Around January and February, many people tend to get a bit of cabin fever. It’s a difficult time of the year since the holiday season is over and there’s snow and cold in many regions of the country. It can be so helpful to have something to look forward to as winter seems to drag on (and on!).
However, with the ever-changing travel restrictions thanks to COVID-19, some people may be reluctant to travel out of the country to find a unique or luxurious getaway. Fortunately, the United States offers some fantastic options. Here, we’ve rounded up a few all-inclusive resorts in some unexpected places. Read on for some vacation inspiration.
The Lodge at Woodloch
You might not think of all-inclusive spa getaways when someone says Pennsylvania. But that will change once you have a look at The Lodge at Woodloch. Their website boasts that they’re award-winning, and a quick look at the accommodation options turns up a luxe variety of suites and rooms. It’s an adults-only property, so it’s perfect for couples looking to pamper themselves while leaving the kiddos at home.
The Ranch at Rock Creek
Another unexpected surprise? That luxury dude ranches exist--and there’s one in Montana. Their website proudly states that they’re the first Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star ranch. And it’s no wonder when there’s everything from a spa to sapphire mining right on the ranch. In fact, guests can choose two ranch adventures a day like this. Bring the kids on this getaway--they’ll love the child-friendly programs.
Red Mountain Resort
If warmer weather is what you’re after, check out Red Mountain Resort in St. George, Utah. It, too, has a spa along with fitness and wellness programs to leave you feeling refreshed. This all-inclusive option has a larger focus on health and wellness, so think fitness options and delicious yet healthy cuisine.
Fair Hills Resort
Not bothered by the cold? Then head on up north to chilly Minnesota, where you can find Fair Hills Resort in Detroit Lakes. Yes, it’s a bit of an odd locale for an all-inclusive resort. But Travel + Leisure named it as one of the 14 best all-inclusive resorts in the U.S. last year. Plus, this is another family-friendly resort that will be fun for kids and adults alike.
Expect the Unexpected in Hospitality
Now that you’re primed to think outside of the box when it comes to vacations, consider how blockchain could disrupt the hospitality industry.
It’s probably no surprise to learn that people go through third-party websites to book roughly 70 percent of getaways. Those third parties might be Expedia, Travelocity and others that make it quite convenient to book hotels and flights all in one fell swoop.
And as convenient as this is for customers, it’s hard on the hotels themselves thanks to the commissions that could reach as high as 30 percent of the fee.
Blockchain has the potential to help cut back on those high commissions, according to Les Roches, a hospitality school. For one thing, blockchain could be used by hotel companies in “corporate portals.” That more direct transaction would translate to lower prices for hotel customers, and there’d be no need for those third-party booking sites to take a cut of the commission.
Blockchain, of course, adds extra security to online transactions like these. But it could also boost loyalty among hotel customers.
“Loyalty schemes are already quite well developed, and many allow you to ‘buy’ things across industries. But I think blockchain will be the next big thing in loyalty because if it can help to generate a secure, global distribution system that tokenizes loyalty – potentially into digital currency – then the various points we generate can start to add up to something truly worthwhile,” explains Riccardo Campione, Les Roches professor, and a pricing and revenue specialist.
Unexpectedly Delightful Travel Options
Increased loyalty and reduced fees courtesy of blockchain when booking directly with a hotel? Yes, please! And as we dream of that becoming reality, there’s always the unexpectedly delightful all-inclusives in the U.S. to enjoy.
