AFAR Search

A train running alongside the ocean, with beach grass in the foreground

Trains

10 Train Routes That Will Take You Straight to a National Park

Amtrak routes like the Empire Builder and the California Zephyr deliver you straight to the country’s wildest places.

September 19, 2025 09:03 PM

·

Alexandra Gillespie

National Parks

The 9 Best National Parks for Phenomenal Fall Foliage

For some autumnal adventure of the colorful kind, head to these places across the United States.

October 4, 2023 05:43 AM

·

Melanie Haiken

Winter Sports

Where to Find the Best Après-Ski in the U.S.

There’s a memorable evening scene for every kind of traveler.

November 20, 2023 11:50 AM

·

Nicholas DeRenzo

Breathtaking scenic aerial view of Doubtful Lake from Sahale Arm on the Cascade Pass Trail in North Cascades National Park.

National Parks

11 Underrated, Crowd-Free U.S. National Parks to Visit in 2026 With No Foreign Visitor Fees

As new entry fees for international travelers take effect at several of the country’s busiest parks, these destinations offer equally striking landscapes without the added costs.

March 23, 2026 02:28 PM

·

Emily Pennington

Embrace the Slow Life—and Maybe a Few Trees—in Big Sur

Road Trips

California’s One of the Best States for Road Trips—11 Photo-Worthy Drives That Prove It

The coastal Highway 1 route is, of course, on the list, along with many you may have never heard of.

July 17, 2025 09:46 AM

·

Jessie Beck

View of south rim of grand canyon with snow in foreground and on top of rocks

National Parks

Find a Winter Wonderland in These 6 Stunning National Parks

Pile on your warmest gear and enjoy these beautiful national parks with fewer crowds, dramatic landscapes, and snowy outdoor activities.

November 27, 2024 07:36 AM

·

Melanie Haiken

Open Sky in Utah is just a 20-minute drive from the entrance to Zion National Park.

Hotels

These Are the 6 Best Hotels for Watching the Perseid Meteor Shower

These are the best U.S. hotels for watching one of the most spectacular night-sky events of the year.

July 27, 2023 08:04 AM

·

Stephanie Vermillion

Outdoor Adventure

Discover California’s Venerable Giant Trees—Without the Crowds

When crowds are small, these titans of Mother Nature loom larger.

May 26, 2022 04:15 PM

·

Jacqueline Kehoe

An overhead view of Egeskov Castle surrounded by a moat and manicured gardens in Denmark.

History + Culture

How to Go Off the Beaten Path in the Nordics

From folklore and food to landscapes and literature, find adventure and enrichment in the lesser-known regions of Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland.

Sponsored by The Nordics

National Parks

Another National Park Will Soon Require Reservations

This fall, Acadia National Park plans to test a new permit system to cut down on traffic and overcrowding.

February 11, 2020 07:31 PM

·

Maggie Fuller

Road Trips

The 14 Most Scenic Drives in the United States

A change of scene is as good as a rest.

August 31, 2023 02:00 PM

·

Tim Chester

Hiking + Cycling

14 Epic Hikes in the U.S.—From California’s Lost Coast to a Northeast Trek Longer Than the Appalachian Trail

With trails ranging from six miles to 4,800, here are some of the most incredible hikes the U.S. has on offer.

October 15, 2025 09:45 AM

·

Jacqueline Kehoe

Where to Go in Winter

10 Best Places to Visit in January

Begin your year of adventure on the right foot—be it with an island treasure hunt, a final film fest, or a newly opened national park.

November 20, 2025 07:06 AM

·

Mark Ellwood

Two people dancing and one person playing a drum in front of the Dakota Dunes Resort

Hotels

These Are the 7 Best Indigenous–Owned Hotels and Resorts in Canada

These seven Indigenous-owned accommodations are gateways to unforgettable cultural experiences.

November 15, 2023 12:11 PM

·

Debbie Olsen

The Teton mountains rising in the background of a field filled with brown horses and a forest of trees behind them

Family Travel

6 Underrated Spring Break Destinations for Families, According to a Well-Traveled Mom of 4

Whether you’re looking for an urban or a nature-filled escape, these spring break travel destinations offer a less-crowded alternative to more popular family getaways.

February 19, 2025 03:30 PM

·

Jamie Davis Smith

Search results for