Destinations

The Canadian alpine ski town of Whistler draws scores of visitors year-round for good reason. In the winter, the perfect powder and adventurous slopes of Whistler Blackcomb attract snowboarders and skiers from around the globe. In the summer, cooler temperatures lure visitors to the mountains, and sports like hiking, kayaking and mountain biking take the spotlight.

I’m an avid hiker who enjoys spending time outside, constantly on the lookout for new, adventurous outdoor places and experiences. I love the feeling of crisp alpine air as I tackle a new trail, of warm sun and the energy it brings my soul to look out over a new, idyllic setting.  There are lots

Diverse landscapes are Chile’s biggest asset. Traveling around this long, narrow country, you’ll be greeted by an ever-shifting panorama of rolling vineyards, dazzling lakes, towering volcanoes, deep fjords, high grasslands and sprawling salt flats. To do this terrain justice, you really need a set of wheels. Road trips in Chile range from the comfortable to

Malta’s pocket-sized capital is a 16th-century expression of Christian might, with tall townhouses towering over narrow streets. Named after the Grand Master when it was built, Jean Parisot de la Valette, this is a capital like no other. Its balcony-fronted townhouses, as tall as sea cliffs, perch on the Sceberras Peninsula, a frond of land

If you thought Charleston and its cobblestoned, charming streets couldn’t get any better, we have some wonderful news – there are nearby beaches, too. Kiawah Island, Isle of Palms, Folly Beach and more are all within a 45-minute drive, each with its own personal Southern charm. If a dabble in marsh-draped, palmetto-swaying coastal luxury is on

The Amalfi Coast is the romantic star of many movies and has worked its way from the silver screen into the hearts of travelers worldwide. However, this stellar reputation has resulted in an explosion of tourist numbers that the area is struggling to deal with – and it’s important to visit ethically and thoughtfully. It’s not

The world’s most narrow and southern country packs a lot of everything into its slender form: Beautiful beaches, remote islands, towering mountains, colossal glaciers and fjords, fiery volcanoes, fertile valleys and lunar-like desertscapes – sometimes less than 150km (93.2 miles) apart from one another! A land of extremes if there ever was one, Chile runs

Basking in the balmy waters of the Balearic Sea, 128 miles (206km) south of Barcelona, Mallorca offers something for every season, from lively cultural festivals to serene natural beauty. The island’s vibrant capital, Palma de Mallorca, is a great year-round destination, while spring, summer and fall each lend a unique flavor to the rest of

Visiting Madagascar can feel like an adventure into the unknown. It’s a country that combines world-class luxury resorts with gems that are situated – barely known to the outside world – down a long and winding dirt track. And everything else in between. Madagascar is one of the world’s most exciting destinations for watching wildlife.

Far from the white-sand beaches and sparkling cities of Australia’s East Coast is the country’s beating heart – the Red Centre – where tens of thousands of years of human history and stories are etched into the features of the surrounding landscape. For many, the remote and starkly beautiful region is considered a once-in-a-lifetime destination.

An emerald dropped into French Polynesia’s sea of chalcedony, the volcanic island of Bora Bora is unapologetically lush and luxe. Crystalline lagoons shimmer like cut glass, forest-draped peaks spike with wild elegance and overwater bungalows bring the drink right to your doorstep; Bora Bora sure knows how to make an impression. Famed for being a honeymooner’s haven,

The playa (beach) has near-holy status in Spain, a country hemmed by some 8000km (5000 miles) of coastline that canters from tiny pine-clasped rocky cove to dune-rippled beach, glitzy Mediterranean harbor and surf-smashed Atlantic bay without breaking a sweat. Toss in crazily pretty cliff-top villages so white they make you blink, chiringuitos (beach bars) where

Pack a sun hat, some loose-fitting clothes and a book of José Martí’s poems, and get ready to uncover the buoyant and sophisticated magic of Cuba. Fewer restrictions on private enterprise in recent years have led to an explosion of creativity in this island nation, while the culture-dampening effects of globalization have yet to dilute

New Mexico may just be the Rocky Mountains’ best-kept secret – in terms of skiing, at the very least. With 300-plus bluebird days, over 200 inches of snow annually and dry, ultra-light powder that rivals celebrated ski destinations in neighboring states, the Land of Enchantment delivers major winter adventure – without big crowds or lift

So you want to see a lion in the wild? Terrific. Now comes the tricky part: choosing where to go on your first safari. Which countries offer the easiest introduction to the continent for first-time travelers? Which countries are best for wildlife? Let us help you cut through the overwhelming options and plan your first

Dominated by the Imperial Palace and its vast surrounding park and gardens, this area was once the political and ruling heart of Kyoto (and, indeed, Japan). Now, it is more known as a tranquil and spectacularly green retreat in the center of the city, just to the north of the bustling downtown.  The Kyoto Imperial

Recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 1982, the historic center of Florence boasts a vast collection of medieval and Renaissance art and architecture, despite its relatively compact size. Originally bounded by its 14th-century city walls – partially removed during the 19th-century renovation of the city – inner Florence is split in half

Rising improbably and spectacularly from the desert, the glorious monolith of Uluru has a magical color palette and a gravitas that few other natural features possess. Whether you’re seeing it for the first time, looking up close at its strangely alluring textures, or just enjoying its presence, this is one soulful place.   Uluru overflows with

With its rich cultural heritage and spectacular natural beauty, Indonesia is an astonishingly diverse country, blessed with postcard-perfect beaches, mighty volcanoes and vibrant cities, and home to myriad cultures. From popular tourist destinations such as Bali to little-explored islands in remote corners, there’s plenty to see and do in the world’s largest archipelago. If you’re

Spanning more than 17,000 islands, Indonesia offers vibrant cities, natural beauty and a rich cultural heritage. But with so many islands, you may be wondering how easy it is to get connected while traveling through the world’s largest archipelago. Luckily, we have you covered. Whether you’re here for adventurous activities, the beaches or the national