Philippines

There's more to Christmas than carols, eggnog, and ugly sweaters. Broaden your horizons with a visit to one of these five holiday-friendly destinations.

The planet is smaller than ever, but that just means there's a host of new dangers out there—and a new set of solutions. These days, a text message or the right travel-insurance policy might just save your bacon. So study up—your life may depend on it.

Welcome to the tropical Philippine island of Jolo, where life is like a Corona ad—coconut trees, white-sand beaches, bathtub-warm seas. Except those guys in the water are U.S. Green Berets, and those kids on dirt bikes are jihadists known for kidnapping Western tourists. Even stranger? On this front, at least, America seems to be winning.

Listen to an interview with John Falk, author of February’s “This is the War on Terror. Wish You Were Here!” and see Antonin Kratochvil's photo outtakes from the story here.

7,100 Islands: One For Each Day of Your Next 19 Years

Past and Future Collide on the Class V Rapids of the Philippines' Chico River

Getting to the Philippeans

If you're ready to get away from it all and willing to forgo room service, marooning yourself on an uninhabited island can have its rewards. The trick is to ensure you get de-marooned before developing an emotional attachment to a volleyball. Here, some Castaway-style options. Buccaneer Archipelago, Australia…

Outside's guide to the coolest trips and the world's top new adventure travel spots.