A view of Manhattan from the 86th-floor observation deck of the Empire State Building on a cloudy March afternoon.

How my family aced our first-time trip to New York City

Thousands of steps, music history and a Dylanesque sighting made up an immersive first-time visit to NYC.

9 reasons you won't recognize Las Vegas on your next trip

April 20
Las Vegas' newest attraction, the Sphere shows an immersive film that can make you feel like you're soaring over picturesque landscapes.
The immersive Sphere arena, smoke-free options, millennial nostalgia and Minnesota-friendly spas are keeping Sin City fresh.

Dining with altitude: Top-floor restaurants give new meaning to 'high roller' in Las Vegas

April 19
A cocktail on the 66th floor terrace of Alle Lounge at Resorts World Las Vegas.
High above the Strip, thrill seekers can sip cocktails, take in a four-course tasting dinner, swim or just enjoy the view.
Travel
7:51am
Boston city skyline is illuminated at dusk in 2012 as it reflects off the waters of Boston Harbor. The U.S. Olympic Committee picked Boston on Thursda

Travel Troubleshooter: We accidentally paid for our hotel twice

Wife prepaid for the Marriott. Husband paid again at the counter. Can they get one of the payments back?
Local
April 22
Park Point Beach in Duluth was named one of Travel and Leisure magazine's best beaches.

Minnesota beach makes Travel and Leisure's top beaches in the country list

It was cited for its "ocean locale" feel.
Business
April 17
The turbulent course of carbon offsets in recent years means that many travelers should think twice before buying them.

Think twice about buying carbon offsets when you fly

Airlines are moving away from the practice and toward broader strategies to combat climate change. Do your research if you buy them.
Bloomington, MN, Minneapolis St. Paul International has long carried its weight amongst national airports. Now, with a flurry of hot new restaurants,
Travel
Midwest Travel
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Looking for a road trip? We have a section that highlights events and destinations within a day's drive.
Travel
April 12
Neuschwanstein Castle is the fantastical Bavarian palace that inspired Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle.

Tripadvisor names the 10 best castles in the world to visit

The list is topped by Neuschwanstein, the Bavarian palace that inspired Sleeping Beauty.
Travel
April 12
The grounds at Castle & Key Distillery, where E.H. Taylor Jr. began making bourbon in 1887.

Fast horses, bourbon, boutiques and even castles are found in one Kentucky county

Woodford County in the Bluegrass Region has all you need for a compact Kentucky vacation.
Local
April 6
Carolyn Wharton left , John Whaley, Annette Whaley and Lauren Whaley join hundreds of other people to watch a partial eclipse at the Science Museum of

Minnesotans traveling to see Monday's solar eclipse hope to catch 'cosmic dance'

Many Minnesotans are embarking on road trips across the country to witness three or four minutes of a total solar eclipse on Monday.
Travel
April 6
"Bungalow" guests at Cuyuna Cove have access to a shower house inspired by an outdoor spa.

New upscale camper cabins add to Cuyuna options

Cuyuna Cove's new "bungalows" near Crosby, Minn., are a step above glamping.
Travel
April 5
PALMA DE MALLORCA, SPAIN - AUGUST 15: Boats float on the blue waters of Cala de Calobra near Torrent de Pareis on August 15, 2009 in Palma de Mallorca

The next total solar eclipse will hit these two popular world travel destinations in 2026

Set a calendar reminder for Aug. 12, 2026, in Iceland and Spain.
Travel
April 5

Renting a car abroad: Don't get taken for a ride

Familiarize yourself with the local policies and protocols ahead of time.
Travel
April 5
Visitors watch the Strokkur geyser which is the most visited geyser in Iceland and is a common stop for tourists along the famed Golden Circle in Hauk

Travel Troubleshooter: On this complicated trip to Iceland, the buck stops with the airline

When United Airlines cancels the last leg of his flight to Iceland, he must buy a new ticket. The airline blames a "desynchronization."
Local
April 4
Gail Mattson, shown here on the day her vehicle was hit by an elephant in Zambia. Mattson did not survive.

Twin Cities woman killed by elephant on African safari

The elephant charged and struck the vehicle that Gail Mattson, 79, of Minnetonka and others were riding in while on a game drive in Zambia.
Travel
April 3
The American Queen in port at La Crosse, Wis. ] Photo by KERRI WESTENBERG/Star Tribune

Cruise line buys up the Mississippi River ships from defunct American Queen Voyages

American Cruise Lines successfully bid for the classic paddlewheeler American Queen and three other riverboats.
Travel
March 29
White Sands National Park is home to the world's largest gypsum dune field.

A trip through New Mexico showcases its wealth of national treasures

New Mexico has two national parks and nine national monuments. Here's a tour through some of our favorites.
Travel
March 22
This Oct. 29, 2013 photo shows people at Lanikai Beach, a popular neighborhood for vacation rentals, in Kailua, Hawaii. Airbnb Inc. is agreeing to pro

Travel Troubleshooter: Vrbo promised $21,014 to get us out of a moldy Hawaii rental — but backed out

When a Vrbo rental in Hawaii is uninhabitable, the rental platform agrees to cover the family's new accommodations. But then it reneges.
Travel
March 22
Onlookers waved as Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas, now the world's largest cruise ship, departed Miami.

On the world's largest cruise ship, thrills and space to chill

The most surprising thing we found on the inaugural sailing of Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas? Some peace and quiet.
Travel
March 22
The Lotus Esprit S1 “Wet Nellie” from “The Spy Who Loved Me” at the new James Bond exhibit at Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry.

Chicago exhibit explores the science of James Bond

Tourists banned from geisha district in Kyoto; TripAdvisor names best beaches of 2024.
Travel
March 21
Long exposure of Temple bar in Dublin with people drinking and walking by during night in autumn

Airfare alert: Minneapolis to Dublin in May, from $476

Aer Lingus' return to MSP heralds lower fares, but Delta is currently lowest.
Travel
March 15
Kent Barnhill shows the app Splitwise on his phone, which he and Zoe Miller have been using to share costs since starting to date regularly, at the Co

A handy app for splitting the bill with friends on vacation

Also: Airbnb bans indoor security cameras; U.S. urges spring break caution in Mexico, Jamaica and Bahamas.
Variety
March 15
Ojai Valley Trail Riding Co. takes visitors through the Ventura River Valley Preserve on horseback.

Charming Ojai is Hollywood's playground for a reason

Just outside Los Angeles, this hidden gem has ranches, vineyards and spas for a great girlfriends getaway.
Travel
March 15
The American Countess cruise ship.

Travel Troubleshooter: What's a Delta SkyMile worth in the case of a refund?

After the now-defunct American Queen Voyages changed his arrival port, the cruise line agreed to cover his additional flight expenses. But it didn't.

Travel | Star Tribune

Star Tribune coverage and reviews of travel destinations from the Midwest to internationally.