A LUX 2016: Travel Hit List
The world is your oyster. And everyday as it continues to expand, a traveler's wish list also grows! There are so many pockets of culture blossoming into full-blown vacation destinations where travelers are diving into spots that are a bit off radar or beginning to boom. Here’s what’s on our radar for 2016.
1. Latvia - Hundreds of crumbling castles and manor houses – from medieval to Rococo – hide in the nation’s dense forests of pine, and today many of these estates have been lavishly transformed into inns and museums. In fact an entire week could be spent in the countryside connecting the stars of this constellation!
2. Lille, France - With cobble stoned streets, historic buildings, and preeminent museums, Lille, just an hour from Paris, has all the trappings of a charming destination. And now, with exciting developments in dining, fashion, and art, it’s emerging as France's cultural cradle of the north.
3. Lanai, Hawaii - With no traffic lights and just one airport runway, Lanai is the anti-Oahu. And last June, one of Hawaii's quietest islands got even quieter when its owner, Larry Ellison, shut down both its Four Seasons resorts for renovations—leaving only the 11-room Hotel Lanai, in Lanai City, open to guests. That’s all set to change this year, with the highly anticipated March launch of the Four Seasons Resort Lanai.
4. Catalina Island - Avalon just may be one of the most enchanting parts of the California coast. It's rich history in film and entertainment has been an obvious surge of chatter for the island, but it is becoming more and more visited as the years unfold. With an easy ferry ride over from Long Beach, you are instantly whisked away into a tropical paradise that feels like you've been dropped off in a far away place. The energy is incredible, walking is the mode of transportation, snorkeling, zip lining, boat rides, delicious dining, paddle boarding and more all await at this magical oasis.
5. Estes Park, Colorado - As the welcome mat to Rocky Mountain National Park, this scenic town has a breath-taking aerial tramway and cozy taverns.
6. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania - This just may be the coolest American city you haven't been to. It's rich with history, top-notch museums and two epic sports stadiums to make the most of your weekender.
