4 Perfect India Itineraries http://ift.tt/29m37vB

India is a dream destination for many travelers, and this vast and diverse country offers so much to see and experience that it can be challenging to do it all in one trip. Whether you’re planning your first trip or you’re a veteran visitor who’s eager to explore more of the country, these four itineraries will help you refine your options.

Sacred Spots

7 Days

Fly In: Varanasi

Fly Out: Delhi

Culture and spiritual life are deeply intertwined in India, and the country has numerous holy towns and sacred spots that attract religious pilgrims and travelers with an interest in Eastern philosophy. A good place to start is in Varanasi, the most revered city on earth for Hindus, straddling the banks of the Ganges River. The best way to experience Varanasi is by taking a boat ride on the Ganges, preferably at sunrise, when scores of pilgrims approach the riverbank to offer their morning prayers. From here, it’s a five-hour drive or a quick flight to Bodhgaya, the most important site of pilgrimage for Buddhists, for it's here where Gautama Siddhartha is believed to have reached a state of enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. The main draw here is the UNESCO World Heritage Mahabodhi Temple Complex, which houses a tree believed to have grown from a sapling of the original Bodhi tree. From Bodhgaya, it’s a two-hour flight back to Delhi, where you can catch an express train to Amritsar, home to the holiest of all Sikh gurdwaras (temples), the Sri Harmandir Sahib (known colloquially as the Golden Temple). Dating back to the turn of the 17th century, this beautiful structure is open 24 hours a day and, as with all gurdwaras, all religions and backgrounds are welcome.

Desert Trails 

9 Days

Fly In: Jaipur

Fly Out: Udaipur

Known for its stark, arid landscapes, ornate palaces (many of which have been converted into heritage hotels), and vibrant cultural traditions, the desert state of Rajasthan is one of India’s most visited regions. Start your visit in the capital city of Jaipur, known as the “Pink City” after the salmon-hued walls of its busy old town. Don’t miss the City Palace, a multi-winged palace museum and the official residence of the Jaipur Royal Family. Be sure to visit the ruins of the 500-year-old Amber Fort, just outside of town, before heading off to Pushkar, a sleepy oasis town known for its annual Camel Fair. From here, it’s a four- to five-hour drive to Jodhpur, characterized by pale blue houses leading up to the enormous hilltop Mehrangarh Fort, which dates from 1449. Spend the night at the 20th-century Umaid Bhawan Palace—half of the palace is a luxury hotel and the other half is the residence of the Maharaja of Jodhpur. The next day, head south to Udaipur, Rajasthan’s romantic lakeside city and home to the largest palace in Rajasthan, known simply as the City Palace. This five-story structure houses numerous chambers full of decorative art pieces and antique furniture along with the largest private collection of crystal in the world. The city’s other star palatial attraction, the Lake Palace, sits submerged in the middle of Lake Pichola and now operates as a luxury hotel. If it looks familiar, it may be because it was the setting of much of the James Bond film Octopussy.

Iconic Monuments

12 Days

Fly In: Delhi

Fly Out: Mumbai

India has 32 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and while you’d need months to visit them all, a few of the country’s most spectacular can be seen within the span of two weeks. Start your trip in Delhi at the 238-foot-high Qutub Minar, believed to have either been built as a symbol of victory or, more practically, as a high point from which to call people to prayer at the nearby Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque. From here it’s a short drive to the recently restored Humayan’s Tomb, a sandstone and marble complex considered to be the earliest example of proper Mughal architecture. From Delhi, it’s a few hours by car or train to the city of Agra, best known for the Taj Mahal, believed to have taken 17 years and the efforts of 20,000 laborers to complete. After visiting the city, head back up to Delhi to catch a flight to Mumbai, which has a few iconic monuments of its own, including the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly known as Victoria Terminus) an ornate British-built railway station and one of the country's finest examples of Indo-Saracenic architecture. Trains run from the station to Aurangabad, the jumping-off point for visiting the ornate cave temples of Ajanta and Ellora Caves, some 65 miles apart. The Ajanta Caves are the older of the two, and feature statues and columns that depict the life of the Buddha, while the Ellora Caves have Jain and Hindu shrines.

The Best of South India

10 Days

Fly In: Kochi

Fly Out: Chennai

South India isn’t always the first part of the country that travelers consider visiting, but it’s certainly one of the most enchanting regions. Start your visit in the tropical state of Kerala, which spans the southwestern tip of India. Begin your visit in the old port town of Kochi, preferably in the historic Fort Cochin neighborhood, by far the most charming part of town. The area has a significant Indian Jewish population, and most visitors stop by the beautiful Paradesi Synagogue, which dates to 1568 and features blue-and-white Chinese-tile floors and antique colonial light fixtures. Other popular sites include the ivory-hued Santa Cruz Basilica, featuring pillars covered with mosaics and bright depictions of Catholic saints, and the Chinese Fishing Nets, giant pulley nets that are believed to date from the 15th century. From here, it’s a short drive down the coast to Allepey, the main launching point of Kerala’s famous backwater cruises, essentially small boats that slowly travel through the state’s extensive lagoon system, stopping by quaint towns along the way. Beach lovers may want to make a pit stop at Varkala, a relaxed coastal town popular with international travelers for its sandy shores and beautiful cliffside views. Alternatively, head straight to Kerala’s capital city of Trivandrum and catch a flight over to Chennai (formerly Madras), the capital of Tamil Nadu. You can take a taxi directly from the airport to Pondicherry, a former French colony characterized by traditional Gallic architecture and lovely public squares. If you have time, stop at Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage temple complex dating back nearly two millennia.

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16 Postcard-Perfect Covered Bridges http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

New England is known for its stunning coastline, gorgeous fall foliage, and delicious seafood, but it’s also home to more covered bridges than any other part of the country. There’s something inherently romantic about driving down a country lane and coming upon a picture-perfect bridge that crosses a rushing river or seeking out a bridge that you’d never find while speeding down the interstate. These 20 covered bridges are definitely worth getting off the highway and slowing down for.— Kim Foley MacKinnon

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How to Use Your Cell Phone Internationally http://ift.tt/29mrNHW

Using your cell phone internationally can lead to exorbitant bills if you’re not careful. Here are a few steps you can take to make sure you stay connected to friends and family while traveling—without paying more than you have to.

Unlock Your GSM Phone

Not all cell phones will work in every country, so your best bet is to carry a phone that will operate on the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) network. Ideallyyou want a quad-band phone, which can operate on any of the four GSM bands and will work almost anywhere. Tri-band phones will also work in certain countries.

If you’ve got a GSM phone already, call your wireless company and ask to have it unlocked. Once your phone is unlocked you’ll be able to access other mobile carrier networks around the world. Not all phone companies will unlock all types of phones and often your account needs to be in good standing and open for more than 90 days, or your phone must be completely paid for and off-contract.

If you’ve tried to unlock your phone in the past but were told by your carrier that you couldn’t, you should try again. The Consumer Code for Wireless Service was implemented in February 2015, providing more freedom and flexibility to consumers when it comes to their cell phones. You can learn more about unlocking a phone or tablet from the Federal Communications Commission.

Finally, you’ll need to buy and install a local SIM (subscriber identification module) memory chip that will work in the country you’re visiting. This little circuit stores information like your identity, local cell phone number, address book information, and other bits of data. When you put a local SIM chip in your phone, it’s like getting a brand new phone that will work on the local mobile carrier’s network. The chip does need to be activated so you can either go to a mobile store in the country you’re visiting and have everything taken care of on the spot, or try to order one in advance and activate it online.

Buy or Rent a Cell Phone for Your International Trips

If you don’t want to go through the hassle of unlocking your phone and installing a local SIM, you can simply buy or rent a cell phone that will work abroad. Cellular Abroad sells and rents unlocked GSM phones and SIM cards that will work in dozens of countries around the world. The company also rents the National Geographic Talk Abroad Travel Phone, whichworks in more than 200 different countries. It’s the ideal solution for travelers visiting more than one country during the same trip. Most U.S.–based mobile carriers like AT&T and Verizon also have rental programs. Give them a call to find out what options are available to you.

You can also buy an international cell phone from a company like Mobal, whose phone works in more than 190 countries. Mobal doesn’t charge a monthly fee and there’s no contract to sign. You’ll just pay for incoming and outgoing calls. Incoming texts are free. 

Opt for an International Phone Plan

Your phone company may also offer international phone plans that offer discounts on calls, international roaming fees, and data charges. For example, AT&T Passport can be purchased for 30 days for $30 and provides coverage in more than 190 countries. You get unlimited texting, calls for $1 per minute, and 120MB of cellular data for email, web browsing, and social media posts.

Verizon offers something called Travel Pass that lets you take your domestic talk, text, and data allowance overseas. It costs $2 per day in Mexico and Canada and $10 per day in more than 100 other countries, like Australia, Barbados, or Scotland. Call your carrier for information on the options available to you.

Ways to Reduce Cell Phone Charges Overseas

If you can live with limited service during your trip, bring along your phone but be sure to turn off data usage and the "fetch new data" option. Those are two important ways to reduce your cell phone bill during an international trip. Also look for complimentary Wi-Fi “hot spots” in places like coffee shops and malls, and use voice and text messaging apps like Viber and LINE, which are free if both parties have accounts with the service. Skype is also an option (be sure your phone is subscribed to a free Wi-Fi hotspot first) as are Google Hangouts, WhatsApp, and WeChat. You can also buy a pre-paid phone card, which usually costs less per minute than your mobile carrier’s international roaming rates.

Finally, be sure to bring along a universal phone charger and plug adapters that are compatible with the electrical systems in the countries you’ll be visiting.

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10 Must-See Towns in Provence http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

The smell of lavender wafting in a summer breeze, the gentle swaying of hillside olive groves, empty sun-swept corridors between picturesque stone buildings: Provence is a region full of sensory romance, rewarding travelers with its breathtaking vistas, mouthwatering cuisine, and small-town tranquility. The Romans once dominated this area, and many of the towns serve as visual historical accounts of France’s southwestern region, with remnants of Roman, Byzantine, Medieval, and Renaissance structures incorporated into the modern construction of the upscale, but still quaint towns. The secret is out on Provence, and the area has always been well-known spot for celebrity vacationers, but there’s still plenty that’s slightly off the beaten track. When you’ve had your fill of idyllic lanes in famous Aix-en-Provence and enjoyed St. Tropez’s legendary beaches, head for one of these smaller, lesser known towns.—Abbey Chase

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Top 10 All-American Landmarks http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

In honor of Fourth of July, we set out to find ten of the most iconic landmarks in the USA. Whether you’ve seen them in person or not, you’ll undoubtedly recognize these man-made wonders from East Coast to West Coast. Here’s to barbecues, blueberry pies, fireworks, and celebrating the nation's birthday! 

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10 Best U.S. Airports for Travel with Kids http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Traveling with children can be trying, especially when a layover is involved. But some airports in the U.S. make the experience more tolerable and offer families with kids a reprieve. From watching brightly colored sea creatures at a 3,000-gallon aquarium at Orlando International Airport to climbing on mock airplanes at Minneapolis-St. Paul International, there’s no shortage of kid-friendly activities at these airports. Here are our picks for America’s Best Kid-Friendly Airports. —Emily Wasserman

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Long Weekend in Milwaukee http://ift.tt/29nBmVD

Milwaukee may be best known as the place of beer, brats, and cheese, but make no mistake, Wisconsin’s largest city is chock-full of other attractions, too, from a stunning lakefront and sprawling parks, to the world’s only Harley-Davidson museum and a moveable art museum. While the city draws crowds year-round—its tourism traffic brings in more than $5 billion annually—summer and its surplus of festivals deem it the ultimate season for a long weekend.

Friday

There’s no better way to kick off your weekend in beer city than with a tour of the Miller Brewery, home to the first domestic beer to be pasteurized. The landmark hosts free tours daily, which highlight the brewery’s 155 year-history via commemorative photos, gift shop keepsakes, large-scale brewing demonstrations, and, of course, samples.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head northeast to the city’s Lake Park Bistro. It boasts a historic pavilion and incredible lakefront views. French fare is the name of the game here, so don’t hold back on the moules marinieres or croque madame sandwiches. Since you’re there, be sure to explore the ravines and wildlife of Lake Park, an urban park spanning more than 130 acres that was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the same landscape architect behind Central Park in New York.

For dinner, head to Ardent, where contemporary tasting menus are comprised of items like beef tartare with bone marrow and cheesecake with blueberry and miso. Those smart flavor combinations have landed chef Justin Carlisle with a James Beard award nomination (Best Chef Midwest) in 2015 and 2016. With hype like that, seats may be tough to come by. Luckily, there’s always Red Light Ramen which is Ardent’s solution to late night noodle cravings.

Saturday

Continue the beer-focused theme with a visit to Benelux Grand Market & Café, a Belgium-inspired restaurant that boasts more than 30 brews on tap. Once you’ve had your fill, be sure to peruse the rest of the Milwaukee Public Market, home to more than 18 vendors of food, novelties, spices, candies, and baked goods.

Grab a different kind of buzz at Anodyne Coffee before continuing to stroll along the city’s Riverwalk, a pedestrian walkway following the Milwaukee River. From here, trek across the Menomonee River towards the Harley-Davidson Museum, a 130,000-square-foot space highlighting the history of the iconic motorcycle and its role in American culture. Venture about a mile east to explore more of the Historic Third Ward, the city’s arts and fashion district that also houses a handful of shops, spas, galleries, and restaurants.

Make dinner reservations at Sanford, a former family-run grocery store that now showcases seasonally-focused tasting menus from James Beard Award-winning chef Justin Aprahamian. He’s been impressing regulars and out-of-towners alike with favorites like striped bass plaki and lamb coppa with pickled fennel.

Sunday

Wake up early for a decadent brunch at Café Calatrava, a contemporary American eatery located within the Milwaukee Art Museum. Once you’ve fueled up on brioche French toast and caprese salad, wander around the museum to appreciate the architecture, including the Burke Brise Soleil, the property’s moveable, wing-like sunscreen.

Where to Stay

For a contemporary spin on a historic building, check into the Iron Horse Hotel. What started as a bedding company building in 1907 has been transformed into a buzz-worthy downtown hotel, equipped with 100 loft-style rooms, a 24-hour fitness facility, and a pet-friendly policy. If you feel like staying close to home for dinner, head to the Smyth, their onsite restaurant specializing in New American fare and an extensive wine list.

Getting There

From Chicago, it’s a straight shot north on I-94 that will have you at Milwaukee’s doorstep within two hours (barring any post-work traffic). If you’d rather sit back and relax, opt for the Hiawatha Amtrak line, which offers seven roundtrips daily between the two bustling cities. Those flying in will want to arrive at Mitchell International Airport, located just 15 minutes from the downtown area and serving all major domestic airlines.

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