Glamorous Camping: New York State’s Best Glamping

You may have heard of “glamping,” which takes one of life’s simple pleasures—sleeping in the great outdoors—and elevates it with creature comforts and modern conveniences.

There’s no tent to set up, no hard rocks underneath your sleeping bag, and no outhouses.

Here are some of New York State’s best glamping locations and experiences, courtesy of iloveny.com.

Get off the grid at Gatherwild Ranch (Hudson Valley)

Sometimes you want to go where you can’t hear car horns and shouting, where you leave your phone off and feel like a human again. The Gatherwild Ranch outside the city of Hudson is just the balm for busy citygoers. Just like the resident free-range chickens, guests are invited to roam freely around the 15 acres of land. Gatherwild Ranch even offers facials and full-body massages to deepen your state of relaxation. As for where you’ll lay your head, choose between four unique yurts and one tepee. All are cozy and chic and enjoy a fair amount of private space on the grounds. When you’re ready to venture out again, explore the nearby town of Hudson’s charming antique shops, delicious farm-to-table restaurants, and adorable boutiques.

Culture and camping at Saratoga Escape Glamping (Capital-Saratoga)

Just five miles away from Saratoga Springs, the Saratoga Escape Glamping experience offers comfortable camping combined with the charm of a culture-rich city. The resort has cabins, RV hookups, and tent campsites but in 2017 added glamping options: They now offer 300-square-foot tents with roll-up mesh screens providing ventilation through all four walls. Sleep in queen-size beds with fresh linens and bedding, and enjoy access to your own private grill, mini-fridge, chairs, firepit, and picnic table. Take a dip in the swimming pool, canoe or paddleboard on the lake, and take the little ones on a pony ride. You’re a quick drive from Saratoga Springs attractions, so you can catch a show at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center or experience horse racing at the Saratoga Race Track!

The best of both worlds with Posh Primitive (Adirondacks)

Stretch your legs in one of Posh Primitive’s spacious canvas cabins built with massive log rafters. Each cabin has a queen-size bed on a timber wood platform, a covered porch, and a wood-burning stove for added coziness, though you can easily build a campfire outside, too. All meals are included and if you catch a fish in one of the nearby rivers and streams, they’ll even cook it up for you! Explore a number of nearby hiking trails and take advantage of Posh’s in-house guided nature tours, courtesy of Johnny Old School Guide Service. You’ll also be just a 40-minute drive from the Barton Garnet Mines, where you can take a fascinating tour through one of the world’s largest garnet deposits.

Nature and entertainment Darien Lake (Greater Niagara)

The Glamping at Darien Lake campground belongs to Six Flags Darien Lake Theme Park, New York State’s largest theme park and water park. This means you can wake up in a beautiful, rustic canvas cabin by the lake, then walk just five minutes to the theme park with more than 100 rides, water slides, splash pools, and more. They offer special “Stay & Play” packages to sweeten the deal. The park is also dog-friendly, but just a quick note to bring your own bedding and air mattresses if needed.

Cabin camping at Harmony Hill Retreat Center (Catskills)

The glamping at Harmony Hill in the Catskills is a cross between camping and a cabin stay. Here, your lodging is an adorable, elevated yurt, replete with electricity, flushable toilets, lockable doors, a king-size bed, reading chairs, lamps, and a fully equipped kitchen. You can also cook on the charcoal grill outdoors and in either case, enjoy your food out on your personal deck. Basically, want for nothing while still enjoying the peaceful calm of sleeping deep in the woods. Adding to your comfort and enjoyment, each yurt has a domed skylight and a ceiling fan, though the density of the trees keeps things pretty cool even in summer. Your yurt even comes with its own designated parking spot.

Goat yoga at Gilbertsville Farmhouse (Central)

This husband-and-wife-run establishment is a popular wedding destination thanks to the picturesque beauty of its rolling farmlands. The canvas cabins are spacious and luxuriously decorated, with rustic chandeliers, dressers, sofas, and more. There’s a communal bathhouse that feels more like a spa than a farm shower, and an outdoor firepit. And then, there’s goat yoga. Yes, goat yoga. In a beautiful sun-lit barn you’ll settle into downward dogs and child’s poses, all while adorable baby goats clamber all over you. It’s pure magic. Plus, you’ll be less than an hour’s drive from the amazing Brewery Ommegang, where you can take tours of their famous brewery and sip a flight of delicious craft beer to cool off after a warm summer’s day.

1000 Islands Campground (Thousand Islands-Seaway)

You can stay just a stone’s throw from the beautiful St. Lawrence River in one of two glamping tents—formerly used for Civil War reenactment! The tents are elevated on a wooden platform, and you can relax on your own porch. You’ll need to bring your typical camping gear, like sleeping bags and s’mores ingredients, but you’ll find a fire pit, a picnic table, water, and electricity ready and waiting for you. Plus, this one is a great spot to bring the kiddos because the campground includes several play areas, including a large wooden boat and a wooden castle. A fantasy camping trip for all.

Mountain Horse Farm B&B and Wellness Retreat (Finger Lakes)

One of the main goals of glamping is to reconnect with nature. The Mountain Horse Farm B&B and Wellness Retreat in the Finger Lakes takes this concept to the next level by offering therapeutic interactions with cows and mini-horses along with the opportunity to sleep comfortably outdoors. Their horse & cow experiences do not involve riding the animals, but peacefully petting them, cuddling them, and enjoying their calm energy. Come nighttime you’ll sleep in traditional Sioux Indian Tipis, handcrafted by artisans. Enjoy your privacy while being just a short walk to the lodge, where you can use the full bathroom, lounge room, TV room, wrap-around porch, and fridge. You’re also welcome to use the large outdoor fire pit and grill.

The Woods at Bear Creek (Chautauqua-Allegheny)

A bit of a departure from the canvas tents, the Woods at Bear Creek offer something a bit sturdier by way of their glamping cabins. Tucked amongst the forests and meadows on 750 acres of land, you’ll feel the joy of a kid at summer camp—but with all the comforts you’d want as an adult. Your cabin comes with its own campfire area and covered pavilion, two separate bedrooms, and full bath facilities. There’s even AC, internet, and Direct TV. Swing by the full-service restaurant for dinner, or cook something up over an open flame. Cool off in the Olympic-sized pool, hit up the basketball courts, or take a canoe, kayak, or paddle boat out onto the water. We think you’d agree, this is way better than summer camp.

Terra Glamping (Long Island)

The Hamptons are often associated with glamour, and the glamping here is no exception. Terra Glamping offers 30 canvas tents on the beach, just a ten-minute drive from the buzzing streets with restaurants and boutiques. You’ll wake up on your queen-size memory-foam mattress and pull back the flaps to gaze out over Sag Harbor and Shelter Island (all tents have water views!). Enjoy access to hot showers and flushing toilets, nightly campfires, a dining and grilling area, continental breakfast, and the complimentary use of kayaks and paddle boards. Owners Rebecca Martin and David Levine know that people seek out glamping in order to unplug, so the absence of wifi is an intentional decision. There is cell service, however, and they do provide flashlights, lanterns, and cell phone chargers.

Collective Retreats (New York City)

You can now revel in the joy of glamping in one of the most unexpected and delightful places—Governors Island, NYC! You’ll depart from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan on ferry and land on the lush green shores of the island. There are three types of accommodations to choose from. The Summit Tent and the Outlook Shelter are both more private, with their own bathrooms with hot running water, a luxury spa soaking tub(!), and a king bed. The Journey Tents are part of a more communal experience. They’re spaced slightly closer together and share a bathroom, but are still elegant and comfortable. No matter where you sleep, enjoy fresh continental breakfast at the Three Peaks Restaurant and a one-of-a-kind view of Lady Liberty across the harbor.

If you’re thinking of taking the family or group of friends on a glamping trip this fall, start out and end your experience right and let us do the driving! With Hoyt Livery’s luxury group vehicles, you’ll have room enough for everyone, plus all your gear!

Source: iloveny.com

Best Summer Vacation Destinations

This summer, get your adventure on! There’s plenty of great deals to be had if you know where to look. To help you get packing, here’s a list of this summer’s best budget travel destinations, courtesy of the travel writers of forbes.com.

San Antonio, Texas

From strolling along the San Antonio River Walk to chasing thrills at Six Flags Fiesta Texas, there’s plenty of fun and food to be had. Whether you’re craving Tex-Mex or authentic Mexican food, San Antonio has it. Also visit San Fernando Cathedral, which hosts nightly light shows at no cost. If you find yourself visiting San Antonio during the weekend, be sure to wander through the farmer’s market at the Pearl Brewery.

Puebla, Mexico

Puebla is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it’s easy to see why. Architecture lovers could spend days exploring the historical center and marveling at what seems like an endless number of churches.

Despite this being Mexico’s fourth largest city, you’ll hardly see any other tourists. It’s one of those cities where you can just soak in the tranquil atmosphere. The region is known for its mole sauce, so be sure to sample when visiting.

Hawaii

Flights to Hawaii from the mainland are generally pretty cheap, especially in the past few years. Although it isn’t the most inexpensive when you arrive, it’s well worth it because you get the South Pacific feel with the comforts of the United States—and a shorter plane flight. Check out Maui, and the little visited island of Lanai. For golf lovers, the Four Seasons at Lanai is recommended.

St. Helena

Saint Helena is a volcanic tropical island in the South Atlantic Ocean, 2,500 miles east of Rio de Janeiro. While a trek to get there in the middle of the South Atlantic Ocean, it’s a relatively cheap destination once you arrive.

This off-the-beaten path location offers great hiking, fascinating English mixed with island culture, good food and even the world’s most remote golf course. The airport alone makes it worth a visit as they basically shaved down a mountain to make it possible. St. Helena is probably not on your short list but it should be on your bucket list.

Province of Laguna, the Philippines

The Philippines is already popular because of its white sand beaches in Palawan, Cebu or Boracay; the surfing in Siargao, the mountains in the north but Laguna Province is less well known.

If you have a few days stopover in Manila, make sure to visit the Province of Laguna. It has hot springs as well as San Pablo City, also known as the City of Seven Lakes. Most of these attractions are easily accessed by car rental or taking the local public transportation called tricycle, which costs less than $10.

Agra, India

Home to the Taj Mahal, Agra is on many traveler’s lists. And although it costs around $43 to enter, the surrounding area is relatively inexpensive. It is definitely a well-known destination, so if you want your Taj Mahal shot, be sure to go in the morning. Considered to be the jewel of Islamic art in India, it was built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his wife—possibly one of the most extravagant declarations of love in history.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

There is no city in the world as intoxicating as Buenos Aires. The streets are lined with grand European-style architecture, cozy cafés and endless parks. The staples of life in this budget-friendly city are steak, wine, empanadas and ice cream. Three cheers for the Southern Hemisphere.

South Africa

Prepare to be blown away by the beauty of South Africa. It’s a very diverse place in terms of its nature, people and activities. One day, you may be hiking up a mountain and the next, diving with sharks in the Atlantic Ocean. You’ll be surprised by the extreme low cost of Uber and transport there. The food is also fairly inexpensive, as well as delicious.

Zanzibar

Zanzibaris are so much fun and friendly. While there are expensive resorts there, you can still find some inexpensive bed and breakfasts and hostels in Stone Town that allow you to be right next to the Indian Ocean, where all the excitement, and restaurants are.

Armenia

Set in the Caucasus Mountains, Armenia is a hidden gem that’s still untouched by mass tourism, and yet has so much to offer: rich history, wineries, impressive landscapes, ancient monasteries and breathtaking mountains as far as your eyes can see. The capital, Yerevan, is a lively city with wide avenues, delicious restaurants, museums and street markets selling local handicrafts.

Outside of the capital is picturesque nature. You can pay a visit to the oldest winery in the world in Areni, stop by stunning monasteries, or check out the oldest cathedral in the world in Etchmiadzin.

Serbia

Serbia is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets. It’s one of those places that has such an amazing energy that it leaves you wanting more. In the bustling city of Belgrade, there’s something happening every hour of every day. The streets are filled with amazing restaurants, cute cafés, bars and clubs. The friendly locals are always out and about. You will find people of all ages enjoying the outdoor cafés and drinking rakija (the national drink of Serbia). The restaurants have a great mix of both local and international dishes and are great for trying new dishes. Try the komplet lepinja, cevapi and karađorđeva šnicla. The nightlife in Serbia is one of a kind. There are floating bars and clubs along the Danube riverbank. Parties go on till the early morning hours.

Transylvania, Romania

Home to myths and some of the world’s most hospitable locals, Transylvania is a budget traveler’s dream destination. The stunning Carpathian Mountains offer the perfect backdrop to one of Europe’s often overlooked regions.

Guests can experience Romania’s roots free of the mass commercialization, and the high prices, that we see in more popular European destinations. From sampling local dishes like ciorbă, mici and palinka, to skiing in Sinaia, you’ll have a wide range of budget-friendly activities to keep you entertained.

George Town, Penang, Malaysia

A mixture of cultures, cuisines and architecture come together to create an atmosphere that on paper shouldn’t work but somehow does. Chinese, Indian, Malay and British influences can be seen at every turn you make in this Penang Island UNESCO World Heritage Site. What makes George Town stand out are the quarters that make up the city, each one boasting a distinct community and history, all linked together by the beautiful street art found throughout. With a diverse population, beautiful culture and amazing food, George Town is a perfect addition to anyone’s travel bucket list.

Moscow, Russia

Moscow, like the rest of Russia, has a stereotype of being a bitterly cold destination. That is true during the winter months, however during the summer, you can expect steady sunshine and clear skies so put on your shades, grab a bliny and wander around the Red Square with ease.

Taipei, Taiwan

The capital of Taiwan is growing in popularity in East Asia but often goes unnoticed by the masses. In comparison to Hong Kong or Tokyo, think of Taipei as the quieter kid on the block. With some of the best food markets in all of Asia, buzzing shopping districts like Xiamen and the stunning nearby Yangminshan National Park, Taipei offers something for everyone. Pro tip: Taipei won’t break the bank but don’t expect it to be as cheap as Vietnam.

No matter where you decide to vacation this summer, whether within the US or abroad, let Hoyt Livery get your whole family to the airport and back home. With family-sized luxury vans with room for everyone’s luggage, Hoyt Livery can get you there safely, comfortably and in style.

Source: forbes.com

Making the Best of Bleisure Travel

Have you heard of, or even taken advantage of, “bleisure” travel—when you combine a business trip with some leisure/vacation time? It’s a rising trend in the United States, according to a November 2017 study from Expedia.

Findings of bleisure travelers

The study conducted by Expedia Media Solutions and Luth Research revealed that:

43 percent of business trips in the U.S. today are bleisure, with 70 percent of business travelers adding extra days to their trips at least once every two to three months.

Typically, business travelers only book their flights, hotels and transportation once dates are set, which means they book quicker than leisure travelers.

The study found that the length of stay for a bleisure traveler when compared to a business traveler increases from two nights to six-plus nights.

Business travelers value hotel location above all other criteria due to the need to be close to meetings and conferences.

Geographic location is also very important to bleisure travelers, with 66 percent of survey responders saying the location of the business trip is key to whether they add extra leisure days or not.

As a result, cities that attract the most bleisure travelers are common vacation destinations.

Other factors impacting the decision-making process include flexibility, star ratings, quality and comfort.

Traveldailynews.com offers tips on how to make the most of bleisure trips:

Stay near the sights you want to see. It may seem cheaper to book a hotel away from the tourist district, but those car fares will add up more quickly than you expect. Instead, pay for a more centrally located hotel within walking distance of the places you want to see most. Plus, walking will allow you to truly soak up the culture.
Don’t waste time in touristy gift shops. If you’ve seen one gift shop, you’ve seen them all, and many gift shops sell similar souvenirs in every city. If you want a memento of your trip, look for unique local shops with native items that really capture the flavor of the city you’re visiting.
Avoid long lines if possible. Skip the typical tourist traps for a better overall experience. Do good research beforehand to find out the points of interest, and schedule tours, appointments, or reservations ahead of time to save time and reduce stress.
Let your meals guide you. Think outside the hotel bar, and find a restaurant that offers the most local flavor. It’s your best bet for experiencing the area’s particular culture and cuisine. If you aren’t sure where to start, ask your hotel concierge for a few local recommendations.
Book meetings strategically. If possible, schedule meetings on Mondays and Fridays (and never before 10 a.m.). This way, you have a reason to be in town for the weekend. Better yet, you don’t have to burn vacation days to do so. And when you avoid scheduling meetings before 10 a.m., you free up your mornings for a quick hike, some “me time” at the spa, or a cup of joe at an iconic coffeehouse.

Source: Travelpulse.com, Traveldailynews.com