Travel

5 travel-inspired articles for your next adventure

Stories by Charlotte Observer journalists, with AI summarization

Ready for your next adventure? These five travel-inspired articles open doors to unique journeys, foodie road trips, and relaxing staycations from Charlotte.

Discover how one traveler used miles to book an epic 20-day trip through Asia and Oceania.

Learn smart tips for stretching your travel dollars — like snagging nonstop flights under $100 from CLT.

Explore local food trails, from the smoky Georgia Barbecue Trails to the coastal North Carolina Oyster Trail, or plan a luxe Charlotte staycation at a micro-hotel where the lobby doubles as a moody listening bar.

If global wanderlust calls, get excited about Charlotte’s first nonstop flight to Abu Dhabi, which unlocks adventures like desert safaris and rooftop dining among the Etihad Towers. Whether you crave far-off lands or a fresh take on home, these articles reveal memorable ways to travel, eat, and explore.

Théoden Janes and his family at the Hobbiton Movie Set (a key location used for “The Lord of the Rings” film trilogy and “The Hobbit” film trilogy) on New Zealand’s North Island.

NO. 1: I WENT ON A 20-DAY TRIP THAT INCLUDED ASIA AND OCEANIA — AND I CRUSHED IT. HERE’S HOW.

Observations from my adventure(s) that might be useful food for thought, whether you’re a novice traveler or someone who gets around the world often. | Published June 26, 2024 | Read Full Story by Théoden Janes

Anne Springs Close Greenway offers a mini-escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, with lakes, kayaking, trails, picnic tables and more.

NO. 2: UNDER-THE-RADAR PLACES TO STAY, SIP AND SAVOR FOR A STAYCATION IN CHARLOTTE

This Charlotte staycation guide covers everything from ordering pizza to your hotel and connecting with nature to splurging on a night out. | Published July 26, 2024 | Read Full Story by Kayleigh Ruller

NO. 3: CHECK OUT THESE 5 FOOD TRAILS WORTH THE ROAD TRIP OR QUICK FLIGHT FROM CHARLOTTE

Foodie road trip: 5 food trails worth visiting for a taste of Southern cuisine | Published November 22, 2024 | Read Full Story by Heidi Finley

Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

NO. 4: LOOKING FOR A CHEAP GETAWAY? CHECK OUT THESE NONSTOP FLIGHTS UNDER $100 FROM CLT

Last-minute spring break getaway? Several nonstop, one-way flights out of Charlotte in April cost less than $100. Here’s where you can go. | Published April 3, 2025 | Read Full Story by Evan Moore

DeAnna Taylor in Abu Dhabi, where you can fly direct from Charlotte beginning in May 2026. By Courtesy of DeAnna Taylor

NO. 5: CAMELS, FALCONS AND FERRARIS: WHAT CHARLOTTE’S NEW FLIGHT TO ABU DHABI UNLOCKS

Here are 7 things to look forward to thanks to Charlotte Douglas International Airport’s new direct flight to the United Arab Emirates. | Published May 20, 2025 | Read Full Story by DeAnna Taylor

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.