Travel

Assateague is a quiet National Seashore destination off the coast of Maryland and Virginia. On the island of Assateague, ponies roam free, but once a year herds are rounded up for a run and swim to Chincoteague.

Bethlehem is an intriguing destination any time of year, but especially during the Christmas season. The city’s historic churches and squares enchant visitors, while its ancient architecture and meandering footpaths lend a truly old-world atmosphere. Learn about Bethlehem’s most revered spots, and get insight into modern life in Bethlehem.

Some consider mountain climbing or hiking as hobbies. But there are others—highpointers—who are into something a little more specific: reaching the highest peak in every state, from the 345-foot Britton Hill in Florida to Alaska’s 20,320-foot Mount McKinley.

There are thousands of strange and unique micronations around the world whose founders stand up for their beliefs, regardless of whether anyone else does.

From coast to coast, the U.S. is strewn with haunted hideaways and tales of terror that have yet to fade away. We've rounded up ten of the scariest, in prisons, historical American buildings, and seemingly quaint locales - even a bed and breakfast. The spooky selections are counted down, culminating with the number one most haunted place in the country, an unexpected sunny city.

Fall is made for festivals, hikes in the woods and scenic road trips with stops along the way for crisp red apples and stunning photo opportunities. This week, we highlight distinctly autumnal activities along the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina.

Fall is made for festivals, hikes in the woods and scenic road trips, with stops along the way for crisp red apples and stunning photo opportunities. Two of the best areas for these distinctly autumnal activities are Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge and Hood River Valley.

Fall is made for festivals, hikes in the woods, and scenic road trips, with stops along the way for local produce and stunning photo opportunities. This week, we highlight distinctly autumnal activities in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Looking for a journey more organic than the slide down Splash Mountain? More exciting than the grounded contemplation of California redwoods? You might want to capture one of nature’s fleeting—but spectacular—thrills.

In western New York state, a wealth of natural features and thriving cultural life offer visitors an unmatched mix of options. The Ithaca area boasts relaxing waterfalls and a bustling downtown scene, while wine trails lead oenophiles around clear blue Finger Lakes, dotted with sail boats and contented locals.

Paris needs no embellishment, particularly the Paris of Coco Chanel, who rose from rags to the riches of her luxurious suite at the Ritz. The iconic designer is the subject of the new film “Coco Before Chanel.” Learn where Coco slept, strolled and shopped, and create a Paris itinerary recalling her fashionable taste.

Lighthouses have the romantic appeal of keepers at home on the sea and cut off from the rest of the world. Visiting or sleeping in lighthouses offers travelers a unique escape, and a chance to experience the ultimate in seclusion. 

A favorite of climbers and outdoor enthusiasts looking for an adventure fix within reach of New York City, the Shawangunk region also accommodates a range of travelers. Anyone seeking a getaway that offers plenty of fresh air, good food and kind locals will enjoy a stay in this Catskills haven.

For city lovers seeking a breath of fresh air, Vancouver should be at the top of the list for an urban getaway. The city sits on the coast of British Columbia, and offers visitors kayaking and beaches, as well as cultural draws like museums and renowned restaurants.

The volcanic ash out of Iceland has grounded flights across Europe, leading some to question whether convenience has dulled our appreciation for adventurous overland and sea travel.

The American Southwest bursts with potential for exploration, and offers opportunities to learn about Native American groups, particularly the Hopi and Anasazi. Discover what it’s like to drive the Trail of the Ancients scenic byway, plan a day trip to New Mexico’s Chaco Culture National Historical Park or create an itinerary for the Four Corners, a hotbed of Native American history and culture.

Gettysburg is famous for its Civil War history, its 20,000-acre battlefield, dramatic stone monuments and affecting cemetery. A popular destination for schools and families with children, Gettysburg presents a wealth of educational opportunities, but is surrounded by a quaint town that allows for parental relaxation as well. Take a virtual visit to Gettysburg using the Web sites in this article, and get a pre-trip history lesson that will enhance your visit.

A small city in New York state offers special travel deals just for teachers and their families, but there are plenty of ways for educators to travel frugally.

The deadly 1982 crash of an Air Florida plane into a Washington, D.C., bridge changed the way pilots perform their jobs, and imparted lessons used by the crew of US Airways Flight 1549 when landing in N.Y.’s Hudson river on Jan. 15 of last year.

During peak travel seasons, vacationers have their work cut out for them. Though navigating airport lines and packing your luggage will be a hassle, planning a trip should be quick and easy, not expensive and complicated—even when booking at the last minute. The five Web sites below have the easiest, most innovative tools to help last-minute travelers get the best deals on flights, hotels and vacation packages.

Experts love telling travelers where to experience the next big thing, but most of us would rather choose for ourselves. Certain travel magazines, Web sites, blogs and tour companies stand out from the pack, equipping travelers with the inspiration and insight to seek adventure in 2010.

"Everybody’s Fine” is a new Robert De Niro film that highlights the joys and challenges of train travel, particularly during the holiday season.

Lately it seems as if every tour operator and destination is touting some type of eco-tour. But how can travelers determine whether a claim of greenness is authentic or just capitalizing on a trend? The concept of ecotourism is actually quite simple, but not so easy to fulfill.

A new Tom Hanks film marks the unveiling of elaborate additions to New Orleans’ National World War II Museum, underscoring the city’s reemergence.

Boasting charming historic scenery with modern flair and an artistic sensibility, Providence, Rhode Island, is a fine choice for a weekend getaway. Sleeping in a cozy bed and breakfast can make a few days of dining, strolling and museum hopping in Providence all the more appealing.

Theater season has hit, bringing a variety of options to New York City. Discover some of the most hyped productions, including dramatic tales of marriage, strained work relationships and an unusual 1800s medical treatment. Hollywood stars have also flooded Broadway, performing in both classic and modern plays.

The heroic efforts of Captain Sullenberger in saving flight 1549 in January is in stark contrast to the behavior of the crew aboard a recent Air India flight, and the extreme danger posed by those who behave badly in the air.

Autumn in New York City brings a full and varied cultural calendar with, perhaps most notably, a jam-packed theater season. Broadway and Off-Broadway productions run the gamut from musicals with star-studded casts, to stirring dramas written by renowned playwrights, while unique venues lend excitement to the scene. 

Most recently in the spotlight for its enviable restaurants and superb local seafood, Portland presents an attractive range of possibilities for travelers. Few cities can claim to offer Portland's combination of small town atmosphere and fine culture, along with a lively arts district flanked by North Atlantic Ocean scenery.

Atop a hill in North London sits leafy Hampstead, an elegant neighborhood teeming with open spaces, historic architecture and the former home of John Keats. The poet's love affair with Fanny Brawne is the subject of "Bright Star," a new film serving as inspiration for travelers to the British city.