Destinations

Chicago racks up a slew of Michelin stars and James Beard Awards, but it keeps it real with an affordable, no-pretenses scene that spreads across neighborhoods and mixes with the city’s cultural mash-up. Something tantalizing is always cooking in Chicago, and the 10 dishes below lead the pack. Get your goat at Birrieria Zaragoza Humble

Egypt has an extensive and somewhat efficient overland transport system. If your travel plans are focused on the Nile, the palm-studded scenery is as much of a highlight as the destinations along the way. While it’s possible to fly to the main cities in Egypt, you can reduce your carbon footprint by traveling overland by train, bus

Chicago knows how to put on a show, with some 200 theaters sprinkled around town. Improv comedy was born here and continues to headline on legendary stages. The drama scene draws equal acclaim, with many productions exporting to Broadway. Want to find the top performances in town? Read on for our top theater picks in

A stop at the grocery store is a ritual whenever I arrive in and depart from Italy, where I’ve lived on and off for years. My return visits to Sicily always begin with stocking up on the staples: milk, coffee and pasta. Then, before I leave, I stuff my suitcase with specialty items to take back.  I’m not the

Picture-perfect Los Cabos offers a desert-meets-sea aesthetic, with gorgeous golden rock formations that tumble down to the wide-open Pacific Ocean. Not to be confused with the West African island nation of Cabo Verde, Los Cabos is on Mexico’s Pacific Coast. Its anchor cities of Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo are jam-packed with

San Sebastián is regarded as one of the best places to eat in the world. After living in this gorgeous, glittering city-by-the-sea for the last 15 years, and consuming more than my fair share of its fresh seafood, quality conserves and perfect pintxos (tapas), I can say with confidence that this reputation is well-deserved. Want

Once the beating heart of industrial America, Pittsburgh has evolved from a city of mighty, pollution-spewing steel mills to one of green parks, talent-attracting universities and world-class medical centers. In the 19th and 20th centuries, immigrants drawn by the promise of jobs arrived by the hundreds of thousands, packing into hilly neighborhoods like Polish Hill,

If it were a person, the Roman quarter of Trastevere would be the dockworker who writes poems in the steam of a foggy window on his break, or the bartender who serves you coffee while waiting for their long-lost love to reappear in the doorway. It’s that part of Rome where you could be tricked

Greenland is a real-life adventure playground where cultural exploration and wildlife watching are like nowhere else on Earth. Here there are towns with more sled dogs than people, scientists engaged in world-leading climate change research, streets where polar bears occasionally wander and welcoming local townships to visit. A visit here will reaffirm your love of

As a born and raised Pennsylvanian, I’ve always thought of Philadelphia, or Philly, as a low-key version of New York City. The cost of living is less expensive, but you get similar perks: diversity, every cuisine imaginable, solid public transportation, a reasonable enough amount of green space, waterfront views, strong neighborhood communities, world-class museums and

India is a country that’s almost a continent. From the sky-high peaks of the Himalayas to the waterlogged jungles of Kerala and the dry-as-a-bone deserts of Gujarat and Rajasthan, this enormous nation covers an astonishing variety of terrain. Whatever time of year you visit India, you’ll find that the climate varies as you traverse this

Seville is the gleaming jewel in Andalucía’s cultural crown and a superb introduction to the region. Packed into Seville’s fairly compact Casco Antiguo (Old Town) are some of Spain’s great architectural treasures (including the Real Alcázar), its most impassioned art form, flamenco, and a whole host of museums, mansions and ornate churches. The Romans, Moors and

Wellness comes in all forms in Costa Rica, where you can visit world-class yoga retreats, relax in spas that mix modern methodologies with ancient traditions, and experience a spectacular surf scene. All of this comes with a stunning backdrop of tropical rainforests, palm-fringed beaches, and volcanic national parks. No wonder the Ticos watchword is pura vida

When is the best time to visit Denmark? Truly, whenever you want. Tourists visit this Scandinavian star year-round. It’s a popular place for city breaks in the autumn, winter and spring, with trips focused on hiking and outdoor exploration happening largely in the summer. Indeed, summer is peak season in all senses of the word.

Bali is relatively small in size, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to travel around. Public transport is erratic and traffic jams are common, especially in the densely populated southern and central parts of the island, which are the usual hangouts for travelers and tourists. In outlying rural areas, the winding paddy field lanes and

Bangkok’s nightlife reflects just how dynamic the city truly is. Whether you want to sip cocktails 50 floors up, dive into Asia’s liveliest LGTBIQ+ scene or explore the indie music scene, the Thai capital has an eclectic mix of venues that cater to every taste, budget and style.  Here’s our pick of must-visit spots when

Flyover Country, no more! The Midwestern United States may not be as flashy as their high-profile East or West Coast counterparts. Still, they prove their vacation value through accessibility, friendly hospitality, surprising attractions, natural beauty and affordability. Here are a few fantastic Midwest travel ideas you might want to consider for your next getaway in

You don’t have to stop traveling just because the year is ending. October is one of the best times for many epic adventures. Whether you want to get active in Montenegro or wander a medina in Morocco, here are the best places to travel in October. Where are the best places to travel to in

Dominica provides an unhurried respite for those looking to disconnect from life’s chaos. Yet throughout the Caribbean island nation’s mountainous terrain, deep gorges, verdant foliage, endless trails and bountiful rivers also make it an adventurer’s playground. Don’t expect sprawling luxury beach resorts and bone-white-sand beaches here. For Dominica’s secret sauce lies in its untouched, raw qualities –

Europe, with its compact size, captivating cities and endless outdoor pursuits, has long been a top solo travel destination for people of all ages. But with so much continent to explore, narrowing down exactly where to take your solo sojourn can be tough. Luckily, the benefit of traveling alone is not compromising on the destination, so