How to Take Fireworks Photos

Everyone loves fireworks—and everyone can learn to snap photographs that better capture their beauty.

How to Book a Vacation Rental

Finding a great property has never been easier. With owners posting their homes online, you can now choose from an unprecedented range of destinations and prices. The trick is finding the right roof of one's own.

• The Secrets to Happy House Swapping

All New Summer Thrills!

Face off with a giant croc! Ride the world's fastest coaster! And seven more of the season's greatest adventures.

• Top U.S. Water Parks
• The Next Big Thing: Coolest Attractions of the Future

The World's Most Amazing
Hotel Pools

Swimming is almost beside the point at these 10 pools found in gorgeous, unexpected locations. Tell the roving pool butlers we say hi.

Summer Lake Towns

Retreat to an easygoing American lake town, where you can find simple, affordable pleasures—fishing, hiking, bumper cars, and old-fashioned desserts. We've picked eight we love; chances are, there's a similar one near you.

Paris, My Cut

We challenged a photographer to capture glimpses of unexpected, everyday life in Paris—and found ourselves falling in love with the city all over again.

America's 10 Coolest Small Towns

These towns all have fewer than 10,000 people—but they can rival larger cities when it comes to good food, culture, and quality of life.

Zoo Babies 2009

Meet panda Xi Lan, voted cutest in our poll, plus Miles, a giraffe who wants to be like his big sis, and more aww-inspiring newcomers. Browse the babies, and add your photos and videos from zoos nationwide.

One-Tank Escapes
for Seven Cities

This summer, the key words are "quick" and "easy." But you still want a trip that delivers. So, hit the road! These seven drives are real getaways—even if they take you only a few hours from home.

• Blog: 3 Bold New Summer Thrills for '09
• Our Top 15 U.S. Waterparks
• Family Hotel Deals, From $105
• How to Unplug While on Vacation
• Deal: Yellowstone & Mount Rushmore Tour, From $995
• Istria: Europe's All-purpose Peninsula

Video: How to Order Coffee Like a Roman

The first in our new series of travel videos: Editor Kate Appleton shows the rituals of caffeinating properly in Rome. (One tip: Pay before you order.)

• America's Favorite Restaurants
• Dreamy Summer Lake Towns
• Google maps: National Park Road Trips
• How to Nab the Best Airfares
• My Town: Charleston, S.C.
• My Town: San Antonio, Tex.
• Slide show: On the Road With the Highams

Punta Cana Contest

Share your favorite travel photos and be entered to win a six-night trip for two to Punta Cana!

• Learn more about our contest and get details on the prize
• How to upload a photo the right way
• Enter Now: The contest ends on August 17
• Don't forget, you can share your Travel Journals and videos, too

The Lowdown on Low International Airfares

Looking for cheap airfares for your big trip abroad but suffering from search fatigue? Try one of these tested strategies.

• Upstart Airlines

Live Well, Get Miles

Frequent-flier rewards are more elusive than ever. Brad Tuttle helps you score.

• Blog: Redeeming Your Miles Just Got Easier

Extras Not Included

As airlines stay aloft by adding dollar signs to every service, flight prices will be trickier to tally—but those who steer clear of frills stand to save.

• How Airlines Pass Costs on to Travelers
• Blog: Full coverage on airfares