Destinations

As soon as you arrive in New Zealand, you’ll notice the greenstone (pounamu in Māori) pendants, often attached to a leather necklace, around the necks of many locals and tourists. They’re among the most popular souvenirs for sale here, and it’s almost de rigueur for visitors to buy one as soon as possible and wear

With an unmatched abundance of Unesco World Heritage sites, diverse scenery ranging from some of Europe’s highest peaks to the turquoise waters of the southern coasts, and an endless list of regional cuisines to taste, planning an Italian adventure can easily get overwhelming. Add a variety of dialects – both spoken and hand-gestured – and

We make our way through a forest on the Galician coast at dawn. “Dad’s here,” I say to my partner Liz, as we stumble over a cobblestone path through a pine grove, the town of Poio and the monastery where we spent the night fading into a memory far below. In the two years since

There isn’t a true low season in Venice. Not really. The Serenissima is so unique and so famous that the desire to see it with one’s own eyes knows no seasonal limit. Every time of the year has its pros and cons – as well as different activities and events to enjoy up and down

In a land of mind-boggling wilderness, rugged roadside pit stops and a Serengeti’s worth of big fauna, Alaska’s epic highways offer unlimited possibilities for adventurous drivers. While road trips in the rest of the US are dotted with regular gas stations and kitschy curbside attractions, Alaskan highways appeal to a more intrepid wilderness connoisseur. Welcome

Anchoring the southwest corner of Europe, Portugal is a relatively easy country to navigate. You’ll find a good train network and buses to get you to places where the rails don’t reach. Speedy toll roads can carry you quickly between major cities, though you can also take the slow, scenic (and free) back roads to

It’s never been a better time to plan a trip to Lake Tahoe. The gorgeous crystalline waters in North America’s largest alpine lake are the clearest they’ve been since the 1980s, according to a new study – but the effect may only last a couple of years.  Scientists with the Tahoe Environmental Research Center (TERC)

France has endless sun-and-sand potential. In the far north, there are white cliffs and the old-fashioned seaside resorts of the English Channel (Manche in French), and over on the Mediterranean coast, the conditions are perfect for snorkeling, with warm waters and rocky coves. Powerful North Atlantic storms rip apart the rugged coast of Brittany, while surfers

Famed for golden beaches and picturesque cities, Portugal is less known for its hiking paths. This is good news for those looking to discover memorable trails far from the madding crowd.  The Iberian nation is packed with countless scenic routes, from clifftop journeys overlooking the crashing waves to craggy mountain trails in well-preserved parks and

From days at the beach to sunset strolls, Spain has long offered inspiration for the creatively minded. One of the most alluring destinations for music fans looking for a fresh adventure, the country provides an unmatched series of unique festival experiences.  With longstanding mainstays like Primavera Sound as well as more-recent additions, here are all

For a packed calendar of traditional celebrations, decadent food festivals, outdoor concerts and many other events, head to Portugal. Summer is the time to catch the biggest range of activities, but in truth, there’s always something happening here.  Festivals aside, it’s not easy to pin down the best month to visit Portugal. That really depends

With 21% of the world’s fresh water, the longest freshwater coastline in the world and zero sharks, it’s no surprise that Michigan is home to some spectacular and unusual beaches. These beaches reflect the state’s dramatically varied coastlines, from wild and rugged rock-strewn Lake Superior haunts to romantic Lake Michigan sunset vistas to bustling family-friendly

When I moved to Cape Town more than a decade ago, the plan had been to stick around for a year. We quickly realized that 12 months wouldn’t be enough. There is something about this city that just enchants people. A lot of it has to do with the landscape, of course – Table Mountain

Straddling the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, this mountain range delivers scenic tea plantations, memorable train journeys, amazing wildlife and more. India’s lush, forest-cloaked Western Ghats are an untamed natural world.  Running parallel to the coastline for 995 miles (1600km) all the way from Gujarat to deep-south Tamil Nadu, these hills also home to waves

France consistently tops the list as the world’s most visited destination – and it doesn’t take much imagination to see why. Its winning formula of captivating cities, awe-inspiring landscapes – including the Alps and the Pyrenees – an enviable coastline and some of the world’s best food and wine is hard to resist. Affordable public transportation and a

Since summer is just around the corner, it’s likely you’re already dreaming of where to spend your vacation.  You won’t be alone. The June-to-August season is the USA’s busiest travel season, with warm days across the entire country drawing big crowds and higher prices. Music and food festivals as well as outdoor activities ensure that summer

Edinburgh local Katie Goh recommends the best walks, art spots, neighborhoods and craft breweries in her adopted hometown. I’ve lived in Edinburgh for nearly seven years now, and I’m still discovering new places to visit in this ancient city. My friends and I often describe Edinburgh as a village: in 10 minutes you can walk

Home to some of Europe’s most beautiful beaches, Portugal provides seaside escapes of every variety. You can look forward to sandy islands lapped by cerulean seas, peaceful coves tucked near edge-of-the-earth sea cliffs and dune-backed expanses facing some of the world’s most dramatic surfing spots. The challenge is deciding where to begin. Although a list of

If you’re planning a great Antipodean adventure, Australia and New Zealand tempt in equal measure. Yet since that year-long sabbatical that will allow you to travel slowly across both countries may be a long time coming, you’ll likely have to make the tough decision to visit one over the other. How do you tackle such

In our 5 Shops series, we’ll point you in the direction of our favorite independent shops across some of the world’s best cities. From food markets to bookshops, vintage and homespun designs, we’ve found a diverse and exciting mix of local retailers where you can pick up one-of-a-kind pieces. Many visitors to Porto are drawn