The World's Greatest Vacations

15 Best Islands You’ve Never Heard Of

2013-07-09

Bali? Been there. Virgin Islands? Done that. Twice. While many well known islands inhabit prominent spots on the average bucket list, there’s another group of outposts that only the truly island-savvy know about. These under-the-radar islands have sea views and ocean breezes, but are blessedly lacking in crowds, fabricated attractions and recreation “ambassadors” leading the […]

Top 10 Beachside Bed-And-Breakfasts

2013-07-08

We love the quaint, homey vibe that comes with bed-and-breakfasts. And when they’re located beachside, where mega-resorts are more often the norm, they feel even more like hidden gems. Plan your next getaway — or just dream about it — by clicking through our slideshow of the best B&Bs on the beach. Many dot New […]

12 Top-Secret Swimming Holes

2013-07-08

The start of summer means travelers will be flocking to beaches and lakefronts in droves. Sure, we love boardwalks and water skiing and volleyball as much as the next guy. But when it comes to purely and simply communing with the water, there’s no better place to take a dip than an all-American swimming hole. […]

9 Foreign Countries Where You Can Use U.S. Dollars

2013-07-06

There are many great pleasures of the globe-trotting life, but dealing with pesky Travelex lines is not one of them. Sick of exchange rates, transaction fees, and coming home with pockets filled with useless coins? Here are foreign destinations where you can pay with U.S. dollars, from the sunny and subtropical to the still-undiscovered. Read […]

Sand Sculpture Shindigs: A Bucket List

2013-07-05

Your days at the beach with a bucket and shovel making castles in the sand were child’s play compared to what you’ll see at sand sculpting events. There, the massive, inventive, intricate works of art go so far beyond “sand castles.” You’ll never look at sand and water the same way again. (Keep reminding yourself—it […]

Princess Cruises Launches Fourth of July Sale

2013-07-05

Princess Cruises has kicked off a week-long Fourth of July promotion that brings on-board credits of up to $100 per cabin with new bookings. The Red, White & Blue Sale, as it’s being called, encompasses more than 100 sailings departing between September and December in the Caribbean, Hawaii, Panama Canal, California Coast, Mexico and Canada/New […]

4th Of July: Backyard Beautification Tips And Tricks

2013-07-04

Here are six extra backyard beautification tips : 1. Chalkboard contact paper – just peel, stick and write. This paper does double duty for both adults and the kids. Keep the kids entertained as they can draw and doodle during an outdoor barbecue. During the evening, label pitchers of your favorite sangria and cocktails, meats […]

The Face Of Freedom: Stirring Portraits Of The Statue Of Liberty

2013-07-04

This year, on the Fourth of July, the Statue of Liberty will reopen to the public after being closed for eight months due to major damage from 2012′s Hurricane Sandy. It’s fitting, of course, that Lady Liberty, with her distinctive light-green patina, will once again welcome — on Independence Day — countless pilgrims from America and around […]

Timeless Luxury: 11 Illustrious Hotels Around The World

2013-07-03

Some hotels are more than just hotels — they are former castles, royal residences, or Gatsby-esque mansions. Or they opened their doors many years ago to offer accommodations of unsurpassed luxury, attracting royalty and famous names. These grand dames around the world have drawn on their rich pasts in order to offer present-day magnificence. Read […]

America’s Top Free Attractions

2013-07-02

Imagine seeing masterpieces by Van Gogh, entertaining your kids with activities and strolling a hilltop garden with waterfalls and beautiful views at sunset. Now imagine doing it all for free. That’s how your day could play out at the Getty Museum in L.A., where admission doesn’t cost a thing. Enjoying what America has to offer […]