TRAVEL HACKS + Your Summer Vacation Packlist

Summer in the City

Where to go: New York City, New York

Where to stay: If you can… a boutique hotel. They have some wonderful ones in SoHo.

If you want to be near the action, the Hilton just down from Radio City Music Hall is perfect for a quick walk to Times Square, 5th Ave. and Central Park.

Good Eats: Brunch – Friedman’s near Madison Square Garden or Good Enough to Eat on the Upper Westside. (Apple pancakes = The way to our hearts.)

Dinner – Go Italian. Joanne’s Trattoria, owned by Lady Gaga’s family (so cool), has an incredible line-up of dishes and an intimate setting without the $$$ price tag.
Pro Tip: Go for the lasagna, and ask for the family corner booth by the bar when making your reservations.

Dessert – Definitely Magnolia Bakery’s chocolate cheesecake. OR black & white cookies from Zabar’s.

Don’t Miss: A show – Favorites happen to appear on Broadway, but it’s New York. EVERYONE is insanely talented. Go to a ballet at Lincoln Center or catch some stand-up at an underground comedy club.

Other Favorites: One World Trade and the 9/11 Memorial, Chelsea Market/SoHo, and street art near Little Italy – perfect for Insta!  Camera With Flash on Apple iOS 10.3

In Your Bag: Comfortable shoes, band-aids, and breathable fabrics since you’ll be spending time walking the streets. Don’t forget to pack your favorite dress!

Mountain Escape

Where to go: Summit County, Colorado 

Where to stay: Camping or Airbnb

Good Eats: Brunch: Arapahoe Cafe, Dillon, Colorado – A local favorite and a true gem for all your breakfast food favorites. And with most dishes under $10, you can’t beat the price.

Dinner: Backcountry Brewery, Frisco, Colorado – Enjoy great views of Frisco Bay from upstairs and don’t forget to grab a burger and brew while you’re at it.

Don’t Miss: Disconnecting from your phone and getting outside! Quandary Peek – One of Colorado’s 50+ mountains exceeding over 14,000 ft in elevation. Good for beginning/intermediate hikers and only 11 miles from Breck.  Mountain on Apple iOS 10.3

Other Favorites: Barney Ford Historical House (for history buffs) near downtown Breckenridge, Old Man Berkins used bookstore, biking around Dillon Lake, and Gold Mine tours.

In Your Bag: Slip-on shoes for after hiking and exploring the different towns. A long sleeve for when things cool down in the evenings, plus another bag to haul water in. And seriously guys, don’t forget the chapstick.

West Coast Vacay

Where to go: Avalon Harbor, Catalina Island, California

Pro Tip: Have a summer birthday? Head to the island to celebrate with a FREE ferry ride and other major birthday discounts/perks. 

Where to stay: Hotel Metropole in Avalon Harbor –  Enjoy a rooftop jacuzzi overlooking the island and a bomb complimentary breakfast with amazing views. Plus, enjoy more Birthday discounts when you book.

Good Eats:  Lunch – Cafe Metropole for California rolls and homemade humus and pita chips. Easy on the budget and the tummy for all your afternoon events.

Happy HourDisclaimer: The Catalina Wine Mixer IS NOT A THING. We know, bleeding hearts unite…. but the next best thing – Buffalo Milk, named after the wild bison that roam the island. (Trust us on this one.) Tropical Drink on Apple iOS 10.3

Dinner – Steve’s Steakhouse for some serious surf’n’turf. Coming from Nebraska, we thought we’d put them to the test. And we FAILED. Get the steak and don’t forget to add shrimp.

Don’t Miss: Parasailing around the island (FREE on your Birthday) and snorkeling/kayaking in Lover’s Cove.

In Your Bag: Swim you aren’t afraid to be active in, plus light layers for cover-ups. Hat, sunnies, and sunscreen. Shoes, optional.

Midwest Travels

Where to go: Omaha, Nebraska – Think we wouldn’t sneak this one in? If you grew up in the Midwest, you know your state like the back of your hand. We’re no exception.

Where to stay: Magnolia, Hotel – In the heart of downtown with a killer breakfast and a beautiful outdoor space.

Good Eats: Lazlo’s – American cuisine that is reasonably priced and will leave your stomach happy.

Farmhouse Cafe – Cinnamon rolls as big as your head? YES. Also, ask about their strawberry wedding cake. (Not just for weddings, we promise)

Don’t Miss: Henry Doorly Zoo. If it’s voted the best zoo in the world, who are we to argue?

Soaring Wings Vineyard & Brewing – Trust us, there are some hidden gems in Nebraska and this might just be one of them. Besides, most vineyards offer live music on the weekends, so definitely worth the venture.

*Adventure seekers – Bring your ATV and ride the Platte River, or grab your besties and tube down the Elkhorn river. A lot of sun and some fast-moving water? Sounds like a day in Nebraska.

In Your Bag: A smile for all the good times your about to have. Smiling Face With Open Mouth & Smiling Eyes on Apple iOS 10.3

Hey, no one said we weren’t bias.

Leave a Reply

%d bloggers like this: