PlacePass

From lagoons to the northern lights, PlacePass highlights Iceland’s top tours and explores what makes Iceland so magical.

Bookworms, rejoice! The forward march of e-reader inspired progress has not yet killed the European bookshop. The Continental bookstore is alive and well (and not just living in Paris). Whether you crave a classic, musty warren or a grand and gleaming boutique, these five unusual, magical shops are sure to delight your inner bibliophile.

From the lowlands of the Connecticut River Valley to the famous rolling mountains—OK, hills—of the Berkshires, Western Mass. is an attractive destination for that weekend getaway. Small towns sprinkled throughout the region offer homemade ice cream, country stores, and scenic rural drives as well as picturesque colleges and spas.

With more than 750 miles of coastline, Hawaii is paradise for water activities. Check out our top adventures across the islands.

The drive from Kapaa to Kilauea is one of Kauai’s most scenic routes. Here are four great stops to check out along the way.

Trying to travel responsibly? No matter where you’re headed, your trip has an impact. Carbon emissions may be the most well-known offender, but the truth is, travelers also affect local environments, economies, and communities in a variety of ways. Fortunately, there are many simple steps you can take to travel more responsibly and sustainably. Follow our suggestions to be aware of your impact and help make a difference on your next trip.

Ah, Sydney. From the sail-like roof of the Opera House to the world famous Bondi Beach, it is home to many of the most famous Australian landmarks. Here are our top ten picks for things to do in Sydney, Australia.

Hawaii is a dream destination and with multiple islands, there is plenty to keep you busy. With so many options for activities, a diverse landscape and a uniquely rich culture, you can find some pretty interesting ways to fill your days there. If a Hawaiian vacation is in your future, check out these top 10 things to do on the Hawaiian islands while you’re there.

Nearly 30 years after the genocide, Cambodia still faces social challenges and a fragile economy, but tourism is playing an important role in accelerating growth. Traveling to Siem Reap? There are plenty of ways to make sure your trip has a positive impact. Start by supporting local restaurants, shops, hotels and tour operators who are working hard to build a prosperous, peaceful community. Here are six of our favorite options for those looking to travel responsibly in Siem Reap.

To say that London is a sizable city is to adopt the infamous British tendency for understatement. London is bloody massive. The central knot of museums, historical sights, shopping, and entertainment stretches along the Thames from the City of London (yes, a city within a city) through the West End to Westminster. The luxurious residential neighborhoods of Chelsea, Kensington, Notting Hill, and Marylebone lie to the north and west.

In Beijing’s ancient alleyways, known as hutong, time seems to flow backwards. Local merchants peddle rice, fruit, and vegetables on rickshaws, calling out the day’s prices just as they have for centuries. Groups of weathered, wizened men play leisurely games of Mahjong. Incense from local temples wafts through the air, and colorful offerings dot the feet of Buddhist icons.

Is white sand nice? Yes. Is turquoise water cool? For sure, bruh. But while we at PlacePass endorse good hygiene, sometimes that stuff just gets old. Sometimes, you need to get caked in mud while mountain biking. (But, statistically, probably some manure, too.)

You know those pictures of obscenely attractive Instagram models posing under a rainforest waterfall, their makeup weirdly intact? Or maybe those scenes in period dramas where the forbidden lovers have a steamy make-out sesh in a serene still-water pool (also under a waterfall)?

Did you know that July 7th is officially World Chocolate Day? As if you needed another excuse to indulge in something sweet. This year, take your treat to the next level with one of our popular chocolate tours.

New England contains an abundance of historic and recreational sites and is small enough that a day trip from Boston is sufficient to visit most of them. For weekend getaways, favorite standbys include the Berkshires, Cape Cod, and Martha’s Vineyard. Amtrak, the commuter rail, buses, and ferries make most destinations accessible without a car.

No, really. Here are five (weirdly awesome) places where you can see dead people. Best read aloud in your spookiest vampire voice.

Throughout Hungary, the vestiges of Ottoman and communist rules can be found on the same block. Castles stand staunchly and thermal baths pool beside concrete Soviet monuments, overlooking the graves of 20th-century writers and medieval poets. Döner kebabs, bockwurst, and cheeses are peddled side by side, while Budapest locals frequent Turkish bathhouses.

The 45 mi. trip from Paia to Hana is one of the world’s most impressive coastal drives. With more than 600 turns and over 50 single-lane bridges, the “Road to Heaven” offers incredible views of Maui’s rainforests and waterfalls, most of which are visible from the driver’s seat. While it takes about 2hr. to make the journey itself, the experience is much more rewarding if you stop along the way. Highlights of the drive are outlined below; however, there’s always more to explore.

The best way to acquaint yourself with Lahaina is on foot. Although the sun can be intense, a walking tour is an easy—and heart-healthy—way to peruse both the town’s historical sights and more trivial pursuits (read: shopping). You can start your journey at any place along the route, but a picnic underneath the Banyan Tree is a fantastic way to end or start the trip. Bring some cold water and a camera to capture your favorite finds. Slather on sunscreen and march!

The First Annual Hawaii Island Pride Gay Pride Festival took place in June 2008, and it was an event long overdue. The Hawaii Island Pride Group, a local organization focused on organizing and promoting lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender pride events on the Big Island, kicked off the third weekend of June with the Miss Hawaii Island Pride Pageant at the local My Bar.

Let’s come clean about the Big Island: it’s not exactly the destination of choice for resort-hopping high rollers. While many Hawaiian tourists are willing to settle for no more than a crowded Waikiki sunset, Big Island visitors watch the sun go down from empty cliffs, overlooking the Kohala Mountain Range; or at the end of an unmarked trail, near a 1200 ft. waterfall; or at the summit of Mauna Kea, huddled around a warm Jeep, 1000 ft.

Kangaroo Island – also known as “KI” – is just a 45 minute ferry from the Australian mainland, however it offers incredible opportunities to get up close and personal with Australia’s wildlife in their natural habitat. Much like the Galapagos Islands, animals on KI have been protected from most predators and so they are very friendly and trusting.

Sure, Hawaii is known for its amazing beaches and water sports. But the dramatic, varied terrain here makes for great land-based adventures and activities, too. Here are some of our favorites across the Hawaiian Islands.