Michelle Baran
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Travel News Editor, AFAR.com. Chasing down travel stories near and far.
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Articles by Michelle Baran
This Historic California Coastal Getaway Is Buzzing with New Hotels, Exciting Eateries, and Nature Trails
This story was originally published in March 2021 and was updated on August 7, 2026, to include current information. Drive three hours north of San Francisco, and you’ll hit the southern border of Mendocino County, where nearly 4,000 square miles are home to coastal hideaways, a burgeoning restaurant scene, nature trails for days, and, more recently, a swath of new and renewed hotels resorts.
The Best Country for Living Abroad Is Closer to the U.S. Than You Might Think
This article was originally published in 2023 and most recently updated on July 28, 2026, with current information. InterNations, an online expat community with 6.1 million members worldwide, has just published the results of its 13th annual Expat Insider survey, revealing the 10 best countries for living abroad.
These Hotels Have Kids Clubs That Go Above and Beyond
This story was originally published in 2023, and was updated on July 27, 2026, to include current information. As with approximately 99 percent of my preconceived notions about parenting, turns out I was wrong about kids clubs, too. I used to think I would never be a parent who just drops off my kids at what I thought were mediocre daycare centers. I grew up going on vacations where my family did everything together all the time. Wasn’t that the whole point of traveling together? To bond as a family?
Arizona Makes the Perfect Family Road Trip—If You Choose the Right Hotels
Arizona is made for road trips: The iconic Grand Canyon, red rock landscapes, history-rich Route 66, and long stretches of open highway make for an unforgettable driving itinerary. On a recent spring break trip through the state with my husband and two elementary-age kids, I discovered that the secret to a fun—and surprisingly smooth—vacation was choosing the right hotels along the way.
Arizona Makes the Perfect Family Road Trip—If You Choose the Right Hotels
Grand Canyon 23 hours ago Man Vanished While Hiking Grand Canyon to See Ancient Art. Authorities Finally Found His Remains After Nearly 15-Year Search People - David Chiu • 23h Arizona authorities said that human remains found in December belonged to a man who disappeared while hiking the Grand Canyon nearly 15 years ago. William Anthony Ott, 65, was reported missing in May 2012, the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office said in a Tuesday, July 21, news release. After he failed …
This New California Wine Country Hotel Is Built Around Great Food
The Afar take: A hotel that serves as a launchpad for Sonoma County by day and one of its best dinner reservations by night Location: 101 Dovetail Ln., Healdsburg, California | View on Google Maps Rates: From $509 In Healdsburg, so much of what’s special about Northern California and Sonoma County wine country comes together in one place: vineyards, culinary talent, agricultural bounty, nearby rivers and redwoods, and the Pacific coast, less than an hour’s drive west.
For Global Travelers Worried About Visiting the U.S., a New Tourism Campaign Aims to Offer Some Answers
By all accounts, 2026 had the makings of a huge year for international travel to the United States. Between the FIFA World Cup, the 250th anniversary of American independence, and 100 years of Route 66, among other events and celebrations, there are many landmark happenings taking place this year with the potential to lure prospective visitors from abroad. And yet, a big international tourism boost hasn’t materialized yet.
The Free TSA Shortcut Most Travelers Still Don’t Know About
As the busy summer travel season gets underway, potentially pushing airport security lines to their limits, for many travelers, the airport crowds will put a renewed focus on getting through the queue faster.
The Best Airlines in North America for First, Business, Premium Economy, and Economy Class, Ranked
It’s been yet another rocky 12 months for air travel—three government shutdowns, leading to long waits at TSA checkpoints, skyrocketing fuel and checked bag costs, and flight cancellations due to weather and war. Yet despite these major challenges, overall passenger satisfaction with North American airlines was up eight points (on a 1,000-point scale) compared to last year, according to the JD Power’s 2026 North America Airline Satisfaction Study, which was released on Wednesday.
This National Park Gateway Town Is Celebrating 25 Years as the World’s First Dark Sky City
There’s a lot going on in Flagstaff, Arizona, these days. Home to Northern Arizona University and a 90-minute drive south of the Grand Canyon, this effortlessly cool road trip stop is part charming college town, part national park gateway city, and part incubator for hip culinary upstarts. It’s also an ideal place to explore the wonders and mysteries of the galaxy.
The 2026 World’s Happiest Country Rankings Are In. Where Does the U.S. Stand?
Are you happy? This can be a tough question to answer. March 20, is the International Day of Happiness, a United Nations holiday since 2012. And it’s on this day that the World Happiness Report has been released annually since 2011, ranking the world’s happiest countries.
TSA PreCheck Still Open as Critics Say Travelers Are Being Used as ‘Political Football’
It was a perfect, utterly confusing storm on Sunday, as travelers woke up to a double whammy—an onslaught of blizzard-related flight delays and cancellations as a nor’easter barreled towards the East Coast, combined with conflicting messages from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). DHS had issued a statement Sunday morning that it would be pausing TSA PreCheck and Global Entry due to the partial government shutdown.
TSA PreCheck Still Open as Critics Say Travelers Are Being Used as ‘Political Football’
12 hours ago WASHINGTON — The Transportation Security Administration said Sunday that its PreCheck program would remain operational despite an earlier announcement from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that the airport security service was being suspended during the partial government shutdown. "As …
Wellness, Retro Glam, and Relaxation—Escape to Palms Springs at These 5 New and Renewed Desert Hotels
Palm Springs—and the surrounding Coachella Valley—has long served as a chic desert hideaway for Southern California’s glitterati seeking sunlight and seclusion. Today, Palm Springs proper has evolved into a popular vacation destination, welcoming everyone from the LGBTQ+ community to families and groups of friends.
Ancient Palaces, a Cat Café, and KPop Demon Hunters—the Perfect Family Travel Itinerary for South Korea
Last year, my offspring—who are obsessed with Godzilla, ramen, and the manga series One Piece—had been pining for a pilgrimage to Japan for months (years?). But Japan hit record tourism numbers in 2025, and that demand pushed the cost of flights during my kids’ fall break just out of our mileage reach. My son, who had recently finished a school project on Seoul, randomly suggested South Korea.
My Favorite Wellness Travel Tip? Take Your Kids. Really.
I know what you’re thinking. Kids? At the spa? Is nothing sacred? And, believe me, several years ago, when I was in the throes of exhausted early motherhood, I was sleep deprived enough to probably whack someone over the head for even suggesting such a thing. After all, spas and hot springs are supposed to help heal our frayed nervous systems, right? And last time I checked, there was nothing chill, zen, or even remotely quiet-zone–esque about kids.
Arizona Desert Waters, Historic Virginia Baths, a Colorado Mining Town Spa—the Best U.S. Hot Springs Resorts
As I eased into the 106-degree lithium-, magnesium-, and bicarbonate-rich natural pool during a recent stay at Castle Hot Springs in Arizona, I was struck by how different it felt from a typical spa soak. The sandy bottom and the mineral sediment shifting between my toes were a reminder that this wasn’t a standard hot tub or swimming pool, but rather a living, naturally fed spring.
Big Sur, We Missed You. How to Spend the Perfect Weekend in California’s Coastal Paradise
Big Sur, ancestral home of the Esselen Tribe, former refuge for beatniks and literati like Henry Miller, and a hiking haven where the redwoods meet the Pacific Ocean, is fully accessible once more. Following a three-year closure caused by winter storms, erosion, and landslides, a vital section of Highway 1 reopened on January 14 (ahead of the expected March 2026 opening), allowing travelers from the south to again reach the region.
Are Lots of People Coughing on Your Flight? Stay Healthy With These Face Masks That Are Perfect for Travel
It’s been years since face masks were required on flights during the COVID-19 pandemic. But when cold and flu seasons hit—and with this year seeing the highest level of respiratory viruses in more than 20 years—masks remain an essential item in the health and wellness toolkit for many travelers.
Need a New U.S. Passport Really Fast? That’ll Be $950.
Maybe you have a family emergency abroad. Or perhaps you realize your passport has expired one week before your international trip. Suddenly, expediting your U.S. passport application becomes priority number one. Having to do so is not uncommon, as myriad situations may require a new or renewed passport in a hurry. For example, some countries don’t permit entry if your passport has less than six months of validity.
These Are the Best Dates for Booking Holiday Travel—and Where to Go to Escape the Season's Crowds
It’s nearly October, which means that the holidays are right around the corner—and with them will inevitably come an increase in flight prices. So, consider this your PSA: The time to book your holiday travel is ASAP. “Earlier this summer, travelers had their pick of affordable airfare. However, as we step into the next peak season, that same travel luck may have run its course,” said Katy Nastro, travel expert at flight-deal tracking website Going, in the company’s 2025 holiday travel release.
Which North America Airports Are Truly Best in Class? Travelers Have Spoken
This past Labor Day weekend, 10.4 million passengers passed through Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints, with the agency reporting that it’s on track to break an all-time annual passenger volume record this year. In other words, more travelers are heading into the skies than ever before. So, what does that mean for the air travel experience?
As Disneyland Turns 70, These Are the Park’s Best Historic Rides—and the Most Exciting New Attractions
It’s hard to deny the landmark role Disneyland in Southern California—the original Disney theme park opened by the visionary himself, Walt Disney—has played in shaping the history and evolution of the theme park landscape in the United States and beyond. And yet 70 years on, one can argue that visiting Disneyland is absolutely nothing like it used to be.
As Disneyland Turns 70, These Are the Park’s Best Historic Rides—and the Most Exciting New Attractions | Flipboard
3 hours ago We Rode the NEW Test Track at EPCOT and We’re Giving You a FULL LOOK The new Test Track 3.0 is just a few weeks away from officially reopening to the public on July 22nd! However, multiple groups of people get to … 4 hours ago Coca-Cola & Star Wars Just Joined Forces On A Fan-Focused Campaign It’s out of this world. The Star Wars franchise has set its sights on a new galaxy — and it’s ultra refreshing. The Disney-owned series announced its …
Cowboy Core Is Alive and Well at These Dude Ranches in California
Cowboy culture—or cowboy core—is having a moment. From Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter” tour reigniting a global fascination with the glamour of brimmed hats, leather boots, and guitar sounds of the Wild West, to shows like Yellowstone and the 2024 movie Landman, showcasing the beauty and complexity of the American West, there’s an undeniable renaissance underway regarding the rancher lifestyle. And that’s true in travel, too, with dude ranches across the West continuing to see strong demand.
The Best Airlines in North America for Each Flight Class, Ranked
It’s been yet another rocky year for air travel in the wake of a series of devastating accidents and economic uncertainty that is starting to impact travel demand. But despite the challenges, overall passenger satisfaction with North American airlines was up six points (on a 1,000-point scale) compared to last year, according to the J.D. Power’s 2025 North America Airline Satisfaction Study, which was released on Wednesday released.
Heathrow Fire and Outage to Impact Thousands of International Flights—Here’s Everything Travelers Need to Know
Authorities advised travelers not to go to Heathrow Airport on Friday as the hub had closed due to a fire and related power outage. Photo by Belinda Fewings/Unsplash Travelers scheduled to fly into, out of, or connect through London’s normally bustling Heathrow Airport (LHR) on Friday, March 21, were in for a rude awakening.
The World's 30 Happiest Countries & People: 2025 List
The world’s happiest country has a culture of connecting with nature and caring for one’s body and mind. Photo by nblx/Shutterstock Are you happy? This can be a tough question to answer. Today, March 20, is the International Day of Happiness, a United Nations holiday since 2012. And it’s on this day that the annual World Happiness Report is released, ranking the world’s happiest countries.
Europe’s New Digital Border System Goes Into Full Effect in April—What You Need to Know
U.S. travelers with plans to hop the pond to Europe this year should prepare themselves for some changes. For starters, Europe’s new Entry/Exit System (EES), a digital border control program, will become fully operational on April 10. It will apply to nations in the European Schengen area, a group of 29 countries that have eliminated their internal borders to allow free movement among them.
The Real ID Deadline Is Fast Approaching—Here’s What Will Happen If You Don’t Have One by May 7
How do you know if you have one? Real ID–compliant driver’s licenses feature a star in the upper right-hand corner. Illustration by Claudia Cardia Cue: It’s the final countdown. No, but seriously, there are exactly two months left until the country’s Real ID rule is set to go into effect on May 7, 2025. We reached out to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to get the latest update on the requirement’s rollout.
The Real ID Deadline Is Fast Approaching—Here’s What Will Happen If You Don’t Have One by May 7 | Flipboard
Flying in America is about to get a whole lot worse thanks to this infringement on workers’ rights. In his administration’s latest attack on labor …
Why Now Is the Time to Visit L.A., According to Angelenos
Tourism officials are now hoping to get the word out that the vast majority of Los Angeles, including iconic sites like the Griffith Observatory, is still standing. Courtesy of Getty Images/Unsplash A little more than three weeks after a series of catastrophic wildfires broke out across Los Angeles County, destroying more than 16,000 homes and buildings in the coastal Pacific Palisades community and in Altadena in the east, a new crisis looms for Los Angeles residents: a lack of business.
As Wildfires Ravage Los Angeles, Here’s What Travelers Need to Know and How to Help
A view of wildfire smoke from the beach in Santa Monica. Photo by Mike Giepert Several major wildfires erupted in the Los Angeles area this week following a catastrophic windstorm that broke out on January 7, scorching acres of land and homes in their path and forcing tens of thousands of residents to flee as evacuation orders went into effect.
TV Host Samantha Brown Shares Her Favorite Travel Hack for Avoiding Crowds
To watch Samantha Brown is to feel like you’re catching up with an old friend. The longtime travel show host is the face of the PBS series Samantha Brown’s Places to Love, the eighth season of which began airing on January 2. It’s Brown’s approachable style of humble storytelling combined with practical tips that has given her an enduring following as a travel personality we can trust.
How to Stay Healthy This Holiday Travel Season
Increasing your physical activity levels are one effective way of staying healthy while traveling. Courtesy of Felipe Ditadi/UnSplash Thanksgiving 2024 was the in the USA, with more than 3 million air travelers passing through Transportation Security Administration (TSA) airport screen checkpoints. And that’s just the beginning of what is always a bustling time of year for flying—a period that coincides with cold, flu, COVID, and RSV season.
We Took Our Kids on a Road Trip Through Utah’s Bryce and Zion National Parks—Here Are 6 Mistakes to Avoid
Hot tip: You can access Zion National Park’s stunning Canyon Overlook Trail without the shuttle. Photo by Jonathan Baran This year, our kids’ school calendar included something I had never seen before: a weeklong fall break in early October. I immediately perked up and told my husband to request the time off, and I did the same. What better time to travel with fewer crowds, the possibility of early fall colors, and more moderate weather?
We Took Our Kids on a Road Trip Through Utah’s Bryce and Zion National Parks—Here Are 6 Mistakes to Avoid | Flipboard
We Took Our Kids on a Road Trip Through Utah’s Bryce and Zion National Parks—Here Are 6 Mistakes to Avoid Craft the perfect itinerary through southern Utah’s canyon country with these handy tips on how to avoid crowds and more. This year, our kids’ school …
What It's Like to Stay in a Glass-Dome Hotel Near Utah's Famed National Parks
In early October, guests at Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon were treated to a rare northern lights display.
To Get the Best Price, This Is When to Book Your Flight
Airline prices change all the time, but there’s a way to figure out when to buy tickets for your next trip. Photo by Yulia Agnis/Unsplash As a travel editor, one of the questions I get asked the most when friends or family are booking flights is: If I wait, will the price go up or down? The answer depends on when you’re looking and booking. Airline tickets typically go on sale up to a year before the departure date, so that’s when the pricing roller coaster begins.
You Can Have a Truly Tasty Meal at the Airport These Days—These Are Our Favorites
Lima favorite La Lucha Sanguchería Criolla has an airport outpost where you can get the sandwiches so mouth-watering that they have a following. Photo by Katherine LaGrave Airports throughout the world are experiencing a post-pandemic renaissance. They have emerged from the ashes of being virtual ghost towns and have been resurrected into not just the bustling transport centers they once were, but also completely transformed and markedly improved incarnations of their former selves.
You Can Have a Truly Tasty Meal at the Airport These Days—These Are Our Favorites | Flipboard
4 hours ago 3 New Brunch Restaurants to Visit in Las Vegas Brunch in Las Vegas often means bottomless mimosas, pancakes topped with cotton candy or glittering sparklers, heaping steaks, and comfort food that can be ordered 24 hours a day. Here are three new restaurants that recently opened in Las Vegas with an eye on brunch.
What is ETIAS? Europe's New Travel Requirements, Explained
We’ve been dreaming about Paris ever since the Olympics. But starting in 2025, travelers will need to jump through some added hoops to get there. Photo by Chan Lee/Unsplash Europe is the most visited region in the world—but it will soon require a few extra steps to get there. U.S. citizens already dreaming about and plotting out their 2025 adventures across the pond should be aware that the rules for entry into the European Schengen Zone are about to change.
How Much Does Flying on a Private Jet Actually Cost? (It Might Surprise You)
From booking a seat on a semi-private flight to chartering an uber-luxurious private jet, private jet travel comes in many different shapes and sizes. Courtesy of Oskar Kadaskoo/Unsplash At a time when flying commercial has become fraught with long airport lines and cascades of cancellations and delays, some travelers may be wondering, is it worth flying private? Of course, there’s the cost to consider—private jet travel isn’t known for being cheap.
The Secret Way to Bypass Security Lines at Some of Europe’s Busiest Airports
The bustling Frankfurt Airport, a major Lufthansa hub, is among the airports that offer the service. Photo by Shutterstock Another hot and busy summer of travel is underway in Europe, with global travelers once again putting their seemingly insatiable appetite for vacationing in Europe on full display.
This Is the Best Airport in North America, According to Thousands of Travelers—and It May Come as a Surprise
The high-ranking Midwestern hub recently welcomed a sleek new Delta Sky Lounge. Courtesy of Delta Air Lines More travelers are heading into the skies than ever before. On July 7, 2024, the United States experienced its busiest air travel day in history when more than 3 million travelers passed through Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints. So, what does that mean for the air travel experience?
These 18 Epic Cruises Offer Unforgettable Trips Around the World
Seeing the world by ship is unlike any other kind of travel. Find inspiration for your next cruise, from Australia’s Kimberley region to southern Brazil. Get a real sense of the West African shoreline on this 23-day cruise from Silversea. Courtesy of Silversea Africa For a continental sampler. Along the west coast of Africa, countries such as Angola and Senegal are making themselves more accessible to international visitors.
The 20 Best Airlines in the World (2024 List)
Did your favorite carriers make the list? Photo by BABAROGA/Shutterstock This year’s Skytrax 2024 World Airline Awards, which ranked some 350 airlines based on votes from passengers across more than 100 countries, saw Qatar Airways take the top spot for world’s best airline—dethroning last year’s winner, Singapore Airlines. Qatar Airways also won top marks for Best Business Class, Best Business Class Lounge, and Best Airline in the Middle East.
These Are the Best Dates for Booking Holiday Travel—and Where to Go for Festive Season Deals
Hopper reports that round-trip holiday flights to Paris are down 16 percent compared to 2023. Pandora Pictures/Shutterstock It’s October, which means that the holidays are right around the corner, and with them will inevitably come an increase in flight prices. The good news is that some good deals are still to be found. With a bit of strategy and luck, there’s still hope for a holiday getaway that isn’t overpriced.
How to Know if Your Loved Ones Are Safe During a Crisis
Even if you don’t have phone service, if you can get Wi-Fi, you can make calls. Photo by ninefotostudio/Shutterstock Not being able to contact friends or family who are in a destination where there’s been a natural disaster, accident, or terror attack can be stressful. There’s a huge sense of relief when you finally do get in touch.
The Best Places to Travel with Family [VIDEO]
Afar reveals five of the best family-friendly travel destinations around the world, along with why you’ll want to add them to your travel plans this year. Today’s video is brought to you by the United Quest℠ Card. Earn 60,000 bonus miles + 500 Premier® qualifying points for your next incredible trip. Learn more at UnitedQuestCard.com Transcript I’m Michelle Baran, I’m the deputy editor for news at AFAR, and I’m also a mom. But traveling with kids can be a mixed bag.
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