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.
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If your senses have become a bit dulled by the routine of daily life, restore their sharpness on an invigorating adventure in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. One of these day trips will stimulate not only your eyes, ears, nose, and mouth, but also your mind and your sense of wonder.
Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula showcases ancient ruins, picturesque colonial towns, glistening sugary beaches, and magical cenotes. The Yucatán region is a place of richness offering exciting natural excursions and cultural attractions for budget-conscious travelers.
It’s summertime, and the living’s easy. Make sure to pack portable games and accessories to keep the party alive wherever you go.
You’ll hit the main attractions over the course of your vacation, but these creative enclaves — complete with funky shops, cultural experiences, and divine eateries — are not to be missed. Lace up your walking shoes to explore every storefront and alley in these five neighborhoods.
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Within easy driving distance of two of the country's most celebrated national parks, Moab is an ideal base for desert exploration. Here’s how to make the most out of three days in Moab.
From the shores of Myrtle Beach to the stunning Riviera Maya and beyond, 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.
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Explore the Yucatán Peninsula on a Budget > Fun in the Sun > Describe Your Ideal Dinner and We’ll Tell You Where to Go > 5 Essential Shenandoah Day Trips > Can't-Miss Creative Neighborhoods >
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3 Days Exploring Moab's Desert Beauty > Dear RCI > Go All-In for Your Next Getaway > An Art-Guided Getaway to Paris >
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 Austin Cannon, Gary Thompson, Kathryn Streeter, Karla Walsh 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.
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The City of Light illuminates beauty in many forms, and art-lovers won't want to miss these attractions.
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. We’re embarking on an expansion strategy to increase the number of students we serve, which clearly aligns with the vision of our Founder, Christel DeHaan, and the imperative of our mission.
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Dare to dream bigger this summer. Join us as we explore the artistic side of Paris, travel on a budget throughout the Yucatán Peninsula, and savor Moab's western beauty. As a member of RCI, you have a treasure trove of vacation-planning tools at your fingertips, including expert Travel Guides that can make your next dream vacation a reality. Let the stories in this issue be an inspiration to you, and keep an eye out for special tips to help you cover MORE ground and adventure like never before. Become a Champion of More by telling us how you make more of your timeshare through RCI. Share your story.
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Explore the Yucatán Peninsula on a Budget > Fun in the Sun >
The ancient Mayan ruins located minutes from the hotel boast a pyramid-styled temple and nearly 50 structures which comprise ceremonial, civic, and plaza spaces. A nice way to break up beach time, the archaeological site has a low entrance fee and is best visited in the morning before temperatures rise.
El Rey Ruins
Unpack and relax at the RCI Gold Crown-rated Club Solaris GR Caribe All Inclusive in Cancún’s hotel zone, just 15 minutes from the airport. Your reservation comes with full access to its adjacent sister property, Royal Solaris Cancun, taking your all-inclusive perks to the next level.
Accessible by ferry, this nearby island affords adrenaline-spiking ziplining at Garrafon Park over azure water with city views. Punta Sur, the southern tip of the island — and the easternmost point of Mexico — is home to a manicured sculpture garden with ruins of the Mayan goddess Ixchel. Public walking paths offer bewitching ocean views, especially at sunrise.
Isla Mujeres
Head to the buzzy open-air flea market in the city’s center to shop for inexpensive local trinkets and souvenirs. Be savvy and bargain to get the best deal on an assortment of handcrafted treasures, like vibrant textiles and embroidered clothing.
Mercado 28
This unique excursion in Cancún pairs snorkeling, diving, or riding a glass-bottom boat with a museum visit. The experience showcases sculptures by renowned artists on the ocean floor. Cut costs by inquiring about group rates, taking advantage of off-season rates, or buying a visitors pass that includes MUSA.
Cancún Underwater Museum (MUSA)
Located in the heart of town, the free oceanfront public park comes to life at sunset, serving as a gathering point and lively event space for local entertainers. The park attracts tourists and locals alike with an engaging pirate-ship playground for kids, flying Papantla performers, and a 52-foot bronze sculpture, Portal Maya, which celebrates the Mayan calendar.
Parque Los Fundadores
The area boasts some of Mexico’s top courses, including a few just a stone’s throw from the hotel. Check with the hotel concierge about complimentary passes as you visit renowned courses like Gran Coyote Golf, courtesy of PGA celebrity Nick Price, and El Camaleón, designed by Greg Norman.
Golf
An amusement park and natural water park rolled into one astonishing experience, Xcaret is a must. With more than 50 natural and cultural attractions, you’ll experience local traditions, swim with dolphins, and explore underground rivers. The park offers reduced rates for children, among other promotions and discounts, so check the website for extra savings.
Xcaret Park
Shop 'til you drop in the town’s famous shopping district. The 5-mile stretch bustles with retailers ranging from designer to local crafts, and will enchant both shopaholics and casual browsers. Stroll and stop for eats and drinks along the way, making sure to pause at a corner marquesita (a rolled crepe with melted cheese and a sweet filling) stall for a traditional Mexican dessert.
Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue)
In this bustling scenic beach town on the Riviera Maya, melt into the luxe adults-only sanctuary of Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen, where unlimited fresh cuisine from eleven restaurants will leave you sated. With several pools, a private beach, and creative offerings such as a taco-making class, it’ll be difficult to pull yourself away and explore the area.
For a quiet beach day, head 20 minutes south by car to this laid-back, white-sand beach. Though a public beach, this glistening hidden gem is known to have few crowds, likening it to a private experience. Rent a beach chair from the beach club to sunbathe, or marvel at marine life while snorkeling or diving.
Palancar Beach
Play and learn at this 2,500-acre beachfront park featuring the region’s natural beauty. An entertaining experience for all ages, park admission invites you to admire the island’s flora and fauna, including crocodiles, birds, and turtles. At the Celarain Lighthouse, learn about past pirate activity and enjoy panoramic views.
Punta Sur Ecological Park
This ancient Mayan ruin offers Cozumel-based visitors exposure to the area’s heritage. Choose an independent, low-cost experience with a small park entrance fee or an expanded guided excursion through a tour company like San Gervasio Ruins Tour. Celebrating Ixchel, goddess of love and fertility, these ruins from the Classic Period were once a sacred pilgrimage destination.
San Gervasio
Cozumel’s Mesoamerican Reef is part of the world’s second-longest system, drawing scores of snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. Exploring the reef affords glimpses of over 500 fish species, as well as rays, sharks, and turtles. While tour companies are plentiful, you can also snorkel from the shore at several parts of the island.
Mesoamerican Reef
On Mexico’s largest Caribbean island known for superior snorkeling, diving, and vibrant cruise ports, be wined and dined at Grand Park Royal Cozumel, where your VIP experience will leave you feeling chuffed. This all-inclusive gem shimmers with Mayan-inspired architecture, offering rooms with marble flooring and private patios with Caribbean breezes — a peaceful haven after channeling your inner sun goddess at the infinity pool.
The lush coastal town of Tulum delivers on both cultural and natural features while simultaneously throbbing with nightlife. Explore Mayan ruins at Tulum Archaeological Site perched over the ocean before cooling off in Gran Cenote, one of the region’s 6,000-plus cenotes. Foodies will love feasting on Mayan-style dishes with a modern twist at the rustic oceanfront Ka’an Tulum and snagging a cochinita pibil (a slow-roasted pork dish from the Yucatán) from street vendor Taqueria Honorio, among seemingly endless options. Catch mesmerizing sunset views at Ciel Rose Sunset Bar while quietly sipping a cocktail, or hit the dance floor in town at Gitano.
The enchanting 1543 colonial town of Valladolid engages all the senses with buzzy cenotes like Cenote Zaci, restaurants and ice cream shops, perfumeries like Coqui Coqui, and Regional Handcraft Center ZACI for authentic local designs. The soulful town offers an impressive historic show-and-tell guided experience through the free Walk of Friars tour. The colorful Calzada de los Frailes follows the ancient footsteps of friars en route to San Bernardino de Siena Convent, which features finely preserved frescoes, wooden altars, and paintings. Another church, Iglesia de San Servacio, is a stately limestone structure on the south side of the town’s plaza.
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5 Essential Shenandoah Day Trips > Can't-Miss Creative Neighborhoods > 3 Days Exploring Moab's Desert Beauty > Dear RCI > Go All-In for Your Next Getaway > An Art-Guided Getaway to Paris >
Describe Your Ideal Dinner and We’ll Tell You Where to Go >
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When planning a trip to a new destination, visit RCI.com to take advantage of tips and tricks for all of your vacation interests.
The Founding Father and third United States president left his fingerprints and footprints all over town, especially at the University of Virginia, which he established as the country’s first nonreligious university. He also designed the campus, considered one of the most beautiful in the U.S. — and the only one that’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After a tour, dine at The Virginian, a landmark restaurant in The Corner retail district. Opened in 1923, it’s Charlottesville’s oldest restaurant and famous for mac and cheese topped with a house-made cheddar potato cake. Learn more about Jefferson at Monticello, his majestic mansion. Tours of the home and its 5,000-acre grounds include stories of the more than 400 enslaved people who lived and worked there. Just a few miles south, you can tour Highland, the home of Jefferson’s presidential neighbor, James Monroe. A third Founding Father president, James Madison, lived less than an hour away at Montpelier, also open for tours.
Panoramic views and more than 500 miles of trails only begin to describe the experiences at the first of Virginia’s 10 national parks. In the Blue Ridge Mountains, the peaks and valleys create dramatic landscapes that include splashy waterfalls, fields of wildflowers, and wooded hollows sheltering wildlife. At the center of it all is 105-mile Skyline Drive, the park’s only public road, which runs north and south along the crest of the mountains. You can get the lay of the land from the drive and its many overlooks, but to fully appreciate the park, you need to hike its heights and depths. Old Rag is the most popular route, though it’s a long round-trip hike (9.1 miles) to take in the granite-topped peak, and a fairly strenuous one — there’s rock-scrambling involved. For an easier hike, scale Hawksbill, Shenandoah’s highest point. It’s a 2.2-mile round trip that rewards with a nearly 360-degree view from the top.
See the beautiful Shenandoah Valley like generations of travelers did back in the day — through the window of a gently rolling passenger train — while enjoying a delicious catered meal at a private table. The Virginia Scenic Railway offers two separate three-hour round-trip excursions, both departing from the historic Amtrak station in Staunton. In midmorning, the Alleghany Special heads west toward the George Washington and Jefferson national forests, offering views of the Allegheny Mountains (and working farms roamed by cattle, horses, and sheep) before turning around in Goshen. In midafternoon, the Blue Ridge Flyer pushes east, taking you through the Blue Ridge Tunnel, a passage carved out hundreds of feet below a mountain summit. The train turns around in Ivy, Virginia. Both journeys take place in the comfort of renovated 1940s passenger cars, and the meal includes dessert and a nonalcoholic beverage served in a complimentary souvenir glass. Limited wine and beer service is available, too.
Virginia is for wine-lovers, especially in the Shenandoah Valley. Its high elevations; rocky yet fertile soil; and warm, mostly dry growing season favor a variety of wine grapes, and the region’s reputation among oenophiles is rising. You can go on a tasting tour of Shenandoah Valley wineries without worrying about who’s going to drive — just relax and ride along with Shenandoah Wine Tours. Board their shuttle at noon from Massanutten Resort (or wherever you’re staying in the area, with their remote pick-up option) and set off on a five-hour tour that includes three or four wineries (depending on locations and hours). The company handles any reservations or arrangements needed at the wineries, so you can focus on sampling the latest grape-to-glass sensations. Along the way, sit back and drink up the vivid valley scenery, enjoy a complimentary snack box, and sip unlimited cool water to cleanse your palate between tastings.
Richmond’s name is apt — the city is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. For starters, it played a big role in the Civil War. At the American Civil War Museum, on the site of Tredegar Iron Works, journey from the start of the war to the Reconstruction era and beyond. Cannons made at Tredegar fired the conflict’s first shots. Slavery, the Civil War’s key issue, is another part of the port city’s legacy — Richmond was once the largest source of enslaved Africans on the East Coast. Walk the Trail of the Enslaved, a 2.5-mile path that led slaves from Manchester Docks to auction houses. Markers walk visitors through the trail’s history. Gain artistic insights at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, famous for its Fabergé eggs and works by Degas, Cézanne, and Renoir. See some of nature’s masterpieces at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. Summer means blooming magnolias, roses, hydrangeas, daylilies, and more.
Dreaming of ski season? Now is the perfect time to plan ahead and book your trip to Shenandoah Valley early to secure preferred dates, lodging, and rental car.
MONTICELLO
SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK
Two Savannah College of Art and Design alumni put their historic preservation degrees to work at the turn of the 21st century, transforming more than 60 blocks around the former Starland Dairy into a collection of creative spaces and shops. A brick-and-mortar restaurant, a bar, and a rotating selection of food trucks call Starland Yard home, too. Less than 1 mile north, Local 11ten serves Southern-inspired cuisine like mustard-crusted mahi mahi and spicy mussels with chorizo in a renovated bank building just south of Forsyth Park. For a dose of culture just beyond the district, visit Savannah African Art Museum and peruse its collection of more than 1,000 objects from a myriad of cultures in more than 28 African countries. Several blocks south, drop in at Picker Joe’s Antique Mall and Vintage Market to look over the retro furniture — or just enjoy ice cream from the counter.
Savannah, GA
Chicago, IL
Northwest of downtown, Logan Square’s boulevards and avenues are dotted with eclectic shops and eateries. Pick out your next succulent or monstera at Terracotto Plants (with Rocky the shop dog’s help, of course). Milwaukee Avenue has plenty of options for eating, but you can’t beat chilaquiles — tortillas simmered in salsa and onions and topped with eggs, sour cream, and queso — for breakfast at Cafe Con Leche. Right off Logan Square Park, Wolfbait and B-girls is a local marketplace that sells goods from more than 300 local creators, like greeting cards from BoxBerry or jewelry from Gathering Hands. DJs and live music set the mood for a nightcap at The Whistler, a bar, record label, and event space rolled into one. The menu, which stars creative cocktails like Island Time (gin, sake, lychee liqueur, grapefruit, ginger, and lemon), is constantly changing. For a different kind of show, The Logan Theatre projects both Hollywood’s latest and vintage films, if you can take your eyes off the theater’s 1915 architecture.
Phoenix, AZ
Surrounding its namesake Roosevelt Street, Roosevelt Row is the pedestrian-friendly downtown arts district in Phoenix, where visitors can explore galleries, outdoor art, boutiques, and restaurants. At Palma, lounge beneath swaying palm trees with a wasabi-charged Bloody Mary or tuck into matcha-stuffed French toast. An explosion of color awaits only a block away outside The Churchill, an urban restaurant and retail space. The 1½ Street Mural Project features work from 12 local artists, bathing the alley in neon wildlife, flowering cacti, and otherworldly landscapes. When you want to head indoors, check out contemporary paintings and thought-provoking sculptures at Bentley Gallery. The art at Rough Rider comes in the form of Victorian-era cocktails. Decide between traditional tea punches or cobbler-style cocktails mixed with house-made jams. (The Final Warning, for example, is infused with a cherry lime coconut jam.)
San francisco, CA
The Mission District is a historically Latino neighborhood in the center of San Francisco, home to Mission Dolores, which features Spanish Colonial architecture that was finished in the late 1700s. Today, the city’s oldest intact building still serves a Catholic congregation. The structural beauty extends throughout the neighborhood, where murals date back to the 1970s. The Precita Eyes Mural Arts and Visitors Center’s guides offer intimate tours that stop at some of the neighborhood’s most vibrant and historic artwork. Another neighborhood classic? The Mission-style burrito, a massive, tightly rolled burrito filled with grilled chicken or carnitas. Try one at the famous La Taqueria, where you can snack on cheesy quesadillas or sizzling fajitas if you’d prefer. At Lazy Bear, a restaurant with two Michelin stars, a ticket serves as your reservation for a progressive meal at its communal dining table. The experience features nostalgic American fare with a modern twist, served over the course of 2.5 hours.
BOSTON, MA
South of downtown Boston, the South End neighborhood is best known for its scores of Victorian homes that earned it a spot on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. In more recent years, the South End has evolved into an artists’ hot spot, particularly the SoWa Art + Design District on Harrison Avenue. Its more than 20 galleries and studios open to the public on the first Friday of each month, and the SoWa Open Market adds a farmers market spin to summer Sundays. Between the South End and South Boston neighborhoods, you’ll find more outdoor art at Underground at Ink Block. This highway underpass-turned-urban park is fully wheelchair-accessible, and it has bicycle paths and a dog run surrounded by 21 vivid murals. Boston Center for the Arts supports local and emerging artists across all disciplines. Catch an exhibition like the 27th Drawing Show (now through August 3) in The Mills Gallery. A stone’s throw away, jazz, blues, and reggae notes fill The Beehive each night as diners tuck into dishes like lamb ragu and coconut curry mussels.
TIP: If you’re visiting on the first Friday of the month, join the First Friday Art Walk for a free self-guided tour of the area, plus live music and food trucks.
As a member, you can use RCI Travel® to reserve travel products and services. When booking a vacation on RCI.com, add a car rental to explore the ins and outs of each neighborhood at your leisure. If you’ve already made travel arrangements, access the My Vacation Page, click on the “confirmed” tab, locate your vacation, and look for the option to add air/car.
itinerary
Start your day at Gloria’s Corner Cafe on Main Street with cinnamon French toast topped with blueberries, a veggie omelet, or a Morning Glory smoothie (carrot and orange juices, mango, peaches, and bananas). Or get your caffeine fix at Horsethief Coffee before you cross the Colorado River on your way out of town. This picturesque coffee spot housed in the historic Moab Springs Ranch overlooks the red rocks you’ll soon be exploring.
Arches National Park — named for its 2,000-plus rock arches — invites visitors to traverse its 119 square miles by foot or car. The park’s paved 36-mile road snakes along many of the eons-old rock formations before ending at the Delicate Arch Viewpoint, a screen-saver view of perhaps the most famous license-plate art in the country. Want to get closer? Grab your water and sun protection, then head to the Delicate Arch Trail, a sunny, 3-mile round-trip trek leading past remarkable sandstone domes to Delicate Arch. The 0.3-mile Balanced Rock and 0.4-mile Sand Dune Arch trails are among the easier hike options.
The Moab Jet Boat Dinner and Light Show is a memorable way to cap off a day at the park. Enjoy a cowboy-style, Dutch oven meal in the Moab Adventure Center dining room overlooking the Colorado River, then board the flat-bottomed Moab Queen II for a slow cruise up the river. After the sun sets, 40,000 watts of light illuminate the canyon walls, chronicling the region’s story alongside music and narration as you sail along.
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Delicate Arch Trail
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Within easy driving distance of two of the country's most celebrated national parks, Moab is an ideal base for desert exploration. You’ll hike the arch made famous on Utah license plates, cruise along the Colorado River, and discover the canyon ledge over which a certain fictional pair of outlaws gunned their Ford Thunderbird. Here’s how to make the most out of three days in Moab.
Canyonlands National Park
After cleaning up back at your resort, take a seat on the Desert Bistro patio. Its fine Southwestern cuisine is a worthy reward for a day in the sun. Try bison empanadas topped with grilled mango salsa before tucking into a Gorgonzola-crusted beef tenderloin. The Spoke On Center is right around the corner for a nightcap (perhaps a Porcupine Lemonade or Spoke Margarita) or sweet treat (like a scoop of Brownies on the Moon ice cream).
It’s off to Canyonlands National Park, the largest national park in Utah. The hiking here is sublime as well — particularly on and around the Island in the Sky mesa. For a shorter trek, the Mesa Arch Trail leads to a cliffside arch that looks out toward the La Sal Mountains. But if you’d like to cover more distance with a little assistance, book a guided e-bike tour with Rim Tours. Aboard your electric steed, you’ll cruise along the Courthouse Loop, taking in unique views of Arches National Park from a wide doubletrack.
Brioche, cake, and old-fashioned doughnuts in scrumptious flavors like maple mascarpone cheesecake and French toast draw crowds to Doughbird on Main Street. Grab a box filled with your favorites (or, if you show up at 11 a.m. or later, a succulent chicken sandwich). Afterward, the Moab Museum is only a minute away. Wander through the region’s history: mammoth-tusk beginnings; early settlers’ conflicts with the Ute people; and the town’s eventual, official formation. (A driving force? Homesteaders needed a post office.)
In summer, Southern Utah’s heat can be dangerous. Plan to arrive at the park early to beat the crowds and the hottest temperatures. Wear sunscreen, pack more water than you think you’ll need, and take rest breaks as needed.
Dead Horse Point State Park
Three words: sweet potato fries. Broken Oar Restaurant serves them in a concoction of cinnamon sugar, salt, caramel, and lemon zest. This app is an excellent prelude to a grilled, center-cut pork chop. Go for The Lawman (served with signature barbecue butter), or embrace your inner desperado with The Outlaw (served with sriracha bourbon sauce). After dinner, get your last taste of the desert outdoors at Moab Backyard Theater. The small stage beneath a maze of spindly cottonwood limbs hosts live music — including bluegrass and country — during the week and magic shows on Saturday nights. If only a magician’s enchantment could make your trip last longer.
Stay downtown to rejuvenate with a treatment at Spa Moab, or hop in the car for one final sightseeing excursion. Head west to Dead Horse Point State Park, a peninsula that extends from a massive plateau 2,000 feet above the Colorado River. From the overlook, see if you can spot Fossil Point, where filmmakers flung a pair of Ford Thunderbirds off the cliffside for the famous final scene of Thelma and Louise. (The second convertible made the final cut.) Another option: venture west of Moab to Manti-La Sal National Forest, where the remote La Sal Mountain Loop State Scenic Backway awaits. Drive into the La Sal Mountains before dipping down into Castle Valley to follow the Colorado River back to town.
Begin your last full day at the Moab Diner. The Sweetwater Skillet features fried potatoes, bacon, diced onions, bell peppers, melted cheese, and eggs topped with the diner’s signature green chile sauce. Then it’s time to find a trip souvenir or two. Downtown Moab is lined with local shops: Find eco-friendly gear at Desert Sol, rare reads at Back of Beyond Books, or handcrafted treasures at Moab Made.
Stay downtown to rejuvenate with a treatment at Spa Moab, or hop in the car for one final sightseeing excursion. Head west for Dead Horse Point State Park, a peninsula that extends from a massive plateau 2,000 feet above the Colorado River. From the overlook, see if you can spot Fossil Point, where filmmakers flung a pair of Ford Thunderbirds off the cliffside for the famous final scene of Thelma and Louise. (The second convertible made the final cut.) Another option: venture west of Moab to Manti-La Sal National Forest, where the remote La Sal Mountain Loop State Scenic Backway awaits. Drive into the La Sal Mountains before dipping down into Castle Valley to follow the Colorado River back to town.
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.
How can I leverage my currency to efficiently book multiple vacations?
It’s important to plan and be flexible with your travel dates and destinations. Keep an eye out for promotions, flash sales, or last-minute deals that can help you stretch your currency further by filtering for multiple vacations or multiple units at a specific destination. You can also reach out to an RCI Travel Guide for assistance with any of your travel needs.
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It's important to keep in mind that our exchange inventory thrives on contributions from valued members like yourself. We are dedicated to fulfilling your specific resort requests whenever possible, and even if we can't secure your exact choice, we often find equivalent alternatives. Our diverse directory, featuring Exchange Plus, Extra Vacations, and hotel stays, allows us to create exceptional travel plans tailored to your preferences. While resort availability can vary, rest assured that RCI is committed to creating an amazing vacation experience for you.
The resort indicates they have available units when I contact them directly. Why don't I see the same availability through RCI?
— Ne-Yocike Collins, RCI Travel Guide Since 2022
RCI is here to ensure your travel experience is easy, enjoyable, and fulfilling. Explore RCI.com, where you'll find featured destinations, vacation ideas, and tools to help you explore all your interests. If you need personalized guidance, call RCI and speak to a knowledgeable Travel Guide. Travel Guides can offer professional expertise and personal recommendations, providing valuable insights to help you select the perfect destination for your upcoming trip.
There are so many destinations to choose from. What resources are available to help me decide?
How many times have you gone on vacation and fretted about splitting group dinner costs, transportation logistics, or keeping the kids entertained so you can relax? We can’t undo the stressors of travels past — but we can help you ensure they don’t happen again. When you book an all-inclusive stay with RCI, the biggest decision you’ll have to make is where to visit first. Let’s explore what makes all-inclusives so wonderful.
Dining out on vacation adds up in a hurry, but memorable meals don’t need to come with a side of sticker shock. When you stay at an all-inclusive property, full-service restaurants, buffets, bars, and room service are unlimited. And yes, that includes cocktails!
Indulge All Your Cravings
All-inclusives really are your ticket to family fun. Access to pristine beaches, on-site water parks, and kids’ clubs provide endless opportunities to make new memories together. Ample dining options (like buffets) cater to even the pickiest eaters.
Bring the Kids — Really!
Get into vacation mode right away. Many all-inclusives offer complimentary airport transportation, so you can relax without worrying about missing your exit or getting from point A to point B. On the property, knowledgeable staff can recommend what to see and do, and even book excursions for you.
Leave the Navigation to Someone Else
Book a sightseeing excursion or lounge by the pool. At an all-inclusive, you don’t have to choose sides, and neither do your travel companions. Stay together or split up to have different experiences throughout the day, then gather over a shared meal in the evening to recount your adventures.
Play Your Way
Get approved for the RCI® Elite Rewards® Mastercard®! Earn 2,500 Bonus Rewards after your first purchase, then keep earning Rewards that can be redeemed for airfare, hotels, and car rentals.
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Always check with the resort to see if they offer airport transportation for safe and convenient travel accommodation to and from the property.
In the late 1800s, before Paris had garbage collection, people would scour piles of cast-off items for valuables, then resell them. But once these crocheteurs, so named because of the hooks they used, were banned from Paris proper, they set up shops directly outside of the city’s walls. Soon, residents caught wind of the fantastic deals and unexpected items, and the flea market — a term that was actually coined right here — became a destination sought out by locals and visitors alike. Today, the Saint-Ouen Flea Market is one of the largest and longest-running antiques markets in the world, and you can take a guided walking tour or stroll around Saint-Ouen yourself. You’re sure to find a memorable souvenir at one of the 2,500 stores spread across 15 markets.
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Pursuits like visiting the Eiffel Tower, savoring a warm croissant from a boulangerie, and walking through the Arc de Triomphe all deserve a spot on your bucket list when you visit Paris. But once you check those items off, channel your inner Parisian and embrace the richness of life by getting lost among the city’s art-filled attractions.
Souvenirs
Since 1882, this multifaceted nonprofit museum has preserved the culture of beautifying everyday objects. The museum and library include more than 1.4 million artifacts spanning decorative art and fashion, advertising, graphic design, and ancient documents. Set aside an afternoon to wander through exhibits like La naissance des grands magasins (the rise of department stores, showing through October 13, 2024); dive deep into the history of teddy bears from 1920 to today; or see a dazzling collection of couture jewelry created by the likes of Valentino, Christian Dior, Hermès, and Van Cleef and Arpels.
Fashion fans
You need not have a royal title to step onto the grounds of the Palace of Versailles, but witnessing the 2,300 rooms, more than 400 statues, and breathtaking red marble Grand Trianon walkway inside this 17th-century palace will leave you feeling quite majestic. It was originally constructed as Louis XIII’s remarkably luxe hunting pavilion, then later used as a government building before becoming a museum in 1837. To relive nearly 300 years of history, check out the newly redesigned Gallery of the History of the Palace. Paintings, copies of old engravings, and models help tell the story of the impressive estate.
Royal buffs
If you prefer to be part of the art rather than viewing it from behind a velvet rope, don’t miss this digital art center. Atelier des Lumières was actually constructed in 1835 as a steel foundry, but since 2018, this spot has inspired dreamers and creators alike with its imaginative exhibitions. The Foreign Nature exhibit will transport you to a world where organic meets artificial and minute meets massive in the same mind-bending universe. Travel through the music-infused space to see mutating cathedrals; a part-human, part-machine heart; and other visions inside a dream-like landscape.
An immersive experience
Use your membership to book a hotel stay in Paris, and unlock access to the city’s marvelous attractions.
Traditional Lowcountry flavors surface in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Many restaurants hug the water, so chefs can creatively combine the day’s catch with other fresh local ingredients. Lowcountry cuisine is a melting pot — sometimes literally — blending the Gullah community’s West African cooking with English, French, and Caribbean influences. Get a taste at The Cypress Room, which serves Lowcountry she-crab soup and jumbo lump crab cakes. Wicked Tuna promises “hook to plate” dining, including mussels, Lowcountry shrimp and grits, and grilled salmon. Let Lee’s Inlet Kitchen, in business for 75 years, introduce you to Murrells Inlet flavors — the shrimp salad and the onion rings are faves. The Original Benjamin’s Calabash Seafood takes credit for introducing Myrtle Beach to Calabash-style seafood, a lightly battered and deep-fried variation. And Clearwater Oyster Bar and Grill, along the Intracoastal Waterway, specializes in Lowcountry boils, which are medleys of seafood, corn, sausage, and potatoes.
YOUR RESULT!
Fans of feel-good fare make themselves at home in Boston, Massachusetts. Dining here is often like pulling up a chair at the family table, the dishes are so familiar and comforting. Find many classics at Charlestown’s historic Warren Tavern, which dates to 1780. Feast on clam chowder, a lobster roll, shepherd’s pie, or fish and chips. Another landmark is Union Oyster House, Boston’s oldest restaurant and the country’s oldest in continuous service — since 1826. Freshly shucked oysters remain their stock-in-trade, with Boston cream pie on the dessert menu. The city’s North End, aka Little Italy, abounds with pasta and pizza. Noodle-lovers can choose fine-dining ambience at Mamma Maria, famously no-frills (and cash-only) Giacomo’s, or boutique Italian at Bricco. For a slice of Sicilian-style pizza, go to Galleria Umberto, a cash-only counter. Or savor thin-crust, brick-oven pie at Regina Pizzeria. And if you get a sudden craving for tiramisu or cannoli, Bova’s Bakery is open 24/7.
Creative chefs have been toting their toques to Austin, Texas, making it a top town for cutting-edge cuisine. Even barbecue, the sacred cow (or pig) of Texas diets, takes unusual forms. InterStellar BBQ offers pulled lamb shoulder, pork belly glazed with peach tea, and turkey marinated in hefeweizen. LeRoy and Lewis has pork hop sausage, a brisket burger, and cauliflower burnt ends. Many of Austin’s ubiquitous Asian eateries cross cultural lines. At Kemuri Tatsu-Ya, choose barbecue eel or a creamy octopus fritter with Texas chili. Uchi pairs sushi with non-Japanese sauces, fruits, and cheeses. Mexican food is no longer the same old Tex-Mex. Este tweaks traditional coastal seafood dishes, and Ramen Del Barrio weds Mexican and Japanese flavors. More culinary experimentation happens in Austin’s more than 1,000 food trucks. The mobile meal makers often test concepts that may turn into brick-and-mortar restaurants. You can track their menus and locations online.
California’s Napa Valley beckons with dining that rivals its wining. The same land that yields varietal grapes produces a bounty of ingredients for chefs to move from farm to table at Michelin-star restaurants like The French Laundry in Yountville, where chef Thomas Keller’s tasting menu changes daily to showcase the finest seasonal and locally sourced flavors. The Oysters and Pearls app is a mainstay. In Napa, Kenzo plates locally grown produce in beautiful arrangements with seafood, like bluefin tuna, jetted in daily from Japan. At Solbar in Calistoga, enjoy sake-marinated black cod, made with California koshihikari rice, miso butter, and nameko mushrooms. The Charter Oak in St. Helena complements upscale takes on chicken wings and other classics with vegetables grown on their 3.5-acre farm. In Napa, FARM restaurant sources ingredients from their own gardens and leverages James Beard Award-winning chef Chris Bianco’s relationships with local growers. Bianco’s lasagna is a knockout, made with red wine conserva and veal.
