Since it first took flight in 1783, the hot-air balloon has been one of the most unique ways to see the world’s spectacular settings from above. Whether you’re gliding over the stupas in Bagan, marveling at the idyllic Lake District in England, or taking in the arid landscape of Sedona, a balloon ride, the oldest form of aerial transportation, is sure to be the highlight of any trip. True aficionados
Since it first took flight in 1783, the hot-air balloon has been one of the most unique ways to see the world’s spectacular settings from above. Whether you’re gliding over the stupas in Bagan, marveling at the idyllic Lake District in England, or taking in the arid landscape of Sedona, a balloon ride, the oldest form of aerial transportation, is sure to be the highlight of any trip. True aficionados
Sri Lanka—one of the destinations on the Fodor’s Go List 2015—has been steadily climbing its way back to the top of many travelers’ wish lists thanks to its diverse scenery, fantastic food, and fascinating history. When looking for a place to stay, forget the big-name brands—though they exist, with more large properties to come later this year. Instead, turn your attention to charming colonial-era hotels that tell the island’s story,
Sri Lanka—one of the destinations on the Fodor’s Go List 2015—has been steadily climbing its way back to the top of many travelers’ wish lists thanks to its diverse scenery, fantastic food, and fascinating history. When looking for a place to stay, forget the big-name brands—though they exist, with more large properties to come later this year. Instead, turn your attention to charming colonial-era hotels that tell the island’s story,
Sri Lanka—one of the destinations on the Fodor’s Go List 2015—has been steadily climbing its way back to the top of many travelers’ wish lists thanks to its diverse scenery, fantastic food, and fascinating history. When looking for a place to stay, forget the big-name brands—though they exist, with more large properties to come later this year. Instead, turn your attention to charming colonial-era hotels that tell the island’s story,
With its vast size, sheer beauty, and unique geological formations, there’s really no way around it: The Grand Canyon is a must-see for every traveler. Outdoor enthusiasts flock here to take advantage of the hiking, rafting, and camping opportunities, while families come to learn about geology and wildlife. There’s no wrong way to visit, but there are ways that will help you beat the crowds and make sure you snap some
South Lake Tahoe is a city with two faces. Technically, it’s a California leisure destination with stunning natural scenery and year-round outdoor recreation, but it also shares a border with Stateline, Nevada, home to casinos and nightclubs, qualifying as distinctly indoor recreation. The good news is that a long weekend here brings the best of both worlds, making a mini-holiday feel ample. Even better, Tahoe is now an easy-access playground
For the fifth time in seven years, London has been named the most popular city for international visitors. According to MasterCard’s Global Destination Cities Index, the British capital is expected to end the year with 18.82 million overnight visitors, beating out Bangkok, Paris, Dubai, and Istanbul. It’s a good thing, then, that London’s hotel scene is hotter than ever, with a dizzying number of new properties opening every year to
With summer trips on the horizon and fall vacation planning underway, we have a huge crop of new and improved hotels and resorts for you. Whether you want to relax in an all-inclusive retreat or dangle over a city in a glass pool, these stays are sure to please. Our weekly roundup has your next accommodations covered, from touchscreen, news-displaying mirrors to the world’s largest hot-springs pool. 10 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in
For one of the hottest hotel scenes in the country, look no further than Miami. Adding to its already dazzling lodging portfolio, the city has ushered in a new era of hotels, with many big openings in the past year and plenty more to come in 2015 and 2016. Among these newcomers are boutiques and big brands, but each one is stunning in its own right. For your next jaunt
Madrid has long been a mecca for gin lovers, who routinely hop from bar to bar sipping goblets of flamboyantly garnished “gin tonics,” as Spaniards call them, until sunrise. But until recently, those with a taste for well-made Martinis and other classic cocktails had largely been out of luck. Not anymore: The capital is in the midst of a cocktail renaissance, with a new wave of innovative coctelerías—all featuring distinctively
“A New York minute is a Hong Kong second” is a saying you’ll hear from expats who live in this thrilling, idiosyncratic city of 7 million residents, and it’s not hard to see why. Hong Kong teems with energy from the moment you arrive, and it never lets up. Shopping is on the list, as are dim sum, sightseeing, and the latest, hippest crop of restaurants and bars. Landmarks and
Has planning a vacation ever felt like more work than it’s worth? Sometimes it’s best to leave the planning to someone else, and focus your efforts on relaxation. The country’s best all-inclusive resorts take care of everything for you, meaning the only choice you’ll have to make is whether you want the steak or the fish. With rooms designed by former First Ladies, an on-site cheese-maker, s’more-making bonfires, and other
More and more, technology companies and hotels—from tiny boutiques to the biggest chains—are partnering to bring guests modern services across myriad digital platforms. Whether you’re whizzing by the queue at the front desk to go directly to your room and open the door with your Apple Watch; streaming Pandora from your iPhone via an in-room, wireless speaker; changing your room temperature and getting hotel announcements from fellow guests via an app; or getting chauffeured in the hotel’s
Forget about over-the-top amenities, fancy linens, and cutting-edge cuisine—sometimes all you care about at a hotel is having a gorgeous pool to dive into. That’s never truer than in summer, when both locals and travelers flock to the best outdoor hotel pools for sunshine, swimming, and a lively scene. Whether you’re looking for rejuvenation in the world’s largest hot-springs pool, a thrilling swim over the edge of a building, or
Paris flings open its doors to an easy, breezy summer in its great urban landscape this season. City terraces, parks, and quayside spots are ideal for dining al fresco, picnicking over an outdoor concert or movie, walking, biking, or lounging on a green chair in the Luxembourg Gardens. Here’s a selection of events and activities en plein air to get you out both day and night. Exhibitions In summer’s must-see
Flashes of red, white, and blue fill the skies every July, when cities from coast to coast pull out all the stops to celebrate our nation’s independence with dazzling fireworks displays. Though it might seem like a modern development, the origin of fireworks on the 4th of July actually dates back to 1777, when Philadelphia commemorated the one-year anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence with a parade,
Try as you might, sometimes it’s impossible to fit everything you need for a trip into a single carry-on bag. Whether you’re hitting the road for a month, packing clothes for more than one person, or just want to have room for all the things you know you’re going to buy, there are times when checked luggage is exactly what you need for your travels. With that in mind, we’ve tried
With a penchant for the colorful and bold, LGBT pride festivals around the globe bring out the best in cities. Glitter, glitz, and never-ending music fill the streets as hundreds of thousands (or even millions) of LGBT people and their allies unite to celebrate their differences and raise a voice of concern for those who cannot. What’s most important to note about modern-day LGBT pride festivals is their all-inclusive nature, welcoming
As travelers’ awareness of Mexico’s regions has increased, it’s likely that you’ve heard some buzz about Oaxaca at one point or another. In case you haven’t, here’s what you need to know: The capital of the southern Mexican state of the same name, Oaxaca City may be hard to pronounce—for the record, it’s “wah-HA-kah”—but it’s arguably most notable for having exciting culinary offerings. Aside from food, Oaxaca City is also a
