AFAR Search

A First-Timer’s Guide to Banff National Park

Banff National Park is full of rugged mountain peaks, emerald lakes, and vast glaciers. Here’s what you need to know to make the most of your time there.

May 13, 2024 06:49 PM

·

Juliette Recompsat

Traveler Man sitting in meditation with serene view mountains and lake landscape

Accessible Travel

Traveling With Epilepsy Isn’t Easy, But It’s Not Impossible Either

I’m a travel writer, I have epilepsy, and I still travel the world. For those who want to do the same, I asked a neurologist for tips on how to make trips easier and safer.

May 23, 2024 09:33 AM

You can hike to West Virginia's New River Gorge Bridge (and other spots) is now easier.

Typically the Pro Membership for the popular hiking app costs $36 per year.

October 5, 2022 08:15 PM

·

Bailey Berg

2XK0J6J July 13, 2024: Day 1 of July 2024 Black Mesa photo trip at Black Mesa State Park in Kenton, OK.

Astrotourism

Black Mesa Is One of the Loneliest, Darkest Corners of America. That’s Exactly Why You Should Go.

Come to Oklahoma for petroglyphs, bighorn sheep, and some of the darkest skies in North America.

March 24, 2026 12:08 PM

·

Heide Brandes

Tips + News

Does Biden Plan to Implement Domestic Travel Restrictions?

While mandatory COVID-19 tests for domestic flights was being “actively” considered, the Biden administration has paused consideration of domestic travel restrictions for now.

February 18, 2021 01:21 PM

·

Michelle Baran

When designing the National Museum of Qatar, architect Jean Nouvel took inspiration from a desert rose crystal.<br/>

LGBTQ Travel

What It’s Like to Be a Queer Traveler in the Middle East

An honest reflection on feeling safe, respecting local culture, and being true to one’s self in more conservative countries.

April 4, 2023 01:40 PM

·

Emy Rodriguez Flores

Weekend Getaways

A Ferry Ride Away, a World Apart: A Weekend Retreat to Whidbey Island

Hop on a ferry and 20 minutes later, you’ve traded Seattle streets for the best of the Pacific Northwest island life.

September 28, 2023 08:53 PM

·

Aislyn Greene

What’s New In...

I’ve Lived in Arizona for Around 35 Years—Here’s Why Phoenix Is an Underrated City Worth Visiting Right Now

New hotels, James Beard–recognized restaurants, and desert-inspired cocktails bring the heat to Arizona’s desert city.

February 27, 2025 02:12 PM

·

Cindy Barks

COVID + Travel

France’s Museums, Café Terraces Finally Reopen After Months of Closure

The country’s six-month COVID-19 lockdown is now beginning to ease.

May 19, 2021 04:45 PM

·

Elaine Ganley

Illustration of a blue station wagon with two dark skinned people in the front seats and two suitcases on the roof rack.

Travel Tips + Etiquette

TSA and AAA’s Tips on How to Handle Thanksgiving Travel

If you’re traveling for Thanksgiving, you’re not alone—so are more than 55 million other people. Here’s what to know before heading out.

October 25, 2024 12:08 PM

·

Michelle Baran

(Left) Big Key Deer seen in Big Pine (Right) Hiking trail at the Key Deer Refuge

Outdoor Adventure

Hundreds of Plants, Dozens of Rare Animals, and One Stop Sign—This Florida Island Is a Nature Lover’s Dream

A National Key Deer Refuge ranger explains how to make the most of a visit to this ecologically diverse Florida island.

January 16, 2025 02:57 PM

·

Terry Ward

Longreads

A Travel Manifesto: 5 Ways to Be a Better Traveler

Our future trips may still be uncertain, but one thing is clear: We can make travel better. Here’s how to begin.

December 2, 2020 09:05 AM

·

Eric Weiner

A Hotel Has Opened at Versailles—and It’s Everything You Could Hope For

Hotels

There’s a Luxury Hotel on the Grounds of Versailles—and There Are Still Rooms Available During the Olympics

Live out your Marie Antoinette dreams with an overnight stay in the ornate 17th-century palace.

April 25, 2024 03:05 PM

·

Michelle Baran

10th Mountain Hut Hike to Polar Star Inn

Hiking + Cycling

Colorado Has 350 Miles of Hut-to-Hut Hiking That Rivals the Alps

Get more time amid 11,000-foot peaks, somewhere in-between glamping and roughing it.

May 29, 2026 09:10 AM

·

Karthika Gupta

Packing Tips + Gear

Please Don’t Put Your Suitcase on the Bed, Ever

The real reason there’s a luggage rack in your hotel room.

May 8, 2026 03:33 PM

·

Shayla Martin

Search results for