News & Features

9 Best National Parks to Visit in Winter

Sure, Yellowstone and Banff are beautiful in summer, but also crowded. For solitude and snow, consider a winter visit to a US or Canadian National Park, whether you are looking for dramatic landscapes to capture by photo or conquer by foot. Just remember to plan ahead as some amenities are limited and four-wheel drive may be required; trade your hiking boots for snowshoes or skis and enjoy. By Fodor's Editors...

Posted on December 10, 2012 at 12:00:00 AM EST
The Best Island Hopping Itineraries in Hawaii

So you've decided to go to Hawaii, but now how do you choose which island—or islands—to visit? If you have less than a week for your Hawaiian vacation, it's best to stick to just one. After all, you've traveled all this way, so you shouldn't spend your precious vacation time at car-rental counters, hotel check-in, or airports. But, with seven nights or more, a little island hopping is definitely in order. Here are six of our favorite island-pairing itineraries to help you plan your Hawaiian escape. By Trina Kudlacek...

Posted on December 10, 2012 at 12:00:00 AM EST
The 7 Must-See Caribbean Waterfalls

There are several Caribbean islands with layers of beautiful scenery that are revealed like the answer to a riddle: What's blue on the outside, green in the middle, and blue on the inside? One such island is Puerto Rico. Surrounded by beautiful clear blue waters, Puerto Rico's tropical forests and mountainous interior surround pristine waterfalls that spill into clear blue pools. Here are our favorite Caribbean waterfalls—cascading interior waters that complement dazzling waters offshore...

Posted on December 10, 2012 at 12:00:00 AM EST
Top 10 Most Scenic Spots in Hawaii

Even the names of the islands sound beautiful: Maui, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Hawaii. But sometimes words just don't do the islands justice. The most beautiful places to seek out across the Hawaiian islands—from unforgettable lookouts on beaches and bays to the best spots to catch the sunset—are sure to inspire your next trip....

Posted on September 10, 2012 at 12:00:00 AM EDT
Italy in Bloom: The Top Gardens of Campania

Italy's Campania region is a patch of paradise I discovered while editing "Fodor's Amalfi Coast." Its heavenly rewards include sunny Sorrento, captivating Capri, and the mountain-meets-sea drama of the coast. On the more earthly side are the spectacular Edenic gardens of the area's famed resort hotels. Fortunately, it’s not too late to visit palmy, balmy Campania, as the Fall season here is still Summer there. Text and Photographs by Robert I.C. Fisher...

Posted on September 08, 2012 at 12:00:00 AM EDT
Top 10 All-American Landmarks

In honor of Labor Day weekend coming up, we're looking at ten of the most iconic landmarks in the UA. Whether you've seen them in person or not, you'll undoubtedly recognize these man-made wonders from East Coast to West Coast. For more Best of U.S. slideshows, see our Top 10 Natural Wonders of the U.S.A and Top 10 U.S. Neighborhoods.Here's to barbecues, blueberry pies, and toasting the end of summer come Labor Day (which, by the way, is Monday September 3, 2012!...

Posted on August 15, 2012 at 12:00:00 AM EDT
The 6 Best Fall Foliage Drives in New England

Picture this: a scarlet maple offset by the stark white spire of a small town church or a whole hillside of brilliant foliage foregrounded by a bright red barn. Such iconic scenes have launched a thousand postcards and turned New England into the ultimate fall destination for leaf peepers. The first scarlets and golds appear in mid-September in northern areas; “peak” colors head south thereafter. For inspiration, we've picked the most-stunning foliage areas and included a link to our favorite drive. Of course, these magical colors extend beyond New England. Check out our Great Fall Foliage Trips Across the Country!...

Posted on August 10, 2012 at 12:00:00 AM EDT
Top Maine Lighthouses to Visit

Perched high on rocky ledges, on the tips of wayward islands, and sometimes seemingly on the ocean itself are the more than five dozen lighthouses standing watch along Maine’s craggy and ship-busting coastline. Not all are open to the public, but here are some of the best ones to visit from as far south as York to the country’s easternmost tip at Lubec...

Posted on July 24, 2012 at 12:00:00 AM EDT
Oregon Wine: Day Trip from Portland

The Willamette Valley is Oregon’s premier wine region. With a milder climate than any growing area in California, cool-climate grapes like Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris thrive here, and are being transformed into world-class wines. We’ve picked our favorite wineries, tasting rooms, and restaurants for this wine-fueled itinerary. The Chehalem Mountain and Ribbon Ridge AVAs highlighted here offer more than 150 vineyards. Best of all, the region is less than an hour away from Portland, making for an easy day trip. Start out early, especially on weekends, and don’t forget your designated driver.
By Dave Sandage and John Doerper
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Posted on July 20, 2012 at 12:00:00 AM EDT
Top 10 Natural Wonders of the U.S.A.

America's most iconic outdoor spots can be experienced in different ways, whether by hiking and scenic drives or flightseeing and scuba diving. From the tallest peak in North America to unique undersea worlds, we've got the greatest U.S. outdoor attractions, in alphabetical order. What are your favorite natural wonders from this list? Share by commenting below.

Posted on July 05, 2012 at 12:00:00 AM EDT