Travel blog

The recent controversial decision to drastically reduce the boundaries of the Bears Ears National Monument has many people wondering just why Americans should care about our National Parks system.

To answer the question of why this once-radical idea deserves preserving, we have to go back 150 years to the beginning.

When Travel & Leisure turned its sights to the 2017 Destination of the Year, all signs pointed to the Land of the Maple Leaf. This being the year of Canada’s sesquicentennial, the destination was chock-full of things to celebrate, but that isn’t the only reason to consider Canada for your upcoming travels.

Cruising down the “The Old King’s Highway” is a must for New England travelers. Connecting the mainland to the tip of Cape Cod, Highway 6A is one of the most scenic coastal routes in the United States, and your entrance to the quintessential shore holiday.

From the Buzzard’s Bay Railroad Bridge to historic Provincetown, this stretch of winding road weaves its way along quaint main streets, past historic homes, and alongside the stunning Cape Cod shoreline. Here are some of the things to do and see on your Cape Cod vacation:

It appeared the small town of Nome, Alaska was doomed. Isolated by bad weather and miles of frozen tundra, the diphtheria outbreak of 1925 would surely mean certain death for the men, women, and children trapped in this remote corner of Alaska. Racing against time, teams of heroic sled dogs tore across 700 miles of harsh, unforgiving terrain to deliver the medicine that would stem the outbreak and save the town.

If you’ve been watching the news, you know the centennial for our National Parks Service created a rush of visitors to the country’s favorite outdoor treasures. The good news is that a new generation of Americans got to experience these amazing landmarks; the bad news is that many were turned away at the gate. To avoid the rush of visitors to the most popular National Parks this summer, here are some tips to consider before you travel:

The musical story of Nashville began in the late 1700s when early settlers buck-danced along the shores of the Cumberland River.

By the 1800s, this frontier was scored by the fiddle playing of Davy Crockett and the local Fisk Jubilee Singers embarked on the first around-the-world tour. The group caught the attention of the Queen of England who famously claimed the talented singers must come from the “Music City.”

It was 40 years ago when the music died at Graceland. The home that Elvis Presley bought in 1957 so that he and his mamma and dad could “stretch out in,” would never be the same. Following a $137 million expansion project this year, the famous home is welcoming visitors once again. In addition, the campus features two museums, a performance sound stage, and multiple shops and restaurants -- all honoring the life and legacy of Memphis’ famous son. Here’s what to see and do at Graceland:

As the days grow shorter and the mercury dips, it’s easy to get discouraged. But before you succumb to the months of snow chains and parkas, consider this: blue skies and warmer weather are as quick as a plane ride away! To help bust the winter blues and seasonal doldrums, US News has just released the rankings of this year’s Best Winter Vacations. Topping the list of what’s hot is one of our personal favorites, Costa Rica!

Mazatlán is making a comeback. Luring visitors with postcard-worthy beaches and charming sidewalk cafes, the “Pearl of the Pacific” is once again in high demand. Thanks to the revitalization of the Centro Historico and a new host of museums and theaters, there’s more to see and do in one of Mexico’s best-loved destinations. Here are some top tips and things to do on your next visit to Mazatlán:

In 1852 Guillaume and Marie Abadie Tujague set sail for America from Bordeaux, France. Like many immigrants, they set their dreams on the promise of success they saw in the New World. The butcher and his wife plied their trade in the French Market of New Orleans for three years before deciding to do what their people did best: cook.