Travel Inspiration – Trips To Discover https://www.tripstodiscover.com Trips To Discover: Inspirational Travel Advice, Deals and Videos Fri, 17 Nov 2023 16:15:59 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.3 https://www.tripstodiscover.com/wp-content/themes/sage/public/images/favicon/favicon-32x32.png Travel Inspiration – Trips To Discover https://www.tripstodiscover.com 32 32 191388088 12 Coolest Boutique Hotels in Boston, MA https://www.tripstodiscover.com/boutique-hotels-boston/ Fri, 24 Nov 2023 14:00:44 +0000 https://www.tripstodiscover.com/?p=149235 Boston offers a wide range of things to see and do, from exploring history and visiting world-class museums to catching a Red Sox game or taking a brewery tour. Visitors will also find many different accommodation options to choose from, including the usual big-name hotels, but for something different than your standard boring room, you might want to consider a boutique hotel. Boutique hotels are known for their more personalized service with a smaller number of rooms and often come with unique perks and thoughtfully crafted amenities.

By booking one of these top boutique hotels in Boston, you’re sure to enjoy a more memorable stay.

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Top 25 All-Inclusive Resorts Worldwide, According to Guests in 2023 https://www.tripstodiscover.com/top-all-inclusive-resorts-worldwide-according-to-guests/ Tue, 24 Oct 2023 17:04:36 +0000 https://www.tripstodiscover.com/?p=149481 Welcome to our exclusive list of the world’s 25 top-rated all-inclusive resort destinations. Our analysis of over 2,000 all-inclusive resorts worldwide reveals the finest vacation havens that captivate travel aficionados and guests.

We undertook a detailed two-part investigation, including a statistical and a qualitative review sentiment analysis, to rank and identify the most cherished experiences and top-praised amenities that set these resorts apart. Our findings also reveal the common critiques guests have about these vacation paradises.

Join us on this luxurious journey as we showcase the unmatched offerings of these elite vacation spots.

These jump links breakdown everything you will learn on this page:

Categories: Top All-Inclusive Resorts by Type
Understanding All-Inclusives: Definition & Features
The Elite 25: Best All-Inclusive Resorts Globally
Visual Guide: Interactive Map & Table of Top Resorts
Research Process: Our Methodology & Approach

Categories: Top All-Inclusive Resorts by Type

Best Overall: Excellence Playa Mujeres, Mexico
Best Adults Only: Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun, Mexico
Best Luxury: Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa, Dominican Republic
Best Family-Friendly: Moon Palace The Grand – Cancun, Mexico
Best Adventure/Sport: Voyage Belek Golf & Spa, Turkey
Best Couples: Paradisus Palma Real Golf & Spa Resort, Dominican Republic
Best Wellness: Akumal Bay Beach & Wellness Resort, Mexico

Understanding All-Inclusives: Definition & Features

What is an All-Inclusive Resort? Also sometimes called a resort with “everything included,” or referenced by the ellipsis “all-inclusive(s),” these destinations try to offer everything you might want on a vacation, typically in one complex. You will find a range of onsite amenities at each resort. According to the EHL Hospitality Business School in Switzerland, most all-inclusive resorts are like full-service resorts, including multiple onsite restaurants, exercise spaces, spas and meeting places and are frequently luxurious properties. All-inclusives bundle everything into one “package” or bill.

What Does All-Inclusive Mean? According to EHL, the main difference between full-service and all-inclusive resorts is how you pay for them. With an all-inclusive resort package, your room, unlimited food and most drinks, services, amenities, gratuities and all the extras are bundled together in one bill instead of separate bills for all the amenities, experiences, activities, meals, spas and more. One of the main benefits of selecting an all-inclusive package is knowing what you will spend at the resort without being surprised by all the added-up charges during your stay.

What Countries Have All-Inclusives? We found a total of 2,163 all-inclusive resorts across 77 countries worldwide. Egypt tops the list with 265 resorts, followed by Mexico with 237, Turkey with 215, Spain with 103, and Greece with 86. Our analysis shows that Mexico has the most top-rated all-inclusive resorts worldwide, with 15 on our top 25 list. Turkey has two best globally. The Dominican Republic, on the other hand, may only rank #18 for the most all-inclusive resorts globally, but it has eight of the world’s best ones.

The Elite 25: Best All-Inclusive Resorts Globally

We used two types of analysis to evaluate all-inclusive resorts: a statistical analysis and a qualitative review sentiment analysis. The statistical analysis counts and rates customer reviews from Tripadvisor to calculate a Customer Review Score. On the other hand, the qualitative review sentiment analysis extracts customer feelings, emotions, and nuanced points of view from reviews with the highest Customer Review Scores through natural language processing. Together, these analyses provide a comprehensive understanding of customer satisfaction and a holistic evaluation of the highest-rated resorts worldwide.

Visual Guide: Interactive Map & Table of Top Resorts

Table showcasing the 'Top-Rated All-Inclusive Resorts'. It lists the rank, resort name, score, and location for each. The top three resorts are: Excellence Playa Mujeres in Cancun, Mexico with a score of 5. Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun in Playa del Carmen, Mexico with a score of 5. Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic with a score of 4.9. The table continues to list resorts ranked from 4 to 10, with scores ranging from 4.7 to 4.9, located in destinations such as Belek, Turkey and Cancun, Mexico. The image is branded with the 'Trips to Discover' logo at the bottom.
Top 10 All-Inclusive Resorts as rated by ‘Trips to Discover,’ featuring destinations from Cancun, Mexico to Belek, Turkey.

Research Process: Our Methodology & Approach

Independent: We conduct our research independently to recommend the best destinations using data analysis. Our top recommendations are based solely on data extraction and a ranking formula. Our research is editorially independent, but we may earn a commission for any purchases made through links on this page.

Data Source: We conducted a comprehensive search for all-inclusive resorts worldwide, one country at a time, by using the property type filter on Tripadvisor and selecting only all-inclusive resorts. Out of the 195 countries globally, we found that 77 countries have all-inclusive resorts for 2,163 all-inclusive resorts worldwide. We sought to see which resorts are statistically objectively the favorites among those who stay there.

Data Extraction: We used Web Scraper, a data extraction tool, to extract review data for the 2,163 all-inclusive resorts on Tripadvisor. We pulled all review data between 9/18/23 and 9/19/23.

Statistical Analysis: We based these rankings on an analysis of the 2,163 resorts. Our team has developed a unique algorithm to rank hospitality establishments called the Customer Review Score. The score considers the number of Tripadvisor reviews and the average review score for each location. The more reviews a resort has, the higher it will typically rank. However, to avoid over-emphasizing the impact of wildly high review counts, the algorithm utilizes an exponential function, giving diminishing returns for higher review counts. The algorithm thus balances review frequency with review quality. The final scores are presented on a 5-point scale.

Qualitative Review Sentiment Analysis: We take customer reviews seriously at Trips to Discover. To gather the most recent 100 customer reviews for each resort from Tripadvisor, we used Outscrapper, a reliable data-scrapping tool. We used ChatGPT Advanced Data Analysis for qualitative review sentiment analysis, which knows how to write and execute Python code and can work with file uploads. Qualitative sentiment analysis is a method that uses machine learning, statistics, and natural language processing (NLP) to understand the underlying parts of guest emotions on a macro scale.

Human Authored: Our qualitative analysis focused on different perspectives, including what distinguishes the location for customers, shared perceived advantages and disadvantages for patrons, and crucial decision-making factors for those who choose to stay there. To ensure accuracy, we meticulously cross-checked the sentiment analysis output against the raw review data. We wrote each resort’s final customer review summaries (the “what guests are saying” section) based on the information from the fact-checked AI-generated qualitative review sentiment analysis.

Replicability: All the data used for this project is publicly available for study replication. The 2,163 resorts used in this analysis are on Tripadvisor with the latest customer reviews, where you can identify review scores, counts and more!

Data: You can download the data behind our research here in Google Sheets. It includes all 2163 resorts used in the analysis with direct links to their Tripadvisor pages. You will also find all the review tallies, ratings and Customer Review Scores for these resorts. This workbook also contains all 2,500 resort review samples used for our sentiment analysis in that book. We have removed all proprietary calculations from the books. You can view the raw qualitative sentiment analysis outputs based on these 2,500 reviews here in Google Docs; however, We are choosing to withhold the valuable and meticulously crafted prompts used to create these analyses. Please feel free to use or share this data with whoever may find this helpful — we ask that your purposes be noncommercial and that you link back to this page so its contributors can receive proper credit for their work.

Contact: The ranking algorithm is proprietary, but if you want to build a similar project or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact noah@strivemedia.com, and he can walk you through the process.

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Top 10 Festivals in Italy https://www.tripstodiscover.com/top-festivals-italy/ Mon, 09 Oct 2023 13:00:56 +0000 https://www.tripstodiscover.com/?p=147307 Getting festive in Italy is never a bad idea. Known for superb architecture, romantic cities, some of the best beaches in Europe, and supreme art, this country is also a fantastic destination for events, be it colorful processions, historical reenactments, boisterous carnivals, world-class jazz galas, grand open-air opera concerts, or unique traditional celebrations. Here are the top festivals in Italy to fully immerse yourself in the cultural universe of this European gem of a country.

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Top 14 Hotels for a Warm-Weather Winter Getaway in the U.S. https://www.tripstodiscover.com/hotels-warm-weather-winter-getaway-u-s/ Mon, 25 Sep 2023 13:15:48 +0000 https://www.tripstodiscover.com/?p=148216 When the winter blues start getting you down, it’s time to think about a warm getaway. While you could head to the Southern Hemisphere where summer is in full swing, that requires a significant amount of time that many of us don’t have. Fortunately, there are some destinations right in the U.S. where you can soak up some sun and enjoy warmer temperatures. Consider any one of these fabulous hotels in the U.S. for your next warm-weather winter getaway.

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13 Best Beaches in the United Kingdom https://www.tripstodiscover.com/best-beaches-united-kingdom/ Thu, 21 Sep 2023 13:00:21 +0000 https://www.tripstodiscover.com/?p=147251 Having grown up in the United Kingdom, I’ve had my fair share of British seaside vacations over the years. And, while the United Kingdom may not be the first destination that comes to mind when you think of beach holidays, there are plenty of beautiful spots here from the north to the south and everywhere in between. From rugged cliffs and rocky coves to golden sands and turquoise waters, the United Kingdom has some of the most stunning beaches in Europe, no matter what your ideal trip to the seaside includes. Read on for all of the best beaches in the United Kingdom!

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Peak Times to See Fall Foliage Across the US [2023] https://www.tripstodiscover.com/best-times-peak-fall-foliage-across-us/ Fri, 15 Sep 2023 12:31:51 +0000 https://www.tripstodiscover.com/?p=148176 It’s the time of year marked by crisp air and sweaters, pumpkin spice, and cinnamon soirées. We’re talking sunkissed September serenades and October Opuses full of cider-sipping sagas and bonfire ballads.

But we fall for fall leaf by leaf, and the fall foliage spectacle improvisationally changes its cue every year. Arrive too early, and you only catch the opening foliage act; too late, and you miss the main peak color event.

To help you achieve your amber aspirations, maple marvels, and rustic reveries, I analyzed a trove of tree data provided by the USA National Phenology Network and the many participants contributing to its “Nature’s Notebook” program.

I crunched the numbers on 60,518 annual tree life cycle observations — or phenophase records, for you botany buffs — covering 305 deciduous tree species. That’s a decade’s worth of data, spanning 2,561 observational sites across the U.S., all to serve you the most accurate, tailored-to-your-needs foliage forecast for 2023! I also designated a few states as “Leaf Leaders” for providing some of the best places to see fall colors in the U.S.

Read on or select a jump link to discover when the leaves in your neck of the woods will put on their grandest show of the year.

Map displaying the 2023 Regional Peak Fall Foliage dates across eight regions in the United States, with a color gradient from brown to green to indicate the progression of peak fall dates. Brown represents regions with earlier peak foliage, while green indicates regions with later peak foliage. Dates for each region's peak foliage are prominently displayed on the map above each respective area. A key is included, featuring color swatches next to the names of each region.
2023 Regional Peak Fall Foliage Map

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Methodology


Independent: My data analysis research is conducted with independence and impartiality to ensure the integrity of the findings. My research is editorially independent, but Trips to Discover may earn a commission for any purchases made through links on this page.

Raw Data Source: USA National Phenology Network. 2023. Plant and Animal Phenology Data. Data type: Individual Phenometrics. 1/1/2012-12/31/2022 for Region: 71.538800°, -66.934570° (UR); 24.396308°, 172.558333° (LL) USA-NPN, Tucson, Arizona, USA. Data set accessed 9/5/23 at http://doi.org/10.5066/F78S4N1V

Collection: I crafted a tailored dataset using the USA-NPN, featuring 60,518 tree status phenophase observations gathered from a span of a decade. These observations come from 2,561 unique sites across the United States and cover 305 species of deciduous trees. My collection focused on two key phenophase classes: “colored leaves” and “falling leaves.”

Cleaning: I narrowed the range of tree status observations to focus specifically on core U.S. fall foliage from August 1 through November 30 of each year. I refined the original dataset to include only sites within the contiguous U.S. I generated a unique Key ID for each observation by combining the site ID, latitude, longitude, state, common tree name, individual ID, and observation year information. I used this Key ID to merge the “colored leaves” and “falling leaves” phenophase observations into pairs.

Analysis: After an initial examination of over 30,000 paired records, I found that “peak fall foliage” generally falls between the first date leaves start to drop (the initial “falling leaves” date) and the date the last leaf changes color (the final “colored leaves” date). This intersection of phenophases yields the most leaves in vibrant hues still clinging to the trees, also known as peak foliage. I calculated the average date range for peak foliage across the 2,561 observation sites, spanning ten years of data. I then aggregated these site-level averages at the state level. I grouped states into eight regions, determined by geographical proximity and comparable peak foliage dates, with the aid of GPT-4 technology. The “Leaf Leader” states were designated based on my subjective evaluation.

Dates: I then derived four critical metrics for each of the eight regions:

  1. Foliage Start: Average of states’ “falling leaves” start dates in a region.
  2. Peak Start: The earliest peak foliage midpoint in a regional group.
  3. Peak End: The last peak foliage midpoint in a regional group.
  4. Foliage End: Average of states’ last “colored leaves” record date in a region.

Replicability: All raw data is publicly available. For questions, email noah@tripstodiscover.com. [Google Sheets link] contains the cleaned data and calculations minus proprietary info and raw data. Please credit if sharing.

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Top 12 Adults-Only Resorts in Jamaica https://www.tripstodiscover.com/adults-only-resorts-jamaica/ Fri, 08 Sep 2023 13:00:40 +0000 https://www.tripstodiscover.com/?p=146256 If you’re looking for a resort in Jamaica, you have a long list of options to choose from, many of which sit on gorgeous stretches of pristine white sands while offering enticing pools, swim-up bars, and much more. Couples seeking a romantic getaway or anyone else who wants to enjoy a blissful retreat that’s difficult to accomplish if there are a lot of kids running around might want to narrow it down to the adults-only properties. For the best of the best, book one of these incredible properties from Oyster Bay to Negril and beyond.

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Top 12 Northern Lights Hotels in Norway https://www.tripstodiscover.com/northern-lights-hotels-norway/ Tue, 05 Sep 2023 13:00:31 +0000 https://www.tripstodiscover.com/?p=146456 Seeing the aurora borealis, the spectacular display that occurs when solar particles enter our planet’s atmosphere and emit burning gases upon impact that produce various colored lights, was on my bucket list for years. Having visited many countries in the far north during my travels, I’ve been lucky to see the northern lights many times now, and it definitely doesn’t disappoint. The further north you go and the more solar activity there is, the better, which is why visiting Norway, especially the most northern destinations, will significantly increase your chances of witnessing this breathtaking natural phenomenon. These hotels can all provide the perfect base for your getaway and the opportunity to watch without leaving the property itself.

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Your Passport to Free Travel: Exploring Funding Options and Debunking Myths https://www.tripstodiscover.com/unlocking-free-travel-funding-options-and-myths/ Fri, 01 Sep 2023 12:15:20 +0000 https://www.tripstodiscover.com/?p=147400 The world of travel funding opportunities is dizzying, full of inconsistent terminology and, for lack of a better word — simply convoluted. A sandstorm of funding jargon can make obtaining travel funding appear like a mirage on the horizon — tantalizing, yet only an illusion.

However, recognizing and naming the atmospheric conditions that create these illusions and understanding their definitions can be like rain capturing dust in the air, bringing it to settle on the ground. As the illusionary conditions fade with knowledge, shifting focus from the horizon reveals an oasis of funding opportunities present all along.

And now, for some jargon-clearing rain and more myth-dispelling wisdom from award-winning travel influencer and expert behind the travel and lifestyle brand Packs Light — Gabby Beckford.

Here is everything you will learn on this page:

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Study: 100 US Destinations, 700+ Insights — The 10 MOST Pet-Friendly Cities https://www.tripstodiscover.com/most-pet-friendly-us-cities-visit-data-study/ Thu, 17 Aug 2023 12:10:28 +0000 https://www.tripstodiscover.com/?p=146464 The header image for the article; contains the text "The most pet-friendly cities" and a cartoon graphic of five dogs.

You love your pet; you love to travel — I don’t have to tell you these two passions can clash. I’ve been there, renting the only pet-friendly hotel in town because it’s the only option, certainly not out of appeal. Of course, it’s miles from the closest dog park. Finding a pet-friendly eatery nearby that you also want to eat at? Forget about it!

In a country like the U.S., seemingly dominated by travel enthusiasts and pet lovers alike, those of us who travel with our four-legged companions often find ourselves frustrated by the limited availability of establishments that accept pets nationwide.

More to Read: Top 15 Pet-Friendly Resorts in the U.S.

Suppose instead of boarding your pup, you decide to find the most pet-friendly city in the U.S. for your next travel destination — that’s a dedicated pet parent right there. But how to measure “friendliness?”

Alas, as with all great burning abstract questions — a data-driven approach can help us find the answer. Even better, working like a dog, I found the cities for you!

Here are some jump links to help you navigate this page:

A blue US map labeled 'Top 10 Pet-Friendly Cities'. The map highlights Asheville, North Carolina as the top city, followed by Orlando, Miami, Denver, and others, ending with Sarasota, Florida in the 10th spot.

Roster: Top 10 Pet-Friendly Cities in the US to Visit


By harnessing data from the national tourism office, prioritizing U.S. tourist hotspots, manually collecting pet-friendly hotel, Airbnb, restaurant, park and store data and applying a 13-metric statistical analysis, I could gauge the overall pet-friendliness for the 100 most visited U.S. cities — not to say I’m putting on the dog or anything.

Additionally, I measured the “acceptance” of local populations toward traveling pets, the concentration of pet-friendly establishments in each city, and pet-friendly lodging costs. Everything from highly-rated hotels to off-leash dog parks went into my normalized, weighted, indexed, logarithmically transformed scoring system that answers the question, “Which U.S. cities roll out the red carpet for our beloved four-legged companions?”

This question was like herding dogs, but the result? A travel destination where it’s guaranteed to be raining cats and dogs. (If your dog doesn’t find this “punny,” I suggest you stop reading now.)

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A table titled 'Top 20 Pet-Friendly Cities' ranking cities by their pet-friendliness. The table has columns for City, Score, and Highlight. The top city is Asheville, North Carolina, followed by cities like Orlando, Florida and Miami, Florida. The list continues with cities like Denver, Portland, and ends with New York, NY in the 20th position.

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Methodology


Independence: I conducted this research impartially, but we may earn commissions from links on this page.

Selection Criteria: Cities were selected based on the top 100 U.S. MSA destinations for overseas tourists using data from the National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO) Survey of International Air Travelers (SIAT) for Q2 2022-Q1 2023.

Data Points:

  1. Pet-Friendly Hotels (Booking.com): Data collected during 7/25/23-7/26/23 MDT, focusing on total pet-friendly locations and those with 8/10+ reviews.
  2. Pet-Friendly Airbnb Rentals (Airbnb): Data extracted between 11 AM-12:25 PM 7/27/23. Filters included entire places, Superhosts, and essential amenities. Metrics included total locations and average pricing.
  3. Pet-Friendly Restaurants (Tripadvisor): Filtered for establishments that have a dog-friendly feature.
  4. Off-Leash Dog Parks & Stores (BringFido): Only within city limits.

Analysis:

  • Data Normalization: Pet-friendly amenities were normalized using per capita and square mile calculations.
  • Logarithmic Transformation: A logarithmic transformation was applied to the data to counteract city size and population biases, ensuring fair comparisons across cities of different scales.

Scoring:

  • Pet Acceptance Level: Captures a city’s acceptance of pets; establishments per capita.
  • Pet Density Index: Gauges concentration of pet-friendly spots; establishments per sq mile.
  • Pet-Friendly City Score: Combines the two scores above for a comprehensive view.
    • Airbnb Prices: Factored into the final score without per capita/square mile calculations. Weighed at 13.5%.
  • Final Weights: I weighed scores to a 10-point system. Key metrics include Hotels (15.14%), Highly-Rated Hotels (12.98%), Airbnbs (15.14%), Restaurants (15.14%), Dog Parks (15.14%), Pet-Friendly Stores (12.98%), and Airbnb Price (13.50%).

Replicability: All raw data is publicly available. For questions, email noah@tripstodiscover.com. [Google Sheets link] contains the gathered data and calculations minus proprietary info. Please credit if sharing.

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AI’s Role in Transforming Your Travel Experiences https://www.tripstodiscover.com/ai-transforming-travel/ Tue, 11 Jul 2023 12:07:53 +0000 https://www.tripstodiscover.com/?p=144725 In a landmark event 182 years ago on a balmy Monday, July 5, Thomas Cook, the pioneer of international travel agencies, launched his inaugural vacation package. At the height of the Industrial Revolution, 1841, Cook charted a path to transform travel forever. He ushered nearly 500 individuals onto a train, launching them on an excursion unlike any other of its time.

This modestly priced adventure was Cook’s opening act in the travel sector he would revolutionize, setting the stage for the global phenomenon that is the tourism industry today.

Similarly, the groundbreaking Artificial Intelligence (AI) model, GPT-4, developed by OpenAI, holds the potential to script a parallel transformation of the travel sector. Just as Cook pioneered hundreds on an unprecedented journey, so too does AI have the capacity to guide travelers into new realms of exploration.

Online travel platforms utilize GPT-4 to create custom travel itineraries, locate deals, and offer destination insights, heralding a new AI-driven travel revolution reminiscent of Cook’s industry-transforming work during the Industrial Revolution. This disruption to traditional norms and total reshaping of travel experiences could redefine tourism entirely, suggesting a future in which the industry isn’t just influenced but wholly defined by AI.

This article provides an overview of the potential impact of AI in the travel industry. Here is a breakdown of everything you will learn on this page:

Also, check out my latest AI travel planning FAQ to see if using AI to plan your next trip is a good idea.

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14 Best Beaches in the U.S. for Shelling https://www.tripstodiscover.com/beaches-for-shelling-us/ Mon, 26 Jun 2023 13:30:39 +0000 https://www.tripstodiscover.com/?p=143424 No two shells and no two beaches are the same. Shells that wash up on the shore one day are gone the next, just one of the allures of shelling. Not only is finding a treasure a thrill, but the scenery is breathtaking, providing a perfect activity to enjoy while immersed in nature. While the eastern and southern coasts of the U.S. tend to offer the best shelling, good destinations can be found throughout the country’s 95,471 miles of coastline that are worth planning a trip around.

*Note: You need to inspect each shell before dropping it into your bag, as it is illegal to take live shells from the beach.

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Kai Restaurant Shines in Comprehensive Michelin, Forbes and AAA Analysis https://www.tripstodiscover.com/kai-restaurant-shines-in-comprehensive-michelin-forbes-and-aaa-analysis/ Tue, 20 Jun 2023 12:48:17 +0000 https://www.tripstodiscover.com/?p=143659 The wine room at Kai restaurant with a wine bar in the background, a seating area in the center with a modern fireplace
Kai Restaurant in Phoenix, Arizona

Phoenix, Arizona, far from the bustling culinary capitals of New York or San Francisco, is the unexpected location of a rising star in fine dining. Nestled in the mesmerizing desert landscapes, Kai Restaurant, a beacon of gastronomic brilliance, is breaking boundaries, earning high praise and prestigious recognition in a groundbreaking study of the nation’s finest dining establishments.

Kai Restaurant, elegantly set in the tranquil backdrop of Wild Horse Pass, is lauded by experts for its seamless fusion of Native American traditions with international culinary influences.

This haven of culinary excellence, recognized with 5-Star honors from Forbes Travel Guide and a perfect Five-Diamond rating from the American Automobile Association (AAA), has defied expectations, securing its spot among the top ten award-winning dining establishments in the United States.

“In form and function, Kai Restaurant’s menu is unlike any you’ve seen before,” according to Forbes.

Part of a more extensive study analyzing top-rated Michelin Guide and Forbes star-rated and AAA Diamond award winners, Kai Restaurant scored a remarkable 4.71 out of 5 Customer Review Score based on a statistically weighted analysis of over 800 reviews. The weighted analysis considers the review score and the total number of reviews for each restaurant on Google and TripAdvisor. Even when Kai was subject to a weighted analysis, its slender review tally is so overwhelmingly positive that it outshines countless award-winning restaurants with a significantly higher number of reviews. Kai’s unparalleled review score propelled it to the crème de la crème of Michelin, Forbes, and AAA award-winning restaurants.

Kai's take on a taco: Recado Rojo Compressed Lamb made with Aji Amarillo & Annato Seed Chemeith, Crow’s Dairy “Gotija," Ramona Farms Garbanzo Beans, Pickled Pineapple Tomatillo
Kai
Kai in Phoenix, Arizona

The second analysis in our more extensive study was a qualitative review sentiment analysis conducted by using natural language processing to analyze customer reviews and explore the feelings, emotions and nuanced points of view expressed by patrons of Kai Restaurant. This analysis provides valuable insights into the overall sensation surrounding the restaurant’s dining experiences.

The sentiment analysis of Kai’s latest reviews reveals a tapestry of effusive praise. Guests describe their experiences as “exceptional” and “one-of-a-kind,” highlighting the restaurant’s ability to captivate and enthrall. Patrons describe the harmonious and intimate ambiance, set against the backdrop of Wild Horse Pass, as adding an extra layer of enchantment to every meal. Even though reservations can be tricky, according to the analysis, Kai’s impeccable, exquisitely plated and presented creations continue to command spotlights from culinary experts and customers alike.

In a world where culinary excellence often seems synonymous with bustling metropolises, Kai Restaurant in Phoenix, Arizona, stands tall as a testament to the power of exceptional cuisine in unexpected places. By seamlessly blending Native American traditions with global inspirations, Kai has crafted a dining experience that transcends geographical boundaries and leaves a lasting impression on all who enjoy dining there. So, if you find yourself in the heart of the desert, prepare to be whisked away on a gastronomic adventure like no other at Kai Restaurant.

Editor’s Note: Kai will be closed during the Summer of 2023 from July 2nd through August 15th. 
Website: Kai Restaurant
Address: 5594 W Wild Horse Pass Blvd., Phoenix, AZ 85048

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Experts and Customers Agree: America’s Top Michelin, Forbes, and AAA Restaurants https://www.tripstodiscover.com/americas-top-michelin-forbes-aaa-restaurants/ Wed, 14 Jun 2023 12:44:42 +0000 https://www.tripstodiscover.com/?p=143468

Discover the best award-winning U.S. restaurants that captivate culinary experts and customers alike. In a comprehensive two-part analysis of 64 highest-ranking restaurants recognized by the Michelin Guide, Forbes Travel Guide, and American Automobile Association (AAA) Diamond Awards, I bring you the country’s 10 highest customer-rated award-winning restaurants.

Through statistical and qualitative review sentiment analysis, I uncovered the most exalted experiences and highest-praised features that set these restaurants apart. My investigation even found the most commonly leveled criticisms of these gastronomic behemoths. Join me in delving into this epicurean journey as we explore the culinary prowess behind these crowned dining destinations.

Here is everything you will learn on this page:

Fun Facts: Award-Winning Restaurants


  • Gourmet Grand Slam: 10 U.S. restaurants scored what I call a Gourmet Grand Slam 🏆 for acing all three guides; four are also fan favorites!
  • Michelin Magic: Michelin Star restaurants top all other award-winning gastronomies, clinching the highest ratings, averaging 4.5 on TripAdvisor and Google.
  • Full House: All ten restaurants are AAA Diamonds, seven are Forbes Star-Rated, and just four are Michelin-Starred.
  • King California: California is home to 23% of all U.S. Michelin, Forbes, and AAA top-rated restaurants, surpassing New York by two establishments.
  • Chef Star Power: Charleston restaurant’s Chef Cindy Wolf has the highest Chef Star Power, with the most mentions by name in customer reviews.
  • Happiest Customers: Victoria & Albert’s customers are most content, placing #1 in customer ratings and boasting an unmatched proportion of positive reviews.
  • Consistently Excellent: #1 for review count, Le Bernardin, with 6,354 Google and TripAdvisor reviews, boasts a 4.72 review score demonstrating supreme consistency.

Roster: The 10 Best U.S. Award-Winning Restaurants


This article utilizes two types of analysis to evaluate 3-Star Michelin, Five-Star Forbes, and AAA Five-Diamond-designated restaurants — a statistical and qualitative review sentiment analysis. The statistical analysis examines customer review counts and ratings from Google and TripAdvisor to calculate a weighted score I call the Customer Review Score. On the other hand, the qualitative review sentiment analysis of the restaurants with the highest Customer Review Scores extracts feelings, emotions, and nuanced points of view from customer reviews through natural language processing. Combined, these two analyses provide a powerful understanding of customer satisfaction and a holistic evaluation of the highest-rated establishments in the country.

While being featured on multiple guides did not grant restaurants additional points, we acknowledge and celebrate those that appear on Michelin, Forbes, and AAA guides simultaneously by recognizing them as a Gourmet Grand Slam 🏆.

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Visualizations: The Best U.S. Michelin, Forbes, and AAA-Rated Restaurants


Here is a table and a map of the ten highest customer-rated award-winning restaurants in the U.S.

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Methodology


Independent: My data analysis research is conducted with independence and impartiality to ensure the integrity of the findings. My research is editorially independent, but Trips to Discover may earn a commission for any purchases made through links on this page.

Preliminary Research: I gathered a list of restaurants in the U.S. from the 2023 AAA Five Diamond Restaurant Awards list, the 2023 Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Restaurant Award Winners, and the 2023 list of 3-Star Michelin Restaurants. Between all three award systems, 64 unique restaurants remained. I sought to explore which of these restaurants, acknowledged by experts as the best, are the favorites among customers who dine there.

Data Extraction: These rankings are based on an analysis of 87,171 restaurant reviews for the 64 restaurants between Google and TripAdvisor. Google and TripAdvisor review scores and rating counts for all 64 restaurants were collected on 5/11/23 (4:05-4:43 PM MT) and 5/15/23 (10:05-10:30 AM MT), respectively. At the same time, I extracted the food, service, value, and atmosphere ratings on TripAdvisor and factored into my analysis.

Statistical Analysis Techniques: I used a proprietary ranking formula that, at its core, uses a weighted score analysis using a Bayesian average rating method to weigh each restaurant’s number of TripAdvisor and Google reviews against its average TripAdvisor and Google score separately. I call this the Lox Score in honor of the study it was first created for. We collected and utilized over 87,000 reviews between the 64 restaurants. Scores are on a 5-point scale. I then combined the TripAdvisor (40%) and Google (40%) Lox Scores with the TripAdvisor food (11%), service (3%), value (3%), and atmosphere (3%) scores into one weighted average “Customer Review Score” (CRS) also on a 5-point scale. My rankings are based on the ten restaurants, out of 64 total, with the highest CRS scores.

Qualitative Review Sentiment Analysis: Individual restaurant descriptions were created through qualitative review sentiment analysis using text mining methods and natural language processing. I used Outscrapper, a data-scrapping tool, to gather the most recent 50 customer reviews for each restaurant from Google and TripAdvisor. I used GPT-4 to conduct a qualitative review sentiment analysis of the 50 latest reviews for each restaurant focusing on various perspectives such as what sets the restaurant apart for customers, shared benefits and drawbacks for patrons, and essential decision-making factors for those who choose to dine there. All AI-generated analyses were thoroughly cross-checked for accuracy. Then I wrote the ultimate qualitative summary for each restaurant based on the information contained in the AI-generated qualitative review sentiment analysis.

Replicability: All the data used for this project is publicly available for study replication. The 64 restaurants are on the AAA, Forbes, and Michelin websites. All 64 restaurants are located on Google Maps and TripAdvisor, where you can identify review scores, counts and food, service, value and atmosphere ratings.

Contact Us: If you need assistance building a similar project or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me at noah@tripstodiscover.com, and I can walk you through the process.

Data: You can download the data behind my analysis, including all 64 Michelin, AAA, or Forbes top-rated restaurants with their Google and TripAdvisor review scores and numbers at the time of this analysis, including our statistical calculations here in Google Sheets. This workbook also contains the other six Gourmet Grand Slams (top-rated by Michelin, Forbes, and AAA). You will additionally find the 500 restaurant review samples used for my sentiment analysis in that workbook without personally identifying information. I have also removed all proprietary calculations from the books. You can view the raw GPT qualitative sentiment analysis based on these 500 reviews here in Google Docs; however, I am choosing to withhold the valuable and meticulously crafted GPT prompts used to create these analyses. Please feel free to use or share this data with whoever may find this helpful — I ask that your purposes are noncommercial and that you link back to this page so I can receive proper credit for my work.

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Top 14 Spa Resorts for Singles https://www.tripstodiscover.com/top-spa-resorts-for-singles/ Fri, 12 May 2023 13:15:47 +0000 https://www.tripstodiscover.com/?p=140878 Whether you’re single without a partner to join you on a relaxing retreat or simply prefer being a solo traveler, there are some fantastic spa resorts to consider across the globe. Dreaming of Europe, the Caribbean, an Asian gem, or something closer to home? Take your pick from this list for a personal wellness retreat at a top resort and look forward to the many benefits a stay like this can bring, from nourished skin and better sleep to an improved mood and more.

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Top 13 East Coast Road Trips https://www.tripstodiscover.com/east-coast-road-trips/ Tue, 09 May 2023 13:15:23 +0000 https://www.tripstodiscover.com/?p=140635 With its history, culture, gorgeous scenery, and plenty of fun along the way, the list of reasons why you should take an East Coast road trip never seems to end. Offering access to some of America’s most breathtaking road trips, this part of the United States doesn’t hold back with its views. From the Appalachian Mountains to the Atlantic Ocean, you’ll see stunning vistas and landscapes along the way. And then there are the historical sights, like colonial settlements and the birthplaces of famous Americans, as well as the vibrant cities, interesting people, and incredible stories you’ll experience en route.

Not sure which part of the East Coast to hit up first? We’ve rounded up all of the best road trips.

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15 Best Places to Travel in June https://www.tripstodiscover.com/best-places-to-travel-june/ Wed, 03 May 2023 13:30:52 +0000 https://www.tripstodiscover.com/?p=140613 Late spring and the early days of summer can be ideal for a travel adventure, typically falling just before the masses start embarking on their escapes. You’re likely to enjoy idyllic weather for outdoor activities with opportunities to immerse yourself in nature and perhaps enjoy some city delights too. These destinations, in particular, are some of the best places to travel in June, whether you want to stick closer to home or head out on a trip thousands of miles away.

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14 Coolest Vrbo Rentals in the United States https://www.tripstodiscover.com/vrbo-rentals-united-states/ Wed, 26 Apr 2023 13:30:47 +0000 https://www.tripstodiscover.com/?p=140603 Vacation rentals like Vrbos can provide a great opportunity to stay in a swoon-worthy property, perhaps with your own private hot tub to soak in while gazing out at an ocean view. Some can even provide unique experiences, such as a stay in a lighthouse or a houseboat right on the water. Most provide the comforts of homes, like a kitchen, so you can make some of your own meals occasionally rather than dining out for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

No matter what you’re looking for, we think you’ll agree that these Vrbo properties are some of the coolest you’ll find in the U.S., from the wilds of Alaska and the exotic shores of Hawaii to charming New England.

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The Myths and Realities of Solo Travel, According to An Expert https://www.tripstodiscover.com/myths-realities-solo-travel-according-to-an-expert/ Wed, 26 Apr 2023 12:31:25 +0000 https://www.tripstodiscover.com/?p=141207 The world of travel information is an endless stream of advice, suggestions, opinions and, unfortunately, some misconceptions. Additionally, travel myths can originate from natural assumptions spurned by cultural climate, societal norms or even plain deduction. Common travel myths include thinking traveling solo is dull, dangerous and only for white men.

These misconceptions could not be further from the truth and require some serious busting. So we spoke with Gabby Beckford, award-winning travel influencer and expert behind Packs Light, about common travel myths that aren’t true.

Here is everything you will find debunked on this page:



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Top 13 Things to Do in Waikiki, Hawaii https://www.tripstodiscover.com/things-to-do-waikiki-hawaii/ Tue, 25 Apr 2023 13:00:35 +0000 https://www.tripstodiscover.com/?p=139705 Waikiki is a true paradise for all kinds of travelers, with a wide range of incredible activities and beachfront accommodations to suit every taste and budget. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, explore the local culture, or take part in thrilling outdoor adventures, there’s no shortage of fun things to do in this gorgeous Hawaiian neighborhood.

From surfing lessons and scuba diving to hiking and food tours, a trip to Waikiki offers the chance to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and cultural richness of Hawaii from the moment you step foot on the sand. Not sure where to start? Read on for the top things to do in Waikiki, Hawaii.

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