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Two people hiking along the North Shore of Lake Superior, Minnesota

This Midwestern State Is the Scandinavia of the U.S.

Embrace “hygge” culture, outdoor adventures, new Nordic restaurants, and more, all thanks to Minnesota’s rich Scandinavian heritage.

Sponsored by Explore Minnesota

Hotels

10 Great Hotels in the Azores for a Local Stay

Don’t expect any humdrum, large hotel chains here: instead, ecofriendly surf lodges, historic forts-turned-inns, and stone-walled vacation homes await.

June 14, 2022 11:22 AM

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Jessie Beck

Museum of Underwater Art’s new <i>Ocean Sentinel</i> sculptures by Jason deCaires Taylor honor the guardians of the Great Barrier Reef.

Art + Culture

At New Great Barrier Reef Sculpture Exhibit, Visitors Dive Among Conservation-Inspired Submerged Art

A new sunken sculpture trail at the Museum of Underwater Art in Australia uses powerful art pieces to highlight threats facing the world’s oceans.

June 7, 2023 03:30 PM

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Kathleen Rellihan

Fish swim in a blue and purple ocean as a scuba diver's bubbles rise.

Spring 2023

Costa Rica Is Making Big Moves to Protect Its Waters. Is It Working?

In 2021, Costa Rica made headlines when it committed to increasing protection for the waters surrounding Cocos Island National Park. In reality, things are far more complicated.

April 17, 2023 04:00 PM

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Mona Gable

Road Trips

An Outdoor Lover’s Road Trip on the Oregon Coast

From crabbing to kayaking, Oregon’s stretch of 101 has nature, scenic beauty, and adventure in spades.

May 8, 2024 01:21 PM

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Ami Kealoha

View from the water of Varanasi, a spiritual center in India, with boats lining the waterfront and colorful buildings along the stepped shores

River Cruises

Bengal Tigers, Bustling Markets, and Ancient Temples: A New Wave of Cruises Is Plying India’s Storied Rivers

New river cruises in India along the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Hooghly rivers focus on wildlife encounters, centuries-old history, and life along the banks.

September 9, 2025 06:31 PM

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Bailey Berg

Northern lights in the sky of Fairbanks, Alaska

Astrotourism

The Most Beautiful Places to See the Northern Lights—Without Leaving the U.S.

You don’t need to go abroad to see the legendary light show that is the aurora borealis.

August 19, 2025 02:02 PM

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Bailey Berg

Hotels

10 Airbnbs We’re Bumping to the Top of Our Wish Lists

Airbnb just revealed its 51 most wish-listed rentals in each state (and D.C.). These are the ones AFAR staffers are pining over.

January 11, 2021 09:06 AM

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Lyndsey Matthews

Safari

How to Really Adventure in Kenya—With Astounding Wildlife and Culture

Search for the Big Five and immerse yourself in incredible cultural experiences on these three unforgettable trips, tailormade for style, romance, and outdoor adventures.

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