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Longreads

Deep in southwest Arkansas is a state park that charges visitors $10 to search for gems that can be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.

May 5, 2021 02:35 PM

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Katherine LaGrave

Left: Ursa; right: Sunset in the Sonoran Desert of Arizona with mountains and saguaro cacti and other desert vegetation.

Food + Drink

An Experimental Desert Cuisine Is Blooming in This Southwestern State

Thousands of years in the making, the Sonoran Desert’s ancient pantry is finally getting its fine dining moment.

March 20, 2026 12:38 PM

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Chris Malloy

National Parks

The Best Ways to Explore the Smallest National Parks in the U.S.

These pint-sized parks offer outsized fun.

June 18, 2022 01:39 PM

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Bailey Berg

A modern building with a glass wall under a pink sky

Hotels

14 Airbnb Alternatives for Every Kind of Vacation Home Seeker

Our favorite vacation rental companies offer everything from luxurious villas and design-forward dwellings to stylish family-friendly cribs.

July 23, 2024 09:36 AM

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Michelle Baran

L'Andana is located in Castiglione della Pescaia, near Grosseto, and is surrounded by rolling Tuscan hills.

Hotels We Love

These Are the 15 Best Hotels and Resorts in Tuscany

Whether you’re looking for a rustic countryside retreat or a stylish urban bolthole, these are the top 15 hotels and resorts in Tuscany, Italy.

March 28, 2024 03:53 PM

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Erica Firpo

A hiker with walking poles heading under an arched rock formation in Sete Cidades National Park with trees around the trail

National Parks

A New 115-Mile Trail in Brazil Connects National Parks, Waterfalls, Caves, and Sandstone Rock Formations

The new Caminhos da Ibiapaba Trail is among a growing network of long-distance treks throughout Brazil.

May 14, 2026 05:38 PM

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Bailey Berg

The stunning coastline of the Algarve, Portugal

Outdoor Adventure

This Airline’s Stopover Program Lets You See Portugal’s Hot Springs, Villages, and Waterfalls—For Free

TAP Air Portugal’s direct U.S. flights and stopover program make it easy to rest and relax during an extended layover in the country.

Sponsored by Visit Portugal and TAP Air Portugal

U.S. Beaches

The Joys of Cleaning Up a Beach on Vacation

Whether you join an organized cleanup or simply spend 15 minutes tidying the sand around your towel, picking up trash on a beach can help you connect more deeply with your destination.

May 21, 2019 02:40 PM

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Maggie Fuller

Cruise

The “Secret” Cruises That Will Bring You to Off-the-Beaten-Path Ports

These unique adventures on the high seas aren’t heavily promoted and tend to attract fewer and more experienced travelers. Here’s everything you need to know about repositioning cruises.

December 10, 2025 05:30 PM

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Jeri Clausing

Destination Spotlight

The Best Things to Do in South Carolina

From historic gardens and handsome parks to fascinating museums and charming markets, here’s what to see and do in the Palmetto State.

May 28, 2020 09:43 AM

Man and boy hiking on a forest path in the fall

Road Trips

4 All-American Family Road Trips—and Tips for Surviving

Let these trip ideas fuel your next family adventure.

October 17, 2024 06:00 PM

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Tanvi Chheda

Collage of travel gear on colorful backgrounds

Packing Tips + Gear

Of all the travel products AFAR recommended this year, the most purchased items included luggage, water bottles, and several items for keeping you—and your belongings—safe.

December 21, 2023 07:18 AM

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Lyndsey Matthews

A person, seen from behind, sitting in bed and stretching their arms overhead looking out at a pool area outside

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