In 2015, I embarked on a 10-day trip to Thailand—a substantial break by U.S. standards. There, I encountered travelers from Australia, Canada, and the U.K., whose multi-month adventures put my journey in perspective. I explained that American work culture favors more modest vacations.That year, 55% of Americans left 658 million vacation days unused, according to Project: Time Off research. This not only cost the U.S. economy $223 billion in potential spending but also carried emotional consequen

Meet the Quokka: Dubbed the Happiest Animal on Earth Often labeled the happiest animal in the world, the quokkas perpetual smile and friendly demeanor draw tourists to Western Australia. These charming marsupials boldly approach visitors, sparking a viral wave of #quokka and #quokkaselfie photos across social media. Home to the Largest Quokka Population: Rottnest Island Rottnest Island, just off the coast of Western Australia near Perth, hosts the biggest colony of these endearing creatures. It

One of cinemas most unforgettable beach scenes comes from The Shawshank Redemption, where Andy Dufresne dreams of freedom in Zihuatanejo. Its in Mexico... a little place on the Pacific Ocean, he tells Red. They say it has no memory. Thats where I want to live.Whether seeking to shed memories or daily stress, Zihuatanejo—this former sleepy fishing village—offers an ideal escape. Paired with neighboring Ixtapa, its upscale counterpart, the possibilities expand. Discover six exceptional ways to dis

Castles captivate visitors with their majestic towers, opulent interiors, and historic architecture, offering rich history and photogenic allure. Whether exploring Shakespeare-inspired halls, Disney-like fantasies, or Viking-era sites, these eight stunning castles are bucket-list essentials for travelers. Chillon Castle, Veytaux, Switzerland Perched on a rocky outcrop along Lake Geneva near Montreux, Chillon Castle is one of Switzerlands most-visited historic sites. Home to the Counts of Savoy

Experienced travelers know that unforgettable adventures await right here in the U.S. Discover these off-the-beaten-path destinations for authentic, crowd-free experiences. 1. Narragansett, Rhode Island Nestled in Rhode Island, often called New Englands hidden gem, Narragansett captivates with its dramatic shoreline and colonial architecture. The iconic Towers, a coastal landmark visible from the beach, exemplifies this charm. The area also features intriguing stone monuments like the Witch Alt

Many overworked Americans crave a break from the office, yet only about half use all their vacation days each year. Studies show employees who take full vacation time are more productive and perform better. Benefit yourself and your employer by scheduling time off proactively. Drawing from initiatives like Project: Time Offs National Plan for Vacation Day, here are proven strategies to ensure you make the most of your vacation days. Understand your vacation benefits Review your employee handbo

Founded in 1733, Savannah—Georgias oldest city—is experiencing a renaissance ahead of its 300th anniversary in 2033. With new hotels opening and more on the horizon, competition is fierce, driving unbeatable deals for travelers. While your accommodations may be luxurious, Savannahs real allure lies beyond: its historic charm draped in Spanish moss. Here are five signature experiences that capture the citys essence. Meet the Iconic Bird Girl Statue The famous Bird Girl from Midnight in the Garde

January through March is an electrifying time in Los Angeles: Awards Season, a whirlwind of red carpets, gleaming statuettes, and heartfelt acceptance speeches. Where do A-list stars recharge, dine, and indulge between events? Discover four iconic hotels beloved by Hollywood elite. The Beverly Hilton Longtime host of the Golden Globe Awards, The Beverly Hilton has welcomed celebrities since Conrad Hilton opened it in 1955. Esther Williams christened the Aqua Star pool at the gala debut. Dont mi

While Dublin draws countless visitors, Irelands wonders extend far beyond its capital. From the rugged Wild Atlantic Ways storm-swept islands to towering cliffs and UNESCO sites, this emerald isle brims with unforgettable adventures. Discover our curated top 10 experiences, backed by traveler favorites and expert acclaim. 1. Giant’s Causeway, County Antrim Along Northern Irelands stunning Causeway Coastal Route lies the regions only UNESCO World Heritage Site. Oceanic forces have sculpted 40,000

Iceland, the land of fire and ice, captivates photographers with its geysers, glaciers, volcanoes, waterfalls, lunar landscapes, and icy lagoons—creating one of Earths most otherworldly destinations. We challenge you to reach the end without booking a trip.If youre an Iceland enthusiast and spot any must-see omissions, share in the comments below.Gullfoss waterfall in winter exemplifies Icelands dramatic beauty.Iceland boasts some of the worlds most stunning waterfalls.Trees are scarce in Icelan

Greece is home to over 6,000 islands, ranging from secluded paradise atolls to vibrant destinations like Crete, where you can dive into lively city scenes. Its no wonder Greek island holidays remain a perennial favorite among discerning travelers.Whether youre chasing idyllic beaches, hidden trails, or the regions profound history, this expert guide spotlights Greeces premier islands to match your ideal getaway.Best for BeachesCreteIn Cretes scorching summers, temperatures often surpass 86°F

Renowned photographer Ben Hicks captures breathtaking images of marine life, blending artistry with environmental advocacy. In this exclusive Travelzoo interview, he shares how his lifelong passions for nature, the ocean, and photography create some of the most mesmerizing underwater photos imaginable. For more images and details, visit Ben Hicks Fine Art and follow Ben on Instagram at @benjhicks. Travelzoo: Where are you from, and where do you live now? Ben Hicks: I am from Venice, Florida, an

Hiking combines physical challenge, a sense of accomplishment, and unparalleled natural beauty, making it one of the best ways to explore the outdoors. Weve curated nine exceptional trails across the United States, each offering stunning vistas and unique experiences—all accessible without a passport.Angels Landing - UtahThis renowned trail in Zion National Park follows dramatic cliffs above Zion Canyon. Ideal for thrill-seekers, it includes steep sections with chain handrails for support.Trail

If Mesa, Arizona, isnt already on your travel radar, it should be. Discover why its one of the top hidden gems in the U.S.For extra incentive, save 25% on hotels.1. The natural landscape will leave you speechless.2. Just look at that breathtaking view.3. The sunsets rival those in Hawaii—yes, were serious.4. They give way to some of the most beautiful night skies for stargazing.5. Eat your Tex-Mex heart out.6. But Mesas food scene impresses far beyond tacos.7. Top-notch hiking trails with reward

Infinity pools create a stunning optical illusion where water appears to blend seamlessly with the horizon, evoking a sense of endless serenity and escape from reality.Discover our expert-curated selection of 16 extraordinary infinity pools, featuring natural wonders and luxury resorts with breathtaking backdrops.1. Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti (Tanzania)Backdrop: Elephant watering hole.2. The Cambrian Hotel Adelboden (Switzerland)Backdrop: Snow-capped Swiss Alps.3. Marina Bay Sands Resor

Whether youre in a relationship tired of Valentines Day hype or embracing single life and seeking respite from heart-shaped décor and public displays of affection, a spontaneous getaway offers the perfect escape. These five destinations provide thrilling alternatives to romance, from adrenaline-fueled adventures in New Zealand to cultural festivals in Nepal—ideal for February 14. Queenstown, New Zealand Escape city constraints and immerse yourself in Queenstowns stunning landscapes during Febru

The Far East enchants with ancient monuments, ornate shrines, pristine tropical beaches, lush jungles, and vibrant cities, topping many travelers bucket lists. Yet, even seasoned explorers face challenges from language barriers, remoteness, and vast distances. Silversea, a leading luxury cruise line, simplifies discovery while delivering thrilling adventures across the region. Gain access to over 150 ports in China, Hong Kong, Japan, Cambodia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vi

The 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics featured athletes from a record 92 countries. Even if you missed competing among the 3,000 participants, create your own Olympic memories by visiting these five legendary North American host cities. Relive historic moments, test your skills on world-class slopes, tracks, and rinks where records were broken and dreams realized. Lake Placid, New York (1932 and 1980) Home to two Winter Games, Lake Placid is forever etched in history for the Miracle on Ice duri

London remains a top destination for families, football fans, and food enthusiasts. As one of the worlds premier cities, it serves as the perfect gateway to a nation that inspired global icons from A Hard Days Night to Hogwarts. Discover Britains iconic attractions—fabled castles, cozy country pubs, historic distilleries, natural hot springs, or Beatles landmarks—without renting a car or navigating the wrong side of the road. Boasting 21,000 miles of rail lines and over 2,000 stations, Britain

The tiny home trend has swept the nation—from HGTV shows and Zillow listings to destinations like South Carolina and San Diego—and now its revolutionizing hospitality. Welcome to Canoe Bay ESCAPE Village, opened in December 2017 in Wisconsin. Heres why you should visit the Midwests first large-scale tiny home vacation community: Immerse Yourself in Nature: Nestled on over 100 acres of Wisconsin lakes, wetlands, and wilderness, with 90% left untouched. Luxury Glamping Awaits: Tiny homes blend s