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Museums + Galleries

New Smithsonian Exhibition Celebrates a Century of Women Writers

The exhibition features some of the most influential poets, novelists, and memoirists of the past 100 years.

September 18, 2020 01:25 PM

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Katherine LaGrave

Visas + Passports

United States Issues Its First Passport With “X” Gender Marker

The U.S. joins over a dozen countries that allow a third-gender option on passports.

October 28, 2021 05:32 PM

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Colleen Slevin

A Christmas market in Salzburg around sunset with warm yellow lights illuminating the stalls and a string of lights covered with garland strung between a large Christmas tree and the edges of the market. People in warm coats are milling about.

Where to Go in Winter

This European City Is the Ultimate Must-Visit for Christmas Lovers

In this Austrian city, traditions include historic Christmas markets, delicious pastries, and some more unusual holiday festivities.

November 28, 2023 02:57 PM

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Joe Flick

Books

Around the World in 80 Books

The idea for this project started in 1872—well, sort of.

April 24, 2024 10:00 AM

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Katherine LaGrave

Breathtaking scenic aerial view of Doubtful Lake from Sahale Arm on the Cascade Pass Trail in North Cascades National Park.

National Parks

11 Underrated, Crowd-Free U.S. National Parks to Visit in 2026 With No Foreign Visitor Fees

As new entry fees for international travelers take effect at several of the country’s busiest parks, these destinations offer equally striking landscapes without the added costs.

March 23, 2026 02:28 PM

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Emily Pennington

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

Solo Travel

These 10 Travel Destinations Are Better as a Solo Traveler

Going solo? Go here.

August 6, 2025 12:12 PM

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Chloe Arrojado

View of the Amaterasu Railway cars on Japan's highest bridge with mountains in the background.

Destination Spotlight

Seek Nature, Onsen, and Food Culture on This Less-Visited Japanese Island

Sip shochu made from local sweet potatoes, eat sashimi from Kinkowan Bay, hike forest trails, and relax in mineral-rich baths in Kyushu.

Sponsored by Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau

Hiking + Cycling

What It’s Like to Hike to See Iceland’s Erupting Volcano

One way to break out of that pandemic funk: watching lava flow in Iceland right now.

June 8, 2021 04:47 PM

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Laura Dannen Redman

Bluebonnets and Indian paintbrushes blooming on the side of a road in Texas

Outdoor Adventure

This State Gets Some of the Country’s Most Amazing Bluebonnet and Wildflower Displays—Here’s How to See Them

From bluebonnets to prickly poppies and paintbrushes, wildflowers are putting on their annual, colorful springtime show. Here’s your guide to the best places and times for viewing them.

March 25, 2025 06:23 PM

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Mae Hamilton

View or Lucerne's Old Town on the river bank.

Destination Spotlight

Where Locals Go in Switzerland in Winter

Fondue nights, snowy hikes, and alpine views locals love.

Sponsored by Switzerland Tourism

September / October 2021

North Star

As a teen, writer Patrice Gopo couldn’t wait to escape her Alaska hometown. As an adult, she grapples with what it means to return.

August 4, 2021 07:02 PM

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Patrice Gopo

Stay Here Next

At This Remote Canadian Lodge, I Discovered New Ways to See the Rainforest

At Nimmo Bay in British Columbia, luxury means snorkeling in 50-degree water, sipping water from cedar-lined mountain streams, and spotting grizzlies from a floating sauna.

August 28, 2025 01:16 PM

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Jennifer Flowers

Epic Trips

Hiking Mt. Etna, Italy’s Friendly Local Active Volcano

How to visit this well-loved peak in Sicily responsibly.

March 19, 2024 01:22 PM

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Hillary Richard

City Centre Motel During Vancouver Mural Festival 2022

Cities We Love

Get Inspired in Vancouver’s Mount Pleasant Neighborhood

Visiting this Pacific Northwest gem reveals a concentration of creativity in Van City.

December 6, 2022 11:53 AM

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Ann Shields

Longreads

I Took a 23-Day Trip With My Toddler. It Was the Most Rewarding Trip I’ve Ever Taken.

It was all trial by fire, but the lessons will last a lifetime.

May 8, 2024 09:25 AM

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Ashlea Halpern

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