Photo by Sandra Lee Schubert
Every March, Washington D.C.'s historical Tidal Basin area is filled with blooming cherry trees -- and hoards of tourists coming to take pictures of the breathtaking flowers. Today, in fact, marks the kick-off of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, which runs only through April 27 -- so you only have a small window to catch the flowers in all their glory. According to the Festival, the average bloom's peak date is April 4 -- a week and a half away, so get on booking one of these super-luxe spots or their cost-friendly alternatives ASAP.

SPLURGE #1: Mandarin Oriental Washington D.C.

Mandarin Oriental Washington D.C.

• Time to Takes to Walk to the Tidal Basin: 31 minutes (1.5 miles)
• Time it Takes to Drive to the

BRIDES

We teamed up with the elite travel advisors at Virtuoso to find the best resorts, cities, and islands for your big getaway. Time to start packing!

The World's Top 20 Destinations

1. ITALY | Venice, Rome, Florence, Amalfi: When it comes to romance, nothing beats Italy. And yes, the Hotel Cipriani is worth the splurge.

2. FRENCH POLYNESIA | All those photos you've seen of gorgeous thatched huts on stilts over insanely clear turquoise water? They were taken here.

3. MAUI | Sure, it's touristy, but if you can swing a stay at Wailea's fabled Four Seasons or its neighbor, the Fairmont, you'll want to stay forever.

Related: Have You Seen the Obama's Wedding Photos?

4. ST. LUCIA | Things to love: There's a hotel for every budget, amazing organic eats (a Caribbean rarity), and the majestic Pitons-nice to look at, tough to climb.

5. TURKS AND CAICOS | Yoga and Pilates buffs go to the Como Shambhala spa on Parrot Cay, divers can't get enough of Molasses Reef, and the

morguefile.com/ScarabBy Jane Magaro, Cheapism.com

The wreck of the Costa Concordia, among other recent incidents, has sent the entire cruise industry into a slump. Bookings are down not only at Carnival Corp., Costa Cruises' parent company, but also at Royal Caribbean, the Associated Press reports. Cruise lines that had hoped to raise prices during this peak season, after dropping them because of the recession, appear to be discounting instead.

Cheapism researched various cruise lines to find the best affordable cruises, based on analysis of reviews by passengers and industry experts, as well as a comparison of accommodations and other features. Cheapism's top picks sail to the Bahamas out of Miami starting at less than $50 per person per night.

• Norwegian Sky cruises are three- and four-night trips starting at a low price of $42 per night. The ship may appeal especially to youthful travelers with its casual atmosphere, abundant nightlife, and flexible dining options. The route includes

With airlines skimping on in-flight food, airport terminals are ramping up offerings, ditching mundane choices in favor of high-end gourmet, fresh, and even organic selections. We perused the menu at 20 of the nation's busiest airports to zero in on the ones making the biggest strides when it comes to delivering healthy options. Our top five picks aren't necessarily the most trafficked airports. Instead, they're the ones that make it easy to find deliciously lighter meals. If travel plans allow, it might be worth routing through these five hubs. By Maureen Callahan, MS, RD

The world's busiest airport is currently updating concession contracts. Speculation is there could be a push toward even more fresh, healthier options.

Quick & Healthy: Longtime Atlanta caterer Proof of the Pudding trims the fat and sodium while incorporating the "Super Foods" concept at its three "gourmet fresh" kiosks. Our Pick: Turkey Sandwich

Photo: ThinkstockBy Leigh Newman

The Southern Coast of Puerto Rico

With a bunch of flights from the U.S. (and no need for a passport), Puerto Rico has to be one of the easiest places on earth for an American to escape to-an observation that has not gone unnoticed by the ready-to-rage 20-somethings who throng the beaches and big casino hotels surrounding the capital of San Juan. Kelly Regan, editorial director of Frommer's Travel Guides, suggests you instead check out the southern coast of the island-home to what she says are "the most beautiful and least crowded beaches, like Cana Gorda, where Puerto Ricans vacation in the summertime." Regan also recommends Ponce, a well-preserved 18th-century city that gives you the colonial flavor of San Juan without all the crowds.

RELATED: Pick the Perfect Vacation Destination

Photo: ThinkstockAmelia Island, Florida

Still considered one of Florida's secret beaches, Amelia has managed, thankfully, to hang on to its old-fashioned vibe. (Think: carriage rides,

Springtime is right around the corner, and we all know what that means: warm weather, beautiful flowers, and travel inspiration. If you're feeling that travel itch like we are, these cities are the best places to see and be seen at this spring. Take a look!

Austin
The Driskill Hotel, Austin, Texas
The capital city of the Lone Star State has a youthful, hip reputation that tends to precede it. Sure, there's the massive SXSW Festival that brings the tech, film, and music industries to the city in droves, but once the crowds have departed, a thriving local community remains. Artists and the creative community are heavily supported, which has led many galleries, live music venues, and art events to spring up all over the city. Avid outdoorsmen appreciate the easily accessible nature, including miles of 193 miles of scenic walking trails. Of course, the city's awesome restaurant, nightlife, and coffee pub scene fall right in with the locals' jeans-and-T-shirt mentality. Timing your visit before the city becomes sweltering

iStockSome hotels aren't interested in catering to the baby-toting crowd, and we're totally OK with that. In fact, we think it's quite sexy that some resorts require their guests to be above the age of 18 -- at least you know there's no pee in the pool, right? (Well, let's just assume.) Great for couples, empty nesters, or groups of friends looking for a quieter getaway, these five amazing adults-only vacations are sure to make even the lifelong 17-year-old in you crawl back into his bedroom for good.


THE HOTEL: Secrets Marquis Los Cabos - Los Cabos, Mexico The Infinity-Edge Pool at the Secrets Marquis Los Cabos

• Why We Love It: With its sleek, hacienda-style rooms, giant soaking tubs and serene vibe, the Secrets Marquis is ideal for those looking to get some relaxing 'we' time with their significant other. Stressful jobs and the bustle of daily life will feel a world away in the hotel's three pools, oceanfront spa and gorgeous beach.

• Favorite Adult Feature: You won't have to worry about kids running around -- let alone peeing-- in

Photo: Christopher CoppolaBest for Kids

Children will love pulling these supercute rollies-other featured animals include a ladybug, owl, and bear.

16" x 13" x 6.5", $94; BeatrixNY.com

Best Pockets

Best Print

Best Hard Case

Photo: Christopher CoppolaBest Lightweight Carry-On*

Weighing in at just over four pounds, this zippy carry-on won't add much to your baggage allowance.

20" x 14" x 9", $450; Shop.Samsonite.com

*The domestic carry-on size limit is 45" total. Contact your carrier for international size requirements.

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