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One of the hallmarks of the tradition is its use of the “<i>kadhua</i>” and “<i>phenkua</i>” techniques. The former refers to when threads are woven in one-by-one, whereas the phenkua (which literally means “to throw”) involves weaving in threads by passing a shuttle machine—which holds yarn—back and forth.<br/>

Longreads

In India’s holiest city, an ancient community of handloom weavers faces an electrically powered future.

February 23, 2023 12:39 PM

9 Cards With Amazing Travel Credits That Basically Erase High Fees

8 Cards With Amazing Travel Credits That Basically Erase High Fees

Generous travel credits offset annual fees of many top travel credit cards, placing their rates on par with low-fee cards.

January 11, 2022 08:12 PM

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Paul Rubio

Tourists visiting Kasimiye Medresesi in Mardin

Where to Travel Next

7 Essential Places to Visit While Traveling in Türkiye

Discover centuries of history, cave hotels, and some seriously good meze across the country.

April 11, 2023 06:28 PM

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Jenna Scatena

Packing Tips + Gear

The Best Deals for Travelers in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2023

You can find some of AFAR’s favorite shoes, bags, and skin-care products at a serious discount during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.

July 17, 2023 01:17 PM

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Lyndsey Matthews

Sunset in Australia with a bubble tent and outdoor bath in the foreground

Hotels

Go Stargazing at These Bubble Hotels and Airbnbs Around the World

Take glamping to a whole new level at one of these bubble hotels and vacation rentals, many with see-through roofs for stargazing.

April 17, 2024 04:48 PM

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Maya Kroth

Off The Tourist Trail

Yes, You Can Visit Venice Without the Crowds. Here’s How.

Visit Piazza San Marco after dark, explore the outer islands, including Giudecca and San Giorgio, and support the city’s glassmakers, lace makers, and other artisans.

March 13, 2025 05:37 PM

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Laura Itzkowitz

Hiking + Cycling

A 600-Mile Recreational Trail Is Coming to the West’s Sierra Nevada

The Lost Sierra Route will connect—and ideally help revitalize—15 mountain towns by bringing biking, hiking, and trail tourism to this scenic alpine region.

December 16, 2021 02:50 PM

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Anna Fiorentino

History + Culture

10 Distinctive Lighthouses in the California Bay Area

From Point Arena to Pacific Grove, here are 10 lighthouses near San Francisco and the Bay Area you can visit.

June 29, 2020 03:44 PM

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Pat Tompkins

A line of US passport covers with the president peeking through.

Here’s what to know about the new passport design.

May 8, 2026 01:09 PM

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Terry Ward

The lobby area in the Graduate Palo Alto featuring a long wooden tables with chairs and a wall covered in a gallery-style mix of artwork

Hotel News + Openings

Hilton Loyalists Now Have Access to One of Our Favorite Boutique Hotel Brands

The only thing better than design-forward properties is design-forward properties that also enjoy the benefits of being part of a larger loyalty program.

March 22, 2024 09:07 AM

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Bailey Berg

Books

The 17 Best Books of 2020, According to Barack Obama

Following the release of his latest book, the former president shares his favorites released this year from other authors.

December 18, 2020 06:27 PM

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Lyndsey Matthews

Visitors posing for photos inside of the Yu Yin Classical Garden in Guangzhou.

Spring 2025

I’ve Been to Guangzhou a Dozen Times, but This Last Trip With My Son Changed Me

On a family visit to Guangzhou, China, writer Bonnie Tsui discovers that she, like the city, is ever evolving.

May 6, 2025 12:12 PM

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Bonnie Tsui

The Sweetest U.S. Small Towns to Visit This Fall

Where to Go in Fall

Fall Is the Ideal Time to Visit These 8 Charming Small Towns in the U.S.

From Alaska to Arkansas, here’s where to go for perfect fall vibes.

August 1, 2025 03:28 PM

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Ashlea Halpern

Art + Culture

Largest Yayoi Kusama Exhibit Ever Opens in New York City

The “Princess of Polka Dots” unveils new paintings, sculptures, and one of her signature Infinity Mirror Rooms.

May 11, 2023 03:37 PM

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Mae Hamilton

The pool at sunset at Shutters on the Beach in Santa Monica, California.

Hotels We Love

The 19 Best Luxury and Boutique Hotels in Los Angeles

In a city known for its luxury, these 19 hotels are standouts. Each offers a unique take on world-class hospitality and L.A. glamour.

June 9, 2025 10:58 AM

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Chris Dong

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