Entering the final chapter of our California road trip! After San Diego, Huntington Beach, and Santa Barbara, we head north to the iconic City by the Bay. San Francisco (2 Nights) The 300-mile drive from Santa Barbara to San Francisco ranks among Americas most scenic routes, offering sweeping ocean vistas and stunning natural beauty. Ive completed it in 5-6 hours straight many times, but it could easily span a week with stops in charming towns like Paso Robles and Monterey. Aiming to arrive in S

Bleisure: blending business travel with leisure. This popular trend lets business travelers extend trips for personal enjoyment. According to Travel Weeklys 2016 Consumer Trends Report, bleisure trips rose 6% since 2012. Connectivity makes bleisure seamless—we stay productive on the go. Employers increasingly recognize that personal experiences like travel boost performance. Yet, U.S. workers lag globally in time off. Project: Time Off reports Americans left 662 million vacation days unused in

Mark Bender is a filmmaker, eclipse chaser, and director of the Eclipse Across America series on CuriosityStream. 1. Know What to Expect As the eclipse begins, the moon gradually covers the sun. Daylight remains bright initially. About five minutes before totality, the light shifts to a surreal gray. Through your eclipse glasses, only a thin crescent of sun remains—keep them on. Totality arrives when darkness falls like night. Safely remove glasses to behold the suns ethereal corona blooming ar

Costa Rica truly lives up to its Pura Vida mantra—pure life—offering thrilling zip lines, playful monkeys, beaches backed by lush jungles, and sustainable eco-adventures. Bonus: No jet lag (same time zone as the US Midwest) and nonstop flights from 15 US cities. 1. Soar on a Zip Line Zip-lining is a must-do in Costa Rica. Thrill-seekers opt for the Superman style, flying headfirst on their bellies. Find world-class lines in Monteverdes misty cloud forests, near Arenal Volcano, or amid vibrant ju

The Salar de Uyuni, Bolivias iconic salt flats, ranks among Earths most breathtaking natural wonders. Situated in the Daniel Campos Province of Potosí Department, this expansive site—the worlds largest salt flat—spans over 10,000 square kilometers and captivates photographers and travelers alike.A thin layer of water during the rainy season transforms the flats into a surreal mirror, reflecting the sky for a heavenly, otherworldly effect—one of the most stunning backdrops imaginable. Add this de

Eating is one of travels greatest joys, offering an authentic immersion into local cultures through cuisine. Food festivals provide a delectable entry point to new destinations. Explore these 10 renowned global food festivals that will inspire your next culinary adventure. La Tomatina in Buñol, Spain Photo: LaTomatina.info The worlds largest food fight draws 50,000 participants to the small town of Buñol. On the last Wednesday of August, revelers hurl over 100 tons of ripe tomatoes in a chaotic

Planning a trip to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights? This bucket-list spectacle tops travel lists worldwide. But how much do you really know about this extraordinary natural phenomenon? To demystify the Aurora Borealis, we consulted Dr. Melanie Windridge, a plasma physicist, aurora expert, and author of the acclaimed book Aurora: In Search of the Northern Lights. Her insights will equip you to impress fellow travelers with science-backed knowledge. What Are the Northern Lights and Why Do

When choosing a cruise, the base fare is just the beginning—onboard extras can quickly erode your relaxation and budget. Regent Seven Seas Cruises voyages to over 450 destinations start at $2,999 per person, yet they provide one of the best values in luxury cruising. Heres why, based on extensive industry experience. 1. Truly All-Inclusive Pricing Covers Everything An industry veteran notes: This is the cost to board the ship—how much to disembark? Regents fares include shore excursions, roundt

When envisioning Greater Palm Springs, images of oversized pools and verdant golf courses often come to mind. Yet, this desert oasis reveals far more beneath the surface. Unwind in the therapeutic mineral springs of Desert Hot Springs, ascend breathtaking canyons on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, or thrill to off-road Jeep tours through rugged terrain. Spanning nine cities, Greater Palm Springs lies approximately 100 miles east of Los Angeles and features its own international airport. Direct

Last year, over 5.6 million visitors flocked to Munich for Oktoberfest. During the 17-day festival, they consumed 109 oxen and more than six million liters of beer. As the worlds largest folk festival, Oktoberfest has something for everyone. To help you make the most of it, weve outlined essential activities to embrace and common pitfalls to avoid. Do – Essential Experiences Sip from a Maß: The one-liter Maß beer mug is Oktoberfests signature. Pair it with a crispy roasted chicken (Hendl) to l

Join us live from this years 184th Oktoberfest via Facebook Live on September 17 at 1 p.m. ET/7 p.m. local time in Munich. RSVP here. From A for Anstich to Z for Zuzln: Our expert alphabetical guide equips you to navigate the 184th Oktoberfest like a seasoned Bavarian. A for Anstich: Tapping the keg. The festival officially opens when Munichs mayor taps the first barrel at noon in the Schottenhamel Tent, proclaiming O’zapft is!—Its tapped! Only then can beer flow. B for Beer: The heart of Oktobe

Join us live from this years 184th Oktoberfest via Facebook Live on September 17 at 1 p.m. ET/7 p.m. local time in Munich. RSVP here. Every year, more than 6 million people from around the globe descend on Munich for Oktoberfest, the worlds largest beer festival. For 16 days, visitors set aside their local toasts like cheers, sláinte, skål, and salud to embrace the German tradition of clinking steins with a hearty Prost! While Munich hosts the original, vibrant versions of Oktoberfest thrive wor

Experience Munichs vibrant culture through these authentic tips from a former resident of 30 years. Now a Berliner by choice, I spent my first three decades in Munich and still visit frequently. While I sometimes feel like a savvy tourist in my hometown, my deep roots give me unique insights. Here are my top recommendations for exploring Munich like a local. Weißwurst for Breakfast: A Bavarian Tradition Bavarian cuisine is hearty around the clock, but the classic breakfast features steaming Weiß

Many couples seeking romance shy away from traditional all-inclusive resorts, finding them impersonal with rigid itineraries and tourist-focused menus that limit authentic exploration. UNICO 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya, opened in March, redefines the concept with tailored experiences showcasing the Yucatán Peninsulas true essence. From exclusive off-site excursions and 24/7 personal butler service to unlimited gourmet meals by Mexicos acclaimed chefs, its our top choice for couples who thought the

As beach season fades, wine lovers head to inland vineyards where sun-ripened grapes are ready for harvest. This fall, discover Calistoga Ranch in Northern California’s Upper Napa Valley—a stunning 157-acre Forbes Four-Star resort nestled among ancient oaks, bubbling streams, and a private lake. Here’s why it’s the premier spot to savor cabernet over rosé during crush season.Tucked into a private canyon, Calistoga Ranch boasts the only on-resort winery in Napa Valley.Harvest rituals—including co

Attention museum enthusiasts! On September 23, 2017, more than 1,100 museums across the U.S. offered free admission in celebration of Museum Day Live!, presented by Smithsonian magazine. Participating museums: With regular admission often $20 or more, free passes for two guests delivered substantial savings—ideal for families. Free tickets were available for download online. Highlights from standout venues: Chicago - Museum of Contemporary Art Regular price (2017): Pay-what-you-can ($15 suggeste

Singaporeans proudly declare eating as their national pastime—a sentiment echoed by nearly everyone you meet. Here, food transcends mere sustenance; its a profound national passion. Living in this vibrant Southeast Asian city-state would make anyone obsessed, thanks to its masterful fusion of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Peranakan cuisines. Global recognition has followed, with renowned food influencers making pilgrimages and the Michelin Guide debuting its first Singapore edition in 2017. That

Easy Access from the U.S.:The Azores are conveniently reachable with direct flights from major U.S. hubs. SATA Airlines offers regular service, with a quick 4.5-hour flight from Boston—shorter than to Los Angeles and far easier than Hawaii for East Coast travelers.Mild Climate with Microclimates:The Azores enjoy a temperate climate akin to San Franciscos: mild year-round, with winters in the 50s°F (10-15°C) and summers in the 70s°F (20-25°C). Humidity rises slightly in summer. Expect varied micr

Airline fees have become a significant revenue source for carriers, generating billions annually. To help you sidestep common charges like baggage and change fees, here are 10 practical, proven strategies based on industry policies and traveler experiences. 1. Leverage the 24-Hour Booking Window Most airlines, per U.S. DOT rules, allow free cancellations or changes within 24 hours of booking for tickets purchased at least seven days before departure. Flickr/Guy Sie Book directly with the airline

Memorable meals can transform your travels, but finding authentic restaurants in unfamiliar destinations can be challenging—especially when hunger strikes. These proven tips, drawn from Travelzoos experienced team, reveal where to look and whom to ask for exceptional dining. Bon appétit! 1. Plan Ahead with a Culinary Walking Tour Start your trip with a culinary walking tour, increasingly popular in cities worldwide. Sample diverse dishes, orient yourself locally, and pinpoint spots to revisit or