AFAR Search

The Best (and Worst) Times to Hit the Road This July 4 Weekend

Between Wednesday, July 3, and Sunday, July 7, more than 41 million Americans plan on taking a road trip. Here’s how to avoid them.

June 27, 2019 05:42 PM

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Lyndsey Matthews

In Russia, you don’t put your shot glass down until you’ve emptied it.

Travel Tips + Etiquette

Bar Exam: How to Drink Like a Local in 20 Countries

What may seem like normal bar behavior in the United States might not be acceptable elsewhere. Here’s a rundown of drinking etiquette in countries around the world.

March 9, 2018 08:25 PM

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Chris Ciolli

Switzerland-Charming-Towns-SteinAmRhein-Nataliia-Gr-Shutterstock.jpg

Where to Travel Next

4 Charming Small Towns in Switzerland Every Traveler Should Visit

Immerse yourself in medieval history or retreat to a mountaintop.

September 15, 2022 11:38 AM

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Melanie Haiken

Restaurants + Cafés

In Milan, Pastry Chefs Are Reclaiming Italy’s Traditional Christmas Cake

Move over, supermarket panettone—Milanese pastry chefs are reinventing the country’s famous yuletide fruitcake in delicious ways.

September 12, 2019 11:49 AM

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Serena Renner

History + Culture

Inside Tokyo’s Buddhist Temple Devoted to “Lucky” Cats

Located in the Setagaya district, Tokyo’s Gotokuji Temple honors “maneki-neko”—a feline figurine that symbolizes good fortune, according to Japanese legend.

July 10, 2019 04:47 PM

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Sarah Buder

Actor and TV host Alan Cumming has a new entertainment venture, this time focused on bringing you relaxation while flying.

“Traitors U.S.” host Alan Cumming dishes on airport lounges, the essential preflight cocktail, and his new partnership with Virgin Atlantic.

March 27, 2025 03:43 PM

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Cat Sposato

Hiking + Cycling

Now Is Your Chance to Bike Across the Country

Search and State’s (new) annual cross-country ride is about to kick off, and you’re welcome to join.

May 31, 2017 07:24 PM

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Maggie Fuller

Tips + News

The Bahamas to Travelers: We’re Still Open for Business

The tourist-dependent nation wants visitors to know that many of the islands were unscathed by Hurricane Dorian.

September 9, 2019 07:36 PM

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Dee-Ann Durbin

Hiking + Cycling

The Great Way to See Canada’s Scenic Beauty That Many Travelers Miss

The best way to explore the country’s wilderness in winter? Fat biking.

March 20, 2025 03:09 PM

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Steve Lyons

The sail-shaped Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, left, is surrounded by the blue waters of the Arabian Gulf. Jumeirah Al Naseem, right, is located right on the beach nearby.

Hotels

These Luxury Dubai Hotels Double as a Wildlife Sanctuary

Dubai’s sail-shaped Burj Al Arab and its sleek sister property, Jumeirah Al Naseem, are home to the Middle East’s first turtle rehabilitation project.

January 28, 2024 08:00 AM

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Nicola Chilton

Versailles, France, August 18, 2012. Le Grand Trianon at The Palace of Versailles.

History + Culture

8 Beautiful Châteaux in France You Can Visit—or Even Spend the Night In

Spending the day in fantastical splendor? Yes, please.

February 13, 2024 10:51 AM

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Chloe Arrojado

Cities We Love

The 11 Best Things to Do in Santa Monica

Here’s how to get a taste of everything the city has to offer before the sun goes down over Santa Monica Boulevard.

August 22, 2023 07:26 PM

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Kristin Braswell

Holiday Travel

8 Places Around the U.S. to Go for Holiday Tea

Decked-out dining rooms, warm scones, and tons of tea to choose from will surely put you in the festive spirit.

November 12, 2018 05:52 PM

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Rachel Mabe

Air Travel News

How to Figure Out What Type of Plane You’re Flying In

The type of plane you fly on can affect everything from how much luggage space you’ll have to how you can pick the best seat.

January 17, 2024 05:45 PM

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Ramsey Qubein

Air Travel News

The Best Restaurants at Los Angeles International Airport

Whether you want one last great meal before leaving the city or you’re looking for comforting food on a long layover, there are plenty of places worth seeking out in LAX.

January 30, 2019 10:30 AM

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Harriet Baskas

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