“Spa Camp” At Lake Austin Spa Is Where A Summer Should Be

In our 5 Shops series, we'll point you in the direction of our favorite independent shops across some of the world's best cities. From food markets to bookshops, vintage and homegrown design, we've found a diverse and exciting mix of local retailers where you can pick up one-of-a-kind pieces.

The more than 600 vineyards, sprawled across the picturesque green rolling hills of La Rioja, Navarra and Basque Country in northern Spain, are not as visited as those of California and France but certainly should be. The World’s Best Vineyards awards were held in Rioja last month and a Rioja vineyard, Marqués de Riscal, took second place. The full-bodied reds and elegant whites are reason alone to visit Rioja and wine tastings are an essential part of the wine tourism experience. From the bold and fruity flavors of Crianzas to the more complex profiles of aged Gran Reservas, the tastings offer a delightful journey through the diverse region.

The gateway to Switzerland’s Bernese Alps, Thun is as quintessentially Swiss as you can get. Lake Thun is bookended by its namesake town to the west and the adventure sports hub of Interlaken to the east, and has long provided an escape into nature for Swiss travellers in the know. However, the region has remained somewhat under the radar to holidaymakers from further afield. The result is a series of quiet, trail-woven vineyards, castle-sprinkled shores, myth-laden caves and never-ending mountain views — all perfect for a short summer or autumn break.

In my years spent traveling, I've learned that some places — often referred to as "tourist traps" — are successful at bringing in thousands of visitors because they're really worth visiting.

Any time is a great time to visit Sugar Land, Texas. Sugar Land is 20 miles southwest of Houston, and the area enjoys nearly year-round warm temperatures, which make outdoor activities an option just about any day of the year.

Is there a better month to feel a surge of travel spirit than September? As the summer holiday crush eases, Europe gets back to business and harvest time brings a bevy of the continent’s stellar produce to restaurant tables, from young wines to olives, Greek figs, British apples, Spanish almonds and so much more.

Turo, the peer-to-peer car rental startup, has seen an uptick in electric vehicle use for summer road trips.

This is an as-told-to essay based on a conversation with Dave Claunch, the owner of the Bloomhouse rental property in Austin, Texas. The following has been edited for length and clarity.

Michelin’s famously anonymous inspectors have been dining throughout Colorado ahead of the state’s first-ever guide.

Summers in my hometown of Geneva, Switzerland used to bring sunny spells, but also long, rainy periods during which one wondered whether July had suddenly morphed into November. No longer. Climate change and its resulting heat waves have transformed the aquatic landscape, and more importantly the relationship between people and Lake Geneva (also known as Lake Léman). Along the quays, outdoor bars and cafes have sprung up, and on the water, sail boats, yachts, but also kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and even floating mattresses lend a new Mediterranean feel to this Alpine scenery.

For first-time campers, spending the night outside presents a planning wilderness, including figuring out what to bring. The following are tips from experts in getting started.

Japan has been knocked off the top spot for the world’s most powerful passport for the first time in five years.