Travel blog

Churros are draped in as much mystery as cinnamon sugar, starting with how, where, and when they were created. One of the prevailing theories is that they were first cooked up in Asia. They made their way to Lisbon when Portuguese sailors out for dinner at a port in Northern China were served a savory, crispy, fried pastry called “You Tiao” that they couldn’t resist bringing back to Europe. Once home, Portuguese cooks put their own twist on the treat—switching it from salty to sweet—and then watched it flourish, evolve, and eventually blossom into the modern-day delight that we now call churro.

Flying can be stressful. You have to worry about security, cramped seats, long layovers, and delays. When you have allergies, the thought of flying with allergy congestion can seem even more intimidating.

Instead of worrying, follow a few easy steps to ensure both you and your airline are prepared. You just need to plan ahead, then you can relax and enjoy your vacation.

Ireland might be a small country, but it has plenty to offer. From stunning landscapes to bustling cities, there is no shortage of things to do on the “Emerald Isle.” Friendly locals, age-old myths, and the pristine beauty of the country will easily charm any visitor.

We’ve put together this travel guide, complete with details on must-see sights in Ireland.

Don’t visit the Hawaiian island of Oahu without making a stop at Pearl Harbor. During a trip with YMT Vacation’s Best of Hawaii Four-Island Tour, you will be able to tour this National Memorial. While here, you can explore the history behind the base during World War II, when it was the victim of a surprise attack on December 7, 1941.

Switzerland is a small country, approximately half the size of the state of Maine, bordered by Germany, Italy, France, Austria, and Lichtenstein. The country is divided into 26 cantons, the Swiss equivalent of states, each of which may choose from four official languages. That's right, there is no "Swiss language.

One of the main reasons so many travelers have Japan at the top of their bucket list is for the tiny island nation’s one-of-a-kind culture. Japan kept itself isolated from the rest of the world for centuries under their isolation policy of Sakoku, finally emerging in the mid-1800s with an utterly unique identity, free of the Western influence that had already seeped into many parts of Asia. Japan has changed drastically in the more than a century since the end of Sakoku, and while it has certainly been influenced by the rest of the world in that time, it has maintained the majority of its still strong cultural identity.

When traveling to the airport, it’s essential to factor in extra time for the security line. But what if you could bypass the line and cut your waiting time in half? There are three types of airport security clearances that will make your trip less of a hassle:

In a courtyard in Verona, Italy a young girl stops to tuck a piece of paper in the crevice of a stone wall just below a tiny balcony. One of thousands of notes that carpet the wall, hers is barely noticeable. She has left it here at Casa di Giulietta, the home where Juliet Capulet of Shakespeare’s tragic love story lived, in hopes that the secretaries of Juliet will respond. It’s a sweet tradition that has been observed by lovers from every age, language and background. It’s also just one of connections shared between the British Bard and the country of Italy where nearly a third of his works were set.

There is so much to do in Denali National Park. The Alaskan preserve offers beautiful scenery, fascinating wildlife, and unbeatable views. While Denali is known for being home to North America’s highest mountain peak, that’s not all there is to discover in the country’s northernmost state.

Ringed by the Andes Mountains and anchored by a dazzling historic downtown core, Santiago, Chile  has more than earned its stellar reputation as one of the most appealing cities in South America. It is considered a mecca for artists, foodies, and history buffs, as well as for fans of Chile’s unique culture—a disarming combination of European and indigenous influences. You'll never forget your time in the glorious City of the Island Hills!