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Two women giving each other cheek kisses, with two men and another woman in the background

Travel Tips + Etiquette

From Sticking Out Tongues to Sniffing Cheeks, Here’s How People Around the World Say Hello

Greeting someone properly is the basis for polite interactions and even making friends while traveling.

July 15, 2025 12:27 PM

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Chris Ciolli

Different foreign passports from many countries

Visas + Passports

The 2026 World’s Most Powerful Passport Rankings Are In. Where Does the U.S. Rank?

The United States is back in the Henley Passport Index’s global top 10—kind of.

January 15, 2026 03:15 PM

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Bailey Berg

two st. bernard dogs lying in the grass with a mountain in the background

Longreads

Inside Switzerland’s New Saint Bernard “Theme Park”

Barryland reopened in 2025 as a sleek space dedicated to the giant, gentle Swiss icons.

November 12, 2025 08:27 AM

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Kendall Hunter

Ocean Cruises

MSC Cruises’ Newest Ship Is the Brand’s Largest and Most Sustainable Ship to Date

The “MSC World Europa” runs on greener, alternative fuel. The mega-ship also features a hydroponic garden restaurant and a brewery where beers are made with desalinated water. Here’s a first look.

January 26, 2023 02:26 PM

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Bailey Berg

Visitors gather around Rome's Trevi fountain during restoration with a temporary elevated walkway and no water within the fountain itself.

Afar’s Rome correspondent heads to the renowned monument to check its current status amid reports of visitors facing a . . . unique setup.

November 20, 2024 01:47 PM

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Erica Firpo

Destination Spotlight

The Most Fun You’ll Have in Europe Might Just Be at a Vegetable Festival

Celebrate the tastiest seasons of the year with asparagus queens, bean cannons, and tomato battles.

April 3, 2025 07:02 AM

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Naomi Tomky

AFAR Advisor

The Real Reason Travelers Fall in Love With Germany

From pretzels and festivals to Christmas (and Easter!) markets, we talk to an insider about Germany’s appeal.

December 17, 2020 08:56 AM

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Annie Fitzsimmons

Food + Drink

Take a Bite (and Sip) out of These 7 Summer Food and Wine Festivals

From classic Italian street foods to Maine’s well-loved lobster rolls, these summer food festivals will please plenty of palates.

July 19, 2022 03:49 PM

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Susan B. Barnes

A domed cathedral over a river at twilight.

Art + Culture

The Secret to Seeing the Vatican Without the Crowds

Getting the chance to see the Sistine Chapel without throngs of tourists is an almost religious experience. Here’s how to do it.

August 20, 2024 12:25 PM

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Laura Itzkowitz

A christmas market lit up at night, with a carousel and a grand city hall in the background

Holiday Travel

Where to Find Europe’s Most Festive, Unique, and Family-Friendly Christmas Markets

Visit craft-filled wooden stalls, sip mulled wine and hot chocolate, and take in the glittering lights at these nine Christmas markets.

October 18, 2025 04:54 AM

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Katherine LaGrave

Hiking + Cycling

3 Spectacular Places to Hike in Switzerland

Meander through Alpine meadows, scale sheer peaks, and visit centuries-old villages on these top-tier walks.

September 16, 2022 12:34 PM

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Melanie Haiken

Singapore Changi is a treasure trove of unique airport attractions, including this massive indoor garden.

Air Travel News

The World’s Best Airport Has a Semi-Olympic Pool, Giant Trampoline, and More Than 60 Places to Eat

Arriving early encouraged.

March 18, 2026 03:00 PM

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Lottie Gross

The Congregation is a laid-back café housed in a former church in Detroit’s Boston-Edison Historic District.

Restaurants + Cafés

The Essential Detroit Travel Guide for Foodies

Try these spots recommended by a local chef, from an authentic French bakery to an East African–inspired lunch joint.

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