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Amtrak passenger diesel locomotive traveling along coastal railroad tracks under bridge, Torrey Pines State Park in back, La Jolla, California, USA

Trains

Not Every Amtrak Route Is Scenic—But These 8 Train Rides Are Truly Worth It

Slow down and soak up the beauty of the U.S. on these epic train trips.

April 24, 2025 02:23 PM

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Ellen Carpenter

Park City sits in the valley between lush, green covered mountains.

Festivals + Events

9 Events That Make Summer Special in Park City

There’s always something going on in Park City—especially in the summertime. Here are some of the best festivals and events worth planning a trip around.

Sponsored by Visit Park City

Four people walking between two rows of wooden barrels

Beer, Wine, + Spirits

A Complete Guide to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail

Everything you need to know to sample your way around the land of Wild Turkey and Maker’s Mark.

April 19, 2025 09:51 AM

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Kara Newman

Great scenery Khao Sok National Park , stunningly beautiful Cheow Larn Lake, on the mainland between Phuket, Krabi, Khao Lak and Koh Samui

Off The Tourist Trail

How to See Thailand’s Wonders Without Feeling Like a Tourist

Skip Phuket’s crowds for tranquil Koh Yao Noi, get intentionally lost in Bangkok’s alleyways, and savor northern curries at night markets in Nan province.

December 26, 2025 02:08 AM

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Kathryn Romeyn

Packing Tips + Gear

The Psychology Behind Overpacking

Therapists and travel experts explain our tendency to stash that extra sweater or phone charger

February 22, 2024 01:38 PM

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Nathalie Alonso

National Parks

These Underrated State Parks Are as Gorgeous as the Most Popular National Parks

Avoid the crowds of seven popular national parks and visit these state parks instead.

May 20, 2024 09:03 PM

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Chloe Arrojado

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

Snow-covered mountain peaks with a cloudy sky

Outdoor Adventure

Kris Tompkins Has Helped Create 7 National Parks in Chile. A New One Is on the Way.

Tompkins has been working for decades to help rewild South America. The next few years will be even more ambitious, she says.

May 16, 2024 10:46 AM

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Katherine LaGrave

Dramatic evening light looking out across the Great Smoky Mountains from along the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina

Off The Tourist Trail

Yes, You Can See USA’s Most Visited National Park Without Crowds—Here’s the Local Expert Guide

Fireflies and blue hills shine brighter with fewer people in the way.

October 30, 2025 02:53 PM

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Olivia Young

Most visitors come to Costa Rica for nature. Twenty-five percent of the country is protected, and most natural areas are easily accessible, though some require going off the beaten path. More than 10 conservation areas are within reach of the country’s capital, San José, and each offers a different nature experience. From the last remaining tropical wet forests in the Mesoamerican Pacific, located in Corcovado National Park, to the stalagmite- and stalactite-filled caves of Tempisque Conservation Area, travelers can see a variety of habitats in one trip. As for accommodations, there are plenty of options for roughing it, but Costa Rica also features upscale resorts where you can retreat and recharge after a day outside.

Where to Travel Next

These Are the 5 Best Countries for Retiring Abroad

These places don’t require a high budget for a very high quality of life.

June 16, 2025 02:32 PM

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Chloe Arrojado

Packing Tips + Gear

The Best Amazon Prime Day Deals for Travelers in 2021

Amazon Prime Day takes place on June 21 and 22 this year.

June 21, 2021 07:52 AM

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Lyndsey Matthews

Tierra Bomba is a 15-minute boat ride from Cartagena, one of the largest cities on Colombia’s Caribbean coast.

Longreads

How Cartagena’s “Forgotten Island” Kick-Started a Recycling Movement

The tourism industry abandoned Colombia’s Tierra Bomba island decades ago. Today, locals and hospitality pioneers are rebuilding from scratch.

May 30, 2023 01:15 PM

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Alexandra Marvar

Travel Tips + Etiquette

I Dislike Physical Touch. What Should I Do When I Travel?

Our Unpacked advice columnist shares her perspective with a traveler who prefers to keep a healthy distance between themselves and people they have just met.

February 28, 2024 11:58 AM

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Anu Taranath

Areal view of a hotel with overwater villas in the Maldives.

Loyalty + Rewards

5 Common Travel Card Mistakes You’re Probably Making

From purchases that don’t earn rewards to overlooking cash-back card alternatives, these mistakes can delay your savings and travel goals—but the Verizon Visa® Card can help. Here’s how.

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