- About Spokane
With the perfect location for all things wilderness, the city of Spokane offers nature lovers a jumping-off point for outdoor activities. But there's plenty to do within city limits as well.
- About Gatlinburg
Cradled by Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg surrounds visitors in natural splendor, all the while offering quaint comforts and family fun.
- About Salt Lake City
Surrounded by the majestic Rocky Mountains, Salt Lake City has emerged in recent years as a popular outdoor recreation destination, offering visitors abundant ways to hike, climb, ski, and discover.
- About Reno
by Christine Sarkis, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Though casino culture persists in the Biggest Little City, Reno has reinvented itself as an outdoor and adventure destination.
- About Santa Barbara
by Christine Sarkis, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Santa Barbara turns a taste of the good life into a full meal. The upscale city on California's Pacific coast offers a rich culinary scene, shopping, outdoor pursuits, and more.
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October Weekend Getaways From $45/Night
Autumn is one of the best seasons for taking a weekend getaway, with crisp afternoons, beautiful foliage, and harvest bounties in many parts of the country. Even better, there are plenty of deals, too.
- About Minneapolis
It won't take long for visitors to fall in love with Minneapolis. Miles of shoreline, outdoor sports, and top-notch arts make this city one well worth seeing.
- About Anchorage
Nestled between six different mountain ranges, Anchorage, Alaska, is the jumping-off point for many adventures into the Alaskan wilderness.
- About Puerto Vallarta
From beaches and cobblestone streets to mountains and ocean, Puerto Vallarta offers visitors more choices than most beach destinations.
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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.
- About Hawaii
For some, just the thought of Hawaii is enough to conjure up the sound of crashing waves. The Pacific paradise attracts visitors looking for relaxation, adventure, and a Mai Tai or two.
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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.
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September Weekend Getaways From $99/Night
Fall tends to bring affordable travel deals in abundance, and this year is no exception. Leisure travel providers offer promotions to entice travelers to visit, starting at $99 per night.
- About Seattle
Seattle blends funky flair with eco-friendly attitudes and fine art with adventure. Whether you wear flannel shirts or not, this city hits the perfect note.
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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.
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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?
- About Monterey
With its craggy cypress trees, spectacular ocean views, and a world-class aquarium, Monterey keeps visitors coming back year after year.
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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.
- About Denver
As if it's not enough that the Mile-High City claims 300 days of sunshine per year, Denver also delivers a vibrant urban center and is near some of the West's most spectacular scenery.
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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.
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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.
- About Charlotte
Big and getting bigger perfectly describes Charlotte, North Carolina. This major business travel destination offers plenty for leisure seekers too, with thrills as well as plenty of opportunities to chill.
- About Phoenix
Phoenix, Arizona, has the fifth-largest population in the country and has a realm of outdoor activities to enjoy, from hiking and biking to golf and sightseeing.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
- About Cancun
Cancun's beaten path is paved with white sand and surrounded by turquoise waters. Its spring break is famous among college students, and the immensely popular beach destination also caters to families, couples, and other travelers year round.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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Top 10 Green Destinations
by Molly Feltner, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Find out which places make the grade and why.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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National Park summer savings tips
by Molly Feltner, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Save a few bucks at the most popular U.S. parks.
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The Southwest parks' best season
by Molly Feltner, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Spring is the perfect time to visit the parks of the Southwest.
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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.
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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.
