Search results for

Petra flourished more than 2,000 years ago, trading with Rome as an equal before being abandoned after a series of earthquakes in the 4th and 6th centuries C.E. It wasn’t until the 19th century, when European explorers “rediscovered” it, that the ancient city returned to the public consciousness. Now, visitors can walk down the narrow canyon of the siq to the city entrance—as dramatic an approach as any to a tourist attraction on the planet. The canyon opens up onto the carved facade of the Treasury, Petra’s most iconic site. From there, you can explore the cliffside tombs with their colorful bands of sandstone, the Street of Facades, and the amphitheater hewn from living rock. The ancient center lies some distance off, along with the splendid old Monastery, which sits at the top of a steep but rewarding climb. Consider buying a three-day ticket and visiting at different times of day to enjoy the changing light—early in the morning is best for the Treasury, while late afternoon is better for the Royal Tombs.

One of the most popular day trips from Reykjavík, this dramatic and scenic rift valley is both the historical site of Iceland’s Viking parliament and a geological wonder in its own right. Among the highlights are the Almannagjá cliffs, where the island’s chieftains and most of the Icelandic population traditionally congregated for an annual Alþing (general assembly), the last of which was held as recently as 1798. Wooden walkways around the park lead to other sites of interest like the black-roofed Þingvellir Church and Þingvallavatn, the largest natural lake in Iceland. There are also waterfalls, flower-filled valleys, and abundant wildlife. It is possible to organize a diving trip to explore the tectonic rift that divides the Eurasian and North American plates, and there’s a visitor center with great views and decent coffee as well as exhibitions and a gift shop.

Crowds may swarm upon it daily from sunrise onwards, but exposure hasn’t dulled the impact of the largest religious monument in the world. Commissioned by King Suryavarman II in the 12th century as the centerpiece of the mighty Khmer empire, the structure is inspired by Hindu sacred design and is estimated to have taken around 30 years to build. The biggest surprise upon visiting might be learning that the vast complex of spires, moats, frescoes, cloisters, and balustrades was constructed in such speedy fashion. You won’t be alone while witnessing it, but sunrise over the iconic temple remains one of the essential experiences in Southeast Asia. A return in the afternoon when the camera-toting hordes have dispersed is also advisable.

Travel to southern Argentina, the gateway to “the seventh continent,” for a trip that spans the wine and tango of Buenos Aires and a bona fide polar expedition—with a world-famous waterfalls finale.

This week on Travel Tales by Afar, audio engineer Nicolle Galteland attempts to take a solo road trip through Namibia—if only she can figure out how to drive the car.

In this episode of Unpacked, we chart a stress-free path through the new world of tipping.

Enjoy everything from Cartagena’s colorful coastal lifestyle along the Caribbean to the dazzling urban vibes of Bogotá and Medellín on a trip through Colombia filled with history and culture.

On this episode of “View From AFAR,” Patrick Kaler, president and CEO of Visit Buffalo Niagara, talks about Buffalo’s rich architectural and Black history.

On this Unpacked Mini, writer Lisa Abend investigates Sicily’s viral one-euro houses—and shares what really happens after you buy.

On this episode of Unpacked, host Aislyn Greene sets off on an eight-day Oregon coast road trip in a Rivian hauling an Airstream and discovers that the hardest part isn’t the miles—it’s the parking.

On this Unpacked Mini, we peek into the colorful, immersive, and luxurious innovations coming soon to a cruise ship near you.

This week on Travel Tales by Afar, writer Santi Elijah Holley shares his 400-mile hitchhiking journey through Oregon—a leap of faith that tested whether a young Black man could find belonging in one of America’s whitest states.