Destinations

Many of Florence’s most iconic sights are iconic precisely because they haven’t changed in hundreds of years. But while the allure of medieval and Renaissance art may be timeless, your experience in the city will change depending on when you visit. While there is no shortage of things to see and do throughout the year,

Let’s be real here: Las Vegas is always on. Be it the international culinary pizzazz, 24/7 gambling euphoria or entertainment in every form humanly possible, you can get it year-round in Sin City.  However, when you go to Las Vegas can make a world of difference on many fronts. For example, you’ll want to limit

It’s hard to pick favorites when it comes to Washington, DC’s neighborhoods, simply because there are so many wonderful ones.  They share many great characteristics, and contain multitudes. NoMa is known for its vibrant food scene – and Downtown has some fantastic restaurants, too. The Shaw/U Street area is a great spot for an evening

With its impressive terrain of imperious mountains, volcano-ravaged landscapes and sumptuous rainforest, Washington State is understandably renowned amongst keen hikers. It is home to the northern terminus of the Pacific Crest Trail (part of the “Triple Crown” of US hiking), the headquarters of the American Alpine Institute, and three pioneering national parks: iconic Mt Rainier, the

Like many South Florida residents, I came first as a tourist before my family made the leap and moved here. But don’t lump me in with the new wave. I planted my roots in Miami back in 2009 – meaning I’ve been observing Miami’s distinct culture since well before the city’s recent trendiness. Getting to

In a city filled with the atypical, it’s easy to fall into the typical tourist routine in Las Vegas. The generationally accepted Sin City mantra is to gamble, catch a show, gamble some more, have a few drinks, enjoy a little entertainment…and repeat as many times as humanly possible until you have to stagger back

Florence has been a key destination on Italian itineraries since the Grand Tour days, when British and German aristocrats traveled through the peninsula to enrich their cultural baggage and gain status. While much has changed since the 17th and 18th centuries, the Tuscan capital remains a major draw, as proven by the thousands of people

An inimitable blend of cool and kitsch, Brighton is one of the UK’s most quirky, vibrant and welcoming cities. The perfect combination of lively urban life and laid-back beach vibes, Brighton has a thriving LGBTQIA+ scene, scores of independent stores and coffee shops, and a beloved seafront that draws beachgoers from across the southeast of

Washington state encompasses such a large and varied terrain that, depending on your travel plans, your budget could either be rock-bottom or luxury – or a combination of both. Centering your trip around the great outdoors – hiking in national parks, for example – can keep costs way down, especially if you camp and cook your own meals.

I live in Lisbon but as a food and travel writer I frequently find myself in Porto. For me, a visit to the northern Portuguese city typically involves a peek at a new place or two interspersed with return visits to the classics. In particular, I always make a point of going to cafes, bars

As far as states go, Virginia was at the front of the line when they were handing out amazing attractions. From the Chesapeake shores to the Blue Ridge peaks, this gorgeous land harbors major historic sites, up-and-coming cities, romantic valleys, pre-Revolutionary villages and wine-tasting drives. You can slurp fresh oysters, learn about US history’s most

Spain boasts Europe’s longest high-speed rail network, second only to China globally, and its trains are exceptional and far-reaching. In one day, you could gawp at Gaudí’s architectural genius in Barcelona, be whisked by rail to Madrid’s museums, and still arrive in Seville for a sunset flamenco show. Not that it’s all A to B

Tokyo combines futuristic, sky-grazing structures with low-slung wooden buildings and glowing lanterns that hark back to the city’s past. Every form of Japanese culture can be found tucked away in a side street, and spending some time exploring Tokyo’s neighborhoods will help you really get to know this magical place – from sumo wrestling and kabuki

Even if your budget is tight and your pockets are light, there are ways to experience everything Dublin has to offer. You may have to bypass high-end restaurants and opulent castles but you won’t miss out on a diet of international street food, live music sessions and sociable hostels. Dublin, like any other major European

Wherever you are in Japan, it seems you’re never far from a great meal. Restaurants often specialize in just one dish – perhaps having spent generations perfecting it – and pay close attention to every stage, from sourcing the freshest, local ingredients to assembling the dish attractively. And, as you’ll quickly discover, Japanese cuisine has

It isn’t hard to find a bit of respite from New York City‘s clamor. Really. World-famous landscapes, tiny “pocket parks,” community gardens and many hundreds of acres of woods (really!) make up Gotham’s archipelago of over 1700 green spaces, all of which offer an alternative to the skyscrapers and crowds. While it’s tough to narrow it

By most European standards, Ireland can be quite expensive. Accommodation and food are generally priced at the upper end of the scale, which means a sizeable daily budget is needed. However, there are plenty of ways to make your money go further during your visit to Ireland, and if you are travelling on a tight-ish

Bustling, diverse and surprising: such is Paris! Due to its variety and density, navigating the city for the first time may seem challenging. Even after nearly 20 years of living in Paris, I still encounter nuances in the local lifestyle and learn about Parisian peculiarities, such as being fined for taking a Metro corridor the

The Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon, Glacier Lagoon… sure, Iceland‘s big hitters are absolutely worth the visit but can also become quite crowded. Why not include something different in your itinerary, something that might surprise and delight? Here are some of Iceland’s great off-the-radar experiences – many of which are summer-only activities – that will help you understand

Few destinations capture the imagination like Iceland. This volcanic land of ice and fire, of glacier-carved fjords, of freely-roaming horses, feels like nowhere else on earth. Here, you can take a soak in its geothermal baths and spas, delve into the history and legends of the Icelandic sagas, and explore otherworldly ice caves. Iceland keeps visitors