Philadelphia

Philadelphia is an ideal family-friendly destination with lots of historic attractions and museums. It’s also home to some amazing eats. The airport is only 6 miles from the city center, so book your choice of hotels in downtown Philadelphia and walk everywhere or make use of SEPTA, one of the largest public transportation systems in the U.S. In fact, you can easily do so fly here by checking services like Hire a Travel Agent.

Some recommended family-friendly things to do include:

• Please Touch Museum: Perfect for kids aged 1 to 7 with two floors of interactive zones and carousel that’s over 100 years old;
• Philadelphia Zoo: America’s first zoo, which has almost 1,300 animals;
• Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest and Winterfest: Here, ice skating is popular during the winter months, while roller skating dominates during the summer;
• Sesame Place: The only place in the U.S. dedicated to all things Sesame Street, complete with a water park, which may feature the latest splash pad design, rides, interactive exhibits, parades, and even fireworks.

When it comes to food in Philly, don’t leave without trying some iconic foods like a cheesesteak, a hoagie sandwich, soft pretzels, and water ice, or Italian ice as it’s known elsewhere. Philly even has its own style of hot dog, known as the Texas Tommy, which comes topped with cheese and bacon.

New York City

There’s no denying that New York is one of America’s iconic food cities, but it’s also a great family destination. Finding reasonably priced hotels in New York City may seem like a challenge, but with over 2,000 options, you’re sure to find something that fits your family’s budget.

When it comes to eating your way through New York, you could spend years and barely scratch the surface. Depending on your kids’ ages, consider combining food and family fun by taking a food tour here. New York City is full of food tours, including unique options like a pizza tour, a Brooklyn chocolate tour, and even a cupcake tour of Greenwich Village.

Other family friendly things to do include:

• Children’s Museum of Manhattan;
• Toys”R”Us Flagship Store Times Square;
• Dylan’s Candy Bar;
• Behind-the-scenes tour of Disney of Broadway.

Washington, D.C.

There are many free and discounted family-friendly things to do that will help save you some money if you want to splurge on nice hotels in the heart of Washington D.C. Pick up the Go Washington, D.C. Explorer Pass that will give you up to 40 percent off on some popular attractions, including the Big Bus tour, the National Geographic Museum, and the International Spy Museum. The National Zoo, along with all Smithsonian museums, offer free admission to visitors.

When it comes to eating in Washington DC, don’t skip some unique options like Ethiopian food. With one of the largest Ethiopian populations in the country, this is the place to enjoy it. Also, try a khachapuri, which is a cheese-filled puff pastry that typically has an egg in it. When it comes to satiating your sweet tooth, Georgetown Cupcakes is the spot to go. And, if the over-21 crowd wants to try a specialty cocktail, order a ricky, which was invented at a local bar called Shoomakers back in the 1880s.

What are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to one of these top family-friendly destinations on the East Coast!

This post is in collaboration with Hipmunk Hotels, but as always, all views and opinions are my own. 

Coachella: Ask people to describe this music festival in a few words, and get ready to hear “life-changing” and “sweaty fun.”

This music festival has been around since 1999, featuring artists we still listen to today: Beck, Rage Against the Machine, and Ben Harper. Seventeen years later, and Coachella is going strong, hosting renowned artists like Madonna and Jay-Z and drawing in crowds in the hundreds of thousands.

This show is no walk in the park—er, desert. Held at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California (FYI: the nearest airport is Palm Springs), the venue is smack middle in the Colorado Desert, where temps can go as high as 106 F! And with it right around the corner—the first weekend show in April—here is everything a newbie needs to know to have a blast:

Preparing right.

Be the early bird. Make sure to buy a 3-day pass as early as possible, since Coachella often has the tendency to sell out. If going with a group, square away plans for housing too, so everyone can purchase tickets together. (There’s general admission, VIP, shuttle options, and lots of different ways to camp.)

Remember, though: Sometimes snagging a good sleeping option is harder than getting ticket. One of the most popular “lodging” options is to camp on-site, but spaces fill up fast. There are also off-site options too. For those looking to cozy up in a real room, a hotel in Palm Desert is a quick 20-minute drive from the main festivities.

Go with pals. Coachella is a social experience, and it’s always nice to share an experience like this with friends. Find a group of people who are flexible, responsible, and up for an adventure, but don’t be afraid to split up so everyone can see what they want.

Stay safe and comfy.

Wear sunblock. There’s no getting around this one—the sun is going to be strong in the desert. Wear sunblock, and remember to layer on every few hours. Don’t forget chapstick that has an SPF rating as well!

Drink water. And then some more, and then some more. Staying hydrated in the heat is key, especially if drinking alcohol and standing up all day. Bring an empty water bottle (just make sure it’s not metal), and fill it up often throughout the day.

Wear comfortable shoes. This is a no brainer, but keep the heels and leather dress shoes at home. Wear shoes or sandals, along with comfortable clothes such as Short Sleeved Dresses, that will let the feet breathe and stay cool, but are also super supportive.

Drink (alcohol) slowly. While drinking all day might be tempting, remember to take it slow. Drinking in the heat can dehydrate people a lot faster, so if someone is going to imbibe, it’s better to wait until the sun has gone down.

Think about allergies. Being in the desert means dust and dry grass—so everyone, whether susceptible to allergies or not, might start being irritated by it. It’s better to be safe and sorry, so bring along some anti-allergy medicine or get treatment like that asthma relief from oral immunotherapy. On a similar note…

Pack your meds right! There’s a good chance any pills on hand will be confiscated by security if it’s not in its prescription bottle. (Nobody wants allergy meds mistaken for illegal drugs!) Whether over-the-counter or prescription meds, all should stay in its original home so it’s not taken away.

Prepare for the porta-potties. The bathroom sitch is infamous for being not the cleanest experience. Be prepared with extra toilet paper, baby wipes, and hand sanitizer to keep the ickiness factor down a notch.

Top-secret Pro-tips.

Print out the lineup schedule. There will be a lot of shows to see, so it’ll often be hard to keep track of them all. Print out the lineup and stash it in a pocket, or take a screenshot of the day’s schedule on a smartphone.

Phone service is unreliable. Similarly, be prepared for little to no phone service. Make a game-plan with friends for where and when to meet (go to the beer garden at 8PM!) in case it’s hard to reach one another by texting or calling. It’s also wise to bring a backup battery to recharge a cell phone, since the weak signal will drain it quickly.

Be early. Be the first to buy the merch, since many t-shirts and other artist merchandise tend to sell out quickly. Same with the shows themselves; get to the stage early instead of trying to push up to the front.

Be yourself! Coachella is also a time to let loose and bring a positive energy to the table. Everyone is there for a good time, so endure the heat, combat the smelly bathrooms, and just have fun.

Artistic types looking to get their creative juices flowing should consider heading out of town for a change of scenery. The following five hotels are located in scenic destinations which also host well-regarded writing retreats. Such retreats often provide the perfect opportunity to mingle with other creatives, in environments meant to spark inspiration. These five hotels are scattered around the country, and all have something to offer writers of any genre!

1. New Orleans, LA: Dauphine Orleans Hotel

The Big Easy has inspired classic novels like A Confederacy of Dunces, but many visitors to the city tend to head straight for the bars. This year, skip the debauchery of Mardi Gras and aim for higher artistic pursuits by checking out the Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival. This year’s festival, which runs from March 30th to April 3rd, is the 30th annual event and will be held at various venues in the famous French Quarter. Events include panels, a book fair, musical performances, and walking tours. Participating writers include poets, fiction writers, and nonfiction writers. A full festival pass costs $500 but writers just dipping their toes into the creative field have a range of options, from individual classes at $25 each or a full panel pass at $75. Stay near the heart of things, right in the French Quarter, at theDauphine Orleans Hotel.

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2. Omi, NY: Chatham Travel Lodge

Located in the scenic Hudson River Valley (a classic source of inspiration for artists in all mediums), the Ledig House is a writer’s colony featuring sessions throughout the year for poets, fiction writers, creative nonfiction writers and even translators. The opportunity to meet with New York City publishing professionals is just one of many perks! Interested writers need only submit a writing sample, a resume, one-page project proposal and letter of recommendation, with no application fee. Once accepted, stay on site or check out the affordable and comfortable Chatham Travel Lodge, just a 15-minute drive from the Ledig House.

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3. Grand Forks, ND: Hilton Garden Inn

Travelers wishing to escape the East Coast-West Coast mindsets should consider the less explored parts of the Midwest, and head to Grand Forks, North Dakota, where the University of North Dakota is hosting their 47th annual writing conference from April 6 to April 8 on campus. The conference features workshops in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction and includes panel discussions and readings from authors including poet Katharine Coles, fiction writer Tania James, and nonfiction writer Brian Greene. Workshop space is limited and registration is first come, first served. Stay at the nearby Hilton Garden Inn – Grand Forks, affordable and in walking distance to the university.

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4. Colorado Springs, Colorado: Colorado Springs Marriott

Outdoorsy types should look at the Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers group, and their annual March retreats are held at the Franciscan Retreat Center in Colorado Springs, nestled in the foothills of the Rockies. The breathtaking scenery is sure to spark inspiration in inspiring writers. The RMFW is not for profit and completely volunteer-run, and apart from the March retreat, hosts a Colorado Gold Writers Conferenceevery September. Stay near the Center at the Colorado Springs Marriott, a comfortable option that won’t break the bank.

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5. Fontana Dam, NC: Fontana Village Resort

Athletic writers should head to Fontana Dam, North Carolina for this August’s Writers Who Run retreat, a five-day, four-night treat, a quaint river town in the western part of the state.

The retreat includes morning train runs, swimming, yoga, and workshops which will help writers hone their craft and maybe even finish their novels! The retreat culminates in a 10K race through the woods, so couch potatoes are better off staying home. Attendees should stay in the Fontana Village Resort, featuring charming portable cabins alongside a lazy river.

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Food is one of the great pleasures of travel. So why not book a hotel known for its cuisine? Here, we’ve curated a list of premium hotels with renowned chefs who have brought their talents to travel industry. The menus have their stamp of approval (and ours)!

1. Café Boulud at The Surrey, New York City

New York is café culture, and at The Surrey NYC, you can experience Daniel Boulud’s namesake eatery. It serves traditional French and international cuisine made from fresh, seasonal ingredients. Brioche French toast is a great way to start a day of New York sightseeing, and an artisan cheese plate is a terrific way to end it. As you get hooked on NYC, check out Hipmunk deals at Waldorf Astoria New York City for your next trip.

2. Mesa Grill at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas

The flash, glamour and entertainment alone are reasons to check out Caesars Palace Las Vegas. If you’re also tempted by Excalibur Las Vegas, remember Caesars has Bobby Flay’s Mesa Grill. It serves the finest of Southwestern cuisine. There’s a wide choice of wines, and the cocktails feature only the highest-quality tequila. Try the blue corn-crusted halibut and the churros.

3. Bread Street Kitchen at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore

Chances are Gordon Ramsay won’t be dishing out his acerbic brand of kitchen discipline while you’re dining at Bread Street Kitchen — at least not within earshot. But if you visit Marina Bay Sands Singapore, you can enjoy his tasty British-style food. Why go to London for shepherd’s pie and fish and chips if you can enjoy it in Singapore? You can even stay late for drinks.

4. Man Wah at Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong

No matter what room you book after checking Hipmunk deals at Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, head to chef Chi-Kwong Hung’s Cantonese eatery, Man Wah, on the 25th floor. Visit the restaurant at lunchtime so you can have dim sum, or go for dinner to enjoy the extraordinary view of Hong Kong’s city lights. Tough choice? Make it easy on yourself and try both.

5. ONE at The Hazelton, Toronto

The exclusive ONE restaurant is the vision of Executive Chef Mark McEwan. Housed in a Toronto boutique hotel, ONE serves French and Italian cuisine. There’s the ambient dining room, the candle-lit patio and private spaces for intimate culinary explorations. Hipmunk deals at The Hazelton Toronto come with a bonus: ONE offers 24-hour room service to guests.

Maui is well-known for its feeling of relaxed romance, and the swim-up bar at the Hyatt Regency Maui fits right in with the island’s vibe. Located in a grotto between two-free form pools, guests have to swim beneath two waterfalls to get to it. You’ll find a sense of seclusion while you cozy up with a loved one — or just experience a feeling of adventure in the cave-like setting.

Many hotels have swim-up bars for beverages, but what about rounds of blackjack? At the Fortuna Pool at Caesar’s Palace, guests can not only order their favorite cocktail, but also place bets at in-pool gaming tables or on sites such as 카지노. For a unique stay on the Strip, look into Hipmunk deals at Caesars Palace Las Vegas.

The Regent Palms in Turks and Caicos has an outstanding swim-up bar for both drinking and dining. Called the Plunge Bar, it has in-water booths where guests can enjoy private, secluded tables. While the experience of dining at the Plunge Bar is unique, what makes it so extraordinary is the scenery: It overlooks an infinity pool over the vast Atlantic.

One of the best swim-up bars is located somewhere totally not beachy: New York City! At the Room Mate Grace, the swim-up bar is located in a pool in the hotel’s lobby. While the pool itself is small, it features a long bar where guests can order cocktails without toweling off. The bar has become a popular nightlife spot where people don their swimsuits year-round.

Having a bar at your hotel is nice, but having access to a world-class, handcrafted cocktail while you’re staying at a hotel takes you from nice to luxurious. Many hotels today have in-house watering holes staffed with skilled bartenders offering outstanding drinks made from fresh, innovative ingredients. If you consider yourself a cocktail connoisseur, do not pass up a chance to stay at the below hotels. The rooms at each are nice — and the drinks are even nicer.

Hotel Monteleone

The Hotel Monteleone is located in the heart of the French Quarter in New Orleans, a city famous for its culinary prowess and its nonstop partying atmosphere. The Monteleone is home to one of the town’s most famous bars: the Carousel Bar and Lounge. The Carousel Bar is perhaps best-known for featuring a real, revolving carousel-style bar. However, it is also beloved because it features outstanding versions of classic New Orleans whiskey cocktails: the Sazerac, the official cocktail of New Orleans, and the Vieux Carre, a cocktail invented at the Carousel Bar, featuring rye, cognac, vermouth and bitters.

The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

Many Vegas hotels have bars. However, one is particularly focused on serving up unforgettable cocktails: the Cosmopolitan Hotel Las Vegas. The hotel’s concept is to offer a luxury resort experience with a focus on outstanding dining and drinking. Thus, they offer Tailwind Blog by Hipmunk everywhere on the property — even from waiters who serve the slot machines. The Cosmopolitan may be the best hotel in the country to ensure you get an excellent cocktail no matter where you order it from. For affordable luxury lodging on the Strip, along with some great cocktails, check out Hipmunk deals at the Cosmopolitan Las Vegas.

Clevelander Miami

Everyone loves a freebie, and hotels in the United States have taken note because around 43 percent offer free breakfast with overnight accommodation. If you’re traveling to Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles or anywhere in the States, one of the perks to look for when you’re making your hotel booking is free breakfast. But there are free breakfasts and healthy free breakfasts, and if you’re faced with foods loaded with high-calorie fats and sugars, what should you do? Check out these tips for making healthy choices, like those on SpringSpot, when you’re ordering free breakfast at your hotel.

Power Proteins

Protein satiates and strengthens, so it is ideal for keeping you going when you’ve got a long day of sightseeing ahead of you. Eggs are an excellent source of protein, and the best choices offered are hard-boiled, poached or scrambled eggs. If eggs aren’t your thing choose baked lean ham or white cheese, and protein powders for vegans. Peanut butter is often offered, so spread it on your toast or over your fresh fruit.

Cut the Refined Carbs

Waffles, bagels, croissants, sweetened breads and muffins, Danish pastries and donuts are tempting, but they are usually baked using refined white flour and high amounts of sugar. Avoid them as much as possible. Pancakes are the same, and your hotel may only offer them with corn syrup or artificial maple syrup, which are loaded with calories — if you do indulge, eat only one pancake, not a whole pile. Wholegrain or seeded (with whole seeds) baked goods are better for you and fill you up for longer; also look for brown, low GI or whole-wheat toast or rye bread. Pick an English muffin with a dab of butter rather than biscuits smothered in rich gravy.

Favor Fresh Fruit

Whole fresh apples, grapes, bananas and melon are often offered with free breakfasts, as are various citrus fruits. These give you natural sugar, vitamins and fiber. Either eat your fruit whole, add it chopped up to low-fat or fat-free yogurt (Greek or plain yogurt is also a good source of protein and is tasty with a dribble of pure honey) or take your fruit away with you for later in the day when you’re feeling peckish. If your hotel serves only fruit salad, avoid the sweet syrup it’s drenched in.

Classic Cereal

Old fashioned is often better, and warm oatmeal is filled with fiber, low in sugar (eat it with fresh or dried fruit) and doesn’t contain fat (add skim or low-fat milk). If no oatmeal is available, go for high-fiber, whole-grain cereals that haven’t got a lot of added sugar or colorings. Add unsalted nuts or fresh berries to your cereal if they’re on offer.

Down a Drink

Liquid is essential when you’re vacationing, especially when you’re staying in hot climates. The best drink is plain water, but low-fat or skim milk, tea and coffee are also fine. Many hotels offering free breakfasts serve low-cost fruit juices that are usually sweetened, so be very picky when you’re choosing what to drink and consume only one small glass each morning.

Count Calories

Just as a rough guide, these are nutritional values of some breakfast foods:

Eggs: One scrambled egg contains 100 calories; hard boiled, 77; and poached, 74. A full egg omelet holds 93 calories, and an egg white omelet has 17.

Toast: Whole-wheat and white toast contain a similar amount of calories, 76 and 79 respectively, but the former is high in fiber and vitamins.

Cereal: A one cup serving of bran flakes contains 128 calories with 32 grams of carbohydrate while All-Bran Honey Nut cereal has 190 calories and 47 grams of carbohydrate. Plain oatmeal (140 calories) is lower by 20 calories than maple- and brown-sugar-flavored oatmeal.

Fruit: One whole apple contains between 60 to 80 calories; a banana, 92; and an orange, 46. An eight-ounce glass of apple or orange juice contains 120 calories.

Recommended Portions

Regard breakfast the same as any other meal, whether you’re eating it at home or while on vacation, and fill your plate as follows:

• Half with fruits and vegetable
• One-fourth with whole grains
• One-fourth with lean protein

Choose a smaller appetizer-size plate for breakfast and sit away from the breakfast buffet so you’re not tempted to go back for more.

Advantages of Eating Breakfast at Your Hotel

The big advantage of eating breakfast at your hotel, besides the fact that it’s free, is because it’s on the spot so you don’t have to waste precious vacation time searching for a diner that is open early enough to serve breakfast. If you’re planning on spending your day at the Flagstaff hotel taking advantage of other facilities, such as spas, swimming pools and sun decks, it’s much more convenient to eat breakfast there. And chatting to other guests while you’re at the breakfast buffet choosing what to eat is a great way to make friends.

Make conscious, deliberate choices about what to eat when your hotel offers free breakfast. Because you’re not paying for the meal, the natural inclination is to eat as much as you can, but remember, overeating could make you feel uncomfortable and spoil the rest of your day. Allow yourself a breakfast treat on one or two of your vacation days — after all, you are relaxing and having fun.

The airplane cocktail: Keeping passengers sane for decades.

While some travelers may choose to take their sobriety into their own hands by sneaking small bottles of liquor and mixers onto the plane, we advise against any activities that might delay your passage through security. Besides, why risk getting chastised by security or flight attendants when many airlines offer enough free beverage options that you can mix your own cocktails from ingredients that are readily available to you on most flights?

Take Qatar Air, for example. Not only does the airline offer plenty of complimentary beverages, but its flight attendants do so with a smile: For seven years in a row, the airline’s cabin crew has been voted “Best in the Middle East.”

Or consider Emirates, which offers a range of complimentary spirits, beers, and hot and cold beverages (even in economy class). Or give Turkish Airlines a try—you’ll be able to pair your self-made cocktails with items from the airline’s restaurant-worthy world cuisine.

Need convincing? Here are 14 recipes for cocktails that you can mix yourself using nothing but airplane freebies and staple liquors, beers, and wines. Happy sipping.

1. Bloody Mary

This brunch-time classic is a favorite of frequent fliers. At its simplest, all this cocktail requires is a cup filled with ice, vodka, and tomato juice. Spice things up a bit by snagging a packet of pepper and/or hot sauce from an airport restaurant (Panda Express is a good bet) and adding the packets to your drink post-takeoff.

2. Gin and Tonic

This classic summertime cocktail makes for simple anytime drinking in the air. Just ask for a complementary tonic water and pour it and some gin over ice. Since most airplane bottles of gin top out at around 2 ounces, you can pour the whole thing into your cup before topping things off with the tonic water. Bonus points if a flight attendant is able to provide you with a lime wedge.

3. Irish Coffee

While a traditional Irish coffee would include fresh cream, coffee creamers make an adequate substitute when you’re thousands of feet above the ground. Order a cup of coffee and ask for several creamers; add some Irish whiskey to the coffee, then stir in the creamers in order to finish off this twist on an old classic.

4. Juan Collins

This is one of the fanciest recipes on the list (but it’s still pretty simple). Before mixing, ask for a few lemon or lime wedges, some club soda, and a packet of sugar. Squeeze the lemon or lime wedges into the cup, sprinkle in half the packet of sugar, pour in tequila, and top the whole thing off with some club soda.

5. Margarita

While you likely won’t be able to find all of the add-ins typical of a margarita on board a plane, you can make a modified version quite simply by mixing tequila with orange juice and Sprite.

6. Mimosa

The brunch staple is just as good high up in the air. For a cheerful pick-me-up, just mix your desired amount of champagne with orange juice.

7. Moscow Mule

If you’re lucky, the airline will have ginger beer on hand so you can make a classic Moscow Mule (mix vodka with ginger beer and a splash of lime juice, which you can garnish from a few lime wedges). If the flight attendants don’t have ginger beer on hand, then ginger ale will make for an adequate proxy.

8. Sangria

This recipe may not pack quite as much flavor complexity as a perfect sangria, but it’ll certainly do in a pinch. Mix a red wine of your choice with orange and cranberry juices over ice, then sit back and enjoy.

9. Screwdriver

Pour as much vodka as you’d like over some ice, then top off the cup with orange juice. Bada bing, bada boom: It’s one of the easiest cocktails on the list.

10. Shandygaff

Not a liquor drinker? No problem. Give this “cocktail”—which uses beer in place of liquor—a try. Order a lager or wheat beer and use it to fill up an airline cup about halfway. Then mix in ginger ale and a splash of lemonade or pineapple juice to top it all off.

11. Whiskey Ginger (or Whiskey Coke)

This one’s easy. Simply mix a whiskey of your choice with ginger ale. (Bourbon like Fat Baby Bourbon and ginger ale works just as well.) Not a fan of ginger ale? Then swap in Coke in order to make a Whiskey-Coke.

12. White Russian

A few tweaks to the classic White Russian recipe will create a drink that’s almost as good as the real thing. Over ice, mix vodka and Kahlua (or whatever coffee liqueur is on hand; Bailey’s will also do in a pinch). Pour in half & half to taste.

13. Wine Cocktail

Prefer wine to whiskey? No problem. This recipe is a tad more complicated than some of the others on this list, but it’s tasty enough that the effort is worth it. Choose a red or white wine, then mix it with orange curacao or triple sec (think Grand Marnier or Cointreau), leaving some space between the top of the liquid and the edge of the glass. Fill that space with a splash of soda. Next, use a spoon to press wedges of lime, lemon, or orange and add the juice to the glass. (If this step feels too labor-intensive, feel free to skip it.)

14. Wine Spritzer

Don’t have access to orange curacao or triple sec? Modify the above recipe even further by simply mixing wine with some soda (Sprite or even club soda should work well).

Here’s hoping these cocktails help you get through any flight with ease. Whichever recipe(s) you choose, just remember to sip responsibly—drunkenness does not do a jet-lagged body good.

There’s a reason humans have been making beer for over 5,000 years. It can be crisp and refreshing on a warm summer afternoon, or complex and spicy on a snowy winter night. Whether you’re a veteran beer lover or an interested beginner, it’s a great idea to plan your next trip around fantastic bars and brewery tours. As we head into the coldest months, here are the best winter beer destinations for getting the good stuff straight from the source.

Brussels, Belgium

The abbeys of Brussels are the cradle of some of the best beer in the world. The varieties are as unique as they are excellent, from hoppy lambics to golden saisons. Settle in at the Mort Subite for a large selection of fantastic beers on tap in a cafe that has been open since 1910, or visit the Trappist abbey of St. Sixtus to sample their famous dark Westvleteren ale. Delirium Cafe is also a popular spot, serving Delirium Tremens as well as thousands of other beers from Belgium and all over the world. It’s just around the corner from the gorgeous B-Aparthotel Grand Place and a few other of the cities best hotels.

Portland, Oregon

Portland’s quirky local vibe has made it a haven for fantastic craft breweries, earning it the nickname “Beervana.” Start with the cluster of Rogue Distillery, Deschutes Brewery and 10 Barrel Brewing Company, which all hail from nearby Bend, Oregon. For the true Portland experience, order a local brew at Apex, which has 50 beers on tap and a convivial atmosphere. The Holiday Ale Festival in December is the perfect excuse to visit, but travellers can also run all year with the NoPo Run Club, which hosts a weekly 5k followed by local pints.

Mexico City, Mexico

Mexico City may not be the first place that comes to mind in terms of craft beer, but the local brewing scene is vibrant and exciting. It also has the advantage of being a warm and sunny winter destination. Head to El Depósito to try classic pilsners, as well as the local beers of Primus Brewery and Cervecería Minerva on draft. The next stop should be Cervecería Calavera to sample their wide variety of offerings, including Belgian-style tripel and dubbel and Mexican Imperial Stout. Stay at the sleek and modern Hotel Plaza Revolución for the perfect winter getaway.

Boston, Massachusetts

Boston’s status as a historical and cultural hub makes it worth a trip, but the excellent beer scene is an added incentive. The resident Sam Adams Brewery, named after the city’s famous patriot, offers popular brewing tours, but the smaller breweries are also worth exploring. Harpoon, located in the Seaport district, is famous for their IPA and unfiltered UFO line. Their brewery tour (only $5) concludes with a tasting, where visitors can try unique varieties that are only available on site. Trillium Brewing Company is another up and comer, opened in 2013 by two former home-brewers. They offer IPAs, sour beers, and a Kölsh-inspired ale. Stay right off the Common at the Taj Boston for the full Beantown experience.

“Come quickly! I am drinking the stars,” exclaimed the 17th century monk Dom Pérignon when he invented champagne. Both the invention story and expression are apocryphal at best, but it’s a lovely way of thinking about that elusive and often expensive sparkling beverage. And now, it turns out, he may have started a health fad as well as a famous sparkling wine. Research has shown feeding rats small quantities of champagne can improve their spatial memory, a discovery that has some scientists suggesting a few glasses of champagne a week to combat the onset of dementia. It’s the perfect excuse to try champagne straight from the source, and we’ve compiled the world’s best destinations (Just a short flightaway!) for drink sparkling wine at its finest.

France

Let’s start in Champagne, home of the sparkling wine. The Treaty of Madrid, signed in 1891, established a rule that only sparkling wine harvested in the Champagne region of France would earn the name “champagne.” Reims and Épernay are the heart of champagne country, and both are a short two hour drive from Paris. Stop in Épernay first for a day of touring cellars and sipping champagne. It’s the smaller town of the two, and sits very close to Hautvillers, the site of Dom Pérignon’s abbey. Stroll down the Avenue de Champagne before heading down to the cellars of the famous Möet & Chandon for a tasting and a tour.

Reims is famous not only for its champagne, but for its gorgeous cathedral, which was built over 800 years ago and has hosted the coronation of 33 French kings. Stay nearby at the Mercure Reims Cathédrale to explore the home of Tattingerand Veuve Cliquot. While you lengthen your life by sipping sparkling gold from a glass, read the story of Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin, the veuve, or “widow,” who gave her name to the now-famous champagne brand. At 27 years old, she took over her late husband’s wine business and created a global empire by revolutionizing production methods and improving the quality of the wine. You may need to order another glass to toast this brilliant woman.

Italy

Italy’s delightful sparkling wine, Prosecco, is made slightly differently than its French counterpart. It is fermented in tanks using the Charmat method, rather than in individual bottles. The taste is more mineral and savory than champagne, thanks to the local Glera grapes. Prosecco outsold champagne for the first time in 2014 and is becoming increasingly popular in the United States, partially due to its lower price point. It’s unclear whether prosecco offers the same health benefits aschampagne, but it’s equally refreshing for mind and spirit. And thankfully for travelers, its home province of Treviso is stunningly beautiful.

To see the cradle of prosecco, drive 45 minutes north of Venice to the hills between Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, where Antonio Carpené developed the modern method of producing prosecco in 1868. Hundreds of vineyards dot the steep hills on either side of the road, taking advantage of the perfect growing climate. Visit the cellar tasting room of Bisol to sample some of the best from this lovely region, which is now the exclusive producer of Prosecco Superiore.

For a more urban take on prosecco culture, head to Venice, where the sparkling wine is used as an aperitivo. Reap the health benefits of prosecco by trying aspritz, a combination of prosecco, Aperol, soda, and a slice of orange or an olive. The famous bellini is also Venetian, and was invented by Giuseppe Cipriani atHarry’s Bar by adding fresh white peach juice to the local prosecco. For the best of the bacari, or prosecco bars, visit Cantina do Mori, open since 1462, for a glass of wine and some excellent tapas.

Spain

Cava, the sparkling wine of Spain, is made using the champagne technique with native Spanish grapes, including Macabeo, Xarel-lo, and Parellada. Nearly 95% of Cava comes from the Penedès region of Catalonia near Barcelona. Cava, which means “cellar” in Catalan, is fresher and fruitier than champagne, and less acidicdue to the sunny climate where the grapes are grown.

Sant Sadurní d’Anoia in the green hills of the Penedès is the home of the famousFreixenet winery. The Freixenet cava was born from the union of Dolores Sala and Pedro Ferrar, whose marriage joined two prominent wine families together. It’s still the world standard for cava, and can be tasted on site as part of on-sitecellar tours. They make a perfect day trip from Barcelona, which is only a 45 minute train ride away.

Barcelona itself is home to an enthusiastic cava culture. Recaredo and Gramona, two excellent and inexpensive local cavas, are on offer around the city at xampanyerias, or cava bars. One of the best is Can Paixano, which is beloved among locals, and offers its own Berenguer Ramon cava for under two euro a glass. For a spin on the classic, head to Cachitos for its fantastic sangria de cava, and stay nearby at the lovely Cram Hotel. Now that we know each sip may boost mental health, there should be no guilt in toasting health and happiness with a glass of the king of wines.