For those seeking a mountain retreat in North Carolina, Highlands emerges as a charming option. Nestled in the embrace of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Highlands paints a picturesque scene for weekend retreats. The town, with its cobblestone streets and rustic charm, lives up to its accolade of the best mountain town.

Positioned within a convenient drive from major cities like Atlanta, Nashville, and Charlotte, Highlands offers a mix of charm and luxury. Old Edwards Inn & Spa, Highlander Mountain House, and Skyline Lodge provide delightful and cozy accommodations for romantic getaways. Beyond the allure of stunning waterfalls like Dry Falls and Bridal Veil Falls, the town also boasts culinary gems like Ristorante Paoletti.

Nestled amid the breathtaking landscapes of the Great Smoky Mountains, Bryson City in North Carolina stands out as an adventurer’s haven, serving as the gateway to the renowned Smoky Mountains National Park.

Boasting heart-pounding activities such as hiking, rafting, and scenic train tours, the town caters to thrill-seekers, offering a diverse range of options for an action-packed weekend escape. From challenging hikes with panoramic views to exhilarating whitewater rafting adventures on the Nantahala River, Bryson City ensures an immersive experience amidst lush greenery and mountain vistas, making it an ideal destination for those seeking outdoor excitement and natural beauty.

On the coastal front, Beaufort, pronounced “bow-fert” to distinguish it from its South Carolina counterpart, is a historic gem in North Carolina. With its charming historic streets and colonial-style homes, Beaufort invites leisurely strolls, providing glimpses into its rich past.

The town seamlessly blends history with modernity, where morning rituals at the cherished Cru coffee bar transform into a lively establishment in the evenings. As the sun sets, the Rhumbar by the waterfront offers an ideal setting to unwind, surrounded by 100-foot yachts and sailboats that grace the shore. Beaufort in North Carolina perfectly captures the essence of a bygone era while embracing contemporary coastal living.

Most of us are familiar with the panic of mistakenly leaving our passports in the drawer while heading to the airport. Or sometimes, it’s just tucked in the pocket you didn’t expect it to be in, but for a few heart-racing minutes, your long-desired holiday was already over before it even started. However, this heart-in-the-mouth moment for every vacation goer may soon be over, if you believe in the future predictions of one airline.

According to EasyJet, passports will soon be obsolete from the checklist of an airplane border, as passengers will be having their heartbeats scanned to get through the security in airports. There’s no doubt that this system would certainly remove a lot of the usual flight day stress. It would be a lot easier for all the parties with airport scanners looking at the passengers’ heartbeats rather than their passports, which include their photos the majority of them can’t stand! Now, if you’re wondering how long it would take to make this marvel a reality, a group of academics have an answer ready for you.

According to academics like Professor Graham Braithwaite, Professor Birgitte Andersen, Dr. Melissa Sterry, Dr. Patrick Dixon, and futurist Shivvy Jervis, the year could be 2070. As per the report titled 2070: The Future Travel Report, passengers may not even have to worry about dragging luggage with them, all in the coming 50 years. At arrival, the passengers would be able to choose from a selection of recyclable 3D printed clothes and also a 3D buffet printed to individual preferences. That’s not all! The report also includes “try before you buy,” which is perhaps the most impressive but unrealistic prediction. Here, the holiday goers would be able to have a taste of their desired destination/s by seeing, hearing, smelling, and feeling the places through bionic and Meta holiday previews, even before booking the airplane tickets.