Emma Henry

What it’s like to hike to the end of the world in Chile’s Tierra del Fuego

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Stepping along the frozen banks of the Ukika River, I walk a trail through a southern beech evergreen forest whose branches are sprinkled with groups of orange fungi, each round and plump as a golf ball. The trees are worlds in miniature, covered in small bryophytes—mosses, liverworts, and hornworts—and adorned with feathery lichen named old man’s beard, which streams by as I walk. Twisted roots and fallen logs crisscross the trail, while the howling wind makes the canopy groan ominously. I’m completely alone, except for the occasional rhythmic tapping … Read more

See the Largest Expanse of Old-Growth Hardwoods in the U.S.

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Say “swamp,” and most people picture a soggy, muddy, bug-filled bog that nobody would want to explore. That image might’ve scared some folks away from Congaree Swamp National Monument—a vast 22,000-acre forest in South Carolina. But after it became a national park in November 2003 (and ditched the unflattering “swamp” from its name), visitor numbers … Read more

Why You Should Visit Biscayne National Park

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Even though it’s just a stone’s throw from one of the biggest cities in the U.S., Biscayne National Park’s wild waters, islands, and mangroves have stayed surprisingly untouched. The park is thriving today—despite plans back in the 1960s to turn it into a sprawling waterfront neighborhood. Just under 10 miles from downtown Miami (as the … Read more

Here’s how to deal with altitude sickness

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You don’t have to trek up a mountain to feel the effects of high elevation. Plenty of beloved travel destinations sit at dizzying heights—like Cusco, Peru (11,152 feet) or Leh, India (11,550 feet). At these altitudes, the air holds less oxygen, leaving you breathless just walking up a street. (Check out these nine must-climb mountains … Read more

Here are some expert tips for navigating the wilderness alone

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For many, the pull of the outdoors is irresistible—an open invitation to step beyond the familiar. Solo camping and exploration aren’t just thrilling; they’re a chance to reconnect with yourself and recharge. But heading into the wilderness alone can feel intimidating, especially for those who’ve been displaced, marginalized, or left out of outdoor spaces. From … Read more

How to deal with food poisoning while traveling—and how to avoid it altogether

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Picture this: you’re biting into pad thai from a bustling Bangkok street stall or savoring raw milk cheese at a cozy French bistro—pure bliss in the moment. But for many travelers, those unforgettable local flavors sometimes come with an unwelcome side effect: food poisoning, turning dream vacations into unpleasant memories. According to a 2015 study … Read more

This Montana State Park Is a Year-round Destination — But Here’s Why Winter Is Especially Magical

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Montana is famous for its wide-open spaces—huge skies, wild landscapes, and endless horizons. Most travelers who visit the state head straight to well-known places like Big Sky or Yellowstone National Park. But very few take the time to explore the eastern part of the state, where the Great Plains stretch out in quiet, untouched beauty. … Read more