Sustainable travel is becoming increasingly important as more people realize the environmental impact of tourism. One of the best ways to minimize your footprint when traveling is to reduce transportation emissions. Choose destinations that are within a reasonable distance from home and consider traveling by bus, train or carpool instead of flying whenever possible.

Public transit and walking are great ways to explore once you’ve arrived at your destination. Take advantage of bike-sharing or scooter-sharing programs to cover longer distances. Not only is this better for the environment, but it allows you to experience the surroundings at a slower pace. Make the most of your trip by staying longer in one place rather than frequently moving between locations that are far apart.

When booking accommodation, look for eco-friendly options that implement sustainable practices. Choose locally-owned hotels, hostels, or vacation rentals that use renewable energy, reduce waste, and give back to the community. Turn off the lights and unplug electronics when leaving your room. Reuse linens and towels instead of requesting daily housekeeping.

Eating locally-sourced, seasonal food is one of the most impactful actions you can take as a sustainable traveler. Patronize restaurants and cafes that utilize fair trade, organic ingredients from nearby farms. Try to avoid heavily packaged or processed options. Ask about portion sizes before ordering and only get what you can eat to minimize food waste.

Make an effort to properly dispose of and recycle waste during your trip. Many destinations lack adequate infrastructure for recycling and composting, so take responsibility for separating and packing out your refuse. Avoid single-use plastics whenever possible and bring reusable bags, bottles, and cutlery from home.

Leave places as you found them. Do not damage vegetation, collect wildlife souvenirs or deface cultural sites. Be respectful of both natural and human surroundings by staying on marked trails and not trespassing on private property. Always follow posted signs and guidelines to avoid negatively impacting the environment.

Traveling sustainably often comes down to common sense. Be an informed visitor who makes environmentally-friendly choices and shows respect for local communities and natural areas. Minimizing your impact will allow future generations to experience the beauty and wonder of our planet. Together, we can all work to protect these special places.

Street food is a delicious way to experience a city’s culture. Around the world, food carts and stalls offer tasty snacks and meals on the go. Here are some of the best street eats from various cities across the globe.

In Bangkok, Thailand, you’ll find pad thai, a stir-fried noodle dish, on nearly every street corner. Vendors cook the noodles in a wok with eggs, tofu, shrimp or chicken, and peanuts. The blend of sweet and savory flavors is perfectly balanced. Another popular Thai street treat is mango with sticky rice, made of sweet mango slices paired with coconut sticky rice.

In Mexico City, Mexico, tacos al pastor are a must-try. Thinly sliced pork is marinated in chili and spices, then cooked on a vertical spit. The meat is shaved off to order and served in corn tortillas with salsa, cilantro, and onions. Elotes, grilled corn on the cob topped with mayonnaise, cheese, and chili powder, are also popular.

In Marrakesh, Morocco, you’ll find tagine, a slow-cooked meat and vegetable stew, and kebabs sizzling at food carts. But the most popular street food is harira, a thick lentil soup flavored with tomatoes, lentils and spices, often served with dates or chebakia, a fried or baked pastry sprinkled with honey and sesame seeds.

In India, every region has its own street food specialties. In Mumbai, you’ll find vada pav, a fried potato patty in a bun, and pani puri, fried pastry balls filled with spiced mashed potatoes and chickpeas in a tangy, spicy water. In New Delhi, try chana masala, spicy garbanzo beans, and aloo tikki, fried potato pancakes.

Street food offers a taste of local culture in an affordable, approachable way. With endless options around the globe, every traveler can find something delicious to sample. Bon appetit!

While popular tourist destinations attract visitors for good reason, sometimes the most memorable travel experiences are found off the beaten path. In cities and countries around the globe, there are hidden gems and secret spots waiting to be discovered by intrepid explorers.

In Paris, skip the long lines at the Louvre and head to the Musée d’Orsay instead. This converted railway station houses many famous works of art, including Van Gogh’s Bedroom in Arles. For a unique view of the city, climb the steps of the Sacre-Coeur Basilica in Montmartre. At the top, you’ll find stunning panoramas of Paris unfolding below.

In New York City, trade the bustle of Times Square for a stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge at sunrise or sunset. This historic span offers dramatic views of the Manhattan skyline and East River. For a quirky pit stop, drop by the City Reliquary Museum, filled with artifacts from New York’s past.

Rome’s Colosseum and Vatican City attract millions, but the Villa Borghese park is an oasis in the city center. Rent a bike to explore the landscaped gardens, small lakes, and architectural follies dotting this enormous green space. The Galleria Borghese museum within the park houses masterpiece artworks in an opulent Baroque villa.

Machu Picchu is Peru’s most famous Inca site, but the Sacred Valley has additional treasures. The massive Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo is a sight to behold, with huge stone walls and ramps climbing a massive cliffside. The Maras salt mines feature over 3,000 small pools used by the Inca to extract salt from a nearby spring.

Off the beaten path destinations provide opportunities for adventure and one-of-a-kind experiences you’ll cherish for years to come. While popular spots should still make your list, save time to get lost and wander where the crowds don’t follow. The road less traveled often leads to the most unforgettable rewards.

Packing light is an art form. When you only have a carry-on suitcase, every item you pack needs to serve a purpose. Start with the essentials: a versatile jacket, comfortable walking shoes, pajamas, underwear, socks, a toothbrush, and any medications. From there, think in terms of outfits and choose clothing that can do double duty, like pants that can be dressed up or down, a blouse that works for day or night, a scarf that adds color or warmth. Roll your clothes to save space and use packing cubes to keep everything organized.

Do some research on where you’re going and what the weather will be like. Pack a brimmed hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a swimsuit, shorts, t-shirts, and sandals if heading to a warm climate. For a city trip, bring stylish and comfortable clothing you can wear out at night, like a casual dress, skirt, or dark jeans. If visiting museums or religious sites, pack modest and conservative attire.

Make the most of minimal liquids by buying travel-sized toiletries. Carry-on rules limit you to 3.4 ounces per item, so choose products that do multiple things, like a cleanser that removes makeup, washes your face, and tones your skin. Use resealable plastic bags to contain any spills. Speaking of bags, bring a foldable tote for souvenirs and a small backpack as a day bag.

For the flight, pack snacks, earplugs, headphones, entertainment, pillow, blanket, tissues, hand wipes, mints or gum, cash, charging cords, portable charger, pen, hand cream, lip balm, eye mask. Keep your important documents, wallet, phone, charger, headphones, snacks, tissues and any liquids in a separate bag for easy access. Store everything else in your carry-on.

Once at your destination, unpack completely and organize your items in any storage space provided. This helps you see everything at a glance each day. Keeping your bag tidy means you can pack in a flash for any side trips. And when it’s time to head home, roll and pack up your now-dirty laundry to avoid cluttering the rest of your bag. You’ll return with memories and souvenirs, not a mess. Travel light, travel bright!

Solo travel can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone and navigating the unknown alone helps you learn and grow in ways that are hard to achieve otherwise. However, your first solo trip can also be intimidating. Here are some tips to help you prepare for your first adventure alone.

Do your research. Learn as much as you can about your destination before arriving. Study the layout of the city or town, learn how to get around, check if any areas should be avoided, and see what highlights and attractions you want to visit. The more you know, the more comfortable and confident you’ll feel exploring on your own.

Start with a short trip. For your first solo travel experience, choose a destination that you can visit for just a few days or a week. This allows you to get a taste of solo travel without feeling overwhelmed. You can always return for a longer trip once you’ve gotten the hang of it.

Plan your itinerary, but leave room for spontaneity. Having a loose itinerary with your must-see attractions mapped out will give you direction and help ensure you accomplish everything you want. However, also leave free time each day to wander, explore, and make spontaneous discoveries. A balance of planning and spontaneity is ideal.

Engage in conversations. While solo travel allows you to choose your own adventures, it’s easy to feel lonely or isolated at times. Engage in conversations with locals and other travelers whenever you can. Strike up a conversation at a cafe, join a walking tour, or chat with shop owners. Making personal connections, even small ones, can help combat feelings of loneliness.

Take care of yourself. When traveling alone, your health and safety are solely your responsibility. Be vigilant about exercise, nutrition, hydration, rest, and personal safety. Don’t overindulge in alcohol or take unnecessary risks. Check in with family or friends at home regularly to let them know you’re safe and well. Your wellbeing is essential for enjoying your trip.

Solo travel pushes you outside of your comfort zone and rewards you with invaluable life lessons and cherished memories. While intimidating, with the right preparation and mindset your first solo adventure can open you up to a new level of confidence, self-sufficiency, and wonder. Take the plunge – you won’t regret it!

Traveling the world can be expensive, but with some budget-friendly hacks, you can see amazing places without breaking the bank.

One of the best ways to save money on travel is by avoiding peak season. If you travel in the shoulder months, just before or after the busy summer season, you’ll find lower prices on airfare and accommodation. You may get lucky with good weather, too. Some destinations like Tuscany, the Greek islands and parts of Spain are stunning in the spring or fall.

Consider budget airlines and low-cost carriers for short-haul flights. Companies like Ryanair, easyJet and WOW air offer rock-bottom fares, especially if you book in advance and are flexible with your dates. You can often find round-trip fares for under $100. Long-haul budget airlines are expanding, too, with companies like Norwegian Air offering cheap fares for intercontinental flights.

Traveling by bus or train is often cheaper than flying, especially for short to mid-range trips. Overnight sleeper trains can save you money on accommodation, too. Rail passes like Eurail and InterRail offer unlimited travel within Europe for one flat price. Bus companies like Megabus and Flixbus offer fares for as little as $1.

Choose a central location and explore on foot. Once you arrive at your destination, pick lodging in a central, walkable neighborhood. You’ll save money by avoiding public transit and taxis. Most cities also offer free walking tours, so you can explore with an expert guide for just the cost of a tip.

Save money on food by dining on street food, at food halls or by cooking for yourself. Street food and food halls offer high-quality, authentic cuisine at budget prices. If your rental has a kitchen, shop at local grocery stores and cook some meals yourself. Picnic in a park for an inexpensive meal with a view.

Consider budget accommodation like hostels, campsites or home rentals. Private or shared rooms in hostels are an affordable option for solo or group travel. Camping keeps costs low, too. Home rentals often provide more space and amenities for less than a hotel. Check Airbnb, VRBO and HomeAway for deals.

Traveling on a budget requires an adventurous spirit, but with these hacks, you can experience the thrill of exploring new places without spending a fortune. The memories you make will be priceless.

The Azores, an archipelago of nine volcanic islands in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, offer a glimpse into a simpler way of life. The islands have stunning green landscapes, crater lakes, hot springs, and picturesque ports lined with colorful houses. Whale and dolphin watching is a popular activity, as is hiking through the lush terrain. The Azores remain largely off the radar of mass tourism, so now is the time to discover the peace and natural beauty of these secluded isles.

The wild and rugged coastline of Northern Norway is one of Europe’s last great coastal wilderness areas. Dramatic sea cliffs, massive fjords, and over 2,000 islands along its coast create a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. You can go island hopping, hike scenic trails, spot whales, or view the Northern Lights dancing across the night sky. Despite its natural splendor, Norway’s northern coast remains an undiscovered gem with few crowds.

The sparsely populated interior of central Australia, known as the Outback, offers a glimpse into the country’s frontier spirit. Red rock formations, desert plains, and the stunning Uluru sacred site create an iconic Australian backdrop. Alice Springs is a great base for exploring the Outback, with Aboriginal art galleries, desert parks, and the MacDonnell Ranges surrounding the town. Camel trekking, bush camping under a blanket of stars, and learning about Aboriginal culture are all part of the Outback adventure.

The wild Atlantic coast of Canada’s Nova Scotia peninsula holds a treasure trove of discoveries for intrepid travelers willing to venture off the beaten path. With over 7,000 miles of coastline, you could spend a lifetime exploring secluded beaches, picturesque lighthouses, historic fishing villages, and the scenic Cabot Trail. Puffins, whales, and seabirds are frequently spotted along the shore. The region’s Celtic and Acadian influences also provide an interesting cultural backdrop to a visit. Nova Scotia’s untamed natural beauty remains one of the country’s best-kept secrets.