This Is the Most Affordable State to Retire in the U.S.

With the cost of living on the rise, many Americans are on the hunt for cheap places to live that still offer a high quality of life. To help in the quest for the perfect place to call home, Empower—a financial services company—has issued a new report with the 20 most affordable cities in the United States.

Which natural wonders are most sought after by travelers? The experts at Titan Travel have noted the popularity of world-famous natural wonders on Instagram and TikTok, as well as Google search volumes and Tripadvisor, to reveal the world’s natural wonders perceived as most worthy of a visit.

Chicago is a place of culture, history, and artistic expression. This vibrant metropolis is home to a flourishing art scene, with numerous museums and galleries offering a diverse array of exhibitions and events. From exploring the works of Black American writers in the American Writers Museum to delving into the revolutionary art of Camille Claudel, and from celebrating the legacy of Pablo Picasso to witnessing the fascinating world of the Jewish deli, Chicago's art world is alive and thriving. Here is a closer look at the latest happenings in Chicago's art scene.

North America’s wilderness wealth springs from an incredibly vast, breathtakingly varied range of gorgeous destinations and encounters. Exciting. Calming. Challenging. Startling. Inspiring. Rejuvenating. Bold. Joyful. Sublime. For on-the-go vacationers as well as armchair travelers, the new oversized (10 1/2” x 13 1/2”) National Geographic: Atlas of Wild America, published this month, provides a picturesque super-dive into spectacular horizons. Written by Jon Waterman, a former park ranger and veteran guide, with a foreword by environmental historian Roderick F. Nash, this hefty tome, with 308 photos and 262 maps, applauds both well-known majestic favorites and off-the-beaten-path intimate finds, unveiling intricate details and data galore. Be awed by nature-loving secrets and surprises.

In a city known for its wealth of food options, you might be surprised to learn that one of the best meals you’ll have in London – or, perhaps, anywhere – is dinner at Nipa Thai in the Royal Lancaster London. Two months later, my husband and I are still talking about it – and the rest of our luxurious two night stay in this gem of a hotel.

Soon after the death of Sarah Winchester in San Jose, California, in 1922, the new owners opened her mansion as an attraction for tourists drawn to tales of the bizarre. Winchester was the heir to the gun manufacturer’s fortune, and rumors swirled around her constant home building and renovation. She constructed elaborate extra rooms (more than a hundred), stairs that led nowhere, and empty corridors that turned the house into a bewildering maze.

“Muy bien, Panchita,” I whispered to my horse as she picked her way up the rocky path. It was 5:30 a.m., and the stars above us were lighting the way. Our group was hushed, and the only sounds came from our horse's hooves, the gauchos' commands, and reverent gasps as the sun began to rise, revealing the Andes against a pinkening sky. I took a moment to let the experiences of the past weekend wash over me while we rode: Two days prior, I'd learned how to cook by fire with iconic Argentine chef Francis Mallmann. I had, later, taken a sensory wine course taught by one of the first certified sommeliers in Argentina, Mariana Onofri. When we reached the mountain peak, I dismounted my horse and joined my group of fellow travelers circling a roaring fire, as someone handed me a steaming gourd of maté.

In hospitality, timing is everything. There has been an undeniable hotel boom over the last two years, mostly of pandemic-delayed projects that finally came to fruition. This fall, however, it feels like things are slowing down—in a good way. The openings that we’re most excited about these days feel less like catch up and more like highly specific, precious moments: the Pacific Northwest’s first Ritz-Carlton, an Old Hollywood icon reborn, and a monumental New York City opening. Each feels special in its own way, and exactly like the kind of place we want to lay our heads this season. Here, the most exciting fall hotel openings of 2023.

There's something seriously special about train travel—particularly when the journey includes a sleeper carriage as good as these ones. There's only one problem: you'll be so mesmerized by the view whooshing past your window that sleep seems nigh impossible. Below, we take a look at some of the world's very best sleeper trains, where the sleep cabins are just as inviting as the views.

Now through Oct. 22, 2023, you can catch Cirque du Soleil ECHO in the Big Top tent at Lerner Town Square at Tysons II, just a 30-minute drive or Metro ride from Washington, D.C. in Tysons, Virginia.

Skygazers in eight western U.S. states will be treated to a rare “ring of fire” eclipse on Saturday, Oct. 14. With the moon covering all but the outer edges of the sun, it will briefly look as though there’s a blazing ring of fire igniting the sky.

Anyone who has planned a Walt Disney World vacation knows dining reservations can be difficult to snag at certain sought-after locales. From California Grill, perched high atop Disney's Contemporary Resort, to 'Ohana, at Disney's beautiful Polynesian Village Resort, these coveted spots are often booked up.