Travel

From the United States to Germany and back again, explore these travel posts!

Christmas Village in Philadelphia with City Hall.

Ultimate Guide to 2025 Holiday Events in Philadelphia (Lights, Markets & More)

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Get ready to feel merry and bright! Winter in Philadelphia is full of sparkle! From Hanukkah to Christmas to ringing in the New Year, here’s your complete guide to the best holiday and winter events around Philadelphia, including the suburbs, Delaware, New Jersey, and beyond. New for 2025: Yuletide at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire, LumiNature […]

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A smiling couple holds hands while strolling through a vibrant tunnel of glowing pink, blue, and green holiday lights at the LumiNature event at the Philadelphia Zoo.

13 Best Holiday Light Displays Near Philadelphia (2025 Guide)

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Shirk off those cold winter nights and embrace a warm festive season with some of the best Christmas and holiday lights and drive-thru Christmas light experiences in the greater Philadelphia region. This guide gathers some of the best options, whether you’re looking to brave the cold and walk, stay cozy in your car, or enjoy

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Christmas Village in Philadelphia with City Hall.

10 Best Christmas Markets in Philadelphia for 2025 (Plus Nearby!)

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If you’re looking to soak up the festive spirit, you can’t beat strolling through a holiday or Christmas market, searching for unique gifts and sipping hot beverages like mulled wine. This year, embrace the holiday season with some of the most original and fun Christmas and holiday markets across the Philadelphia region.

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A group of smiling marching band members in festive red uniforms carry a large welcome banner to kick off the West Chester holiday parade at night.

10 Can’t-Miss Holiday Parades Near Philadelphia

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Experience the ultimate in festive cheer with a classic community holiday parade! From “big city” extravaganzas with floats and balloons to charming small-town marches, the Philadelphia region is full of festive events to kick off the season. This guide has the 10 “can’t-miss” holiday parades, complete with dates, routes, and tips. Parades are a one-day-only

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The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway train pulls up to the Jim Thorpe Train Station.

The Best Santa & Holiday Train Rides Near Philadelphia (2025)

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Across the Philadelphia region, historic railways ferry passengers on scenic trips that provide a bit of nostalgia. Holiday train rides are so magical. Whether your family is looking to get cozy with Santa Claus, create a new family tradition of fetching your Christmas tree with the train, or just enjoy stepping back in time for

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Sweeping view of the large-scale contemporary sculptures of architecture dotting the rolling fields of Art Omi sculpture park in Ghent, NY, that offer some of the best Hudson Valley art.

A Guide to the Best Hudson Valley Art: Olana, Art Omi & More

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The Hudson Valley isn’t just a place of natural beauty; it’s long served as a living inspiration for American art and today a haven for monumental creative works. Since the 19th-century art movement, the Hudson River School became transfixed on the rolling landscapes and natural wonder; the region’s love affair with art has continued. Be

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Visitors gather at the ornate, arched entryway of the Persian-style main house at Olana State Historic Site in Hudson, NY.

The Perfect Hudson Valley Weekend Getaway: 15+ Things to Do

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Just a few hours’ drive from New York City or Philadelphia, the Hudson Valley unfolds with rolling hills, riverfront towns, and a creative spirit that has inspired artists for centuries. There’s a gentler pace that complements the gorgeous landscape. After visiting with no expectations, I was smitten by the region and quickly booked another visit.

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A symmetrical view of the elegant stone arches of the Seimon Ishibashi, popularly known as Nijubashi Bridge, at the Tokyo Imperial Palace.

How to Visit the Tokyo Imperial Palace: Tickets, Tours & Gardens

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Since the late 19th century, the Tokyo Imperial Palace (皇居) has been the residence of the emperor, first at Edo Castle and then at the Imperial Palace. Situated in the heart of Tokyo, the palace complex is unmistakable, surrounded by imposing moats, thick stone walls, and manicured gardens. The heart of Japan’s politics and culture,

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The Shishinden, the Hall for State Ceremonies at the Kyoto Imperial Palace, viewed from across its vast white gravel courtyard under a clear blue sky.

A Guide to the Kyoto Imperial Palace (Kyoto Gosho): A Top Free Attraction

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On a bright and sunny, albeit chilly, Saturday afternoon in mid-January, as part of a larger trip across Japan, I found the Kyoto Imperial Palace rather empty. It was a surprising turn of events after I had encountered crowds of tourists spilling off the sidewalks in Arashiyama and flooding through the red tori gates at

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Exterior view of the Wharton Esherick Museum and Studio, featuring stone walls, red roof, and colorful silo in Malvern, Pennsylvania.

Visiting the Wharton Esherick Museum: The Artist’s Handmade Castle in Pennsylvania

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Wharton Esherick Museum in Malvern, PA, sits in the quiet woods. It’s a handmade home and studio unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Part castle, part sculpture, and entirely the work of one man, it’s one of Pennsylvania’s most unique museums. There’s something special about visiting the home or studio of an artist or someone notable.

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