Take a Richard III Day Trip in the U.K.
It's not often that someone who's been dead for more than 500 years makes headlines, but when archaeologists announced that the skeleton discovered in a U.K. parking lot was "beyond reasonable doubt" the earthly remains of Richard III, the last Plantagenet king of England, the world took notice.
When the skeleton was discovered last fall—deep beneath a parking lot where a monastery once stood, near the battlefield where the king fought his last battle—its curved spine and wounds (including a split skull) strongly suggested that it was Richard, who was known to be a hunchback. The next step was to compare the body's DNA with that of direct descendants of Richard's sister, Anne of York, and the DNA proved a match. (You can read much more about the discovery and analysis at the University of Leicester's website.)
For Anglophiles who enjoy historical travel, the only question remaining is: What is there to see? Well, there aren't many opportunities to actually walk in the footsteps of the "hunchback king" because so much time has passed since his day. But there are a few opportunities to immerse yourself in some relevant historical sites—and exceptional literature and theater—in both London and Leicester (about an hour's train ride to the north):
Leicester Cathedral. Richard III's remains will be interred here, near the site of the archaeological dig, where a church has stood for at least 900 years. The current structure was rebuilt from the 13th to the 15th centuries and restored in the early 20th century, and the church includes a memorial stone dedicated to Richard (St. Martins House, 7 Peacock Lane, Leicester, cathedral.leicester.anglican.org).
Bosworth Battlefield. While Richard III probably never cried "My kingdom for a horse" in his losing battle here (those words, of course, are William Shakespeare's), there's plenty of real history to soak up. It was on this field that Richard lost his life and crown to Henry Tudor in 1485, ushering in a new line of English monarchs. Take a guided tour of the field, see the newly opened exhibit Richard III: The Making of the Myth, and ogle actual artifacts from the battle, including cannonballs (Ambion Ln., Sutton Cheney, Nuneaton, Warwickshire, bosworthbattlefield.com).
The Tower of London. Richard III's two-year reign ended violently—and most likely began that way, too. When Richard's brother Edward IV died in 1483, his 12-year-old son was next in line for the throne. But Richard brought the boy and his younger brother to the Tower prior to the boy king's planned coronation and neither child was ever seen again. Today, the Tower offers a walk through history, the Crown Jewels, and displays devoted to the prisoners and implements of torture and execution that have made it a draw for the non-squeamish (The Tower of London, a short, well-signed walk from the Tower Hill underground station, hrp.org.uk/toweroflondon).
Shakespeare's Globe. Over the years actors including Kevin Spacey, Ian McKellen, Kenneth Branagh, and Laurence Olivier have starred in Shakespeare's Richard III on stage and in film. An acclaimed production recently finished a West End run, but fans of the bard's historical dramas are not out of luck. Henry VI parts I, II, and III—which deal with the tensions between Richard III's house of York and Henry VI's house of Lancaster a generation before the "hunchback king"—are touring the U.K. under their original titles (Harry the Sixth, The Houses of York and Lancaster, and The True Tragedy of the Duke of York), including performances at Shakespeare's Globe in London (21 New Globe Walk, London, shakespearesglobe.com).
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8 Places to Go Before You Have Kids
Having kids doesn't mean you can never travel again, of course. Yet once you've gone from packing a suitcase and two carry-ons to dealing with travel cribs, car seats, strollers, and diaper bags (not to mention the snacks, changes of clothing, and toys needed to make it through a six-hour flight), you'll be asking yourself—why didn't we do this before we had kids? These are not babymoons, per se, which are best spent relaxing on the beach. These eight places are where you'll want to be on your own schedule to get adventurous, sample the local wines, and stay up into the wee hours. SEE THE PLACES! New Zealand The spectacular natural wonders and cool towns of New Zealand should be at the top of your pre-kids bucket list. Especially since they are a 13-hour flight away—and that's if you are coming from the West Coast (not to mention those flights typically cost more than $1,000 per person). Long haul flights are hard on everyone, and it will likely take kids longer to adjust to such a significant time change, cutting into your actual vacation time. Plus hopping between the North and South Island is mandatory if you want to see all the country has to offer. Do you really want to spend half your vacation repacking all the suitcases and searching under hotel beds for a lost lovey (or worse, realizing it's missing once you're at the next stop)? Do it: You have a lot of ground to cover, so be sure to give yourself a lot of time see the sites. Start in Auckland on the North Island, where you can take the unbelievable elevator 610 feet up the Sky Tower for 360-degree views. Then either head north to the Bay of Islands for sailing and hiking, or you can go south to the town of Wellington. On the South Island, meet the locals in Christchurch and go wine tasting at the surrounding wineries. Get to know a different type of local in the town of Oamaru, where you can watch the blue penguins march back to their nests in the early evening. Disney World Think the magical realm of Mickey and Minnie is just for kids? Think again. Going to Disney as an adult is a totally different experience than if you have toddlers (or even teens) along for the adventure. Some are obvious—not being relegated to the kiddie rides, not having to push a stroller around. Then there's the not having to go back to the hotel for nap and not having to decide between getting the kids dinner, bath, and into bed on time (and avoiding potential meltdowns) versus staying late for the awesome Main Street Electrical Light Parade. Disney has also caught on that they need to keep adults happy, too. That means things like gourmet restaurants. You can now even get a glass of wine with your dinner at Be Our Guest in the new Fantasyland section of the Magic Kingdom. Do it: Another perk to traveling to Disney without kids is that you aren't beholden to school vacations (when prices are higher and crowds are denser). September and October are good times to go, and the temperatures will be a little more bearable as well. Even so, you might want to stay at a hotel further from the action and less aggressively family-friendly. There is a premium for avoiding characters after-hours, though. The Dolphin is a boat-ride away from Epcot and, though it's not run by Disney, offers perks like Extra Magic Hours and free parking at Disney parks (from $169 a night in late September). The Four Points by Sheraton is on International Drive and closer to Universal Orlando than the Disney Parks, but starts at just $124 a night in late September. Paris Is there anywhere more romantic than Paris? It's a city where you want to embrace the clichés and roll with them. Strolling the streets, hand-in-hand? Yes! Taking a sunset boat ride down the Seine? Mais oui! Trying to keep the kids from hurling frites at each other at the quaint outdoor café? Not so much. Go now and get all the nuzzling under the Eiffel Tower out of your system. Bring your future children back in a few years to see the amazing museums and historic sites—once they are out of their food-throwing phase, that is. Do it: Stay in the charming, antique-filled Hotel de la Paix—one of our Secret Hotels of Paris—in the 14th arrondissement (from $130 per night). The centrally located hotel is within 20 minutes of the sites of Paris by Metro, and within walking distance of cafes and gardens. Route 66 Road Trip There are lots of great scenic road trips in the U.S. (California's Route 1, the Blue Ridge Parkway), but why not go back to the original and travel along Route 66. Well, what's left of it (see below). Road trips may not scream romance for some, but there won't be much time after kids to really just enjoy each other's company—and control what's coming out of the car speakers. This also means no kids rolling their eyes at every retro diner you want to stop at for a patty melt and a milkshake. And, most importantly, no chorus of "are we there yet??" from the back seat. Do it: To really, truly do this trip, you start in Santa Monica, California and drive the more than 2,000 miles to Chicago. It goes without saying that there is a lot to see along the way, from the Grand Canyon to the St. Louis Arch. The midpoint is the town of Adrian, Texas, home to the MidPoint Café and its famous pies and kitschy decor. The longest section of the original Route 66 starts northeast of Oklahoma City. Be sure to stop at the Route 66 Museum in OKC before you head out. Napa Valley Quick—why do people go to Napa? The wineries, of course. And there are more than 400 of them. That means days filled with sampling the Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Merlot. Which doesn't exactly scream "kid-friendly." Those tastings are best accompanied with the other local bounty. Munch on artisanal treats from Oxbow Public Market during the day, then have dinner at Thomas Keller's Bouchon Bistro. It's not French Laundry, of course, but entrees start around $20. Do it: You can actually bike through—not just past—vineyards with a tour from Napa Valley Bike Tours ($154 per person, not including tastings). Or use your two feet to walk around Downtown Napa. The Wine Tasting Card gets you samples at 12 tasting rooms ($25, plus 10 cents per taste). Either way, you'll be pretty tired at the end of the day. Retire to one of the 13 rooms at Yountville's Maison Fleurie, where the day starts with blueberry pancakes or artichoke quiche (from $150 per night). Macao In general, trips to destinations where casinos are a big part of the draw are hard with kids (since this is an 18-and-up activity done in smoky surroundings, after all). Chances are there will be a chance for a guys' weekend or a girlfriend getaway to Vegas in the future. So why not go for it and try your luck in Macao? This former Portuguese colony is about 40 miles from Hong Kong and has grown to be one of the top gambling destinations in the world (a cameo in the latest Bond flick helped raise its profile, as well). Do it: Outposts of Vegas hotels like the Venetian and the Wynn have opened in Macao in the last decade. Instead, try the Hotel Lisboa (from $120 per night). The hotel has expanded greatly since it opened way back in 1970 and now has more than 1,000 rooms, 15 restaurants, plus a casino on site. Its most famous feature? The roulette-wheel roof. Angkor Wat The world's most sacred temples are meant for quiet contemplation and obviously should be treated with the utmost respect. Something that even the most angelic children might find difficult. Which is why now is the time to take a journey to Angkor Wat, outside Siem Reap in northern Cambodia. The complex spreads over a stunning 494,000 acres with archaeological relics dating back to the 9th century and iconic Cambodian Khmer architecture. You will want to give yourself three days to see the complex, and keep in mind that heat and humidity will keep your days short. Do it: Angkor Wat is just a couple miles from Siem Reap, and easily reached by taxi (about $25). There are many hotels in Siem Reap. Spend a little bit more than your usual budget and stay at the Shinta Mani (from $170 per night). The boutique hotel is part of the Shinta Mani Foundation, which supports local education, health care, and small-businesses initiatives, and a portion of your room fee goes to the organization. Transatlantic Cruise Cruises usually make the top of lists for family travel. But a transatlantic cruise is different. They are usually more than a couple weeks in length, and involve many days and nights at sea. While to you that means more time to lay by the pool and do absolutely nothing more strenuous than ordering a cocktail, the kids could get a little stir crazy (no matter how awesome the kids' club is). The shore excursions are obviously minimal with these cruises as well, of course, but they often stop at lesser-used ports, adding to the adventure. Do it: Princess Cruises's 17-day Passage to Europe on the Crown Princess launches from Galveston, TX and ends in Southampton, England (from $1,089 per person). After calling in Fort Lauderdale, the next stop is Ponta Delgada in the Azores.
Paris's Iconic Cathedral Will Chime New Bells for Palm Sunday
"The greatest products of architecture are less the works of individuals than of society," wrote Victor Hugo in his novel Notre Dame de Paris, aptly summarizing the centuries of construction and reconstruction that typically went into building a Gothic cathedral. Hugo's book, of course, immortalized Paris's cathedral of Notre Dame as the home of the hunchback Quasimodo, who went deaf from ringing the church's giant bells. Turns out those bells have had a reputation since the 19th century for being the most discordant in France. The original 10 bells were mostly destroyed during the French Revolution (by some accounts, they were melted down to build cannons), and their temporary replacements had a less-than-satisfactory ring to them. Now, in honor of the 850th anniversary of the iconic cathedral, which sees 20 million visitors each year, nine new bells are being installed. The immense bronze bells are on display until February 25, then they will be moved to their permanent homes in the cathedrals towers. The south tower will hold a more-than-six-ton bell nicknamed Mary, and the north tower will be home to her eight little siblings, Jean-Marie, Maurice, Benoit-Joseph, Steven, Marcel, Dennis, Anne-Genevieve, and Gabriel. The public will hear the bells for the first time on March 23, the day before Palm Sunday, and crowds are of course expected to welcome the new additions. A trip to Cathedrale Notre Dame de Paris is a must for anyone visiting Paris. It's one of several historic destinations on the Ile de la Cite, in the Seine, that can be combined for a knockout day trip: La Conciergerie will appeal to anyone whose favorite site in London is the Tower. The Conciergerie is a former palace and prison where, during the French Revolution, those awaiting death by guillotine were housed, including King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. Sainte-Chappelle is another masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Its name means literally "holy chapel," and the structure, with its soaring arches and stained glass windows, dates back to the 13th century. La Creperie du Cloitre is a reliable, affordable eatery near Notre Dame. Some folks like to grab a crepe to go and eat it while they wait in line to climb the tower stairs (Rue du Bloitre Notre Dame, from $10).
Meet the Kayak of Hotel Sites
Hotels can take up a big chunk of your vacation budget. Luckily there are websites out there designed to save you money at the hotel that's right for you. I chatted with Kevin Fliess, the Chief Operating Officer of Room 77, to find out how his site helps travelers score the best available rate—and get the amenities they want as well. Similar to Kayak, Room 77 acts as a metasearch, scoping out deals on thousands of websites at once in a matter of seconds. Room 77's search engine is able to access rates being offered by online travel agencies (think Orbitz or Expedia), prices being offered directly by the hotels themselves, and special rates offered to members of the military, AAA, and AARP (if you qualify), helping travelers find the lowest prices available. Period. You can also book through Room 77's mobile app (available in The App Store and on Google Play), or through their partner site, Expedia. What also makes Room 77 stand out is their super-detailed hotel pages. Once you track down the perfect price, Room 77 shows you photos of the hotel (including rooms) so you know exactly what you're getting. You can also search by popular freebies like WiFi, parking, breakfast, and airport shuttle, effectively cutting out those extra expenses that can really add up. You can also view the hotel via Google StreetView, explore the hotel floor map, and get a quick preview of what your view will be like from the hotel room. Another useful feature is the Insider Tips on the Best Rooms at this Hotel section, where you'll get advice about where the quiet rooms are, which have the best views, and where to find the oversized rooms. Narrow it down by preference—do you enjoy staying on a higher floor compared to a lower floor? Is the view an important factor? Do you prefer to be close to the elevator or further away where it's quiet? Will you be needing a connecting room for a family vacation?—to help find the room that works best for you. Room 77 also offers a free room concierge service for bookings on all four or five star hotels or on hotel reservations that total $400 or more made directly through their website—just select your room preferences and Room 77 will request them from your hotel on your behalf within 24-48 hours of your stay. (If you end up booking a lower-tier hotel or through another site like booking.com or hotels.com however, you will have to contact the hotel directly to see if you can get the exact room you want according to your preferences.)
