Podcast: The art of Vodou in Haiti

For two days, adventure sports photographer Dru Kennedy and his friend waited for the fog to clear from Goose Cove, a popular spot for iceberg viewing near Newfoundland’s Great Northern Peninsula. They were hoping to set up a perfect biking shot in front of a drifting iceberg. 

A recent report released from travel marketing engine Sojern, analyzed travel trends from January 2015 to April 2016 and found the top international destinations for U.S. travelers as well as the top emerging and declining international spots.

This summer, Norwegian plans to fly from New York to Belfast, Dublin, Edinburgh, and Shannon—and for these flights, “New York” means Stewart International Airport (SWF), also called Stewart Field.

Looking for a new museum to add to your travel to-do list? TripAdvisor (SmarterTravel’s parent company) has released the Travelers’ Choice Top 25 Museums of 2018, including the top 10 worldwide and the top 10 in the United States, with some surprising frontrunners. The findings also highlight bookable ways to see each winner—think VIP tours and scavenger hunts—with some offering the added perk of allowing you to skip the lines to get in.

Here at SmarterTravel, travel is always on our minds. These days, though, it’s impossible to think about travel without thinking about COVID-19.

Tucked away on a quiet corner in Shinjuku, a stone’s throw from the venerable Park Hyatt Hotel, lies Tokyo’s most unlikely 5-star property. More Manhattan than Tokyo, the Kimpton Shinjuku Hotel is nothing like most traditional Japanese luxury hotels. Inspired by New York’s art and fashion scene, and housed behind an art deco-style façade reminiscent of the skyscrapers of the Big Apple, the Kimpton is a breath of fresh air in a mostly staid luxury market – modern, youthful, stylish, whimsical, and edgy. It is everything a New York boutique hotel would want to be, only it is located in the heart of one of Tokyo’s most popular areas.

Jaipur is a great place to visit due to its vibrant culture, stunning architecture, and rich historical background. Jaipur offers something for everyone- from the picturesque Hawa Mahal and Jantar Mantar to Birla Mandir and Nahargarh Fort, there are plenty of sights to explore. The lively street culture has colors that burst with life and the delicious food that is available from street vendors or restaurants will make sure you have an unforgettable experience. These Jaipur Airbnbs put you close to the action but offer ample privacy, as well.

Exploring the Amazon, the planet’s largest tropical rainforest and freshwater system, is a dream for many, but the costs of joining an organized tour expedition can be prohibitively expensive. Luckily, shelling out thousands of dollars for a spoon-fed expedition is not the only option. In fact, a week of the most thrilling and authentic mode of Amazonian travel — cargo-passenger boats — will probably cost you less than a fancy weekend in Rio de Janeiro.

I was immediately enveloped by the scents of the spices in the souks, the bustling of the medina, and the relaxation of a hammam when I touched down in Marrakech. Here in this vibrate Moroccan city, it’s easy to find experiences that teach you about the culture and leave you awe-inspired. Maybe it’s learning how to use those ever-present spices at a cooking class, or maybe it’s riding a camel in the desert. There’s simply no shortage of things to do to get a feel for all that Marrakech has to offer — even if you only have a short time in the Red City (a nickname you’ll quickly understand looking out onto the ramparts and buildings).

Synonymous with fashion, finance, and on-the-pulse architecture, Milan hotels reflect the character of Italy’s wealthiest city. Five-star properties place you steps from the Duomo or feature rooftop hangouts with insane views. As the capital of the Lombardy region, Milan also serves as the gateway to Northern Italy’s Lake District and the Dolomites. Whether you’re flying in to shop or cheer on your favorite football team, surrender yourself to Milanese luxury at these vogueish hotels in Milan, Italy.

Hewn from red volcanic rock and standing in a deep pit, this centuries-old monument is one of the world's most unique medieval churches.

What makes a fine rail journey? We all have our own ideas on this, but I find it’s best not to dash and to retain an element of spontaneity, taking the chance to stop off here and there along the way. So, last month I ended up taking three days for a train journey of only 200 miles.