Erika Mailman

Ghost towns elicit many emotions from us: gratitude for the easiness of our lives with running water, fascination with how people used to live and an eerie sort of questioning—are our homes destined to be future ghost towns? If this town once boomed with action and is now abandoned, what’s to stop ours from the same fate?  Aw, shake it off and just enjoy the spooky season! It’s a chance to wonder about these mysterious lives and why people cleared out. You may find furnishings still intact, dried flowers still in vases and linens on the beds as if the inhabitants just wandered away for a moment. Let your camera document the eerie rooms and yards where once, people bustled around leading busy lives. And sometimes, just like the name “ghost town” hints, you might find a phantom or two still mulling over why it is that they can’t move on. RECOMMENDED: The most haunted places in America and the best ghost tours in the U.S.

What could be better than riding along a bike path under the canopy of incredible fall foliage colors, as your bike wheel makes a beautiful crackling sound over already-fallen leaves? Not to mention, you’ll be enveloped by the particular autumnal fragrance that arises from crushed leaves. It will be a feast for the senses (add in the sense of taste with this map of the best cider donuts in New England), and you’ll feel fall has arrived in the best way possible. Here on our list, you’ll find some short easy trails that you can knock off easily, as well as some much longer ones that can last for days. Some trails involve stops at breweries or distilleries to give your quads a break… pacing is everything when you are just there to tip your head back and look at the sky through the burnished autumn leaves. Not a cyclist? No worries. We’ve got a round-up of best fall foliage train rides for you, too! RECOMMENDED: The best bike trails in the US

For the past eight years, we’ve made it our mission to scope out the coolest pockets of the world’s greatest cities in order to create our definitive annual ranking. The places where stuff like nightlife, art, culture, and affordable food and drink can be found on every corner and down every backstreet. Where diversity is championed and independent businesses thrive, from old-school boltholes to the newest avant-garde art space. Put simply, the world’s coolest neighbourhoods are places that represent the soul of our cities, while maintaining their own unique local character that draws people in to live, work and play. So, what are the neighbourhoods that fit the bill this year? To find out, we asked our network of writers and editors across a breadth of cities to nominate the vibiest district in their hometown right now. We then ranked every neighbourhood against criteria including culture, community, liveability, nightlife, food and drink, street life and that hard-to-define sense of ‘nowness’.  On our list this year, you’ll find everything from homely, village-like enclaves with tight-knit communities to revitalised city-centre hubs and formerly dormant, industrial areas transformed into creative districts. Many are underrated spots that sit in the shadow of their commercialised counterparts; others have become unexpected culinary hotspots or magnets for the city’s artists, writers and activists. What they all have in common is a DIY spirit – and an unshakeable proclivity f

This time of year, just about everything is haunted—houses, hotels, ghost towns, Airbnbs—so it’s only natural that we would turn our attention to haunted trains, too. There’s something especially eerie about being on a train at nighttime, when the darkened landscape rushes by and you can only see your own (and… possibly a ghost’s) reflection in the glass. Plus, there’s not a whole lot you can do to escape from a moving train if demonic forces are pursuing you other than cower in your seat and hope that the next stop comes quickly. Most of the haunted trains on our list provide campy good fun rather than actual spectral experiences—think Halloween themed cocktails, seeing a headless horseman ride past the train or scary tales told by your conductor. Wear your best costume and sit back for an entertaining ride. RECOMMENDED: The most haunted hotels in America where you can stay the night

The night time is the right time in the spirit world, so that’s when ghosts tend to make an appearance in the places where they met their (usually unfortunate) fates. There’s no shortage of documented hauntings in cities and towns around the country where paranormal aficionados can be on the lookout for spectral appearances, but for those ghost-seekers who also appreciate a good meal or a stiff drink, there are a slew of haunted restaurants and bars across the U.S. Head out west, where gunfights and gambling debts led to many an untimely death in local saloons or to colonial towns on the east coast where revenge or heartbreak resulted in a demise or two. These bars and restaurants are known to have ghostly residents who tend to roam the premises while patrons sip their cocktails or dig into their evening meals. So if you’re looking to add a spooky encounter to your night out—especially around Halloween—check out these haunted bars and restaurants in the U.S., where eerie apparitions could be lingering long past last call. RECOMMENDED: 👻  The most haunted hotels in America😱 The most haunted Airbnbs in the USA

There’s a long (and we mean really long) list of reasons why one might choose to visit old New York—the food, the theatre, the bars and the art galleries, to name a few—but up there with the best things about this city is, without a doubt, its skyline. And while heading up to Top of the Rock or the One World Observatory are worthy ways to soak it up, your hotel room could be, too. So, that’s why we’ve compiled a round up of the best hotels in NYC with proper, show-stopping views. Sit back and enjoy. 📍 Discover our ultimate guide to the best hotels in New York City How we curate our hotel lists Our team of writers and travel experts review hotels all over the world—new openings, old classics and everything in between—to bring you fresh, honest recommendations, all year round. We have reviewed many of the hotels featured below, but we may not have stayed at every single one. Any we haven’t stayed in have been selected by experts based on their amenities, features, pricing and more. By the way, this article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 🛏 Check out the best Airbnbs in New York City

Haunted houses scare us profoundly. Maybe because they are an aberration of everything that home is supposed to represent: safety, comfort, a retreat from the world outside. But for whatever reason, the floorboards of the haunted houses (and we’re talking actual houses known for hauntings, not mere theme park amusements) on our list have soaked up bad juju along with blood, and you can’t shake the feeling that you’re not alone inside, that some force is there watching you, upset that you’re still alive while they’re not. Those blood-stained floors will creak, you’ll hear sobs from the attic, cold air will suddenly chill so that you can see your breath and a shape will start forming out of the shadows in the corner. Journey to each of these otherworldly homes—we’re only including ones you can actually visit on our list, although spots like the Amityville Horror House and the Conjuring House definitely rank high as haunted houses—and try to make contact with the unseen folks with one foot in the other world. You may need a ouija board, paranormal equipment or just an open mind—happy Halloween! RECOMMENDED: The most haunted Airbnbs in AmericaAmerica’s most haunted hotels

The allure of a castle is almost tangible: the chilled stones, the shade cast by its upthrusting towers and the light refracting off mullioned windows. You probably have this image of European castles dotting the craggy hillsides above rivers and seas or tucked away inside dark forests. And while you’d be hard pressed to find those sorts of medieval castles in the U.S., you can pay an admission ticket to climb grand staircases, peer out from towers and wander lavish grounds in the closest things this country has to castles. Maybe we’ll fantasize for a few hours that this grandeur could be ours—or maybe we’ll disdain the trappings of heartless wealth (this writer remembers visiting Hearst Castle with a friend who was very angry when she heard Hearst was not philanthropic and spent all his money on himself). It’s a lifestyle few are fortunate enough to experience—but for a short visit, we can storm the castle. These are the 23 best castles to visit in the U.S. RECOMMENDED: The most beautiful train stations in the U.S.The most famous buildings and monuments in the U.S.

Food festivals are the ultimate celebration of taste, culture, and community, and no two are ever the same. Each offers something different, whether it’s regional delicacies that showcase a city’s heritage,  chef-driven creations or street food favorites (or a mix of all three). Some festivals pay tribute to a single ingredient—think cherries, lobsters or mushrooms—while others highlight entire cuisines or dining scenes, turning city streets into open-air kitchens. Beyond the plates, you’ll often find cooking demonstrations, beverage tastings, competitions and concerts. Depending on the festival, you may very well catch a TV-famous chef in action, discover a new flavor you’ll want to recreate at home or graze your way through an afternoon with friends. Wherever you go, the best food festivals in America promise one thing above all: a delicious adventure that feeds both your appetite and your curiosity. RECOMMENDED: The best music festivals in the U.S.

Inhale the crispness of turned leaves as you board your train, and then settle in to witness hillsides covered in golden and red forests, your forehead pressed against the glass. It’s fall foliage train season, and we can’t think of a better way to penetrate into nature’s incredible art installation than to sit back and let the train take you. You’ll relax into the beauty and maybe have a glass of wine, maybe chat with fellow passengers—and hopefully your train has an observation car with a glass ceiling, so you can glide beneath the canopy. We’re lucky to have so many regions in the U.S. where fall colors utterly overtake the landscape, although New England usually gets most of the credit. Here’s our list of the 18 best rides, from Vermont to Oregon and everywhere in between. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to locate your closest cider doughnut provider and the best orchards where you can fill your basket with fresh-picked apples. It’s sweater season and we couldn’t be more excited! All prices below are for adult tickets. RECOMMENDED:  The ultimate fall foliage road trip   

Oktoberfest leads us into the fall in the very best way: with overflowing beer steins, kraut and bratwurst and other German foods. Pair that with rousing music, the chance to show off in your dirndl or lederhosen (fellas… your socks that cover only the calf are quite the thing!), sunny time spent in the biergarten and, if you’re lucky, a spot like Helen, Georgia, that highlights the old world charm of Bavarian architecture. Most Oktoberfests include polka dancing, live traditional music and artisan craft booths selling blown glass items or wooden toys. In Germany, Oktoberfest leaks over into September and is said to be the world’s largest folk festival. It’s also long-lasting: In Munich, this year’s celebration will be the 190th. Here in the U.S., we usually stretch the celebrations out even further by starting in mid-September so we can take advantage of better weather before October becomes cold and rainy (or even snowy). Sometimes, Oktoberfest doesn’t even take place in October at all! While you’re adjusting the feather in your Tyrolean cap or tying your apron sash on the left to signal that you’re single, you’ll have a blast at one of these cities doing an American take on a very German festival. Here’s our list of the 10 best places to do it! RECOMMENDED: The best places to go apple picking in the U.S. this fall

Labor Day always feels like a final summer hurrah: The warm, sunny days are getting shorter and crisp fall air is sneaking in. Thankfully, a long weekend caps off the season, allowing you to book a last-minute getaway. With an extra day, Labor Day weekend is ideal for that road trip you’ve been discussing all summer, a final trip to an epic water park before the season ends, or a visit to one of the great national parks. Need a little inspiration? We’ve rounded up some of the best destinations for a last-minute Labor Day vacation, from natural beauties like North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Parkway and the tree-lined hills of Burlington, Vermont, to bustling centers like Dallas, Texas, and New York City. Whatever fits your vibe, these spots will help you bid a gentle farewell to summer. RECOMMENDED: The best family vacation spots in the U.S.

What is it: A hotel brand so iconic it even has a song in its honor—"Puttin’ on the Ritz," if you remember the 1980s hit. Why we love it: The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park, provides a stay that feels like you’ve checked something off your bucket list. From the moment you enter, you’re aware of the history and elegance of this Forbes five star and AAA five diamond hotel, starting with its brick facade stretching 22 stories high and the entry with a formal vintage canopy. Inside, the hallways are a bright gloss white with coffered ceilings holding glass chandeliers and marble tables with bright orchids. It even looks a bit like the interior of the first class passageways on the Titanic...and in fact, I had been so excited to stay here thinking that this is where Margaret “Molly” Brown stayed upon landing in New York after the ship sank. However, that turned out to be another Ritz-Carlton located on Madison and 46th, opened in 1911 as the first Ritz-Carlton in the U.S. It was demolished in 1951 to build an office building, so I’ll never have the chance! This hotel dates to 1929 and became a Ritz-Carlton in 1999. One of its best aspects is the fact that Central Park is across the street. With my sister, I stayed in a Park View Room that overlooked the park, and we had fun sitting on the generously sized windowsills for people-watching out the window. There’s also a telescope in each room. With such a fantastic home base, we took several rambles through the park, entering by

What is it? A seafood restaurant on the second story of Pier 39. Why we love it: You can count on 100 percent sustainable seafood at this busy waterfront spot with floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase the bay. The clam chowder literally has “award-winning” in its name, and you can order it (as one does here) in a fresh house-baked sourdough bowl. We tried the dual lobster tails (oven roasted with seasonal vegetables), the Petrale sole (pan seared with a pesto cream sauce) and fried scallops, served with roasted jalapeno aioli. The cocktail game is wonderful here with drinks named for local landmarks, like the Alcatraz Escape and the Spicy Mission Margarita. For land-favoring folks just “along for the ride,” there are also sandwiches, steaks and pasta. Time Out tip: Try to sit at the farthest end of the restaurant, where you’ll be able to catch the best view of the sea lions pushing each other off the docks. And if you love flowers, TulipMania is at Pier 39 throughout April with 20,000 tulips in bloom. Address: Pier 39, San Francisco, 94133 Opening hours: Daily 11am–9pm Expect to pay: Seafood mains run $29 to $56, while the clam chowder in sourdough is $16. House specialties include cioppino at $42 and a whole Dungeness crab for $64. Cocktails are $14 to $17.

What is it? A Chinese dim sum house in Ghirardelli Square, halfway between Fisherman’s Wharf and Fort Mason. Why we love it: Aesthetics rule the day here. The “palette” of the name refers to the plate you receive, shaped like an artist’s palette with five wells to hold differently colored sauces. One of the standout dishes, a xiaolongbao sampler, also evokes admiration with five soup dumplings arranged beautifully with their dough colored red (beets), green (spinach), yellow (turmeric), black (squid ink) and white, with various fillings. The taro puff black swan with a delicate cracker neck “floats” on an edible flower strewn plate, while the hot and sour soup is classically delicious. I indulged in an espresso martini and the Portuguese egg tart, while also stealing bites of my daughter’s mango pudding supreme with popping boba, coconut and fresh mango. Above you, large red lanterns glow with Chinese characters for the names of the food, including BBQ pork bao and pork soup dumpling. General manager and part owner Dennis Leung has created a beautiful space, where large red lanterns above you glow with Chinese characters that correspond to the names of the dishes. Make sure to make a pit stop at the bathroom, too, so you don’t miss the beautiful mosaic tiles in the hallway. Time Out tip: It’s housed in the same square as the iconic Gold Rush chocolatier Ghirardelli, and we’d also recommend a pre- or post-meal walk down the hill to the free, ship-shaped Maritime National Histo

What is it? A Mediterranean restaurant housed in a former army barracks in the Presidio. Why we love it: Billed as “modern Eastern” rather than “Middle Eastern,” Dalida comes from husband-and-wife chef team Laura and Sayat Ozyilmaz. The flavors here stretched our palates and made our eyebrows rise—even the hummus had some extra zing sitting under the Cypriot lamb chops wrapped in ground lamb and caul fat. Our family’s favorite was the Breaking Bread dish with round tins of spreads accompanied by chubby pita (baked in-house every five minutes). The cocktails were a highlight, served in fun vessels like a miniature silver tankard or with tall, glass-height ice cubes ordered by mail. Stay for dessert and you may catch some Top Chef magic with pistachio three-ways baklava and the sour cherry Maraş ice cream that chef Laura made for one of the show’s challenges. The interior’s muted lighting comes from rice paper chandeliers, and there’s a beautiful mural of trees in bloom. The historic building’s high ceilings really open up the interior, but that does mean the acoustics are rough for conversation.  Time Out tip: If you want to make a night of it, book a room at the Lodge at the Presidio, just a four-minute walk away. Address: 101 Montgomery St, San Francisco, 94129 Opening hours: Tue–Fri 11:30am–2pm, 5–9pm; Sat, Sun 11am–2:30pm, 5–9pm Expect to pay: The chef’s menu is $85. Otherwise, you can expect to pay about $100 per person for appetizers, entrée, a vegetable dish and a few c

What is it? A two Michelin-starred Indian restaurant in the Fillmore, helmed by chef Srijith Gopinathan. Why we love it: The food here is exquisite with many moments that’ll leave you closing your eyes to exult. Among every beautiful thing we ate, our favorite was the rasam poori with passionfruit, mint, sprouted chickpea and radish: It’s a delicate fried puri sphere into which you spoon a bit of soup and eat in one frisson-filled mouthful. For cocktails, the winner was the turmeric spritz with marigold amaro that was so light and fruity it provided perfect accompaniment. As far as a bit of refreshment, don’t fear that the dishes will be too spicy; everything was perfectly spiced to make lips tingle but not overwhelm the tongue. Plus, the interior is insanely pretty with macrame lighting features, two rooms delineated by changes in flooring (blonde wood to button tile) and an indoor gazebo marked by twining ivy. Muted brick, a two-story wall of cubbies holding amphoras and wicker furnishings lend an air of museum-like elegance. Time Out tip: Ask your server to identify which menu items are unique to Copra (or at least the most innovative) and order those. Address: 1700 Fillmore St, San Francisco, 94115 Opening hours: Mon–Sun 5–10pm; brunch Sat, Sun 11:30am–2pm Expect to pay: Brunch is surprisingly affordable for a spot carrying two Michelin stars. If you order several “littles” and a main with a few cocktails, you’ll walk out paying around $90.

What is it? A contemporary American restaurant carrying one Michelin star in the Fillmore. Why we love it: On a quiet street near the edge of Japantown, 7 Adams bustles with attentive waitstaff, crazy-skilled chefs and blissed out diners. Behind the chef’s counter, there’s gorgeous backlit mod-shaped embedded wall compartments holding plants, stemware, candles and a miniature statue of the Michelin man petting a dog. Chef owners Serena Chow Fisher and David Fisher have created a space where the vibe is relaxed and down to earth, even though the exquisite food could easily deserve a snooty air. We especially loved the starter of hokkaido scallop crudo with koji kosho, pepita and pixie mandarin and all the mains, and lost our minds over the winter citrus dessert (pistachio cake, lemon curd and blood orange ice cream—intensely succulent and vibrant) and the salted malted s’more with chicory pastry cream. Time Out tip: A 20 percent service charge is automatically added to the bill, so you can relax about tipping. Address: 1963 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA 94115 Opening hours: Mon–Thur 5:30–9pm; Fri, Sat 5–10pm; Sun 5–9pm Expect to pay: The five-course tasting menu is $87 per person, while the chef’s counter (six people only) is 8 to 10 courses for $157 per person.

What is it? A French bistro with bright vibes at the Embarcadero. Why we love it: Everything’s at bar level here, so you feel elevated and light while you indulge in French favorites “from Paris with love,” as the menu says—a nod to charming owner Kais Bouzidi’s Parisian roots. Plants are embedded in the mesh liquor cabinet that hovers above the bar, which itself is a beautiful wooden statement piece with carved out embeds for your knees. The croque monsieur was a fantastic confection of layers of thin ham, pickle and béchamel sauce: It was a “fondue with bread” in one gooey unit. We also loved the madeleines plate with anglaise and chocolate sauce. For a refreshing drink that’s adorably photogenic, try the citron pressé: fresh lemon juice and a separate cute vessel of housemade lemon cordial. Time Out tip: Absolutely make reservations in advance; the walk-in party ahead of us was turned away. Address: Pier 3, the Embarcadero, San Francisco, 94105 Opening hours: Mon–Fri 11:30am–2pm, 3–10pm; Sat 11:30am–3:30pm, 5–10pm; Sun 11:30am–3pm Expect to pay: If your brunch includes an hors d’oeuvre, a main, a beverage and dessert, it will run about $60.

What is it? An Argentinian steakhouse in the heart of the Mission. Why we love it: The ojo de bife Argentino rib eye (100 percent grass-fed) was supremely buttery in texture, and the wild mushroom sherry sauce had us trying to soak up more with each forkful like a sponge. The pollo skewer with perfectly blackened corn and aji amarillo almost surpassed the steak for me, but we also loved the yuca fries with rocoto aioli—and we had fun moderating our evening with the “sin licor” mocktails, an agridulce citrus beverage and a tutti frutti sweet one. Though I didn’t have room for the empanada options, I’d certainly try them next time. The décor is atmospherically dim and dominated by some fearsome underlit bull head statues, while beautiful chandeliers and metal fixtures that mimic wagon wheels adorn the ceilings. Time Out tip: Arrive before your reservation and head to El Techo, the bar perched on Lolinda’s rooftop, for excellent city views. Also, as much as we love the colorful vibe of the Mission, the homelessness crisis may make visitors feel uncomfortable after dark, so consider that when planning your reservation and parking or transit plans. Address: 2518 Mission St, San Francisco, 94110 Opening hours: Tue–Thu 5:30–10pm; Fri, Sat 5:30–11pm; Sun 5:30–10pm Expect to pay: For a few pequeños (littles), a 12oz rib eye, a beverage and a dessert, you’ll pay around $85.

What is it? An Italian eatery in the Russian Hill neighborhood with a parklet out front Why we love it: The menu is so full of great options I had pasta twice (and I’m glad I did, because the agnolotti was a true standout, and I wouldn’t have wanted to miss the fettuccine blackened by squid ink and accompanied by generous lumps of Dungeness crab). Even though we were stuffed, the delightful server—chef Anthony Florian has assembled an amazing team with great wine guidance—wouldn’t let us go without trying the chocolate budino served in a mason jar: We’re glad we relented to the peer pressure. Time Out tip: Request a seat in the back dining area if you would like a quieter space for conversation. Address: 1896 Hyde St, San Francisco, 94109 Opening hours: Sun–Thu 5–9pm; Fri, Sat 5–9:30pm Expect to pay: About $140 per person if you indulge in antipasti, salad, pasta and secondi with a few glasses of wine.

What is it? An American restaurant inside the Beacon Grand hotel in Union Square Why we love it: Want bountiful proof of why the food scene in San Francisco is so great? Look no further than the California market salad, with mixed greens in a citrus vinaigrette we adored, along with Point Reyes blue cheese, candied pecans and tender slivers of tangerine. Other dishes we loved were the wild king salmon with thinly shaved fennel, radish and cucumber in a dill vinaigrette, as well as the hand-rolled spinach and mushroom canelloni dotted with morels. Make your lunch truly inspiring by pairing it with the Spring Sour mocktail—bright and fresh enough to power through the day. Here for business? The prix-fixe “executive lunch” is only $28 Monday through Friday. Time Out tip: Venture into the side chamber and look up: The painted ceiling and ornate grillwork on either side of the pedimented door are impressive. Want to fully appreciate the opulent architecture and décor of this 1928 beauty? Elect to spend the night (you should). Address: 450 Powell St, San Francisco, 94102 Opening hours: Daily breakfast 7–11am, lunch 11:30am–1:30pm, dinner 4–10pm Expect to pay: For brunch with a salad, salmon and mocktail, close to $70.

What is it? A contemporary Mediterranean-inspired restaurant in the SoMa neighborhood, housed in the Intercontinental Hotel. Why we love it: Everything on chef Dennis Efthymiou’s spring tasting menu was geared to surprise visually and tastewise. Each course arrives in a unique vessel: a duck foot stand for the quail Scotch egg amuse bouche, or a “meteorite” (as the server termed it) that held beautifully plated dessert components. Our favorite dish was startlingly realistic-looking strawberry sculpted out of white chocolate and stuffed with truffle mousse, served with elderflower and basil ice cream and a Kalamata olive shortcake. I started with a passionfruit margarita and switched to a suggested Riesling to pair with the Spring Awakening course, which was a literal miniature garden with tiny spears of white and green asparagus “planted” alongside tendrils of pea appearing like plants meeting the sun. Time Out tip: The tasting menu consists of 11 courses, many of which have multiple components. Come with an appetite—like “I haven’t eaten in months” levels of hunger. If you book a room at the Intercontinental, you’ll have an easy elevator ride up to a spectacular panoramic city view as your digestive system works on the issue at hand. Address: 888 Howard St, San Francisco, 94103 Opening hours: Thu–Sat 5:30–9pm Expect to pay: The spring tasting menu is $175 per person with a $115 wine pairing.

What is it? A vegan eatery in Cow Hollow with a parklet on Union Street. Why we love it: In a world trying to adopt more sustainable practices, a vegan restaurant so great that omnivores won’t miss meat deserves notice. The interior at Wildseed has bright white walls adorned with modern art. When you open the completely plant-based menu, the first thing you’ll see is a list of what fruits and vegetables are in season that month. That’s not just something worth appreciating on paper: The chilaquiles with vegan “just egg” and coconut queso were gobble-quality, and the Wildseed burger made with a mushroom and spinach patty, vegan chipotle aioli and tomato chutney (and added-on tempeh bacon) was a fortifying delight. Time Out tip: The grapefruit mimosa comes in a pretty vessel and makes brunch happier. Address: 2000 Union St, San Francisco, 94123 Opening hours: Mon–Thu 11:30am–9:30pm, Fri 11:30am–10:30pm, Sat 11am–10:30pm, Sun 11am–9:30pm Expect to pay: About $70 per person if you have a small salad, brunch item, dessert and a few mimosas.

Long legs, smoldering looks, fast-moving hips: it’s all part of the fabulous scene known as Dancing with the Stars. This year’s live tour based on the TV show was a sold-out success in 68 U.S. cities, and so the DWTS dancers are going to hit the road again with their glammed-up dance routines in 2026, this time with 74 dates. You’ll get a chance to see the professional dancers you remember from the series as well as some amazing celebrities stepping into the spotlight with grace and athleticism. Whether it’s ballroom, cha-cha or samba, the dance numbers will be electric. Here’s what we know about the tour so far. Who’s going on the Dancing with the Stars Tour in 2026? Well, for one thing, pro couple Val Chmerkovskiy and Jenna Johnson will be with the full tour—on the road dancing for the first time in five years, with their baby born in January 2023. Which pro dancers will be on the Dancing with the Stars Tour?: The professional dancers that will be on tour in 2026 include Brandon Armstrong, Alan Bersten, Valentin Chmerkovskiy, Jenna Johnson, Daniella Karagach, Pasha Pashkov, Emma Slater, Ezra Sosa, Britt Stewart and Hailey Bills, according to Entertainment Weekly. What celebrities are going on tour with Dancing with the Stars? We’re not allowed to tell you. (Okay, okay, they haven’t been announced yet as of this writing). Who will be the choreographer? Emmy Award winner Mandy Moore (Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour, La La Land) will be returning to choreograph and direct this ye

This time of year, we love watching the leaves turn color and feeling the turn of the season . . . but if we’re smart, we’re already looking ahead a month or two to the holiday season. Buying airline tickets is a game of knowing when to do it—airline lore says we can save tons of money if we book on the right day and fly on the right day, but we've always been a little unsure of exactly when that is. And that's especially true after the pandemic made all previous data unclear. Luckily, Google Flights has just come out with new information that tells us exactly when to do it, according to Travel + Leisure, based on the last four years of data. And guess what? We’re approaching the sweet spot right now. The exact best time to buy tickets with the lowest fare is 35 days before Thanksgiving (this year, that’s October 28) and 51 days before Christmas (this year, that’s November 4). But if you can’t make it that precise date, the range to buy Thanksgiving tickets at a better price is 24-59 days in advance (this year, October 4-November 8), and for Christmas, 32-73 days (October 13-November 23).  RECOMMENDED: This is the number one destination for Christmas and New Year’s travel in 2025, according to Google In general, domestic flights are cheapest 39 days before departure with a low-price range of 23 to 51 days beforehand. Flying internationally? You’ll want to book 49 days or more before departure; booking early pays off. Extrapolating further—bookmark this article for later—the b

Looking for a way to explore America’s beautiful small towns along the Great Lakes? American Cruise Lines is offering the very first all-domestic Great Lakes sailings next year. It’s great to spend time in some of our country’s most interesting waterways while dipping into port cities for top-notch excursions—and you won’t need a passport. The new cruise offerings begin in summer 2026, just in time for America's 250th celebration of independence. There are three different options: the eight-day Great Lakes and Thousand Islands Cruise from Oswego, New York, to Cleveland, Ohio (a great one to see one of the most beautiful American castles), the 13-day American Great Lakes cruise from Cleveland to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and the eight-day Lake Michigan and Upper Peninsula Cruise which starts and ends in Milwaukee. RECOMMENDED: These extended cruises will let travelers hit 20 states in one trip, all to celebrate America's 250th birthday The cruises sail through Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, Lake Huron and Lake Michigan without penetrating into Canada: no passport needed. It’s the cruise company’s first Great Lakes cruise offering, and passengers will embark on the brand-new American Patriot ship, built in the U.S. this year. It can host 130 guests in its large staterooms, each with a private balcony, and its restaurant focuses on American cuisine and locally sourced ingredients. The cruises are all-inclusive, with unlimited beverages, gratuities included and free excursions. Going solo?

The government shutdown has been hard in many ways, including the closure of some national parks and now the impact of air travel due to air traffic control staffing issues. We can’t put the plane in the sky without the folks there to monitor air pathway safety! Delays and outright closures are being reported all across the U.S. Here are some of the airports that are most affected during this time. One of the hardest hubs hit was Nashville International Airport, where air traffic control had to close for five hours last night, according to CNN, delaying flights into the city by two hours. Similarly, last night was a problem night for airports in Houston (including both Hobby and George Bush International), Newark, Las Vegas, Denver, Detroit, Phoenix, Jacksonville, Boston, Chicago, Washington, D.C. and Indianapolis. But the airport the most affected was in southern California. At Hollywood Burbank Airport, the entire tower shut down on Monday night from 4:15pm to 10pm, according to ABC7 News. That resulted in travelers facing delays of two to three hours. The sad reason behind all this is that air traffic controllers are considered essential employees and must work even during a shutdown when they aren’t being paid—and therefore many of them are individually calling in sick. They are prohibited by federal law to stage strikes or sickouts (a large group of people calling in sick at once). Some airports were able to manage without the air traffic control booth completely full, s

We’ve wondered when it would happen: that you wouldn’t be able to fly without a smartphone. And now Irish carrier Ryanair has announced that starting November 12, it will not be using paper boarding passes any longer. The move to digital boarding passes requires flyers to download and use the MyRyanair app to create a digital boarding pass. RECOMMENDED: Goodbye passport stamps—these 29 countries are phasing them out beginning this month For elders or tech-adverse people who have limped along without a smartphone and relied on printing out a boarding pass at home or the airport, the news will be hard. And anyone who’s ever panicked about being able to pull up a pass on a phone that doesn’t hold a charge (long layover on international flight or absurd delay on domestic airline, anyone?) will have to be more mindful of staying on top of keeping the phone charged. Originally, the airline intended to stop using paper passes November 3 but added another week to the deadline to help make the transition easier when airports are less busy following the midterm break. It reminds flyers in its press release that the app has a lot of other useful features, like being able to order food and drinks (and be served first!) and receive real-time updates on gate changes, flight delays and outright disruptions. “Ryanair’s move to 100% digital boarding passes will mean a faster, smarter, and greener travel experience for our customers, streamlined through our best-in-class myRyanair app,” said R

A popular budget airline has just announced it is ceasing operation, joining the ranks of other airlines once beloved and now just a memory: Continental, TWA, Northwest, WOW air and Pan Am, to name a few. Reykjavik-based Play Airlines has canceled all its flights, a sad ending for an airline that just began in flying passengers in 2021. The reason given? Sustained financial losses for an extended period. Back in June, the Icelandic airline had tried to keep things going by cutting flights between the U.S. and Europe and instead focusing on flights between European cities, but it looks like that wasn’t enough to keep the planes in the air. RECOMMENDED: Could the government shutdown affect your flight? What you need to know Now, 400 Play employees are pounding the runway pavement for a new job, and countless passengers are left stranded with their flights canceled without warning. The worst part? We hesitate to write it, but Play will not be issuing any refunds. Turn to your credit card for a refund if your card offers insurance protection—or... see if another airline will take pity on you. That’s actually, believe it or not, what Play is suggesting on its website. "Fly PLAY has ceased operations, and all flights have been cancelled," the airline posted on its website on September 28. "We kindly advise you to check flights with other airlines. Some carriers may offer special 'rescue fares' considering the circumstances." We’re not sure how that would work unless if there is a “

Looks like the Black Parade is going a few more blocks and turning a few more corners with its big Killjoy balloons: My Chemical Romance just announced that its wildly popular Black Parade tour will continue with new dates next fall. So if you didn’t score tickets this time around—or more likely, you want to go again and again—put these dates into your calendar. MCRmy, get in step! Cheerleaders, don your gas masks. Here’s what we know for now: When is My Chemical Romance going on tour in the U.S.? Tour dates for this year concluded just this last weekend at the Shaky Knees Festival in Atlanta, Georgia, but the joy will be killed again around this time next year. The 2026 tour dates will kick off Wednesday, August 9 in Flushing, New York at Citifield Stadium—it'll be the first time the band has performed there in three years. Confirmed tour dates for the Black Parade 2026 Stadium Tour: August 9: Citi Field - Flushing, New York August 13: Nissan Stadium - Nashville, Tennessee August 18: Nationals Park - Washington, D.C. August 21: Comerica Park - Detroit, Michigan August 24: Target Field - Minneapolis, Minnesota August 27: Coors Field - Denver, Colorado August 30: PETCO Park - San Diego, California September 6: Chase Field - Phoenix, Arizona September 12: Alamodome - San Antonio, Texas October 21: Hollywood Bowl - Hollywood, California October 23: Hollywood Bowl - Hollywood, California October 24: Hollywood Bowl - Hollywood, California Where to get tickets for the Black Parade

Last year, the world did a whole lot of traveling. We went there, they came here, and we all intermingled and enjoyed seeing the best cities and the coolest neighborhoods in the world. We ate with gusto, guzzled gallons and set out on excursions that brought us to places that left us breathless—and made their way into our social media feeds. In all this jumble of sightseeing, 10 global cities drew the most visitors in 2024—and one of them was a down-home U.S. city. We’re thinking you can probably guess what it is, but luckily, Euromonitor International did the number crunching for us. The one American city in the top 10? No surprises for anyone: it’s New York, our fabulous, cosmopolitan city on an island. Catch a show on Broadway, eat your way through neighborhoods with authentic international cuisines, visit world-class museums, see a gorgeous skyline and even get a little verklempt at the sight of the Statue of Liberty. The Big Apple was the sole American destination on the list, which included fellow big-name urban locales as Barcelona, Sydney, Rome and Tokyo. NYC's West Coast cousin Los Angeles managed to make it onto the top 20, coming int at No. 18; it was followed five placers later by Las Vegas. Elsewhere on the larger top 100 list was Orlando (No. 33), Miami (No. 35), San Francisco (No. 36), Washington, DC. (No. 41) and Honolulu (No. 55). First for the world is another unsurprising ranking: Paris. No one could ever argue that time spent in the romantic French capital

While most people love a small regional airport (no lines at security! easy to get to your gate! no tram!), the fact is that most of us wind up traveling through the halls of a mega airport—that is, those with 33 million or more passengers per year—at one time or another. Each year, J.D. Power compiles a North America Airport Satisfaction Study, which helps us glean key bits of information about airports of all sizes. This year’s best mega airport is one that might surprise you—but first, let’s look at some of the key findings of the study. The first is that even though airports log massive amounts of passengers, breaking records for the amount of people streaming through the gates, satisfaction is increasing. Pat on the back, airports! Mega airports gained an increase of eight points, while medium airport gained 10 points and large airports got a 15-point boost over last year.  RECOMMENDED: The best airports in the U.S., ideal for layovers and the inevitable flight delays And of the mega airports that got the most kudos from customers, the first-place finisher is Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, beating travel juggernauts like Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, Miami International Airport and New York's JFK even though it's smaller than some of the heavily populated hubs on the list.  MSP won the top spot last year, too, and for good reason: Although it's a really busy airport, it's known for being clean and efficient with friendly staff, and those food offe

Luxury travel is an ongoing concern for any airline. Carriers often try to ease us out of economy seats and into more plush accommodations. For Delta Air Lines, that goal with some brand-new jets is becoming an interesting problem of sorts. As reported by The Points Guy, their new Airbus A321neo jets—spacious with just one aisle—have been sitting unused while the airline Awaits aviation authority permission to proceed with lie-flat, hyper-premium business class pods. The planes have been sitting in the desert lonesome and forlorn without any seating installed at all—and no chance to ascend into the sky with paying passengers. But recently, Delta decided to temporarily convert the Airbuses to a generously-sized first class seating area while waiting for the go-ahead for the pods configuration. What does that mean for passengers? An eyebrow-raising 11 rows of first-class seating. RECOMMENDED: Priority Pass just unveiled a luxe new private service with VIP lounge access, chauffeured rides and more Starting next summer, up to seven of these planes will wheel out from their desert parking lot and fly their routes with an oversized first-class seating area: 44 recliners, to be precise. There will also be 54 Comfort+ extra-legroom seats and—yeah, we'll see you there—66 standard economy seats. Right now, Delta doesn’t know exactly where the planes will fly. And it turns out that the space built to accommodate those hyper-premium pods might not be large enough to include the ovens nec

A proposal, if it’s part of your life, can be one of those memories you revisit again and again with pleasure. Along with the steady gaze of your spouse-to-be, you may recall the setting, hopefully a romantic spot that makes it likely for all involved to say yes. Will the glint of the diamond be reflected in ocean waters, a spectacular skyscraper view or a quiet meadow with wildflowers? All of the above sound amazing. According to a new study by A Diamond is Forever, a gorgeous garden in Miami was just named one of the most romantic spots in the U.S. to start tying that knot. People who clutch hands and slide rings onto fingers at Vizcaya Museum & Gardens in Miami are starting their new life in the third best place to propose here in the U.S. It’s got a lot going for it, as a historic landmark 1916 mansion with beautiful grounds, perched on the waterfront. Topiary is carved into shapes, while green lawns, secretive walkways, fountains with lily pads, an outdoor stone staircase and statuary complete the picture. Entry into the site is only $25, and there’s a café to caffeinate before or after the big moment, and even a gift shop to purchase a memento of this day. Plus, if you are the asker and are aiming for the element of surprise, your intended may simply think this is a trip to enjoy a historic landmark that preserves history and highlights cultural diversity. Other spots on the list? In first place is Garden of the Phoenix in Chicago, an 1893 Japanese garden established by

We love a good themed hotel: playful, gorgeous and aimed at pleasing the eye. Hotels with differently themed rooms appeal because it’s fun to stay in a different ‘land’ each time you visit. A hotel that accomplishes this wonderfully is The Roxbury, where some rooms give off a haunted aura as spooky season rears its skeletal head.  Just a few hours outside of New York City in the town of Roxbury (in the beautiful Catskill mountains), The Roxbury offers guests the choice of 30 rooms and cottages, each uniquely decorated like a film set. Former co-owners Gregory Henderson and Joseph Massa, who used to work as Broadway set designers, applied their creativity and impressive talent to making The Roxbury a magical playground. They have since retired and the hotel is owned and operated by Giri Hotels. The Roxbury consists of two different spaces, the original motel with its whimsically decorated rooms, and a mansion just a few miles away, where children under the age of 14 are not permitted because the historic building is a bit fragile. Guest spaces vary in their vibe: do you love alien movies set on forlorn lunar landscapes? There’s a room for that. Are you more of a haunted mansion person who wants to catch a wraith out of the corner of your eye? No problem: The Roxbury’s got you covered.  Three rooms are especially in demand as Halloween approaches. One is the Dracula’s Fang Cottage, where you can spend time in Bram Stoker’s world. The interior stone walls evoke a castle, plus th