Bucket List – Holiday

10 Most Beautiful Beach Towns in Italy

Pavlo Fedykovych — Sun, 24 Dec 2023 14:00:13 +0000

With almost five thousand miles of coastline and over 400 islands, you will find an incredible diversity of beaches in Italy. Historically a maritime power, the country boasts some of Europe’s most impressive seaside towns, too. From Cinque Terre dramaticism to Venetian-influenced Adriatic gems, from the white sand-heavy Sardinian fishing villages to the Baroque masterpieces of Sicily. Without forgetting about Amalfitan Riviera and Riviera di Ponente in Liguria, of course. The architecture will be splendid, the food out of this world, and the views to die for in these top beach towns in Italy.

11 Best Christmas Markets in Switzerland

Pavlo Fedykovych — Fri, 03 Nov 2023 13:15:26 +0000

Switzerland is one of the dreamiest destinations for Christmas markets in Europe. The towns here look straight out of a fairytale, the Alps will take your breath away, and snow is almost guaranteed, while the local food is amazing too. I’ve always had a special spot in my heart for this country in winter and try to regularly come to the Swiss cities each December. It’s about the alluring taste of fondue, a warm cup of mulled wine on the street, and the cozy glistening of the myriad of lights decorating the centuries-old streets. Here are the best Christmas markets in Switzerland to visit for an unparalleled festive atmosphere.

10 Best Places to Visit in Cyprus

Pavlo Fedykovych — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 13:00:05 +0000

Gentle turquoise Meditteranean waters caress the mythical land of ancient ruins, picture-perfect beaches, and cypress tree-dominated forests. Welcome to Cyprus, an enthralling European destination that proposes a quintessential sun-filled break and pairs it with amazing local food, centuries-old traditions, and luxury beachside resorts. Although tiny, it offers a diversity of terrain to explore.

From mountain trails to white sand beaches, vibrant nightlife in the hedonistic cities to calm rustic breaks in the agrotourism properties – this is the collection of the best places to visit in Cyprus to plan your perfect retreat.

20 Best Christmas Destinations in Europe

Pavlo Fedykovych — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 13:15:12 +0000

There are just so many fantastic Christmas destinations in Europe to choose from. From the dramatic landscapes of Scandinavia to the picture-perfect alpine resorts, from the magical medieval towns of Central Europe to the traditions-filled festive markets of Germany. The proximity of countries and the easy transport connections allow you to visit several countries at once and it will be wallet-friendly too. We’ve selected the top 20 Christmas destinations in Europe to explore this year for you to have an unforgettable holiday in 2023.

Where to See Northern Lights in Canada

Pavlo Fedykovych — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 13:00:35 +0000

Canada is one of the best countries in the world (if not the best) for catching a glimpse of Aurora Borealis. Here, it’s a frequent sight that can appear in the midnight sky in almost every season of the year. The mesmerizing game of light is not exclusive to remote northern areas. There’s a high chance of witnessing the phenomenon in the cities, smaller towns, next to the lakes, in the middle of the forest, or by the shores of the oceans. This is your guide on where to see the Northern Lights in Canada and have it finally checked off on the bucket list.

General tips for viewing the Northern Lights in Canada

The Aurora Borealis is a magical thing to see, but it doesn’t come easily, and you have to follow some rules to have the best chance of making it to the show.

First of all, you should be in an area with minimal light pollution. Lakes, meadows, and remote beaches will do. That doesn’t mean that you can’t see it from the city, but the spectacle will be much more intense when there are no artificial lights around.

Secondly, season matters. Different Canadian regions have different Aurora sightings at different times. For example, the Yukon is an all-around kind of destination, while in Ontario, autumn is the best time to see the Northern Lights.

Thirdly, the weather should be your friend, and checking the forecast is obligatory for increasing your chances of catching the Aurora. The best-case scenario is when there are no clouds above and the sky is completely clear.

Regarding the best time, expect the Lights to show up between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. September to March is the optimal period for Aurora hunting in Canada, as it includes fall and spring equinoxes with the highest solar activity.

The websites that will facilitate your Northern Lights chasing are Aurora Forecast, which covers the whole of Canada, and Aurora Watch, with a focus on Edmonton and Alberta.

Top 10 Festivals in Italy

Pavlo Fedykovych — Mon, 09 Oct 2023 13:00:56 +0000

Getting festive in Italy is never a bad idea. Known for superb architecture, romantic cities, some of the best beaches in Europe, and supreme art, this country is also a fantastic destination for events, be it colorful processions, historical reenactments, boisterous carnivals, world-class jazz galas, grand open-air opera concerts, or unique traditional celebrations. Here are the top festivals in Italy to fully immerse yourself in the cultural universe of this European gem of a country.

15 Coolest Airbnbs in Canada

Pavlo Fedykovych — Mon, 02 Oct 2023 13:00:42 +0000

A lifetime is not enough to fully embrace the sheer grandeur of Canada, but you can certainly try. One of the best ways to catch a glimpse of this country’s untamed spirit is by booking an Airbnb in a spectacular setting. Mountain cabins, Northern Lights-facing units, lakeside retreats, charming treehouses, and in-the-middle-of-nowhere hideouts. You’re spoilt for choice – there are so many incredible accommodations to pick from. We’ve gathered the coolest Airbnbs in Canada to make it easier for you.

11 Best European Cities to Visit in December

Pavlo Fedykovych — Fri, 29 Sep 2023 13:00:08 +0000

You can have it both ways in Europe during winter. Sun lovers can find warmth in abundance when escaping to the islands in the south, skiing aficionados will be spoiled for choice in the numerous mountain ranges and ski resorts across the continent, and the romance of Christmas markets will be present in postcard-perfect cities. And you can easily travel to multiple destinations too – the flights are frequent, and the trains are quick and efficient. Here are the best European cities to visit in December, so start planning your next trip.

Peak Times to See Fall Foliage Across the US [2023]

Noah Holtgraves — Fri, 15 Sep 2023 12:31:51 +0000

It’s the time of year marked by crisp air and sweaters, pumpkin spice, and cinnamon soirées. We’re talking sunkissed September serenades and October Opuses full of cider-sipping sagas and bonfire ballads.

But we fall for fall leaf by leaf, and the fall foliage spectacle improvisationally changes its cue every year. Arrive too early, and you only catch the opening foliage act; too late, and you miss the main peak color event.

To help you achieve your amber aspirations, maple marvels, and rustic reveries, I analyzed a trove of tree data provided by the USA National Phenology Network and the many participants contributing to its “Nature’s Notebook” program.

I crunched the numbers on 60,518 annual tree life cycle observations — or phenophase records, for you botany buffs — covering 305 deciduous tree species. That’s a decade’s worth of data, spanning 2,561 observational sites across the U.S., all to serve you the most accurate, tailored-to-your-needs foliage forecast for 2023! I also designated a few states as “Leaf Leaders” for providing some of the best places to see fall colors in the U.S.

Read on or select a jump link to discover when the leaves in your neck of the woods will put on their grandest show of the year.

Explore the Map: Peak Foliage by Region
View the Table: State-by-State Peak Foliage
U.S. Foliage Timelines by Region
Understand Our Methodology

Credit: Trips to Discover

2023 Regional Peak Fall Foliage Map

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Methodology

Independent: My data analysis research is conducted with independence and impartiality to ensure the integrity of the findings. My research is editorially independent, but Trips to Discover may earn a commission for any purchases made through links on this page.

Raw Data Source: USA National Phenology Network. 2023. Plant and Animal Phenology Data. Data type: Individual Phenometrics. 1/1/2012-12/31/2022 for Region: 71.538800°, -66.934570° (UR); 24.396308°, 172.558333° (LL) USA-NPN, Tucson, Arizona, USA. Data set accessed 9/5/23 at http://doi.org/10.5066/F78S4N1V

Collection: I crafted a tailored dataset using the USA-NPN, featuring 60,518 tree status phenophase observations gathered from a span of a decade. These observations come from 2,561 unique sites across the United States and cover 305 species of deciduous trees. My collection focused on two key phenophase classes: “colored leaves” and “falling leaves.”

Cleaning: I narrowed the range of tree status observations to focus specifically on core U.S. fall foliage from August 1 through November 30 of each year. I refined the original dataset to include only sites within the contiguous U.S. I generated a unique Key ID for each observation by combining the site ID, latitude, longitude, state, common tree name, individual ID, and observation year information. I used this Key ID to merge the “colored leaves” and “falling leaves” phenophase observations into pairs.

Analysis: After an initial examination of over 30,000 paired records, I found that “peak fall foliage” generally falls between the first date leaves start to drop (the initial “falling leaves” date) and the date the last leaf changes color (the final “colored leaves” date). This intersection of phenophases yields the most leaves in vibrant hues still clinging to the trees, also known as peak foliage. I calculated the average date range for peak foliage across the 2,561 observation sites, spanning ten years of data. I then aggregated these site-level averages at the state level. I grouped states into eight regions, determined by geographical proximity and comparable peak foliage dates, with the aid of GPT-4 technology. The “Leaf Leader” states were designated based on my subjective evaluation.

Dates: I then derived four critical metrics for each of the eight regions:

Foliage Start: Average of states’ “falling leaves” start dates in a region.
Peak Start: The earliest peak foliage midpoint in a regional group.
Peak End: The last peak foliage midpoint in a regional group.
Foliage End: Average of states’ last “colored leaves” record date in a region.

Replicability: All raw data is publicly available. For questions, email noah@tripstodiscover.com. [Google Sheets link] contains the cleaned data and calculations minus proprietary info and raw data. Please credit if sharing.

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12 Best Places for Fall Foliage in Vermont

K.C. Dermody — Fri, 08 Sep 2023 13:15:45 +0000

Vermont is one of the world’s best destinations for fall foliage viewing, with three-quarters of the state covered in forests. They’re home to the highest concentration of sugar maples in the U.S., show-stoppers when it comes to colors, with their leaves turning vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow, not to mention the serene farms with red barns and charming villages that create scenes that look like they were made for postcards. The color begins in early September in the northernmost areas and higher elevations before moving over the next several weeks into the valleys and valley towns from north to south, hanging around as late as the end of October, with these destinations being some of the best for enjoying it.

12 Best Places to Experience Day of the Dead in Mexico

K.C. Dermody — Wed, 06 Sep 2023 13:15:15 +0000

While Día de Muertos, Day of the Dead, is a holiday that revolves around death, it’s not a somber affair and arguably makes Mexico one of the world’s best places to visit in November. Before I moved to Mexico, I didn’t know much about it, but this isn’t a time of mourning, rather a time to celebrate life, honoring those who have departed. It officially takes place on November 1st and 2nd, when the veil between the living and the dead is said to be thin enough that the departed can cross back over, allowing friends and families to reunite. The parties sometimes last for days and include colorful costumes, elaborate decor, music, dancing, and lots of food. While specific traditions can vary depending on the destination, it’s an important event throughout Mexico. If you want to experience Day of the Dead, these are the best places to be in the country to do it.

Top 12 Northern Lights Hotels in Norway

K.C. Dermody — Tue, 05 Sep 2023 13:00:31 +0000

Seeing the aurora borealis, the spectacular display that occurs when solar particles enter our planet’s atmosphere and emit burning gases upon impact that produce various colored lights, was on my bucket list for years. Having visited many countries in the far north during my travels, I’ve been lucky to see the northern lights many times now, and it definitely doesn’t disappoint. The further north you go and the more solar activity there is, the better, which is why visiting Norway, especially the most northern destinations, will significantly increase your chances of witnessing this breathtaking natural phenomenon. These hotels can all provide the perfect base for your getaway and the opportunity to watch without leaving the property itself.

14 Best Places to Visit in September

K.C. Dermody — Thu, 24 Aug 2023 06:51:13 +0000

September has long been one of my favorite months to travel. With the heat of summer starting to cool and tourist crowds thinning, it’s an optimal month for visiting many destinations around the world. While I’d avoid most Caribbean islands, which have one of the highest risks for tropical storms and hurricanes this time of year, there are countless others to consider. These destinations offer something for everyone as some of the best places to visit in September.

12 Best Countries to Visit in Europe

Pavlo Fedykovych — Mon, 21 Aug 2023 13:30:39 +0000

Europe is diverse, Europe is strikingly beautiful, and Europe is a cultural overload. From the sunny beaches of Greek islands to the snow-capped Alpine peaks, from the vineyards of central France to the black volcanic soil of the Spanish Canary Islands, from the picture-perfect villages of the Ligurian coast in Italy to the bucolic Slovenian countryside. This region is filled with charming small towns, beautiful national parks, underrated hidden gems, and off-the-beaten-path destinations. A whole life wouldn’t be enough to visit everything the European continent has to offer, but you can certainly try.

Here’s a suggestive list of what’s worth experiencing at this particular moment in time, country-wise. Treat it as inspirational advice rather than a merits-based list, “best” stands more for a friendly directional nod. Sustainability and eco-consciousness are taken into account too.

14 Uncrowded Fall Vacation Destinations in the U.S.

K.C. Dermody — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 13:30:11 +0000

Fall is my favorite season, with the cool, crisp air, the fabulous aromas of cinnamon and pumpkin spice, and the brilliant fall foliage in hues of gold, red, and orange. While places like New England, the Great Smokey Mountains, and Rocky Mountain National Park are breathtaking, the popular autumn destinations also attract crazy crowds and heavy traffic congestion, something I’ve experienced more than a few times. If you’re like me and prefer to enjoy a more tranquil atmosphere, I’ve managed to scope out some of the best places for a fall getaway without the masses. These destinations not only offer breathtaking leaf-peeping but also a wide range of outdoor activities from hiking to apple picking.

14 Best Beach Towns in the South for Summer

K.C. Dermody — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 13:30:47 +0000

With family living in the South, I’ve spent a lot of time exploring beach towns in the region from Virginia to Florida. The perfect beach town obviously provides sand and waves, but these idyllic spots are particularly stunning while offering lots of recreational activities and mouthwatering cuisine, including plenty of fresh seafood. Some are standouts for watching wildlife like dolphins and wild ponies too. No matter which you choose, these beach towns in the South are sure to make for an unforgettable summer escape.

12 Most Beautiful Beaches in the South of France

Pavlo Fedykovych — Tue, 11 Jul 2023 13:15:01 +0000

French Riviera, or Côte d’Azur, is an iconic beach destination. For centuries it beaconed beauty-searching travelers with its pure Mediterranean allure, crystalline waters, and lush vegetation. There’s an impressive natural diversity here too. You can choose among the long paradise-looking sandy stretches, glamorous beach clubs, epic calanques, vibrant city beaches, hidden coves, and island coastlines. No matter how many times I come back, there’s always a beach to discover. Here’s a collection of the most beautiful beaches in the South of France that will make any beachgoer’s heart beat faster.

Best for Raw Beauty: Calanque de Port Pin - Marseille
Best for Urban Seaside Glamour: La Croisette Beach - Cannes
Best for Under-the-Radar Beauty: Plage Notre-Dame - Îles d'Hyères
Best for Accessible Panoramas: Calanque de Figuerolles - La Ciotat
Best for Lounging on the Sand: Pampelonne Beach - Saint-Tropez
Best for Admiring the Views: Sablettes Beach - Menton
Best for Stunning Panoramas: Mala Beach - Cap d'Ail
Best for Epic Vistas: Cabasson Beach - Bormes-les-Mimosas
Best for History Buffs: Débarquement Beach - Saint-Raphaël
Best for Active Enjoyment: Calanque d'En-Vau - Cassis
Best for Scenic City Bathing: Ponchettes Beach - Nice
Best for Unforgettable Sunsets: L'Espiguette Beach - Le Grau-du-Roi

12 Best Nude Beaches in Spain

Pavlo Fedykovych — Wed, 21 Jun 2023 13:30:28 +0000

If your plan is to bare it all on the beach, Spain is a perfect destination. There’s no prohibition of public nudity, you’ve got more than 8 thousand kilometers of coast, and the variety of stretches you can visit is fantastic. I have been coming to Spain for beach enjoyment annually for more than a decade now and still find superb hidden stretches and surprising spots. Topless sunbathing is technically accepted on any beach; however, to get a fully nude experience, it’s better to head to the naturist and nudist spots. And each region has its own au naturel highlights. We’ve collected the best nude beaches in Spain for you to enjoy the pure natural experience.

12 Best Places to Scuba Dive in Bali

Georgie Darling — Wed, 21 Jun 2023 13:00:19 +0000

After learning to dive in Indonesia in early 2020, I made it my mission to explore as many of the archipelago’s best diving spots as possible. And fortunately, from my home in Bali, there are plenty nearby. Bali has some of the best scuba diving opportunities in the world, with dive sites to suit all levels and a huge range of marine life to match. Indonesia sits in the Coral Triangle, an area of the ocean that supports the greatest diversity of coral species in the world, which means a dive here is always exciting. From vibrant coral reefs to elusive mola mola, endless turtles, and schools of colorful fish, read on for all the best places to scuba dive in Bali.

Experts and Customers Agree: America’s Top Michelin, Forbes, and AAA Restaurants

Noah Holtgraves — Wed, 14 Jun 2023 12:44:42 +0000

Discover the best award-winning U.S. restaurants that captivate culinary experts and customers alike. In a comprehensive two-part analysis of 64 highest-ranking restaurants recognized by the Michelin Guide, Forbes Travel Guide, and American Automobile Association (AAA) Diamond Awards, I bring you the country’s 10 highest customer-rated award-winning restaurants.

Through statistical and qualitative review sentiment analysis, I uncovered the most exalted experiences and highest-praised features that set these restaurants apart. My investigation even found the most commonly leveled criticisms of these gastronomic behemoths. Join me in delving into this epicurean journey as we explore the culinary prowess behind these crowned dining destinations.

Here is everything you will learn on this page:

Fun Facts: Award-Winning Restaurants
Roster: The 10 Best U.S. Award-Winning Restaurants
Visualizations: The Best U.S. Michelin, Forbes, and AAA Restaurants
Methodology

Fun Facts: Award-Winning Restaurants

Gourmet Grand Slam: 10 U.S. restaurants scored what I call a Gourmet Grand Slam 🏆 for acing all three guides; four are also fan favorites!
Michelin Magic: Michelin Star restaurants top all other award-winning gastronomies, clinching the highest ratings, averaging 4.5 on TripAdvisor and Google.
Full House: All ten restaurants are AAA Diamonds, seven are Forbes Star-Rated, and just four are Michelin-Starred.
King California: California is home to 23% of all U.S. Michelin, Forbes, and AAA top-rated restaurants, surpassing New York by two establishments.
Chef Star Power: Charleston restaurant’s Chef Cindy Wolf has the highest Chef Star Power, with the most mentions by name in customer reviews.
Happiest Customers: Victoria & Albert’s customers are most content, placing #1 in customer ratings and boasting an unmatched proportion of positive reviews.
Consistently Excellent: #1 for review count, Le Bernardin, with 6,354 Google and TripAdvisor reviews, boasts a 4.72 review score demonstrating supreme consistency.

Roster: The 10 Best U.S. Award-Winning Restaurants

This article utilizes two types of analysis to evaluate 3-Star Michelin, Five-Star Forbes, and AAA Five-Diamond-designated restaurants — a statistical and qualitative review sentiment analysis. The statistical analysis examines customer review counts and ratings from Google and TripAdvisor to calculate a weighted score I call the Customer Review Score. On the other hand, the qualitative review sentiment analysis of the restaurants with the highest Customer Review Scores extracts feelings, emotions, and nuanced points of view from customer reviews through natural language processing. Combined, these two analyses provide a powerful understanding of customer satisfaction and a holistic evaluation of the highest-rated establishments in the country.

While being featured on multiple guides did not grant restaurants additional points, we acknowledge and celebrate those that appear on Michelin, Forbes, and AAA guides simultaneously by recognizing them as a Gourmet Grand Slam 🏆.

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Visualizations: The Best U.S. Michelin, Forbes, and AAA-Rated Restaurants

Here is a table and a map of the ten highest customer-rated award-winning restaurants in the U.S.

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Methodology

Independent: My data analysis research is conducted with independence and impartiality to ensure the integrity of the findings. My research is editorially independent, but Trips to Discover may earn a commission for any purchases made through links on this page.

Preliminary Research: I gathered a list of restaurants in the U.S. from the 2023 AAA Five Diamond Restaurant Awards list, the 2023 Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Restaurant Award Winners, and the 2023 list of 3-Star Michelin Restaurants. Between all three award systems, 64 unique restaurants remained. I sought to explore which of these restaurants, acknowledged by experts as the best, are the favorites among customers who dine there.

Data Extraction: These rankings are based on an analysis of 87,171 restaurant reviews for the 64 restaurants between Google and TripAdvisor. Google and TripAdvisor review scores and rating counts for all 64 restaurants were collected on 5/11/23 (4:05-4:43 PM MT) and 5/15/23 (10:05-10:30 AM MT), respectively. At the same time, I extracted the food, service, value, and atmosphere ratings on TripAdvisor and factored into my analysis.

Statistical Analysis Techniques: I used a proprietary ranking formula that, at its core, uses a weighted score analysis using a Bayesian average rating method to weigh each restaurant’s number of TripAdvisor and Google reviews against its average TripAdvisor and Google score separately. I call this the Lox Score in honor of the study it was first created for. We collected and utilized over 87,000 reviews between the 64 restaurants. Scores are on a 5-point scale. I then combined the TripAdvisor (40%) and Google (40%) Lox Scores with the TripAdvisor food (11%), service (3%), value (3%), and atmosphere (3%) scores into one weighted average “Customer Review Score” (CRS) also on a 5-point scale. My rankings are based on the ten restaurants, out of 64 total, with the highest CRS scores.

Qualitative Review Sentiment Analysis: Individual restaurant descriptions were created through qualitative review sentiment analysis using text mining methods and natural language processing. I used Outscrapper, a data-scrapping tool, to gather the most recent 50 customer reviews for each restaurant from Google and TripAdvisor. I used GPT-4 to conduct a qualitative review sentiment analysis of the 50 latest reviews for each restaurant focusing on various perspectives such as what sets the restaurant apart for customers, shared benefits and drawbacks for patrons, and essential decision-making factors for those who choose to dine there. All AI-generated analyses were thoroughly cross-checked for accuracy. Then I wrote the ultimate qualitative summary for each restaurant based on the information contained in the AI-generated qualitative review sentiment analysis.

Replicability: All the data used for this project is publicly available for study replication. The 64 restaurants are on the AAA, Forbes, and Michelin websites. All 64 restaurants are located on Google Maps and TripAdvisor, where you can identify review scores, counts and food, service, value and atmosphere ratings.

Contact Us: If you need assistance building a similar project or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me at noah@tripstodiscover.com, and I can walk you through the process.

Data: You can download the data behind my analysis, including all 64 Michelin, AAA, or Forbes top-rated restaurants with their Google and TripAdvisor review scores and numbers at the time of this analysis, including our statistical calculations here in Google Sheets. This workbook also contains the other six Gourmet Grand Slams (top-rated by Michelin, Forbes, and AAA). You will additionally find the 500 restaurant review samples used for my sentiment analysis in that workbook without personally identifying information. I have also removed all proprietary calculations from the books. You can view the raw GPT qualitative sentiment analysis based on these 500 reviews here in Google Docs; however, I am choosing to withhold the valuable and meticulously crafted GPT prompts used to create these analyses. Please feel free to use or share this data with whoever may find this helpful — I ask that your purposes are noncommercial and that you link back to this page so I can receive proper credit for my work.

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