Travel tips

The calendar may be telling us that summer is winding down, but that doesn’t mean our travels to wonderful destinations and new experiences need to end with it. In fact, the transition from August into September can be one of the most rewarding times to travel, especially to London. The intensity of peak summer begins to soften, the air takes on the first hint of fall, and the city’s cultural calendar comes alive with design, art, food, and new experiences. Whether you are traveling solo, planning a family getaway, or extending a work trip to include a few days of exploration, London offers an extraordinary mix of history and modernity. What many find most compelling about the city is the way it continually engages the senses. You can walk from centuries-old architecture into a futuristic immersive installation, have a cocktail beneath a canopy of cascading greenery, and then retreat into a quiet, beautifully designed spa, all within the same day. The most memorable travel experiences are rarely about checking another attraction off a list. They are the places that awaken our curiosity, shift our energy, and help us feel more present. If you are considering a late-summer or early-fall trip, these five London destinations offer wonderful places to stay, explore, restore, and reconnect.

Exploring the vibrant streets of Mexico City doesn’t have to break the bank. With its rich culture, delicious cuisine, and stunning architecture, this bustling metropolis offers countless opportunities for budget-conscious travelers. Whether you’re a scrappy backpacker or a visitor who likes to travel in style, our top 10 money-saving tips will help you experience the best of Mexico City without sacrificing a thing.

With the summer travel season kicking off, consumers are packing their bags and looking forward to another vacation. According to a recent Bread Financial study, 8 in 10 summer travelers have adjusted their travel plans due to rising costs; 22 percent will travel domestically instead of internationally, and 21 will opt for a road trip instead of flying to save money.

Road trips can be a more budget-friendly option, but with the price of gas exceeding $4 a gallon and food & beverage prices 25 percent more expensive than they were in 2020, a road trip can cost more than we anticipate.

Here are our favorite ways to save money on your road trip.

Our eight-day family vacation to Mexico City was unforgettable, from mouth-watering street tacos to sprawling outdoor markets, grand ruins and museums and parks, and kicking back on a boat ride down ancient Aztec canals. Mexico City is a vast (vast) metropolis–nearly twice the size of NYC’s five boroughs, and each day was an adventure. We walked for miles and miles, crossed the city on subway trains, buses, trollies, and Ubers, and discovered hidden gems that we’ll never forget. Join us as we recap the highlights of an incredible week and share some of our money-saving secrets!

We recently spent 8 magical days on the island of Dominica (pronounced Dom-in-EEK-a), located in the Eastern Caribbean between Guadeloupe and Martinique. It is known as the “Nature Isle of the Caribbean”, and it lives up to that name.

Sixty percent of the mountainous 29-by-16-mile volcanic island is covered by rainforest. There are 365 rivers, dozens of waterfalls, world-class scuba diving, hot springs…It is a gem. It is also grittier and less developed than many Caribbean islands that some tourists are used to. Not dangerous, just developing. Beyond a scattering of small high-end resorts, it’s largely small working-class towns. And the island still bears the scars of Hurricane Maria, which destroyed or badly damaged more than 90 percent of structures in 2017.

Rest assured, we never felt unsafe, and, as you will read below, we repeatedly encountered graciousness and generosity.

I love to travel, and do so as often as I can. I frequently travel with my husband, and we bring along our almost 20-year-old daughter whenever her schedule allows. I also travel with friends and take periodic press trips. From getting there to being there, here are some of the items & services I count on when I’m traveling, especially to warmer climates.

There’s nothing quite like hitting the open road in the summer – windows down, music up, and the promise of adventure. But with gas prices fluctuating and long miles ahead, fuel expenses can add up fast. Thankfully, there are plenty of easy, effective ways to cut costs without sacrificing your travel plans. From choosing smarter routes to leveraging rewards programs, a little planning can go a long way. Here are our tips to help your road trip budget go the extra mile – literally.

Packing for a getaway shouldn’t feel like a high-stakes game of Tetris! Between TSA’s strict 3.4oz liquid rules and limited real estate in your carry-on, the perfect travel-sized essentials are a necessity. Whether you’re heading to a relaxing sun-drenched island or an urban sightseeing adventure, the right beauty kit does more than save space—it keeps your skin and hair in tip-top shape during your travels. We’ve rounded up the most efficient, TSA-approved kits designed to get you through customs and into vacation mode without the baggage.

About the Island of Nevis

Never heard of Nevis? I hadn’t either before I was invited to go for 3 days with a group of media!

Nevis is a 36-square-mile island in the Caribbean Leeward Islands with a population of about 13,000. It’s sister island is the much larger Saint Kitts. As you fly into Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport on St. Kitts (SKB), you’ll see the formidable, dormant Nevis Peak volcano, miles of beautiful beaches, grand cliffs, a lush countryside, and villages with small, colorful buildings.

Nevis locals are warm and very hospitable. The dominant language is English spoken with a strong West Indian accent, however, the language often spoken amongst locals is English-based creole known as Nevisian or Nevis Creole.

Vervet monkey and wild goats sightings are common. Alexander Hamilton (yes, THAT Hamilton), was born on the island. History buffs will enjoy the Hamilton House and Hamilton Museum.

Forget the days of wrestling with bulging suitcase zippers and worrying about how to get some peace on the plane. Travel gear is ever evolving, making packing like a pro that much easier. From high-performance luggage to must-have tech, we have tried and tested 10 items that are a must for your next trip.

Hi, we are Ava and Cali, two 21-year-olds studying abroad who love spontaneous trips, great food, and traveling smart. We booked a last-minute flight and set out to spend 48 hours in Paris with one goal: experience as much of the city as possible without blowing our budget.
Paris is known for its style and elegance, but we quickly learned you don’t need a luxury budget to enjoy it. With a little planning, we found incredible food, thoughtful shopping, and everyday moments that made the trip unforgettable.
Here’s how we made the most of 48 hours in Paris maximizing time, experiences, and our budget.

My friend and colleague, Jennifer Walsh, and I had the great privilege of traveling to Shelby County, KY, for a press weekend. From bourbon tasting on the bourbon trail to eating renowned dishes from family-owned eateries to luxuriating in a gorgeous Airbnb on a family-run farm, there was so much to enjoy. We fell in love with the place, and I wanted to share my favorite activities and meals of the trip in case you have a chance to visit.

Shelby County is 40 miles outside of Louisville.

Yes, the Packers. The Pack is nearly ubiquitous in Green Bay, from street names to the ever-present green, gold and white “G” of the team logo on tees, hats, and more…But there is much more to this city of 100,000+ on Lake Michigan. Whether you are in town for a Packers game or a wedding, on a road trip to Door County, or just a curious traveler, there is much to do, see, and eat.

In late June, when ocean waves started summoning and whispering “beach trip” in my ears amidst a heatwave in Washington, D.C., I started planning a road trip to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Clocking in at approximately 8.5 hours driving time, it is the perfect distance for a getaway to the island’s famed beach life at the peak of summer. As I had visited only once and nearly a decade before, I knew there would be even more activities and adventures ahead to check out and explore. Also, with the average daily temperature for July and August hovering around 82-85-degrees, I looked forward to donning my bikini and trading indoor air conditioning for island breezes. Here are some highlights of my active and outdoorsy visit to Hilton Head.

Tax season usually isn’t very magical, but what if you used your refund to do something truly unforgettable? Consider taking your entire multi-generational family to Walt Disney World. From grandparents to toddlers to cousins, it’s the perfect place to create lifelong memories together. With the average tax refund in 2025 reaching $3,271, many families may find that their return can cover a significant portion of the trip. While a Disney vacation might seem out of reach, with a little planning and a few smart money-saving strategies, it doesn’t have to break the bank. If you’re thinking about using your refund for a magical family getaway, here’s how we made it happen and how you can too.

At 80, my father-in-law Lou still held on to one wish: to take his grandson, Ari, to Disney World. It was a dream rooted in memories of taking his own son, my husband, decades earlier. But as time passed and his health declined, Lou quietly let go of the idea. He worried he wouldn’t be able to keep up, that he might slow us down, or worse, that he’d be a burden.
Then, during his 80th birthday celebration, we surprised him with the news that caught him completely off guard: we were going to Disney World together. He was completely stunned, visibly moved, and said, “How fast can we get there?” After the shock wore off, he began to worry that, with his legs having deteriorated, he wouldn’t be able to navigate the park. But when we arrived, something shifted. Watching him side-by-side with Ari, taking it all in, I saw such joy on his face. He was happier than I had seen him in years. The dream he had given up on was now unfolding before him.
Here are some tips that made our multi-generational trip stress-free:

In a chaotic and demanding world, achieving a restful night’s sleep can seem impossible. Fortunately, innovative products can help transform your sleep environment and promote deeper, more restorative slumber. From relaxing beverages to aromatherapeutic products, these carefully selected tools can help you unwind and achieve the rejuvenating sleep you are striving for.

When traveling, the right apparel and footwear can make the difference between an overstuffed suitcase and a streamlined one. In our latest roundup, we’ve curated a selection of must-have items designed specifically for women on the go. From ultra-supportive footwear to the best bra-free tank top, these pieces are perfect for any destination. Whether you’re exploring city streets or relaxing on a beach, our top picks will ensure you look and feel your best while traveling.

Traveling can be an exhilarating experience, but it can also feel haphazard if you don’t have the right gear.
In this roundup, we explore a selection of top-notch travel accessories, including durable carry-ons designed to withstand the rigors of frequent trips and clever storage solutions for your most precious items. Whether you’re embarking on a weekend getaway or a more extended adventure, our curated collection ensures you’ll travel smart and in style.

When planning a trip to visit my daughter in Ireland where she is attending her frosh or freshman year at Trinity College Dublin, I decided to extend my journey to Scotland. I recently learned via Ancestry.com that I’m nearly 30% Scottish (I hail from the McDonahs), so I’ve been brimming with curiosity about the country. I knew that a trip to Edinburgh, Glasgow and northern townships would cross off a bucket-list destination and make for many wonderful adventures. Plus, traveling in mid-September meant avoiding the crowds of European vacationers in August, while still enjoying touches of sunshine and fewer rainy days than the winter season.

Here I share highlights of my artsy and energetic visit to Glasgow.