Inspiring, Empowering, and Enriching Travelers Who Care.



People seating in garden chairs alongside a fountain in Paris' Jardin des Tuileries with a Ferris wheel in the background
Family Travel
Have Kids? Want to Spend the Entire Summer in Europe? This New York City Mother Has the Perfect Solution
Maddy Novich, known as the CargoBikeMomma on Instagram, shares the vacation hack that changed the way her family of five tackles summer break.
June 16, 2025 02:54 PM
 · 
Terry Ward
Most visitors come to Costa Rica for nature. Twenty-five percent of the country is protected, and most natural areas are easily accessible, though some require going off the beaten path. More than 10 conservation areas are within reach of the country’s capital, San José, and each offers a different nature experience. From the last remaining tropical wet forests in the Mesoamerican Pacific, located in Corcovado National Park, to the stalagmite- and stalactite-filled caves of Tempisque Conservation Area, travelers can see a variety of habitats in one trip. As for accommodations, there are plenty of options for roughing it, but Costa Rica also features upscale resorts where you can retreat and recharge after a day outside.
Where to Travel Next
These Are the 5 Best Countries for Retiring Abroad
June 16, 2025 02:32 PM
 · 
Chloe Arrojado
Lone tent on a grassy field by the ocean
U.S. Beaches
Wake Up to the Waves at These Beautiful Beach Camping Spots in California
June 16, 2025 02:13 AM
 · 
Jessie Beck
Several small groups of tourists standing around in front of Rome's Trevi Fountain, a partial view of which is blurred into the background
Trending News
Worried You’ll Face Anti-American Sentiment Abroad? Travelers and Experts Share Their Experiences—and Advice
June 13, 2025 02:30 PM
 · 
Blane Bachelor

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Travel Tips + News
Keke Palmer tips for lounge access
Keke Palmer’s Tips for Lounge Access, Road Trips, and Traveling More Deeply
9 Places You Can Visit for (Almost) Free on a Stopover Flight
Trump’s New Travel Ban Will Affect Citizens From 19 Countries—Here’s What Travelers Need to Know
As Italy’s Mount Etna Erupts, Here’s What Travelers Need to Know
A Saharan Dust Storm Is Hitting the Southeast U.S.—Here’s What It Means for Travelers

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Featured Partners

Explore the world with our featured partners.

View of mountains and pool from the Sossusvlei Desert Lodge at sunset
Epic Trips
7 Beautiful Places to Explore at a Slower Pace
&Beyond’s slow-travel approach lets you experience each destination in full, from wildlife to local traditions.
Sponsored by
The historic facades of downtown Telluride surrounded by the stunning San Juan mountains
Outdoor Adventure
8 Outdoor Things to Do in Telluride This Summer
With its towering peaks, mountain lakes, and even a via ferrata, Telluride’s rugged beauty and alpine charm offer a high-elevation adventure right here in the U.S.
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The Baths in Virgin Gorda.
Beaches
5 Ways to Explore the British Virgin Islands Off the Beaten Path
Hike, sail, and snorkel your way through the BVI’s wild side.
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Rosewood Dix Little Bay in the British Virgin Islands.
Beaches
The Best British Virgin Island Resorts for Any Kind of Trip
Whether you’re looking for luxury, seclusion, or family-friendly fun, these BVI stays offer something for every kind of vacationer.
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The regatta is one of many events to enjoy in the British Virgin Islands.
Festivals + Events
6 British Virgin Island Celebrations Worth Planning Around
Celebrate local music, food, and traditions at these vibrant BVI events.
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The islands of Greece are a perfect destination for summer travel.
Cruise
This Intimate Cruise Makes Peak Seasonal Travel Easy
Explore tulips, wine harvests, and Christmas markets without the stress on Emerald Cruises.
Sponsored by
Glen Ellen Star is one of many restaurants featuring Sonoma County’s bounty, which pairs well with Sonoma-Cutrer wines.
Food + Drink
6 Must-Visit Wine Country Restaurants for the Perfect Pairing
Sonoma-Cutrer wines pair beautifully with standout dishes at these top restaurants.
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Kayaking on Summersville Lake is a summertime treat.
Outdoor Adventure
7 Stunning Lakes and Rivers to Explore in Appalachia
Kayak, go whitewater rafting, and chase waterfalls through West Virginia this summer.
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A high view of bridges over a river leading to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia.
Road Trips
This U.S. Road Trip Is Full of Small Towns, Mountains, and Stargazing
Slow down and explore charming towns, scenic hikes, and dark skies across West Virginia.
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A view of the sun setting over mountains covered in green trees in West Virginia.
Outdoor Adventure
This Underrated Destination Is the Perfect Place to Unplug
Waterfalls, quiet trails, scenic highways, and remote campsites make digital detoxing in West Virginia’s outdoors effortless.
Sponsored by
A silhouette of a person stargazing on a deck.
Ocean Cruises
5 Amazing Excursions Curated by Afar
Go stargazing in Norway with expert astronomers, learn to play the bagpipe, and enjoy more enriching cultural excursions with Atlas Ocean Voyages.
Sponsored by
A view of a mountain and pale pink and blue sky reflected in a lake in the early morning light of Juneau, Alaska.
Disney
The Best Way to See Alaska Is on a Disney Cruise
Alaska combines stunning scenery and charming port stops with exemplary service, making it an easy way to explore the Last Frontier’s highlights by sea.
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Popular Reads
I Took a Solo Road Trip for Months—8 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Went
I Got a First Look at Italy’s New La Dolce Vita Orient Express Train—and Was Transported Back to 1960s Glamour
If You Have Family From These 9 Countries, You Can Get Dual Citizenship
Not Every Amtrak Route Is Scenic—But These 8 Train Rides Are Truly Worth It
11 Countries in Europe That Offer Remote Work Visas for Americans
Fitzgerald’s and Picasso’s Favorite French Riviera Beach Town Still Feels Like the Roaring 20s
Hotels
The pool at sunset at Shutters on the Beach in Santa Monica, California.
Hotels We Love
The 19 Best Luxury and Boutique Hotels in Los Angeles
In a city known for its luxury, these 19 hotels are standouts. Each offers a unique take on world-class hospitality and L.A. glamour.
June 09, 2025 10:58 AM
 · 
Chris Dong
Luxurious seating overlooks an infinity pool and the ocean at Impression by Secrets Isla Mujeres.
Epic Trips
5 Travel Moments You’ll Only Have at These Luxury Hotels
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New hotels in Bozeman and Big Sky help guests access the outdoors.
Hotel News + Openings
These New Alpine Lodges Make Montana’s Outdoors Even Greater
June 06, 2025 11:46 AM
 · 
Bailey Berg
a long dining room table set with white flowers and eight chairs in a hotel room with floor to ceiling windows
Hotels
This Is What It’s Like to Stay in a $35,000 Hotel Suite in NYC
June 05, 2025 02:57 PM
 · 
Billie Cohen
Sandals' overwater villas on the lush coast of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
4 Ways Sandals Resorts Bring Caribbean Life to You
Sponsored by
The living area of a pool terrace suite at the Capella Taipei has floor to ceiling windows and wood floors
Stay Here Next
This On-the-Rise Asian Capital Gets a Luxury Hotel With Street Eats, Local Crafts, and Temple Adventures
June 03, 2025 03:38 PM
 · 
Kathryn Romeyn
A Vincy Two Story Overwater Villa at Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
Hotels
This Resort Offers the Dreamiest Suites in the Caribbean
Sponsored by

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In the Magazine
Washington, DC
3 Locals on Why Washington, D.C. Is the City to Visit This Year, No Politics Required
Is Social Media Travel Ruining Small Town Charm?
These Are the Best New Hotels of 2025

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Longreads
Switzerland swimming beach river sunshine
Julia Nimke
Fall 2024
The Best Way to See Switzerland? Jump Into a River
One writer travels to three Swiss cities to take part in the country’s beloved tradition of river swimming.

BY BONNIE TSUI
November 01, 2024 03:55 PM
 · 
Bonnie Tsui
Silhouette of person in baseball hat taking a photo on a cell phone with sunset in background
Silhouette of person in baseball hat taking a photo on a cell phone with sunset in background
Photo by Processingly/Unsplash
Longreads
Inside the Quest to Become the World’s “Biggest” Traveler
For some adventurous travelers, going everywhere is not enough.

BY JEN ROSE SMITH
December 03, 2024 11:46 AM
 · 
Jen Rose Smith
Nasseri---AFAR---New-Orleans-Final-6497.jpg
Photo by Sinna Nasseri
Summer 2024
New Orleans Is Ready to Tell a Different Story
How art, history, and food are helping to redefine a city known for its past.

BY SANTI ELIJAH HOLLEY
September 24, 2024 08:07 AM
 · 
Santi Elijah Holley

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Where to Go Next
Noirmoutier island in France. French beach and village of Le Vieil
Off The Tourist Trail
Can You Visit France Without the Crowds? Bien Sur! Just Follow These 7 Tips
Step into a real-life fairy tale in your own château, float down peaceful canals, and discover some of Europe’s wildest and most beautiful coastlines.
Where to Go in Summer
12 Travel Destinations You Should Visit This June
April 14, 2025 02:54 PM
 · 
Mark Ellwood
Where to Travel Next
12 Charming Small Towns in Mexico to Visit for a Trip Without the Crowds
March 28, 2025 02:04 PM
 · 
Meagan Drillinger
Where to Go in Spring
Where to Spot Wildflowers in California’s National Parks, Deserts, and Alpine Landscapes This Spring
March 24, 2025 07:53 PM
 · 
Deb Hopewell
Where to Travel Next
You Haven’t Seen the Northern Lights Until You’ve Seen Them From a Hot Tub
March 21, 2025 03:54 PM
 · 
Nicholas DeRenzo

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Travel Your Passion
group of five middle aged people standing at a fence overlooking a green mountain valley. The travelers are wearing shorts, tshirts, backpacks and hat of all colors.
Epic Trips
No Kids, No Work, No Limits
One of the many great things about being retired: the freedom and flexibility to take longer, slower, and more far-flung trips.
May 22, 2024 12:17 PM
 · 
Billie Cohen
The Bushnells live in Granada, Nicaragua; they retired to the Central American country in 2006.
Travel Tips + Etiquette
We Retired in Nicaragua 18 Years Ago. Here Are the Pros—and Cons—of Retiring Abroad
May 22, 2024 05:05 PM
 · 
Andrew Parks
Woman with backpack and knit hat walking on path in autumn forest.
Travel Tips + Etiquette
You Don’t Have to Be Young, Single, or Adventurous to Take a Solo Trip. Here’s What I’ve Learned.
May 22, 2024 09:36 AM
 · 
Pat Tompkins
Ellie Hamby and Sandy Hazelip swinging on the Happy Swing in Bali
Solo Travel
These Two Senior Best Friends Went Around the World in 80 Days—Here’s Their Travel Advice
March 08, 2024 09:30 AM
 · 
Mae Hamilton
Podcasts
Travel Tales
S5, E12: Only 10 People Have Walked Around the World—and One Dog.
S5, E11: A Cross-Country Road Trip Helped Make the World Safer (and More Fun!) for Queer Travelers
S5, E10: I Traveled the World With President Obama. Now, I Help Give Young Women the Same Chance

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Unpacked by AFAR
S4, E12: I Traveled Through 300 Years of Kyoto’s History—All From One Hotel
S4, E11: “Nobody Knows We’re Here.” Inside the Real D.C.
S4, E10: These Two Cruise Lines Are Charting a Surprising Path to a Better, Healthier World

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Travel Guides
Bird watchers will delight in the fact that they have a chance at spotting scarlet macaws in the Amazon.
South America
The Caribbean
Asia
Africa
Europe
Texas
Outdoor Adventure
A wrangler riding a brown horse through a field of dried grass and trees with fall leaves at Alisal Ranch in Santa Ynez Valley with the sun shining in the background
Outdoor Adventure
Cowboy Core Is Alive and Well at These Dude Ranches in California
Montana, Wyoming, and Texas aren’t the only states where you can find a rich history of ranches that invite guests to ride horses, attend rodeos, go fishing, and make s’mores in the great outdoors.
June 05, 2025 02:55 PM
 · 
Michelle Baran
Panoramic view from Cotswold Way walking trail of picturesque Chipping Camden English countryside landscape, Cotswolds, Gloucestershire, England, UK
Hiking + Cycling
This Pub-to-Pub Hike Is 102 Miles of English Countryside, Cottages, and Castles
Only a short train ride from London, the Cotswolds Way immerses travelers in bucolic landscapes and villages.
June 05, 2025 01:27 PM
 · 
Danielle Hallock
Door County, Wisconsin, is one of the many easy-to-reach day trip destinations from Chicago.
Weekend Getaways
The Best Weekend Getaways From Chicago for Beaches, Museums, and More
Escape Chicago for a few days with one of these 10 weekend trips, all within easy driving distance or by train.
May 28, 2025 05:47 PM
 · 
Katherine LaGrave
Aerial view of the Lighthouse in Maunabo, Puerto Rico
Outdoor Adventure
9 Eye-Popping Views in Puerto Rico That Most People Don’t See
Get your camera ready, because you won’t want to forget these postcard-worthy places.
May 27, 2025 02:05 PM
 · 
Herson Guerrero

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Journeys
A view of tall buildings along The Wharf in Washington, D.C.
Journeys: History
Washington, D.C.’s Best Museums, Markets, and Restaurants
Sponsored by
A group of people on kayaks and a stand up paddle board at dusk on the Anacostia River in Washington, D.C.
Journeys: Nature
A 5-Day Outdoor and Wellness Getaway in Washington, D.C.
Sponsored by
Buildings and mountains along the water of a river in the Mediterranean.
Journeys: Cruise
The Ultimate 8-Day Luxury Yacht Trip from Dubrovnik to Athens
Sponsored by
A panoramic view of brightly colored buildings, trees, and mountains surrounded by bodies of water in Phillipsburg, Saint Maarten.
Journeys: Cruise
Island Hop from Puerto Rico to Saint Barths on This Luxury Yacht Cruise
Sponsored by
Tall row houses and boats reflecting in the water of the Rhine river in Amsterdam.
Journeys: Cruise
Sail Europe’s Most Beautiful River on This 8-Day Cruise
Sponsored by
A view of a bedroom and Budapest through its window in an Emerald Cruises Star-Ship.
Journeys: Cruise
The Best Way to Explore Europe Is by River Cruise. Here’s Why
Sponsored by

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U.S. Destinations
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