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.

A Local's Guide to Miami on a Budget

"South Beach, USA - February 14, 2011: South Beach, Miami, Florida is a neighborhood in the city of Miami Beach and a major tourist destination with hundreds of nightclubs, restaurants, boutiques and hotels."

Yes, it's possible to do Miami on a budget — if you know where to go.

Best Ice Cream Chains in the U.S.

You can count on these ice cream chains to make life sweeter, no matter the season.

Affordable Mountain Resorts for a Dream Vacation

You can have an idyllic mountain escapade for less than $400 per night.

Amazing Destinations for Architecture Lovers

Stunning view of twin clock tower of the Basilica del Voto Nacional, Quito, Ecuador

If columns, arches and doors make you ohh and ahh, you'll love these incredible architecture destinations.

How Many of These European Landmarks Do You Recognize?

Only true experts get 10/10 on this European landmark quiz.

Things We Miss About Air Travel That We'll Never Get Again

Piano concerts and no baggage limits once were staples of air travel — and they'll always be missed.

Dreamy Maldives Hotels for Less Than $300 per Night

These Maldives hotels are easy on the eyes — and on your wallet.

New Yorker Memes That Will Make You Spit Out Your Bodega BLT

They say humor never lies, and these New Yorker memes are the best representation of the city we’ve seen yet.

Travel Experiences That People Over 70 Regret Skipping the Most

Seniors reveal the places they wish they had visited when they were younger.

10 Best Girls’ Trips to the Caribbean and Mexico

Gather the girls and head to some of North America’s best destinations.

America’s Favorite Fast-Food Restaurants

These are the fast-food restaurants that Americans search for the most.

These Top Beaches in North America Will Have You Dreaming

Is this the real life, or is this just fantasy? At these gorgeous North American beaches, it’s hard to tell.

Incredibly Short Airport Runways That Seem to Defy Physics

Small plane landing at the "Tenzing-Hillary" Airport in Lukla on a cloudy day, Everest Base Camp trek, Nepal

You’ll need to put on a brave face when flying into these teeny tiny airport runways.

Travelers Say These Are America's Top 10 Local Experiences

tourist watching the landscape in the valley of fire

From seeing Hawaii’s volcanoes to doing a ghost tour in Savannah, Georgia, these amazing experiences have been voted the best in the country.

Amazing Boating Destinations for a Day Out on the Water

Whether you’re in the sea or at the lake, these destinations are perfect for a day out on a boat.

These Best Cruise Lines for Retirees Make Us Wish We Were 65

Spend your golden years exploring the world aboard these cruise lines that are made for retirees.

U.S. Beaches With the Most Breathtaking Sunrises

Whether you get up early or stay up all night, these U.S. beaches are the most amazing spots to catch a sunrise.

4 Ways to Donate and Help Victims of Hawaii's Maui Fire

Hawaii's Maui was devastated by a deadly fire in 2023. Here's how you can help locals — even from a distance.

Best Fast-Food Milkshakes, Ranked From Worst to First

Milkshakes are one of life’s biggest pleasures. But which fast-food chain makes the best?

The World’s Most Beautiful Beach Is in Africa

Beach lovers will regret not making the long trip to this remote beach at least once in their lifetime.

10 Most-Searched European Vacation Spots Travelers Want to Visit

Santorini island, Greece. Oia town traditional white houses and churches with blue domes over the Caldera, Aegean sea.

These are the European cities travelers are searching for the most to visit this year.

Best Hotels in Orlando for Less Than $300 Per Night

Whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure, these are the best hotels in Orlando for traveling on the cheap.

Most Peaceful Small Towns to Visit Along the Great Lakes

A lone kayaker exits a sea cave on The Apostle Island National Lakeshore in Wisconsin in Fall.

You can enjoy the beauty of the Great Lakes year-round in these gorgeous small towns with fewer than 10,000 residents.

Long Flight Layover? In These Cities, That’s a Blessing

These cities offer free tours to travelers with long flight layovers.

Best Starbucks Drinks You Can Order, Ranked

Starbucks has many, many drink options, but these are the top ones you can order off the menu.

All 28 Hyatt Brands, Ranked

Here's a guide to which Hyatt brands are worth your money and which ones you should skip.

America's Most Livable Small Towns Amp Up the Charm

With safety, a strong sense of community, beauty and plenty of things to do, these small towns rank high on the livability index while also attracting tourists.

10 Best U.S. Airports, Ranked by Their Food and Restaurants

You’ll eat like royalty in these airports, known for their quality food and restaurants.

Cheapest Countries in Europe for an Affordable Vacation

Yes, Europe can be expensive, but you can save money by going to the continent’s most underrated destinations.

Fast-Food French Fries, Ranked From Worst to First

Which French fry is king of the fast-food world?

Most Idyllic Small Towns on the Pacific Coast

Let the ocean air melt your worries away in these beautiful small towns dotting the coasts of California, Oregon and Washington.

Most Delicious Italian Chain Restaurants in the U.S.

It may not be authentic Italian food, but Italian-American cuisine is inarguably delicious, especially at these popular Italian chain restaurants.

Terrible U.S. Airports, Ranked from Bad to Worst

New York, USA - January 3, 2014: People sleeping on the floor at JFK Airport, New York. Thousands of flights were cancelled and delayed, all New York airports closed due to heavy snowfall.

You can’t always choose where you fly to and from. But if you have a choice, avoid these terrible airports at all costs.

Most Dangerous Small Towns in the U.S.

Ocean City, MD/USA - August 2, 2022: Tourists walk along the shops, attractions and food establishments on the boardwalk at Ocean City, Maryland in the summer

You may want to avoid living in — and traveling to — these dangerous small towns.

America’s Most Delicious Chinese Food Chains

Whether you want fried rice, wontons or General Tso's chicken, these Chinese food chains will fulfill your cravings.

Worst Travel Destinations You Should Avoid

Every place has its charm, but if you’re looking for something with a soul, avoid these worst travel destinations.

10 Most Popular Rides at Disney World, Ranked

From Haunted Mansion to Splash Mountain, these are the Disney World rides people love the most.

10 Worst American Tourist Traps You Should Avoid

Cafe du Monde and the Hollywood Walk of Fame are among the attractions travelers think should be skipped.

These Cheap Airbnbs Are Equally Fun and Quirky

These fun and cheap Airbnbs in the U.S. cost less than $150 per night.

10 Best States for Happy Campers to Enjoy the Outdoors

From great campgrounds to gorgeous trails, these states will make any camping enthusiast very happy.

Stay at These Famous Hotels Along America's Most Iconic Streets

From Chicago’s Magnificent Mile to L.A.’s Hollywood Boulevard, these iconic streets carry history — here’s where to stay to be at the heart of the action.

Welcome to Travel's Bronze Age: An Inside Look at the Industry's Big Money Problem

No one expects economy and luxury travel to be the same. But the widening gap in quality is infuriating people.

The Verdict Is In: These Are the Best Places to Visit in Mexico

Wondering where to go on your next trip to Mexico? Start with these 15 places.

These Small Towns Make Perfect Mother-Daughter Trips

Whether you want mountains, beaches or deserts, these small towns are ideal for mother-daughter trips.

Most Delicious Mexican Chain Restaurants in the U.S.

Go to these Mexican chain restaurants when you need good comfort food.

10 Safest Cities in Africa for Travelers to Visit

The safest cities in Africa are also some of the continent’s most exciting destinations.

Most Affordable Caribbean Islands for a Dream Vacation

On this map of the Caribbean, you’ll find dream vacations that you can actually afford to take.

Biscayne National Park Is Miami's Most Underrated Spot

Away from Miami’s glitz and noise, you’ll find a protected underwater paradise in Biscayne National Park.

Have the Ultimate Girls’ Trip in These Gorgeous Small Towns

The big city is overdone. Head to a small town on your next girls’ getaway.

California Memes That’ll Make You Say ‘Duuuuude!’

Sorry, Californians, but these California memes don't lie.

Immersive Hotel Experiences That Will Connect You to Nature

At these hotels, you won’t just be learning about nature. You’ll be rolling up your sleeves and digging your hands into the dirt — literally.

Lake Como Is One of the 10 Most Beautiful Lakes in the World

Take a dip in Lake Como or one of these other gorgeous lakes and then enjoy the quaint towns surrounding them.

America's Most Gorgeous Pools Worth Plunging Into

Some of these pools are natural. Some are artificial. They're all breathtaking.

This Washington D.C. Map Reveals the City’s Secret Spots

Once you’ve checked out the usual monuments and museums, head to these underrated and unusual attractions using our Washington, D.C., map.

Best Small Fishing Towns for a Waterfront Vacation

Whether you love the sport or simply want a getaway in an idyllic place, these small fishing towns make the perfect vacation spots in the U.S.

Best Cheap Hotels in Chicago for $300 or Less

A trip to Chicago doesn't have to break the bank or skimp on amenities.

Most Popular Languages Used for Word Tattoos, Ranked

Girl With Japanese Tattoo "Ai" meaning of Love in English.

Be it for aesthetic or cultural appeal, people love getting word tattoos in these languages.

What’s America’s Favorite Beer Brand?

Kar-Tr Getty Images

Of all the beer brands available, there's one that's beloved across the U.S. — and no, it’s not Bud Light.

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.

Best Four Seasons Resorts in the World

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 Everyone Should Visit at Least Once

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.

Best Cheap Hotels in Las Vegas for Partying

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