CNN Travel

Do you dream of a vacation where you can refresh and recharge? Here are some of the world's most relaxing places from shrines in Japan to the rugged coast of Maine.

A BelugaXL (Airbus A330-700L) -- with whale-themed paint job -- has completed its first test flight. The transport aircraft will be used to carry Airbus airplane parts.

From derelict train tracks turned scenic walkways, to rooftop treasures atop train stations, sometimes the best bits of cities are the bits that don't feel like cities at all.

For several centuries in Vietnam, Dao Mau or Mother Goddess worship, has been a source of strength, inspiration and spirituality -- particularly among working-class families.

The Gateway Arch is arguably even more famous than its home of St. Louis, Missouri.

Cartagena's dining scene is erupting as the city's chefs adapt Colombian flavors to serve up some of the most innovative and delicious dishes

We love holiday weekends but stretching them out to Wednesday seems to be a bit much.

It's an impressive list of 2018 nominees for UNESCO World Heritage Sites. They include the ancient city of Qalha in Oman, Naumburg Cathedral in Germany and Pimachiowin Aki in Canada.

British baking giant Warburton's has been forced to pause production of crumpets at two of its factories amid the ongoing carbon dioxide (CO2) crisis.

Images by the 2018 National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year award winners are incredible -- from flamingos about to take flight to otherworldly sand towers in Italy.

A shift in winds allows Bali's international airport to reopen after it closed temporarily Friday because of volcanic ash and vapor from Mount Agung volcano.

Quriyat,Oman, now has a dubious distinction. It has recorded highest "low" temperature in known history. So what was it? Well above 38C (100F) -- at night!

Ever since the world's first oil well was dug here back in 1847, Azerbaijan has been making the most of its plentiful stocks of "black gold."

The Strawberry Moon for 2018 arrived. Find why this full moon gets this name and the best places to watch one. There's also a viewing bonus: Saturn!

The world's safest destinations to visit in 2018 have been named in a Gallup survey. Uzbekistan, perhaps surprisingly, is No. 5. So which Asian nation tops the list?

There are two things that will never get old in Japan. Hello Kitty -- Sanrio's adorable mouthless character -- and bullet trains.

Coral reefs are falling victim to rising sea temperatures, brought about by climate change. But scientists have found pockets of resistance in the Middle East, where some corals are withstanding the heat.

New Zealand is a great place to see the Southern Lights. And these are the best viewing spots around the country for the Aurora Australis from March to September.

When summer winds come to the Dalmatian Coast, Croatians get ready for peak beach season: July and August. Here are 11 of Croatia's best beaches from Punta Rata to Sunj Beach.

The Lanai Cat Sanctuary provides an oasis for cats and protection for native endangered birds in Hawaii.