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There's a common misconception that you need to book a flight to experience honeymoon-worthy romance . Often, when couples envision a dreamy getaway (think: overwater bungalows , waterfront dinners and unforgettable views), they assume such wow factors can only be found overseas.

But the reality is quite the opposite: It's entirely possible to take a dreamy vacation for two without ever having to go through airport security. Because, while we love the idea of jetting off somewhere far away, sometimes, air travel isn't in the cards.

From Texas to Rhode Island, a number of stellar domestic hotels and resorts deliver just as much romance as their far-flung counterparts (and then some). Picture glamping under the stars, couples massages by the fire or your own private stretch of white-sand beach. And the best part? Every hotel on this list is within a few hours' drive of a major U.S. city, making them each a great option for a passport-free weekend getaway .

Topping Rose House: Bridgehampton, New York

BENJI STAWSKI/THE POINTS GUY This leafy estate feels like the setting of a romance novel, and it's just two hours from Manhattan .

In the charming town of Bridgehampton on Long Island, Topping Rose House is a mansion-turned-boutique hotel — and part of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, so Hilton Honors members are in luck . Here, couples are treated like royalty when it comes to luxury offerings like Jean-Georges Vongerichten-inspired cuisine for room service, luxurious Frette linens and an exquisite spa. But with its intimate size and contemporary-cool aesthetic, Topping Rose feels delightfully low-key. In other words? You get all the elegance, without the fuss.

Couples stay in rooms outfitted with four-poster beds, soaking tubs and floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase the neatly landscaped grounds. In the morning, enjoy coffee on your private patio before popping into Bridgehampton or heading to the beach for the day. (The hotel offers a private shuttle in a BMW, fittingly.) There's plenty to do on the property as well, between curated wellness classes, a heated lap pool, and the restaurant helmed by chef Vongerichten.

Rates at Topping Rose House start at $995 or 200,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

Under Canvas Grand Canyon: Grand Canyon Junction, Arizona

UNDER CANVAS GRAND CANYON/FACEBOOK Those looking to get away from it all — and get acquainted with the great outdoors — will be hard-pressed to find a more romantic option than this glamping resort . Under Canvas, which is part of World of Hyatt , delivers exactly what its name describes, inviting couples to sleep in plush safari tents under the stars.

Occupying a lush desert within Grand Canyon National Park , the resort is a scenic three-hour drive from Phoenix and a 3 1/2-hour drive from Las Vegas. Couples sleep in style thanks to the upscale tents outfitted with king-size beds, faux sheepskin and cowhide rugs and wood-burning fireplace stoves. (In case you were wondering: Yes, each tent has a private bathroom with a toilet that flushes.) Days can be spent doing yoga among the cacti, taking ranger-led wildlife hikes and exploring the iconic canyon. Come evening, there's cornhole and live music and s'mores by the fire, plus locally inspired cocktails at the outdoor bar.

Night owl lovebirds should book the Stargazer Tent, which includes a special window above the bed to admire the night sky.

Rates at Under Canvas Grand Canyon start at $219 or 16,750 World of Hyatt points per night. Please note that this resort is seasonal: The 2026 dates of operation are April 15 to Oct. 26.

Little Palm Island Resort & Spa: Little Torch Key, Florida

LITTLE PALM ISLAND RESORT & SPA/FACEBOOK This adults-only Relais & Chateaux escape is the closest you'll get to a private island getaway sans passport. On its own island off the lower Florida Keys, Little Palm Island delivers all the romance factors you'd expect from a private island retreat, starting with the arrival experience. From its outpost on the mainland — which is a 2½-hour drive from Miami — couples are whisked to the resort by seaplane or private boat, with spiced rum cocktails in hand.

On the property, couples tuck away in thatched-roof bungalows with Balinese-inspired furnishings and wooden decks draped with butterfly netting. Many of the suites open to a private stretch of beach, giving twosomes their very own "Castaway" moment among the mangrove forests, coral reefs and powdery sand.

Rates at Little Palm Island Resort & Spa start at $1,588 per night.

Post Ranch Inn: Big Sur, California

POST RANCH INN/FACEBOOK Made legendary by John Steinbeck novels and HBO's "Big Little Lies," the coast of Big Sur is one of the country's most dazzling settings. The central California region is just a three-hour drive from San Francisco . But with its dramatic cliffs and emerald forests — not to mention a certain romantic resort — the destination feels worlds away.

Couples looking to experience Big Sur should look no further than Post Ranch Inn, a cliffside refuge beloved by honeymooners, foodies and adventurers. Here, the landscape takes center stage, with every element of your experience celebrating the scenery. Couples stay in sleek, midcentury-inspired suites with floor-to-ceiling windows, outdoor decks and soaking tubs perched over the ocean. Days can be spent admiring the Pacific Ocean from the infinity pool, hiking through the redwood trees with the on-site naturalist or indulging in a couples massage overlooking mountain peaks. And sea-to-table cuisine and local vino sourced from the hotel's award-winning wine cellar await at Sierra Mar restaurant.

Rates at Post Ranch Inn start at $2,525 per night, which includes breakfast and resort activities.

Related: Driving one of America's best road trips: 3 days in Big Sur

The Vanderbilt, Auberge Resorts Collection: Newport, Rhode Island

DYLAN COULTER/THE VANDERBILT, AUBERGE RESORTS COLLECTION/FACEBOOK This Auberge hotel, a boutique gem, feels like the set of a Nancy Meyers film, giving couples a chance to star in their very own romantic comedy for the weekend.

Nestled on a tree-lined street in Newport (just 90 minutes from Boston ), The Vanderbilt puts couples within walking distance of Newport's charms, including Bowen's Wharf, with its lobster eateries and posh shops. From the harbor, duos can take a sailing lesson or a romantic charter (bookable through the hotel).

But we wouldn't blame you for hiding out at The Vanderbilt for your entire stay. The Gilded Age mansion practically exudes glamour everywhere from its lobby (complete with a velvet-topped imperial staircase) to its guest rooms (adorned with jewel tones and bergere armchairs). Here, days begin with yoga on the sun-soaked roof deck, followed by oysters in the garden atrium and tarot readings in the cozy parlor. And at the spa, couples can book the "duet experience," complete with local wine by the fire.

Rates at The Vanderbilt, Auberge Resorts Collection start at $485 per night.

Miraval Austin: Austin

KATIE GENTER/THE POINTS GUY Perched above the rolling hills and misty lakes of Texas Hill Country, this adults-only Miraval resort is just outside of Austin but within a three-hour drive of Dallas and Houston, making it a great option for many Texas couples.

The resort's infinity pools and elevated cuisine are reasons alone to visit. But it's the wellness offerings that truly set the Miraval property apart. Upon arrival, couples are encouraged to set an intention for their stay that will help them curate an itinerary of treatments and experiences. These range from floating meditation and craniosacral therapy at the spa to Yin Yoga, horseback riding and beekeeping. The resort even offers line dancing and hatchet throwing (because this is Texas, y'all).

For couples, Miraval Austin can also curate a specialized itinerary that includes mindful relationship counseling, ropes course challenges and tarot card readings. (And if this sounds a bit intense for your taste, don't worry: You can indulge in plenty of hot tub time, romantic dinners and couples spa treatments instead.)

Rates at Miraval Austin start at $845 or 45,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

Related: The 13 best resorts in Texas for a Lone Star State getaway

The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee: Greensboro, Georgia

THE RITZ CARLTON REYNOLDS, LAKE OCONEE/FACEBOOK Southern hospitality meets lake life at this Ritz-Carlton resort , 90 minutes away from Atlanta .

Between a sparkling lake and lush forest, this setting is about as peaceful as it gets — and couples are invited to unwind in style. This could mean a private cabana by the infinity pool overlooking the lake, cocktails in the lobby speakeasy, or treatments (Himalayan saltstone massages or marine algae facials, anyone?) at the newly renovated spa, with its serene indoor pool.

The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds is a popular destination for its nearby golf courses and lake activities, which range from boating and fishing in summer to ice skating in winter. But the resort's plush rooms are an even better reason to stay. Accommodations offer plenty of features for lovebirds, including private patios and fire pits, balconies with rocking chairs, four-poster beds and freestanding tubs.

Rates at The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee start at $645 or 65,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

La Quinta Resort & Club, Curio Collection by Hilton: La Quinta, California

LA QUINTA RESORT & CLUB/FACEBOOK There's a lot to love about La Quinta, starting with its dreamy desert setting. It's located in the Coachella Valley — a lush, palm-tree-dotted oasis — that promises epic sunsets and balmy weather year-round. It's also just two hours from Los Angeles by car.

Couples stay in traditional Spanish casitas, featuring romantic touches such as outdoor fireplaces, French doors and private patios opening to green space. And while it's tempting to lounge all day at the resort's 42 (yes, you read that correctly) swimming pools, there's plenty more to do at La Quinta. There is nearby hiking in the otherworldly Joshua Tree National Park , as well as myriad golf courses and tennis and pickleball courts on the property.

But there's no shortage of romantic experiences here, too. It could be hot tubbing under the stars or bike riding through the desert. It could be yoga classes, couples massages or live music and farm-to-table dining. Whatever you do, don't miss the chance to taste the perfect margarita that's handpicked for you from a collection of more than 100 tequilas at the alfresco Mexican restaurant.

Rates at La Quinta Resort & Club, Curio Collection by Hilton start at $260 or 85,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

Related: Best hotels in Palm Springs that are an oasis in the desert

Inn at Perry Cabin: St. Michaels, Maryland

INN AT PERRY CABIN/FACEBOOK The Inn at Perry Cabin is a love letter to the Chesapeake Bay, where lapping shores and fiery sunsets deliver romance on a silver platter.

Ninety minutes from Baltimore and two hours from Washington, D.C ., the resort occupies a waterfront estate complete with tennis courts, an 18-hole golf course and a lawn dotted with Adirondack chairs. The resort offers a taste of coastal living at its finest, with an impressive fleet of boats at guests' disposal, from a 1902 Skipjack to a 55-foot Hinckley Yacht. On the water, couples can go for a sail, explore the river wildlife on paddleboards or visit an oyster reef before enjoying them fresh on board.

Back on land, accommodations consist of contemporary suites with private terraces, fireplaces and soaking tubs. Days can be spent by the infinity pool or at the spa, where couples' treatments take place in the dreamy garden. And for an extra-special meal, guests can dine on fresh-caught seafood in a private waterfront boathouse for the evening.

Rates at the Inn at Perry Cabin start at $450 per night.

Surf Hotel: Buena Vista, Colorado

SURF HOTEL/FACEBOOK With a name like Surf Hotel, you may be wondering how this Mr & Mrs Smith hotel ended up in landlocked Colorado . This irony is precisely the fun of Surf Hotel, a boutique gem in the Rocky Mountain town of Buena Vista, a two-hour drive from Denver . We love Surf Hotel for a choose-your-own-adventure weekend because couples can enjoy all manner of outdoor activities (more on that below) or simply savor a cocktail by the fireplace in their vintage-inspired room.

Thanks to its riverfront location, you'll get a front-row seat to the roaring rapids from rocking chairs on the terrace. But the river isn't just for show; couples can embark on white water rafting and — yes — river surfing from the hotel. There are also plenty of hiking, mountain bike and snowshoe trails nearby.

A major draw of Surf Hotel is the Wesley & Rose restaurant, where live music and creative cuisine come together in an industrial-inspired dining room. The bar serves clever interpretations of classic recipes, with signature Colorado bourbon and rare Green Chartreuse. As a nice (and very Colorado) touch, CBD bitters can be added to any cocktail.

Rates at Surf Hotel start at $335 or 16,250 World of Hyatt points per night.

The Abbey Resort: Fontana-On-Geneva Lake, Wisconsin

THE ABBEY RESORT/FACEBOOK Boasting a more than 60-year legacy, this Lake Geneva resort is a beloved getaway for Midwesterners. The Abbey Resort is a 90-minute drive from Chicago and just an hour from Milwaukee, and it enjoys a coveted location on 90 acres of lakefront scenery. Here, couples are spoiled for choice when it comes to activities on the water, with a location just one block from sandy Fontana Beach, with swimming and paddleboarding in summer and ice fishing in winter. On-property amenities include an adults-only outdoor pool, a cinema, a skating rink and bicycles for nearby exploration.

While The Abbey is a budget-friendly hotel , couples won't miss out on romance. At the spa, which is a cool 35,000 square feet, lovebirds can swim in the peaceful atrium pool and choose from a menu of magnesium treatments, lavender aromatherapy and side-by-side massages. Come evening, there's live piano music and Tuscan fare (think: wild mushroom ravioli and tiramisu) with marina views. And the hotel's romance package comes complete with in-room truffles and sparkling wine.

Rates at The Abbey Resort start at $144 per night.

Related reading:

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Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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EU mandates driver-facing cameras for all new cars.

Systems trigger alarms if the driver looks away for 3.5 seconds.

The mandatory safety measure has triggered privacy concerns.

The European Union has switched on the final phase of its updated General Safety Regulation, and the headline requirement lands squarely on the driver. As of July 7, every new passenger vehicle sold in the bloc must carry an eye-tracking driver-monitoring system. Plenty of automakers already run some version of this hardware for fatigue warnings, but the law turns an optional feature into a legal requirement across all new cars and vans.

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American drivers shouldn’t treat this as a distant European problem. Federal safety programs aimed at impaired and distracted driving move toward the USA’s own mandatory rollout of driver monitoring systems for new cars by 2027, so the tech arriving in European showrooms today is a preview of what lands stateside tomorrow.

Review: We Play Passenger With Stellantis Hands-Free Active Driving Assist

The EU’s sweeping mandate is expected to affect an estimated 15 million vehicles per year. Among its requirements is the so-called Advanced Driver Distraction Warning (ADDW) system, which relies on dashboard-integrated infrared sensors and software capable of analyzing precise head and eye movements .

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BMW

The software maps out specific zones of the interior, reserving its closest attention for the lower portions of the cabin, including the instrument cluster, the infotainment display, the steering wheel, the dashboard, and the center console.

More: A $10 Ronaldo Doll Head Is Fooling Tesla So Drivers Can Doze Off

If the driver keeps their eyes fixed in this area for more than 6 seconds at speeds between 20-50 km/h (12-31 mph), or for more than 3.5 seconds when going faster than that, they get visual and acoustic warnings. To prevent false alarms, the software builds in a minimum tolerance of 50 milliseconds.

Driver Distraction Is The Enemy

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The legislation is driven by the European Commission’s estimate that between 10% and 30% of traffic accidents in Europe stem from driver distraction. Lawmakers reckon the driver monitoring system could save 25,000 lives by 2038.

The American data tells the same story. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ( NHTSA ) ties driver distraction to 16% of all fatal collisions, 21% of injury crashes, and 22% of every automotive accident in the States.

Buyer Concerns

Renault

While improving road safety is a noble goal, the way these systems actually behave is already fueling a backlash. Automotive reviewers claim they often trigger false alarms by mistaking a normal blinking pattern and ordinary head movements for drowsiness, then nagging the driver to take a break. Others see one more mandated electronic package that could further inflate the cost of their new car.

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More: The Feds Could Soon Clear The Way For A Tesla With No Brake Pedal

The most serious concern, though, has to do with privacy. On paper, the official EU text explicitly states that the ADDW system must function as a closed-loop architecture. Yet privacy advocates warn that regulators have yet to set up any independent auditing mechanisms to confirm manufacturers are actually following the rules.

As reported by Risky Business , citing Belgium’s VRT channel, Volvo openly admitted that its driver-monitoring architecture processes real-time data on secure external cloud servers, contradicting the closed-loop guidelines.

Volvo

That admission is troubling given the automotive industry’s track record with consumer data . Giants like GM, Hyundai and Kia have been caught tracking driving habits and selling that telemetry to data brokers, who then pass it to insurance companies to jack up customer premiums.

More: He Braked Hard Once, Then His Insurance Jumped $100 A Month

The hope, and it is only that, is that regulators might actually do their job and stop modern vehicles from turning into high-tech corporate spies.

Other Requirements

Besides the driver monitoring system, the new legislation requires all new passenger cars and vans to come standard with a more advanced AEB featuring pedestrian and cyclist detection. Automakers must also provide better forward vision in their models, expand the safety glass area that protects pedestrians during collisions, and run extra tests for worn tires.

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Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

TL;DR

OpenAI has launched ChatGPT Work alongside GPT 5.6.

The new agent can gather context across apps, files, and workflows to create documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.

ChatGPT Work works on mobile, web, and desktop.

After a short preview period, OpenAI is officially debuting GPT 5.6. With GPT 5.6, the company is releasing three models: Sol, Terra, and Luna. But that’s not the only reveal the company has today, as it also introduced ChatGPT Work.

Today, OpenAI announced the launch of ChatGPT Work. This new agent is designed to gather context across apps, files, and workflows to create documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. ChatGPT Work will work on mobile, web, and desktop.