Travel in city Memphis, state Tennessee

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Valerie Do, 19, a TikTok creator who posts about life as an international student. It has been edited for length and clarity.

Dec 17, 2024 • 5 min read

Memphis is a soulful and historic city that’s become something of a magnet for young creatives and movers and shakers. It makes sense: The former stomping grounds of blues legend BB King, funkmaster Isaac Hayes, and rock-and-roll king Elvis Presley (whose Graceland mansion is open for tours) has a lot going for it, from live music and classic Southern cuisine to major landmarks like Beale Street. It’s also less than a four-hour drive south from Nashville.

There’s been a lot of big news for destinations around the world, from two Caribbean islands that began requiring new electronic entry forms to Europe’s new entry requirements being delayed yet again. 

Travelers searching for America's safest cities may want to head to New England this holiday season.

Several passengers were injured after a flight encountered severe turbulence, according to a Federal Aviation Administration preliminary report.

The people of Memphis know how to have a good time and there is rarely a period when the city isn't enormous fun to visit.

A guy jumped into Elvis Presley's swimming pool while touring the late singer's Graceland home — and people online disagree on how the King of Rock 'n Roll would have felt about it.  

Thousands of Airbnbs and short-term rentals are about to be wiped off the map in New York City.

Harry Houdini performed magic under its marquee. Dick Van Dyke sent belly-aching laughter careening over its velvet seats. B.B. King unleashed the thrill of Lucille’s wailing strings over its orchestra pit. And Robert Plant sent the thunderous echoes of rock n’ roll around the glimmering sconces of its mezzanine.

The USA’s sheer scale and scope means it’s impossible to see everything the country has to offer in one go ­– and you shouldn’t try. From sprawling national parks to quirky small towns to some of the world’s most exciting cities, America has an overwhelming number of potential trips.