AFAR Search

You Can Book Nonstop Flights to Scandinavia on SAS for Less Than $450 Right Now

The Many Meanings Behind the Northern Lights

Mystical foxes, the torches of gentle giants, spirits kicking around a walrus skull—humans have interpreted the northern lights in many ways over time.

December 30, 2024 09:24 AM

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Bailey Berg

Two people in nature with the night sky above the Warner Valley Overlook in Oregon

The designation is given to destinations with exceptional night sky visibility, allowing for incredible views of the stars and other astronomical phenomena.

March 14, 2024 01:45 PM

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Bailey Berg

Hotel News + Openings

Santa’s Cabin Is Open for a Free 3-Night Stay This Holiday Season

Airbnb is giving away a stay at Santa’s home in Finnish Lapland to one lucky family. The only catch? The elves might put you to work in the post office.

December 4, 2023 04:58 PM

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Nicholas DeRenzo

A boat of tourists floats through the water of New Zealand's Waitomo Glowworm Caves. A guide is standing in the boat pointing to the ceiling where many many small blue lights shine like a starry night, but it's inside the cave

Outdoor Adventure

Bioluminescent Bays, Caves, and Parks: What Causes the Glow and Where to See It

Nature has given us some pretty incredible things—and creatures that glow in the night are at the top of the list. Here’s why bioluminescence happens and where you can travel to see it.

September 7, 2023 04:45 PM

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Nathalie Alonso

A view of the accommodations and the surrounding reservoir at Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree

Stay Here Next

A New Kind of Retreat Opens in Singapore’s Mandai Wildlife Reserve—Here’s What It’s Like

The new Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree in Singapore blends wellness, biophilic architecture, and conservation to help guests reconnect with nature.

August 12, 2025 06:10 PM

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Elizabeth See

Wooden cabin exterior surrounded by trees

Hotels We Love

The Best Hotels for a Nature Escape From NYC—No Airport Required

From the Hudson Valley to the Catskills, Berkshires, and Finger Lakes, these hotels immerse you in forests, lakes, and mountain landscapes—all within a few hours’ drive of New York City.

April 15, 2026 03:16 PM

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Devorah Lev-Tov

Loyalty + Rewards

Where to Use Hotel Points for Free Stays in Major U.S. Cities

Spend your hotel points wisely on stays at these luxe properties, from New York City to Beverly Hills.

April 19, 2024 07:24 AM

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Paul Rubio

The Infinity Suite at the Langham Chicago features a neutral palette and views of Chicago's skyline.

Hotels

6 Ways to Get a Better Hotel Deal

Looking for a deal on a hotel? Try these pro tips.

November 27, 2023 01:28 PM

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Chris Dong

Tips + News

Europeans Sing Health Workers’ Praises Nightly From Windows

Residents of Rome, Amsterdam and beyond stand at open windows each night to sing, cheer, and applaud the efforts of those at the frontlines of the coronavirus outbreak.

March 20, 2020 03:23 PM

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Lori Hinnant

Hiking + Cycling

8 Dream Hikes in the United States (and How to Score the Permits)

Sometimes the hardest part of a hike is obtaining the permit, but the crowd-free experience in these pristine destinations is worth the effort.

May 14, 2026 06:35 PM

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Anna Mazurek

View from the water of Varanasi, a spiritual center in India, with boats lining the waterfront and colorful buildings along the stepped shores

River Cruises

Bengal Tigers, Bustling Markets, and Ancient Temples: A New Wave of Cruises Is Plying India’s Storied Rivers

New river cruises in India along the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Hooghly rivers focus on wildlife encounters, centuries-old history, and life along the banks.

September 9, 2025 06:31 PM

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Bailey Berg

A deluxe room at the Hôtel Brighton in Paris with a gilded portrait and a view of green space.

Hotels We Love

These Are the 14 Best 4-Star Hotels in Paris

The French capital is filled with stylish hotels that are big on personality—and easy on the bank account.

November 15, 2024 01:42 AM

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Mary Winston Nicklin

Under Canvas Just Opened 2 New Glamping Sites This Spring

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