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Aerial view of the Oak Island Lighthouse on Caswell Beach.

6 Romantic Beaches That Offer a Quieter NC Coast

Fewer crowds, slower days, and plenty of space to reconnect on the Brunswick Islands

Sponsored by Brunswick County Tourism Development Authority

Whether you’re looking for lightweight trail runners or sturdy over-the-ankle boots, we’ve found the right footwear for your next hike.

September 23, 2020 02:29 PM

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Lyndsey Matthews

Makkum, The Netherlands-February 2021; View over the frozen water of the IJsselmeer close to Makkum with four recreational ice boats on the ice and endless ice landscape in the back

Winter Sports

What to Do With All This Cold? Race Sailboats Across Frozen Lakes, From New York to Finland

Watch ice boats race across the ice—or try it yourself.

January 27, 2026 12:50 PM

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Francesca Krempa

Palm Springs, California - March 2018: Residential Desert Architecture

Off The Tourist Trail

Escape Crowds in Palm Springs With This Tucked-Away Bar, Oasis Hike, and Joshua Tree-Adjacent Adventures

These expert-found activities will show you the kitschy, authentic side of Palm Springs.

January 9, 2026 02:51 PM

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Joey Skladany

Expedition Cruises

Experiencing Luxury in the Wild on Silversea’s New Galápagos Ship

AFAR’s special cruise correspondent reviews the recently launched 100-passenger Silver Origin, which is bringing passengers to paradise in high style.

May 11, 2022 10:10 PM

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Fran Golden

National Parks

Kīlauea Is Erupting on Hawai‘i’s Big Island—What Travelers Should Know

The volcano began erupting at the end of September and remains confined to the Halemaʻumaʻu crater in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.

October 12, 2021 05:52 PM

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Jennifer Sinco Kelleher

Hotels

At This South African Wine Estate, Farming, Food, and Art Take Center Stage

Spier Wine Farm in South Africa’s Stellenbosch is a 1692 estate that was reimagined through regenerative farming, food, hospitality, and art, all operating as a single system.

April 6, 2026 05:34 PM

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Erica Firpo

Tips + News

The World’s Last Known White Giraffe Gets GPS Tracking Device

As the sole surviving white giraffe grazes in Kenya’s arid savanna, wildlife rangers will track the animal’s location to help protect it from poachers.

November 17, 2020 01:34 PM

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Associated Press (AP)

Cherry blossom trees bloom each spring in D.C.

Where to Travel Next

Discover a Diverse World of Possibilities on a Trip to Washington, D.C.

From legendary museums to globally inspired events and restaurants serving international cuisines, here’s how you can take a trip around the world without leaving the District.

Sponsored by washington.org

Longreads

In Hiroshima, Japan, a Teenager Finds an Unexpected Home

A trip to Japan’s most misunderstood city teaches a young traveler what it means to belong.

July 31, 2020 02:15 PM

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Daisy Okazaki

Katsuo-ji temple in Minoh, Osaka, Japan seen with fall foliage

Travel Tips + Etiquette

The Best Time to Visit Japan For Every Type of Trip

Here’s when to go to Japan for cherry blossoms, skiing, and fewer crowds.

October 7, 2025 02:46 AM

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Sophie Friedman

A family walking down the boardwalk towards the beach on Oak Island.

Family Travel

A Slower Family Escape on North Carolina’s Coast

Barrier islands and small coastal towns provide the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable family vacation in North Carolina.

Sponsored by Brunswick County Tourism Development Authority

A table outdoors full of different types of foraged food, a tradition in Nordic countries

Restaurants + Cafés

Why Denmark and Finland Are Must-Visits for Foodies

Farm-to-table and fish-to-dish dining brings you closer to nature in the Nordic countries.

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