What do you do when life gives you lemons? You make lemonade on your private jet and fly to some of the world’s most wanderlust-worthy destinations. That is of course if you’re Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter. Because then you’d be doing it and making the entire world jealous.
But for those of us who aren’t ballin’ on Queen Bey’s budget, there are still a few ways to travel the world as an honorary member of the Carter family (because who hasn’t ever wished that they could be adopted by Bey and Hov?) and still look like it. We’ve outlined some must-visit 2018 destinations for those looking to get a head-start on their 2018 travel plans.
Who says you need a lot of money to travel like Beyoncé?
Grand Canyon
Earlier this year, we got a glimpse of Beyoncé and JAY Z’s desert getaway celebrating their ninth wedding anniversary (#blacklove, y’all), which was complete with a helicopter ride over the canyon, sipping wine on the red rocks, a ride along the river, and quality time with daughter Blue Ivy.
Whether you’re headed to Las Vegas and want to take a canyon detour, or planning a vacation to the Grand Canyon, here are a few tips to help inspire your visit:
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If you want to skip the big casino hotel and partake in some Vegas luxury, Vdara Hotel & Spa is an all-suites hotel conveniently located right in the heart of the trip offering a stylish setting, modern amenities and exceptional service. For the best of both worlds (the Las Vegas strip and outdoor desert exploration), rest your head here and plan an epic weekend getaway.
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Ride in style through Red Rock Canyon like a boss with Pink Jeep Tours. This Jeep ride allows you to see and experience tis dramatic scenery all while partaking in a wild 4×4 off-road adventure. Along the 13-mile scenic drive, you’ll get a chance to visit Wilson Cliffs, Keystone Thrusts, the beautiful colored Calico Hills, and finally, cruise through Spring Mountain State Park.
Sundance Helicopters will take your VIP tour to the next level, making you feel like you’re on your own World Tour. They’ll pick you up from your hotel in a stretch limo and deliver you to their terminal directly on the Las Vegas Strip. Those looking for an unmatched experience can enjoy helicopter flights to and from the natural wonders of the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River complete with celebratory champagne with amazing views.
Hawaii
From Queen Bey’s infamous (and flawless) selfies showcased on Beyonce.com, to lemon-themed accessories, and beach lounging, the couple gave us vacation envy after being spotted on the Big Island in Hualalai, Hawaii last year during a romantic anniversary getaway. As if Hawaii wasn’t already on everyone’s bucket list, Beyoncé makes visiting the islands a priority now more than ever. Here’s how you can have a romantic island getaway or a girlfriend’s escape:
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Hilton Hawaiian Village, sits on Waikiki’s widest stretch of beach, boasting endless views of the world-famous Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon and Diamond Head, one of the world’s extinct volcanos. Guests staying in the recently refreshed hotel-within-a-hotel Ali’i Tower (meaning Royal in Hawaiian) will enjoy the private pool, sundeck and whirlpool exclusively for the guests of Ali’i Tower. Perfect for a day of relaxation, or stunting for the ‘gram, you can’t go wrong here.
The Laylow, Autograph Collection, is a 1960’s Hawaiian Modern aesthetic in a lush garden surrounding sets the scene for a relaxed vacation vibe. Visitors are transported back in time through authentic mid-century furnishings and décor. Centrally located in the heart of Waikiki places you just a short walk to the ocean, restaurants, shops, and nightlife.
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The arts scene is where it’s at on Oahu. Chinatown, a former red-light district, has been revitalized by an influx of art spaces and regular art events. First Friday in Chinatown—yep, it’s the first Friday of every month—the working artists in the Chinatown Artists Lofts open their doors to visitors to show where they live and work. (Be sure to browse the Gauguin-esque originals and posters at the Pegge Hopper Gallery, housed in a historic home in the area.) Local coffee shops/bars such as Manifest serve artisan beers and craft cocktails alongside live music. Even walking the streets is fun, since street art and food trucks turn the area into a massive block party. Or forgo the food trucks with their generous Hawaiian plate lunches and eat with the locals enjoying vegan and savory shawarma Middle Eastern meal at Kan Zaman restaurant or the latest hipster hideaway, Rain. Visit the Honolulu Museum of Art and take a tour of Shangri-La, the Islamic-style mansion built oceanside by American heiress Doris Duke and stuffed with treasures from the Middle East including Suzani textiles, Moroccan rugs and other decorating elements currently in vogue.
Paris
Beyoncé took a break from the European leg of her Formation World Tour last year to be a tourist in one of her favorite cities: Paris. And of course, this was done in the most Beyoncé way possible. For those who are trying to scratch the surface on her luxurious Parisian experience, here are a few tips for an Instagram-worthy vacation.
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Hôtel Plaza Athénée: Beyoncé isn’t the only celeb who enjoys a bit of luxury. The Real co-host Adrienne Bailon-Houghton, who recently celebrated her one year anniversary, got married last year at Hôtel Plaza Athénée and we’ve been swooning ever since. The hotel, which is situated in the heart of Haute Couture, on the renowned avenue Montaigne, is in the ideal location for the finest shopping that Paris has to offer, and has some of the most magnificent views of the Eiffel Tower.
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Want a taste of Paris’ culture, fashion & design? There are some big changes happening in one of the world’s most romantic, chic and exciting cities, so now’s the perfect time to begin planning. Museum Yves Saint Laurent Paris dedicated to the iconic designer just opened October 3rd at the historic couture house headquarters and Saint Laurent’s atelier and office; Lafayette Anticipations – Galeries Lafayette Corporate Foundation (a public gathering place dedicated to displaying and creating works of art) opens in March 2018; L’Atelier des Lumières (Paris’s first digital museum of fine art,) opens in April 2018; François Pinault’s personal collection of art (set in the former Bourse de Commerce) is scheduled to open in late 2018.
And if you’re looking to do some Beyoncé-esque retail therapy: Take a day trip to So-Pi (South of Pigalle) for a day of vintage shopping in an up-and-coming Parisian district. The rue des Martyrs is the link between the 9th arrondissement and Montmartre, and the surrounding streets feature several renowned vintage brands such as Zac & Sam, Chezel Vintage and Retro Chic. Travelers visiting this district can also enjoy delicious pastries, chocolates, Madelines, tea and rum from popular local purveyors.
And of course, no trip the city of love, without a Beyoncé inspired photo shoot in front of the Eiffel Tower. So pose for the camera now, flick, flick, flick.
Italy
From Tuscany to Lake Como to Florence, Beyoncé and JAY-Z have spent a bit of time in Italy over the past few years. And if it’s good enough for the Carters, it’s certainly good enough for us. It’s time to enjoy a bit of la dolce vita, and head to Italy. The sweet life, that is.
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Italians know how to eat, drink and relax better than anyone else in the world, and nowhere is this more apparent than at Adler Thermae, the renowned spa resort fed by the thermal pools of Bagno Vignoni, a tiny town in Tuscany. And when you’re not luxuriating at the spa, guests have a chance to participate in some of the hotels’ special programs and amenities, such as a morning cooking class taught by a local home cook (or “mamma”) at Tenuta Sanoner, the hotel’s hilltop winery. After working in the kitchen, they’ll savor their creations during lunch on the terrace overlooking the valley. They’ll also experience a tasting in the wine cellar featuring local varietals, cheeses and meats.
The Hassler, Rome’s historic 5-star hotel situated atop the Spanish Steps, boast incredible rooms and suites that offer breathtaking views over Rome’s skyline, including the Spanish Steps, the Piazza di Spagna, the Barcaccia fountain, and the famous Via Condotti, Rome’s most exclusive shopping street.
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While the perfect Italian vacation includes eating endless amounts of pizza, pasta and gelato, you should probably see a few historic sites while you’re there as well. From sunbathing Beyonce style in Sardinia, to visiting Greek ruins in Sicily, to taking a gondola ride in Venice, to drinking wine in Tuscany, to snapping a photo in front of the Colosseum, who says exploring can’t be as fun as eating your way through Italy?
New Orleans
We all know the Carters love New Orleans. As the home to sister, Solange (remember those epic wedding photos?), Beyoncé and JAY-Z often find reasons to visit the Big Easy. Just recently, they were all spotted enjoying lunch at the historic Dooky Chase’s Restaurant. Whether visiting for Mardi Gras, ESSENCE Festival, or just a weekend with the girls, here are a few things to add to your itinerary.
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Hyatt Regency New Orleans, which is directly adjacent to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, has been the premiere hub for celebrities, politicians, and local community pioneers, having hosted everyone from the ladies of the film Girls Trip (Queen Latifah, Tiffany Haddish, Regina Hall and Jada Pinkett-Smith) to Maya Angelou to legendary restaurateur, Leah Chase. Re-opening in 2005 was a highly symbolic, yet substantive step, which was the result of a $275 million revitalization. General Manager Michael Smith, who is a major player in New Orleans is at the helm of the property and continues to see tremendous growth year after year, not just because of its prominent location, but the spectacular service that he ensures.
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No visit to the Crescent City is complete without a visit to the French Quarter. This is the core of the New Orleans’ experience. From the sounds of jazz floating down Bourbon Street to getting a signature Hurricane from Pat O’Brien’s or those oh so delicious beignets at Cafe Du Monde, the French Quarter offers unforgettable and endless experiences to the traveler with an open heart and a healthy appetite for the fantastic.
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Dooky Chase Restaurant, has become a legendary staple in the New Orleans culinary community. The restaurant, which opened in 1941, has served Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, President George W. Bush and President Barack Obama, and was considered a hotspot for meetings discussing the civil rights movement. Beyoncé featured one of the owners and famous New Orleans chef, Leah Chase, in her Lemonade music video in 2016, making it the best place to cap off your Beyoncé-inspired New Orleans vacation.
