December 6: The week’s best travel stories, reads and guides

How Mandela changed travel

Condé Nast Traveler

Nelson Mandela’s prime legacy is undoubtedly the fact that he skillfully steered South Africa from apartheid pariah state to multiracial democracy peacefully and successfully. However, there has been a significant halo effect to the Mandela legacy, and tourism has been one of the principal beneficiaries. Read the story.

More on Mandela’s death: Barack and Michelle Obama travel to South Africa next week

Best winter weekend-getaways

Travel + Leisure

Travel + Leisure has rounded up the best destinations during the cold months. Read the guide.

36 hours in Kauai, Hawaii

New York Times

These days, Kauai sits firmly on the tourist radar, an indisputable rival of its famous neighbors, Oahu and Maui. But upon first glance at its unspoiled natural splendor, you’d never know it, reports Sarah Stodola. Read the story.

Your guide to Art Basel Miami Beach

Forbes

It’s that time of year again: Art collectors, gallerists, artists and celebs flock to South Florida for the 12th edition of Art Basel Miami Beach, the premier contemporary art show in the Americas. Read the story.

More on Art Basel Miami Beach: The only time you’ll ever see a Swarovski crystal forest on Miami Beach

The complete travel guide to Brazil’s World Cup cities

The Guardian

Ahead of the World Cup 2014 draw, locals and experts from Brazil’s 12 host cities give the lowdown on the stadiums, the bars, what to take and where to go in between matches. Read the guide.

America’s best ski resorts

Condé Nast Traveler

These 20 ski resorts and ski hotels made the top of the list in our annual Readers’ Choice Awards, which rates the best places to ski in North America. See the selection.