Mariana Zapata

Mariana Zapata is a Colombian-American travel writer. She has lived and worked around the world, focusing on sustainable tourism. You can usually find her at street food stands or falling victim to her non-existing sense of direction.

The Seychelles Islands Are Africa's Hidden Gem

Seychelles offers giant tortoises, breathtaking beaches and absolute seclusion.

Iconic Places Quiz: How Many Can You Name?

If you consider yourself a knowledgeable traveler, you should be able to score 15/15 on this iconic places quiz.

Readers’ Choice: Key Lime Pie Is the Best Regional Food

The perfect marriage of tangy and sweet, Key lime pie is the best regional specialty the U.S. has to offer.

Bruce Peninsula Is Lake Huron’s Idyllic Hidden Gem

In Bruce Peninsula National Park, you’ll find cerulean water, shipwrecks and Canadian hospitality around Lake Huron.

Easiest Romance Languages to Learn, According to a Linguist

Learning a language is always hard work. But these romance languages are much easier to pick up than others.

A Visual Guide to Different Types of Pasta

All types of pasta are delicious, but this guide will help you tell them apart — and decide which ones to use for different meals.

These Top Four Seasons Resorts Will Have You Daydreaming

The Four Seasons brand guarantees luxury. But these properties take it to another level.

This Virtual Tour of Mexico's Tulum Ruins Shows How the Maya Lived

You can see Tulum’s magnificent ruins, even if you can’t book a flight to Mexico right now.

10 Wildest, Coolest, Most Exciting Things to Do in Arizona

You’ll never run out of things to do in Arizona's gorgeous landscape.

Most Dangerous Cities in California

These are the five cities with the highest crime rates in California.

This Croatia Map Highlights the Country’s Coolest Spots

Yes, Dubrovnik is on this map of Croatia — but so are some cool places we guarantee you don’t know.

Planning a European Vacation? Hit These Lucky Spots

Even if you’re not superstitious, these iconic landmarks are worth a visit.

Raclette Is Fondue’s Tastier and Lesser-Known Cousin

You’re not a true cheese lover until you’ve tried raclette.

10 Busiest Airports in the U.S.

If you don’t like crowds, you’ll probably want to avoid flying into one of America’s busiest airports.

Trust Us, These Are the Best National Parks by State

Find out the best national park in your state for when you want to escape to nature.

America's Top Tibetan Restaurants Will Have You Asking for Seconds

Tibetan restaurants are sorely underrated. It’s time to change that.

Florida Man Memes That Will Make You Laugh (and Question Humanity)

You can’t stop Florida man from doing absurd things. But you can at least laugh at these Florida man memes.

Your Global Entry Interview Is Nothing to Fear

I just had my Global Entry interview. Here’s everything you need to know about the process.

Europe’s Safest Countries Are Must-Visits for Travelers

For a worry-free vacation, plan to visit these safe European countries.

Your Spring Training Guide for Florida's Grapefruit League

You can see much more than just baseball in Florida during spring training.

Your Spring Training Guide for Arizona’s Cactus League

Mostly centered around Phoenix, the Cactus League's spring training games are a great excuse to see more of beautiful Arizona.

Readers’ Choice: Venice Is the World’s Most Romantic City

Venice’s canals, bridges and palaces will have you swooning. Here are the best things to do as a couple and the best Venice hotels for a romantic getaway.

10 Best Things to Do in Tampa

From theme parks to museums to baseball, Tampa, Florida, has something for everyone.

How Can You Mend a Broken Heart? Travel Might Be the Answer

woman traveler in europa- Alhambra in Spain

We spoke with experts and travelers about what can help you heal after a breakup.

Best Galentine’s Day Destinations in North America

Gather your girls for the ultimate Galentine’s weekend escape.

World's Most Relaxing Spa Resorts Provide Some Serious Self-Care

Treat yourself to cacao wraps, hot spring baths and salt saunas at the world's best spa resorts.

Civil Rights Monuments Every American Should Visit

Martin Luther King Junior Memorial in Washington DC, USA

These civil rights monuments remind us of one of the darkest periods in U.S. history — and the work left to be done.

15 Biggest Airports in the World, Ranked by Size

There may be busier or better airports, but these 15 have more square miles.

Underground Railroad Sites You Should Visit, Mapped

From Harriet Tubman’s home to forts, these sites were crucial to the activities of the Underground Railroad in the anti-slavery movement.

These Sandwich Chains Make the Best Subs in the Country

Sometimes, nothing hits the spot better than a perfectly done sub sandwich.

Cheapest Countries in Latin America to Visit on a Budget

Latin America has great food, friendly people and gorgeous landscapes — and they’re all accessible to limited budgets.

Readers’ Choice: The Caribbean Is the Best Winter Getaway

Why the Caribbean Sea should be your go-to winter destination.

New York City’s 10 Best Michelin Star Restaurants, Ranked

New York City has 73 Michelin star restaurants. These are the 10 best.

We Dare You Not to Laugh at These Fast-Food Chains Memes

These memes are for anyone in a love-hate relationship with fast food.

10 Best Colorado Ski Resorts, Ranked From Fun to Must-Visit

Here’s where to go to make the most out of your ski trip in Colorado.

These Are the Best Hotels in Vegas for Partying on the Cheap

You don’t have to be rich to have a good time at these hotels in Vegas.

Best UNESCO-Listed Foods (Including the French Baguette)

The French baguette is the latest food to earn recognition from UNESCO, which considers it Intangible Cultural Heritage.

We Can’t Stop Laughing at These Awful 5-Star Hotel Reviews

Dedicated concierges, Michelin-star dining and privileged locations are not enough for these people.

World’s Scariest Laws Could Get You in Serious Trouble

Travelers and locals sometimes don’t take these laws seriously. Often with dire consequences.

We Want to Relocate to the World's Most Livable Coastal Cities

These 10 coastal cities are expensive, but their high quality of life gives people enough reasons to relocate.

These Shops Make the Absolute Best Sandwiches in the U.S.

If you love a great sandwich, you have to visit these 15 places.

Costa Rica’s Coolest New Experience: Mushroom Hunting

Mushroom hunting is the fun(gi) side of Costa Rica’s rainy season.

Follow This Festive Map of Germany’s Christmas Markets

Hot chocolate, pretzels and crafts galore!

World's Best Farm-to-Table Hotel Restaurants

Enjoy fresh, organic produce in a luxurious setting.

Top Fast-Food Pizza Chains, Ranked

Which chain reigns as the king of the fast-food pizza world?

Readers’ Choice: Alaska Is the Most Beautiful State

Is Alaska the most beautiful state? Our readers think so.

Top 10 Places to Go Horseback Riding in North America

From farms in Montana to the mountains of Costa Rica, these destinations are ideal for a horseback riding adventure.

Trust Us, You Need at Least 3 Days in Monteverde, Costa Rica

We spent three weeks in Monteverde. These are the best things to do in town.

America’s Most Delicious Vietnamese Restaurants

These Vietnamese restaurants will bring you straight into the heart of Hanoi.

Magical Hotels to Spend the Holidays

These hotels bring spirit to the best season of the year.

Best Luxury Gifts for Travelers With Fine Tastes

How to pamper the traveler in your life.

Your World Cup Guide to Doha, Qatar

Qatar is a place that used to fly under the radar. Not anymore.

America's Best Cocktail Bars, Ranked

Mixology is much more than making a good drink.

10 Perfect Gifts for Business Travelers

Short of gifting them first-class seats, these are the best things you can give a business traveler.

Fascinating Crater Lake National Park Facts

Learn more about Oregon's only national park.

20 Biggest Airports in the U.S., Ranked by Size

They’re not necessarily the best, but these are the biggest airports in the country.

Readers’ Choice: Italian Cuisine Is Officially the Best Food

These are the best Italian dishes you should try at least once.

Perfect Travel Gifts for Foodies

What to get the person who travels mostly for food.

This Resort Group Has Some of Los Cabos' Best Hotels

Whether you’re traveling with the family or looking for a romantic all-inclusive, Mexico Grand Hotels has the perfect property for you.

These Are the Things People Hate to See in Hotels

Is there anything worse than dirty rooms, bad smells and uncomfortable pillows at a hotel?

5 Best Hotels to Get a Traditional Singapore Sling

No one does Singapore’s signature drink better than these hotels.

Largest Food & Wine Festivals in the U.S.

Bring your appetite to the country’s best and largest food events.

Best Airports in the U.S., According to a New Report

There are over 19,600 airports in the U.S. These six come out on top.

Readers’ Choice: Chapel Hill Is America’s Best College Town

Chapel Hill is the queen of college towns according to our readers. Locals tell us what makes it so great.

America’s Favorite Fast-Food Burger Places

These fast-food joints reign supreme in the hearts of burger-loving Americans.

10 Best Travel Gifts for Urban Travelers

What to get the traveler who lives and breathes city life.

What’s So Special About San Miguel de Allende, Mexico?

Safe, easily accessible and absolutely stunning, you’ll definitely want to visit San Miguel de Allende.

Everglades National Park Through the Eyes of Photographer Clyde Butcher

The famed photographer tells us what makes the Everglades the “most beautiful place in the world.”

A Map of Australia’s Most Impressive World Heritage Sites

From the massive Uluru Rock to the Sydney Opera House, this map has all the sites you’ll want to visit in Australia.

A Greek Chef’s Guide to Greek Food

Order these dishes the next time you’re at a Greek restaurant. Or better yet, learn to make them yourself.

Most Exciting Fall Festivals You Won’t Want to Miss

From family-friendly corn mazes to haunted Halloween celebrations, these fall festivals bring the spirit of the season.

Readers’ Choice: Salem Is the Most Haunted City in America

The Salem Witch Trials may have happened in the 1690s, but they continue to haunt this city.

Best Gifts for the Outdoor Traveler

We all have a friend who spends most of their time in nature. These awesome gifts will make their adventures even better.

A Map of Italy’s Most Important Artworks

From the “Birth of Venus” to the “Last Supper,” these are the masterpieces you absolutely have to see in Italy.

Where to Go Leaf Peeping to Spot Colorful Fall Leaves

These leaf-peeping destinations are particularly spectacular because of their beautiful fall leaves and colors.

Best Chicago Chinatown Restaurants To Satisfy Your Cravings

If you're in the mood for Chinese food, these restaurants will hit the spot.

Huzzah! The Biggest Renaissance Festivals in the U.S.

These gigantic fairs will take you back to the times of knights, maidens and barrels of mead.

10 Best Things to Do on the Las Vegas Strip, Mapped

This map of Sin City highlights all the spots you’ll want to hit while walking the infamous Las Vegas Strip.

Best French Restaurants in the U.S.

With subtle flavors and quality ingredients, these restaurants provide a glimpse of the magic of French cuisine.

Where to Get the Best Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches in America

Americans love sandwiches. But the Philly cheesesteak reigns supreme.

Every IHG Hotel Brand, Ranked From Worst to First

Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas Facebook

From the Crowne Plaza to the Holiday Inn, IHG has varied brands under its belt.

10 Best Mexican Restaurants in San Jose

The competition for great Mexican food in San Jose is tough. These restaurants win the crown.

Readers’ Choice: Rocky Mountain National Park, Mapped

Our readers voted Rocky Mountain as Colorado’s best national park. This map shows you exactly which spots to visit.

Are Yellowstone’s Grizzly Bears Actually That Dangerous?

Yes. And No. The answer is more complex than you'd think.

Top 10 Safest, Large Cities in the U.S.

Many of these safe cities also make for great travel destinations.

Meet the Maze Man of Sunset Beach, North Carolina

For 17 years, people have been coming to Sunset Beach looking for Hunter Gibbes’ incredible sand mazes.

Fall Is Finally Here! These Are the Best Places to Go Apple Picking in America

Apple picking is a timeless American tradition.

Where to Go Wild Swimming in Spain, Mapped

Escape the tourists at these secret Spanish swimming spots.

Best Latin Food Recipes, According to a Cuban Chef

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month (or any month) with these mouthwatering Latin food dishes.

Ojai Valley Inn Is the Perfect Escape from LA

Two hours north of Los Angeles, Ojai Valley Inn has been welcoming the rich and wealthy for almost a century.

All 3 National Parks in Washington Are Absolutely Incredible

In Washington state’s national parks, you’ll find mountains, lakes and infinite beauty.

America's Best Beach Bars to Kick Back and Relax

Get ready for sun, drinks and seafood.

Most Thrilling Things to Do in New Zealand, Mapped

From north to south, this map of New Zealand is packed with adrenaline.

Best Beaches in South Carolina for a Seaside Vacation

Discover South Carolina’s most popular beaches, as well as its hidden gems.

Why Cali, Colombia Is the Salsa Dancing Capital of the World

If you want to master salsa dancing, go to Cali, Colombia.

Readers' Choice: Siesta Key Is Florida’s Best Beach

Our readers think there's no better beach than Siesta Key. Our staff couldn’t agree more.

Japan’s Most Stunning Temples and Shrines, Mapped

Plan a grand temple tour of Japan with this illustrated map.

Skip the Clubs. Head to Florida's National Parks Instead.

Like their home state, Florida’s national parks are unlike any other in the country.

A Drool-Worthy Culinary Map of France

The most important map of France you'll ever see.

10 of the World’s Most Dangerous Natural Wonders, Ranked

The number of accidents that happen in these destinations is wild.

Korean Fried Chicken Might Be the Best Fried Chicken You've Ever Had

You've never tasted fried chicken like this.

This Map of Maine Highlights the State’s Scenic Lighthouses

Follow this Maine lighthouses map to find coastal communities, fresh seafood and views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Black's Beach and Other Must-Visit San Diego Beaches

Surf, swim and play at these awesome San Diego beaches, including the secluded Black's Beach.

Largest National Parks in the U.S. Provide a World of Wonder

Some of these national parks are bigger than entire states.