While air travel focuses on covering long distances quickly, a beautiful airport can elevate the experience. Plain, concrete terminals can feel drab and boring, and only add to the strain of long travel days. However, open spaces inspired by nature can feel like a resort, helping you recharge and explore before your connection.
Recently, the Prix Versailles — a series of architectural competitions — released its list of “The Most Beautiful Airports in the World”, and two U.S. airports were among the winners. Here’s why.
The just-renovated Portland International Airport (PDX) earned a spot on the list, with its redesigned Main Terminal. ZGF Architects performed the work and took inspiration from Oregon’s forests. A nine-acre timber roof evokes the state’s history of forestry and uses wood sourced from less than 300 miles away. The terminal creates a forest-like atmosphere, with natural light, thousands of plants, and dozens of trees. In a news release, the Port of Portland said: “The new terminal also uses biophilic design — bringing in the natural world — to harness its benefits like lowering travelers’ stress, blood pressure, and heart rate and make it feel like a stroll through a Pacific Northwest forest.”
Next on the list was San Francisco International Airport (SFO), where the Harvey Milk Terminal 1 just underwent renovations, including 25 new gates, and a new design reduced the airport’s energy use by 59% and its carbon footprint by 79%. Gensler architectural firm handled the design work, which includes an undulating ceiling and walls, and artistic porthole-like windows. Gensler also used biophilic elements to create a quieter environment, including boarding announcements that only occur at gates.
At the 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards, Qatar Airways earned recognition as the World’s Best Airline for the ninth time. That’s more titles than any airline during the award’s existence, demonstrating the carrier’s continued excellence.
Qatar Airways won several more awards
I’ve lived in Washington State for a couple of years now, but I’m still unpacking all of the great places to stay and visit. There’s so much to do in the Evergreen state, and during my recent stay in Spokane, I can definitely say that there are a lot of high-end luxury experiences too. From high-end hotels like the Davenport Collection and eateries to some of the best wines in the state, you might be surprised to learn that Spokane is actually a top destination for nature lovers, too. Here’s everything you need to know about the wilder side of Spokane and why you should consider coming here during your next vacation.
Outdoorsy things to do in downtown Spokane
This city is a particularly unique place because the town was built around the Spokane River. This is a gorgeous ribbon of blue that’s full of waterfalls, eddies, and streams that wind their way through the city. The best place to see this is in downtown Spokane, specifically at the famous Riverfront Park.
Looking for a beach getaway without the crowds? U.S. News & World Report has just named St. Simons Island, Georgia, the most underrated travel destination in the country. As part of its annual Best Vacations rankings, the outlet evaluated more than 1,500 global destinations, scoring them across categories like culture, food, and adventure. When all the data was in, this quiet Georgia barrier island topped the list.
While St. Simons is a favorite summer spot for Georgians, it’s often overlooked by travelers heading to more well-known beach destinations in Florida or the Carolinas. But the largest of the Golden Isles offers plenty of reasons to slow down and stay awhile, from dune-lined beaches and moss-draped oak trees to maritime forests and small shopping villages.
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