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The Maney & LauRen Morning Show

The Maney & LauRen Morning Show

Why You Need A Vacation After Going Home For Holidays

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Author LauRen Merola

Going home for the holidays? You may need a vacation after your trip, new research suggests. According to SWNS Digital, a survey of 2-thousand U.S. holiday travelers finds 34% don’t consider traveling home to visit family for the holidays a real “vacation.”

Holiday travel with the family can certainly be stressful, but with some thoughtful planning and preparation, it can also be a fun and memorable experience for everyone involved. Wishful thinking, huh? Well, if you are stressed by holiday planning and travel, know you’re not alone. Here is what that study found!

The poll also reveals:

  • Nearly three-quarters (71%) say they’ll likely need another vacation afterwards to actually relax and unwind.
  • While 60% say they love to visit friends and family during the holidays, they admit they feel “exhausted” by the end of the trip.
  • More than half (57%) are planning to stay with relatives or friends for the holidays this year, but 34% want to stay somewhere else, like a hotel (55%), a bed and breakfast (40%), or a short-term rental (25%).
  • Visiting family makes 43% feel like they’re being parented like they were a kid again.
  • That leaves 28% feeling annoyed, frustrated or sad.
  • So it makes sense that 86% of travelers prefer staying somewhere quiet and clean where they can relax after the chaos of visiting family during the holidays.
  • And 69% want the place they stay during the holiday season to be festively decorated.

The Top 10 reasons people want to stay in a hotel during the holidays

  • More space for themselves – 34%
  • They can relax and be taken care of – 34%
  • They can get some quiet time – 32%
  • They can be their authentic self – 29%
  • They don’t have to clean up after meals – 27%
  • They can sleep better in a hotel room – 27%
  • They don’t need to worry about making their bed or doing chores – 25%
  • They can have room service and eat it in bed – 24%
  • There are more amenities than they would otherwise have – 24%
  • They have more space for their own family/travel companions – 23%

written by

LauRen Merola Strager is a former NFL & NBA cheerleader turned radio host. LauRen is a former Miss Pennsylvania USA and is a proud wife and mother of two. She is the owner and chief editor for her fashion and lifestyle Blog “All Of The F-Words” and is a champion for the Autism community. You can read all about LauRen’s thoughts on motherhood, pageant life, and everyday life through her online content.

7 All-Inclusive Resorts You Can Visit In The US, No Passport Needed

Traveling is fun. But it can get expensive fast. Putting down that credit card for 3 meals a day, activities, and drinks. It adds up and can lead to a real sticker shock when you return. Which is why I am such a fan of all-inclusive resorts. There is nothing better than not having to worry about bringing your wallet, the price of whatever item you choose to order or the menu, or if you should have that extra glass of wine at dinner. Actually, one of my favorite things about the all-inclusive I got to experience (Beaches Turks & Caicos which I highly highly recommend) was sitting at the pool bar, and just saying yes without a second thought when the bartender would ask if I’d like another drink.  Yes, yes I would. But if you don’t have a passport you may think that an all-inclusive experience is out of the question. But it’s not. There are numerous all-inclusive resorts in the US that you can visit without a passport.

All-Inclusive Resorts in The US No Passport Required

I actually realized mine had expired right before a cruise in 2019. Luckily I was able to still go using my birth certificate. 2020 happened and I just put off renewing it, until the Turks & Caicos trip fell in my lap. And it didn’t leave me a lot of time to get a new one. I ended up having to pay for expedited service, rush shipping to and from, and was still cutting it pretty close. Not to mention that all of that was not cheap. This was after I drove an hour away for the only appointment I could find. And I’ve heard that these days it’s even more difficult than it was then. So I get it if you don’t want to deal with that hassle. This is why I’ve compiled a list of 7 all-inclusive resorts in the US you can visit with no passport required.

Resorts on this list vary widely, some offer that Caribbean beach vacation (yes without a passport), some in Florida, out west, Arizona, California, and even New York. Some are adults only while others are great for families. If you love activities and recreation or crave relaxation there is a resort for you as well. So enjoy this list, and possibly that trip! Now I need to get to booking my next one. Perhaps I should buy a lottery ticket to finance it!

  • Bungalows Key Largo

    If a beach vacation with Caribbean feels is what you’re after look no further than Bungalows Key Largo. Located in the Florida Keys, this is as close to those tropical all-inclusive resorts as you’ll get on continental US soil.  And it’s as luxurious as you could ever want. You’ll get your own private bungalow, food and drink, activities, and accommodations. Learn more here.

  • Alila Ventana Big Sur

    Seeking a relaxing, restorative getaway? Then Alila Ventana in Big Sur California may be exactly what you’re looking for. A stay at this resort “encompasses all-inclusive meals, non-alcoholic beverages, transformative wellbeing programming, exclusive amenities, and a captivating collection of curated experiences with bespoke itineraries.” All while being surrounding by the iconic California redwoods, and beaches that make this area of the country so unique. Learn more here.

  • Bolongo Bay Beach Resort

    Yes, you can go to the actual Caribbean without a passport. Located in the US Virgin Islands on the island of St. Thomas you’ll find the oasis of the Bolongo Bay Beach Resort. This small and intimate all-inclusive has been family owned for 30 years. You’re stay includes a la carte cooking, delicious original cocktails, and breathtaking Caribbean scenery. Learn more here.

  • Castle Hot Springs

    Located in the Arizona desert, you’ll find a relaxing vacation Oasis in Castle Hot Springs. This all-inclusive resort includes your farm-to-table meals, activities like yoga, farm tours, guided hikes, archery, and more. You’ll enjoy the mineral hot springs the resort is named for, and take a dip into three different pools.  Learn more here.

  • Mohonk Mountain House

    This Victorian castle resort is nestled in the Hudson Valley of New York. And while it is only 90 miles north of New York City, it feels like a completely different world than the hustle and bustle of the city that never sleeps. The Mohonk Mountain house is a National Historic Landmark that is bordered by 40,000 acres of forest. It offers inclusive pricing with farm-to-table cuisine with three daily meals, and afternoon tea and cookies. There are also countless activities like fitness classes, lake activities, winter activities, hiking, golf, tennis, and more. Learn more here.

  • Vista Verde Guest Ranch

    Perhaps not what you expect when you think of an all-inclusive, Vista Verde in Colorado is a dude ranch. Vista Verde describes itself as “a little bit luxury, a little bit Old West, a place for adventure, and a place for rest.” They offer accommodations for families, couples, groups, and more. Your rate includes lodging, guided activities, equipment, instruction, meals, beer and wine, kids programs, and transport to and from the local airport. Learn more here.

  • Divi Carina Bay Beach Resort

    St. Croix is another Caribbean island you can visit without a passport as a US Citizen. Your stay includes unlimited food and drinks, accommodations, as well as a wide range of amenities, including two freshwater pools, tennis, pickleball, a fitness center, a casino, and more.. Learn more here.

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