Arguably the biggest anxiety for the first-time traveler is the thought of being lonely – visions of cold evenings curled around a flickering bedside lamp sobbing into a dog-eared copy of Wild by Cheryl Strayed as a soundtrack of general debauchery from the downstairs party reverberates through the walls. It’s a fear born of fallacy as
Destinations
You’ll need more than a couple of days to get to know Melbourne. With steel-and-glass high-rise buildings and historic architecture, complemented by a richly multicultural population, this is a city with many layers and histories to uncover. Begin your explorations at Federation Square – the nexus of many of the city’s main sights – to orientate yourself before ticking off
Even before the pandemic, lesbian bars were an endangered part of LGBTIQ+ culture. Today, of the nearly 63,000 bars in America, just 23 of them are lesbian bars — down from about 200 in the 1980s. Maybe it’s online dating, neighborhood shifts or societal changes that have diminished the number of dedicated lesbian spaces. But
For hikers, climbers and mountain-lovers, life doesn’t get much better than a visit to Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park. The iconic, saw-toothed Teton range towers over a chain of jewel-like glacial lakes that dot the valley of Jackson Hole, offering some of the most dramatic landscapes in the West. If you like to hike, paddle,
As summer in the US takes a turn into its hottest months, we’re all looking for the perfect places to cool off. Luckily, the country is speckled with lakes of all kinds: natural, manmade, alpine, saltwater and more. While big-name lakes get all the glory (looking at you, Lake Tahoe and the Great Lakes), there are
With its “fake spring,” occasionally chilly and wet summers, sometimes mild autumns and rather gray winters, there’s no reliable way of saying what weather to expect when visiting London. But what you can be confident about is that there are world-class museums, cozy pubs and lively events running year-round. For many though, summer is the season
North Carolina is blessed with National Park Service lands in nearly every corner of the state. Each park focuses on a different aspect of state history, and almost all offer the chance to get outdoors into nature. Some are ideal for a day trip, while others warrant multiple days of exploration. Best of all, the
The natural world is full of wonders, but is there anything more mesmerizing than things that glow? Mother Nature adds this touch of whimsy to the environment in many different forms – animals, plants and fungi – and in many different places. You just have to know where to look. No matter where you are,
Costa Rica or Panama? Both offer a wealth of wildlife, untamed nature, adrenaline-fuelled activities, and stunning beaches strung along seemingly endless Pacific and Caribbean coastlines. And they may be the priciest countries in Central America but they have the infrastructure to match. The similar characteristics of these neighboring gems have led to a good-natured rivalry, from
As the oldest fortified city north of Mexico, Québec City and its 400-year-old vieux ville (old town) attract throngs of visitors year-round. Fortunately, you don’t have to drive too far to escape the crowds. Within half an hour of the center, you can visit the gushing 272ft Chute Montmorency waterfall and vineyard hop on Île
If you’re a budget-conscious traveler looking to explore Central America, start by checking out these money-saving tips. With seven countries, two endless coastlines and countless attractions, Central America should be a top pick for travelers on a budget, whether you’re on a two-week vacation, a grown-up gap year or an open-ended sojourn and looking to
Whether you want to gain a new perspective on American history, explore unusual art venues or eat your weight in cannolis, Massachusetts is ready for you. Native Bay Staters and visitors from afar have little trouble filling their days with unique and exciting things to do all year long. For history buffs, art lovers, outdoor-adventure
Mexico’s landscape is extremely varied, ranging from steamy jungles and cactus-strewn deserts to white-sand beaches and even a few snow-capped mountains. The accommodations across this colorful country are just as varied as the geography. In Mexico you can sleep anywhere from a luxuriously converted bullfighting ring or castle to upcycled Volkswagen Beetles or a lone
Sprawling beaches, pristine waters and more than 700 islands full of tropical playgrounds make the Bahamas one of the most family-friendly getaways. Whether you’re looking for waterslides, waterfalls or underwater adventures, the Bahamas are an unexpected hotspot for kids. Make the most out of every adventure with help from our weekly newsletter delivered to your
Almost all travelers require a visa to enter Egypt, but fortunately, the process is pretty simple. A little advanced planning goes a long way. This guide will walk you through the entry requirements for visiting the land of pyramids on a tourist visa. Make the most out of every adventure with help from our weekly
Set between Chicago and Cleveland, Detroit and Nashville, Indianapolis makes a perfect weekend getaway for anyone traveling through the Midwest. Indiana’s state capital is home to craft breweries, award-winning restaurants and nearly a dozen sports teams. The best time to visit depends on what strikes your fancy: sports, food or outdoor recreation. Indy can be an
Perched on the inner tip of Cape Cod’s curling peninsula, Provincetown (also called P-town) has a long and complicated history as a safe harbor. For thousands of years, the indigenous Wampanoag (meaning People of the First Light) lived peacefully along these shores until European colonizers brought disease and destruction in the early 1600s. Then, in
Hills, bridges and the glittering expanse of the Douro River are all part of the scenic but sometimes challenging backdrop of Porto. Luckily, the city has an excellent transportation network for getting around, from a speedy metro system to old-fashioned trams, along with buses, taxis and even a funicular thrown in for good measure. Porto
As the pandemic held us hostage, we all experienced hot, sticky, airless nights where we pined for former lovers, our hearts weeping for their embrace. But now, as Portugal removes many of its travel restrictions, fantasy and reality can collide in one electrifying clutch. Here’s how to spend a weekend falling hopelessly in love with a distractingly
With urban centers often housing some of the most well-known museums around the world, you might be surprised at what one of the US’s least populated states has to offer. Museums in Wyoming cater to the art, history, geology and folklore of one of the most romanticized – and often misunderstood – areas in the