SmarterTravel • 22nd December 2021

5 Common Mistakes Travelers Make Returning to the U.S.

Before the pandemic, you just had to worry about remembering your passport in order to make it back to the United States. Now, with new travel regulations restricting reentry into the country, travelers have to be extra careful that they’re doing everything right if they don’t want to get stranded abroad. Here are five common mistakes you should avoid making when flying back to the U.S.

SmarterTravel • 22nd December 2021

11 Trips of a Lifetime to Take in 2022

Polar bears, prosecco, adult study abroads, and more—if you’ve been dreaming about epic trips over the last two years, here are 11 more to fantasize about (or book immediately). As the state of travel remains in flux during the pandemic, you can be reassured that many of the tour operators listed have flexible change/cancellation policies in place for these trips of a lifetime.

SmarterTravel • 25th August 2021

What Type of Flyer Are You?

There are only eight types of flyers on a plane. Which one of these are you, and which one is your least favorite type to sit next to? The One With the Blank Stare This person didn’t pack any entertainment and is just staring straight ahead the entire flight. Are they keeping the plane aloft with the power of their mind? Are they an air marshal? Are they sleeping with their eyes open? It’s an in-flight mystery that will never be solved.

Family Vacation Critic • 29th April 2021

What Will Family Travel Look Like in 2021?

Families face a dilemma this summer—although the teens and adults may be vaccinated, the under-16s won’t be. For a lot of families, this will impact their travel plans for 2021 and beyond. After a rough year, many people are ready for a much-needed vacation but aren’t quite ready to hop on a flight or head out of the country yet.

SmarterTravel • 16th March 2021

Travel to Europe This Summer: Will 2021 Travel be Possible?

After a year of no travel, a post-vaccine summer trip to Europe sounds very enticing to many. Airfare prices may be low, and hotel deals abundant, but the real question is: Will Europe let in American travelers in summer 2021?

SmarterTravel • 21st January 2021

8 of the Weirdest Romantic Traditions in the World

Valentine’s Day is not exactly the most normal holiday if you think about it. A baby named Cupid wearing a diaper and shooting arrows at people is supposed to put us in the mood for romance, all because of a long-forgotten tie-in to a martyred saint? If you think that’s odd, wait until you read about these weird romantic traditions from around the world.

SmarterTravel • 17th December 2020

5 Creepy Holiday Traditions Celebrated Around Europe

Many holiday traditions in the U.S. probably seem weird from an outside perspective. For instance, trampling our fellow citizens to get a cheap deal on Black Friday, dragging a tree indoors to decorate, and gathering around in the cold with thousands of other people to watch a silver ball slowly drop a few feet. But some holiday traditions that are celebrated in Europe seem downright creepy to us. Here are some of the strangest holiday traditions from around Europe.

SmarterTravel • 27th June 2017

Daufuskie Island: How to do a Weekend on Daufuskie Island

When you think of an island off of the coast of South Carolina, you probably think: Hilton Head. And so do hundreds of thousands of other tourists, especially in the summer. If you want to get away from the crowds, I’ll let you in on a secret island that’s a little bit harder to get to (there’s no bridge) and is practically deserted, but still has luxury amenities–it’s Daufuskie Island. T

SmarterTravel • 30th October 2020

7 Ooey Gooey Cheesy Foods Worth Traveling For

Is there any ingredient more drool-worthy than cheese? If you’ve ever been tempted to fly to Italy just for a slice of pizza, you’ll want to read on, as I reveal where it’s appropriate to order an entire plate of melted cheese for dinner. Be warned: The siren call of cheesy foods might just have you buying a plane ticket. From bread boats carrying cheese to flaming fromage, here are seven cheesy foods worth traveling for.

Condé Nast Traveler • 6th October 2020

This Sneaker-Hiking Boot Hybrid Is the Most Comfortable Shoe I've Hiked In

Some people might think the best moment of a hike is the triumphant feeling of reaching the summit. For me, it’s always been the minute I finally get back to the car and can rip my uncomfortable hiking boots off my feet. Then I discovered a new sneaker/hiking boot hybrid, the Merrell Bravada Mid Waterproof, and I don’t think about my feet or my boots at all anymore—the ultimate comfort compliment.

Lonely Planet • 2nd September 2020

America’s 10 best farm stay vacation rentals

You won’t see many people at these American farm stay rentals, but you will see lots of friendly fluffy faces – animals like alpacas and baby goats, are part of the package deal. Don’t expect to be sleeping in the barn or waking up at the crack of dawn to milk the cows, as these working farms have added luxurious accommodations for guests who can pitch in as much (or as little) as they like during their stay.

FamilyVacationist • 26th August 2020

Rothy's Lace-Up Sneaker: The Perfect Little White Shoe

To make up for my serious lack of steps during quarantine, I’ve started a daily lunchtime walk ritual around my neighborhood. Since this is sometimes my only interaction with people outside my house for the day, I make it a point to wear real clothes and try to look cute. Unfortunately, it didn’t take long for me to realize that most of my current stylish shoes aren’t up for walks of 30 or more minutes, bringing on blisters and heel pain.

Business Insider • 14th August 2020

Everything you need to know about traveling on an airplane in a pandemic, according to experts

Confused about all things travel right now? You're not alone. To clear things up, we consulted the experts on the questions that are on all travelers' minds right now, getting the inside answers on everything from coronavirus travel insurance to masks on planes so you can travel confidently (or decide to stay at home) this summer.

Condé Nast Traveler • 13th August 2020

11 Best Sleep Masks for Getting Some Rest Wherever You Go

Getting a good night's sleep is hard enough to do at home, let alone while you're hurtling through the clouds. While some frequent fliers are lucky—and talented—enough to doze off before a plane even takes off, others often spend an entire flight wide-eyed and restless.

Lonely Planet • 3rd August 2020

15 Unbelievably Cheap Private Islands You Can Rent in the US

Hotels? Too full of other guests. Vacation rentals? Too close to other people. A private island? Just right. These cheap private islands across the USA can be rented for less than the cost of a hotel (and make for a way better vacation story).

Culture Trip • 30th July 2020

The 6 Best Hiking and Walking Trails Near Boston, Massachusetts

You don’t have to drive all the way to the White Mountains to find good walking and hiking trails – there are plenty of scenic routes in and around Boston. The city itself is home to many off-street trails, from historic paths past locations such as the Old South Meeting House, Faneuil Hall and Paul Revere’s House; to steep slopes through Blue Hills Reservation that feel miles away from the urban bustle.

Bernard & Hawkes • 29th July 2020

Glamping in New England: 7 Luxurious Nature Getaways

Get the best of both the luxury hotel and peaceful nature worlds with a glamping getaway — this lodging trend outfits gorgeous outdoor sites with all of the comforts and amenities of home. Think: real beds, showers, and the best night’s sleep under the stars that you’ve had in a long time. These seven New England glamping spots are perfect for a pampering yet adventurous weekend.

Condé Nast Traveler • 27th July 2020

This Inflatable Kayak Is Easy Enough for Beginners to Use

Sure, we’d all rather be sailing around the Mediterranean on a yacht this summer, but even if you’re not planning on going any further than your local river or lake, you can still get out on the water with what is perhaps the year’s most convenient social distancing tool—the inflatable kayak.

SmarterTravel • 12th June 2020

The Alchemy of Happiness

I saw Mars with my naked eyes, flew past the peak of Everest, and met the happiest people in the world. I tasted fire, watched dancing dragons, and walked among the clouds. Bhutan is a land of magic, where the seemingly impossible becomes reality. It's a land of fantastic legends and thrilling myths, where a monastery that clings to a cliff is believed to have been built with the help of a flying tigress, and Yetis are believed to roam free.

Bernard & Hawkes • 10th June 2020

Stowe, Vermont Romantic Weekend Getaway Guide

On a getaway to Stowe, Vermont, you’ll feel like you’ve crossed the Atlantic without ever leaving New England. This romantic European-style village located at the base of Mount Mansfield draws outdoor adventurers year-round. In Stowe, you’ll play hard during the day and then relax at night in the local taverns and restaurants. How to Get to Stowe, Vermont Stowe, Vermont is just over a three hour drive from Boston. If you prefer to fly, Stowe’s local airport, Morrisville-Stowe State Airport (MV