TRAVEL GUIDE2018

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Published March 2018

Destinations to visit this year10

Airbnb tips

Cultural events worth traveling for

Travel deals

Regional recipes

10 destinations to visit in 2018By: Maggie Tyner

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There’s never been a better time to visit these 10 destinations than this year. From up-and-coming U.S. cities to international locales, this list has something for everyone.

1 AlaskaAlways wanted to visit Alaska, but thought it might be too much of a trek to get there? Fret no longer. With more flights available from several U.S. cities and the expansion of cruise itineraries to the area, plenty of options abound for all types of travelers. And with the addition of smaller cruise ships, wildlife spotting has never been easier – or more appealing.

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3 Banff, ABThis Canadian destination has something for everyone – and in every season. From snow-filled activities in the winter to more leisurely endeavors, like nature strolls and canoeing, in the summer, Banff has wide appeal. Better still, a number of festivals take place here throughtout the year, ensuring that there will always be plenty of interest no matter when you arrive.

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4 Boise, IDThere’s so much more to Idaho than potatoes – and travelers are starting to realize it. With a booming craft beer scene and a wine industry on the rise, Boise’s beverage offerings are impressively matched by the quality of its restaurants, some of which are helmed by James Beard Award nominees. We suggest planning a trip to this great city before the secret gets out.

2 Asheville, NC / Greenville, SCThe beautiful, mountainous landscapes that encompass the Greenville, S.C. and Asheville, N.C. areas are practically beckoning you to their mild climes. These two cities on the rise are located within an hour-and-a-half’s drive of each other, making it easy to visit both in one trip. Their food scenes are nothing short of impressive with the cultural offerings equally as intriguing.

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10Best.com aims to inspire travel, then guide you through it every step of the way.

With our treasure trove of destination guides and informative articles that cover everything from travel tips to special interests – like road trips, food and drink, or arts and culture – we approach travel differently with an emphasis on the local perspective.

Each destination guide is created by someone who lives there, so you know you're getting an informed take on each city. And each article we publish is written by one of our dedicated contributors who eat, sleep and breathe travel.

This world has so much more to explore – and we're here to help make sure you don't miss a thing. Visit us at 10Best.com.

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5 The CaribbeanMuch of the Caribbean was devastated by Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017, but the islands are bouncing back and are eager to welcome sun-seeking travelers. And since these islands depend on tourism, you’d be doing them a great service by spending some vacation days in places like Turks and Caicos, the Bahamas and USVI. How’s that for rationalizing a relaxing vacation?

6IrelandWhether you’re after a taste of Irish whiskey or simply out to see the sights, Ireland has a little something for all travelers. City-dwellers will appreciate Dublin’s newly expanded light rail system, and more leisurely travelers should make it a point to visit the beautiful Irish countryside in Country Clare. For Americans in particular, now is a great time to finally check Ireland off your bucket list due to the advantageous exchange rates.

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7LisbonWith the Eurovision Song Contest taking place in Lisbon this year, the city is certain to hit a high note for tourists. Lisbon will be putting its best foot forward as it’s thrust into the international spotlight, making 2018 an ideal time to book a trip and get a taste of Portuguese culture.

8 MaltaNamed this year’s European Capital of Culture, Valletta, Malta is poised to welcome visitors from around the globe. The small city of just 6,000 is an official UNESCO World Heritage Site and a veritable melting pot of European cultures, with a history that dates back to the 16th century. With hundreds of events planned to both celebrate and educate, 2018 is certainly a great time to go.

9 New OrleansThe Big Easy celebrates its Tricentennial throughout 2018, marking the occasion by combining annual events like the New Orleans Jazz Fest with a once-in-a-lifetime fireworks show in May. There’s never been a better time to visit this storied city.

10San AntonioNew Orleans isn’t the only city celebrating its 300th anniversary this year. San Antonio is making the most of its Tricentennial with over 700 events planned, each one emphasizing the city’s arts, heritage, culture and community. Any visit to San Antonio in 2018 will be truly immersive, but plan to visit May 1st through 6th if you’d like to participate in the Commemorative Week.

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Tips for Airbnb first-timersBy: Brad Cohen

Airbnb has revolutionized the hospitality industry, allowing travelers to get a local feel for a city and stay in amazing and unique accommodations that were previously unaffordable or inaccessible. A penthouse in Times Square? A treehouse in the middle of a forest? A private island? A castle? All of these are available to book on the vacation rental site. Here are a few tips to get the most out of Airbnb:

Finding the perfect property

Filters are your best friend when searching for a rental property, especially in a city with hundreds or thousands of listings. Filters like number of bedrooms/bathrooms, price, and dates are a given. But clicking on the ‘more filters’ button will allow you to search by neighborhood, property type, and any particular amenities you’re looking for, like a laundry machine, hair dryer or hot tub.

Pay attention to whether you’re renting a room in someone else’s apartment or a whole house. If you have a preference, you can filter for that.

Use the map on the right side of the search results. This is especially useful if you have a particular neighborhood you’d like to stay in or if you’re looking for a particular type of trip rather than a specific destination (say, a ski house on the East Coast that can accommodate 10 people rather than a ski house in Killington, Vermont). Zooming in and out of the map will narrow/broaden the search results accordingly.

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Before you check out

Some hosts charge a low listing rate in order to appear higher up in searches, but they get you on the back end with a high cleaning fee which can add a huge amount to the final price.

Check the cancellation policy. Policies vary from flexible (full refund within a certain time period) to strict (no refund no matter how far in advance you cancel).

If you have any questions or concerns, don’t be scared to reach out to the host to ask before booking. Sometimes, they’ll even be willing to cut you a deal!

Reading between the lines

There’s a map at the bottom of the listing. It won’t show you the exact location of the property, but it will give you a pretty good idea of where you’ll be staying. From there you can research what restaurants, bars and public transportation stops are nearby.

Look at the actual number of bedrooms/beds. Your opinion may differ from a host’s when it comes to how many people their home comfortably sleeps, but if you read the whole listing, you should see a breakdown of whether the host considers couches and air mattresses as sleeping spaces.

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Read the reviews. They can be key to discovering quirks – or hidden gems – about the property that the the owner might have left out.

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These 10 cultural events are worth traveling forBy: Adam Tyner

From spring in Seoul, to summer in Charleston, to Christmas in France, we’ve compiled a 2018 calendar of cultural events that are truly worth traveling for.

Yeongdeungpo Yeouido Spring Flower Festival - Seoul (4/6 - 4/13)

Spring has truly arrived in Seoul when the cherry blossom trees lining Yeouiseo-ro Road explode in a parade of white and pink. The festival is made even more special through musical performances, an eclectic assortment of food and drink vendors, and a celebration of Korean art and culture.

New Orleans Jazz Festival - New Orleans (4/27 - 5/6)

The New Orleans Jazz Festival has proven to be nearly as iconic a tradition as Mardi Gras. Despite what its name may suggest, the music is not limited to jazz, encompassing nearly every genre of music associated with New Orleans and Louisiana as a whole. The festival also features mouthwatering cuisine and crafts from skilled local artisans.

The Royal Wedding - London (5/19)

Even if you didn’t get a ‘Save the Date’ card in the mail, visitors have every opportunity to join hundreds of thousands of well-wishers in celebrating the nuptials of Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle. The wedding will take place at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, less than an hour’s drive outside London. On any other day, the chapel is open to all, though there is a modest admission fee aside from attendence of regular services.

Spoleto Festival USA - Charleston, S.C. (5/25 - 6/10)

Though Spoleto Festival USA draws its name from a charming Italian city, this exceptional performing arts festival is located in Charleston, S.C. As Spoleto enters its 42nd season, the festival continues its celebration of dance, opera, theater and all manners of music.

Cheyenne Frontier Days - Cheyenne, Wyo. (7/20 - 7/29)

Some 200,000 visitors will flood into Cheyenne for this colossal, week-plus celebration of the American West that’s been going strong for well over a century. Among the highlights are the world’s largest outdoor rodeo, an air show courtesy of the USAF Thunderbirds, the Grand Parade that honors the West’s storied history, and no shortage of other sights, shops and shows.

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Feast Portland - Portland, Ore. (9/13 - 9/16)

Feast Portland ranks among the nation’s most remarkable culinary festivals. There are, of course, tasting events, though on a staggering scale rarely matched elsewhere. Thrill to dinners with some of the country’s most ingenious chefs, and receive hands-on instruction on how to cook some of these extraordinary meals yourself.

Oktoberfest - Munich (9/22 - 10/7)

As ubiquitous as Oktoberfest celebrations are the world over, none hold a candle to the original. This Munich tradition dates back more than two hundred years, with the festival lasting for a couple of weeks at a time. Along with the seemingly endless liters of beer being dispensed, Oktoberfest also offers Bavarian delicacies and traditional folk music.

Arizona Taco Festival - Scottsdale, Ariz. (October)

More than fifty different vendors will be dishing out tacos in Salt River Fields in Scottsdale, Ariz., but there’s more to this weekend festival than tortillas. Previous years have delivered everything from chile pepper eating contests to a Chihuahua beauty pageant.

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta - Albuquerque (10/6 - 10/14)

The skies of Albuquerque are painted with a dazzling array of colors every October, as hundreds of hot air balloons in the nation’s largest such festival soar upwards. This festival is among just a few in which visitors are permitted to walk among the balloons and speak with the pilots.

La Magie de Noël à Colmar - Colmar, France (11/23 - 12/30)

No matter what time of year it is, the French town of Colmar looks as if the pages of a childhood story book have been brought to life. Colmar’s lovingly preserved, picturesque beauty is all the more enchanting at Christmastime. Each of its five Christmas markets radiate its own distinct sense of personality, all of which are eminently walkable.

Page 7 Top: Yeongdeungpo Yeouido Spring Flower Festival - Seoul Bottom: Spoleto Festival USA - Charleston, S.C.Page 8 Top: Cheyenne Frontier Days - Cheyenne, Wyo. Middle: Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta - Albuquerque Bottom: La Magie de Noël à Colmar - Colmar, France

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With all of the travel inspiration we’ve provided, you might be ready to book a trip. But planning your next vacation can often feel daunting, so we’ve cut out the clutter and made it easy by organizing some great deals to help make your travel dreams come true. For more info or to book a trip, go to 10Best.com/Insider.

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Best Travel Deals of 2018By: Shermans Travel + 10Best Editors

Ah, can’t you feel those tropical breezes already? Enjoy a luxury cruise to the Bahamas for three nights with Norwegian Cruise Line. Sweeten the deal by choosing up to five free offers.

Bahamas - $379

Feel like you’ve already hit the jackpot with a three-night vacation in fabulous Las Vegas through LibertyTravel.com. It’s complete with a five-star hotel stay, round-trip airfare, breakfast and hotel transfers.

Las Vegas - $485

Spend a glorious week exploring the last frontier with a seven-day cruise brought to you by Cruise.com. You’ll sail by Hubbard Glacier, making your way through Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan before debarking in Vancouver – all the while enjoying an obscene amount of onboard credits.

Alaska - $544

Don’t let the name “CheapCaribbean.com” fool you; this four-night getaway to the beaches of the Dominican Republic is all luxury. You’ll feel completely carefree with every detail taken care of, from the all-inclusive lodging and dining to the round-trip airfare.

Punta Cana - $689

Doesn’t everyone dream of seeing the “Emerald Isle” in March? Time to make that a reality by booking a trip with Great Value Vacations. Spend six nights in a four-star Adara villa, but spend your days roaming the Irish countryside, taking in picturesque landscapes and the amazing Cliffs of Moher. Round-trip airfare and car rental are included as well.

Ireland - $818

This is the ultimate carefree itinerary when it comes to touring Western Europe. Gate1Travel.com has already arranged six nights of accommodations for a trip that spans Amsterdam, Bruges, Brussels and Paris. You’ll also enjoy included airfare, all transfers, eight meals, local guide services and a dedicated English-speaking tour manager for the duration of the trip.

Western Europe - $1499

Listen to the soothing sounds of the Atlantic when you book a spring vacation with Visit Myrtle Beach. Starting at $49, you’ll enjoy a well-appointed room in a boutique resort overlooking the ocean.

Myrtle Beach, S.C. - $49

It’s time to cross this one off your bucket list! See four cities and six UNESCO World Heritage Sites all in one whirlwind nine-day trip with Stunning China. You’ll begin in Beijing (see the Great Wall), then go to Suzhou, followed by Hangzhou, ending your tour in Shanghai. Airfare, airport transfers, admission fees, a tour guide and four-star accommodations with breakfast are all included.

China - $999

Hop aboard an award-winning MSC Cruise and sail to Italy, Malta, Spain and France. With just one full day at sea, allowing ample time for land excursions and tours, you’ll enjoy eight days exploring beautiful oceanfront destinations.

Mediterranean - $409

Set off from Miami for an epic 10-night, six-island jaunt through the Eastern Caribbean with Oceania Cruises. You’ll stop in the Bahamas, St. Kitts, Antigua, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, with six free shore excursions, a $600 credit and free beverage package. Did someone say bottomless cocktails on the lido deck?

Caribbean - $1299

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via Cosmopolitan

via Sunscape Dominican Beach

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via Hotel Blue

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Preparation1) In a sauté pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the onion and celery and partially cover the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and translucent, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the sage and season with salt and pepper. Remove the vegetables from the heat and stir in the turkey. Let cool to room temperature.

2) In a shallow bowl, combine 2 of the eggs and the milk and whisk to blend. Place the 1 cup flour and the bread crumbs in separate shallow bowls. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

3) In another bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, the remaining egg and the 2 tablespoons flour and fold until blended. Have a bowl of cold water nearby. Get your hands wet but not dripping with water. Place about 2 tablespoons of the mashed potato mixture in one hand and flatten into a thick disk. Add about 2 teaspoons of the turkey mixture and form the mashed potatoes into a ball, sealing the turkey mixture in the center. Roll the ball in the flour, then in the egg mixture and finally in the bread crumbs. Set the croquette on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.

4) In an electric deep fryer, heat the oil according to the manufacturer’s instructions to 365°F. Alternatively, in a heavy deep-fry pan over medium-high heat, pour in oil to a depth of 2 to 3 inches and heat to 365°F on a deep-frying thermometer.

5) Carefully place 3 or 4 croquettes in the hot oil (do not crowd the pan) and cook, turning as needed, until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Repeat with the remaining croquettes. Serve hot with gravy. Makes 12 to 15 croquettes.

Ingredients1 tablespoon unsalted butter1/2 cup chopped yellow onion1/2 cup chopped celery1 teaspoon chopped fresh sageSalt and freshly ground pepper, to taste1 cup chopped cooked turkey3 eggs1 tablespoon milk1 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour2 cups bread crumbs2 cups cold mashed potatoesCanola, olive or other vegetable oil for deep-fryingTurkey gravy, warmed, for serving

Turkey CroquettesBoise, IDBrought to you by The Food Channel

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Preparation1) Preheat grill to medium-high heat.

2) Combine lime juice, cilantro, oil and red snapper in large zip top bag; marinate in refrigerator for 20 minutes.

3) For creamy salsa verde, combine salsa and mayonnaise in mini food processor or blender. Puree until smooth.

4) Remove fish from marinade, season with 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, and place on hot grill. Grill fish for 6 minutes on each side and remove. Let rest several minutes then flake fish with fork.

5) Place lime halves on grill, flesh side down, along with tortillas for 1 minute or until limes are grill marked and one side of tortillas are toasted. Remove and bend tortillas, toasted side out, into taco-shape. 6) Fill each tortilla with 1/4 cup slaw and 2 slices avocado. Divide fish evenly among tacos and drizzle each with 1 tablespoon sauce. Sprinkle with remaining sea salt and serve with grilled lime half.

Prep Time: 20 MinutesCook Time: 13 MinutesServes: 8 People

Ingredients1 pound (1-inch thick) red snapper fish fillets1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro1/4 cup lime juice1/4 cup canola oil1/4 cup prepared salsa verde1/4 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise1 teaspoon sea salt, divided2 cups shredded coleslaw blend16 avocado slices (about 2 small avocados)8 corn tortillas2 limes, cut in half

Sea Salt & Lime Grilled Fish TacosAlaskaBrought to you by The Food Channel

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via The Food Channel

Rekindle fond memories of your travels by enjoying regional flavors in your very own home. Here are 5 recipes from our 2018 must-visit destinations that will tickle your taste buds. For more recipes and food coverage, visit EatSipTrip.10Best.com.

Regional Recipes

Preparation1) Preheat oven to 350°F.

2) In large bowl, combine shredded coleslaw, bell pepper, red onion, jalapeno, mayonnaise and cayenne pepper sauce. Keep refrigerated.

3) Combine shrimp, Creole seasoning and olive oil in a bowl and toss to evenly coat.

4) Heat large skillet or saute pan over medium-high heat; add shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until fully cooked. Taste and adjust seasoning, if needed.

5) Heat French rolls briefly in oven to crisp outer crust; slice in half for sandwiches.

6) Layer shrimp on bottom halves of each roll; top with Cajun slaw and fold sandwiches closed.

Prep Time: 15 MinutesCook Time: 5 MinutesServes: 4 People

Ingredients1 cup deli style shredded coleslaw blend1/2 cup thinly sliced assorted red and orange bell pepper1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion2 tablespoons thinly sliced, seeded jalapeno (optional)2 tablespoons mayonnaise1 tablespoon cayenne pepper sauce (such as Crystal Hot Sauce)2 pounds medium shrimp, peeled and deveined, drained1 tablespoon low-sodium Creole or Cajun seasoning blend1 tablespoon olive oil4 French rolls

Shrimp Po’ Boy with Cajun SlawNew Orleans, LA

Brought to you by The Food Channel

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via The Food Channel

Preparation1) Place lightly floured beef and pork cubes in with suet and pork fat in heavy chili pot and cook quickly, stirring often.

2) Add onions and garlic and cook until they are tender and limp.

3) Add water to mixture and simmer slowly while preparing chiles.

4) Remove stems and seeds from chile and chop very finely. Grind chiles in molcajete and add oregano with salt to mixture.

5) Simmer another 2 hours. Remove suet casing and skim off some fat. Never cook frijoles with chilies and meat.

6) Serve as separate dish.

Ingredients2 lbs. beef shoulder, cut into ½-inch cubes1 lb. pork shoulder, cut into ½-inch cubes¼ cup suet¼ cup pork fat3 medium-sized onions, chopped6 garlic cloves, minced1 quart water4 ancho chiles1 serrano chile6 dried red chiles1 tablespoon comino seeds, freshly ground2 tablespoons Mexican oreganoSalt to taste

Original San Antonio ChiliSan Antonio, TXAdapted by the International Chili Society

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