In the northern Costa Rican lowlands sits Volcan Arenal, a monolith that draws visitors from across the globe. The surrounding area is a perfect base for nature excursions, but there's no need to rough it—these boutique lodging options feature all the tropical paradise and creature comforts you desire.
Romantic and iconic, Santorini is a bucket-list destination for many travelers. But beyond the classic whitewashed villas, there are places where the crowds thin and you can appreciate more facets of this Aegean gem. Watch the sunrise from a secret spot, stay the night in a cave, and more with this list.
Trekking to Everest Base Camp is the classic way to get up-close-and-personal with the world's tallest peak. But there's another way to go that's quicker, cheaper, and less exhausting: hop aboard a plane or helicopter. Here's how to do it, and what to expect.
In Medellín, the locals know how to party. The city's nightlife is ever evolving, and "la fiesta paisa" is seemingly never-ending. Check out these fun places to grab a drink, from neighborhood brew-pubs to sultry salsa bars.
Culture, nightlife, haute cuisine—travelers are discovering the virtues of San José. And with more lodging options than ever before, you can take your pick of style, neighborhood, and amenities on offer. Make your decision an easy one with this list of premier boutique hotels in Costa Rica's capital.
For sheer diversity, Manuel Antonio National Park has it all: rainforests, coral beaches, and wild rivers abound. Stay the night nearby in one of these recommended boutique hotels or ecolodges, all offering noteworthy views, architecture, and proximity to the park.
With two coasts, Costa Rica is a dream for travelers looking to catch a wave. Both the Pacific and Caribbean sides offer some of the best breaks in the world, with enough variety to accommodate beginners and experts alike. If you’re keen to surf the “Rich Coast,” you don’t have to be a professional—you just need to know where to go.
Santorini is the glittering gem of the Cyclades. You'll spend five days exploring this iconic Greek island from top to bottom with beach time, volcano tours, and sunsets that'll take your breath away. Then ferry to neighboring Folegandros to relax on a smaller and lesser-visited (but no less beautiful) island, discovering empty coastline and medieval architecture before returning to Santorini for your departure.
Amman is a perfect pairing of Jordan's ancient history and modern culture, providing endless viewpoints, fantastic Levantine cuisine, and one of the best art scenes in the Middle East. It's a dynamic place to spend a day—follow this itinerary to make the most of your 24 hours.
With activities like dog sledding, whale safaris, and hunting for the Northern Lights, the Lapland and Northern Norway region is a natural destination for travelers with kids. Most area lodging readily caters to groups and families—here are 4 of the best options, from Tromsø hotels to traditional tents in the wilderness.
History buffs who prefer to be outdoors can experience the ancient world on this tour of mainland Greece's top classical sites. From Mycenae to Meteora, you'll visit ruins spanning back across the ages: sample the descendants of millennia-old grapevines in Nemea, see where the tale of the Iliad started at Mycenae, and tread on the same ground as the first Olympic athletes. End the trip hiking around Delphi and Meteora's six active clifftop monasteries, surrounded by Mediterranean landscape.
Costa Rica's mountainous Monteverde region is a traveler favorite, topping lists for its distinct cloud forest ecosystem, abundant wildlife, and options for hiking and zip-lining. Head northwest for a long weekend from San José or visit after a few days at Arenal—whatever you choose, this guide has everything you need to plan your time.
With thousands of years of history (and just as many islands to explore), Greece offers countless opportunities for adventure. If you're preparing for your first foray to the epicenter of the ancient world, check out these tips on traveling within the country, important info on visas, safety, etiquette, and more.
Though it still belongs to the Greek archipelago, Crete has a distinct character all its own (and the size to prove it). Explore the island's western Chania region on this 9-day itinerary from its craggy gorges to bright blue lakes and seafront. You'll also visit historic villages, learn about olive oil production, relax on Mediterranean beaches, ride horses, and sample fresh food along the way as you see what sets Crete apart from the pack.
Amman is a major Middle Eastern art hub, filled with ever-evolving collections of traditional Islamic and contemporary works. You'll find many of the city's galleries in the central Jabal Amman or hip Weibdeh neighborhoods—head to these inspiring hot spots to see new exhibits, attend events, pick up a souvenir, or even create a masterpiece of your own.
Many travelers flock to Santorini and Mykonos, but during this trip, you'll visit two spectacular yet less-traveled islands in the Cyclades chain. Start off in Paros, where golden sand beaches and charming villages are yours to explore. Then hop a ferry to neighboring Naxos for a bustling Chora (main town), beautiful whitewashed villages clinging to mountainsides, and countryside filled with churches, archaeological sites, and local distilleries.
This active island-hopping itinerary visits two gems in the Aegean Sea—both world-famous for different reasons. You'll start in Crete, largest of the Greek islands and home of ancient Minoan palaces and striking landscapes like canyons, gorges, mountains, and beautiful beaches. You'll then ferry over to the smaller volcanic island of Santorini and have three days to explore its whitewashed cliff-side villages with hiking, swimming, sea kayaking, and, of course, romantic sunsets.
Experience the best of Slovenia's Alpine region on this epic 13-day trip. Start with two nights in the resort town of Lake Bled and then begin five days of hiking through the Julian Alps. From here, take a self-guided drive through Soča River Valley, continuing to the Goriška Brda wine country, and ending in the romantic riverside capital of Ljubljana.
Casablanca is the cultural hub of Morocco. A mixture of Spanish, French, and African influences make this North African city the place to experience a delightful contrast of old and new. Find out where to go (and where to stay) in this comprehensive guide.
More than a quarter of Costa Rica is protected jungle, home to a wide variety of native wildlife—including 850 colorful species of birds. Learn about the country's best areas to spot them, from the Osa Peninsula to the Monteverde Cloud Forest.
Traveling with a great guide is important in Nepal—particularly at high altitude. Read on for more information about the benefits of hiring local, learn what to expect, and meet some of the country's top trekking and tour guides.
Active travelers can cover the Slovenian countryside in all manners of transportation with this weeklong itinerary. You'll spend seven days hiking, biking, and rafting across varying terrain, sleeping in traditional Alpine huts, vineyards, and farms along the way. Top it off with a toast in the Goriška Brda wine country—you'll have earned it.
In a buzzing city built on hills, you’ll need a good caffeine kick to keep you well-fueled for exploring. Lucky for you, Amman’s café culture is alive and well. This list will lead you to some of the best spots in Jordan’s capital city to tip back a tasty cup of coffee—with epic views, free wifi, and more.
There's more to Peru than Machu Picchu—world-class restaurants, diverse wildlife, and landscapes ranging from Amazonian rainforest to the snow-capped Andes await. Here's everything you need to know when planning your visit.
Towering Mount Triglav is a symbol of Slovenian national pride and the site of some of the country's most stunning hikes. With this weeklong adventure, you'll climb through the Julian Alps and make your way to Triglav's three peaks staying in local mountain huts along the way. Start and end the adventure on the relaxing banks of Bohinj—arguably the prettiest lake in Slovenia—for swimming, boating, biking, and great restaurants.
Gastronomes can explore Slovenia's beautiful landscapes and culinary scene with this 8-day summer adventure. You'll start by perusing the open-air markets of Ljubljana, the capital city, before you move on to the country's natural wonders, with foodie highlights along the way from Alpine dairy farms to trout plucked straight from the Soča River. Wrap up your journey in wine country where you'll get a chance to sample pours from some of the country's best vineyards.
Colombia's capital offers a wide range of watering holes, from low-key neighborhood bars to clubs serving up Latin rhythms. Many of the best are concentrated in a few key zones: student-friendly Chapinero, the upscale Zona T, and uber-chic Parque de los 93. Here are nine options for your night out in Bogotá.
Glaciers, waterfalls, and wildlife like you've never seen: fourteen days is plenty of time to experience Iceland beyond what you'll find in any guidebook—both on and off the beaten path. Here are two itineraries that make the most of two weeks in the Land of Fire and Ice.
Experience the Julian Alps on this intermediate mountain bike tour. You'll swim in Slovenia's famous lakes and hike through Triglav National Park and the Soča Valley, biking the area's roads and trails throughout. Meet friendly locals, sample Slovenian cuisine, and jump into waterfalls: there are adventures waiting around every (mountain) bend.
Journey through the Slovenian countryside at your own pace with this road trip itinerary. Starting from the laidback riverside cafés of Ljubljana, you'll visit lovely Lake Bled, the Julian Alps, and the Goriška Brda wine region. See castles, caves, and the Adriatic coast as you wind through the country, enjoying a full week of Slovenia's best views and outdoor activities.
Experience the best of Slovenia and Croatia on this 11-day road trip. You'll start in Ljubljana, circuiting through Slovenia's lakes and rivers to the cypress hills of wine country. From there, approach the Istrian peninsula for one of the best-known culinary scenes on the Adriatic—and a dip in its waters.
Costa Rica abounds with wildlife and outdoor activities, setting the scene for an ideal family vacation. But you don't need to head straight to the beach—travelers flying into urban San José will find plenty to do with kids upon arrival. Interactive museums, local markets, and more are a great way to spend a day in the city.
Manuel Antonio is a slice of paradise on Costa Rica's Pacific coast. A short flight (or four-hour drive) south of San José, the national park and surrounding area have rainforest hiking trails and lots of beaches to explore, each with its own character. Learn where to eat, stay, and play with this comprehensive guide.
While the majority of visitors to Costa Rica will head west to the Pacific, the laidback lifestyle and Afro-Caribbean culture and cuisine of Puerto Viejo beckon you to come experience life on the country's eastern coast. This guide will introduce you to the playas, towns, and wilderness areas that make up Puerto Viejo — let's get started.
Costa Rica has a culinary tradition all its own, and travelers in search of local experiences need look no further than the food. Read on for an overview of must-try delicacies, including the country's national dish, snow cones with a Costa Rican twist, and other fun specialties best tried in-country.
Costa Rica is one of the world’s most biodiverse countries, and over a quarter of its territory is protected. Use this list of recommended viewing locales for your best shot at seeing howler monkeys, humpback whales, jaguars and more.
Cartagena may be best known for its colonial attractions and grand Afro-Caribbean cuisine, but the bar scene in this coastal city is also world class. Here are eight of the best cocktail hotspots for every taste.
Laid back, charming, and full of students, Bergen is a great city for hanging out over a cup of coffee. You can expect an unpretentious café scene with a clientele to match. This list of Bergen's best includes both trendy newcomers and historic establishments—a perfect excuse to check out more than one.
Every year hordes of visitors descend on the tiny Costa Rican town of La Fortuna. They come for one reason and one reason alone—to experience the majesty of Costa Rica's most famous active volcano and its surrounding natural wonders. Here is our expert guide to discovering Arenal.
Costa Rica's rainforest and windswept beaches lure travelers from all over the world to practice yoga and enjoy other soul-nourishing activities while communing with nature. Some retreat centers are in the country's remote corners, while others are just outside of major cities—this list covers six of the best.
In India, there are itineraries to suit every traveler, from short sightseeing sprees to months-long backpacking trips. Whether you’re on a quick, history-packed jaunt to tick off blockbuster sights or a rough-and-tumble mission lasting weeks or more, you’ll be sure to find a trip for every timeframe.
Wadi Rum is a destination in its own right, both for its surreal landscape and its pleasantly isolated location—and to get the most out of your experience, you'll want to spend the night. Whether you want to feel like you've landed on Mars or prefer something a bit more down to earth, this list has you covered.
When the sun goes down in Lima, it's time to celebrate with a cocktail. Peru's national drink, the pisco sour, is a must—and there are plenty of chic and festive spots to try one. Let this list point you to the best spirits in the city.
Norway is home to untamed wilderness, and its animal inhabitants—from reindeer to humpback whales—are some of the country's star attractions. It can take a little planning to come face-to-face with them, and usually lots of patience, but encountering these rare species is a great reward. Here’s your ultimate guide to spotting Norwegian wildlife.
Fjordkysten & Nordfjord, just north of Bergen, is where Fjord Norway still hangs onto its roots. This region is where mountains and glaciers scratch the sky and locals are counted in the tens of thousands—in other words, the perfect place to get off the beaten path.
Greece is warm and welcoming, and getting to know locals in the country's many bakeries and plazas will be a highlight of your trip. Here are more favorite cultural experiences on the mainland and the stunning Aegean and Ionian islands.
Southern Norway is a nature lover’s paradise, and the region's nickname—the "Norwegian Riviera"—is perfectly suited to the waterfront towns that dot Norway's southernmost stretch of coast. Here are some tips for making the most of your stay.
Peru may be world-renowned for its incredible cuisine, but it's also at the vanguard of the third-wave coffee movement. Today, gourmet beans are harvested in Peru's fertile coffee regions and finding their way to local artisans, who treat them with love—here are some of the best places to score a perfect cup.
If you have just three days to spend in Costa Rica, it’s wise to prioritize one activity or region. From whitewater rafting to wildlife viewing and catching a world-class wave, here are some suggestions for how to spend a long weekend in this beautiful country.
Peru is a land of extremes. You'll need layers of clothing for a daytime hike, a swimsuit at the beach, and a thick alpaca blanket on a cold night up in the Andes. Whatever your travel plans, here's a comprehensive list that will have you packing your bags like a pro.