A first-time guide to Siem Reap

When it comes to satisfying a variety of travel styles and preferences, it’s hard to beat Mexico. Its enticingly varied array of destinations ranges from dreamy beach settings to soaring, sophisticated cities, from historic towns with colonial roots to vast expanses of unspoiled nature. Add in Mexico’s rich traditions, delicious cuisine and outstanding service, and it’s a winning combination. 

It’s not an exaggeration to say that the best time to visit Portugal is any time you can go. The aptly-nicknamed “garden planted at the edge of the sea” (translated loosely from the Portuguese “jardim à beira-mar plantado”) is so full of beautiful places, like the vineyards of the Douro Valley and the sunflower fields of the Alentejo region, that a trip at any time of year is well worth it. In fact, day-to-day living in the country is so wonderful that many expats are retiring in Portugal. Still, if you can't spare a lifetime, a visit of any length to Portugal is sure to be fabulous—especially when you toss some colorful heritage souvenirs and delicious tinned fish into the mix.

Jan 19, 2025 • 10 min read

When I told my family I was planning a trip to Hong Kong, they responded, "Why? Isn't Hong Kong similar to Singapore?"

Jan 18, 2025 • 13 min read

Hilton Honors members now have a new way to earn and redeem points when hitting the Colorado slopes.

Despite warnings from friends and fellow travelers, we decided to spend a December vacation in Chicago.

By the time my kids, Mila and Joe, were tweens, they’d become pretty savvy travelers. We had traveled as a family all over Mexico and Central America, to French Polynesia, and around Southeast Asia—Joe had even tagged along with me on a work trip to Egypt. But a family trip to Europe? Nope. I had been urged by a few well-traveled friends to save Europe for a time when my children would really appreciate it, when they could enthusiastically spend not just hours but consecutive days wandering museums and historical sites, when their palettes could handle sophisticated flavors, and when 10 p.m. dinners wouldn’t destroy the following day. I’m not sure why I chose to listen to this parenting advice while cavalierly ignoring all sorts of other cautionary tales and whispered warnings, especially since my kids ate everything, had been visiting museums since their toddler days, and frequently stayed up to 1 a.m. But I did, and year after year, kept punting on a family trip to Italy or Greece, countries I knew and loved and couldn’t wait to share with my kids when the time was right.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has confirmed an official deadline for the Real ID requirement, which will soon be mandatory for travelers to navigate airport security within the U.S. 

Beyond Machu Picchu, Peru has the thriving capital of Lima, the Sacred Valley’s breathtaking landscapes, and the lush Amazon—so the best time to visit Peru depends on what and how much you want to do. The good news is that Peru is a year-round destination with cultural sites, restaurants, and festive events to appreciate at any time of the year. It’s only natural: The country is home to civilizations with over 5,000 years of history and awe-inspiring archeological wonders, which means it’s brimming with ancient living cultures, stunning sights, top-notch gastronomy, unique nature and wildlife, and plenty of Peruvians to meet and learn from.

Jan 14, 2025 • 5 min read

As adventure and heritage travel trends grow, the continent of Africa as a whole is becoming increasingly popular among travelers who want to explore without the crowds. These tourists are considering destinations across the vast continent, from South Africa to Tunisia.