From rooms that legendary musicians once called home, to properties that host late-night jam sessions, these are the coolest locations we traveled to this year (and the best gear we brought along the way).
From rooms that legendary musicians once called home, to properties that host late-night jam sessions you won’t find in official itineraries, these are the coolest locations we traveled to this year (and the coolest gear we brought along the way).
JUMP TO A CATEGORY
Best Travel Products Best Travel Services Best Hotels, Resorts, & Getaways Best Travel Products Best Travel Services Best Hotels, Resorts, & Getaways
Best travel products
Best travel products
Best Carry-On BUY NOW Skip the checked bag fees with Samsonite’s Paralux Spinner. This carry-on is built to maximize cabin-friendly packing, with multiple compartments that keep everything in its place. The expandable design even gives you extra room for the trip home. The spinner wheels glide smoothly whether you’re leisurely browsing duty-free or sprinting to your gate. For travelers who prefer to keep their bag close and their boarding process stress-free, the Paralux delivers exactly that.
Best Checked Bag BUY NOW A quality checked bag doesn’t require a luxury price tag, and Calpak makes that case with its Ambeur Large Luggage. It has a surprisingly airy feel for its size, yet offers ample room, whether you’re packing for a long weekend or several days away. It’s also available in a range of standout colors, making it easy to spot on a busy baggage claim carousel. Functional, stylish, and genuinely affordable, the Ambeur is our go-to pick for frequent and occasional travelers alike.
Coolest Luggage Brand BUY NOW July was designed with the modern traveler in mind, and it shows. From carry-ons to full-size checked bags, the brand sweated the details that actually matter on the road: a trackable TSA lock, a durable hard shell engineered to handle rough baggage handling, and a lifetime warranty so you can breathe easy. Compared to similarly positioned luggage brands, July’s pricing is notably accessible, all without compromising on the elevated, well-considered feel that defines the lineup.
Best Travel Backpack Samsonite Paralux 2-in-1 Backpack
BUY NOWThe right backpack can transform a travel day, and the Samsonite Paralux 2-in-1 is built to do exactly that. It’s comfortable enough to wear for a full day of transit and sightseeing, adjustable in size to suit what you need to carry, and includes a dedicated Apple AirTag slot for added peace of mind. A padded laptop compartment makes it easy to take advantage of in-flight Wi-Fi, and the clean, chic design takes it well beyond typical travel-backpack territory.
Best Duffel Bag Aer Travel Weekender X-Pac
BUY NOWAer travel bags are all about combining style and utility. The Weekender X-Pac, cut from durable, lightweight fabric, is the ideal carry-on companion. What makes it stand out is the small stuff. The pockets are smartly organized, and details like a key leash, a luggage strap, and multiple carrying points make it easy to maneuver through crowded terminals and overhead compartments alike. Plus, the bright orange interior lining makes it easy to find what you’re looking for.
Best Travel Clothing Brand BUY NOW Great travel clothing does two things: it survives a packed suitcase without wrinkling, and it stays comfortable through hours of plane-to-train travel. Rhone delivers on both. Their elevated activewear and everyday essentials are crafted with enough stretch and breathability to handle long-haul flights and back-to-back itineraries. Pieces arrive at your destination looking nearly as fresh as they were when packed, making Rhone a reliable choice for travelers who want to move between the airport, a business meeting, and a dinner reservation without changing outfits.
Best Travel Footwear Brand On
BUY NOWSpend time in any airport lounge, and you’re bound to see at least a few pairs of On Cloud shoes. There are two reasons: The kicks feature some of the best cushioning in the game, and they look more modern and pulled-together than your average jogger. On made its name with a proprietary CloudTec cushion that feels like, well, walking on a cloud, and its shoes’ minimalist style is one of the best in the running, walking, and yes, travel industry too.
Best Travel Accessories Brand Topo Designs
BUY NOWTopo Designs’ bags take clear inspiration from the great outdoors, but their carry-alls and accessories are just as great if you’re hopping from city to city. Topo is famous for its backpacks, but the brand’s line of mini bags – from shoulder slings to toiletry kits – also makes it easy to stay organized on the go. The only hard part is choosing between the dizzying array of colors.
Best Travel Pillow BUY NOW Catching some zzz’s on a plane is notoriously tricky, but the Pluto Pillow Pod is designed to change that. It wraps around the head and supports the neck, providing comfort whether you’re in the window seat or stuck in the middle. An included eye mask helps block out cabin light, letting you create a more peaceful environment without upgrading your seat. For travelers looking to sleep on a flight without paying for a premium cabin, the Pod is a practical choice.
Best Portable Charger Belkin BoostCharge
BUY NOWWhen you’re traveling, it’s difficult to find a convenient outlet to quickly charge your phone. Enter the Belkin BoostCharge, a wireless charging battery pack that’s sleek, compact, and lightweight. Once you slap it to the magnetic back of an Apple iPhone or Android smartphone, you’ll get up to an additional 19 hours on the go. The pocket-friendly device even doubles as a wireless charging puck for a pair of earbuds, and it has a handy fold-out kickstand to prop up your phone on a tray table to watch videos on flights. It’s a real lifesaver when you can’t find an outlet.
Best Travel Headphones Cambridge Melomania P100 SE
BUY NOWDespite being better known as a home audio brand, Cambridge’s line of portable headphones makes for great travel companions. The P100 SE cans boast a whopping 100-hour battery life, ideal for anyone who regularly forgets to charge their headphones (or anyone on a very, very long flight). The cushy earpads and re-engineered headband keep comfort at the forefront. The great noise-canceling features and solid audio quality, meanwhile, make these headphones worth the sacrifice of some carry-on space.
Coolest Travel Tech Twelve South AirFly Pro 2
BUY NOWWant to use your wireless earbuds with a plane’s entertainment system? Twelve South’s compact adapter makes it easy to watch movies while enjoying the benefits of your favorite noise-canceling headphones and earbuds. The AirFly Pro 2 isn’t just for the plane, though. It’s both a receiver and a transmitter, meaning you can plug it into an old car or stereo and stream music over Bluetooth. It’s the kind of handy, must-have gadget you’ll want to bring on every trip.
YOUR INTERNET, ANYWHEREVPN/Price Hacks
One less-talked-about inconvenience while traveling is internet geo-restrictions. Some websites, including most U.S. streaming services, are not available in other countries. That’s where a VPN (virtual private network) comes in. These increasingly popular services let users access servers in other regions, effectively “relocating” the device elsewhere. If you don’t already have one for your next international trip, we recommend ExpressVPN. It’s affordable, secure, and offers access to servers in over 100 countries.
YOUR INTERNET, ANYWHERE VPN/Price Hacks
One less-talked-about inconvenience while traveling is internet geo-restrictions. Some websites, including most U.S. streaming services, are not available in other countries. That’s where a VPN (virtual private network) comes in. These increasingly popular services let users access servers in other regions, effectively “relocating” the device elsewhere. If you don’t already have one for your next international trip, we recommend ExpressVPN. It’s affordable, secure, and offers access to servers in over 100 countries.
Best travel Services
Best travel Services
Best Airline Delta
BOOK NOWAsk ten people what their favorite airline is right now, and chances are most of them will land on Delta. The U.S. carrier just celebrated its centennial and continues to lead the way with both product innovation and in-flight experience. Delta fliers, meanwhile, exist in this sort of rarified air, eager to boast about everything from the expansive touchscreen entertainment options to the Shake Shack burger they serve on board for lunch. And while many domestic airlines are playing catch-up, the carrier’s brag-worthy Delta One offering is still best in class – yes, a ten out of ten.
Best Economy Airline BOOK NOW Economy may not be the most glamorous way to fly, but JetBlue makes a compelling case for it. Their economy cabin features generous legroom, seats comfortable enough to actually sleep in, and — the crown jewel — a free snack pantry stocked with treats and non-alcoholic drinks available to all passengers throughout the flight. Couple that with seatback screens at every seat (with free live TV and movie streaming) and JetBlue raises the bar for what economy travel in the 21st century should feel like.
Best Business Class Cathay Pacific Aria Suites
BOOK NOWCathay Pacific’s newly unveiled business class pods look and feel luxurious, with chic neutral tones and plush seating, but they’re also designed with practicality in mind. The seamless integration of technology — including Bluetooth pairing and wireless charging — reduces cord clutter, and ergonomic storage space ensures your laptop and skincare are within easy reach. Sliding doors elevate privacy when it’s time to snooze, while the combination of a spacious lie-flat seat, 400-thread count duvet, and cushy mattress topper transforms the Aria Suite into an airy getaway.
Coolest First Class Experience BOOK NOW Flying Singapore Airlines First Class feels less like boarding a plane and more like checking into a five-star resort at 35,000 feet. Expect spacious lie-flat pods, world-class dining, and sleep kits and pajamas worthy of the finest department store. It wouldn’t be an overstatement to say that the flight itself might be the best part of your trip.
Best Airline Entertainment United Airlines
BOOK NOWWi-Fi on airplanes is often slow, clunky, and expensive, but United Airlines is breaking the mold with its latest in-flight perk: free Wi-Fi with blazing fast internet speeds in partnership with Starlink. It’s so fast you can stream your own movies and TV shows with no lag or buffering, and cloud gaming on handheld devices is now a reality in the air. Couple that with United’s huge library of content — from blockbuster movies and indie darlings to cult TV hits — and you’ve suddenly found yourself with the best viewing seat in the sky.
Coolest Airport Lounge Capital One
LEARN MORECapital One may be known for its banking “cafés,” but the company is taking its cardholder perks to new heights – literally – with the unveiling of airport lounges and “Landing” restaurant concepts. Capital One’s spaces are like friendly, pre-flight clubhouses, with artwork, food, and beverages that reflect the city they’re in. The JFK lounge has a cheesemonger from Murray’s Cheese, for example, while Harry Reid passengers can grab beer from Las Vegas Brewing Company. The vibe is cool, not corporate, though Capital One does elevated well too: the newly-opened Capital One Landing at LaGuardia was created with Chef José Andrés.
Best Flight Booking App BOOK NOW The idea that you must book flights months in advance is false, and Skyscanner proves it. The app analyzes your intended travel dates and destination, identifies the best booking window, and compares prices across multiple platforms to surface the best deal available. It’s free to use, and it’s like having a travel agent in your pocket.
Best Rental Car Service Hertz
BOOK NOWConvenience, reliability, and quality are what we want in a rental car. Hertz delivers on all three better than the rest. The longtime rental company has a massive footprint, operating in 160 countries, which means you’ll get the same great service and rides in almost every destination. They also offer great perks through the free Gold Plus Rewards program, like skipping the counter to pick up your car.
Best RV Company RVshare
BOOK NOWThe days of equating RV trips to “elevated car camping” have long passed, especially if you’re booking a trip with RVshare. The site lets you book everything from towable trailers to palatial motor homes, with options for pet-friendly, eco-friendly, and luxury-friendly drives. The range of price points and options puts you in the driver’s seat — both literally and figuratively — as you map out your dream road trip. And if you don’t want to drive, RVshare can deliver a vehicle directly to your destination, whether you’re stage-hopping at Coachella or going off-grid in the desert.
Best Travel Loyalty Program JOIN NOW For a travel pass that genuinely delivers, Sonesta stands apart from the competition. Members enjoy perks like complimentary room upgrades, custom check-in and check-out windows, dining discounts, access to exclusive member-only spaces, and even impressive deals on live events, from concerts and sporting matches to major music festivals. A Sonesta Travel Pass opens doors to some of the world’s most sought-after experiences, at no extra cost.
Best Adventure Travel Site Intrepid
BOOK NOWIntrepid does travel right: Small groups, big experiences. Their relatively affordable packages range from island hopping to rainforest exploring to urban adventures, and all of them focus on opening up somewhere new with people who are as excited as you are. Coolest of all, Intrepid is B Corp certified, so more of your dollars go back to the communities you’re exploring.
Best Vacation Rental Platform BOOK NOW The vacation rental market is crowded, but VRBO rises to the top for travelers seeking a truly top-tier stay. The platform features fast host response times, a wide range of competitively priced properties, and the flexibility to book multi-week stays. Robust filtering tools make it easy to find exactly what your group is looking for — whether that’s a mountain retreat for a quiet getaway or a family-friendly spot near the closest amusement park.
Best Luxury Vacation Rental Service Oliver’s Travels
BOOK NOWEvery step of booking with Oliver’s Travels is as easy as your vacation should be, thanks to a concierge service and on-site support for anything you might need. But Oliver’s Travels’ real draw is their villa selection, which only includes the best of the best: think seaside castles, mountain palaces, countryside manors, and every (luxury) stay in between. Their largest selection of villas is in Europe, but they’ve expanded to the U.S., Asia, the Caribbean, and beyond.
Best Premium Experience Scott Dunn
BOOK NOWIt’s companies like Scott Dunn that remind us why travel agencies exist in the first place. The award-winning agency, founded in 1986, not only makes the planning stage of travel easy, but also opens doors to new experiences you wouldn’t find on your own. Scott Dunn’s expert planners are also there to help you figure out the hardest part of the trip: what you actually want.
Coolest Tour Operator Artisans of Leisure
BOOK NOWArtisans of Leisure ensures that your trips aren’t just another vacation. The New York-based tour operator secures its clients meticulously planned (or perfectly unplanned) trips all over the world, complete with access that only a top-tier firm can deliver. Throughout all trips, you’ll be in the best hotels and in the hands of expert guides who can deliver whatever on-location experiences you feel like.
Coolest Group Travel Experiences Odysseys Unlimited
BOOK NOWSmall group travel is all Odysseys Unlimited does — and they do it right. Limited to 12-24 guests, their trips encourage connection, exploration, and learning in unique places, without the high costs or hassle of some tour operators. Odysseys Unlimited also makes sure that you’re not just on a trip with strangers, you’re getting to know people, and almost certainly making new friends.
Coolest Local Experiences Uncommon Goods
BOOK NOWUncommon Goods provides the thrill of new experiences without the price tag of travel. It’s also our favorite gift for the people who seem to have it all. Whether it’s a mixology class, crafting demo, tarot reading, or tea tasting, these virtual experiences are the easiest and most affordable way to learn or see something new. It gets you all the best parts of travel without planning a thing – or even leaving home.
Best Restaurant Finder Dorsia
LEARN MOREGetting reservations has become messier and more frustrating than ever. Fortunately, Dorsia offers a way to skip the virtual and physical lines. The digital concierge lets its members secure hard-to-get reservations all over the world, from Los Angeles and the Hamptons to Ibiza and Dubai, meaning you always have a seat at the table.
Best Travel Card Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex Card
SIGN UP NOWSplitting the bill? Not for us, especially since we started putting down our Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex, a credit card that can unlock unlimited lounge access, a round-trip companion travel certificate, plus up to $560 in credits each year for ride share, hotels, and Resy bookings. That’s on top of the free upgrades on basically anywhere Delta flies and up to 100,000 bonus miles as a welcome offer — enough for two round-trip cross-country flights. With the SkyMiles Reserve card, we’ll gladly pay for the check and have everyone else (and the card) pay us back afterwards.
CURTAIN CALLWhere to Stay After the Show
When it comes to concerts and festivals, you really have three options for accommodations: book a hotel, brave the campground, or lean all the way in with a glamping setup. Technically, there’s also the option of driving home after the show, but spending your night worrying about being the “DD” isn’t as fun.
Depending on the city, some hotel stays have become part of the concert experience. In New York, catching a show at Madison Square Garden pairs perfectly with a stay at the W New York – Times Square, while The Anthem Hotel in L.A. just opened within walking distance of the Intuit Dome. But for some festivals, staying on-site is half the fun. Coachella is one of the rare events where camping — or even better, glamping — wins every time. Skipping the endless shuttle lines back to Palm Springs rentals is reason enough, but it can actually be the smarter budget move versus an Airbnb.
CURTAIN CALL Where to Stay After the Show
When it comes to concerts and festivals, you really have three options for accommodations: book a hotel, brave the campground, or lean all the way in with a glamping setup. Technically, there’s also the option of driving home after the show, but spending your night worrying about being the designated driver isn’t as fun.
Depending on the city, some hotel stays have become part of the concert experience. In New York, catching a show at Madison Square Garden pairs perfectly with a stay at the W New York – Times Square, while The Anthem Hotel in L.A. just opened within walking distance of the Intuit Dome. But for some festivals, staying on-site is half the fun. Coachella is one of the rare events where camping — or even better, glamping — wins every time. Skipping the endless shuttle lines back to Palm Springs rentals is reason enough, but it can actually be the smarter budget move versus an Airbnb.
Best HOTELS, RESORTS, AND GETAWAYS
Best HOTELS, RESORTS, AND GETAWAYS
Coolest New Hotel BOOK NOW Songteller Hotel is a Dolly Parton fan’s dream made real. Pink interiors, bars, and entertainment spaces named after some of her most-loved songs, it fully commits to the Backwood Barbie bit without having to travel to Little Pigeon River.
Coolest Hotel for Music Fans Seminole Hard Rock
BOOK NOWThe Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino brings stage-worthy vibes to South Florida, with its soaring electric guitar facade and weekly live concerts inside its 7,700-capacity Hard Rock Live venue. Music motifs abound, like working record players, curated vinyl record collections, and even playable guitars in the room. But the property’s most impressive draw is its huge collection of rock, pop, and hip-hop memorabilia on display, from Lenny Kravitz’s Gibson “Flying V” to Madonna’s leather jacket from her “Erotica” music video. This is like a rock & roll museum inside a hotel.
Coolest Themed Hotel BOOK NOW Hard Days Night Hotel in Liverpool doesn’t exactly take a subtle approach to its theme — Beatles artwork, Fab Four-themed suites, and immersive packages with museum tickets and private taxi tours are all part of it. If that sounds like too much, just “Let it Be.” If it sounds like exactly the right amount, you’re going to love it.
Coolest Concept Hotel BOOK NOW From the hopheads behind Dogfish Beer, Dogfish Inn is a 16-room spot along the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal that gets it right without trying too hard. With bike trails, fire pits, waterfront views, and cold beer nearby, it’s the kind of place where the hardest decision is whether to crack another IPA — or just watch the sunset a little longer.
Best Hotel Chain BOOK NOW Every Edition Hotel — from Miami to the newly-opened Lake Como location — operates on the same quiet promise: you will feel like royalty. The rooms are impeccably appointed and effortlessly chic. The food and bar scene holds its own against the country’s top dining and nightlife destinations. And the service, from the front desk to the concierge, is simply the best in class. The Edition didn’t just build a luxury hotel concept – they cracked the code on what guests actually want.
Coolest Hotel for Bachelorette BOOK NOW Puerto Rico is a premier travel destination for the beaches, the culture, and the music (if you caught Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show, you already know). And for a bachelorette trip that ditches the stereotypes entirely? The Condado Vanderbilt in San Juan is your answer, thanks to sweeping ocean views, exceptional dining, and a prime location near spots like La Factoria — one of the best nightlife locations in Old San Juan. This is a girls’ trip for women who want more out of their pre-wedding weekend.
Coolest Hotel for Bachelor BOOK NOW Las Vegas bachelor parties can sound cliché, but Circa Resort & Casino is a reminder of why the city earned its reputation as one of the best (and most debaucherous) destinations. With a massive multi-story sportsbook, solid restaurants, rooftop pools, and a casino floor that runs around the clock, it’s almost too much to fit into one weekend. Almost.
Coolest Party Hotel Pikes Ibiza
BOOK NOWTucked in the hills away from Ibiza’s buzzy tourist towns is the island’s most storied hotel: Pike’s Ibiza. The 15th-century stone mansion was a secret haven for lavish star-studded parties (most notably Freddie Mercury’s 41st birthday) in the 1980s, and was resurrected in 2011. The 26-room hotel now hosts a vibrant selection of music acts across two stages, retaining its rock & roll feel and a small, seductive measure of its hedonistic history.
Coolest Casino Hotel Fontainebleau Las Vegas
BOOK NOWLocated at the north end of the Strip, the ritzy Fontainebleau Las Vegas offers quiet elegance and elevated entertainment that set it apart from the frat-fueled properties just a few blocks away. Inspired by the original Fontainebleau in Miami Beach — the stomping grounds of Rat Pack legends like Frank Sinatra – the vibe here is decidedly distinguished, though fun still comes in all forms (and formalities), whether you’re dancing to world-renowned DJs at LIV Nightclub or clinking glasses under crystal chandeliers at Bleau Bar, the classiest place to people-watch in town.
Coolest Hotel for Couples Turtle Island
BOOK NOWWe’ve never encountered a resort experience more welcoming and social than the one at Turtle Island, a couples-only honeymoon resort in Fiji. It has stunning beaches (including private ones for couples), luxurious beachfront villas, delicious food, fun activities, and everything else you’d expect from a luxury resort. But the amenities are not why most of its customers return: it’s the staff. They exude a friendliness that inspires guests to mingle and make friends between days of romantic beach adventures with partners. It’s a romantic getaway and a luxurious adult summer camp rolled into one.
Best Hotel for Families BOOK NOW Royal Lahaina Resort has two claims to fame: one of the oldest luau experiences on Maui, and a genuine commitment to bringing live music back to the island. Every evening, local artists perform for free while food trucks line up outside, because good music deserves good food. Add a top-tier magic show, easy beach access, and bookable excursions all in one place, and Royal Lahaina becomes the rare hotel that doesn’t just sit near the magic of Maui — it is the magic.
Coolest All-Inclusive Hilton Botanika Osa Peninsula
BOOK NOWThe Hilton Osa Peninsula offers a rare opportunity to be immersed in Costa Rica’s lush natural landscape. The ocean is outside the front door, the world’s most biodiverse rainforest is out the back, and Hilton’s famous service and amenities are there to help you enjoy it all. Add extensive programming outside the hotel grounds, and you have a true choose-your-own-adventure experience: Do yoga and lie around the pool one day, and then go hiking and explore the colorful nearby town of Puerto Jiménez the next day.
Coolest Luxury Resort BOOK NOW They call the British Virgin Islands the Billionaires’ Playground, but you don’t need the bank account to match. Oil Nut Bay, a private island resort tucked right in the middle of the BVI, delivers a one-percent experience at a price that will genuinely surprise you. Think private villas with infinity pools overlooking the Atlantic; your own golf cart for the duration of your stay; optional add-ons like a personal butler or in-house dining experience; and a mosquito-free location (really). It’s vacation at its most elevated — and shockingly accessible too.
Coolest Beach Hotel Gurney’s Montauk
BOOK NOWMost beachfront resorts share the coastline with scores of other hotels, but not Gurney’s Montauk. The lauded Hamptons property is the only beachfront resort in the area, situated on 2,000 feet of some of the world’s most desirable sand. And the exclusivity goes beyond the beach. Inside the property, you’ll find 158 tastefully decorated rooms, suites, and water-facing cottages, as well as the only ocean-fed saltwater pool in North America. Unlike most East Coast escapes, Gurney’s Montauk is also open year-round.
Coolest Ranch Rock Creek Ranch
BOOK NOWSituated across 6,000 acres of Montana wilderness, Rock Creek Ranch is the ultimate adventure spot in America, with personalized itineraries that set you on the slopes for skiing, drop you in the water for fly fishing, or take you through the property on a horseback hike. At once rugged and romantic, the ranch offers classic log cabin stays merged with Michelin-worthy dining and European-style service, but the true luxury is getting to experience the great outdoors with private guides trained in everything from archery to ammunition. The property’s Silver Dollar Saloon keeps the party going into the night, with a bowling alley, karaoke room, and a bar you can literally saddle up to.
Coolest Safari Camp andBeyond Phinda, South Africa
BOOK NOWIt turns out the coolest part of going on a safari isn’t the wildlife you see but how you’re seeing them. The andBeyond Phinda camps merge traditional culture and contemporary comforts, with accommodations and itineraries that honor the region and all its inhabitants. But what you’ll really like are the Swarovski Optix AX Visio binoculars guests receive for game drives, which use AI image recognition to tell you exactly what you’re looking at — right in your lenses themselves. The binos double as digital cameras, with super-powerful zoom that puts you next to the action, whether you’re capturing birds or the Big Five.
Coolest Campground The Campground at Bethel Woods
BOOK NOWWhen it comes to unforgettable camping experiences, few can rival sleeping on the very grounds where the legendary 1969 Woodstock Music Festival took place. The Camp at Bethel Woods is a historic site that offers a range of accommodations, from traditional tent and RV sites to premium glamping huts. It’s a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in one of the most iconic moments in music history, without sacrificing the comforts of modern travel.
Coolest Glamping Experience AutoCamp
BOOK NOWAutoCamp’s nine locations are designed to make nature more accessible. The properties include luxuriously decked-out Airstream trailers, cabins, and tents that offer the feel and privacy of a campsite without having to pitch a tent or rent an RV. All locations also have central “Clubhouses” with yoga and other activities, creating the fun of a hotel lobby at a campsite.
Coolest Mountain Resort Lodge at Blue Sky
BOOK NOWFor a curated escape that’s equal parts ultra-luxurious and unpretentious, The Lodge at Blue Sky checks every box. And when you’re not horseback riding, hiking, or reconnecting with nature, you’ll be residing in some of the most strikingly beautiful — and private — rooms we’ve ever seen at a hotel, almost like your own mini house. The property’s farm-fresh dining and inventive seasonal cocktails are the cherry on top.
COOLEST Ski Resort Four Seasons Vail
BOOK NOWAs one of the most iconic ski locations in the U.S., the Four Seasons Vail is the ideal destination for adventurers looking to hit the slopes. But there are plenty of warm-weather adventures, too, from ziplining to rafting, and the hotel also has a pool and hot tubs that are heated year-round. The Four Seasons makes the ideal case that Vail isn’t just a winter destination, though if you are looking to ski, the resort, adjacent to the gondolas and lifts, is the prettiest and most picturesque place to stay.
Best Hotel for Wellness L’Auberge de Sedona
BOOK NOWNestled amongst Sedona’s celebrated Red Rock Country (and its famously charged vortex) lies an exclusive wellness resort where the line between luxury escape and spiritual reset blurs. L’Auberge de Sedona spans 20 acres of awe-inspiring views and out-of-the-ordinary treatments that set this hotel apart from typical spas and smoothies — think guided forest bathing, craniosacral therapy, or a chakra-balancing massage rooted in elemental healing experiences inspired by earth, air, fire, and water. L’Auberge is the anti-woo woo when it comes to wellness retreats: cool without trying, a little otherworldly, and deeply restorative.
Best Spa Retreat BOOK NOW Ibiza Gran Hotel is already one of the island’s fancier stays, but the spa is the real reason to book it. After a night that ended at sunrise (or close to it), the rituals and wellness treatments feel less like a bonus and more like a necessity. Serious recovery for serious fun.
Coolest Yoga Retreat BOOK NOW Hridaya Yoga runs retreats in Mexico and France for people who want more than a weekend workshop. Classes like “Flowering of Love” and “From Pain to Peace” are taught by professionals who actually know what they’re talking about. The programs are deep, and the scheduling reflects it. There’s also a solid online offering if traveling for yoga isn’t in the cards right now.
Best Getaway from LA BOOK NOW If you’ve ever wanted to feel like a Hollywood A-lister for a weekend, San Ysidro Ranch is where you go. This legendary hideaway, which hosted JFK and Jackie O. for their honeymoon, offers private, fairytale cottages, complimentary meals, and curated experiences such as intimate wine tastings with an on-staff sommelier and evenings at a piano speakeasy. It’s romantic, secluded, and exactly the kind of reset you deserve.
best Getaway from NYC BOOK NOW The Hamptons get crowded in summer, but Wequassett Resort and Golf Club on Cape Cod offers a calmer version of the same luxurious coastal getaway with ocean views, exceptional food, and a relaxed atmosphere, all without the chaos. And at less than five hours from Manhattan, it’s an easy road trip to have the time of your life (or your long weekend).
Coolest Historic Hotel Brazilian Court Hotel, Palm Beach
BOOK NOWOne of Palm Beach’s most storied addresses, the Brazilian Court Hotel celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2026 as a crown jewel of the tony waterfront community. The property merges the laidback opulence of Palm Beach with stately European vibes, with rooms and suites set behind a discreet entrance that opens up to reveal a lush courtyard sanctuary. The Spanish-Mediterranean landmark has welcomed guests from Marlon Brando to Meryl Streep throughout its century-long history, though anyone can feel a celebrity there, especially with BC One, the hotel’s private yacht that guests can book free of charge for an afternoon on the water.
Coolest Cruise Entertainment BOOK NOW The Norwegian Luna doesn’t just sail the ocean; it performs on it. With an Elton John show, an Eagles tribute, and a fully immersive theatrical experience that puts you inside the action, this ship is less a floating resort and more a floating festival. Add world-class dining, spacious staterooms, and a beautiful spa, and you’ll understand why the Luna isn’t just the newest ship in Norwegian’s fleet — it’s the one everyone’s talking about.
Coolest Cruise for Music Fans Virgin Voyages
BOOK NOWAny music fan is bound to have an exceptional time aboard Virgin Voyages, a cruise ship with music deeply embedded into its DNA. Your voyage includes plenty of live performances and a stacked entertainment lineup that’s sure to inspire sailing sing-alongs throughout the entire journey. The cruise line’s new show “Red Hot” showcases the 50-year legacy of Virgin Records, and there are stations dedicated to karaoke, and even on-board vinyl offerings that you can purchase to commemorate your holiday. Virgin Voyages is not just a trip, it’s an immersive experience that will keep you humming long after you’ve returned to shore.
Coolest Cruise Line BOOK NOW Seabourn is for people who want to see Antarctica and the Northwest Passage but aren’t willing to give up a good cocktail or a real bed to do it. The adventure line runs expedition itineraries to some of the most isolated places on earth, then sends someone to turn down your sheets at night. Penguins in the morning, spa in the afternoon… it has it all.
TAKE THE PLUNGEFrom Bucket List to F-ck It List
If you’ve been thinking of taking a trip to the Galapagos, let this be your sign to do it. As one of just a handful of tour operators in the archipelago, Ecoventura’s three expedition yachts offer an intimate and exclusive experience to see one of the most awe-inspiring bursts of wildlife and nature in the entire world. Part of the Relais & Châteaux family, each sailing is limited to less than 20 guests on board, with daily hikes and snorkeling to get up close to sharks and sea turtles alike, while Michelin-style dining awaits you back on board at night. Once a “bucket list” destination, the Galapagos Islands are now easier than ever to get to with direct flights to Ecuador, followed by a short plane ride to San Cristóbal Island. And with the world seemingly getting more chaotic by the day, there’s never been a better reason to take that dream vacation to Darwin’s Pacific Ocean paradise. Whether you want to explore evolution by the equator, make memories in the Maldives, or luxuriate in a palatial suite in a historic Italian villa (specifically the opulent Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni in Lake Como, and more specifically, the marble-columned Kennedy Suite), there’s no better time to take that bucket list trip than right now. Throw your passport in your bag, throw caution to the wind, and let your fantasies take flight.
TAKE THE PLUNGE From Bucket List to F-ck It List
I was floating waist-deep in the middle of the Pacific Ocean when I spotted a tiny white-tipped shark emerging from the waters below. We were a few hundred feet from the rocky shores of Santa Maria, a Galapagos island in the south of the archipelago, but we’d been told by guides on our Ecoventura expedition that the sharks were safe to swim with, so I dove down to get a better look. As it turns out, everything is grander in the Galapagos, and that “tiny” shark turned out to be a little too big for my liking.
Recounting that story over a Michelin-worthy dinner of local lobster and pescado encocado that night, our group of 15 guests on the Relais & Châteaux yacht chuckled at how quickly I pivoted from carefree mode to panic mode, as our guides shared footage they had captured for us that day. “What a thrill,” I thought to myself, “to be up close to creatures Darwin had written so eloquently about some 200 years ago.”
If you’ve been thinking of taking a trip to the Galapagos, let this be your sign to do it. As one of just a handful of tour operators in the archipelago, the three Ecoventura yachts offer an intimate and exclusive experience to see one of the most awe-inspiring bursts of wildlife and nature in the entire world. Once a “bucket list” destination, the Galapagos Islands are now easier than ever to get to. And with the world seemingly getting more chaotic by the day, there’s never been a better reason to take that vacation you’ve been putting off.
Whether you want to explore evolution by the equator, make memories in the Maldives, or luxuriate in a palatial suite in a 19th-century Italian villa (specifically the opulent Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni in Lake Como, and more specifically, the marble-columned Kennedy Suite), we say throw your passport in your bag, throw caution to the wind, and let your fantasies take flight.
METHODOLOGY
Every year, Rolling Stone editors visit dozens of new properties — festival campsites, off-the-beaten-path paradises, and iconic resorts — and rate each for atmosphere and cultural cachet. From rooms that legendary musicians once called home, to properties that host late-night jam sessions you won’t find in official itineraries, these are the coolest locations we went to this year (and the coolest gear we brought along the way). Tasting menus and turndown service won’t earn you a spot on this list. Instead, we focused on destinations that have a pulse and personality, with offerings that reflect how we want to travel in 2026. There are thousands of places you can go to right now — some aren’t worth the detour, and many are perfectly fine, but only a select handful earn our ultimate seal of approval: a spot in the Rolling Stone Travel Awards.
CONTRIBUTORS: Tim Chan, Cassie Gill, Oscar Hartzog, Erin Lassner, Lisa Levine, Alexis Mikulski Ruiz, Rudie Obias, Alisa Rendor, Jonathan Zavaleta
