When I want to get away from it all, these are the places I dream about
We spend days getting push notifications about trade wars and stock market plunges. If we aren't fretting about our 401(k) plans or the latest climate disaster, then there's more bad news about another Disney live-action remake (Why, Disney? Why?). Back in the 1980s, folks could escape their daily troubles by filling a bathtub with bubbles and pleading, 'Calgon, take me away.'
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These days, we need something stronger than Calgon. Sometimes, a physical getaway that involves leaving a cellular coverage area helps, and I have ideas. Even if my suggestions don't get your travel bug chirping, think about the beauty of occasionally getting away. If it's just for an afternoon, that works, too.
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West Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary, Plainfield, Mass.
Sometimes hiking trails sound like a good place to escape into nature, but then you find yourself backpack-to-backpack with others who had the same plan. An easy fix is to go west, as in Western Massachusetts, where the trails tend to be less cluttered. The West Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary in Plainfield is 1,800 acres of wilderness with an easy-to-navigate 2-mile trail.
, Prospect Street. 413-584-3009, westsanctuaries@massaudubon.org
Inside the elaborate Saint-Benoît-du-Lac Abbey in Saint-Benoît-du-Lac, Quebec.
Christopher Muther/Globe Staff
Eastern Townships, Quebec
A shed on the Westman Islands of Iceland.
Westman Islands, Iceland
If you're seeking solitude, there's plenty of places to find it in Iceland. Outside of Reykjavik and away from the tourist-laden Golden Circle, you can go hours, or longer, without encountering another soul. My preferred place to escape in Iceland is the
AMC Maine Woods International Dark Sky Park
By definition, dark sky reserves are devoid of people, otherwise light pollution would get in the way of stargazing. The AMC Maine Woods International Dark Sky Park is the first and only in New England, and on a clear night it feels as if the galaxy is at your fingertips. AMC has three lodges where you can stay to enjoy the more than 75,000 acres of largely uninhabited forest in central Maine. Just try getting a decent cell signal here.
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Cherry trees in bloom at VanDusen Botanical Garden in Vancouver.
Christopher Muther/Globe Staff
VanDusen Botanical Garden, Vancouver
You don't need to be a botanist to see why the 55-acre
5151 Oak St. 604-257-8463,
I didn't think much about the herd of horses drinking from a pond in the Magallanes region of Chile until I looked down and saw this horse's perfect reflection in the water.
Christopher Muther
Torres del Paine National Park, Chile
A view of the mountains in Torres del Paine National Park in Magallanes, Chile, as seen from the Hotel Rio Serrano.
One of the best decisions I've ever made while traveling was skipping a famous guided hike in
Cats loiter near an Adirondack chair, ready to sit with an available human at the Lanai Cat Sanctuary in Hawaii.
Christopher Muther
Lanai
,
Hawaii
Lanai is the smallest of Maui County's populated islands, with a population of just over 3,000. It has one small airport, but most visitors arrive by ferry, and because many of its attractions can only be reached by dirt roads (there are no traffic lights), it tends to keep many Hawaii tourists away. What it does have is a 40-acre cat sanctuary where more than 700 cats live in paradise. The refuge is vital for protecting the local bird population, but it's also the happiest place on earth for visitors who can spend time with the cats. It's easy to forget about the world when you have some of the sweetest creatures on the planet vying for time to sit on your lap.
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Christopher Muther can be reached at
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USA Today
a day ago
- USA Today
Dreaming of a Disney Christmas? What to know about the parks' holiday plans
It's Christmas in July. Disneyland unwrapped its 2025 holiday plans on July 23 amid the resort's ongoing 70th anniversary celebration. That may seem early, but fans plan well in advance because the holidays are among the most popular times to visit both resorts. Walt Disney World shared its holiday plans earlier in the month. Ticket sales for its seasonal after-hours events went on sale this week. Here's what to know about spending the holidays at the Happiest and Most Magical Places on Earth. Holidays at Disneyland Disneyland's holiday celebrations will run from Nov. 14 through Jan. 7 and are included with standard theme park admission. Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and their friends will don new 70th-anniversary inspired holiday looks, but most resort experiences are returning favorites. At Disneyland Park, more than 80,000 lights will once again cloak Sleeping Beauty Castle in twinkling icicles. Meanwhile, Holiday Fun with Santa & Friends will return to Fantasyland Theatre. Both "it's a small world" and Haunted Mansion will get their annual holiday overlays — Haunted Mansion Holiday debuts during Halloween time. A Christmas Fantasy Parade and the Holiday Magic Fireworks Spectacular will also return. At Disney California Adventure, CarsLand will be decked out as usual, with Mater's Junkyard Jamboree and Luigi's Rollickin Roadsters getting holiday overlays. Disney Festival of the Holidays and Disney ¡Viva Navidad! will also return with festive multicultural performances and foods. Highlights include Mickey's Happy Holidays cavalcade and, on select days, the Disney ¡Viva Navidad! Street Party, Mirabel's Gifts of the Season, and A Musical Christmas with Mariachi Alegría de Disneyland & Miguel! Downtown Disney District will offer seasonal entertainment and foods along with nightly "snow." Disneyland's resort hotels will get in the spirit with special dining and decor. Through the holiday season, the California resort will continue to celebrate its 70th anniversary with World of Color Happiness! at Disney California Adventure and Tapestry of Happiness projections at Disneyland Park on select nights. But the Paint the Night parade and other anniversary entertainment will take a holiday pause. The original: If you like theme parks, thank Disneyland Holidays at Disney World Two of Disney World's biggest holiday events are not included with standard park admission – Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party and Disney Jollywood Nights – but there are plenty of other ways to celebrate across the Florida resort. Guests can take the holiday-themed Jingle Cruise at Magic Kingdom or glide along Living with the Land – Glimmering Greenhouses at EPCOT. They could also watch Sunset Seasons Greetings projections at Disney's Hollywood Studios or Tree of Life Awakenings Holiday Edition in Disney's Animal Kingdom, interact with snowy animal puppets in Animal Kingdom's Merry Menagerie, see ornate gingerbread displays at select resort hotels, or take the Christmas Tree Stroll at Disney Springs, among other activities. EPCOT has a whole holiday festival. Most of Disney World's holiday celebrations will run from Nov. 14 through Dec. 31, 2025, but EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays starts later. How long does the Festival of the Holidays last at EPCOT? EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays runs from Nov. 28 through Dec. 30 this year. The multicultural festival honors holiday traditions from around the world with storytelling and live performances, including JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season and the fan-favorite Candlelight Processional, which is narrated by different celebrities. Guests pay for festive foods and drinks from the event's Holiday Kitchens, but the rest of the festival is included with park admission. What are the dates for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party 2025? This year, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party will be held at Magic Kingdom: The specially ticketed, after-hours event is not included with standard admission, and guests with standard tickets must leave Magic Kingdom before the party begins. The event officially runs from 7 p.m. until midnight, but Party guests may enter the park as early as 4 p.m. Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party tickets start at $169, the same as last year. The most expensive dates top out at $229 this year, compared to $219 last year. 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Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
5 Theme Parks That Offer Middle Class Families the Most for Their Money
While many families flock to Universal Studios to experience Epic Universe for the first time, or take advantage of Walt Disney World deals like 50% off kids' tickets this year, Orlando isn't the only theme park destination. Families can find sunny weather, welcoming parks and tremendous value for their money all across the U.S. Read More: Check Out: As you plan your summer getaway, consider the following five theme parks with affordable prices and world-class roller coasters. Whether you're the road-trip type or prefer to fly, these popular destinations are near major airports and hotels packed with amenities to make your vacation easy to plan. Make sure to check out restaurants and attractions in the surrounding area; each region has a unique vibe to appreciate. Hersheypark: Hershey, PA Hersheypark now boasts the title of theme park with 'the most coasters in the Northeast.' With 15 roller coasters plus other thrill rides including the new Twizzlers Twisted Gravity (listed as the world's tallest 'Screamin' Swing') plus a zoo and waterpark, Hersheypark offers fun for the whole family. Purchasing a one- or two-day pass gives you access to free extra hours the night before your first full day visit — just visit the park with your ticket two hours before closing. Grab dinner at the park, make a game plan for the following day, or hop on a few of your favorite rides. Hershey offers deals when you purchase tickets online, including a discounted family four-pack that includes a voucher for general parking and two-day deals for $45 per day (parking is not included). Fast Track passes to skip the lines use surge pricing and range from $45 up to $300, so it's best to plan ahead and visit at off-peak times if you're on a budget. Explore Next: Busch Gardens: Williamsburg, VA Williamsburg, VA, offers so much value as a family vacation destination, it's no wonder Westgate Resorts recommended staying in the area seven days to immerse yourself in the history and thrills. 'I expected a bunch of old buildings and some people dressed up in old-fashioned costumes… I got [an] immersive mix of living history, thrill rides, amazing food and super chill vibes,' wrote the Westgate blogger. If you have only two days in the area, spend them at Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens. While U.S. history permeates the region of Williamsburg, Busch Gardens offers European flair. Now through July 31, the theme park presents the Summer of Wonders, showcasing art and décor throughout the park's villages — plus concerts and exclusive food selections. Members, Pass Holders, and Military Pass holders get free beer, while other guests ages 21+ can enjoy up to two 7 oz. pours for 50 cents each. The Big Bad Wolf: The Wolf's Revenge is an all-new, family-friendly inverted coaster you won't want to miss. Six Flags Fiesta Texas: San Antonio, Texas Have you ever imagined riding a roller coaster over an old rock quarry wall? If so, soar out to Six Flags Fiesta Texas in San Antonio for the Superman: Krypton Coaster. Along with the breathtaking scenery and better-than-average food, this park has one of the best lineups of roller coasters for thrill enthusiasts, plus excellent theming throughout. The storyline and animatronics on Dr. Diabolical's Cliffhanger rival what you'd see at Disney or Universal, and Pirates of the Deep Sea, an interactive, dark shooting gallery ride, gives Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin at Magic Kingdom a run for its money. Get to the park at opening to beat the lines. Keep an eye out for characters in DC Universe, and ride the monorail for a superhero's view of the park. Fiesta offers such an all-around great experience, it earned the No. 2 spot behind Cedar Point in the Six Flags Entertainment family, according to an enthusiast site that ranked all 26 Six Flags / Cedar Fair parks for 2025. Be sure to leave time to explore the city of San Antonio, including the River Walk and Pearl, the city's historic district, where reclaimed materials from the city's brewery add unique character to the streets, hotels and restaurants. Cedar Point: Sandusky, Ohio Not surprisingly, ranked Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio the No. 1 park in the Six Flags Entertainment family. While Orlando may be known for top-tier theme parks, Sandusky is often called the 'roller coaster capital of the world,' mostly for the line-up of rides at Cedar Point. In addition to the top-ranked Cedar Point, Sandusky is also home to Kalahari Resorts and Great Wolf Lodge, indoor waterparks offering fun for the whole family. 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The food has a Southern flair, with selections like fresh-baked cinnamon bread with apple butter, and a menu of classics like pot roast, catfish or Southern fried chicken at Aunt Granny's. Stay on-site in the HeartSong Lodge & Resort, the DreamMore Resort & Spa, or in the nearby Bear Cove Cabins. Dollywood also offers discount packages to stay in other Pigeon Forge hotels, with Dollywood passes and a hotel stay starting at $219 per night. More From GOBankingRates 6 Big Shakeups Coming to Social Security in 2025 This article originally appeared on 5 Theme Parks That Offer Middle Class Families the Most for Their Money
Business Insider
2 days ago
- Business Insider
My favorite solo trip so far was a Disney cruise. It was surprisingly incredible for an adult without kids.
I impulsively booked a solo Disney cruise that set sail around Christmastime. I worried the trip would feel awkward, like I'd be crashing a family vacation. Instead, I had fun. The great customer service and adult-only areas made the cruise an ideal choice for solo travelers. I was stressed, sun-starved, and desperate for a break when I impulsively booked a last-minute Disney cruise just four days before it set sail. It was December, and the Pacific Northwest's gray skies and cold rain were weighing on me as the holidays loomed just around the corner. I hadn't planned to go anywhere, but when I spotted a deeply discounted cabin on a Christmas-themed Disney cruise leaving from Florida, I booked it and planned to set sail solo. A few days later, I flew across the country in search of sunshine, rest, and maybe a little bit of magic. One thought kept nagging me, though: Would I feel out of place going alone on a family-oriented cruise at Christmas? I pictured myself wandering the ship alone, sitting at dinner surrounded by Mickey-ear-wearing families, while I was quietly sipping a cocktail in the corner. Fortunately, my fears were far from reality. I didn't feel out of place, and I even made friends with other solo travelers Once I was on board, the trip just felt easy. The staff was warm and never once made me feel like being a party of one was unusual. Dinner time was one of my biggest anxieties — would I be eating each meal alone or awkwardly paired with a family? Instead, staff thoughtfully seated me with a group of five other solo travelers. Our conversation flowed easily, and by the end of the night, I had new friends and familiar faces around the ship. I could spend time with them when I wanted or slip away whenever I needed. It felt like the best of both worlds. Although there were many children on the cruise, there were plenty of activities for adults and kid-free areas that I made use of daily. I booked spa treatments, lounged in the Rainforest Room (complete with hot tubs and saunas), watched Broadway-worthy shows, and curled up on a quiet deck with a book. I explored the ship, wandered into the adults-only pool, stopped for coffee in the lounge, and took a long nap just because I could. Plus, I got to partake in activities I wouldn't have done with my husband The cruise sailed from Fort Lauderdale with stops in Nassau and Disney's private islands, Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay. Please help BI improve our Business, Tech, and Innovation coverage by sharing a bit about your role — it will help us tailor content that matters most to people like you. Continue By providing this information, you agree that Business Insider may use this data to improve your site experience and for targeted advertising. By continuing you agree that you accept the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . I had initially planned to stay on the ship in Nassau, but that morning, I changed my mind. My husband doesn't swim, so I rarely get to snorkel when we travel together. This time, I was free to do as I pleased. I booked a catamaran excursion and spent the day swimming in clear Bahamian waters, surrounded by fish and sunshine. At both private islands, I also explored adults-only beaches with turquoise waters and wandered quieter paths away from the crowds. My trip was incredible, and I'd absolutely recommend a Disney cruise to other solo travelers There's a special kind of joy in solo travel — the freedom, the clarity, the quiet confidence. Fortunately, Disney really delivered on ensuring that cruising alone was an absolute blast. I laughed at shows, found serenity in the spa, and watched fireworks light up the ocean sky with people I'd just met. I was never lonely. I never felt out of place. I was just … happy. Disney cruises may be marketed to families, but there's a quiet kind of magic waiting for adults, too, especially those who come alone. It's in the thoughtful touches, the calm corners, and the unspoken permission to enjoy things simply because they spark joy. I came home rested, recharged, and reminded of something important: I don't need anyone else to have a meaningful experience. I can trust myself to take the trip, find the magic, and enjoy the ride, even when it looks a little different from what I expected.
