Category: Travel Tips

From iconic city stays to serene wellness retreats, these destinations are set to elevate your travel experiences.

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🌎 United States

Waldorf Astoria New York 🏙️

The grand dame returns, blending timeless elegance with modern luxury in the heart of Manhattan. After an extensive renovation, the hotel will feature 375 redesigned rooms and suites, a 30,000-square-foot spa, and restored historic elements like the iconic Grand Ballroom.
📍 Location: New York City, NY
📅 Opening: Sept 2025

The Cooper, Charleston 🌿

Charleston’s first luxury waterfront hotel offers Southern charm with a modern twist, featuring a private marina, a 7,000-square-foot wellness spa, and curated cultural experiences.
📍 Location: Charleston, SC
📅 Opening: Early 2025

Naples Beach Club, A Four Seasons Resort 🏖️

A coastal retreat with 215 guest rooms, beachside and golfside residences, a renovated 18-hole golf course, and an upscale Market Square for dining and entertainment.
📍 Location: Naples, FL
📅 Opening: Early 2025

Driftwood Ranch Resort 🤠

A Western luxury escape just 90 minutes from NYC, this ranch-style resort brings Montana to the Catskills. Spread across 200 acres in White Lake, the property features unique accommodations like the Cattle Drive Suite, Museum Suite, and a four-bedroom Bunk House.
📍 Location: White Lake, NY
📅 Opening: 2025

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🌴 Caribbean & Latin America

Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Costa Rica 🌴

Set on Costa Rica’s Peninsula Papagayo, Nekajui will feature 107 rooms inspired by the natural beauty of Guanacaste. Expect ultra-personalized service, lush surroundings, and a deep connection to the land.
📍 Location: Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica
📅 Opening: Q1 2025

Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Cacique 🌺

Waldorf Astoria’s first Costa Rica property will be nestled in the hills of Guanacaste, offering lush oceanfront views, top-tier service, and eco-conscious luxury.
📍 Location: Guanacaste, Costa Rica
📅 Opening: May 1, 2025

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🏯 Asia & Africa

Park Hyatt Taipei 🏯

A refined and luxurious stay in the heart of Taipei, featuring breathtaking skyline views and world-class hospitality.
📍 Location: Taipei, Taiwan
📅 Opening: 2025

Park Hyatt Johannesburg 🇿🇦

Hyatt returns to Johannesburg with a luxury urban retreat, offering stunning city views, refined interiors, and top-tier dining.
📍 Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
📅 Opening: 2025

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🇮🇹 Europe

Orient Express La Minerva, Rome 🇮🇹

Set in a 17th-century palace in Rome’s historic center, this hotel blends the legendary glamour of the Orient Express with contemporary luxury. Enjoy Art Deco-inspired rooms, a spa with a hammam, and a rooftop restaurant with sweeping city views.
📍 Location: Rome, Italy
📅 Opening: Accepting reservations for 2025

Relais & Châteaux Storfjord Hotel, Norway ❄️

A secluded 30-room retreat with breathtaking fjord views, a forest spa, and a Michelin-starred dining experience—Scandinavian luxury at its best!
📍 Location: Norway
📅 Opening: 2025

Relais & Châteaux Vetera Matera, Italy 🏰

Tucked into Matera’s ancient cave city, this hotel blends history with modern luxury. A UNESCO heritage site, it offers 23 bespoke rooms carved into the rock.
📍 Location: Matera, Italy
📅 Opening: March 15, 2025

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🧘‍♀️ Wellness & Unique Experiences

Six Senses London 🇬🇧

Located in the historic Whiteleys building, this urban wellness retreat will feature a luxury spa and indoor pool.
📍 Location: London, UK
📅 Opening: 2025

Six Senses Milan 🇮🇹

Situated in Milan’s fashion district, this property offers private gardens, a luxurious spa, and world-class dining.
📍 Location: Milan, Italy
📅 Opening: 2025

Levantine Hill Hotel, Yarra Valley, Australia 🍇

A wine-lover’s dream—this ultra-luxury retreat sits within a vineyard and features private suites, a wine spa, and world-class dining.
📍 Location: Yarra Valley, Australia
📅 Opening: 2025

Planning a European getaway with a family of five can be a challenge—but it’s also an unforgettable experience! Finding accommodations that balance space, kid-friendly activities, and proximity to incredible attractions is essential. Here’s how we found four unique stays that offered the perfect blend of adventure, comfort, and family-friendly fun.

1. Swiss Kinderhotel: A Kid’s Paradise

This charming Kinderhotel in Switzerland was a hit with the whole family. Designed with kids in mind, it had:

• Three cozy bedrooms for everyone to relax in.

• A well-equipped kitchen for preparing easy family meals with fresh groceries.

• Endless on-site activities, including trampolines, diggers, a playground, and even a petting zoo (with what felt like a million adorable animals!).

• A location walking distance to public transport, taking us up the mountains to epic playgrounds and breathtaking views.

It was the perfect mix of Swiss charm and kid-friendly fun, ensuring everyone had something to enjoy.

2. Austrian Chalet Resort in Obertraun

Our stay near Hallstatt, Austria, was nothing short of magical. This chalet resort offered:

• A pool and exercise area to keep everyone entertained.

• Easy access to a ferry ride that brought us to a charming shopping village and the famous salt mines.

• Proximity to a beautiful lake where the kids could play and explore.

The resort was packed with family-friendly activities, making it an exciting and memorable stop on our journey.

3. Birch Cabin in Slovenia: A Charming Family Retreat

Our cozy stay in Slovenia was like stepping into a storybook. The Birch Cabin had:

• A cute top-floor bedroom filled with toys—our kids’ dream come true.

• A backyard playground and fruit trees, offering plenty of space for the kids to run around and explore.

• A location walking distance to a quaint downtown filled with shops, museums, churches, and even an apothecary.

• Easy drives to incredible outdoor adventures like Lake Bled, Predjama Castle, and scenic hikes.

It struck the perfect balance of charm, convenience, and family fun, with plenty to explore right outside our doorstep.

4. Near-Beach Retreat in Paros, Greece

Our last stop brought us to a beautiful retreat on the island of Paros, Greece, just steps from the beach. Highlights included:

• A spacious outdoor patio perfect for grilling and family meals.

• Proximity to local attractions, including wineries and charming villages.

• A walkable beach that was perfect for lazy afternoons.

This spot offered both relaxation and exploration, with no shortage of stunning scenery and family-friendly activities.

Why These Stays Worked for Us

Traveling as a family of five, we prioritized accommodations that offered:

• Plenty of space: Three bedrooms ensured everyone had room to relax.

• Convenience: Each location was either walking distance to attractions or a short drive away from must-see spots.

• Kid-friendly amenities: Whether it was a playground, toys, or a pool, every place had something special for the kids.

• Cooking options: Kitchens gave us the flexibility to enjoy meals at “home” while still indulging in local cuisine.

Plan Your Family’s European Adventure

If you’re dreaming of a European escape, here’s where we stayed:

🇨🇭 Swiss Kinderhotel for family fun and Swiss charm

🏔️ Austrian Chalet at Dormio in Obertraun

🏡 Cozy Slovenia Chalet

🏖️ Paros, Greece Near-Beach Retreat

These incredible places offered a mix of adventure, comfort, and unforgettable memories for our family.

What’s your dream European destination? Share it in the comments—we’d love to hear!

Costa Rica has skyrocketed in popularity over the past several years, and in 2025, it’s a hotspot for adventure seekers, families, and luxury travelers alike. Both of us have traveled to Costa Rica recently, and we’ve learned a thing or two about planning the perfect trip. Whether you’re staying for a long getaway or squeezing in a quick escape, here are our top tips and tricks to help you make the most of your Costa Rican adventure.

1. Plan Around Activities – Don’t Cram It All In

Costa Rica is known for its diverse landscapes, from lush rainforests and active volcanoes to sandy beaches and vibrant national parks. While it’s tempting to pack everything into one trip, we strongly recommend narrowing your focus, especially if your trip is under 7-8 days.

Kara’s lesson learned: Trying to split time between the Arenal volcano region in central Costa Rica and the beaches near Manuel Antonio National Park led to hours of winding drives on treacherous roads—not ideal for families or anyone who gets carsick! Stick to one region if your stay is short to truly enjoy the experience without feeling rushed.

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2. Volcanoes Over Beaches (Trust Us, Florida Girls)

Costa Rica’s beaches might be beautiful for surfing, but as Florida natives, we found them just average. The real magic of Costa Rica lies in its interior—the volcanic regions surrounded by rainforests, suspension bridges, and exotic wildlife. Here, you’ll find activities like:

• Hiking near Arenal Volcano
• Spotting monkeys in the wild
• Exploring hanging bridges
• Relaxing in natural hot springs

If you only have time to visit one area, our top pick is Arenal and the surrounding rainforest region. It’s what Costa Rica is famous for, and it does not disappoint.

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3. National Parks: Manuel Antonio – Worth It or Skip It?

Manuel Antonio National Park is one of Costa Rica’s most famous attractions, known for its pristine beaches and abundant wildlife. While it’s definitely worth seeing if you have time, we considered it a nice-to-have rather than a must-do. The park is beautiful, but it can get crowded, and you’ll likely already see plenty of monkeys and wildlife if you stay near Arenal or other rainforest areas.

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4. Our Favorite Stays: Château El Silencio & Nayara Springs

One of the reasons we fell in love with Costa Rica is the exceptional eco-luxury accommodations. If you’re looking for places that allow you to fully immerse yourself in nature while indulging in comfort, these two properties are unbeatable:

Château El Silencio Lodge

• Location: Bajos del Toro, a lush rainforest region in central Costa Rica
• What it’s known for: A tranquil, eco-friendly retreat surrounded by waterfalls, hiking trails, and wildlife.
• On-site activities: Nature hikes, birdwatching, waterfall excursions, and cooking classes.
• Cost: $$$ (luxury pricing, but worth it for the serenity and service)

Nayara Springs

• Location: Near Arenal Volcano
• What it’s known for: Adults-only luxury with private plunge pools fed by natural hot springs.
• On-site activities: Spa treatments, guided tours, and yoga classes. Plus, you can book nearby adventures like ziplining and wildlife tours through the hotel.
• Cost: $$$$ (splurge-worthy for couples or special occasions)

Both properties offer so much on-site that you could spend several days there without venturing far. They also organize adventures like canopy tours, hikes, and cultural experiences, making them the perfect base for your trip.

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5. Getting There & Around

• Fly Into: San José (Juan Santamaría International Airport – SJO) for central locations like Arenal and Bajos del Toro, or Liberia (Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport – LIR) if you’re heading to the northern beaches or national parks.
• Driving Tips: Be prepared for narrow, winding roads, especially in mountainous regions. Pack Dramamine and definitely hire a driver! Trust us. We got stuck several times on the roads.

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Final Tips for the Perfect Costa Rica Adventure

• Stay Longer in One Spot: Both Château El Silencio and Nayara Springs offer enough activities to fill a week—don’t feel pressured to move around too much.
• Pack Smart: Bring waterproof gear (rain is inevitable), sturdy shoes for hiking, and layers for cooler rainforest mornings.
• Book Early: Costa Rica’s popularity is at a fever pitch in 2025, so secure your accommodations and tours well in advance.

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Whether you’re a thrill-seeker looking for ziplining adventures or a relaxation enthusiast wanting to soak in hot springs, Costa Rica has something for everyone. But take it from us—slow down, soak it in, and focus on quality over quantity for a trip you’ll never forget.

Life’s short. Adventure often.
– Kate & Kara, TravelledTwins

Holiday clearance and travel deals are here! Whether you’re planning your next getaway or snagging home and goods savings, these deals are too good to miss:

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Travel Deals

💡 REI

• Up to 50% off winter gear, hiking boots, and travel packs.
• www.rei.com

💡 Backcountry

• Up to 60% off outdoor apparel and gear.
• www.backcountry.com

💡 The Ski Monster

• Up to 40% off skis, snowboards, and winter apparel.
• www.theskimonster.com

💡 Samsonite

• Up to 50% off luggage and travel accessories.
• www.samsonite.com

💡 Booking.com

• Up to 30% off hotels and accommodations.
• www.booking.com

💡 Allegiant Air

• Discounted one-way fares, like $133 from Appleton to Punta Gorda.
• Allegiant Air Deals

💡 American Airlines Vacations

• Up to $100 off vacation packages.
• Promo Code: YEAREND2024
• www.aavacations.com

💡 Apple Vacations

• Up to 40% off all-inclusive packages to Cancun and Punta Cana.
• Apple Vacations Deals

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Home & Goods Deals

💡 Target

• Up to 70% off holiday décor, toys, and winter clothing.
• www.target.com

💡 Walmart

• Up to 75% off kids’ toys, household essentials, and holiday items.
• www.walmart.com

💡 Wayfair

• Up to 80% off furniture and home décor.
• www.wayfair.com

💡 Bed Bath & Beyond

• Up to 60% off bedding, bath, and kitchen essentials.
• www.bedbathandbeyond.com

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🎁 Don’t wait—these deals won’t last long! Let us know what deals you snagged in the comments below.

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#holidayclearance #traveldeals #adventurersales #homeandgoods #airfaredeals #vacationpackages #exploremore #savemore

Planning your dream trips doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. With a clear vision and strategic planning, you can turn your travel dreams into reality. Here’s how:

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1. Start With Your Goals in Mind

Get specific about your travel vision:

• Do you crave zen and relaxation, or are you chasing adventure?
• What are your must-haves (luxury suite, spa access, Michelin dining) and where are you flexible?
• What gives you goosebumps? (Is it a beachfront villa, a first-class seat, or a cultural experience?)

Write down up to 3 travel goals for 2025—this helps you focus your energy and resources effectively.

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2. Understand Your Spending Habits

Take a realistic look at your top 3–4 spending categories:

• Dining: Do you eat out or order delivery often?
• Airfare: Do you spend a lot on flights?
• Hotels: Are accommodations a major expense when you travel?
• Everyday Spending: Do you have consistent recurring expenses, like groceries or gas?

This step is key because you’ll either:

1. Earn points by leveraging these categories.
2. Reduce spending in specific areas to allocate funds toward your travel goals.

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3. Matchmaking Your Goals With Travel Rewards

Now it’s time to match your goals and spending with the right travel cards. Here’s how:

Hotels

• Hilton Honors Aspire Card: Amazing for luxury Hilton properties and free nights. *The most plentiful brand- ie there are Hilton brands everywhere and they also own SLH now, small luxury hotels.
• World of Hyatt Card: Perfect if you’re targeting boutique or high-end Hyatt properties. We honestly think the bang for your buck with Hyatt trumps all other brands.
• Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card: Great if you’re eyeing a stay at iconic Marriott brands like St. Regis or Ritz-Carlton.
  💡 Tip: Look at the destinations on your vision board. Is there a luxury property from one of these brands? Focus on that program.

Airlines

• Amex Platinum Card: Best for transferring points to airline partners for first-class or business-class flights.
• Chase Sapphire Preferred/Reserve: Flexible point transfers to major airlines like United, Southwest, and British Airways.
• Citi Premier Card: Great for unique airline transfer options like Turkish Airlines or Singapore Airlines.
  💡 Tip: Research your local airport’s top airlines and align your card choice with your dream destinations.

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4. Set a Realistic Timeline

Here’s where the fun begins! Pick a travel date within the next 9–12 months. Why this timeframe?

• You’ll need 3–6 months to earn the sign-up bonus from your selected card(s).
• Then you’ll need time to transfer points, find award availability, and plan the details.

💡 Example Timeline:

• January: Open your card(s) and start earning the sign-up bonus.
• April: Hit the bonus requirement and transfer your points.
• June–July: Finalize bookings for your dream trip.
• September–October: Travel and live the luxury dream!

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5. Get Creative With Savings and Perks

• Maximize transfer bonuses: Keep an eye out for promotional bonuses when transferring points to airline and hotel partners.
• Stack benefits: Combine perks like lounge access, free hotel nights, and status upgrades for even greater value.
• Plan strategically: Book during shoulder seasons or mid-week stays to stretch your points further.

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6. Start Planning Today

Take action now!

1. Write down your top 3 travel goals for 2025.
2. Assess your spending and identify your categories for points earning.
3. Choose a card that matches your goals and get started on your travel vision board.

Ready to make 2025 the year of unforgettable luxury trips? Grab your favorite notebook or open a Pinterest board, and let’s make your travel dreams happen!

Small Business Saturday is the perfect opportunity to support local businesses and discover unique gifts for everyone on your list. From Orlando favorites to distinctive online shops, we’ve curated top picks across various categories: hostess gifts, travel essentials, cozy comforts, self-care treats, and more. Let’s explore!

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Hostess Gifts

Express your gratitude to hosts with these delightful selections:

• Modest Wine: Offering a curated selection of natural wines, Modest Wine provides eco-conscious and sophisticated gift bundles perfect for wine enthusiasts.
• Simply Cheese: Located on Aloma Avenue in Winter Park, this specialty store features artisanal cheeses and complementary accompaniments like charcuterie boards and jams, with ready-made gift sets for easy gifting. 
• The Courtesy: For cocktail aficionados, consider their house-made bitters or a bar tool set, adding an Orlando flair to mixology gifts.
• Golden Hour Candle Co.: Handcrafted soy candles with seasonal scents like ‘Winterberry & Fir’ make for thoughtful, cozy hostess gifts.
• Bee’s Wrap: Keep your journey eco-friendly with reusable items from Bee’s Wrap. Their sustainable food wraps are great for storing snacks and reducing waste during your travels.

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Travel Must-Haves

For the frequent traveler or adventurer:

• 1. Lo & Sons: Start with the ultimate travel bag that combines style and functionality. Lo & Sons, a family-owned business, offers sustainable and lightweight travel bags perfect for every occasion. Their Catalina Deluxe Tote is a fan favorite for weekend trips.
• 2. Pact: Looking good and feeling comfortable is essential for travel. Pact offers sustainable and cozy travel basics, like their organic cotton leggings and hoodies. These pieces are versatile and eco-friendly, making them great for the road or the skies.
• 3. Plaine Products: Ditch single-use plastics with travel bottles from Plaine Products. This small business specializes in refillable and eco-conscious personal care products, perfect for keeping you fresh on the go.
• 4. Bobo’s: Healthy and delicious snacks are a travel essential. Bobo’s makes wholesome oat bars that are easy to pack and satisfying for long trips. Plus, they’re gluten-free and come in a variety of flavors to suit every taste.
• 5. Nimble: Stay connected with tech accessories from Nimble, a small business dedicated to sustainable electronics. Their portable chargers and cords are compact, stylish, and environmentally friendly.

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Soft & Cozy

Wrap your loved ones in warmth this season:

• Florida Quilt Network: The Florida Quilt Network connects quilters and fabric enthusiasts across the Sunshine State, offering a comprehensive directory of quilt shops, events, and resources to inspire creativity and celebrate the art of quilting. Explore their shop directory to find local quilting treasures near you!
• Sweet Dreams PJ Co.: Luxurious pajamas and cozy loungewear sets that make the ultimate winter gift.
• Hearth & Soul: Known for their curated home finds, including beautiful throws, cozy slippers, and chic candles.

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Self-Care Splurges

Encourage relaxation and rejuvenation:

• Asheville Tea Company: Celebrates local Asheville and Southeast US farmers with unique tea blends. Join their presale list now and help support as they rebuild from Hurricane Helene.
• Buff City Soap: Buff City Soap is a unique soap-making shop that creates handcrafted, plant-based bath and body products free of harsh chemicals. Known for their customizable soaps, bath bombs, and skincare items, each product is freshly made in-store to ensure quality and personalization. With a commitment to eco-friendly and cruelty-free practices, Buff City Soap delivers self-care with a creative, feel-good twist. Perfect for those seeking luxurious, natural products that are as fun as they are functional!
• The Salt Room Orlando: Salt therapy sessions make a unique gift for relaxation and wellness.
• Sage and Bloom: This Orlando boutique sells handmade soaps, bath bombs, and candles perfect for a DIY spa day.

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A Touch of Sparkle

Add some shine with these jewelry selections:

• Dora Mae Jewelry: Located in Orlando, Dora Mae offers one-of-a-kind statement pieces that blend vintage elements with modern design, perfect for those seeking unique accessories. 
• Orlando Jewelers: A family-owned business offering custom designs and a wide selection of fine jewelry, catering to diverse tastes and styles.
• Frost + Bloom: Gorgeous everyday statement pieces crafted by a local Orlando designer.

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In the Home

Enhance living spaces with these thoughtful gifts:

• Etoile Boutique: Located in Orlando’s Milk District, Etoile Boutique offers a curated selection of vintage clothing, handmade jewelry, and unique home goods, making it a treasure trove for distinctive home décor.
• We Love Plants LLC: Situated on East Livingston Street, this boutique plant shop specializes in rare and exotic plants, perfect for adding a touch of greenery to any home.
• Palmer’s Garden & Goods: A staple in Orlando, Palmer’s offers a wide variety of plants, garden supplies, and unique home goods, ideal for both gardening enthusiasts and those looking to spruce up their living spaces.
• The Ancient Olive: Located on Park Avenue, this gourmet shop offers a vast selection of premium olive oils, balsamic vinegars, and specialty foods, perfect for culinary enthusiasts.
• Mockingbird Apothecary & General Store: Situated in Longwood, this charming shop offers natural wellness and beauty products, including eco-friendly home goods and organic remedies, making it a perfect destination for unique home gifts.

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Bookstores to Explore

For the book lovers in your life, consider these local gems:

• The New Romantics: Orlando’s first romance-only bookstore, offering a diverse range of romance genres and authors, creating a safe and inclusive space for all romance readers.
• Writer’s Block Bookstore: Located in Winter Park, this independent bookstore offers a wide selection of books across genres, along with author events and book clubs, fostering a vibrant literary community.

Amazon Prime Days are always tempting—who doesn’t love a good deal delivered to their door in a flash? We’re no strangers to shopping on Amazon ourselves. But as we approach Prime Days and upcoming holidays, we’re encouraging you to consider a different approach: shopping local. Especially in light of recent hurricanes, like Helene and the impending Milton, supporting small businesses and communities in need has never been more critical.

Asheville and Orlando are two cities close to our hearts. Not only are they hubs of culture, art, and incredible food, but they’re also home to countless small businesses that make these cities unique. Whether you’re based in either city or shopping online, here are some of our favorite spots to support this Prime Day and beyond.

Why Shop Local?

1. Economic Impact: Every dollar spent at a local business contributes more to the community than if spent at a large corporation. You’re supporting your neighbors, local entrepreneurs, and the people who make our towns special.
2. Sustainability: Shopping locally often means products are produced and sourced nearby, reducing the environmental impact of shipping. Many small businesses emphasize sustainable and eco-friendly practices, making your purchases feel even better.
3. Hurricane Relief: Small businesses, especially those affected by hurricanes, need our support to rebuild and recover. By choosing them over larger retailers, you’re directly helping communities impacted by these natural disasters.

Asheville Favorites to Support Instead of Amazon Prime

If you’re looking to bring a little Asheville charm into your life or find thoughtful gifts ahead of the holiday season, here are some of our favorites:

1. Asheville Bee Charmer

Specializing in locally sourced honey, skincare, and home goods, Asheville Bee Charmer is a must-visit. Whether you want to gift artisanal honey or explore their natural skincare line, this shop is perfect for anyone who appreciates nature’s sweetest offerings.
Shop here: Asheville Bee Charmer

2. C&Co. Handcrafted Skincare

If you’re into plant-based, handcrafted skincare, this Asheville gem is for you. They offer products made with simple, wholesome ingredients that nourish your skin without harmful chemicals. Perfect for stocking up on self-care essentials!
Discover their offerings: C&Co. Handcrafted Skincare

3. Chocolate Fetish

Nothing says the holidays quite like decadent, handmade chocolates. Chocolate Fetish is a beloved Asheville chocolatier offering a wide range of artisanal chocolates, truffles, and sweets. Skip the mass-produced options and savor the love and craftsmanship that go into each bite.
Indulge yourself: Chocolate Fetish

4. East Fork Pottery

For those who appreciate the art of pottery, East Fork offers beautifully crafted, handmade ceramics perfect for your home or as thoughtful gifts. Each piece reflects Asheville’s spirit of creativity and craftsmanship, and you can shop both in-store and online.
Explore their collection: East Fork Pottery

5. Madam Clutterbuckets Neurodiverse Universe

This quirky and wonderful shop offers unique gifts, including pet wearables like snoods, but it’s much more than a store. Madam Clutterbuckets is dedicated to creating an inclusive space for adults with developmental disabilities, providing job skills support, and promoting neurodiversity. Supporting this business means supporting a mission of inclusivity and empowerment.
Shop their unique finds: Madam Clutterbuckets

Orlando Favorites for Shopping Local

Orlando is brimming with local treasures too, and many small businesses offer a chance to find the perfect gift while supporting the local community. Here are a few of our favorites:

1. Paper Goat Post

Friends of ours, who are also twins, own this super cute shop full of party supplies, stationery, and unique gifts. Paper Goat Post is your go-to spot for charming, curated items that make every occasion special.
Visit them online: Paper Goat Post

2. Rocket Fizz

For a dose of nostalgia and a sweet treat, Rocket Fizz in Winter Park offers candy, retro gifts, and everything you didn’t know you needed for a fun, playful shopping experience.
Check them out: Rocket Fizz Winter Park

3. The Ancient Olive

Perfect for foodies or anyone who loves to cook, The Ancient Olive offers an incredible selection of olive oils, balsamic vinegars, and culinary gifts. It’s a great place to pick up a housewarming gift or holiday cooking essentials.
Explore their offerings:  Ancient Olive

4. Simply Cheese

For cheese enthusiasts, Simply Cheese provides a delightful selection of artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, and gourmet accompaniments. It’s the perfect place to create a memorable cheese board for your next gathering.
Shop their selections: Simply Cheese

5. Modest Wine

Modest Wine is all about simplicity, quality, and affordability. They source wines that are crafted with care and offer an excellent range for the wine lover in your life.
Browse their collection: Modest Wine

6. Oh Eco

A community-driven marketplace that supports local businesses, artisans, and eco-conscious creators in Orlando. Their mission is to promote sustainability and wellness through a diverse range of products, including organic skincare, handmade crafts, and zero-waste essentials. You can explore more at Oh Eco.

Make a Difference This Prime Day

While Amazon Prime has its place, choosing to support local businesses whenever you can helps build stronger, more resilient communities—especially in places like Asheville and Orlando, where every purchase can make a significant impact. So this Prime Day and holiday season, consider taking a small step that can create a big difference by shopping local.

Hey, travel lovers! It’s Kate and Kara from TravelledTwins, here to share some exciting news that’s going to take your travel game to the next level. If you’re anything like us, you’re always on the lookout for ways to maximize those credit card points and get the most bang for your buck when it comes to booking reward flights. Well, buckle up because American Express has just teamed up with Point.me, and it’s a total game-changer!

What’s the Buzz About?
Amex has recently partnered with Point.me, an innovative platform that takes the guesswork out of searching for reward flights. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to find the best way to use your points across different airlines and alliances, this tool is about to become your new best friend.

How Does It Work?
Here’s the scoop: Point.me acts as a one-stop search engine for reward flights. Simply enter your travel details—like your departure city, destination, and dates—and Point.me will comb through multiple airlines and alliances to find the best reward flight options for you. The best part? It’ll show you how to transfer your Amex Membership Rewards points to get those flights at the best rate possible.

Why Should You Care?
We’ve all been there: juggling multiple tabs, trying to figure out which airline gives you the best deal for your hard-earned points, and praying you don’t miss out on a great redemption. With Point.me, that stress is a thing of the past. Not only does it streamline the search process, but it also opens up possibilities you might not have considered, like transferring points to lesser-known airline partners for a better deal.

Insider Tips from TravelledTwins
1 Think Beyond the Usual Suspects: Don’t just stick with the airlines you know. Point.me can uncover amazing redemption opportunities with airline partners you might not have thought of
2 Leverage Point.me’s Filters: Narrow down your search results by using filters like airline alliances, stopovers, and more to find the perfect flight that fits your travel style.
3 Timing Is Everything: Keep an eye on those reward flights—Point.me can help you spot when availability opens up, so you’re ready to pounce.

Our Verdict
This new partnership between Amex and Point.me is an absolute win for anyone looking to make the most of their rewards points. Whether you’re planning a luxury getaway or just trying to get from Point A to Point B without breaking the bank, this tool is going to make your life a whole lot easier.

So, what are you waiting for? Dive into Point.me, link it with your Amex Membership Rewards, and start planning your next adventure. We know we’re already on it!

Happy travels, Kate & Kara (@travelledtwins)