Islands.com | Expert Travel Info & Tips: From Islands, to Mountains, & Everything In Between

The Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina

North Carolina By Sam Scott 4 months ago

North Carolina's Small Town With Big-City Access Offers A Lively Downtown With Murals, Markets, And Music

Just 30 minutes outside of Charlotte lies a perfect escape with walkable downtown streets, charming boutiques, and a thriving local music scene

Aerial view of Santa Fe's buildings and mountains at sunset

New Mexico By David McElhinney 4 months ago

This New Mexico Gem Has Been Voted America's Best City For The First Time In History

According to a survey of thousands of avid travelers, one New Mexico spot, bursting with history and creative flair, is the best city in the U.S.

Water Sports By Tamara Blazquez Haik 4 months ago

California's 'River That Came Back To Life' Thrives With Wildlife And Adventure After Hiding For Decades

One of California's mightiest rivers has come back to life after Native American tribes and environmentalist groups successfully got dams removed.

Florida By Jenna Kelley 4 months ago

Florida's Wildly Underrated City On The Atlantic Coast Boasts 17 Miles Of White Sand Beaches And Thriving Arts

This underrated Atlantic destination blends white sand beaches, creative culture, and small-town warmth into Florida's ultimate coastal escape.

Female hands closing laptop, packaging clothing into the suitcase in hotel room on a business trip.

Air Travel By Danielle Robles 4 months ago

Why Tourists Should Avoid Putting A Laptop In Their Carry-On

To keep your laptop near you at all times when flying, you may decide to pack it in your carry-on luggage. However, this is a mistake tourists should avoid.

A smiling woman eating cheese fondue with a lake and mountains in the background.

Europe By Ben M Stower 4 months ago

Vegetarians Will Save A Ton Of Money Eating Out In This Expensive European Country

Being a vegetarian, or at least temporarily avoiding meat, will save vacationers in this pricey European country a lot of money at mealtime.

Blue water surrounded by grass, trees, and canyons

Florida By Brandy Jo Hastings 4 months ago

An Adventure Park Near Ocala Offers Florida's Only True Canopy Tour With Zip Lines, Boats, And Horses

Florida is the flattest state in the country, but this adventure park offers something different. With steep cliffs and unique terrain, it's a must-visit spot.

Walkway over the waterfalls at Lost River Gorge, New Hampshire

New Hampshire By Bridget Gleeson 4 months ago

Hidden In New Hampshire's White Mountains Is A Popular Boardwalk Trail Leading To Immaculate Natural Wonders

A scenic New Hampshire trail offers a rugged landscape where twisting caves, tumbling streams, and wooden walkways create an unforgettable mountain adventure.

Kayaks on sandy beach overlooking Lake Superior with forested cliffs in the background and a boat on the water

Michigan By Allie Johnson 4 months ago

Michigan's Nearly Mile-Long Sandy Beach Offers A Quintessential Upper Peninsula Experience Full Of Beauty

This picturesque beach on Michigan's UP offers crystal-clear Lake Superior waters for swimming, golden sands for lounging, and scenic trails for hiking.

Canada By Tess Kazenoff 4 months ago

Ontario's Great Lakes Sun-Soaked Destination With Tuscany Vibes Is The Birthplace Of Canadian Winemaking

This underrated Ontario wine region is the warmest in the country. Situated on Lake Erie, enjoy the sunny weather over a glass of local riesling.

Equestrians racing at the Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens, New York

New York By Rene Bennett 4 months ago

Bet On Horses At NYC's Old-School Racetrack That Sits Between Caribbean Restaurants And JFK Airport

For something to do in New York that is off-the-beaten-path, head to this old-school racetrack to watch the races for free and then walk to great restaurants.

Florida By Rebecca High 4 months ago

Situated On The Florida-Georgia Line Is A Historic Lakeside Getaway With Winding Trails And Local Flavors

From Native American mounds and Civil War relics to river bluffs, fishing lakes, and seafood feasts, this Southern hideaway blends past and present.

Backview of a female tourist standing in front of the Colosseum

Europe By Kala Barba-Court 4 months ago

Italy's Tourist Faux Pax In Rome Could Get You Sent To Jail With A Hefty Fine

If you plan on visiting Rome, make sure to avoid making this massive mistake that could land you a large fine and possible jail time.

The Chicago skyline at dusk, with Lake Michigan's shoreline in the foreground

Illinois By Elliot Schorr 4 months ago

Chicago's Most Vibrant Neighborhoods Packed With Great Eats, Cool Shops, And Lakefront Vibes, According To Locals

With over 200 neighborhoods, there's a lot of Chicago to see. Don't worry, we picked the best neighborhoods that'll help you choose the perfect one(s) for you.

Buildings towering over a park in Chicago, Illinois

News By Desiree Koh 4 months ago

This Iconic Midwestern City Is The Country's Biggest Hotspot For Bed Bug Infestations In 2025

No one wants to encounter bed bugs in their hotel while on vacation, but your chances of doing so may be higher in this major Midwestern U.S. destination.

A view of Lizard Island Resort and Anchor Bay from a nearby peak.

Australia By Lisandra Moor 4 months ago

Australia's Only All-Inclusive Resort Directly On The Great Barrier Reef Is One Of The World's Most Luxurious

This luxe resort is a stone's throw from the Great Barrier Reef, with primo amenities, private beaches, and access to exceptional marine life.

Colorado By Kristin Conard 4 months ago

Colorado's 'Steel City' Is A Riverfront Town With Floating Tours, Bold Flavors, And Vibrant Murals

To see a different side of Colorado, head to the state's "Steel City," a riverfront town with boat tours, vibrant murals, and a chili pepper with the same name.

Trees rising out of the water at Lake Moultrie on a sunny day.

South Carolina By Ben M Stower 4 months ago

Sunken Forests And Secret Coves Make This Freshwater Lake A Dreamy Lowcountry Escape

An hour north of Charleston, this Lowcountry lake is a wonderful place to unwind with some fishing, kayaking, or camping in the South Carolina wilderness.

Thermometer in the foreground with blurry woman fanning herself in the background

Tips and Hacks By Rebecca High 4 months ago

Rick Steves' Not-Perfectly-Accurate But Simple Little Trick To Help American Tourists Think In Celsius

Travel expert Rick Steves shares a simple trick to convert Celsius to Fahrenheit, which is accurate enough for tourists to get by when traveling.

Arizona By Ikam Acosta 4 months ago

Arizona's Desert City Is A Haunted Art Hub With Mountain Views And A River Running Through It

Despite having gorgeous mountain views and a serene river running through it, this Arizona art city is filled with many haunted sites.

Reflections on the water at Putnam Pond Campground in New York's Adirondacks.

New York By Eva Johnstone 4 months ago

This Quiet Campground Is A Great Jumping-Off Point For The Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Area In The Adirondacks

The Adirondack region contains some of the most beautiful wilderness areas in New York, and this quiet campground is the perfect spot to start your adventure.

River view of Battleboro and its red brick architecture

Vermont By Richard Milner 4 months ago

Settled On The Connecticut River Is A Funky New England Escape With Indie Shops, Jazz, And Famed Ski Jump

With roots going back to 1724, this riverside Vermont gem is home to countless indie stores, historic red brick buildings, and even the Harris Hill Ski Jump.

Northern water snake rests in sun on rock by lake

South Dakota By Jill Zwarensteyn 4 months ago

The Snake-Filled Lakes Of South Dakota You'll Want To Think Twice About Swimming In

Ready to dive into adventure at some of South Dakota's best lakefront spots? Not so fast. Before taking a dip, read up on the snakes that lurk in the deep.

The placid surface of Lake Mattamuskeet on a cloudy day with sunlight on water plants and distant trees

North Carolina By Ben M Stower 4 months ago

Sandwiched Between Wilmington And Norfolk Is A Coastal North Carolina Gem With Magical Fishing And Kayaking

Tucked behind the Pamlico Sound, this charming natural lake is a great spot for kayaking and fishing, though it turns into a birding paradise come winter.