-
National Parks: 'America's Best Idea' Specials
by Christine Sarkis, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Excited about the new National Parks documentary? Many lodges near national parks are coming out with "America's Best Idea" specials to celebrate the spotlight.
-
The 10 Best Bargains in Adventure Travel (2009 Edition)
by Jaclyn Liechti, SmarterTravel.com Staff
This year's best adventure bargains are unique trips at the right price.
-
Get Close to Wildlife in Alaska
by Eileen Ogintz
There may be fewer tourists in Alaska lately, as the industry has suffered this year, but there is still a lot of wildlife to see. Now may be the perfect time to visit the 49th state.
-
Save Big by Flying Into Your Destination's Neighboring Country
by Patricia Magaña, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Be neighborly: Many of us have shuttled to an alternate city to catch a flight if the savings outweigh the hassles. What if you could save about half the cost of airfare by flying into another country?
-
Resources for Traveling Women
by Ed Perkins
Women who travel with other women or alone are becoming a larger part of the industry. Ed Perkins tracks down online resources for these fearless females.
-
A Bit of Adventure for Under $700
by The Deal Detective, SmarterTravel.com Staff
The Deal Detective helps plan a milestone birthday on a limited budget to places like Budapest and Costa Rica.
-
Nature, Wildlife, and More on an Alaskan Sea Adventure
by Eileen Ogintz
Tourism is down by double digits as Alaska celebrates the 50th anniversary of becoming a state. That means good deals and lots of availability.
-
Five Ways to Celebrate Your Independence in Style
by Kate Hamman, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Go solo this summer by taking a class, a tour, or a hike.
-
Save Money, Make Memories with a Summer Camping Trip
by Eileen Ogintz
There are a growing number of efforts to get families outdoors: Programs from REI, Grandparents.com, and even the federal government, encourage affordable adventures.
-
Six Cheap Ways to Travel This Summer
by Kate Hamman and Carl Unger, SmarterTravel.com Staff
This summer offers a number of fun and unique ways to travel cheap, from camping to hostels to farm stays.
-
Truly Budget Travel for Summer: Ski Resorts
by Christine Sarkis, SmarterTravel.com Staff
What can you do at ski resort destinations when there's no snow? How about hike, bike, swim, soar, plunge, and dine. Oh yeah, and save money.
-
Visiting Ski Country in Summer
by Eileen Ogintz
Yes, ski resorts in summer. They might just be the best vacation value going in this summer of great vacation values.
-
Celebrations Lead to Travel Deals and Freebies
by Eileen Ogintz
Whatever you want to celebrate on your next vacation, you'll not only get feted like a VIP, but will also save some significant bucks.
-
Six Places You Never Thought You Could Afford
by Kate Hamman, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Thanks to new flight routes, the strong U.S. dollar, and out-of-sight travel sales, six of the world's top far-flung destinations are more affordable than ever.
-
Ten Amazing Adventures Under $1,000 (2009 Edition)
by Molly Feltner, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Adventure travel on a recession budget. What's not to love?
-
Beautiful Belize on a Budget
by The Deal Detective, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Home to beaches, mountains, rainforests, and Mayan ruins, Belize is a perfect destination for one reader celebrating three major milestones.
-
Our Affordable Ireland Favorites
by Christine Sarkis, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Ireland is more affordable than it's been in years, and we've got a bunch of recommendations for where to go and what to do to make your trip memorable one.
-
So Many Alaska Discounts, So Little Time
by Christine Sarkis, SmarterTravel.com Staff
You'll need the extra daylight to take advantage of all the deals and discounts available in Alaska this spring and summer.
-
A Taste of Italy on a Tight Budget
by The Deal Detective, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Tuscany, Rome, and more for culture vultures and outdoors enthusiasts alike. Plus, three other destinations where culture and the Great Outdoors live in perfect harmony.
-
Six Secret Mexican Gems for the Budget Traveler
by Molly Feltner, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Forget Cancun. Mexico's cheaper, under-the-radar beaches, colonial towns, and adventure destinations offer the best value in these rocky economic times.
-
A Guilt-Free Vacation Just for the Girls
by Eileen Ogintz
This winter, you're bound to find something affordable, especially when splitting a room and costs. The key is to find someplace you wouldn't want to go with your entire gang.
-
Which Mexico Destination Is Right for You?
by Sarah Pascarella, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Choosing the best location for your ideal Mexico vacation may seem overwhelming. We've done the research for you, and compiled the best locales for all types of travelers.
-
Costa Rica Vacation Packages for Under $1,000
by The Deal Detective, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Hot springs, volcano lodges, treetop canopy tours, scuba diving and more! Plus, the savvy sleuth looks into some Panama deals to boot.
-
Seven Affordable, Under-the-Radar Beach Destinations
by Molly Feltner, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Even in rough economic times, it's important to treat yourself to some relaxation. Preferably, it's nice to do so on a nice warm beach. I've found seven great, lesser-known beach destinations in the Caribbean and Atlantic that also go easy on your wallet.
-
Cheap, Exotic Beach Resorts Around the World
by Molly Feltner, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Make an exotic escape a reality with these seven super-affordable resorts in Africa, Asia, and the Pacific.
-
Vacations are All About Family Memories
by Eileen Ogintz
Here are just a few of Ognitz' most memorable 2008 travel moments to inspire your own vacation planning for 2009.
-
Florida Deals Put Sunshine State Back in Your Budget
by The Deal Detective, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Bargains abound for Sunshine State travel this winter. Plus, Napa vineyards, hiking in Glacier National Park, and more!
-
Twelve Adventures for Twelve Months
by Sarah Pascarella and Kate Hamman, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Discover the perfect adventure for every month of 2009. Our possibilities will take you all over the globe, plus show you the best ways to get outdoors in every season.
-
Best New Adventure Trips of 2009
by Molly Feltner, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Exploration of new and little-known places is one of the hallmarks of adventure, which is what makes these 10 new trips stand out from the rest.
-
An Avalanche of Winter Mountain Deals
by Anne Banas, SmarterTravel.com Staff
If you've ever thought mountain resorts are reserved for the fur-trimmed, jet-set crowd, think again. Due to a lagging economy, U.S. ski resorts are publicizing discounts galore.
-
Hot and Cold Christmas Deals
by The Deal Detective, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Some like it hot, some like it cold. We've found deals for both! In the second part of our holiday travel spotlight, wishes come true with trips to Iceland and Costa Rica.
-
Readers Share Their Favorite Free Vacation Activities
by The Editors, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Last month we asked you to share your favorite free things to do on vacation. Your answers highlight just how much you can do without spending a dime.
-
River Rafting Vacations Offer Multigenerational Fun
by Eileen Ogintz
A back-to-nature vacation can create lasting memories. There are hundreds of family rafting opportunities across the country, tailored to all skill levels and budgets.
-
Belize: The Perfect Combination of Adventure and Comfort
by Eileen Ogintz
Belize offers beaches, adventure, culture, and ancient ruins just a three-hour flight from the U.S.
-
Caribbean Family Adventures
by The Deal Detective, SmarterTravel.com Staff
The daring detective reveals outdoor activities in the Caribbean, and uncovers whether Virgin Vacations' winter deals are really worth the price.
-
Ten Fabulous Female-Friendly Destinations
by Molly Feltner, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Some places really make it easy for women to let their hair down and be active, sightsee, or just relax without feeling intimidated or limited.
-
Where in the World Can You Go for $1,000?
by The Deal Detective, SmarterTravel.com Staff
The traveling troubadour tackles a birthday vacation, kayaking for a non-enthusiast, and a memorable journey to France. Plus, the Deal Detective's identity is revealed at last!
-
Five Unique Fall Foliage Getaways for Under $500
by Anne Banas, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Forget about "staycations" and the same old, same old. Instead, get out and take in all the vibrant hues via train, plane, automobile, or even kayak, gondola, or schooner.
-
Our Readers' Best Adventure Travel Photos
Earlier this summer we asked readers to submit their favorite adventure travel photos. Here is the cream of the crop. Congrats to the eight selected photographers!
-
Top 10 Green Destinations
by Molly Feltner, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Find out which places make the grade and why.
-
Classic Treks Around the World
by Molly Feltner, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Learn about 10 great treks featured in Classic Hikes of the World, a new book by outdoor adventure writer Peter Potterfield.
-
SmarterTravel Editors' Favorite Places of 2007
by Kate Hamman, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Come with us as we revisit our favorite places from 2007. From Woodstock to Dubai, we've traveled around the globe, and here's what we discovered along the way.
-
Top Places to Indulge in Winter Pastimes
by Kate Hamman, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Whether you love to get outdoors or stay nice and cozy inside to pursue more relaxing pastimes, the winter offers enough fun seasonal activities to keep you busy throughout cold months ahead.
-
Ten Wild Adventure Sports You've Got to Try
by Molly Feltner, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Here's a look at some of world's more recent extreme adventure sports, and where you can go to try them out for yourself.
-
The Best End-of-Summer Destinations
by Zak Patten, SmarterTravel.com Staff
This gallery showcases readers' photos of sun-soaked canyons, icy glacial waters, a unique view of the Eiffel Tower, and much more.
-
Cool Summer Getaways
by Sarah Pascarella and Kate Hamman, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Not everyone thrives in warm summer weather. If the cool temperatures of spring and fall are more your speed, check out these top destinations for summer locales that really beat the heat.
-
America's Most Scenic Drives
by Kate Hamman, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Make your next vacation all about the journey and not the destination with leisurely drives down some of the prettiest roads in America.
-
Ten Top National Parks Around the Globe
by Erica Silverstein, SmarterTravel.com Staff
The U.S. doesn't have a monopoly on spacious skies and purple mountain majesties. You can find protected lands, natural beauty, and exotic wildlife around the globe.
-
Ten state parks you can't miss
by Molly Feltner, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Visiting National Parks tops many travelers' summer vacation plans, but there are hundreds of state parks worth exploring, too. The scenery and cultural and ecological assets of many state parks more than stand up to national park standards.
-
Take a guided tour of the world
by Kate Hamman, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Our latest travel guides will show you where to find the best information and deals for destinations from Denver to Dublin.
-
Living it up for less in Belize
by Christine Sarkis and Zak Patten, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Belize is among the most expensive destinations in Central America, but it's also one of the most beautiful, accessible, and visitor friendly. And best of all, you can still visit on a reasonable budget.
-
National Park summer savings tips
by Molly Feltner, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Save a few bucks at the most popular U.S. parks.
-
The Southwest parks' best season
by Molly Feltner, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Spring is the perfect time to visit the parks of the Southwest.
-
Travels in the 'secret' Switzerland
by Zak Patten, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Beyond Zurich, Geneva, and St. Moritz, there are many lesser-known, but equally rewarding Swiss destinations.
-
The 'Adventure Capital of the World'
by Molly Feltner, SmarterTravel.com Staff
New Zealand—with 14 national parks and 9,400 miles of mostly undeveloped coastline packed into a land mass the size of Colorado—more than lives up to its reputation.
