The ultimate guide to Kansai by rail

On a grassy bluff at the southern tip of Sri Lanka, I clasp a negroni, my feet pointing downhill toward the Indian Ocean. Snatches of jazz float into my ears from Cape Weligama's Surf Bar. On the horizon a cluster of roseate clouds match the hue of my drink.

It’s Willy Wonka’s Golden Ticket competition of 2024. Marriott Bonvoy is offering members of its loyalty scheme the chance to see Taylor Swift’s Eras tour. And you don’t have to work out ways to get enough Bonvoy points to be the highest bidder; it’s a sweepstake which means anyone can win. Winners will be picked at random - a good thing. Less great is that the odds against you winning are huge.

There are plenty of iconic symbols that come to mind when I think of Japan — like towering pagodas and red torii gates. But the country has also become famous for its breathtaking cherry blossoms.

April brings a seasonal shift across the globe, making it the ideal time of year for exploring ancient wonders, embarking on epic adventures and savoring fresh local produce.

Hotel AKA Alexandria is a chic, sultry, boutique-feeling hotel hosting 180 residential-style accommodations in the Alexandria, Virginia’s, Northern Old Town Alexandria neighborhood. It’s an easy 15-minute walk from traditional downtown Old Town Alexandria’s bustling shopping, dining, and attractions and a quick 20-minute drive from downtown Washington. D.C.’s metropolitan atmosphere. But it’s secluded enough and separated away from the traffic and hustle of nearby business districts to offer a nice, quiet respite as a home base while visiting the area.

Solo traveling isn’t exactly a new concept. In fact, according to results from the Visa Global Travel Intentions Study, an estimated 24 percent of those who travel tend to jet off on solo vacations instead of planning trips with friends or family. Solo traveling is an excellent way to get to know yourself, to focus on problem-solving, and of course to see the world without waiting on anyone else or making compromises.

The world’s most valuable horse race will be staged this week with the Saudi Cup 2024 set to be bigger than ever.

A four-hour drive from Denver, the rural town of Granada, Colorado, is home to just 450 people—and, at the end of a bumpy dirt road, the now-empty barracks and haunting buildings of “Camp Amache.” Also known as the Granada Relocation Center, Amache was once an internment camp for nearly 10,000 Japanese Americans who were forcibly removed from their homes between 1942 and 1945. Now, after decades of preservation efforts by local volunteers, this site has officially become America's newest national park.

It's time to think pink. After months of bleak winter weather, spring is ready to explode in the northern hemisphere with a riot of cherry tree blossoms. 

This year more folks are prioritizing travel and newfangled experiences. We’re inspired by beloved television shows à la Emily in Paris to reexamine cities we’ve previously visited. Scoring tickets to see our favorite musical artists, like Taylor Swift, fortuitously opens up the prospect of flying to a different country. A rising wellness and longevity movement encourages travelers to seek alcohol-free vacations. Slower and more intentional travel—quality over quantity—is important and sustainability and eco-minded experiences are at the forefront.

One of America's most beloved cruise operators, American Queen Voyages, has shut down.

The State Department poured a bucket of cold water on spring break 2024 when it recently issued warnings for several popular spring destinations.