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The Most Spectacular Canyons Around the U.S.

From sea to shining sea, there’s no shortage of spectacular sights to see. In addition to beautiful beaches, lush national parks, and epic waterfalls, the U.S. also boasts an incredible array of canyons. In technical terms, a canyon is a deep gorge that typically has a river flowing between it. In terms of wanderlust, a…

Top 6 Places to Go Camping This Fall

After Labor Day weekend, the crowds at campsites across the country tend to die down, the mosquitos depart, and the colorful fall foliage and autumn wildlife arrive. In other words, fall is an ideal time for hitting the great outdoors and camping. The weather is warm enough for enjoying hikes and bike rides during the…

The Best Beaches in Hawaii for Each Type of Traveler

Photo Courtesy of Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tor Johnson Naming the best Hawaiian beach is kind of like trying to name the best shaved ice flavor. Okay, if cherry is an easy pick for you, then how about this: naming your favorite child. Because the thing is, many of the beaches in Hawaii are…

Where to Go in Costa Rica: 9 Destinations You Can’t Miss

The entire country of Costa Rica might be the size of West Virginia, but that doesn’t mean it’s not overwhelming to plan the perfect trip. That’s why we’re here to lend a helping hand. More than 25 percent of the Central American destination is dedicated to national parks and reserves, which means plenty of outdoor…

The Other Machu Picchu You Should Know About

Choquequirao, Peru; Photo Credit: Shutterstock via SmarterTravel The first bus to Machu Picchu leaves Peru’s party-all-night tourist town, Aguas Calientes, at six in the morning. The line to be on it forms sometime after midnight, and by the time the sun pokes over the Andes, the fabled “Lost City of the Incas” looks less like…


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8 Amazing Olympic Villages and Venues You Can Visit Right Now

So far, things in Rio — in preparation of this year’s Summer Olympics, kicking off Friday — don’t seem to be going too well. The Olympic Village was deemed unlivable, there could be a toxic water problem for the swimming team, and there have been questions about how well gay athletes will be received in…

10 Amazing Swimming Holes Around the U.S.

Sure, beaches bring on gorgeous views, pools present a place to stay cool, and water parks serve up exciting rides. But swimming holes, which offer all three of those features plus more, often make a bigger splash. From a freshwater spring, cavernous pool, and refreshing grotto tucked inside a state park to a waterfall slide…

The 7 Scariest Cliff Diving Spots in the World

Vaulting off a 100-foot cliff into a shallow body of water is a story only a select group of people can claim. After all, what offers an ultimate adrenaline rush for some daredevils, presents a terrifying, spine-tingling task to others. Even the ballsy activity’s nickname — tombstoning — indicates that it’s not made for the…

Beyond the Inca Trail: 5 Alternative Ways to Hike to Machu Picchu

There’s no doubt the Inca Trail is one of the world’s greatest hikes. The four- to five-day trek, which zig-zags through the snow-capped Andes Mountains, lush Amazon jungle, and a bevy of other beautiful terrains, culminates with the ultimate reward: an awe-inspiring view of Machu Picchu. And after a few sweat-inducing days of trudging along…

Face-Off: Yellowstone vs. Yosemite

Photo courtesy of Flickr/edward stojakovic America’s National Park Service is turning 100 this year, which is just one of many reasons to celebrate the epic beauty of two great wilderness preserves: Yellowstone and Yosemite. Both parks offer exciting activities and postcard-ready vistas. But deciding which to visit (if you must pick one) takes some intensive…


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