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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

These places don’t require a high budget for a very high quality of life.

June 16, 2025 02:32 PM

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Chloe Arrojado

River Cruises

The New River Cruise Ships and Sailings We’re Most Excited About This Year

The world’s newest river cruise ships are delivering passengers to beautiful destinations in Europe, Asia, and South America in style. And they’re leaving less of a footprint, too.

January 22, 2024 02:33 PM

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Nicole Edenedo

Hiking sign with a yellow arrow in the foreground, woman walking with an orange backpack in the background

Hiking + Cycling

7 Breathtaking Hikes in Europe That Are Worth the Journey

Mountains, valleys, pilgrimages, and wilderness—these hikes showcase the best of the continent wherever your walking boots take you.

February 2, 2024 10:03 AM

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Phoebe Smith

The Katha Reading Lounge has large archways and sofas with views out to the surrounding landscape.

Hotels

Hotels That Feel like $1,000 a Night but Are Only $300

These hotels feel like thousand dollar per night stays but actually cost much less.

November 21, 2023 01:14 PM

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Mark Ellwood

An A-frame Airbnb home with Utah's mountains in the background

The only thing better than a tricked-out vacation home experience is a tricked-out vacation home experience that also earns you miles.

May 13, 2026 02:34 PM

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Bailey Berg

10 English Words With Unfortunate Meanings in Other Languages

Travel Tips + Etiquette

12 English Words With Unfortunate Meanings in Other Languages

A beginner’s guide to which words to watch out for where.

January 19, 2024 05:30 PM

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Chris Ciolli

Hotels

10 Great Hotels in the Azores for a Local Stay

Don’t expect any humdrum, large hotel chains here: instead, ecofriendly surf lodges, historic forts-turned-inns, and stone-walled vacation homes await.

June 14, 2022 11:22 AM

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Jessie Beck

Aerial view of Beaches of Placencia in the Stann Creek District of southern Belize

Destination Spotlight

The Right Crowd-Free Beach for Every Month of the Year

Want a better beach trip? Go when everyone else isn’t. These destinations shine in the shoulder season.

October 7, 2025 10:31 AM

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Becca Blond

Books

7 UNESCO Cities of Literature Every Bookworm Should Visit

Make the most of your readerly passions at these global cities recognized for their vibrant literary communities.

November 27, 2023 11:06 AM

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Devorah Lev-Tov

There's a complex comfort-to-cost calculus to use when you're considering premium economy on an international flight.

Air Travel News

Is Upgrading to Premium Economy on International Flights Worth It?

Experts weigh in on the pros and cons of spending a bit more for a cabin class that bridges the gap between business and economy.

December 18, 2025 06:29 PM

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Barbara Peterson

AFAR Advisor

How Querido Hotels Make for Cherished Travel Memories

At these family-owned properties, a farm-to-table ethos and deep connection to the destination deliver out-of-the-box experiences.

Sponsored by Querido

Health + Wellness

My Favorite Wellness Travel Tip? Bring Your Dog

Who needs meditation retreats when you have a four-legged wellness guru? Pet-friendly travel delivers all the benefits of a spa break, plus built-in downtime and daily adventure.

January 26, 2026 04:30 AM

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Lottie Gross

River Cruises

European River Cruises Are Setting Sail This Summer

With Europe set to reopen to Americans, rolling along the Danube, Seine, or Douro River just became a very real possibility for summer 2021.

May 26, 2021 03:29 PM

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Michelle Baran

Aerial view of Reykjavik, Iceland, with a large modern church surrounded by buildings, some with red rooftops, and the ocean and snow covered mountains in the distance

LGBTQ Travel

The World’s 25 Safest Countries for LGBTQ Travelers

A 2025 index ranks countries based on how safe and welcoming they are for the queer community, accounting for civil- and human-rights protections and antidiscrimination laws.

June 4, 2025 08:46 AM

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Sarah Buder

Maison Astor Paris, Curio Collection by Hilton

Loyalty + Rewards

How to Earn and Burn Hotel Points This Summer

Five nights in Paris for just 180,000 Amex points? Three nights in Panama for 60,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points? Here’s how.

April 28, 2023 11:43 AM

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Paul Rubio

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