5 islands worth visiting during the off-season
These summer-season islands are delightfully laid back in fall, winter and spring.
Summer-season islands are typically overrun with tourists for three or four months a year — as anyone who's strolled around Nantucket in July can attest — but they can be delightfully laid back in fall, winter and spring. Here are five islands that welcome visitors in the off-season, so there's no need to wait until Memorial Day to enjoy them.
Vancouver Island – Canada
There's so much natural beauty — soaring pine forests, rocky coastlines, picturesque bays — on this rugged island located to the west of Vancouver, British Columbia, that it's season-less. While summer draws active travelers looking to hike, surf, fly fish and whale watch, winter also lures romantics seeking to snuggle, sip wine by a roaring fireplace and gaze out at dramatic waves rolling in from the Pacific (some 15-20 feet in height). Yes, storm watching is a thing, and it peaks from December to February. And it's hard to beat the view from the Wickaninnish Inn in Tofino. Vancouver Island is also home to the charming capital city of Victoria, and a world-class dining scene (fresh oysters, local salmon and BC wine) that makes it perfect for a Canadian version of hygge, the popular Danish notion of cozy camaraderie.
Nantucket, Massachusetts
Looking to step back in time on a pre-Christmas getaway that's fun, festive and full of charm? This Massachusetts island may be more famous for its sand dunes and July 4th clambakes, but come December the streets of its historic downtown are lined with hundreds of decorated fir trees, setting the scene for the Nantucket Christmas Stroll, a four-decade-long tradition that resembles a jolly block party of holiday cheer. Shop, sip hot chocolate and mulled cider, join local carolers and welcome Santa and Mrs. Claus who arrive via Coast Guard cutter. Even after the Stroll weekend is over, you can peruse local shops and galleries (most stay open through Christmas), take a beach walk and visit Cisco Brewers to sip a Winter Shredder. Two top properties remain open for most of the winter: The Nantucket Hotel and The Jared Coffin House.
Bermuda
This 21-square-mile island is located 570 miles off the coast of North Carolina in the Atlantic, so it's high season is generally during the summer months. But if golf's your game, six world-famous courses and mild winter temperatures (60 to 70 degrees) make Bermuda perfect for an off-season getaway. Even non-golfers can enjoy the island's scenic beauty — pink-sand beaches, picturesque coves and charming cottage-style architecture — and relax during a spa treatment, traditional afternoon tea or a tasting of Gosling's famous dark rum. History buffs can explore the island's maritime legends, shoppers can buy Bermuda-style decor or beachwear and foodies can enjoy the island's seafood specialties (it's spiny lobster season from September to March). Plus, there's a resort to suit any style — including the Hamilton Princess for traditionalists, Rosewood Tucker's Point for luxury-seekers and The Reefs for cliffside romance — all are open year-round.
Aquidneck Island, Rhode Island
Never heard of it? This 44-square-mile island in Rhode Island's Narragansett Bay is home to the state's most famous city: Newport. And the off-season here has plenty to offer, beginning with the annual Christmas at the Newport Mansions extravaganza. From Nov. 18, 2017, to Jan. 1, 2018, three of the destination's most famous historic mansions — The Breakers, The Elms and Marble House — will be decorated to the hilt with Christmas gilt. Newport also has a Holiday Stroll (the first two weekends of December) featuring shopping, live entertainment, hot cider and warm-you-up New England clam chowder. Newport puts on the glitz into the New Year with the annual Winter Festival (Feb. 16-25, 2018) featuring daily events that include ice sculpting, warm drink contests and the Illuminated Garden in Ballard Park. The perfect spot to warm up: a lavish suite at The Chanler at Cliff Walk, where the cozy bar beckons you to sip a hot toddy beside the antique fireplace.
Long Island, New York
Planning a winter escape to New York City? Add to your enjoyment by pairing one of the world's most famous islands, Manhattan, with the charming, farmhouse-lined landscapes of the North Fork on this fish-shaped island to the east. While Long Island's South Fork is synonymous with summer (it's home to the Hamptons), its North Fork has a wine trail featuring more than 35 vineyards, many with tasting rooms that are open year-round. Check out Raphael in Peconic, Lieb Cellars in Cutchogue and Sherwood House Vineyards in Jamesport. Check in at the Jedediah Hawkins Inn in Jamesport, offering easy access to several tasting rooms.
This article was written by Donna Heiderstadt from Islands and was legally licensed through the NewsCred publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@newscred.com.
"We were proud to do our part to encourage more Americans to get their shot and were thrilled by the overwhelming response we received. This prize clearly struck an emotional chord with our customers, as the opportunity to travel and connect with people and places that matter most is something that clearly has been missed during the pandemic," said United's CEO, Scott Kirby. "I'd like to extend my personal gratitude to everyone who entered the sweepstakes and more importantly, made the decision to get vaccinated."
United is the only U.S. airline to offer its own one-stop-shop where customers can conveniently get "travel-ready" by uploading and storing their COVID-19 test results and vaccination records directly through the airline's website and award-winning mobile app with the Travel-Ready Center. The airline's easy-to-use travel tool enables customers to reduce stress and save valuable time at the airport right from the palm of their hand.
All of the grand prize winners are already starting to plan out the adventures they and their families will have in the upcoming year thanks to United. Ashley Cronkhite is an advertising professional who began working at a grocery store during the pandemic. She plans to travel to European destinations including Ireland and Italy with her best friend – her mom. Robert Simicak plans to travel to national parks around the U.S. with his wife, who is a frontline healthcare worker in Cleveland. Lauren Aldredge will experience her first time flying in a premium cabin and will be traveling to celebrate her 30th birthday with her partner. Sean Husmoe plans to travel with his wife and daughters to check off the final two continents that they have not yet visited, including South America and Antarctica. Lauren M. plans to travel with her family, including a trip to Tahiti with her husband.
The rest of United's customers will have no shortage of opportunities to plan long-awaited getaways of their own, as the airline has continued to grow its schedule in response to increased travel demand. Since May, the airline has launched new flights to Greece, Iceland, South Africa, Ghana and Croatia, and has resumed service as countries like Italy, Portugal, Spain and France re-opened to vaccinated travelers or travelers with a negative COVID test. For those planning to stay closer to home, United is adding nearly 150 flights to warm-weather destinations across the U.S, just in time for the winter holiday season.
Travel-Ready Center
Since its launch, United customers have been able to easily access testing or vaccine requirements needed for travel destinations, upload country specific required forms, completed testing results and vaccination records as well as have them verified, all within United's award-winning mobile app and website with the Travel-Ready Center. The Travel-Ready Center is an industry-leading digital platform that offers customers the ability to choose from thousands of COVID-19 testing providers across the country, book appointments and receive confirmation whether their test results meet their destination's requirements. Once requirements are validated, customers will see a status indicator informing them that they are "travel-ready" and receive their mobile boarding pass. United is the only airline that offers its customers these services as part of an integrated experience within its own app and website. The airline was also the first to set up an easy way for international travelers to bring a CDC-approved test with them, self-administer while abroad, and return home through an innovative collaboration with Abbott.
Mileage Plus: A 40-Year Legacy
United introduced its MileagePlus loyalty program in 1981 and over the past four decades, it has continued to be a leading airline loyalty program, with a number of industry-first innovations designed to enhance the travel experience for members. United added its Premier® program in 1983 and then its first loyalty credit card in 1987. More recently, in 2019, United announced that MileagePlus award miles never expire, and introduced PlusPoints for MileagePlus Premier members, giving customers more flexibility in how they choose to fly. United has also proudly worked together with MileagePlus members to contribute to the communities it serves, most notably donating 3.4 billion miles to charity organizations since 2003.
MileagePlus was named the 2020 Best Frequent Flyer Program by Global Traveler for the 17th consecutive year and was recently recognized as the Best Overall Frequent Flyer program by WalletHub.
About United
United's shared purpose is "Connecting People. Uniting the World." For more information, visit united.com, follow @United on Twitter and Instagram or connect on Facebook. The common stock of United's parent, United Airlines Holdings, Inc., is traded on the Nasdaq under the symbol "UAL".
SOURCE United Airlines
For further information: United Airlines Worldwide Media Relations, +1-872-825-8640, media.relations@united.com
CHICAGO, July 28, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Starting today on select flights, all United customers – no matter what cabin of service they're flying in – can use the airline's award-winning mobile app and website to pre-order meals, snacks and beverages up to five days before they're scheduled to travel. United is the first and only U.S. airline to offer economy customers the option to pre-order snacks and beverages, a reflection of the customer experience transformation underway at the airline.
United's pre-order technology is an extension of the airline's contactless payment platform that allows customers to store payment information in a digital wallet. United's pre-order option is now available on select flights departing from Chicago to Orange County, CA Sacramento, CA and San Diego, and will expand to all flights over 1,500 miles by early fall.
"Our new pre-order option reflects the customer experience transformation taking place at United – customers in our economy cabins will have an easy, convenient way to choose their snack or drink, and our flight attendants can move through the cabin faster, delivering more personalized service," said Toby Enqvist, chief customer officer for United. "This new feature also builds on our existing contactless payment technology, which has enabled us to safely resume our inflight food and beverage program on select flights."
How It Works
- Five days prior to departure, customers will see an option in the Reservation Details section of the United app or on United.com to pre-order food and beverage items available for their specific flight. Customers will also receive an email notifying them when pre-order is available.
- In economy cabins, customers can pre-order snacks and beverages from United's buy-on-board menu. They will be asked to enter their credit card information but will not be charged until the items are served to them onboard.
- In premium cabins, customers can select their meal option directly from the United app or website. Once they make their selection, they will get a receipt emailed to them.
About United's Contactless Payment Technology
For customers looking to purchase drinks and snack items while onboard, United's contactless payment platform allows them to store their payment information in a digital wallet on the United app and on United.com prior to departure.
- Once in flight, customers can access a menu to view available items either on the United app or in Hemispheres® magazine.
- Rather than handing the flight attendant a credit card, the flight attendant will ask for the customer's name and seat to confirm the card on file.
- Once confirmed, customers will receive their products and the card on file will be charged.
About United's Newly Enhanced Buy-On-Board Menu
United recently unveiled its refreshed buy-on-board menu, which includes a wide variety of food and beverage offerings including:
- Adult Beverage Options: Mango White Claw®; red, white and sparkling wine, and new beer options such as Breckenridge Brewery Juice Drop Hazy IPA and Michelob ULTRA®.
- Three New Snack Boxes: A Tapas snack box with European-inspired offerings; a Takeoff snack box with high-protein options; a Recline snack box with movie theater themed treats.
- A la Carte Snack Options: Including chips, dips, trail mix and chocolate-covered dried fruit.
New Domestic Premium Cabin Menu Items
United also introduced brand-new meal offerings to customers seated in domestic premium cabins on flights over 1,500 miles and hub-to-hub flights over 800 miles.
- The enhanced meal service includes a choice of entrees – including fresher options like egg scramble with plant-based chorizo and grilled chicken breast with orzo and lemon basil pesto – sides and dessert.
- United has also teamed with Eli's Cheesecake to create a uniquely United chocolate pie flavor called "Pie in the Sky."
- The meals will be served on one tray, with items individually wrapped, to limit person-to-person contact and further the safety of our employees and customers.
United's pre-order technology is available beginning July 28 for flights departing on or after August 2. The technology will initially be available on flights from Chicago O'Hare International Airport to San Diego International Airport, Sacramento International Airport, Orange County's John Wayne Airport and Honolulu's Daniel K. Inouye International Airport.
For information on snacks available, United's contactless payment technology and FAQs, visit United.com/snacktime.
About United
United's shared purpose is "Connecting People. Uniting the World." For more information, visit united.com, follow @United on Twitter and Instagram or connect on Facebook. The common stock of UAL is traded on the Nasdaq under the symbol "UAL".
SOURCE United Airlines
For further information: United Airlines Worldwide Media Relations, +1-872-825-8640, media.relations@united.com
United is the only U.S. airline to offer its own one-stop-shop where customers can conveniently get "travel-ready" by uploading and storing their COVID-19 test results and vaccination records directly through the airline's website and award-winning mobile app with the Travel-Ready Center. The airline's easy-to-use travel tool enables customers to reduce stress and save valuable time at the airport right from the palm of their hand. United also announced a new collaboration with Abbott and became the first U.S. carrier to set up an easy way for international travelers to bring a CDC-approved test with them, self-administer while abroad, and return home.
"Today's announcement is yet another major milestone in recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic with the opening of one of the most important markets from the U.S." said Patrick Quayle, vice president of international network and alliances at United. "United has demonstrated that we can operate flights between the U.S. and England safely and we are eager to help rebuild these economies by facilitating business and leisure travel."
United in England
United has provided service to London Heathrow for nearly 30 years and over the course of the pandemic has maintained continuous service between the U.S. and London. In August, United is increasing its service from Houston to London from five times weekly to daily and adding a second daily flight from Washington, D.C. United will continue operating daily flights to London from Chicago, New York/Newark, San Francisco. The airline plans to continue offering these six daily flights in September.
United flies to more European destinations than any other U.S. carrier, and is welcoming back customers on more than 30 daily flights to 16 destinations in Europe this summer. The carrier has expanded its service to Europe including new routes to Dubrovnik, Croatia; Reykjavik, Iceland and Athens, Greece. All of these flights are available for purchase on united.com. To see the full list of reopened countries where United is flying visit united.com/reopen. Customers should review local country requirements before they travel.
Committed to Ensuring a Safe Journey
United is committed to putting health and safety at the forefront of every customer's journey, with the goal of delivering an industry-leading standard of cleanliness through its United CleanPlus SM program. United has teamed up with Clorox and Cleveland Clinic to redefine cleaning and health safety procedures from check-in to landing and has implemented more than a dozen new policies, protocols and innovations designed with the safety of customers and employees in mind. To manage entry requirements in different destinations, and find places to get tests, customer can visit Travel Ready Center on United's app and website.
About United
United's shared purpose is "Connecting People. Uniting the World." For more information, visit united.com, follow @United on Twitter and Instagram or connect on Facebook. The common stock of UAL is traded on the Nasdaq under the symbol "UAL".
SOURCE United Airlines
For further information: United Airlines Worldwide Media Relations, +1-872-825-8640, media.relations@united.com
