Travel

The Chicago skyline backdrops the Chicago Jazz Festival at Millennium Park’s Pritzker Pavilion on Sept. 4, 2026. (Chris Sweda/baiduhai)

Conde Nast Traveler readers name Chicago ‘Best Big City’ for 10th year in a row

By Robert Channick

October 6, 2026 at 3:25 p.m.

Conde Nast Traveler received nearly 800,000 votes for this year’s Readers’ Choice Awards, which cover...

Olivia Estrada, the on board manager, carries plates of food to the dome car for guests aboard a Patrick Henry Creative Promotions private rail car as it travels from Chicago, Illinois, to St. Louis, Missouri, on May 19, 2026. Private train cars may seem like a relic of the past, but for some rail fans, nothing beats having — or renting — your own sleeper car. (Jamie Kelter Davis/The New York Times)

The quiet allure of private rail

By The New York Times News Service Syndicate

October 2, 2026 at 6:15 p.m.

Private rail cars traveled 429,000 miles on Amtrak in fiscal year 2025, according to the...

Cary Sabados shops for chocolate at Hotel Chocolat in Lakeview on Feb. 12, 2026. This Lakeview location, opened last April, was the first Chicago store. (Eileen T. Meslar/baiduhai)

Chicago-based Hotel Chocolat going nationwide with airport concessions, grocery stores and new retail markets

By Robert Channick

September 23, 2026 at 12:37 p.m.

This fall, Hotel Chocolat will pop up at 49 airports, hit the shelves at Wegmans,...

An airport employee checks the temperature of passengers before they are allowed to board their flight at Washington-Dulles International Airport (IAD) on Nov. 10, 2020, amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Should you travel for the holidays?

By Mayo Clinic News Network

November 19, 2020 at 8:53 a.m.

Want to head home for the holidays? You may need to reconsider your travel plans...

"Van Gogh Alive" features a 40-minute multimedia experience showcasing the work of the famous Dutch post-impressionist, including "The Starry Night," at the Dali Museum in St. Petersburg on Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2020.

Pictures: “Van Gogh Alive” at the Dali Museum

By Patrick Connolly

November 20, 2020 at 1:48 p.m.

"Van Gogh Alive" brings new life to more than 3,000 images of works by the...

Santa Claus, Indiana

By Contributed Content

November 17, 2020 at 6:40 p.m.

Kids' letters to Santa often end up in Santa Claus, Indiana, where holiday elves answer...

Airbnb cut and VRBO offer "flexible cancellation policies."

Double booked on Airbnb — can I get a refund? Travel Troubleshooter investigates.

By Christopher Elliott

November 19, 2020 at 8:54 a.m.

When Lisa Huynh accidentally double-books herself at an Airbnb, she tries to cancel one of...

How do tourist shops survive with no tourists?

By The New York Times

November 17, 2020 at 10:09 a.m.

NEW YORK — Like many souvenir stores in New York City, Memories of New York...

How do tourist shops survive with no tourists?

By New York Times

November 17, 2020 at 10:08 a.m.

For many tourists, no visit to New York is complete without a stop to pick...

IF SEEING A THERAPIST, DON'T STOP | If you regularly visit a therapist, don't stop. If your therapist offers a telehealth option, continue to be in touch by utilizing it and <a href="https://www.theactivetimes.com/healthy-living/30-secrets-never-keep-your-doctor">don't keep anxious thoughts to yourself.</a> Those of you who have consistent sessions may find the face-to-face interaction beneficial and needed, even if it's virtual.

Ed Perkins on Travel: Mid-November update

By Ed Perkins

November 19, 2020 at 8:54 a.m.

"Cheer up," they said last week; "things could be worse." So, I cheered up. And,...

Midwest skiing roundup for 2020-21: Fresh air, exercise and adventure with COVID-19 precautions in place

By Josh Noel

November 15, 2020 at 5:00 a.m.

No matter how good the snow or cooperative the weather, this winter's ski season will...

Michigan travelers board the Wolverine Amtrak train minutes before leaving Union Station on Nov. 13, 2020.

Officials want you to stay home for the holidays. Still traveling? Here’s what to expect.

By Lauren Zumbach

November 16, 2020 at 7:55 a.m.

As COVID-19 cases rise and state and local officials urge residents to stay home as...

The evolving travel ‘experience’: Virtual, actual and in between

By The New York Times

November 13, 2020 at 11:30 a.m.

Guided excursions have long been at the heart of travel, but like everything else, the...