One perfect paradise – two beautiful islands in the Caribbean

Antigua and Barbuda has been leaving travelers breathless with its legendary beauty and its countless reasons to fall in love well before the Caribbean became a playground for sun-seeking vacationers.

The two islands, the very heart and soul of the Caribbean, are famous for different reasons, each offering visitors their own memorable experience. They are only separated by a slim body of water but united under one flag as a single nation, so movement between both is seamless.

The Sister Island

Barbuda is the smaller of the two Caribbean diamonds and is called Antigua's sister, with a population of just over a thousand persons. Most live around Barbuda's cozy capital Codrington, while the rest of the island's flat topography is covered with vegetation and surrounded by some of the most beautiful beaches to be found anywhere in the world. Pink sand shorelines stretch for miles, caressed by turquoise waters, a picture-perfect scene where time seems to stand still even in the midst of the turning pages of romantic adventure.

No need to rent a car or get into a taxi to get around Codrington. Everything is within walking distance. A casual stroll around its friendly neighborhood will take you into family-owned restaurants to be served some of the most scrumptious seafood to have ever touched your palate. If transport is available, the island boasts a Nobu restaurant located on Princess Diana Beach, rightfully named after the late Princess of Wales, because it was one of her favorite vacation spots.

Nature gave Barbuda one of its greatest gifts, a bird sanctuary where hundreds of frigatebirds nest, undisturbed by the few curious admirers who float by on guided tours. Over the years, the island has become known as the hidden gem of the Caribbean. The secret is out and more and more travelers are discovering the island's irresistible magic.

Antigua

Antigua, on the other hand, offers everything and more that the discerning traveler would expect from a Caribbean destination. The island's claim to fame is its 365 beaches that indent a coastline rich with character and hidden adventures. The beaches are some of the most beautiful in the world, each offering their own unique features, from the shady cover of Pigeon Point to the powdery white sand and crystal clear turquoise waters of Valley Church beach.

If the spirit of adventure beckons, hiking trails through Nelson's Dockyard National Park, home to a United Nations designated World Heritage site, are only one of the countless activities for the wandering explorer who wishes to get a bit more from a Caribbean vacation. They are in the right place in Antigua and Barbuda as the locals will be quick to tell you that the "Beach is Just the Beginning." Throughout the National Park, centuries of living history unfold, preserved in all its grandeur through the years by the caring hands of skilled artisans and laborers. Nelson's Dockyard amazingly functions in much the same way it did centuries ago, making it the only surviving dockyard from the Georgian period still operating today.

Antigua and Barbuda is perhaps best described as the Caribbean's ultimate treasure trove, holding close untold adventures of exciting romance and gastronomic flavors that are there for the choosing and tasting. A Culinary Month in May, now gaining major international attention, shines the spotlight on its authentic and delicious food and dining experiences.

Couples are drawn to its quiet, safe and beautiful allure to create that perfect and idyllic romantic backdrop where they can complete a new chapter in their lives together. The island's yachting events, which run for an entire season, and Carnival celebrations that explode into a frenzy of dancing and colorful revelers in the streets of the St. John's capital during the heart of summer, add vibrant energy to this paradise.

Antigua and Barbuda is easily accessible with direct flights connecting major cities across the US to the VC Bird International Airport. A variety of accommodations, ranging from family resorts to adults only or couples only resorts all in sophisticated and luxurious quality, will make your vacation the perfect Caribbean getaway.

Antigua and Barbuda remains a paradise in waiting, welcoming all to its majestic beauty, where its gracious and hospitable people welcome everyone like family. The only question is what’s stopping you from booking your visit to these beautiful islands in the sun?

Plan your next trip here: VisitAntiguabarbuda.com

Banner photo: Shirley Heights

London is Calling: 48 Hours in the City

Whether you're a first-timer or a returning traveler, this itinerary will help you hit the highlights and sneak in a few surprises.

By Patricia Harrison

Think two days isn’t enough to do London justice? Think again. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or making the most of a layover, you can squeeze a lot out of 48 hours in England’s historic capital with the right game plan. From must-see landmarks and hidden gem museums to cool neighborhoods that locals actually hang out in, here’s how to spend a weekend in London like you’ve been coming for years with expert ideas on where to stay from the TSA Hotel Program.

Day 1

Start your tour of London by hitting the classics. The morning hours are the best time to snap photos of Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament before the crowds roll in. Stroll over to peaceful St. James’s Park, then make your way to Buckingham Palace to catch the Changing of the Guard (check times in advance).

Once you work up an appetite, hop on the Tube to Borough Market, one of the city’s oldest and largest food markets. Grab a bite from vendors like Arabica To-Go (falafel wraps and chicken shawarma), Bao Borough (Taiwanese street food) and Comptoir Bakery (French-style pastries). Grab a takeaway coffee from Change Please, where 100 percent of profits support individuals experiencing homelessness, before embarking on riverside walk along the South Bank—the entertainment and commercial district on the River Thames—passing Shakespeare’s Globe, Tate Modern and Millennium Bridge.

If you have time, cross the river to visit the Sir John Soane’s Museum in Holborn, an underrated gem packed with architectural oddities and ancient artifacts (think: a sarcophagus in the basement). Entry is free, and the preserved 19th-century townhouse (formerly the home of Sir John Soane, a revered English architect) is as fascinating as any blockbuster museum.

Street Art in Shoreditch

Spend the evening in Shoreditch, a buzzing East London neighborhood known for its street art, cocktail bars and indie boutiques. Grab dinner at Dishoom Shoreditch for Bombay-inspired plates in a vintage setting, then check out the bar scene. The Owl & Pussycat Pub & Restaurant is a laid-back hangout with an all-season beer garden, while Nightjar has live jazz and speakeasy vibes.

Day 2

Fuel up with breakfast of butter-slathered toasted coconut bread and a house Bloody Mary at quaint Granger & Co. in Notting Hill, then stroll Portobello Road’s pastel houses and vintage shops. Next, head to The Wallace Collection, an often-overlooked treasure in Marylebone. Housed in a historic townhouse, this museum is home to Old Master paintings, armor and period rooms. Plus, it’s free and rarely crowded.

Stop for lunch nearby at the award-winning La Fromagerie, where you can browse more than 200 types of artisan cheese in its famous cheeseroom and enjoy some of England's best fondue and raclette. Afterward, venture to Regent’s Park and Camden Town. Explore Camden Market, where vendors sell everything from cheesy naan melts and birria tacos to handmade shoes and leather goods, before you stop at Primrose Hill’s summit to take in panoramic sights of London.

Wrap your trip with a sunset ride on the London Eye; or grab drinks at Sky Garden, London’s highest public garden, or The Shard, a 72-story pyramid-shaped skyscraper. For your final dinner, book a table at Kiln in Soho for inventive Thai dishes cooked via wood-burning ovens and grills. End the night with a stroll along Carnaby Street or live music at Ronnie Scott’s, a legendary jazz, soul and blues club established in 1959.

Big Ben and Westminster Bridge on River Thames

Where to Stay

Hyde London City
Built in 1874, this gem inside the historic Spiers & Pond building has evolved into Hyde, a hotel with a blend of bohemian and Victorian-era design that mirrors the surrounding area’s past. Grab dinner at Leydi, the on-site modern Turkish restaurant serving expertly prepared wood-fired breads and meat and fish.

Park Hyatt London River Thames
Set along the iconic River Thames, the Park Hyatt offers sweeping views of the water and London’s skyline, just one of many reasons guests love the sleek, luxury property. Despite its peaceful, tucked-away setting, the hotel is only a five-minute walk from the Victoria line, making it easy to reach nearly every major Underground stop across the city.

Hotel Indigo London Clerkenwell
This stylish hideaway opened in July 2025, bringing the Hotel Indigo’s coveted hospitality to Clerkenwell, one of London’s most creative neighborhoods. To honor the district’s roots as a haven for makers, every room is styled to reflect an architect's studio with touches such as headboards modeled after blueprint poster tubes.  

Dao by Dorsett West London
The Dao by Dorsett offers the perfect combination of residence and hotel. The property’s apartment-style rooms are a fantastic choice for guests seeking features such as a small, fully-equipped kitchen, pull-out sofa, living area and access to a basement laundrette. Bonus: It’s pet-friendly so four-legged travelers will feel right at home, too.

Book these hotels, and more, using the TSA rate code in the GDS. Non-GDS users can book these hotels using tripXpress.

Banner photo: London Eye and Big Ben Above River Thames

Montenegro: The Gem of the Balkans

By Jessica Montevago

Montenegro offers travelers a picturesque slice of coastline, where majestic mountains meet the crystal blue waters of the Adriatic Sea. Thanks to the country’s size, a three- to five- day itinerary can cover almost everything the country has to see. From exploring coastal towns to venturing through national parks and diving into the rich cultural history, Montenegro offers travelers the best of the Balkans. Montenegro remains unburdened from the same surge in tourism that Croatia, its neighbor to the north, has seen. Montenegro gives travelers a similar Mediterranean experience while being both more affordable and less crowded.

Cathedral of Saint Tryphon

Built in the ninth century, UNESCO Kotor Old Town is steeped in history with its medieval churches, cathedrals, and Venetian palaces, including the 12th-century Cathedral of Saint Tryphon and the nearby San Giovanni Fortress. From Kotor, an excursion can also be set up to see the breathtaking scenery of Our Lady of the Rocks, an island in the bay of Boka Kotorska.

At the heart of Montenegrin tourism is Budva, where most cruise ships port. The promenade along the beach is brimming with restaurants serving local seafood specialties, bars, and nightclubs. Outside of the yachts and marina, the city is home to a 2,500-year-old medieval walled city.

Montenegro has five stunning national parks, all brimming with unspoiled natural beauty. Durmitor and Lovćen are the most popular. The former boasts around 50 peaks higher than 6562 feet and 18 glacial lakes known as gorske oci, meaning "mountain eyes." The latter is called “Black Mountain”, after which Montenegro got its name. It’s the heart of Montenegrin culture – home to the Njegoš Mausoleum, containing the tomb of the prince and poet Petar II Petrović-Njegoš, sitting at the top of its second-highest peak.

Budva, Montenegro

Where to Stay

Our top hotel recommendations for your clients takes us to Podgorica. Most of the capital city was destroyed during World War II, giving way to new, modern buildings and plenty of cafes, pubs, and shops. Just an hour away awaits Lake Skadar National Park, a vast freshwater lake straddling the borders of Montenegro and Albania. Famous for its diversity of flora and fauna, birdwatchers come from around the world to spot the 270 species that live there.

Hilton Podgorica Crna Gora
What was once the city’s first hotel, opened in 1953, now operates under the Hilton Podgorica Crna Gora flag. The 180-room hotel overlooks a lush green park and is centrally located. An added perk, guests in executive rooms and suites can enjoy complimentary breakfast in the morning and snacks and drinks throughout the day in the Executive Lounge. The property boasts one of the city’s largest spas, compete with a whirlpool tub, steam bath, Finnish sauna, and bio sauna. The rooftop Sky Bar and terraced Gradska Kafana (City Cafe) are popular with locals and visitors alike.

Signum Hotel
Sleek and contemporary, the four-star Signum Hotel joined the city’s hotel scene in 2022. Thirty-one guestrooms and suites are outfitted with balconies that overlook the city, as well as sound-proofed windows to ensure a good night’s rest. Standard and executive suites are ideal for families, accommodating up to four adults and three children with ample space, a sofa bed, and a queen-size bed. After getting in a workout at the fitness center, guests can relax in the Finnish sauna and Turkish bath after their training. The rooftop restaurant serves Mediterranean dishes showcasing fresh seafood and locally inspired dishes. In the morning, it also offers a buffet breakfast for guests.

voco Podgorica
Tucked away by the serene River Sitnica, the hotel is just a 10-minute drive outside of the city center. The voco Podgorica, part of the InterContinental Group hotel chain, prides itself on putting sustainability at the forefront of its hotel experience; think bedding made from 100% recycled materials and reducing single-use plastics. Guests staying in one of the spacious guestrooms and suites can enjoy a robust complimentary breakfast spread. At night, dinner is served buffet or a la carte and can be followed by a night cap at the lobby bar. The hotel’s real showstopper is the wellness and spa club, which includes a swimming pool, a semi-Olympic pool, a gym, treatment rooms, as well as a newly built sports hall.

Ramada By Wyndham Podgorica
Ramada by Wyndham is a brisk 15 minutes from the Podgorica International Airport, which can be conveniently accessed with a shuttle. The 110 guestrooms are designed with stylish interiors. At the Panorama Restaurant, sitting on the top floor of the hotel, floor-to-ceiling windows overlook Ljubovic Hill, and a terrace offers the perfect place to take in the stunning views. The café is a fine spot to sit with a coffee and pastries in the afternoon.  

Montenegro delivers an authentic Mediterranean experience without the crowds or high costs found in nearby countries like Croatia. Whether your clients are nature lovers, history buffs, or simply in search of a scenic escape, Montenegro checks every box. With a growing portfolio of modern, well-equipped hotels—from the upscale Hilton Podgorica Crna Gora to the eco-conscious voco Podgorica—agents have a strong selection of properties to match every type of traveler. Stylish newcomers like the Signum Hotel and reliable brands such as Ramada by Wyndham provide comfort, convenience, and amenities that enhance any itinerary.

Book these hotels, and more, using the TSA rate code in the GDS. Non-GDS users can book these hotels using tripXpress.

Banner photo: Kotor, Montenegro