Travel Tips
Hop on Board with U.S. Airlines this Spring
April 13, 2018
Spring has sprung and with the flowers blooming and the sun peeking through the clouds of winter, you may be craving an adventure! Luckily, our U.S. airlines are fueled up and ready to take you to your dream destination this spring. (Bunny) Hop onboard with us this season and check out a few of our favorite destinations for a trip that is sure to bring some much-needed sunshine.
Baltimore, Maryland
Mark your calendar this season for a trip to Baltimore with Alaska Airlines. After landing at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, begin your visit at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor with a stop in the National Aquarium. Children and adults alike will love observing more than 17,000 sharks, dolphins, fish and other creatures in life-like exhibits, including a walk-through rain forest and living seashore touch pool. Stop along the waterfront for a bite to eat and be sure to sample a Maryland classic—crab cakes. Walk off lunch by taking a stroll to Fort McHenry, the site of a key victory during the War of 1812 that inspired “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Top off the evening with a visit to Oriole Park at Camden Yards to cheer on the Orioles and snack on Chesapeake waffle fries, smothered in creamy crab dip.
Tampa, Florida
In need of a beach getaway? Check out Tampa for a taste of summertime sunshine this spring. After landing at Tampa International Airport with JetBlue Airways, use your carry-on as a beach bag and make your way to Clearwater Beach, voted by USA Today readers as the best beach town in Florida. Lay out your towel to catch some rays or make a sandcastle in the sugar-soft white sand. Stop for a lunch break with an ocean view at one of the many eateries that line the beach, sampling fresh-caught seafood like grouper, tuna and even chargrilled octopus while the warm wind blows through the open-air restaurant. When the sun sets over the Gulf, spend your evening downtown, strolling down the Tampa Riverwalk, passing by a few of the city’s favorite landmarks, including the Tampa Museum of Art. Finish the night with a show at the Tampa Theatre—a stunning and historic venue known for its architecture and unique films.
Phoenix, Arizona
If you’re looking for sunshine, look no further than the “Valley of the Sun.” Fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport on Hawaiian Airlines and tie up your sneakers to begin your trip with a morning hike up Camelback Mountain. Its trails range from beginner-friendly to advanced, but all offer scenic views of Phoenix and Scottsdale. After you’ve worked up a sweat, treat your sore muscles to an afternoon at one of the area’s world renowned resort spas for a hot rock massage or a salt scrub, many of which incorporate Native American traditions and botanicals from the Sonoran Desert. Once you’re feeling rejuvenated, pick an outdoor patio and wind down the evening while you sip on your drink of choice and watch the desert sunset.
Kansas City, Missouri
This spring, fly into Kansas City International Airport onboard American Airlines and begin your day at the Kauffman Memorial Garden—a peaceful and quaint garden inspired by European parks with beautiful new plantings every season. Take in the scenery until lunchtime, when it’s time to roll up your sleeves and dig into some Kansas City-style barbecue! Stop into one of the city’s many barbeque joints to try meats that are smoked “slow and low” and covered in a thick, sweet KC-style sauce. After you’ve had your fill of the world famous ‘que, spend your afternoon browsing the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, taking in thousands of works of art and spending some time on the sprawling lawn with ample space to soak up the spring sunshine.
Dallas, Texas
For a trip deep in the heart of Texas, touch down at Dallas Love Field Airport with Southwest Airlines for a weekend that is sure to be a boot scootin’ good time. Start your morning at the 6th Floor Museum, for a look at the life, death and legacy of President John F. Kennedy. Here you can walk through the grassy knoll and reflect on the events that took place in downtown Dallas in November 1963. In the afternoon, wander over to Dallas’ Klyde Warren Park, a sprawling green park that sits atop a freeway, where you can sample delicious treats from food trucks serving international cuisines, participate in some yoga or enjoy a popsicle and watch the people stroll by. Visit the Perot Museum of Nature and Science where you can see fossils, including a full-size Tyrannosaurus Rex and stand in an earthquake simulator. Finish the night off on McKinney Avenue, a lively street full of restaurants and bars, where you can wind down the day with Tex-Mex and margaritas.
Cleveland, Ohio
Discover a hidden gem nestled on the south shores of Lake Erie in Cleveland. Reserve your flight with United Airlines into Cleveland Hopkins International Airport and head straight to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame—an iconic American landmark celebrating legendary acts like The Beatles, Nirvana and Prince. Next, visit the Cleveland Botanical Garden and wander around the lush 10 acres and 11 different gardens, including a Japanese Garden. Stop for a bite to eat at the West Side Market, which has been a city staple since 1840. This open-air market has been featured on the Travel Channel and the Food Network and is home to 100 different vendors selling everything from baked goods and cheese to candies and nuts. End your visit with a trip to one of Cleveland’s 40 breweries to sample craft beers and try some of the city’s eclectic food vendors.