Destinations

A lake archipelago of more than 1000 islands. A bike path that follows an old railway line alongside and over the lake. Loud loons and ospreys flying overhead at dusk. Ancient deciduous forests. I’d never been to Sweden, but a bike trip around Lake Åsnen in the south of the country sounded lovely – as close

Extending across the Andean highlands, the Amazon, the Pacific coastlines, and even the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador is a mandatory stop in South America. Brimming with diversity, you can experience different geographical regions within a few hours. However, with the US dollar as the official currency, Ecuador is not a bargain destination. But, with these few

Toyko is the megacity that other world capitals look up to. Nowhere else has quite the same mix of timeless history and space-age tech, of strict tradition and up-to-the-second fashions, of bewildering crowds and moments of utter serenity. It’s the past and future wrapped up together into one thrilling package – and understandably, it’s one

A land that mesmerizes with its natural beauty as much as it enchants with its traditional culture, Mongolia is an adventure like no other. Here you’ll follow in the footsteps of Chinggis (Ghengis) Khan is the very same landscapes that captivated the great emperor as you travel through a boundless expanse of grassy steppes where nomadic

The terrain in Pakistan ranges from sea level deserts to the second highest point on earth at the summit of 8611m (28,251ft) K2, so it shouldn’t be surprising that the country sees a huge range of climatic conditions. The best time to visit will depend largely on whether you are drawn by the dramatic mountain

I’m a travel and food writer based in London. Long intrigued by all I had heard about up-and-coming Albania, my partner Dan and I booked a four-day weekend in the capital, Tirana. Though I hadn’t done much research on the city, I was aware that the country as a whole was much cheaper than the

With its puffing volcanoes, pounding surf, sprawling salt flats and glistening glaciers, Chile is the ultimate wonderland for South American adventures. But you don’t need to be a skier, surfer or hiker to find something fun to do here. This long, slender South American nation also has world-class wineries, steamy hot springs and cosmopolitan cities

Benin may have fewer visitors than its larger West African neighbors but that’s no reflection of what it has to offer travelers. This unique country has a fascinating history and culture, with fables of ancient kingdoms, beautiful beaches, incredible wildlife and its status as the birthplace of voodoo. Here’s everything you need to know before

Founded in 1819 as a bustling trading port, the modern city-state of Singapore is now best known for its diverse blend of cultures and cuisine, alongside a rich mix of architecture. In the land where skyscrapers are interspersed with traditional colonial architecture, greenery and tropical gardens, often the best way to take it all in is

Algeria? Yes, Algeria. It may just be the best destination you never knew you wanted to visit. The largest country in Africa has its head in the Mediterranean and feet deep into the Sahara.  Algeria is home to spectacular landscapes and important Roman archaeological sites. It is so rich in beauty and natural resources that

Granada is Spain’s cultured, creative southern city; a place with a storied past centering on the Alhambra, one of the world’s great human-made wonders. To the Moors it was a paradise on Earth, to the Reyes Católicos (Catholic Monarchs), who succeeded them, Granada became the seed from which a global empire grew. Today, the legacy

While Colombia is an affordable destination overall, visiting touristy Cartagena can leave your wallet feeling lighter. Luckily, there is a wealth of free or almost-free activities and experiences that showcase the coastal city’s rich heritage, stunning beaches, and lively atmosphere. Whether it’s strolling through the picturesque Old Town or discovering the vibrant street art in

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Singapore is one of Asia’s smallest countries, but it packs a lot into a small space. Essentially a megacity with a small periphery of coast and countryside, this is an urban experience miles away from the jungle escapes on offer in neighboring Malaysia and Indonesia. Singapore’s relentless march of progress is epitomized by its ritzy

At first sight, Lisbon is a colorful cluster of tile-covered buildings cascading downhill along the north bank of the Tagus River. But although the boundaries between them might blur, each of Lisbon’s neighborhoods has its own distinct personality.  A few days might be enough to tick off many must-see sights in Lisbon, but don’t rush the

This series of articles about credit cards, points and miles, and budgeting for travel is brought to you in partnership with The Points Guy. This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Terms apply to the offers listed

Historical streets, mountain trails, trendy markets and one-of-a-kind museums coexist in Colombia’s capital city, located 2600 meters (8530ft) above the sea. In Bogotá, you can start your day with a walk in the local cloud forest, spend your afternoon meandering through the 18th-century streets of La Candelaria, and enjoy dinner at a restaurant that turns into

No longer in the shadow of its bigger sibling to the south, Porto is a vibrant hub of arts and culture, with top-notch museums and galleries, Michelin-listed restaurants and a beautiful setting along the Douro. Whether or not you plan to tack on a trip to Lisbon, leave yourself ample time to explore this fascinating

The slope of the Batel, by Muralla de Carlos III, is a sea of blue and red tunics as the Carthaginian and Roman armies face off against one another.  The first group of fighters – armed with spears, their faces fearsome painted masks of blue and white – let out a tremendous roar, their archer

The United States is vast and varied, spanning roughly 3000 miles from east to west and 1650 miles from north to south – and that’s not including Alaska and Hawaii. You could spend a lifetime exploring and barely scratch the surface, but that just means there’s plenty to keep you busy. Whether you’re looking for