“Help save the environment. Please reuse the towels.”

I can’t think of the last time I checked into a hotel that didn’t have some politely worded variation of that message, as if doing our small part is really even optional. And when I see such a message, I think about Koh Yao Noi.

Out in Thailand’s Phang Nga Bay — on the edge of an incredible natural aquatic preserve between tourist hotspots Phuket and Krabi — Koh Yao Noi (Little Long Island) is still largely a locals’ island, more focused on agriculture than becoming a bucket-list travel destination. There is no welcome center, nor scooters for hire awaiting visitors upon arrival; for that matter, the island is still only accessible by boat.

Tourism has tiptoed in over the years, yet the chic hotels and luxury resorts here largely share a like-minded, sustainability-focused goal to tread lightly on this sublime southern Thai edge of the Andaman Sea. … (continue reading)

Picture this: breezy island vibes, crystal clear Caribbean waters, and beautiful beaches for days, plus roadside boulangeries and grocery stores stocked with French delicacies with like-you’re-in-France prices (read: cheaper than the US). Welcome to Guadeloupe. The Caribbean island nation is a French overseas territory, teeming with French-Creole je ne sais quoi throughout its archipelago of six inhabited islands, the largest of which vaguely resembles the shape of a butterfly. … (continue reading)

There are so many reasons why we travel: to disconnect and destress, explore a new destination, follow a dream, to deepen our connections to people and places we love. But at its most fundamental, travel is about discovery — about seeking out experiences that have the ability to inspire us, push us, teach us about the world and ourselves. These 16 travel experiences will leave you with lasting and meaningful impressions you'll carry long after you're home. ... (continue reading)

Whether you fly into Palm Springs International Airport or drive in from California or neighboring states, planning a bachelorette party in Palm Springs means enjoying your own little slice of desert paradise. “It’s a tropical getaway without your ocean. You’re in between Vegas and L.A. — we are the hotspot,” observes Jacquelyn James, VP of business development and brand awareness for dinner cabaret experience AsiaSF, which rolls out the red carpet — quite literally — for bachelorette party groups of all sizes and orientations. “You come here and you literally get away. It’s a retreat, a resort, a whole special place.”

Not sure where to start? Consider this your ultimate guide to enjoying everything Palm Springs, California, has to offer bachelorette parties. From where to stay and what to do to where to eat and how to get around, we'll help you plan the perfect getaway for your group. … (continue reading)

In various contexts, the word “rustic” can describe a lot of different things—like an off-the-grid tiny home with a composting toilet, or a countryside cottage that hasn’t had a decor update in a few dozen years. So this is why, when it comes to rustic wedding venues, we've dialed up the romance factor and the ambiance, too—because this is your wedding day after all.

What these mountain, desert, countryside, and coastal rustic wedding venues all have in common is that they are set in some exceptionally beautiful locations—and, yes, there are barns aplenty (and a few fabulous yurts, too). There are also incredible outdoor terraces, historic lodges, wildflower meadows, rolling vineyard views, and some pretty impressive fireplaces. From Maine to Montana, California to Connecticut, Colorado to Tennessee, you’re bound to find some wedding venue inspiration here that’s rustic for all the right reasons. … (continue reading)

Cue the excitement because the dates for your honeymoon are officially on the calendar! As the months and weeks count down, you think to grab the passports from wherever they’ve been tucked away with other essential documents, only to realize, one or both of your passports definitely expires before your honeymoon. 

It’s such a facepalm sort of moment, and you are definitely not alone—there’s a reason why the official website for U.S. Passports has a link to “Get My Passport Fast” front and center on the homepage. Since passports are only renewed once a decade, it’s incredibly easy to just lose track of the expiration date over the years. (Think about where you were in life a decade ago. Exactly.). … (continue reading)

Magical Maui. All of the Hawaiian islands have a distinct character, and Maui's is tantamount to being the "golden child" — a harmonious blend of west-facing beach towns and resorts with liquid gold sunsets and golden sand beaches to match; near endless opportunities for ocean eco-tourism and lush, tropical exploration; and a rich cultural and agricultural heritage that lives on today, inspiring Upcountry makers, farmers, artisans, and producers. … (continue reading)

With the discovery of gold in "them thar hills" — meaning, in this case, the slopes of Southern Colorado's Rocky Mountains — hopeful prospectors headed to the region in droves, turning small, dusty frontier towns into boomtowns almost overnight in the late 19th Century.

Fortunes were made and lost, but the region's rich history and scenic splendors have a certain timeless appeal that enthralls and delights travelers of all ages. This two-day road trip through the Greater Pikes Peak Region delves into the region's mining and mountaineering spirit and includes its fair share of scenic drives and designated charging points, too. … (continue reading)

Step aboard the historic Queen Mary ocean liner. Cruise the Pacific Coast Highway through Orange County's famous beach towns. Catch a spectacular Pacific Ocean sunset. Discover the charms of the mountain town of Julian and some of the wonders of Southern California's desert terrain, from Anza Borrego to Palm Springs. One thing's for certain: Southern California has no shortage of beautiful destinations worth discovering.

This 3-day round trip drive from Los Angeles covers a lot of ground, avoiding the major freeways as much as possible for slower-paced scenic routes along the coast, through rolling hills where orchards and vineyards grow, into the mountains and the desert beyond. … (continue reading)

As this year’s designated European Green Capital, it’s no secret that Norway’s largest city has been pushing the boundaries when it comes to projects championing eco-conscious but sustainable living, in real-time.

From a thriving urban farm located on repurposed land near Oslo’s central train station to a city-wide initiative to transform former parking zones into public green spaces and family-friendly play areas, Oslo is redefining what it means for a global capital to be green. There are few more impressive case studies than Oslo’s postcard stamp-sized Vulkan neighborhood, a former riverfront industrial area that’s been transformed into one of the city’s must-see destinations and is a model for green urban living. … (continue reading)

Whether you vault over the Arctic or soar for hours over the blues of the Pacific Ocean, transpacific flights can be a chore — yes, even for AvGeeks. Not only are some of these flights among the longest in aviation, crossing the international date line wreaks havoc with your sense of time.

But if you plan your flights right, the next time work or play takes you from the US to various points in Asia, Australia, New Zealand (and back again), it's a great excuse for a stopover in Hawaii. Here's how to make the international date line work for you, instead of against you. … (continue reading)

It’s 2020, and the bubble hotel business is bursting.

The novelty of sleeping under the stars from within the climate-controlled comforts of your own curved-roofed retreat shows no signs of waning.

Standard hotel amenities — including ensuite bathrooms, comfy beds and Wi-Fi, too — have more or less become the norm.

And though it’s a niche category in the world of glamorous camping (aka “glamping”), some of the newest domed retreats are upping the ante further, providing fully-stocked minibars, your choice of pillows and, yes, even the option for a floating breakfast served bubble-side in a private plunge pool. … (continue reading)