The World's Greatest Vacations

Bye-bye Bora Bora – 15 Other Islands in French Polynesia

2013-09-30

Indulgent resorts. Beautiful everything. Bora Bora is called paradise for a reason. And visitors return home with the exact photos of the island’s towering Mount Pahia and Mount Otemanu, the thatched roofs of over-water bungalows and a magenta sunset over the sparkling ocean. Don’t do it! There’s a lot more to French Polynesia. The country is made up of 118 islands […]

10 Things the U.S. Does Better than Anywhere Else

2013-09-27

Even if it’s not the land of opportunity it once was, the Big Mobility Scooter still has a lot going for it. In fact, there are at least 10 things by our count that you can’t find as good anywhere else on earth. With the caveat that China is on a trajectory to take over at least […]

Royal Caribbean Announces Ocean Voyages

2013-09-26

There is no better way to span two continents in one vacation than aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise. The cruise line known for the industry’s most innovative cruise ships today announced Ocean Voyages, a collection of special sailings that offer unique onboard programming, new shore excursion packages, and unbeatable value on 2014 sailings between Europe […]

Meet the World’s Best New Skyscraper

2013-09-23

A pair of buildings colloquially known as “Marilyn Monroe” has won the prize for best new skyscraper completed in 2012. The curvy, twisting buildings, officially known as Absolute World Towers, and located in Mississauga, Ontario, were designed by Beijing-based MAD architects and Toronto-based Burka Architects. “The way the two structures twist organically by up to […]

The Best Place to Watch the Sunset

2013-09-20

Nothing completes a getaway like a gorgeous sunset. What’s your favorite spot for ending the day with a westerly gaze? Is it far above the trees with a majestic mountain view, or at water’s edge, with your toes in the sand? Read more

America’s Best Coastal Hotels

2013-09-19

While hotels and resorts have long leaned on Mother Nature to enhance their guest experiences, few wild assets rival that of prime waterfront real estate — be it on a sugary sand beach or a dramatic rocky bluff. Fortunately for travelers, there’s a lot of choice for those seeking a great coastal getaway. Culled from […]

Amazing Tower Hotel Suites Around the World

2013-09-18

THE AVIARY . Wheatleigh, Lenox, Massachusetts. When Leonard Bernstein conducted at the Tanglewood music festival, just down the lane, this two-story tower was turned into his summer studio, with a grand piano squeezed through the ground-floor doorway. Nowadays, couples shown into the Aviary, separated from the Italianate main house by a limestone loggia, are likely […]

How Do Cruise Ships Get Their Names?

2013-09-17

Norwegian Cruise Line this week launched a contest asking Facebook fans to choose a name for its next two ships. Among the choices for the Breakaway-Plus vessels are Norwegian Bliss, Discovery, Dreamaway, Escape, Journey, Muse, Passion, Sailaway, Treasure and Triton. The choice of ship’s name is a big deal. In 2011, USA TODAY readers helped […]

7 Swanky Hostels Around The World

2013-09-16

Budget-conscious travelers rejoice: Hostels aren’t what they used to be. Forget cafeteria-style meals, windowless rooms and the college dormitory approach to decor. Think more along the lines of handcrafted cocktails by the pool, complimentary bike rentals and design so stylish you’d swear you were in a boutique hotel. In other words, the modern-day hostel will […]

Freedom! 10 trips without the kids

2013-09-16

It’s time to consider a grown-up getaway. We’re not downplaying the joy of a successful family vacation or suggesting illicit escapes, but with kids back in school, recharging is in order. There will be no planning activities around a three-year-old’s nap schedule or worrying if the resort’s restaurant menu will have anything to please a […]