spring Break Destinations for Grown-Ups > Dive into Las Vegas History >
close
issue contents
contents
A Weekend in the U.S. Channel Islands & Los Angeles > Dear RCI > First-Stop Travel Shop > 5 Must-Do Activities in the Maldives >
RCI Magazine is published quarterly by RCI. ©2024 RCI, LLC. All rights reserved. CORPORATE OFFICE 6277 Sea Harbor Drive, Orlando, FL 32821 EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Kylee Krizmanic PROJECT EDITOR Allison Vancura GRAPHIC DESIGNER Ruby Pierce CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Lisa A. Beach, Melody Beuzelin, Austin Cannon, Kathryn Streeter, Gary Thompson COPY EDITOR Diane Penningroth RCI EDITORIAL TEAM Anna Reinert, Leslie Johansen, Jenny Rains To Our Subscribers: The annual subscription cost of RCI Magazine is $109USD or $143CAD for RCI Weeks® members and $134USD or $176CAD for RCI Points® members. Send your renewal together with your name, address, telephone number, email address, and RCI member ID to: RCI Magazine Subscriptions, P.O. Box 2099, Carmel, IN 46082-2070. For address changes, subscription inquiries, or cancellations, call an RCI Travel Guide. RCI Weeks members, please call: United States: 317-805-8000 or 800-338-7777 Canada: 800-338-7777 (English) 800-527-5219 (French) RCI Points members, please call: United States: 317-805-9941 or 877-968-7476 Canada: 877-968-7476 (English/French) No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission from RCI, LLC (or its affiliates). RCI Magazine® and Design and RCI® and Design are trademarks of RCI, LLC (or its affiliates), and are registered in countries throughout the world and may not be used without permission. For editorial and advertising inquiries, email magazine@rci.com. The publisher reserves the right to accept or reject any editorial advertising matter and accepts no responsibility for advertising content or the damage tht may arise from these advertisements. Publisher assumes no responsibility for the return or unsolicited manuscripts or art. Unsolicited manuscripts and art will not be returned unless accompanied by return postage and envelope. In no event shall such material subject this magazine to any claim for “holding fees” or similar charges. Merrill #022022400.
Make a donation
TRAVEL COMMUNITY Connect with real RCI Members who share your passion for travel. EXCLUSIVE ACCESS Receive the latest updates and insights straight from the RCI team. VACATION TIPS Exchange valuable travel tips, advice, and personal vacation experiences. GET INSPIRED Get introduced to destinations and activities you might not have considered before.
Join Today
get the inside scoop!
In our first 25 years, Christel House has served 20,855 students — transforming the life outcomes of children experiencing poverty in India, Jamaica, Mexico, South Africa, and Indianapolis. A gift to Christel House ensures more students have access to our life-changing education and support — from early childhood into a successful career. Your support can shape the future of Christel House students around the world.
Christel House is changing life outcomes
Spring into a sea of adventures when you sail the way you want. Choose from Cruise Exchange or Cash-Only Cruises. Take your pick of exciting itineraries covering every continent aboard the most popular cruise lines. Best of all, enjoy unbeatable prices, all the extras the cruise lines offer, and deals you can only get with us, like up to $1,500 to spend on board toward specialty dining, spa services, cocktails, and more.
save & sail
get more. see more. when, where & how you want
With nearly 1,200 islands spanning 35,000 square miles, the Maldives offers both bustling city centers and remote possibilities. Get the most out of your getaway with these recommendations.
EXCHANGE Exchange your timeshare into an affiliated resort in Las Vegas. EXCHANGE PLUS Unlock big discounts on high-demand destinations during peak travel seasons. HOTEL SAVINGS Enjoy deep discounts on a hotel stay — with prices that can't be beat. CAR & FLIGHTS Book all of your travel in one place — and lock in great rates!
experience more in las vegas
more surreal views. more grand sights. more viva las vegas!
What does your year of MORE look like? A road trip along California’s coast? Museum hopping in Las Vegas? Scuba diving in the Maldives? In this issue, we travel the world in search of vacation destinations that offer inspiration, childlike wonder, respite, and connection. Go to familiar places and discover more surprises. Or find new destinations and immerse yourself in more experiences. Let these stories spark your wanderlust.
Let your palate guide your vacation through the Gulf Coast region of the U.S. Alabama’s Gulf Coast and New Orleans are two dining destinations sure to satisfy your appetite — and they’re just a three-hour drive apart.
Over Two Dozen Resorts
The year of more.
Europe has been a source of exploration and innovation for centuries, and its history is chronicled in museums and cathedrals, heritage sites and battlefields, royal palaces and castles, and so much more. If you’re seeking varied historical experiences and cultural immersion, this continent is sure to enchant. Keep an eye out for Europe’s must-visit historical sites in a future issue of RCI magazine. In the meantime, visit RCI.com to start planning your European adventure with the help of trusted Travel Guides, plus access to over 600,000 world-class affiliated hotels, resorts, and more.
We asked, you answered! The most popular dream vacation among our members was (drumroll, please): touring historical Europe.
English / Español
Perk your ears to the stimulating history and sip-enhancing secrets of world-renowned Kona coffee at Heavenly Hawaiian, a coffee farm in the hills of Holualoa. They’ve been growing and roasting cream-of-the-crop beans there for 30 years. The one-hour Coffee Farm Tour, led by expert guides, covers every step in the seed-to-cup process. As you stroll through the farm’s verdant groves, you’ll hear engaging stories of the pioneers who introduced coffee to the island; learn how the microclimate, elevation, and volcanic soil conditions favor flavorful beans; and gain respect for the meticulous growing practices that render Kona coffee so celebrated.
HAWAII'S WEALTH OF NATURAL BEAUTY is never more conspicuously displayed than on the Big Island, where wonders await no matter which direction you head. On the island’s west coast, walk the hallowed grounds of Kona coffee country. In the southeast region, explore a pitch-dark tunnel blazed by boiling-hot lava. And in the northeast, be hypnotized by the sight and sound of fantastic falls formed by water flowing over rock for millennia.
Perk your ears to the stimulating history and sip-enhancing secrets of world-renowned Kona coffee at Heavenly Hawaiian, a coffee farm in the hills of Holualoa. They’ve been growing and roasting cream-of-the-crop beans there for 30 years. The one-hour Coffee Farm Tour, led by expert guides, covers every step in the seed-to-cup process. As you stroll through the farm’s verdant groves, you’ll hear engaging stories of the pioneers who introduced coffee to the island; learn how the microclimate, elevation, and volcanic soil conditions favor flavorful beans; and gain respect for the meticulous growing practices that render Kona coffee so celebrated. The Brew Your Best Kona Cup Tour caters to coffee connoisseurs, with on-staff brewmasters guiding you through the art and science of both French press and pour-over methods. Mastering French press means understanding grind selection, infusion, steeping, and the namesake pressure that delivers an earthy, rich flavor. Pour-over is super hands-on, with many variables — like grind size, water temperature, saturation, and pouring technique — affecting taste. After getting up to speed on both methods, you’ll sharpen your own taste buds with a guided cupping session that decodes the language of aroma, acidity, body, and flavor.
MEMBER TIP
As an RCI Member, you can exchange the timeshare you own for your choice of stays at 4,000-plus affiliated resorts around the world, and so much more.
The Paniolo Roasting Tour passes down the centuries-old coffee tradition of Hawaiian cowboys, known as Paniolos, who roasted beans over campfires. With help from a pro, you’ll hand-roast premium green coffee beans in a skillet over an open flame, give your roast a special name, and package it up as a memento. You’ll also learn the captivating history of Paniolo culture on the island. All tours include free bottomless sips of the farm’s top-rated coffees to enjoy while you’re there, and a sample from the gift shop to take home. Also free: stunning vistas of lush landscapes and distant ocean views as you explore this expanse of coffee paradise. Early prebooking of tours is recommended.
Though Nahuku is lit from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., you can explore it earlier or later to avoid the crowds. Just have a flashlight or phone handy for navigating in the dark and getting a better look at the interior shapes and colors. Beyond the lighted section of the tube and the steps leading back up the trail, an unlit section with an uneven floor beckons braver, more sure-footed adventurers. Walking 50 yards or so through the complete darkness is an intense experience, especially if you turn your flashlight off and experience a bit of sensory deprivation.
Get deep discounts on car rentals when you book through RCI.
No viral video on YouTube can compete with the must-see viewing in this tube, a 500-year-old cave created by a river of molten lava. Though there are many other lava tubes on the Big Island, Nahuku is the most accessible — it’s located on Kilauea Crater in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, at an altitude of nearly 4,000 feet. The short hike from Crater Rim Drive to the tube takes you through a swath of Hawaiian rainforest teeming with native species, especially birds — and you’ll hear them. As lava flows from an active volcano at more than 2,000 degrees, it leaves behind tube-like caves with solid walls, floors, and ceilings. The caves can be just yards long and a few feet high, or miles long with soaring ceilings. Nahuku is 600 feet long, with a flat rock floor and a ceiling more than 20 feet high in places. When the cave was discovered in 1913, lava drippings hung from the ceiling, but souvenir collectors made off with most of them. However, remnants of the solidified lava drips and waves remain today, and delicate tree-root systems hang down, evidence that this is an active ecosystem — so visitors are asked not to touch any of it.
Once in the park, it’s a short, easy walk (and impossible to get lost) along a 0.4-mile paved loop that meanders through bamboo groves, wild orchids, and ferns to viewing points overlooking two waterfalls. The teaser is 100-foot-tall Kahuna Falls — it serves to whet your appetite for the main course, Akaka Falls, which plunges 442 feet into a stream-eroded gorge. Amazingly, the waters here are home to a species of goby fish that climbs to the top of the falls to lay their eggs. Though you can walk the full loop trail in a half hour or less, don’t rush. Let yourself be awed and humbled by nature for a spell, whether through the sheer force of the cascading water, or the way its mist caresses your face at the lookpoint point. And though you will undoubtedly capture many memorable mental images, be sure to take some actual pictures, too, including ones of the incredibly large plants — there are ferns resembling giant trees.
As an RCI Member, you have access to knowledgeable RCI Travel Guides.
The Hawaiian Islands are famous for their waterfalls, and you’ll find some of the more impressive and accessible cascades on the Big Island, especially in the northeastern region. This is a particularly lush and verdant part of the island, full of tropical rainforests, green valleys, and botanical gardens. It’s also an area rich in history, the place where sugar plantations once flourished and charming small towns grew up around them. Akaka Falls State Park, less than a half hour from Hilo, will take your breath away with its waterfalls and more. The profusion of natural beauty actually starts with the drive along the Hamakua Coast, one of the state’s most scenic routes. Use your RCI member benefits to get a great deal on a rental vehicle worthy of the oceanside odyssey — picture cruising past steep erosional cliffs that drop to foaming ocean waters below.
The Brew Your Best Kona Cup Tour caters to coffee connoisseurs, with on-staff brewmasters guiding you through the art and science of both French press and pour-over methods. Mastering French press means understanding grind selection, infusion, steeping, and the namesake pressure that delivers an earthy, rich flavor. Pour-over is super hands-on, with many variables — like grind size, water temperature, saturation, and pouring technique — affecting taste. After getting up to speed on both methods, you’ll sharpen your own taste buds with a guided cupping session that decodes the language of aroma, acidity, body, and flavor.
As lava flows from an active volcano at more than 2,000 degrees, it leaves behind tube-like caves with solid walls, floors, and ceilings. The caves can be just yards long and a few feet high, or miles long with soaring ceilings. Nahuku is 600 feet long, with a flat rock floor and a ceiling more than 20 feet high in places. When the cave was discovered in 1913, lava drippings hung from the ceiling, but souvenir collectors made off with most of them. However, remnants of the solidified lava drips and waves remain today, and delicate tree-root systems hang down, evidence that this is an active ecosystem — so visitors are asked not to touch any of it.
No viral video on YouTube can compete with the must-see viewing in this tube, a 500-year-old cave created by a river of molten lava. Though there are many other lava tubes on the Big Island, Nahuku is the most accessible — it’s located on Kilauea Crater in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, at an altitude of nearly 4,000 feet. The short hike from Crater Rim Drive to the tube takes you through a swath of Hawaiian rainforest teeming with native species, especially birds — and you’ll hear them.
Akaka Falls State Park, less than a half hour from Hilo, will take your breath away with its waterfalls and more. The profusion of natural beauty actually starts with the drive along the Hamakua Coast, one of the state’s most scenic routes. Use your RCI member benefits to get a great deal on a rental vehicle worthy of the oceanside odyssey — picture cruising past steep erosional cliffs that drop to foaming ocean waters below.
The Hawaiian Islands are famous for their waterfalls, and you’ll find some of the more impressive and accessible cascades on the Big Island, especially in the northeastern region. This is a particularly lush and verdant part of the island, full of tropical rainforests, green valleys, and botanical gardens. It’s also an area rich in history, the place where sugar plantations once flourished and charming small towns grew up around them.
A Weekend in the U.S. Channel Islands & LA > Dear RCI > First-Stop Travel Shop > 5 Must-Do Activities in the Maldives >
Shop Now
If the thought of catching Zs on planes, trains, and automobiles has you instinctively massaging your neck, you're not alone. Reach for a trusty pillow to support your chin and neck while you’re on the move. This compact version rolls up tight and comes with its own travel case and carabiner for convenience.
A therapeutic blend of lavender and camomile makes so much “scents” in a pillow mist. Lightly spritz your pillow (or pajamas) before bedtime to fall asleep faster and wake up feeling energized for a day of exploration. Bonus: at 2.5 ounces, it’s carry-on compatible. Sweet dreams!
Try for free
Bedtime story, anyone? With Calm, an app that gives access to sleep stories, guided meditation, and calming exercises, you can relax your mind and recharge your batteries wherever you are. Try it before lights out or on your favorite white-sand beach.
Try for Free
Noise-canceling earbuds let you tune out distractions and tune into your favorite relaxation playlist — key if you’re traveling and need that time to relax before hitting the ground running. This affordable pair charges lightning-fast and offers 50 hours of playtime.
If you’ve ever struggled to sleep because of bright street lights (or morning rays) creeping through the curtains, a blackout eye mask will be a game-changing addition to your vacation routine. This one’s ergonomic design features concave eye compartments to remove pressure from your lids while blocking light. It also fits all adult head shapes and sizes.
On a culinary journey along Alabama’s Gulf Coast, surrender to the pull of Southern cuisine and seafood caught fresh from the ocean.
Level Up Your Visit
What if you could have a chef-prepared meal in the comfort of your own vacation home? Chef David Pan of Orange Beach Concierge specializes in classic French cooking methods and works with his customers to customize the evening’s menu. All he needs is a stove, and you can sit back and enjoy dishes like marinated crab claws, grouper with tomato fondue, and pavlova. For a culinary outing on the water, book a picnic cruise with Anonyme Cruises and Southern Charm Picnic Company to celebrate the next birthday, anniversary, or sunset. A charcuterie spread and a bespoke arrangement of balloons, pillows, blankets, and tableware are meant to be enjoyed on board the gentle cruise; a provided Polaroid camera ensures you’ll capture the magic. If you’d rather dine on land, Southern Charm can assemble a charcuterie beach picnic for your special occasion.
Alabama’s Gulf Coast is a prime spot to bounce from beach bar to seafood joint, sampling the region’s flavors. Flora-Bama, a beach bar in Perdido Key, Florida, straddles the Florida-Alabama border. It’s a famous spot to slip your toes into the sand and sip on a famous bushwacker, the Alabama Coast’s frozen, chocolatey cocktail. Not into sweets? Kick back with a tropical IPA or a malty amber ale on the Big Beach Brewing patio in Gulf Shores. In Orange Beach, The Gulf is an outdoor restaurant made of shipping containers and recycled materials. Its menu changes seasonally, with delectable pairings like mojitos and shrimp tacos, and Bloody Marys and grouper sandwiches. Date-night fare awaits at Perch at Gulf State Park, where scallops and filet mignon are made more romantic by the sun setting over the Gulf. Doc’s Seafood Shack and Oyster Bar is a beloved Orange Beach establishment that claims “the best fried shrimp in the entire civilized world”— and it’s your duty to investigate.
Where to Eat and Drink
Before you arrive in New Orleans, be sure to book a highly coveted table at Saint-Germain. Four nights a week, the former pizza joint in the Bywater neighborhood offers a 10-course tasting menu that’s always changing, so much so that chefs Blake Aguillard and William “Trey” Smith rarely serve the same dish twice. Diners at this 12-seat restaurant are treated to offerings such as dry-aged duck, marinated tuna pasta, mustard-green dumplings, and other experimental dishes that are difficult to execute in larger restaurants. If you’re taken with New Orleans’ culinary magic, a cooking class at The Mardi Gras School of Cooking can help you create your own. With the chefs’ help, whip up your own three-course meal with gumbo, étouffée, or barbecue shrimp. Leave room for bananas foster or bread pudding for dessert.
The seafood at GW Fins in the French Quarter is so fresh, the restaurant doesn’t craft a dinner menu until after the day’s catch arrives at 4 p.m. Executive chef Michael Nelson and his staff dry age the fish, which extracts excess moisture and creates more tender, flavorful dishes. Nearby, snack on the shrimp remoulade at Galatoire’s. The spicy appetizer is the restaurant's most popular dish, a precursor to an entree of seafood or poultry. For a quicker bite to eat, grab a crawfish or crab po’boy at Short Stop Poboys, or peruse the options at St. Roch Market. The food hall, which dates to 1875, showcases the Big Easy’s Southern roots as well as poke bowls, tacos, and Cuban sandwiches. On the doorstep of the Tremé neighborhood, an 1835 Creole cottage now houses Jewel of the South. Take a seat in its verdant courtyard with a cocktail — perhaps its acclaimed Sazerac — along with some caviar.
A proper trip to the Crescent City is really just a leisurely procession from restaurant to restaurant, bowl of gumbo to po’boy.
PERCH AT GULF STATE PARK
THE GULF
SOUTHERN CHARM PICNIC COMPANY
JEWEL OF THE SOUTH
ST. ROCH MARKET
SAINT-GERMAIN
Go shopping in Palm Beach. The upscale Worth Avenue offers four blocks of luxury boutiques, art galleries, alfresco dining, and historic architecture. Explore Miami’s culture. Visit the vibrant Wynwood Walls, where massive murals have transformed Wynwood into an international street-art destination celebrating urban artistry. Watch the sunset in Key West. Historic Mallory Square bursts with activity during its nightly Sunset Celebration, with street performers, artists, and musicians providing the festive backdrop for waterfront sunset views.
that are Fun Year-Round
1/8
Dig into history. Immerse yourself in a guided architectural tour. Architectural Tours of Savannah reveals the story behind historic homes and buildings, picturesque public squares, and hidden courtyards. Grab a Southern-inspired meal. Savor fried green tomatoes at Vic’s on the River, shrimp and grits at The Olde Pink House, or smoked pork loin and sweet potatoes at Husk. Shop on Broughton and Bull streets. Discover old-world charm, trendy boutiques, local vendors, and noteworthy eateries in these well-known shopping districts.
2/8
Take an underwater walk. Don a special helmet at Xcaret Park to explore the Caribbean Sea’s underwater world in the unique Sea Trek experience. Marvel at ancient ruins. Take a day trip to nearby Chichen Itza and Tulum, where history, architecture, and culture blend for incomparable views of Mayan pyramids and temples. Catch dinner and a show. Get tickets for JOYÀ, a Cirque du Soleil performance that artfully fuses acrobatics, music, and storytelling — plus a unique dining experience.
3/8
Travel the world. At The Venetian Resort, take a gondola ride on the Grand Canal or see historic sites brought to life in St. Mark’s Square. See a concert. The Colosseum at Caesars Palace has hosted a long lineup of top musicians over the years, including Garth Brooks, Adele, Celine Dion, and Elton John. Commune with nature. Take a short road trip to the Mojave Desert, where you can book an unforgettable tour with Best ATV Tours LV and traverse a landscape of sandy trails and canyons.
4/8
Catch a Broadway show. In Midtown Manhattan’s Theater District, you’ll find iconic venues featuring world-class productions including musicals, dramas, and classics. Spend the day in Central Park. Whether you want to get an up-close wildlife experience at the Central Park Zoo, take a bike ride on one of the park’s paths, or enjoy Shakespeare in the Park, this 50-plus blocks delivers a uniquely New York experience. Visit a museum. The American Museum of Natural History boasts more than 40 galleries of must-see scientific exhibits and natural wonders.
5/8
See America’s largest home. Spanning 8,000 acres, the Biltmore Estate is an opulent mansion, with lush gardens, wine tastings, and breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Meet an artist. Head to the River Arts District where you can watch working artists in their studios as they paint, draw, carve, and craft. Explore the craft beer scene. Asheville boasts dozens of local craft brewers serving IPAs, ciders, ambers, and meads.
6/8
Cruise the 17-mile drive. This scenic drive winds along the Monterey Peninsula, with natural landmarks sprinkled throughout the beautiful landscape. Explore downtown Carmel. This charming seaside gem draws locals and visitors looking for a walkable area bursting with locally owned shops and restaurants, mostly clustered around picturesque Ocean Avenue. Pop over to Cannery Row. Dozens of galleries, restaurants, boutiques, and luxury hotels dot this historic waterfront street in Monterey, anchored by the iconic Monterey Bay Aquarium.
7/8
Get outdoors. Explore the 1,500-acre Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park and Reserve, bursting with freshwater lagoons, lush forest trails, gardens, and beaches. Enjoy a thrill at Scape Park. Get your adrenaline rush at this adventure-packed destination with ziplining, horseback riding, cenote swimming, and cave exploring. Hit the links. Play a challenging 18 holes at renowned public golf courses like Faldo Legacy Course and Punta Espada against backdrops such as mangroves, Caribbean vistas, and towering palms.
8/8
Pack Like a Pro
Pack versatile clothes that you can layer, providing multiple mix-and-match outfits to account for temperature changes.
Resist the urge to stuff your suitcase. You’ll want room to pack any souvenirs that you pick up on your trip.
Bring a reusable water bottle that you can refill on the go. It will keep you hydrated and save you money.
Las Vegas wasn’t always the entertainment metropolis we know today. A remote outpost grew into a railroad town, then thousands arrived in the area to build the Hoover Dam. Decades later, scientists tested the nation’s nuclear weaponry north of the city. And then there were the racketeers who controlled the casinos for decades. Travelers don’t have to go far to experience it all. These five places showcase the history of Las Vegas.
Las Vegas’s present-day glitz and glam is a far cry from the city’s humble origins. In 1855, about 30 Mormon missionaries built the Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort by a spring-fed creek. These missionaries were the first non-Native Americans to inhabit the Las Vegas area — the Anasazi and Paiute peoples inhabited the region for centuries — but they only stayed for two years after the Mojave Desert decimated crops and internal strife grew. The adobe fort’s 150-foot-long walls endured, and the property lived on as a store and later a ranch before the railroad arrived in 1905, bringing Las Vegas into the modern age. Today, visitors can examine the fort’s remains, a replica of the creek, and historic artifacts at the site without having to leave downtown Las Vegas.
When Hotel Nevada opened in 1906 as the first casino in Las Vegas, rooms cost $1 per night. It boasted electric lighting, steam-heated radiators and, one year later, the first telephone in Las Vegas. Today, the Golden Gate Hotel and Casino sits at 1 Fremont Street in downtown Vegas. The hotel, which for decades was called the Sal Sagev (Las Vegas spelled backwards), survived the prohibition of both gambling and alcohol. Today, you can enjoy a cocktail in Bar Prohibition!, the hotel’s watering hole that celebrates the passage of the 21st Amendment in 1933. Afterward, try your hand at the blackjack or roulette tables, where stars of MTV’s The Buried Life made the largest roulette bet in Vegas history — $250,000 — in 2010.
Before 21,000 men poured 4.4 million cubic yards of concrete to create the Hoover Dam, they needed a place to live. The federal government designed and constructed Boulder City seven miles southwest of the dam’s eventual location, and it’s now home to the Boulder City/Hoover Dam Museum. Through photographs, artifacts, and oral histories, the museum has archived the lives of the workers who flocked to Boulder City in the 1930s, where the dam project was one of the few opportunities for employment during the Great Depression. For further exploration, visitors can embark on the WALK BC self-guided audio tour, stopping at 11 spots around Boulder City, including Puddler’s Break, a sculpture tribute to the men who spread the dam’s concrete around with their feet and shovels while enduring the desert’s triple-digit heat. After the walking tour, take the short drive to the dam itself. It’s open daily for tours.
01
02
03
The Nevada Test Site, about 65 miles north of Las Vegas, played a major role in the development of the United States’ nuclear arsenal during the Cold War. That history is now documented at the National Atomic Testing Museum, located less than two miles off the Las Vegas Strip. The museum houses artifacts from the atomic age, including a massive nuclear reactor and the only exact replica of the world's first atomic bomb, as well as pop-culture curios like toy atomic guns and comic books. (Anyone remember Atoman?) Guests can even observe a simulation of an above-ground weapons test. The Atomic Museum also chronicles the history surrounding decades of nuclear testing: a slab of the Berlin Wall to commemorate the end of the Cold War and pieces of the World Trade Center that marked an escalation in the war on terrorism.
04
In the middle of the 20th century, mobsters from all over the country flocked to Las Vegas, where gambling was legal and organized crime syndicates had most casinos under their thumbs. At The Mob Museum, travelers can learn about the mob’s “made men,” the syndicates’ casino skimming operations, and how corporations and stricter laws eventually forced the mob out. Visitors will get to know the mobsters portrayed in their favorite films: Tony Spilotro (Casino); Carlo Gambino (The Godfather); and Al Capone (The Untouchables), as well as the lawmen who chased them. The museum is housed in a former federal courthouse that once hosted a famous Kefauver Hearing that helped expose organized crime to the nation. In its basement, exhibits in The Underground Speakeasy and Distillery recount the mob’s role in the Prohibition era. Sample moonshine on a distillery tour, or order a Prohibition-era cocktail in the speakeasy. Check the website for the password to get in.
05
itinerary
Today, you’ll drive about 70 miles northwest of LA to Ventura Harbor, where a ferry will take you the rest of the way to Channel Islands National Park. This archipelago encompasses five islands, the closest of which is 14 miles off the coast of Ventura. Before you visit this natural wonder, kick off your morning with good vibes at Cafe Gratitude in Venice or Larchmont. With menu items packed with nutrients to fuel your day, as well as positive affirmations that name each selection — like the I Am Valued chorizo breakfast burrito and I Am Vibrant matcha latte — you’ll be ready and inspired to take on the day in the most LA-way possible. Grab some extra goodies to go for your afternoon adventure, or have a lunch packed to take along.
Crystalline waters await, and what better way to explore them than through a sea caves kayaking tour? Book it through Santa Barbara Adventure Company, where you can also bundle your ferry ticket to the Channel Islands at Ventura Harbor. Your knowledgeable guide will lead you through nearly three hours of exhilarating views and natural caves hand-carved by Mother Nature herself. Keep your eyes peeled and you might even spot wildlife, such as birds and sea lions, playing in the surf. Have your packed picnic ready and enjoy it on the island, then hit one of the popular trails, such as the Cavern Point Loop Hike and the Potato Harbor Overlook, for panoramic vistas.
For dinner, make your way to charming downtown Ventura. This idyllic little beach town feels lively enough for a casual night out, but quiet enough to feel intimate and cozy, especially after a big day. Go to Lure Fish House for some of the freshest seafood in town and build your own seafood tower with choices like ceviche, tiger shrimp, and oysters. The lobster ravioli is enormous and filling, or snag one of their seasonal daily catches. For a nightcap, pop over to MadeWest Brewing Company for a local craft beer right on the pier.
MORNING
Midmorning/Afternoon
EVENING
Channel Islands National Park
GAZE OUT AT THE PACIFIC OCEAN from the shores of Southern California, and you can practically feel the serene beauty of the Channel Islands beckoning for adventure. Look back over your shoulder, and a sea of possibilities glimmers back from the city itself. LA, with its celebrated skyline and rolling Hollywood hills, offers a tantalizing contrast that begs the question, why choose? This is a city built by the greatest stories told on the silver screen, and it’s about time you stepped in as the main character of your own.
Island Adventure
Evening
Southern California’s sparkling coastline has something for every traveler. Get ready to treat yourself to a weekend of cinematic proportions with an itinerary that promises the best of both worlds: the Channel Islands and Los Angeles.
Golden Sands Meet Hollywood Glam
Santa Monica Pier
The Santa Monica Pier is a legendary place to watch a sunset. Catch the final moments of daylight melting into the horizon from 130 feet up on the Pacific Wheel, unleash your inner child at the arcade, and fill up that camera roll with memories at the historic Route 66 sign. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, walk over to Coast, a beachfront restaurant, and toast to an incredible weekend, all with the lights of the pier dazzling in the backdrop. If you’re not ready for the closing credits just yet, grab one last celebratory drink down at The Room Santa Monica, or stay just a little longer to dance your heart out like it’s an Oscars after-party. Don’t worry, we won’t tip off the paparazzi.
Keep going south to get the full taste of LA’s beaches. If, however, your heart is set on getting a glimpse of the Hollywood sign, detour into the hills and land at Lake Hollywood Park. While it is lesser known than the Griffith Observatory, the traffic won’t be as heavy. It will set you back over an hour, so if you want to spend less time en route, hug the coast all the way to Venice. The sun-soaked Venice Boardwalk is a sight to see, with locals gliding on rollerskates, vendors selling handmade trinkets, and world-famous hot spots like Muscle Beach. Jumbo street hot dogs are a worthy midday snack, or ATLA Venice has delicious Mexican fare over on Abbot Kinney Boulevard.
Afternoon
Your adventure continues along one of the most famous drives in the country: the Pacific Coast Highway. Roll down your windows to get the full experience, complete with cascading mountains on one side and a stretch of coastline on the other. Nestled along the coast, indulge in Hawaiian-style dining at Duke’s Malibu. Try their banana and macadamia nut pancakes or traditional eggs Benedict with shaved Duroc smoked ham. If it’s your birthday or a special celebration, they’ll treat you to their Hula Pie, a towering dessert composed of macadamia nut ice cream, a chocolate cookie crust, whipped cream, and chocolate fudge drizzle. Afterward, drive just a few minutes down the road to Rosenthal Wine Bar and Patio, 1,400 feet up into the hills of Malibu. You’ll want to make a tasting reservation in advance, but the atmosphere and panoramic views are well worth it.
Hello, LA!
Getting answers about your club benefits is easy: just ask! Arm yourself with advice from RCI’s expert Travel Guides so you can travel smoothly — and memorably.
I’m ready to get summer started early this year. What are some of the best warm-weather places to visit?
When it comes to enjoying warm weather, several fantastic destinations come to mind. Consider places like Mexico and the Caribbean, where you can bask in the sun and relish the tropical climate.
Share your travel stories or ask a question of the rci team
share your story
— Jennifer Daniels, RCI Travel Guide Since 2017
Endless possibilities await for your next vacation! Consider destinations like Orlando, Virginia, the Carolinas, Vegas, and Wisconsin. From a wide array of activities, including water parks, lakes, historical sites, hikes, and relaxation spots, there's something for everyone. Get in touch with your Travel Guide, let us know your vacation preferences, and we'll recommend locations that cater to your ideal getaway.
What are some great travel alternatives other than the beach?
— Nicole O'Sullivan, RCI Travel Guide Since 2014
We have several booking options available to make sure there is room for everyone! Between exchanges, Extra Vacations, and hotels, we have you covered. Planning for a larger group takes a bit more preparation. Flexibility on location and unit size can be helpful when looking at what we have readily available to get your trip booked as soon as possible. Talk with your traveling party about what type of vacation experience you are looking for. If you are wanting to relax and unwind or seeking thrilling adventures, we have access to locations worldwide to find the perfect getaway for your group to spend time together.
How can I get away with my extended family and friends?
With your RCI membership, travel perks transcend timeshares – and they’re always at your fingertips. Access a travel network with deep discounts on hotels worldwide, save on cruises, and exchange into affiliated resorts. And the payoffs don’t end there. Here are a few extra ways to make RCI your first-stop travel shop and experience more in the places you love.
LAST CALL VACATIONS
Calling all last-minute vacationers! Book 45 days or less before check-in and find week-long trips for as little as $309 .
Take advantage of 345,000 activities, tours, excursions, shows, and more when you book through RCI. As an added bonus, expert Travel Guides can help you curate an itinerary to make the most out of your visit.
Activities and Tours
We know, we know. Life happens, and sometimes it upends travel plans. Safeguard your confirmed vacations from unexpected changes in plans or carry over unused vacation days with an extension.
Vacation Flexibility
Ready to hit the road? With RCI, you can score deals from all major car rental companies, including Avis and Budget.
Car Rentals
USD
Learn more
START HERE. GO ANYWHERE.
explore all benefits
Use your RCI membership to access more travel options, discounts, and destinations.
Start here. Go anywhere.
With its vibrant coral reefs, varied marine life, and clear waters, the archipelago is a dream for divers. The UNESCO World Heritage Site Baa Atoll affords close encounters with manta rays, who use the reef as a cleaning station. North Malé Atoll spoils divers with shipwrecks and the Banana Reef, a famous curved reef with overhangs and cliffs that attract colorful fish like Napoleons and oriental sweetlips. Those with a penchant for drift diving will thrill at Ari Atoll, where strong currents prevail. More than a dozen grey reef sharks take up residence at Fish Head in North Ari Atoll. At Fuvahmulah Atoll, up to seven shark varieties, including hammerheads and whale sharks, can be spotted in a single dive.
Baa Atoll
Start Planning Your Trip
TRANSLATED AS "GARLAND OF ISLANDS" in Sanskrit, the Maldives encompasses nearly 1,200 islands in the Indian Ocean. It’s a place where overwater bungalows float above peaceful turquoise lagoons and white-sand beaches prevail. And since this tropical paradise is spread over 35,000 square miles, a vacation here can feel as relaxing and remote or as active and adventure-packed as your heart desires. Ready to get away?
This bucket-list destination satisfies adventure-seekers and wellness travelers year-round, with temperatures averaging in the low 80s. Dry season is January through March, and rainy season is mid-May through November.
WHEN TO VISIT
The official religion of the Maldives is Islam, and the country boasts six beautiful mosques. Located in the capital of Malé, Hukuru Miskiy, dubbed Old Friday Mosque, is the oldest — circa 1650s — with the oldest minaret standing nearby. The mosque was granted UNESCO World Heritage status for its innovative craftsmanship, which employed coral blocks in a tongue-and-groove formation and an interior of well-preserved lacquer and wood carvings. A 17th-century cemetery lies adjacent, where royalty is buried. Stop in at the Maldives National Museum to see priceless treasures, including engraved wood pieces honoring the island’s conversion to Islam.
Hukuru Miskiy
Soak up island life with beach walks along glassy azure lagoons framed by swaying palms. Check out the buzzy Hulhumale Beach with shops and cafes; the serene, less-touristy Fulhadhoo Island with a small local village; or Thulusdhoo Island, a surfing haven. The Maldives is a top-tier sunset destination with sundown reliably occurring around 6 p.m. year-round, and the showy spray of colors is a not-to-miss experience. Take a night stroll on one of the Maldives’ bioluminescent beaches and marvel at its shimmering, glow-in-the-dark waters. And to banish lingering stress, indulge in a traditional Maldivian massage, which uses coconut oil and shells.
Thulusdhoo Island
Maldivian culinary tradition showcases the region’s tantalizing flavors of Arabia, India, East Asia, and Sri Lanka. Be immersed in the colorful bustle of the local market in Malé, which offers produce and a wide variety of seafood like tuna and grouper. Tuck into fresh seafood, Thai noodles, or European favorites at Cloud Restaurant, perched atop a hotel with spectacular ocean and city views. Salt Café & Restaurant tempts with healthy fresh bowls, octopus, and kebabs. Panoramic views from the rooftop at Skyfall Lounge and Restaurant create a memorable ambience for fusion and Asian fare.
Skyfall Restaurant
No matter when you visit, the Maldives’ ethereal turquoise water ranges in temperature from about 80 to 86 degrees, making it a world-famous destination for water sports. While snorkeling, you’ll witness colorful reefs teeming with angelfish, anemonefish, snappers, and morays. Manta ray-lovers will thrill at Hanifaru Bay, a busy feeding ground for the gentle creatures. Whatever your skill level, the still waters of the Maldives are ideal for paddleboarding. Experienced SUP adventurers can explore Thaa Atoll and its uninhabited islands. Water-skiing is widely enjoyed and ideal for beginners. At Reethi and Finolhu beaches, parasailing gives you a mesmerizing birds-eye view of the azure- and white-ringed islands dotting the ocean.
paddleboarding
You’ve earned your leisure time and all the benefits that come with it. Take advantage of your member perks to turn this dream vacation to the Maldives into a reality. Our experienced Travel Guides can curate itineraries and help you select the perfect resort for your trip. Getting away from it all has never been easier.
Your First-Stop Travel Shop
Paddleboarding
YOUR FIRST-STOP TRAVEL SHOP
