John Rodwan – The News Desk

27Sep

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Travel

Tickets and Tips for Visiting

Note: Some tour providers on this list may have limited or ceased operations due to COVID-19. Check with your tour operator about availability before you book.As the site of the surprise attack that spurred America's entrance into World War II, Pearl Harbor is one of the most significant places in U.S. history. On the morning of Dec. 7, 1941, Japanese fighter planes destroyed or damaged more than a dozen ships (including eight battleships) and hundreds of aircraft in an effort to demolish the Pacific fleet. More than 2,400 American soldiers and civilians died. The majority of those who perished were aboard the USS Arizona, which remains where it sank beneath 40 feet of water. The following day, on President Franklin D. Roosevelt's request, the U.S. Congress declared war on Japan. Today, m...

15Sep

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Travel

The Best Zip Lines in Maui

Note: Nonessential travel to West Maui – including Lahaina, Napili, Ka'anapali and Kapalua – is discouraged at this time due to wildfire damage sustained in August 2023. If you do choose to travel to other parts of the island, please be mindful as the community rebuilds. For more information and updates on Maui, visit the Hawaii Tourism Authority website.The rugged mountains, lush forests, deep valleys and verdant plantations of Maui make it a destination for everyone from experienced zip line aficionados to newcomers to the activity. Factoring in both traveler sentiment and expert opinion, U.S. News determined that the following tours are the best available to make the most of your airborne adventure.Keep in mind that zip line tours have age and weight restrictions, which can vary from o...

25Aug

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The Best Oahu Helicopter Tours

Note: Oahu has not been impacted by the West Maui wildfires. The Hawaii Tourism Authority asks that travelers be mindful during their visits as residents navigate the aftermath of the tragic event.After exploring Oahu's land attractions and snorkeling in its waters, see the island in all its glory from the air on a helicopter ride. Consulting both traveler sentiment and expert input, U.S. News identified the following Oahu helicopter tours as some of the best. Whether you're indulging your adventurous side and flying with the doors off or simply along for the ride (and the views), you'll enjoy varied and beautiful scenery along with expert commentary from your pilot.Rainbow Helicopters – Royal Crown of OahuPrice: From $395Duration: 1 hourRainbow Helicopters' Royal Crown of Oahu tour provi...

18Aug

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The 15 Best Charleston Tours

Note: Some tour providers on this list may have limited or ceased operations due to COVID-19. Check with your tour operator about availability before you book.History lovers will relish a trip to Charleston, South Carolina, for its variety of historic churches, forts and mansions that rank as Charleston's most popular attractions. Or, perhaps you're most interested in its cuisine or the sea creatures that populate its waterways. Either way, these tours – identified by U.S. News using both expert opinion and traveler sentiment – offer just what you need for a fulfilling visit to the Holy City. Palmetto Carriage Works – Daytime Carriage RideThis tour from Palmetto Carriage Works focuses on the residential district of downtown Charleston. During the hourlong ride, the horse-drawn carriage wi...

4Aug

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The 17 Best Savannah Tours

Note: Some tour providers on this list may be running more limited operations due to COVID-19 or may impose testing or vaccine requirements. Check with your tour operator about availability before you book.A great way to get to know Savannah, Georgia, is with the aid of someone who lives there and knows the city's history. With the help of traveler reviews and editor analysis, U.S. News selected Savannah's best guided tours, some of which focus on the city's architecture, others on its food and some on its ghostly residents. Whether you're walking through the Historic District or riding a Segway through a storied cemetery, you'll gain an insider's perspective on Savannah's culture and folklore on these tours.Old Town Trolley – Savannah Hop-on Hop-off TourOld Town Trolley's hop-on, hop-off...

29Jul

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The Best Florence Tours

Beloved for its food, wine, art, rich history and alluring landscape, Florence, Italy, consistently draws travelers throughout the year. Seeing all its attractions by yourself can be daunting, so having a knowledgeable local guide show you around will help you make the most of your trip. U.S. News identified the following tours as the best available by analyzing both expert and traveler opinion. Whether you want a broad overview of Firenze or a deep dive into a particular facet of the city (like its food), these tours have you covered.Artviva – The Original Florence WalkPrice: Adults from 70 euros (about $79); kids from 50 euros (about $56)Duration: 3 hoursThe historic center of Florence – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – boasts remarkable churches, palaces, marketplaces, plazas and statues...

21Jul

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The 21 Best Barcelona Tours

Note: Some tour providers on this list may have limited or ceased operations due to COVID-19. Check with your tour operator about availability before you book.With its stunning architecture, delicious food, sandy beaches, rich history and proximity to scenic mountains, Barcelona offers no shortage of things to do. To help you navigate the city's plethora of attractions, rely on the assistance of an informed local to help you make the most of your visit. Using both expert opinion and traveler sentiment, U.S. News identified 21 of the top tours in Barcelona. Whether on foot, by bike or aboard a boat, these tours will help enhance your Barcelona experience. Barcelona Guide Bureau – Gaudí – The Sagrada Família TourThis Gaudí-centric outing starts with a bus ride down Passeig de Gràcia, an ave...

19Jul

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The 14 Best Maui Tours

To make the most of Maui's natural splendor, consider taking a guided tour of the island. Analyzing both traveler sentiment and expert opinion, U.S. News determined the following excursions to be the best available. Whether you want to watch the sunrise at Haleakala National Park, go snorkeling around Molokini, take to the water on a whale watching adventure, experience the island from above in a helicopter or sample some of the Hawaiian island's best pineapple, there's a tour on this list that fits your interests and budgets. Each one of these Maui tours features experienced guides eager to share their insights about the Valley Isle's scenery, cuisine, history and culture.Hike Maui – Waterfall & Rainforest Hiking AdventurePrice: From $159Duration: 5 hoursSee waterfalls measuring up t...

13Jul

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The 19 Best Iceland Tours

With terrain shaped by volcanic eruptions and shifting tectonic plates, and the surrounding waters filled with glaciers, icebergs and whales, Iceland is like no other place on Earth. It's also an ideal spot to observe a seasonal phenomenon above the Earth: the northern lights (or aurora borealis). The following Iceland tours, determined by U.S. News to be the best available thanks to expert input and traveler sentiment, provide ideal ways of experiencing all that this extraordinary place has to offer. All of these excursions are conducted by knowledgeable guides eager to share their insights into their country's special features.Ice Lagoon Adventure Tours – Adventure TourExplore the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon – part of Vatnajökull National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to Eu...

8Jul

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The 19 Best New York City Tours

With its never-ending list of must-see attractions, New York City can prove overwhelming for even the most seasoned traveler. In an effort to squeeze in as much sightseeing as possible, why not lean on the assistance of locals to help guide you? Consulting both traveler sentiment and expert opinion, U.S. News identified the top New York City tours, including bus tours, scenic cruises, cycling trips through Central Park and helicopter rides over the skyline.Bike Rent NYC – Central Park Bike TourPrice: From $49Duration: 2 hoursThe Central Park Bike Tour – led by Bike Rent NYC – guides cyclists through about 5 miles of Central Park in roughly two hours, with several stops along the way, including the Bethesda Fountain, Strawberry Fields and the Reservoir. Reviewers generally praise the guide...