With a stunningly diverse range of landscapes and climates, the U.S. is filled with countless scenic roads from coast to coast. Mountains, valleys, forests, canyons, coastlines—you’ll see all of these and more when you embark on the best drives in the country. Though you can find beautiful stretches of highway just about anywhere you look, we’ve picked out the most beautiful ones, which will take you through the most thrilling
When it comes to traveling across Europe, most tourists come equipped with a checklist of must-see places: London, Paris, and Rome, among others. Meanwhile, lesser-known cities remain under the radar for most travelers—but bypassing these “second cities” would be a mistake, as these destinations offer distinctive cultures and histories that are worth experiencing firsthand. From a quaint, medieval Latvian town with stunning 13th-century architecture to a vibrant Greek coastal city
It’s a big world out there—so big that it can be daunting to decide what international destinations to visit in the course of a lifetime. From natural wonders to man-made masterpieces, from wildlife to cityscapes, the choices are seemingly endless. Don’t let indecision get you down, or worse, delay the planning of your next trip. We’ve whittled it down to twenty amazing places to see abroad before you die. Pick one
Over the centuries, kings, presidents, monks, and other luminaries have constructed libraries as more than mere book repositories, but as symbols of knowledge, power, and wealth. Many of their structures propose commanding architecture and some even house works of art and cultural treasures. Here are twenty of the world’s most stunning libraries, from a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the mountains of South Korea to the modern incarnation of the legendary
There’s a world full of spectacular views out there, but some of the most jaw-dropping vistas can only be enjoyed from the sky. A view from above offers an alluring and unique perspective of almost any setting, adding an extra dimension to that “wow” factor. Whether you’re gliding over thunderous Victoria Falls by Microlight, soaring over the Belize Barrier Reef by helicopter, or drifting over the plains of the Masai
Traveling alone is no longer taboo. In fact, it’s now trendy to go on trips alone, as more and more people are discovering the freedom of exploring a new place on their own terms. At the same time, community groups, meet-ups, and a vast wealth of online and digital resources have made it easier than ever to hit the road solo. From the stunning landscapes of Iceland to the sultry
Experiencing the full brilliance of a starry night sky is no longer a given when you step outside. Even on the clearest nights, artificial light from cities obscures the natural darkness, making nighttime skies look a lot less majestic than they should. Across the country, however, there are still vast swathes of wilderness that retain the natural lightscape. In these ten destinations, you’re sure to be awestruck as you gaze up
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, one of the best things to do in a city is escape for a while. And sometimes all you need is a day to recharge, which is why we’ve selected 20 outstanding trips that only take an hour or two from the country’s major cities. Beautiful islands, stunning state parks, and charming towns await you outside the city limits, so get ready to
Thrilling heights, breathtaking scenery, challenging landscapes—the world’s best hiking trails have something for everyone. And there’s no better collection of trails than those that wend their way through Europe, tracing nearly every type of terrain imaginable, from the fjords of Scandinavia to the peaks of the Alps. While many trails on the Continent are worthy of considerations, this list contains only the most iconic, dramatic, and beautiful hikes. None of
Halloween’s emergence as a cultural mainstay is a testament to the fun, freewheeling spirit of the holiday. Across the country, cities celebrate the ghost and ghoul season with festivals where you’ll find remarkable pageants of costumes, haunted tours, and spooky rituals. Summon spirits, raise a pint to the haunted shadows of the night, and seek delight as the nation plays dress up for the day. By Zachary Laks
With Halloween on the horizon, how about a seasonal getaway where you might see something far more memorable than fall foliage? Consider these spooky spots around the world, where the eerie encounters that have reportedly taken place include full-bodied apparitions of former royalty, ghostly orbs, mysterious echoes of cannon fire from bygone centuries, and even a phantom truck that terrorizes drivers. No matter which you visit, you’re guaranteed some spirited sightseeing.
Meandering the streets of a new city is a great way to feel its pulse, but have you ever considered what’s right below your feet? These thirteen underground, man-made attractions, scattered around the globe, boast spectacular histories as former dwellings, burial grounds, and even smugglers’ tunnels. And you can bet they’re more than a little creepy. You’ll want to make sure you dress warmly for all of them (no matter when
Why spend another Thanksgiving watching football on the sofa in a tryptophan-induced food coma when you could be out exploring the world? Whether you want to experience the holiday in a different way or laze on a warm beach and forget about it altogether, late November can be a great time to get out of town and try something new. From warm Caribbean islands to wintry European wonderlands, we’ve rounded
Madrid and Barcelona may wow the masses with world-class museums and iconic landmarks, but to tap into Spain’s culinary nerve center, you must head north to the Basque Country, the green, hilly region that boasts the highest concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants in the world, not to mention some of Spain’s most prestigious vineyards. Given the area’s reputation, you might assume that the best Basque meals are exclusive events punctuated by luxurious
Madrid and Barcelona may wow the masses with world-class museums and iconic landmarks, but to tap into Spain’s culinary nerve center, you must head north to the Basque Country, the green, hilly region that boasts the highest concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants in the world, not to mention some of Spain’s most prestigious vineyards. Given the area’s reputation, you might assume that the best Basque meals are exclusive events punctuated by luxurious
By Lisa Van Allen If there’s one quintessential American ghost story, a good case could be made for Washington Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” Never mind how the original Headless Horseman story has morphed over the years from cute and spooky into occult and gory—as in Fox’s series Sleepy Hollow. The story is as integral as any to Halloween, so there’s no better place to celebrate the holiday than
For some, the start of fall means that it’s officially pumpkin spice latte season, but there are other ways to enjoy everyone’s favorite gourd. This time of the year, you can find pumpkins for sale everywhere from city markets to roadside stands, but why not make a day of it? Across the country, farms are celebrating the season with family-friendly festivals where you’ll find all the pumpkins, freshly baked desserts, and
There are bars with unique clienteles all across the U.S., but some play host to some more interesting patrons than you’ll find anywhere else: ghosts, spirits, and shades. With Halloween approaching, what better way to experience a haunting night than by being surrounded with spirits of the alcoholic and ghostly varieties? Here we’ve collected ten of our favorite and most colorful bars around the country that are reportedly haunted by some colorful
There’s a pretty good chance that when you think of drinking in South Africa, your thoughts turn immediately to wine. Who could blame you: South African wine country—a fertile area located primarily around Cape Town—is not only visually spectacular, but is also quickly bolstering its winemaking reputation, which includes its own varietal, Pinotage. But try as he might, man cannot live on wine alone, and rich soil and terroir of
The Sistine Chapel is one of Rome’s greatest treasures—but having an enjoyable visit there is rare. Some six million visitors pass through the chapel each year to see Michelangelo’s breathtaking frescoes; at peak times of year, as many as 2,000 people are allowed inside the chapel at once. Being in the presence of so many others may cause you to have some less-than-holy thoughts about your fellow travelers; taking photographs
Is This The Greatest Invention Since The Telephone? – A world where there are no more language barriers might not be too far away – online, at least. This comany has now released the beta version of its live translation tool, allowing people to speak to others in another language – even if they don’t know what they’re saying. The tool translates speech instantly, providing both text and spoken translations…
Every year in December, Lyon puts on the incredible Fête des Lumières (Festival of Lights), during which more than 70 light installations transform the city’s streetscapes into thrilling works of art. Though the festival’s origins go back more than 150 years and are religious in nature, these days the annual event is a secular spectacle that draws an international audience of almost three million visitors over a four-day period (December
Stocks With Cuban Connections Went LOCO In Markets Today! – The prospect of a Cuba Libre had investors pouring into stocks with strong Caribbean connections Wednesday and, in one notable case, a connection that went no further than its name alone was enough to propel the stock 79 percent higher…
President Obama announced today sweeping changes to our policy with Cuba that will loosen travel and trade restrictions there. In ending our embargo—a Cold War Policy that has been in effect sinc …
I recently returned from a Viking River Cruise along the Danube that stopped at five of the most famous Christmas markets in Europe. From the first Sunday in Advent through Christmas Eve, European markets sell locally made crafts, delicious Christmas sweets, ornaments, candles, ceramics, as well as food—lots of it. The markets usually open in the late morning and continue until 8 or 9 at night, but they truly come alive
You land in San Francisco, rent a car, and roll the windows down. You drive across the Golden Gate Bridge, and as traffic thins, Sonoma comes into sight. This California county isn’t only the relaxed, cool cousin of Napa—it is also home to fresh, soulful cuisine. From wineries to oyster bars to restaurants to farms, Sonoma County offers dining experiences that rival the quality of its wines. Here are…
Anyone who has visited New York will have whipped out their camera to take an obligatory shot of the Empire State Building or the Statue of Liberty. And a visit to Paris or Rome isn’t complete without a smartphone selfie in front of the Eiffel Tower or Spanish Steps respectively. But which tourist sights are the world’s most iconic?
The Most High-Tech Cruise Ships In The World By Zach Honig If you’re booking a vacation on a cruise ship, there’s a fairly good chance that staying connected to the rest of the world doesn’t top your list of priorities. Still, if you’re willing to compromise (and open your wallet), you can keep in touch with family and friends back home, and even surf the web at relatively respectable speeds.
Graphic designer Paul Sahner has been taking pictures of New York’s streets since he moved to the city nine years ago. He loves the feeling of capturing an ever-shifting urban landscape for posterity on his blog NYC Grid….
The Best Of The Caribbean – The U.S. Virgin Islands, The Cayman Islands, Puerto Rico, The Bahamas, Jamaica and The British Virgin Islands….
