Search results for

AFAR chose a destination at random—by literally spinning a globe—and sent Meghan Daum on a spontaneous journey to Peru.

Germany’s oldest and most famous university town, Heidelberg is known for its striking Old Town, beautiful setting on the Neckar River, and evocative hilltop castle. Destroyed by French troops in the 1690s, rebuilt during the 18th century, and miraculously unscathed during World War II, it’s proved a source of inspiration for everyone from Goethe to William Turner to Mark Twain. Equally romantic is the surrounding valley, full of forests, fortresses, castles, and charming villages like Bad Wimpfen.

In the city’s once-gritty fishermen’s quarter, a group of activist chefs is reviving—and reinventing—traditional cuisine.

Denver’s hotels have stepped up to suit an influx of sophisticated visitors flocking to the Mile High City’s art galleries, shopping districts, and dining scene. From Larimer Square to Cherry Creek, century-old buildings to contemporary newcomers, these accommodations put it all at your fingertips.

A highlight of Bavaria—and Germany in general—Franconia is beloved for its picturesque landscapes, medieval towns, and rich beer and food traditions. Formerly a separate duchy of the Holy Roman Empire, the region is dotted with dense woodlands, national parks, and grapevine-covered hillsides, as well as castles, palaces, and UNESCO World Heritage sites like the old town of Bamberg and the Würzburg Residence.

Home to over 150 active registered food trucks, DC’s food truck phenomenon is alive and well. From ethnic to comfort food, most trucks are situated along public squares, namely Franklin and Farragut Squares, and outside Metro subway stops such as Union Station, Metro Center, L’Enfant Plaza, and Rosslyn. With numerous options, locals and visitors can utilize the Food Truck Fiesta mobile app or website to track their favorite curbside eats in real-time by map and list format.

There are some experiences that you shouldn’t miss: Taste a custard tart (the famous pastel de Belém), visit the Jeronimos Monastery, listen to fado (Portuguese folk music), and stroll through Lisbon’s alleys, Rossio Square, and the narrow streets of the Bairro Alto and Alfama. There is also time to visit some museums or the castelo.

A visit to Dubrovnik can give you a glimpse of an older Europe, one with ancient Roman sites and medieval stone walls, with charming cobbled streets and sunny market squares and the blue Adriatic Sea glittering beyond. Savor your time here by walking the city walls, toasting the sunset from a terrace bar, shopping for local crafts and delicacies, and falling in love with the “Pearl of the Adriatic.”

While Los Cabos may have caught your eye, there’s a good chance Todos Santos will be one of the most memorable parts of your trip. So ... make sure you give a visit to the town the time it deserves. An hour’s drive from Cabo San Lucas, Todos Santos is one of the most magical art towns ... anywhere. Chat up local artists while visiting their studios, eat your fill at some of the area’s best dining spots, go fishing, and so much more.

In 1870, Ocean Grove held its first illumination night during its Lake Carnival at Wesley Lake. Each year, there were larger crowds and houses, hotels, tents, and businesses were lit with colorful lanterns. By 1875 the little town was lit up and everyone enjoyed this carnival. By the mid-twentieth century the custom was discontinued. There is a little store in Auditorium Square called The Hub and this year (2014) the manager, Deb Cuddhy has decided to bring back Illumination Night with its “First Illunimation Night”. Thursday, August 7th will be the date at 7:30pm. There will be local music & light refreshments for sale. Residents are asked to light up their tents and houses.The Hub is selling lanterns. This sounds like a really fun event. Let’s check it out! For more info: www.oceangrove.org/pages/Hub2014

Whether you’ve got a new home ready to fill with everything from dishes to textiles or you just want some surf wear for an upcoming lesson or, perhaps, a wooden carving to bring home to your aunt, there’s a shopping experience to match your need in Bali’s shops and towns. Fans of haggling will find worthy opponents at markets including the Sukawati Art Market. For high quality clothing and souvenirs, head straight to the boutique-heavy town of Seminyak.

From the national brands at Faneuil Hall and downtown Boston to the boutiques of Newbury Street, Charles Street, and the South End, the city’s shopping areas offer a lot of something for everyone. If you’re craving the best of Boston’s small producers of good eats, head straight to Boston Public Market. In Cambridge, Harvard Square’s hidden gems lean more bookish and, at times, more counterculture.

The southern city of Dubrovnik in Croatia is the most visited city in the country, and with good reason. As one of the last remaining walled towns in the world, a walk through town is a walk through time and along with the views and weather, Dubrovnik is truly an amazing travel destination.

Joburg is a meat-eating town, but in this case the meat can include giraffe, crocodile, and kudu.

In search of a flightless, sex-crazed, and rarely seen parrot in a land once ruled by birds.