An Expert's Guide to Booking the Best Alaska Cruise in 2025

Fall is finally here. As we embrace the chillier months, travel brands are already preparing for the upcoming holidays. Just in time for spooky season, Extra Holidays is offering up to 20 percent off resort stays located in cities with Halloween spirit, activities vary from family-friendly to completely frightful—you've been warned. Marriott Bonvoy is having a Fall Flash sale where members can save up to 20 percent off of weekend hotel stays, perfect for those looking for a regenerative staycation or who want to attend an away game this football season.

A town in Japan is taking necessary steps to block the iconic panoramic view of Mount Fuji from a popular photo spot due to a surge in tourist crowds trying to get the perfect shot. This has caused frustration and safety concerns for local residents and businesses in the town of Fujikawaguchiko, prompting authorities to erect a mesh barrier to ensure safety and order.

For dwellers of the mountains or high desert, a good pair of hiking boots is essential. As a gear tester and editor at Matador, I’ve worn many pairs from brands both established and new, and given that I hike hundreds of miles per year, have become quite picky about what I want in a pair of boots for the trail. I recently acquired a pair of Oboz Cottonwood Mid Waterproof hiking boots, listed with the term B-DRY on the REI website, after demoing them at a trade show, and after a month of constant trail use, the boots have earned their place in my gear collection as my new pair of go-to hiking boots. Here’s why.

Not all oceanside vacations are created equal, and one trip to Wilmington and our island beaches will show you why we’re the crown jewel of coastal getaways in the Carolinas. With the city’s historic River District and Riverwalk, along with three island beaches just minutes away, there’s plenty to explore. Expect to encounter turquoise waters, exceptional sand, one-of-a-kind nature escapes, and award-winning chefs and breweries — just a few of the many attractions you’ll fall in love with on this slice of the North Carolina coast.

The two largest cities in Portugal, Lisbon and Porto, are both located on the Atlantic coast, 190 miles apart. The drive between the two cities is a scenic one, but it does mean you’ll have to rent a vehicle to make the three-hour trip. If you want to travel between Lisbon and Porto in comfort, for cheap, and without putting in too much effort, take the train instead. The Lisbon to Porto train is very frequent, takes just as long as driving, costs less than what you’d pay for a rental and gas, and the landscape out the window is equally gorgeous.

Fall is the ideal time to visit Montana if you’re looking to get away from the crowds and into nature. The shoulder season welcomes the colorful displays of foliage, crisp, clean air, rivers teeming with fish, and active wildlife. Because Big Sky Country is vast, we’ve put together some top spots to see fall colors in all their glory. From the shimmering golden tapestry of aspen groves and deciduous trees in the southwestern and central regions, to the golden hues of the wheat fields against the backdrop of the setting sun over the northern and easter plains, here are some of the best places to visit in fall and where to stay.

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