Destination Guides: Travel Inspiration

USA

Between Canada in the north and Mexico in the south, the US covers an area of ​​more than nine million square kilometers and has a width of more than 5,000 kilometers from east to west. It doesn't matter if you're a nature lover, city kid or adventurer, everyone will find something to love on a domestic vacation.

Mexico

A long-popular destination for Americans, sprawling Mexico has lots to offer in the way of culture, beaches, history, world-famous cuisine, and much more. Visit Mexico City to experience the vibrant life of the city streets or venture into the Yucátan for white sand beaches and ancient ruins.

Hawai'i

Say aloha to Hawai'i, where beautiful beaches, sunny skies, and a strong surf await you. Whether you've come to Hawai'i to see historic sites like Pearl Harbor, marvel at the volcanoes in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, or try out surfing in Waimea Bay, Hawai'i is an excellent choice for any vacationer.

Florida

The Sunshine State lives up to its name with warm weather and sunny skies, but that's not the only reason to take a trip south to Florida. Thrill-seekers flock to Disney World in Orlando and Everglades National Park. Looking for something a bit more fast-paced and flashy? Head to Miami for Cuban eats, buzzing nightlife, and city-side beaches.

California

With two unique metropolises, miles of gorgeous beaches, plenty of State and National Parks, and fantastic food, California draws travelers in for many reasons. Travel down the coast, visit Big Sur; hop between glitzy Los Angeles and hippie San Francisco; or head down south for laid-back surfing near San Diego.

New Orleans

Head down to the bayou to get a taste of the unique Louisiana flavor—and we mean that literally. Dive into the creole cuisine, listen to the jazz music sounding from every street corner, and plunge into the thick of the nightlife on Bourbon Street.

Texas

Everything's bigger in Texas, but you'll have to see it to believe it. People flock to the Lone Star State to experience rodeos up close and personal, sink their teeth into some of the best barbecue in the US, and hop between big cities like Austin and San Antonio and small, historic towns like Nacogdoches, an old Spanish settlement.

The Caribbean

With warm weather, crystal-clear water, unique small towns, diverse cultures, and fascinating colonial histories, there are plenty of reasons to visit the Caribbean. While it's hard to get an exact number of nations and territories that are included in the larger Caribbean, most sources list between 25 and 30. Including Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Aruba, Barbados, and Jamaica, among many others.

Dominican Republic

With its beautiful beaches and crystal clear sea, the DR is one of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean. Coupled with the tropical climate and year-round warm temperatures, the Dominican Republic is a perfect destination for a package holiday.

Canada

If you have the time, you should plan a few weeks in Canada to explore at least one region in detail, ideally by car or camper van. Toronto, the largest city in the country, awaits you on the East Coast. In the west, Vancouver is the most frequented destination. From there you can head to the Rocky Mountains or to the nearby national parks.

Travel to South America: Journey of a Lifetime

Looking for low-cost destinations south of the border? We've compiled a list of some of our favorite budget destinations in South America. Regardless what type of travel experience you're seeking, these cities offer a fantastic combination of culture and affordability, no matter how much you're looking to spend.

European Vacations

For many Americans, Europe is the ultimate destination. With 10 million square kilometers of beautiful beaches, deep blue seas, fascinating cities, romantic landscapes, dizzying mountains, imposing glaciers, and lush valleys, Europe gives you a taste of just about everything.

France

When in France, embrace la vie francaise and take your time to enjoy each day. For some, that means spending a quiet hour people-watching with a cafe au lait and a croissant from a Paris cafe, for others it could be a leisurely day spent tasting wines in the countries famous Bordeaux region. France is more than just spectacular food and casual elegance—you'll also find beautiful nature, picturesque small towns, and a captivating history.

Spain

Diverse Spain deserves is an ideal place for any kind of traveler. Nature lovers will enjoy doing a portion of the famous Camino de Santiago, history buffs will marvel at the Alhambra in Granada, foodies will dive in to the thriving scene in San Sebastian, and beach bums can take their pick from any of the Balearic Islands. That's not to mention the cultural touchstones of Barcelona and Madrid with their many beautiful parks, unique museums, and buzzing bar scenes.

Italy

La bella Italia ranks high on many people's dream vacation lists for a reason: Italy is a mecca for gourmets, a center of ancient history, chock full of beautiful beaches as well as towering mountains, and gifted with fairly temperate year-round weather in many of its most popular cities. Snap pics at the Leaning Tower of Pisa, stroll where famous historical figures one did in Rome, try the most authentic pizza you will ever taste in Naples, or embark on a colorful trek through Cinque Terre.

England

A trip to London may be on everyone's list, but why not consider a true English vacation? The British island offers much more than the metropolis on the Thames. Whether you're hiking in the Lake District or the Yorkshire Dales, relaxing on a beach vacation in the south coast, or perusing enchanting historic sites and medieval castles, there's plenty to discover in this fascinating European isle.

1. Instead of Visiting Barcelona, Spain Try Buenos Aires, Argentina

Why Barcelona doesn't want you to visit:

The Catalan city by the sea has warm weather, interesting architecture, beautiful parks, fascinating museums, and amazing food, so it's unsurprising that it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. However, locals have grown tired of the noise, traffic, soaring rent prices, and constant masses of people that have come to dominate city life. Although steps are being taken to decrease tourism to Barcelona, many worry that it will not be enough to slow the tides of visitors.

Why you should go to Buenos Aires instead:

The so-called “Paris of South America” is ideal for those who are looking for European energy with a little something different. Argentina’s capital boasts countless art museums celebrating influential South and Central American artists, an interesting culinary scene, and several vast and verdant city parks. Take a walk through the hypercolor La Boca neighborhood, sample Mendoza wines in a cafe on one of the tree-lined Palermo streets, and see what’s on at the MALBA (Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires).

2. Instead of Visiting Machu Picchu, Peru, Try Takeda Castle, Japan

Why Machu Picchu doesn't want you to visit:

In 1911, historian Hiram Bingham was led by local Peruvians Melchor Arteaga and Pablito to the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu. Since then, the popularity of the site for tourists has steadily increased—Machu Picchu saw more than 3.8 million visitors in 2017 alone. The influx of tourists has resulted in heavy erosion at the site and on the trails, as well as large amounts of pollution.

Why you should go to Takeda Castle instead:

Often referred to as “the Machu Picchu of Japan”, Takeda Castle in Asago, Japan embodies the same ethereal beauty as Peru’s most famous Inca ruins. Nestled atop a mountain, the Takeda Castle ruins are often enveloped in misty clouds, appearing as an otherworldly vision in the midst of lush green mountainside. Visit in the fall to admire the kaleidoscope of colorful leaves as you walk the abandoned castle walls.

3. Instead of Visiting Venice, Italy Try Suzhou, China

Why Venice doesn't want you to visit:

You may have heard that Venice is slowly sinking—visit the city and you’ll probably experience firsthand the flooding that is now commonplace in public spaces. Heavy tourism only makes the problem worse, leading to a heavy strain on sewage resources and public works. Residents of Venice complain that it’s becoming almost impossible to live in the city given the mobs of tourists that outnumber the local population.

Why you should go to Suzhou instead:

Located on the Yangtze River, a little over 60 miles from Shanghai, is the city of Suzhou. Steeped in history, Suzhou offers colorful, meticulously-crafted gardens, small restaurants serving local delicacies, and its crowning glory, the beautiful canals that intersect under centuries-old stone bridges. Once you’ve taken in the canals (especially beautiful at night in the soft glow of the lanterns), explore the numerous pagodas and attractions dotted throughout the city, such as the Panmen Gate, a land and water gate that is built into the ancient city wall.

4. Instead of Visiting Santorini, Greece Try Chefchaouen, Morocco

Why Santorini doesn't want you to visit:

Santorini, with its iconic whitewashed buildings, warm, sunny days, and electric blue waters, has long been a tourist hotspot. In recent history, the island’s popularity has become something of a burden for locals, as Santorini’s infrastructure is no match for the heavy tourist traffic. With no options to expand into the surrounding area (it is an island, after all), Santorini finds itself between a rock and a hard place.

Why you should go to Chefchaouen instead:

Where Santorini dazzles in white, Chefchaouen hypnotizes in blue. This city in the northwest of Morocco is known for its buildings, which have been painted in varying shades of blue. The vivid hues of the narrow side streets and sweeping plazas are a photographer’s dream, and visitors will find themselves mesmerized for hours simply by strolling through and taking it all in. Venture outside the city to hike through the surrounding mountains for impressive views, or wander in and out of storefronts in the Old Town to admire hand-crafted local goods.

5. Instead of Visiting Cinque Terre, Italy Try Valparaíso, Chile

Why Cinque Terre doesn't want you to visit:

The beautiful coastal region of Cinque Terre, which is made up of five picturesque villages, has long attracted visitors for its colorful houses, staggering ocean views, and small-town Italy vibes. However, while the area’s popularity has grown, the villages have not, and it is becoming more and more difficult to sustain the high numbers of tourists in an infrastructure that is not built to support them.

Why you should go to Valparaíso instead:

A brief 2-hour bus journey from Chile’s capital, Santiago, lies the seaside town of Valparaiso . Like the villages of Cinque Terre, Valparaíso is known for the collection of brightly painted houses that have been built up from the coast into mismatched terraces of color. Wander between the houses to admire the eclectic street art and check out Pablo Neruda’s old house, which also function as a museum. Proximity to the coast means you can also hit the beach and enjoy fresh-caught seafood on a budget at local restaurants.