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,...

Charred remains of a burned neighbourhood is seen in the aftermath of a wildfire, in Lahaina, western Maui, Hawaii on Aug. 14, 2023. House Republicans are probing Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc.'s role in the deadly wildfire.

Taking the kids: When unforeseen events disrupt your travel plans

By Eileen Ogintz

October 12, 2023 at 2:38 p.m.

I get it. The last thing you want to discuss is how your trip may...

The Myriad Hotel features a disco ball installation in its lobby.

Louisville is using its disco ball history to put a new spin on tourism

By Amy Lynch

March 12, 2024 at 11:54 a.m.

Ever since the 1979 Disco Demolition Night in Chicago's Comiskey Park — a stunt in...

Musician Tom Heyman remembers a New Year's Day vacation in Mexico City as one of his best trips. (Lauren Tabak/TCA)

Go away with … Tom Heyman

By Jae-Ha Kim

October 10, 2023 at 8:00 a.m.

A veteran musician who has toured and played guitar for artists like Alejandro Escovedo, Chuck...

An early-evening walk in Rome offers culture that you can't find in museums. (Dominic Arizona Bonuccelli/Rick Steves' Europe)

Rick Steves’ Europe: A walk through Rome’s living culture

By Rick Steves

October 10, 2023 at 8:00 a.m.

Throughout Italy, early evening is time to stroll. As I walk through the streets of...

Taking the kids: Getting ready for the next big solar eclipse

By Eileen Ogintz

April 1, 2024 at 6:04 p.m.

Got your special glasses ready? On Oct. 14, 2023, an annular solar eclipse will create...

Broadway star Dana Steingold said that her best weekend getaways are spent at home enjoying New York City. (Tina Turnbow/TCA)

Go away with … Dana Steingold

By Jae-Ha Kim

October 3, 2023 at 8:05 a.m.

Known for originating the role of Girl Scout in the Broadway production of "Beetlejuice," Dana...

Kotor's zigzagging town wall rewards climbers with a spectacular view. (Cameron Hewitt, Rick Steves' Europe)

Rick Steves’ Europe: Montenegro’s unpolished beauty

By Rick Steves

October 3, 2023 at 6:00 a.m.

An hour's drive south of Dubrovnik, I cross into the proud little country of Montenegro....

Taking the kids: A fall getaway with or without the kids

By Eileen Ogintz

September 28, 2023 at 3:30 p.m.

Lucky you. Your kids aren't in school yet and the grandparents want to treat you...

K-pop star Jinkwon said that filming the HBO Max series "My Magic Closet" in Brazil was one of the highlights of his career. (Youn Hanna/TCA)

Go away with … Jinkwon

By Jae-Ha Kim

September 26, 2023 at 8:00 a.m.

SEOUL, South Korea – It is a stiflingly hot day in Seoul. But when Kim...

In Belgium, each type of beer has its own glass – whether wide, tall, or fluted – to show off its distinct qualities. (Rick Steves/Rick Steves' Europe)

Rick Steves’ Europe: Bruges brews lift a weary traveler’s spirits

By Rick Steves

September 26, 2023 at 8:00 a.m.

One night a few years back, I found my way home, a little tipsy after...