Lyn Mettler – The News Desk

17Apr

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Travel

The Best Alaska Tours

From its famous glaciers and northern lights sightings to its abundant wildlife and majestic national parks, Alaska offers so much to see. But navigating its vast landscape can be a challenge without the savvy guidance of a local. After consulting traveler opinion and expert input, U.S. News compiled some of the best Alaska tours to consider when planning your bucket list itinerary. Whether you want to try your hand at dog sledding, fly over Denali or observe bears in their natural habitat, there's a tour for you. Plus, many tour operators offer round-trip transportation to the various Alaska cruise ports, making them great options if you're looking for a convenient excursion.Phillips Cruises & Tours – 26 Glacier CruisePrice: Adults from $189; kids from $125Duration: 6 hoursCruise thr...

5Apr

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Travel

The 10 Best Denver Tours

Note: Some tour providers on this list may have ceased operations due to COVID-19. Check with your tour operator about availability before you book.There's much more to Denver than its outdoor pursuits. The city offers everything from a rich history to fantastic mountain vistas to craft breweries to plentiful street art. Discover the best of the Mile High City on a guided tour, which take visitors by bus, bike or on foot to see Denver like a local. After consulting both expert input and traveler sentiment, U.S. News picked the best 10 tours to add to your itinerary. Mile High Bike Tours – Bike and Brew TourOn this three-hour, 9-mile bike tour, travelers see top sights in Denver, including Union Station, Coors Field and local street art in the River North (RiNo) district. Along the way, th...

3Apr

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Travel

St. Mark’s Basilica & More

Known for its canals, waterways, bridges and other historic attractions, Venice, Italy, offers travelers everything from centuries-old history to unparalleled beauty. Some of the best Venice tours take you to the quietest areas of the city – away from the crowds – to discover Venice's cuisine, wine and culture, while others showcase the city from the water by gondola or kayak. Consulting both traveler opinion and expert input, U.S. News identified the tours below as the best Venice has to offer.Avventure Bellissime – Venice in 1 Day TourPrice: Adults from 109 euros (about $120); kids from 95 euros (about $104)Duration: 3 hoursIf you're short on time, consider this three-hour tour that hits multiple of Venice's top attractions. You'll enjoy skip-the-line access to St. Mark's Basilica, as w...

7 Best Travel Backpacks for Men (Also Good for Work)

2Nov

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Travel

7 Best Travel Backpacks for Men (Also Good for Work)

A backpack may be the most essential piece of travel gear for men (and anyone). Whether you're an adventurer seeking the main pack for your next hike or a business traveler who prefers a backpack over a briefcase for safely storing your laptop, these recommended travel backpacks for men – compiled with the help of travel experts and consumer reviews – have you covered.(Note: Prices below were accurate at the time of publication; they may fluctuate due to inflation or supply chain issues.)Best Overall Travel Backpack: Thule Aion 28L Travel Backpack(Courtesy of Thule)This versatile pack is an environmentally friendly buy: Available in two neutral colors (nutria brown and black), it's made entirely from recycled materials. The Aion backpack is superb for short to mid-length trips away. Its b...

15Sep

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Travel

The Best Whale Watching 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. Though whale watching season is in winter and early spring, contact your chosen tour company to see if they will be offering tours this year. If you do choose to travel, be mindful as the community rebuilds. For more information and updates on Maui, visit the Hawaii Tourism Authority website.With humpback whales making their annual migration from Alaska back to Hawaii at the beginning of each year (roughly December to April), it's the perfect time to plan a trip to Maui to witness the beauty of these gigantic sea creatures. Whether you opt for a large boat, a small raft or something in between, you'll see some incredible ...

The Best San Francisco Tours (Alcatraz, Wineries & More)

31Aug

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The Best San Francisco Tours (Alcatraz, Wineries & More)

Whether by air, by bike, by boat, by bus or even by vintage Volkswagen, there are so many different ways to take in the beauty of San Francisco and experience its top attractions. To help you decide which method is right for you, U.S. News compiled 16 of the city's top tours, considering traveler sentiment and expert opinion. Foodies, history buffs, adventurers and everyone in between will find a tour on this list.Red and White Fleet – Bridge 2 Bridge CruisePrice: Adults from $48; kids from $36Duration: 1.5 hoursTake in San Francisco's two most famous bridges on this 90-minute boat trip through San Francisco Bay. In addition to sailing beneath both the Bay Bridge and Golden Gate Bridge, tourgoers will see Alcatraz Island, Palace of Fine Arts and the city skyline, among other landmarks. Re...

24Aug

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Travel

What to Know Before You Go

The Statue of Liberty is America's most iconic and enduring symbol of freedom. A gift from the French, "The Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World" – its official name – was dedicated in 1886. It was often the first thing immigrants to the United States saw as they sailed to Ellis Island. The statue holds a torch in one hand and a tablet inscribed with the date of the Declaration of Independence in the other. She stands a little more than 300 feet tall and is made of copper, which has oxidized over time to create her signature green patina. To make the most of your visit to this UNESCO World Heritage Site, consider these key tips.Note: Some facilities, activities and tours may have limited or ceased operations due to COVID-19. Check the National Park service website as well as with your...

12Aug

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The 10 Best Cancun Tours

From Mayan ruins to the turquoise Caribbean Sea to abundant coral reefs, there is so much to see in and around Cancún. To make the most of your time on the Yucatán Peninsula, consider signing up for a guided tour. U.S. News selected the top Cancún tours by relying on expert opinion and traveler sentiment. Whether you pick an easygoing bus tour or a thrilling speedboat excursion, you're sure to have the adventure of a lifetime.Amigo Tours – Chichen Itza VIP TourPrice: From $52Duration: 12 hoursTo beat the crowds at the ancient Mayan site of Chichén Itzá, this excursion starts at 6 a.m. After picking you up at your hotel, a bilingual guide leads the full-day, 12-hour tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site while giving a history of Mayan culture and the ruins. The tour also includes a buffet...

7Aug

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Travel

28 Top Things to Do in Georgia

Situated smack-dab in the middle of the South, Georgia boasts plenty in the way of Southern charm. But beyond its mouthwatering comfort food and warm hospitality, the Peach State offers visitors tons of attractions to explore. Spend a trip to this Southern gem visiting a recreated Bavarian village, traversing historic battlefields and sampling some of the tastiest hot dogs you can imagine. Read on to discover the top things to do in Georgia.Centennial Olympic Park(Getty Images)Once host to the 1996 Summer Olympics, Centennial Olympic Park is an iconic destination in downtown Atlanta. Travelers will find playgrounds, tons of green space, Fountain of Rings Plaza, and numerous statues and commemorative markers across the park's 22 acres. Recent visitors said the area is clean and great for k...

28Jul

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Travel

5 Best Vatican Tours of 2023

One of the most famous landmarks in the world, Vatican City draws more than 5 million people each year, which means that no matter when you visit, you can expect massive crowds. Along with the crowds, the sheer size of this sovereign city-state in Rome can make a visit to Vatican City feel overwhelming. If you're feeling intimidated by the experience, consider one of the following small-group Vatican tours, guided by local experts who can both explain the history of the Eternal City and help you navigate the crowds. As you browse the best options, be sure to keep the following in mind (and also visit the Frequently Asked Questions section at the botton of this page): Many tours offer early-entry or after-hours access to the Vatican, so you should anticipate crowds regardless. Any visi...