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

A suitcase packed for vacation with a tablet on top of the clothes

Air Travel By Sophie Baker 2 months ago

TSA's Rules For Packing An iPad In Your Checked Luggage

Though it might be tempting to pack your iPad or other tablet in your checked luggage, there's a reason TSA prefers you to bring it in your carry-on instead.

Aerial view of coastal town with small marina surrounded by mountains, Picton

New Zealand By Marta Benigni 2 months ago

New Zealand's Gateway To The Islands Is A Sunny Haven With Quirky Shops And Iconic Trails

There aren't many places in New Zealand where you won't find beautiful scenery and laid-back vibes, but this port town is maybe the best located of them all.

The Bunker Hill Covered Bridge surrounded by forest

North Carolina By Ian Goldstein 2 months ago

Sandwiched Between Asheville And Greensboro Is North Carolina's Affordable City With Historic Charm

This small North Carolina city offers a relaxed, inexpensive getaway with historical farms, charming inns, photogenic covered bridges, and a walkable core.

The exterior patio view of Aba in Austin, TX

Texas By Jenna Kelley 2 months ago

A Texas Favorite Restaurant In 2025 Has California-Style Mediterranean Vibes In Austin

Diners on OpenTable rated this Austin eatery as one of the best in the state, offering a light, airy ambiance and Mediterranean cuisine with a West Coast twist.

Travel Guides By Sky Ariella 2 months ago

9 Underrated Tourist Destinations For 2026 To See Before They Become Too Popular

Planning an epic trip in 2026 but want to avoid some of the well-trod, over-touristed destinations around the world? Here are some underrated place to consider.

Sunset over Mount Diablo and grassy rolling hills of Briones Regional Park, California

California By Anahid Akkam 2 months ago

Just Outside San Francisco Is A Park With Camping, Hiking, And Wildlife Viewing

One of the best things about San Francisco is its proximity to wild, untouched green spaces. This park is one of the more overlooked natural gems around.

Ice skating in Central Park with skyline of New York in the background

Hotels and Resorts By David Jenison 2 months ago

This New York Hotel Has Reinvented Winter Travel With Cashmere, Caviar, And Personalized Luxury

This iconic New York City hotel is offering a luxurious package of cashmere apparel and caviar tastings. For some higher-end rooms, this experience is included.

An aerial photo in Coldwater, Michigan with lakeside houses and docks into the water

Michigan By Mitchell Peterson 2 months ago

Between Fort Wayne And Lansing Is Michigan's Affordable Lakeside City With A Walkable Downtown

It's not often you hear "Midwestern city" and "walkable" in the same sentence. This low-key Michigan locale bucks that trend, and it's all the better for it.

Snowboarders and skiers on the slopes in Mount Bohemia, Michigan

Michigan By Bridget Gleeson 2 months ago

Midwest Skiing Is More Affordable And Scenic Than Ever At Michigan's Secret Mountain Resort

Despite its location in the Midwest, this ski resort features a vertical drop of 900 feet, and the rugged terrain is covered in only natural snow.

Aerial view of downtown Heflin with the historic Cleburne County Courthouse in view

Alabama By Makayla Maxwell 2 months ago

Between Birmingham And Atlanta Is Alabama's Under-The-Radar City With Natural Beauty And Southern Charm

Those looking for an outdoorsy vacation in a peaceful small city should head to this Alabama trail town that is full of Southern charm and forested hills.

Aerial view of footbridge in Greenville, South Carolina

South Carolina By Caitlin McAllister 2 months ago

A Top Place To Retire Is A Walkable South Carolina Hotspot With Affordable Living

This walkable South Carolina city is a retirement haven with affordable living, fantastic amenities, over 200 restaurants, and a "Great American Main Street."

View of the Grand Hotel Kronenhof and surrounding Pontresina village in Switzerland

Europe By Rene Bennett 2 months ago

Europe's Under-The-Radar Village In The Swiss Alps Has Once-In-A-Lifetime Skiing And Mountain Views

The Swiss Alps are a once-in-a-lifetime trip, but they can get busy. To avoid the crowds but keep the great skiing and views, head to this underrated village.

Waves crash at Pedro Point Beach in Pacific California.

San Francisco, California By Eva Johnstone 2 months ago

These 5 San Francisco Suburbs Are Affordable Gems With Convenient Locations

We get it: "San Francisco" and "affordable" aren't exactly an iconic pairing. But a look at the area's most budget-friendly neighborhoods reveals a lot.

View of the ocean and a path along Waihe'e Ridge Trail in Maui, Hawaii

Hawaii By Ikam Acosta 2 months ago

Maui's Cloud-Brushed Hiking Trail Is A Dramatic Ascent That Shines Brightest In Winter

This 5-mile trail is a Maui hike you don't want to miss. The best part is that it's extra beautiful in the winter, with verdant foliage and rushing cascades.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida By Amber Nolan 2 months ago

One Of Fort Lauderdale's Most Desired Neighborhoods Is An Upscale Village Full Of Historic Charm

After hitting the beach in Fort Lauderdale, make sure to explore the historic houses in this upscale neighborhood that borders the city's scenic canals.

Horseback riding at Elkhorn Ranch surrounded by mountains

Arizona By Anastasia Mills Healy 2 months ago

Arizona's Elkhorn Ranch An Hour From Tucson Is A Family-Friendly Getaway With Mountain Views

Along with horseback riding, Elkhorn Ranch offers a heated swimming pool, tennis courts, and twenty cozy cabins that are perfect for a relaxed escape.

World's largest cuckoo clock in Sugarcreek, with a red building to its left behind a tree and shrubs in the foreground under a cloudy sky

Ohio By Jess Simms 2 months ago

A Unique Hotel In Ohio's 'Little Switzerland' Lets Guests Sleep In Old-Fashioned Train Cars

In addition to taking in some authentic Swiss culture, a visit to this Ohio town offers the chance to call a decommissioned train your hotel.

Texas By Ikam Acosta 2 months ago

One Of The Top Places To Retire In The Southwest Is An Affordable Warm Weather Haven With Colorful Culture

Home to hiking trails, warm weather, and a rich culture, this Texas city is one of the best places to retire on a budget if you're chasing the sun.

Cobblestone street in San Juan with the Puerto Rican flag painted on a door

San Juan, Puerto Rico By Sophie Baker 2 months ago

5 Unwritten Rules Tourists Should Know Before Visiting San Juan

Before you take that long-awaited Puerto Rican trip, here are some things you need to know when you spend time in the capital city of San Juan.

Pennsylvania By Ian Goldstein 2 months ago

Pennsylvania's Charming Suburb Outside Pittsburgh Has Nearby Local Shops And Great Restaurants

There are lots of reasons to visit Pittsburgh, from museums to parks to its exciting sports scene, but don't forget to seek out the gems outside the city.

Traditional mountain buildings in the town of Schladming, Austria

Europe By Joseph Richard Francis 2 months ago

Europe's Under-The-Radar Resort Town May Be The Best Winter Haven To Ski Surrounded In Charm

This Austrian ski resort town has history, winter sports, and plenty of charm, with a fraction of the crowds found in other European destinations.

Man holding an American flag and taking a selfie in Zion National Park

National and State Parks By Kristin Conard 2 months ago

The Biggest National Park Changes Coming In 2026

Changes are coming to America's National Parks in 2026, and this could be good news for people who like saving money and embracing nature at the same time.

A beautiful sunset on Chicago's skyline overlooking the lake

Restaurants By Sophie Baker 2 months ago

Chicago's 5 Most Affordable Michelin Star Restaurants For Chic Dining At A Lower Cost

Chicago has many Michelin star restaurants, but if you don't want to go broke trying them, stick to our list of the most affordable (and still stellar) spots.

priority shipping container train in Cassoday, Kansas

United States By Megi Canco 2 months ago

Tucked Between Wichita And Topeka Is Kansas' Charming 'Prairie Chicken Capital Of The World'

Kansas is one of the most underrated states in the country, and this charming spot between Wichita and Topeka is jam-packed with culture and chickens.

Romantic Getaways By Joe Orovic 2 months ago

The 5 Best US Cities For Singles In 2025 Are Scattered Across The Country

Looking for love as we turn the calendar to 2026? These are the best American cities for those who are single and looking to mingle, according to research.

Arizona By Rosheda Stephenson 2 months ago

Arizona's 10 Best Destinations To Visit For Real Winter Weather During The Season

From snow-covered mountain towns to ski resorts, these Arizona destinations offer true winter weather backed by snowfall data and traveler reviews.

Aerial view of Arcachon, France overlooking Archachon Bay

Europe By Chris Malone Méndez 2 months ago

France's Best-Kept Secret Is A Crowd-Free Coastal Gem With Sensational Seafood

Forget crowded coastal towns like Nice, this hidden gem on France's Atlantic coast has impeccable seafood, beautiful sand beaches, and less tourists.

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