France’s best wine regions: a guide to the finest touring routes, tastings and terroir

Wine is the lifeblood of France. Since the Romans first cultivated vines here, winemaking has evolved into a fine art. Today, France is one of the world’s top wine-making countries, producing around 7 to 8 billion bottles each year, and vineyards stretch out across the country. The secret of France’s celebrated wines is their terroir:…

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Getting around from beach to beach in Bermuda

On the holiday island of Bermuda, cars are regulated to one per household, and mopeds are the vehicle of choice, which definitely contributes to the leisurely pace of life on the island. The lack of urgency is part of the appeal – most come here to kick back on sandy beaches, splash in crystal waters…

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8 best hikes in Italy

Italy’s beaches and art-rammed cities often steal the limelight, but – trust us – it isn’t until you strike out into the wild mountains and trek along vertiginous coastlines that you can even come close to understanding how ravishing this country really is. From the cliff-hanging trails of Amalfi to the colossal granite spires of…

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The 8 best free things to do in South Carolina

You don’t need to dole out much cash to experience the best of South Carolina. There are so many possibilities, from hanging out on a golden beach (or three) to uncovering Gullah heritage to helping rescue baby oysters.  You could also explore the nation’s only large-scale tea plantation, gaze at record-breaking trees or check out…

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What to eat and drink in Iceland

Iceland is famous for many things: blue lagoons, gushing geysers, volcanic landscapes and the Northern Lights. But food? Not so much.  You might have heard of Iceland’s creamy yogurt, skyr (it’s sold internationally these days). You might also know that Icelanders have a legendary appetite for lamb and seafood. And you may well have heard…

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Getting around in Brazil from planes to boat rides through the Amazon

Think of Brazil and huge swaths of tropical rainforest, swampy wetlands, rolling grasslands, rugged plateaus and green mountains come to mind. You might assume that traveling around the world’s fifth-largest country would take a lifetime, but getting around this huge nation is surprisingly easy, though it can take a bit of planning. These days, you…

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Everything you need to know before visiting Svalbard for the first time

Your first visit to Svalbard may seem a bit daunting. Midway between Norway and the North Pole, this remote Norwegian island is a land of extreme climate, glaciers and polar bears. This, combined with Svalbard's unique laws, can make it feel far removed from the rest of the world. The Svalbard archipelago consists of three…

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The 6 best hikes in Jamaica for tropical adventurers

The attractions of Jamaica are easy to sell to travelers. Crystal blue waters, soft sand and a little reggae to go with your rum cocktail as the sun dips on another perfect Caribbean day. However, venture beyond the beaches and lush banana groves and you'll discover a side of the country that most visitors don't see…

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