Dara Continenza
SmarterTravel
Boston, MA, United States
Contact Dara
Discover and connect with journalists and influencers around the world, save time on email research, monitor the news, and more.
| Recent: |
|
| Past: |
|
Past articles by Dara:
5 Exotic Places Where You Don't Need a Passport
Longing for a long-distance getaway but don't have a passport? We've found five faraway places overseas where you don't need a passport. → Read More
Happy Hanukkah: Celebrations Around the World
Make the most of the spirit of Hanukkah and celebrate the Festival of Lights at these public Hanukkah celebrations across the world. → Read More
13 Free Things to Do in Las Vegas
Hotels may come cheap in Las Vegas, but most attractions do not. These free things to do in Las Vegas will help you stay on budget the next time you visit. → Read More
What NOT To Do at a Nude Beach
Most nudist destinations have more rules than a boarding school. Here's the skinny on what you need to know (and what you shouldn't do) at a nude beach. → Read More
10 Best Things to Do in Hawaii
From its natural wonders immense in size to its sheer breadth of activities, there's a reason the Aloha State is often the trip of a lifetime. Discover the 10 best things to do in Hawaii. → Read More
The 9 Best Cheap Hotels in Hawaii
Hawaii is known for its high price tag, but paradise doesn't need to be out of reach. Discover nine cheap hotels in Hawaii that offer a friendly and unique experience. → Read More
10 Best Places to Go Snorkeling in the World
These destinations are known for their unique marine life, incredible underwater scenery, and commitment to preserving nature. You'll want to see them all. → Read More
10 Caribbean Islands You've Never Heard Of
Pirate hideouts and pink-sand beaches. Local culture untouched by cruise ships and crowds. This is the Caribbean the world doesn't yet know. Far off the mainland, floating in endless expanses of deep blue sea, find 10 secret islands that are practically perfect for escapists, adventurers, and vacationers who simply don't want to be found. Like this story? Join the 1 million other travelers who… → Read More
Five Cozy Hotel Libraries in Exotic Places
Nothing says autumn like curling up in a comfortable chair with a good book and a cup of tea (or a cocktail). Thankfully, hotels around the world have amazing libraries so you can read while on the road in any season. Whether you're seeking hot and relaxing or cold and cozy, these five exotic properties, from Curaco to Zambia, have libraries that are perfect for a revitalizing break. Like this… → Read More
10 Things You Need to Know About Getting a Summer Travel Deal
Booking travel is not an exact science, but we do know one thing: The early bird catches the best deals (especially in summer, which is peak season for many destinations). From flights to hotels, from vacation homes to cars, you'll find the best rates when time is on your side, leaving the scraps for the late arrivals. But how early is too early? When should you book your airfare? How do you… → Read More
10 Hotel Booking Mistakes You're Probably Making
Booking a hotel seems pretty straightforward, right? And most times it is: Pick a destination, choose your dates, enter payment info, and voila, happy travels! However, there are some big blunders you could be making when it comes to hotel reservations. From booking on the wrong sites to forgetting to check some vital information, these mistakes could easily make or break your trip. Read on to… → Read More
10 Beautiful Castles in Unexpected Places
The Scottish Highlands, the Bavarian Alps, even Disney World: Stumble on a castle and you won't be too surprised. But smack in the middle of Death Valley? Or teetering on a Ukrainian cliff? You might never otherwise know that it existed. We've rounded up 10 unexpected and intriguing castles from all over the world—from the precariously situated to the just plain bizarre—for you to uncover. → Read More
10 National Parks You Never Knew Existed
President Franklin Delano Roosevelt famously said, "There is nothing so American as our national parks." We emphatically agree. And while many of our national parks welcome millions of visitors each year (think Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon), others are far-flung, remote, or simply under the radar. Check out these 10 national parks for trails less traveled and uncover an America you never… → Read More
Best BBQ Joints in America
Few topics get travelers more heated, more protective, more spittin' mad than barbecue. Countrywide, arguments break out over which barbecue joint is best and how it is best served. Is it burnt ends in Kansas City? Brisket in Texas? Sauce? Rub? On a bun? From a food truck? The possibilities are endless. The lists meticulous. The awards filled with more controversy than you can shake a pair of… → Read More
How to Stay Trim on Your Vacation
Getting in swimsuit shape for your next vacation? Sadly, we have some bad news: A recent U.K. study found that 6 out of 10 travelers gain weight during two-week vacations, and they typically put on a frightening five to seven pounds during their time away. (Talk about excess baggage.) But here's the good news: Vacation bingeing doesn't have to bring you down. We interviewed licensed nutritionist… → Read More
10 Romantic Islands You'll Fall in Love With
Whether you're celebrating your undying love or looking to rekindle the flame, what better place to do it than a secluded oasis set adrift in the sea? We combed the planet for the most romantic islands we could find, where idyllic sunsets, private bungalows, and dinners for two are de rigueur. Here are 10 of our favorites. → Read More
Stunning Places to See Sunsets Around the World
Stunning Places to See Sunsets Around the World June 20, 2012 by Dara Continenza Whitefish Lake, Montana (Photo: Donnie Sexton/Montana Office of Tourism) The sun sets everywhere, but not all sunsets are created equal. Want to see a nature-made kaleidoscopic spectacle like no other? From a sleepy Scottish loch to the blazing Sahara, we've gathered 15 of our favorite spots to catch a stunning… → Read More
5 Exotic Places Where You Don't Need a Passport
Longing for a long-distance getaway but don't have a passport? No problem! We've found five faraway places overseas where you won't need to bring a U.S. passport. → Read More
Eight Things That Prove Toronto Is the Coolest City
Despite the frigid weather, Torontonians are an outdoorsy bunch, and they take to the Toronto Islands, a small chain just offshore, to experience some of the best urban green spaces in North America. These public islands have awesome views of the glittering city skyline on one side and the equally glittery Lake Ontario on the other. Centre Island, the largest, is just an inexpensive ferry ride… → Read More
Eight Things That Prove Toronto Is the Coolest City
"When did Toronto get so cool?" That's the question BBC Travel posed recently, wondering when this Canadian city became the cultural epicenter it suddenly seems to be. The truth is, Toronto has been cool for a long time. It's just that Toronto never talks about how cool Toronto is. But with its indie cafes and artsy bars, with every street corner bearing some tasty morsel or micro-roasted… → Read More