These Hidden U.S. Beaches Feel Like They’re on Another Continent

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You don’t have to leave the country to feel like you’re a world away.

A woman with a striped hat sits on wooden stairs leading to a beach with rock formations.
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The United States is home to a staggering variety of beautiful beaches, but some of them possess a unique and almost otherworldly quality that can make you feel like you have been transported to another continent. These are the hidden gems with dramatic landscapes, unique sand, or a rugged, wild beauty that is a world away from a typical, sunny American beach.

A visit to one of these spots can satisfy your wanderlust for an exotic landscape without the need for a passport.

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Why This Small Town Was Just Named America’s Best Weekend Getaway

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It is a charming and sophisticated gem hiding in plain sight.

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In a surprising turn of events, the coveted award for “America’s Best Weekend Getaway” for 2025 has gone not to a famous beach town or a trendy mountain resort, but to the small and historically rich city of Staunton, Virginia. This charming and often-overlooked city, nestled in the heart of the beautiful Shenandoah Valley, has been quietly cultivating a reputation as a perfect destination for a relaxing and culturally rich escape.

For those in the know, Staunton offers a unique and perfect blend of history, culture, and outdoor beauty that has now been thrust into the national spotlight.

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These Are the 7 Safest Areas for Solo Women at Night in New York City

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Navigating the city that never sleeps requires a little bit of street smarts.

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New York City is one of the most exciting and empowering destinations for a solo woman traveler, a place of endless discovery and vibrant energy. The key to a successful and stress-free trip, however, is feeling safe, especially when you are exploring at night. While the city as a whole is much safer than its old reputation suggests, certain neighborhoods stand out for their quiet, well-lit streets and comfortable, welcoming atmosphere.

These are the areas where you can confidently enjoy an evening stroll, a late dinner, or a walk back to your hotel.

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10 Well-Protected, and Practical Places for LGBTQ Folks to Retire Abroad

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Your golden years should be a time of safety, acceptance, and joy.

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For many LGBTQ folks, the dream of retiring abroad is about more than just finding a sunny and affordable place to live. It is also a search for a community where they can feel completely safe, accepted, and free to be their authentic selves. A truly great LGBTQ retirement destination is a place that combines a low cost of living and good healthcare with a legal framework that protects their rights and a culture that is genuinely welcoming.

These are the places that have earned a reputation as being not just tolerant, but truly celebratory of their LGBTQ communities.

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9 Safest Big US Cities for Solo Women Travelers

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Feeling safe is the foundation of a great solo adventure.

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The freedom and empowerment of traveling alone as a woman is an incredible experience, but the foundation of any great solo trip is a feeling of safety and security. While no city is completely free of risk, a number of major American cities have a well-deserved reputation for being particularly safe, comfortable, and easy to navigate for a woman who is exploring on her own.

These are the cities where you can feel confident walking the streets, where the public transportation is reliable, and where the overall vibe is friendly and welcoming.

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