Best Places to Visit

U.S. News & World Report and its readers recently voted on the top 20 places to visit in the U.S.  Here I highlight four of my favorites from the list. 

1. San Diego, California

San Diego is full of opportunities for everyone from families to singles to enjoy a diverse range of springtime activities. The San Diego Natural History Museum, the world famous San Diego Zoo, LEGOLAND California, SeaWorld, home of Shamu and other Orca wales, and not to mention the city’s gorgeous beaches and 300 days of sunshine.  Stay at the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego, which is centrally located to the beach, with April rates as low as $179/nt. Book with Royal Travel and receive full breakfast buffet for two daily, complimentary in room Internet access, and a welcome amenity.  RT airfare from Chicago to San Diego as low as $379/person through United.

2. Anchorage, Alaska

The largest city in Alaska, Anchorage, lies between the mountains and the sea and boasts many natural sights and historic landmarks.  The best way to experience Anchorage and the beauty of Alaska is with a sea-land combo tour.  I suggest you hop aboard the Celebrity Millennium in Vancouver and embark on the journey of a lifetime. You'll cruise to places like Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway; you'll see Alaska's Inside Passage and Hubbard Glacier, a wall of ice at 76 miles long and 40 stories high. Discover whales, brown bears, and other amazing wildlife in their natural habitat. Brave the world's largest zip line, experience dog sledding or take a helicopter ride that lands on a glacier. Once you debark the ship in Seward, your land-based Cruise tour into Alaska's interior begins. You'll immerse yourself in the wilderness of Denali, visit picturesque Talkeetna, and hop aboard the Wilderness Express, a glass-domed train car, which will transport you to Anchorage. While in Anchorage, visit the Alaska Native Heritage Museum or enjoy a fresh lunch of wild Alaska Salmon or Alaska King Crab. Book a Veranda stateroom aboard the Celebrity Millennium for Summer 2016 with a 10-night vacation for as low as $2,549 per person. Book by March 31 and enjoy the benefits of Spring into Savings - you'll save up to $300 off your cruise, and you can choose to receive Free Classic Beverage Packages, Free Gratuities or up to $300 to spend on board. Contact Royal Travel for available 2015 sailings and special offers.

3. Washington DC

Cherry Blossom season is the best time to explore and visit our Nation's Capitol. From food truck tours to exploring historical monuments, the city is buzzing with things to fill up your weekend. For ladies looking to shop until they drop, The Collection at Chevy Chase (dubbed the East Coast version of Rodeo Drive) features 112,000 square feet of high-end boutiques on Wisconsin Avenue. Stay in the heart of DC at The Mayflower Hotel, which is completing a $20 million room renovations project in April. The hotel is offering a special "Make History With Us" 2-night minimum stay package for $179/night in honor of the property's 90th anniversary, which includes: $90 hotel credit; Washington DC’s Mayflower Hotel book; The Mayflower’s famed banana bread (complete with recipe). RT flights from Chicago to DC start at $300 in April. Valid for travel through December 31, 2015. To book, call 1-800-834-7282.

4. Austin, Texas

Springtime in Central Texas is beautiful without the summer heat or the winter rains so families, singles and couples can enjoy all that the “Live Music Capitol of the World” has to offer.  The city is home to plenty of activities: swimming in the natural Barton Springs Pool, kayaking on Town Lake or a day spent at the Austin Zoo or Zilker Park. Stay at the Driskill Hotel right in the heart of downtown and the restaurant/nightlife district with April rates starting at $279/night. Book with Royal Travel and receive full breakfast for two daily, upgraded room (if available) and welcome wine and cheese amenity.  RT airfare starting at $243/person through Frontier.