AFAR Search

Shipping Versus Checking Luggage: What You Should Know

After several airlines all recently raised their baggage fees, travelers may be wondering whether shipping their suitcases is a better option than checking them.

September 28, 2018 04:48 PM

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Michelle Baran

History + Culture

Spain’s Parador Hotels Let You Sleep Where Royalty Ruled and Battles Ensued

The government has converted 97 significant buildings into boutique hotels up and down the country, making for a history-rich road trip.

October 9, 2019 06:28 PM

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Andrea Guthmann

COVID + Travel

Some European Christmas Markets Close Due to COVID, but Some Remain Open

After a year when most were canceled, some of Europe’s festive markets are back on again for the 2021 holiday season. Not all have been spared, though, as pandemic problems linger.

November 22, 2021 08:14 PM

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Billie Cohen

Islands

7 Best Things to Do in O‘ahu, From Horseback Riding to Hiking

Try these activities to explore Hawai‘i’s rich culture and nature.

November 26, 2023 03:35 PM

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Rachel Ng

Expedition Cruises

The Best Panama Cruises

The engineering marvel that is the 105-year-old Panama Canal remains the main draw for cruises to—and through—this Central American country.

June 14, 2019 05:14 PM

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Gene Sloan

PARIS, FRANCE, on JULY 6, 2016. Saint Martin channel (fr. canal Saint-Martin). Embankments and their reflection in water

Cities We Love

5 Trés Local Neighborhoods That Will Make You Feel Like a Paris Insider

If you’ve already been to the Latin Quarter and Saint Germain-des-Prés, consider exploring these other parts of the city on your next trip to Paris.

April 17, 2026 03:40 PM

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Sara Lieberman

Hotels

6 Incredible Underwater Hotels Around the World

Sleeping with the fishes takes on a whole new meaning at these villas and suites under the sea.

January 31, 2024 01:38 PM

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Lyndsey Matthews

The Northern Lights swirl above pines in Alaska.

Natural Wonders

Alaska Has Some of the Best Northern Lights Views. Here’s How to Catch the Celestial Show.

Here is where (and how) to view the northern lights in the 49th state.

January 16, 2025 02:25 PM

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Bailey Berg

Restaurants + Cafés

Maine’s Star Restaurant Launches a Snail-Mail Reservation Lottery

The Lost Kitchen chef Erin French will accept your reservation request to her feted farm-to-table restaurant only on a mailed-in notecard—and only until April 10.

March 30, 2018 04:26 PM

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David K. Gibson

Where to Travel Next

Why Now Is the Best Time to Visit Siem Reap

With mass tourism kept at bay by the COVID-19 pandemic, now is the best time to be in the Cambodian city and gateway to Angkor Wat.

March 3, 2022 04:43 PM

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Lester V. Ledesma

Yellow buildings with a green hilltop in the background

Where to Travel Next

12 Small Towns in Italy That Look Like Storybook Villages

Consider these diminutive, historic towns for your next trip.

January 21, 2026 01:45 PM

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Laura Itzkowitz

Viking river cruise ship on the Nile River in Egypt with lush shores and a smattering of building

Cruise News

Are Middle East Cruises Canceled? A Line-by-Line Breakdown

Here’s how cruise lines are handling sailings in the Middle East region during the Israel-Hamas War.

November 6, 2023 07:44 PM

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Fran Golden

Winter Sports

Yes, Slopes Will Be Open This Season—but Skiing During COVID Will Look a Bit Different

The 2020-2021 U.S. ski season will include mandatory face coverings, physical distancing on chairlifts, and no more walk-up windows.

September 17, 2020 02:48 PM

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Michelle Baran

Train Travel

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Returns to the Rails

Europe’s most glamorous train plans to resume operations in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic—though it’s still unclear when travelers from the United States will be able to book a trip.

June 17, 2020 02:45 PM

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Sara Button

UNESCO World Heritage

What an “Alternative” Tour of Europe’s Great Cities Is Like

Migrantour began in Turin, Italy, and now operates across Europe, offering travelers and residents a new perspective on multicultural cities.

February 15, 2022 02:18 PM

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Simone Lai

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