For the first time since 2004, when the George W. Bush administration cancelled so-called "people-to-people" licenses for companies offering cultural travel to Cuba, Americans can once again go there legally—and without applying to the U.S. Department of the Treasury for a special license to travel. At this writing, more companies are expected to receive the same license soon so check back here for more upd ...

Whether you are hitting the road with your teacup poodle, a tomcat, or a terrier, there's some special considerations to find the best lodging for you and your pet. While more and more hotels are becoming pet-friendly, you still need to be prepared for the following. 1. Double-check pet fees and restrictions. Accommodations often have restrictions on the size and age of animals (puppies tend to be discourag ...

The 10,000 hot springs, mud pots, and fumaroles, plus 300 or so active geysers within Yellowstone comprise more than half the entire world's thermal features. We've got the tips you need to know before you go to best experience the park's geothermal wonders. Past eruptions of cataclysmic volcanoes brought about the steaming, vaporous landscape of Yellowstone today. The heat from the magma (molten rock) unde ...

Every year, Travel + Leisure readers rank cities for qualities such as great food or excellent shopping. Readers also vote on best times of year to visit-including the classic, all-important summer vacation. More Americans are planning to take that vacation this season. According to a poll by the American Express Spending & Saving Tracker, 59 percent of Americans will take some kind of summer getaway, u ...

Concierges can be the great finessers of your trip: making reservations, helping with business matters, and generally smoothing out life’s kinks. They also know all the ins and outs of the hotel scene, and how to get the most out of your stay. Here are four tips to effectively use the concierge service for your next hotel stay. 1. Help your concierge help you. When asking for help, focus on what you like. A ...

Ukraine isn't the first destination to top everybody's list, but it should be. The former Soviet republic is a prime destination for history buffs, outdoorsmen and adventure travelers alike. The capital city of Kiev, founded in the 5th century, has been overrun and occupied by the the Khazars, Mongolians, the Lithuanians and the Nazis, among others, but still stands proudly today as home to roughly 2.7 mill ...

Budapest Travel Guide Budapest offers breathtaking Old World grandeur and thriving cultural life. Situated on both banks of the Danube River, the city unites the colorful hills of Buda and the wide, businesslike boulevards of Pest. Much of the charm of a visit to Budapest lies in unexpected glimpses into shadowy courtyards and in long vistas down sunlit cobbled streets. Although some 30,000 buildings were d ...

Greece on a budget. Looking for an inexpensive European getaway? Look no further than the land of the philosophers, whitewashed and blue domed churches, Hercules and those other gyros. Greece has fallen on tough times lately. Its economy was particularly hard hit by the global downturn, and the country is plagued by excessive national debt. But, that can mean financial breaks for the traveler. Luxury travel ...

Disclaimer: Today's summer travel destination isn't exactly the most widely recognizable corner of the world. In fact, some of you seasoned travel vets out there might be scratching your heads and searching for the nearest world map. But we're guessing that after a few hundred words or so, we'll have you dreaming about a trip to Cappadocia. We're not talking about the small town of the same name in Central ...

It isn't easy picking Thailand's special beaches. First, its been done before. Second, the whole damn coast is a best beaches highlight reel. So here's at least some cream of a bumper crop, to be squabbled and huzzahed over. Bangkok's Suvarnbhumi International Airport is a major Asian hub and budget carriers like AirAsia have made travel to Thailand from cities in the region, notably Kuala Lumpur and Singap ...