How to plan the ultimate US rail trip along the West Coast or Eastern Seabord

The city of Boston is equipped with a wealth of historic neighborhoods, with districts ranging from the dazzling Back Bay to the ultra-Italian North End—but the Bay State charm doesn’t end once you hit the edge of the waterfront. East of the city’s coastline, the waters of Boston Harbor are peppered with idyllic islands, many of which sport fascinating forts and scenic landscapes. During the warmer months, visitors are welcome to hop on a ferry and explore the region, but in the dead of winter, there’s one fascinating event that’s particularly suited for both local and visiting birders.

After some gentle winter sunshine to warm your skin and soothe your soul? Take a trip to Gozo, an island with wonderful coastal scenery a short ferry ride from Malta. Walk along the coastline; swim in untouched waters on secluded beaches and admire the neo-Romanesque architecture of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of Ta’ Pinu. Spend the evenings eating freshly caught fish with a glass of Maltese wine, which rivals its Mediterranean neighbours in quality. Laura B

While New England is home to a plethora of postcard-perfect inns and bed and breakfasts, it's tough to top the charm, grace, and remote location of The Weston.

In 1775, Benjamin Franklin was appointed the first Postmaster General.

There are train journeys where one just gazes at hills rolling by beyond the carriage window. I love such routes, be they in the Alps, Iberia or the Balkans. Things are different in the Netherlands, where pancake-flat landscapes dominate. Yet even in the flatlands there is often visual drama. The rail routes skirting Dutch heathlands around Apeldoorn are wonderful. And there is a subtle beauty, especially at low sun angles, to the secondary railways which follow the River IJssel downstream from Zutphen to Zwolle.

Travel from a remote snow-covered station high on a mountain plateau, through a lush valley packed with astonishing views, remarkable tunnels, and powerful waterfalls, down to a picturesque fjord-side village nestled beside classic Norwegian fjord landscape all in less than one hour. This is what awaits you on Norway’s incredible Flåm Railway.

A long ski weekend always sounds great on paper, until you realize all the ski trip gear you need to actually make it a success. Whether it’s equipment for skiing itself or essentials to take your apres-ski or lodge relaxation to the next level, preparation is crucial to having a great ski weekend. Compiling a complete list of everything you need can be a daunting task — that’s why we’ve got you covered. Before you book your first trip to the slopes this winter, make sure you check out our list of gear that’s essential for an epic ski weekend.

In 1836, George Calvert Yount planted the first wine grapes in the Napa region. Wild grapes grew in the area, but Yount saw the potential for winemaking, and subsequent settlers followed suit with their own vineyards, including traditional European vitis vinifera grapevines.

Europe is home to 63 of the top 100 city destinations in the world, according to a new ranking.

There's no denying it — when it comes to skiing in the U.S., there's nothing like skiing out west. But, for those closer to the East Coast, it's oftentimes significantly easier to jump in the car and drive to your favorite ski resort, which might be located in a charming New England ski town with some top-tier lodging and dining options.

As a Brooklynite, I’ve got a little checklist for winter weekend getaways. The destination shouldn’t take more than several hours to get to. It should also have excellent restaurants and bars. Above all else, the place should be thoroughly relaxing and absent of crowds, traffic, and unnecessary noise.

Europe’s airports are regularly ranked from best to worst to help travellers make informed choices.