Afar

@afarmedia

Travel as a force for good, in print and online. Share with us using #afarmag for a chance to be featured.
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Ever wondered what makes ice cream worthy of a Michelin star? At @minimal_gelato , Chef Arivin Wan takes this beloved dessert to a whole new level with unique flavors like sake sorbet and miso soy-milk ice cream. It’s not about flashy toppings—just pure, thoughtful flavor in every scoop. Curious to find out why this is the world’s first Michelin-starred ice cream shop? 🍦 Tap the link in bio to learn more. ✍️ + 🎥 @dearclarissa
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1 year ago
Italy’s new La Dolce Vita Orient Express brings 1960s style back to the rails—with restored vintage cabins, live music, and routes that stretch from Rome to Portofino, and beyond. Whether it’s a one-night trip or a multi-day journey, each route is designed to slow things down and spotlight some of Italy’s most scenic regions. Curious what it’s like on board? Check out the link in bio for the full experience. ✍️ + 🎥: @lauraitzkowitz
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1 year ago
These hikes are so incredible, you have to win a lottery to access them. Some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the United States now require permits to limit crowds and protect fragile landscapes. It can sometimes take years to get access—but once you’re in, you’ll have show-stopping landscapes all to yourself. We’ve rounded up eight of the most coveted permit-only hikes in the U.S., along with what you need to know before applying, including lottery systems, ideal group sizes, seasonal considerations, and trip restrictions. See the full list—and learn how to improve your chances of getting a permit—at the link in bio. Story by @annamazurekphoto Photos by @johannes_kopf /Unsplash; @Leo_visions_ /Unsplash; @jfhawke /Unsplash
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This famous river wave in Germany just reopened to surfers after months of closure. 🏄 Last week, city officials in Munich announced the return of the Eisbachwelle, the standing wave on the Eisbach River that’s become a defining part of the city’s unexpected surf culture. First attempted in the 1970s and illegal until 2010, river surfing in Munich—a city located some 200 miles from the nearest coastline—is now famous around the world, attracting stars such as Jack Johnson (renowned surfer, filmmaker, and musician) and world surfing champion Mick Fanning. The most recent Eisbachwelle surf ban started with a tragedy. In April 2025, a young surfer died after her safety leash became caught, trapping her underwater. What followed was an inconclusive investigation and a routine clean-up of the river bed which caused the wave to completely disappear. Discussions, demonstrations, and unauthorized attempts to restore the wave ensued, with surfing completely prohibited earlier this year. Read more about the reopening of Munich’s Eisbachwelle at the link in bio. Story by Kate Mann Videos by Christopher Schultz, Shojol Islam, Alvin David, /Pexels
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Island-hop through the U.S. Virgin Islands during festival season and you’ll find more than just the celebrations. You’ll find yourself attending vibrant cultural events, swimming alongside tropical fish and sea turtles, and having rich, artisanal local experiences. Head to the link in our bio for a full breakdown of where to go and what to do across the islands this festival season. 🏖️
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23 hours ago
You can see parts of Brazil rarely visited by other international travelers on this new long-distance hike. ⬇️ Launched in February 2026, the 115-mile Caminhos da Ibiapaba trail links Ubajara National Park and Sete Cidades National Park, creating a new multiday route in a region better known for beaches than backcountry adventures. Along the way, hikers pass waterfalls, dramatic rock arches, and cave systems dating back more than 600 million years. The trail is broken up into 13 day-hike sections, so travelers can tackle the full route or combine shorter segments into a smaller trip. Read more about Brazil’s newest long-distance hiking trail at the link in bio. Story by @byebaileyberg Photos by Pedro Magrod/Shutterstock; Galyna Andrushko/Shutterstock; guentermanaus/Shutterstock
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Want a relaxing alternative to a California road trip? Hop on a train, instead. The most biodiverse state in the country, California has fragrant ponderosa and ancient redwood forests, fields of wildflowers, and a deep-blue Pacific coastline stretching 840 miles—and we'd argue that the best low-effort way to watch these beautiful landscapes roll by is not from a car, but from the comfort of the rails. The best scenic train rides in California range from short trips through the Sierra National Forest or Napa’s vineyards to Amtrak journeys that span the length of the state. Find seven beautiful routes worth booking now at the link in bio. Story by @alicedubin , @sophiefriedman Video by @wheresjessieb
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It's also the part of Europe that's closest to the United States. In the Azores, you can hike into volcanic calderas, swim in natural ocean pools, sip the only tea grown in Europe, feast on fresh seafood, and stay in spectacular eco-lodges—all on islands less than six hours from East Coast hubs like New York City. This autonomous region of Portugal has direct flights from the U.S. and Europe, solid infrastructure, and a population that widely speaks English alongside Portuguese. Combined with the islands’ dramatic landscapes and distinct culture, the Azores feel both far-flung and surprisingly accessible. Hit the link in bio for the best things to do in the Azores—including where to stay, eat, and explore. Story by @chadner and Sandra Ramani Photos via Unsplash
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One of London’s newest boutique stays, The Newman in Fitzrovia officially opened its doors in February. The hotel places a strong focus on wellness, with a rooftop penthouse suite offering a private terrace along with a sauna and ice plunge for a full contrast-therapy experience. Guests across the hotel also have access to a dedicated wellness floor, offering a calm retreat amid one of the world’s most dynamic capitals. It's an ideal base for exploring London while still having space to relax. Tap the link in our bio to learn more about their exclusive “Newman Unlocked” offer and how to book your stay.
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You may start seeing more “green” tourist taxes added to your bill while traveling. But where does that money actually go? From Greece to Hawaiʻi, destinations around the world are increasingly taxing visitors in the name of sustainability. But experts say that the idea, while noble, has some glaring pitfalls—and whether those fees meaningfully combat overtourism or environmental strain is still up for debate. To find out, writer Daniel Shailer looked to Spain’s Balearic Islands—home to Mallorca, Menorca, and Ibiza—where a tourist tax aimed at funding sustainable travel initiatives was introduced nearly a decade ago. Since then, the islands have raised hundreds of millions of euros while still struggling with overtourism. At the link in bio, read whether green tourist taxes are actually making a difference—and what other destinations can learn from one of the earliest adopters. Story by Daniel Shailer Photos by Unsplash/Ekaterina Boltaga (landscape) and Unsplash/Immo Wegmann (euro)
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In 1803, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark were commissioned to undertake a 28-month journey across the land acquired in the Louisiana Purchase. But another member of the expedition—one with no choice in the matter and far less historical recognition—was also present: York, a Black man enslaved by Clark, who played a critical role in the mission as the party traveled 8,000 miles across what would become the western United States. On the eve of America’s 250th birthday, contributing writer Latria Graham retraced the route of Lewis, Clark, and York to examine race, memory, and historical erasure. Read the full story from our Spring 2026 print issue at the link in bio. Story by @mslatriagraham Illustrations by @mrkhrrs_
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Good news for @delta loyalists: The airline just made it even easier to earn SkyMiles with @airbnb . ⬇️ The two companies just expanded their longtime partnership: As of May 5, travelers who link their Airbnb and SkyMiles accounts can earn miles not only on Airbnb stays, but also on the platform’s growing lineup of Experiences and Services. Users can earn one mile per dollar spent on eligible stays and three miles per dollar on qualifying Experiences and Services. Read more about the updated travel rewards perks at the link in bio.
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