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A man in a backpack walking through a red shrine entrance in Shingu, Japan.

Hiking + Cycling

This Epic Hike in Japan Takes You Through Ancient Shrines, Onsen Towns, and Magical Forests

You’ve heard of the Camino de Santiago. But what about the Kumano Kodo? Here’s how to hike Japan’s sacred route.

April 10, 2024 07:14 PM

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Miranda Smith

Estonia's Soomaa national park with the Riisa bog swimming hole

Hiking + Cycling

Bog Hiking Is the Best Hiking Experience You’ve Never Heard Of

In Estonia’s Soomaa National Park, you can basically walk on water.

December 15, 2023 11:53 AM

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Billie Cohen

Visitors stand at the top of a mountain overlooking stunning fjords, islands, and a quaint village in the Lofoten archipelago. Couple hiking the Reinebringen mountain Lofoten Norway

Hiking + Cycling

21 Beautiful Hikes Around the World You Should Do in Your Lifetime

Some of these hikes are well known, some underrated. All are Afar tested and approved, bringing you closer to the Earth.

May 19, 2026 05:23 PM

Two people walking in the sun along an old building with cracked siding shading their faces

Travel Tips + Etiquette

6 Mistakes Not to Make When Traveling During Extreme Heat

As we endure another record-breaking summer of scorching temperatures, experts weigh in on common mistakes travelers make when it’s extremely hot outside.

July 15, 2024 06:52 PM

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Terry Ward

Clockwise from top left: Drinks and food at Six Senses Zighy Bay in Oman (1st and 3rd); Alesund, Norway; Abu Dhabi, UAE, The Aquarium near Margaret River in Western Australia; street scene in Istanbul, Turkiye; Antwerp, Belgium; Koks Restaurant in Greenland

Where to Travel Next

We Took Hundreds of Trips This Year and These Are the Places We Would Go Back to in a Heartbeat

Afar’s team roamed wide in 2024. These were our favorite spots from a year of exploring.

December 13, 2024 01:33 PM

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Tim Chester

Beaches

A Guide to U.S. Virgin Islands Beaches and Snorkeling

From St. Croix to St. John and St. Thomas, explore standout beaches and snorkeling spots across the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Sponsored by U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism

National Parks

Norway’s Ambitious Plan to Designate 10 New National Parks

The goal is to protect one-third of the country’s land by 2030 in an effort to combat climate change.

July 13, 2022 04:48 PM

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Anna Fiorentino

Cruise News

A New Four Seasons Floating Resort Is Launching in Palau

Starting in October, the luxury “Four Seasons Explorer” catamaran will sail the pristine blue waters of this Micronesian nation.

September 21, 2023 05:53 PM

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Bailey Berg

The city of Lucerne, Switerland, at sunset.

Epic Trips

15 Days of Slow Travel Through Switzerland’s Scenic Towns

From lakeside cafés to alpine trails, Switzerland rewards travelers who take their time.

Sponsored by Switzerland Tourism

Left: Gwangjang Market;right: Changdeokgung, royal palace in Seoul, Secret garden

Family Travel

Ancient Palaces, a Cat Café, and KPop Demon Hunters—the Perfect Family Travel Itinerary for South Korea

My kids wanted to go to Japan. We took them to South Korea instead—and our timing was “Golden.” Here’s our parent- and kid-approved itinerary for exploring Seoul and Jeju Island.

February 3, 2026 11:13 AM

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Michelle Baran

Over-the-top water features will abound on the new <i>Icon of the Seas</i>, including the largest waterpark at sea and no fewer than seven pools.

Cruise News

Is Cruising Officially Back? A New, 7,600-Passenger Ship Says It Is

When “Icon of the Seas”—which will be the world’s largest cruise ship when it launches in 2024—opened for reservations, Royal Caribbean had its single largest booking day in its 53-year history.

October 28, 2022 06:12 PM

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Fran Golden

The historic bathhouse at Dunton Hot Springs with a staircase over the bath, plants all around and a large window that opens to the outside

Hotels We Love

Arizona Desert Waters, Historic Virginia Baths, a Colorado Mining Town Spa—the Best U.S. Hot Springs Resorts

Enjoy the healing benefits of the natural thermal waters at these 9 restorative resorts.

January 22, 2026 05:37 PM

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Michelle Baran

Packing Tips + Gear

Our Favorite Waterproof, Windproof Jacket Is on Sale Right Now

Save 20 percent on the Arc’teryx Venda Anorak at REI.

March 1, 2022 12:32 PM

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Katherine LaGrave

Lourdes: A Pilgrimage to France’s Holy Waters

In the Magazine

A Skeptic Visits the Holy Waters of Lourdes—And Surprises Even Himself

For centuries, millions of people have visited the town in southwestern France, hoping for healing.

June 5, 2024 09:40 AM

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Edward Readicker-Henderson

A birds-eye view of sailboats anchored near the shore of Lake Harriet in Minnesota.

Water Sports

7 Picture-Perfect Minnesota Lakes You Need to Visit

Go canoeing, relax by the shore while sipping wine, and shop in these charming lake towns.

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