
Finding Home While Cruising the Seine
Published on August 13, 2018
By Ben Schuyler, AFAR Ambassador Can I be honest? In my early years of travel photography I didn’t have much interest in visiting Europe. I grew up in the Pacific Northwest, where nature was a stone’s throw in any direction. That accessibility made it the topic of much of my early work. Growing up my […]
Keep reading
Ideal Island Paradise
Published on August 6, 2018
With more than 7,000 islands, the Philippines has become a bucket list tropical destination in 2018. The Southeast Asian country boasts more than 22,000 miles of coastline with pristine beaches, cosmopolitan cities, rich history, and welcoming locals ready to share Filipino culture with visitors. Credit: Asia Answers Here is a sample of USTOA member […]
Keep reading
Paris and the Seine River: An Unmatched Romance Uncovered
Published on August 6, 2018
Paris and the Seine River: An Unmatched Romance Uncovered By Ben Schuyler, AFAR Ambassador There’s no doubt about it—something really is so romantic about being in Paris. It’s the “city of love” after all, but I’m not talking so much about affectionate romance. I’m talking about the city’s ability to take you to a […]
Keep reading
Bucket List Travel: Party of One
Published on July 31, 2018
Bucket List Travel: Party of One Credit: Contiki Thinking about taking a solo vacation? You’re not “alone.” Roughly half of United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) tour operator members have reported growth in solo travelers last year and many have created new opportunities for those going it alone to visit their dream destinations. With waived […]
Keep reading
Eight Reasons to River Cruise in Bordeaux
Published on July 17, 2018
The Bordeaux region in France brings to mind visions of winding country sides…and of course robust red wines. While known for its vineyards, the region in southwest France also offers picturesque towns, beautiful coastlines, and impressive architectural gems. Need more inspiration? Here are eight reasons to visit the famous French region: Pack and Unpack Only […]
Keep reading
Journey to Japan
Published on July 9, 2018
Japan was named one of the top five “hot” destinations for 2018 in the USTOA’s annual survey of travel forecasts and trends, and for good reason: It’s captivating contrast of timeless traditions and modern life, along with its diverse natural landscapes, accommodates every type of travel interest. Whether it’s hiking along trails to hidden […]
Keep reading
Hike, Cruise, and Drive Through Fall Foliage Around the World
Published on June 21, 2018
Are you a “leaf peeper?” Who isn’t when faced with the vibrant shades of autumn. And, while New England is first to come to mind for the vivid colors of native maple, oak, dogwood and other trees, USTOA members offer travelers a chance to “branch” out to new leaf peeping locations around the world. From Japan […]
Keep reading
How to Eat and Drink Like a Local in Rome
Published on June 11, 2018
By Tanveer Badal I’ve visited Rome twice before, so I’ve already experienced much of the city’s treasure trove of sights—though seeing mind-blowing ancient structures like the Colosseum never gets old. But for my third visit, I was determined to experience Rome like a local. My goal was to literally live out the classic phrase “when […]
Keep reading
How I Learned to Live Like a Roman
Published on June 4, 2018
By AFAR Ambassador Tanveer Badal As a travel photographer, I’ve had the privilege of visiting over 50 countries. And as I’ve become a more experienced traveler, I’ve found myself no longer interested in just crossing places off a bucket list or filling my passport with as many stamps as possible. Instead, I’m more interested in […]
Keep reading
Change The World By Going on Vacation
Published on May 22, 2018
Are you looking to make a difference in the communities you visit? You’re not alone. Socially-responsible travel is becoming increasingly significant to today’s globally connected travelers. On a recent trip to Jordan with Tourism Cares, Terry Dale, president and CEO of USTOA joined a group of travel industry representatives to explore the new Meaningful Travel […]
Keep reading