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A geological wonder bounded by the French Alps to the north and the Mediterranea Sea to the south, the Côte d'Azur—often known in English as the French Riviera—stretches from the Italian border to urban Toulon. Beaches, quaint fishing ports, and opulent architecture line the coast. The mention anywhere in the world of Nice, Cannes, Monte Carlo, St. Tropez, Antibes, or Juan les Pins evokes glamour and a sense of nostalgia. Coastal towns are strung along a chain of dramatic hills peppered with vineyards and olive groves. The pristine mountains, too, have ancient villages and wandering roads to explore.

Where to Go in Spring

10 Best Places to Visit in May

Beat the crowds of summer travel with a trip to these destinations.

February 27, 2024 04:30 PM

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Mark Ellwood

Been There, Seen That: Alternatives to Europe’s Biggest Cities

Cities We Love

Been There, Seen That: 7 Compelling Alternatives to Europe’s Biggest Cities

Already explored Rome, Berlin, and Barcelona?

February 20, 2024 12:52 PM

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Andrew Richdale

The Pierre, A Taj Hotel, has a grand entrance with revolving doors and stone columns.

Hotels

Hotel Concierges Reveal All the Seemingly Impossible Tasks They’ve Ever Been Asked

The secret weapon behind your next memorable trip? The hotel concierge.

February 16, 2024 11:39 AM

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Sarah Khan

6 Most Beautiful Spring Train Rides Around the World

Trains

8 Train Rides to Take for Stunning Spring Scenery

Take in the best of spring with a trip on a Japanese bullet train or a vintage railcar in England.

February 09, 2024 01:46 PM

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Lyndsey Matthews

A painting by Pablo Picasso hangs in a common area of the Fife Arms in Scotland.

Hotels

At This Luxury Hotel in Scotland, You Can Sleep With World-Class Art

At the Fife Arms in the Scottish Highlands, the artwork is extraordinary and the afternoon tea might involve whisky.

January 31, 2024 11:42 AM

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Laura Dannen Redman

National Parks

These Gateway Towns Might Be Cooler Than the National Parks Next Door

Use one of these singular towns as a base for your next outdoor adventure.

January 19, 2024 03:19 PM

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Nicholas DeRenzo

After a dinner in the French Quarter, head to Frenchmen Street to take in your choice of local acts. Actually, you don't have to choose—you can wander from one nightclub to the next, and settle in where you feel most comfortable. Among the best: <a href="https://www.afar.com/places/the-spotted-cat-music-club-new-orleans">Spotted Cat,</a> which is always hopping with local trad jazz and the occasional Cajun band. Finish off your stay with a detour to the <a href="https://www.afar.com/places/louisiana-music-factory-new-orleans">Louisiana Music Factory</a>, where you can pick up CDs of your favorite discoveries from your rambling through the city's clubs. If you'd rather remain in the French Quarter, an hour or so spent at <a href="https://www.afar.com/places/preservation-hall-new-orleans">Preservation Hall</a> will give you a glimpse of New Orleans of years past, with extraordinarily talented musicians, many with close with links to the city's storied musical past,

Where to Go in Spring

7 Surprisingly Great Places to Visit in the Spring

These places are perfect for a postwinter trip.

January 11, 2024 02:00 PM

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Mark Ellwood

Greenhouses at Kew Gardens botanical gardens in England taken from the treetop walk with green trees near white building during daytime.

Natural Wonders

The Most Beautiful Botanical Gardens in the World

Memorable gardens thrive on nearly every continent, in cities, deserts, and even in the Arctic Circle. Here’s a global tour, with stops at 13 of the most striking.

January 03, 2024 08:58 AM

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James Oliver Cury

As the tide goes out around Mozambique's Bazaruto Archipelago, miles of white sand dunes are exposed, creating an exceptional landscape.

Where to Travel Next

The Best Places AFAR Staffers Visited in 2023

In a travel-packed year, we hiked in bogs, met mountain gorillas, and discovered much of the USA by EV.

December 27, 2023 11:00 AM

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Tim Chester

Packing Tips + Gear

The Best Travel Accessories We Never Leave Home Without

Sure, you’d never travel without your toothbrush—but what about a refillable toothpaste tube?

December 14, 2023 11:46 AM

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Lyndsey Matthews

A stone staircase rising through the forest, surrounded by tree trunks and green plants, with a mountain lake in the distance

Hiking + Cycling

These 3 Long-Distance Scenic Trails Have Joined the National Park System

The total number of U.S. national park units has been bumped up to 428 with the designation of these scenic trails: the Ice Age, the New England, and the North Country.

December 13, 2023 10:00 AM

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Bailey Berg

Manchester England - Midland Hotel - Billie Cohen.jpg

Cities We Love

The Essential English City to Visit—and the Best Things to Do There

Manchester has always been radical, so it’s no surprise that the northern English city is pushing the country’s arts and culture scenes into new territory as well.

December 12, 2023 09:53 AM

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Billie Cohen

Books

16 Books About the USA Every Traveler Should Read

These titles traverse the United States and uniquely capture a sense of place while exploring the country’s countless facets.

December 12, 2023 09:22 AM

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Shannon Reed

A photo of the village of Albarracin, Spain at sunset, with rocky blue mountains in the background and pink-ish buildings perched on a mountain ledge.

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