Travel

Travel

It feels nearly impossible to pick where to visit in Mexico. There are more amazing beaches, mountains, deserts, and vineyards (yes, vineyards) spread across the country than one can count, each with its own set of historical ruins, cultural cuisines, and spectacular vacation home rentals to explore. Once you've decided where in this gorgeous country to settle down, picking an Airbnb from the many great options can feel like a Herculean task.

A day trip to a country estate, think grand house, landscaped gardens, woodland paths, maybe a small café and a gift shop, can feel like a mini-holiday without the hassle of packing a suitcase. Whether you're going solo for some peace and quiet, planning a romantic stroll, or bringing friends or family, a little preparation can turn a "nice" outing into a truly memorable one. Below are practical, easy-to-use tips to help you plan a smooth, fun, and satisfying day out, using an estate visit as the perfect example.

Part of the Cayuga Collection of sustainable luxury hotels in Central America, Jicaro Island Lodge is a luxe, private island hideaway surrounded by the serene waters of Lake Nicaragua. Among volcano-studded landscapes coated in forests, the island's nine casitas just as easily welcome adrenaline seekers eyeing water sports and hiking trails as they do those looking to spend long, lazy days floating in the infinity pool or balancing in a hammock, book in hand.

The safest island in the Caribbean was Saint Barthélemy, according to a study from travel platform Going. The company said the island is known for its "exceptional security" and for having the lowest crime rates. Popular among luxury travelers, the small island is renowned for its high-end resorts, exceptional nightlife, and top-notch shopping. The U.S. State Department also classifies the French West Indies, of which St. Barts is included, under its lowest Level 1 travel warning, telling Americans to "exercise normal precautions" when going there.

After landing, I found my "hotel" in a corner of a busy walkway. There were eight capsules stacked two high, somewhat like bunk beds. Expecting limited service, I was surprised to find an employee present to check me in. They quickly showed me how to set codes for my capsule door and luggage locker, then gestured for me to climb inside.

If you look at a map of Texas, the very left point is El Paso. From there, let your eyes wander southeast. You see that dip in the Texas border along the Rio Grande? That dip is called the Big Bend. And within this area, you'll find one of the largest, most remote national parks in the continental U.S. Big Bend National Park is bigger than Rhode Island and the only national park that contains an entire mountain range, the Chisos Mountains.

Twenty-five years since the platform's launch, we speak to Irish hoteliers about the impact of reviews, from high praise to claims of mosquitoes in Kilkenny...

The ancient Japanese sport is hardly a trend, but it does have increasing international interest. When the Grand Sumo Tournament arrived in London this October, the city reacted as if a global pop star had touched down. For five days, the Royal Albert Hall transformed into a dohyō (sumo ring), alive with roaring crowds. It was a collision of worlds: ancient Japanese ritual unfolding in a Victorian concert hall usually reserved for symphony orchestras.

A hill I will always die on is: Manchester is the best city in the UK.

On Saturday, November 22, the third-ever Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix dominated the streets of the city in a nail-biting display of motorsport's finest talent. One of the three final races of the 75th season, the three-day event was packed with musical entertainment, race prep, and activities around the city, and as a major fan of the sport I was fortunate enough to be on the ground for it all.

Most famous as the hometown of Shakespeare's tragic couple Romeo and Juliet, Verona isn't typically one of the first cities in Italy that tourists visit, but it's definitely worth a trip. Located in the northern Italian region of Veneto, Verona is less than 90 minutes from Venice or Milan via high-speed train. It's also within striking distance of Lake Garda, making it a great stop on a trip through northern Italy.

Everything you need to know to be prepared for solo female travel in Austria - including safety tips and travel advice. Austria was one of the first countries I visited solo, years ago at the start of my career as a travel blogger. I was dead nervous before that trip, but it took almost no time at all for me to fall in love with this beautiful country, with its fairytale cities, too-good-to-be-true mountain landscapes, and amazing food!

If you've ever dreamed of relocating abroad, these 12 countries will pay you to move there whether you're a remote worker, entrepreneur, or looking for a fresh start. These countries are offering not just financial incentives but also the opportunity to experience a new way of life whether it's working remotely from a scenic island, building a startup, or raising a family in a peaceful village.

For some travelers, their seat assignment is out of their control, so Figgins suggests stowing your carry-on bag in the bin in the aisle across from your seat when you can for improved visibility. And, you should always stay alert and aware when flying. Of course, because that can be easier said than done (especially on long-haul flights when you're hoping to catch a little shut-eye), adding some safety essentials to your packing list might ward off would-be thieves.

Southwest Colorado, where the Rocky Mountains give way to canyons and mesas, is home to one of the most intimate places you can connect with ancient history in the United States. In Mesa Verde National Park, you'll find elaborate villages tucked beneath sandstone overhangs. These cliff dwellings were built by the Ancestral Pueblo people and date back more than 700 years. The historic structures provide a rare glimpse into a civilization that built complex homes, ceremonial kivas, and irrigation systems.

As someone who's on a plane at least once a month (and in an airport security line far more often than I'd like to admit), I've learned that not all travel gear is created equal. Over the years, I've tested just about every trendy gadget, carry-on luggage, and "miracle" accessory Instagram has tried to sell me, only to realize that most travel essentials are the ones that make life easier and more comfortable on the road.

I love to travel and usually prefer to spend less on flights so that I can stretch my budget and take as many trips as possible. That usually means looking longingly at more comfortable seats in the front of the plane while I make do with standard economy in the back. However, my family and I recently tried United's Premium Plus, an offering between economy and business class, on a long flight.

Whether it's extending your trip to capture the lavender fields in full bloom under the blue sky, or fully enjoying the powder snow at Furano Ski Resort, a stay in an entire rental cottage is perfect for experiencing a lifestyle-like trip that hotels alone cannot provide. In a private space, you can cook your own meals and spend your time freely, creating a special travel experience.

Bangkok's Chinatown has long had a vibrant pulse, but for years the cool crowd clustered around Soi Nana, a lantern-strung side street packed with galleries and cocktail bars. Now the action has spilled onto its main drag, Yaowarat, and the waterfront lanes of Song Wat, where neon signs flicker above timeworn shophouses remade as boutiques, bars, and restaurants. Go soon to experience the neighborhood at its most authentic:

Portlanders tend to hibernate when the rainy season begins. Things get colder, and a book near the fireplace beckons. But consider hopping in the car for a chilly seasonal excursion -perhaps to catch an illuminated Elsa in Southern Oregon, or to sample sausages in a Bavarian-style village, or to watch a bald eagle dive into the Columbia. Below, an illustrated sampler platter of options. Nov 23-Jan 1 Roll through Roseburg's River Forks Park for a drive-in holiday light extravaganza-think glimmering scenes of Santa stomping wine grapes or Frozen 's Elsa kiki-ing with Olaf.

A week before speculation mounted over which glamorous French retreat would star in the much-anticipated season 4 of The White Lotus, my family and I pulled up to the palatial gates of the Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel. It's a tradition we've upheld since I was pregnant with my eldest daughter, and every summer thereafter, visiting as a party of three, four, and, eventually, five.

Flanked by the Welsh border and sprinkled with quaint villages and ancient forts, Shropshire's hills are a wonderful place for a serendipitous stroll. So the story goes, the Victorians referred to this quiet corner of England as "Little Switzerland." While that's being a tad generous to its blustery ridges-there are no snowcapped mountains here-Shropshire is an underrated delight. And it's not just spectacular walking you'll find here either.

But Vietnam isn't just a cheap country where one U.S. dollar is equivalent to 26,500 Vietnamese dong. It's a nation with great scenery, 33 national parks, fantastic food, friendly people, low crime, and great street food that can fill you for less than $1 U.S. dollar, per International Living. It's also got a booming economy, which is part of the reason why 100,000 expats from the U.S. and elsewhere now call Vietnam home, according to international insurance brokerage William Russell.