AFAR Search

Stargazing Without the Crowds on the Grand Canyon Floor

A strenuous trek to Phantom Ranch—the only lodging on the base of the Grand Canyon—shows a different, less-crowded side of this world wonder. But you’ll have to work for it.

March 13, 2024 05:06 PM

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Stephanie Vermillion

Left: Zion National Park; right: Arches National Park

National Parks

Zion Versus Arches: How to Choose Between Utah’s Mighty National Parks

We asked experts to compare two of the most iconic national parks in Utah.

December 4, 2025 02:51 PM

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Francesca Krempa

Striking view of Torres del Paine National Park with large jagged peaks basking in a sunny glow and dusted with sections of snow rising behind a body of water and shrub-filled flatlands in the foreground

The campaign, called 10 Volunteers for 10 Days, aims to help develop a new, sustainable trail in Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park. The deadline to apply is February 27.

February 26, 2026 05:21 PM

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Bailey Berg

A road curves between forested mountains

Weekend Getaways

Discover This Under-the-Radar Gem in Northern California’s Sierra Mountains

If alpine scenery and beautiful lakes minus the Tahoe crowds sound appealing, hit the road to Hope Valley.

May 20, 2024 07:45 PM

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Michelle Baran

Wide angle view of the flowing sulfurous water at the hot water field (Yubatake) at Kusatsu Onsen hot spring resort in Gunma, Japan, on a cloudy day.

National Parks

This National Park in Japan Has Hundreds of Hot Spring Pools and the Country’s Most Popular Onsen

Japanese locals have been voting these the top thermal waters since the 1400s.

January 30, 2026 03:17 PM

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Yukari Sakamoto

Shakti Himalaya's Prana Lodge with glass walls, lit from inside

Stay Here Next

This New, 7-Suite Himalayan Mountain Lodge Pairs Trekking With High-End Hospitality

Shakti Himalaya’s guided walking trips in India’s Kumaon Himalayas culminate at the new Prana Lodge, where days on the trail give way to fireside evenings and mountain views.

May 19, 2026 05:34 PM

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Kathryn Romeyn

Castle of Torrechiara in Italy. Aerial view

Hiking + Cycling

This 93-Mile Italian Hike Leads to Medieval Monasteries—and Lunches Cooked by Nuns

The Via di Linari winds through the Apennines, passing abbeys, castles, and mountain towns. Here’s how to hike the Italian route.

December 11, 2025 01:02 PM

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Alessio Perrone

Hotels

In This Coastal Japanese Airbnb, Guests Are Given a Bed—and a Mystery to Solve

In a town in the Wakayama Prefecture, popular for hiking on the Kumano Kodo trail, this Airbnb invites guests to be immersed in a gripping mystery novel.

January 18, 2024 03:47 PM

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Jessie Beck

A full moon over the mountains and the Columbia River in Oregon's Columbia River Gorge

Hiking + Cycling

This Scenic Stretch Outside Portland, Oregon, Offers Wildflowers, Waterfalls, and More

The Columbia River Gorge is Portland’s favorite playground, thanks to mossy trails, cherry blossoms, and fresh seafood.

July 31, 2024 12:02 PM

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Sophie Friedman

Thousands of locals and travelers—myself included—hiked to view the Fagradalsfjall volcano erupt in 2021. Now a new fissure has opened, even bigger than the last.

Outdoor Adventure

Go See Iceland’s Erupting Volcano Right Now

I mean, if you want to . . . or you could stay home and do chores, go to the grocery store.

August 10, 2022 03:49 PM

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Laura Dannen Redman

Outdoor Adventure

Nothing Says Commitment Like Couples Therapy on the Side of a Cliff

Could you and your partner actually put your lives in each other’s hands?

September 18, 2025 12:38 PM

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Esme Benjamin

A group of four visitors walk over fossil-like hoodoos while exploring the badlands at Dinosaur Provincial Park

Destination Spotlight

Don’t Miss These UNESCO Sites of Alberta—Which Has More Than Any Other Province in Canada

These 5 (of 6) stunning, protected areas are within easy reach of Calgary.

November 13, 2025 01:22 PM

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Jennifer Malloy

The sun shining over a wooden walking path along an oceanfront cliff

National Parks

7 Less-Crowded Canadian National Parks for Backcountry Skiing, Rainforest Hikes, and Stunning Ocean Vistas

Avoid the crowds at Canada’s busiest national parks by visiting these magnificent, practically empty alternatives, from coast to coast.

January 7, 2026 05:53 AM

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Nick Hilden

A pastel, cloudy sky reflected in the water at Virginia Beach.

Outdoor Adventure

Why Virginia Beach Shines in the Off-Season

Cooler weather and fewer visitors make this coastal Virginia destination ideal for off-season outdoor adventures, like kayaking and hiking in state parks.

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