E-mail Newsletter Archive

December 29, 2005

December 14, 2015.
Psst! 10 flight attendant secrets! Plus: 10 great places to find your perfect Florida vacation, and Costa Rica, air, tours, car, 7 nights, from $959

December 13, 2015.
32 spectacular photos of winter wonderlands

December 9, 2015.
10 reasons to visit Hawaii NOW

December 7, 2015.
Visit these 'Star Wars' destinations! Plus: 8 nifty little items you never pack but should, and South Africa & Dubai, air, tours, 9 nights, from $2,699.

December 6, 2015.
Most Instagrammed Places in America

December 3, 2015.
60 gifts every traveler needs! Plus, how to save 30 percent on holiday flights, and Thailand, air, tours, 11 Nights, from $1,799.

December 2, 2015.
Volcanoes you can visit

November 30, 2015.
50 cities every American should see! Plus: the ultimate holiday gift guide, and Bali, air, tours, 9 nights, from $1,999.

November 29, 2015.
45 best mother-daughter getaways

November 26, 2015.
16 awesome American winter trips! Plus: don't miss these Black Friday and Cyber Monday travel sales, and Ireland, air, tours, 6 nights, from $1,699.

November 25, 2015.
The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide 2015

November 23, 2015.
Coast-to-coast by word of mouth! Plus: Secret menus of America's favorite fast food joints, and Panama, air, all-inclusive resort, 5 nights, from $839.

November 22, 2015.
14 cities that are stylish steals

November 19, 2015.
Affordable & enchanting India! Plus: stress-melting holiday travel tips, and Istanbul & Jerusalem, air, 6 nights, from $999.

November 18, 2015.
42 islands you'd love to be stranded on

November 16, 2015.
Head over heels down under! Plus: easy & affordable Caribbean escapes, and Bali & Singapore, air, tours, 10 nights, from $1,699.

November 15, 2015.
40 trip-inspiring images of France

November 12, 2015.
A foodie's guide to the Caribbean! Plus: 10 mistakes that'll ruin your trip, and Hawaii hotels from $105 a night.

November 11, 2015.
20 All-American Must-Sees!

November 9, 2015.
Budget Travel's "12 Days of Giving" Plus: 10 most annoying hotel guests, and Paris, Amsterdam, Bruges & Brussels, air, 5 nights, from $1,499.

November 8, 2015.
26 vacations of a lifetime! Plus: how to travel the world for free, passport stamps worth bragging about, and more!

November 5, 2015.
Three-Day Weekend: Nassau! Plus: Want to fly to Europe for $69? and Maui, car, daily breakfast, 3 nights, from $852.

November 4, 2015.
10 incredibly playful escapes

November 2, 2015.
Best-kept secrets of Rome! Plus: 25 tourist traps that are worth it, and Iceland, air, 6 nights, from $789.

November 1, 2015.
World's Coolest Christmas Markets

October 29, 2015.
25 WACKIEST roadside attractions in America! Plus: Halloween festivals worth traveling to, and Dublin, Air, 3 nights, from $772.

October 28, 2015.
World's most beautiful places! Plus: yes, these 10 theaters are haunted, how to travel the world for free, and more!

October 26, 2015.
30 places every kid MUST see! Plus: top 10 haunted houses in the U.S., and fly to the French Caribbean from $99.

October 25, 2015.
30 most beautiful cities in Europe

October 22, 2015.
12 most beautiful museums in the world! Plus: the most inspiring travel quotes of all time, and India, air, tours, 9 nights, from $1,599.

October 21, 2015.
29 bewitching forest scenes

October 19, 2015.Most instagrammed places in America! Plus: don't miss these fall travel sales, and Costa Rica, air, car, 5 nights, from $769.

October 18, 2015.
Easy, gorgeous South Pacific escapes

October 15, 2015.
33 more places for your bucket list! Plus: 10 B&Bs you won't believe are under $200, and South Africa & Dubai, air, tours, 9 nights, from $2,699.

October 14, 2015.
20 Places You Would Rather Be

October 12, 2015.
Want to fly to Europe for $69? Plus: 12 cool spots to discover U.S. history, and Peru, air, tours, 8 nights, from $1,899.

October 11, 2015.
30 extraordinary photos of caves around the world

October 8, 2015.
25 gorgeous images of Southern Italy! Plus: 10 biggest travel ripoffs, and Belize, air, 4 nights, from $723.

October 7, 2015.
23 amazing photos of Ecuador & the Galápagos

October 5, 2015.
12 best fall foliage trips! Plus: 10 telltale signs your hotel is a DISASTER, and New England, tours, 8 nights, from $1,399.

October 4, 2015.
11 fabulous images of Florida

October 1, 2015.
16 awesome American winter trips! Plus: how to do the perfect romantic weekend in Paris, and Argentina, air, 6 nights, from $1,393.

September 30, 2015.
World's most beautiful places

September 28, 2015.
30 most beautiful cities in Europe! Plus: 8 reasons to try traveling solo, and New Zealand, air, 9 nights, from $1,695.

September 27, 2015.
America’s most beautiful churches

September 24, 2015.
30 places every kid MUST see! Plus: 5 U.S. theme parks under $50, and Iceland, air, tours, 3 Nights, from $999.

September 23, 2015.
45 Beautiful Caribbean Escapes

September 21, 2015.
6 exquisite Mediterranean islands! Plus: 3 things you must know about airport security, and Brazil & Argentina, air, 8 nights, from $1,505.

September 20, 2015.
16 awe-inspiring American landmarks you MUST see

September 17, 2015.
Summer secrets we learned in 2015! Plus: shoulder season bargains for under $100/night, and India, air, safari, tours, 9 nights, from $1,599.

September 16, 2015.
29 GORGEOUS images of the American Southwest

September 14, 2015.
25 best money-saving travel tips! Plus: 48 perfectly romantic hours in Paris, and Rome & Florence, tours, rail, 7 nights, from $1,205.

September 13, 2015.
25 best money-saving travel tips! Plus: 48 perfectly romantic hours in Paris, and Rome & Florence, tours, rail, 7 nights, from $1,205.

September 12, 2015.
55 beautiful photos of fall foliage

September 10, 2015.
20 places in Europe you haven't seen! Plus: 10 most EMBARRASSING travel questions, and Malaysia & Bali, air, tours, 8 nights, from $1,999.

September 9, 2015.
Amazing Hotel Pools You MUST See!

September 7, 2015.
10 most beautiful beaches in America! Plus: 8 nifty little items you never pack but should, and a Puerto Rico resort from $186 per night.

September 6, 2015.
Forbidden slideshow: 9 travel sites where photography Is not allowed

September 3, 2015.
22 vacations under $100/night! Plus: how to do Florence on a budget, and Peru, air, tours, 8 nights, from $1,699.

September 2, 2015.
50 beautiful photos of Ireland

August 31, 2015.
10 beautiful places you've never seen! Plus: 4 easy ways to maximize your travel rewards, and Paris & Barcelona, air, 6 nights, from $1,049.

August 30, 2015.
50 Cities Every American Should See

August 27, 2015.
Coolest Small Towns in America 2015! Plus: How To Visit U.S. National Parks For Free, and New Orleans & Cajun Country, Tours, 6 Nights, From $999.

August 26, 2015.
14 Refreshingly Affordable Cities

August 24, 2015.
16 most beautiful towns in the world! Plus: 38 most inspiring travel quotes of all time, and Oahu & Maui, air, 6 nights, from $969.

August 23, 2015.
20 yummiest ice cream shops in America

August 21, 2015.
Take an epic cross-country road trip! Plus: 10 mistakes that'll ruin your trip, and Panama, air, 6 nights, from $877.

August 19, 2015.
33 most beautiful places in America

August 17, 2015.
11 spectacular Labor Day getaways! Plus: how to do Oslo on a budget, and Tokyo & Kyoto, air, 6 nights, from $1,139.

August 16, 2015.
25 places to get away from it all

August 13, 2015.
14 cities that are stylish steals! Plus: 6 reasons to visit Namibia, and Brazil & Argentina, air, 8 nights, from $1,514.

August 12, 2015.
35 Brag-Worthy Passport Stamps

August 10, 2015.
25 tourist traps that are worth it! Plus: how to travel the world for free, and Iceland, air, 6 nights, from $791.

August 9, 2015.
55 beautiful photos of fall foliage

August 6, 2015.
40 incredible photos of Iceland! Plus: expert tips for packing with style, and Ecuador & Amazon Jungle, air, tours, 7 nights, from $1,199.

August 5, 2015.
35 spectacular sunrises from around the world

August 3, 2015.
12 beach town bargains for fall! Plus: 8 nifty little items you never pack but should, and London, Paris & Rome, air, 9 nights, from $1,349.

August 2, 2015.
15 most beautiful national parks in America

July 30, 2015.
Best spots to see wildlife in the U.S. Plus: 5 easy ways to save money on meals, and Turkey, air, tours, 13 nights, from $1,799.

July 29, 2015.
30 most beautiful cities in Europe

July 27, 2015.
10 mistakes that'll ruin your trip! Plus: air travel trends for 2015, and Barcelona & Ibiza, air, 6 nights, from $1,182.

July 22, 2015.
33 most memorable family vacations

July 20, 2015.
20 best budget destinations for fall! Plus: WOW Air offers $99 flights to Paris & Amsterdam, and Fiji & Auckland, air, 6 nights, from $1,476.

July 19, 2015.
World's Most Beautiful Lakes

July 16, 2015.
Travel accessories every woman needs! Plus: 10 tourist-free adventure destinations, and Oahu & Maui, air, 6 nights, from $863.

July 15, 2015.
33 bucket list destinations

July 13, 2015.
22 last-minute trips you can actually afford! Plus: honeymoon smackdown: which destination will reign supreme?, and Athens & Istanbul, air, 6 nights, from $899.

July 12, 2015.
10 gorgeous & LEGENDARY beaches!

July 9, 2015.
Hilarious celebrity travel tips you'll want to share! Plus: an epic three day weekend in Curacao, and Sydney & Auckland, air, 6 nights, from $1,701.

July 8, 2015.
Exploring Petra with a local guide! Plus: secrets of Puerto Vallarta, a virtual tour of Quebec City, and more!

July 6, 2015.
50 cities every American should see! Plus: JetBlue ends Its free baggage check policy, and Bali, air, tours, 9 nights, from $1,999.

July 5, 2015.
15 best last-minute road trips

July 3, 2015.
20 yummiest ice cream shops in America! Plus: 6 beautiful American wine regions you'll LOVE, 5 snacks to try in Singapore, and more!

July 2, 2015.
10 most beautiful places you've never heard of! Plus: why you should bring your own euros to Greece from now on, and Beijing, air, tours, 6 nights, from $888.

July 1, 2015.
5 Dangerous Adventures You'll Love

June 29, 2015.
20 awesome & affordable all-American boardwalks for summer! Plus: don't miss these summer travel sales, and London & Paris, air, 6 nights, from $1,199.

June 28, 2015.
Adorable zoo animals you MUST see!

June 26, 2015.
6 easy safe-eating tips I wish I'd known before my last trip! PLUS: a food lover's guide to Paris, the world's most bizarre food etiquette rules, and more!

June 25, 2015.
4th of July getaways every American should take! Plus: the world's cleanest airlines, and Belize, air, 4 nights, from $730.

June 24, 2015.
Exploring Connemara, Ireland's West Coast

June 22, 2015.
America's most dangerous destinations! Plus: how to visit the world's most endangered places, and Dublin, air, 3 nights, from $549.

June 21, 2015.
Drop everything! 8 girlfriend getaways you need NOW

June 19, 2015.
You won't BELIEVE these 10 smallest bars in the world! PLUS: 13 restaurant "dirty secrets," how to take great food photos, eat like a local in Rome, and a foodie's delicious California road trip

June 18, 2015.
Best-kept secrets of Disney! PLUS: 10 flight attendant secrets i wish I'd known before my last flight, and Bali, air, 7 nights, tours, from $1,199

June 15, 2015.
10 things you MUST know before you book a vacation rental! Plus: how to house-sit your way around the world, and Turkey, air, tours, 6 nights, from $1,099.

June 12, 2015.
WORST restaurant meals in America! PLUS: 10 best budget eats in Milan, awesome summer food festivals, eat like a local in the Azores, and world's best foodie destinations.

June 11, 2015.
10 travel products you'll need this summer! Plus: 18 great places to go camping, and Bali, air, 7 nights, tours, from $1,199.

June 10, 2015.
Escape to 5 Top Secret Caribbean Beaches

June 8, 2015.
20 exquisite places in Europe to escape the summer crowds! Plus: 8 easy ways to make the most of solo travel, and Sydney, air, tours, 5 nights, from $1,899.

June 7, 2015.
Amazing hotel pools you MUST see.

June 5, 2015.
Take a tour—and a taste—of Expo Milano! PLUS: Awesome summer food festivals, eat like a local in Vietnam, 9 amazing Italian restaurants you must try, and a chance to win the ultimate family vacation!

June 4, 2015.
Take a sneak peek at these amazing CUBA photos! Plus: Hogwarts comes to Hollywood, and Ireland, air, tours, 6 nights, from $1,799.

June 3, 2015.
5 best places you've never heard of. Plus: the best castles of Great Britain, 5 must-see national parks, and more!

June 1, 2015.
Chill out! 10 places that stay COOL all summer long! Plus: 12 things you need to know about frequent flier programs, and Athens & Istanbul, air, 6 nights, from $1,099.

May 31, 2015.
25 incredible road trips BT readers love.

May 29, 2015.
9 restaurants in Italy that feel like you're eating at Grandma’s house! PLUS: 5 easy ways to save on food at Disney, food lover's guide to Paris, and more.

May 28, 2015.
5 BIG ways Google can help you travel smarter! Plus: last chance to win a great American road trip on us, and Vietnam, air, tours, 9 nights, from $1,899.

May 27, 2015.
20 places you would rather be on a Wishful Wednesday.

May 25, 2015.
30 most beautiful cities in Europe! Plus: how to visit Cuba NOW, and India, air, safari, tours, 9 nights, from $1,499.

May 24, 2015.
33 places that belong on your bucket list

May 22, 2015.
World's greatest foodie destinations! PLUS: #BTReads 'Eating Rome: Living the Good Life in the Eternal City," secret menus of fast food restaurants, and how to take GREAT food photos!

May 21, 2015.
15 last-minute weekend escapes! Plus: 7 things you must know before booking a domestic flight this summer, and Old Town Alexandria, VA, from $159 a night.

May 20, 2015.
25 spectacular summer vacations our readers LOVE

May 18, 2015.
9 secret American beaches you've never heard of. PLUS: Most outrageous driver confessions, and save money on train travel in Europe

May 15, 2015.
World's most BIZARRE food etiquette rules. PLUS: Save money on food at Disney, visit the most beautiful spring wine destinations, and taste BT readers' favorite pizza!

May 14, 2015.
20 all-American summer must-sees! PLUS: We kick off our coast-to-coast #BTRoadTrip, and Cancun hotels from $25 per night

May 13, 2015.
Your favorite finds from the world's best markets

May 11, 2015.
10 WEIRDEST travel destinations on earth! PLUS: Flight attendant fashion gets an upgrade, and Cabo San Lucas, 5 nights, $100 dining credit, from $895

May 10, 2015.
25 Incredible Parks Everyone Should Visit

May 8, 2015.
13 restaurant "dirty secrets" you MUST know! PLUS: 4 classic cocktail recipes from fancy hotels, great Mother's Day brunch ideas, and more!

May 7, 2015.
12 great Memorial Day getaways! Plus: show us your hotelfie, and Maui, car, daily breakfast, 3 nights, from $852 per couple.

May 6, 2015.
What’s the one place you've always wanted to visit?

May 4, 2015.
12 GORGEOUS images of the 'golden hour' around the world! Plus: 5 easy ways to save on food at Disney, and Kenya, air, 5 nights, safaris, from $2,399.

May 3, 2015.
26 Vacations of a Lifetime

May 1, 2015.
Just in time for Cinco de Mayo: Everything you always wanted to know about tequila! PLUS: Going to the Derby? Here's how to eat like a local in Louisville.

April 30, 2014.
45 best mother-daughter getaways! PLUS: 1,000 bonus miles for doing WHAT?! and last-minute Las Vegas hotels from $39

April 29, 2015.
World's most beautiful places

April 27, 2015.
16 most beautiful towns in the world! PLUS: 10 coolest new apps for the Apple Watch, and California wine country from $159/night

April 26, 2015.
America's most awesome boardwalks

April 24, 2015.
You MUST see the world's best coffee & cocktail hot spots! PLUS: Take a cooking class on vacation, best wine destinations (and wines!) for spring, and enter to win an amazing RV road trip!

April 23, 2015.
10 best budget destinations for 2015! PLUS: Domestic airfare falls for summer, and 10-day escorted China tour with int'l air, $1,799

April 22, 2015.
See Europe's dreamiest river cruises!

April 20, 2015.
Drop everything! 8 girlfriend getaways you need NOW! Plus: enter to win an amazing RV trip, and Costa Rica, air, SUV rental, 8 nights, from $1,299.

April 19, 2015.
10 gorgeous and LEGENDARY beaches!

April 17, 2015.
How to shop (and eat!) at the world's most awesome food markets!

April 16, 2015.
15 most beautiful national parks in America! Plus: enter to win a Kindle HD Fire 6 tablet, and Aruba, air, 4 nights, from $819.

April 15, 2015.
12 Most LEGENDARY Rivers in the World

April 13, 2015.
10 awesome American summer vacations to book NOW! Plus: how to do London on a budget, and Turkey, air, tours, 6 nights, from $1,499.

April 12, 2015.
10 most beautiful beaches in America!

April 10, 2015.
Where to Find the World's Best Pizza

April 9, 2015.
38 most inspiring travel quotes of all time! Plus: 12 travel products you'll need this spring, and Athens & Istanbul, air, 6 nights, from $1,099.

April 8, 2015.
See these 10 beloved travel sites before they're GONE forever!

April 6, 2015.
Best-kept secrets of NYC from the city's savviest celebs and insiders! Plus: travelers say NO to Indiana, and Aruba, air, 4 nights, from $839.

April 5, 2015.
30 Places Every Kid MUST See

April 3, 2015.
Fill your Easter basket with these all-American treats!

April 2, 2015.
10 ways the strong dollar can nab you a dream trip! Plus: 20 fabulously free things to do in D.C., and Ireland, air, tours, 6 nights, from $1,649.

April 1, 2015.
World's Weirdest Travel Signs!

March 30, 2015.
'Mad Men' travel destinations! Plus: will you travel to Indiana? and Peru, air, tours, 6 nights, from $1,899.

March 29, 2015.
America's Most Beautiful Churches

March 27, 2015.
Delicious desserts from around the world! PLUS: Eat like a local in Orlando, best coffee & cocktail spots, and much more!

March 26, 2015.
8 incredibly beautiful places to see spring flowers! Plus: how to do Aspen on a budget, and Venice, Florence & Rome with air and rail, from $1,799.

March 25, 2015.
30 Most Beautiful Cities in Europe

March 23, 2015.
Nomadic in Morocco: you CAN afford the trip of lifetime! Plus: 4 reasons to book your summer travel NOW, and Vietnam, air, tours, 9 nights, from $1,899.

March 22, 2015.
26 Stunning Coastlines from Around the World

March 20, 2015.
Bizarre foods for TRUE travelers! Plus: 10 cheap eats in Berlin you MUST try, eat like a local in Florence, and more!

March 19, 2015.
Dream trips you can actually afford! Plus: 25 products every traveler needs, and New York City with Empire State Building tickets, from $169 a night.

March 18, 2015.
Best Places to See Wildlife!

March 16, 2015.
The 6 best places in the world to get an affordable luxury hotel room NOW! Plus: 50 beautiful photos of Ireland, and India, air, safari, tours, 9 nights, from $1,499.

March 15, 2015.
50 Beautiful Photos of Ireland

March 13, 2015.
24 restaurants in 24 hours in NYC? These funny dudes' video proves it can be done! PLUS: Eat like a local in the Azores, revolutionary restaurants that changed the way we eat, Scotland's smallest distillery, and more!

March 12, 2015.
Spring break secrets of Mexico! Plus: the most popular island Americans have never heard of, and save 10 percent on trips to Europe with Intrepid Travel.

March 11, 2015.
25 tourist traps that are TOTALLY worth the money!

March 9, 2015.
Yes, you can afford Europe's dreamiest river cruises! PLUS: Meet America's coolest small town 2015, and Greek Island cruise, 7 nights, from $1,495.

March 8, 2015.
You'll love the most COLORFUL towns in the world!

March 6, 2015.
10 things every foodie MUST know about food festivals! Plus: Affordable eats in Venice and Vietnam, awesome travel-inspired cocktail recipes, and an easy way to spice up your food on the road!

March 5, 2015.
You won't BELIEVE these amazing views of earth from above! Plus: 21 girl trips you absolutely love, and Cuba, air, tours, 5 nights, from $2,499.

March 4, 2015.
16 awe-inspiring American landmarks you MUST see!

March 2, 2015.
40 islands you'd love to be stranded on! PLUS: Save big on European river cruises, and 5-star Cancun hotels under $99/night!

March. 1, 2015.
25 Incredible Parks Everyone Should Visit

February 27, 2015.
SNACK your way across America! PLUS: World's best foodie destinations, how to take GREAT food photos, and America's favorite diners!

February 26, 2015.
10 awesome & affordable spring break destinations! PLUS: Ultimate California road trip, and South Africa, air, tour, safari, 6 nights, from $1,899

February 25, 2015.
3 Trips to Warm You Up This Winter!

February 23, 2015.
Honeymoon paradise for less (you MUST see the perks!) Plus: Escape the cold with these warm-weather travel deals, and NYC from $169 a night.

February 22, 2015.
42 Beautiful Photos of Paris in Spring

February 20, 2015.
You MUST try our favorite international cocktails! PLUS: Eat like a local in Vietnam, Nova Scotia's delicious chowder trail, and the coolest peach cobbler video you've ever seen!

February 19, 2015.
America's Most Beautiful (and Affordable!) Ski Resorts! Plus: How to Negotiate More Vacation Time (Plus the One Thing You Should NEVER Say!) and Aruba, Air, 4 Nights, From $715.

February 18, 2015.
40 Beautiful Places Where Spring Has Already Started

February 16, 2015.
To Go or Not to Go: 2015! Plus: Who's in the Lead for America's Coolest Small Town 2015? and South Africa, Air, Tour, Safari, 6 Nights, From $1,899.

February 15, 2015.
12 Most Beautiful Lakes in the World

February 13, 2015.
Eat, Drink, and Dance Like a Local in New Orleans! PLUS: Spectacular Restaurant Views, World's Best Foodie Destinations, and more!

February 12, 2015.
25 Romantic Getaways Budget Travel Readers Love! Plus: 12 True Stories of Romantic Trips Gone Awry, and Greek Islands, Air, Ferries, 9 Nights, From $2,299.

February 11, 2015.
30 Places Every Kid MUST See

February 9, 2015.
You Won't BELIEVE How Cool These Hotels Look! Plus: Don't Miss These Incredible Valentine's Day Travel Deals, and Vietnam, Air, Tours, 9 Nights, From $1,899.

February 8, 2015.
21 Girl Trips You Absolutely Love

February 6, 2015.
6 beautiful American wine regions you'll LOVE! Plus: The ultimate California foodie road trip, and the definitive guide to tipping!

February 5, 2015.
10 Most Romantic Islands in the World! Plus: Book These Romantic Getaways for Valentine's Day, and Patagonia, Tours, 8 Nights, From $950.

February 4, 2015.
10 Reasons To Visit Hawaii NOW

February 2, 2015.
10 Gorgeous & LEGENDARY Beaches! Plus: 10 Things Europeans Say About You Behind Your Back, and NYC Hotels up to 50% off.

February 1, 2015.
World's Most Beautiful Places

January 30, 2015.
Best Super Bowl Recipes From Top Travel Destinations!

January 29, 2015.
10 Awesome Celebrity-Narrated Audio Tours! Plus: NYC's Winter Storm Juno in Photos, and Hawaii Hotels from $134 a Night.

January 28, 2015.
See The Most Scenic U.S. Road Trips!

January 26, 2015.
Where To Go In 2015: 10 Best Budget Destinations! Plus: Save Money With 2-For-1 Broadway Tickets and Aruba, Air, 4 Nights, From $915.

January 25, 2015.
The World's Most Colorful Beaches

January 23, 2015.
How to take GREAT food photos! PLUS: cooking prairie oysters, and a tasty Caribbean cocktail recipe!

January 22, 2015.
Best-Kept Booking Secrets of Hotwire! Plus: Vote for America's Coolest Small Town 2015, and Ireland & Northern Ireland, Air, Tours, 11 Nights, From $2,399.

January 21, 2015.
10 Awesome Islands Every Traveler MUST See!

January 19, 2015.
Where Should YOU Go In 2015? Take Our Quiz! Plus: 20 Fabulously Free Things to Do in D.C., and Aruba, Air, 4 Nights, From $915.

January 18, 2015.
35 Spectacular Sunrises from Around the World

January 16, 2015.
World's greatest foodie destinations! PLUS: An Athens taverna you MUST try, a Charleston walking and eating tour, and more!

January 15, 2015.
45 Beautiful Caribbean Escapes! Plus: Best-Kept Secrets of Priceline, and Patagonia, Tours, 8 Nights, From $950.

January 14, 2015.
40 Unbelievable Underwater Snapshots

January 12, 2015.
33 Places That Belong on Your Bucket List! Plus: How to do Florence on a Budget, and Cuba, Air, Tours, 5 Nights, From $2,299.

January 11, 2015.
You Won't BELIEVE These Brilliant Photos of Rainbows!

January 9, 2015.
6 Shockingly Swanky Fast-Food Joints Around the World!

January 8, 2015.
Awesome & Affordable Hotel Spas! Plus: 41 Mother-Daughter Trips of a Lifetime, and South Africa, Air, Safari, 6 Nights, From $1,499.

January 7, 2015.
10 Most Beautiful Waterfalls

January 5, 2015.
Insider secrets of New Orleans! PLUS: 30 amazing safari photos you MUST see, and Eastern Europe, air, tours, 13 nights, from $2,599!

January 4, 2015.
29 GORGEOUS images of the American Southwest!

January 2, 2015.
America's favorite diners! PLUS: 10 restaurants that started a food movement, and more!

January 1, 2015.
10 travel resolutions you MUST keep in 2015! PLUS: Most googled travel questions—answered, and Turkey, air, tours, 12 nights, from $1,899

December 31, 2014.
Top 10 Most Visited Cities in the World!

December 29, 2014.
35 Beautiful Images of Italy! Plus: 10 Stupidest Things Americans Do Overseas, and Ireland & Northern Ireland, Air, Tours, 11 Nights, From $2,399.

December 28, 2014.
25 Perfect Spots for Getting Away From It All

December 26, 2014.
Restaurants with spectacular views! PLUS: Cambodia's best food, affordable eats in NYC, and more!

December 25, 2014.
50 Cities Every American Should See! Plus: 10 Foolproof Tricks to Beat Flight Anxiety, and Turkey, Air, Tours, 12 Nights, From $1,899.

December 24, 2014.
25 Stunning Scenes from Costa Rica

December 22, 2014.
Spend Christmas in a Castle! Plus: 12 Awe-Inspiring American Castles, and Italy, Air, Rail, 9 Nights, From $1,399.

December 21, 2014.
32 Spectacular Photos of Winter Wonderlands

December 19, 2014.
Best restaurants for Budget Travelers in VENICE! PLUS: Must-try baklava from Istanbul, a travel-friendly condiment you'll love, and more…

December 18, 2014.
World's Coolest Christmas Markets! Plus: 20 Gifts For Anyone Obsessed With Photography, and Thailand, Air, Tours, 11 Nights, From $1,799.

December 17, 2014.
14 Spectacular "Hobbit Houses" You Can Actually Stay In!

December 15, 2014.
Yes, You CAN Afford Italy's Amazing Amalfi Coast! Plus: Great Gifts For Every Traveler on Your List, and Myrtle Beach, from $50 a Night.

December 14, 2014.
9 Reasons Why "Paris Is ALWAYS a Good Idea"

December 12, 2014.
A Holiday Toast to Victorian London! PLUS: Eat Like a Local in Florence, and more!

December 11, 2014.
How to Do the Riviera Maya on a Budget! Plus: How YOU Can Take Prince William and Kate's Royal Tour of NYC, and Nicaragua, Tours, 7 Nights, From $658.

December 10, 2014.
50 Incredible Images of New Zealand and Australia

December 8, 2014.
11 Holiday Travel Tips You've Never Heard Before! Plus: Holiday Fun from Hollywood to the Holy Land, and Jackson Hole, 4 Nights, Lift Tickets, From $1,036 Per Couple.

December 7, 2014.
12 Most Beautiful Churches in America

December 5, 2014.
You MUST try these amazing holiday ice cream flavors from Portland! Plus: Where to find the best pizza in Rome, and the definitive guide to Thailand's indulgent desserts!

December 4, 2014.
16 best (affordable!) winter vacations in America Plus: Volcanoes you can visit, and Bali, air, 5 nights, from $1,399

December 3, 2014.
40 More Passport Stamps Worth Bragging About

December 1, 2014.
Best-Kept Secrets of Priceline! PLUS: Coolest Small Town Nominations End on TUESDAY, and Turkey, Air, Tours, 12 Nights, From $1,899.

November 30, 2014.
35 Beautiful Beaches You’d LOVE to Be On

November 28, 2014.
Eat Your Way Across America! Our fave post-Thanksgiving treats, what's cookin' in Charleston and Nashville, and 50 states of great American wine!

November 27, 2015.
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20 Tips

1. Rice can salvage wet electronics. After I fell into a stream in Cambodia, my digital camera wouldn't work. Someone suggested leaving the camera in a bag of rice overnight to draw out any condensation. Sure enough, the next morning it was dry and working perfectly. Roger Bailey, El Dorado Hills, Calif. 2. Books on tape are great for road trips. I always try to match our itinerary with the story line--My Ántonia for a drive across Nebraska or Tom Sawyer for a journey along the Mississippi River. Lisa Lowe Stauffer, Roswell, Ga. 3. Hang on to cancellation confirmations. If you make a hotel reservation online and then cancel online, print out and save the cancellation confirmation for at least two billing cycles past your trip. After our vacation, I found a "no-show" charge on my credit card for a room that I'd canceled well in advance. Without the cancellation confirmation, I had no way to contest the bill. Karen Griffith-Hedberg, Eugene, Ore. 4. Let your cell phone speak for you in an emergency. Paramedics now look for emergency contact information in victims' mobile phones. Store the word "ICE" (In Case of Emergency) in your address book, along with the name and number of the person you'd like emergency personnel to call on your behalf. (For more than one entry, use ICE1, ICE2, etc.) Tell your friends or family members that you've chosen them as your contacts and make sure they're aware of any medical conditions or allergies that could affect your treatment. Cindy Nguyen, Chicago, Ill. 5. Recycle those old cassette cases. My husband packs Q-tips in a plastic tape case. It's small and snaps shut, keeping the cotton swabs clean and dry. Nancy Bastian, Brewster, N.Y. You can find more tips in the February 2006 issue of Budget Travel magazine.

Give Back to the Land: Repair the Wilderness 

The Volunteer Vacations run by the American Hiking Society involve backpacking into the wilderness, then spending a week camping and working with a group of people you just met. Is this a recipe for a train wreck? Before: The plan is to "log out a trail," says Phil Pierard, 56, the ranger in charge of the trip, held June 20 to 27 in Six Rivers National Forest, near Orleans, Calif. There will be "tread work"--repairing ground damaged by water erosion--and volunteers may get to use a crosscut saw to cut sections out of trees that have fallen across the path. Cancellations mean the trip has only four volunteers, plus Forest Service staffers. Everyone is excited about meeting people and doing satisfying labor in the outdoors. Most are experienced backpackers or have been on work trips. All are single. (Several A.H.S. trips have produced marriages--this is a reality show waiting to happen.) One volunteer, Paul Snyder, a 52-year-old civil engineer from Berkeley, Calif., has been on 13 previous A.H.S. trips. He says he's "not that gregarious" and considers the trips a "major social outlet." As he points out, "The kind of people who are willing to pay to work are usually really easy to get along with." Paul met his current boss on one trip: He'd coincidentally applied for a job at the guy's company beforehand and got an interview--and offer-- soon after the trip. "I worked hard and was a good leader," says Paul, "and I think he was impressed that I did it all for free." For Ken Margiott, 44, a forester from Santa Rosa, Calif., the expectations lean toward doing quality trail work and seeing a new part of the state. It's his third A.H.S. trip. Carla Shafer, 49, who teaches freshman writing at Cornell, in Ithaca, N.Y., is the trip's only female volunteer, and a first-timer. Her main goal is to make sure that her 15-year-old nephew, Josiah Shafer, has a good time. Since the trip will be Josiah's first backpacking experience, Carla anticipates teaching him important skills like hanging a bear bag. In his own prep work for the trip, Josiah built a homemade camping stove, which he describes as "a little, tiny, mini stove that burns denatured alcohol." He's looking forward to getting a trail name--a nickname he'll either be given by the group or come up with on his own. Both Shafers are vegetarians, and Carla mentions that she called Ranger Phil and found out that he was "not nearly as organized about his food plans" as she'd envisioned. This is Phil's first experience leading an A.H.S. trip. Carla's call appears to have generated some insecurity about preparedness. "I'm not sure if we're supposed to feed them. If we are--what?" he wonders. "Also, we've only got a short time to get acquainted and pick up supplies, and soon we'll be 7.5 miles out in the woods." A final concern is the delegating of work tasks: "Everybody wants to use the crosscut saw. It's romantic." After: By all accounts, things turned out great. "Phil was a fantastic leader," says Carla, who at the end of the week suggested the group go on a reunion trip next year. "There wasn't a clunker in the bunch," says Phil. "No crybabies. We basically became friends--or at least pals." (Phil brought three Forest Service volunteers to help: Cory Woodman, Julia Valenti, and Hiro Akiyama, a Japanese exchange student who spoke halting English and had a habit of forgetting tools.) Instead of romantic crosscut sawing, most of their efforts went toward countering erosion--everything from cutting back brush to moving 1,000-pound rocks. No power tools are allowed in wilderness areas, so the group used shovels, axes, picks, and Pulaskis (half ax, half grub hoe). Everyone found it satisfying to know their work would keep the trail serviceable for a decade. "I lead a fairly sedentary life," says Carla. "I wanted to get tired and dirty. I sure did. My arms are scratched up, and I have bruises all over my legs. It felt good in a strange kind of way." "We worked like dogs all week," says Paul, happily. Phil made sure that the group had plenty of time to relax. After toiling in the morning, everyone was free to head back to camp, go for a walk, read a book, or take a bath using the water bucket. A more appealing option was to go for a swim in Monument Lake, where there is also good fishing. Since Phil is an avid fisherman, he gave Josiah pointers and helped him catch and clean two six-inch trout. They cooked the fish at the camp, and even though Josiah is a vegetarian, he found the fish to be "pretty good." (Alas, his stove didn't work.) The other food ranged from homemade (by Phil) clam chowder and London broil during the first two days to A.H.S.-provided freeze-dried lasagna--"so-called lasagna" in Paul's words--later in the week. Mealtimes were when everyone really got to know each other. "These things have the potential to get monotonous," says Ken. "But with a good group, when everyone works together and is interesting, it works. This was the best trip I've been on." Josiah, by the way, got a trail name from his aunt: Walking Stick. He says he'd prefer something like Knotty Alder, but for now Walking Stick will have to do. "Because he's such a stripling," says Carla. The American Hiking Society runs more than 100 trips each year, all across the country, graded from easy to very strenuous (this one was moderate to difficult). Normal group sizes are 8 to 10; 60 percent of volunteers are return customers. The registration fee is $100. You have to pay your way to the area (transportation is tax-deductible), but the host will usually arrange a pickup at the airport. You must bring your own camping equipment, though food tends to be included. 800/972-8608, ext. 206, americanhiking.org.

Lift Someone Up: Volunteer Programs

In the summer of 1978, a young Indian accountant named Chandru arrived in rural Northern Ireland, hoping to work with his hands. In his two weeks at Glebe House--an old rectory converted into a retreat for children, away from the conflict and violence of Belfast--Chandru built windows and window frames so the derelict stable and garage could be converted into a bunkhouse and recreation room. He also crafted sturdy benches for the dining hall. This past spring, Glebe House finally replaced Chandru's windows with double-glazed modern ones; the benches are still there. "People just couldn't believe that the windows were made by hand, and by an accountant," says Helen Honeyman, who set up and ran Glebe House for 23 years largely with the help of long-term and vacationing volunteers from Service Civil International (SCI), a network of grassroots groups across the globe. "Even two weeks' experience can have a profound effect." Honeyman retired six years ago, but she lives in the village near Glebe House and serves on the board of directors. She's what you would call dedicated, mission-driven, inspired--exactly the kind of person who volunteers can expect to encounter on these trips, the kind of person who makes it worth the work (and makes the work not seem like work at all). "Everyone wants to feel we've contributed something, that we've made a little mark somewhere," she says. And she should know. In 1966, Honeyman was a volunteer herself with SCI USA, at a summer camp in Palatine, Ill., for kids from inner-city Chicago. It was there, where the kids were white, black, and Hispanic but shared many of the same economic and social disadvantages, that she got the idea for a camp that would build community between Catholics and Protestants. It's a long story, but by 1974 the Belfast Rotary Club and the International Voluntary Service--Northern Ireland, a branch of SCI, purchased Glebe House, a 16-acre parcel with several dilapidated buildings just a mile's walk from the Irish Sea. Honeyman has seen dozens of volunteers from many nations come and go, some for a week, some for a year or longer. The continual coming and going can take its toll, physically and emotionally. But the work couldn't possibly go on without the volunteers, and hosts wouldn't want it any other way. Much more than just cheap labor, the volunteers are an infusion of culture and diversity for an otherwise isolated community. They give the children at Glebe House a significantly broader view of the world, beyond politics and stereotypes. Recently, Glebe House hosted young mothers and their babies. "One of the young mums, I'd known her as a kid," says Honeyman. "She was remembering everything so clearly. And what she was remembering was the volunteers." There was the supermarket manager from New Jersey who planted a summer vegetable garden, producing way more zucchini than the staff and kids could handle. There was the Serbian volunteer who, before his arrival, studied Irish folk songs on the Internet and played one after another at the annual fund-raiser (including many lyrics even the locals had never heard). And there was the farmer from Virginia who helped the staff build fences that last to this day--after he returned to the U.S., he left farming for a career in social work. "Not to get too sappy," says Honeyman, "but you get an understanding that kids are kids the world over. It's a very small snowballing. Once you've done this sort of vacation, you're hooked." Here are several volunteer programs. For more, check out responsibletravel.com, a U.K. site with links to opportunities worldwide. ACDI/VOCA 202/383-4961, acdivoca.org, seeking older, experienced people for two-to-four-week trips, expenses paid Amizade 888/973-4443, amizade.org, one-to-seven-week programs from $530 Conservation Volunteers Australia 011-61/3-5333-1483, conservationvolunteers.com.au, volunteer for a day or longer, lodging, including meals, from $22 per night Council on International Educational Exchange 207/553-7600, ciee.org, two-to-four-week projects start at $350 Earthwatch Institute 800/776-0188, earthwatch.org, one-to-three-week trips (tax-deductible donations start at around $800) Global Crossroad 800/413-2008, globalcrossroad.com, 2-to-12-week teaching programs in Asia, $600--$1,900 Global Volunteers 800/487-1074, globalvolunteers.org, one-to-three-week programs from $1,500, including lodging GlobeAware 214/823-0083, globeaware.org, Latin America and Asia, starting at $990 Habitat for Humanity International 229/924-6935, habitat.org, 10-to-14-day programs, $1,500--$3,500 SCI International Voluntary Service 206/350-6585, sci-ivs.org, short- and long-term programs, $80--$250 not including transportation Volunteers for Peace 802/259-2759, vfp.org, over 2,400 programs (two-to-three-week trips to Europe start at $200)

Walk the Walk: The Appalachian Trail

I sold my house, and then my car. I quit my job and stored my belongings. It was the beginning of a commitment to live a life of my own making. To celebrate, and test my newfound conviction, I fulfilled a lifelong goal by hiking the 2,174-mile Appalachian Trail. While thru-hikers--people who do the trail in one trip, as I did--get all the attention, most of the folks on the A.T. are hiking much shorter distances, many hoping at some point to cover the entire thing. (Not everyone can set aside six months to take a long walk.) However you arrange it, your time spent on the A.T. will challenge you physically, mentally, and, sometimes, emotionally. Know the basics: The trail starts in the south at Springer Mountain, Ga., winding its way north through 14 states to Mt. Katahdin, Maine. Thru-hikers typically start the journey in the spring so they can make it to the end of the trail before the cold weather arrives. Section hikers, liberated from the timetable imposed by Maine's early snowstorms, have considerably more flexibility. Do your research: The Appalachian Trail Conference (appalachiantrail.org), which oversees this National Scenic Trail, is a fine place to begin. Another site, trailplace.com, run by seven-time thru-hiker Dan "Wingfoot" Bruce, is uncommonly informative, plus it has an active community of hikers willing to share their wisdom. Bruce is also the author of the indispensable Thru-hiker's Handbook. Choose wisely: Base your itinerary on more than just scenery. If you're hiking just a section, do it near one of the many hiker-friendly towns along the way. My favorites were Hot Springs, N.C.; Damascus, Va., the home of Trail Days, a hiker festival that takes place each May; Harpers Ferry, W.Va., where the A.T.C. is headquartered; Delaware Water Gap, Pa.; and Hanover, N.H. They all have good outfitters that will drive you to the trail and then pick you up at a prearranged time and place, simplifying the logistics. If crowds aren't your thing, make sure the northbound swell has either passed by already or not yet reached the area that you intend to focus on (call the A.T.C. at 304/535-6331 for updates). Pack light: Novice backpackers often ruin their experience by lugging around 50 pounds or more. Seasoned hikers can easily keep the weight of a full pack under 30 pounds, including a week's supply of food. Each pound matters. Ray Jardine's Beyond Backpacking (rayjardine.com) is the bible of ultralight backpacking. Slow down: You'll hear about hikers chalking up more than 30 miles a day, but for beginners, a daily average of 10 miles is plenty--and it's more rewarding. I never regretted relaxing on mountaintops or alongside streams longer than I probably should have. Know the natives: Bears, bobcats, moose, porcupines, river otters, and rattlesnakes are just a few of the animals you might come across. Whether you're sidling around a timber rattler or being awakened at dawn by a bull moose just yards from the shelter, as I was, you can minimize risk by becoming knowledgeable beforehand about wildlife. Most of your critter-related worries will come from smaller denizens: mice, which will gnaw into your food cache at night if you don't learn to store it properly, and mosquitoes and blackflies, which can be an itchy, scratchy nuisance if you forget insect repellent. Take shelter: Rustic lean-tos are spaced approximately every 10 miles, so you can forgo bringing along a tent, which will significantly cut your pack weight and expenses. (Make room for a lightweight, waterproof tarp just in case.) Don't be surprised if you don't have the lean-tos--or the Trail, for that matter--to yourself. The A.T. is more popular than ever, and the shelters are the nexus of the trail community. Even those who choose not to stay in them stop by for breaks or to leave entries in the shelter journals. Go with the flow: I often adjusted my schedule, once hiking at night by a full moon to make up for a lazy day spent swimming, and I took plenty of unplanned breaks to talk with curious day hikers. (The people I met along the way, such as the Virginia couple who invited me into their home for a steak dinner, turned out to be one of the most memorable parts of my trip.) Being open to alternatives, a skill I polished on the Trail, enlivened my imagination and served me well after I finished hiking. Just months after leaving Maine I moved to New York City--something I'd never previously considered--and landed my dream job.