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You don’t need big blocks of time to make more dots on the map — and these enriching short-stay experiences prove it.
Looking for holiday ideas for experienced excursionists and trendy travelers? This selection of stocking stuffers makes gift-giving to your favorite globe-trotter easy.
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Ready to escape the cold and enjoy stunning shores, unlimited eats, and countless activities all in one stress-free place? Your next all-inclusive escape awaits. From alluring atmospheres and romantic moments at an adult-only resort to epic adventures and endless fun at family-friendly resorts, you’ll find incredible locations to relax, disconnect, and soak in the serenity. So, lock in your sunny spring break getaway now with exclusive deals while there’s the most availability. It’s never too early to start planning.
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Transformative Vacation Experiences You Can Enjoy with Minimal Time Off > Thoughtful Stocking Stuffers for Travel-Lovers > Magnificent Marine Encounters in Fort Myers > 8 Places to Experience the Joy of Missing Out This Winter >
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A Weekend Escape to Vail, Colorado > Dear RCI > There’s a Travel Package for That > A Tale of Two Style Capitals >
RCI Magazine is published quarterly by RCI. ©2025 RCI, LLC. All rights reserved. CORPORATE OFFICE 6277 Sea Harbor Drive, Orlando, FL 32821 EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Kylee Krizmanic PROJECT EDITOR Allison Vancura GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Ruby Pierce, Maddy Lickteig CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Austin Cannon, Erin Gifford, Gary Thompson, Hilary Braaksma, 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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This issue is all about the invigorating power of travel. Join us as we explore two of Europe's style capitals, make a splash in Fort Myers, and embrace the magic of short stays. 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 as those 2026 getaways begin to take shape.
This coastal enclave in southwest Florida isn’t only a hot spot for beach relaxation. The surrounding network of barrier islands, estuaries, and shoreline have fostered thriving marine ecosystems where lucky travelers can discover a zoo’s worth of wildlife.
Forget FOMO. It’s time to discover JOMO — the joy of missing out— by heading for semi-remote destinations that make it easy to disconnect from distractions.
Framed by the Rocky Mountains, Vail, Colorado transforms into a magical wonderland in the winter months.
Prepare your passport and your chicest pair of walking shoes. It’s time for a tour of two of the most inspiring cultural capitals in Europe: Copenhagen and Rome.
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Would you rather dive among vibrant reefs or ride gentle waves? Marvel at star-strewn skies or wind-carved arches? Take the scenic route or one steeped in culture? You don’t need big blocks of time to make more dots on the map — and these enriching short-stay experiences prove it. Oh, the possibilities!
Arches National Park
Spanning two prominent deserts — the Colorado and Mojave — Joshua Tree National Park near Palm Springs charms explorers with its easy access, alien landscapes, and International Dark Sky Park designation. Feel worlds away as you hike or drive through its rugged, mesmerizing landscapes. The Hidden Valley, Arch Rock, and Discovery trails are all great options for a quick visit.
Joshua Tree National Park, California
It may surprise you to learn that Arches National Park, a natural playground named for its 2,000-plus remarkable sandstone formations, is a mere 5 miles north of Moab. Explore wondrous geological formations along the park’s winding road to the trailhead for the lower and upper viewpoints of Delicate Arch. The reward for those who visit: rugged beauty and breathtaking hikes.
Arches National Park, Utah
OR
California Highway 1
Nashville to Atlanta
No, you’re not California Dreamin’ — the IRL experience is worth the hype. This scenic coastal highway stretches more than 650 miles, but the most famous section is along the Central Coast. Take a day or two to drive from Monterey to San Luis Obispo, where you’ll go heart-eyed over charming coastal towns and scenic overlooks that expertly frame the sparkling Pacific. Wander storybook streets in Carmel-by-the-Sea, explore the grandeur of Hearst Castle in San Simeon, and see iconic and volcanic Morro Rock in Morro Bay.
California Route 1
In the Southeast, a road trip from Nashville, Tennessee, to Atlanta, Georgia, hits the high notes: lively entertainment, fantastic dining, and a dash of history. Begin in the Music City, where honky-tonks on Lower Broadway and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum grab the spotlight, then make your way to Atlanta. While you’re there, visit Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, Ponce City Market, and stroll through Centennial Olympic Park, entertainment central for the 1996 Summer Olympics.
Key West
San Diego
As the southernmost city in the continental U.S., Key West is actually closer to Cuba than to Miami. This arts and culture hub is home to historic landmarks, including the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum and the Audubon House and Tropical Gardens, as well as diverse marine encounters. Fish, dive, snorkel, or set sail on a sunset cruise to see colorful fish and wildlife from a spectacular perspective.
Key West, Florida
Wellness and waves go hand in hand in this waterfront Southern California city, offering myriad ways to find your happy place on or near the water. On the water, you can go tidepooling at Cabrillo National Monument, embark on a whale-watching cruise, or surf at Coronado Beach. On land, connect with nature as you stroll through the gardens at Balboa Park and hike at Sunset Cliffs Natural Park.
San Diego, California
Even a microdose of vitamin “Sea” can work wonders for your outlook. Let’s make some waves!
This or That?
Admire beautiful landscapes and exciting cities along these routes.
Nature’s splendor is on full display at these drivable, easy-to-access parks.
UTAH
Your time is valuable, so make the most of it! These simple travel strategies help you tap into the invigorating power of a short getaway.
Tips to Maximize Those Precious Vacation Days
Hack the Calendar
Play your cards right, and one or two vacation days can easily stretch to four or five. Peek at the 2026 calendar to see when three-day weekends and public holidays occur, then combine them with quick trips. If PTO isn’t a concern, consider scheduling vacations during shoulder season (spring and fall) when crowds are lighter and experiences are more affordable.
Can’t decide where to go first? Here's a technique to try: Jot down a few vacation destinations that can be reached by a direct flight or a three- to four-hour drive. When a great deal comes along — or there’s a gig worth traveling for — you’ll have a clear winner.
Make a List (and Check It Twice)
Love to travel but loathe planning? Or maybe you do love that part, but you lack the time to line everything up? (You’re human, after all!) Time to call in the pros. With RCI’s all-new Travel Packages, trusted guides curate itineraries and tailor VIP experiences to your vacation preferences. Learn more in our Members story!
Outsource with Ease
Festivals, workshops, and neighboring towns can provide an exciting change of pace, if only for a few hours. Staying in Orlando? Trade theme parks for Winter Park, a former resort town with a lively shopping and culinary scene just 7 miles away. Hanging out in Texas Hill Country? Head to Shield Ranch Barton Creek for an immersive bird-watching tour or forest-bathing workshop.
Be a Day-Tripper
CALIFORNIA
Joshua Tree National Park
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Jet-setting duos will love mapping out their grand travel plans and dream vacations with this bound, heirloom-quality Bucket List Adventures journal for couples. The pages include helpful prompts for setting goals and reflecting on experiences after they’ve checked them off their list — plus space for snapshots, ticket stubs, and other scrapbook-style mementos.
What do you get the traveler who has everything? More travel, of course. Resort Vacation Certificates are redeemable toward destination vacation accommodations around the world — allowing you to give the experiential gift of rest, relaxation, and a lifetime’s worth of memories, all in one.
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Help harried travelers keep it all together with this compact travel portfolio. The zip-close wristlet helps keep personal documents safe and organized, and there’s enough space for holding currency, two passports, and four cards. Inside, a zipper pocket adds an extra layer of security for money and other important items.
SCOUT is an award-nominated card strategy game suitable for two to five players aged 9 and older, and is designed for playing on the go. Fast-paced, 15- to 20-minute game rounds are perfect for layovers and unexpected wait times, and the game’s compact box makes it easy to tuck away in a carry-on bag or picnic basket.
Is there someone on your list who just can’t put down that thrilling beach read on vacation? This rechargeable reading light makes it easy to enjoy books after lights-out in shared transportation and lodging settings. Bookworms can choose from five brightness settings and enjoy up to 80 hours of reading time.
Keep young sightseers busy and engaged with this adorable Kids National Parks Passport, a 48-page booklet designed with little adventurers in mind. Fun prompts encourage kids to record up to 20 National Park visits, write and draw their favorite trip memories, list future park plans, and keep track of animal sightings.
BONUS!
At Supperland, a Southern steakhouse inside a restored church, find seafood towers, fire-grilled steaks, and modern twists on potluck-inspired sides. (Think miso mac and cheese and corn salad with chimichurri.) Come for brunch to fill up on buttermilk biscuits, piping-hot grits and gravy, and sweet French toast bites. Centered around seasonal ingredients from local farmers and purveyors, the simple yet elevated dishes at Customshop showcase North Carolina produce at its purest. The lineup is ever-changing, but expect vegetable-forward pastas, bright crudo, and tender grilled meats and seafood. For a taste of Carolina barbecue, drive to Red Bridges Barbecue Lodge in Shelby about an hour outside of Charlotte. This family-owned restaurant has been serving slow-cooked hickory pork since 1946, making it a go-to for old-fashioned flavor.
explore now
With filming its latest season in Charlotte, you’ll want to explore the Queen City’s diverse food scene by hitting these essential restaurants while you’re in town.
Start planning your global culinary adventure in charlotte.
Top Chef
A lively indoor-outdoor space in the heart of South End, Yunta specializes in Nikkei cuisine, a marriage of Peruvian ingredients and Japanese cooking techniques. The signature ceviche combines fresh seafood — mahi, shrimp, octopus, and squid — with Peruvian corn, glazed sweet potato, and a spicy marinade. Sample an array of traditional El Salvadoran and Dominican dishes at La Caseta, a family-owned food stall in Camp North End. Fuel up on pupusas, arepas, or tacos al pastor at a patio table before strolling through the open-air shopping and dining hub. Los Paisas Restaurant, a casual spot near Pineville, is a long-time favorite for traditional Colombian food in Charlotte. A must-try menu item, the Bandeja Tipica Colombiana (Colombian platter) comes with steak, pork crackling, sausage, beans, sweet plantains, egg, and avocado.
Head to Lang Van, Charlotte’s longest-operating Vietnamese restaurant, for a cozy, comforting meal. This beloved gem serves staples like pho, lemongrass curry, hot pot, and vermicelli noodles. If you can’t decide, owner Dan Nguyen happily offers recommendations. Founded in Asheville by James Beard-nominated chef Meherwan Irani, Botiwalla opened a Charlotte location in 2020. The Optimist Hall food stall pays homage to Iranian-style cafes in India with dishes like masala smashed potatoes, chargrilled chicken tikka rolls, and spiced okra fries. Hidden in the back room of Menya Daruma, a popular noodle shop, Kappo En offers an intimate dining experience for up to eight guests. Crafted with seasonal fish sourced from Japan, the multicourse omakase dinner consists of traditional nigiri sushi and grilled Wagyu beef.
A newer restaurant from husband-and-wife duo Joe and Katy Kindred, Albertine combines Mediterranean flavors with Southern influences. The menu is fit for a breezy seaside, featuring chilled seafood and meze platters (small plates) with buttermilk flatbread. Coquette’s classic bistro fare and elegant atmosphere draw inspiration from the French countryside. Pair steak tartare, coq au vin blanc, or duck-fat fried chicken with a glass of French wine or a champagne cocktail. Stagioni is the place for familiar Italian food with a contemporary twist. Located in a century-old home, this charming eatery whisks guests away to Italy with its seasonal handmade pastas and wood-fired pizzas. Order the mini focaccia loaf with your pasta, as you’ll want to soak up every drop of sauce.
Transformative Vacation Experiences You Can Enjoy with Minimal Time Off > Thoughtful Stocking Stuffers for Travel-Lovers > Around the World in Charlotte, North Carolina > Magnificent Marine Encounters in Fort Myers >
8 Places to Experience the Joy of Missing Out This Winter > A Weekend Escape to Vail, Colorado > Dear RCI > There’s a Travel Package for That > A Tale of Two Style Capitals >
Supperland
Yunta
Coquette
Botiwalla
Off the southwest coast of the Florida mainland, Sanibel Island includes more than 6,470 acres of marshes, seagrass beds, and mangrove forest — the ideal environment for more than 245 species of bird to call home. It’s the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, a playground for ornithologists (amateur or otherwise) as well as anyone looking to hike or bike the network of coastal trails beneath the sunny Florida sky. Don’t forget the binoculars!
This coastal enclave in southwest Florida isn’t only a hot spot for beach relaxation. The surrounding network of barrier islands, estuaries, and shoreline have fostered thriving marine ecosystems where lucky travelers can discover a zoo’s worth of wildlife. Here’s where to start:
dreaming of the beach? plan your fort myers getaway today.
Feathery friends are often on full display during the winter months. Peep long-legged herons wading from the shore, curled-neck egrets stalking food, and wide-wing eagles and hawks surveying from the sky. Keep a close eye out for bright pink roseate spoonbills using their gargantuan bills to consume fish and crustaceans.
Wildlife Checklist
If you’re not interested in hiking or biking the refuge’s trails, hop on a Tarpon Bay Explorers-led tram tour on the refuge’s Wildlife Drive. Then you can relax in the beachy breeze and listen as your naturalist tour guide points out animals while telling the history of the wildlife refuge.
Pro Tip
video!
When you book your trip with Holaway, request a lunch trip to Cabbage Key, the longtime restaurant and inn on its own palm-shaded island. When you take a seat in the restaurant, order the freshest catch and a Cabbage Creeper, a rum and pina colada mix with a coffee liqueur float. The famous frozen Key lime pie awaits for dessert — and don’t forget to tape a dollar bill to the ceiling before you leave.
If the sound stays above 68 degrees, Holaway will help you look for manatees drifting beneath the surface near the shoreline, where the flippered herbivores find the plant life that makes up their diet. No sea cows in the sound? Try the warmer inland waters at Manatee Park.
Spanning 18 miles between a handful of barrier islands west of Fort Myers, the placid, shallow waters of Pine Island Sound Aquatic Preserve are a delightful stretch for a morning cruise. Beneath his trademark straw hat, Capt. Brian Holaway (Captain Brian on the Water) will guide your journey. The master naturalist has patrolled the area for 30 years, so there’s no one better qualified to point out high-up osprey nests and pairs of dolphins bobbing above the waves.
In downtown Cape Coral, toast your aquatic adventuring with a craft beer and a shared pie at Nice Guys Pizza. When you manage to shift your gaze off the eye-catching art covering the walls, build your own pizza or order one of their signatures, perhaps The Cuban. It’s made with pulled pork, ham, pickle, Swiss and mozzarella cheese, and a mustard wine sauce.
Once you’re out on the water, the wildlife is all around you. Ospreys and brown pelicans soar in the sky above while alligators and horseshoe crabs float near the mangroves. You could see manatees here, too, and the kayaks offer an unbeatable view when dolphins surface nearby.
Flowing between mainland Florida and Pine Island, Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve is a thriving coastal ecosystem filled with thickets of mangrove trees. This adaptive foliage —with its underwater roots and salt filtration system — has no problem growing under the hot southern Florida sun. Get an up-close look at these amazing trees (and the species they support) on a kayak tour with Cape Coral Kayak. Veteran paddlers can explore the calm waters in a single-seat kayak while first-timers can partner with someone more experienced in a two-seater.
Take a beat after your sailing adventure by resting in the sand in Fort Myers Beach. Lynn Hall Memorial Park and Crescent Beach Family Park are both nearby for a quick stroll on the sand, a few splashes in the waves, or just some quiet reflection.
If you're lucky, dolphins may playfully breach along your boat as the steady Gulf winds propel it forward. Search the sky for migratory fowl visiting for the winter. You may catch a glimpse of some American white pelicans — owners of 9-foot wingspans — before they return to the northern reaches of North America.
Time to hit the open water! Instructors with Offshore Sailing School, owned and operated by sailing legends Steve and Doris Colgate, excel at helping experienced and novice sailors alike familiarize themselves with the boat. Over a two-hour “test the waters” lesson, you’ll quickly understand how the mainsail, jib, and boom all work in concert as you skim across the Gulf outside Fort Myers Beach. You’ll even take a turn at steering — remember, push the tiller starboard (right) to move port (left) and vice versa.
Mark your trip to this slice of paradise with a one-of-a-kind souvenir that won’t cost you a cent. Cayo Costa’s undeveloped shoreline is rife with seashells thanks to gentle tides pushing the specimens onto the sand. Bring your own bag and fill it with sand dollars, lightning whelks, or any other shell that catches your eye.
Though turtle nesting season ends in October, plenty of shorebirds are known to patrol the sand, including American Oystercatchers and snowy plovers. On the water, look for manatees bobbing up for air off the island’s calmer eastern shore.
Untouched coastal wilderness awaits at Cayo Costa State Park, a 7-mile-long barrier island accessible only by private watercraft. It’s famous for its secluded beaches along the Gulf, where endangered sea turtles build more than 300 nests each year. Departing from Captiva Island just to the south, Captiva Cruises ferries visitors to Cayo Costa for a beach day — about two hours for bird-watching, hiking, snorkeling, or simply enjoying the peaceful soundtrack of the tides.
If fear of missing out chains you to your digital devices, free yourself by embracing the joy of disconnected travel. The trend has vacationers unplugging from tech disruptions and reconnecting with family, friends, nature, and themselves. This winter, consider eight low-key destinations where you can really get away from it all.
In the southwest corner of Utah, below the rim of the Great Basin, lies this hidden nest for snowbirds. Its mild winter weather (highs in the 50s/60s, with little snow) is perfect for exploring a dramatic landscape. Hike the iconic Petrified Dunes Trail at Snow Canyon State Park to see striking red cliffs, petrified sand dunes, and lava flows. Play golf in the cool, uncrowded serenity of Sunbrook Golf Course or the Ledges of St. George. Nearby Zion National Park is just as stunning in winter, but not nearly as crowded. Mountain bike the JEM Trail for high-speed desert runs and cliffside cruises along the Virgin River.
Less than two hours north of Boise, this winter playground is anchored by Tamarack Resort, a top ski destination with 2,800 vertical feet of skiable terrain. Go downhill skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, Nordic skiing, and ice-skating. Snowmobile the area’s hundreds of miles of groomed trails on a sled from Mountain Meadow Adventure Rentals or take a slower dash through the snow with Hap and Florence Points Sleigh Rides — you’ll likely see elk and other wildlife. Drive your own vehicle along the Payette River Scenic Byway for views of snow-dusted trees, frozen rivers, and glistening cliffs. Soak up more winter scenery from the toasty pools at Gold Fork Hot Springs.
This is home to Lutsen Mountains, the Midwest’s largest ski area. Four interconnected mountains in Minnesota’s Sawtooth range offer 95 runs on 1,000 acres overlooking the North Shore of Lake Superior. If you’re not skiing downhill, take to the area’s extensive network of groomed cross-country trails, including the Norpine Trail System. Snowmobilers can ride more than 450 miles of Cook County trails through forests, mountain terrain, and wildlife hangouts. Snowshoeing routes are plentiful, too — when the powder is deep enough, Superior National at Lutsen golf course is a popular option. And for an unforgettable encounter with nature, catch the northern lights, perhaps from Oberg Mountain.
Retreat to the serene grandeur of the Canadian Rockies in this charming small town that keeps you close to world-class winter fun. Canmore sits just outside Banff National Park, surrounded by towering peaks. While there’s plenty to do at Banff, outdoor adventures await in town, as well. Go cross-country skiing, hiking, or fat-tire biking at Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park, a venue built for the 1988 Winter Olympics. (Rental gear is available.) Don snowshoes for treks on trails like Bow River, Grassi Lakes, or Quarry Lake. Or take an ice walk at Grotto Canyon to see frozen waterfalls.
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For more than 50 years, this town built around Massanutten Resort has called travelers to come out and play across 6,000 acres in the Shenandoah Valley. In winter, that means skiing, snowboarding, outdoor ice-skating, and snow tubing. Especially fun is the resort’s Northern Lights Tubing — zipping down the hill to neon lights and pumping music. Slow the pace to hike the Massanutten Ridge Trail, a 4.5-mile out-and-back route with invigorating views of the ski area and mountains beyond. Or come to a complete stop at The Spa at Massanutten with a treatment, such as their new Therapeutic Bamboo Massage.
Though easily reached from the U.S. East Coast, this delightful city feels more like a European escape. Tremblant is one of North America’s premier ski resorts, with 102 trails and three snowparks in the Laurentian Mountains. Just off the slopes, the resort’s picture-postcard Pedestrian Village invites you to shops, restaurants, and entertainment. If you’re serious about disconnecting, book a digital detox at Scandinave Spa. Their thermal journey is a silent spa experience in a tech-free environment. Head to what’s called the Old Village to ice-skate on a covered, lighted outdoor rink at Parc Daniel Lauzon.
This small Hill Country town founded by German immigrants beckons with a historic downtown and peaceful countryside. The historic district boasts more than 100 buildings built between 1854 and 1954, several designed by renowned architect Alfred Giles (namesake of the restored 1880 Hotel Giles). Downtown is also famous for antiques stores and boutiques like those found at The 8th Street Market. Wineries and tasting rooms are another big draw — Singing Water Vineyards is a favorite. Joshua Springs Park and Preserve invites escapes into nature.
Located 12 miles off the East Coast and reachable only by ferry (which runs year-round), this popular summer vacation spot turns crowd-free and blissfully tranquil in winter. Walk trails through Rodman’s Hollow to experience the island’s scenic hills, meadows, woodlands, cliffs, and pristine beaches. Mohegan Bluffs stuns with panoramic views made cinematic and moody by the winter sky and sea, plus Southeast Light, one of the island’s two lighthouses. As you explore, you may come across a leaping doe, foraging buck, or glowing snowy owl. Block Island National Wildlife Refuge shelters wintering waterfowl and migratory birds.
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Ease into mountain time at The Little Diner in Lionshead Village, where locals and visitors pack the counter for a hearty, unfussy start to the day. Think fluffy pancakes, savory breakfast burritos, and strong coffee. Try the Pannekoeken—a Dutch Baby-style baked pancake that puffs up like a golden soufflé. It takes twenty minutes to make, and every bite proves it’s worth the wait. From the diner, stroll five minutes to Charter Sports, grab your rental gear, and hop aboard the Eagle Bahn Gondola toward Game Creek Bowl. There, you’ll find a satisfying mix of mellow green ski runs, like Lost Boy, and exhilarating blues and blacks surrounded by sweeping alpine views.
When hunger hits, stop in Eagle’s Nest Marketplace, a mid-slope food hall that serves skier favorites like burgers, chili, and crispy chicken tenders. Prefer a sit-down meal? Grab a table at Bistro 14, a modern American spot on the mountain for shareable pretzel bites and loaded nachos, plus soups, salads, and hot sandwiches. After lunch, trade your ski boots for a robe at Sonnenalp Spa. Sink into the outdoor hot tub as snowflakes drift around you, then step into the Turkish steam room. A warm herbal poultice massage melts away every ounce of ski-day tension.
MORNING
AFTERNOON
The après-ski scene comes alive as the sun dips behind the peaks. Join the crowd at Garfinkel’s — known as Garf’s to the locals — where the expansive deck overlooks the base of the Eagle Bahn Gondola. Warm your hands around a hot chocolate as the mountain glows pink in the fading light. For dinner, wander over to Vail Chophouse, an elegant yet welcoming spot for perfectly grilled steaks, Colorado lamb chops, and buttery sea bass. End your first night in Vail at Tavern on the Square, where crackling firepits and twinkling string lights set the scene on the year-round outdoor patio.
Evening
Framed by the Rocky Mountains, Vail, Colorado transforms into a magical wonderland in the winter months. Over three perfect days, carve fresh powder, soak in outdoor whirlpools, and savor fireside drinks, all while experiencing the mountain charm that keeps visitors returning year after year.
Follow the pulse of Vail’s nightlife to Shakedown Bar for high-energy live music, or head next door to The Red Lion, where the legendary shotski — a synchronized group shot taken from a ski — is a brag-worthy experience. For dinner, slip into the whimsical world of Chasing Rabbits, an imaginative venue inspired by Alice in Wonderland. It features a Mediterranean-style restaurant, a hidden speakeasy called Moon Rabbit, and the lively Rabbit Hole arcade lounge with Skee-Ball and Pac-Man. End the night with a moonlit stroll through Vail Village, where the glow of twinkle lights reflects off freshly fallen snow.
Settle into Vendetta’s, a beloved Vail institution since 1983. Choose between the lively upstairs pizza bar for whole pies and by-the-slice options, or the cozy downstairs dining room serving Italian favorites like pappardelle Bolognese and pasta primavera. After lunch, explore Vail Village at your own pace. Pop into the Colorado Snowsports Museum for exhibits on the evolution of snowboarding and the history of competitive skiing, then browse Vail’s boutiques. Hit up Kemo Sabe for upscale Western wear, Aviator Nation for retro-cool sweats and hoodies, and Gorsuch for sophisticated alpine outerwear. Not into shopping? Drive 25 minutes west to Bearcat Stables in Edwards for a touch of old-fashioned winter magic on a horse-drawn sleigh ride.
Begin your day in Vail Village at Big Bear Bistro, a cheerful cafe serving breakfast sandwiches, avocado toast, and frothy cappuccinos. Then, board Gondola One to Mid-Vail for a second day on the mountain. Beginners can cruise down Upper Lion’s Way, a wide, sun-splashed green run, while intermediate skiers can continue up the mountain for Ramshorn and Cappuccino. Want to skip the lift lines today? Head to the Vail Nordic Center to cross-country ski along miles of groomed trails, or try fat-tire biking through quiet, snow-blanketed meadows. Lessons and rentals make it easy for all levels to join in the fun.
slow down and reconnect with nature with a weekend in vail.
On your final morning in Vail, slow down with a leisurely brunch at Westside Café. Dive into a menu featuring an impressive lineup of eggs Benedict. The restaurant’s bison tenderloin benne gets rave reviews, as does its brioche French toast dredged in house-made cinnamon batter. Wrap up your weekend with one last excursion: a snowmobiling tour with NOVA Guides, just a 30-minute drive south in Red Cliff. Climb to more than 12,000 feet for panoramic views of the Rockies and the Continental Divide. Along the way, you’ll pass Camp Hale National Monument, once the training ground for the famed 10th Mountain Division, the country’s first mountain infantry unit.
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One of the best ways to start a trip to any city is by looking back — and forward — at its renowned museums. Copenhagen certainly has no shortage. The city’s colorful history is on display in fine form at The Hirschsprung Collection. Inside the ornate neoclassic building, you’ll find more than 100 years of Danish masterpieces by notable local names like Christoffer Wilhelm Eckersberg, Christen Købke, Peder Severin Krøyer, and Vilhelm Hammershøi.For a mix of old and new, swing by Designmuseum Danmark, which was originally opened in 1895 and reopened after extensive renovation in 2022. Here, you can wander through exhibits about modern challenges (climate change) and esteemed antiques collections (snuff boxes, for instance). Don’t miss the courtyard sculpture garden on your way out. At Copenhagen Contemporary, you can see video, performance art, and one-of-a-kind installations by established and emerging talents. If you’re ready to get in on the fun, sign up for a class like How Do I Draw? Or take part in a Cocktails and Curator experience to enjoy a guided tour of an exhibit followed by a happy hour inside the on-site cafe, Darcy’s & CC.
Prepare your passport and your chicest pair of walking shoes. It’s time for a tour of two of the most inspiring cultural capitals in Europe: Copenhagen and Rome. A vacation in either (or both!) allows you to immerse yourself in beauty, deliciousness, and memories for a lifetime.
Copenhagen has been lauded for its urban design and sustainability for decades, and in 2023, the city was selected as the UNESCO-UIA World Capital of Architecture. 8TALLET is a stellar example of why the community was worthy of this honor. Townhomes, penthouse apartments, and stand-alone homes intermingle in this dramatic, harbor-adjacent 476-residence property. Restored properties are also all the rage in Copenhagen. Case in point: The Silo, a former grain silo that once sat empty. Now, it’s one of the coolest places to reside, with 17 stories of luxurious apartments and an open-air rooftop lounge. Design fans should certainly swing by The Circle Bridge — especially when it lights up at night. The five masts are a nod to Copenhagen's extensive shipping history. Between the times that about 5,000 cyclists and pedestrians span the bridge each day, it rotates open to allow big boats to pass from the harbor into the canal.
After being named the number one restaurant in the world by The World's 50 Best Restaurants five times, and earning three Michelin Stars, countless food-lovers have made pilgrimages to foraging-focused Noma. But the seed that Noma planted has grown into a flourishing food scene at all price points. Høst shares a similar rustic-elegant, flavor-rich style. It’s worth a visit for the gorgeous dining room alone; in 2013, it was named the World’s Best Designed Restaurant at the Restaurant & Bar Design Awards. While you’re swooning over the space, you might as well dive into the three- or five-course menus with optional wine pairings. (Our eyes are locked on the chicken schnitzel with broccoli and wild garlic, and the apple compote with caramel and geranium.) For something a bit more casual, try Maple Casual Dining, a family-owned bistro. Pull up one of the 48 seats to savor Danish plays on comfort food, like maple-glazed pork ribs with fries and coleslaw, and French vanilla creme brûlée.
ready for your european holiday? start here.
Copenhagen
In Denmark’s capital, witness castles and canals in tandem with cyclists and boundary-pushing Nordic cuisine.
Style Spotlight
The ultimate souvenir is the priceless memories that take up zero luggage space. A close runner-up? A score from one of these shop-lined streets in Copenhagen.
Strøget: One of Europe's longest shopping streets flows through the center of Copenhagen, and is lined with a variety of shops like LEGO and Illums Bolighus (celebrated for its streamlined Scandinavian household furnishings).
Strædet: Work your way past the crowds on Strøget to explore this quieter side street, where you’ll be treated to boutiques and vintage stores found only in Copenhagen.
Værnedamsvej: Who’s up for a food and shopping crawl? You can enjoy an entire day popping into clothing stores, delis, and restaurants that line this singular street.
Nearest airport: Copenhagen Airport (CPH) Currency: Danish krone Language: Danish (many locals speak English, too) Time zone: Central European Time; six hours ahead of New York City Tipping etiquette: Tipping is not expected, since gratuity is built into the cost of goods and services. An additional 5–10 percent is a nice way to celebrate exceptional service.
Travel Tips
NH Collection Copenhagen B&B - 3 Nights NH Collection Copenhagen B&B - 4 Nights
NH Roma Centro B&B - 3 Nights NH Roma Centro B&B - 4 Nights NH Roma Giustiniano B&B - 3 Nights NH Roma Giustiniano B&B - 4 Nights
Nearest airport: Rome Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport (FCO) Currency: Euro Language: Italian (many locals speak English, too) Time zone: Central European Time; six hours ahead of New York City Tipping etiquette: Tipping is not expected or mandatory, but it is appreciated. Add an extra 10 percent for outstanding service.
Via del Boschetto: You’ve come to the right place for handmade and custom wares, whether your ideal investment is jewelry, clothing, or a bespoke hat.
Via del Governo Vecchio: Vintage fans will find so much to love about this street, peppered with bookstores, leather artisans, and antiques outlets filled with timeless gems.
Via Vittorio Veneto: Global brands dominate in many of Rome’s most popular neighborhoods. Not here. This is the street to shop if you’re seeking fashion from an only-in-Italy boutique.
Before you fly home, swing by one or all of these three shopping districts for souvenirs you’ll actually use.
You’ve probably worked up an appetite at this point, and during an art-forward excursion like this, it’s only fitting to break your fast at a venue with equally impressive scenery. You won’t be disappointed if you snag a reservation at Ambrosia Rooftop Restaurant & Bar. Tucked away atop Hotel Artemide, you can witness one of the best views — and freshest menus — in Rome. Just steps away from the dining tables on the rooftop terrace, you’ll spy the chef-maintained vegetable garden, which fueled creations like risotto with charred tomatoes. Feel like the VIP you are at La Pergola, Rome’s only restaurant to earn three Michelin stars. Situated on the top of Rome Cavalieri Waldorf Astoria and with views of St. Peter’s Basilica, the Colosseum, and Altare della Patria, you’ll be tempted to keep your attention outside. But the indoor design is impressive, too, as is the food selection. Pair your tagliolini (served with black salsifies, chives and white truffle) with caviar with one of 53,000 bottles from the wine cellar. At garden-lined Enoteca La Torre, you’ll be greeted by sweeping stained-glass windows and attentive, personalized service, since there are fewer than 10 tables. It’s worth hustling to score a spot to see (and savor) treats on the whimsical dessert cart alone.
The Vatican gets a lot of glory as a feat of architecture, but while you’re in town, we suggest visiting the Mosque of Rome too. Covering more than 7 acres, it’s the largest Muslim place of worship in Europe, and the design mixes Islamic, Italian, and local Roman styles seamlessly. Many travelers visit Palazzo Spada for its free indoor art gallery. Equally as impressive is the grand Mannerist stucco building itself. The internal courtyard of Galleria Spada is lined with columns and arches that trick the eye into believing the 28-foot-long walkway stretches more than 100 feet. Quartiere Coppedè is aptly nicknamed the “Fantasy District of Rome,” thanks to its colorful mosaics and blend of Art Nouveau, Baroque, Medieval, and ancient Greek styles. Kids and kids at heart will delight in learning about its Villino delle Fate, a completely asymmetric villa that would be right at home in a fairytale.
Rome is Italy’s most populous city, with more than 2,775 years of history. Take a deep dive inside the Vatican Museums. Vatican City is technically its own mini country tucked inside Rome. Besides being home to the Catholic church and the pope, it’s also where you’ll find 26 museums, many of which either display art or are art themselves. (We’re looking at you, Sistine Chapel.) Many of the artifacts on Vatican grounds are more ancient. Over at MAXXI, it’s all about modern-day art and architecture. Explore the showpieces both inside the impressively designed building or outside, in the sculpture-speckled alfresco spaces. Make your way to a square designed by Michelangelo in 1536, and you can step inside The Capitoline Museums (aka Musei Capitolini). Renaissance and Baroque paintings are displayed alongside iconic Roman sculptures, fresco-adorned walls, and artifacts.
The Eternal City has rich history, classic art, bespoke fashion, and so many culinary delights to sink your teeth into — cacio e pepe, anyone?
Rome
