Autumn is perhaps the best time to visit New York City; the weather is usually glorious, summer tourist crowds are gone, and fall offers some of the top events and activities of the year.

Who were the first peoples to succeed in Alaska’s often cruel environment? Anthropologists assert that the ancestors of Alaska Natives were the first persons to migrate to the state, at that time over the land bridge that connected Siberia and what is now Alaska, thousands of years ago. Today, Native Alaskans are divided into several groups throughout the state, from the Athabascans of the interior, the Tlingits and Haidas of the southeast coast, the Aleuts, Alutiiqs, and Eyaks, to two groups of the well-known Eskimos: Inupiat and Yup’ik.

Ecotourism is a growing sector of the travel industry. In some places, such as Dominica and Suriname (see below), the economy of the country is based on its natural attractions. These are well-known nature-themed tourism spots, but any destination that offers easy access to nature and allows travelers a chance to travel without undue harm to the environment can be considered an ecotourism destination.

Make your vacation more enjoyable and comfortable with travel gadgets like this sitting luggage bag which incorporates a sturdy comfortable fold down chair for use while waiting in airports. Its patented curved handle adjusts to fit varying heights and supports up to 300 pounds. Available in black or red, $155 at www.magellans.com.

Anchorage is an outdoorsy city where retired lumberjacks and Alaska Natives swap fishing tales in their waders. A testament to the area’s fishing culture, Wild Salmon on Parade sculptures appear throughout downtown, a nod to the anglers seeking kings and silvers nearby at Ship Creek. Anchorage’s transit system handily stops near many trailheads, and most buses have bicycle racks. The daily bear sighting reports in the local newspaper reveal what a rugged city this is. This guide to wildlife in Anchorage will help you experience the best of its beautiful, natural surroundings.

Anchorage is a top North American city, not only in a literal geographic sense. Named an All-American City for four years, the city is a prosperous metropolis amidst stunning natural wonders. Surrounded by six mountain …

The 500-year history of Puerto Rico has created a rich and diverse cultural heritage, which is celebrated in the many festivals held year-round on this enchanting Caribbean island. A round-up of some of the most popular festivals may help you decide when to plan your trip for the highest fun quotient.

The islands that make up the Dutch Caribbean are the southernmost, lying less than 50 miles north of the Venezuelan coast. Of the five islands, the two largest are Aruba and Curacao–and although these sister islands share some similarities, in many ways they could not be more different from each other.

Salsa, the meeting point of European and African culture in dance, has been heavily influenced by Puerto Rico. The first seeds of the complex genre that we know as salsa today were sown in 1960s New York, where immigrants such as Tito Puente and Willie Colon made the music and dance form popular. Incorporating rhythms from African-based music, traditional Caribbean sounds and American R&B, Puerto Rican salsa has laid roots that have been elevated into an art form.

Often called the “Island of Enchantment,” San Juan, Puerto Rico is the perfect Caribbean destination for U.S. travelers for many reasons. First, there is the ease of travel; U.S. citizens do not need a passport to enter this U.S. Territory. Not only is this great for non-passport holders, but without customs and immigration travel is considerably less stressful.