Joe’s articles on travel, business, culture, history, sports, and entertainment have appeared in National Geographic, CNN Travel, Conde Nast Traveler, the Los Angeles Times, BBC Travel, the International New York Times, Forbes Travel, Islands Magazine, Travel & Leisure and many other global publications.
A complete guide to hiking in Joshua Tree National Park
Like many national parks, Joshua Tree National Park offers a wide range of trails at all levels of hiking expertise and ability. No matter which route you choose or time of year you decide to visit, always remember that this national park is a desert. MORE
Dare to bare: 25 of the world’s best nude beaches
Nudity is getting more creative. Not in an artistic sense — the naked human form has been a favorite subject of painters and sculptors for more than 2,000 years — but in the imaginative and sometimes offbeat ways that people are using to shed their clothes in public. MORE
Booze With A View: California’s Ultimate Roof Bars
San Francisco set new expectations for high-rise bars when the Top of the Mark opened in 1939 inside what had previously been the 19th-floor penthouse at the Mark Hopkins Hotel. MORE
Planning a Multi-Generational Family Trip to Europe
The pandemic changed how people live, work, and play. Nowhere is that more evident than in travel, where a desire to spend more quality time with family—sparked during the lockdown—has evolved into a boom in multi-generational journeys. MORE
10 U.S. National Parks That Won’t Be Crowded This Summer
While half a dozen of the most popular parks now require reservations just to get in, and others are plagued by bumper-to-bumper traffic between Memorial Day and Labor Day, there are still a handful of natural treasures that haven’t (yet) been discovered by the masses. MORE
Journaling from the Rails
Travelling onboard Rocky Mountaineer, a unique, luxurious and drop-dead
gorgeous train journey between the Pacific Ocean and the Canadian Rockies has been on my list for years. MORE
The Big Apple’s Holiday Season Really is a Big Deal
Living on the West Coast, one might be tempted to think the magic of a New York City holiday season is a Hollywood invention rather than something that actually happens between Thanksgiving and Christmas. MORE
10 Amazing Under-The-Radar Turkish Museums
It’s hard to match Paris, London and New York as awesome museum destinations. But Türkiye could very well be their equal in terms of both exhibition quality and quantity. MORE
Snowy Getaways – Sans the Skis
The thrill of the downslope. The challenge of that double-black run. The … long recovery time. Just because you don’t ski or snowboard – or don’t want to run the risk of soreness aprèsski – doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a winter getaway. MORE
How a drab Soviet metropolis became Central Asia’s capital of cool
Several cities around the globe have reinvented themselves in recent years, but none more successfully than Almaty.
Since the collapse of the USSR, Kazakhstan’s largest city (population 2.2 million and growing) has evolved from a drab, run-of-the-mill Soviet metropolis into the urban star of Central Asia. MORE
Taiwan is fast becoming a top destination for outdoor adventure and wellness fans. It’s easy to see why
More than 260 peaks over 3,000 meters (9,800 feet), hiking trails blazed by Indigenous people thousands of years ago, remarkable national parks and forests, and epic surf churned up by waves that roll unimpeded across the entire Pacific. MORE
Everything you need to know about Joshua Tree National Park
An enduring symbol of the Mojave Desert, Yucca brevifolia might be the namesake of this national park in the desert east of Los Angeles. Still, it’s far from the only thing to see at Joshua Tree. MORE
Everything you need to know about Banff National Park
Canada’s first national park is also its most majestic. It’s a mosaic of Rocky Mountains and deep valleys, glaciers and icefields, rushing rivers and tranquil lakes that continue to awe visitors more than 140 years after the park was founded in 1885. MORE
Everything you need to know about Glacier National Park
“Crown of the Continent” is an apt nickname for a national park that features some of North America’s most impressive mountain scenery. Set in the majestic Rockies of northern Montana, Glacier National Park takes its name from the rivers of ice and glacial forces that shaped its rugged topography over two million years. MORE
Everything you need to know about Jasper National Park
The largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, Jasper is wild in every sense of the word. Its landscape covers an expansive region of rugged backcountry trails and mountainous terrain juxtaposed against fragile protected ecosystems as well as the world-renowned Columbia Icefield. MORE
Everything you need to know about Redwood National and State Parks
A cluster of four Northern California reserves shelters the coastal redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens). The main lure is strolling through cathedral-like groves along a 37-mile stretch of the Pacific coast. MORE
Everything you need to know about Grand Canyon National Park
“Leave it as it is,” declared U.S. President Teddy Roosevelt after a 1903 sojourn at the Grand Canyon. “You cannot improve on it. The ages have been at work on it, and man can only mar it.” MORE
Prime Time For A California Desert Winter Getaway
As the weather turns chilly (and eventually snowy) in much of the northern hemisphere, it’s time to start thinking about a sun-splashed California desert getaway. MORE
There’s More Than One Reason To Visit Turkmenistan
Many (if not most) of the tourists who visit Turkmenistan each year are “country counters” — travelers determined to visit every nation on Earth. MORE
Explore Greenland By Land Or Sea
Unless you’re a huge fan of vacationing in total darkness, it may seem strange to be talking about Greenland in the middle of winter. But now is actually the perfect time to start planning a visit to the world’s largest island next summer. MORE
Mexican Cuisine Earns Michelin Stars And Eater Acclaim
Fish tacos, nachos or a carnitas plate can be amazing at the right time and place. But isn’t it about time you rewarded your palate with gourmet Mexican cuisine? MORE
North America’s Under-the-Radar Foodie Destinations
Foodies in the know already flock to culinary hotspots like New Orleans, Vancouver and Mexico City. Yet, for those searching for new eating experiences, a handful of lesser-known cities are emerging as topnotch dining destinations, MORE
The gigantic dunes rising up out of the world’s oldest desert
For those who find themselves awed by arid landscapes, there’s no place like Africa.
The continent boasts nine separate deserts, including a vast Sahara that sprawls across much of the north, the rust-colored Kalahari of the southwest, and the bizarre Turkana Basin of northern Kenya. MORE
Fall is the best time to visit these 10 national parks
Post-pandemic, U.S. national parks have attracted record crowds as people flock to the great outdoors for fresh air and wide-open spaces. At least 10 parks—including Yosemite, Zion, Arches, and Acadia—have been forced to limit visitation during the summer peak season MORE
San Diego’s Sudsy Safari Trails
San Diego may have been known for its surfing safaris in the past, but nowadays those in the know are more likely to head south for craft beer.
Since its first craft brewery debuted in 1987, “America’s Finest City” has evolved into one of the nation’s nirvanas of artisanal beer, similarly to Portland and Colorado. MORE
Explore Canada’s 126-Mile-Long National Treasure
Stretching 126 miles (202 km) between Ottawa and Lake Ontario, the Rideau Canal is one of Canada’s most popular national parks. Yet it’s barely known outside of the Maple Leaf nation. MORE
The ancient monastery hanging from the side of a cliff
If its ancient walls could talk, Sümela Monastery in eastern Turkey would have quite a few stories to tell.
Since its founding in the 4th-century CE by some of the earliest Christians to arrive along the Black Sea coast, the shrine has witnessed the evolution of the Roman Empire into the Byzantine era, the rise of the Ottomans, MORE
Three Amazing Ways to Cruise South America
Rebounding from a post-pandemic slump, the cruise industry racked up a record number of passengers for 2023 – more than 31 million passengers around the globe. While large ships that carry as many as 7,600 cruisers accounted for the largest numerical increase, the biggest percentage growth was in the “expedition cruise” sector. MORE
If There Was Such a Thing as the Animal Olympics, These Creatures Would Be Gold Medalists
From Simone Biles and Noah Lyles to the U.S. women’s basketball team and “golden boy” French swimmer Léon Marchand, there were plenty of amazing athletes at the recent Paris Olympics. MORE
Turkmenistan’s mysterious, flaming ‘Gates of Hell’
Rarely does an industrial accident develop into a major tourist attraction.
But when a Soviet exploratory team drilled for natural gas in Turkmenistan more than 50 years ago, they are said to have set off a chain reaction that created the Darvaza Gas Crater MORE
How to visit Olympic National Park
One of the most primeval parts of the lower 48 states, Olympic National Park covers nearly 1 million acres of the eponymous peninsula in Washington State—95 percent of which is designated wilderness. MORE
America’s Largest National Monument Is Off-Limits To Almost Everyone
Calling all travel trivia buffs — see if you can answer the following questions:
1. What’s the largest U.S. national park as well as one of the biggest in the world? MORE
Riding the Trans-Mongolian Railway, one of the world’s most epic train journeys
Horses were Mongolia’s chief means of getting around for thousands of years, and they remain an integral part of the national identity.
But in modern times, the iron horse has gained popularity as an excellent way to cross this vast central Asian nation. MORE
Everything to know about Zion National Park
Mormon pioneers arriving in the area in the 1860s were so overwhelmed by the natural beauty of Zion Canyon and its surroundings that they named it after the Old Testament name for the city of Jerusalem. MORE
Paradise on the Horizon
With so many people back to traveling these days, it’s getting harder and harder to find paradise. Especially paradise islands.. MORE
Grand Canyon pit stop is now a bona fide hot spot
For years, Flagstaff was a place that you passed through on your way to the Grand Canyon or following Route 66 to the California shore. Unless you needed gas or a quick meal, there was little reason to stop. MORE
Calling All Bird Nerds! Species You Can Spot on Nat Hab’s U.S. National Parks Trips
“I never for a day gave up listening to the songs of our birds, or watching their peculiar habits, or delineating them in the best way I could,” the legendary 19th-century artist and ornithologist John James Audubon scribbled in one of his journals. MORE
Everything to know about Katmai National Park
Volcanoes and bears embody the wild heart of Katmai, located on the Alaska Peninsula. Within the borders of the national park and preserve lie 14 active volcanoes and North America’s largest population of protected brown bears—some 2,000 of the photogenic creatures. MORE
Why this is Latin America’s next dining destination
Bolivia doesn’t seem like an obvious foodie destination. But the big, landlocked South American country is making waves in the culinary world via top-notch restaurants and transforming foodways pioneered by the ancient Inca and Aymara peoples into modern fusion dishes. MORE
How To Explore Amsterdam Like A Local
According to the city’s statistics bureau, more than 18 million people visited Amsterdam last year, making it one of the world’s most popular vacation destinations. MORE
The beautiful African paradise islands that most tourists don’t know about
For those who want to avoid the crowds and discover someplace new, Africa also boasts some “almost famous” islands with awesome beaches, unique wildlife, and amazing outdoor adventures on both land and sea. MORE
Carting Around
A classic Woody wagon, vintage Volkswagen Microbus or drop-top Porsche are among the coolest rides along the Southern California coast. But a much more efficient way of getting around a beach town—in terms of cost, parking, eco-friendliness and even customization—is a form of transportation that many of us take for granted: the humble golf cart. MORE
Why this part of Mexico is making a comeback
Long before Cabo, Cancun or even Acapulco were the darlings of Mexico travel, the border towns of northern Baja California were the hot spots. MORE
4 Places To Catch California’s Amazing Desert Bloom
Following a huge wave of winter storms, the California desert is expecting another spectacular wildflower super bloom. MORE
Everything to know about Yellowstone National Park
If ever a park had a flair for the dramatic it’s Yellowstone—geysers, grizzlies, and its very own Grand Canyon, as well as trendy towns and backcountry trails that rarely see human bootprints. After all these years, the world’s very first national park is still one of the most imposing—a blend of land and water, forest and field, wildlife and geothermal features that often seem to be living things. MORE
Everything you need to know about Everglades National Park
Sprawling between South Florida’s Lake Okeechobee and the Gulf of Mexico, the Everglades is one of the world’s largest tropical wetlands. About 20 percent of the region is protected within the confines of Everglades National Park, the third largest national park after Death Valley and Yellowstone in the lower 48 states. MORE
What’s the Difference Between Bison and Buffalo?
Other than the bald eagle, there is no more iconic American animal than the buffalo.
Buffalo is the name of two dozen U.S. towns and one large city. Buffalo nickels filled many a piggy bank in the early 20th century. MORE
Babanango: South Africa’s big new game park is the result of a dramatic transformation
Five years ago, the river valleys and high plains that are now safeguarded by the Babanango Game Reserve in the KwaZulu Natal region of South Africa were virtually devoid of wildlife after decades of cattle grazing and unrestrained hunting. MORE
Tulum Time: Surviving Mexico’s Caribbean Hotspot
Tucked at the bottom end of the Riviera Maya, Tulum is Mexico’s “it” tropical vacation destination at the present time.
White-sand beaches, warm Caribbean Sea, Mayan ruins, delicious regional cuisine, party-hearty nightlife, awesome cave diving and a sultry winter climate. What’s not to love? MORE
You Had Me At Spyder
It may seem crazy to advocate a convertible sports car with all the rain we’ve had in Southern California this year.
But now, summer is here, and when the ragtop in question is the super-sweet, midengine Porsche 718 Spyder, it’s hard to resist the notion that this car is cool to drive—and be seen driving—no matter the season. MORE
How To Visit Two Continents In One Amazing City
What makes Istanbul so incredibly special?
Let’s start with the fact that you can visit two continents (Europe and Asia for those of you who flunked geography) in one city. MORE
This new park gives different views of the Grand Canyon—with no crowds
These sacred Indigenous lands in Arizona just got government protection. Here’s how to explore their hikes, wildlife, and impressive vistas. MORE
Beauty and a Beast
Beauty and a beast is an ideal way to describe the new LX 600, the latest and so far greatest iteration in a family of luxury Lexus SUVs. MORE
How to visit Biscayne National Park
With the third longest coral reef system in the world, Florida’s watery wonder is a haven for snorkeling, boating, and diving. MORE
How to eat in 6 of the world’s most stunning places
If you’ve ever wanted to dine beneath the Indian Ocean or in a Tanzanian crater, you’re in luck. We’ve rounded up some of the most extraordinary restaurants in the world—and given you the guide to find them. MORE
Travel delays? These airports and train stations actually have great food
From Michelin-starred menus to gilded historic sites, these restaurants are worth a visit—whether or not you’re a tourist. MORE
The world’s biggest national park is larger than most countries
National parks are really into big things, especially super-large landmarks. MORE
Incredible US national park campgrounds you can’t drive to
Forget the road less traveled when it comes to camping in US national parks. How about sacking out in places where there are no roads? MORE
15 of America’s best small towns and cities
The vast majority of Americans may live in big cities (more than 70%, according to the 2020 census), but there’s an enduring affection for small towns and cities. MORE
Take a look back at John Steinbeck’s sojourn in Laguna Beach.
Between the world wars, Laguna Beach evolved into a small but thriving West Coast version of Paris—a gathering place for artists, writers and actors searching for both a literal and metaphorical place in the sun. MORE
10 fascinating theme parks that have closed forever
Although hundreds of theme parks are active around the globe, hundreds more have been relegated to the scrapheap of amusement history. MORE
Camping 101
You certainly won’t be alone. According to the 2023 North American Camping & Outdoor Hospitality Report compiled by Kampgrounds of America (KOA), camping in all of its forms now accounts for around one-third of all leisure trips in the U.S. and Canada. MORE
Cómo visitar dos continentes en una ciud increíble
Agregue varias de las estructuras más icónicas del mundo, una combinación suntuosa de la cocina mediterránea y del Medio Oriente, canales panorámicos y residentes a los que les encanta mostrar su querida ciudad a los visitantes, y tiene todas las características de un lugar que debería estar en boca de todos. MORE
Alternative Africa: Freetown
You’ve already photographed the Big Five, sipped your way across Stellenbosch, straddled a camel beside the pyramids and now you’re looking for someplace new and different to feed your fascination with Africa. MORE
How to visit Lake Clark National Park and Preserve
The epitome of rugged wilderness, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve offers a glimpse of what Alaska was like prior to the arrival of Europeans 300 years ago. MORE
Dare to bare: 20 of the world’s best nude beaches
It’s been a banner year for nudity around the globe.
Berlin recently announced that women can now go topless at the German capital’s public swimming pools while Nantucket Island went topless last December after locals voted in favor of “gender equality on beaches.” MORE
Trips that will change you
Like many people visiting Sierra Leone for the first time, most of what I know about the West African nation was gleaned from press reports about its decade-long civil war. MORE
Escape From Puerto Vallarta
No, Kurt Russell and John Carpenter are not reuniting for another spinoff of their 1980’s cult classic action-adventure flick.
This is about a different kind of escape. MORE
World’s most beautiful castles
What is it about castles that fascinates so many people around the globe?
A lot of the allure derives from the history and human drama that played out within the walls, as well as the astonishing architecture that features on so many castles. MORE
Tired Of The Same Old London? Try These Neighborhoods
Anyone who visits London for the first time is sure to concentrate on eternal sights like Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and the British Museum. MORE
South Africa’s most epic hikes
Mount Kilimanjaro may be the ultimate quest. But the undisputed champ of African hiking is that big country at the bottom end of the continent – South Africa. MORE
Winter is coming. These trips help you embrace it—or escape it
Oslo, Norway—Average January high: 32ºF
At the mouth of a gorgeous fjord, the Norwegian capital strikes a fascinating balance between centuries-old and contemporary, with dazzling modern architecture (a new museum dedicated to local artist Edvard Munch), Viking ships on display, and a buzzing performing arts scene. MORE
Best National Parks For Winter Sports
They may not have the Winter Olympics pedigree of Palisades Tahoe or Lake Placid, or an après ski scene of Aspen or Park City, but many U.S. national parks have a pretty cool winter sports scene. MORE
Alternative Amazon: Guyana’s Emerald Forest
Lots of people are fascinated by dinosaurs, their imagination stoked by popular movies and the possibility (no matter how remote) of Jurassic creatures coming back to life in modern times. MORE
The Yukon: North America’s Wildest Road Trip
Looking for somewhere to road trip this summer that doesn’t have bumper-to-bumper traffic on both its highways, city streets and wilderness trails? MORE
4 winter trips you need to take now
Have the blizzards and bomb cyclones, the atmospheric rivers and Pineapple Express got you feeling the winter blues? Maybe you can’t “fly off to saint somewhere” like Jimmy Buffett. But a road trip to sunnier climes goes a long way to curing a bout of cabin fever. MORE
These natural wonders aren’t US national parks. But they should be
“National parks are the best idea we ever had,” declared American writer and environmentalist Wallace Stegner. And like many great inventions, the park system became wildly popular. MORE
Call of the Caucasus
Situated at the intersection of Europe and Asia, Georgia is an ancient land of complex history and rugged landscapes. MORE
It’s one of Europe’s most popular destinations. Here’s how to avoid the crowds
In 2019, more than three million tourists poured into the fabled walled town along Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast and local authorities expect the number to reach that point again over the next few years as global tourism recovers from Covid-19. MORE
25 Best Lake Vacations in the U.S.
Waking up to another cloudless morning, you dive off your houseboat into the wild blue of Lake Powell in southern Utah. The water takes the edge off the heat, and you float along, contemplating a lazy day of navigating spectacular red-rock gorges and flooded canyons. MORE
Valley Highs
World-class vineyards and wineries aren’t the only draw card for epicurians in California’s Napa Valley – the region is a foodie’s heaven, from high-class fine dining establishments to cute bakeries and statement diners. MORE
Escape Rapa Nui
Home to a Polynesian population that traces its roots back over 1,000 years, Easter Island has long been an exotic but virtually ignored atoll in the South Pacific. MORE
22 of the USA’s most underrated destinations
Exploring Cannon’s Point
California dream machine
Something in the air
The future looks electric
Alaska tourism: Things are looking up on the Last Frontier
Anchorage (CNN) — “Everyone is going to Alaska this summer,” declares the woman sitting next to me on a flight from San Francisco to Anchorage. “When I told friends we were going, so many of them said, ‘So are we!'” MORE
Remote Big Bend sheds a different light on the US frontier
It’s late afternoon in Santa Elena Canyon — a 19-mile gorge that separates Big Bend National Park in West Texas and three national parks in Mexico — and we’re setting up camp along a remote stretch of the Rio Grande. MORE
Take a look back at John Steinbeck’s sojourn in Laguna Beach.
Between the world wars, Laguna Beach evolved into a small but thriving West Coast version of Paris—a gathering place for artists, writers and actors searching for both a literal and metaphorical place in the sun. MORE
Bigo Live: Connecting In A Time of Disconnection
In the crowded social media universe, only a few platforms have a chance to dazzle a global audience and rise above the competition. MORE
Throwback digs, safely distanced: A travel trailer vacation revival.
The global pandemic has sparked a lot of unintended consequences — some of them a throwback to simpler times. MORE
Confessions of an RV rookie — and former naysayer
I had no idea when I decided to take the family on an RV vacation this summer that I would have to learn a whole new vocabulary. MORE
Stingray Soars into the Stratosphere
It took more than half a century, but the new 2020 Chevy Corvette finally lives up to all the hype. A road beast that ranks with Europe’s supercars. MORE
California Dream Machine
California car buffs are a finicky bunch. It takes something out of this world to grab their rapt attention, like the latest version of the Porsche 911 Targa 4, a bona fide head-turner that elicits shoutouts from other drivers as you’re cruising up and down Pacific Coast Highway. MORE
Course Concierge
The Waterman Caddie program at Monarch Beach Golf Links combines traditional services with expert knowledge to create an unmatched experience. More on Page 26
A Birder’s Paradise
They may not be as wild as the Everglades or Amazon, the beaches, wetlands and bays of Newport Beach offers some pretty awesome bird-watching especially during the winter months MORE
Unforgettable last-minute road trips in North America
Stumped about spring break? Drive to these volcanic peaks, high deserts, and the New World’s only Viking settlement. MORE
Splendid isolation: 8 great wilderness areas to inspire
“Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul alike,” John Muir famously declared. MORE
The Guianas: South America’s ‘Lost World’ rediscovered
Taking time off from his Sherlock Holmes mysteries, Arthur Conan Doyle penned a tale about a remote corner of South America where dinosaurs and other colossal creatures stilled roamed the earth. MORE
Food in Egypt: 13 delicious dishes and drinks you shouldn’t miss
Although seldom named among the great food cultures of the Mediterranean or Middle East, the flavors found along the Nile are just as tasty — and often more intriguing — than the traditional cooking of Lebanon, Turkey or Greece.ey or Greece. MORE
Earth Before Man
The name Serengeti derives from a Maasai phrase that means “endless plains.” Tanzania’s iconic national park certainly feels that way — a seemingly infinite expanse of rolling grasslands, wooded river courses and rocky outcrops that safeguards one of the last great bastions of nature. MORE
Jewels of the Nile: 11 awesome Egyptian museums
For much of the 20th century, the Egyptian Museum in the center of Cairo was the gold standard for collections along the Nile.Mainly because among the many nuggets inside were the glimmering death mask of Tutankhamun and all the other relics discovered in the boy king’s tomb by archeologist Howard Carter in 1922. MORE
World’s most beautiful castles
What is it about castles that fascinates so many people around the globe? A lot of the allure derives from the history and human drama that played out within the walls, as well as the astonishing architecture that features on so many castles. MORE
A Bostonian’s Guide to the Other Greatest Places in the World
If the thought of holiday shopping has you dreaming of a warm Christmas somewhere far, far south of Newbury Street, consider escaping to the Cape Verde islands, an exotic archipelago off the coast of West Africa. MORE
Everything to know about Glacier National Park
“Crown of the Continent” is an apt nickname for this pair of parks, which feature some of the most impressive mountain scenery in North America. Joined together since 1932 as the world’s first international peace park, Glacier National Park in Montana and Watertown Lakes National Park in Alberta offer a contiguous high-country wonderland of rock, ice, water, and wood. MORE
Sleeping in history: Egypt’s vintage hotels
Egypt has been attracting tourists for nearly as long as the pyramids have been around.The ancient Greek author Herodotus, the spiritual father of travel writing, called it “the gift of the river” Nile. MORE
National Geographic Grand Canyon
Celebrating 100 Years of the Park. MORE
These historic lodges are the perfect way to see North America’s wild parks
Glamping has nothing on these lodges. With a grand mansion or rustic inn as your base camp, you can get a glimpse into 19th- and 20th-century history before heading off into the park to explore some of North America’s most beautiful landscapes. MORE
Top 10 wildlife encounters in parks
Originally supported—at least in the United States—by hunting enthusiasts eager to safeguard big game, parks have a longstanding connection to wildlife preservation. Today, wildlife tourists are becoming more mindful than ever of the balance between enjoying the parks they support and keeping a healthy distance from wild animals. MORE
Explore 10 amazing river trips in North American parks
Rivers knit ecosystems together, providing some of the best widlife watching around—and some adrenaline-fueled recreation, too. Here are 10 of the best river trips in parks across the United States and Canada. MORE
Everything to know about Grand Canyon National Park
Imagine the Grand Canyon with no people. Just the psychedelic-colored canyon walls, the wind, and the river silent and milk chocolaty at the bottom of the gorge. That’s how it must have looked to the Native Americans who lived in and around the Grand Canyon 12,000 years ago, and to the Spanish explorers who laid eyes on the rift in the 16th century. MORE
8 breathtaking photos of some of North America’s best national parks
Editor’s Note: The following are images from “100 Parks, 5,000 Ideas” by National Geographic’s Joe Yogerst. Explore the top national, state, and city parks throughout North America. National Geographic turns to the United States and Canada’s most pristine — and adventure-filled — national, state, and city parks with 5,000 ideas for the ultimate vacation. MORE
Top 10 sweeping views of iconic parks
Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie with a head for heights or simply looking for sublime vistas, North America’s breathtaking summits and manufactured monuments deliver. Here are ten of the most amazing panoramic views in parks across the United States and Canada. MORE
The best of ancient Egypt
(CNN) — Like the legendary curse of the mummy, ancient Egypt refuses to stay buried in the past. Every so often it comes back to life — in the 1920s with the discovery of King Tut’s tomb; in the 1970s with the global tour of those golden masks; and most recently with a flurry of astonishing discoveries using 21st-century archaeological techniques. MORE
20 best things to do in Kenya
Folks who have never been there tend to think of Kenya as a one-trick pony — an awesome safari destination and little more. But East Africa’s No. 1 travel destination (nearly 1.5 million international visitors in 2017) is actually a multifaceted place with a wide variety of adventures both rural and urban MORE
12 reasons to visit the beautiful Cape Verde islands
Once a hugely important gateway used by explorers en route to “discover” the Americas, the Cape Verde islands fell into obscurity in more recent times.But the archipelago, located in the North Atlantic about 570 kilometers (about 350 miles) off the extreme western tip of Africa, is enjoying a renewed surge in visitors. MORE
Eight of Kenya’s most beautiful beaches
(CNN) — Despite the powder-soft sand and seawater that runs a dozen shades of blue, Diani Beach on Kenya’s Indian Ocean coast always has you looking skyward.At the black-and-white colobus monkeys swinging through the trees and scampering over the roofs of the seaside villas. At the skydivers and kitesurfers hovering high above the strand. MORE
16 of the world’s best coastlines
(CNN) — Coastlines are one of the most alluring of our planet’s geographical features. The clash of land and water is often mesmerizing, as are the plants, animals and human activities that flourish along a shore. In classic novella “Heart of Darkness,” seafaring author Joseph Conrad wrote. MORE
Namibia’s Skeleton Coast: A journey through the ‘end of the Earth’
It seems more like a mirage than real life — lions stalking seals along a dazzling white sand strand that wouldn’t look out of place in the Caribbean.
But the sand dunes towering a hundred meters (300 feet) behind the shore and the fact there’s nothing man-made — other than shipwrecks — for a hundred miles in every direction indicate that there’s something very different about this section of Namibia’s 1,570 kilometer coastline. MORE
Dare to bare: 15 of the world’s best nude beaches
(CNN) — Although still taboo in many places, casting aside your clothes at the shore has become a customary practice around the world in recent times. From rocky coastlines to talcum powder fine sands, and big city bays to secluded shores, there are now hundreds of beaches where it’s perfectly legal (or at least de facto legal) to sunbathe, swim and otherwise frolic beside the sea in nothing more than your birthday suit. MORE
The Heart of Hawaii
Probably the most laidback of all the Hawaiian islanders, it takes an awful lot to get the people on Lāna‘i excited about anything. But on a breezy weekday morning, when most of them should be in a workplace or classroom, a good number of the island’s 3,000 residents are gathered around Manele Bay awaiting the arrival of a very special boat. MORE
Puerto Rico tourism slowly bouncing back
San Juan, Puerto Rico (CNN) — Last summer, Puerto Rican tourism officials were getting flooded with calls about “Despacito” (“Slowly”), the sexy megahit by Puerto Rican crooners Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee that made history as the most streamed song of all time. MORE
On the Waterfront: Boating in Orange County
With 42 miles of coastline and the Pacific Ocean as its backyard, Orange County is a boating paradise. Lagoons, harbors and a half dozen bays between San Clemente and Seal Beach, offer up numerous ways to glide across the water, from hourly rentals and week-long bare boat charters to guided island treks. MORE
Deep in the Heart of Texas
Marking its tricentennial this year, san antonio is gearing up to party like it’s 1718. But for all its history, the south texan city has an even More intriguing present, as a recent visit attests. MORE
Film Festival Rising
Sometimes an off-the-cuff remark is all you need to get things started, to plant the seed that blooms into something great. Such was the case with the Middleburg Film Festival, created by Sheila Johnson after a good friend suggested that the property she had acquired in rural Virginia—a 340-acre property that would one day sprout the Salamander Resort & Spa—would make a great location for movie fest. MORE
11 reasons (besides the NCAA Final Four) to visit San Antonio
(CNN) — Deep in the heart of Texas is a place where hoops trump football as the leading local sport — the city of San Antonio — home to the NBA Spurs and this year’s Final Four of NCAA college basketball. MORE
18 best places to visit in 2018
What do you get when you blend Brazilian, African and Iberian influences in a place already blessed with incredible weather and scenery? The Cape Verde Islands off the west coast of Africa, which are finally coming into their own as an exotic vacation destination. MORE
Africa’s Best Water Adventures
“Going up that river was like traveling back to the earliest beginnings of the world … an empty stream, a great silence, an impenetrable forest,” wrote Joseph Conrad in classic novella “Heart of Darkness.” MORE
Brazil’s other wild place — the Pantanal
(CNN) — Our boatman gets a radio call that a jaguar mother and two cubs have been spotted moving along a riverbank in the Pantanal wetlands of southern Brazil about 20 minutes from our present location.But when we arrive, there’s no sign of the big cats.That’s because they’re in the water — swimming across the Cuiaba River right in front of our boat. MORE
A Guiding Force
They show is where we’ve been, where we are going and where we are right now. Without them it would have been much more difficult to explore our planet, carve out new states or countries, or plan the towns and cities we live in. They exist on paper, in digital form and even in our minds. MORE
Cruising, Asia Style
It’s not often that you come across monkeys scampering across a tropical beach. Or coconut-palm-shaded strands where yours are the only footprints in the sand. Or towns that give you a police motorcycle escort because you’re the first tourists who have visited the place in more than 60 years. MORE
Namibia’s Caprivi Strip
(CNN) — If there was ever a candidate for an obscure question on a television quiz show, it’s the Caprivi Strip in northern Namibia. A classic panhandle, the ultra-narrow strip separates Botswana and Angola as it runs 280 miles (450 km) west to east from the main part of Namibia to the Zambezi River on the eastern border. MORE
Old School Urban. America’s Best Old Towns
From coast to coast, old towns add bygone flavor to many of North America’s leading cities. Many cities preserve their heritage in old towns, neighborhoods that were somehow sidestepped in the rush to modernize MORE
12 of Montreal’s best neighborhoods
Montreal (CNN) — Montreal is home to more than 200 ethnic groups that have all stitched their own patches into the urban quilt, and the city is full of distinct neighborhoods — some created hundreds of years ago and others born of the 21st century. MORE
Cowboys and Wildlife-Spotting in Brazil
The Pantanal is the biggest swamp on the planet, a seasonally flooded expanse of grasslands, savannas, and tropical forests that harbors not only a unique cowboy culture but also the greatest concentration of wildlife in South America. MORE
Paradise found: 12 crowd-free Asia island escapes
(CNN) — Finding an empty beach in Asia was a breeze a few decades ago, but it’s not quite so easy anymore. As zealous souvenir hawkers follow busloads of tour groups to Asia’s most famous islands, discerning travelers must look farther afield for more authentic getaways. MORE
Underwater Adventures
Some call it inner space—the more than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface that lies underwater. Since the dawn of human history, people have wondered what sits below the surface and tried to figure out means by which they could explore the submarine world. MORE
St. Louis and Kansas City bounce back
(CNN) — Anchoring either end of Missouri, St. Louis and Kansas City are 250 miles apart along Interstate 70. And while they have distinct personalities and urban landscapes, the two also have an awful lot in common, both now and in the past. By the end of the 19th century, they had grown from burly frontier towns into cutting-edge urban America, MORE
A Mountain Turned Runway at 17,000 Feet
Paul Claus dares to go places and do things that few aviators would even dream about. “Wanna land some cool places?” is his opening line to those arriving at his lodge deep in the wilderness of Alaska’s Wrangell-St Elias National Park and Preserve. MORE
Experience Mexico’s Hidden Gems
California might have its gold and South Africa its diamonds, but the glitter of choice in Mexico is solid, sterling silver. Discovered during Spanish colonial times, the cities of Taxco, Zacatecas and Guanajuato all boomed on a silver rush and continue to be the best places to shop for exquisite silver jewelry, dinner pieces and decorative arts. MORE
6 Safari Honeymoons on Any Budget
African safari honeymoons are notoriously expensive, but it’s totally possible to go without busting your budget (unless you really want to). Splurge: Camp in Comfort The “tents” at Chinzombo Camp might be made of canvas, but each spacious interior features a king-size bed, a private plunge pool and a bathroom with a rain shower. MORE
13 Affordable Honeymoon Destinations
Feeling a little stretched by your wedding expenses? Don’t let that impact your honeymoon fun! We did the math on 13 of the best affordable honeymoon getaways where travel budgets stretch longer and wider. MORE
9 Crazy Cool Places to Elope
If running off to Vegas and getting hitched by an Elvis impersonator isn’t wild enough for you and your honey, try one of these crazy places around the world to elope. MORE
10 Luxury Honeymoon Destinations on a Budget
On a honeymoon budget that can’t budge? If you think you can’t travel to swanky honeymoon destinations, or stay in fantastic romantic resorts, think again. Here’s how to honeymoon like the 1 percent, even though you’re in the 99. MORE
Carting Around Town
A classic Woody wagon, vintage Volkswagen Microbus or drop-top Porsche are among the coolest rides along the Southern California coast. But a much more efficient way of getting around a beach town—in terms of cost, parking, eco-friendliness and even customization—is a form of transportation that many of us take for granted: the humble golf cart. MORE
4 Places To Catch California’s Amazing Desert Bloom
Following a huge wave of winter storms, the California desert is expecting another spectacular wildflower super bloom. MORE
Everything to know about Yellowstone National Park
If ever a park had a flair for the dramatic it’s Yellowstone—geysers, grizzlies, and its very own Grand Canyon, as well as trendy towns and backcountry trails that rarely see human bootprints. MORE
Everything you need to know about Everglades National Park
Sprawling between South Florida’s Lake Okeechobee and the Gulf of Mexico, the Everglades is one of the world’s largest tropical wetlands. About 20 percent of the region is protected within the confines of Everglades National Park, the third largest national park after Death Valley and Yellowstone in the lower 48 states. MORE
What’s the Difference Between Bison and Buffalo?
Other than the bald eagle, there is no more iconic American animal than the buffalo.
Buffalo is the name of two dozen U.S. towns and one large city. Buffalo nickels filled many a piggy bank in the early 20th century. MORE
Babanango: South Africa’s big new game park is the result of a dramatic transformation
Five years ago, the river valleys and high plains that are now safeguarded by the Babanango Game Reserve in the KwaZulu Natal region of South Africa were virtually devoid of wildlife after decades of cattle grazing and unrestrained hunting. MORE
Tulum Time: Surviving Mexico’s Caribbean Hotspot
Tucked at the bottom end of the Riviera Maya, Tulum is Mexico’s “it” tropical vacation destination at the present time.
White-sand beaches, warm Caribbean Sea, Mayan ruins, delicious regional cuisine, party-hearty nightlife, awesome cave diving and a sultry winter climate. What’s not to love? MORE
You Had Me At Spyder
It may seem crazy to advocate a convertible sports car with all the rain we’ve had in Southern California this year.
But now, summer is here, and when the ragtop in question is the super-sweet, midengine Porsche 718 Spyder, it’s hard to resist the notion that this car is cool to drive—and be seen driving—no matter the season. MORE
How To Visit Two Continents In One Amazing City
What makes Istanbul so incredibly special?
Let’s start with the fact that you can visit two continents (Europe and Asia for those of you who flunked geography) in one city. MORE
This new park gives different views of the Grand Canyon—with no crowds
These sacred Indigenous lands in Arizona just got government protection. Here’s how to explore their hikes, wildlife, and impressive vistas. MORE
Beauty and a Beast
Beauty and a beast is an ideal way to describe the new LX 600, the latest and so far greatest iteration in a family of luxury Lexus SUVs. MORE
How to visit Biscayne National Park
With the third longest coral reef system in the world, Florida’s watery wonder is a haven for snorkeling, boating, and diving. MORE
How to eat in 6 of the world’s most stunning places
If you’ve ever wanted to dine beneath the Indian Ocean or in a Tanzanian crater, you’re in luck. We’ve rounded up some of the most extraordinary restaurants in the world—and given you the guide to find them. MORE
Travel delays? These airports and train stations actually have great food
From Michelin-starred menus to gilded historic sites, these restaurants are worth a visit—whether or not you’re a tourist. MORE
The world’s biggest national park is larger than most countries
National parks are really into big things, especially super-large landmarks. MORE
Incredible US national park campgrounds you can’t drive to
Forget the road less traveled when it comes to camping in US national parks. How about sacking out in places where there are no roads? MORE
15 of America’s best small towns and cities
The vast majority of Americans may live in big cities (more than 70%, according to the 2020 census), but there’s an enduring affection for small towns and cities. MORE
Take a look back at John Steinbeck’s sojourn in Laguna Beach.
Between the world wars, Laguna Beach evolved into a small but thriving West Coast version of Paris—a gathering place for artists, writers and actors searching for both a literal and metaphorical place in the sun. MORE
10 fascinating theme parks that have closed forever
Although hundreds of theme parks are active around the globe, hundreds more have been relegated to the scrapheap of amusement history. MORE
Camping 101
You certainly won’t be alone. According to the 2023 North American Camping & Outdoor Hospitality Report compiled by Kampgrounds of America (KOA), camping in all of its forms now accounts for around one-third of all leisure trips in the U.S. and Canada. MORE
Cómo visitar dos continentes en una ciud increíble
Agregue varias de las estructuras más icónicas del mundo, una combinación suntuosa de la cocina mediterránea y del Medio Oriente, canales panorámicos y residentes a los que les encanta mostrar su querida ciudad a los visitantes, y tiene todas las características de un lugar que debería estar en boca de todos. MORE
Alternative Africa: Freetown
You’ve already photographed the Big Five, sipped your way across Stellenbosch, straddled a camel beside the pyramids and now you’re looking for someplace new and different to feed your fascination with Africa. MORE
How to visit Lake Clark National Park and Preserve
The epitome of rugged wilderness, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve offers a glimpse of what Alaska was like prior to the arrival of Europeans 300 years ago. MORE
Dare to bare: 20 of the world’s best nude beaches
It’s been a banner year for nudity around the globe.
Berlin recently announced that women can now go topless at the German capital’s public swimming pools while Nantucket Island went topless last December after locals voted in favor of “gender equality on beaches.” MORE
Trips that will change you
Like many people visiting Sierra Leone for the first time, most of what I know about the West African nation was gleaned from press reports about its decade-long civil war. MORE
Escape From Puerto Vallarta
No, Kurt Russell and John Carpenter are not reuniting for another spinoff of their 1980’s cult classic action-adventure flick.
This is about a different kind of escape. MORE
World’s most beautiful castles
What is it about castles that fascinates so many people around the globe?
A lot of the allure derives from the history and human drama that played out within the walls, as well as the astonishing architecture that features on so many castles. MORE
Tired Of The Same Old London? Try These Neighborhoods
Anyone who visits London for the first time is sure to concentrate on eternal sights like Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and the British Museum. MORE
South Africa’s most epic hikes
Mount Kilimanjaro may be the ultimate quest. But the undisputed champ of African hiking is that big country at the bottom end of the continent – South Africa. MORE
Winter is coming. These trips help you embrace it—or escape it
Oslo, Norway—Average January high: 32ºF
At the mouth of a gorgeous fjord, the Norwegian capital strikes a fascinating balance between centuries-old and contemporary, with dazzling modern architecture (a new museum dedicated to local artist Edvard Munch), Viking ships on display, and a buzzing performing arts scene. MORE
Best National Parks For Winter Sports
They may not have the Winter Olympics pedigree of Palisades Tahoe or Lake Placid, or an après ski scene of Aspen or Park City, but many U.S. national parks have a pretty cool winter sports scene. MORE
Alternative Amazon: Guyana’s Emerald Forest
Lots of people are fascinated by dinosaurs, their imagination stoked by popular movies and the possibility (no matter how remote) of Jurassic creatures coming back to life in modern times. MORE
The Yukon: North America’s Wildest Road Trip
Looking for somewhere to road trip this summer that doesn’t have bumper-to-bumper traffic on both its highways, city streets and wilderness trails? MORE
4 winter trips you need to take now
Have the blizzards and bomb cyclones, the atmospheric rivers and Pineapple Express got you feeling the winter blues? Maybe you can’t “fly off to saint somewhere” like Jimmy Buffett. But a road trip to sunnier climes goes a long way to curing a bout of cabin fever. MORE
These natural wonders aren’t US national parks. But they should be
“National parks are the best idea we ever had,” declared American writer and environmentalist Wallace Stegner. And like many great inventions, the park system became wildly popular. MORE
Call of the Caucasus
Situated at the intersection of Europe and Asia, Georgia is an ancient land of complex history and rugged landscapes. MORE
It’s one of Europe’s most popular destinations. Here’s how to avoid the crowds
In 2019, more than three million tourists poured into the fabled walled town along Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast and local authorities expect the number to reach that point again over the next few years as global tourism recovers from Covid-19. MORE
25 Best Lake Vacations in the U.S.
Waking up to another cloudless morning, you dive off your houseboat into the wild blue of Lake Powell in southern Utah. The water takes the edge off the heat, and you float along, contemplating a lazy day of navigating spectacular red-rock gorges and flooded canyons. MORE
Valley Highs
World-class vineyards and wineries aren’t the only draw card for epicurians in California’s Napa Valley – the region is a foodie’s heaven, from high-class fine dining establishments to cute bakeries and statement diners. MORE
Escape Rapa Nui
Home to a Polynesian population that traces its roots back over 1,000 years, Easter Island has long been an exotic but virtually ignored atoll in the South Pacific. MORE
22 of the USA’s most underrated destinations
Exploring Cannon’s Point
California dream machine
Something in the air
The future looks electric
Alaska tourism: Things are looking up on the Last Frontier
Anchorage (CNN) — “Everyone is going to Alaska this summer,” declares the woman sitting next to me on a flight from San Francisco to Anchorage. “When I told friends we were going, so many of them said, ‘So are we!'” MORE
Remote Big Bend sheds a different light on the US frontier
It’s late afternoon in Santa Elena Canyon — a 19-mile gorge that separates Big Bend National Park in West Texas and three national parks in Mexico — and we’re setting up camp along a remote stretch of the Rio Grande. MORE
Take a look back at John Steinbeck’s sojourn in Laguna Beach.
Between the world wars, Laguna Beach evolved into a small but thriving West Coast version of Paris—a gathering place for artists, writers and actors searching for both a literal and metaphorical place in the sun. MORE
Bigo Live: Connecting In A Time of Disconnection
In the crowded social media universe, only a few platforms have a chance to dazzle a global audience and rise above the competition. MORE
Throwback digs, safely distanced: A travel trailer vacation revival.
The global pandemic has sparked a lot of unintended consequences — some of them a throwback to simpler times. MORE
Confessions of an RV rookie — and former naysayer
I had no idea when I decided to take the family on an RV vacation this summer that I would have to learn a whole new vocabulary. MORE
Stingray Soars into the Stratosphere
It took more than half a century, but the new 2020 Chevy Corvette finally lives up to all the hype. A road beast that ranks with Europe’s supercars. MORE
California Dream Machine
California car buffs are a finicky bunch. It takes something out of this world to grab their rapt attention, like the latest version of the Porsche 911 Targa 4, a bona fide head-turner that elicits shoutouts from other drivers as you’re cruising up and down Pacific Coast Highway. MORE
Course Concierge
The Waterman Caddie program at Monarch Beach Golf Links combines traditional services with expert knowledge to create an unmatched experience. More on Page 26
A Birder’s Paradise
They may not be as wild as the Everglades or Amazon, the beaches, wetlands and bays of Newport Beach offers some pretty awesome bird-watching especially during the winter months MORE
Unforgettable last-minute road trips in North America
Stumped about spring break? Drive to these volcanic peaks, high deserts, and the New World’s only Viking settlement. MORE
Splendid isolation: 8 great wilderness areas to inspire
“Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul alike,” John Muir famously declared. MORE
The Guianas: South America’s ‘Lost World’ rediscovered
Taking time off from his Sherlock Holmes mysteries, Arthur Conan Doyle penned a tale about a remote corner of South America where dinosaurs and other colossal creatures stilled roamed the earth. MORE
Food in Egypt: 13 delicious dishes and drinks you shouldn’t miss
Although seldom named among the great food cultures of the Mediterranean or Middle East, the flavors found along the Nile are just as tasty — and often more intriguing — than the traditional cooking of Lebanon, Turkey or Greece.ey or Greece. MORE
Earth Before Man
The name Serengeti derives from a Maasai phrase that means “endless plains.” Tanzania’s iconic national park certainly feels that way — a seemingly infinite expanse of rolling grasslands, wooded river courses and rocky outcrops that safeguards one of the last great bastions of nature. MORE
Jewels of the Nile: 11 awesome Egyptian museums
For much of the 20th century, the Egyptian Museum in the center of Cairo was the gold standard for collections along the Nile.Mainly because among the many nuggets inside were the glimmering death mask of Tutankhamun and all the other relics discovered in the boy king’s tomb by archeologist Howard Carter in 1922. MORE
World’s most beautiful castles
What is it about castles that fascinates so many people around the globe? A lot of the allure derives from the history and human drama that played out within the walls, as well as the astonishing architecture that features on so many castles. MORE
Everything to know about Glacier National Park
“Crown of the Continent” is an apt nickname for this pair of parks, which feature some of the most impressive mountain scenery in North America. Joined together since 1932 as the world’s first international peace park, Glacier National Park in Montana and Watertown Lakes National Park in Alberta offer a contiguous high-country wonderland of rock, ice, water, and wood. MORE
Sleeping in history: Egypt’s vintage hotels
Egypt has been attracting tourists for nearly as long as the pyramids have been around.The ancient Greek author Herodotus, the spiritual father of travel writing, called it “the gift of the river” Nile. MORE
These historic lodges are the perfect way to see North America’s wild parks
Glamping has nothing on these lodges. With a grand mansion or rustic inn as your base camp, you can get a glimpse into 19th- and 20th-century history before heading off into the park to explore some of North America’s most beautiful landscapes. MORE
Top 10 wildlife encounters in parks
Originally supported—at least in the United States—by hunting enthusiasts eager to safeguard big game, parks have a longstanding connection to wildlife preservation. Today, wildlife tourists are becoming more mindful than ever of the balance between enjoying the parks they support and keeping a healthy distance from wild animals. MORE
Explore 10 amazing river trips in North American parks
Rivers knit ecosystems together, providing some of the best widlife watching around—and some adrenaline-fueled recreation, too. Here are 10 of the best river trips in parks across the United States and Canada. MORE
Everything to know about Grand Canyon National Park
Imagine the Grand Canyon with no people. Just the psychedelic-colored canyon walls, the wind, and the river silent and milk chocolaty at the bottom of the gorge. That’s how it must have looked to the Native Americans who lived in and around the Grand Canyon 12,000 years ago, and to the Spanish explorers who laid eyes on the rift in the 16th century. MORE
100 Parks, 5,000 Ideas
In the sequel to the best-selling 50 States, 5,000 ideas, Joe Yogerst turns to the most pristine and adventure-filled national, state, and city parks in the U.S. and Canada. Showcasing the best experiences, both obvious and unexpected, each entry in this robust guide provides an overview of the park, detailed travel advice, fascinating facts, insider knowledge about wildlife, and expert tips. MORE
18 travel books to inspire your next vacation or feed your wanderlust
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- If you didn’t feel like hopping on a train, plane, or car to a new, unexplored destination before now, you will after reading one of these 18 travel books.
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- Their eye-catching photographs, romantic descriptions, and useful travel tips will inspire you to pack your bags and book a ticket ASAP. MORE
8 breathtaking photos of some of North America’s best national parks
Editor’s Note: The following are images from “100 Parks, 5,000 Ideas” by National Geographic’s Joe Yogerst. Explore the top national, state, and city parks throughout North America. National Geographic turns to the United States and Canada’s most pristine — and adventure-filled — national, state, and city parks with 5,000 ideas for the ultimate vacation. MORE
Top 10 sweeping views of iconic parks
Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie with a head for heights or simply looking for sublime vistas, North America’s breathtaking summits and manufactured monuments deliver. Here are ten of the most amazing panoramic views in parks across the United States and Canada. MORE
The best of ancient Egypt
(CNN) — Like the legendary curse of the mummy, ancient Egypt refuses to stay buried in the past. Every so often it comes back to life — in the 1920s with the discovery of King Tut’s tomb; in the 1970s with the global tour of those golden masks; and most recently with a flurry of astonishing discoveries using 21st-century archaeological techniques. MORE
20 best things to do in Kenya
Folks who have never been there tend to think of Kenya as a one-trick pony — an awesome safari destination and little more. But East Africa’s No. 1 travel destination (nearly 1.5 million international visitors in 2017) is actually a multifaceted place with a wide variety of adventures both rural and urban MORE
12 reasons to visit the beautiful Cape Verde islands
Once a hugely important gateway used by explorers en route to “discover” the Americas, the Cape Verde islands fell into obscurity in more recent times.But the archipelago, located in the North Atlantic about 570 kilometers (about 350 miles) off the extreme western tip of Africa, is enjoying a renewed surge in visitors. MORE
Eight of Kenya’s most beautiful beaches
(CNN) — Despite the powder-soft sand and seawater that runs a dozen shades of blue, Diani Beach on Kenya’s Indian Ocean coast always has you looking skyward.At the black-and-white colobus monkeys swinging through the trees and scampering over the roofs of the seaside villas. At the skydivers and kitesurfers hovering high above the strand. MORE
16 of the world’s best coastlines
(CNN) — Coastlines are one of the most alluring of our planet’s geographical features. The clash of land and water is often mesmerizing, as are the plants, animals and human activities that flourish along a shore. In classic novella “Heart of Darkness,” seafaring author Joseph Conrad wrote. MORE
Namibia’s Skeleton Coast: A journey through the ‘end of the Earth’
It seems more like a mirage than real life — lions stalking seals along a dazzling white sand strand that wouldn’t look out of place in the Caribbean.
But the sand dunes towering a hundred meters (300 feet) behind the shore and the fact there’s nothing man-made — other than shipwrecks — for a hundred miles in every direction indicate that there’s something very different about this section of Namibia’s 1,570 kilometer coastline. MORE
Dare to bare: 15 of the world’s best nude beaches
(CNN) — Although still taboo in many places, casting aside your clothes at the shore has become a customary practice around the world in recent times. From rocky coastlines to talcum powder fine sands, and big city bays to secluded shores, there are now hundreds of beaches where it’s perfectly legal (or at least de facto legal) to sunbathe, swim and otherwise frolic beside the sea in nothing more than your birthday suit. MORE
The Heart of Hawaii
(DestinAsian) Probably the most laidback of all the Hawaiian islanders, it takes an awful lot to get the people on Lāna‘i excited about anything. But on a breezy weekday morning, when most of them should be in a workplace or classroom, a good number of the island’s 3,000 residents are gathered around Manele Bay awaiting the arrival of a very special boat. MORE
Puerto Rico tourism slowly bouncing back
San Juan, Puerto Rico (CNN) — Last summer, Puerto Rican tourism officials were getting flooded with calls about “Despacito” (“Slowly”), the sexy megahit by Puerto Rican crooners Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee that made history as the most streamed song of all time. MORE
Deep in the Heart of Texas
Marking its tricentennial this year, san antonio is gearing up to party like it’s 1718. But for all its history, the south texan city has an even More intriguing present, as a recent visit attests. MORE
11 reasons (besides the NCAA Final Four) to visit San Antonio
(CNN) — Deep in the heart of Texas is a place where hoops trump football as the leading local sport — the city of San Antonio — home to the NBA Spurs and this year’s Final Four of NCAA college basketball. MORE
Africa’s Best Water Adventures
“Going up that river was like traveling back to the earliest beginnings of the world … an empty stream, a great silence, an impenetrable forest,” wrote Joseph Conrad in classic novella “Heart of Darkness.” MORE
Brazil’s other wild place — the Pantanal
(CNN) — Our boatman gets a radio call that a jaguar mother and two cubs have been spotted moving along a riverbank in the Pantanal wetlands of southern Brazil about 20 minutes from our present location.But when we arrive, there’s no sign of the big cats.That’s because they’re in the water — swimming across the Cuiaba River right in front of our boat. MORE
Namibia’s Caprivi Strip
(CNN) — If there was ever a candidate for an obscure question on a television quiz show, it’s the Caprivi Strip in northern Namibia.
A classic panhandle, the ultra-narrow strip separates Botswana and Angola as it runs 280 miles (450 km) west to east from the main part of Namibia to the Zambezi River on the eastern border. MORE
12 of Montreal’s best neighborhoods
Montreal (CNN) — Montreal is home to more than 200 ethnic groups that have all stitched their own patches into the urban quilt, and the city is full of distinct neighborhoods — some created hundreds of years ago and others born of the 21st century. MORE
Cowboys and Wildlife-Spotting in Brazil
The Pantanal is the biggest swamp on the planet, a seasonally flooded expanse of grasslands, savannas, and tropical forests that harbors not only a unique cowboy culture but also the greatest concentration of wildlife in South America. MORE
Paradise found: 12 crowd-free Asia island escapes
(CNN) — Finding an empty beach in Asia was a breeze a few decades ago, but it’s not quite so easy anymore.
As zealous souvenir hawkers follow busloads of tour groups to Asia’s most famous islands, discerning travelers must look farther afield for more authentic getaways. MORE
St. Louis and Kansas City bounce back
(CNN) — Anchoring either end of Missouri, St. Louis and Kansas City are 250 miles apart along Interstate 70. And while they have distinct personalities and urban landscapes, the two also have an awful lot in common, both now and in the past.
By the end of the 19th century, they had grown from burly frontier towns into cutting-edge urban America, MORE
A Mountain Turned Runway at 17,000 Feet
Paul Claus dares to go places and do things that few aviators would even dream about.
“Wanna land some cool places?” is his opening line to those arriving at his lodge deep in the wilderness of Alaska’s Wrangell-St Elias National Park and Preserve. MORE
9 Crazy Cool Places to Elope
If running off to Vegas and getting hitched by an Elvis impersonator isn’t wild enough for you and your honey, try one of these crazy places around the world to elope. MORE
10 Luxury Honeymoon Destinations on a Budget
On a honeymoon budget that can’t budge? If you think you can’t travel to swanky honeymoon destinations, or stay in fantastic romantic resorts, think again. Here’s how to honeymoon like the 1 percent, even though you’re in the 99. MORE