Destinations

Surprise! Italian food isn’t, strictly speaking, “Italian food.” There are lots of similarities, but for the most part, each of Italy’s 20 regions serves up its own distinct cuisine. Tuscany is no exception.

By Kirsten Schlewitz

Getting engaged is a huge deal. Not only are you agreeing to spend the rest of your life with someone (which is no small undertaking), the engagement itself will be a story that will be told over and over again for the rest of your lives together.

By Heather Wright

Let’s face it, some famous places are so famous, it’s impossible to enjoy them anymore. They have become time consuming forced marches through hordes of tourists that kill the charm or grace of even the greatest destinations.

By Bruce Yaccato

While Europe may be better known for rich history, numerous landmarks and noteworthy food and drink, there are other, slightly more slippery attractions to lure the tourists. So if you’re touring Europe this summer, and care to stop off for a sliding, splashing good time, here are some of Europe’s best waterparks. 8.

By Heather Wright

Any runner will tell you that there are few greater moments than when you cross that finish line during a race. It’s not just about having completed the race, but marks the achievement of all of the training that you’ve done to get there.

By Heather Wright

Over the last two decades or so, Cambodia has lost its dark, dangerous reputation and memories of Khmer atrocities have faded enough to let the beauty of the country and its people shine through.

By Susie Stauffer

South Korea borders on the one of the most closed off countries in the world, but that doesn’t mean it has anything in common with its northern neighbor. This compact country offers an abundance of landscapes, activities, markets and festivals throughout the year.

By Lindsay MacNevin

The days of charging for Wi-Fi in hotels is over or at least that is what so many of us believe. In reality though there are still a number of hotel chains that charge for Wi-Fi, a fact that is surprising considering it was nearly eight years ago that Starbucks started offering it for free.

By Ashley Rayner

Metro stations are often thought of as being dingy, dark, and sometimes unsafe and generally not a place that you would want to hang out in. But those who think of metro stations this way must not have visited any of these unbelievably breathtaking ones.

By Lindsay MacNevin

We assume some cities to be de facto tourist meccas; we’re told over and over again that places like Paris, London and Rome are places that every traveler must visit in their lifetime.

By Ashley Rayner

In a country that loves innovation and learning it is no surprise that America is home to over 200 children’s museums and it is no wonder that millions of visitors flock to them every year as they offer incredible exhibits, engaging facilities, hands-on learning and fun for adults too.

By Lindsay MacNevin

The largest city in Alabama, the metropolis of Birmingham accounts for approximately one quarter of the entire state’s populous. It’s location at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and the crossroads of two railroads, made it a major industrial center of the southern United States.

By Tammy Landry

The powerful and controversial Tudor Dynasty has been the subject of popular culture for generations. From the scandal-ridden marriages of Henry VIII to the glorious rule of Elizabeth I, historians and culture buffs alike can’t seem to get enough of the famous bloodline.

By Rina Marcotte

America is a melting pot of ethnicities and cultures. Most major American cities have neighborhoods settled by the people who crossed oceans and began an unpredictable journey to America to provide a better life for their children, escaping poverty and war in their homeland.

By Alec Siegel

Outdoor hotel pools don’t need to be square concrete blocks, littered with screaming children and leaves that haven’t been scrapped off the bottom, which are normally freezing cold. In fact, outdoor hotel pools can be downright beautiful.

By Lindsay MacNevin

The restaurant list across Tokyo is endless, from Michelin rated dining spots to tiny but excellent food stalls. The breadth of choice is absolutely astounding—and a food-lover’s paradise.

By Susie Stauffer

It’s fair to say that no city can ever be perfect as they are constantly evolving, changing and at times their systems can break down. Anyone who has sat in traffic for 3 hours in downtown Atlanta, Georgia can agree with that.

By Lindsay MacNevin

When you think about vacationing in France, you probably dream of strolling the romantic streets of Paris, exploring the vineyards and lavender fields in Provence, or soaking up the sun in the French Riviera.

By Emily Matras

A scenic drive a couple of hours east of Montreal will land you square in the heart of the Eastern Townships. Given its proximity to the U.S.

By Heather Wright

Steeped in history and blessed with natural beauty, Virginia oozes tradition and charm. Located in a remarkably compact area are dozens of carefully preserved sites that tell the stories behind America’s birth and fight for independence as well as its bloody Civil War.

By Jeff Waddle

Scotland is a country so strikingly breathtaking, it will stop you in your tracks at every turn. You’ll find that driving along the countryside takes four times longer than it should because you are stopping at every lookout that provides a unique and beautiful photo opportunity.

By Brea Elford

If you have never stayed in a luxury hotel, chances are you have no idea about the awesome extras they offer. Although some may be over-the-top outrageous, such as your own soap concierge; others are just downright awesome.

By Lindsay MacNevin

Whether you douse your meat in a tangy vinegar concoction or a sweet molasses-based sauce, nothing beats good old-fashioned smoked barbecue.

By Emily Matras

Summer is officially here and now is the time to take advantage of the wonderful bounty our farmers grow, from coast to coast. Canada is blessed with an abundance of fresh seasonal produce, award-winning local wine and locally raised meats; all available at one of the many farmers markets.

By Lindsay MacNevin

If you travel often, or are on a budget, takeout and room service quickly lose their appeal. It’s also a pretty costly way to eat and adds up to a big expense while traveling.

By Heather Wright