Columbus, OH

Italy is one country that's finding it challenging to balance the explosion of tourism with preservation of its cultural and natural jewels. From charging day passes in Venice to unsustainable hordes at the Colosseum, visitors and Italians alike are often looking for a break from the hot spots in order to focus on the true identity of Italy. While the island of Capri might seem like a place to find the quintessential experience, making a slight detour to the nearby island of Ischia might be a more rewarding and budget-friendly option.

This Italian Island Is As Alluring As Capri Without The Crowds And Hefty Price Tag

Italy is Europe’s greatest cultural overachiever. It has almost too much to offer tourists—between its food, alta moda, Roman and Palladian architecture, picturesque landscapes, and overwhelmingly beautiful art (Stendhal barely made it out of Florence’s Santa Croce basilica), its neighbors to the north can’t compete. Then, as if it needed more to offer, there are the iconic beaches; being that the country is a boot-shaped peninsula that touches the Adriatic, Tyrrhenian, Ionian, and Mediterranean Seas and has thousands of miles of coastline, there is no dearth of them.

The 15 Best Beaches in Italy to Visit This Summer

Hurricane Beryl is moving in on the Caribbean, and Royal Caribbean was one of the first cruise lines to change its itineraries. Experts predicted the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season would be very active. As forecasted, the first major hurricane of the season is already a historic storm, arriving earlier in...

Hurricane Beryl's path forces Royal Caribbean to change cruise ship itineraries

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission. Though its capital, Mexico City, is one of the world’s best for culture and cuisine, and the sprawl of Guadalajara represents some of the country’s richest arts and architectural offerings, Mexico’s true charm is best experienced within its small towns. Visit the golden town of Izamal, a tucked-away Maya fortress covered by a Spanish monastery and hidden within the Yucatán Peninsula’s dense jungle canopy. And then there's the diminutive mountain town of Tepoztlán, where the Central Valley’s vast history of Aztec mysticism comes alive. There are so many towns that prove a world of culture awaits in Mexico’s under-the-radar destinations. Wherever you go, natural wonders, intimate eateries, and boutique accommodations await – as do local guides in each destination who are there to show you how to explore their homes responsibly.

11 beautiful small towns in Mexico too often overlooked by tourists

Hawaii State

Travel + Leisure

These are the top spots in Costa Rica for sun, sand, and surf.

10 Best Beach Towns in Costa Rica, According to Locals

When you think of an island getaway, your mind may go first to the Caribbean, Greece, or Hawaii. If you're looking for something different, though, where should you visit? There is a gorgeous spot in the Azores that combines a volcanic wonderland with Portuguese culture, incredible architecture, and a lush, green landscape. This place is Terceira and like one of its sister islands, Pico, it's a great spot for an uncrowded getaway. Not only that, but its main city, Angra do Heroísmo, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983.

This Unique Portuguese Island Is Arguably The Most Gorgeous In The Azores

Aveiro, Portugal, is worth a day trip and more.

This Coastal City Is Called the 'Venice of Portugal' — With Gorgeous Canals and Colorful Boats

Chatham, MA

Chatham is feeling a touch like the French Riviera this summer thanks to a new French rosé that landed on its shores. The oceanfront resort Chatham Bars Inn recently introduced its own private-lavel rosé from French wine estate Ultimate Provence. The exclusive wine is flowing all summer long and available to all 21-plus visitors, whether or not a stay at the luxury property is in the cards for you during Cape Cod’s quintessential season.

You can only try this one-of-a-kind rosé at a resort on Cape Cod

GOBankingRates

If the Caribbean is calling your name, it's only polite to answer. What you might not realize is you can enjoy a tropical island vacation without spending a fortune. "The Caribbean offers a wealth of...

6 Caribbean Vacations You Can Take for Under $3,000

It's fair to say Greece has been discovered. With its iconic whitewashed architecture, ancient ruins, and picturesque beaches, it's a top destination for both Europeans and international travelers. So, it's not surprising that this flood of tourism has caused prices to rise and local purveyors to tack on additional 'tourist' fees. Perhaps you've heard some of the stories about visitors getting price gouged at restaurants in touristy areas of Greece. This leaves many Greece-visiting-hopefuls looking for more budget-friendly options after recognizing the high expenses associated with a stay in Mykonos or Santorini. From there, the search often leads straight to smaller islands, and in the case of the Cyclades, that search ends at the third largest island in the chain: Tinos.

This Uncrowded Greek Island Is Arguably Even Prettier Than Mykonos And More Affordable

Every item on this page was chosen by a Woman's Day editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. When people think of America’s prettiest beaches, California and Hawaii tend to get all the credit, while seaside destinations in Florida, Maine, and Massachusetts are too often overlooked. We’d argue that most of the country’s best stretches of sand are actually along the Atlantic Ocean, and a few of them even offer clear water and white sand to rival anything you’d find on a Caribbean vacation. Here, we’ve rounded up 40 of the best beaches on the East Coast so you can plan your getaway accordingly. And since the hotels in some of these tiny beach towns tend to fill up fast, it’s smart to nail down your stay — and those precious parking passes — by booking early!

The 40 Best Beaches on the East Coast

Captiva, FL

The Florida Gulf Coast barrier island of Captiva is famous for its beachcombing — known among devotees as "shelling" — and its slow, laid-back lifestyle. But this tiny island also has an outsized presence in the art world. Famed modern artist Robert Rauschenberg reportedly fell in love with Captiva when he had to brake to let a sea turtle amble across the road, and he built a studio compound here in the 1970's that's now an artists' retreat. This island has been a sophisticated art town ever since. Given the tropical beauty and worldly vibe, you might even be tempted to double check your passport, thinking you've been transported to an exclusive destination in the Caribbean.

This Vibrant Florida Island Could Easily Pass As A Tropical Caribbean Getaway

The visionary couple behind the beloved Tuscan boutique hotel Borgo San Pietro has introduced "Satori," a 137-foot sailing yacht.

This Luxury Hotel Has Its Own Yacht — Here's What It's Like Sailing On It

Oceania Cruises, a premium destination focused cruise line, has announced new cruises to Tahiti, Bora Bora, and the French Polynesia in 2025. Oceania Cruises will offer more cruises to the French Polynesia in 2025 than ever before. The cruises will take place on two ships, Nautica and Regatta. Both ships only carry 670 guests making them the perfect sized ships to visit the region.

New Cruises to Tahiti and Bora Bora Planned for 2025

There are many reasons Lake Como towns have drawn travellers for centuries. Perhaps the most compelling is the majestic lake itself; the third largest in Italy, after Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore, but deemed 'the greatest lake' by Virgil, it is an unforgettable sight to behold. So too are its surroundings, a cinematic scene of undulating hills, the mighty Alps, a profusion of flora and the ornate architecture of historic structures, sprawling villas and lavish hotels.

The loveliest Lake Como towns to visit

Lake Como is one of Italy's dreamiest lake destinations — here's how to plan the perfect visit.

Italy's Deepest Lake Is Also Its Most Glamorous — With Luxury Hotels, Stunning Mountain Views, and Fairy-tale Towns

Rick Steves, best-selling guidebook author and TV host, encourages Americans to get out and see the world. While any traveler may struggle to narrow down just one place to visit, Steves has identified Italy as a must-see European country. Within Italy, he has revealed Lake Como, specifically Varenna, a small village on the eastern shore, as a preferred beach hideaway. Steves raved about the popular destination on his website: "Lake Como, lined with elegant 19th-century villas, crowned by snow-capped mountains, and buzzing with ferries, is our favorite. With all the charm and none of the intensity of points further south, this is Italy for beginners."

One Of Rick Steves' Favorite Beach Hideaways Is This Stunning Destination In Italy

If you’ve assumed an overwater bungalow experience is outside your tax bracket, we’ve got some good news. Nearby getaways in the Caribbean and Mexico are home to some of the most beautiful and secluded overwater beach retreats. While the stay itself may not be dirt-cheap, the flights certainly can be.

7 overwater bungalows for a budget-friendly tropical getaway

Maine State

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Idaho State

Shop with Me Mama

Why Idaho Ranks in the Top 10 States Americans Are Flocking To in 2024. A lot of Idahoans are saying 'Idaho is FULL! Go find somewhere else to live!'. With that said, MANY people and their families are flocking to this state and calling it home.

Why Is Everyone Relocating To Idaho?

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India Currents

With its irresistible old-world charm and Kettuvellam boats, Alappuzha, known as the ‘cleanest city in India’, is one of Kerala’s most idyllic and popular backwater destinations. Caressed by the Arabian Sea in the west and crisscrossed by a labyrinth of waterways, Alappuzha is often extolled by travelers as the ‘Venice of the East.’

Alappuzha’s Kettuvellam Boats Crisscross Backwaters Full Of Old-World Charm

NewsBreak

Island-hopping in the bay of Naples: the unique charms of Capri, Ischia and Procida

Ischia, Procida, Capri: three long-inhabited islands in the Bay of Naples eternally suspended between sky and sea. From land they seem like silvery ghosts breaching out...

Island-hopping in the bay of Naples: the unique charms of Capri, Ischia and Procida

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