AFAR Search

5 Great Shore Excursions to Book While On an Alaskan Cruise

From cuddling sled-dog puppies to hiking Denali National Park, the best Alaska cruise itineraries mean more great ways to explore Alaska right now.

February 12, 2020 09:52 AM

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Anne Kalosh

4 Days In

4 Days in Tokyo: Vintage Denim Boutiques, Playful Museums, and Surprisingly Great Pizza

Don’t let the city overwhelm you—use this local-created guide to find the best neighborhoods, shops, and food.

February 12, 2026 03:36 PM

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Yukari Sakamoto

Destination Spotlight

See a Different Side of Puerto Rico, Thanks to United Voices by AFAR

From sipping warm coffee on a misty mountaintop to experiencing top-tier gastronomy and culture, let this AFAR-designed trip inspire your next adventure on the island.

Sponsored by Discover Puerto Rico and written by Herson Guerrero

Travel for Good

These Remote Swiss Villages Reveal What It’s Like to Be off the Grid

A remote valley in the Italian-speaking Swiss canton of Ticino is home to villages embracing a pastoral lifestyle in harmony with nature—electricity not included.

April 21, 2022 07:26 PM

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Claudia Laroye

Holiday Travel

The Dos and Don’ts of Gift-Giving Around the World

What should you do when someone refuses a gift in Japan? And what colors should you use when wrapping a gift in Italy? We’ve got the answers.

December 7, 2017 05:26 PM

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Chris Ciolli

A christmas market lit up at night, with a carousel and a grand city hall in the background

Holiday Travel

Where to Find Europe’s Most Festive, Unique, and Family-Friendly Christmas Markets

Visit craft-filled wooden stalls, sip mulled wine and hot chocolate, and take in the glittering lights at these nine Christmas markets.

October 18, 2025 04:54 AM

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Katherine LaGrave

A Christmas market in Salzburg around sunset with warm yellow lights illuminating the stalls and a string of lights covered with garland strung between a large Christmas tree and the edges of the market. People in warm coats are milling about.

Where to Go in Winter

This European City Is the Ultimate Must-Visit for Christmas Lovers

In this Austrian city, traditions include historic Christmas markets, delicious pastries, and some more unusual holiday festivities.

November 28, 2023 02:57 PM

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Joe Flick

Festivals + Events

This European City Is Especially Magical Over the Holidays

Budapest’s grand architecture and wealth of activities make for an unforgettable holiday visit.

Sponsored by Budapest, Spice of Europe

History + Culture

10 Beautiful Villages in Spain, With Medieval Walls, Moorish Castles, and Seaside Cliffs

These small Spanish towns are too lovely to be kept secret.

April 6, 2026 04:26 PM

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Chris Ciolli

Charleston city downtown skyline, cityscape of South Carolina in USA

Road Trips

Drive From Story to Story on These 13 Road Trips in the 13 Original Colonies

Follow paths once walked by Indigenous people, soldiers, enslaved Africans, and overshadowed women, from Georgia to New Hampshire.

March 10, 2026 06:01 PM

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Kemi Ibeh

View of rocks and a pond a the Garden at Adachi Musem of Art

Destination Spotlight

This Quiet Coastal Region is Only 1.5 Hours from Tokyo

The San’in region, comprising the Tottori and Shimane prefectures, is a natural haven for those seeking a side of Japan without the crowds.

Sponsored by Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau

National Parks

A First-Timer’s Guide to Banff National Park

Banff National Park is full of rugged mountain peaks, emerald lakes, and vast glaciers. Here’s what you need to know to make the most of your time there.

May 13, 2024 06:49 PM

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Juliette Recompsat

Mardi Gras parade float rolls down St. Charles Avenue, with trees and crowds of people lining street

Festivals + Events

I’m a New Orleans Local—Here’s How to Plan the Perfect Mardi Gras Trip in 2026

Mardi Gras is more than a day, it’s a season. Here’s how to dive into the spirit of the celebrations and make the most of carnival in New Orleans.

December 30, 2025 07:34 PM

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Jenny Adams

Tips + News

The Top 10 Countries Where Locals Feel Safest

Just because locals feel safe in these locations doesn’t necessarily mean foreign travelers will.

June 28, 2018 06:42 PM

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Lyndsey Matthews

Longreads

Venice and Morris and Me

One writer travels to “La Serenissima” and finds that time is no match for Venice’s magic.

August 25, 2021 09:57 AM

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Harrison Hill

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