Cassandra Brooklyn

Discover stunning ocean views, national parks, charming small towns, and a plethora of festivals on these epic cross-country road trips.
An all-American summer road trip offers an unparalleled way to experience the vast and varied landscapes of the United States, from the salt-kissed breezes along Florida’s coastlines to the wide, golden expanses of the heartland and the dramatic, wave-carved cliffs of the Pacific Coast. Start planning your summer vacation with these cross-country road trips....

For many of us, summer brings to mind time spent outside with family and friends, from swimming and snorkeling to hiking and biking. But come evening, the sky begins its own performance, filled with streaking meteors, glowing planets and unforgettable astronomical events that turn an ordinary evening into something extraordinary. Summer is particularly rewarding for skywatchers in the United States, as the season brings warm weather, easier late-night outings and some of the year’s most antic...

These protected public lands are perfect for spring and summer exploration
Our national parks system is the crown jewel of the United States’ public protected lands. Ever since Yellowstone was established in 1872—the country’s first national park—the list of wild places dedicated to preservation for all to enjoy has been growing. Some come to mind immediately—big-name destinations like the Grand Canyon, with its majestically carved canyons, and Yosemite, with its signature giant sequoias. Oth...

Want the comfort of a group trip and the benefits of solo travel? Here's how to make it happen.
Traveling alone can seem like the most freeing experience … or the most terrifying. Luckily, there’s a way to dip your toes into solo travel without losing the security of a group vacation: Take a hybrid solo trip. It’s the ideal getaway for anyone who longs to wander the world alone but breaks out in a cold sweat just thinking about booking that ticket for one.
When I started my international tour...

Spring can be a great time for a road trip, with mild weather, colorful flowers and breathtaking landscapes — without the summer crowds.

From outdoor food fairs and fireworks to free waterfront festivals and concerts, summer adventures await in these incredible urban escapes.
Summer vacations can take many forms, from mountaintop camping and whitewater rafting to full-on beachside lounge fests where sun and sand take center stage. For many of us, however, the summer months are the best time for urban adventures, as cities come alive with food fairs, festivals, concerts, and celebrations of all sorts. Whether your idea of summe...

Spring break’s warm weather and unhurried vibe make it the perfect time for urban exploration in culturally rich cities around the U.S., with monumental museums, fabulous food, and more.
While spring break often conjures images of beaches, bars, and late-night activities, for many, it’s also an opportunity to renew, refresh, and travel in new and novel ways. Whether your idea of urban exploration involves museum and neighborhood hopping with your significant other or you’d prefer a food and m...

For some, winter is a warm welcome to stunning, snowy landscapes, holiday decorations and cherished family traditions. For others, it’s dry skin, watery eyes and runny-nose season.
The moment the furnace kicks on and winter settles over your home, you might notice something unwelcome that isn’t one of the common symptoms of cold and flu season: a sudden drip of blood from your nose. It’s a familiar scenario.
For countless adults, especially those in their 50s and 60s, this shift in winter wea...

While some animals (and humans) hibernate in winter, other species are at their most active. Whales, butterflies, and birds are migrating; elephant seals are mating; and wolves are actively hunting prey. With less foliage (and fewer crowds) obscuring your view, and animals more actively searching for food, winter offers a surprising advantage to wildlife watchers.
Whether it’s bald eagles fishing in ice-fringed rivers or elk bugling through snow-dusted valleys, every corner of the country is ...

From ice fishing to toboggan racing to skiing in a ghost town, winter adventures hit differently in these less-crowded alternatives to national parks.
Winter strips landscapes down to their essentials—quiet, contour, light—and in that stillness, America’s State Parks reveal a different kind of drama. Unlike spring, summer, and autumn, when crowds clamor along boardwalks and struggle to see wildlife and fall foliage amid so many people, cold-weather months usually attract fewer visitors.
Howev...

When winter lays its white cloak across Wisconsin’s Northwoods, anticipation reaches a fever pitch for one of the country’s biggest and most beloved winter sports festivals.
Originating in 1973 with just 35 determined skiers on the start line, the American Birkebeiner, otherwise known as The Birkie, now draws tens of thousands of enthusiasts each February to traverse the legendary trail between Cable and Hayward, Wisconsin.
In addition to the main race, there are so many events that an entire...

There’s something timeless and deeply comforting about the clink of fine china and the feel of soft linen napkins while sipping a fragrant cup of Darjeeling or orange pekoe tea. Afternoon tea experiences are decadent rituals that offer a moment to pause and reflect, either alone or with loved ones, to create cherished memories.
Though referred to as afternoon tea, these often elaborate tea services are meals in and of themselves. Fine loose-leaf teas are paired with elegant bite-sized sandwic...