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A high view of Avalon Bay in California, with Catalina Casino in the foreground.

The Ultimate Southern California Road Trip

From coastal luxury to desert escapes, these ten iconic locations will guide you through the heart of Southern California.

Sponsored by Explore Minnesota

Longreads

Watch Millions of Butterflies Take Flight in One of the Planet’s Most Magical—and Endangered—Migrations

In the mountains of Michoacán, ecotourism is helping save an imperiled species.

March 14, 2025 10:31 AM

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Chloe Bergé

Aerial view of Park Hotel Vitznau beside lake in mountains

Hotels We Love

These 11 Hotels Put You in Switzerland’s Most Idyllic Settings

Dreamy Alpine retreats. Belle Époque icons. Epic spa resorts. These are Switzerland’s top 11 hotels.

July 30, 2024 01:23 PM

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Adam H. Graham

Aerial view of a busy stretch of beach in St. Pete-Clearwater, Florida complete with loungers and umbrellas

Where to Travel Next

7 Underrated Places in Florida You Should Visit in 2024

There’s plenty to soak in on a visit to the Sunshine State (besides all that Vitamin Sea).

February 29, 2024 07:47 PM

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Terry Ward

National Parks

Mask Mandates Are Returning at These National Parks

Due to a rising number of COVID cases, the National Park Service has reinstated mask policies in indoor spaces for some parks.

July 15, 2022 03:41 PM

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Bailey Berg

A tea set with a floral pattern in front of a round tiered tray with snacks

Travel Tips + Etiquette

A Guide to the Etiquette of British Afternoon Tea—and Where in London to Enjoy It

Tracing its roots to a 19th-century duchess, afternoon tea is moving into the present with contemporary remixes while retaining the historic charm that makes it a favorite among visitors.

May 26, 2024 09:11 AM

AFAR Advisor

The Real Reason Travelers Fall in Love With Germany

From pretzels and festivals to Christmas (and Easter!) markets, we talk to an insider about Germany’s appeal.

December 17, 2020 08:56 AM

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Annie Fitzsimmons

Food + Drink

These Women-Led Restaurants Are Saving Mexico’s Endangered Indigenous Recipes

In the state of Guanajuato, cooks at restaurants and ranches are plating up centuries-old recipes using endemic ingredients.

June 4, 2026 03:11 PM

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Imogen Lepere

New-York-Botanical-Gardens-PalmsGallery-Edit-scaled.jpg

Natural Wonders

The World’s Most Beautiful Botanical Gardens for Arctic Plants, Wild Fruit Trees, and Giant Water Lilies

Memorable gardens thrive on nearly every continent, in cities, deserts, and even in the Arctic Circle. Here’s a global tour, with stops at 15 of the prettiest.

December 18, 2025 03:00 PM

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James Oliver Cury

Everything You Need to Know About Albuquerque’s Massive Hot Air Balloon Festival

Festivals + Events

This Year’s Hot Air Balloon Festival in Albuquerque Coincides with a Solar Eclipse

The annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is among the world’s largest ballooning events. Here’s what to know to best experience the autumn spectacle.

August 30, 2023 04:28 PM

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Sarah Buder

The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern and its surrounding gardens

Hotels

7 New and Reimagined Hotels and the California Regions They Call Home

Whether making their debut or unveiling renovations, these are some of the best accommodations to book for a Golden State getaway—and regional travel tips for each.

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