12 of the best things to do in Japan with kids

The beauty of Omakase, I have to admit, is in handing over power to someone else. In any other walk of life–politics, government, literature, art–the idea of yielding to autocracy would be impossible to even consider. But when it comes to nigiri, and the expert sushi chefs who let their creativity loose behind a sushi bar, I happily yield.

If you’re debating whether to spring for one of the best travel cameras before an upcoming trip, consider this: Yes, a smartphone is perfectly capable of serving the average traveler’s photography goals, but a dedicated camera is required for capturing high-quality memories. The wide angle lens of a smartphone camera can only take its images so far; in spite of technology’s advancements over the years, its zoom feature still degrades photo quality, making them too grainy—in our opinion—to be worth taking. When it comes to travel photography, many of us want to get close and fill the frame with exciting faraway shots like skylines and canyons. A good travel camera also allows the photographer to shoot exciting, fleeting scenes from their trips, like bicycles blurring through a charming street, low-light landscapes like a starry sky, or a city strip flashing with neon lights. Lastly, we’ll leave you with this: In an era when we’re glued to our phones every minute of the day, documenting a trip with a camera allows us to be present in the here and now, and actually connect with the place we’ve traveled so far to experience.

There are plenty of iconic symbols that come to mind when I think of Japan — like towering pagodas and red torii gates. But the country has also become famous for its breathtaking cherry blossoms.

Milkshake Tourism is about to become a reality as Zaxby’s milkshakes return exclusively to Macon, Georgia, prompting the destination to launch its own shake-inspired tourism campaign. 

April brings a seasonal shift across the globe, making it the ideal time of year for exploring ancient wonders, embarking on epic adventures and savoring fresh local produce.

Solo traveling isn’t exactly a new concept. In fact, according to results from the Visa Global Travel Intentions Study, an estimated 24 percent of those who travel tend to jet off on solo vacations instead of planning trips with friends or family. Solo traveling is an excellent way to get to know yourself, to focus on problem-solving, and of course to see the world without waiting on anyone else or making compromises.

It's time to think pink. After months of bleak winter weather, spring is ready to explode in the northern hemisphere with a riot of cherry tree blossoms. 

Japan is a delightful, safe place for travel with kids in general, and Kyoto is no exception. Its spectacular temples, fascinating foods, interesting culture and beautiful places for imaginations to run wild create opportunities for tons of fun for little ones of all ages.

One of America's most beloved cruise operators, American Queen Voyages, has shut down.

Jamaica’s position as a leader in tourism resilience building has been further bolstered following the announcement that UN Tourism (formerly UNWTO) has forged a major partnership with the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC), which is being rebranded as the Global Tourism Resilience Centre (GTRC). It was also outlined that UN Tourism will continue to partner with Destination Jamaica in hosting the Global Tourism Resilience Day Conference moving forward. The announcements were made jointly by Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett and UN Tourism Secretary-General H.E. Zurab Pololikashvili as they marked the second annual observance of Global Tourism Resilience Day (February 17) at the Montego Bay Convention Centre.

Japan, slightly smaller geographically than California, boasts a much wider array of activities and attractions than most countries its size. Technically a volcanic archipelago consisting of four main islands, almost four-fifths of Japan is covered with mountains. The Japanese Alps run down the center of the largest island, Honshu. The highest peak and Japan's most famous mountain is Mount Fuji, a cone-shaped volcano considered sacred by many Japanese.

The State Department poured a bucket of cold water on spring break 2024 when it recently issued warnings for several popular spring destinations.