Compass
...if you find your way east of Phoenix and approach the small town of Apache Junction, the city lights melt away and the mountains rise to meet you. As cacti replace streetlights and horses replace sports cars, you might wonder if you’ve stepped back into the Wild West.
Known for its sparkling fjords, majestic mountain ranges, and expansive forests, Norway’s awe-inspiring landscape beckons to nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. For me, it was love at first sight on my initial visit more than a decade ago. While the natural beauty lured me, the culture of this magical land enticed me even more.
Travel in 2025 is about seeking out experiences that go beyond the ordinary. As many traditional hotspots grapple with overtourism, a growing number of travelers are looking for destinations that are quieter, more meaningful, and less traveled. From emerging hotspots to hidden treasures, these destinations promise unique adventures. Here’s a closer look at where industry experts recommend heading in the year ahead.
From 1854 onward, a yearly market shall be held in Røros, commencing the second to last Tuesday in the month of February and lasting until the following Friday,” declared the King of Norway. When the king speaks, Norwegians listen, and in February 1854, Rørosmartnan was born.
With the holidays approaching, I’m sure all of us already have our holiday dinner menu planned. Today, let’s go on a virtual journey to learn about traditional holiday dishes from around the world.
The surprising southern town of Aiken, South Carolina’s intriguing history includes Native American culture, defining Civil War battles, and a railroad, once considered the world’s longest, that arrived here from coastal Charleston in 1833. After the Civil War, Aiken became a magnet for wealthy northerners. Among them were the Whitneys and Vanderbilts—who were keen on equestrian sports. They called Aiken the “Original Winter Colony.” Southerners flocked here, too, as monied folks from the coast fled malarial areas seeking a wellness retreat. In the name of charm, they all left their mark here.
Viewing the Northern Lights is a magical experience that tops bucket lists everywhere. It beckons travelers worldwide to frosty destinations. From now until 2026, the aurora borealis activity is expected to reach its highest levels in 11 years. This uptick in solar activity makes the current era a particularly good time for aurora-viewing vacations. This winter, why not combine the experience of searching for this natural phenomenon with a cultural experience in your choice of winter wonderlands?
London during the holiday season is something I wish everyone could experience at least once in their lifetime. I mean, you think you've seen Christmas spirit, until you go to London in the month of December.
The Glenn H. Curtiss Museum in Hammondsport, New York, honors the memory of an aviation pioneer. Much more than a leader in flight, Curtiss began innovation on bicycles, leading to motorcycles and then airplanes. The museum is filled with just about every form of transportation mankind has used and tells not only Curtiss’s story but also the Hammondsport/Steuben County history of transportation.
What is the first thing coming to your mind when you hear the name Christmas Island? The island may sound festive by name, but it is a tropical paradise, fringed by palm trees and edged by sandy beaches that indent the rugged coastline. Captain William Mynors of the British East India Company discovered Christmas Island on December 25, 1643. The date probably gives away why the island is called Christmas.
When the holiday season rolls around, few experiences match the charm of a German Christmas market. Known locally as Weihnachtsmärkte, these markets are more than just festive events—they’re spaces where history, tradition, and community come together. While you can find Christmas markets in many parts of the world now, the ones in Germany, where it all started, still stand out for their authenticity and atmosphere.
On the outskirts of Yellowstone National Park, 128 alpacas peer over the latched fences of Powell, Wyoming’s Arrowhead Alpacas. On the day of my farm visit, owner Jan Sapp unlatches the first fence and fills my palms with feed. I crouch down with my arms outstretched, deferential to the curious animals. Most meet my efforts with unimpressed stares. Only after a few minutes does the bravest alpaca — or perhaps the hungriest — step forward, accepting my offer with a tickle of her tongue.
