Tag: Tours

The 5 Best Pigeon Forge Dinner Shows + Tips From a Local
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The 5 Best Pigeon Forge Dinner Shows + Tips From a Local

Tennessee's Great Smoky Mountain region hosts diverse activities that surprise and delight travelers. From magical theme parks like Anakeesta in Gatlinburg to scenic drives and hiking trails in the national park, the Smokies create vacation memories worth savoring – and quite literally when it comes to Pigeon Forge dinner theaters.Catching a dinner show in the area means good laughs, powerful storytelling, entertaining competitions and fun for the whole family, all while enjoying a tasty Southern supper. Browse the top dinner shows in Pigeon Forge, alongside tips from a local expert, to help you choose a unique dining experience with an indelible taste of this go-to Appalachian destination.Best Overall: Dolly Parton's Stampede Dinner Attraction(Courtesy of Dolly Parton's Stampede Dinner A...
The Best Maui Snorkeling
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The Best Maui Snorkeling

Note: Nonessential travel to West Maui – including Laihana, 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 Maui, please be mindful as the community rebuilds. For more information and updates on Maui, visit the Hawaii Tourism Authority website.Picturesque coastlines with unique topography and diverse ecosystems not only make snorkeling one of the best things to do in Maui, but they also make the island one of the best places to snorkel and scuba dive in the U.S. There are three well-known snorkeling zones on and around the island, including the South Shore, Kaanapali and the Upper West. These areas include several of Maui's most popular snorkeling sites, such as the underwater reef at Molokini Crat...
The 21 Best Vegas Shows of 2023
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The 21 Best Vegas Shows of 2023

Since its early beginnings, Las Vegas has been a destination for glitter, glamour and lavish performances. Whether it's a cabaret-style theater with a live band or a top-selling musical artist's residency, there are plenty of choices when it comes to shows and performances. With so many shows to choose from, the entertainment scene along the Las Vegas Strip and beyond can be a bit overwhelming. To help narrow your options, U.S. News compiled this list of the best shows in Las Vegas.Theatrical Productions'O' by Cirque du Soleil(Courtesy of Cirque du Soleil)Venue: BellagioPrice: From $79Duration: 90 minutesBest for: Adults and teens (children must be 5 or older to attend)Celebrating all things theatrical, "O" by Cirque du Soleil incorporates water with synchronized swimmers and divers. The ...
The 6 Best Statue of Liberty Cruises + Tips From a Local
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The 6 Best Statue of Liberty Cruises + Tips From a Local

The best view of New York might not be in the city itself, but from the harbor looking back at the skyline. Sightseeing cruises are a wonderful reminder that Manhattan is, in fact, an island, and getting out on the water offers a breezy cruise in addition to a fresh vantage point.With a cold drink in hand, you'll see not just the Statue of Liberty, but also other top city landmarks from the Brooklyn Bridge to One World Trade Center. These boat tours allow visitors to zoom out and get a new perspective, then return to Manhattan refreshed by the wind, water, light and sheer size of the skyline.There are different boat experiences to match every type of traveler, and here are some of the best.Best Overall: Statue City Cruises(Courtesy of Statue City Cruises)Duration: At your own pace, with f...
The Best Whale Watching in Maui
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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 Zip Lines in Maui
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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...
6 Top-Rated Newport Mansion Tours + Tips from a Local
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6 Top-Rated Newport Mansion Tours + Tips from a Local

More than a century ago, America's wealthiest families commissioned their "summer cottages" to be built in the coastal enclave of Newport, Rhode Island, along the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. The era's most renowned architects outdid one another in size and scale as well as opulence and grandeur. Today, Newport is synonymous with its exquisite Gilded Age mansions, and experiencing them in person is an absolute must.The majority of the Gilded Age mansions in Newport – but not all – are owned and operated by the Preservation Society of Newport County, and many of the most popular are open to the public year-round. Get ready to explore the Bellevue Avenue Historic District as you tour Newport's best mansions.The Breakers(Courtesy of Andrea McHugh)Price: From $29 for adults; $10 for youths 6 t...
The Best San Francisco Tours (Alcatraz, Wineries & More)
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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...
The 8 Best Santa Barbara Wine Tours
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The 8 Best Santa Barbara Wine 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.Touted as the "American Riviera," Santa Barbara, California, is known for its beautiful mountain landscapes, abundance of outdoor activities and an overwhelming variety of fine dining experiences. What's more, a surprising number of wineries call this region home. If you want to experience southern California wine country (Napa Valley and Sonoma rule the north), sign up for a guided wine tour. After gathering both expert and traveler opinion, U.S. News found these eight tours to be the best available. Each tour offers its take on what makes Santa Barbara vino special, transportation between wineries and the chance to learn from local winemaker...
The 10 Best Swamp Tours in New Orleans
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The 10 Best Swamp Tours in New Orleans

Read on to discover the best New Orleans swamp tours across a variety of categories. Based on recent traveler reviews, all of the recommended tours include transportation.Note: many of these excursions are at least a 30-minute drive outside of the city. And if alligators are your top reason for trekking to the swamp, plan for a spring or summer tour, as alligators enter a state of brumation (a modified period of hibernation) during the cold weather months.Best Kayak Tour: New Orleans Kayak Swamp Tours – Manchac Swamp Kayak TourPrice: From $75Duration: 2 hoursNovice kayakers will appreciate this two-hour paddle in Manchac Swamp as it is especially suitable for beginners. During the tour, you'll wind your way through the swamp's calm waters and take a gander at the local wildlife.For an eve...