You know it’s winter in North America when ads promoting the Caribbean, Mexico and Hawaii are absolutely dominating every inch of media you consume. The message: winter is coming; board the nearest plane headed for sun and sand. But, before you book that flight, consider this counterpoint: those balmy destinations are great year-round. The places …

Bora Bora’s 8 best beaches offer a taste of paradise
You probably already know that Bora Bora’s lagoon is outrageously picturesque, revealing shades of blue you didn’t even know existed. And you’ll be pleased to learn that this stunning island in French Polynesia has beautiful beaches to match, fringed by a curtain of swishing palms. You’ll find little slices of sandy heaven – almost always …

18 things to do in Grand Canyon National Park that no one should miss
At every majestic red, brown and pink turn, Grand Canyon National Park wows, with nature’s utmost beauty on full display. The Grand Canyon is a global destination that offers more than 1.2 million acres of rocky, woodsy and riverine landscapes. It’s a paradise that appeals to travelers in search of many sorts of excursions, from …

13 stunning Irish islands to add to your itinerary
There are few places in the world that can match the beauty of Ireland’s islands. Even on wet, misty days, the islands are compelling. Their rugged features become more dramatic. They inspire stories – and adventures. Hundreds of islands dot the coastline of Ireland, each offering something special. From wild tales of pirate queens and …

The 8 best offbeat winter trips in the USA
Winter is a marvelous time to travel in the USA. Across the country, ski slopes open, cabin fireplaces roar into life, twinkly holiday lights go up and storybook vibes abound. Few places in the world do “winter wonder” quite like the United States! While a handful of places get most of the press – Telluride, …

12 amazing things to do in Italy
With its awe-inspiring art, architecture and culinary delights, Italy has been a star of the world stage for millennia. The epicenter of the Roman Empire and the birthplace of the Renaissance, this European virtuoso practically groans under the weight of its cultural cachet. The challenge for any visit to Italy is not so much where …

7 dream trips to take in Africa
Africa offers experiences found nowhere else on Earth. Each year, the Great Migration sees millions of mammals traverse Tanzania and Kenya in one of nature’s greatest spectacles, and you can witness it up close on a safari tour. But the continent extends far beyond its wildlife. Sail the Nile on elegant cruise ships, explore South …

A first-time guide to Kerala, India
Electric-green palms stretching above glinting backwaters that empty into rippling lakes. Honey-colored beaches washed by the tropical surf dotted along an almost 600km(370-mile)-long coastline. Fragrant coconut-laced stews mopped up with fluffy appam (rice-flour pancakes). This is just a taste of what awaits discovery on a trip around India’s magical, laid-back southwesternmost state. Kerala is defined …

8 of the best girls’ trip destinations
There’s something especially wonderful about traveling with your girlfriends. It’s so alluring that countless movies have been made, books written and songs sung about the uniquely magical experience of heading to new sights with your friends. Not only can these trips provide the chance to slow down from our busy lives, but they can also …

Soak it up at the 14 best hot springs in the USA
It’s time to get your soak on. Although all 50 states have natural hot springs, the western half of the USA is home to some of the best natural hot springs in the country. From comfortable resorts that revolve around effervescing pools of hot water to remote thermal springs only accessible by snowmobile or dogsled, …