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6 Laid-Back Ways to Explore the Golden State of Luxury

From eco-friendly wellness retreats to Michelin-star farm-to-table dining, top travel advisors share how to travel in style in California a little differently.

Sponsored by Visit California

Beaches

A Guide to U.S. Virgin Islands Beaches and Snorkeling

From St. Croix to St. John and St. Thomas, explore standout beaches and snorkeling spots across the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Sponsored by U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism

Road Trips

Stargazing, Planetariums, Dark Sky Cities: The Best Places for Astronomy Lovers Along Route 66

Route 66’s attractions aren’t just along the roadside—they’re in the night sky, too.

August 12, 2025 11:25 AM

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Stefanie Waldek

Epic Trips

On a Cruise to the Remote Arctic, Where Polar Bears Roam (for Now)

What an expedition cruise in the rugged yet fragile High Arctic can teach travelers about the planet.

October 10, 2022 01:44 PM

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Bailey Berg

Big Sur bridge spanningn two low mountains with the ocean underneath

Weekend Getaways

11 Easy Weekend Getaways in California—From Wine Country to Coastal Escapes

Take a much-needed break with one of these easy weekend getaways in California—you can taste wines, shuck oysters, go kayaking, visit a field of flowers, or even visit a tattoo museum.

July 29, 2025 10:20 AM

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Jessie Beck

New hotels in Bozeman and Big Sky help guests access the outdoors.

Hotel News + Openings

These New Alpine Lodges Make Montana’s Outdoors Even Greater

With canoe-shaped firepits and snowshoe chandeliers, three big-name hotels have a mission to get you outside.

June 6, 2025 11:46 AM

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Bailey Berg

Overhead view of Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage's pool area with mountains in the background and palm trees all around

Hotels We Love

Wellness, Retro Glam, and Relaxation—Escape to Palm Springs at These 5 New and Renewed Desert Hotels

California’s desert oasis is abuzz with fresh new hotels and recently refreshed resorts, making now the perfect time for a Palm Springs getaway.

February 16, 2026 02:05 PM

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Michelle Baran

Humboldt Bay holds two distinctive experiences in one view

Quizzes

Quiz: Find Your Niche Among California’s Vibrant Peaks, Valleys, and Cities

The Golden State is a land where anyone’s dream can come true. Our latest quiz helps you find yours.

If you missed the opportunity to catch the total eclipse over the United States in April, you’ll soon have the chance to catch an exciting “ring of fire” eclipse. Here’s what to know.

August 29, 2024 03:39 PM

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Bailey Berg

Hotel del Coronado's pool is lined with white lounge chairs and palm trees.

Stay Here Next

Poolside Cabanas, Beachfront Dining, and Gilded-Age Glam—What It’s Like to Stay at This Reborn California Icon

The Hotel del Coronado, one of California’s most storied beachfront resorts, recently completed a $550 million refresh—preserving its legacy while reimagining its future.

July 3, 2025 10:59 AM

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Tim Chester

A blue and grey train traveling along coastal tracks, with ocean and beach grass on one side and trees in the background

Trains

You Can See California’s Beautiful Nature by Train. These Are the Most Scenic Routes to Take.

Hop aboard a family-friendly train ride through redwood forests or an adults-only trip in Napa wine country.

May 14, 2026 05:06 AM

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Alesandra Dubin

Sunset by the firepit at the Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe.

Hotels

These Are 6 Great Hotels for Watching October’s Solar Eclipse—and You Can Still Book Them

These are the hotels to book for autumn’s main astronomical event.

August 16, 2023 04:33 PM

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Stephanie Vermillion

A row of vineyard vines in Central California's Paso Robles wine region.

Air Travel News

American Airlines Launches New Domestic Routes—Putting Smaller, Regional Airports in the Spotlight

As domestic travel continues to see strong demand, one of the country’s largest airlines is focusing more on regional hubs in scenic western U.S. destinations.

July 1, 2025 06:51 PM

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Bailey Berg

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