Spring Travel Destinations — Kendra Thornton Travel

1. Oahu, Hawaii

Spend time this spring in Waikiki, the beautiful beachfront of Honolulu, on the South shore of the island of O’ahu, Hawaii, this spring for a truly energetic tropical vacation. Be within walking distance of the Diamond Head volcano, the Honolulu Zoo, or the Waikiki Aquarium. Perfectly situated within steps of the ocean and surrounded by panoramic views, the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa is perfect for those who want to relax, but still be close to the island neighborhood’s restaurants and unique shops. The resort is perfect for families traveling with children; kids 18 and under stay free and those under 12 eat free. Stay in the Partial Ocean View Suite with the Sunshine on Sale Promotion and stay for 5 nights at the price of 4. Departure from Chicago on May 28 for $1,469/person including airfare, hotel accommodations, and daily buffet breakfast.

2. Canadian Rockies

U.S. travelers looking for a short trip or extended weekend north of the border this year (especially with the currently favorable US-Canadian exchange rate and direct flights from Chicago into Calgary) should look to the Canadian Rockies when spring and early summer provides an impressive diversity of activities, especially in May. The best part of spring in Banff National Park is that you can golf, mountain bike and ski in the same day! In fact the Sunshine Village mountain resort in Banff remains open for skiing and boarding until May 19! Stay at either of the iconic Fairmont properties - Chateau Lake Louise (located by the iconic Lake Louise (just 50 minutes away from the Town of Banff) with many rooms offering amazing views over the lake itself) or the Fairmont Banff Springs (located in the heart of Banff - each with their own charms. To book your stay and for best available rates for your travel dates, see www.fairmont.com/lakelouise. Highlights for springtime include a trip to the natural hot springs (the birthplace of Banff National Park), hiking, mountain biking, paddle-boarding in the glacier lakes, a gondola ride for a chance to spot a grizzly bear in the wild below and enjoying the many fantastic foodie experiences in the area. For those who are looking to arrive in Banff National Park in style, the Rocky Mountaineer train experience is a must. Banff National Park and luxury railway travel have always had a very special connection; visitors from all over the world have been travelling into Banff by train for over 100 years. This year, Rocky Mountaineer are celebrating their 25th anniversary – since 1990 Rocky Mountaineer has carried guests into the heart of the famed Canadian Rockies. It’s a perfect excuse to sit back and luxurious comfort, enjoy the fantastic hospitality on board and take in the majestic scenery. www.BanffLakeLouise.com. Airfare from Chicago to Calgary airport as low as $353/person roundtrip.

3. Providence, RI

For travelers seeking a quintessential coastal New England experience mixed with some American history and charm, the town of Newport in the "Ocean State" of Rhode Island has some great reasons to visit this spring. The Newport Marriott just re-opened after a complete renovation and is located in the heart of downtown Newport, overlooking the harbor. It's a great place to stay when exploring Newport's famous Gilded Age mansions or participating in the Volvo Ocean Race festivities this May. Their new hotel restaurant, MainSail, and two bars are the perfect perch for enjoying the Newport scene. Room rates in May start from $189/night. The hotel is also celebrating its grand reopening with some special Spa Packages including discounts on facials, massages and wraps. A spring getaway is a great way to start refreshed for summer after a long winter! Round-trip airfare from Chicago to Providence starts at $275/person.

4. Cancun, Mexico

There’s no better way to spend a vacation than to be surrounded by endless turquoise waters of the Caribbean. Riviera, Cancun is the perfect destination for families, couples and friends wanting to plan a spring getaway. As part of the Rainforest Alliance, Riviera embraces local culture with its turtle release program, 100% environmentally friendly practices, and more to preserve the rainforest that encompasses the beach. Now Jade Riviera Cancun is the best of both worlds when seeking relaxation and adventure. Experience exciting pastimes of daytime and nighttime activities including snorkeling, kayaking, sunbathing on the palm-studded beach, live nightly music, movies on the beach and more. For a more relaxing day, take advantage of the innovative spa treatments the resort offers. Families traveling with little ones will love the Explorer’s Club, where kids can enjoy fully supervised activities like sandcastle contests, arts and crafts, and campouts, freeing up adults to have fun of their own. The Unlimited Luxury includes airfare, hotel transfers, accommodations in the Junior Suite, daily refreshed mini bar with soda and snacks, limitless access to gourmet dining at your choice from eight restaurants and six bars and lounges, endless top-shelf spirits, daily land and water activities, and pool and beach wait service. Available departures from Chicago on Mondays and Sundays from 5/4-5/17 and stay for 4 nights for only $1,049/person.

5. Budapest, Hungary

The dollar has made some historic gains on the Euro recently so now is an ideal time to book a trip to Europe. Looking for cities where your dollar will go even further? Consider Budapest, the gem of Central Europe located on the Danube River. Known as the city of healing waters, visitors must make a trip to the spa when in town…the Hotel Corinthia, on the cosmopolitan “Pest” side of the city, has an array of thermal spas with an option to enjoy waters indoors or out with a range of aromatherapy and massage treatments. Book a room at the trendy Balthazar Hotel, a one-year old contemporary designed boutique hotel set inside a refurbished building on the historic “Buda” side of the city with walking distance to all the historic sights. The owners of the hotel also run a few restaurants in the area including Pest-Buda and Pierrot. Rates start as low as $147.88/night (130 Eur/night) including breakfast. Flights from Chicago to Budapest start at $740/person.

To book these trips and more, contact Royal Travel at www.royal-travel.com or call 1-800-747-7695.