Get To Know the Real Banff, From Hot Springs and Waterfalls To Historic Town Sites

You pass so close to towering red rock canyons in southern Utah that you expect to hear scraping or see sparks as you glide by. They loom so dramatically over you that you stare without blinking. And if you’re on board the train Rocky Mountaineer, you have glass domed and sided coaches to take it all in, all of the majestic landscape on the Rockies to Red Rocks journey between Moab, Utah and Denver.

For U.S. News & World Report, the road from weekly news magazine to publisher of company rankings has been a long and winding one. The key, though, to its shift toward data-driven ratings of companies and institutions was its 1983 publication of “America’s Best Colleges.”

This year UNESCO has added 29 new cultural sites to its World Heritage List. Here are 12 wonders to add to your bucket list.

Located in the Rocky Mountains, Banff is a famous Canadian ski town that's home to Banff National Park, one of the most visited national parks in the country.

Costa Rica is one of the most visited international destinations, and for good reason. With lush tropical rainforests, dramatic volcanic hot springs, and endless waterfalls thanks to the verdant jungle and surrounding mountains, it’s no wonder that travelers go to Costa Rica to experience some of the richest biodiversity on the planet. In fact, it’s home to the tallest waterfall in Central America, El Salto del Calvo. As 25 percent of the country is protected for conservation, most cascades are located within some of the 32 national parks and have entrance fees, but that shouldn’t stop you from checking them out — they’re well worth a few bucks. Here are the 14 most amazing waterfalls you should go chasing while in Costa Rica.

Most people think traveling from the US to Europe means crossing the Atlantic Ocean, usually on a six-plus-hour flight. However, there’s a whole other part of Europe smack in the middle of the ocean that melds the green, rocky hillsides of the UK with the Mediterranean vibes and culture of Portugal.

Reykjavik is a great tourist destination for those looking to explore the beauty of nature and experience unique culture. It’s located in Iceland, an island nation full of lush landscapes and spectacular sights. Reykjavik also offers many fun activities like whale watching, geothermal spas, and Northern Lights tours. With its vibrant nightlife and arts scene, Reykjavik is a great place to explore cultural gems and have an unforgettable experience. These are the best Airbnbs in Reykjavik.

Whether you’re hitting the trails or planning a deep dive into First Nations history, the chances are you’ll pass through YVR during your time in Vancouver, British Columbia. Vancouver International Airport is located on Sea Island in the neighboring city of Richmond, BC. Although the Canada Line links you to Downtown Vancouver and the cruise port in less than half an hour, spending a night at one of the nearby Vancouver Airport hotels spares you the risk of sprinting for the red-eye.

Based on its name alone, you might picture a vast frozen wilderness, but actually only 11% of Iceland is covered with ice.

Southeast Asia is the quintessential backpacker destination – all noodle stands, grungy hostels and full moon parties, right? Not necessarily. There are still plenty of authentic Southeast Asian escapes. You just need to know where to find them. Start here.

A land full of bubbling hot springs, frozen glaciers and striking fjords, Iceland is a photographer's dream. There are lush green fields, barren landscapes and towering mountains and volcanoes to be discovered, and the hiking is some of the best in the world. See if these incredible photos of Iceland convince you to fly north...

A bewitching Nordic nation of volcanoes, glaciers, cosmic winter light shows and endless summer twilight, Iceland is like nothing you’ve ever experienced before. The island’s mercurial weather means you’ll need to prepare for quick changes in advance. And the spectacularly dramatic landscape can bring its own challenges too. As they say, it’s good to know before you go, so read on for our top Iceland travel tips. From saving money to keeping safe and everything in between, find out all you need for an unforgettable trip.