U.S. and International Travel Destinations - Vacation Ideas

Pedals to the Pavement in Paris

The city’s year-old bike-sharing program has sparked a cult of cyclisme, night rides past the Arc de Triomphe, and a way to hit all the farmers’ markets and historical sites you can in 72 hours.
By David Sax

More Cities Undergoing a Renaissance

Find Cowboy Chic in Calgary: By David Sax; Flush with oil money and a surging economy, the town made famous by its rodeo is becoming a sophisticated big city.

Win Respect for Atlantic City: By Geraldine Campbell; The Jersey shore’s much-maligned gambling town is finally shedding its dumpy reputation.

Tri-State Area

Turn Water Into Wine in Greenport: By Andrea Strong; This North Fork town has vineyards, secluded trails, and beaches to suit every preference.

Summer on the Cheap in Montauk: By Amy Ahlberg; The Long Island getaway has the same sandy beaches and fresh-fish obsession as the Hamptons but won't wreck your wallet.

East

Catch Experimental Rock in Baltimore: By Rachel B. Doyle; Charm City's dives and underground venues host a burgeoning scene of art-rock acts and electrifying dance parties.

See Modern Martha’s Vineyard: By Julie Earle-Levine; The summer perennial has rarely looked better. Find revamped hotels, a robust art scene, and those ever-gorgeous beaches.

West

Play in Portland’s Shadows: By Adam H. Graham; The city’s darkest spots (under-the-bridge skate parks, secretive clubs, respectfully louche strip bars) are its coolest.

Dig Up Classic Clothes in San Francisco: By Amy Ettinger; Top-notch vintage stores brimming with upscale hand-me-downs and drag-queen couture abound.

South

Find Solitude in the Smoky Mountains: By Elizabeth Cline; The nation's most-visited national park is replete with remote outdoor adventures.

Take in Wild Rivers in Big Bend: By Melissa Burdick Harmon; Full of untamed waters, Florida’s north country will make you forget the beach.

Midwest

Rock and Roll in Indianapolis: By Amy Zavatto; There's a booming indie scene in the Indiana capital, thanks to its intimate rock clubs and great music stores.

Catch a Show in Chicago: By Jean Tang; The Second City considers itself a purer theater town, favoring acting over hype, and small gems over $100-a-seat blockbusters.

International

Go Out With the Old in Tel Aviv: By David Kaufman; Gorgeous historic buildings have been repurposed as fabulous hotels, eateries, boutiques, and design museums.

Hop Rooftops in Berlin: By Adam H. Graham; There's a new crop of restaurants, hotels, and clubs with lofty perches to take in the stunning cityscape vistas created by post-Wall construction.