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About Riviera Maya

Riviera Maya is a tourist region along the Carribean coast just south of Cancun Mexico. Originally the location was specific to Playa Del Carmen as the northern border and Tulum to the south, but has since expanded its reach. Unico 2087 isn’t located in a specific town, but is about 30 minutes north of Tulum, right on the ocean. Fun fact, 20 87 refers to Unicos coordinates!

The average high temperature ranges from 80-90 degrees Fahrenheit, and the average low range is 67-77, depending on the month. It can be very humid so the temperature may feel much warmer than it is.

Unico 2087 has a jungle ecosystem, being further south. We even saw a wild monkey on the property! Rain can sometimes be a concern, so may be important to note that February – May are the least rainy months and October is the rainiest.

I went to Unico 2087 in the middle of February and it rained only one evening. There was a wind advisory one day as well, so that’s something to think about too if you plan on participating in activities that the wind would impact.

Getting to Unico 2087

Unless you live in Mexico, you’ll fly into the Cancun International Airport (CUN) and drive 55 miles to the resort. With no traffic, this takes an hour and fifteen minutes.

Cancun has improved the customs process and it’s so simple to enter with a U.S. passport. Some lines are fully automated, just have your passport scanned, look into a camera, and call it a day. Once outside you’ll see many transportation options (and some places to grab a cocktail). I highly, and I cannot stress this enough, recommend that you pre-arrange your transportation to the hotel.

Unico offers a complimentary shared shuttle service or private service for a price. We used the shuttle on the way to the resort and sprung for a private service on the way back. You may be wondering why we decided what happened on the way there that we decided to pay on the way back. The reason is, I forgot I don’t like people. KIDDING! They inform you upfront that the shuttle may stop at other hotels and that’s exactly what happened. That and there were a LOT of kids on our shuttle to the resort. We decided it was worth the extra money to not have to leave the resort extra early on departure day and save our sanity as an hour and fifteen minutes isn’t exactly a short amount of time to be in close quarters with strangers.

The Resort

• Unico 2087 is an adults-only, all-inclusive resort that opened in 2017, so everything is relatively new.
• The resort is gated even to enter the grounds and has security guards so I never felt unsafe.
• A high percentage of the guests are couples, although I did see some parents/kids (adults, of course) and friends around the resort as well.
• There is free wifi and the signal is pretty strong throughout the resort so having access to the internet is no problem.
• As far as all-inclusives go, Unico is a boutique resort and has 5 restaurants
• You’ll want to download the UnicoRivieraMaya App from the App Store. This is where you’ll see restaurant menus, can make dinner reservations, view the daily entertainment, and more.
• You’ll also want to download WhatsApp since you will have a local host you communicate with through texting. They can arrange activities, manage dinner reservations, and bring drinks to the room.
• Tipping is optional but always appreciated. They happily accept U.S. dollars and I recommend bringing a variety of $5’s, $10’s, and $20’s depending on who you are tipping. For instance, I tip the waitstaff $20 for my first pool cocktail and am good for the day, but I tip $5 at meals. You’ll also want cash to tip the drivers.
• Last, but certainly not least, there is a timeshare offer, which they call Legendary Vacation Club, more on that below.

Legendary Vacation Club

The timeshare component is my biggest complaint with Unico 2087. Mostly because I had no idea this even existed, so hopefully by giving you some insight you can make a well-informed decision. Excellence Playa Mujeres doesn’t offer timeshares which is why I was completely caught off guard. Apparently this is a common thing at all-inclusive resorts.

Upon check-in, the person checking us in (who was not part of the front desk staff because a large party was checking in so they had this person do it instead) brought up the Legendary Vacation Club membership. After a long travel day I was exhausted and parched (no welcome drink was offered – see: large party checking in) so it took me a minute to realize the Legendary Vacation Club is a timeshare. I shut the conversation down quickly and didn’t get pulled into the presentation.

If you are open to the presentation I believe the offer was two free massages in the spa, so not nothing, but I was on vacation to relax, not to get sold too. He asked if he could come around the pool the next day to essentially continue his sales pitch to me, of which I said no, and was shocked since I told him my goal on this short trip was to relax and read with a boozy beverage.

The resort blocks off certain section for “members only”, like parts of the beach and pools

I have no idea the details of the membership, or how much it costs, this is more to inform you that this is something you will have to deal with. I know it doesn’t bother some, but without knowing it is even a thing, I found it quite jarring and unpleasant.

Rooms

I LOVE the rooms at Uncio! The vibe is like chic boutique hotel instead of a typical tropical resort. We booked it during Cyber Monday so some rooms were sold out. Since it was a last-minute(ish) trip, we just went ahead with booking the Alcoba Ocean View – King Bed Room.

Depending on what you are looking for depends on which building you should request. Some are closer to the quiet pool, some are closer to the beach. I suggest you reach out to the hotel prior to checking in and see if they can accommodate. They are very responsive via email.

• Bed | The king-size bed is SO comfortable. I got the best night’s sleep, every single night. They even offer a pillow menu if you are particular about those.
• Balcony | The balcony is huge and has a jacuzzi tub, sofa, side table, and coffee table. The lounging area is perfect for having cocktails, playing card games, reading, and relaxing. Note, the switch to turn on the lights is inside and may be hidden by the curtains. It took us a bit of time to find that.
• Bathroom | Psudo open concept but the toilet has a door, which is GREAT! Double sinks give you plenty of space to get ready and the shower is also a good size. No complaints about water pressure. The only thing I found odd was that housekeeping replenished some of the towels, but not every towel we used so I was kind of conserving near the end.
• TV | I know you are on vacation so you might not care about TV, but hear me out. We were there during the Super Bowl, plus I just love TV (as you may know from my IG) so it’s something I always look at. In fact, I travel with a Fire Stick to have all the steaming apps readily available. If you do this, do not forget the remote at home. I digress, the TV is big, new, and great!
• Mini Bar | The mini fridge is stocked with Pepsi products (no Coke which I do NOT love), beer, and water. There are also snacks. You may notice I did not include what is usually in a bar and that is alcohol and wine. Unico 2087 does not offer complimentary bottles(you can pay extra) in rooms. If you want a glass of Prosecco (Champagne is extra) you can ask your local host to bring it, along with two shots of alcohol (for a mixed drink) per person. I’m wondering if getting a bottle at Duty-Free would be a way to remedy this annoyance.

Restaurants & Food

As a boutique resort, Unico 2087 has five restaurants, which is less than most major all-inclusives. We ate at four of the five and I did not get tired of them. The food and beverages are what differentiate from all other resorts! The restaurants feel like real restaurants as opposed to some that can feel like a banquet hall. There is no dinner buffet, which some might not like, but I don’t miss at all.

I suggest making reservations on the app prior to arriving. You can always cancel if plans change, but if you know you’ll be eating at the resort, why not plan ahead?

Here’s what we had, what I recommend, and what I wouldn’t order again.

• Cueva Siete – This is a Mexican restaurant and being in Mexico, I assumed it would be great. It is! We had dinner here our first night and our last night. The first night we ate inside and it was packed! The last night we opted for an outdoor table and the mosquitos were biting! As much as we want to enjoy the warm weather, inside is where it’s at. Here are all the things we had, both nights combined:
  • To Share: Chips, salsa, and bean dip come to the table and are so good! Sopecitos (sausage and potato sopes with pickled onion and jalapeno). Obsessed! We ordered them both nights! Blue Corn Quesadillas are pretty good. I would order them again. Spicy Chips are like lemony roasted potatoes and are so good! Another thing that was ordered both nights.
  • Meal: My husband had the Birria and loved it! We also had Mushroom Enchiladas, Fish Tacos, and Chicken with Green Pipian. Fish tacos were just ok and the enchiladas and chicken were a little bland.
  • Dessert: My husband loved the Horchata Tres Leches (another repeat order)! The Bananas and Cream were ok but the Strawberries and Meringue were very good. I’m going to include the Tableside Mayan Coffee as dessert because it is sweet but VERY strong!
• 2087 Grill – Breakfast buffet by morning, classic grill by night! Buffet is solid, pretty traditional with omlette station, fresh fruits, all the juice, etc. They offer indoor and outdoor seating in the morning, whereas the evening is indoor only. Sometimes they have live music too! In the evenings, the outdoor bar is open and its specialty is craft gin! We went to the outdoor bar a few times, and the only odd thing was that the bar is open, but no (and I mean zero) lighting by the seating. Fun anecdote, during the day we saw a wild monkey hop on the bar, knock over some glasses, and run off on a rooftop. It is the jungle!
  • To Share: Rolls – herby buttery pull-apart rolls came to the table and I don’t think I’ve ever had bread that good in Mexico! Empanada Duo – one of my favorite things I ate all trip! Not necessarily on brand with a grill, but delicious nonetheless.
  • Meal: I read Jess Keys review and I don’t think she had any salads she loved so I stayed away from those. My husband got the Onion Soup and I got the Poblano Cappucino Soup to start, both were just OK. As someone who loves risotto, but doesn’t like mushrooms, I was excited to try the Parmesan Risotto. It has a ton of flavor and I would order again! My husband wasn’t sure how the steak would be, but he got the New York Strip and said it was excellent and loved the Roquefort/Kalamata topping.
  • Dessert: Corn Cake was solid but even better were the Chocolate Whoopies which is essentially a flight of mini whoopie pies.
• Mi Carisa – Italian restaurant in the evening turns into a beautiful breakfast spot in the morning. We first went here for dinner and sat in the most random spot, next to the door to the patio, but also next to a wet floor side. Killed the vibe. The restaurant was so pretty though we decided to try it for breakfast even though we randomly heard someone say the food was the same as the buffet. Not so! I much prefer this over the buffet spot and, the crepes to share are amazing! We were also talked into getting the pastry basket, so I’ll pass that along…get it!
  • To Share: Bread Basket came out with a variety of breads and crackers and again, excellent bread!
  • Meal: Unico has updated their menu since we were there, so I don’t know the exact names of the dishes we got, but they were just OK. This was our least favorite restaurant, but if I’m comparing two resorts, this Italian restaurant was MUCH better than the Italian restaurant at Excellence. I just think I don’t go to Mexico to have Italian…I go to Italy for that.
• Everything Else – a couple of other notes about dining at Unico:
  • Pizza – there is a made-to-order coal-fired (I think) pizza spot. Pretty solid.
  • Inez Afe – Coffee house and grab-and-go spot. The coffee and pastries are great! I would usually grab something to go and sit by the pool before I was ready for cocktails.
  • Mura House – Japanese and if we knew enough people would have tried the Hibachi, but it seats 8 and I don’t like strangers.

Swimming Pools & Beach

Swimming Pools

There are three good sized swimming pools at Unico! Each pool has a hot tub, and there are lounge chairs with umbrellas as well as day beds. Food and beverage service starts around 10:00 am. The service isn’t the quickest, especially compared to Excellence, but can you really complain when you are drinking Pina Coladas while reading a book and soaking up vitamin D?

In the center of the resort is the activity pool, which includes things like volleyball and a swim-up bar. I would consider this the party pool of the resort. Directly behind it is the music pool, which has music piped throughout, but no activities in the actual pool. Both of these pools have separate sections designated for Legendary Members. I did not spend time at either of these because I’m a quiet pool kind of girl.

The third pool is off to the side and is a designated quiet pool. Great in theory, but lacks in execution. There is no music piped, which aligns with it being a quiet pool, but that leads to people bringing their own speakers, which is quite annoying. There is a sign that notes it is a quiet pool, with rules (like headphones required for music) listed, but no one enforcing them.

I don’t want anyone to not have fun on vacation, but it would be nice if the hotel staff would suggest them moving to the music pool if they want to hear music. As someone who wants to read at the pool, the music is kind of distracting. There is a swim-up bar at the quiet pool which is convenient while in the pool, but also leads to people congregating and getting a little loud…at the quiet pool. Swim-up bar is off brand for the quiet pool.

Beach

I haven’t found Riviera Maya/Cancun beaches to be great, and I dislike sand, so I rarely spend time at them. I did check them out for you, but can’t comment on service or anything. The beach is small, and it’s publicly owned so the seating is pretty minimal.

The Entertainment

Unico doesn’t have entertainment, but rather activities. At Excellence there is a pavilion with proper shows (quality is what you would expect) and an outdoor bar that has live bands every night. Unico doesn’t have a pavilion or a central outdoor bar area. There is the Palmera Lounge which stays open late, and turns into a nightclub. It hosts activities like Bingo and Karaoke in the evening. We walked in there once during Bingo and it was a weird vibe. There is also an outdoor section to the bar but wasn’t open when we were there.

The Spa

I didn’t get a chance to visit the spa since I only do that on rainy days during vacation. If you attend a Legendary presentation you receive free spa services. The prices are kind of expensive, but I’m wondering if that’s to help incentivize sitting through a presentation.

Overall Review (TLDR)

Unico 2087 Review: The resort is easy and convenient to get to from much of the U.S. As far as luxury, adults-only, all-inclusive resorts go, there is a lot of value for the price. The vibe is wonderful, the food is great, and the service is solid. If you are a beach lover there are better places for you. If you are a ‘cocktails by the pool’ type of person, then this might just be the place. With a few caveats (knowing about the timeshare element and the bottles) I would highly suggest, and I would definitely return myself!

Loved this Unico 2087 review? Then check out these other posts!

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There are a few requirements a bag has to have to work in all my travel scenarios. One is a laptop sleeve since sometimes I travel for work and the trip is so long I have to pack my work bag. The second is a luggage handle strap. If I’m going all over the airport with my wheeled carry-on, I don’t want to have to carry my personal item or worry about it falling off my wheeled carry-on. Lastly, it needs to be counted as a personal item. My anxiety doesn’t want to take the risk every time I board a plane that the flight attendant will make me check my wheeled carry-on because my personal item is too large.

If this sounds like you, keep reading for my complete, honest review.

If you buy something through my links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I appreciate your support! See disclosure for details.

About Everlane

You may know Everlane as the American clothing retailer that provides timeless, sustainable, and ethically sourced fashion, but do you also know they carry bags, shoes, and accessories? I’ve been shopping from them online (I don’t live near any of their 11 stores) for years and can attest that the quality is phenomenal for the very fair pricing.

Compartments in the Everlane Weekender Duffle

Aside from the padded laptop sleeve requirement I noted above, the Everlane Weekender bag has a few compartments, and they are all quite handy!

In the interior of the bag are two water bottle pouches, one on either end of the bag. There is also an interior zipper pocket to put things you want to keep extra secure. I like putting my wallet in that pocket, along with items that normally go in my purse.

On the exterior of the bag is a rather long pocket where I put things I’ll need easy access to, like my ID, earbuds, and hand sanitizer.

Straps on the Everlane Bag

The people at Everlane have thought of everything! There are three ways to hold the bag, and then a luggage sleeve to put over the carry-on handle if you don’t want to hold it.

There are two hand straps, over-the-shoulder straps (9″), and a padded adjustable cross-body strap (51″). I probably use the over-the-shoulder straps the most but all three options have come in handy depending on the circumstance.

All of the straps are black, so depending on the color bag they are monochromatic or contrasting. I love the color combination of the light neutral warm quartz against the black straps.

Structure

Some pretty popular carry-ons are very structured, especially if they have a shoe compartment at the bottom. I love that the Everlane isn’t structured ( I mean it holds its shape but there are no hard edges) so I never have to worry if I’ll be able to squeeze it into a space.

The Everlane bag has fit as a personal item on every flight I’ve flown on last year, and I never had a flight attendant question it. I can’t say the same thing for some of the other bags I’ve seen in the airport.

The official dimensions of the bag are 14.2″ H x 7.3″ W x 19.5″ L so check if this will work with your airline, but I’ve had zero issues on United and their partner airlines.

Materials of the ReNew Transit Weekender

The main body of the bag is made of water-resistant 100% recycled polyester, and I’ve found that it holds up very well! Because it’s not leather, I’m not too worried about ruining it while traveling. Although I have a couple of marks on it, there has not been one rip, tear, or snag.

Price

At the time of publishing, the Weekender Bag is $95. I looked at a lot of bags and all of them were over $100. Free shipping doesn’t kick in until you spend $100 on the website, but at that price, I’m ok with spending on shipping. Or you can add one of their basics to your cart and get something to put inside your bag!

Colors

The bag is offered in five timeless, neutral colorways, all with black straps. I have warm quartz and it looks great dressed down or dressed up.

Final Verdict of the Everlane Weekender

I 1,000% would recommend the Everlane Weekender and would buy it again! It met all of my requirements needed for a bag, and I can’t believe the quality for the price. Honestly, there isn’t one thing I would change.

If you have any questions leave a comment down below and I’m happy to answer!

If you loved this review, check out these other travel-related posts!

DISCLOSURE: If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. I only feature products I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are my own. I am very obsessed with FTC compliance so check out my full disclosure for details.

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Ultimately, Vegas will be what you make of it. If you want a sleepless trip filled with debauchery and nights you won’t forget, you can have that. If you want pure relaxation with the most memorable meals, you can also have that. I’ve been to bachelorette parties, birthdays, work events, and romantic long weekends. I’ve even been there for a wedding! My last trip, and what this 3-day itinerary is based on, was a balance of activity and relaxation without being overly scheduled.

Before we jump in, let’s review some of the things Veags is known for since they will be sprinkled throughout. If you go somewhere and they are known for something, you should have that thing. I learned this lesson the hard way when I went to a gelateria in Venice and had the worst sandwich of my life. That’s a story for a different day.

• The Strip – The Las Vegas Strip is like small-town USA main street on steroids! Las Vegas Boulevard, the official name, is four miles long. The majority of major hotels, shopping, and restaurants are located directly on it.
• Gambling – There are over 100 casinos in Las Vegas and they never close! While I’m not a big gambler, I like to see what a few bucks can do. For me, it’s strictly entertainment.
• Dining – What’s great about Las Vegas is that the best restaurants from the best cities in the country inevitably open locations there. So you can be in one location and try restaurants from all over! Many times a celebrity chef is also tied to the restaurants, which is always fun!

If you buy something through my links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I appreciate your support! See disclosure for details.

Where is Las Vegas?

Las Vegas is in the Southwestern portion of the United States and it is in the Mojave Desert. Vegas is 270 miles southeast of LA and its elevation is around 2,000 feet. It is located in Pacific Standard Time Zone.

When to Visit Las Vegas?

As noted above, Vegas is in the literal desert. The temperature may be over 100 degrees in the summer and 20 degrees in the winter. The best time is Spring and Fall, when there is a slight briskness in the morning and late at night, but sunshine and warmth during the day.

These seasons are especially great if you are coming from an area with four distinct seasons since it may not be the ideal temperature there. When I went in April the weather was gorgeous, high 70s, and it was still cold back in Chicago.

Can’t Miss Things To Do (aka Very Obsessed!)

Top three things from this Itinerary:

• Fountains of Bellagio Water Show
• Dinner at Superfrico
• Slip a $20 in a Slot Machine

Itinerary Overview

Where to Stay in Las Vegas

During the course of the 20+ years I’ve been visiting Vegas, I’ve stayed in my fair share of hotels and they have run the gamut of every price range. These days my favorite place to stay is Aria. Below I’ve noted a few of my Aria highlights!

Aria is a 5-star hotel that is located on the south end of The Strip. Not only is it a must that the hotel is on The Strip for ease of walking, but the south end is my favorite area with its close proximity to Cosmopolitan and Bellagio. Aria is part of MGM, so you’re eligible to earn rewards, as well as Marriott Bonvoy, so you can earn points. Not only do they have excellent dining options, but they are also home to the largest Forbes Five-Star Spa in the world. It’s the Goldilocks of vibes, not too young (no day parties) and not too old (plenty of young-ish people).

Day One | South End of The Strip

Day

This is either your travel day or you traveled yesterday. Either way something not too fussy for breakfast is what is on the agenda. Just because it’s not fussy though doesn’t mean it’s not amazing! Eggslut is an LA-based breakfast sandwich fast-casual spot that has fresh ingredients and is made to order. It’s on the Mezzanine level of Cosmopolitan, about a 6-minute walk from Aria, and the line is long. It goes fast though so don’t let that deter you, maybe just plan on going 30 minutes before you are ravenous, haha.

After you’ve filled your belly it’s time to walk the Las Vegas Strip. I love to wander the strip with no exact destination in mind, and let it speak to me. Along the strip, you will find most hotels, so you can always pop in and grab a cocktail, snack, or gamble for a bit. There is also a TON of shopping to be had, I can’t even count the amount of Louis Vuitton or Hermès stores I’ve seen. These shops will be connected to the casinos or in Fashion Show Mall, on the north end of the strip. Lastly, there are just random places, a particular favorite is the Coke Store where you can get a flight of sodas from all over the world.

Night

You will have walked many steps by evening so you may want to go back to the hotel and get ready for dinner. Superfrico is located inside the Cosmopolitan and is described as an ‘American Italian Psychedelic’ restaurant. Without giving anything away, the cocktails are fun, the food is great, and the entertainment is amazing! I suggest making a reservation for 7:00 or later. When dinner is over, head next door for the 9:00 pm show at OPM. It is from the same group as Superfrico and will not disappoint! If you want a little sweet treat before you walk back to Aria, stop by Milk Bar on the Mezzanine level at the Cosmopolitan and try the cereal milk ice cream or grab a cookie for the road.

Day Two | North End of The Strip

Day

After last night’s festivities, you may want to sleep in and that’s great because we don’t have anything on the agenda until brunch! Since Mon Ami Gabi has an outdoor patio and is situated directly across the street from the Bellagio fountain, make your brunch reservations at noon or later. The Bellagio Water Show is not to be missed and starts at noon on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, meaning you’ll have prime viewing!

Next, we’ll wander north to see that side of the strip. Feel free to stop in any casinos or stores you’d like. One notable casino to check out is The Venetian where you can ride a gondola on canals inside and outside of the casino, just like you’re in Venice! Like many casinos, they also have a ton of stores to shop to your heart’s content.

While you’re in the area, check out The High Roller, the Ferris Wheel at The Linq. You’ll get a bird’s eye view of Vegas in a comfortable, and oversized cabin. They often offer special events as well. A few years ago I did a yoga class, in the Ferris Wheel, and it was amazing!

Night

As a Vanderpump Rules fan (and most things Bravo) I would be remiss if I did not include one of Lisa Vanderpumps Restaurants in this Las Vegas itinerary. Although I understand it’s not for all. Of the two spots, I suggest Vanderpump à Paris on the ground floor of Paris. The decor is like a sophisticated Moulin Rouge and the drink presentation is outstanding!

If LVP is not your vibe, then I recommend Beauty & Essex at The Cosmopolitan. This is a spot that started in NYC (on Essex Street) and has made its way to Sin City. In the NYC location, you enter through what looks like a pawn shop and there is champagne poured in the bathroom. The Las Vegas location is located on the mezzanine level of The Cosmopolitan, so it doesn’t quite have the same speakeasy vibes, but the food and drinks are just as good. If you are looking for imaginative small plates to share, this is for you!

If Beauty & Essex sounds like something you want to try, but also want to check out LVP, you can always have a drink at Vanderpump Cocktail Garden at Caesar’s Palace before dinner. The bonus if you go this route is that you can stop by Dominque Ansel at Caesar’s and pick up some pastries. Yes, he’s known as the inventor of the Cronut, but actually, his Kouign Amann is amazing! Probably the best I’ve had, and I’ve had a few in my day.

Day Three | Back to the South End

Day

After two days of walking the strip, it’s time to take a little break. We’ll have breakfast at Salt & Ivy at the hotel, which has a beautiful outdoor patio, great food, and amazing drinks. Seriously, I ate here twice on my last trip and loved everything. Then, because the pool at Bellagio is a little more relaxed, we’ll head there for a pool day. If you reserve a chair in advance you don’t need to be a guest at the hotel and you’ll have food and beverage service. It’s delightful! Before settling in make sure you check out the Conservatory & Botanical Gardens which is beautiful and changes seasonally.

Night

After the pool, you’ll want to go back to the hotel and shower, which works out great because that’s where dinner is as well! Bring your appetite to Din Tai Fung, a Chinese chain that has won Michelin stars in Hong Kong. The food is fresh (you can see them making it in the window) and everything is amazing. Seriously, it’s hard to pick a favorite thing. Your belly will be full so, if you’d like, spend your last evening trying your hand with lady luck and checking out what the casino has in store.

Transportation

How to Get There

Las Vegas has a pretty large airport with most major cities offering direct flights which is the way I always get there. Since it is part of the 48 states, you can also drive which can be convenient depending on where you are coming from. It’s about a four-hour drive from Los Angeles.

How to Get Around

Las Vegas is very driveable so renting a car is always an option. I generally use Uber and Lyft when I’m there because then I don’t have to mess around with parking and there are always tons of cars available. The one thing to note in the casinos is there are usually designated pick-up spots that might be a little walk away so make sure to look for signs.

What to Pack

Bring layers! Which layers to bring will depend on which season you are visiting. Don’t forget that Vegas is in the desert so night will be considerably cooler than the day.

Since everything is on the strip you may find yourself hopping from one location to the next and before you know it you’ve walked 10,000 steps. Bring comfortable, but cute, shoes.

SPF, and I cannot stress this enough especially if you haven’t seen the sun in many months. The last time I was there I used 50 and was good, never got burnt, but it was so hot I did get a heat rash. The sun is no joke.

Tips for Visiting

• Stop by CVS and pick up some bottles of water and snacks for the hotel room. The mini-bar pricing is no joke! I have no problem paying more for delicious, quality food, but paying $7 for a bottle of water is just paying for convenience. Do yourself a favor, make a CVS stop on your first day there, and thank me later.
• If you will be gambling I suggest you stop by the casino desk and get a loyalty card to put in the machine. Yes, it’s basically so the casino can track your spending and what you are doing, but you can receive perks like being first in line for dinner or even free hotel stays

Other Recommendations

The above Las Vegas itinerary is what I suggest if you want to have an enjoyable time that is balanced with exploring the strip and relaxing but feel free to adjust as needed. Below are a couple of things that I also recommend, but just didn’t make it into the three-day itinerary.

• Spa Day | I love a spa day and on the off chance you are there when it’s raining (or maybe it’s too hot for the pool) the Aria spa is amazing!
• Las Vegas Sign | In all the many times I’ve visited I’ve never seen the sign. It is iconic and signifies the beginning of The Strip, but in the age of social media, there is usually a line to take a photo. If you want to do this the best bet is to go early, when the people who stayed out all night are sleeping in. If you are coming from the East and have the advantage of the time change on your side, take an Uber the second morning there and grab yourself a picture!
• Neon Museum (at night!) | Vegas has a ton of Neon signage and the Neon Museum is where those signs go when they retire.
• Buffets | I’m not a buffet girlie but if you are, Vegas is the place for it! Bellagio and Cosmopolitan are known to have two of the best buffets on the strip.
• Pinball Hall of Fame | Part museum, part arcade, you can take an Uber and find tons of pinball games to play!
• If you don’t live near an In-N-Out Burger or have never had it, there is one on The Linq Promenade. You might love it or not, but you should at least try it since so many people say it’s their favorite fast casual burger. Take it from me and get the fries well done.

FAQ

• Is it worth going to Vegas for three days?
  • Yes! Vegas can be sensory overload from all the people, the variety of noises, and the neon lights. It can be relaxing if you do it a certain way, but the stereotypical Vegas experience is best in small doses.
• Are three nights in Vegas enough?
  • Yes! 4 days and three nights are enough. If the first and last days are travel days then you have two full, non-travel days and nights. Take in a show, do a little gambling, make some dinner reservations, walk the strip, get a massage, or lay by the pool. All the details are in the above post but you can experience an amazing time in Vegas in three nights.
• How many days are sufficient in Las Vegas?
  • Have you seen The Hangover? I kid, I kid. TBH for me it kind of depends on the flight time. If you are nearby and travel time is short and can spend three days and two nights, you’ll have a fun time in Vegas. If you are like me and it’s a four-hour flight, you may want to extend it to four days and three nights. If you find yourself with more time you may want to take a day trip to the Grand Canyon or Zion National Park. Alternatively, you can stay in Las Vegas proper but spend a day in old Vegas which has a completely different vibe than The Strip.
• How much is a trip to Vegas for three days?
  • The age-old question of how much travel costs. The great thing about Vegas is that it caters to every type of traveler. You can fly an ultra-low-cost airline and stay in a basic hotel room and it can be quite affordable, eating In & Out to your heart’s desire. On the other hand, you can fly business class, stay in a five-star hotel and make fancy reservations. How you choose to travel is up to you!

Book a Trip to Las Vegas!

I typically book directly with the airline and hotel, but sites like skyscanner.com and booking.com are great for comparing options. Click the links below to book now!

DISCLOSURE: If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. I only feature products I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are my own. I am very obsessed with FTC compliance so check out my full disclosure for details.

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If you buy something through my links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I appreciate your support! See disclosure for details.

About Sedona, Arizona

I have a lengthy post for a detailed 3-Day Itinerary in Sedona, so I won’t go into it all here. A couple of key points about Sedona that I do believe play into the review of the resort are below.

1. Sedona is home to a charming downtown, full of small boutiques and restaurants. As someone who likes to walk around and take the least amount of transportation I can on vacation, it’s essential for the resort to be within walking distance of other things. I don’t want to get in the car whenever I feel like leaving.
2. Maybe best known for Red Rocks, Sedona is ingrained in hiking culture, meaning you will drive to the best hikes. Easy access to the rental car is essential.
3. Sedona is a resort town and anyone who has visited a resort town knows that dining options aren’t always plentiful or have the most convenient hours. Having easy access to coffee and meals is a must!

The Hotel

Located down a semi-steep hill off of N State Rte 89A, Amara Resort and Spa is a 4-star hotel on the banks of Oak Creek. Since it’s one of the best hotels in Sedona, they book quickly so if you are thinking of staying but aren’t entirely sure, I suggest booking it knowing you can utilize the flexible cancellation policy if needed.

I highly, highly recommend working with the Concierge at the hotel. Not only did they give us a ton of recommendations, they booked our dinner reservations and our jeep tour which picked us up directly in front of the hotel.

Rooms

Amara offers both rooms and suites, as well as the option between King size beds or two queens. This is important if you want to share a room on a girl’s trip as not every hotel has a two-queen bed option.

I love that every single room has a patio or balcony. Depending on the room selection, the view might not be great, but at least having some outdoor space in a place as beautiful as Sedona is wonderful. If a view is important, you can choose Creekside or Red Rocks for a premium.

The two queen bed rooms have plenty of room and a large walk-in closet. There is a coffee maker for the morning and a mini-bar for late-night cravings.

Restaurant

SaltRock Southwest Kitchen is the restaurant located in the hotel and serves Southwestern cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It’s great that there is a restaurant on site and that it is open for any meal you could want, but it isn’t inexpensive, especially for the cuisine.

I went there for breakfast and dinner; my friend and I preferred the breakfast offering to dinner. It was delicious and offered plenty of protein-rich options which is important if you will be having a long day of activities. And you can get coffee to go!

SaltRock offers indoor and outdoor dining and has a full bar. Oh, and if you are at the pool you can go into the restaurant bar for a cocktail and they’re more than happy to put it in plastic for you.

Swimming Pool

Amara has a beautiful heated infinity pool in the back of the hotel that overlooks Oak Creek. As mentioned above, you can easily walk to the bar and grab a cocktail to bring to the pool, or the hot tub if that’s more your speed. There are plenty of lounge chairs, with umbrellas, and a couple of daybeds.

Hot tip – if you don’t want to pack a pool coverup and slides just for the pool, you can use the hotel-provided robes and slippers to go to and from your room.

Amara Spa

I didn’t get a chance to visit the Spa on this trip, but that was my plan if it ended up raining. It has great reviews though and I would definitely check it out if time permits on my next trip. The entrance to the spa is across the way from valet parking, a short walk from the entrance. It’s open to the public so it’s really nice that you don’t have to go through the hotel to get to the Spa.

Overall Review (TLDR)

Amara Resort and Spa Review: The resort is in the best location in Sedona to walk to shops and has great amenities. From welcoming you with a glass of champagne to arranging anything you could need before you even arrive, the service is wonderful. I would absolutely stay here again and recommend it to anyone looking for a luxury hotel without five-star prices.

DISCLOSURE: If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. I only feature products I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are my own. I am very obsessed with FTC compliance so check out my full disclosure for details.

If you love this review, check out these other posts!

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First things first, there are some criteria for why we chose Sedona and why it could be an excellent option for you as well:

• Easy to Get To – Since we were coming from different parts of the United States, the location needed to be easy to get to from most major U.S. cities. Sedona checks that mark as it’s about a two-hour drive from Phoneix.
• Climate – Especially during a Chicago winter, but really anytime, if you are able to change climates on vacation it adds to the energy of being in a different place. Trust there is no red rock on Michigan Avenue.
• Girls Trip – It might be repetitive to say that the criteria for a girl’s trip are that it’s good for a girl’s trip, but we wanted to pick a place that fit our needs. That is to say, not choosing a place where it’s primarily couples or the rooms are all one king-size bed. We had no problem finding a room with two queen beds, and our jeep tour was made up solely of groups of friends on girls’ trips. Similarly, during our pool day, we also made vacation friends with other girls on a girl’s trip.

Not planning a trip with your friends? Don’t worry! This Sedona itinerary is also perfect for a trip with your significant other, other couples, or family (although I have zero recommendations on a trip with kids).

It’s probably a good time to just clarify, Sedona in Arizona is not to be confused with Sonoma in California. They sound pretty similar and are both perfect for girls’ trips, but that’s a very different itinerary. Have a great trip!

If you buy something through my links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I appreciate your support! See disclosure for details.

What is Sedona Know For?

Sedona is a city located in the U.S. state of Arizona. According to Wikipedia, it has a “temperate semi-arid climate”. What that means in layman’s terms is that it has four relatively mild seasons. You can visibly see the landscape and vegetation change as you drive from Phoneix in the Valley of the Sun, to Sedona which sits 4500 above sea level amongst red rocks.

In order to make the most out of your first visit to Sedona, you have to know what it’s known for. When in Rome…amiright?

• Hiking – When you think of Sedona you probably visualize gorgeous red rock formations. Sedona is home to Coconino National Forest, Red Rock State Park, and Slide Rock State Park. Rumor has it there are over 200 hiking trails in Sedona, so there are plenty of options depending on the length and difficulty of the hike you are looking for. I highly recommend downloading the AllTrails App on your phone to filter on different hikes and current conditions. We used it a ton to read current reviews to know if a hike was going to be icy, muddy, or in excellent condition.
• Vortex – Sedona is known for its energy vortexes, which many call spiritual vortexes. Many come to Sedona looking for spiritual healing or to find a sense of peace. Are the vortexes a naturally occurring phenomenon or just some wishful legend? I’ll let you be the judge since one is included in the itinerary below.
• Prickly Pear – Prickly Pear is a vibrant fruit from a cactus local to Sedona. If you visit May-July you’ll see the flowers bloom on the cactus that will eventually turn into fruit. All year long you’ll find this flavor all over the area, especially in beverages.

Can’t Miss Things To Do (we are Very Obsessed!)

Top three things from this Sedona Itinerary:

• Devil’s Bridge Hike
• Dinner at Mariposa
• Off-road Jeep Tour

Itinerary Overview

Where to Stay

We did a ton of research to find the perfect spot and I absolutely recommend the four-star Amara Resort & Spa. Check out my complete Amara Resort post for a full review!

You cannot beat the location of the hotel since it’s situated on the main street of Uptown Sedona. It makes it so easy to walk and explore the adorable town.

The hotel was recently renovated in 2021 and it shows! Every room has a patio or balcony, with some even facing red rocks. There is a pretty good-sized walk-in closet, enough for both of us to use. Like any good hotel, robes, and slippers are provided, and the mini bar got plenty of use.

The hotel has a ton of amenities! It’s located at the base of a short drive and is directly on Oak Creek. Once you arrive at the front door you are greeted by valet which is included in the stay.

Along with the heated outdoor infinity pool, there is a hot tub, access to Oak Creek, outdoor firepits, and cornhole boards. Across from the hotel is the spa, which I didn’t get a chance to use, but was planning on if the forecast called for rain. There is also a gym (which I didn’t go to because that’s not what I do on vacay) and a meditation room.

Saltrock Kitchen is located in the hotel, so it’s very convenient. One of the best perks was the wonderful concierge. Teah sent a long email with recommendations and was able to answer any and all questions we had. She even made dinner reservations for us and arranged the Jeep tour to pick us up at the hotel. From the moment we arrived (complimentary glass of champagne) to the moment we left (water for the car ride back) we truly felt like we were taken care of, and I absolutely cannot say that for every four star hotel.

Day One | Wander and Chill

Day

If you are familiar with a Very Obsessed itinerary you know that most coffee shops I recommend serve local coffee, but sometimes location wins. Before and After Java Cafe is located at the end of the main strip in Uptown, route 89A, so it’s the perfect spot to grab breakfast. They serve Starbucks, and there’s something comforting about a familiar menu, right? You can also grab a view of red rocks, and that just won’t get old.

Take this time to walk up and down the strip, popping into the boutiques. Some are more touristy than others, that’s to be expected, but there are some real gems. I particularly love Red Rock Apothecary (a great place for gifts) and Sedona Crystal Vortex has about every crystal you can imagine. This would be a good time to buy some crystals, if you believe in that sort of thing, to charge them at the vortex tomorrow.

Chapel of the Holy Cross is about a ten-minute drive from the hotel and is next on the itinerary. It’s very unique because the chapel is built right into the red rocks, so even if churches aren’t your thing, it’s really cool to see. The chapel is open from 9-5 every day so keep that in mind if you want to go inside. Otherwise, you should definitely at least drive past to see it.

Night

The Vault Uptown is tonight’s dinner and is a ten-minute walk from Amara. Remember how I mentioned that Amara is down a short drive? It’s short but steep so it’s great that the hotel will take you up to the main strip via golf cart. We definitely used that feature!

Day Two | Take a Hike!

Day

Cuptown Coffee is a seven-minute walk from the hotel, but I suggest getting in your car and driving and then you can head hiking afterward. They have a decent-sized parking lot so that shouldn’t be an issue depending on what time you get there and they brew coffee locally roasted in Flagstaff. While they don’t have warm breakfasts available, the pastry offering includes regular, gluten-free, and vegan. I have to say the blueberry muffin is pretty tasty.

Post coffee, drive to Posse Grounds Park & Ride to catch the Sedona Shuttle which will take you to the Dry Creek Vista trailhead to hike Devil’s Bridge. The shuttle is amazing! It runs Thursday-Sunday year-round and is 100% free. Parking is pretty limited at the trailhead so it’s nice not to have to waste time driving around looking for parking at the most popular hiking spots.

There are a ton of blog posts that go into more detail about Devil’s Bridge, so I won’t do that, but I’ll note a few things:

• You can absolutely wear sneakers, but they should be high-quality with lots of traction.
• The official hike is 2 miles but with a high clearance off-road vehicle allowing you to park at the trailhead. Otherwise, you’ll start at the Chuck Wagon trail which makes the hike 3.9 miles.
• Devil’s Bridge is Moderate Difficulty, but the majority of it is pretty easy. There are a few steep spots and some rock scrambling which is what makes it a little moderate.
• Dress in layers, cooler than you think you’ll need. It was in the 50s and my lightest layer was a long sleeve top. I was sweating.
• Take all the pictures!!!

After Devil’s Bridge, take the shuttle back to the car and drive to Boynton Vista so you can experience a Vortex. You might be tired after Devil’s Bridge so it’s great that it’s only about a 15-minute hike to get to Boynton Vortex and then you can sit, charge your crystals, and soak in the energy. Be careful not to confuse this with Boynton Canyon. They have the same trailhead, but if you make a left at the fork you’ll be on the path to hike the 6.1-mile hike (which I’ve heard is also great, but won’t take you to the Vortex).

Night

Time to go back to the hotel and clean up for dinner at Mariposa! This Latin-inspired grill, steakhouse to be more exact, has a beautiful view of the red rocks and the food and drinks are exceptional! Don’t miss the lobster mashed potatoes (featured on The Food Network) or Lisa’s Chopped Goddess salad. This was by far our favorite meal, but it can be a little tricky to get reservations. I suggest setting up a notification on Open Table and watching that like a hawk, it will be worth it!

Day Three | Off-Roading Time

Day

Start the day off with breakfast at Saltrock Kitchen in the hotel. Truth be told, we had dinner here and we had breakfast here and breakfast was much better. Next, it’s time to go off-roading Have the hotel book your Safari Jeep Tour and the Jeep will pick you up at the hotel! We did the Outlaw Trail, which takes about 3 hours and goes off-roading near the Honanki and Palatki Ruins. I learned a ton from the guide. Note, it’s a moderate trail and can get pretty bumpy. My advice is to make sure your seatbelt is tight and lean into being thrown around like a ragdoll. If you have any sort of back issue, I might sit this one out.

Once the Jeep drops you off back at the hotel you can explore more of the town (last chance for souvenir shopping), or grab a cocktail at the bar and make your way to the pool for some well-earned vitamin D time. We didn’t get a chance to do an Aura reading, but if you’re interested, now would be a great time! Sedona Crystal Vortex offers them at their second location, which is where my plan was to go if we had time. Coming from Chicago, I enjoyed the hot tub a little too much.

Night

The final night will be low key and dinner is at Sedona Pizza and Pasta Company. It’s a 5-minute walk from the hotel, or they can drive you in the golf cart basically to the front door. You can either stay and enjoy your pizza with a view of the red rocks or decide to carry out and have a girl’s night in for your last night as we did.

Transportation

How to Get There

Phoenix is the closest major city to fly into, which is pretty accessible from most major U.S. cities. In no traffic, it takes about 2 hours to drive the 120 miles between the two destinations. I recommend renting a car at the airport and driving since it will be most convenient to drive yourself around Sedona as well.

How to Get Around

Since Amara on right off the main street of Uptown Sedona, there is plenty of walking around you can do to explore the town, but you’ll need to drive to the hikes or the Sedona Shuttle Park and Ride. This is why I suggest renting a car at the Phoenix Airport to use for the duration of your trip. We rented a car at the airport, drove to Sedona, around the area hiking and back, and used about half a tank of gas.

I never suggest drinking and driving and Mariposa has excellent cocktails and is a 30-minute walk so you may want to get an Uber/Lyft/Taxi. While Sedona has Uber and Lyft (like most of the U.S.) we were told by the hotel that they were not always so reliable and they gave us a list of local taxis. We called the first one on the list and he was able to pick us up with 45 minutes’ notice and picked us up after dinner to take us back to the hotel. Note he did not have a card reader so make sure you have cash if you go this route. Since it was a flat $10 fee luckily we had enough on us between the two of us (because who carries cash anymore?)

What to Pack

I cannot stress this enough, bring layers, layers, and more layers. As I mentioned, 50 degrees in Sedona is not the same as 50 degrees in Chicago. You just never know exactly how you are going to feel.

Overall Sedona is pretty casual and even dining at Mariposa I felt completely comfortable in a pair of black jeans and a nice sweater. With that being said, I’m not going to get into a full packing list (although let me know in the comments if you’d like one) with x amount of t-shirts, leggings, etc. but below are just a few things to keep in mind:

Unless you will be hiking on difficult paths, you should be fine hiking in high-quality sneakers with lots of traction.

You will want to bring water with you on your hikes. If you are not a backpack girlie, like I’m not a backpack girlie, I loved this water bottle sling. It’s an adjustable cross-body strap, so it’s comfortable, and it has an extra pocket for your phone, lip gloss, hand sanitizer, etc.

It might still be “cold” when you visit but bring a swimsuit to experience Amara’s heated pool and hot tub. The resort provides slippers if you don’t have enough room in your bag for slides.

Tips for Visiting

• If you have crystals already, remember to bring them with you to Sedona to charge them at a Vortex!
• There isn’t a convenience store or bodega on the main street, so if you have a late-night chocolate craving you are at the mercy of the minibar. I suggest bringing something with you or stopping at a store before checking into the hotel.

FAQ

• How many days in Sedona do you need?
  • Entirely depends because in 3 days you get a good feel for the town, hiking, and relaxing. If you want to do multiple days of hiking then you’ll need more days, and there are so many hikes you can do. You’ll want to be honest with yourself about the types of hikes you want to do and your physical fitness level. For instance, if you aren’t in the best shape, and do a moderately difficult hike, you may be too sore to go hiking the next day. If you are in moderate shape and want to stick to a lot of easy hikes then you would definitely be able to do multiple days. There are also many day trips you can go on, like to Flagstaff or the Grand Canyon.
• Are 3 days in Sedona enough?
  • It is, we had two full days and two travel days, so let’s call those two travel days one full day, hence equaling 3 days. Just be mindful of the times when you are traveling. For instance, if you are going to consider your travel day a visiting day, but don’t land in Phoneix until 7 pm, that won’t give you any exploring time. Remember you’ll need to pick up the rental car and drive the two hours to Sedona.
• How Do I spend 4 Days in Sedona?
  • Either go on another hike (I really wanted to do Cathedral Rock) or take a day trip to Flagstaff or the Grand Canyon. You could also plan for a Spa if there is one day that will be rainy.
• What is the best month to visit Sedona?
  • The end of February for President’s Day weekend was ideal. It’s not peak season, which is March-May, and not sweltering. There is somewhat of a risk during this time though because we had perfect weather in the high 50s and it was sunny, but the day after we left they were forecasting snow.

Book a Trip to Sedona!

I almost always book directly with the airline or hotel I’m using, but sites like skyscanner.com and booking.com are great for comparing options. Click the links below to book now!

DISCLOSURE: If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. I only feature products I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are my own. I am very obsessed with FTC compliance so check out my full disclosure for details.

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Before we jump in, let’s review some of the things Québec is known for since they will be sprinkled throughout. If you go somewhere and they are known for something, you should have that thing. I learned this lesson hard way when I went to a gelato place in Venice and had the worst sandwich of my life, but that’s a story for a different day.

• Poutine – French Fries, Cheese Curds (fresh, not fried), and Gravy. Those three components are standard in this famous Canadian dish, but many variations exist.
• Maple Syrup – Canada produces 85% of the world’s maple syrup. You can’t get much more known for something than that.
• Beer – According to Wikipedia, “Beer was first introduced to Canada by European settlers in the seventeenth century, as Canada had an ideal climate for making beer before refrigeration was introduced.” So there you have it.

If you buy something through my links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I appreciate your support! See disclosure for details.

Where is Québec City?

Québec City is located in the French-speaking Canadian province of Québec. Technically Québec City is just “Quebec” but since the province has the same name, most refer to it as Quebec City to distinguish the city from the province. Confused?

The nearest major city is Montreal, which is about 160 miles away. Montreal is major in that 1.8 million people live there, but Québec City isn’t a small town by any means. Québec City’s population is around 500,000, but don’t let that cloud the storybook visions in your head. We will focus most of our time on the itinerary in Old Québec, a historic UNESCO World Heritage Site made of pubs, shops, and cobblestone streets along the Saint Lawrence river.

Can’t Miss Things To Do (aka Very Obsessed!)

Top three things from this Winter Itinerary:

• Québec City German Christmas Market
• La Souche Microbrasserie
• Pub L’Oncle Antoine

Itinerary Overview

Where to Stay

When I started planning my Québec City trip there was only one place I had in mind to stay, and that’s the world-renowned Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac. As the only 5-star hotel in Old Québec, this is the place to stay if you like luxury and want to be in the center of it all. Dufferin Terrace, the wooden boardwalk that borders the Saint Lawrence River (and also has Tobogganing starting mid-December) runs along the hotel. Allegedly the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac is the most photographed hotel in the world, and it’s easy to see why. The hotel looks like something straight out of a movie, high on a hill in the style of a french castle.

If you visit during Christmas the hotel has common areas decorated beautifully with Christmas trees. and lights, and we even had a Poinsettia in our room. Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac has everything you would expect from a 5 star hotel (outlets near the bed, full-length mirror, plenty of room to sit and for the luggage to be off the floor), and the Le Labo toiletries are divine! Plus they offer lots of other complimentary perks that we didn’t take advantage of, but there is room in the itinerary so you can (like wine tasting, a tour of the hotel, etc.)

I have friends who have stayed in an Airbnb in Quebec City previously and they agreed that it was great to be in the middle of the magic. My advice is to book the hotel early before everyone starts thinking about Christmas in QC and the prices go up. I booked the hotel in July and the trip wasn’t until December. The prices were much more affordable than I typically expect from a 5-star hotel.

Day One | Today is all about Old Québec

Day

When I visit a new city I love to try out their local coffee, so a stop at Café La Maison Smith is in order! Their pastries are solid (Pain au Chocolate was my favorite that I tried) but their coffee is very good. They brew it themselves and even ship it to the U.S. if you are so inclined. They have a few locations; Des Jardins is closest to the hotel and has a bit more seating, and Notre Dame is the original location and is located near Place Royale, a historic cobblestoned square (we’ll be visiting on day three).

Next, we’ll roam around the city, on the picturesque Quartier Petit Champlain. No chains here! This street is like walking the old roads of a storybook European town, with local shops and restaurants. This is where we’ll stop for some lunch and beverages (I highly recommend the Caribou) at Pub Borgia. When you walk in you are faced with the aromatic scent of caramelized onion and this allegedly has the best French Onion soup in the city. If you want to stay a while feel free and play one of the many board games that are offered.

Old Québec is split into Upper and Lower and while you can walk the many steps connecting the two, you may want to try the Funiculaire. This railway (but more like a tram) is under $3 CAD and can take you up or down the 59 meters.

Night

The Québec City Christmas Market is split into 5 different locations, which really helps with traffic control and doesn’t seem overwhelming at all. I would, however, suggest not trying to visit all locations in one day. Today visit the closest sites to Old Québec, and we’ll visit Place D’Youville at the far end of day three. Note, the Christmas Market is free to visit, and most booths accept credit cards.

Dinner is at Le Chic Shack, a fast-casual restaurant near the hotel that specializes in burgers, poutine, and boozy shakes.

Day Two | Get into the Neighborhoods on a Brewery Crawl

Day

Free time before making our way to the Saint-Jean-Baptiste neighborhood. Le Projet Microbrasserie is a gastropub that offers a full menu and over 30 beers from various breweries around the city. Once you’ve had a pint (or two or three) take some time to explore Rue Saint-Jean, a bustling street full of eclectic shops.

Next, we are on our way to one of my favorite breweries, Noctem, and it’s not just because it’s black cat themed (although that’s a fun bonus). It’s a 12-minute walk or a 5-minute drive from Saint-Jean-Baptiste so very walkable if not too cold. Noctem is popular so you may want to try to make a reservation. We wandered in and they were very accommodating, but let us know upfront the table was reserved in 2 hours, which was more than enough time to try a flight.

Night

We’ll now make our way to the Limoilou neighborhood for a cozy spot to grab dinner. Limoilou is about a 25-minute walk from Noctem, or a 5-minute drive so I would take an Uber here. La Souche has a variety of beers but their food menu is great. While I’m not a poutine fan (no squeaky curds for me) everyone I was with agreed they have the best poutine in all of Québec City! They offer a few variations and the beer is exceptional!

It’s been a long (boozy) day of exploring so it’s back to the hotel for a nightcap. 1608 Bar is a vibey cocktail lounge in the Frontenac that has theatric drinks and serves complimentary snacks. It’s not inexpensive, but it’s a delightful way to end the evening.

Day Three | A Little Culture in Old Québec

Day

Start the day off with brunch at Cochon Dingue. With multiple locations, the closest spot to the hotel will be a 7-minute walk to the Champlain location. Get your belly full because it’s time to explore the Museum of Civilization. Don’t let what it looks like from the outside deceive you, it’s much larger than you think! Not only is there a great exhibit on the history of Quebec City, but they also have rotating eclectic exhibits as well.

Remember when I said we would visit the Place Royale? Now is the time! After the museum walk back towards the hotel and you’ll run into the historic cobblestoned square with a beautiful oversized Christmas tree right in the center. Pop into Pub L’Oncle Antoine and warm yourself with mulled wine in this 17th-century brick cellar-turned-pub.

Night

Quebec City is the only fortified city north of Mexico, and walking the ramparts is like taking a step back in time. There are four main gates, and we’ll start our evening at the Christmas Market near Saint-Jean Gate. Sitting right outside of the gate is the furthest Christmas market and an ice skating rink at Place D’Youville. There is no admission fee to skate and they rent skates so it makes for a fun winter activity! When we are done skating we make our way to dinner at Maison Livernois while visiting the Christmas Market booths along the way. Although Maison Livernois is a vibey little spot, it’s totally acceptable to wear jeans. They have great apps and cocktails (known for their gin) and will be an 8-minute walk back to the hotel to get a good night’s sleep before flying out tomorrow!

Transportation

How to Get There

Plane, train, or automobile, that is always the question, isn’t it? Unless you are close or have a ton of time, flying to Québec is going to be your best bet. Most major cities have direct flights to Montreal, which means you can have that be your final destination and drive or take a train to Quebec City. Since Quebec City has a decent-sized airport I chose to fly Air Canada (part of Star Alliance) into Québec City with a layover in Montreal. The drive is a little under 3 hours and the flight from Montreal to Québec City is a little over an hour. Totally your call!

How to Get Around

Québec City is very much a walking city, although it is Hilly with a capital H. To go from Old Quebec to the neighborhoods it’s better off driving, but because there are pubs and breweries on the itinerary, I highly suggest taking an Uber or Taxi.

One thing to note, Uber’s are not nearly as available in Québec City as they are in the US, and based on the vehicle we received from the airport to the hotel, I don’t believe they have the same standard of XL either. It is not uncommon to wait 20 minutes for an Uber while you are in Old Québec or a neighborhood, so just plan that in advance if you have to be somewhere (dinner reservations).

What to Pack

Like any cold climate city, the weather can be unpredictable. When I was there in December the temperatures ranged from mid 30’s Fahrenheit to single digits, without wind chill. As someone who HATES the cold (I know, I know, Canada in Winter) I highly suggest bringing layers. Also a high-quality winter coat (mine has to have a hood), gloves, a hat, and a scarf.

Québec City is a walking city, as mentioned earlier, but it’s very hilly, so bring shoes you can walk a lot in, that are comfortable, and that have good tread (hills can get slippery in the snow). I wore lug sole boots most of the time because they are warm, comfortable, and waterproof. I just also made sure to wear them on the plane so they didn’t take up a lot of room in my luggage.

Quebec City is a casual city, so you’ll be fine wearing jeans pretty much everywhere. My go-to is black since it’s a little more elevated than blue, but still warm when that wind is whipping.

Tips for Visiting

• French is the official language, but most people speak English as well. Only some websites will be available in English, which goes for the QR menu. If you are using an iPhone hit the translate button in the URL and the menu will be translated into English.
• The Canadian Dollar, CAD, is the national currency but I found everywhere to accept credit cards. In my International Travel Tips Guide I reiterate, if the credit card slip asks if you want it in USD or CAD, always choose the native currency.
• Because Canada isn’t part of the US, they are on the Celsius scale. I could tell you how to convert, but it’s easier to use your phone. Just know that 0 degrees Celsius is freezing (32 degrees Fahrenheit) so there’s a big difference.
• Since Canada is in North America luckily the voltage is the same which means your blow dryer, flat iron, and Air Wrap will all work without converting!
• Depending on your cell phone provider, you may or may not automatically have service. As part of my plan, I have service automatically in Mexico and Canada, so my phone worked immediately after departing the plane at no extra charge. Just note, I was on 3G for a lot of the trip so it’s not as fast as we may be used to.
  • My friend’s plan didn’t automatically have international service but almost everywhere offers free Wi-Fi so it was no problem. If no one you are traveling with will have service, and you want to call an Uber on the side of the road it could present a problem. In this instance, I recommend contacting your service provider and adding Canada.

Book a Trip to Québec City!

I almost always book directly with the airline or hotel I’m using, but sites like skyscanner.com and booking.com are great for comparing options. Click the links below to book now!

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Is Chicago Worth a Trip?

Absolutely! You may have heard that Chicago is dangerous. Yes, it does have its fair share of crime, so does any major city. It’s about being a smart traveler and being aware of your surroundings and you’ll have a good time. I

Chicago is the 3rd largest city in the US, and with two airports it’s incredibly convenient to get to. It’s been ranked “Best Restaurant City” by Bon Appétit magazine and the 2nd best city in the world by Timeout. Chicago has Midwest hospitality, it’s easy to navigate, there are tons of shopping and restaurants, it’s got a beautiful (Great) lakefront, and the list goes on and on.

How to Get to Chicago?

Since Chicago is located in the middle of the United States the city is easily accessible via plane, train, or automobile.

Chicago is home to two major airports. Chicago O’Hare is the larger and busier of the two airports and Midway is a little more manageable, although doesn’t have as many options. Both have the “L”, the elevated train rapid transit system, that runs directly from the airport straight into downtown if you want don’t want to deal with traffic.

Union Station in the West Loop is where the Amtrak arrives so if train travel is more your style it will take you straight downtown.

Check out my post on how to get around downtown Chicago.

Where to Stay in Chicago?

Since short-term rentals are legal, there is no shortage of VRBO listings to experience Chicago like a local, but I’m partial to hotels. Chicago has a ton of great hotels, this post has my full list of coolest hotels in The Windy City, and below are my top picks for your first visit.

The Langham Chicago | A 5-star hotel right on the Chicago river, it’s luxurious, has great views, and has a central location. If you need a little pampering the spa is amazing with great massages and hydrafacials!

The Drake Hotel | This 4-star hotel is rich with Chicago history, over 100 years old, but still feels as elegant as ever. Plus, it’s on the mag mile and Lake Michigan. Try the high tea in the Palm Court during the day, or cocktails and dancing at Coq D’or.

Viceroy Chicago | This is where the cool kids stay! It’s a 5-star hotel, with a great location, and an outdoor rooftop pool (need I say more).

Day One | Chicago 101

Day:

Start the day strong with brunch at Etta. Etta is a modern Italian restaurant and one of my favorite dinner restaurants in Chicago, but brunch is equally amazing. Do not miss the focaccia with whipped ricotta and get a pizza for the table, just trust me on this one. Etta has two locations but for this itinerary you’ll go to the River North location.

After brunch take a Lyft to Navy Pier. Yes, it is touristy, but you’ll get a great view of the city and you can’t visit Chicago without taking a ride on the Ferris Wheel (it was built for the Chicago World’s Fair after all). Navy Pier is also home to Offshore Rooftop, the largest rooftop deck in the U.S. If you are going to Navy Pier just for Offshore though I recommend you check out the website first as they are often closed for private events.

Now that you’ve experienced a little bit of the lake, it’s time to check out the river. Take a Lyft to the corner of Michigan Ave and E Waker Driver for an Architectural Boat Tour from the Chicago Architecture Center. You may not know about Chicago architecture before arriving, but you’ll be surprised at how rich with architectural history Chicago is.

When the tour is over, walk along the Chicago Riverwalk on the Chicago River. It’s a little over a mile long but you don’t need to walk the full length. There are bars and restaurants to stop along with a way to get a glass of wine, a snack, and do a little people-watching. The soft pretzel at Northman Beer & Cider garden is actually pretty good!

Night:

You can’t come to Chicago for the first time without trying deep-dish pizza. My favorite place that is the most accessible is Lou Malnati’s, and they just opened a location on Michigan Ave! Get the butter crust, get the Malnati’s salad, and thank me later. But you had pizza with brunch and now dinner you say? Welcome to Chicago.

Finish your night at The Second City, the world-renowned sketch comedy and improv club. I like to go to the latest show, the comedy is a little looser then. They offer a few different shows so read the descriptions and pick which one is most interesting to you. With talents like Aidy Bryant, Tina Fey, and Steve Carrell coming out of it, you can’t go wrong with any choice.

Day Two | Bougie Chicago

Day:

I hope you aren’t afraid of heights because Willis Tower, locally known as the Sears Tower, has a Skydeck that everyone must visit at least once. It’s the third tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, but the real star of the show is The Ledge. The Ledge is actually a glass box you stand in that goes 4 feet out from the building, and is 103 stories high. Cue stomach drop.

Now that your stomach is settled time for brunch and some more amazing, although much more manageable, views at Cindy’s Rooftop on Michigan Ave. The rooftop has a retractable roof and a terrace (with firepits when it’s chilly) so you can dine no matter the weather. The view is of Lake Michigan, Millenium Park, and “The Bean”, your next destination.

Cloud Gate, aka “The Bean” is located in Millenium Park and is quite a tourist destination. Truth be told, it will be busy and you won’t need much time there, but you have to at least check it out.

Take a five-minute walk to The Art Institute of Chicago, one of the country’s oldest art museums, and check out the works of Van Gogh, Monet, and Picasso

Night:

Get ready for a night on the town!

In the Midwest we know steak, but that doesn’t mean you need to go to an old-school steakhouse. Maple & Ash is a scene, is the best possible way. You’ll drop a pretty petty here, but the vibe is cool, the food is amazing, and you’ll feel like you are celebrating something, even if it’s just going on vacation!

The Chicago Magic Lounge is a hidden gem because it’s not in a part of town where tourists go, but it’s a local favorite. Enter through a faux laundromat and enter into a Gatsby-era speakeasy lounge with a close-up magic show. It’s an experience unlike I’ve had anywhere else.

When to Visit Chicago

Chicago is a city with four distinct seasons and they all have their high points, but nothing compares to Chicago in the Summer. Spring and Fall are also really great, but you risk a bit of rain in the Spring or an early cold front in the Fall.

If you chance it and come in Winter you’ll have to substitute some things on the itinerary (let me know if you do and I’ll give you recommendations) and don’t be surprised if your flight is impacted by snow.

Only 1 Day in Chicago?

If you only have one day in Chicago (boo!) do the Day One itinerary. It really is Chicago 101. If it happens to be raining on your one day in Chicago, sub the day portion of Day Two and stick with the night portion of Day One.

What is There To Do in Chicago For 3 Days?

Wondering how many days are needed in Chicago? I prefer two nights, three days the first time I visit a new city. That way I have one full day and night that isn’t a travel day, but if it’s not for me I haven’t committed too much time. You’ll get to see a lot of Chicago in this time frame and won’t be bored.

I have separate itineraries for the Spring/Summer and Fall. Let me know in the comments if you’d be interested in a Winter itinerary too.

Some people ask if 2 days is enough in Chicago. I love The Windy City so I’m partial, but if the option is 48 hours or nothing, definitely visit and you’ll get a good feeling for the place. If you are here longer though you won’t be bored.

DISCLOSURE: If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. I only feature products I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are my own. I am very obsessed with FTC compliance so check out my full disclosure for details.

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Downtown

Avec

You can’t go wrong with Avec, and now they are open for brunch it’s a must-visit! Avec serves Mediterranean-inspired tapas and there is something (multiple things) for everyone. The food is fresh, flavorful, and delicious. It’s one of my favorite spots in the city.

Beatnik

I haven’t been yet, but this has the coolest bohemian vibe and is right on the river. There’s a terrace (enclosed in Winter), DJs, Mediterranean food, and fun brunch cocktails. It has a great reputation in the city.

Wildberry Pancakes & Cafe

This is the only pick on the list that doesn’t offer alcohol, but you can’t think of pancakes in Chicago without thinking of Wildberry. They have a massive menu with all sorts of pancake options, but if that’s not up your alley they offer lots of egg dishes too. Or get the best of both worlds and order an egg dish with a pancake on the side. They don’t take reservations and are wildly popular, so prepare to wait or get there early.

Cindy’s Rooftop

The reason you go to Cindy’s is for the retractable roof (which means you can go in when it’s not warm) right on Michigan Avenue with unmatched views of the bean. I mean…don’t discount the food, but you won’t get that view anywhere else.

Maple & Ash

One of my absolute favorite dinner restaurants, but I have yet to make it for brunch. When you are here it’s for a celebration. It’s pricey, but if it’s anything like dinner you will not regret it. It’s a scene at dinner, but a little more laid back during brunch.

Lincoln Park/Lakeview

Summer House Santa Monica

Like The Hampton Social, Summer House has a coastal vibe, but this time it’s California cool. Less fish on the menu, this is really all about laid-back American food. Fun fact: one time I went here for brunch and was wearing the same exact white and blue gingham shirts as the employees. That was fun!

Café Ba-Ba-Reeba!

Café Ba-Ba-Reeba is one of my favorite tapas places in the city and brunch tapas do not disappoint!

Blue Door Farm Stand

Farm-to-table classic American food with a French countryside aesthetic. I like to think this is what it’s like dining with Ina Garten.

Farm Bar

Midwest through and through, Farm Bar has an elevated take on comfort foods. Think Nutella croissant, pork belly poutine, and apple brandy maple syrup.

Little Goat

Stephanie Izard is high on the list of Chicago culinary icons and Little Goat is her version of a diner. Open Tuesday-Sunday and only until 3:00 this is a great option if you are visiting Chicago during the week. It’s also a much more affordable way to try Stephanie’s (did I mention she is a James Beard recipient) food than her other restaurants Duck Duck Goat and Girl & The Goat.

Related: 3 Day Chicago Itinerary for Spring and Summer

West Loop

Beatrix

Beatrix has a few locations around the city but my favorite is the Fulton Market location in the West Loop. Of course, they have indoor seating but they also have a ton of outdoor and I may love eating al fresca as much as I love eating brunch. Whether you want to go healthy or not so much, Beatrix has plenty to choose from. Hot tip, I always request my coffee in a to go cup up front so I can walk out with it once finished with brunch. Never not with 3 beverages at all points in time.

Bandit

They like to say they are “farm-to-bar” and they have a bottomless brunch to back it up. I haven’t made it here (yet) but the menu looks like it would be great for after a night on the town.

West Town (Wicker Park, East Village)

Lonesome Rose

The best Tex-Mex place in the city (I think it might be considered Logan Square or Bucktown actually) their queso is amazing as is the breakfast burrito. If it’s nice when you visit make sure to get a rooftop spot!

Paradise Park

Paradise Park is a fun spot any time of day, but do yourself a favor and go to the roof and find yourself an old-school patio chair to sit in. They could do well based on the gimmicks alone, but the cocktails are great (my last was topped with a mini donut) as is the breakfast pizza.

Parson’s Chicken & Fish

From the same group behind Lonesome Rose, Parson’s Chicken & Fish is known for its fried chicken, frozen boozy drinks, and amazing outdoor patios. They have a few spots in the city, but my favorite is the West Town location (although Logan Square is the original and has more outdoor space).

The Perch

A classic American brunch spot with indoor, outdoor, and beer garden seating, The Perch also has a wood-fired grill for various dishes. The blueberry cornbread and hashbrowns are some of my must-try recommendations.

Etta

Like Maple & Ash, and from the same group as Maple & Ash, Etta is one of my favorite dinner picks but I haven’t made it to brunch yet. Trust me, it’s on the list. They have both a River North and a Bucktown location but I love the roof at the Bucktown spot (you know how I love a good rooftop!) The focaccia at dinner is amazing so I can only imagine what it is like at brunch with jam and I love the wood-fired pizza for the table.

Cracked on Milwaukee

Cracked is the place you want to be when you’ve had a little too much fun out on the town and are looking for a breakfast sandwich and some tots to accompany your mimosa flight.

DISCLOSURE: If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. I only feature products I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are my own. I am very obsessed with FTC compliance so check out my full disclosure for details.

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If you buy something through my links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I appreciate your support! See disclosure for details.

Where is San Antonio TX?

San Antonio is the second-most populous city in Texas, located in the U.S. Some people consider this the South, some the Southwest, and some consider Texas a region of its own.

The city’s location within Texas is towards the south and in the center of the state, about 80 miles SW of Austin and 200 miles due West of Houston. Because of this close proximity, San Antonio is the most visited city by Texans themselves.

San Antonio has been designed with the downtown in the middle of an interstate loop, I-410. I’ve created this itinerary to remain within Loop 410 so that there isn’t a ton of time spent driving. If you visit San Antonio for a second time, there is a lot to do and restaurants to visit that are outside of the loop (let me know if you are interested in recommendations for that). Texas is sprawling and there is a lot of land, San Antonio is no different, even though it is a city.

This San Antonio 3 day itinerary should keep you busy, but with plenty of time to wander and explore, without spending too much time in the car.

Day One | Downtown San Antonio

Day

Brunch will be at Snooze located in the Alamo Quarry Market on the northern side of San Antonio. Now this is a mid-size chain but they are only located in a few states in the U.S. (we don’t have them in Illinois) and they are delicious. If you have one near you, or you just want to go someplace local, go to Guenther House instead.

Back to Snooze, they have a wide menu so everyone will find something, great cocktails, but the star of the show is you can get a pancake flight. That’s right. A pancake flight.

After brunch, go back downtown and visit The Alamo, it’s probably the most historic place San Antonio is known for (and no there is no basement). For those that claim there is no history to the U.S, the Alamo dates back to 1836. You can take a guided tour or walk around yourself. As important and iconic as The Alamo is, it’s actually not that big, so you won’t be spending a ton of time here.

Once you have gotten a chance to check out The Alamo, take this opportunity to walk along the river. San Antonio’s River Walk is a 15-mile pedestrian walkway along the San Antonio River. About 5 miles of this river runs through downtown San Antonio and is sprinkled with restaurants and shops. Note there are some tourists traps and shops filled with nothing but tchotchke’s, but just avoid those.

It’s completely free to walk and is open 365 days a year. If you have 45 minutes to spend, take a narrated river cruise, where you’ll learn all sorts of interesting things about San Antonio.

Night

You’re in Texas, and it’s time for some Mexican food. My favorite Mexican restaurant is Rosario’s Southtown location. Their chips and salsa are great and so are their margarita’s, it’s what Tex-Mex should be.

After dinner, it’s time for a show. A light show that is! The San Fernando Cathedral is located right downtown and the city projects a light show onto the facade of the building every Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, at various times. The current show is by a French artist and is a visual representation of the history of this city. There are vendors outside so grab a glass of wine and watch the show.

Day Two | Historic King William

Day

Another day, another brunch, this time at Stella’s Public House where you can grab a mimosa flight (can you tell I love flights?

After brunch it is time to get the body moving and walk around the King William Historic District. This article from SanAntonio.Gov does a great job of explaining the history behind the district, but it’s a beautiful neighborhood with gorgeous homes and again, for those who say there is no history in the U.S., you’ll find some here.

If your trip is flexible, once a year in April, the city hosts The King William Fair, which is a big deal in the city. There’s a parade, and street performers and everyone walks around wearing a flower crown and drinking cocktails. It’s a fun time!

Night

Last night we had Mexican and tonight it’s time for BBQ. There are a lot (and I do mean a lot) of BBQ places in the city, and if you ask five people what their favorite place is you could easily get five different answers. But Dignowity Meats is a little lesser know, probably due to the location, but is amazing! I seriously crave their burnt ends.

If you haven’t been to a proper BBQ place before, do yourself a favor and look at the menu before you order. You’ll go up to the window and order your meats by the lb and your sides, and they’ll call you when it’s ready. All the seating is outdoors and they have games at the table while you wait. The food is the best! The neighborhood is safe, it’s just not the most touristy so I don’t think it gets its due. It was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives if that gives you a vibe.

Depending on when you visit, this is the night for some real entertainment. San Antonio fiercely loves their beloved NBA Basketball team, the San Antonio Spurs. If you can catch a game, great! If not, the Majestic Theater host some of the best musicals or stand-up acts that tour the country. The theater was built in 1929, but in Spanish-style architecture, something not seen every day.

Day Three | The Pearl

Day

The Pearl is a very unique place. The former brewery turned thriving community is probably the coolest place in San Antonio. Every Saturday and Sunday they hold a Farmers Market, and that’s what is on the agenda today. Stop by Local Coffee and grab some caffeine. Then take your time enjoying wandering the Farmers Market and the entirety of The Pearl.

Once you’ve gotten your fair share of the Farmers Market, go behind Hotel Emma (more on the hotel later) and you’ll find the River Walk again. If you walk south you will walk towards downtown. It’s about a 2-mile walk on the river from The Pearl to downtown. I like to walk down and back and get a little movement in before dinner, but you do you. Note, the River Walk goes under some bridges…and sometimes there are bats. If you are like me, run!

Night

Now back at The Pearl for the last night and it’s time for Mexican Street Food at La Gloria. Sometimes there is a long wait, so be prepared. Ask to sit outside, order the Queso Fundido, a Mangonada and thank me later. The Mangonada is where I discovered my love of chamoy, in fact, it inspired my Mango Margarita recipe.

Lick Honest Ice Cream is what you’ll want to do for dessert. An ice-cream shop based in Austin, they create unique flavors but use farm-fresh ingredients. They carry dairy-free too!

Where to Stay in San Antonio

Remember how I said we would get back to Hotel Emma? Well, that’s because it’s my recommendation for where to stay. It’s at The Pearl so there are a ton of things to do right outside your doorstep and the building, which was built in 1894, is absolutely stunning.

If it’s a little outside of the budget, and your first time visiting, then I recommend choosing one of the many hotels on the River Walk. When I’m new to a city one of my biggest things is feeling safe where I am, and most often that equates to being where the people are.

San Antonio is home to some gorgeous resorts, but those are more of a drive away, in Hill Country.

How to Get Around San Antonio

As I mentioned, San Antonio is spread out geographically, just like Texas. You generally need a car to get around, but I’ve tried to keep this itinerary tight so there is minimal driving and you don’t have to rent a car if you don’t need to. The furthest place away is brunch at Snooze on the first day. If you rent a car, great! If you don’t, I’m not sure that it would be worth two Lyft rides so then I would take my Guenther House replacement suggestion.

Lyft’s and Uber’s are easy to find and that’s my preferred method of getting around (I like to enjoy a cocktail or two on vacation). Public transportation is minimal so I wouldn’t plan on using that.

When to Visit San Antonio

Contrary to what some may believe, San Antonio does have seasons. It gets cooler, sometimes cold in the Winter, and scorching hot in the summer! Spring and Fall are the best time to visit when the temperatures are pleasant and you can walk around, and dine, outside.

As mentioned above, if you are interested in visiting during King William Fair, that is in April.

Only 2 Days in San Antonio?

San Antonio can totally be done in only 2 days. In order to modify this itinerary for 2 days in San Antonio, take the morning of day 2 and the evening of day 3. Oh and on day 1 definitely dine at Guenther’s, you don’t want to drive to Snooze if you are short on time.

What is There To Do in San Antonio For 4 Days?

While there are still a ton of things to do in San Antonio, the McNay Art Museum and Fiesta Texas are just a couple, if you will be vising an extra day, I recommend getting out of the city and visiting Fredricksburg. Fredricksburg is a town about 70 miles away in Hill Country and is known for wineries and shops lined up along the main street.

If you want to be a little more active, Enchanted Rock is 17 miles north of Fredricksburg. It’s a mountain in Hill Country made of beautiful pink granite and has 11 miles worth of hiking trails, including to the summit.

DISCLOSURE: If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. I only feature products I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are my own. I am very obsessed with FTC compliance so check out my full disclosure for details.

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About Playa Mujeres

Playa Mujeres is a secluded vacation destination and beach area just north of Cancun Mexico. It’s my understanding that due to the way it’s geographically shielded by Isla Mujeres the beach gets a fair amount of seaweed, which I’ve seen first hand.

The average high temperature ranges from 80-90 degrees Fahrenheit, and the average low range is 67-77, depending on the month that you go. It can get very, very humid so don’t be surprised if the temperature reads 85 but it feels like 95.

When visiting a tropical location, rain can often be a concern. February – May are the least rainy months with October being the rainiest.

I’ve been to Excellence Playa Mujeres three times, all in October, and have had different experiences with precipitation. It’s poured rain for one full day, it’s drizzled rain sporadically on most days, but on my most recent trip, it didn’t rain one drop.

Getting to Excellence Playa Mujeres

Unless you live in Mexico, you’ll fly into the Cancun International Airport (CUN) and drive 18 miles to the resort. Depending on the time of day, this will take 35-45 minutes.

Going through customs is a relatively quick process. Do that, grab your luggage and you’ll see the plethora of transportation options. I highly, and I cannot stress this enough, recommend that you pre-arrange your transportation to the hotel. All the options can be overwhelming and it can be tricky to know what car or taxi company is legitimate.

Seasons Tours is the exclusive transfer company that Excellence Playa Mujeres uses. In one of the emails the resort sends they will remind you to schedule your transportation. Make sure to do that once you have your flight information because they’ll need to know arrival and departure times. Then it’s so convenient! Walk outside and you’ll see the different companies holding up signs. Look for Seasons Tours and they’ll have a clipboard with your name on it. In 10 minutes, we were in a private nice, cool, clean Mercedes on the way to the resort.

The Resort

There is a lot of security to even enter the resort so it feels very safe. A couple of overall things before we get into the details:

• Excellence Playa Mujeres is an adults-only, all-inclusive resort. If you are looking for a family-friendly resort you’ll want to visit Finest Playa Mujeres which is their sister property right door
• About 99% of the guests are couples, many celebrating honeymoons or anniversaries.
• There is free wifi and the signal is pretty strong throughout the resort so having access to the internet is no problem.
• You’ll want to download The Excellence Collection App from the App store. This is where you’ll see all of the restaurant menus (they don’t have paper menus), daily entertainment, and more.
• Some mornings there is a pretty potent sulfur smell, which can be a little off-putting but it goes away quickly. My understanding is that this is from the algae in the region.
• Tipping is of course optional but always appreciated. They happily accept U.S. dollars and I recommend bringing a variety of $5’s, $10’s, and $20’s depending on what situation you are in. For instance, in the morning at the swimming pool, we would tip the waiter $20 and be good for the day. If you are going to get one or two drinks at the martini bar, you will probably want to tip less than $20. You’ll also want cash to tip the drivers. I made the mistake last time and only had a few $5’s and $10’s so shelled out more $20’s then I necessarily would have if I planned a little better.
• When we went they provide free Covid tests for guests who are flying to counties that require proof of a negative test (the U.S.). They will give you a time to go to a room, they administer the test and then email you the same day. It’s very easy and convenient.

Excellence Club

The Excellence Club at Excellence Playa Mujeres is an upgraded tier when booking the room. The actual rooms are the same within the same category, but there are other perks. You’ll have to decide if the perks are worth it.

Some of the benefits are private check-in/check-out, two separate swimming pools, a separate beach area, access to an exclusive restaurant, upgraded alcohol in the room, evening treats sent to your room. There are more benefits, but I recommend going to the website for the full, updated list.

I’ll get into some of the details below, but I think the upgrade is absolutely worth it. My favorite things about the upgrade are the private check-in and check-out and the two private pools.

Rooms

As I mentioned above, the rooms are the same within the same category regardless if you have an Excellence Club room or not. What I mean by that is, the Junior Suite Pool View is the same room layout and finishes as the Excellence Club Junior Suite Pool View.

For my most recent stay, I booked the Excellence Club Junior Suite Ocean View. This definitely isn’t oceanfront, but if you look over the resort you can see the ocean in the background.

The room features a walk-in closet with a safe, double sinks, a water closet for the toilet, a dual-head walk-in shower, king-size bed, sofa, TV, indoor/outdoor jacuzzi, and balcony. It’s slightly over 800 sq feet, which is a lot of space seeing as though the Junior Suite is the smallest room.

There is a mini-fridge with water, soda, beer, and wine as well as some candy bars. The bar has a variety of alcohol and there is a Nespresso machine ( I believe the Nespresso is for Excellence Club). Room service is available 24/7, but unfortunately, you have to call in your order as it’s not available on the App yet.

Great Things About the Room

Every room has a good size balcony that includes a table and chairs and a daybed. I love this aspect as we wound up ordering room service every morning for breakfast and eating on the balcony. We used the daybed in the evening if we wanted to play card games or if I just wanted to read before getting ready for dinner. It’s very nice to have private outdoor space. Tip: the silver tray that the ice bucket is on is a perfect tray to use on the daybed to be able to set your drink on.

It’s spacious so there’s plenty of room. Plenty of space in the closet so you don’t feel like you are living in clutter, and plenty of room with the dual sinks to get ready.

The TV is nice and new which means it has a port for a streaming stick. If you’ve been around the blog then you know I am obsessed with entertainment. When I go on vacation, I always travel with a Fire Stick to pop in the TV and I can watch most of my regular shows. Just know that certain Apps only have rights to certain shows in certain countries, so if something is missing, that’s probably why.

Not So Great Things About the Room

The room is an open concept so there are no walls to the bathroom. You read that correctly. The toilet is in a water closet, but the door is glass and it does not go from floor to ceiling. Here is where I get very real with you, but that’s what an honest review is all about. You will be very happy you have a private outdoor space to get some sort of privacy.

The sofa is slippery and uncomfortable. Not a good lounging sofa.

It can get quite damp being so close to the ocean. I bring one of these to hang in the bathroom and it does help reduce the moisture in the air.

The first morning we woke up there was a ‘smell’ in the room. I called the concierge and they sent someone right away to fix it. It didn’t smell after that but I got the feeling I wasn’t the first person who had ever called with that issue.

We tried out the jacuzzi but the liquid they give you for it is actually shower gel, so if you want bubbles then you’ll need to bring some from home. TBH, my at-home jacuzzi has better power so I pretty much immediately got out of the tub.

Restaurants & Food

Excellence Playa Mujeres has 12 restaurants, all with different themes and cuisines. I love this because when you don’t leave the resort you still want variety. During previous stays I’ve eaten at most of the restaurants and, overall, I would say the food is above average, but not great. It’s hard to find great food at an all-inclusive so above average is pretty good in my book.

On the most recent trip, since the pandemic was still very relevant and Mexico doesn’t require a negative test or proof of vaccination, we weren’t eating inside. This severely limited our restaurant options since many of the restaurants that have outdoor dining weren’t seating.

Here are some quick thoughts on the restaurants I dined at on the most recent trip:

• Toscana | Breakfast and Lunch buffet by day, Italian restaurant by night. This used to be where we got breakfast but they’ve updated it to be more safe during the pandemic, and I found the other guests to be kind of aggressive. Decided to get room service after that.
• The Grill | Located over the main swimming pool, it’s entirely outdoor seating. I found it fine during the day but did not enjoy the food at all for dinner. The steak had a weird flavor and texture.
• The Lobster House | This is the other completely outdoor restaurant over the main pool. It’s the same building as The Grill but they have different entrances and share a bar. Since it was one of a handful of restarurants we felt comfortable in outdoors, we ate here quite a few times. Here’s a rundown on some of the food (note the lunch and dinner menu are different, lunch notes are at the top of the list and dinner starts at Lobster Ceviche)
  • Chips & Salsa – fresh chips and it comes with a tangy green tomatillo and a smoky red chipotle
  • Crab Rolls – not a ton of crab flavor, more like a veggie egg roll
  • Nachos – solid go-to and the same you can order at the pool or beach
  • Fish Tacos – lacking flavor and the tempura got soggy quickly
  • Chicken Quesadilla – fine but nothing special
  • Ice Cream Sampler – trio of fresh ice cream, delicious!
  • Lobster Ceviche – very good with lots of flavor (ordered multiple times)
  • Coconut Shrimp – solid for what it is
  • Crab Cake – didn’t taste much like crab, mostly just tastes fried
  • Lobster Risotto – good texture with lobster and cheese and no mushrooms
  • Surf & Turf – the steak is comically small; you are better off ordering a lobster tail and a side of your choosing
  • Lobster Tail – great, you can get it grilled or steamed (ordered multiple times)
  • Mashed Potatoes – nothing to write home about
  • Berry Blintz – not much cheese but the crepe and berries were good
  • Chocolate Mousse – just ok
• Sol | Technically a bar behind the main pool but this is where they have. awood-fired pizza oven with a variety of toppings. They make it to order while you wait. After living in both New York and Chicago, I’m a harsh pizza critic so I got it once. But it’s worth trying.

Cocktails & Drinks

The resort has many bars to get cocktails at as well as the daily pool and beach service. There is no lack of alcohol flowing at Excellence Playa Mujeres. In the name of research, of course, I tried out quite a few cocktails offered on the menu, here are my thoughts:

• Tamarind Margarita – Made from a tropical fruit, it’s not super sweet and I love the Tajin rim.
• Mango Jalapeno Margarita – Amazing and I frequently ordered this cocktail. Made with fresh jalapeno the spiciness offsets the sweet and finishes with a Tajin rim. Check out my Spicy Mango Margarita recipe inspired by this drink.
• Pina Colada – A quintessential frozen tropical cocktail, they know what they are doing.
• Caipirosca – A vodka-based cocktail on the rocks, that tastes like a sweet version of a gimlet.
• White Wine Sangria – Hard pass
• Chai Silk Stocking – Didn’t really taste like Chai but had an interesting flavor. This is available at the Martini bar inside the main building.
• Mudslide – Like the PIna Colada, they know what they are doing when it comes to these drinks. And they don’t skimp on the booze either.
• Banana Mama – Good if you like banana-flavored drinks

Revive is a juice bar which is great when you want something refreshing that doesn’t necessarily contain alcohol. At Noon daily they serve fresh coconuts until they run out, which is around 12:30. This is the best fresh coconut water I’ve ever had! Note they do not serve straws at all at Excellence Playa Mujeres so if you think you may want instead of putting your mouth on the coconut, then make sure to bring some from home. Also, you can take the coconut to the nearest bar (Prelude) and they’ll put a shot of rum in it if you’d like.

Aroma is technically a coffee bar but it is so much more. Located by the entertainment pavilion, it is very popular and there is usually a line out of the door in the morning. They have baristas on staff that will craft hot or iced coffee drinks and there are also grab & go items available. Note that any hot drink can be made iced and vice versa. Just like the coconut call out at Revive, you won’t be getting a straw for your blended iced coffee drink so if you want one, bring it from home. Aroma may be most known for its coffee but it is also an ice cream shop that serves homemade ice cream. It is excellent!

Swimming Pools & Beach

Beach

The beach at Excellence Playa Mujeres isn’t the best. As I mentioned above, due to the way it’s protected by Isla Mujeres there is a fair amount of seaweed and algae. They do their best to keep it clean and you’ll see someone on a tractor-looking type of thing come through multiple times a day to clean the beach.

The beach for the Excellence Club guests is roped off and they are pretty strict about only letting those guests into that area. So let’s say you are staying in the Excellence Club but your friends aren’t, don’t assume they can come over to the Excellence Club side of the beach.

Since I stayed in the Excellence Club during my last stay, that is the beach I’ll be reviewing.

There are cabanas, lounge chairs under palapas, and sunbeds all available for use in the Excellence Club. I don’t think that the other side has private cabanas. We lucked out and got a cabana on our first day by showing up at 7:45am but they are a hot commodity. Other days we would get up as early as 6:30am and the cabanas were all taken, a lot of people go to the beach to watch the sunrise. Most people will claim their spot and then go back to bed or breakfast or whatever. It’s annoying, but it’s a ‘hate the game, not the player’ kind of situation.

When you enter the beach area the concierge will give you towels and water if you’d like. Beverage service starts at 10:00 am and you can order drinks and food from the waitstaff until 5:00.

If you are anything like me, you like to look at the ocean but hate sand. Here’s a tip when you want to cool off but are laying at the beach: the main pool of the hotel is right behind the beach area so grab a towel from the concierge, take a dip in the pool, and go back to the beach to enjoy the ocean.

Swimming Pool

Excellence Playa Mujeres has a few swimming pools but some of them also run into each other so it’s kind of hard to say exactly how many there are. What is great is that whatever type of pool environment you are looking for, they will have.

Similar to the beach, cocktail service goes from 10:00-5:00. Note the towels are in raised boxes throughout the resort, you just pull one out when you need it if you aren’t in the Excellence Club (if you are then you’ll get them from the concierge).

The main pool sits under/adjacent to The Grill and The Lobster House restaurants. It has your typical pool music piped through and the swim-up bar so it’s a little more lively.

Next is the lazy river but it doesn’t move so it’s more a pool in the shape of a river. This is the pool that goes right in front of the Swim-up Suites. It kind of depends on the guests as to this type of vibe. I’ve experienced it where couple friends are staying together and then it’s more energetic with 8 people having fun. But I’ve also seen it be very quiet.

There are two private pools for Excellence Club guests only, one near building 7 and one near building 8. The one near building 8 is larger and has a bar and therefore is more lively. Sometimes all the lounge chairs are taken so if that’s where you want to be, you may want to go early. The pool near building 7 is smaller and much more quite. If you plan on reading a book all day, this is where I highly recommend going. Regardless of which private swimming pool you go to you’ll be able to order drinks and food from the waitstaff.

The Entertainment

The resort has entertainment every night in an outdoor covered venue, the calendar of events is available on the app. There is the main show, and musical entertainment before and after held in the outdoor section, right in front of the venue.

It’s pretty typical resort entertainment…there’s a fire dancer show, a Michael Jackson show, you get the gist. The musical entertainment ends at 10:30 so depending on where your room is you may hear it until then. Most nights we would watch the musical pre or post-show but skip the main event. Instead, we would go to the room and play the games we brought with us (I highly recommend Monopoly Deal).

The Spa

I didn’t get a chance to hit up the Miilé Spa on my most recent trip, but I have booked a massage previously when it has been raining. The facilities are what you expect from a nice spa and they offer a variety of treatments. It gets fully booked though, so if you are interested you might want to book it sooner rather than later. If you wait on the weather forecast, you might be cutting it close.

Overall Review (TLDR)

Excellence Playa Mujeres Review: The resort is easy and convenient to get to from a lot of the U.S. As a luxury, adults-only, all-inclusive resort there is a lot of value for the price. The service is excellent (pun intended but also it’s true) and the food’s not bad either. If you are a beach lover there are better places for you. If you are a ‘cocktails by the pool’ type of person, then this might just be the place.

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