Destinations

They call Annecy the “Venice of the Alps” for good reason. An utterly charming town in the Haute-Savoie region of Southeastern France, it is crisscrossed by canals lined by flower boxes and encircles a great, glittering alpine lake, with shorelines best seen from the bow of a boat. Guided by French friends with a family

Rock-stacking is one of humanity’s most ancient art forms. But it is also contentious.  Hike far enough on just about any trail in the world, and you’ll likely spot a collection of stones placed atop each other that form impromptu sculptures. Some call them cairns. Others favor more colorful terms like “stone balancing” or “prayer

When we say that Malta is jam-packed full of culture, food and nature, we’re not exaggerating. After all, even though the 27km(17-mile)-long island is the tenth smallest country in the world, it’s the fifth-most densely populated. Which means that whether you’re a solo traveler, retired explorer or large family on vacation, you don’t have to

Welcome to Budapest, the “World’s Spa Capital.” In this captivating, cultured city, nothing feels more relaxing than plunging into a thermal pool and soaking away your stress and worries in warm, muscle-melting, mineral-rich waters. A landlocked country with an undying love for water, Hungary is blessed by naturally heated springs bubbling up from below the

How do you even begin to choose the best beach in the Philippines? With 7641 islands to choose from, you could throw a dart at a map and be confident of finding sandy shores and turquoise waters. For decades, the Philippines has drawn travelers eager to trade skyscrapers for towering coconut trees. Sunseekers flock to

There’s more to Uzbekistan than sublime architecture with its intricate tilework, world-renowned craftsmanship and echoes of the Silk Road. Millennia of trade with its neighbors and the influences of various cultures have left an enviable culinary legacy, and hospitality towards visitors reigns supreme. If you’re lucky enough to be invited into an Uzbek home, you

Svalbard influencer Cecilia Blomdahl’s life in Norway is magical. If you’re one of her millions of social media followers, you already know that. This remote region is a vast Arctic wilderness with stunning glaciers that make it feel a world away from the mainland – its remoteness is part of its charm. Most tourism centers around

Launceston might be Tasmania’s second-largest city, but it’s a place where nature and nurture continue to play leading roles.  With a deep and dramatic gorge reaching almost into the city center, Launceston is surrounded by the wine-producing slopes of the Tamar Valley where lush red volcanic soils nourish some of Australia’s finest produce. It’s this

It’s been 10 years since I moved to New York City, and I rarely get tired of its sparkle. I don’t consider myself a true local – I grew up on a cul-de-sac and took a school bus (not subway) to class – but I’ve made a home here in Manhattan, where I’ve lived in

New York City is one of the best places in the world to see live theater. Whether you’re looking for splashy new musicals, star-studded dramas, revivals of revered classics or edgier fare, you’ll find it under Broadway’s bright lights and at intimate theaters throughout town. There are plenty of Broadway shows that opened last season

Tipping is an elusive custom all over the world, and Asia is no exception. A common mistake tourists make is tipping in the first place. It’s not customary to tip in many Asian countries, and in some instances, it’s even considered rude. Don’t stress – it’s not as complex as it seems. Just follow this

When most visitors arrive in County Cork, Ireland, they tend to head straight to the craggy Beara Peninsula of West Cork, with its stunning coastal views, or to the famous pubs and food markets of Cork City. Yet those who venture east of Cork City will find sights and activities aplenty – with fewer fellow

Christchurch, the largest city on New Zealand’s South Island, sprawls between the sea and the Southern Alps. Visitors and locals alike tend to congregate around the CBD (the Central Business District or downtown area). Full of independent, quirky spots, it’s one of the best areas in Christchurch for a leisurely wander. Although the 2010 and

Nestled in the heart of the Sierra Nevada, Lake Tahoe shimmers like a cobalt moon. The gorgeous 190-square-mile lake, protected by peaks soaring up to 10,000 feet, is perhaps best on display when viewed from its southern shore, where tapestries of wildflowers fling across meadows, sandy beaches glimmer with gold, and mountains send their reflection

Synonymous with academic excellence, punting and satchels, Cambridge’s shopping scene, rather like its nightlife, tends to get written off as a bit of a disappointment. Ever since I was a teenager, lured by the siren song of cheap fast fashion, I have been drawn to its shopping centers and chain stores that might have been

Valencia has a sky that’s almost always bright blue: no wonder everyone would rather be outside. Life happens in the street in Spain‘s third-largest city, whether that’s catching up with friends on sunny terraces over a caña or sipping mojitos with toes plunged into the golden sand. Come to Valencia to marvel at modernist architecture

Welcome to Park City, a winter wonderland that gets over 500 inches of snow per year. Head to this legendary ski and snowboard (and aprés) town when things get chilly for snowy landscapes, a walkable downtown, elegant culinary experiences and a star-studded film festival. Located only 50 minutes away from Salt Lake City, Park City

In the last couple of decades, the likes of Costa Rica and Panama have transformed Central America into one of the world’s adventure havens. It’s a land scored by smoking mountains, threaded with coconut-dotted beaches and dressed from head to toe in jungles packed with sloths and slithering snakes. This guide to eight of the

Alexandria offers a mix of historic charm and contemporary style. Established in 1749, this city was a bustling seaport for over 40 years before nearby Washington, DC, emerged as the nation’s capital. More than 200 of Alexandria’s original buildings have been preserved, making for a historic vibe most notably in Old Town, a tree-shaded, redbrick-sidewalk

Budapest’s gastronomic scene buzzes with paprika-laden Hungarian dishes updated for contemporary tastes, increasing international influences, and crumbling ruin bars. However, the Hungarian capital’s culinary scene is in continuous flux; for every new and exciting restaurant, there’s another ruin bar bulldozed to make way for new development. I’ve watched the city change over the decades. I