The Complete Guide to Adventure Travel
From the best hiking trails to how to get scuba certified.
The Latest
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By CNT Editors
Water activities
- Adventure
Why I Keep Returning to Michigan’s Leelanau Peninsula
The destination is a vital backdrop for my family’s story.By Maggie Shipstead - Adventure
How to Get Scuba Certified for Your Next Vacation
Expert tips on trying out the sport, differing certifications, and where to get yours.By Tyler Moss and Shannon McMahon - Adventure
A Look Back at Waikiki's Surf History—and Why It's Still the Best Place to Learn the Sport
With the sport debuting at this year’s Olympics, a visit to the birthplace of modern surfing has never felt more timely.By Jamie Ditaranto - Adventure
How to Responsibly Interact with Marine Life
What to keep in mind when you’re booking tours or planning other activities that involve marine life.By Ali Wunderman - Adventure
The Best Kayaking Gear to Bring on Summer Outings, from Dry Bags to Water Shoes
Get out on the water this summer—and keep your gear safe.By Karthika Gupta - Adventure
5 Trips to Plan Around America’s Great Lakes
Picturesque—and action-packed—weekend getaways on each of the Big Five.By Ashlea Halpern - Adventure
The Best Scuba Diving Sites, From Mexican Cenotes to Egyptian Reefs
For first-timers, experts, and everyone in between.By Tyler Moss and Shannon McMahon - Adventure
8 Stunning U.S. Swimming Holes to Cool off in This Summer
Natural oases from New York to California that are just begging you to dive in.By Ashlea Halpern - Adventure
8 Waterfalls in the U.S. Worth Traveling For
From New York to Alaska, these cascades deserve a detour.By Ashlea Halpern - Adventure
Exploring Another Side of the Mississippi Along the Great River Road
There is much more to the mighty river than what they teach in school.By Ashlea Halpern
Camping
Shopping
How to Plan a Seamless Family Camping Trip
Step-by-step guidance on finding a campsite during high season, easy and delicious meal ideas, and games that'll turn your kids into lifelong campers.
By Lauren Matison
Places to Stay
8 Glamping Sites to Upgrade Your Next National Park Visit
Sleep under the stars, without having to actually sleep on the ground.
By Emily Pennington
Adventure
The Best Tent for Every Kind of Camper
From solo adventurers to families with dogs.
By Nicole Kliest
Ski and snow
- Adventure
The Best Ski Resorts in the U.S. and Canada: 2020 Readers' Choice Awards
From Maine to British Columbia.By Jen Murphy - Adventure
The Most Beautiful Places in Iceland, from Ice Caves to Steaming Geysers
Plus volcanoes, countryside vistas, and waterfalls for days.By Caitlin Morton - Adventure
How to Safely Try Backcountry Skiing
More and more skiers are skipping resorts and heading for the backcountry. Here's what to know before giving it a try—safely.By Josh Laskin - Adventure
Instead of Hot Tubs, Skiers Are Turning to Cryotherapy for Après-Ski Fun
Serious skiers say fighting the cold with more cold actually works.By Todd Plummer - Adventure
The Best Ski Resorts in Europe: 2020 Readers' Choice Awards
The places inspiring your return to travel, from remote mountain towns to aprés hotspots.By Jen Murphy - Adventure
Chasing Winter in Lapland, Finland
Back before climate change, all a snow-lover had to do was stay home and eagerly await cold weather. Now she has to venture out and seek it.By Kate Bolick
Hiking and climbing
Adventure
When the Navajo Nation Reopens, Visitors Must Return Slowly—And Respectfully
Writer Pauly Denetclaw hopes visitors will arrive at the Navajo Nation with a new perspective.
By Pauly Denetclaw
National Parks
The Best State Park in Every Single State
With ancient redwoods, bison, and red sandstone rock formations, they're just as impressive as America's national parks.
By Emily Pennington
National Parks
How to Plan Your First Backpacking Trip
You don’t need to be a pro to hit the trail; you just need to be prepared.
By Josh Laskin
Adventure
The Best Hikes in the U.S.
There are mountain trails in Maine, and coastal hikes in Hawaii.
By Pam LeBlanc and Tyler Moss
National Parks
Via Ferratas Offer an Entry Into Rock Climbing—Here's Where to Find Them in the U.S.
Meaning “iron path” in Italian, this protected style of rock climbing makes mountaineering approachable for beginners.
By Sarah Kuta
Adventure
For Under-the-Radar Vineyards and Hiking Trails, Head to Colorado's Western Slope
The region is filled with red rock trails, desert vistas, and rolling vineyards.
By Jill K. Robinson
Essential gear
- Adventure
The Best Kayaking Gear to Bring on Summer Outings, from Dry Bags to Water Shoes
Get out on the water this summer—and keep your gear safe.By Karthika Gupta - Adventure
Car Camping Essentials: Where to Stay, What to Pack, and How to Organize Your Gear
Transform your car into the ultimate off-grid camping companion.By Lauren Matison - Shopping
The Best Hiking Backpacks for Women, According to Avid Adventurers
A comfortable pack means a more enjoyable day on the trails.By Madison Flager and Kristi Kellogg - Shopping
All the Outdoor Gear I Bought This Spring
Our West Coast editor shares her favorite purchases, from hiking boots to a surfboard.By Rebecca Misner - Shopping
8 Hiking Essentials for a Day on the Trails
From a straw that filters water to cozy socks that keep your feet dry.By Krystin Arneson - Adventure
The Best Outdoor Gear for Winter Hikes and Bike Rides
Long days outdoors mean it's time to layer up.By Adrienne Jordan - Shopping
12 Outdoor Brands Every Traveler Should Know About
We asked outdoor enthusiasts for the under-the-radar brands they swear by.By Nicole Kliest
Adventure
At the Foot of the Himalayas, the Once-Forbidden Kingdom of Mustang Is Now Welcoming Travelers
In central Nepal, a sumptuous new hotel provides a gateway to the physically austere and culturally dynamic land of Mustang.
By Chandrahas Choudhury
National Parks
The 10 Best Places to Travel in August
Soak up those last days of summer in style.
By Caitlin Morton
Islands & Beaches
26 Most Beautiful Beaches in the US
All the surf and soft sand you could ask for—no passport required.
By Paris Wilson and Caitlin Morton
Adventure
The Best Camping Spots in the United States
You'll never run out of camping trip ideas again.
By Emily Pennington
Islands & Beaches
The 21 Most Beautiful Islands in the Caribbean
Empty beaches, azure water, towering peaks—what's not to love?
By Caitlin Morton and Meredith Carey
Adventure
A Beginner's Guide to Winter Camping
With the right gear and preparation, winter camping can actually be—dare we say—cozy.
By Emily Pennington
Inspiration
The 50 Most Beautiful Places in America
You've heard about the spacious skies and amber waves of grain, but what about the otherworldly deserts, prismatic hot springs, and fairytale forests?
By Caitlin Morton
Inspiration
The 51 Most Beautiful Places in the World
From the Serengeti to the Grand Canyon.
By Caitlin Morton
Inspiration
The Most Beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Sites
The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization has more than 1,100 locations on its prestigious World Heritage list.
By Caitlin Morton and Jessica Puckett
Inspiration
The Most Beautiful Places in the Pacific Northwest
All the misty beaches and wooded mountains you could ever want.
By Caitlin Morton
Family Travel
23 Family Summer Vacation Ideas, From Costa Rica Eco-Lodges to Alaska National Parks
Whether city, the sea, or the great wildernesses beyond, these are the ultimate family adventures.
By Nina Kokotas Hahn
Islands & Beaches
The 17 Best Beaches in New Jersey
The spots worth planning a day, a weekend, or a whole week around, all summer long.
By Jordi Lippe-McGraw and Betsy Blumenthal
Islands & Beaches
16 Best Beaches in Mexico—Whether You Want a Quiet Surf Escape or Thrumming Nightlife
With nearly 5,800 miles of coastline, Mexico has no shortage of beach destinations.
By Caitlin Morton
Adventure
The 12 Best Places to Go Skiing in Switzerland
From après-ski scenes, nearly vertical slopes, and family-friendly resorts, the Swiss mountains have it all.
By Lindsay Lambert Day
Inspiration
The 28 Most Beautiful Places in the Caribbean, From Jamaica's Waterfalls to the Streets of Cuba
Let the daydreaming begin.
By Caitlin Morton
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