Foto Friday: Choose Your Own Adventure!

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April 20th is a special day for many. More popularly known as "4/20," this Saturday marks an annual hash bash dating back more than 40 years, during which stoners the world over will gather to light up their green like it's Christmas in springtime. And Oyster wants to know which cannabis epicenter you'd rather chill out in: Amsterdam or Jamaica. One is a laid back tropical locale miles from the noise and stress of the big city, while the other is an herb-loving historical capital in one of Europe's most alluring settings. So which would you rather toke in -- or just plain visit? Take a look at the options below and then enter your answer in the comments section.

Option 1: Jammin' in Jamaica

Catcha A Falling Star AND some chill vibes in Jamaica

Catcha A Falling Star AND some chill vibes in Jamaica

While marijuana may not technically be legal in Jamaica, possession laws are as notoriously lax as the island itself. And one of the best places to chill out (with or without your stash!) is at Catcha Falling Star Resort, a gorgeous cliffside boutique with a laid back attitude and private bungalow huts. The resort has a minimum age requirement, keeping with the calming vibes, and amazing ocean views abound throughout the property. It’s a perfect high-times oasis.

Option 2: Getting Weird in Amsterdam

Hotel Pulitzer is a great place to get your smoke on in Amsterdam

Hotel Pulitzer is a great place to get your smoke on in Amsterdam

Amsterdam makes a great toking ground for the more metropolitan smoker. The city has tons of historical landmarks, and is one of Europe’s most popular spring destinations thanks to some other plants — its lovely tulips. For 4/20 visitors, Hotel Pulitzer is one of the swankiest hotels in the centrally located Canal Ring neighborhood. The hotel has a gorgeous garden for finding your Zen, and a great on-site restaurant or 24-hour room service for all of your munching needs.

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Foto Friday: Choose Your Own Adventure!

See recent posts by Devon Antonetti

Winter is on its way out and spring is making an entrance. But choosing where to watch the clouds part and the flowers bloom can be tricky. Washington, D.C. is one of the most popular spots to visit during the season, thanks to its gorgeous cherry blossom trees and the White House Easter Egg Roll. But over in Europe, Paris is known for its gorgeous tulips and lush green backdrop. So which pick spring city are waiting to see? Take a look at the options below and then enter your answer in the comments section.

Option 1: A Spring Stroll Though Washington, D.C.


Every spring, crowds flock to D.C. to catch a glimpse (and a whiff!) of the city’s iconic cherry blossom trees. Guests staying at the Mandarin Oriental have a particular advantage on the crowds, with the hotel being just a short walk from the Tidal Basin’s blossoms. After a stroll through the blooming landscape, the White House is a quick drive away, as are tons of parks and landmarks, making the Mandrin the best option for spring visitors.

Option 2: An Escape to the Greenery of Paris

Paris is lush in any season, but the city blooms each spring

Paris is lush in any season, but the city blooms each spring

Paris may be majestic in any season, but its colorful springtime scenery is the inspiration of art, film, and travel. The Saint James Paris, located in the city’s 16th arrondissement, is perfect for spring visitors. The hotel boasts a sprawling grounds with gardens and manicured lawns, and is a short drive from the Eiffel Tower and many other famous attractions. Tourists looking for the full spring experience need not look any further than this lush property.

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Foto Friday: Choose Your Own Adventure!

See recent posts by Devon Antonetti

When you have to take a gamble on your vacations, you better know what your odds are of hitting the jackpot. If the choice is between Las Vegas and Atlantic City, both are viable options for card sharks and those who want to play the slots. Sin City may be the epitome of a gambler's paradise thanks to endless casinos and 24/7-nightlife, but Atlantic City rules the East Coast, with a more laid-back feel and an easy-to-get-to location. Whether you want to stroll the Strip or take to the boardwalk, these lucky locales each have a distinct approach to pleasing their clientele. So which would you choose? Take a look at the options below and then enter your answer in the comments section.

Option 1: Getting Your Sin On in Las Vegas

Things can get a little crazy at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas

Things can get a little crazy at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas

The MGM Grand is one of the Vegas’ most iconic hotels, sitting in the heart of the Strip, and offering not only dining from celeb chefs but also tons to do on-site before you head to the giant casino. The hotel even boasts one of the best pool scenes in the city at Wet Republic, and, after a recent major overhaul, the hotel got even more grand.

Option 2: A Low-Key but Lively Stay in Atlantic City

You don't have to sacrifice a good time at Caesars Atlantic City

You don’t have to sacrifice a good time at Caesars Atlantic City

Atlantic City may have had its heyday in the 1920s thanks to Prohibition-era bootleggers, but its mega-resorts and casinos (almost) compete with the best Las Vegas has to offer (with at least lower prices), and the Caesars AC-outpost just goes to show it. The resort is one of the city’s oldest, sitting along the boardwalk and boasting some the city’s best restaurant and nightlife options. And even as one the best resorts in the city, Caesars doesn’t force guests to sacrifice personal attention or any destination luxuries for a good time.

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Foto Friday: Choose Your Own Adventure!

See recent posts by Devon Antonetti

Most aquatic creatures have their preferences when it comes to taking to the waters. When we venture into to the great outdoors for an active vacation, we always have a tough time deciding whether to kick it lakeside, or trek to the ocean. Yes, the salty ocean air is be refreshing, but it's also pretty darn calming by the lake shore. So which would you choose? Take a look at the waterfront options below and then enter your answer in the comments section.

Option 1: Lake Placid Getaway

Many travelers prefer the calming waters of a lakeside retreat.

Many travelers prefer the calming waters of a lakeside retreat.

The secluded High Peaks Resort on Lake Mirror in Lake Placid is the perfect lakeside vacation, with the lush natural surroundings of the Adirondacks and great recreational activities offered on-site such as kayaking and paddle boating.

Option 2: Coastal Florida Adventure

And many others would opt for an oceanfront locale.

And many others would opt for an oceanfront locale.

Hollywood, Florida is a more relaxing alternative to the Miami party scene, but the locale doesn’t skimping on at least one scene: that of the gorgeous beach. One of the best places to explore the Atlantic sands is the Westin Diplomat Resort, which boasts a bustling boardwalk, motorized watersport rentals, and tons of fun to be had right on the beach.

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Foto Friday: Choose Your Own Adventure

See recent posts by Devon Antonetti

While some travelers love the pampering and convenience of all-inclusive resorts, other opt for the intimacy and individuality of a boutique stay. For those who choose resorts, all-inclusive options allow for a hassle-free vacation with pre-planned activities, meals, and excursions. And for the fans of boutiques, nothing beats charming character and a unique ambiance, mixed with the personal attention that comes with having fewer guests. So whether you'd rather have a massive resort as your playground, or cozy accommodations at a boutique, Oyster wants to know which adventure you choose. Take a look at the options below in the Caribbean destination of Nevis and then enter your answer in the comments section.

Option 1: An all-inclusive romp at the resort

This luxe Caribbean resort has tons to offer.

This luxe Caribbean resort has tons to offer.

Resort pick: Four Seasons Resort Nevis

This 192-room mega-resort has all the top-notch amenities you would expect from a Four Seasons resort: three on-site restaurants and inclusive options that include three pools, 10 tennis courts, kids and teen activities, a golf course, gorgeous spa facilities, and tons of watersports.

Option 2: A private sanctuary at a boutique

This laid-back 36-room boutique is perfect for a private retreat

This laid-back 36-room boutique is perfect for a private retreat

Boutique pick: Nisbet Plantation Beach Club, Nevis

With only 36 rooms at this gorgeous property, the Nisbet Plantation is an isolated retreat for anyone looking for solitude or seclusion. The airy cottages are modest and comfortable, but still has plenty activities to keep guests busy at their own leisure. Along the sprawling grounds, the plantation offers an oceanfront pool, quaint spa, several dining options, and outdoor excursions.

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Foto Friday: Choose Your Own Adventure!

See recent posts by Devon Antonetti

It is one of the country's most enduring battles: East Coast vs. West Coast. When it comes to travel, each destination has its definite perks, and absolute disadvantages. New York City, reppin' the East Coast, natch, is a cultural melting pot and is home to world-famous Broadway musicals. But it is also loud, cramped, and expensive. And Los Angeles may have the bright lights of Hollywood and gorgeous sandy beaches, but it's also home to infamously bad traffic and transportation, as well as the Lakers (sorry we're not sorry). So whether you love the Big Apple or just can't enough of The City of Angels, Oyster wants to know which vacation you would choose: A whirlwind adventure around New York, or a laid-back jaunt across L.A. Take a look at the options below and then enter your answer in the comments section.

Option 1: A whirlwind adventure in New York City

The Waldorf is the most iconic hotel in the Big Apple

The Waldorf is the most iconic hotel in the Big Apple

New York’s Best: The Waldorf-Astoria is one of the the city’s most iconic institutions, and is nestled right in the heart of bustling Midtown East. The hotel was built in 1931 with Art Deco inspiration and timeless elegance, and has welcomed every US president since FDR. The hotel is so pinky-up classy that it even has an enforced dress-code in the lobby past 6 p.m. But best of all, the Waldorf’s prime location, just a few blocks from Grand Central Station, Rockefeller Center, and the Times Square Theater District, allows for a classic New York experience.

Option 2: A laid-back jaunt across Los Angeles

The Beverly Hills Hotel is known as L.A.'s

The Beverly Hills Hotel is known as L.A.’s

L.A.’s Finest: The legendary “Pink Palace,” better known as the Beverly Hills Hotel, has seen its share of Hollywood royalty throughout the years, including residents Elizabeth Taylor and John and Yoko (Ono-Lennon, that is). The hotel sits in the residential portion of the famed Sunset Boulevard, but is just a short drive from all the shopping and dining action on the Strip. With impeccable service, an A-list hot spot restaurant, and a fabulous pool scene, this L.A. hotel is a step above.

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Foto Friday: Choose Your Own Adventure

See recent posts by Devon Antonetti

When it comes to vacations, everyone has their own style. Many people like to travel within a budget, while others prefer to go all out and splurge on some luxury digs. Some like an active getaway, while the rest (us often included) just want to kick back and relax. Whether you're a beachgoer or a mountain-climber, or whether you prefer to get there by plane, train, or automobile, Oyster wants to know which vacation you would choose: Over-the-top luxury or rustic tranquility? Take a look at the options below and then enter your answer in the comments section.

Option 1: Over-the-Top Luxury

The Viceroy Miami is luxury at its finest

The Viceroy Miami is luxury at its finest

Luxe example: Miami is not shy about turning on the glitz and the glamour. The flashy coastal city is home to a number of upscale hotels, including the Viceroy in the bustling downtown area. The hotel’s crowning achievement is the 28,000 square foot spa, designed by Philippe Starck. The spa includes a water lounge, juice bar, redwood saunas and eucalyptus steam rooms, and massive gym with a yoga and Pilates studio. With amenities like these, luxury travelers will feel right at home pampering themselves with the finest the Magic City has to offer.

Option 2: Rustic Tranquility

Who needs to make a fuss at a place like the Franciscan Lakeside Lodge in Lake Tahoe?

Who needs to make a fuss at a place like the Franciscan Lakeside Lodge in Lake Tahoe?

Rustic example: For those who like getting in touch with Mother Nature on vacation, Lake Tahoe is full of accommodations for all budgets that offer a laid-back, tranquil vibe. But for the true outdoor experience, Franciscan Lakeside Lodge is perfect for DIY travelers who would simply rather rough it (in the best way possible). The rooms come relatively well-equipped, but with grounds featuring a sandy beach, grills, and plenty of recreational activities, the lodge makes it easy for guests to disconnect from modern conveniences. After all, who needs a water lounge when you have a breathtaking view of the mountains from your own private lakeside retreat?

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