Massachusetts Resort Named No. 2 Most Stunning in America
If you want to head off on a great vacation at a prime resort but don’t want to leave the county, then you’re in luck, because the U.S. has plenty of great resorts. As it turns out, one Massachusetts resort has been named one of the most stunning in America by travel experts. It’s great to know that there’s a special resort that’s so close to home.
Massachusetts Resort is One of the Most Stunning
The travel experts at Travel and Leisure have put together a tally of the best and most stunning resorts in America, including one Massachusetts resort. They note that it’s really cool that you don’t have to fly super far away to have a great vacation. “All you need to do is find your own little slice of American paradise at one of the nation’s best resorts,” they state. “And if this year’s list of reader favorites in the continental U.S. is any indication, you’ll have no problem finding an ideal spot from coast to coast.” As for methodology, for the survey, Travel and Leisure asked readers to explain their travel experiences and share their thoughts on the best hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. More than 186,000 readers completed the 2024 survey. For the islands, the criteria included natural attractions and beaches; activities and sights; restaurants and food; people and friendliness; and value. Then, for each of those categories, residents were asked to give a rating of either excellent, above average, average, below average or poor. So, it was an extensive study, and that makes me think this list is pretty perfect.
The No. 1 best resort in America, according to Travel and Leisure, is Mission Pacific Hotel in Oceanside, California. They love this resort’s mix of “style and comfort,” and they also give it rave reviews for the ocean views. If you’re going to the California coast, having a great ocean view is definitely something that you want to experience. No. 2 on the their tally is the Massachusetts resort, and that’s The Winnetu Oceanside Resort in Martha’s Vineyard. I’m so happy to see this spot so high on the list. Of The Winnetu Oceanside Resort, Travel and Leisure says, “Get in a little New England magic with a stay at The Winnetu Oceanside Resort on Martha’s Vineyard. The ultra family-friendly resort is just a short walk to the beach and hosts plenty of clambakes to gather around.” Read below for some tips and tricks to save on your next trip.
Secret Tips to Save Money on Your Next Vacation
1. Try to Negotiate Your Lodging
Did you know that hotel fees can be negotiable? Fidelity.com points out that, “You may be able to negotiate the online price by calling a hotel directly, or asking if they have any discounts for students, government employees, or members of certain groups, such as AAA.” So, don’t settle for that price you see on your laptop. Try to do better. It’s a secret tip that can pay off bigtime.
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2. Get Smart with Your Lodging
Did you know some hotels that are virtually the same, including the same brand, can be cheaper just a few miles apart? As a general rule, hotels that are near the airport are more expensive. So, you can look at the hotels you want to stay at and their multiple locations in the area for the best rate. “Some hotels that are under construction may rent rooms at a discount, which is a great option if you can deal with the noise,” Fidelity.com points out.
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3. Snack Your Way to a Cheaper Trip
Going out to eat on vacation can be one of the most exciting things about the trip. But, if you want to save on cash, skip a few meals out and opt for healthy, hearty snacks. Pack (or buy at a local store) some protein-rich snacks, like protein bars and meal bars, and limit your dining out. You can still enjoy some of the best food the area has to offer, just not as much of it. This is a way to stay fit on your trip, too. A lot of people don’t think of this tip, so it’s a bit of a secret.
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4. Timing is Everything
You’ve heard it so many times in life: Timing is everything. That’s true for travel, too. Research to find the least-busy times to visit your destination. If you travel during those downtimes, you’ll save big. While this is a common tip, something people forget is that every vacation destination has its own peak time. So, be specific for your travel spot.
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5. Travel with a Friend
If you’re thinking of traveling solo to a place you’ve always wanted to visit, go cheaper by traveling with a friend. You two can share lodging fees. Also, sometimes there are more deals and discounts for those traveling with multiple people. I always do this when going to a big music festival, if it’s far away. I’ll usually meet my friend there, and we share lodging costs. It also makes the trip more fun.
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6. Find Free Spots to Travel
Look for some free attractions in your travel area. Chances are, they won’t be as packed as the big-named places, too. You can still visit some of the popular landmarks. But, if you add a trip to a national park or free museum to your itinerary, it will save you some cash.
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7. Max Out Your Memberships
Are you a member of any random groups? You might have travel deals just waiting for you. Check everything, from your college alumni membership to your credit cards, for travel discounts. You may be surprised what you find.
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8. Don't Get Picky
Say you just want to get out on a fantastic trip, but you don’t really have a place in mind. That’s actually a good thing. Take an hour to look at flight specials happening right now. If you aren’t picky on where to travel, chances are you’ll find a great rate on airfare and lodging somewhere. Once you find the most reasonable place to travel, then you can start looking at what to do when you’re there.
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9. Go Popular
This is a bit ironic, but often times, the most popular tourist destinations are also the cheapest. That’s because there is a lot of competition for all those travelers. So, big-named destinations like Orlando, Florida, or Las Vegas, Nevada, tend to have really good travel deals. Go popular, or go home.
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