Travel blog

With the windows rolled down and the breeze rushing through your hair, it’s easy to see why the Road to Hana is one of the world’s most magical drives. Dotted with lush tropical forests and dramatic waterfalls, it bends and curves through the remote countryside rewarding you with spectacular views of the sparkling blue Pacific and its dramatic black-sand beaches. This is proof that the joy is truly in the journey.

There’s a lot to see in this world -- from the Grand Canyon to the Eiffel Tower, the Sistine Chapel to the lights of Las Vegas -- but something you may have overlooked when making your bucket list is a chunk of rock known as El Arco. Perched at the tip of the 1,000-mile long Baja Peninsula, The Arch of Mexico is a massive tunnel carved from a 200-foot rock face that slides into the sea. What makes it worth the trip is the pounding force with which the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez at Land’s End, their union so strong it has literally carved through granite.

From atop a 3,000-foot zipline course, you get a bird’s eye view of Harvest Caye, Norwegian Cruise Line’s private island in Southern Belize and a stop on the YMT Vacations New Orleans & Western Caribbean Cruise tour. Gathering your courage, you close your eyes and jump, falling through the sky in an experience that will forever top your personal bucket list..and that’s only the beginning. Besides tandem ziplining, free-fall jumps and soft-footed walks over dangling suspension bridges, Harvest Caye offers plenty of chances for adventure and just as many ways to relax.

After years at home, many widows and widowers are now finding the courage to explore the world again. The tragedy of having lost a spouse, compounded by the toll of being a caregiver, often times makes travel seem like a luxury from a very distant past. However, the call of the open road eventually finds us all again. Here are some things to consider when making your first solo trip and some tips on how you can make traveling alone a rewarding and liberating experience:

It was 1905 when a dark-haired girl named Hallie Woods sat solemnly on top of a float adorned with roses. Surrounded by a group of her classmates, this serious-faced student from Pasadena High school made her way down Colorado Boulevard to the cheers of the city. It was the first time in history a Rose Queen would make the storied trip. Ms. Woods was selected as the first Queen of the Tournament of Roses from among 16 other contestants, all of whom rode alongside her on a horse-drawn wagon she decorated herself.

With spectacular ruins and bustling tavernas, a rich architectural history and mouth-watering cuisine, Athens is a bucket-list destination for every world traveler. Wander the fish stalls of the Athinas Market or stroll among temples built for the gods. Sip coffee in the sun at an outdoor cafe or search for bric-a-brac in an old-world bazaar. This is more than just a tourist destination, it is a vibrant community and a living history museum. We invite you to see for yourself, just keep in mind these top tips for visiting Athens.

As you prepare to hit the road this fall, make sure to take along your best travel resource, your phone. Small and compact, a Smartphone is the modern-day explorer's north star. Find a restaurant, check the weather, even send a postcard...all with something small enough to fit in your pocket. Here are the travel-related Apps we consider essential for your next great escape:

The United Kingdom—which includes England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland—is on the top of many travelers’ wish list. And it’s easy to see why. The U.K. boasts breathtaking landscapes, captivating architecture, history, charming pubs, and more. Plus, English is the primary language so communication is usually seamless.

The Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta is without a doubt a once-in-a-lifetime experience. From the thousands of colorful orbs that paint the skies and cast shadows across the desert floor to the flaming fires of a nighttime launch, the most photographed event on the planet does not disappoint. But what’s next? As you prepare to leave the Valley of the Sun en route to the balloon fiesta, we recommend you take a bit of time to stop off at the Casa Grande Ruins.

As summer is wrapping up, many of us are turning our attention to the fall travel season. Often over-looked, autumn offers many enticing reasons for an off-peak getaway. To begin with, the start of school, or as the Parisians call it, la rentrée, means many cities see little-to-no tourists in these months. In addition, even though the crowds have thinned, the weather remains pleasant and mild. Gone are the hot and humid days of summer and winter is still months away, making the climate delightful just about any place you get your passport stamped. From art festivals to harvest season, Oktoberfest to music festivals, now is the perfect time to hit the road and experience life as a local -- all for some of the lowest prices of the year.