Trending In Travel & Leisure
The “E Factor” is the new buzz in travel. Everyone, it seems, wants a hands-on experience of their destination of choice. Today’s travelers are connecting with the indigenous culture by taking cooking classes, browsing home-grown produce markets, and enjoying beaches and national parks alongside local residents.
No longer content to sit around the pool in a self-contained resort, visitors are exploring on foot, by bike, in kayaks, and with the help of SCUBA gear. They are also opting for boutique hotels and vacation rentals that reflect the community and eschewing package tours in favor of customized itineraries that allow for flexibility and the possibility of spontaneous detours. ELIZABETH HANSEN
Congratulations to this year's Readers' Choice Best of San Diego winners!
Best Local Hotel:
The Grand Del Mar (858/314-2000, www.thegranddelmar.com)
Best Destination Hotel:
Montage Laguna Beach (949/715-6000, www.montagelagunabeach.com)
Best Destination Spa:
Rancho La Puerta (858/764-5500, www.rancholapuerta.com)
Favorite U.S. Destination:
New York City
Favorite Foreign Destination:
Italy
Bucket List Destination:
Africa
For more of San Diego's Best Of 2012:
