Fresh Stories from Oyster

We’ve all heard of honeymoons and babymoons, but the hottest new trend taking the travel industry by storm is “me-moons,” trips you take by yourself that focus on self-care, empowerment, and personal enjoyment. Many hotels are capitalizing on the trend, offering special pampering packages designed for solo travelers looking to treat themselves.

Is it time for you to take a me-moon?

It’s no secret — with more than 40 million travelers visiting each year, Mexico is undeniably a land of magic. From the shimmering beaches of Quintana Roo and the vibrant energy of Mexico City, to the cultural heartbeat of Oaxaca, the country captivates at every turn. But sometimes, the most enchanting discoveries appear where they’re least expected.

Mexico’s famed Pueblos Mágicos, or “Magic Towns,” are a collection of 177 of extraordinary places scattered across the nation, each recognized by Mexico’s Secretary of Tourism for its unique blend of cultural, architectural, artistic, and historical significance.

These destinations don’t need gimmicks to earn their name—their charm speaks for itself. To help inspire your next adventure south of the border, here’s a look at some of the most captivating Pueblos Mágicos to explore.

Alaska’s largest city, Anchorage, is the ultimate basecamp for the state’s vast and awe-inspiring landscapes. Here, glaciers, mountains, and forests feel as much a part of city life as cafes and boutique stores. You can hike from your hotel doorstep, spot moose on your morning commute, or take to the skies on a flightseeing tour over glaciers and mountain peaks. No matter what time of year you visit, Anchorage has plenty to see and do.

This story is sponsored by Visit Anchorage.

Alaska is the largest state in the U.S. by far—it’s more than twice the size of the second-largest, Texas. That means you could easily spend months here and not see it all. But even if you only have a week in Alaska, you still have plenty of time to get a taste of “The Last Frontier.” Consider the following seven-day itinerary to sample some of the best the state has to offer.

Where in Alaska are you almost guaranteed to see a moose? What's the best, easy-access vantage point for viewing Denali? (And no, it's not in its namesake national park.) And what's the deal with all those Thai food restaurants in Fairbanks?

In Alaska, where travel options can seem as vast as the geography, deciding how to best spend valuable vacation hours can be a challenge. To help narrow it down, we queried the best kind of insider sources—long-time residents tapped into the local tourism scene—about where they take visiting friends and relatives. Here are their best recommendations.

Anchorage isn’t just Alaska’s largest city—it’s where urban life and wilderness sit side by side. You can start your morning sipping coffee downtown and, within minutes, be biking along the coast, spotting moose on a trail, or taking in glacier views from above. The city makes it easy to get outdoors without ever straying too far from good food, local art, and lively neighborhoods.

Anchorage is also a natural jumping-off point for exploring more of Alaska, but it’s worth slowing down to enjoy what’s right here. From fascinating museums and wildlife encounters to hikes with skyline views, this is a place where you can pack a lot of variety into a single trip. Whether you’re staying a few days or using it as your home base, these are eight of the best things to do in Anchorage.