We’re back with our exclusive monthly scoop on the hottest travel deals this month, departing from Charlotte, North Carolina. Because this edition’s 8 trips are such a steal, you’ll be able to squeeze more fun out of your 15 Summer Weekends, 15 Summer Trips – essentially, they’ll help you travel more and better than ever.
We’ll go ahead and let you in on a little secret: so far, this has been our most challenging edition of our 15 Summer Weekends series to write, because there are simply so many amazing deals available right now. From airlines extending the expiration of rewards miles (American Airlines extended theirs from EOM January 2022 to November 2022), generous one-time bonus points exceeding 60k for rewards credit cards (Chase and Amex, for example), great hotel offers, steep cruise discounts, and even genuinely good airfares there are a lot of ways to save on travel.
If you’re open to flights with one or multiple stops, consider taking advantage of some of these current airfare deals:
Charlotte, NC to Lisbon, Portugal (1+ stop) starting at $542 roundtrip
Charlotte, NC to Rome, Italy (1+ stop) starting at $569 roundtrip
Charlotte, NC to Reykjavik, Iceland (1+ stop) starting at $629 roundtrip
If you’re nonstop flights or bust, there are five deals we’re eyeing right now. We’ll briefly share three of the five deals below and then discuss the other two in-depth.
1. Charlotte, NC to Boston, MA nonstop starting at $192. Getting from our Queen City to Boston was also a great deal in June and in this article we share how to turn a trip to Boston into a beach getaway.
2. Charlotte, NC to London nonstop starting at $633. Though this is a great deal, it’s tricky for two reasons: 1) the UK has delayed their reopening to July 19, 2021 and 2) this deal comes and goes online. If you’re seriously considering this flight, keep tabs on when the UK officially reopens and plan to keep an eye on airfare to nab the deal when it pops up.
3. Charlotte, NC to Munich, Germany nonstop starting at $611. Unlike the UK, Germany officially opened their boarders to American tourists as of June 20, 2021. For a breakdown of what you need to enter Germany as a tourist, checkout this breakdown. Though we’re pumped about this deal, it also comes and goes online so you’ll want to monitor airfare and book it once the price is right.
Our two favorite July travel deals are to Bermuda and Aruba. Why? Both countries are fully open to US citizens, there’s consistently low airfare via nonstop flights from Charlotte, direct hits from hurricanes are rare there, and both spots are perfect for a summer getaway.
Bermuda
Why go: Mark Twain once said, “You can go to heaven if you want. I’d rather stay in Bermuda.” And when heaven’s only 2-hours and 38-minutes away, why not go for a quick weekend getaway? Need more reasons to visit? The beaches are gorgeous (checkout Horseshoe Bay Beach, Elbow Beach, and Somerset Long Bay), there’s pink sand, their temperatures stay in the 80s throughout the summer, their food is yummy (be sure to try their famous raisin bread), they have a dramatic cave system suspended over a crystal-clear lake (The Crystal Caves), and the Dark ‘n Stormy is their national drink.
How to get there: Fly nonstop from Charlotte to Hamilton starting at $550 roundtrip. Like we mentioned above, the flight’s an easy 2-hours and 38-minutes!
Accommodation offers to snag: For the lowest price per night, checkout the cottages at Fourways – you’ll receive a deluxe room for less than $250/night. If you’re looking for a luxe stay along the Hamilton Harbor, book a room at Hamilton Princess – they’re currently running a special through the end of 2021 called the Bermuda Bliss which comes with discounts up to 40% off and a $100 resort credit.
Rosewood Bermuda is also running great offers including More Rosewood (one free night with your stay) and Suite Sojourn (35% off suites). Set on a beautiful slice of Bermuda’s beaches, The Reefs Resort & Club is offering a 10% discount on select dates through August 2021 plus complimentary daily breakfast. Finally, Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa has discounts starting at 15% off your stay and up to 20% for a stay of five-nights or more.
COVID-19 things to know: Here’s the bad news – there are quite a few travel requirements in light of the pandemic. For the full list of requirements, checkout the Government of Bermuda’s official website. Requirement highlights include: all travelers must take a PCR COVID-19 test within 4 days of arrival in Bermuda, all travelers must complete and receive an approved Bermuda Travel Authorization form 1 to 3 days prior to arrival, and all travelers must be tested at the airport upon arrival in Bermuda.
Admittedly, Bermuda has some of the most robust entry requirements we’ve seen. Because these things can be complex and government websites aren’t always the most user-friendly, we’re sharing Rosewood Bermuda’s recap of the requirements here – they provide a great, accurate overview.
Aruba
Why go: While there are so many great reasons to visit Aruba, our favorite reasons to go all center around their incredible weather. Aruba’s conveniently situated outside of the hurricane belt and boasts the least amount of rainfall (i.e. most amount of sun) in the Southern Caribbean. Think sunshine means uncomfortable, sweltering temperatures? Think again. Aruba enjoys temperatures in the low 80s with cooling trade wind breezes.
How to get there: Fly nonstop from Charlotte to Oranjestad starting at $561 roundtrip. The flight’s a quick 4-hours and 4-minutes.
Accommodation offers to snag organized by your preferred price per night:
Under $75 / Night
VIS Management (via Airbnb) – This rental property group has tons of great, highly-rated, and nicely decorated options to choose from!
Rehoboth Peace Land Boutique Hotel – Stay here for a quiet condominium escape and use the code “RELAX NOW” to get 30% off of your stay.
Under $100 / Night
Wonders Boutique Hotel Aruba – Stay here for a small-scale adults-only boutique hotel experience. Amenities on the gated property include air conditioning in each room, a spring-fed pool, a welcome drink, and beach drop-off to nearby Palm Beach with all the gear you might need (ex. lounge chairs, beach towels, snorkeling equipment, etc.).
Under $125 / Night
Bubali Bliss Studios – If you like Airbnb vibes, this might be the perfect place for you. These trendy serviced apartments are located within a 10-minute walk from Eagle Beach and come with a manned front desk for support during your stay.
Under $300 / Night
Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino – Use your Marriott Bonvoy points when you book this property and you’ll find yourself on a private beach with pink flamingos.
Hotel Riu Palace Aruba – Stay here for an all-inclusive experience in Palm Beach with ample entertainment options and a full-service spa.
Hilton Aruba Resort & Casino – Stay at this family friendly resort and you’ll be treated to a balcony or patio in every room. The resort activities, two pools, and freshwater lagoon offer lots of things for the entire family to enjoy.
Under $350 / Night
Boardwalk Hotel Aruba – Stay here for a boutique hotel experience on a historic coco plantation steps away from the beautiful white sands of Palm Beach. (Psst: Breakfast can be delivered to your plunge pool casita in a floating basket for your enjoyment during a morning soak.)
Splurge $ / Night
Aruba Ocean Villas – Stay here for the only overwater bungalow experience in Aruba. This gem is adults-only, locally owned, and sustainable with more overwater bungalows coming soon. Rates include daily breakfast and start at $789/night for their overwater bungalows complete with amenities like a palapa lounge, and in-bungalow deep soaker tub, and an overwater deck with jacuzzi. For a bungalow located on the beach versus overwater, rates start at $429/night.
COVID-19 things to know: Aruba’s entry requirements are fairly similar to those of Bermuda. For a full breakdown of what’s required, visit their user-friendly official website.
We’ll be back next week with more handpicked destinations to fill 15 incredible summer weekends. Want to see your favorite summer destination featured? Email us at hello@adventuredesigned.com and let us know. Until then, follow us @adventuredesigned for more travel tips and inspiration.
Adventure Designed plans unforgettable travel experiences, customized completely for you. Check us out at www.adventuredesigned.com and connect with us to schedule your complimentary consultation by emailing hello@adventuredesigned.com.
