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A boat of tourists floats through the water of New Zealand's Waitomo Glowworm Caves. A guide is standing in the boat pointing to the ceiling where many many small blue lights shine like a starry night, but it's inside the cave

Bioluminescent Bays, Caves, and Parks: What Causes the Glow and Where to See It

Nature has given us some pretty incredible things—and creatures that glow in the night are at the top of the list. Here’s why bioluminescence happens and where you can travel to see it.

September 7, 2023 04:45 PM

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Nathalie Alonso

Photo Essays

This “Elephant Village” Is Incredibly Hard to Reach. That’s a Good Thing

For those who make it to Dzanga Bai, a reward awaits: This elephant stronghold remains one of Africa’s least visited spectacles.

August 20, 2025 10:12 AM

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Chris Schalkx

A stretch of beach in Nice, France, with loungers and striped umbrellas in the foreground and people sunbathing on the sand further afield

A recent Skyscanner report ranked destinations that are seeing the biggest year-over-year decreases in airfares. Here’s which cities made the list.

November 26, 2024 07:12 PM

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Bailey Berg

Honest Eco Sunset Sail and Dolphin Search

Sustainable Travel

Key West Is Beautiful—and Fragile. Here’s How Travelers Can Protect It.

Use the Eco-Experience Trail Pass to help the environment—and score rewards points—on your next Florida Keys vacation.

December 6, 2024 05:45 PM

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Susan B. Barnes

Aerial view of Waterlemon Cay with the North Shore of St. John in the distance in the U.S. Virgin Islands National Park.

Cruise

A Local’s Guide to St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands

Make the most of your time on this spectacular Caribbean island, whether you have a few hours or a few days.

February 20, 2025 05:18 PM

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Carol M. Bareuther

Turtle Bay Resort is located on O'ahu's North Shore.

Hotels

This Amazing Resort on O‘ahu Is Your Go-To Spot for Nature, Surfing, and More

Just back from Turtle Bay Resort on O‘ahu’s North Shore, an AFAR editor shares why it’s her new go-to retreat in the Hawaiian islands.

April 25, 2023 03:11 PM

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Jennifer Flowers

Mountains during sunset with a river running in front

Outdoor Adventure

When Is the Best Time to Visit Alaska? It Depends on Your Travel Plans.

What you’re hoping to see and do in the 49th state is key to figuring out when to come.

September 24, 2023 11:02 AM

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Bailey Berg

Drone panorama of pier in beach in Grace Bay, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos

International Beaches

9 Beautiful Beaches in Turks and Caicos—and Where to Stay Once You’re There

Turks and Caicos is known for having some of the world’s best beaches—here’s where you can find the best of the best.

July 30, 2023 02:37 PM

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Becca Blond

Although St. Lucia is less than 250 square miles, it has plenty of places to relax.

Beaches

St. Lucia is a Year-Round Vacation Spot—A Local Reveals 4 of Its Best Beaches

Some of the country’s best stretches of sand, according to acclaimed athlete and St. Lucia local Julien Alfred.

December 26, 2024 09:00 AM

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Mariette Williams

Person paddling out to the ocean on a surfboard

Islands

4 Beautiful Caribbean Islands Worth Visiting—No U.S. Passport Required

While you should definitely pack sunscreen, you can leave the passport at home.

January 23, 2025 01:12 PM

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Mariette Williams

Weekend Getaways

11 Easy, Drivable Weekend Getaway Ideas From San Francisco

Get away from the city with one of these close-by destinations throughout Northern and Central California.

May 9, 2024 03:50 PM

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Jessie Beck

Spring 2025

Surfing Isn’t out of Reach for Blind Travelers. Here’s How I Made it Happen in Hawai‘i

A blind traveler heads to Hawai‘i to catch some waves— and finds a memorable surfing partner in the process.

May 12, 2025 02:19 PM

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Ryan Knighton

Mount Taranaki, a snow-capped solitary mountain peak in New Zealand, with a reflective lake in the foreground reflecting an upside down image of the peak with yellow-ish brush all around

With higher numbers of tourists comes a greater strain on resources and infrastructure, the country’s tourism ministry argues.

September 6, 2024 03:17 PM

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Bailey Berg

Air Travel News

France Bans Some Shorter Domestic Flights to Curb Emissions

Short flights on select routes where the equivalent train ride is 2.5 hours or less are banned effective April 2022 (unless they connect to an international flight).

December 6, 2022 03:25 PM

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Bailey Berg

Two people headed into the Pacific Ocean with a surfboard.

Fall 2023

How Learning to Surf Helped Me Feel Closer to Hawai‘i—and the Ocean

AFAR hotels expert Jennifer Flowers reflects on her first surfing lesson, how Hawai‘i is taking big steps to protect its oceans, and what the state means to her.

November 14, 2023 01:59 PM

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Jennifer Flowers

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