Why This Shoulder Season Is an Especially Good Time to Travel

National gas prices are—finally—on the decline. [Tripsavvy Travel Today]( On Our Radar [Europe's First Thompson Hotel Is Bringing Stunning Skyline Views to Madrid]( Spain's capital city just got a super luxe newcomer. [Here's What to Know About the United Airlines and Emirates Codeshare]( You can look forward to new routes and new planes. [Why This Shoulder Season Is an Especially Good Time to Travel]( National gas prices are—finally—on the decline. Destination of the Day St. Lucia [St. Lucia]( is the peak honeymoon destination, and it's easy to see why. With a centuries-old tradition of cacao production, the Caribbean island is [a chocolate lover's dream]( offering "bean to bar" estate tours, chocolate spa treatments, and cafés and bakeries doling out sweet treats. There are [plenty of hikes on the island]( too. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the twin peaks of the Piton mountains are a significant hiking destination, with the 2.9-mile Gros Piton Trail one of the more popular treks. Of course, you can find [your pick of beaches to lay your towel]( they aren't great just for sunbathing. Many of them offer [great scuba diving]( and snorkeling right offshore, including Jalousie Beach and Anse Chastanet. For ultimate relaxation, take a mud bath at Sulphur Springs, and, if you're willing to splurge a little, book a stay at [one of the three-walled resorts]( St. Lucia is known for. Vacation Like a Pro If you elect to rent a car, we encourage you to [head out on day trips]( to explore the lush mountainous interior of the island. The beaches in St. Lucia are famous for a reason, but the tropical rainforests are equally breathtaking. So go ahead and take the road less taken (at least by other tourists visiting this slice of heaven in the tropics). [Katherine Parker-Magyar]( Contributing Writer Your Packing List There's plenty of sunshine year-round in St. Lucia, but you should expect tropical rain showers to occur during your visit—even if you're traveling during the dry season (December through June). Prepare for foul weather by packing [an umbrella]( and [a raincoat]( that's highly breathable, like [Jack Wolfskin's Eagle Peak Jacket](. Active travelers should pack [coral-friendly sunblock]( for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Dinners can be quite elegant at night, especially in the peak tourist season, so bring something dressier for the evening. Trending in Travel [12 Can't-Miss Bookstores in New York City]( [Qantas Will Let You Pay $30 to Fly Next to an Empty Seat]( [The Best National Park for Every Outdoor Activity]( Get Inspired Also known as Denmark's Garden Island, the wildly romantic island of Fyn (Funen) is the perfect [day trip from Copenhagen](. The birthplace of writer Hans Christian Andersen, Fyn boasts a number of beautiful castles (known as slots in ​Danish), including Nyborg Slot, Egeskov Slot, Broholm Gods, Holckenhavn Slot, and Harridslevgaard Slot. You can spend all day wandering through the rolling hills checking out acres of orchards and a variety of old farmhouses, or head over to the open-air museum [Den Fynske Landsby]( (Fyn Village) and [Odense Zoo](. Got Any Tips? Have a travel tip or feedback on how we can improve? Send us a note at feedback@tripsavvy.com and you may just see it in a future newsletter! [Tripsavvy]( [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [Instagram]( [Linkedin]( [Unsubscribe]( This email was sent to {EMAIL} | Was this email forwarded to you? [Subscribe here]( ©2022 — All rights reserved. [Privacy Policy]( | [Terms of Service]( A DOTDASH MEREDITH BRAND 28 Liberty Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10005