I Drove Through France Looking for the Best Local Cuisine — Here's What I Found

Mostly I crave a goodjambon beurre. One afternoon last June, my sense of that quintessentially French simplicity was redefined. Id gone to meet the propertys farmer at hispotager,or vegetable garden. Domaine des Etangs, a hotel in a restored castle in Nouvelle- Aquitaine, in central France.Credit:Alex Crétey Systermans I selected placesdestination restaurants and hotels with restaurantsthat emphasize terroir, as the French call it. One summer, a French colleague invited us for a weekend at his familys house in Provence....

May 4, 2025 · 8 min · 1493 words · Valerie Black

I E-biked Through Switzerland's Idyllic Emmental Valley on Some of Its Newest Cycling Routes — and Here's Why You Should, Too

It was a wet September morning in central Switzerlands Emmental Valley. Feathery clouds drifted over wooden chalets, and cows with bells around their necks grazed in the fields. Boss and I, alone on the road, were lost in conversation. From left: The Rehärze snack and charging kiosk near Schüpfheim; Paul Hasler, one of the founders of the Heart Route, Switzerland’s cross-country bike network.Credit:From left: CHRISTOF SONDEREGGER/COURTESY OF HERZROUTE; Courtesy of Paul Hasler...

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 312 words · Eric Stewart

I Easily Walked 10,000 Steps Around New York City in Oprah’s Favorite Winter Boots — With Zero Pain

If you punch links we provide, we may receive compensation. They’re worth every penny. Travel + Leisure Oprah has never steered me wrong with a shoe recommendation before. Credit:Travel + Leisure As much as I trust Oprah, these Chelsea-style boots exceeded my expectations. They are thedo-it-all winter bootsI didnt even realize my collection was missing. Made with high-quality leather and lined with shearling, they are warm, comfortable, and durable. Macy’s...

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 238 words · Valerie Johnson

I Easily Walked 20,000+ Steps in Las Vegas Pain-free in These Birkenstock Sandals—Plus More Styles From $55

If you tap on links we provide, we may receive compensation. I’ve been wearing the brand for decades. Travel + Leisure One thing about me: I love Las Vegas. Credit:Travel + Leisure Total step tally for the day? Looking for the perfect pair of sandals for your own upcoming trips? Keep scrolling for more equally amazing sandals from Birkenstock, starting at $55. Zappos Shop More T+L-Approved Picks Writer Alesandra Dubin wearing her Birkenstock Arizona Big Buckle sandals at the airport....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 105 words · Corey Hubbard

I Easily Walked All Over Paris in These Podiatrist-approved Loafers — and They’re Comfier Than Sneakers

If you select links we provide, we may receive compensation. No wonder Oprah is also a fan of the brand. Its no wonderVionic shoeshave landed on Oprahs favorite things list for three consecutive years. Credit:Travel + Leisure / Reese Herrington The footbed felt soft and flexible from the start, offering arch support with the brands specialVio Motion technology. Travel & Leisure / Rebecca Shinners However, what really sets the Uptown Loafers apart is their packability....

May 4, 2025 · 3 min · 427 words · Charles Lopez

I Easily Walked Through 3 Theme Parks in 1 Day in These Comfy Shoes — and They're Only $70

If you choose links we provide, we may receive compensation. Theyve been in my daily shoe rotation ever since. I knew this jam-packed itinerary could only be pulled off with a good pair ofwalking shoeson deck. Credit:Travel + Leisure Plus, the upper is designed to be lightweight and breathable, adding to their overall comfort. I may have owned these shoes for years, but my Disney trip put them to the ultimate test....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 173 words · James Robles

I Escape to the Desert Yearly — and These 15 Essentials Always Save Me From the Heat

If you press links we provide, we may receive compensation. These essentials will keep you cool, calm, and cute. (Oh yeah, and hydrated.) Credit:Travel + Leisure In fact, I go to one every year. But, dont let the beautiful sunrise and sunset pictures fool you. The harsh climate requires thoughtful packing to stay both comfortable and safe. Amazon The lightweight design is easy to pack, and the front pocket fits my phone....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 314 words · Ashley Gutierrez

I Explored Italy’s Ligurian Coast the Old-fashioned Way—By Foot on Its Ancient Paths

Carol Sachs In Genoese dialect theyre calledcreuzenarrow cobblestoned paths that cross the hillsides alongItalysdazzling Ligurian coast. Today locals use the trails to walk into town from the rural interior. Related:This Underrated Region in Italy Is a Less-crowded … At the airport in Milan, sheets of rain fell from gunmetal skies. Rapallo as seen from the water.Credit:Carol Sachs Bright and delicate, the sauce had the unmistakable perfume of Genoese basil. The eveningpasseggiatawas under way....

May 4, 2025 · 3 min · 452 words · Renee Schmidt

I Explored Rwanda's Hidden Gems With My Family — Here's Why You Should, Too

Courtesy of One&Only The battle-worn hippo trotted into the acacia trees, surprisingly light on its feet. Poaching was left unchecked, meaning much of its native wildlife was also lost. In 2015, lions were reintroduced, followed by rhinos in 2017. Credit:Courtesy of One&Only No other vehicles were around us. Wilderness Magashi opened in May 2019; Magashi Peninsula, a four-suite companion property, is in development. But our adventures took a more sartorial turn....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 370 words · Donna Ford

I Explored the Great Himalaya Trails With a Local Family As My Guide — Here’s How You Can, Too

Soon after we disembarked, our group about a dozen intrepid middle-aged international travelers strolled down Luklas main avenue. We made a quick stop at Lukla Lodge, a small hotel with mint-green shutters. This lodge was the first one my father built, 24 years ago, Namgyal said. Namgyal Sherpa dives into Chhema Lake, in Lower Mustang.Credit:Carol Sachs (The familys operations extend to Nepalese tour operators, expedition companies, and even regional air transportation....

May 4, 2025 · 4 min · 830 words · Ryan Forbes

I Explored the Lesser-known Parts of Laos on a New High-speed Train — Here's What to Know

Now a high-speed railway has arrived. What changes will it bring, and what will it take away? The river and the rail: one representing Laoss past, the other its future. From left: Buddhist monks cross a tributary of the Mekong River in Luang Prabang, Laos; a view of the central shrine at Luang Prabang’s Wat Xieng Thong.Credit:Kevin West It was a fast-moving trip. Laotian roads are measured in rattles and jolts....

May 4, 2025 · 8 min · 1530 words · Eric Arroyo

I Explored Upstate New York on a Canal Boat — and It Was the Perfect Way to Slow Down

“There’s just something calming about being by the water,” Lobb said. The plan was to take one of those vessels and spend a few days exploring the canal. The perfect escape from the strangest year of our lives? The lift bridge in downtown Fairport, New York, as seen from the Erie Canal.Credit: John Kucko An hour later, Keenan stepped back onto the dock and wished us a good trip. We’d been socially distancing for months, but suddenly felt very alone....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 274 words · Jesus Lee

I Felt More Like a Local Than a Guest at This Cool New Tokyo Hotel — Here’s Why You Should Go

Weindependently evaluateall of our recommendations. If you select links we provide, we may receive compensation. Neutral and wood palettes create an inviting lobby atmosphere with an organic feel. Credit:Courtesy of TRUNK It mirrors the vibrant Yoyogi Park, the surrounding city blocks, and the famed Shibuya Crossing. It’s the epitome of modern and traditional lifestyles converging, Yui says. Here, everything it’s crucial that you know aboutTrunk(Hotel) Yoyogi Park. TOMOOKI KENGAKU/Courtesy of TRUNK...

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 203 words · James Huang