Travel
National parks protect our land and a wide variety of wildlife, many of them dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing. Here are the animals and reptiles to look out for and the best ways to keep you—and them—safe.
Over a dozen ski areas have extended their seasons by at least a week, some up a month or more. It’s not too late to plan one last adventure.
The PCT traces the west coast of the U.S. over almost 2,700 miles. Our expert trail columnist reveals everything you need to know about what to pack, eat, and read, plus where to sleep and how to have the most fun on this scenic long trail.
One of the world’s largest Joshua tree forests is now federally protected
On its way from Chicago to California, Route 66 passes some of the most spectacular adventures in the U.S. Consider this your guide to kicking up some outdoorsy fun along the historical route.
Discover stories from Backpacker, Outside Online, Clean Eating, Climbing, and other brands across the Outside Network
After a recent shoot-out in Mexico that left two Americans dead, and a new alert warning of crime in Costa Rica, travelers are wondering if their spring-break plans to these countries should be put on hold
Most of us can’t imagine not flying. But as airline emissions continue to adversely affect the climate, our writer deliberates why making the ethical choice is so hard—and why those who have done so are actually happier.
Our columnist had little idea of what to expect when she ventured to the far-flung island territory of American Samoa. In the final report of her 63 Parks series, she explains why this may be the nation’s wildest, most protected landscape of them all.
The legislation prohibits visiting hikers from exploring the country’s trails by themselves
The last thing you want while looking out over Bryce Canyon contemplating the millennia is a tourist helicopter buzzing overhead. That’s why some parks, like Glacier, are working to end air tourism.
A festival of paper and string in India bridges cultural divides
Our national park system has 424 units, but visitors pack into only a few of those. You’ll find jaw-dropping scenery, awesome adventures, and way fewer crowds in these often overlooked parks. And yes, we picked our favorite one in every single state.
This is an ethical dilemma many of us are now facing: Is it OK to fly when I’ve got COVID? Outside’s travel expert weighs in.
Hit the trails and float the rivers in Ocala and Marion County
Discover a paradise where nature, art, and history come together on Florida’s Gulf Coast
In or on the water, get a closer look at Florida’s marine ecosystem
Havasu Falls is reopening to visitors after a three-year closure, with limited visits ahead of a full reopening next year. Now’s the time to be thinking about a permit, lodging, and getting in shape for the hike to this beautiful place on the Havasupai Reservation.
Looking for an awesome summer job? Go to work in a national park. We’ve rounded up some of the best opportunities and smartest advice on how to land a position.
On a trek through Tanzania, a climber and photographer captures the joy of connection
COVID-19 lockdowns were critical for preventing the spread of the virus, but the isolation also took a toll on the strength of our immune systems. Plus: smart ways to stay healthy next time you get on a plane.
Starting and finishing in the storied alpine town of Chamonix, France, the TMB circles Mont Blanc. This hundred-mile trail is one of the world’s most stunning—and definitely one of its most entertaining.
Emily Pennington wanted to see it all. But life on the road was fiercer than she ever imagined.
Purchase the GoWild! Pass and you'll get an unlimited number of domestic and international flights between May 2 and September 30, 2023. But is it too good to be true?
This lesser-known outdoor hub has something for every kind of explorer, from novice to adrenaline junkie—on, under, and off the water
Because why opt for a cookie-cutter apartment when you can spend the night in a crane, a ceramic serpent, or a yellow submarine?
The National Park Service plans to clear the McPherson Square homeless encampment on February 15, amid D.C.’s hypothermia season
The family of Esther Nakajjigo accused the National Park Service of negligence for not properly securing the metal gate that killed her
In her adventure memoir "Feral," Emily Pennington sets out in a van to visit all 63 of America's national parks. She faces a painful romantic breakup, a pandemic, wildfires, and a hurricane. And that's just for starters.
Nothing is better than landing in the perfect hut for a night or two to get away from it all. These beautiful cabins are available to book all year, and you only need a moderate fitness level to reach them. Bring your kids, bring your elders, and head out for awesome wilderness access and big scenic payoffs.
The Havasupai Tribe closed their lands—and the iconic waterfall—to tourists amid the pandemic. Guests who had reservations from 2020 will be allowed to visit in 2023.
These mountains made out of sand should be on your travel bucket list
Securing a permit to hike in national parks or well-protected preserves can be difficult. But it’s not impossible. Here’s how to do it.
While California’s storms were devastating in many parts of the state, they blew epic snow and adventure opportunities into the park. Waterfall viewings are off the charts, there are fewer crowds, and conditions are primo for backcountry exploring.
Whether you’re determined to embrace a healthier diet or finally ride that mountain bike you bought during the pandemic, wellness-focused getaways can help bring those good intentions to fruition. Here are awesome travel-focused ideas designed to do just that.
Eager to visit one of America’s national parks this year? Start planning now. Here’s all the information you need to book hard-to-get reservations.
Reports of bedbug bites in domestic and international hotels are increasing. But there are ways to avoid being nipped in the night and keeping stowaways from hitchhiking home. Here’s advice from an avid traveler who learned best practices the hard way.
From beer events to wine fêtes, and pretty much everything in between, these celebrations will fill your cup (and plate)
Thousands of acres in California’s Sierra National Forest have been proposed as a national monument. Many argue that the protection is crucial for wildlife, the environment, and wilderness recreation. But it will face stiff opposition.
A raging rain and wind storm is hitting Northern California hard. The state has closed regional, state, and national parks, with partial closings of 37 others, while Yosemite braces for a blizzard.
The Colorado mountain town has always been famous for its steep skiing, epic powder, and hippies, oddballs, and celebs. But with changes like those of recent years, can a place stay weird?
Famous for its rowdy buccaneer history that lives on today, Key West also offers plenty of outdoor adventures and chances to disconnect
Celebrating everything from desert biking and alt-rock to bouldering and oyster-eating, these are some of the best outdoor festivals across the country in 2023
Explore Marathon’s beaches and coral barrier reefs, and meet the locals working to protect them
Time spent outside and human-powered fun are what this region of the Florida Keys is all about
On the water or underwater, Key Largo makes it easy to set your watch to island time and settle into vacation mode
In a park whose heart is a volcano, see ancient obsidian lava flows layered with red and orange cinder cones. Explore green gulches, bamboo forests, warm lagoons. Hike, run, bike, stargaze, soak up sunsets. Hey, you might even fly.
Ready to disconnect from the world? Visit Islamorada, Florida.
You might not about outdoor adventure in New York City. But you should. With 51 nature preserves and 520 miles of coastline, there are hidden worlds of natural wonders to explore. Here's how to find them.
Forty years ago, Belkin founder Chet Pipkin changed the computer industry by making the cables that made machines work together. Now, with the Desolation Hotel in South Lake Tahoe, he wants to change how we vacation in the woods.
Set your clock to island time, and unplug in the Florida Keys
The stresses of everyday life give way to island vibes when you venture to the Village of Islands in the Florida Keys
Buy your own slice of paradise at these surprisingly affordable locations—and drool over the listings far out of reach
Winter opens up endless adventure opportunities. And there’s no time to hibernate, because it’ll be gone before you know it. Here are 13 unique and fun trips, from backcountry lodges to fat biking to the world's longest ice skating path.
Café Huskies in Svalbard sells coffee, baked goods, and local art—all while local dogs roam the shop
Land Rover Defender enthusiasts from across the nation came together for a weekend of fun events, live music, and, of course, off-roading
We’re witnessing a monumental shift in federal land management
As the sun transitions to “solar maximum” in the next three years, it is prime time to spot the aurora borealis—even in the lower 48 states. Here’s where, when, and how to catch the show in our national parks.
California’s Twenty Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians will sign a co-stewardship agreement to help operate the park
As park managers focus on accessibility, burly all-terrain chairs are allowing users to get off the grid in our most beautiful places
Biden commits to protecting 450,000 acres in Nevada known as Avi Kwa Ame, sacred to Indigenous inhabitants. The designation would preserve Native culture, rare birds, dark skies, and endless outdoor adventure for generations.
Florence, a world champion, grew up exploring this Hawaiian Island. Here are his favorite off-the-radar places to surf, hike, sail, and chill on empty beaches.
Website TravelLens recently analyzed reviews of 6,000 U.S. state parks to determine the champion
Here’s what you need to know before traveling to Hawaii’s Big Island if you’re planning on visiting the park and viewing the spectacle
Maine has it all: friendly (and uncrowded) ski resorts, trails for everyone, cozy lodging, unique events, and more
From stunning alpine routes to the environments where high-altitude herbs thrive, tap into the healing power of nature in the mountains of Switzerland
From crabbing and surfing the iconic coast to hiking and biking the redwood-covered hills, the San Francisco Bay Area enclave of Marin County is an awesome destination for recreationists and foodies year-round. Here’s how to do it right.
Anyone driving an OHV on public lands in the state will need to complete a free online program
Happiness experts say that it's better to receive an experience than something material. So we rounded up the trips we're dreaming of taking to gift your loved ones this holiday season.
From tropical beaches to wildlife-watching outposts, we’ve rounded up the perfect campsites to escape the cold-weather blues
The iconic California park has done away with its three-year-old timed-entry system
From Red Rock to Acadia, and Asheville to Maui, these climbing destination are unforgettable stocking stuffers
I thought I’d found my calling guiding clients in mountains around the world. I sought out the highs of an adventurous life, but I wasn’t at all prepared for the dark side.
Hiking and living in a vibrant city are no longer mutually exclusive. From Los Angeles to Atlanta, you don’t have to leave the city to get dirty on these nearby trails.
In less than 800 miles, the Arizona Trail offers a steady string of stunning landscapes, uncanny animals, and changing circumstances. If your time is limited, it’s the national scenic trail to try.
We tapped an industry professional to find out
Tipping is part of life, but it often feels confusing and stressful. Whether you’re on a river trip, a safari, or taking a ski lesson, we asked all the hard questions to provide these guidelines on how much to give—and how to do it right.
During the phenomenon of polar night, parts of the Arctic don’t see the sun for weeks or months at a time. The darkness drives some people insane, but for others, it opens a gateway into wonder and peace.