Discover 10 thrilling destinations where fantastic bucket-list getaways can be bought for run-of-the-mill prices, from cruises through the wilds of Alaska to urban explorations of historic European cities.... view gallery»

Love is all you need. But it never hurts to fan the flame with the occasional romantic weekend away. We've rounded up 10 charming little spots in the U.S. and Canada with seductions that range from Old World chivalry to red-hot adventure. The rest is up to you.... view gallery»

Drink it in—the advice holds true for travels and happy hours alike. From peaches and Champagne in Venice to whisky and bitters in New Orleans, here are 10 ways to globetrot on the rocks during your next vacation.... view gallery»

This year, the world's top adventure travel outfitters have unveiled more new trips than you can shake a hiking stick at. And whether your particular brand of adventure involves walking, biking, kayaking, rafting, sailing, or just kicking back and discovering an emerging destination, these 10 new trips will leave you feeling like a real explorer.... view gallery»

The world's most popular tourist attractions have a gravity all their own, pulling millions into their orbits each year. Here are some of the standouts, from the world's most popular public park (any guesses?) to the theme park that beats all others (are you surprised?).... view gallery»

No disrespect to gorgeous beaches with powdery white sand, but sometimes the standard-issue paradise starts to feel, well, bland. It's time to set off for shores with strange hues of sand, alarmingly low-flying aircraft, and hot pools you can dig yourself. From Florida to New Zealand, these 10 picks take you to some peculiar beaches, all worth a visit.... view gallery»

Forget nightclubs—instead, check out these after-dark hot spots delivering firefly spectaculars, midnight snacks, and stellar light shows.... view gallery»

When lightning strikes, blizzards blow, and fist-size hail balls rain from the skies, there are certain gateways where flyers should proceed with caution. See which hubs made our list of stormy, snowy, delay-prone airports.... view gallery»

Once the warm glow of the holidays fades, January can get downright depressing. Here's the remedy for the lingering chill: Ten drive-to U.S. destinations that heat up your winter weekend without wrecking your 2012 budget resolution. Turkish steam baths, surfable waves, and sizzling kitchens are closer than you think.... view gallery»

If you think a frozen hotel and warm night's sleep are polar opposites, think again. From snowy pockets in eastern Canada to the mountains of Romania, here are the world's best ice hotels and igloo villages.... view gallery»

Now that we've left 2011 in the dust, it's time to look ahead to what's going to be hot in 2012—and darned if two blasts from the past aren't among the more interesting developments expected in the coming months.... view gallery»

Just 90 miles from Key West, Cuba has been forbidden fruit for most Americans since the 1960s. But travel restrictions were eased somewhat in 2011, and visiting Cuba is much easier than you think. Here's a primer on must-sees if you get a chance to visit in the near future.... view gallery»

This year, readers submitted more than 1,600 images to the Your Best Travel Photos of 2011 Contest. Through your eyes, we saw a world of infinite adventure, of cliff divers, camel caravans, and fiery sunsets. The competition was fierce, but this year's crop of winning photos dazzled the judges by elegantly capturing the rare glimpses of life that travel affords. ... view gallery»

Pictures are worth a thousand words, and that's especially true for travel photos. They evoke places near and far, are utterly addictive to look at, and can tell a story all by themselves. And that's why our photo galleries are often the most viewed articles on SmarterTravel. Here are some visually stunning examples from 2011.... view gallery»

It could all end one year from now on December 21, 2012. Or not. The prophecies and speculations about what might happen on the last day of a 5,125-year-long cycle in the Maya calendar are, well, endless. For you planners and you naysayers, we've compiled a list of the top 10 destinations to witness the event (or nonevent).... view gallery»