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collage of six photos: exterior of waterside hotel, guide outdoors, meal viewed from overhead, guest room , person in small outdoor pool, chair iin room

Hotels

Our Most Memorable Hotel Stays of 2025: a Former Convent, a Cliffside Retreat, an Over-the-Top Penthouse Suite

Afar editors share the 2025 hotel stays they didn’t want to leave—and would happily return to.

December 22, 2025 01:48 PM

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Jennifer Flowers

Longreads

What is ‘Vacation Brain’—and Is It Real?

You know that lovely mind fog you feel when you’re on a trip? Experts have been studying what it is, why it happens, and whether it’s just a figment of our relaxed imaginations.

September 6, 2023 10:00 AM

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Mark Ellwood

Books

These 10 Wanderlust Books of the Summer Will Take You to Japan, Italy, and More

Whether you are going abroad or lounging in a hammock, let these tales of road trips and mischievous animals inspire your travels.

June 18, 2025 09:30 AM

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Pat Tompkins

Puerto Rico is a small dot in the Caribbean—the whole island takes mere hours to drive through—but its true identity takes months or even years to fully unravel. That said, it is easy to see why Puerto Rico immediately enchants visitors: The diversity of its beautiful coastline is suitable for those who seek peace and those who seek adventure; the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan—lined with colorful houses, museums, and stores—provide a glimpse into the island’s past; the roadside kiosks sell handmade fritters and coconut water; and the island’s many festivals entertain with art and food.

People

Puerto Rico Is Calling to Pulitzer Prize–Nominated Poet Elizabeth Alexander

And she can’t help but listen. The poet who read at President Obama’s inauguration is now heading up an arts foundation, and she’s traveling to connect with the creators they support.

April 26, 2023 09:34 AM

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Kaitlin Menza

Willard InterContinental Washington, D.C. lobby with potted plants, warm lighting, colorful rugs, and elegant furnishings

Hotels We Love

These Are the 16 Best Hotels in Washington, D.C.

History meets modern luxury at these 16 hotels we love—perfect for your next getaway in Washington, D.C.

May 25, 2026 12:28 PM

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Shayla Martin

Tips + News

Beirut Images Show Shattered, Dust-Covered City in Aftermath of Blast

An explosion that rocked Lebanon’s capital on Tuesday was the most destructive in the country’s history.

August 5, 2020 06:13 PM

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Bassem Mroue

A garden in bloom with purple, pink and red flowers, with a castle in the background

History + Culture

8 French Castles Straight Out of a Fairy Tale

Step back in time inside the grand former homes of French royalty.

February 4, 2025 12:03 PM

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Kimberley Lovato

History + Culture

A History Lover’s Guide to Martinique

Venture beyond the beaches to museums, memorials, and even castle ruins to learn more about Martinique’s unique heritage.

March 31, 2022 04:47 PM

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Dana Givens

An interior photo of a junior suite at the Hotel Haya's junior suite, with a graffiti wall

Stay Here Next

This Tampa Hotel Leans into the City’s Cuban, Cigar-Rolling Past

In Ybor City, Tampa’s historic Latin quarter, the Hotel Haya immerses guests in local history and thoughtful design.

June 28, 2023 12:27 PM

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Sarika Bansal

On a Road Trip Through Wyoming, Celebrate a Legacy of Women’s Voting Rights

History + Culture

A Road Trip in Wyoming Celebrates Its Women’s Voting History

Here’s where to go to celebrate the first state to have granted women the right to vote.

July 18, 2024 04:44 PM

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Lindsay Lambert

Aman Rosa Alpina in the Italian Dolomites is surrounded by snowy mountain peaks.

Stay Here Next

Aman’s New Dolomites Hotel Sets a High Bar for Design—as Service Works to Catch Up

Striking architecture and superb dining define a recent stay at the recently opened Aman Rosa Alpina in Italy’s Dolomites, though its service still reflects a young operation in transition.

November 18, 2025 04:57 PM

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Adam H. Graham

Travel for Good

The Future of Travel Is Looking More and More Green

Sustainable travel is a fringe movement no longer.

October 31, 2023 01:26 PM

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Sarika Bansal

A rugged coastline with rolling waves and grass-covered hills

National Parks

Women’s History Is About to Get a Bigger Spotlight in America’s National Park System

A new executive order is designed to strengthen the NPS’s recognition of women’s history landmarks.

April 10, 2024 03:32 PM

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Jamie Davis Smith

Two men cross-country skiing in icebreakers wear.

Packing Tips + Gear

Travel-Ready Base Layers That Simplify Packing

Easy to pack, easy to wear, these layers fit every trip on your calendar.

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