AFAR Search

Surprise Trips Are More Popular Than Ever—Here’s What It’s Like When a Stranger Plans Your Vacation

One AFAR editor let the surprise travel agency Pack Up and Go plan a mystery road trip—one where she didn’t find out her destination until the moment she walked out the door.

January 25, 2019 04:19 PM

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Lyndsey Matthews

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

Outdoor Adventure

Give the Gift of Transformative Travel, and Give Everything

Travel has the power to transform. This holiday season, gift outdoor experiences that will offer new perspectives.

Sponsored by Athleta

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

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

Cities We Love

New NYC Ferry Service Connects Tourists with Vibrant Local Beach

The Rockaways were once a long, long subway ride away. Not anymore

May 4, 2017 07:52 PM

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Matt Villano

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

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

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

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

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

Hotels

Luxury Travelers Start Booking Again—and It’s Not All Domestic

Have we hit rock bottom when it comes to travel bookings? Let’s hope so.

June 9, 2020 01:07 PM

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Annie Fitzsimmons

Restaurants + Cafés

The Best Gelato Shops in Italy

Because not all gelato is created equal.

September 14, 2017 08:00 PM

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Nile Cappello

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