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A town square at sunset in Vilnius, Lithuania, with a giant Christmas tree made entirely of lights and a white belfry next to it.

These European Cities Have Stellar Christmas Markets and Festivals—and Fewer Crowds

Here’s where to get into the holiday spirit across Europe with Christmas markets, skating rinks, and festive food and drink.

October 27, 2025 04:56 PM

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Lottie Gross

Longreads

Queen of Clean

Since she first started working in the hospitality industry two decades ago, Vida Afram has cleaned nearly 60,000 hotel rooms.

November 18, 2021 04:13 PM

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Maddy Crowell

Aerial view Sunset Poolbeg lighthouse in Ireland, Dublin bay Pier to Poolbeg Lighthouse in Ireland

History + Culture

7 Underrated Things to Do in Dublin

Explore an ancient library, climb aboard a replica of a ship that carried Irish immigrants to America, and follow in the footsteps of James Joyce.

November 13, 2024 05:40 PM

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Yvonne Gordon

A group of people in Alberta, Banff dressed in colorful snowboarding gear town walking across a snowy street in front of Cascade Mountain.

Winter Sports

Why Alberta Should Be Your Next Winter Vacation

With world-class skiing, cozy cabins, and snowy skies, this region of Western Canada is the perfect winter destination.

Some good news for SkyTeam members seeking better U.K. service and access to some of the coolest airline lounges around.

September 27, 2022 03:36 PM

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Michelle Baran

COVID + Travel

Airbnb Offers Free and Subsidized Housing to Coronavirus Healthcare Workers

The company aims to house 100,000 doctors, nurses, and other workers on the front line around the world.

March 26, 2020 03:51 PM

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Tim Chester

Four people laugh together at a Saudi Arabian fashion show.

Longreads

Saudi Arabia Is Investing Big in Tourism. What Does Life Look Like for Locals?

Writer Sarah Khan and photographer Tasneem Alsultan chat about the Saudi Arabia they once knew—and the country that’s quickly assuming a new identity on the world stage.

January 18, 2023 11:20 AM

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Sarah Khan

"Tourists Go Home" spray painted on the side of a building in the Gracia neighborhood in Barcelona with a person walking along a tree-lined street with parked cars

A writer based in Barcelona speaks with both residents and visitors to better understand the recent anti-tourism protests—and a potential path forward.

July 16, 2024 06:15 PM

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Jessica Benavides Canepa

Dollywood sign near the entrance to the theme park in Pigeon Forge, TN.

Family Travel

A First-Timer’s Guide to Dollywood, Dolly Parton’s Theme Park in the Smokies

Before you head to the famous theme park, there are some things to keep in mind.

January 2, 2024 01:58 PM

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Elaine Glusac

Outdoor Adventure

4 Reasons Why Tohoku, Japan Should Be Your Next International Trip

Discover a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, architecture, whiskey, and more in this lesser-known—and absolutely gorgeous—region of Japan.

Sponsored by Japan National Tourism Organization

Packing Tips + Gear

The Best Checked Luggage for #TeamNoCarryOn

These are the suitcases and extra-large duffels worth spending checked luggage fees on.

March 31, 2021 03:45 PM

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Lyndsey Matthews

Restaurants + Cafés

Vodka! Borscht! Toasts! Inside the World of Russian-Style Restaurants

In cities around the globe, another dimension of dining experiences awaits.

February 10, 2020 01:21 PM

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Flora Tsapovsky

Travel for Good

How the Travel Industry Can Live Up to the Glasgow Declaration

On the heels of the U.N. Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Scotland, AFAR asked thought leaders in travel how they plan to take action and create a more sustainable future.

December 13, 2021 02:54 PM

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Staff

Festivals + Events

5 Soccer-Crazy World Cup Destinations That Aren’t Russia

Set your airfare alerts for the biggest party in sports. These destinations aren’t the host nation, but they’re still worth the trip.

April 24, 2018 04:17 PM

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Sam Laird

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