AFAR Search

The Smithsonian’s Newest Docent Is a Robot That Speaks Swahili

She’s part of an army of android ambassador who will field visitors’ frequently asked questions, tell stories, play games, and, of course, pose for selfies.

April 30, 2018 03:04 PM

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Matthew Phenix

Books

What It’s Like to Be a “Passenger” on a Capsizing Ship

In his new memoir-slash-survival story, author and travel writer Chaney Kwak recaps 48 hours on the “Viking Sky” that aged him decades.

June 2, 2021 03:15 PM

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Laura Dannen Redman

Outdoor Adventure

Redwoods Survive Wildfire at California’s Oldest State Park

Most of the ancient trees—some of them 2,000 years old—withstood the blaze.

August 27, 2020 03:08 PM

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Martha Mendoza

Cities We Love

The Art of Eating Crawfish in New Orleans

In New Orleans, crawfish offers more than just sustenance—it’s an entire culture all its own.

January 17, 2019 04:21 PM

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Lavinia Spalding

In the Magazine

Trees, Intentional Hiking, and the Beauty of Slime Molds

The translator and editor of “The Hidden Life of Trees” believes that a forest is so much more than a landscape—it’s a place where life happens all around us.

April 22, 2022 04:55 PM

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Sally Kohn

Spring 2022

Scotland Is Poised to Become the World’s First “Rewilding Nation”

Following centuries of deforestation, the U.K.’s northernmost territory has invested heavily in rewilding. Now some environmental leaders want to go a step further.

April 22, 2022 04:54 PM

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Lenora Todaro

Epic Trips

11 Things I Wish I’d Known Before Going on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Tips on how to pack, when to eat, and what else to expect on the European rail trip of a lifetime.

October 13, 2023 08:10 AM

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Sara Button

A person in a winter coat and boots standing in the snow beneath the northern lights, with two domes in the background

Hotels We Love

The 19 Best Hotels in the World for Stargazing

Sleep under the world’s darkest, clearest skies across six continents at one of these 19 dark sky zone hotels.

March 12, 2026 01:57 PM

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Megan Eaves

Where to Travel Next

This Ancient Trading Post in the United Arab Emirates Is an Essential Stop for Modern Visitors Too

A welcome change of pace from the UAE’s other cities, Al Ain is a relaxed mix of history, heritage, and culture.

January 5, 2023 06:09 PM

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Nicola Chilton

Outdoor Adventure

One Year After Australian Wildfires, “Birdsong Is Deafening” and Flora Flourishes on Kangaroo Island

Following the historic wildfires that ravaged millions of acres of Australian bushland in 2020, Kangaroo Island’s renewal is the hopeful story we all need right now.

January 14, 2021 06:32 PM

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Laura Dannen Redman

Restaurants + Cafés

Where to Eat in Paris and Lyon, According to a Chef

July 10, 2015 11:10 AM

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Jen Murphy

History + Culture

This Berlin Theater Shows How Entertainment Might Look Post-Coronavirus

In Germany’s capital, the historic Berliner Ensemble removed more than half of the seats from its main auditorium to guarantee social distancing for future theatergoers.

June 11, 2020 04:32 PM

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Sarah Buder

Weekend Getaways

Find a Quiet Summer Hideaway in Carbondale, Colorado

This Colorado charmer packs in plenty of appeal—restaurants, galleries, museums, hot springs, and spas—all with lodging priced at a fraction of the cost of an Aspen-based vacation.

July 7, 2020 07:13 PM

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Ashlea Halpern

Museums + Galleries

The National Museum of African American History and Culture Is Helping People Talk About Racism

The Washington, D.C., museum unveiled a free, interactive online portal designed to facilitate important discussions about race, racism, and racial identity in the United States.

June 10, 2020 04:23 PM

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Sarah Buder

UNESCO World Heritage

Puerto Vallarta’s Historic Center Is Now a Protected Cultural Heritage Area

The popular Mexican beach destination is also celebrating its centennial in 2018.

August 27, 2018 07:22 PM

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Lyndsey Matthews

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