Destinations

Bendites have saying: “show up and blow up,” which means, come as you are, with no planning. Still, some things need a little planning ahead if you’re heading to Bend, Oregon. Insider tips, such as knowing where and how to get trail permits, properly selecting what to wear and understanding the art of blending in

If you’ve landed on the idyllic shores of St Thomas, chances are you plan to spend a good chunk of your trip at the beach. Yet with its storied history, rich culture and wild nature, there’s much more to do on this island than simply eat, beach, sleep and repeat (though there’s certainly nothing wrong

Getting around Croatia is generally a breeze. The best way to travel? That depends on the kind of trip you’re planning. Croatia’s bus network connects almost everywhere and is a great option, especially on a budget. If you’re touring the coast, you can hop on ferries to reach mainland cities and the islands. Driving is

Compact, easy to get around and with a friendly English-speaking population, Malta is a relaxed and convenient destination filled with pleasures. Taking note of a few pre-departure tips will make a trip to the Mediterranean’s smallest island nation even more enjoyable. Here’s all you need to know before your trip to Malta. Book well ahead

The Florida Keys dangle off the southern coast of the state like a string of pearls floating in Florida Bay, linked together by the Overseas Highway, more formally known as US Rt 1. But that’s just the view from the land. Get out onto the water, all part of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary,

A national trendsetter for all things outdoor sports–related, Bend, Oregon, is a western playground that attracts an international assortment of powder hounds, dirt divas, snow bunnies and Peter Pans for climbing, hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, and more. For those who prefer camping and Coleman stoves to honeymoon suites and Michelin-starred fine dining, it’s the ideal destination, but the

Defensive walls are part of China’s historic DNA. For as long as there have been towns and cities in China, there have been walls around them. The Chinese character cheng 城, meaning city, also means city wall – the concept of a large settlement and a wall around it were indivisible. The Great Wall, mightiest

Hawaii might lay claim to the first waves ever ridden, but surf culture was born in California. Whether it’s the salt-washed hair of the Lords of Dogtown, the tunes of the Beach Boys or the legendary Endless Summer crew, there are countless examples of how California is intertwined with the world of wave chasing. It’s

There’s much more to Croatia than its glittering Adriatic coast. While you absolutely shouldn’t miss all those dazzling islands and the beauty of Dubrovnik and Split, the country also boasts sophisticated culture in Zagreb, baroque beauty in Varaždin and stunning landscapes throughout country that promise both beautiful views and hair-raising adventures. As you plan your trip to a magical

Fittingly shaped like a tropical fish, St Kitts packs a lot to see and do in its lush and historical expanse. One of the Caribbean’s best stone forts dominates the north, while a string of beaches dot the south. Distinct mountain ranges – and an extinct volcano – add texture. Besides the fortress, the island’s

New York is skyscraper city, its skyline famously piercing the heavens with tall iconic towers. And yet, it wasn’t until relatively recently when some of those sky-high rooftops were finally converted into bars. We don’t know what took so long, but at the moment, the rooftop bar scene in New York City is better than

Croatia has some stunning towns and cities, but none can match Dubrovnik for tourist appeal. The only problem? Given the number of visitors to this Dalmatian port’s small and lovely old town, budget travelers can feel squeezed out. Never fear: while Dubrovnik can be expensive, some of the finest things to do in the city are

Portugal’s mix of the medieval, the martial and the maritime makes it a superb place to visit. A rich and turbulent history involving North Africa, Spain and Napoleon has left the interior scattered with walled towns topped by castles, while the pounding Atlantic has sculpted a coast of glorious sand beaches. Comparatively short distances mean

Whether you’re celebrating Pride Month, Transgender Day of Visibility or simply want to learn more about LGBTIQ+ history any day of the year, you might be wondering where to start. While some sites, such as the Stonewall Inn, are widely known for their significance to the queer community, there are many other places across the

One of the fastest growing cities in the United States, Charlotte has developed a vast array of dining options. Reflecting its diverse population (nearly 20 percent were born outside the country), the flavors of the world have come to the Queen City. The brewery scene has also exploded in recent years – and each month seems to

Dubrovnik’s greatest museum is arguably the city itself – a living, breathing, labyrinthine slab of more than a thousand years of history, enclosed within some of the most stunningly well-preserved medieval fortifications anywhere on the Mediterranean. However Dubrovnik also has several excellent museums, which are well worth visiting in their own right – ranging from

One of Europe’s most glamorous, star-studded corners, the sun-kissed Côte d’Azur can take a toll on your wallet. Yet there are many ways to enjoy its largest city, Nice, without having to spend a single euro.  From panoramic hilltop vistas to some of the world’s most famous beaches, this seductive city isn’t short of fine things to see

Reykjavik’s most common bird, the joke goes, is the building crane. Construction projects are everywhere, transforming Reykjavik from an oversized fishing village to an international city with all its complications. To first-time visitors, the capital tends to be warmer than expected (winters are like New York) and spread over a wider area (twice the size

Although Bend is the heart of Oregon’s high desert country, its arteries stretch out to neighboring hamlets. Take a 30- to 45-minute drive in almost any direction, and you’ll arrive at another quaint, unique and worthwhile township, just waiting to be explored. Wild West throwbacks, up-and-coming cosmopolitan townships and charming hole-in-the-wall one-horse towns pop up

While its capital Brussels and the canals of Bruges are major tourist magnets, the rest of this small but diverse country undeservedly goes largely unnoticed. When traveling, its humble size is undoubtedly an advantage – getting from one place to another is easy, affordable, and quick. Here’s our guide on how to explore Belgium in