History tips

Summer may be over, but beach season doesn’t have to be. In fact, with fewer crowds and cooler temperatures, fall is the best time to explore coastal towns where cultural sites, natural wonders, and tons of history tell memorable stories to take back home. Here are seven seaside escapes that are even better offseason.

Do you focus on food when you plan your travels? According to Tripadvisor, as the latest seasonal travel data indicates, food is the most exciting factor of upcoming trips – over two-thirds of travelers will prioritize food (67%) during their fall travels.

The American-made Boeing 747 was one of the most significant innovations in aviation history.

In the middle of a field in a lesser known part of Ireland is a large mound where sheep wander and graze freely. Had they been in that same location centuries ago, these animals might have been stiff with terror, held aloft by chanting, costumed celebrants while being sacrificed to demonic spirits that were said to inhabit nearby Oweynagat cave.

Affectionately known as the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection, Philadelphia has top things to do for sports fans, museum-goers and everyone in between.

In the distance, the verdant North Downs stretch out for miles, the chalk hills gently undulating until their ridges merge with the horizon. Closer, still, are fields of white lacey Cowslip and wild yellow Woodsorrel which dot the landscape with pops of colour. It’s hard to believe that we’re a short drive away from central London.

As the home of Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were debated and signed by the country’s forefathers, Philadelphia is a top destination for history buffs.

Steeped in American history and culture, Philadelphia is a popular destination for kids and families from all over.

From just outside the burn zone in Lahaina, Jes Claydon can see the ruins of the rental home where she lived for 13 years and raised three children. Little remains recognizable beyond the jars of sea glass that stood outside the front door.

Marathons have long since been a draw for travelers. The host city not only attracts the actual marathon runners, but also friends and families showing their support as well as marathon enthusiasts who want a front-row seat of the action.

For three centuries the history of France has been shaped by fortresses you probably never heard of, but which you are likely to encounter if traveling through the country.

Recently listed for $12.5 million, and situated 50 minutes from Monaco, Les Moulins du Villars on the French Riviera is an estate with important historical significance and a special connection to Grace Kelly.

The 25th Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is scheduled for October 16-20 this year in Samarkand. For the first time in history, Uzbekistan will host this important biennial gathering of member states and affiliate members of UNWTO.

An ancient Roman imperial palazzo atop the city's Palatine Hill was reopened to tourists on Thursday (21 September), nearly 50 years after its closure for restoration.

Reprinted with permission from The Globe: How the Earth Became Round by James Hannam, published by Reaktion Books Ltd. Copyright © 2023 by James Hannam. All rights reserved.

THIS ARTICLE IS ADAPTED FROM THE SEPTEMBER 17, 2023 EDITION OF GASTRO OBSCURA’S FAVORITE THINGS NEWSLETTER. YOU CAN SIGN UP HERE .

New York City evokes both high-rise luxury and savvy deals. But the best offer in town? The number of free attractions the Big Apple has to enjoy.

Some believe that fall starts right after Labor Day. Others look to the kickoff of the NFL season. And then there are those terribly misguided souls who eagerly await the return of pumpkin spice.

On May 29th, 1953, legendary mountain climbers Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay reached the summit of Mount Everest by navigating the extreme terrain of Mount Everest, a feat no human had ever achieved. To celebrate this monumental accomplishment, the Chinese watch brand that’s racked up more awards than many of its Swiss competitors, CIGA Design, has just released the U Mount Everest Homage Edition watch to celebrate this anniversary and showcase what is, arguably, the pinnacle (pun intended) of mechanical watchmaking: the central tourbillon.

On May 29th, 1953, legendary mountain climbers Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay reached the summit of Mount Everest by navigating the extreme terrain of Mount Everest, a feat no human had ever achieved. To celebrate this monumental accomplishment, the Chinese watch brand that’s racked up more awards than many of its Swiss competitors, CIGA Design, has just released the U Mount Everest Homage Edition watch to celebrate this anniversary and showcase what is, arguably, the pinnacle (pun intended) of mechanical watchmaking: the central tourbillon.

South Africa revolutionized African travel with its stylish, upscale safari camps and hip beach resorts.