Travel Guides

Ambling along the banks of the Douro River at sunset, you spy a neighborhood restaurant tucked away along a winding, cobblestoned street.

There’s really no wrong time to visit New Zealand! From its nearly tropical northern shores to the bubbling mud pits of Rotorua to its snowy southern peaks, the adventures to be had in this amazing nation are nearly limitless.

Castles and green rolling hills are just a few distinct characteristics of French wine regions, and these lend a romantic ambience to some of the world’s best viticulture.

Spain dances to a different beat than the rest of the world. Summers feel endless, music is everywhere, and even the most casual dinner can stretch into the wee hours of the morning.

For wine connoisseurs, Italy, which boasts more than 350 indigenous grape varieties, is truly a place of dreams. The country is the largest global producer of wine, and it’s also home to some of the world’s oldest wine-producing regions.

Soaring snowcapped mountains. Glittering turquoise bays. A vibrant culture forged by centuries of relative isolation from the rest of the world.

The Portuguese wine scene has always punched above its weight. This small country possesses hundreds of different types of wine—few of which can be found outside Portugal.

One of the planet’s oldest vineyard regions, France’s Côtes du Rhône is home to an abundance of grape varietals across more than 140,000 acres of vines. It’s second in size only to Bordeaux.

You’re four days into a coastal road trip, winding your way up a hillside just off Highway 1. You pull into the first winery you see, step out of the car and inhale the scent of manzanita and coast live oak trees.

Speckled with grand châteaux, medieval fortifications and quaint, cobblestoned villages, the rolling hills of the Bourgogne are steeped in history. Burgundy wine is no different; this region has been famed for its viticulture since the sixth century AD. 

Arguably France’s most famous wine-growing region, Bordeaux spans 60 miles and is home to nearly 7,500 producers and 290,000 acres of vineyards.

In the past few years, Vietnamese food has gained steadily in popularity across the globe. Renowned for its healthy ingredients, flavorful dishes and beautiful presentation, as well as the prevalence of delicious noodles, Vietnamese food is highly craveable, fresh and unique.

Like so many inspiring food landscapes, South Africa offers meals made interesting by the collision of multiple cultures, traditions and cuisines.

There are good reasons Peru is one of the primary culinary destinations in South America.

Norway is a land of surreal mountain ranges, vast glacier-carved valleys and colorful villages perched in improbable places, as well as exceptional, simple local food.

Pulling from the land, sea and Māori tradition, New Zealand is an exciting food destination defined by innovative chefs, a fervent appreciation for locally sourced products and a diversity of ingredients to work with in the k

Italian cuisine needs no introduction, and neither does the appreciation the locals demonstrate for the simple but spectacular ingredients that make their pastas, pizzas, cheeses, wines and gelati.

Waves crashing on golden beaches, shaggy palms swaying gently, bright sunshine, azure skies and emerald jungle mountains crowned with waterfalls.

In a country roughly the size of the state of Nevada, Ecuador ensures the ingredients, dishes or flavors you crave are always within reach.

Cuban food is delicious. This is apparent because many of the simple foods that define the region have crossed the ocean and reached international diners.

Croatia’s gastronomic landscape is largely shaped by the nation’s bordering countries, and the cuisine, therefore, is best understood as a patchwork of regional foods and dishes from the fruitful Adriatic Sea, which laps Croatia’s western shore.

Canada is a massive country of diverse cultures, landscapes, languages and histories. Its identity is difficult to define, and the same can be said of its cuisine.

Eating in Asia is one of the wildest, most satisfying parts about traveling in this region. The foods are flavorful, healthy, exotic and exciting, and in terms of variety, they span a massive spectrum. Knowing what to expect from Asian cuisine can be tricky, though.

When dining in the northernmost of the 50 states, it’s safe to assume that all eating is local eating. The wild, seasonal foods found, foraged and favored here are of the land, especially the mountains and the ocean.

As Southeast Asia continues to gain traction in the tourism scene, Vietnam maintains a satisfying balance of popular attractions, charming villages and remote landscapes.

Prowling for tapas in Madrid, beach-hopping in the Balearic Islands, trekking the legendary Camino de Santiago and clapping along to flamenco in Granada. With so much to see and to do in Spain, you might not even know where to start!

From rugged mountains and bustling cities to dramatic medieval ruins and bucolic whiskey distilleries, Scotland packs in an amazing amount of sights for a country about the size of South Carolina.

In terms of weather, there’s really no bad time to visit Peru. Instead, it’s best to plan your trip around what you most want to see, to experience and to do.

The best time to visit Norway depends on what you wish to experience. The variety of events, adventures and wildlife viewing opportunities definitely shift with the seasons here.

Machu Picchu is an ancient Inca citadel perched atop a mountain within the southern stretches of the Peruvian Amazon, and it’s a wonder in every sense of the word. Whether you visit at the peak of the Peruvian summer or brave the mud and mist of the rainy season, Machu Picchu doesn’t disappoint.

Japan is perhaps best known for its natural beauty, vibrant food scene and loyalty to tradition.

With its balmy Mediterranean climate, amazing food and gorgeous, varied natural backdrops, Italy’s the envy of the rest of Europe. You can have a great vacation here any time of year.

“There’s no such thing as bad weather—only bad clothes.” This famous saying is a reliable guiding principle for anyone taking a trip to the Emerald Isle.

Hawaii is a paradise no matter when you choose to visit, offering up its sandy expanses of beach, lush rain forests and vibrant cultural scene year round.

Few things in life are as satisfying as sitting in a shady Biergarten on a sunny day, a warm pretzel in one hand and a cold pilsner in the other.

When Charles Darwin visited the Galápagos Islands back in the 19th century, he researched for and wrote what later turned into On the Origin of Species.

With such a rich cultural (and ecological) landscape, Europe is the ideal starting point for multiple-country trips.

It’s twilight in Old Havana, and you can still taste the mint and lime of your last mojito. A smoky, tropical breeze rustles through your hair, carrying with it the soft sounds of salsa music from a nearby bar.

Few countries so seamlessly blend modern culture, natural beauty and medieval charm as Croatia, which offers experiences ranging from taking your first few steps up the stairs to Diocletian’s Palace to dipping your toes in the cr

Pristine beaches. Lush jungles. Thundering rapids. And, around practically every corner, the chance to spot a moss-covered sloth or an elusive red-eyed tree frog.

Calm, aquamarine waters. Teeming rain forests that dissolve into gleaming white sand. The gentle swish of waves breaking against the shore. Feel as if you’re dreaming? Welcome to the beautiful and world-famous Caribbean!

Whether you’re a nature lover or a cosmopolitan connoisseur, the world’s second-biggest country is a traveler’s paradise. The vastness that makes this country so appealing, though, makes trip planning especially important.

Perched in the Canadian Rockies, Banff is one of North America’s most iconic outdoor adventure destinations.

Arguably the most exotic destination on Earth, Antarctica isn’t for everyone. For those captivated by the icy southern continent, though, newfound accessibility and growing concern about global warming have made it more of a tourist destination in recent years.

For those passing through on a cruise and permanent residents of the great state of Alaska alike, it’s easy to see why this destination draws in more than two million visitors in its warmest months alone.

Africa is on nearly every adventure traveler’s radar, promising myriad memorable experiences, whether it be hiking Mount Kilimanjaro or tracking lions in the Serengeti.

This Central American paradise boasts beautiful beaches, dense tropical jungles and some of the friendliest and most welcoming locals you’ll ever meet.

Made up of eight primary islands. Hawaii is home to postcard-perfect beaches and waterfalls, breathtaking sunsets, active volcanoes and ancient lava flows.

Welcome to Norway, one of the largest and most extensive playgrounds for outdoor enthusiasts! Norway is truly a one-of-a-kind experience.

Why exactly is Spain one of the most visited countries in the world? Read our Spain Travel Guide to learn why.

Sprawling all the way from the Bolivian border south to Tierra del Fuego, Argentina is the world’s eighth-largest country and one of the most geographically diverse.

In many ways, hiking in New Zealand defies a single definition. From day hikes to multiday adventures, prepare for everywhere from sandy beaches to barren volcanic alpine vistas.

Comprised of 48 countries and nearly 60 percent of the world’s population, Asia boasts a dizzying assortment of natural wonders, rich history and cultural feats.

Ecuador is home to Amazonian jungle, mountainous Andean sierra and stunning Pacific coastline. Ecuador even boasts the wildlife-abundant Galapagos Islands.

Dominated by lamb, potatoes and an abundance of seafood, Icelandic food might be simple, but don’t be fooled into thinking it’s boring.

Long considered a global center of art, science, philosophy and sophistication, France boasts incredible diversity in its offerings to travelers.

Cambodia has a rich history, as any visitor to the incredible temples of Angkor Wat can attest. Learn more about this incredible culture by reading our Cambodia Travel Guide.

In recent years, Irish cuisine has undergone a bit of a renaissance as chefs across the nation—from Belfast to Cork and Dublin to Galway—experiment with new takes on traditional Irish dishes.

In Southern Europe—right in the heart of the Mediterranean—lies a boot-shaped country stuffed to the brim with culture, history and fine cuisine.

Bordered by two oceans and spanning two hemispheres, South America is a vibrant, diverse continent comprised of twelve sovereign states.

From its architecture to its white-sand beaches and abandoned coffee plantations, a trip to Cuba is as rich in experience as it is in magic.

Eating is one of the greatest joys of traveling in Spain. Regional culinary specialties abound, so depending on where you are, there are always delicious things to try.

From its wildlife and untamed lands to its rich traditions and exciting, emerging future, Africa is a travel experience unlike anything else.

From bubbling hot springs and white-sand beaches to ornate temples and metropolitan chaos, Japan is a land of almost mythic beauty and diversity.

Thinking about traveling to Greece and want to know all about the food? If so, then read our article.

Central America is a beautiful, exotic, colorful hodgepodge of adventure tourism, pre-Columbian civilizations and colonial remnants.

Scotland is a notoriously magical place, where rumors of faeries and the Loch Ness Monster abound, and once you arrive, it’s easy to see why.

Thinking about traveling to Portugal and want to know all about the food? If so, then read our article.

Sprawling, massive Canada contains everything from six time zones to a series of ecosystems so diverse you could conceivably encounter polar bears and grizzly bears on the same trip.

Take some time to explore California, and you'll understand why visitors from all over the world flock here.

As you explore France, you’ll see the deep pride the people have for their homeland and the incredible ingredients they produce and incorporate into each meal.

The oldest nation-state in Europe—it became the Kingdom of Portugal in 1139—Portugal is as steeped in history as it is in its own unique culture.

From the Amazon jungle to the to the Pacific Ocean, Peru is extraordinarily diverse. In fact, few places on this planet can claim the geographical variety of Peru.

Whether you’re strolling a ruin or sunning on the beach, Greece is an intoxicating, beautiful, historically rich nation with something to offer every world wanderer.

More than just a state, the “Last Frontier” lives up to its reputation as one of the world’s last great wild places.

Just shy of the Arctic Circle, Iceland is an island nation that features pristine glaciers, sulfuric hot springs and stunning fjords alongside the trendy bars of capital, Reykjavík.

The earth’s southernmost landmass, Antarctica is the fifth-largest continent in the world, and it was the last one humans discovered and explored.

Describing the residents and habitat of the Galápagos Islands takes creativity and an exhaustive vocabulary. Nowhere else on Earth can you find such a collection of wildlife.

Traveling Germany is like stepping inside of a storybook, with each city visited eliciting new characters, unimaginable adventures, and entirely surreal settings.

Inside this breadth of natural diversity and jaw-dropping beauty, there are bustling cities, remote hillside villages, centuries-old Buddhist temples and skyscraping corporate headquarters.

Patagonia is every outdoor adventurer’s dream—400,000 square miles of some of the most rugged landscapes Mother Nature has to offer.

Whatever has caught your eye and enticed you to visit this beautiful corner of Europe, a trip to Croatia will definitely not disappoint.

Known as the “Last Shangri-La.", Bhutan's culture is deeply influenced by a unique form of Buddhism and rich with traditions of spirituality, art, music, dance and food.

Ireland is an enchanting place, and the serene, beautiful scenery features breathtaking views and stunning landscapes throughout the whole country.

Paris, also known as the City of Lights and the City of Love, is truly one of Europe’s most recognizable and enduring cities.

Encapsulating 50 nations and a dizzying amount of cultural and natural diversity, Europe is a traveler’s playground.

Whether you’re seeking unique wildlife, world-class restaurants, pristine hiking, unmatched cultural experiences or tropical beaches, New Zealand brings it all together.

With 28 island nations, the region of the Caribbean is a dazzling combination of mountain peaks, astoundingly bustling reefs and a long, fraught colonial lineage.

Biking, hiking and wandering through Japan can certainly help you work up an appetite, and the flavors and nuances of Japanese cuisine (和食, washoku) are so culturally defining that one can gain a world of knowledge about the country and its people just by watching the way a bowl of ramen