I took a 5-day trip to the Great Smoky Mountains with just a backpack. Here are 9 things I'm glad I packed, and 1 thing I wish I left behind.

I visited Banff, Canada, this past July and it is easily the most impressive place I've ever been.

Of the half million annual visitors to the Edinburgh International Festival (running from 4-28 August this year), the vast majority don’t leave the city. Which is understandable given the cultural smörgåsbord on offer, and that it takes place in (arguably) the UK’s most attractive city. But it’s also a wasted opportunity given that this is the capital of one of the most beautiful countries in the world, with a wealth of stunning scenery on its doorstep.

I was waiting in my hotel lobby for an Uber to take me to the annual Twins Days Festival in Twinsburg, Ohio when I met Dina Brewer and Rina Nicholas, 67, who came all the way from California. Like me, it was also their first year attending the event, and none of us realized the difficulties of getting a rideshare in suburban Ohio.

As summer ramps up in the northern hemisphere, many of us will begin packing suitcases, carry-ons and duffel bags as we prepare to head away on holiday.  

Great Smoky Mountains National Park has closed a park road due to bear activity during a time when the animals are foraging for food.

A United Airlines passenger flew two hours across the US after the airline failed to reunite her with her bag.

In July, The New York Post published an article in which New York real estate agents proclaimed that Atlantic Beach, a village in Long Island, is becoming the "new Hamptons."

Chicago has enough cloud-poking towers, rockin’ live-music clubs and world-class museums to keep you occupied for weeks, but just beyond city limits, you can also scale sand dunes at a national park, rev a Harley and amble around wineries.

Enter the Liberty Richter “Kitchens of India” sweepstakes by June 15, 2016, for a chance to win the grand prize: a six-day trip for two to New Delhi, India, including air, transfers, and hotel.

Enter the Eight O’Clock Coffee “Chill in Italy” sweepstakes by July 13, 2016, for a chance to win the grand prize: a seven-day trip for two to Italy, including air and hotel accommodations. (Winner may elect to receive a check for $4,000 in lieu of the trip.)