Whether you like it or not, cruises touch on a tantalizing vacation trifecta: good value, hassle-free planning, and the promise of adventure. Pay an upfront rate and you’ve got a floating hotel, three meals a day, ample entertainment and activities, luxe services, and an expert itinerary in multiple destinations. Now add to that the fact that you only have to unpack your bags once. We know the reputation that cruises
Whether you like it or not, cruises touch on a tantalizing vacation trifecta: good value, hassle-free planning, and the promise of adventure. Pay an upfront rate and you’ve got a floating hotel, three meals a day, ample entertainment and activities, luxe services, and an expert itinerary in multiple destinations. Now add to that the fact that you only have to unpack your bags once. We know the reputation that cruises
All over the globe, from Italy to Zimbabwe, civilizations have left behind impressive monuments and structures that attest to their former glory. Appearing in literature, songs, and films, these mystical sculptures, sacred religious sites, royal palaces, fortifications, ancient centers of commerce, ports, and tombs are all we have left of some of history’s most illustrious societies. While some sites were lost for centuries, engulfed by overgrown jungles, others never fell out of use. Either
All over the globe, from Italy to Zimbabwe, civilizations have left behind impressive monuments and structures that attest to their former glory. Appearing in literature, songs, and films, these mystical sculptures, sacred religious sites, royal palaces, fortifications, ancient centers of commerce, ports, and tombs are all we have left of some of history’s most illustrious societies. While some sites were lost for centuries, engulfed by overgrown jungles, others never fell out of use. Either
Train travel is not only fast and efficient, but also provides ample opportunity to admire some of the world’s greatest architecture. Though now a less used means of transport, train travel was once at the forefront of innovation, revolutionizing travel and prompting monarchs, architects, and city planners to build magnificent train stations to impress passengers. From lavish Beaux-Arts stations to ultra-modern masterpieces, here are 20 beautiful railway stations around the world.
Train travel is not only fast and efficient, but also provides ample opportunity to admire some of the world’s greatest architecture. Though now a less used means of transport, train travel was once at the forefront of innovation, revolutionizing travel and prompting monarchs, architects, and city planners to build magnificent train stations to impress passengers. From lavish Beaux-Arts stations to ultra-modern masterpieces, here are 20 beautiful railway stations around the world.
The rule of thumb when visiting Hawaii is you need one week per island—so if you have a week to explore Maui, use it—but most travelers don’t have that much time. You might be overnighting on a multi-island cruise, or maybe you’re on a quick side trip from another island, or perhaps you found a great deal from the West Coast and are only there for the weekend. Whatever your
The rule of thumb when visiting Hawaii is you need one week per island—so if you have a week to explore Maui, use it—but most travelers don’t have that much time. You might be overnighting on a multi-island cruise, or maybe you’re on a quick side trip from another island, or perhaps you found a great deal from the West Coast and are only there for the weekend. Whatever your
New Year’s comes but once a year, so it’s worth it to make the festivites memorable. But where’s the best place to be when the clock strikes midnight on December 31? We’ve scoured the world for the best annual celebrations, from the beaches of Rio de Janeiro to Berlin’s Brandenberg Gate. The fun doesn’t have to stop after New Year’s Eve, though, because many cities offer a wide variety of
In the weeks leading up Christmas, holiday markets open across Europe and America as part of an annual tradition. Crowds gather to watch Christmas carolers, lantern processions, and tree lightings; otherwise, they’re there to browse stands of handmade gifts, toys, and decorations. The markets are the perfect place to warm up with a glass of mulled wine or satisfy your sweet tooth with a Christmas treat. Whether you’re taking in
An easy getaway from Philadelphia, Baltimore, New York City, and Washington, D.C., Lancaster County, the epicenter of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, is best known for its Amish and Mennonite communities. Sightseers flock to the area to look for farmers in straw hats plowing their fields with mule teams, and to watch black-clad families driving country roads in horse-drawn buggies. But the county and the eponymous city that anchors it have, in
Americans are falling in love with small-ship yacht adventures, and cruise lines are scrambling to launch smaller ships in the hopes of securing the loyalty of adventure seekers that want to experience the world’s finest hidden harbors on their own terms. Three new yachts—Ponant’s Le Lyrial, Windstar’s Star Legend, and Crystal Espirit—entered service this year. Here are ten yachts to consider if you seek the ultimate in personalized service and intimate access
Have you ever heard about the hedge funder who quit the world of finance to sell shoes? That’s the story of Mickey Ashmore a.k.a. The Sabah Dealer, the charismatic founder of Sabah, a brand that produces traditional Turkish slippers (with a few design tweaks for Western tastes). Originally from Texas, Ashmore first encountered the shoes while working for Microsoft in Istanbul for two years. “I met a beautiful woman who
Have you ever heard about the hedge funder who quit the world of finance to sell shoes? That’s the story of Mickey Ashmore a.k.a. The Sabah Dealer, the charismatic founder of Sabah, a brand that produces traditional Turkish slippers (with a few design tweaks for Western tastes). Originally from Texas, Ashmore first encountered the shoes while working for Microsoft in Istanbul for two years. “I met a beautiful woman who
While Sonoma’s claim to fame is wine, the region’s latest crop of farm-to-fork fare—from a drive-thru restaurant from an organic-foods pioneer to a food-centric complex lined with eateries—is just as layered with ingenuity. From the hip, bustling plaza in Healdsburg to tasting rooms on postcard-perfect landscapes across the valley, here are must-stops for every foodie’s palate. Whether you crave a juicy Pinot Noir or crisp Chardonnay (just two grapes that
Yes, there’s a whole world out there to explore, but think of all the amazing places in our own country you’ve never visited. These are the iconic images ingrained in every American’s mind, the places, signs, and monuments that represent the best of what America is all about. They’re the beacons of democracy in D.C. and Philadelphia, the emblems of excess in New York City and Vegas, the wonders of
Staying connecting while at sea hasn’t always been easy, since utilizing a ship’s satellite to procure WiFi tended to be slow and expensive. Recently, however, many cruise lines have begun to upgrade their fleet’s technology, making the service more reliable and affordable. While some lines offer more affordable packages for WiFi service, others entice travelers with incentive plans and reward loyal cruisers with complimentary minutes. Here are six ways to
If you’ve never spent a Thanksgiving away from home, perhaps this is the year you’ll consider packing your bags for the holiday. And if you’re wondering where to go, there may be no better option than a destination resort, where you’ll be thankful for the comfort, convenience, and family fun offered on the property. When it comes to Thanksgiving getaways, these five resorts can’t be beat, offering everything from eight-course
This Thanksgiving, forget the cooking and cleaning and instead focus on spending quality time with your loved ones onboard one of the five best holiday cruises for families. With sailings throughout the holiday week, these cruises keep all the traditions intact, while adding fun and inventive ways to celebrate the feast. From pumpkin-pie cocktails to post-dinner NFL games shows on jumbo screens, the comforts of home have never been more
Forget Mount Rushmore or the Statue of Liberty—some landmarks are a little bit more unique (and off the beaten path) than others. But that doesn’t make them any less interesting. If you’re looking for something a little different the next time a road trip takes you across the country, make a stop at one of these quirky spots, some of which are truly beautiful, some kitschy, and some downright bizarre.
Wim Wenders’s new documentary, The Salt of the Earth
By Jill Alexander Essbaum, author of Hausfrau If I asked you to list “Europe’s Most Literary Cities,” you aren’t likely to lead with Zürich. But don’t let its tick-tock clockwork and bankable good looks deceive: This Swiss city has hosted its fair share of writers. James Joyce began Ulysses in Zürich and is even buried in a cemetery near the city’s zoo. Nobel Laureate Thomas Mann spent time there as
One of the fastest growing segments of the entire travel industry, river cruising options are positively exploding in 2015. With new ships, itineraries, and excursions, there's no better time to book a trip than right now. Here, we've rounded up the most innovative of the bunch, offering memorable vacations as you travel through scenic destinations, from the Peruvian Amazon to the Pacific Northwest and beyond. By Elissa Garay
With the increasingly limited availability of coveted award seats—and more and more miles and points flooding the system—finding business-class ti
Located just off the Venezuelan coast in the southern Caribbean Sea, Curaçao might be the largest of the Netherland Antilles (Dutch Caribbean) islands, but it still enjoys a reputation of being rather off-the-radar. This island paradise sets itself apart from the neighboring tourist hub of Aruba with a unique blend of Creole, Dutch, and Spanish cultures; stunning, secluded beaches; and a bustling capital city that also happens to be an UNESCO World Heritage Site. JetBlue Airways’
Which destinations are most popular on Fodors.com? And where are the world’s new tourism hot spots? For the second year in a row, we analyzed destination-guide page views on Fodors.com to measure the most popular and up-and-coming destinations for our travelers in 2015. The 2014 data yielded both confirmations and surprises. We’ve compiled the highlights into the handy infographic below. May it inspire you to start planning your next trip!
As today’s top interior designers look to the past for vintage inspiration, stay a step ahead and save some cash by sourcing your next home improvement from an antique dealer. In America’s 10 best antiquing towns, you’ll find yourself shopping along Main Street USA. These antique stores all feature one-of-a-kind, unique finds that are sure to add a flourish to your home and are primed for a bargain. Be prepared
Niche rental companies are cropping up to address travelers’ hyper-specific needs, whether that means a house with a high chair or a condo with a concierge. Here, four we love. For the first-tim …
Whether you’re eager to hit the slopes or prefer to relax and be pampered, we’ve got plenty of suggestions for ski destinations and spa treatments to keep you entertained during the long winter months. Whether you’re seeking luxury indoors or awe-inspiring activites outdoors, you’ll find both in our weekly story roundup. 10 Best U.S. Ski Resorts for Non-Skiers Never touched a pair of skis before? Between zip-lining and sleigh rides, there are
The Best All-Inclusive Caribbean Resorts for 2015 – A stay at an all-inclusive resort packs in plenty of convenience: Pay just one upfront price, and you don’t have to worry about racking up extra charges for food, drink, and entertainment while on vacation. Add in a beachside setting, and…
