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Winner: San ­Francisco ­International, ­Terminal 3. Runner-Up: Jackson Hole Airport, Wyoming.

Winner: Alaska Airlines. Runner-Up: Copa Airlines.

Keeping up with your fitness on a family vacation can be difficult. When your hometown gym is out of sight, it’s easy for it to be out of mind too. And even though vacation means a holiday away from grocery shopping and preparing meals, you’ll probably be consuming more…

The United States has 12,383 miles of coastline. For you runners out there, that translates to roughly 472 domestic marathons. And while charting your own route can be fun, there’s something to be said for an organized event: the aid stations, the swag, the camaraderie that develops when…

Tom Rosenbauer caught a bonefish on his first try. If you know anything about the notoriously elusive saltwater species, you know this is as impressive as it is unlikely. Rosenbauer was fishing off Christmas Island, near Indonesia, at the time. He was feeling pretty proud of himself—until…

Although travelers might be drawn to Puerto Rico for its beaches and nightlife, the island’s outdoor recreation opportunities outshine its other attractions. Rainforest ���ϳԹ���s El Yunque National Forest’s status as the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest system earns it the top spot on most…

If packing for a trip means throwing a pair of running shoes and some clean underwear in a suitcase, meet sightrunning: destination sightseeing via group runs. Athletes with an indie streak can build their own routes around a city’s attractions, but a growing number are joining preplanned outings that allow…

If you’re going to go to the trouble of swimming 2.4 miles, biking 112 miles, and running 26.2 miles, you may as well pick a gorgeous milieu. These courses are in locales that are not only aesthetically pleasing, but loaded with ways to relax post-race. Ironman Cairns in Queensland, Australia.

As a lifelong fresh air addict, my secret shame is an inability to name roughly 99 percent of the flora and fauna I see while paddling, hiking, snowboarding, and the like. By valuing adrenaline over a more complete understanding of my surroundings, I often feel disconnected from nature while having…

Budget-friendly prices, and the freedom and comfort of staying at a home-away-from-home have made vacation rentals popular alternatives to hotels. Property owners list their homes on sites such as Home Away and the associated VacationRentals.com, VRBO, and Flipkey, the latter of which is…

For American Olympic fans, biathlon is overshadowed by blockbuster sports, such as alpine skiing and snowboarding. But biathletes are just as badass as the downhillers—these cross-country skiers race to average heart rates of 175 bpm, then fire five precision shots in as few as seven seconds,…

Hotels are constantly adding new bells and whistles to get a leg up on the competition—think access to fancy guitars and complementary museum passes. Now, many venues are starting to keep their cycling guests happy with premium-ride loaners. Bikes at Twin Farms. Kimpton Hotels &…

Except for two interruptions during World War II, the Winter Olympics have been held continuously since 1924. Over a period of nine decades, these snowy competitions have played out in 21 mountainous enclaves on three continents. Most of the venues are still worth a wintertime visit; here are a few…

If you have Olympic yearnings, be advised that the luge is within reach for amateurs. But, despite a low bar of difficulty to begin sliding, it might take years to master the sport. Jon Owen, Western Regional Program director for the United States Luge Association, says it takes about eight…

A longtime favorite of the X Games, slopestyle joined the Olympic ranks at Sochi this year. Freewheeling American snowboarders Jamie Anderson and Sage Kotsenburg won gold over the weekend, and strong competitors on the skiing side taking to the course this week (watch the women’s…

In its first decade of existence, the Transportation Security Administration was the tiger mom of government organizations—overbearing to the point of invasiveness, and about as fun as an ankle sprain. The sane lane. The TSA finally loosened up a little in October 2011, when it launched…

There’s something Pac-Man-esque about floating through the saw grass–lined sloughs and mangrove stands of South Florida. Like the classic arcade game, the Everglades are filled with mazes and monsters to challenge even the most seasoned paddlers. But if you can navigate the tides and the uncompromisingly flat terrain, avoid alligators and…

The days of waiting for Old Yellows to appear are gone, replaced by smartphone apps that make catching a ride only a few taps away. With TaxiMagic, travelers can book a ride with a nearby taxi or schedule a pick up. Then, track the taxi’s progress (no…

One of the most popular places to catch waves in Costa Rica is the Guanacaste province located on the country’s northwestern “gold coast.” Not only does this province yield some pretty awesome wave breaks, it’s also one of the most heavily visited areas with a booming tourist apparatus.

Tennessee, North Carolina, and Georgia have the biggest mountains among the 14 states on the Appalachian Trail. The southern portion of the Appalachian Trail. Although the promise of southern temps might draw spring break hikers to Georgia, sleet and snow are common here in March. Georgia is better hiked in…

The Mid-Atlantic section of the Appalachian Trail includes New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. Surprisingly, this portion is known for the hottest weather—even more so than the southern section of the trail—due to lower elevations. The Mid-Atlantic portion of the Appalachian Trail. The Virginia section of the Appalachian…

The Appalachian Trail is one of 11 National Scenic Trails and—along with the Continental Divide and Pacific Crest trails—one of three popular, near-border-to-border treks in the U.S. The New England portion of the Appalachian Trail. Through-hikers on the AT have a roughly 2,180-mile journey in front of them. However, the…

Although it might seem that backpackers are free spirits who fly by the seat of their pants, most experienced hikers will tell you that good planning is what determines a good trip. Here’s what you need to know before tackling a long-distance hike, such as the Appalachian, Pacific Crest, or…

If the thought of seeing a real life march of the penguins gives you happy feet, then you’re in luck. There are actually a number of places you can witness the exultant event, and they’re not all in Antarctica. Although the earth’s icy, southernmost continent does contain a number of…

A loppet is an unusually lonely muppet. Or so I assumed until Cross Country Canada, the umbrella organization for the country’s national ski team, set me straight. Cross country skiers take part in the world’s largest skijor loppet, part of the Cities of the Lakes Loppet. CCC’s…

Francis Sheil, lead chef at the Palmer Station in Antarctica, has spent a total of 62 months of “ice time” and two complete (nine-month) winter seasons at the South Pole. Sheil has plenty of advice for cold-weather cooks, even if they don’t encounter Antarctic conditions as he…

Here are five choices worth traveling for: Eat and drink in a Mexican cave at Alux Bar and Lounge. At approximately 6,000 years old, the Sunland “Big Baobab” is the widest of its species. The inside of the tree is cavernous and contains the world-famous Baobab Tree Bar. Tip…

Disaster can strike anywhere, at any time. Being prepared can save your life.

Step one: Read the essential texts. Rock-star alpinist Conrad Anker, who leads The North Face’s dream team of globetrotting expeditionists, recommends Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills. First published 54 years ago by The Mountaineers climbing club in Seattle, the how-to guide…

Called the purest form of climbing, deep-water soloing (DWS) is free rock climbing practiced on sea cliffs, lakeside ledges, or climbing walls above pools. In deep-water soloing, water serves as the safety net. In deep-water soloing, water is your safety net. “It’s an exciting type of climbing; usually you can’t…

Skate skiing is classic cross-country’s edgier cousin—literally. Propulsion comes from pushing off the edge of the ski with a duck-footed stance, similar to how speed ice skaters drive off their blade edges. Couple that with gliding on the flat of the ski and thrusting with chin-to-toe poles, and skate skiers…

Is there a more abused word in the travel writer’s lexicon than “escape”? But it really does describe a Belizean vacation. Belcampo: Room 1 and the room of your dreams. The Central American country has all the makings for a timeout from reality, including multiple ecosystems to explore (swampy planes,…

Kloofing is the South African version of canyoneering. The term comes from the Afrikaans (Middle Dutch) term “kloof,” meaning “a steep-sided, wooded ravine or valley.” Thought to have developed in the 1920s, kloofing is the art of following gorges—and the rivers that flow through them—by walking, swimming, floating, jumping, bouldering,…

Who wouldn’t want to eat a fresh lemon while hiking the trails in Cinque Terre, Italy? Or a jackfruit growing in the courtyard of a wat in Thailand? Unfortunately, the skin of fresh fruits and veggies are breeding grounds for microbes—some of which can cause disease. If you’re traveling where…

People who cruise and those who don’t are the Bloods and the Crips of the travel and leisure class. The former breathlessly defend the virtues of “all-inclusive” and “pre-planned,” while the latter—if they’re up on their cruise drama—envision floating cattle cars covered in microbes and piloted by inebriates. I’ve seen…

Cliff diving traces its roots to Hawaii, where, in the 1760s, King Kahekili initiated his warriors with the tactic, thus proving their loyalty and bravery. Cliff diving is now a sanctioned sport under the World High Diving Federation (WHDF), but no measure of officiousness can take away its homespun daredevil…

There are few species more in need of a helping hand than the sea turtle: All seven species are on threatened or endangered lists. And thanks to the turtles’ penchant for secluded, sandy beaches, altruists planning volunteer trips have exotic vacations in store—bonus! Most volunteer work involves working at a…

Recommending multi-day hikes in Hawaii is a bit of a challenge—the islands just aren’t big enough to for many long distance treks. Kalulau Trail sign. But the hike that best fits your wish list is the Kalalau Trail through the Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park on Kauai.

The short answer is yes (or “YES!” depending on your point of view). Thanks to an ordinance adopted in September, retail marijuana sales become legal in Colorado on January 1. The ordinance piggybacks on Amendment 64, which passed in November 2012, allowing adults 21 and older to grow up to…

The all-mighty budget is a hurdle for many travelers. Couchsurfing (CS), an online network where travelers exchange free lodging, allows you to leap this obstacle. But couch surfing isn’t just about getting a free place to stay; it’s about fostering connections among a community of, now, seven million…

Each winter, snow covers the peak of Mauna Kea, a 14,000-foot dormant volcano located on Hawaii’s Big Island. And, yes, this “pineapple powder,” as locals call it, is ready to rip. DCIM1GOPRO Just don’t expect chairlifts, or any amenities for that matter. The barren, moonlike summit—which…

I want to ride an elephant, but I also want to ensure the animals are cared for well. Where should I go?

Snow and ice are no match for a confident driver.

“After climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb.” —Nelson Mandela

I want access to prime powder outside the resort but don’t want to hike in for ski-touring. How do I find the right heli-skiing guide?

I’m visiting Seattle and Portland in January and would like to go sea kayaking while I’m there.

I want to come home with both my devices and my identity in tact.

Crooks may be emptying your bank account while your ATM card is in your wallet. Here’s how to prevent it.

How do I look smart—but also practical—while traveling the world?

A friend and I are planning to hike a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail next summer. We'll have a week; what are the best sections for a trip like this?

My iPhone is my worst enemy and my job is destroying me—where can I live like a monk for a bit while I repair my damaged soul?

Where's the best place for a novice to learn? How do I select an outfitter?

Headed around the world for some cheaper medical care? Follow these rules

Are e-cigarettes a good alternative? If so, what's the best one for the adventure traveler?

I'll be in Banff, Alberta, from October to December. What shouldn't I miss?

I’m traveling to Mexico City and Bangkok. How do I sample their famous street treats without battling Montezuma and whichever dead ruler haunts the bowels of tourists in Thailand?

I want to take lots of photos during my holiday adventures. What do I need to know before hitting the road?

Do nudists know something we don't? If you mean where the best luxury spots are, then yes.

Side effects ranging from nausea to hallucinations make some travelers question whether they should take preventative medicine for the mosquito-born parasitic disease.

Your vehicle is the ultimate home base this season

Jaw-dropping fall drives that lead to drool-inducing DIY dishes

You don't need to spend a fortune to have a great adventure. With a few tweaks, you can avoid the 10 biggest—and often most expensive—travel mistakes.

I want to hike up a live— or at least dormant—volcano. Where can I go without getting scorched?

Getting around the laws that make overnight seaside camping frustratingly difficult

I don’t want to run just any old urban marathon: I'm looking for a destination race that will let me combine an incredible trip with my athletic endeavors. Any ideas?

I’m thinking about doing a road trip and some backpacking out west this summer, but I’ve heard a lot about the wildfires burning from California to Alaska. What do I need to know about traveling safely in fire country?

I live in southern Utah—obviously not one of the world's great surf destinations. One of my biggest dreams is to take a surfing trip up the California coast, from San Diego to San Francisco. I would like to camp on the beaches in state parks and such. What do you suggest?

How to get a more precise forecast for your own backyard

I am going to Rio de Janeiro in December and want to get out of the city. I’m looking for must-see excursions that don't involve guided trips or tourist traps. Any ideas for safe places a visitor could comfortably navigate by herself?

A friend and I are planning to hike a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail next summer. We'll have a week. What are the best sections for a trip like this?

I'm looking for a good destination for an active honeymoon this summer. We're fit, but local day hikes are the extent of our outdoor skills; we don't know how to ski and we're too pale to just lie on the beach. Both U.S. and international destinations are fine.

I’m a fan of the Grand Canyon, but I’ve visited there a few times now and I’m looking for something new. Where can I find a canyon that puts the Grand to shame?

Food is a huge part of why I travel, but dropping into a strange place and seeking out its best meals can be a crapshoot. Do you have any apps, tips or tricks to help a hungry traveler?

I like to celebrate post-trail with a few high-quality adult beverages. Where would you recommend for an avid hiker who’s also a beer nut, a wine lover, and a liquor snob?

There’s been a lot of talk lately about who should foot the bill for backcountry rescues. I’m usually pretty careful, but accidents happen, and I don’t want to get stuck with the tab. Should I purchase rescue insurance for my next way-out-there trip?

I’m headed to Hawaii, but lying on the beach is not my thing. What hikes would you recommend?

I’m well-versed in bear safety techniques, but I have no idea how to handle a cougar encounter on the trail. Help!

I’m new to Tornado Alley, and I’m nervous about getting caught outdoors during a twister this summer. How much warning will I have that a storm is on the way?

With the spring skiing season winding down, I'm starting to go into withdrawal. I'd like to get a few more turns in, but I don't want to go down to South America. What are my options?

I’m planning a vacation to Montreal, and while I’ve heard lots about its urban charms, I don’t know much about its wilderness access. Where can I play outside within a couple hours of the city?