Travel blog

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.

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.

Portuguese cuisine was born from trade routes and the country’s perch overlooking the sea. Hearty peasant bread and stick-to-your-ribs rice dishes, sweet pastries and fresh sausages, round out a diet that is based largely on what can be pulled from the water. From neighborhood tascas serving up affordable homey dishes to fine dining establishments and bakeries, Portugal is full of good food. So grab a bottle of Madeira wine and pull up a seat at the table for the best things to eat in Lisbon:

In the Verde Valley of Central Arizona there is a 20-room “high rise” apartment carved into the soft limestone of a cliff. Created nearly a millennia ago, this ancient cave dwelling gives us a peak into the lives of the Sinagua people. Five stories and 20 rooms in total, the structure was built in the alcoves of a cliff high above Beaver Creek Canyon. Created over the course of three centuries, the apartment-style dwellings were fashioned out of weathered limestone caves and featured floors of logs, grass and branches that were covered in clay to create a surface so solid it is still in existence 1,000 years later.

One of the best things about YMT Vacations’ Ultimate Hawaii Tour with the Pearl Harbor Experience is that it offers that perfect mix of organized group tours and relaxing leisure time. During your down time, there’s nothing better than hitting the beaches and diving into the crystal-clear waters. Snorkeling is an easy and enjoyable escape that lets you explore the beauty that lies beneath the surface of Hawaii’s waters. Whether it’s your first time or if you just need a refresher, there are a few things you’ll need to know before you dive in. With some basic skills, good equipment and ocean knowledge, you can avoid the common mistakes and ensure a great time exploring the sea.

We live in a world of noise, always surrounded by people. That’s why it’s often a good idea to spend some time alone, getting to know ourselves. Traveling by ourselves gets us out of our comfort zone where we can meet new people, try new things and open ourselves to new and different experiences. Here are some benefits of going solo:

The ancient city of Arles, France is known for two things: Roman Ruins and Vincent Van Gogh. As the former capital of Provence, this spectacularly well-preserved city boasts dramatic bullfights and crumbling historical sites, an artistic heritage and a story that is written in the stars.

Discover why Arles and the Provence region of France was designated a European Capital of Culture by the European Union by learning about the best things to do in Arles.

Every year more than 10 million Americans cruise the world’s seas; and while cruise ships are generally safe, there are things first-timers and veteran sailers should know.

From the historic Anne Frank House to the masterpieces of the Museumplein, the aromas of the city’s coffee shops to the cobbled alleys of The Nine Streets shopping district, Amsterdam is best explored by pedal power. With over 800,000 bikes, there are more cycles than people, and even infants are accustomed to life on two wheels. With many paths criss-crossing the narrow streets and canals, there’s no better way to get out and discover this 17th century Dutch town. Here are some tips on what you should know to cycle in Amsterdam:

A transatlantic flight in the back of the plane may seem like torture, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are 10 tips that will help you travel more comfortably on long-haul flights: