Latest Articles on Travel Inspiration

The 10 Best Cities for First-Time International Travelers

The first step is always the hardest. This little nugget of wisdom is applicable to so much of life, but it’s also a helpful way to think about traveling abroad for the first time. Here at Oyster.com, we firmly believe that international travel is crucial toward broadening one’s world view and enjoying life. Understandably, though,…

Video: What to Do in New York City in the Winter

They don’t call New York the city that never sleeps for nothing. It’s true; the always-bustling Big Apple doesn’t take a day off—not even in the winter, when shoe-soaking snow, rain, and sleet blanket the sidewalks and the thermostat shows off below-zero temps. Huddles of friends hide out in bars alongside fireplaces or cozy up…

Indonesia: Where to Go Instead of Bali

While Bali is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and culturally rich islands in Indonesia, there are plenty of less famous, but equally enchanting, spots in the archipelago that are worth visiting. Whether you are after pink-sand beaches, ancient temples, rainforest hikes, wildlife spotting, or some of the best snorkeling and diving opportunities on earth,…

8 Incredible Mazes and Labyrinths to Get Lost In

Thanks to the ancient Greek myth of King Minos, Theseus, and the Minotaur, labyrinths and mazes have been seared into human culture. (We’re especially grateful for David Bowie’s 1986 film “Labyrinth.”) But life-size mazes aren’t limited to the realm of stories. There are thousands of winding pathways around the world that are perfect for a…

5 Scenic Canadian Train Trips

While Canada’s major cities are certainly a tourist draw, its wilderness is a sight to behold on its own. While the more audacious might choose to hike the mountains and plains, there is a much more convenient method of sightseeing—trains. Canada’s train system can take guests across the entire country, viewing everything from the rocky…

10 Attractions You Can’t Miss in Sri Lanka

If you’ve been paying attention to lists of up-and-coming destinations around the world, there’s a good chance you’ve seen Sri Lanka on there. The small and stunning island nation south of India is filled with ancient ruins, rolling hillsides, Buddhist temples, and impressive wildlife. Its tourism suffered between 1983 and 2009, when a horrible civil…

Mexico Face-Off: East Coast vs. West Coast

Given the limited number of vacation days many receive in the U.S., it’s not surprising that Americans tend to turn to Mexico — a destination that offers up endless sunshine and relaxation a short distance away — when planning a trip. But which Mexican coast should you spend those precious vacation days on? While both…

15 Hotels With Iconic Views for $150 or Less a Night

If there’s one thing that we’ve learned in our travels, it’s that you don’t have to be a real estate tycoon to enjoy million-dollar views. Yes, your money will go further in some places than others, but some of the world’s most iconic vistas are available for a relatively budget-friendly price tag of $150 or…

6 Unforgettable Day Trips From Prague

One of Europe’s most romantic cities, Prague is easy to fall in love with. The Czech capital seems to have it all—a grand castle that overlooks the city, cobblestone streets that lead to a picturesque Old Town, and the winding Vltava river that cuts through the city like a ribbon. But Prague isn’t the only…