Camping trips in France were a large part of my childhood. My dad would bemoan having to wear Speedos over “normal” swimming shorts in the campsite swimming pool; Mum would read the paper road map wrong, taking us on a convoluted detour; and I’d make a bunch of new French friends I couldn’t communicate with. Despite the occasional mishap, these trips were filled with unforgettable moments and a deep connection to nature.

Nestled in the western part of Spain, Extremadura is a region often overshadowed by its more popular neighbors. Yet, it offers a tranquil getaway that goes beyond the typical tourist trail. With its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture, Extremadura is a destination that deserves to be explored. From ancient Roman ruins to Michelin-starred dining, this region has something for everyone.

The Dolomites, with their jagged pinnacles, saw-toothed peaks, and bare rock walls, offer some of the most dramatic scenery in alpine Europe. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, these limestone formations were once coral reefs, transformed into mountains when the African and European tectonic plates collided 250 million years ago. The result is a stunning patchwork of vertical rock and rolling meadows dotted with alpine lakes, medieval castles, and charming mountain villages.

A few years ago, my dad told me about a mountain where I could easily sense another world. "There is a special air and light," he had said, vaguely. "You just have to walk close to it to feel and see it. Stand in one place and just look up." The mountain on my dad’s mind that day was the Eiger, Switzerland’s 3,970-metre ogre of limestone and ice. Like few others, the peak exerts a gravitational pull on climbers and remains the chief symbol of the Bernese Oberland. Its most notable feature, the 1,800-metre north face, is the largest in the Alps. This gigantic slab looms over the village of Grindelwald, appearing at sunrise as an immense black spectre in a valley of green.

Japan, a land of rich traditions and natural beauty, offers one of the most unique and rejuvenating experiences for travelers: the onsen. An onsen is a traditional Japanese hot spring, fueled by geothermal activity beneath the Earth's surface. These baths, found all over Japan due to the country's volcanic activity, are filled with naturally heated, mineral-rich water. They are not just places to bathe but are deeply embedded in Japanese culture, offering a blend of relaxation, health benefits, and communal bonding.

In the realm of travel and tourism, the desire to leave a mark or take a memento from a beloved destination is a common impulse. However, this seemingly harmless behavior can have significant and unintended consequences for the very places we cherish. Two recent cases highlight the delicate balance between celebrating our connection to these sites and ensuring their preservation for future generations: the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland and the medieval streets of Bruges, Belgium.

On a seemingly ordinary Monday, the tranquility of Sicily was shattered by the earth-shaking fury of Mount Etna, one of the world’s most active and awe-inspiring volcanoes. A massive eruption sent tourists scrambling down the slopes in a hurried retreat, as a towering plume of scorching gases, ash, and rock billowed several kilometers into the sky. The eruption, which began overnight, produced explosions so powerful that they were heard as far away as Taormina and Catania, cities located approximately 50 and 40 kilometers (31 and 25 miles) from the volcano, respectively.

In the picturesque Eastern Townships of southern Quebec, where rolling hills and vineyards paint a serene landscape, a heartfelt message is being sent to American travelers: you are more than welcome here. On May 26, the region’s tourist board released a promotional video that has captured the attention of many. The video features an English-speaking tourist who hesitantly admits to being American, only to receive a warm hug from a French-speaking hotel receptionist. This simple yet powerful gesture is part of a CA$150,000 (US$109,000) ad campaign timed perfectly for the start of the summer travel season, aimed at reassuring US vacationers that they are not only expected but truly embraced.

Spain, with its enviable climate, delectable cuisine, and stunning architecture, has long been a magnet for travelers. In 2024, it welcomed a staggering 98 million visitors, making it the world’s second most-visited country after France. However, this surge in tourism has brought with it an unenviable side effect: a severe housing rental crisis in Spain’s main urban centers. Cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia are now grappling with skyrocketing rents and a shortage of affordable housing, issues that have become a primary concern for Spaniards, according to the Spanish Center for Sociological Research.

Climbing to the top of the Acropolis of Athens, the birthplace of democracy, has always been a feat for the brave. Never more so, perhaps, than in recent summers when the city has sweated through long and perilous heatwaves. In the past two years, during peak tourism season, relentless heat has repeatedly forced authorities to shut Greece’s most-visited site during the hottest hours of the day to protect visitors and staff from temperatures exceeding 40 Celsius (104 Fahrenheit). The UNESCO World Heritage site has little shade. Standing among the exquisitely-crafted white marble columns of the Parthenon as they reflect the fierce Mediterranean sun can feel more like an endurance test than the fulfillment of a childhood dream — especially when the smoke from out-of-control wildfires drifts across the horizon.

Traveling alone has long been a rite of passage for many adventurers, offering the freedom to explore at one's own pace and the opportunity for self-discovery. However, solo travelers have historically faced a significant financial hurdle: the dreaded "single supplement" often imposed by tour operators. This additional fee, meant to cover the costs of unused space, has long been a source of frustration for those who prefer to journey solo. Surprisingly, this practice now appears to be extending to the skies, with major US airlines reportedly charging higher fares for solo flyers on certain domestic routes. This revelation has sparked a debate about fairness, transparency, and the future of air travel pricing.

In the tapestry of American history, few neighborhoods have woven themselves as indelibly into the cultural fabric as San Francisco's Castro District. Once a quiet enclave known as Eureka Valley or Little Scandinavia, the Castro has transformed over the decades into a global beacon for the LGBTQ+ community. It is a place where identity finds expression, where activism ignites change, and where the spirit of inclusivity thrives. From its humble beginnings to its current status as a symbol of queer culture, the Castro's journey is a testament to the power of community and resilience.

For many, the thrill of summer travel is often overshadowed by the anxiety of booking flights. The fear of missing out on the perfect deal or being stuck with exorbitant prices can turn the planning process into a stressful ordeal. However, this year, the tables have turned in favor of the procrastinators. If you're still contemplating whether to press the "purchase" button for your summer vacation, fear not. This summer is shaping up to be a unique opportunity for those who prefer to plan at the eleventh hour.

In the bustling streets of Tokyo, where neon lights flicker and ancient traditions blend seamlessly with modernity, one might expect to find the usual urban clutter: discarded wrappers, overflowing trash cans, and the general detritus of daily life. Yet, Japan stands as a remarkable anomaly in this regard. Its cities are almost eerily clean, with streets that gleam and public spaces that are virtually free of litter. But herein lies a paradox: despite its reputation for impeccable cleanliness, Japan is surprisingly devoid of public trash cans. This peculiar phenomenon has left many visitors, particularly Western travelers, scratching their heads in confusion.