By Elisa Mala

Poet Dylan Thomas referred to his birthplace as an "ugly, lovely town," but with centuries of history showcased alongside cutting-edge architecture, this fishing village and resort town (called Abertawe in Welsh) is as picturesque as its English name suggests. On her first visit to Wales, NEWSWEEK’S Elisa Mala was charmed by the quaintness of the surroundings as well as the warmth of the locals who occupied them.

STROLL along the Mumbles, a walkway along Swansea Bay that passes through local shops, eateries and piers. In warmer months, the Swansea Bay Rider, a land-based train that’s kid- and adult-friendly, rolls along the path at a leisurely pace. The rides end as soon as September does, but they return for one night only on the eve of Halloween!

LEARN about the town's storied past and view the mummy Hor at the Swansea Museum, which displays many regional artifacts. Or partake of futuristic multimedia exhibits at the National Waterfront Museum, which pays homage to the country's nautical history. Its balcony offers a panoramic and unparalleled view of the adjacent marina.

INDULGE in concoctions like Tuscan Cassata and Strawberry Cookies and Cream at Joe's Ice Cream Parlour, a mainstay since 1922. Or try over 30 flavors of gelato and non-fussy Italian dishes at Verdi's Café. For seaside views that are as fresh as the fare, try to snag a table on the pier.

EXPLORE the intricacies of the well-preserved Oystermouth Castle, which was built in the 12th century and served as a residence for the reigning lords. Despite several sieges, remains of the nearby Swansea Castle are surprisingly intact.

By Kristin Luna

A native of the American South, travel writer Kristin Luna got back to her roots during a recent trip to Austin, Texas. Some highlights:

STAY: Simply name drop that you’re staying at the sumptuous Driskill Hotel, and heads will turn. It is, without a doubt, the city’s most famed establishment and rightfully so. Located smack in the center of downtown, within walking distance to the State Capitol, it’s steeped in history and boasts the fanciest digs around. Rooms exude an old-fashioned charm with their oil paintings, antique furniture and delicate drapery, mixed with modern amenities like flat-screen TVs, DVD players, iPod docks, wireless Internet and Molton Brown bath products. Around the corner from the Driskill, the InterContinental Stephen F. Austin is another popular option with business travelers; like the rest of the brand, it affords the utmost comfort in beds and amenities, and also houses a chic second-floor bar with incomparable views of the Capitol.

If you prefer a stay-and-play vacation, Barton Springs Resort & Spa can fulfill all of those needs. With four golf courses, 11 lit tennis courts, a state-of-the-art gym and running track and plush grounds that span 4,000 acres, Barton Creek deserves its own zip code. Be sure and pamper yourself at the remarkable spa, which features unique treatments like a Mexican Chocolate Cayenne Scrub or a Hill Country Harvest Souffle, a full-body massage using warmed avocado pits and various other parts of the fruit for nourishment. Barton Creek is also perfect for families, with a great pool and deck and even 18 holes of mini-golf on site. A hotel that offers a more typical Austin feel is the quirky San Jose Hotel on South Congress; with a central courtyard, pool and bar, it attracts a younger clientele and those ready to mingle. Its bungalow-style rooms are also quite interesting with stucco walls, concrete floors and geometric windows that occupy an entire wall.

EAT: After splitting time between New York and San Francisco over the past few years—two cities known for their culinary assets—I’ve become quite the food snob. Prior to my trip, I had heard that Austin didn’t have much of a dining reputation, but was pleased to find that was far from the truth. Happy hour at Ranch 616 is a good introduction to the city: The restaurant and bar is now home to the “official drink of Austin”—the Fire in the Hole—as recently voted on by a panel of local judges. Appetizers like fried asparagus, frogs legs and crispy oysters with chipotle tartar are the perfect complement to a shot of Paula’s Orange Liquor, lime juice, cayenne and chili powder with a Lone Star beer for a chaser. From there, move on to Guero’s Taco Bar, which frequently draws the likes of Matthew McConaughey, pal Lance Armstrong and tennis superstar Andy Roddick, and is a favorite joint of the Clintons. South Congress Café serves a mean brunch with dishes like Southwestern-style eggs benedict and carrot cake French toast, and Sandra Bullock’s eatery, Bess Bistro, is popular for its yummy comfort food. For some tried-and-true Texas BBQ, opt for Stubb’s or Salt Lick. If you want fine dining, you’ll find your fanciest fare at Hudson’s on the Bend with its menu of quality game, including elk, Cornish hen, hare, wild boar, buffalo and quail. Those with a sweet tooth should grab a baked good at the Airstream trailer housing Hey Cupcake! or a cone at Texas chain Amy’s Ice Creams after dinner.

SHOP: Second Avenue’s row of boutiques will warm up your plastic, while South Congress Avenue can continue the credit card calisthenics at kitschy one-off finds, antique stores and vintage shops. If you care to be cliché, hit up Allen’s or Heritage for some authentic cowboy boots. Outlet aficionados won’t want to miss nearby San Marcos’ Prime Outlets, which make all other factory outlets pale in comparison, located just 30 miles south of the city on I-35. Not only does it house all the outlet regulars (J. Crew, Banana Republic, Coach, Nine West, Gap), but loads of designers (Michael Kors, Escada, Kate Spade, Catherine Malandrino, Gucci, Marc Jacobs) and home stores (Williams Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Crate and Barrel), too. It will take you hours–if not days–to cover the whole area.

VISIT: The Texas State Capitol sits front row and center in Austin’s downtown at the end of Congress Avenue. The tallest capitol building in the United States, it is, dare I say, more impressive than even the National Capitol. With one of the nation’s biggest university populations, the University of Texas’ campus is worth a leisurely stroll, if for no other reason than to gawk at all the burnt orange “hook ‘em horns” paraphernalia. The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum may not initially sound intriguing, but the building is massive and beautifully designed and it’s chock-full of more history than you probably knew the state contained. Alamo Drafthouse – where you can grab a bite to eat while catching a flick – is a popular hangout for Austinites and now owns four locations around town. And a trip out to two city staples, BookPeople and the 80,000-square-foot Whole Foods flagship store (complete with 14 restaurants and cooking classes on-site), which are across-the-street-neighbors, isn’t to be missed.

By Amber Haq

By Clara Zabludowsky

Framed by mango trees, palm trees and pink and blue haciendas, this oasis town, with its array of galleries, restaurants and uncorrupted natural beauty, offers visitors a breathtaking haven away from Baja’s more touristy locales. In 2006, Todos Santos was named a “Pueblo Magico” or magical village by Mexico’s Secretariat of Tourism. After a brief sojourn there, the town’s undeniable charm will leave no doubt as to why.

SURF or otherwise enjoy the sea at Los Cerritos beach, where the swelling waves are home to world-class surfers. It's also a prime spot for whale watching in the winter months. If you want to try your luck at riding the waves, check out Pescadero Surf Camp. Their certified instructors should have you up on the board in no time.

DINE at Café Santa Fe. Owned by Italian émigré Ezio Colombo and his wife, it is located in front of the main plaza. One of the best Italian restaurants in Mexico, the combination of the unbelievably fresh seafood, the Colombo’s fantastic homegrown organic vegetables and a full bar make for an unforgettable meal. Don’t miss the stir-fried shrimp and octopus with arugula and lime (Calle Centenario #4). For those looking for an authentic Mexican meal, one can do no wrong at Los Adobes. Dining is done al fresco within the wonderful setting of the restaurant’s own botanical garden. The cuisine is top-notch and an excellent opportunity for those unfamiliar with Mexican food to give some of the country’s best dishes a try. The shrimp sautéed in garlic and chile guajillo with a touch of white wine are a must, as is the famous seafood soup, which is made with organic vegetables and the catch of the day. Wash it all down with agua de jamaica, water made from the hibiscus flower, unique to Mexico and incredibly refreshing.

By Paul Tolme 

Calm-water kayak tours are like a nature hike on water, offering the chance to see wildlife and view landscapes unreachable on foot. Void of running rapids or raging surf, calm-water tours are ideal for first-timers. Here are a few locations where beginners can get their paddles wet.

Escape the crowded roads of Yellowstone National Park while gliding across Yellowstone Lake, whose 136 miles of shoreline make up the nation’s largest body of fresh water above 7,000 feet. The park’s animals and geology are on full display here. Bald eagles and osprey hunt for fish, playful otters poke their heads above the surface and grizzlies lumber along the shoreline ($175 for a day tour, $400 for an overnight with a gourmet campfire meal; snakeriverkayak.com).

Lake Tahoe’s legendary clarity and aqua-blue color allow visitors to see down 70 feet and draw comparisons with the Caribbean—that is, until you touch the brisk mountain water that flows down from California’s Sierra Nevada and Nevada’s Carson ranges. Navigate around giant rounded boulders deposited by glaciers and land on a secluded beach for lunch ($85 for a five-hour trip; tahoeadventurecompany.com).

By Elisa Mala

The Bronx is the only New York City borough that isn’t situated on an island. But that’s not its only claim to fame – it boasts some of the city's most colorful and entertaining attractions. It's an easy subway ride from virtually anywhere in Manhattan, but on the first Wednesday of every month, there are even free trolley rides from midtown. While the borough is often overshadowed by its neighbor to the south (Manhattan), it's worth seeing up close. Take it from NEWSWEEK’s Elisa Mala, who lived just below the Bronx-Manhattan border for a good part of her life.

Ride the Skyfari at the Bronx Zoo, a cable car that soars over treetops, orangutans and more than 6,000 other furry friends at heights of up to 100 feet. Afraid of heights? Never fear – an internal train ride that’s appropriate for children and adults alike stays closer to the ground and covers quite a lot of it. Or try the narrated tram tour at the New York Botanical Garden, where riders can hop on or off as many times as they like to check out one of the city’s few waterfalls, a serene reflecting pool or numerous verdant gardens.

Stroll past the nautical museum, lighthouse, docks and mom-and-pop shops on City Island, an islet off the coast of Pelham Bay Park that is as picturesque as any North England port town. Settled by the English in 1685, it's steeped in centuries of nautical history and feels far removed from the hustle and bustle of city life, even though it’s only a few miles away from the skyscrapers.

By Zach Kussin

First considered a home to Roman fishermen in the 2nd century BC, Jávea has since evolved from a small port town to one of Europe’s most popular Mediterranean destinations. Today, visitors can learn about Jávea’s vivid history while enjoying a variety of fun summer activities, especially at the many beaches that dot Spain's Costa Blanca—known to be one of the country's most beautiful coastlines. Located an hour’s drive from downtown Valencia, Jávea gives tourists the opportunity to simultaneously experience traditional Spanish life and southern Europe’s most active outdoor culture.

EXPLORE El Pueblo, Jávea’s old quarter. Previously enclosed by a formidable stonewall to protect Jávea’s inhabitants from troops of marauding pirates, El Pueblo is now open to visitors from all lands…as long as they don’t thieve Jávea’s treasured collection of gold jewelry and precious gems from past centuries on display at the Soler Blasco historical museum. All of El Pueblo’s narrow and winding streets lead you to the Church of Sant Bartolomé. Dating back to the 14th century, this impressive structure made of tosca stone hewn from Jávea’s rocky shores forms the geographic, spiritual and cultural center of Jávea. Besides holding Sunday mass, communions, conformations and festivals honoring the saints, a variety of outdoor concerts, traditional Valencian danzas and plays take place in the church’s plaza for all of Jávea’s residents to enjoy.

CLIMB the Montgó Massif. Standing at 753 meters high, a hike up Montgó’s steep façade gives breathtaking views of Jávea’s entire shoreline, its neighboring towns, Denia and Jesús Pobre, and even the Balearic island of Ibiza on clear days. A variety of guided tours explaining Montgó’s diverse species of flora or exploring its many caverns are also available.

By Elisa Mala

The city that dubs itself "Hotlanta" has far more to offer than gimmicky sobriquets. Long before hosting the 1996 Summer Olympics, A-town has been setting global records, so eat well and drink heartily, because traversing a town that satisfies all five senses requires more energy than running a marathon.

Born and bred in the Big Apple, NEWSWEEK'S Elisa Mala had never been south of D.C. until this spring. But Southerners were so hospitable that she soon found herself tossing out the occasional "y'all."

EAT at the world's largest drive-in, the original location of The Varsity diner (thevarsity.com). Before taking any order, servers bellow "What'll ya have?" Answer back with the eatery's established lingo: Order a "glorified steak" (burger with mayo, lettuce and tomato), a "ring one" (one order of onion rings) or a "bag of rags" (potato chips). Have to eat and run? Then "walk a dog" and take that frank to go. Southern comfort food like Brunswick Stew, creamy grits and mouthwatering Pecan Pie are on offer at Food 101 (food101atlanta.com).

For modern takes on classic Asian dishes, try Spice Market (jean-georges.com), the first Atlanta outpost from three-Michelin star chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, or Straits Atlanta (straitsrestaurants.com), the brainchild of hairstylist-***-chef Chris Yeo and Grammy winner Ludacris. For a white-cloth experience, Joël (joelrestaurant.com) offers some of the most indulgent French fare in town and Bacchanalia (starprovisions.com) lives up to its name with organic dishes that evolve with the seasons.

DRINK at Front Page News (frontpagenewsrestaurant.com), which with two stories, a spacious patio and a lively crowd, is fit to print. The Twisted Taco draws a more laid-back crowd, which matches its charmingly dive-y environs (twistedtaco.com). For an uplifting experience (literally), try the rooftop bar at the Glenn Hotel (glennhotel.com), where the views are as fresh as the drinks.

SEE the entire city through floor-to-ceiling windows at the rotating Sun Dial Restaurant, located on the 73rd floor of the Western Hemisphere's tallest hotel, the Westin Peachtree Plaza. Watch yourself on TV or observe broadcasters in action during the CNN Center Studio Tour (cnn.com/studiotour), which requires an eight-story ascent via the world's tallest freestanding escalator. For a blast from the past, check out the Louvre Atlanta display at the High Museum of Art (high.org) which features a rotating collection from the venerable French institution.

 

Aug. 11, 2008 issue
Tara Weingarten

Maybe you’ve noticed that traffic in your town hasn’t thinned out this summer. If so, you’ve identified a trend. High fuel prices are keeping American families at home, clogging local streets rather than heading to the airport for that exotic faraway trip. Hoteliers eager to tap into our frugality are offering enticing deals to locals that include comped room nights, heavily discounted spa treatments and gratis tickets to local attractions. Dubbing it the “staycation,” resorts are begging their neighbors to give them a try. It’s working.

Michael Gereboff, a 32-year-old health-care management executive, and his girlfriend Lori Cohen, a 31-year-old Ph.D. candidate, last week made a two-hour drive from her home in Arlington, Va., to the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay (chesapeakebay.hyatt.com). The couple bought the hotel’s Chesapeake Bay Experience package (summer rates from $235), which included a $25 gas card, a s’mores kit to prepare at the resort’s outdoor fire pit, a kite to fly on the bay and two passes to nearby Blackwater National Wildlife Preserve. “We’ve gone to the hotel’s spa, we went to the nature preserve, we’ve taken a catamaran tour of the bay and we’re about to rent a speedboat. We could have had the same vacation in Mexico but it would have cost us a whole lot more,” says Gereboff.

At Miramonte Resort and Spa in Indian Wells, Calif. (miramonteresort.com), book a standard room (rates from $155) and get four free passes to Knott’s Soak City. And, kids eat free at the resort. In Austin, Texas, the Crossings destination spa (thecrossings austin.com) has cut rates 35 percent through the end of summer; packages begin at $126.75 and include unlimited fitness classes, three meals daily and use of the infinity-edge pool overlooking Lake Travis.

Southern Californians and drivers from the Phoenix area can hit the super hot Las Vegas desert this summer on one tank of gas. Wynn Las Vegas’s Midsummer Night’s Dream package (wynnlasvegas.com) is a steal at $185 per person for a three-course dinner for two at Daniel Boulud Brasserie, a bottle of Mailly Grand Cru champagne and two premium seats to Wynn’s show Le Rêve. Every Thursday throughout the summer at the Mandalay Bay (man dalaybay.com), Nevada locals get rooms for $109.99, plus 10 percent off food and beverages, two free passes to Mix lounge, two passes to the Moorea Beach Club and two free cocktails at the Eyecandy Sound Lounge.

By Sarah Garland

Just two years ago, the restaurants and shops in this colonial Mexican city were closed off to outsiders after protesters and soldiers briefly turned it into a battleground. Now, peace has returned, and so have the tourists.

One of the most diverse places in Mexico, the city and its surroundings are a treasure trove of indigenous crafts and a destination for history buffs seeking a firsthand encounter with ancient civilizations. But one of the main reasons to go is the food.

VISIT the capital of the "cloud people" -- the ruins of Monte Albán on a mountain over the city. Look down over the valley from atop pyramids and explore fields where the ancient city’s inhabitants once played a mystical ball game (monte-alban.com).

EAT mole, the rich chocolate and chili sauce that is the region's signature dish, in the tiny dining room of Maria Bonita (52-951-516-7233). Buy some at the Benito Juarez Market to take home.

SHOP for whimsical wooden sculptures known as alebrijes that are inspired by the artists' dreams, and black clay pottery from nearby villages along Alcalá, a pedestrian street lined with galleries and cafés.

SAMPLE delicate shaved ice in flavors like rose, tequila and burnt milk sold by vendors in the shady plaza next to one of the city's many stunning churches, La Soledad.

By Elisa Mala

Nineteen kilometers off the coast of Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, Cozumel offers sundry excursions above and below the surface. Home to more than 40 Mayan ruins, ecological parks and reefs that charmed Jacques Cousteau, this one-town island is anything but sleepy. Among the most biodiverse on the planet, it teems with countless wildlife species and lots of lively locals. With a love of the Caribbean and a surname that means "bad" in Spanish, NEWSWEEK's Elisa Mala was thrilled to traverse both the wet and dry parts of the island.

Explore the cerulean waters of Chankanaab National Park ($16 per adult and $8 per child, cozumelparks.com). The name of this sprawling nature reserve derives from Mayan: "Chan" means "small" and "Kanaab" means "sea or ocean." It lives up to its name: Befriend colorful fish, urchins, crabs and submerged statues of Jesus and Mary without having to venture far from the shoreline. With a good eye, it's possible to spot barracudas, eels and small octopuses. Swimming with dolphins is also a possibility, though special arrangements need to be made. On land, iguanas, small lizards and birds find a home within the towering trees that crop up all over the lush, manicured gardens. Divers can explore the Felipe Xicotencatl shipwreck, which is located just offshore, before heading into deeper waters.

Though turtles, crocodiles and coral reefs live at Punta Sur ($10 per person; cozumelparks.com), the 1,000 hectares ecological reserve is an ideal playground for landlubbers. A whitewashed lighthouse greets visitors at the entrance and contains a museum dedicated to navigation -- it profiles buccaneers, explorers, Mayans and lighthouse keepers. Unless an hours-long hike in high heat is the intended goal, plan to bring a car or use the internal transportation system to coast through the park's five ecosystems, which include dunes and mangroves. A 40-minute catamaran ride along Columbia Sur lagoon is available for an extra $3.

Climb the steps of the San Gervasio ruins (cozumelparks.com), which served as the worshiping grounds of Ixchel, the Mayan goddess of fertility. Its name stems from a nearby cattle ranch founded by Gervasio Novelo on September 14, 1858. Even though the stone structures are replete with ancient etchings, no one is quite sure of what the Mayans called it.

Stroll through San Miguel de Cozumel, the island's sole town, to mingle with locals and get a true sense of life. Near the piers and shops along the main road, Avenida Rafael Melgar, the four-room Museo de la Isla de Cozumel provides a thorough account of the region's history and biodiversity (52-987-872-1475).

Dance if you dare at All Sports Bar (52-987-869-2246), which doubles as a salsa club after 10 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays. On Sundays around sunset, locals gather in the center of town to mingle and sashay the night away.

Relax in seclusion under palm trees on the white-sand beaches of Isla de Pasión, a private islet off the coast of Cozumel that is accessible by a 10-minute boat ride (isla-pasion.com). The stunning scenery of this little-explored hideaway has served as the backdrop for many a wedding, but even the most hardened soul can find something to love.

By Paul Tolme 

Bicycle touring, a European obsession, is growing in popularity in the United States as more vacationers look for healthier getaways. “It’s a great way to explore the country,” says Dan Nidey, a 56-year-old Iowan and touring fanatic who plans to pedal from San Diego to Austin, Texas, later this year. “You smell the air, see the sights and feel the breeze.” Some tips for touring stateside:

The Adventure Cycling Association (adventurecycling .org) offers information and detailed maps for 21 rides, including the Green Mountains loop, which covers 373 miles through rural Vermont.

By Elisa Mala

With hot climes and the prevailing philosophy of maintaining “cool hearts” (jai yen), Thailand is rife with contradictions. Nowhere is this more evident than in Bangkok, the nation’s capital and most populated city, a seemingly endless sprawl that is at once chaotic and calm. Ultra-modern commercial complexes overshadow some of the oldest Buddhist temples in the world, extravagant dance performances are as plentiful as gory kickboxing matches, sports cars compete with rickshaws for road space, and millionaires live blocks away from those who occasionally lack running water. Born and bred in Manhattan, NEWSWEEK’s Elisa Mala grew up speaking Thai, which kept her close to the culture from halfway around the world. Here are the sites and activities that capture her imagination on trips there.

VISIT the 150-foot-long reclining Buddha at Wat Pho (www.watpho.com) (near the river along Maharat Road, about 2/3 of a mile south of the Grand Palace). Bangkok’s oldest and largest temple also runs the city’s most respected Thai massage school, the Traditional Medical Pracitioners Association Center, so weary wayfarers can rest with a rubdown. An emerald Buddha sits at Wat Phra Kaew, one of Thailand’s grandest worshipping grounds. No surprise that it’s ornate – located on the grounds of the Grand Palace, it shares a home with the king. Dressing like royalty is hardly a requirement, but knees and elbows should be covered, and shoes removed before entering holy sites.

By Kristin Luna 

By Michelle Jana Chan 

A wave of hotel openings across the Andes means the classic Peruvian circuit is no longer just for backpackers. With the dollar still strong there, you can even opt for some luxury.

Casa Andina Private Collection, Arequipa Check in to this stylish urban retreat near the baroque convents and 16th-century villas in Peru’s loveliest colonial town (doubles from $199 with breakfast; casa-andina.com).

Las Casitas del Colca Make a side trip to the Colca Canyon, twice as deep at the Grand Canyon, and stay at this luxurious outpost with hot plunge pools on each private terrace. Spot condors, fly-fish and bottle-feed baby alpacas (doubles from $500 full board, including activities; lascasitasdelcolca.com).

Inkaterra Machu Picchu After visiting the great Incan citadel, bed down at Inkaterra’s gorgeous villas and indulge in the spa’s coca treatment (doubles from $832 full board; inkaterra.com).