I patiently waited in the lobby of my hotel in Fairbanks, trying to ignore that it was nearly 10 p.m. — normally when I’d be switching off my bedside lamp. Tonight, though, I wasn’t winding down. I was winding up, wired with anticipation and primed to trade sleep for the chance to witness one of the world’s great bucket-list wonders: the aurora borealis.  A plain white passenger van soon eased to the curb. Out stepped Aaron Lojewski, founder of Fairbanks Aurora Tours, a man who spends eight m...

The moment you step into the dance hall, the sound envelops you. A fiddle erupts; an electric guitar wails; a keyboard drives out steady chords. Under colorful paper decorations dangling from the ceiling, couples two-step across a worn dance floor, while elders nod to the beat from folding chairs. The unwavering pull of the music unites everyone in the room.

Apps make it easy to map our own cycling routes, but there’s something special about pedaling along a rail-trail. The new PBS documentary, From Rails to Trails, follows the 60-year fight to convert these once-forgotten train lines into peaceful, car-free corridors that allow us to move at the pace of our thoughts and soak up the scenery one pedal stroke at a time.I fell for rail-trails during the pandemic when I started logging miles on Virginia’s 45-mile Washington and Old Dominion Trail, which...

Airlines worldwide mishandled 33.4 million bags in 2024, according to new data from global aviation tech firm SITA. Even if your suitcase eventually turns up, being without it for even a day can seriously disrupt a vacation or business trip. While Apple’s AirTag, a Bluetooth-enabled tracker, has largely become the go-to solution for iPhone users, many travelers seek AirTag alternatives since not everyone carries an iPhone. Android phones currently make up nearly 43 percent of the US mobile marke...

Air travel comes with its fair share of stress: tight connections, lengthy security lines, weather delays, mechanical issues, and more. The last thing you want, just as you’ve settled into seat 12F, is to realize that you forgot your phone charger, lip balm, or earplugs. Small items can make a big difference in mid-air, and leaving them behind can turn an ordinary trip into a frustrating experience. The solution? Keep a set of essential items permanently packed in your carry-on. If you have a go...

Forget the crowds of U.S.Route 66 and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Some of America’s best fall road trips are waiting on lesser-known highways. From I-94 across North Dakota to I-81 through Virginia, these drives boast scenic landscapes, quirky attractions, and historic sites with fewer tourists. Whether it is giant sculptures in the Great Plains or vintage neon signs in Nevada, these underrated drives offer all the fun of classic road trips without the congestion. Pack your bags, hit the road, and e...

As the 1940s-era railcar rolled into Staunton’s historic train depot, I knew I’d arrived somewhere special. Church steeples rose above hills covered with red-and-gold trees, and the afternoon sun lit up the brick buildings that lined the streets. I felt the promise of something waiting for me around every corner.

Whether you’re into chasing thrills on a zip line, paddling across placid lakes, or cozying up in a cabin complete with mountain views, unforgettable memories await with these 10 ways to experience fall in Virginia.

Cool mornings, fewer crowds and lower prices make shoulder season – the period between the peak summer and low winter season – an ideal time to explore the US. From mountain hikes and wildlife-filled drives to coastal strolls and cultural festivals, these destinations shine in fall. To boot, you’ll find fewer lines, more room to roam and landscapes at their most photogenic.

Sandbridge is where quiet coastal charm meets endless outdoor fun. It’s perfect for doing a whole lot or nothing at all. Whether you want to kick back on a calm beach, paddle peaceful inlets, or enjoy easy access to a bustling boardwalk scene, this laid-back paradise lets you have it all.   When you crave a break from the beach, stroll through local parks or get up into the treetops for a new perspective. With fresh-caught seafood, vibrant farmers markets, scenic bike paths, and paddle-perfect...

From the banks of the Potomac to Seattle’s Space Needle, a coast-to-coast bike trail is becoming a reality — one pedal revolution at a time. As I pushed off from Pittsburgh’s Point State Park — where three rivers converge beneath a skyline of steel and stone — a wave of anticipation washed over me. The sky was gray, promising rain, but all I could feel was the pull to begin my first multi-day bikepacking adventure. The night before, Amtrak deposited me into the quiet hum of the city just before...

Depending on which US coastline you find yourself closest to, Portland could mean something completely different. There's the Maine version, known for its classic coastal New England vibe and maritime history. On the West Coast, Portland, OR, is laid-back, indie-spirited and as outdoorsy as they come.

History meets waterfront charm in Yorktown, a small town that played a big role in America's story. As part of Virginia’s Historic Triangle, alongside Jamestown and Williamsburg, Yorktown is preparing to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution in 2026. But you don’t have to wait to experience its cobblestone streets, sandy beaches, and stories of independence. From ghost tours to battlefield walks, riverside dining to local art galleries, Yorktown invites you to slow down,...

For many, an trip means big , tours, and bustling ports like , , and Seward. However, for breathtaking scenery, outdoor adventure, and authentic local charm minus the crowds, the less-traveled routes are where the magic really happens.

Airport: Dulles, Concourse A. Amenities: Renovated a year ago, this jewel-toned lounge spans two levels and 5,200 square feet. The first floor features a hot-food bar, grab-and-go options, a made-to-order menu, a full drinks bar, a reflection room, and showers (reservation required). Upstairs, relax in a cozy center banquette, sofas, and lounge chairs with built-in outlets and a beverage station. How to access it: Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders, including up to two guests, get in free with p...

Traveling with kids—lugging car seats, pushing strollers, wrangling toddlers—is a marathon of patience-testing. Enter airport concierge services, which can offer relief for families, seniors, or anyone needing extra help. At BWI, Bethesda-based SkySquad can meet you curbside, carry your bags, assist with check-in, and help you breeze through security (starting at $149). They’ll even watch your bags at the gate. “We’re like the friend you needed at the airport,” says founder Julie Melnick. Simila...

Bermuda’s pink sand beaches, shipwrecks and cerulean waters have long captivated travelers. Now, thanks to new nonstop flights from legacy airlines, plus the launch of BermudAir in August 2023, reaching this small island in the North Atlantic 650 miles east of North Carolina is easier than ever. Direct flights from more than a dozen US cities, including Baltimore and Hartford, mean you could be poolside by lunchtime. Best enjoyed from May to September, Bermuda offers cultural heritage sites, fre...

About 40 miles west of Santa Fe, in the high desert of north-central New Mexico, the landscape transforms into a dreamscape of pale, cone-shaped spires. Known as Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument, this surreal cluster of hoodoos — some reaching 90 feet high — was carved by ancient volcanic eruptions that layered the terrain with ash, pumice and tuff.Kasha-Katuwe, meaning “white cliffs” in the Keresan language of the Cochiti Pueblo people, is a geological wonder and a sacred site of cultural significance. Shuttered since March 2020, first due to COVID-19, then to address over-visitation, the monument reopened to the public in February after a seasonal closure in December, with new measures in place to safeguard this landscape for future generations.

With its riverfront parks, historic homes, and tree-lined streets, Smithfield is the kind of place that makes you want to slow down and stay awhile. Just an hour from Norfolk and under two from Richmond, it’s an easy getaway that feels worlds away from the hustle.  Spend your days exploring historic sites, sampling small-batch spirits, and snapping photos with the town’s beloved pig statues—a nod to Smithfield’s famous ham. Here’s how to make the most of your time in this underrated destinatio...

Surf culture runs deep in Virginia Beach, long considered the birthplace of East Coast surfing. Now, it’s leveling up with Atlantic Park Surf, the first surf lagoon in the United States powered by Wavegarden wave-generation technology. Set to open by July, this high-tech lagoon will pump out consistent, rideable waves year-round—just two blocks from the ocean. This surf park anchors Atlantic Park, a 10.35-acre entertainment district developed in collaboration with hometown icon Pharrell Will...