Travel News by RatesToGo

When the rich and famous need an escape from the oppressive adoration of us dull normals, they tend to spare no expense to head somewhere exclusive, where the premium is on personal privacy.

Of course, with a few exceptions, these fabulous destinations are open to just about anyone who can pony up the cash. So even the little people can live it up celebrity style if they so choose. Here are some of the best places in the world to vacation like a star.

Saint-Tropez, France

If the French Riviera is a playground for the wealthy, Saint-Tropez is the rumpus room. Ever since Brigitte Bardot’s heyday, Europe’s elite has had a torrid love affair with the place. What makes one location so desirable for so long? Who knows? Whatever it is, Saint-Tropez has held that mysterious allure ever since the Invasion of Normandy. The beaches are gorgeous enough, the hotels swanky and the yachts oh-so secretive - not to mention bigger than your house.

Continue reading Top 7 Celebrity Vacation Spots »

The Caribbean established a reputation as a first-rate vacation destination long ago. The region is without a doubt, the ideal place for island getaways, what with warm, predictable weather, lush beaches and of course, the sea.

But some Caribbean vacations may not live up to the hype. In parts, the region has become inundated with tourists. Sketchy resorts that cater to frugal sun-worshippers crowd beaches on the most popular destinations. Sure, there’s no shame in a last-minute all-inclusive jaunt to Cuba or the Dominican Republic, but for a quiet island escape, a cruise or all-you-can-eat buffet probably won’t cut it.

Here then are 5 hidden gem Caribbean islands that break the mold and offer the kind of blissful tranquility we fantasize about in our vacation dreams.

5. Dominica

Continue reading Top 5 Hidden Gem Caribbean Islands »

Big cities, with their bright lights and endless skylines, get all the love. With their iconic edifices and frenetic pace, they exude urban sex appeal and draw tourists in like moths to flame. Think New York City, Tokyo, London, Moscow, Shanghai. All wonderful places to visit to be sure, but for all their accomplishments, there’s one thing they can never offer: small town allure.

So if you want to immerse yourself in the madness of a world metropolis like Sao Paulo, Cairo or Mexico City, go ahead. But this list right here, is all about the best small city vacation destinations. These gems of less than a million residents marry big city creature comforts with the quaint charm of a cozy hamlet. With less claustrophobic streets, thinner crowds and impressive sights, these destinations are worth a closer look.

Quebec City, Canada

Continue reading Best Small City Vacation Destinations »

Honeymoons or anniversaries are two occasions when couples most want to book a vacation to one of the world’s most romantic beaches. Like many things in life, people have their own views into what they consider “most romantic.” The Wedding Channel recently polled couples and newlyweds to find out what beaches and areas they would recommend. Continue reading The 5 Most Romantic Beaches »

When you are looking for prime spots for whale watching, you may think of many U.S. destinations, but there are other countries that offer extreme locations for catching these fascinating creatures as they frolic in their free time or go on the hunt for food. The World Wildlife Fund created a list of the best spots for whale watching and the top ten may surprise you. Continue reading Top Ten Whale Watching Spots »

The freedom to walk around without confining bra tops or even going completely nude is irresistible to men and women of all ages. While many think of nude beaches as a dangerous place for letches, the actuality is that topless and nude beaches are the prime choice of those looking for an all-over tan or those who want to feel the movement of the tide on their bare skin. Most American beaches frown on partial or full-nudity, but in other countries, nudity is considered to be completely natural. There are dozens of nude beaches scattered throughout the world, and all of them offer their own unique vistas and qualities. Continue reading International Nude and Topless Beaches »

For some, lengthy cruises either cost too much or they are not sure they can handle an entire week on a cruise ship. Before investing the money into a costly cruise, you can try a day-long river cruise for less money and see how you like it. Continue reading Affordable River Cruises »

Odds of you ever being able to afford a week at Sir Richard Branson’s Necker Island are slim to none, but should you happen to win a lottery or find yourself earning millions, you may want to know exactly what the wealthy do when they are on vacation spending their millions. Where do the elite head for their breaks from the daily grind? Continue reading Four Ways to Vacation Like a Millionaire »

While they don’t have the advertising budgets of their most luxurious cruise line counterparts, the luxury railways of the world take their passengers to places the cruise ships will never see, in a style and elegance reminiscent of rail travel’s Golden Age. The sound of your train’s whistle as your journey unfolds will transport you, both body and spirit, back to days gone by! Continue reading Six Luxurious Train Travelling Experiences »