How to Get a Marriage License in South Carolina (Brides)

From historic Charleston to the Grand Strand, Hilton Head Island, Upstate, and beyond, South Carolina has some incredibly special wedding venues. And whether you’re a resident of the state or working through the planning details of what’s sure to be one lovely destination wedding, you cannot put off getting your South Carolina marriage license, which requires understanding the timing and nuances of obtaining this legal document. 

Of course, we know, it’s not necessarily every couple’s favorite item on the (lengthy) to-do list of what it takes to get married—but it’s essential, nonetheless. And frankly, as long as you don’t wait until the last minute to get this process started, it’s all going to be just fine. … (continue reading)

24 Hours In... Las Vegas (Amex Essentials)

A glittering oasis of lights in the Nevada desert, Las Vegas was indeed founded by gangsters in the early years of the 20th Century and has no doubt seen enough rather nefarious activity over the decades to have rightfully earned its nickname, Sin City. But today, Vegas is better known for its world-class entertainment, superb culinary scene and hotel properties that are ever upping the ante when it comes to art and design. … (continue reading)

11 Off-Season Travel Ideas to Stoke Your Wanderlust (Amex Essentials)

One little secret about the travel world: Even the most incredible destinations on the planet have what the pros call an “off season” or “low season,” which is basically the yin to the yang of a destination’s peak season. While any time of year has different factors to consider, off-season travel can’t be beat for stretching that travel budget in some pretty incredible places … (continue reading)

15 Christmas Markets to Make Your Spirits Bright (Fodor's)

The sights, the smells, the lights, that feeling of Christmas in the air—there’s something unequivocally delightful about strolling through a festive marketplace during the holiday season.

While certain Christmas markets in Central Europe can be traced back to the 15th and 16th centuries, cultures around the world have since adopted this holiday tradition as one of their own and given it a few local twists. From Salzburg to Stockholm, Quebec City to Cape Town, Milan to New York, these world-class destinations feature an array of seasonal marketplaces that will have you booking your next trip, stat. … (continue reading)

Learning How to Dive With a Navy SEAL on Oahu (TravelAge West)

It wasn’t until I was en route via a Cadillac Escalade from Four Seasons Resort Oahu to Ko Olina Marina — which is just down the road — that reality began to sink in. Within one hour, I would be fully suited up and jumping into open ocean water for my first-ever Discover Scuba course, which is a standard offering at PADI-certified dive centers around the world and some resorts, too (although usually in a pool setting).

An avid snorkeler but decidedly not a diver, I focused on what I knew about Trident Adventures — the new snorkel, dive and adventure operation based at Ko Olina Marina — which has a pedigree that would assuage even the most nervous beginner. … (continue reading)

7 Reasons the Mandarin Oriental Marrakech Is a Family Paradise Worthy of a Trip Itself (Family Traveller USA)

Without a doubt, the ancient trading city of Marrakech, Morocco is having its moment in the sun. This onetime Berber capital continues to see an uptick in tourism generally and has expanded its airport in recent years to accommodate additional flights, including new daily service on Turkish Airlines — which, as an optional add-on perk, offers a free stopover in Istanbul when you’re transferring through.

One of the city’s top hotels for families is the Mandarin Oriental Marrakech, featuring 1- and 2-bedroom villas tucked away among nearly 50 acres of lush gardens of fragrant rose bushes, jasmine shrubs, olive trees, palm trees and more. The resort also offers a robust range of activities onsite and off that will wow kids of all ages (and will impress the adults, too). … (continue reading)

Here's What You Should Know About Istanbul's Sprawling New Airport (TripSavvy)

A sparkling new hub for Turkish Airlines — which flies to upwards of 300 destinations globally, including nine cities across the US — Istanbul Airport has officially replaced Atatürk International Airport as the region’s primary international gateway and has the capacity to receive 90 million transit passengers annually.

While the airport’s bright, airy and ultra-modern main terminal nears completion — all that remains are a few finishing touches — this is just the first of several phases slated for development over the next decade. By 2028, Istanbul Airport will have the capacity to accommodate some 200 million passengers annually via four terminals and six runways, making it the busiest airport in the world. … (continue reading)

A Look at Abercrombie & Kent's New Wellness-Inspired Journeys (TravelAge West)

After more than 1.5 years of planning and development, luxury tour operator Abercrombie & Kent (A&K) has finally pulled back the curtain on a brand-new portfolio of tours: the Wellness-Inspired Luxury Small Group Journeys, which will debut in India, Southeast Asia, Kenya and Peru this fall.

Choosing India and Southeast Asia for this portfolio was a no-brainer for the company, according to Stefanie Schmudde, vice president of product development and operations for A&K, who has spearheaded much of the development of the operator’s wellness-inspired journeys. … (continue reading)

This Is How to Plan a Magical Roman Honeymoon Sojourn (Brides)

With layers of history, omnipresent antiquities, and elegant piazzas at every turn, Rome is filled with the sort of impromptu discoveries that make certain cities such memorable honeymoon destinations. And did we mention the gastronomy? Whether it’s crisp, Roman-style pizza, a bowl of pasta at a centuries-old trattoria, or a dinner date at a Michelin-starred restaurant with a view, the food alone is worth a trip to Rome.

That said, there’s a right way to see Rome in three or four days, and there are plenty of first-time faux pas, too. So whether you have your sights set on Rome as the kickoff or finale to your dream Italian honeymoon—or you’re simply looking for a memorable minimoon getaway—here’s what you need to know to plan a few days in the Eternal City that you'll always remember. … (continue reading)

How to Experience Costa Rica the Pura Vida Way (USA Today's 10Best)

Home to an astounding four percent of the world's biodiversity in a country slightly smaller than West Virginia, Costa Rica is known for its flora and fauna, as well as its abundance of recreational activities ending in -ing: zip-lining, surfing, horseback riding, jungle trekking, beach strolling and, of course, simply relaxing, to name a few.

But what's far less frequently explored is how Costa Rica's pura vida ethos — a certain graciousness and gratitude for the country's abundance, plus embrace of a more laid-back and low-key lifestyle – inspires local flavors, restaurants and culinary experiences here. … (continue reading)

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival: The Complete Guide (TripSavvy)

Thirteen stages hosting more than 500 live performances over two epic weekends, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is a joyous celebration of music and culture in true NOLA fashion — which is to say it’s going to be hot, it’s going to be delicious and it’s guaranteed to be a riotous good time.

Over the course of two consecutive long weekends in late April and early May — dates for Jazz Fest 2019, which happens to be the festival’s 50th anniversary, are April 25-28 and May 2-5 — tents and stages across the sprawling fair ground site emanate an almost dizzying barrage of sounds: jazz, blues, gospel, latin, funk, hip-hop, soul, cajun, brass bands. Headlining acts criss-cross musical genres and this year include everyone from Katy Perry to Jimmy Buffett, Bonnie Raitt to Ziggy Marley, the Doobie Brothers to Alanis Morissette, K-pop sensation Boyfriend and Dave Matthews Band.

Word to the wise: Come hungry — and with some cash on hand. Festival devotees anticipate digging into favorite dishes from beloved local food vendors almost as much as grooving to the day’s musical lineup. (Note that vendors are cash only.) Between sets, queue up for gumbo and jambalaya, sweet and savory beignets, all variations of po’ boys and crawfish, too — crawfish boil, crawfish bread and Crawfish Monica, a Jazz Fest classic that’s best described as a creamy pasta dish with a Creole twist.

And because there are few things NOLA loves more than a good parade, be on the lookout for roving merriment; there are more than 40 parades scheduled over the course of the eight festival days. Ready to boogie on down to Jazz Fest? … (continue reading)

Bhutan’s National Dish Is Reason Enough to Visit (Fodor's)

Surprising, fiery, mouth-consuming and utterly swoon-worthy—well, at least for anyone with any semblance of tolerance for heat on the Scoville Scale—there is no better metaphor for describing Bhutan’s national dish, ema datshi, than that it’s a first kiss that you know in an instant won’t be your last.And what a kiss it is.

Always some variation of sautéed local peppers of varying degrees of heat; onion, perhaps garlic or other spices, and fresh local farm cheese (the backbone of the dish’s beautifully unctuous sauce), ema datshi arrives at nearly every lunch and dinner here rather unceremoniously … (continue reading)