AFAR Search

The Complete Guide to Booking Travel Online

What is an online travel agency, and what are the best sites and apps to use to search for hotels and flights? We break it all down for you.

October 4, 2019 02:26 PM

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Mike Arnot

A hike in the Appenine Mountains with wellness retreat, The Ranch Italy.

Hotels

Rigorous Hikes, Quinoa Bowls, and No Wine: This Wellness Retreat in Italy Will Test Your Limits

At the Ranch Italy, participants trade in Italian wines and pastas for quinoa bowls and workouts at this seriously tough (but worth it) wellness retreat.

November 15, 2022 06:55 PM

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Jessie Beck

Weekend Getaways

The Sweetest Small Towns in the U.S. to Visit in Summer

Veer off the beaten path to small-town U.S.A.

July 17, 2020 02:15 PM

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Ashlea Halpern

The Gate of Harmonious Interest in Victoria, Canada

Cities We Love

Canada’s Oldest Chinatown Is an Underrated Day-Trip Destination

It’s not in Toronto. Or Vancouver.

December 30, 2022 07:31 PM

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Vivian Chung

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

Hotels

California Hotels Are Opening Amid Unclear Rules

Even though the state and L.A. County are at odds about whether it’s safe and even permitted, hotels across California are reopening to leisure travelers.

June 4, 2020 02:01 PM

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Natalie Beauregard

History + Culture

UNESCO World Heritage Sites That Are Even Better to Visit During Winter

Crack open your history books and then dig out your mittens: The past comes alive as temperatures fall at these primed-for-winter UNESCO sites.

December 4, 2019 08:28 PM

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Eleanor Aldridge

Air Travel News

British Airways and American Airlines Plan COVID-19 Testing for U.S. Travelers

Starting November 25, the pilot program will offer voluntary testing for passengers flying to London’s Heathrow from New York, Los Angeles, and Dallas.

November 18, 2020 12:18 PM

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Danica Kirka

A view of Marksburg Castle along the Rhine River in Germany

Family Travel

This Fun, Jam-Packed Itinerary Will Have Your Family Saying “Ja” to Germany

More than bratwurst and pretzels, delights like chocolate museums, UNESCO-recognized castles, and Roman ruins fill Germany to keep kids delighted on the ultimate family vacation.

Sponsored by Hilton and the German National Tourist Board

Packing Tips + Gear

Away’s Colorful New Suitcases Are Only Available at Nordstrom—and Selling out Quickly

This limited-edition luggage comes in primary colors that will stand out on any baggage carousel.

January 22, 2019 12:13 PM

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Lyndsey Matthews

Art + Culture

12 Movies Set in Tokyo to Stream Right Now

If you’re longing for a trip to Tokyo, get a shot of Japanese culture by watching these movies—from anime to film festival favorites—all set in the capital city.

May 15, 2020 05:30 PM

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Staff

Beaches

Will This Beach Town Be Mexico’s Next Great Seaside Destination?

Once a sleepy fishing and surfing outpost, Puerto Escondido has developed a stylish arts and food scene—and a new highway promises to let everyone in on the secret.

October 3, 2016 04:05 PM

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Kelly Bastone

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

overhead view of two gourmet meals on a private jet with champagne bottle and two glasses

Air Travel News

How Much Does it Actually Cost to Fly in a Private Jet?

There are ample ways to charter a private jet or book a seat on a semi-private flight. And the cost varies more than most travelers probably realize.

September 23, 2024 12:11 PM

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Michelle Baran

Longreads

Searching for Santa Claus

For decades, some people have held fast to the belief that the hometown of the holiday icon is in northern Finland—not the North Pole.

December 14, 2021 10:26 AM

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Katherine LaGrave

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