-
Top Five Off-Peak Destinations for Winter 2009/2010
by Jaclyn Liechti, SmarterTravel.com Staff
While many winter travelers head to the beach or to popular ski resorts, savvy tourists can take advantage of fewer crowds and off-peak deals for fabulous vacations.
-
Where in the World? - Photo Guessing Game
by Kate Hamman, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Can you guess where this destination is?
- About Cincinnati
Like a delicious bowl of Cincinnati Chili, this city blends the best ingredients to create a spicy destination. Cincinnati is a non-stop celebration of sports, heritage, and culture.
- About Lancaster
Home to America's largest Amish settlement and the Pennsylvania Dutch, Lancaster attractions center on days gone by but keep an eye on the future.
- About St. Augustine
St. Augustine is the nation's oldest city, founded in 1565, and is naturally full of many "firsts" and "oldests." But the city also offers plenty of ways to relax and unwind.
-
Winter 2010 Savings for Snowbirds
by Christine Sarkis, SmarterTravel.com Staff
One-way car rental specials and big discounts on vacation rentals and campground sites in warm southern states make escaping the cold easy and affordable.
-
Three Affordable European Vacations for Spring
by The Deal Detective, SmarterTravel.com Staff
The Deal Detective helps a reader plan a homecoming vacation for her husband returning from Afghanistan. Destinations include Berlin, Prague, and Venice.
- About Catalina Island
Catalina's picture-perfect setting off the coast of California has enticed settlers for nearly 7,000 years. Today, everyone can take advantage of all Catalina Island has to offer.
- About Prague
Visitors to Prague are likely to get caught up in the majesty of the city. The cobblestone streets that wind through the city's neighborhoods provide a romantic escape from modern life.
-
Top Five Bargain Destinations for Winter 2009/2010
by Christine Sarkis, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Whether winter calls for sun or snow in your book, the deals are out there to put a vacation on your horizon. Destinations fighting the recession funk are offering plenty of winter deals.
- About Amarillo
The city of Amarillo is proud of its wide open spaces and clear horizons that provide beautiful, unobstructed views of the Texas Panhandle.
- About Plano
Located just 30 minutes outside the Dallas/Fort Worth area, Plano is a popular destination for business travelers. But this Sunbelt city also has plenty for leisure travelers to enjoy.
- About Boise
Boise, Idaho, offers visitors arts, culture, history, and more. Known as the City of Trees, outdoor recreation plays a major role in the day-to-day lives of residents, and tourists have plenty of ways to join the fun.
-
How Can I Find the Right Tour Operator?
by Ed Perkins
A good tour operator is important, and hard to find. Ed Perkins offers tips for sifting through the options and choosing the one that's best for you.
- About Colorado Springs
Colorado's second-largest city boasts breathtaking views and some of the best outdoor recreation. Those who love fresh air won't run out of things to do in this Gold Rush town.
- About Cleveland
Cleveland has a rock-and-roll attitude, a passion for sports, and an artistic flair. This city on the Cuyahoga River is home to the legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and much more.
- About Rochester
Rochester, Minnesota, packs plenty of history into its city limits. All four seasons offer plenty to do in Med City.
- About Arlington
Arlington, Texas, is a relatively small city compared to its neighbors, Dallas and Fort Worth, but its big personality more than makes up for it.
- About Wichita
Wichita, Kansas, has changed a lot since its days as "Cowtown," but visitors can still experience the heyday of the Texas cattle drives along with its modern-day attractions.
- About Greenville
Far from being a sleepy town in the Blue Ridge Mountains foothills, Greenville, South Carolina, is full of urban sophistication.
-
World's Scariest Haunted Hotels
by Kate Hamman, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Meet the spirited guests of the world's most haunted hotels.
- About Topeka
The wide-open horizons on the Great Plains may have enticed Cyrus Holliday to found the city of Topeka, but today's visitors will find much more than open spaces to charm them.
- About Flagstaff
At 7,000 feet above sea level, Flagstaff, Arizona, offers classic views of the American Southwest, with plenty of natural beauty and opportunities for recreation.
- About Columbia
Columbia, South Carolina, offers visitors Southern hospitality and a picturesque setting. Nature-lovers and Civil War buffs will have plenty to explore in this city of the New South.
- 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 Harrisburg
Located on the banks of the Susquehanna River, Harrisburg offers plenty of family fun. Kids of all ages can find something to do in Pennsylvania's capital city.
- About Durham
Durham, North Carolina, is proud of its past as Bull City, but its entrepreneurial spirit pushes the city into the future as the City of Medicine.
- 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 Springfield
Walk in Honest Abe's footsteps or down historic Route 66 in Springfield, Illinois. This capital city promises a glimpse into the life of the former president and a bygone era.
- About Atlantic City
The longtime pleasure city is striving to become the next Vegas, but a sense of history still pervades this beachfront destination.
- About Knoxville
The perfect blend of spices makes great barbeque, and the unique mixture of culture, sports, and home cooking make Knoxville, Tennessee, a great city.
- About Springfield
Springfield, Missouri, offers plenty of opportunities for visitors to explore the great outdoors. And they don't even need to be outside to do it.
-
Top 10 Fall Foliage Drives Around the U.S.
by Kate Hamman, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Buckle up for the greatest colorful drives around the country. Here are our top picks for routes that not only highlight fall colors, but also emphasize the season's bounty.
-
Is This the Year You Travel to ...
by Carl Unger, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Have you always wanted to travel to an exotic locale, but couldn't justify the cost or long flights? Well, with the travel industry slumping, it may be time to finally visit that far-flung destination. Here are five places to consider.
-
Summer Savings in America's Top National Parks
by Josh Roberts, SmarterTravel.com Staff
There's never been a better time rediscover America's national parks.
-
Ten Great Theme Parks and How to Save
by Kate Hamman, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Plan a thrilling summer vacation without going broke.
-
Ten Cheap Spring Europe Vacations
by Jessica Labrencis, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Our picks for the top Europe vacations of the year include old standbys such as Paris, Rome, and London, plus unique trips to the Greek Isles, castles in Scotland, and a rail trip through Amsterdam, Berlin, and Prague.
-
Virgin America (and Richard Branson) Arrives in Boston
by Carl Unger, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Virgin America celebrated its new service from Boston, and our blogger was invited to the festivities. Take a peek inside the carrier's swank plane, plus see Sir Richard Branson in drag. Yes, in drag.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Our Favorite Places of 2008
by Kate Hamman, SmarterTravel.com Staff
From the mountains of Rwanda to the hiking trails of Oregon, find out where we visited in 2008 and how we saved money doing it.
-
See the Icons of America for Less
by Sarah Pascarella, SmarterTravel.com Staff
It's a testament to "free"dom that many of the country's most iconic attractions cost little or absolutely nothing to visit.
-
Find 'La Dolce Vita' in Lesser-Known Italy
by Sarah Pascarella, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Leave the cities behind, and check out these places off the well-trodden path—you may find you'll have Italy all to yourself.
-
Women Travel Writers' Favorite Destinations
by Sarah Pascarella, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Where do the women you love to read love to go? We asked some of our favorite women travel writers about their top destinations, and their recommendations may inspire your next trip.
-
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.
-
First Night Celebrations Around the World
by Sarah Pascarella, SmarterTravel.com Staff
From Sydney, Australia, to Las Vegas, you can enjoy New Years traditions around the world. Find out which cities are hosting the best parties.
-
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.
-
The Best of Mediterranean Cruises
by Erica Silverstein, SmarterTravel.com Staff
A Mediterranean cruise can be an exhausting blur of tour buses, museums, and historic attractions. You can save energy and money by slowing down your pace and skipping ship excursions in favor of exploring on your own.
-
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.
-
Top Summer City Tours
by Kate Hamman, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Knowledgeable tour guides can offer insight into the country's diverse landscapes and people, intoxicating food and wine, and colorful past. Here are our top picks for unique summer tours in some popular U.S. destinations.
-
Save at Top Theme Parks This Summer
by Kate Hamman, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Rising gas prices and expensive park entrance fees can discourage even the most enthusiastic of theme park travelers. However, there are several ways you can cut costs at some of the top theme parks in the country without cutting corners on a great vacation.
-
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.
-
Road-tripping on California's Pacific Coast Highway
by Kate Hamman and Zak Patten, SmarterTravel.com Staff
With spring temperatures, blooming landscapes, and less traffic, April is the perfect time to explore the Pacific Coast Highway.
-
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.
