Stop overpaying. Use our search tool to reveal unpublished fares and bonus onboard credit.
Though most of Rhode Island is not an island, there's enough water around that no one's likely to notice. This smallest of the U.S. states has more than 400 mi/650 km of coastline, so whether you're interested in boating, beaching or both, the ocean should play a big part in your visit.
The sea has drawn visitors to Rhode Island for a long time, including some of the wealthiest vacationers in the world. They converged on Newport, in particular, building lavish seaside mansions that today are some of the state's most popular travel attractions. Rhode Island is still big with the affluent, but it's a good travel destination for others as well. A large number of public parks are right on the water, so everyone can gain access to Narragansett Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.
The Ocean State consists primarily of low rolling hills with a relatively flat coastal region. Several large islands in Narragansett Bay make up part of the state's territory, as does Block Island farther out in the Atlantic. The communities of Rhode Island completely surround Narragansett Bay, so although it is possible to drive through the entire state in about 30 minutes on the interstate, trips from one side of the bay to towns on the other side can take considerably longer.
Visitors may encounter a certain amount of confusion regarding place-names in Rhode Island. It helps to know that, in some cases, a given name—such as Bristol—refers both to a specific town or village and also to the wider area surrounding it. These areas are often called towns, even though they actually encompass several communities, and three such areas are also officially counties (Bristol, Newport and Providence). Some maps and tourist guides will also refer to broader regions such as the Blackstone River Valley (in the northwestern portion of the state) and South County (which covers most of the southern portion). South County includes several of Rhode Island's most popular destinations: Block Island, Narragansett, Wickford, Wakefield, Charlestown and Westerly.
Long before the Vanderbilts and Astors arrived, Rhode Island was the home of the Narragansett people. They grew corn for part of their food supply but also migrated in order to fish, hunt and collect shellfish and wild foods. Through a network of trading channels, the Narragansett were in constant contact with other Native American groups in New England. They manufactured wampum (cylindrical beads made from clams and whelks) and traded this form of currency for skins, pottery, stone, maple bowls and chestnuts.
Among the first Europeans to settle in Rhode Island were religious exiles. Roger Williams arrived in 1636, having been booted out of the Massachusetts Bay Colony for his liberal beliefs. Others seeking religious freedom soon followed, including Sephardic Jews (whose ancestors had been forced out of Spain and Portugal) and Quakers. Though tolerance may have been the goal of the early settlers, things were not always peaceful in the colonial period: After years of declining relations between the native tribes and white settlers, Rhode Island became a major battleground in King Philip's War. The war climaxed in 1675 with the massacre of the Narragansetts in the Great Swamp Fight (in present-day South Kingstown) and ended with the death of Philip (Metacomet) in Bristol in 1676. Beginning in the 1760s, Rhode Islanders vigorously protested British rule. On 4 May 1776, Rhode Island became the first colony to declare independence—preceding the others by two months. With victory over the British, Rhode Island achieved statehood in 1790.
By the 1800s, Rhode Island was rapidly becoming one of the young nation's most heavily industrialized states—textile mills and other factories cropped up throughout the compact region. At the beginning of the 20th century, immigrants from Portugal, Italy and Eastern Europe began to pour into the state in search of work, lending a multicultural character to Rhode Island's cities that is still evident today. As these immigrants flocked to the factory towns, affluent families built luxurious summer estates, creating a very visible class division in the state.
The Great Depression hit both groups hard, but business picked up with the beginning of World War II. In the past 60 years, many of the textile mills have closed down, and the economy has suffered somewhat as a result. Today, Rhode Island's businesses are more diversified: Manufacturing is still important, but it is buttressed by tourism, electronics, chemicals and health-care services.
Rhode Island's main attractions are beaches, historical sites, vintage homes and mansions, Providence, yachting, Newport, resorts and Block Island.
Those travelers who like beaches and watersports, museums and restored homes—and the chance to slow their pace of living for a while—will love Rhode Island. Although Providence and Newport have many cultural attractions and excellent restaurants, those seeking the bustle of a major metropolis and those who are uncomfortable in a somewhat cool seaside climate may find the state less to their liking.
The smallest U.S. state has the longest official name: The State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.
There are two theories as to the source of the term Rhode Island. One attributes it to the notes of explorer Giovanni da Verrazano, who observed that one island in the area was about the size of Rhodes in the Mediterranean. A second theory argues that it's an anglicized version of the name Dutch explorer Adriaen Block gave to Block Island: Roodt Eylandt.
Folks in Narragansett still refer to their downtown area as the Pier, even though the pier itself was washed away by a hurricane in 1938.
There are hundreds of stories about the extravagant parties that took place in Newport during the city's heyday, but we'll tell just one. At a party at the Marble House, Mrs. Alva Vanderbilt covered her dining room table with sand. Guests were provided with pails and shovels, which they used to unearth sapphires and rubies that were hidden in the sand.
The Quonset hut, the U.S. military's contribution to utilitarian architecture, was first built at Quonset Point Naval Air Station in Rhode Island in 1941.
The nation's first speeding ticket was handed out in Newport in August 1904. It resulted in a jail sentence. The car in question was traveling at 15 miles an hour.
Rhode Island's state bird is a chicken—the Rhode Island Red. And Sakonnet Vineyards in Little Compton produces a popular wine called Rhode Island Red, which is said to go very well with ... beef.
Rhode Island, affectionately known as "The Ocean State," is the smallest state in the union, but it holds some of the most culturally significant, geographically captivating, and historically opulent destinations in North America. Its dramatic landscape features over 400 miles of winding shoreline, pristine sandy beaches, quiet scenic coves, and iconic islands scattered throughout Narragansett Bay. For the luxury traveler, Rhode Island represents a historic playground of unmatched coastal elegance: from the legendary Gilded Age mansions of Bellevue Avenue in Newport to the pristine cliffside shores of Block Island, the historic charm of Providence, and the world-class private beach sanctuaries of Watch Hill. Here, travelers can stay at legendary Relais & Châteaux resorts like the Ocean House or Castle Hill Inn, sip champagne while cruising on an America’s Cup yacht, and dine on freshly harvested oysters and local lobster prepared by award-winning chefs.
Despite its intimate geographic footprint, planning a truly seamless, high-end vacation in Rhode Island has become increasingly complex. The state's premium travel season is highly concentrated, compressed heavily between late May and September, with a secondary peak during the spectacular autumn foliage season. Because Rhode Island's finest accommodations consist of boutique properties, historic estates, and exclusive coastal sanctuaries—many of which have a limited number of rooms and suites—availability vanishes months in advance. Standard online booking platforms and self-service travel websites cannot navigate these highly competitive booking windows, nor do they have access to private room blocks, direct relationships with hotel general managers, or the ability to arrange highly customized, off-menu local experiences. Attempting to coordinate flights, high-speed ferry crossings, private drivers, sailing charters, and exclusive mansion tours on your own often leads to compromise, logistical headaches, and missed opportunities.
This is why discerning travelers choose to bypass the stress of self-booking and partner with the professional luxury advisors at Vincent Vacations. By working with our team of dedicated Rhode Island travel agents, you leverage our first-hand expertise, local connections, and the immense booking power of the invite-only Signature Travel Network. We handle every detail of your journey, from room selection to complex transfer logistics, securing you exclusive Signature Travel Network perks and luxury upgrades that transform a standard trip into a masterfully curated, stress-free coastal retreat.
One of the most common pitfalls of planning a Rhode Island getaway is underestimating the complexity of local transportation and seasonal traffic. While the state is geographically compact, its coastal topography—comprising islands, peninsulas, and bridges—means that moving from one destination to another requires strategic timing and local coordination. During the summer high season, traffic around Newport and the coastal routes can become extremely congested, and parking at beaches and historic sites is highly restricted.
An experienced travel advisor is essential for crafting a seamless transit strategy. The air travel choices for Rhode Island include several options, and our team is expert at selecting the best route for your itinerary:
Beyond flights, managing ground and water transportation is where a travel advisor provides immense value. We coordinate luxury private transfers from Boston or Providence, ensuring a professional chauffeur is waiting to greet you upon arrival. If your itinerary includes Block Island, we pre-arrange high-speed ferry tickets or private yacht charters, avoiding the long lines and sold-out departures that plague self-booking travelers. For those who wish to explore the coast at their own pace, we secure premium car rentals from vetted suppliers and design customized driving routes along the scenic Ocean Drive, pointing out historic landmarks, hidden overlooks, and local seafood shacks along the way. Furthermore, we monitor your travel status in real-time. If a flight delay or cancellation occurs, your Vincent Vacations advisor manages the situation in the background, updating your drivers and hotel hosts without any effort on your part.
Newport is the undisputed crown jewel of Rhode Island luxury. As the historic summer playground of America’s wealthiest industrial-era families, including the Vanderbilts and Astors, Newport is a living museum of Gilded Age architecture and maritime culture. A visit here is not complete without experiencing Bellevue Avenue, a tree-lined boulevard home to some of the most magnificent mansions ever built in North America. These "summer cottages" represent a time of unparalleled opulence and architectural ambition.
While anyone can purchase a standard ticket to walk through these estates, a Vincent Vacations advisor elevates this experience significantly. We arrange private, after-hours tours of legendary mansions such as The Breakers (the Vanderbilt family's 70-room Italian Renaissance palace) and Marble House, or curated specialty experiences like the Elms Servant Life Tour, which provides a fascinating look at the daily lives of the staff who maintained these grand estates. We coordinate private docents who guide you through the history, art, and architectural details of these historic homes, away from the standard tour groups, providing an intimate look at a bygone era.
Newport is also known as the "Sailing Capital of the World," and experiencing it from the water is an absolute necessity. Narragansett Bay offers some of the finest sailing conditions in the hemisphere, framed by scenic coastlines and historic lighthouses. We arrange private charters on historic, beautifully restored wooden yachts, including authentic America’s Cup 12-meter racing yachts. Whether you want to participate in a simulated race or relax on a sunset cruise with a private chef and premium champagne, we customize the charter to your exact preferences. We also coordinate walks along the famous Cliff Walk, a 3.5-mile path that combines the natural beauty of the rocky shoreline with panoramic views of the ocean-facing historic mansions, ensuring you experience Newport from every beautiful angle.
For travelers seeking a quieter, more exclusive retreat, the southwestern coast of Rhode Island—specifically the enclaves of Watch Hill and Westerly—offers an understated luxury reminiscent of historic New England summer colonies. The focal point of this region is Ocean House, an iconic grand dame perched on a high bluff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Reconstructed to replicate the original 1868 Victorian structure, Ocean House is a Relais & Châteaux property and one of only a handful of hotels worldwide to hold triple Forbes Five-Star ratings. It features a private white-sand beach, a world-class spa, fine dining, and classic New England activities like croquet on the manicured lawn.
Booking your stay at Ocean House through a Vincent Vacations agent unlocks elite Signature Travel Network perks that are unavailable on general booking websites. This includes guaranteed room upgrades (subject to availability), complimentary daily gourmet breakfast for two, and a $100 resort credit that can be applied toward the OH! Spa or the hotel’s award-winning dining outlets. These amenities enhance the value of your stay while ensuring you are recognized as a VIP guest from the moment you arrive.
Just a short drive away is Ocean House's sister property, the Weekapaug Inn. Tucked away on the shores of Quonochontaug Pond, the Weekapaug Inn offers a nature-inspired luxury experience. It features classic shingle-style architecture, a heated outdoor pool, and a dedicated resident naturalist who leads guests on kayak tours, crabbing excursions, and bird-watching walks. We often design custom itineraries that combine both properties, allowing clients to experience the historic grandeur of Ocean House and the serene, nature-focused luxury of the Weekapaug Inn, all with the seamless coordination and benefits of our professional agency.
Located 12 miles off the southern coast, Block Island is a scenic haven of rolling hills, dramatic clay cliffs, historic lighthouses, and pristine beaches. Often compared to Ireland due to its green hills and stone walls, Block Island offers a slower, more laid-back pace of life. It is the perfect escape for travelers who want to disconnect and enjoy natural beauty. The island's dramatic highlight is the Mohegan Bluffs, a series of clay cliffs that drop nearly 200 feet to the Atlantic Ocean below, offering panoramic views of the open ocean. Block Island is also home to historic Victorian-era hotels, such as the Spring House Hotel, famous for its sweeping lawns and wraparound porches.
Planning a trip to Block Island requires careful attention to detail. The ferry system from Point Judith (Galilee) or Newport is highly competitive, especially for travelers wishing to bring a vehicle onto the island. A Vincent Vacations advisor manages all of these details. We secure passenger and vehicle ferry tickets well in advance, or arrange private yacht charters for clients who prefer a private crossing. We book boutique accommodations at the island's premier historic properties, and coordinate local transportation, such as electric bicycle or moped rentals, allowing you to easily explore the island's scenic loop roads. We also organize guided island tours, private beach picnics, and excursions to the historic North Light and Southeast Light, making your island retreat completely effortless.
The true difference between a self-booked vacation and a Vincent Vacations experience lies in our exclusive membership in the Signature Travel Network. This invitation-only network is composed of the world's leading travel agencies and premier hospitality partners. Through our collective buying power, we maintain close relationships with the general managers, guest relations teams, and directors of sales at Rhode Island's most prestigious properties, including Ocean House, Castle Hill Inn, and The Vanderbilt. This direct connection ensures our clients are treated as honored guests, receiving level-of-service priorities that cannot be purchased online.
When you book your Rhode Island stay with Vincent Vacations, you are automatically recognized as a VIP guest. The benefits we secure for you represent significant financial value and an elevated level of service:
These perks are not merely transactional; they represent the trust and relationship we have built with these properties. Hotel general managers prioritize guests booked through our network, ensuring they receive the best rooms within their category and the highest level of attentive service throughout their stay. When you walk into a property booked by Vincent Vacations, you are welcomed as an honored guest, not an anonymous reservation number from a third-party booking site.
To help you compare the experience of self-booking versus partnering with our luxury travel agency, the table below outlines the key differences across various components of a Rhode Island vacation:
| Travel Component | DIY Booking (Self-Service OTAs & Websites) | Vincent Vacations Luxury Partnership |
|---|---|---|
| Luxury Lodging Benefits | Standard retail rates; zero resort perks or amenities; higher risk of getting less desirable rooms near elevators. | Access to exclusive room blocks, automatic VIP status, luxury upgrades, daily complimentary breakfast, and $100+ resort credits. |
| Local & Regional Expertise | Relying on generic online reviews, outdated travel blogs, or search engine algorithms that suggest cookie-cutter itineraries. | Custom planning backed by first-hand expertise, direct recommendations from advisors who regularly visit and vet the properties. |
| Sailing & Yacht Charters | Booking public, crowded tourist sails; high risk of choosing unreliable charter operators or outdated vessels. | Private, curated yacht charters on America's Cup 12-meter yachts or classic wooden schooners, with custom catering and professional captains. |
| Newport Mansion Tours | Waiting in long ticket lines; self-guided audio tours alongside large, crowded groups of tourists. | Private, after-hours or behind-the-scenes tours with dedicated art and history docents; exclusive servant life specialty tours. |
| Transit & Logistical Planning | Guessing flight routes; managing ferry ticket availability independently; coordinating complex transfers alone. | Seamless airport-to-resort private transfers; pre-arranged ferry and flight coordinates, monitored in real-time. |
| Emergency & In-Trip Support | Waiting on hold with automated customer service lines or foreign call centers when flights are cancelled or delays occur. | Direct, 24/7 access to your dedicated Vincent Vacations advisor, who handles all re-bookings and adjustments behind the scenes. |
| Time & Energy Investment | 15+ hours spent researching, booking separate travel components, and coordinating logistics with uncertain outcomes. | A stress-free planning process with a dedicated luxury advisor managing your custom itinerary from end-to-end. |
To ensure a flawless and memorable vacation, we follow a structured, proactive planning timeline. Below is the step-by-step roadmap we use to design your custom Rhode Island experience:
We begin with a private consultation to discuss your travel preferences, interests, and budget. We use our first-hand expertise to recommend the best regions of Rhode Island, select optimal dates, and secure high-demand luxury accommodations. This is especially critical for peak summer dates and major events like the Newport Folk and Jazz Festivals, when room availability at premier properties is extremely limited. Planning early ensures we get the best choice of suites and views before they sell out.
We identify the most efficient flight routes to Providence or Boston, matching your schedule with professional private airport transfers. We secure premium car rentals from reliable providers and map out scenic driving itineraries. We also finalize reservations at legendary properties like Ocean House or Castle Hill Inn to secure your exclusive room blocks and benefits, applying our network credentials to lock in your amenities.
During this phase, we design your daily activities. We reserve private America's Cup yacht charters, arrange after-hours tours of the historic Newport mansions, secure high-speed ferry tickets to Block Island, and book private nature guides. We also review comprehensive travel insurance options to protect your travel investment, ensuring peace of mind for all prepaid components.
We secure reservations at Rhode Island's most exclusive fine-dining restaurants, which often book out months in advance. We coordinate local spa treatments, beach services, and any special welcome gifts. Your finalized custom itinerary is loaded into a user-friendly mobile travel app for offline access, keeping all details at your fingertips.
Prior to your departure, we contact hotel general managers to confirm your VIP status and coordinate special requests. We monitor your flights in real-time. Throughout your trip, you have 24/7 direct access to our team. If you experience travel delays, weather disruptions, or wish to make a last-minute schedule adjustment, we manage the logistics in the background while you relax and enjoy the destination.
Booking a luxury vacation to Rhode Island involves managing highly competitive seasonal demand, small boutique hotels with limited room categories, and complex transport logistics. A professional travel advisor provides access to exclusive room blocks, coordinates seamless flight-to-ground transfers, and secures coveted tickets and private tours. Additionally, our partnership with the Signature Travel Network allows us to provide complimentary amenities such as luxury upgrades, resort credits, and daily free breakfast—benefits that self-booking websites cannot match. If flight delays or cancellations occur, you have a dedicated advocate ready to assist you immediately, avoiding long hold times.
The peak season for Rhode Island is from late June through early September, when the weather is ideal for sailing, beach activities, and outdoor dining. However, this is also the most competitive and crowded season. For a quieter, more relaxed experience, we recommend the shoulder seasons: late spring (May to early June) or early autumn (mid-September through October). Autumn is particularly beautiful, offering crisp New England weather and spectacular fall foliage along the scenic coastal drives.
Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport (PVD) in Warwick is the most convenient option, offering a relaxed and uncrowded arrival experience just 30 minutes from Newport and Westerly. For a wider selection of direct domestic and international flights, Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) is the primary gateway, located roughly 1.5 to 2 hours north of the coast. For clients utilizing private aviation, Westerly State Airport (WST) and Newport State Airport (UUU) offer direct, convenient access.
Through our membership in the Signature Travel Network, clients receive automatic VIP recognition at participating properties. This includes high-value amenities such as complimentary room upgrades (based on availability at check-in), daily breakfast for two, property credits of $100 or more for spa or dining, and flexible early check-in and late check-out privileges. These benefits add tangible value to your stay and ensure a more personalized hospitality experience.
Yes. Through our partnerships with trusted local operators and historical organizations, we arrange private, behind-the-scenes, or after-hours tours of the historic Newport mansions. We also coordinate private sailing charters on America's Cup 12-meter yachts and classic wooden schooners in Narragansett Bay, customizing the experience with premium catering and professional captains.
At Vincent Vacations, we are transparent about costs. The majority of luxury hotels, resorts, cruise lines, and tour companies include travel advisor commissions in their standard retail pricing. This means booking through us typically costs the same as booking directly, while granting you access to elite benefits and dedicated support. For complex, multi-destination itineraries that require custom logistics and extensive itinerary building, we may charge a nominal design fee, which is always discussed and agreed upon upfront.
Because luxury vacations in Rhode Island require booking high-value, non-refundable lodging and private charters well in advance, protecting your travel investment is highly recommended. We offer and review comprehensive travel insurance policies that protect against unforeseen circumstances, including travel delays, medical emergencies, or trip cancellations due to weather or illness. We assist you in selecting the right coverage for your peace of mind.
Yes, coordinating multi-generational family gatherings and group trips is one of our specialties. Rhode Island is an excellent destination for families, offering activities that appeal to all ages, from beach days and boat rides to easy scenic walks and historic tours. We coordinate connecting hotel rooms, private multi-bedroom cottages, and private guided activities that accommodate different mobility levels, ensuring a memorable and stress-free experience for the entire family.
Your vacation time is a valuable asset, and a journey to Rhode Island should be filled with memorable, relaxed moments rather than the stress of coordinating logistics, reading endless reviews, and managing disruptions. Partner with the luxury travel specialists at Vincent Vacations to experience a seamless, stress-free planning process and a customized New England getaway designed just for you.
By combining our team's first-hand expertise with the booking leverage of the prestigious Signature Travel Network, we ensure you receive VIP treatment, exclusive amenities, and comprehensive support from the moment you start planning until you return home.
Let us handle the details while you enjoy the anticipation of a flawless coastal getaway.
Contact Vincent Vacations Today to Begin Designing Your Vacation:
Vincent Vacations - Authorized Rhode Island Vacation Planner
Questions? Call us at
1 (888) 883-0460
Contact us for the latest Rhode Island deals.
For Groups of 10
or more rooms, or 8 or more Cabins, please use of Group Form
Click Here for our Group Department
Vincent Vacations is an award winning travel agency. We serve clients all over the US.
Learn more about:
How to become a cruise travel agent!
We are an IATAN, CLIA, ASTA, IATA Accrediated Travel Agency
See all awards & certificates.
Click on a location below to learn more. We recognize that vacations are not just an investment, but often the highlights of our lives, and we take that responsibility seriously. We want to ensure you have the best experience.
All of these are signs that you are a great fit to become an independent travel agent, and turn your love of travel from passion into profit!
Learn MoreOur motto at Vincent Vacations is, we go so you know! We want to ensure you have the BEST experience, whether it's a river cruise, or a corporate group incentive trip, we want to ensure your vacation is a success.
Many of our travel agents have been in travel since 2002! With Vincent Vacations, all travel components are taken care of - this includes accommodations, air, transfers, tours, activities, insurance, contracts, EVERYTHING.
Destination weddings, Anniversaries, vow renewals, honeymoons, engagements, elopements, retie the knot, babymoons, proposal trips and more
Corporate group retreats and incentive trips, seniors-only river cruises, friends & family getaways, special group anniversary celebrations and more
All-inclusive resorts, Hawaii, cruises, Europe, African Safaris, exotic Fiji and the islands, there are so many travel options for families
Adventures by Disney, Disney Cruise Lines, Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Resorts, Aulani, Universal, MyDisneyExperience, Disney Genie, characters dining, and more
We know Europe! Paris, London, Rome, Florence, Barcelona, Swiss Alps, Prague, Amsterdam, Venice, Athens, Vienna, Madrid, let's go!
Ocean cruising, river cruising, yacht charters, expeditions, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Viking, Lindblad, there are so many options when it comes to cruising
We create custom travel itineraries and trips, and we know travel - Whether it's Universal, river cruises, safaris, yacht charters, Australia, Thailand and more!
Get A Free QuoteWe serve customers all across the USA
Debt free and in business since 2013. Vincent Vacations has agents in Dallas, Kansas City, Houston, Shreveport, Little Rock, Roswell, Oklahoma City and more locations.
Travel agents can help save time and stress by doing the research and handling all your bookings for you. An experience travel agent is best at finding great deals and packages, as well as providing you with helpful information and tips. They can also help you plan special activities and experiences that you may not have thought of on your own. All in all, using a travel agent can be a great way to make sure you get the most out of your trip.
In travel since 2002, and in business since 2013, our travel team serves clients all over the US! Planning a vacation away from home takes a great team. We have taken the time to build a team of dedicated, smart, hard-working personnel who are each committed to excellence and service. We work side-by-side, creating and ensuring INCREDIBLE vacation experiences for you and your group. Our store front in-office team, and our travel consultant independent contractors, work all around the US - we even have a travel agent who lives in Mexico!
In business since 2013, we are your #1 source for travel!
Free Cruise Package Quote
