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

American Canyon in California during golden hour, as seen from Newell Open Space Preserve

California By Anahid Akkam 8 months ago

California's 'Gateway To Napa Valley' Is Where Birdwatchers, Hikers, And Wine Lovers Start Their Journey

This California town is a haven for birdwatchers and hikers. It also serves as an excellent home base for people wanting to visit wineries in the Napa Valley.

Downtown Bastrop aerial shot over Main Street

Texas By Alex Lauzon 8 months ago

Texas' 'Most Historic Small Town' Is A Perfect Austin Day Trip Blending Artsy Charm With Outdoor Adventure

Not far from Austin, you'll find a charming small town that complements its artsy neighbor with riverside trails, history museums, and antique shops galore.

A crowd of people wait to board their plane in an airport terminal

Air Travel By Dana Cape 8 months ago

Flight Attendants Have An Unflattering Nickname For Tourists Who Crowd The Boarding Gate

It's time to board and hordes of passengers begin to crowd the boarding gate; flight attendants have an unflattering nickname for this typical tourist behavior.

View of Connecticut River Valley from Mount Sugarloaf

Massachusetts By Jessica Stewart 8 months ago

A Scenic Massachusetts Butte With Connecticut River Views Is The Ideal Destination For Hiking

For hikes with incredible river views that are suitable for any skill-level, head to this scenic Massachusetts Butte with multiple forested trails.

Alaska By Tanni Deb 8 months ago

The Only Place In Alaska To Ever Reach 100 Degrees Is A Thrilling Summer Recreational Paradise

Escape mainland United States and venture into the Alaskan wilderness for a unique summer retreat with a warm climate, outdoor adventures, and stunning views.

An aerial view of the Dahlonega Gold Museum

Georgia By Jenna Kelley 8 months ago

This Destination-Worthy Georgia City Is Rich With Wineries, Waterfalls, A Swimming Hole, And Gold Mining

Tucked away in the North Georgia mountains, this small town with a gold mining past is now a natural oasis where you can explore vineyards and waterfalls.

Foyer with sparkling blue pool in the new Couryard Residences villa at Wakatobi Dive Resort

Promoted By Manny Minaya 8 months ago

Discover A Barefoot Luxury Resort With An Environmentally-Conscious Mission

Wakatobi Resort provides a 5-star experience centered around an environmentally-conscious mission: to protect one of the world's most pristine reef systems.

Air Travel By Jonathan Houston 8 months ago

Why Travelers Should Avoid Airport Lounges

Unwinding in an airport lounge might seem like a sweet deal. However, there are some drawbacks you might not expect. Here are a few issues to watch out for.

A stream flowing through a Pennsylvania state park

Pennsylvania By Manny Minaya 8 months ago

Just Outside Pittsburgh Is Pennsylvania's Underrated State Park With A Waterfall, Beach, And A Wildflower Display

America's lesser-known state parks hide some of the country's most unexpectedly beautiful nature shows. This Pennsylvania park is one such sanctuary.

Campsite at night with a tent, chairs, and lights

Travel Gear By Cheryl Kochenderfer 8 months ago

This Unexpectedly Useful Camping Essential From Costco Is Surprisingly Affordable

Power your campsite (and your devices) using this practical camping item, available in Costco stores and often sold at a surprisingly affordable price.

Hotels and Resorts By Jody Miller 8 months ago

Las Vegas' Most Expensive Casino Is A Defining Resort With Huge Pools, Innovative Tech, And Spa Theatrics

From sprawling pools to innovative concierge tech and a sensory spa, this massive, record-setting Vegas resort sets a new standard for opulence.

View of the facade of Oysterville Sea Farms

Washington By Leslie Veliz 8 months ago

Washington's Sweet Storybook Community Has Old-School Coastal Charm And Sumptuous Seafood

Discover a Washington coastal haven with storybook streets, Victorian charm, bay views, and seafood harvested steps from where you'll taste it.

Aerial view of the rocky shore and spruce forest of Buckle Island, Maine

Maine By Rene Bennett 8 months ago

Maine's Unique, Serene Island With Natural Art Pieces Is A Quiet Paradise To Hike And Kayak Near The Coast

When you're out in the wild, you probably don't expect to see anything that would be at home in a postmodern art exhibition. This island bucks that trend.

Calm water and mountain at sunset in Lake of the Woods, Oregon

Oregon By Jonathan Houston 8 months ago

The Historic Mountain Resort With Fine Dining, Family Entertainment, And One Of Oregon's Clearest Natural Lakes

This beloved lakeside family resort has everything you need for an idyllic vacation — incredible dining, boat rentals, cabins, scenery, and abundant sunshine.

Snow-capped summit of Pikes Peak rising above Colorado rock formations

Colorado By Joseph Richard Francis 8 months ago

Colorado's Epic, Unfinished Trail Brims With Charming Small Towns, Endless Recreation, And Unique Terrain

There is no shortage of grand, breathtaking hiking opportunities in Colorado, and one of the most epic routes in the state is nearing completion.

A JetBlue airplane flying low over Maho Beach's blue waters and white sand

Caribbean and Bahamas By Eva Johnstone 8 months ago

Named One Of The Caribbean's Best, This Famed Beach's Proximity To The Airport Is What Makes It So Special

Some beaches you make your itinerary because you can lie back, read a book, and go for an easy swim. This Caribbean beach is not one of them.

Caribbean and Bahamas By Jody Miller 8 months ago

This Once-Overlooked City In Aruba Is Quietly Becoming The Island's Most Inspiring Destination

Just a short drive from the island's most popular destinations, the "street art capital of the Caribbean" is making a name for itself in a big way.

Highway 20 going east toward Republic in the Cascades

Washington By Dave Bowling 8 months ago

Between Spokane And Vancouver Is Washington's Scenic Getaway With Forest Trails And Fossil Beds

This hidden town in Washington is perfect for a northeastern vacation with scenic, relaxing hikes and the chance to find your very own fossil.

Traveler stows their carry-on luggage in an overhead bin

Air Travel By Dana Cape 8 months ago

One Crucial Thing Experts Say Travelers Must Do To Secure An Overhead Bin Spot For Your Carry-On

This simple strategy can help ensure that your carry-on bag gets overhead bin space, preventing it from being gate-checked at the last minute.

Barrack High School, build in the 1930s in Chilhowie, VA

Virginia By Nikolai Arto 8 months ago

Situated In Southwest Virginia Is An Appalachian Valley Town With Colonial Roots And Beaux‑Arts Charm

Enjoy the colonial landmarks, stunning Beaux-Arts buildings, and valley views in this scenic Virginia town with roots running back to the American Revolution.

Minnesota By Maja Proescholdt 8 months ago

Hidden In A Lakeside Minnesota Park Are Ancient Burial Mounds That May Be Older Than The Great Pyramids

While the United States is still relatively young, the history of the North American continent stretches back thousands of years. This state park proves it.

Mother and daughter in airport watching planes

Europe By Richard Milner 8 months ago

Rick Steves Explains The Most Affordable Way To Take On A Lengthy European Vacation With Children

Traveling with children can be a challenge even if you're just driving across state lines. Europe is another story. Here's how Rick Steves does it.

Scenic Lake Arenal is at the foot of a volcano surrounded by a national park

Central and South America By Anastasia Mills Healy 8 months ago

One Of Costa Rica's Most Scenic Lakes Sits Beneath A Massive Volcano With Hot Springs And Wildlife-Filled Trails

Nothing makes a trip more exciting than vacationing next to an active volcano. This Costa Rican lake offers all the thrills an adventure-seeker could want.

A fountain in front of Southern Illinois University, Carbondale

Illinois By Megi Canco 8 months ago

Illinois' Laidback College City Is A Family-Friendly Getaway With Lakeside Fun

Far from the busy streets of Chicago, this small college city puts you close to forested hiking trails, serene lakes, and tons of fun local amenities.