...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. 

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?

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.

Across the U.S., travelers are changing course from big-city escapes to nature-focused adventures. With a renewed appreciation for the outdoors, many Americans are journeying to majestic mountains, serene lakes, and quiet coastlines in search of peace, fresh air, and a deeper connection with the environment. And for a growing number of these adventurers, one important companion is always in tow—their beloved pets.

Deep in Green Spain, on a quiet, residential street in Palas de Rei, a narrow stone block stands tall, engraved with a blue square and yellow seashell — the telltale sign of Spain’s Camino de Santiago. Here, the well-trafficked pilgrimage route intersects with a stone farmhouse, robust herb garden, and outdoor tienda. These components form the Milhulloa Coop, where pilgrims can purchase — or make — herb-based toiletries, cosmetics, and even a drink, all without veering off-course.

When considering an Antarctic expedition cruise, images of penguins, seals, and whales come to mind. But for me, the real star was frozen saltwater, known as sea ice, and its unexpected yet critical environmental role. Who would have thought that ice could hold such fascination?

Lacing up your hiking boots and hitting the trails is hands-down the best way to immerse yourself in autumn's dazzling display. Whether you're conquering a mountain summit in Virginia or meandering through geologic history in Wisconsin, trails offer a front-row seat to nature's most spectacular show. These overlooked destinations have the perfect trails for leaf-peeping.

Hear “Valparaíso” and you’ll think of street art, seafaring, and sore legs – those 45 hills aren’t to be trifled with. Beyond the city of Valparaíso, the natural beauty of Chile’s Fifth region has inspired such creatives as Violeta Parra and Pablo Neruda while captivating explorers. 

Imagine it—you’re standing on a precipice, stepping onto a boarding ramp, or diving into depths unknown. How do you feel? Do any of those circumstances conjure a lump in your throat or butterflies in your stomach? When we feel fear, we tend to hold back, to confine ourselves to the safety of the familiar. But the very act of traveling possesses a unique power to push us beyond our limits and help us confront our deepest fears head-on. If you’re willing to tiptoe outside of your comfort zone, you might meet a more fearless version of yourself like I did.

Utah beckons nature lovers from around the globe with its five national parks: Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capital Reef, and Zion. From towering hoodoos to deep canyons and otherworldly landscapes, each park offers something unique. While Utah's capital, Salt Lake City is often considered an ideal basecamp for exploring the state's abundance of natural wonders, the city itself enjoys its own treasures of nature.  Ideally situated between the spectacular Wasatch Mountains to the east and the glistening waters of the Great Salt Lake to the west, nature surrounds the city. With plentiful parks, hiking and biking trails, and the Great Salt Lake folded into the city, outdoor pursuits abound.

Hiking to a waterfall is likely not the first thing that comes to the mind when people are visiting Southern California. Overwhelmed by all the well-known and frequently recommended must-dos, it is easy to miss the smaller and less famous opportunities, especially when it comes to spending time in nature.

Formed during the Ice Age when large torrents of water released from melting ice drained into what is now the Niagara River, Native Americans would have been the first to witness the magnitude of Niagara Falls.