Lauren Dana

As culinary tourism becomes increasingly popular, it’s safe to say that a destination’s food and drink offerings can easily make or break one’s vacation. However, you don’t necessarily need to travel too far from home to experience unique cuisine and beverage offerings, and that’s because the U.S. boasts a bevy of unique food and drink trails. Whether you prefer to sip margaritas in Santa Fe, slurp oysters in North Carolina, or chow down on barbecue in Alabama, the best food and drink trails across America offer something for every traveler. Ahead, we’ve rounded up 11 of our favorites across the States to inspire your future food-filled adventures. There's never been a better time to hit the road hungry. RECOMMENDED: The best food tours in the USAThe best gas station snacks ranked

Why is everyone vacationing in the same place? I often wonder this during travel spikes, scrolling social media to see people with nothing in common having the same experiences. Are we all spring skiers now? Is everyone actually having fun, or are we just yielding to a trend? It’s time we all dig a little deeper, skip the cookie-cutter trip and set off somewhere different. Forget what everyone else is doing! Let’s explore our own interests—and while we’re at it, do it where it’s not so crowded. To help you find the perfect underrated summer travel destination, we tapped our network of writers with plenty of experience discovering cool places. We’re showing new sides to cities and regions you already know and sharing choice spots that might be new to you. From wine tasting your way through Boise, Idaho, and encountering wildlife in Oakland, California, to ferry hopping in Southeast Alaska, these aren’t your typical summer escapes. A little less popular and still very exciting, these underrated U.S. destinations are calling your name this summer.

Summer is essentially synonymous with camp if you're a kid—just think back to your childhood and picture warm, sunny afternoons out on the water or in the woods. But that doesn't mean the fun stops when you grow up, and we don't mean taking up a job as a counselor. Feeling nostalgic for the good ol' days? Consider attending an adult summer camp in the U.S., where you can partake in classic outdoor adventures like kayaking and archery, albeit with a grown-up flair (think: mimosas or Bloody Marys at breakfast, cocktails in the evening and that include arts and crafts and spirits tasting). Ahead, we’ve rounded up the best adult summer camps across America—ultra-luxe offerings included.

You’re never far from good food in Portland.  A ton of very talented chefs now reside in Portland, cooking up innovative snacks to really put it on the map, and as a diverse city, there’s pretty much every kind of cuisine you can imagine here. And luckily enough, we’ve tasted it all. Every last dish. So on our list, you’ll find everything from small plates and pasta to Peruvian and Southern biscuits. Whatever you’re in the mood for, Portland’s got it. Here are the best restaurants in the city right now. We hope you’re hungry! RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in Portland🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Portland🏨 The best hotels in Portland At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.

It’s no secret that America's natural hot springs are renowned for their healing properties. In fact, experts believe these mineral-rich waters can help boost circulation, improve hypertension, alleviate stress, help with pain and reduce inflammation—that is, among a slew of other health benefits. And besides, who doesn’t enjoy a rejuvenating soak, especially following a strenuous hike or high-energy activity? If you need more convincing, we’ve got you covered: From under-the-radar picks in Nevada to ultra-scenic spots in Alaska, to a centuries-old historic haunt in Virginia, we’ve rounded up the best natural hot springs in the U.S. to inspire your future travels. RECOMMENDED: The most Instagrammable pools in the U.S.  

Spotting a whale in its natural habitat is, in a word, magical—and you may not have to travel too far from home to experience this for yourself. With over 12,000 miles of shoreline, the United States is practically teeming with whale-watching opportunities all year long. However, there are peak times for particular types of whales and places to spot them. For instance, blue whales tend to hang out in southern California during the summer months, while humpbacks are most visible in Alaska from April through November. Ready to plan your USA whale-watching trip? From the idyllic island of Maui to the waters of Cape Cod, here are the top places to go whale-watching all across America, plus the best times to visit. RECOMMENDED: Where to see the most stunning castles in America

I don’t know who needs to hear this, but it’s not too late to plan your spring break getaway—and you don’t even have to leave the country to enjoy an epic escape. Nor do you need to be a student to take advantage of a spring trip. But with so many places to choose from across America, planning the perfect vacation to suit your—or your family’s, friends’ or SO’s needs—can feel overwhelming. Whether you prefer an oceanfront retreat, a wellness-centric hideaway or a family-friendly oasis, we’ve got you covered: Read on for the best spring break destinations in the U.S. for every type of traveler. RECOMMENDED: Cheap family vacations in the U.S. for 2024

At Time Out, we’re all about helping you see the world on the cheap and leading you to the best travel deals whenever possible. But sometimes, even the thrifty seek a bit of luxury on vacation, a place to comfortably kick their feet up before it’s time to squeeze into that basic economy seat. I mean, who can turn down a $99 flight to Europe? Not us! For that, we love an airport lounge. These once exclusive domains for the most privileged passengers have dramatically changed since American Airlines opened the first in NY’s LaGuardia Airport in 1939. What started as an invitation-only club for folks to enjoy a pre-board cocktail has evolved into a massive network of areas for travelers to rest, work, refuel and idle before a flight. Today, there are more lounges than ever, offering all kinds of amenities (pickleball, anyone?) and greater access for all. Headed to the airport soon? We asked Time Out editors and frequent contributors to share their favorite lounges in the U.S. Whether you're lounge-curious or a pro looking for a new respite when you fly, you'll find helpful intel for your next trip below. 

We love a European vacation as much as the next person, but perhaps less so these days. Despite the many flash sales luring us abroad, there’s just too much to see and do right here in America. The rise in low-cost airlines expanding their routes throughout the U.S. has also refocused our wanderlust, nudging us toward short escapes closer to home. And with limited time and budgets, a weekend getaway in the U.S. is just the vacation we all need right now. Our picks bypass the obvious choices, say New York or L.A., in favor of smaller cities with booming art scenes, lesser-known towns with incredible restaurants and coastal spots with plenty of room to spread out on the sand. You’ll find fewer crowds and plenty of small-town charm at these unexpected destinations. Looking for someplace to go in 2024? These places should absolutely be on your travel radar this year. RECOMMENDED: The best cities to visit in the U.S.

Struggling to snooze? You're not alone. In fact, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), approximately 50 to 70 million Americans suffer from some sort of chronic or ongoing sleep disorder. Similarly, the National Sleep Foundation reports that up to 30 percent of Americans struggle with insomnia. With this in mind, it's no wonder why sleep tourism has grown increasingly popular, with more and more hotels around the globe continuing to offer sleep-centric packages and amenities to help their guests get some rest. As someone who has struggled to fall—and stay—asleep for quite some time, I was especially intrigued to experience a sleep retreat. When the opportunity arose to jet to France's Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa to try their signature Royal Sleep Experience, I jumped at it. At first, it sounded too good to be true, especially considering how jetlagged I'd be following the eight-hour flight from New York. I was pleasantly surprised by the experience, which included luxury suite accommodations with double blackout curtains and a deep-soaking tub to truly unwind before bedtime. A few hours before bed, I enjoyed a delicious, seasonally driven dinner at the on-site restaurant, featuring lean proteins and tryptophan-rich ingredients so as not to upset the stomach and help boost sleep. I washed everything down with the aptly named Sleeping Beauty mocktail. Upon returning to my suite post-dinner, I was delighted to find that my curtains were drawn, an AI

We don’t know who needs to hear this, but just because you’re staying at a ski resort doesn’t mean you’ll be forced to hit the slopes. So, breathe easy because making it down the mountain on skis or a snowboard isn't a requirement at these incredible resorts in North America. In fact, the best resorts for non-skiers offer something for every type of traveler—be it wellness-centric amenities, top-notch food and drink offerings, a buzzy apres ski scene and so much more. Intrigued? Keep reading to discover our top picks for the best ski resorts for non-skiers across North America—and plan your trip, STAT. RECOMMENDED: The best winter festivals in the U.S. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

Cruises have become increasingly popular in recent years, with over 35 million passengers slated to set sail in 2024 alone: and it’s easy to see why. Not only do cruises make for a convenient vacation option—you just need to unpack once, and you’ll never have to travel too far from your stateroom (if at all) for your next meal or drink—but they also offer plenty of onboard activities and amenities to appease all types of travelers. Plus, cruises are available across various price points and lengths. Whether you prefer oceans or lakes, islands or cities, spotting wildlife or sitting on the beach (no wrong answers!), I’ve used my experience both as a cruiser and travel writer—I’ve covered the industry for nearly five years—to narrow down the best cruises from the U.S. to suit all individuals, regardless of travel style and personal preferences.

What’s more tempting than a Thanksgiving feast? Skipping the festivities altogether. This Thanksgiving, why not bypass the stress of cooking an entire meal, hosting your family and all the other necessary bits to celebrate a holiday? Instead, enjoy a relaxing Turkey Day escape close to home. We’ve rounded up five incredible Thanksgiving getaways within easy driving distance of major U.S. cities, including Miami, New York and Los Angeles. You’ll find these spots are under a five-hour drive—or a quick flight if holiday road trips are not your thing. Plus, each place has a distinct charm, natural beauty, fantastic food and drink offerings and noteworthy attractions. West Palm Beach, FL Often overlooked in favor of its swankier cousin, Palm Beach, this hip city still feels like a hidden gem (for now, at least). Its arty downtown area is home to The Square, an arts and culture hub that’s also brimming with some of the destination’s best shops, bars and restaurants like Barrio, El Camino and the recently opened Galley, as well as outposts of famed NYC staples Harry’s and Felice. Every Saturday between November and May, the city hosts an antiques and flea market; the GreenMarket also takes place on Saturdays between October and April. To get here from Miami, hop on I-95 (75 minutes, depending on traffic) or ditch the car altogether and hop on the high-speed Brightline train (also 75 minutes).  Where to stay: The Ben, Autograph Collection is a trendy hotel just minutes from the heart