Six fall-color destinations ranked on color reliability, crowd pressure, and ease of touring — from New England to Japan — with honest cons for each pick.

Six legendary driving regions ranked on scenery per mile, driving difficulty, and stop density — from Iceland's Ring Road to the US Southwest, cons included.

Six lake escapes ranked on serenity versus crowds, swimmability, and shoulder-season appeal — from Lake Como to Lake Atitlán — with the trade-offs stated.

Six wine regions ranked for non-experts on approachability, scenery, car-free ease, and things to do beyond tasting — with the honest cons of each region.

Island resort, safari, city-hopping, wine country, or road trip? Five honeymoon styles rated on romance, effort, cost, and downtime — with verdicts per couple.

Six destinations ranked for trips spanning grandparents to toddlers — judged on accessibility, activity range, and downtime — with the honest cons of each.