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6 Spots in Europe That Tourists Always Miss

London, Paris, Barcelona, Florence — these cities and all that they offer come immediately to mind when you think of traveling in Europe. Yet, if you always follow the familiar, you miss some amazing and unique experiences, and Europe is packed with cities and landscapes to suit every inclination. For fresh experiences, unfamiliar jaunts, and travel stories no one else can match, try venturing to the spots tourists often miss. They’re worth it! Braga, Portugal Photo by Lev Levin

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7 Underrated U.S. Destinations Tourists Often Overlook

Well-known landmarks and familiar destinations inevitably draw hordes of tourists, resulting in big crowds, expensive lodging, and hard-to-get reservations. Luckily, there are still plenty of amazing places in the U.S. that remain under the radar on the tourist scene, making them less busy and more affordable. Whether you’re looking to spend a night under the stars or in search of a fun city vacay, there are benefits to opting for a less-crowded destination. Schoodic Peninsula, Maine Photo by

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Hiking the Alps? What to Know About Switzerland’s "Luftseilbahn"

What's the best thing about living in Switzerland? Without a doubt, it's the luftseilbahnen. Find out what makes these cables cars that whisk you up the Alps so magical.

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7 Abandoned Towns Where You Can Step Into the Past

Thoughts of abandoned towns often conjure up images of the dusty roads and once raucous saloons of Wild West mining towns. But in all corners of the planet you can find eerie towns and cities that were once home to thriving communities. Some have been ravaged by natural disasters, some ran out of the resources that fueled their economies, and others have fallen victim to wars. Either way, today these disused buildings and overgrown landscapes present a fascinating insight into global history, an

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These 10 Train Journeys Have the Most Jaw-Dropping Views

No one likes to rush a good view, so what better way to experience the world’s best scenery than from the seat of a train? Released from a driver’s responsibilities you are free to gaze out of the window as the train ambles along. Embrace slow travel and take in the jaw-dropping views on these global journeys. Scotland’s West Highland Line Photo by Foto-Jagla.de The West Highland Line links Glasgow to Oban and Mallaig in the Scottish Hi

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6 Underrated Beach Towns Perfect For Your Next Vacation

When we want to get away from it all, we might picture warm weather, salty sea breezes, and endless stretches of golden sand. But the busy boardwalks and crowded shores of a well-known beach destination can take away from a relaxing vacation. Escape the chaos of a buzzing beach town and explore more underrated ones. Not only will you discover charming hidden gems, but you can also save big on accommodations.

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7 U.S. Beach Towns You Need to Visit

When you think “beach vacation,” you may picture yourself relaxing in the white sand on a Greek island or sipping a pina colada under a palm tree in the Bahamas. While there’s nothing wrong with dreaming of a luxurious international vacay, you may be surprised to find that you don’t have to leave the continental United States in order to enjoy cute beach towns

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6 Historical Preservation Sites to Explore in the U.S.

History can be an immersive experience; surrounding yourself in our nation’s past by walking its floorboards, getting to know its primary characters, and breathing the same air can be more impactful than reading a book. Keeping history alive is what the National Trust for Historic Preservation is all about. The nonprofit organization aims to protect America’s multicultural heritage, uplifting underrepresented people

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9 Must-Visit Places Along the Mediterranean

The sparkling warm waters of the mighty Mediterranean connect the continents of Europe, Africa, and Asia. Its shores, known as the “cradle of civilization,” gave rise to many of the world’s oldest societies. Today, the Mediterranean region is home to 480 million people and several countries — each of which boasts plenty of bucket-list sites that are worth

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6 Beach Vacations Spots in the U.S.

One of the best things about a great beach vacation? You don’t need a passport! There are plenty of exotic, exciting, and secluded beaches right here in the United States.and the size and scope of the country allows for diverse experiences on either coast. Whether you’re hoping to ride big waves, lay above the sand in a hammock, or explore sea caves, there’s a domestic beach for you to explore. Outer Banks, North Carolina Photo by JCSengul Fa

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5 of the Best Road Trips to Take in Europe

When it comes to road trips, there’s no experience quite like Europe. While road trips in the States have their charms, European sojourns offer the unique chance to drive from one country to the next, to experience a completely new culture, language, people, and food with every border crossing. One day you can be enjoying pimientos de padrón, or spicy peppers, in Galicia, Spain, and the next you’re indulging in pastel de nata in Portugal, a heavenly custard treat. Now, Europe is a vast continen

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6 Real-Life Fairy Tale Castles You Can Visit

A star glitters in the night sky. The view swoops beneath the clouds to reveal, piece by piece, a colorful castle dotted with intricate turrets and regal flags. Our eyes are drawn to a meandering moat. Fireworks go off, while a shooting star makes an arc in the background. Sound familiar? It should be — it’s the iconic Disney intro. This 30-second clip usually marks the start of a couple hours of pure fantasy, but the castle itself is based on a blend of real European landmarks. And they’re not

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8 of the Most Expensive Restaurants in the United States

If you’re a foodie, dining out at new restaurants can be one of the most exciting parts of taking a vacation. But while many of us are happy to splurge on special occasions, having a meal at one of the most expensive restaurants in the Unit

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Why Scandinavia Is a Great Place for Outdoor Vacations

While many people think of winter vacations when dreaming of holidays in Scandinavia, summer is the perfect to experience friluftsliv, or open air living. As the winter snow thaws and the days lengthen, experiencing nature becomes a possibility for travelers and locals alike. Across Scandinavia — that includes Iceland and Finland as well as Norway, Sweden, and Denmark — the lure of the countryside is too much to resist and can make an unforgettable getaway for visitors. Here are a few reasons w

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The Best Waterfalls in the U.S.

TLC once warned us “Don’t go chasing waterfalls,” but in reality, waterfalls are some of the most sought-after natural sites in the world. A waterfall can be an awe-inspiring end to a tough hike, or a place to set up a picnic after taking a stroll through the forest. For those living

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9 Real-Life Places That Inspired the Disney Parks

Whether you’re a kid or a kid-at-heart, visiting a Disney theme park feels like a fairytale come to life. Part of the magic is thanks to the fact that many of Disney’s attractions are based on actual places around the globe. Disney Imagineers found creative inspiration in some of the world’s most majestic locales and went out of their way to replicate them in incredible detail within the parks. From soaring mountains to fantastical castles, here are nine real-life places that inspired these attr

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8 Walking Tours Inspired by Movies and TV Shows

If you’re a devoted cinephile — or just a huge Netflix fan — exploring a new city is a great way to bring your favorite movies and TV shows to life. There are walking tours all over the world that highlight famous filming locations and landmarks, from the real-life Cheers bar to the

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The 5 Best Road Trips to Take in Italy

Although it’s tempting to take the train, nothing beats an Italian road trip. Driving yourself opens up new possibilities, like staying the night in isolated farms and hilltop villas. It affords you the freedom to take backroads and spur-of-the-moment diversions to discover a more authentic Italy than if you simply hopped from city to city. If you need to get somewhere fast, the autostradas are just the ticket, but there’s much more pleasure in cruising down country lanes at a leisurely pace. Wh