Exploring Gullah culture in South Carolina

Los Angeles is one of the most expensive cities in the United States, whether you live here or are visiting. In fact, based on tourism taxes, Los Angeles is the third most expensive city for tourists to visit in the world.

When an airline’s own pilots call its service “outright embarrassing,” and deride the company’s corporate culture as “toxic,” you can safely say that airline has a problem.

Southwest Airlines is California Dreamin’ with a new sale that has one-way flights within the Golden State on sale starting at just $29

Solo travel has the power to transform: Think of the memoirs “Eat Pray Love” or “Wild.” But you don’t have to circumnavigate the globe or hike 1,100 miles to see why some people choose to go it alone. The freedom to explore at your own pace, open to connecting with people you meet along the way, can feel as intoxicating as a tropical breeze. But solo travel can be daunting, too, especially when problems arise. And of course, solo travelers need to keep certain safety considerations in mind.

Seville, the sun-drenched capital of Andalusia in southern Spain, is a city packed with cobbled alleys, terraza bars that spill into plazas filled with orange trees, and live flamenco. Known for its magnificent architecture, Seville is home to a stunning array of historical landmarks. The centerpiece is undoubtedly the Seville Cathedral, the world’s largest Gothic cathedral, standing in the heart of the city. Seville’s culinary scene is a delightful journey through hole-in-the-wall tapas bars. At local tavernas like El Rinconcillo, the city’s oldest bar, you can savor traditional tapas such as espinacas con garbanzos (spinach with chickpeas) or solomillo al whisky (pork in whisky sauce), paired perfectly with a glass of crisp, local sherry or vermouth. Choosing where to base yourself in the city is depends what style you’re into. The old centre is a tangle of narrow medieval streets, while the neighbourhood of Triana, one of the birthplaces of flamenco, has become the city’s hippest hangout. To help you out, here’s a selection of top-rated hotels famed for their level of service, design aesthetic, and location close to must-see attractions.

Located just outside of Charlotte, North Carolina, Cabarrus County is an escape from the city proper that has no shortage of things to do. There’s a wealth of adrenaline-fueled experiences, historic treasures at an old gold mine, museums, food markets, and cafés that are perfect for remote workers looking for a change of scenery.

We had come, mistakenly, for the wildflowers. We'd heard that in spring, South Dakota's Badlands erupted in blooms. Though we identified some provocative species—woolly locoweed, meadow death camas, and Western false asphodel, a carnivorous plant disguised in white frippery—we were a few weeks early for the main event. It was the start of May and still a bit chilly for most of the species to blossom.

Alfred the Great made Winchester England’s first capital in 871, and the Hampshire city long remained at the centre of the action. Narrow streets of medieval and Georgian buildings hint at its past. The nearby South Downs National Park can also be accessed via the South Downs Way. A 100-mile-long walking and cycling route, the trail starts in Winchester and stretches to Eastbourne. 

A Rocky Mountain megastar, Denver is a thriving city that blends its rich Old West history with a modern, cosmopolitan vibe. Here you’ll find dynamic arts and cultural options woven with a booming food, craft beer and cannabis scene. And with endless sunny days, green spaces galore and a spectacular mountain backdrop, outdoor play is always part of the local ethos. Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, you’ll find Denver is buzzing with activity.

On June 25, I visited the Demilitarized Zone, or DMZ, between North and South Korea. The day of my visit marked exactly 73 years since the Korean War began in 1950, and the spot I stood at wasn't far from the site where, a couple weeks later, a US soldier would shock the world by darting across the border and defecting into North Korea.

I first encountered the Palisades, a set of massive cliffs overlooking Manhattan from across the Hudson River, out of desperation. At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, I felt an all-consuming urge to get out and explore. For me, that meant jumping on my bicycle and riding deep into the city and then out of it.