Travel blog

Hollywood royalty and the political elite of the 1920s and 1930s would arrive at Hearst Castle via the estate’s airstrip, or aboard the private Hearst-owned railcar that regularly made the journey from Los Angeles to the sprawling oceanside estate in San Simeon, California. From Clark Gable to Franklin Roosevelt, Winston Churchill to Charlie Chaplin, the politicians, movie stars, titans of industry, and other privileged guests of William Randolph Hearst were in awe of the jaw-dropping grandeur of the 90,000-square foot estate informally called “the ranch.”

We have a lot to thank our mothers for. They’re the ones who carried us, who nurtured us, who showed us right from wrong, how to get over heartbreak, and the key to choosing the best watermelon (does it sound hollow when you tap it?). Our mothers are some of the most precious women in our lives, and Mother’s Day is the perfect day to celebrate them.

This year, why not rethink your Mother’s Day gift? Cooking classes and flowers are nice, but if you want to really treat your mom, don’t overlook the power of a well-planned experience. We have a list of options your mom is sure to love. These are the best places to travel with your mom—whether she wants to take a Bucket List European vacation, or to finally stand at the rim of the Grand Canyon, we have something for every style of traveler.

Not sure where to start? We can help you narrow down the kinds of trips your mom would like by determining her travel style. Here are eight of the most common styles we’ve seen, and the best affordable tours for each type!

Hidden deep in the White Mountains of New Hampshire lies a granite ravine extending 800 feet with walls soaring up to 90 feet high, cutting a deep fissure through the wooded landscape. First discovered in 1808 by 93-year-old “Aunt” Jess Guernsey on a fishing trip, it is considered to be one of America’s most beautiful State Parks.

Escorted tours make visiting new countries easy and convenient. Your tour company will take care of booking everything from transportation, hotels, and meals. But there will likely be occasions where you go out with your new travel friends to have dinner or plan an excursion independently. During those times, tipping is a great way to show appreciation for the various services you experience abroad, but expectations differ across continents and may even differ among countries in the same region. We’ve compiled general guidelines on how to tip when traveling to various destinations:

Whether you’re chasing the sun, searching for fall foliage, or looking for your own winter wonderland, seasonal travel opens up a world of vacation possibilities… literally! Not only can you enjoy the best climate for your desired activities, you can also avoid crowds and make the most of your budget. Here’s a guide to the best places to visit in 2019 by season:

It’s hard to predict the best time to visit Olympic National Park. With more than a million acres, this vast wilderness in Washington State stretches from the sandy beaches of the Pacific to the peaks of Mount Olympus, across a wide range of distinct ecosystems. Each area features its own weather patterns, with temperatures that vary from season to season and day to day. Imagine temperate rainforests, glacier-capped mountains, and 70 miles of rugged coastline. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Olympic National Park is an adventure no matter the season you visit.

Portland, Oregon is a city that offers plenty of things for travelers to see and do. In a perfect world you’d have a week to explore and uncover all the secrets of this Pacific Northwest gem, but what if you’re just passing through? What can you discover in a single day in Portland?

When readers of Travel + Leisure ranked the World’s Best Awards for 2018, several YMT Vacations destinations topped the list. From culinary hot spots to old-world villages and cosmopolitan cities, there’s plenty to choose from. Take a look at these winning destinations sure to make your bucket list, and inspire some serious wanderlust:

In the 19th century, more than half a million settlers hitched their wagons and made the long journey from Missouri to the Pacific Ocean on the Oregon Trail. During what would become the country’s most famous migration, nearly 10 percent of the pioneers died of hardships ranging from starvation to dysentery. Over a rough landscape that stretched more than 2,000 miles they pushed on through cities like Independence and Kansas City. For roughly 5 months they walked, making the brutal journey toward their new homes.

History comes alive when you walk in the steps of the past. From our nation’s capital to the battlefields of Gettysburg, there are plenty of sites to explore. Learn the facts behind America’s storied past, or visit its iconic monuments. Here are just a few of the great historic destinations you’ll want to explore on your upcoming travels: