Travel blog

Tucked within the White Mountains of New Hampshire lies Flume Gorge, an 800-foot ravine with massive granite walls that extend up to 90 feet high. It cuts a deep fissure through the serene wooded landscape and was first discovered in 1808 by 93-year-old “Aunt” Jess Guernsey on a fishing trip. Not only is Flume Gorge one of the most beautiful gorges in New Hampshire, it’s also considered one of America’s most beautiful State Parks.

Since its “rediscovery” in 1911, the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu have fascinated archaeologists, historians, engineers, and travelers all over the world. The vast complex was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983, and in 2007, it became one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.

If you’re one of the over one million people who will experience a Machu Picchu tour this year, we’ve gathered 8 facts about Machu Picchu that will spark your curiosity about this captivating and beloved destination.

Glamorous magnets for drama, the impossibly wealthy Ewing family dominated television from the late 1970s through the early 1990s on the primetime tv series Dallas. Their constant scheming, backstabbing, cheating, and deception gripped viewers—350 million people around the world tuned in on November 21, 1980, to find out who shot J.R.—and one of the most popular characters was the opulent setting itself.

Newport, Rhode Island was the summer playground of the rich and powerful during America’s Gilded Age. At the turn of the 20th century, American commerce experienced an unprecedented boom. Railroad, banking, oil, steel, and mining tycoons earned massive fortunes that they spent lavishly on their image and lifestyles. They wanted to show off their status as American royalty. For the very rich, nowhere was showier than their Newport mansions.

Coastal New England is a slice of Americana. A place where centuries-old clapboard houses sit alongside mansions built by Quaker sea captains. Where the rhythm of waves provides the soundtrack of the clam shacks where salty old men tell their tales. There is an abundance of beauty up and down this 6,000-mile stretch of coastline. Towering over it all are the classic lighthouses in New England.

The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is one of the finest resorts in the country. The hotel was built in 1887 as a lakeside retreat for wealthy Golden Age travelers. Almost 140 years later it has retained its ambiance of refinement and gentility. The setting for the 1980 film Somewhere in Time is romantic, elegant, and the ultimate escape from modern life.

Iconic, historical, and famously luxurious, the Grand Hotel is the type of place you must visit at least once. A 2-night stay at the Grand Hotel is the highlight of YMT’s Mackinac Island & Grand Hotel tour.

Vancouver, British Columbia is consistently ranked as one of the most livable cities in the world. With an eclectic array of neighborhoods blessed with abundant outdoor activities and magnificent waterfront views, there’s a lot to love here -- not the least of which is Vancouver’s exciting culinary scene. One of our favorite foodie destinations is Granville Island Market, a bustling public market in a gentrified former industrial area right along the waterfront.

There are many romantic cities in the United States. From the west coast to the east coast, from the south to the north, from tropical islands to desert vistas. There is a huge variety of stunning destinations, each with their own flavor of love and romance.

10 Most Romantic Cities in The U.S.

Here is our guide to the 10 most romantic cities in the US. From laid back to bustling, these cities each offer something special for visitors looking forward to a romantic escape.

There is plenty to see if you only have one day in San Francisco. It’s the beautiful, vibrant, sophisticated jewel of the California coast. Stellar views of the ocean, famous art and architecture, and an intriguing culture lure millions of tourists to the city every year. Read our expert advice for the best way to spend24 hours in San Francisco.

Every fall, New England is set ablaze in an explosion of autumn foliage. The lush green of summer gives way to brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows. The season slowly shifts. Dusk creeps in earlier each day as the crisp air hints at the coming of winter. Brisk gusts shake the trees, rattling down a rainbow of crunchy leaves as the annual crowd of “leaf-peepers” arrive to catch the show.

The colors are spectacular in person, but capturing their beauty in photos can be a real challenge. Discover our favorite, tried and true, easy to follow fall foliage photo tips.