The 7 most spectacular hikes in Portugal

It's no secret that Jamaica excels at white sand beaches and sensual, apricot-colored sunsets. What travelers often overlook is the island's road trip appeal. 

World travelers are well aware of the most expensive cities in the world, particularly in 2023 when global prices rose on average by 7.4%. Three new surveys offer an insight into whether the most expensive cities merit the high price tags—are they the most sustainable and the ones offering the best quality of life?

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Everyone loves a new beginning—and that’s the theme we’re seeing with this season’s splashiest hotel openings. In Aspen, a town most known for over-the-top luxury, a design-forward, approachable four-star hotel (with five-star food) sets up shop. A historic, Southern Gothic mansion enters its glow-up era as a contemporary, sceney hotspot in Savannah. And the latest offering from Auberge Resorts gives a compelling reason to extend your next Texas work trip by a night or two. Here, some of the most exciting openings this winter to have on your radar.

Every state has its own iconic dish that it's famous for.

One hundred miles east of Los Angeles, Palm Springs is the choice weekend destination of Angelenos. The Sonoran Desert oasis has seen a star-studded population; Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, and most recently the Kardashians have put roots down in Old Las Palmas. Fortunately, Airbnb opens up the hot springs, hiking trails, and golf courses to us B-listers. We’re still waiting for Leo’s villa to hit the platform but until then these Guest Favorite Airbnbs in Palm Springs grant a taste of the superstar lifestyle.

Nothing says “happy holidays” like an extravagant Christmas display. Hoteliers know this. That’s why every winter hotels across the country get dressed in their holiday best, with twinkly lights and holly wreaths and maybe a reindeer lawn ornament or two. But only a handful of hotels truly go all out. From stories-high Christmas trees to beachfront ice skating rinks, these nine US holiday hotels take seasonal cheer to a whole new level.

Although Luxembourg is very small and made up of primarily rural land, this wealthy European country offers an impressive amount of opportunities for excitement and relaxation. It’s bordered by Belgium, France and Germany — and the culture of its nearby neighbors are reflected in the atmosphere of luxury and adventure of Luxembourg. The geography features dense forests and rocky gorges, but the capital city of Luxembourg City hosts urban opportunities to explore including castles and museums. There are many fine Luxembourg Airbnbs, but staying in a hotel offers a more traditional European hospitality experience.

Despite Whistler being one of the most popular and the largest ski resorts in North America, the mountain town is a year-round destination. In summer, it transforms into a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Downhill mountain biking is a popular activity, and the outstanding natural beauty of the area makes it a top green tourism destination. The mountain culture extends from the village, too. You can SUP it on Nita Lake, fly fish on Green Lake, enjoy the beautiful hiking trails, or catch a glimpse of black bears from the Peak 2 Peak Gondola. Regardless of what time of year you’re planning a trip, accommodation in Whistler books up far in advance and can be costly. There are a couple of solutions here. The first is to opt for a self-catering option, such as one of the many Airbnb Whistler rentals. The second is to gather a group of friends and family and split the cost. Some of the Airbnbs listed here are ski-in/ski-out rentals. Others have sprawling deck areas perfect for summertime grilling. All have rave reviews, Superhost status, and every amenity you need for an unforgettable trip to Whistler.

The year may be coming to a close, but the night sky has at least one more major treat in store: the Geminid meteor shower, which will peak tonight into tomorrow.

Whether you're swerving along the asphalt in the wild and expansive north, skirting the towering bluffs and wave-battered coasts of western Honshu, or winding through the archipelago of the Inland Sea, you can’t beat the freedom of being behind the wheel. And as an island nation with nearly three-quarters of its terrain covered by mountains, Japan seems custom-built for scenic road trips.

This series of articles about credit cards, points and miles, and budgeting for travel is brought to you in partnership with  The Points Guy .