AFAR Search

Where to Use Hotel Points for Free Stays in Major U.S. Cities

Spend your hotel points wisely on stays at these luxe properties, from New York City to Beverly Hills.

April 19, 2024 07:24 AM

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A branch full of cherry blossoms, with a body of water and a building with pillars and a domed roof in the background

The city’s iconic flowers normally bloom in late March or early April. Here’s when the National Park Service predicts they’ll be at their fullest in 2026.

March 5, 2026 08:39 PM

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Jessie Beck

A man putting a plastic bag of toiletries into a TSA security tray containing a wallet, phone, and belt

Air Travel News

TSA’s 3-1-1 Rule: This Is How Much Liquid You Can Bring Through Airport Security

Here’s what to know about what’s considered a “liquid”, exceptions to the rule, and carrying food through airport security.

May 27, 2026 01:01 PM

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Jessie Beck

A bright yellow Spirit Airlines plane flying through the sky

Air Travel News

Now That Spirit Airlines Has Shut Down, What’s the Future of Affordable Flying?

Despite constantly being mocked, the carrier made air travel accessible to the masses.

May 12, 2026 05:30 PM

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Rachel Chang

Flight attendant pouring coffee into a paper cup on an airplane

Air Travel News

Another Major U.S. Airline Is Doing Away with Plastic Cups

Wine in a paper cup? Delta has vowed to replace its plastic cups with cups that are compostable and recyclable as airlines move toward a cleaner, greener future.

December 26, 2023 10:26 AM

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Bailey Berg

Lassen Peak perfectly mirrored in Manzanita Lake

National Parks

These Cooler, Less-Crowded National Parks Are Best in Summer

From Alaska to Maine, here’s where to swim, hike, and camp all summer long.

May 21, 2025 03:34 AM

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Chloe Arrojado

Sunset over Victoria Harbor in Hong Kong

500,000 flights are being given away to travelers from around the world.

May 16, 2023 01:20 PM

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Bailey Berg

COVID + Travel

Just in Time for Summer, Greece Drops All COVID Entry Restrictions

Travelers can go island hopping minus the proof of vaccination or prearrival COVID test.

May 4, 2022 06:50 PM

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Michelle Baran

interior of an airplane bathroom depicting the sink area

Air Travel News

A Very Important Change Is Coming for Airplane Bathrooms

It’s a “human rights issue”—the Department of Transportation has issued new regulations for narrow-body airplane lavatories. Here’s what to know.

July 28, 2023 02:49 PM

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Chris Dong

Tips + News

U.K. to Resume International Travel, Adding Several Countries to “Green List”

Several of the approved destinations—like Australia and New Zealand—still won’t let travelers in.

May 7, 2021 03:43 PM

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Associated Press (AP)

Natural Wonders

The Northern Lights Are Making a Rare Appearance in These U.S. States Right Now

If you live in Washington, Montana, the Dakotas, Minnesota, Wisconsin, or the Northeast, look up tonight—you might get a glimpse.

March 31, 2022 06:14 PM

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Bailey Berg

Historic Route 66 Sign in Street Pavement Beautiful Blue California Sky and Mojave Desert.

Road Trips

If You Want to Celebrate Route 66, Head to . . . Europe?

Have a taste of an Americana road trip in the Old World.

March 6, 2026 01:00 PM

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Miranda Mullings

COVID + Travel

U.K.’s Heathrow Airport Opens Terminal for High-Risk Travelers

As of June 1, travelers arriving from a “red list” of coronavirus hot spots will pass through the London airport’s Terminal 3.

June 2, 2021 02:53 PM

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Jill Lawless

Tips + News

Angry Elephants and Mysterious Stenches: AFAR Editors Remember Embarrassing Travel Stories

Seven AFAR travelers dredge up their most cringeworthy anecdotes from a lifetime of travel.

April 2, 2020 04:53 PM

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Tim Chester

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

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