Budapest: the perfect summer break

Four capital cities stand on the banks of the Danube, but only one has the river at its heart. Before Budapest’s official unification on 17 November 1873, the royal city of Buda looked out from its castle-topped hill across the river towards popular Pest on the plain. The opening of the Széchenyi Chain Bridge in 1849 had laid the ground-work, permanently linking both halves of the Hungarian capital. This stone-and-iron landmark has been closed for two years for renovation: its expected autumn reopening will be the most fitting present the city could gift itself on its 150th birthday. What’s more, visiting well-wishers will find some exciting new hotels to stay in.

Haven’t made your summer vacation plans yet? Still searching the web to find the best deals? Fear not, there is still time to plan an enjoyable summer vacation with friends and loved ones. These vacation destinations offer easy access from major cities along with a variety of activities suitable for the hot days of August. From surfing lessons on crystal clear waters to enjoying talented performers, these destinations are sure to please those procrastinators who wait until the last minute to plan their summer vacations.

Picnics signal a return to a simpler life, when there was plenty of leisure time to spend lazing about in a bucolic, pastoral setting, stuffing yourself full of delightful food and drink in the sun-dappled company of family and friends.

When thinking of city breaks in Hungary, Romania and Greece, certain places will instantly spring to mind: Budapest, Bucharest and Athens, the much-admired capitals. But in 2023, it’s time to make space on your travel wish list for some up-and-coming urban hotspots in these countries: the European Capitals of Culture 2023. This year, why not get under the skin of a secret city that's rich with art, history, gastronomy and vibrant local communities? Step forward Veszprém, Timișoara, and Elefsina: it’s your time to shine.

Summer 2023 is turning out to be one of the wildest for tourists on record. 

Cruising is one of the best ways to take in multiple destinations on a single trip, not to mention some killer ocean views. For those reasons and more, we look forward to Cruise Critic’s annual Cruisers’ Choice Destination Awards. Based on port ratings from avid cruisers and readers, Cruise Critic picks 15 destination winners each year.

Wondering which airports are most likely to put you behind schedule during the busy summer travel season? If you’re flying to the Boston, Chicago, New York, or San Francisco areas this summer—or even worse, connecting to another flight there—be especially wary.

The folks at Travelex, the foreign-exchange giant, recently published a list of the destinations where £500 (currently, $674 USD) would last the longest. Although the list targeted British travelers, the figures should work out about the same for travelers from North America, with roughly $700 in mind.

The esteemed Dr. Beach has released his annual list of America’s top ten beaches, and you’ll want to visit all of them this summer—doctors orders.

When the U.S. National Park Service (NPS) proposed drastic hikes to admission fees last fall, the reaction was swift and negative. It seems the NPS heard what people will saying.

For New Yorkers, access to a good rooftop can make or break a summer. Whether you’re getting your tan on or enjoying a quiet nightcap with a view of the skyline, time spent on the roof is a quintessential part of summer in New York City. And for visitors, there’s no better or easier way to join in the rooftop revelry than by hitting up some of the best rooftop bars in NYC.

Here’s a secret: If you want to visit Europe during peak season without the crowds, take to the ocean. A small-ship sailing tour lets you explore the hidden gems of Croatia, Italy, or Greece, without having to fight traffic or cram yourself on a crowded train.