A Quintessential American Finds Ugliness Abroad
Mark Twain wrote one of the 19th century’s most popular travel books. But the ugly ways in which he described the world say more about him — and perhaps America — than the places he visited.
Into the Wild
Struggling With Our Social Media Obsession
One of the most talked-about trends in travel today is how the pursuit of beauty, or, more baldly, the pursuit of social media cachet, might be destroying the world’s most amazing places.
Killing It
200 Years of Tourism in the Catskills
Twice the pinnacle of American tourism, the Catskills have ebbed and flowed in popularity over the past couple of centuries. But the cradle of modern comedy is standing up once again — for the same reasons as always.
Easter Island Enigma
Unraveling the Mysteries of the Moai
For centuries, explorers and archaeologists have tried to solve the riddle: how did Easter Island’s tiny population build the massive, big-headed stone statues known as moai? And how did they move them?
The Future We Were Promised
What Ever Happened to Space Tourism?
News of an upcoming space hotel obviously got our attention, but it also got us thinking: will space tourism ever live up to expectations?
The Mad King
Ludwig II Was Crazy for Castles
If Neuschwanstein Castle looks familiar, it’s because you’ve seen it at Disneyland. The inspiration for Sleeping Beauty’s palace was the obsession of a 19th century king whose untimely death is still debated today.
Shangri La
The Real Heaven on Earth in Hawaii
In 1933, James Hilton introduced the world to Shangri La in his novel Lost Horizon. Not long after its publication, the “richest girl in the world” decided that it wasn’t good enough for heaven on earth to exist on the page, it also needed to exist in Hawaii.
The Empire Strikes Back
Angkor Wat Is Having Another Moment
In the early 13th century, Angkor was the monumental focal point of one of the world’s most astonishing empires. Eight hundred years later, it’s taking center stage all over again.
Pig Beach
A Test Case for Responsible Tourism
Pig Beach is exactly what it sounds like. It’s one of the most intriguing tourist attractions in the world. It also raises some serious questions about how we travel.
Out of the Past
Seven Enduring Destinations for 2019
Our favorite destinations for 2019 each have long and lasting histories. They’ve humbled travelers for many years — and they deserve a visit during the upcoming one as well.