Look up when hiking Zion, down when hiking Bryce

The footfalls of hikers making their way through Zion and Bryce Canyon national parks are as different as the trails they take. Some are silent; some echo. Some squish through calf-deep water. Others are dusty and tired. But each park has dozens of trails to try, from easy, short hauls and relatively flat, mile-long loops, [...]

Rome to let tourists see Colosseum underground

Tourists will soon be able to visit the underground of the Colosseum, where gladiators once prepared for fights and lions and tigers were caged before entertaining a bloodthirsty public. Rome culture officials said Wednesday that, after several months of work to make the area safe for visits, the public will be allowed to add the [...]

9 ways to keep your car safe on the road

Travelers put their cars to almost every use imaginable: as a place to eat meals, hide things, take shelter from the elements and even live (on a trip to Pamplona several years ago, the smallest guy in our traveling party slept in the trunk). Since your car can be almost your home away from home [...]

Caves, canoes in France’s Dordogne

A reader once asked me if I were to bring a spry, 73-year-old grandmother to Europe, where would I go? My response: France’s Dordogne River Valley. I’d take her for a float down the river in a canoe, then cap the day with a great riverside meal — letting her enjoy goose liver (explaining what [...]

Age has been unkind to Glacier National Park

Glacier National park turns 100, but age has not been kind. The gorgeous million-acre park in northwestern Montana celebrated its 100th birthday on Tuesday. But many of its glaciers have melted, and scientists predict the rest may not last another decade. The forests are drier and disease-ridden, leading to bigger wildfires. Climate change is forcing [...]

Asia awaits: Hotels from $45, Flight + Hotel from $1055

Asia’s a land of contrasts, where ancient temples abut modern shopping centers and languid rivers slice through bustling towns. And then there’s the food. Spicy, delicious—and reason enough to visit. Save on hotels in Tokyo, Hong Kong, and more. Save up to 30% on 2 nights or up to 40% on 3+ nights. Book by [...]

South African safaris during the World Cup

Lions and cheetah, check. Buffalo, check. Rhino, hippo and leopard. check. Penguins, check. South Africa has them all. The country has nearly 600 national parks and reserves — plenty of opportunity for the hordes of visitors coming for Africa’s first World Cup to do something besides watching football. South Africa’s best known game reserve is [...]