Never heard of them? Turku was built in the 13th century, and the “Paris of Finland” was that country’s capital until 1812. Today, you can visit the city’s medieval fortress, traipse the cobblestone streets and riverside byways, and enjoy fika — a coffee and cake break we really need to adopt over here — at one of its many cafes.

You’ll find Lake Bacalar’s clear blue waters on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, and Srebrenik is a dramatic, medieval town in Bosnia and Herzegovina that looks straight out “Game of Thrones.” The full list of underrated destinations — and more travel tips — can be found at www.timeout.com/travel/. Meanwhile, here’s a peek at the top 10.

1. Mongolia

2. Lake Bacalar, Mexico

3. Cuenca, Ecuador

4. Srebrenik, Bosnia and Herzegovina

5. Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico

6. Gippsland, Australia

7. Plymouth, England

8. Burlington, Vermont

9. Turku, Finland

10. Karpathos, Greece

Such a literary treat exists, thanks to the Nantucket Book Festival, now in its 11th year.

From June 15-18, the Festival will bring you up close with famed writers like Sebastian Junger, Tracy Kidder, Jodi Picoult, Luke Russert and more.

You’ll find famed Pulitzer Prize winners and finalists, National Book Award winners and finalists and New York Times bestsellers –  ready to chat all things literary with you at the beach, the bar, or elsewhere on the island.

And yes, it’s pretty much free. While some of the events do require a ticket, the vast majority of talks and events are completely free, something the festival takes great pride in.

That means you can grab a hotel room or home rental – or even just hop the easy to take Hy Line Ferry back and forth for a day (out of Hyannis, a quick hour-or-so trip each way) and have the beach book experience of a lifetime.

While the Festival has no overarching theme, this year’s opening night event focuses on “Freedom,” with four of the world’s best-known writers — Junger, Imani Perry, Picoult, and Russert – each offering their own take on what freedom means to them.

Some have some recent experience: Picoult’s book co-authored with Jennifer Finney Boylan, “Mad Honey,” is currently being banned in spots around the country.

There are many other themes to be explored via literature and discussion as well, including poetry, playwriting, and even an all-female climate change panel

Events are held across the island. You’ll chat with Junger, for example, at the local Methodist church, take in poetry at the famed Chicken Box, dine with literary legends at island restaurants, and even have a chance to toast your favorite authors via the “Authors in Bars” event at the Nantucket Breeze.

The island, compact and easy to navigate without a car (in fact, skip the car entirely; walking is easy, bike rentals are plentiful and the Uber and cab drivers on site are adept at getting you to where you need to be).

It’s also a place of literary fame, with its own hometown writing all-stars. Both Nathaniel Filbrick and Elin Hilderbrand call the island home, and are often found signing books on a weekday at one of the local independent book stories like Mitchell’s Book Corner and Nantucket Bookworks.

Both of those shops will host author many author signings throughout the event, and while books will be on sale at many spots, these two shops give you a true classic bookstore experience.

There are events for children as well, like Friday’s story time and activities in the lovely  Atheneum Garden. A nice addition:  these will be offered in multiple languages.

To stay for more than a day, you can consider the host hotel The White Elephant, or check out the many lodging offerings via https://www.nantucketchamber.org.

With the ease of getting around the island, it’s simple to mix in other island experiences too, from waterside dining to beach and bluff walks to some really great shopping. You’ll find literary themed specials in both food and libations at all kind of locales.

Should you choose to ferry, book ahead at https://hylinecruises.com. Their Hyannis spot has excellent remote parking (quick and available shuttles get you back and forth; trust it) and you can even savor one of their famed Bloody Mary’s on your ride.

The Ferry drops you smack in the center of Nantucket proper, making coming and going simple.

As for the festival itself, while almost all events are free, they do ask you to register on line in advance to help them be ready for the crowd. You can do that at https://nantucketbookfestival.org.

With sneakers, your bathing suit and a hunger for the best beach book day(s) ever, you can step into a magical literary experiences ever.

Fans of the famous Mattel doll who attend the recently expanded World of Barbie immersive experience, which will now stay at the Santa Monica Place mall through Sept. 4, can hop inside her van, sit behind the wheel, honk the horn and pretend they’re cruising down Pacific Coast Highway thanks to a famous local car shop.

“We got an actual Mattel Barbie camper, we 3D scanned it and then we essentially exploded it into this life-size Barbie camper,” said Lorenzo Strong, vice president of sales and brand partnerships for West Coast Customs, which is famous for customizing cars for musicians, actors and athletes.

“This is super wild and off the wall for us because we’re used to building real, actually functional campers and cars and trucks and all that,” he added.

The World of Barbie interactive attraction opened on April 14 inside a 20,000 square-foot, two-story space that allows guests into the iconic doll’s perfect pink life.

It’s made up of life-size recreations of the interior of her beach house, complete with a view of the ocean. There’s also a pool filled with plastic balls with a slide where kids — and even adults — can jump in and Barbie boxes that people can get into and have their picture taken as various versions of the iconic toy.

There’s a Barbie Space Center, where guests can pretend they’re about to travel into outer space and a theater playing animated Barbie films, plus other rooms filled with Barbie memorabilia.

But one of the biggest hits with fans has been the camper van, which is about the size of a 12-seat Mercedes Sprinter van.

“I think it’s so neat to get to live something you grew up playing with and now you get to walk through it with your kid. I think the detail in this van is amazing, it looks exactly like the toy,” said Allison Firey, who was visiting the World of Barbie from Santa Barbara with her 10-year-old daughter, Grace.

The two had just sat in the cab of the van, with Grace taking the passenger seat because she said she was too young to drive.

“It was cool,” Grace said.

The entire process of creating the van took about a year. It’s made up of foam, fiberglass, wood and there are a few real car components in the van like custom wheels and tires that could go on a car. It also has a working horn and headlights.

“There are lots of interactive features that really make the experience even that much more exciting,” Strong said.

Behind the cab, which is decked out with LED lights and custom purple passenger and driver chairs, there is a hammock that people can relax in.

At the back of the van is Barbie’s closet and a table and chairs under a TV screen playing animated Barbie shows. On the table is the actual toy van that West Coast Customs scanned for the build.

“Everything that’s in that toy van is on here. If you open it up you’ll see everything you see here,”  Strong said, referring to the custom built van.

And because you can’t go camping without bringing some grub, on the other side of the van is Barbie’s kitchen, which includes a fridge, stove and a sink.

World of Barbie is a traveling exhibit that launched in Canada before coming to Santa Monica, and because the van doesn’t actually have an engine, Strong said the entire thing has to be disassembled and reassembled when it hits the road again.

“We couldn’t be more excited to build this project. We’re all kids at heart so it makes it that much more rewarding when you see kids actually enjoy it like this,” he said.

World of Barbie

When: Now through Sept. 4

Where: Santa Monica Place, 395 Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica, CA

Cost: $34 for adults and $26 for children at theworldofbarbie.com.

And summer travel is only just getting started. In 2019, the Friday before Memorial Day was the third-busiest day at U.S. airports for the entire year, losing only to the Sunday after Thanksgiving and the Sunday after July Fourth. This may indicate that airports could be even busier around Independence Day than Memorial Day weekend.

Making Fourth of July travel predictions is tricky this year because the holiday falls midweek, on a Tuesday. Some folks may take Monday off to enjoy a long weekend, while others may save their vacation time for a different holiday.

With that in mind, here’s some guidance around booking July Fourth weekend air travel and how you might be able to avoid the crowds (and potentially save money on airfare).

The best and worst days to fly July Fourth weekend

TSA collects data daily to capture the number of passengers screened at its U.S. checkpoints. NerdWallet analyzed the past four years of this data for the seven days before and after July Fourth.

In each of the past four years, the Friday before July Fourth was the busiest travel day ahead of the Fourth of July weekend. If that trend continues this year, travelers should expect U.S. airports to be especially full on Friday, June 30.

Are airports busy on July Fourth? The data shows the holiday is the least busy day to fly, with airport crowds averaging just 81% of what they are relative to the busiest travel day.

Based on an average of the past four years, here are the worst days to travel around July Fourth weekend, ranked from most to least crowded.

Pre-holiday:

1. Friday before.
2. Thursday before.
3. Monday before.

Post-holiday:

1. Sunday after.
2. Monday after.
3. Thursday after.

Instead, consider these options. Here’s what the data showed as the best days to travel over July Fourth, ranked from least to most crowded:

Pre-holiday:

1. Saturday before.
2. Tuesday before.
3. Sunday before.

Post-holiday:

1. Saturday after.
2. Friday after.
3. Wednesday after.

The smarter, cheaper Fourth of July travel itinerary

Based on recent historical trends, most people will kick off their Fourth of July weekend as early as possible, jetting off on Friday, June 30 — or even ducking out of the workweek early by departing on Thursday, June 29. Most travelers will likely maximize their weekends, waiting until Sunday, July 9, to fly home.

But following typical July Fourth holiday travel patterns could mean costs in terms of airfare and time spent waiting in line at the airport. Deviate from that schedule to find lighter crowds and perhaps better July Fourth flight deals, too.

Try these travel days instead:

Embrace Saturday travel: Rather than rush out from work on Friday afternoon to jump on a flight, relax at home that evening and depart Saturday morning instead. Simply shifting your trip by one day could likely result in going from one of the busiest to lightest travel days of the July Fourth travel period.

The same goes for traveling back home. While it can be tempting to extend your trip as long as possible before work starts on Monday, skip the Sunday flight and fly home on Saturday instead. Bonus: You’ll give yourself a day at home to rest and recover before you hit the next workweek (how responsible of you).

Fly on July Fourth: If you don’t mind traveling on the holiday, you’re looking at the single emptiest air travel day of the period.

Do one better by flying out early on the holiday. Travel booking app Hopper’s spring 2023 Flight Disruption Outlook found that flights that depart from 5 a.m. to 8 a.m. are half as likely to be delayed versus flights with scheduled departure times after 9 a.m.

Plus, a morning flight improves your odds of catching the fireworks at your final destination.

Fly on Wednesday, July 5: Will July 5 be a busy travel day in 2023? Likely no. This year, July 5 falls on a Wednesday, one of the cheapest days to fly year-round. Plus, according to TSA’s data, July 5 has been a consistently light travel day. In 2019, July 5 was the lightest travel day for the week after the holiday (July 5 fell on a Friday that year).

Moreover, for U.S. domestic economy tickets in 2022, Wednesdays were about 22% lower than peak prices on Sundays, according to a NerdWallet analysis of Hopper data.

July Fourth travelers in 2023 can feel confident that a July 5 flight itinerary will afford them cheaper airfare plus less congested airport queues.

More From NerdWallet

“What ya’ll got in those big bags?” she asked in her thick Southern accent.

Surfboards, of course.

Texas isn’t known as a surfing hotspot, though there are a few coastal towns that can get fun, yet fickle, waves. But my husband Jon and I weren’t headed to the beach — instead, we were taking a surf safari inland to Waco, a small town hours away from the ocean.

For many people, Waco is known for Magnolia Farms, a quaint-and-cute tourist destination for home-renovation enthusiasts enthralled with Chip and Joanna Gaines, who helped popularize rustic-yet-chic designs for their reality show “Fixer Upper.”

The other thing the town is known for: the Waco siege, a massacre 30 years ago following a 51-day standoff between law enforcement and a cult.

But now, Waco can add “surfing destination” to its identity.

Waco Surf, formally known as BSR Surf Ranch, has been creating a buzz among surfers as a must-go hotspot, where wave after wave pump out from a magical machine.

Even die-hard surfers from Southern California have been making the pilgrimage, swearing by its ability to mimic an ocean wave with one added perk — reliability.

I’ve been obsessed with wave pools for years, curious about how they work, how they feel to ride and interested in how technology might change surf culture as we know it, with more popping up around the world — and several planned for the desert region of Southern California — allowing people far away from the ocean the chance to feel the thrill of the ride.

My husband Jon had also been eyeing Waco for a surf trip, marveling at clips showing the punchy, at times barreling, surf break. His 40th birthday was a perfect opportunity to sneak away from the kids for a quick 48-hour trip from Orange County.

After a morning stop by Magnolia Farms — because that’s something you just have to see when in town — we soaked in the natural landscape surrounding Waco Surf, tucked away from town next to farmland where the famous Texas longhorns munched on grass.

The marveled look on our faces must have been a giveaway that we were newbies as we checked in for our “heats,” hourlong surf sessions with a group of about a dozen other surfers.

A man named Pops looked out the window with us to explain how it works, pointing to a wall where one group of surfers lined up waiting for waves while the other surfers patiently waited their turn for the next set to roll in.

It seemed so … civilized. So much different from the ocean, where surfers jockey for waves in paddle battles or drop in on each other in crowded lineups.

“They are taking off at an angle, don’t take off straight,” he warned.

The first wave of the set is the “magic wave,” the one that suddenly shows up out of nowhere. The next waves come just seconds later, so those surfers must be ready to paddle as soon as that first wave passes.

We walked down to the beach and suited up for our “intermediate” session, a punchy wave that first breaks right for half an hour, then peels left. We paired up in four groups of three, all politely asking one another who wanted to go first.

A surf coach was out in the water with us, sort of like a referee who keeps order to the line and gives tips when surfers miss their wave — which apparently, I needed.

The wave wasn’t huge, but the way it broke was tricky. Timing had to be just right and paddling into the wave is odd — opposite than you would while catching an ocean wave, toward where it was breaking, rather than away on the shoulder.

As I was sitting in the second spot, the wave popped up within seconds of the rider in front of me taking his wave. The first wave I paddled for slipped under me as I got hung up on top. The second wave crashed over me, my timing still off.

“Almost had it,” the guide assured me.

Jon, a much more experienced surfer than I, had no trouble figuring out how it worked, coming back from each wave with a huge smile of satisfaction across his face as he beamed about how fun the wave was to ride.

It was on my fourth attempt that it clicked and I popped up just as the wave pushed my board and body forward. As I rode across the wave, it felt familiar yet challenging, floating on the watery surface and trying to keep my board from slipping out from under my feet.

At the end of the wave, my arms shot up to the air with glee.

Wow, that was fun. I want more.

Lucky for me, there was much more to be had. The left-peeling waves, strangely enough since I’m regular footed, seemed easier to ride. Just as I felt like I was getting my groove, my hourlong season was over.

Thankfully, we both had more sessions on the books. We watched the next group in the beginner session getting tips on pop-ups and paddle technique, riding soft top boards as the mellow, Waikiki-like wave rolled in.

It was so gentle I wondered if our two young children might join us next time, eying the lazy river that meandered through the property and four massive slides that could chuck them into the air.

Jon’s session was up next, this time an “advanced” setting. The wave was slightly bigger and faster, just enough punch to make it a challenge. He came out of the water exhausted, arms and legs tired after riding wave after wave.

My second session was the same as the first, a few misses and some fun rides, but enough to feel satisfied as we wrapped up our day in the hot tub with the other surfers.

While the waves were the draw, one of the best parts of the trip was the stoke among all the others who had traveled from near and far to ride this wild, wacky wave.

There was Bob, a 64-year-old originally from the South Bay who surfed for his college team in Santa Barbara as a youngster. He moved to Austin some 20 years ago and forgot about surfing, until the wave pool popped up to let him surf once again.

Then, there were the two college soccer players, one from Brazil and the other Australia, who grew up surfing but never thought, living in Austin, they’d have access to waves.

The professional motorcycle racer and avid wakeboarder in town for a convention figured he’d give surfing a shot, quickly realizing it was harder than he thought.

Then, there were the mix of surfers, surprisingly, from wave-rich Southern California. Why, if you can surf for free at the beach, would you travel to Waco and pay for waves? I asked.

The answer was always the same — you’re guaranteed waves.

Sky Stone, of Newport Beach, has been out of the water for a year due to a shoulder injury. He and a few friends opted for private sessions so they could have the pool to themselves.

“I think this is the best place to come to get your reps in and shake the rust off,” he said.

For a surf trip you might drop big bucks on, there’s always a chance you may get skunked, he noted.

“It’s only going to be good waves,” he said of Waco’s man-made surf.

Surfer Adam Price, 45, lives about a mile from the beach in Santa Cruz and decided to take friends’ advice to take a surf trip to Waco.

“I love it,” Price said after his first session. “I’m still trying to wrap my head around it.”

The takeoff was tricky, he also found. Then, there was the odd feeling of surfing toward a wall, the wave pushing in a way that you never actually collide with it.

Price’s favorite part is the wave count, he said, but also how civilized and orderly the lineup was.

“I’m going to come back with buddies, or even my family,” he said, noting he has a 10- and 13-year-old who would like to surf in an environment that doesn’t share water with sharks.

The Waco wave was originally the “Barefoot Ski Ranch,” before it transformed into BSR wave pool in 2017. It was during the pandemic, when international surf travel was limited, that surfers flocked to the area and word spread about how fun the wave was to ride.

New owners took over in 2021 and rebranded it Waco Surf this year, putting in a lot of new upgrades, like streamlining the check-in process and revamping the on-site 13-room hotel. I was glad we splurged for the pool-view room, allowing us to watch surfers through the evening after our sessions while we sipped on beers.

The Lazy River is one of the longest in the world, taking 45 minutes just to do one lap, and then there’s the Wedge water slide that launches people people into the air and into the pool.

To our disappointment, both were closed during our off-season visit but will be up and running by summer.

There’s also a cable park where people can take the “Wake Academy” wakeboarding sessions, three food areas and five bars on site.

Amy Hunt, director of sales and marketing, said there are two types of clientele who come to Waco Surf. There are the surfers who fly in almost daily from California, Hawaii and Florida and even some from as far as Australia and Brazil.

Then, there are also the local day-use guests who are within a three-hour drive.

They are currently working on a “know before you go” video to help guests figure out what to pack. One of the things I would have liked to know before our trip was the amount of decent boards they have on hand. It would have been great to not deal with our huge surfboard bags or get hit with the $150 fee by Southwest Airlines.

Upon our return home, we couldn’t help but buzz about how fun the Waco waves were, watching videos we took and dreaming about taking the kids or getting a group of friends together for a future trip.

The next day, I packed up my longboard and headed for San Onofre, my favorite surf spot at home. The crowds, as always, were thick. The swell was small and the water was brown and chilly.

The ocean and the wave pool were much different surfing experiences, but with one thing in common — the thrill of the ride to make me smile.

More info: 

Cost to surf: Surf sessions range from beginner ($89 including soft-top board) to advanced surf session ($109). Pro sessions that last 90 minutes are about $300.

Where to stay: Hotel rooms range from $250 for wave-view hotel rooms to $950 for larger suites. Cabins range from $229 to $550 a night.

Website: wacosurf.com

While camping becomes less desirable during the Sunshine State’s sweltering summer months (unless in an air-conditioned RV), there are still plenty of outdoor adventures worth embarking on. Whether it’s water-based excursions on a paddleboard, workouts or nighttime get-togethers in the backyard, there are small pieces of gear that can enhance outdoor activities.

From the back patio to the trailhead, here are 15 pieces of equipment and accessories that are worth packing when venturing outdoors this summer. These items can be found for less than $300 each and everything pictured belongs to me personally.

ENO DoubleNest Hammock

There are hammocks that can be found online or in stores as cheap as $10 or $15. Aspiring hammock enthusiasts, let me gesture in a direction that will prove much more satisfactory in the long run. Eagles Nest Outfitters, better known as ENO, is headquartered in Asheville and known for producing quality outdoor gear, namely hammocks. The DoubleNest is the brand’s popular choice for one or two users, providing a setup that’s suitable for daily use and camping adventures alike. Accessories such as tarps, bug nets and straps are sold separately.

• Price: $74.95
• Online: eaglesnestoutfittersinc.com
• In-store: REI, Travel Country Outfitters

Osprey Farpoint 55 Travel Pack

For light packers who prefer not to check a bag on air-based trips, the Osprey Farpoint 55 Travel Pack provides a two-in-one system with both a carry-on pack and a daypack. These can attach to one another or separate, allowing travelers to stash the daypack under the seat and the primary pack overhead. The 40-liter pack has tuck-away backpack straps and exterior clips for the 15-liter daypack (which features a laptop sleeve) to attach, creating a convenient carrying system for trudging through the airport and down city streets. With load lifters and a hip belt in the primary pack, this traveler’s bag makes carrying all the essentials a breeze. Better yet, all Osprey packs are backed by the brand’s “All Mighty Guarantee,” offering repairs and replacements for any Osprey product from any era.

• Price: $220
• Online: osprey.com
• In-store: REI, Travel Country Outfitters

Portable Fan

It’s hot during Florida’s summer season, so much so that it’s unpleasant to think about going outside. But avid outdoor enthusiasts don’t know how to take time off and know that if there’s a will, there’s a way. When the muggy months kick in, pack a portable fan for use in the tent or outside at the picnic table. Search Amazon or other online retailers for “camping fan” and find a range of rechargeable options from $20-$60.

• Price: $20+
• Online: amazon.com
• In-store: Walmart, Ace Hardware, Home Depot, Lowe’s

BioLite AlpenGlow 500

Camping lanterns don’t need to be cool. They need to be sturdy, functional and ideally won’t break the bank. But it’s an added bonus if they are cool. Become the most interesting person at the campfire with the BioLite AlpenGlow 500-lumen lantern (a 250-lumen version is also available). This rechargeable light has cool and warm dimmable lights, a single-color mode and multicolor modes that dance at varying speeds.

• Price: $79.95
• Online: bioliteenergy.com, Amazon
• In-store: REI

Thermacell Mosquito Repellers

There’s a way to ward off pesky mosquitoes without greasy, sticky spray. It’s the kind of thing it’s better to see to believe. Thermacell has developed a range of fuel-powered and rechargeable mosquito repellers meant for camping and patio hangouts alike. These work to heat up repellent cartridges or mats, creating a protective barrier of 15-20 feet around the device. Results may vary depending on wind and conditions, but enough people have used these to swear they work.

• Price: $25+
• Online: thermacell.com, Amazon
• In-store: REI, Ace Hardware, Walmart, Home Depot, Target, Lowe’s

YETI Drinkware

Known for their coolers that can cost more than some used cars, YETI has made a name for itself with overengineered but expensive outdoor lifestyle products. It might seem silly to spend $40 or $50 on a water bottle or $30 on a “can cooler,” but these products work and last a long time. My personal arsenal includes a 36-ounce Rambler bottle (get the “chug cap,” trust me), a tumbler and two “can coolers” of varying sizes. It’s hard to put a price on reliable hydration.

• Price: $25+
• Online: yeti.com
• In-store: REI, Ace Hardware, Academy Sports

CamelBak Hydration Pack

Keeping with the theme of hydration, it’s a good idea to keep extra water on your back when heading out for summertime hikes and long bike rides. Having a daypack or hip pack with a hydration reservoir isn’t a bad way to go. CamelBak is a household name in this category, and the company offers solutions that include the pack and removable reservoir in one package. Some are tailored for trail running or cycling, while plenty are suited for day hikes. A reservoir in the 70-100-ounce range should hit the sweet spot for most needs. Osprey and Gregory also have good options in the realm of hydration packs.

• Price: $55-$175
• Online: camelbak.com
• In-store: REI, Travel County Outfitters

Helinox Chair

Folding camp chairs can be found at dirt cheap prices under $20 but these throwaway pieces of portable furniture won’t hold up in the long run. Invest a little more into quality folding seats such as those made by Helinox, a brand specializing in lightweight, portable chairs. Suitable for carrying long distances or packing into a daypack, Helinox offers chairs that weigh around 2 pounds and are designed to last for years. Some options are ever-so-lightly heavier and larger but still plenty packable, and perhaps more comfortable too.

• Price: $90-$200
• Online: helinox.com
• In-store: REI, Travel Country Outfitters

Inflatable Paddleboard

When it comes to larger, more expensive purchases, it pays to do research and get into a bargain shopper mindset. An online deal spotted last summer yielded the purchase of a “certified pre-owned” Body Glove Performer 11′ paddleboard for around $200. Stand-up paddleboarding is in right now, and rightfully so. Inflatable SUPs make it possible for recreationists of all ages and vehicle types to get out on the water — and there is no shortage of places to paddle in Florida. Reliable options can be found at Sam’s Club, Costco, REI, Travel Country Outfitters, Dick’s Sporting Goods or Amazon. Some of the most sought-after and reliable brands include Bote, iRocker, Isle, Bluefin, Red Paddle Co. and Body Glove.

• Price: $250-$1,600
• In-store: REI, Travel Country Outfitters, Costco, Sam’s Club

Snorkel Mask

When heading out on a snorkeling trip, tour companies will supply gear for guests to borrow. But when heading to the beach or enjoying a day at the springs, it’s helpful to have a personal snorkel mask handy. Options can be found everywhere from Dick’s Sporting Goods to REI and online retailers as well. Spend a little more and get higher-quality options at a Central Florida dive shop.

• Price: $15-$100
• In-store: Dick’s Sporting Goods, REI, dive shops

Straw Hat

When it comes to seeking sun protection, either duck under cover or take your shade with you. Put on a wide-brimmed straw hat to keep the face and back of the neck protected from damaging UV rays. Shop around at Ace Hardware or apparel stores to browse a range of options suitable for summer adventures.

• Price: $20-$50

Sun Protection Shirt

In the category of sun protection, it’s good to invest in a shirt that has some amount of UV protection. It might also make sense to get something lightweight with a hood. The North Face, NRS, Kuhl, Cotopaxi, Outdoor Research, prAna, REI, Smartwool, Mountain Hardware, Black Diamond and Patagonia are just a few options in this category.

• Price: $35-$99
• In-store: REI, Travel Country Outfitters, Academy Sports

IceMule Pro Cooler

Imagine carrying a cooler like a backpack rather than toting a heavy, hard-sided cooler over sand dunes or dragging it on wheels over rugged terrain. Herein lies the appeal of IceMule, which bills itself as the “adventure cooler.” The soft-sided portable cooler is essentially a large, insulated dry bag. The St. Augustine-based company says its coolers will keep ice for more than 24 hours.

• Price: $65-$375
• Online: icemulecoolers.com
• In-store: REI

Shokz OpenRun Headphones

When out running on streets or hiking on trails, it’s best to keep an awareness of surroundings — but it’s also fun and motivating to listen to music. This is where Shokz (formerly AfterShokz) headphones come in to help. While many earbuds have a “pass-through” or sound transparency mode, Shokz use bone conduction technology to send vibrations through the cheekbones to deliver sound directly to the inner ear. These make it possible to stay connected to your surroundings while jamming out.

• Price: $129
• Online: shokz.com
• In-store: Best Buy, REI

NOCO GB40 Jump Starter Battery

It’s never fun to get stranded with car troubles, especially a dead battery. Most times someone is nearby with jumper cables, but especially on remote excursions, those chances can decrease dramatically. Give a boost of confidence to summer road trips by investing in a jump starter, reducing the chance of getting left alone with a depleted battery. The Noco GB40 is the most popular jump starter on Amazon and has already proven a useful car companion on several occasions.

• Price: $99.95
• Online: no.co or amazon.com
• In-store: AutoZone, Walmart

Find me @PConnPie on Instagram or send me an email: pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com.

From its earliest days, Route 66 has reflected the American culture of the moment.

When the road connected Chicago to Los Angeles in 1926, it represented the possibility of the automobile. In the 1930s, it served as an east-to-west escape route from the Dust Bowl during the Great Depression. By the 1950s, the 2,400-mile highway lured travelers with the post-World War II promise of adventure on the open road. And as the era of interstate highway driving dawned, Route 66 began to reflect a yearning for a time when a journey was about more than the destination.

Now the eight states traversed by America’s defining highway are getting it ready for its 100th anniversary, in 2026. States are handing out grants to restore vintage neon signs along the highway. They’re installing shoulders to make the road safer for bicyclists and improving signage to make the route more obvious through cities. And they’re installing charging stations that will make it easier to travel the entire length in an electric vehicle.

The iconic highway has always been “the ultimate symbol of a restless nation on the move,” writes Michael Wallis in “Route 66: The Mother Road,” the 1990 book that may have saved the once-vital thoroughfare from obscurity after it was decommissioned as a federal highway in 1985. That symbolism won’t change, even as the vintage highway evolves to meet modern tourism’s demands, Wallis said in an interview with Stateline.

“The world still comes to Route 66,” said Wallis, who was appointed last year by President Joe Biden to the Route 66 Centennial Commission, which is planning some of the national events around the anniversary. “It’s because they can get a taste of this country before it became generic, before it was just littered with cookie-cutter franchise businesses, before it was homogenized. It’s a road not so much for tourists as it is for travelers.”

To that end, many states are planning how they can attract a new generation of travelers to Route 66. The road itself is now the destination.

In Illinois, where Route 66 begins and stretches for 300 miles, the state this spring awarded $6.6 million in grants to help communities upgrade and market their Route 66 attractions in advance of the 2026 celebrations.

The grants are aimed at boosting local tourism across Illinois as well as highlighting the state’s growing electric vehicle sector, Gov. JB Pritzker said in a statement. It’s a way of “honoring the history of Route 66 and looking to the future,” Pritzker said. One grant will create pylons at the beginning of the road in Chicago, which will feature QR codes that tell drivers where to find EV charging stations along Route 66.

The state money also will pay for interpretative panels at historic sites highlighted in “The Negro Motorist Green Book,” a guide to the midcentury service stations, motels and attractions where Black travelers were welcome in segregated states or hostile towns along the nation’s highways, including Route 66.

And this winter, the city of Edwardsville, Illinois, installed a 12.5-foot monument along its stretch of Route 66 not far from the Missouri border. The sign, a tilted version of the iconic highway shield, allows visitors to pose inside the round holes made by the number 66. It’s a Tik Tok or Instagram-friendly attraction, tourism officials say, which, as with the emphasis on neon signs, appeals to younger travelers.

In Arizona, the state developed the Route 66 Digital Passport, an app that allows travelers to tick off some of the best attractions for posting on social media. The app helped welcome a new generation of road-trippers to Arizona during the pandemic, when people sought outdoors and open-road experiences, said Josh Coddington, director of communications for the state’s Office of Tourism.

All along the route, towns are “recognizing the past, but they’re also maintaining (the road) so that it remains into the future,” said Rylie Mansuetti, the public and government affairs manager for AAA Oklahoma.

“It remains picture-worthy as we’re in the age of Instagram or TikTok,” she said. “A lot of these small towns are doing a great job at still offering that authentic taste and that step back, but making it appeal to newer generations.”

In Oklahoma, which has more than 400 miles of Route 66, the road is seen as a major tourism draw, Mansuetti said. Tulsa, known as the capital of Route 66, last year hosted the AAA Route 66 Road Fest. The party will continue this year — and will be among the signature national events of the 2026 centennial celebration.

“It’s called the Mother Road for a reason,” said Mansuetti, who notes that AAA tour guides began publishing the same year as Route 66 became a national road. “It’s absolutely a symbol of adventure and exploration, and it’s a driving force behind promoting tourism in the areas it passes through.”

In Oklahoma, the state Department of Transportation allows cities and counties to buy giant adhesive stickers to install on sections of the road, an Instagrammable and directional visual aid. To make part of Route 66 more accessible to bicyclists, Oklahoma recently received a $1 million federal grant to improve 1.3 miles of the highway near several roadside attractions, including the often photographed Arcadia Round Barn.

Rhys Martin, president of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association, has traveled and photographed the entire length of the highway from Illinois to California. One of his favorite attractions in Oklahoma is the giant Blue Whale in Catoosa, a whimsical 20-foot-tall and 80-foot-long roadside attraction built in 1972. There are also dozens of local festivals in towns where Route 66 serves as their main street.

“If you just make time and get off the interstate, you’ll meet all kinds of amazing people and have some really great food and see things that you won’t see anywhere else,” he said. “Route 66 is about the experience. The phrase goes, it’s not about getting somewhere, it’s about going somewhere.”

An Oklahoma highway commissioner, Cyrus Avery, pushed tirelessly for Route 66’s creation as a federal highway in the 1920s, hopeful that it would divert traffic to Tulsa from other cross-country routes through Kansas City and Denver.

By 1939 with the publication of John Steinbeck’s “The Grapes of Wrath,” Route 66 had achieved iconic status. In the book, Steinbeck describes Route 66 as the “Mother Road” for how it served as refuge for so many people displaced by the Great Depression and the devastation in the Great Plains of the Dust Bowl years. Route 66 was “the path of a people in flight,” Steinbeck wrote, “refugees from dust and shrinking land.”

After World War II, as automobile ownership and general prosperity boomed, the highway led to vacation destinations in New Mexico, Arizona and California. It was then that travelers experienced the heyday of the mom-and-pop motels and diners with architecture and neon signage that define the peak era of the highway.

For many older baby boomers, Route 66 meant the television show that aired from 1960 to 1964, starring two young men who drove the country in a Chevrolet Corvette convertible. The show was not set exclusively on Route 66, but its title and its spirit of adventure had an outsized impact on the road trip as a cultural phenomenon.

But over the next few decades, five new interstate highways — I-55, I-44, I-40, I-15 and I-10 — began replacing Route 66. Although at least 85% of the original road is still drivable, many of the small towns along Route 66 withered away after the interstates arrived, tastes changed and more people preferred to travel by plane than by car.

Nonetheless, Route 66 remains — as both a physical highway and in the imagination as the ultimate road trip. In 2006, a new generation was introduced to the highway via the animated Pixar feature “Cars,” featuring race car Lightning McQueen and many of the road’s noteworthy roadside attractions.

Wallis, who voiced Sheriff in “Cars,” said that despite his longtime association with the road, he’s always been wary of overly romanticizing Route 66. It’s “much more than ’57 Chevys and poodle skirts,” he said. He points out that Nat King Cole, whose 1946 rendition of “(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66” helped popularize the highway, would not as a Black man have been able to stay at many of the establishments along the route.

“Those of us who want to preserve and protect Route 66 and tell the honest story, we believe there’s an obligation, since it’s arguably the most famous highway in the world,” he said. “Route 66 basically was a road for everyone. It was a road for blue bloods or rednecks, everybody traveling. But the conditions were different for various people that traveled there. And that needs to be pointed out. That’s very important.”

Wallis lives in Tulsa and has written many other books in the three decades since his Route 66 classic, but the Mother Road has come to define his career. He’s often asked if the road gets boring. Never, Wallis said.

“Every time I go out on the road, I find something new,” he said. “More importantly, I find someone new.”

—

©2023 States Newsroom. Visit at stateline.org. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Hitting the road for a summer family vacation with children can be very stressful, but the intensity of preparation and the scrutiny over every detail is amplified when one of the kids along for the ride is on the autism spectrum.

As the father of an autistic daughter, planning autism-friendly vacations can present unique challenges, but thankfully travel brands and the supporting industries continue to focus on inclusivity.

Feeling accepted is important to impacted travelers, as Autism Speaks revealed that approximately one out of every 36 children in the United States is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and 31% of those kids have an intellectual disability.

With autism costing an estimated $60,000 a year through childhood, families are looking to get the most bang for their buck, while also getting a chance to mentally recharge as a coping mechanism for the everyday grind.

Here are some autism-friendly vacation ideas for the whole family this summer.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

For families looking to make the most out of their summer vacation, Visit Myrtle Beach and the communities along the region’s 60 miles of coastline have created an autism- and sensory-friendly destination.

In addition to a sensory-friendly pledge to be a welcoming destination for all, the city and its surrounding areas have introduced numerous initiatives to promote inclusivity, including the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program at Myrtle Beach International Airport and The Autism Travel Card, which allows visitors to “identify their family as one that includes someone with autism.”

“We believe that everyone belongs at The Beach, and our top priority at Myrtle Beach is to provide an inclusive destination for visitors of all abilities,” Visit Myrtle Beach CEO Karen Riordan said.

“Families with children diagnosed with autism often feel vacations are out of their reach, and we want to change that,” Riordan continued. “At Visit Myrtle Beach, we believe in the restorative and life-altering power of travel and continue to further our efforts to provide greater support and access to memorable vacation experiences for all.”

Legoland theme parks

As of this spring, Legoland Resorts announced that all its theme parks are Certified Autism Centers (CAC). The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards granted Legoland Florida and Legoland California autism certification in 2022, with Legoland New York officially becoming a CAC in March.

The three onsite hotels and Peppa Pig Theme Park at Legoland Florida have also been approved to be CAC, with all properties working with the board to train and certify staff in sensory, environmental and emotional awareness.

The properties offer preplanning resources, sensory guides at every ride, low sensory areas, quiet rooms, ear plugs and more to assist with overstimulation. Assisted Access Passes can be requested at guest services.

“Legoland Resorts are designed to inspire creativity amongst children of all abilities; our rides, experiences and entertainment all foster a child’s imagination through a lens of belonging,” Merlin Entertainments CEO Scott O’Neil said. “Through this certification, we’re providing our guests with more opportunities to create and play their way, while supporting parents through every step of the vacation planning journey.”

Other autism-friendly ideas, properties and destinations

Elmwood Park Zoo: Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

College Football Hall of Fame: Atlanta

AEW Wrestling Shows

Mesa, Arizona

Disney Cruise Line Voyages

Beaches Resorts

Visalia, California

Delta Air Lines

—

©2023 Northstar Travel Media, LLC. Visit at travelpulse.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

As I enjoyed a plate of Middle Eastern food truck fare, sipped an IPA and surveyed the backyard party scene, I realized nearly everyone around me — adults, kids and even a couple of pooches— was clad in plaid. It was like a Grateful Dead show for the lumberjack set. I felt out of place in basic fleece, but a poster on the side of a food truck provided an explanation: It was a one-dayFlannel Fest, a fundraising celebration of lumberjack chic.

Welcome to Oregon, partner.

Best known for an abundance of outdoor activities — fly fishing, white-water rafting, biking, canoeing, camping and golf — Bend also boasts a plethora of art and cultural attractions, eateries and more brewpubs, breweries and beer gardens than humanly possible to visit. Here’s a sampling of what I discovered during my recent, very fun visit to this hub of Central Oregon living.

Play it again, Bend

For nearly 80 years, the iconic Tower Theatre has been the main cultural showcase in downtown Bend. Fully renovated in 2004, this Art Deco Moderne venue is Central Oregon’s premier stage. With performances scheduled year-round, upcoming summer and fall highlights include acts that range from Macy Gray and to a 20th anniversary screening of “Napoleon Dynamite,” followed by a freewheeling conversation with three of its stars.

The iconic Midtown Ballroom & Domino Room is a 16,000- square foot live music venue housed in a former creamery. On the night I visited, California-based duo Dirtwire drew a large and lively crowd.

Meanwhile, in the city’s Old Mill District, the open-air, 8,000-person capacity Hayden Homes Amphitheater recently received some significant upgrades including an extensive stageexpansion. With a new partnership with Live Nation Entertainment, the amphitheater is Central Oregon’s best venue for some of the country’s largest and most popular touring acts, from Chris Stapleton to Lyle Lovett, the Lumineers and Counting Crow.

Axes and anglers

Of course, Bend has more entertainment options out there than simply music. Do you ever feel like tossing an ax like a real woodsman? Summon your inner lumberjack with hatchet throwing at Bend’s Unofficial Logging Company. When your arm fatigues, there’s a rotating selection of craft beer and a delicious food menu available Thursdays through Sundays. Closed toe shoes required (for obvious reasons).

There’s shopping, too. The Old Mill District — identified by its trademark trio of smokestacks — is nestled into 270 acres along the Deschutes River on a site that once housed one of thelargest ponderosa pine sawmill operations in the world.

Now, more than 55 local, regional and national restaurants and retailers call the district home. Be sure to check out Confluence Fly Shop for rods and reels, fishing apparel, fly tying classes and colorful fish art on the walls.

Museums and an art walk

Art walks have become a way of life for many cities, and Bend is no exception. The Downtown Bend First Friday Art Walk — held from 5 to 9 p.m. on the first Friday of each month — attracts crowds of locals and visitors. Stroll the charming streets and browse the galleries and local businesses, some serving free tastes of wine, beer and spirits.

The High Desert Museum just south of Bend is one of only six museums and libraries in the country to receive the prestigious 2021 National Medal for Museum and Library Service. Set on 135 acres with more than 100,000 square feet of exhibit space, the museum offers everything from high desert animals like foxes, snakes, raptors and owls, to living history actors recreating the pioneer days of central Oregon. The museum’s newest exhibit, Creations of Spirit, will immerse you in the Indigenous Plateau worldview, reflecting knowledge systems of tribes along the Columbia River and its tributaries.

About an hour’s drive north of Bend, The Museum at Warm Springs was founded to preserve the culture, history and traditions of the three tribes that comprise the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. Visitors to the museum experience the sounds of ancient songs and languages, the work of traditional craftsmen and the rich and colorful cultures that make up the Confederated Tribes of The Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon. Particularly noteworthy is the collection of traditional Native American baskets.

Sips and bites

Wild Rose has served up fine Thai cuisine in Central Oregon for 10 years. Family owned and operated, the restaurant uses recipes native to Northern Thailand, which means you won’t find Pad Thai or peanut sauce on their menu. They’re famous for their Curry Basil noodles, served family style. And nearly every dish is accompanied with khao niew, sticky jasmine rice meant for eating with your hands.

Terra Kitchen, a plant-forward restaurant at the SCP Redmond hotel, features farm-to-fork, Oregon-inspired cuisine using fresh ingredients sourced from local farms, local purveyors and even the restaurant’s own rooftop garden. The menu features delicious dishes — think spring pea risotto, eggplant Bolognese and veggie pizzas — aimed at fostering a healthy planet, healthy communities and a healthy you.

Like hard cider? A husband and wife duo built the charming Bend Cider building and planted the apple orchards here, where you can enjoy tastings and, on weekends, live music.

Set in a former Catholic school’s main building, the Old St. Francis Pub at McMenamins hotel and brewpub offers hearty pub fare, handcrafted ales brewed right downstairs in the onsite brewery and seasonal weekly specials. The pub’s deep booths, subdued lighting and original artwork make for a truly memorable beer tasting experience.

The Bite in Tumalo — at the north end of Bend — serves fantastic food from an array of food trucks, including Rico’s Tacos, Pine Marten Pizza and NorthFresh Sushi. There’s an amazing assortment of beers on tap, too, plus a great festive vibe. Gather round the fire pits, enjoy the music and play games with the kids.

The Midtown Yacht Club has a tongue-in-cheek name for its lively taphouse. The club’s food truck lot offers a wide variety of grub, ranging from Shim Shon’s Israeli street food to NorthFresh’s sushi, make and poke.

And Worthy Brewing is a solar-powered brewery with two locations in Bend on the east and west sides. They serve up fresh pilsners, stouts and IPAs plus sandos and smash burgers. Don’t miss Bend’s very own observatory at the east side location. You can even tour the “Hopservatory” with onsite observatory director Grant Tandy and gaze into the heavens.

If You Go

Getting here: Bend is about an eight-hour drive from the Bay Area but you can also fly direct from SFO to the Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM); flyrdm.com.

Where to stay: For eco-chic lodging in downtown Bend, the boutique Oxford Hotel is a four-diamond hotel fusing sustainability with luxurious amenities. Its Roam restaurant offers organic dishes made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. 10 NW Minnesota Ave. in Bend;  oxfordhotelbend.com

Tower Theatre: 835 NW Wall St. in Bend; towertheatre.org

Midtown Ballroom: 51 NW Greenwood Ave.; https://midtownballroom.com

Hayden Homes Amphitheater: 344 SW Shevlin Hixon Drive; bendconcerts.com

Unofficial Logging: 910 NW Harriman St., Suite 100; unofficiallogging.com

Downtown and the Old Mill District: Find details on the shops and restaurants of the Old Mill District at oldmilldistrict.com. Information about downtown Bend, including the First Friday Art Walk, is available at downtownbend.org.

High Desert Museum: This museum is open daily at  59800 Highway 97 in Bend. Admission is $12-$20; highdesertmuseum.org.

Museum at Warm Springs: Open Tuesday-Saturday at 2189 Highway 26 in Warm Springs. Admission is $3.50 to $7; https://museum.warmsprings-nsn.gov/.

Wild Rose: This Thai restaurant is open for lunch and dinner daily at 150 NW Oregon Ave. inBend; wildrosethai.com.

Terra Kitchen: Open for dinner Wednesday-Saturday at the SCP Redmond Hotel,521 SW Sixth St. in Redmond; scphotel.com/redmond/terra.

Bend Cider: Open Wednesday-Sunday at 64649 Wharton Ave. in Bend; bendcider.com.

Old St. Francis School: This historic McMenamins property in downtown Bend includes a hotel and five restaurants and bars; mcmenamins.com/old-st-francis-school.

The Bite: Open daily for lunch and dinner at 19860 Seventh St. in Bend; thebitetumalo.com

Midtown Yacht Club: Open daily for lunch and dinner at 1661 NE Fourth St. in Bend; midtownyachtclub.com.

Worthy Beer: Open daily for lunch and dinner at the Eastside Pub location at 495 NE Bellevue Drive and the Westside Worthy Beer and Burgers at 806 NW Brooks St. in Bend; worthy.beer.

Plenty of travelers have already solidified plans for their summer escapes, but among those who have yet to book their trips, many cite record-high inflation and the cost-of-living crisis as the reason they’re searching the darker corners of the internet for affordable vacation options.

The results of a recent market research survey commissioned by leading internet security company McAfee found that 56% of today’s travelers are more likely to actively go hunting for bargains on travel due to increased cost concerns amid the financial pressures of today’s economic environment.

Unsurprisingly, online booking is still the order of the day and was shown to be the vast majority (94%) of travelers’ preferred trip-planning method for 2023. Unfortunately, in their desperation to snag a decent deal, global leisure travelers may be much more prone to getting lured in by a deal that’s literally too good to be true.

This means there’s perhaps more opportunity than ever before for cybercriminals to take advantage of unsuspecting consumers who are increasingly willing to take some risks in order to (they hope) save a buck.

McAfee’s Safer Summer Holidays report reveals that more than one in three (35%) of adult American consumers have fallen prey to an online travel booking scam before they’ve even packed their bags. Sixty percent of those victims had up $1,000 of their hard-earned dollars stolen from them, while 40% ended up losing amounts of $1,000 or more to fraudsters.

Almost half (47%) of survey respondents in McAfee’s study said they’re now more likely to seek out deals online, move quickly to snap up a bargain (47%), go through a booking site they’ve never used before (39%) or try a destination they’ve never been to before (37%).

It turns out that people probably put too much confidence in unproven and disreputable travel online booking sites. Eighty-one percent of the survey’s global respondents said they have the same level of trust in booking websites as in booking directly with a hotel or airline.

And, even when booking vacation rentals through a well-known website, 14% reported they had either fallen for a scam themselves or knew someone who had. Typically, they were redirected by the booking site to make a payment through another platform to someone whom they thought to be the property owner or manager.

Furthermore, the research found that 15% of all U.S. adults have been tricked into making payments through fraudulent platforms and 22% have had their identity stolen while booking online. Of those, 8% provided their passport information and 14% entered other personal identification information on a fake website.

Once they’re actually on their trip, the majority of travelers (63%) are more concerned about digital threats than physical ones like pickpocketing. Forty-one percent of people believe their personal information is less secure when they connect to the internet away from home, but their behavior often seems to contradict their suspicions.

Significant numbers of Americans take actions that stand to increase their risk of becoming a victim of cybercrime while they’re traveling, whether it’s connecting to an unsecured Wi-Fi network even though it looks a bit suspicious (27%), using a USB charging port at an airport or train station (31%), or leaving their streaming account logged in after checking out of their accommodations (20%).

And, while 88% of Americans reported either “some” or “high” levels of worry about their identities being stolen amid their travels, 42% actually admitted to being less vigilant and security conscious while on vacation.

McAfee discovered that, although people may be aware of the dangers, they often don’t take steps to mitigate the risk of cyberattack or identity theft. The study found that 43% of Americans don’t use any services to monitor the safety of their online identity, and 40% don’t bother to use a VPN while they’re away on vacation. Among those that do use VPNs, 22% do so in order to gain access to geo-specific streaming content.

—

©2023 Northstar Travel Media, LLC. Visit at travelpulse.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Whether you’re looking for art, attending a concert or a Mud Hens game, or just passing through, here’s a look at a few things you may enjoy while visiting Toledo.

Toledo Metroparks

The Secret Forest at the Toledo Botanical Gardens has a tree house, rope bridge and other things for kids to climb on.
The many parks and trails in Lucas County’s Metroparks system offer countless outdoor activities including archery, boating, fishing, hiking and horse trails. Toledo’s parks offer more than tent camping, too, giving adventurous souls a chance to experience backpack camping, or sleep in a rented treehouse feet above the forest floor at the Cannaley Treehouse Village, said to be the only public treehouse village in the country. Another popular destination is the Toledo Botanical Garden, a wonderland of plants and nature with touches of art.  metroparkstoledo.com.

National Museum of the Great Lakes

The 617-foot iron ore freighter Col. James M. Schoonmaker is part of the National Museum of the Great Lakes in Toledo.
This maritime attraction tells the story of the Great Lakes from the 1600s fur traders through modern day using more than 300 artifacts, 40 interactive exhibits and audiovisual displays. There are even two boats you can get a close-up look at: the 617-foot iron ore freighter Col. James M. Schoonmaker and the historic Museum Tug Ohio, both open May-October. Get a preview of what’s at the museum on the website with a virtual tour. Admission is $11 for adults with discounts for kids, seniors and military. 1701 Front, Toledo. (419) 214-5000. nmgl.org. Open most days.

Toledo Museum of Art

This historic art museum has many rooms full of paintings, glass objects, sculptures and other works of art. The Toledo Museum of Art is home to the Avery Coonley Playhouse Window by Frank Lloyd Wright and several works from Tiffany, including a stunning Lotus Lamp. Current exhibits include “Seeing Stars, Divining Futures,” featuring constellations, tarot cards and more (runs through June 18) and “Expanding Horizons: The Evolving Character of a Nation,” a collection of more than 80 items that explore national identity and character through mythmaking and religion. “Alexandra Daisy Ginsberg — Machine Auguries: Toledo” just debuted, marking the London artist’s first solo installation in the United States. During your visit, don’t miss the 74,000-square-foot postmodern Glass Pavilion across the street, a piece of art in itself, and home to glass-blowing classes, demonstrations and glass artwork displays from across the centuries. Admission is free; parking is $10. 2445 Monroe, Toledo. (419) 255-8000. toledomuseum.org. Closed Mon.-Tues.

Toledo Mud Hens

Take in America’s pastime on a more intimate level at the 10,000-seat Fifth Third Field where minor league team the Toledo Mud Hens call home. Named one of the best minor league ballparks in America by Newsweek, the stadium is just two blocks from the Maumee River in downtown Toledo, with much to eat and drink nearby. There are also bars and restaurants inside the park, which hosts about 70 games a year. Tickets start at $13. 406 Washington, Toledo. milb.com/toledo.

Toledo Zoo & Aquarium

Explore the Tiger Terrace, Reptile House, Primate Forest or Kodiak Ridge, plus a barn yard, aviary and aquarium. Check out the Aerial Adventure Course three-stories high, cool off in the splash pad, take in a concert or feed the giraffes or barn yard animals for an extra fee. Nonresident admission is $29 for adults with discounts for seniors and kids. 2 Hippo Way, Toledo. (419) 385-5721. toledozoo.org. Open daily 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Tony Packo’s and Rudy’s Hot Dogs

Tony Packo’s has “Packo’s” locations around town, but the original is in the historic district of Birmingham. The menu features a “Hungarian dog” with mustard onions and “hot dog sauce,” plus pierogi, stuffed cabbage, paprikas, fried pickles and more. There’s also a full bar, and that means beer from Yuengling, America’s oldest independently owned brewery. Tony Packo’s is at 1902 Front, Toledo. Visit tonypacko.com for more locations. A bit older than Tony Packo’s is Rudy’s, a chain of hot dog restaurants that started as a modest stand and grew to six, family run locations. The menu features their version of chili dogs, plus corn dogs, hamburgers, gyros, chili mac and more. Visit rudyshotdog.com for locations.

Tribune News Service

Cruise lines have owned or operated private isles for nearly half a century, but perhaps at no other time has the development of these secluded sanctuaries been so feverish. From Central America and the South Pacific to the Caribbean and coast of southern Africa, more than a dozen are in the construction, expansion, renovation or planning phase.

This collective order of full speed ahead by the industry is steel drum music to the ears of cruise vacationers looking for a happy medium between all the seeing and doing options while in port and a relaxing sea day. Because most private islands operate as extensions of the ship, they offer an experience at higher levels of containment, control and cleanliness than a typical beach break shore excursion. It’s not unusual for the food, drink and the people making and serving it to come straight from the ship. Talk about working remotely.

Even if owned by the same cruise line, no two private islands are alike. They all share basic amenities, however: an inviting beach with loungers, umbrellas and lifeguards, casual outdoor eateries, bars aplenty, shopping of various degrees, walking trails, rentable cabanas and a starting point for shore excursions. Some offer elaborate waterparks and ziplines while others feature animal encounters and dedicated kids zones. Because upcharges are part of cruising’s DNA — even “all-inclusive” sails aren’t 100% inclusive — no one should be surprised that a few cruise lines charge extra for the choice spots to catch some rays.

Every major mainstream cruise line — Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises — owns or leases at least one private island. Most are shared with sister brands of the same corporate portfolio, though visits by ships of higher categories are less frequent; an exception is premium-class Princess Cruises, which has Princess Cays on the larger Bahamian island of Eleuthera.

No man, princess or cruise line is an island as the Bahamas has the highest concentration of these private parcels of paradise. One of the busiest is Perfect Day at CocoCay, which welcomes more than 3 million Royal Caribbean passengers in non-pandemic years, and more are expected once an adults-only section called Hideaway Beach is open later this year. The resort, on Little Stirrup Cay north of Nassau, features North America’s tallest waterslide. From the top, one can see NCL’s Great Stirrup Cay one island over. Opened in 1977, it’s the industry’s first private island getaway. Near the southern end of the archipelagic state, Half Moon Cay and Princess Cays are used by brands of Carnival Corporation including the referenced namesakes and Holland America Line.

Bringing some Anaheim and Orlando influence to the Bahamas is Disney Cruise Line with Castaway Cay, the perfect place to take snaps with Mickey and friends while holding a glass of non-alcoholic Olaf’s Flurry Freeze. A tropical breeze from the opposite direction is MSC’s lower-key Ocean Cay Marine Reserve. Emphasizing conservation over stimulation, MSC’s take is if you want a theme park experience, go back to the ship where there awaits immersive high-tech entertainment with innovative technology and water play. Meanwhile, it’s adults only at Virgin Voyages’ Beach Club at Bimini, where pool parties and beach bonfires heat up just 55 miles east of Miami.

Elsewhere in the world, Royal Caribbean’s Labadee in northern Haiti is home to the world’s longest over-water zipline. In Central America, Harvest Caye, owned in partnership by Norwegian and the Belizean government, is unique and not necessarily in a good way. Because the restaurants are owned by locals, there’s no such thing as a free lunch there for NCL and Oceania Cruises passengers.

On select itineraries in the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, MSC makes stops at its Sir Bani Yas resort southwest of Abu Dhabi. Originally built in 2016 by Costa Cruises, the private island destination’s showpiece is Arabian Wildlife Park, home to over 13,000 endangered and indigenous animals.

On the horizon is Carnival’s yet-to-be-named private port on the southern side of Grand Bahama. Expected to open in late 2024, the destination will have a nature reserve, pool and Bahamian-run shops and restaurants easily accessible by a pier that can accommodate two of the fleet’s largest ships simultaneously.

Carnival hasn’t made a peep since COVID about its plans to build a private destination in Baja California, but according to Seatrade Cruise News, the world’s largest cruise line and Mexican cruise port developer ITM Group are teaming up to build one in Ensenada. A future stop on cruises to the Mexican Riviera or itineraries to the California coast or Hawaii that, by law, require an international call, the proposed “La Española Village” would feature the usual — local grub and grog, music and other live entertainment — along with an expansive family-friendly adventure park, tentatively dubbed “The Isle at Ensenada.”

Meanwhile, Royal Caribbean is making progress on the pandemic-delayed Perfect Day at Lelepa, the Southern Hemisphere’s first private island destination cruising experience. RCI hasn’t announced an opening date, but based on remarks made by a senior vice president for the company, within the next few months itineraries out of Australia will include a visit to the small island in Vanuatu.

While many elements of its other private destinations will be repeated in the South Pacific, Royal Caribbean is promising that the Vanuatu resort will not be a cookie-cutter of its existing escapes that cater to a U.S. demographic.

“What’s a perfect day for an Australian is not a perfect day for an American,” said Mark Tamis, Royal Caribbean’s senior vice president of hotel operations. “Thrilling for an Australian might be snorkeling while a thrill for an American might be going down a water slide … not that Australians don’t also like water slides, of course.”

One thing Americans and Australians can agree on, and this goes for everyone else in the world, is having a safe cruise vacation. There could be trouble in paradise if one heeds the warnings of the U.S. Department of State. Travel advisories have been issued for some of the most popular cruise destinations.

Haiti was at Level 4 at press time, a classification that means “do not travel” to that nation due to “kidnapping, crime, civil unrest, and poor health care infrastructure.” According to the executive agency’s advisory, “Violent crime, such as armed robbery, carjackings, and kidnappings for ransom that include American citizens are common.”

The Bahamas was at Level 2 at last check, but despite the less severe designation, the federal department says increased caution should still be exercised due to “violent crime, such as burglaries, armed robberies and sexual assaults,” particularly in Nassau and Grand Bahama.

Because cruise lines’ private island destinations are under heavy control and security, they can be regarded as sanctuaries, protected from unsavory activities that may occur outside their enclosed perimeters.

“One of the significant benefits of private destinations is they provide a safe environment for passengers,” said maritime lawyer Spencer Aronfeld (www.aronfeld.com). “This is my 33rd year repping passengers. I’ve handled a lot of accidents at these cruise line resorts, but never by third-party crime.”

If there is a downside to these private islands, according to Aronfeld, it’s that they deprive guests of an authentic port experience.

“Take Virgin’s Bimini Beach Club,” he said. “I feel really bad for passengers because they don’t see anything about Bimini. There’s no difference between the club and, say, Fort Lauderdale. But where there’s high crime, these resorts at least give people a chance to say they’ve been on the island. It’s sad to some degree, but it’s better than nothing.”

If you go …

Carnival Cruise Line — carnival.com

Disney Cruise Line — disneycruiseline.com

Holland America Line — hollandamerica.com

MSC Cruises — msccruisesusa.com

Norwegian Cruise Line — ncl.com

Oceania Cruises — oceaniacruises.com

Princess Cruises — princess.com

Royal Caribbean International — royalcaribbean.com

Virgin Voyages — virginvoyages.com

Perhaps most surprising among the new destinations — in terms of design, food and hospitality — is a renovated 132-year-old hotel in Ouray, once a miners settlement, now known for hot springs and dramatic mountain backdrops (and nicknamed accordingly as the Switzerland of America).

In Ouray’s historic center, The Western Hotel & Spa is an original, three-story wood structure, built as a boarding house during the town’s mining era. Over the last two years, Denver-based Zeppelin Hospitality carefully restored the hotel to preserve much of its 19th-century character while bringing it firmly into the present. And, as of May, The Western has officially reopened.

Guests and visitors will find a new saloon and wood-fired restaurant on the main floor, 16 guest rooms upstairs and a subterranean spa set to open later this summer.

“It’s kind of like an accident of history that this pretty modest boarding house was still intact,” said Kyle Zeppelin, who developed The Source, among other projects in Denver, before starting his new hospitality company and branching out to the mountains. “The challenge with the renovation was really to take it back to its original glory, peeling back layers that didn’t really have too much to do with where it started.”

When The Western opened in 1891, Ouray was still experiencing a heyday, shortly before the silver crash that came just two years later. The hotel building has stayed in operation, in one form or another. But when Zeppelin and his team came across it during the pandemic, they felt called to take on another project similar to their transformation of a late 19th-century foundry in Denver’s River North Arts District.

The Source Market Hall opened in 2013, a decade before Zeppelin Development and its new hospitality arm made their way farther West.

“What we’ve learned along the way (developing in Denver): It’s hard to build character into one generation of development,” Zeppelin said. “Really it takes generations and layers … to really make a great place.”

In late 2022, Zeppelin sold The Source Hotel + Market Hall for $70 million. Earlier this year, he opened the A-Frame Club in Winter Park. That hotel features 31 striking, triangular cabins clustered behind a saloon (both A-Frame Club and The Western are united by their culinary programs created by Michelin-trained and former Denver chef Nic Weber).

After selling his major Denver hotel and restaurants, Zeppelin said, his company is focusing on destinations that might have previously been overlooked in terms of luxury or boutique hospitality offerings. So while Winter Park and Ouray have hotel rooms to spare, Zeppelin thinks he can fill a niche in the style and quality of their accommodations.

At The Western, leather-upholstered beds, Colorado-made quilts, wood rockers, working fireplaces and free-standing tubs add to the refreshed Old West ambiance. The saloon’s floor is covered in an original painted mural, while the hotel’s walls are covered in patterned wallpaper.

Nods to regional history continue on the restaurant’s menu, where Weber, the hotels’ culinary director, is using wood fire to make most dishes. He hopes to start to tell a story of Western cuisine and its various influences through these mountain restaurant menus, serving dishes such as sous-vide bone-in short ribs, succotash served with Oaxacan mole and Ute tribe blue cornbread smothered in duck confit gravy.

“We’re trying to bring that attention to detail that comes with fine dining without as much of the pretension,” Weber said.

The only thing missing currently from the hotel’s full lineup is its spa, which should complement Ouray’s existing town and private hot springs, Zeppelin said. By summer, The Western’s cavernous basement will be transformed with hot and cold saltwater plunge pools plus private rooms for spa treatments.

Zeppelin envisions weddings and more group events taking place between the spa, hotel and restaurant. His hope is that travelers want to experience the remote San Juan mountains with a bit of luxury tacked on at the end of the day.

“To be able to bring (The Western) back to its original glory and beyond, that can be a draw, he said. “This was (about) taking an existing hotel and matching the features with the caliber of the town, the building itself and the mountains around it.”

If you go

The Western is now open at 210 Seventh Ave. in Ouray. Find room availability, rates and more information at thewesternouray.com.

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter, In The Know, to get entertainment news sent straight to your inbox.

The number of U.S. passengers flying to international destinations in April increased 28% compared with the same month last year, according to the International Trade Administration.

“Demand is strong this summer for international trips as it is the first full summer season with fully open international travel,” Hayley Berg, lead economist at Hopper, a travel booking app, said in an email.

Months after international borders opened, “revenge travel” seems to be alive and well. But where are U.S. travelers heading? And how have these geographical trends shifted over time?

Travel trends among U.S. travelers

More U.S. travelers flew to Europe in April 2023 than any other destination, according to International Trade Association data, though Mexico and the Caribbean were also popular.

That trend is likely to continue, according to forward-looking booking data from Hopper.

“Demand for trips to Europe represents almost 40% of all international searches, up from 36% of searches for summer in May 2019,” said Berg.

Yet these travel patterns differ significantly compared with 2019, despite the end of border restrictions, suggesting that the pandemic may have shifted how — and where — U.S. passengers travel abroad.

The number of U.S. passengers traveling to Europe in April 2023 compared with 2019 saw only a 13% increase — much less than areas like the Middle East, Africa and South America, which saw huge passenger volume spikes.

Even though airfare to Asia and Oceania (Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific) are high due to increased popularity, demand remains below 2019 levels.

Factors at play

Some of these trends could be left over from travel habits formed in 2021 and 2022.

Mexico, for example, saw a boom in U.S. travelers during the pandemic because of its relatively open borders. This trend has continued in 2023, with a 30% increase this April compared with the same month in 2019.

But another factor could be in the mix here, beyond simple traveler preferences: airline capacity (and its downstream impacts on price).

For example, while airline capacity to most regions has nearly reached 2019 levels, capacity for Asian destinations lagged at 83% in March, according to a report from IBA, an aviation consulting company.

That means that while many U.S. travelers may wish to visit Asian countries, there may not be enough flights to meet this demand.

This has another effect: Driving up prices. Price data from Hopper shows that while domestic airfare prices have actually dropped for summer 2023 compared with 2022, flights to Asia are much more expensive, averaging $1,817.

Travelers may not be willing to pay these exorbitant fares, which could explain why travel volume to Asia was still 20% off its 2019 level in April.

If airlines can provide the missing capacity in the coming months, prices should come down and passenger numbers could rebound even more.

Budgets loom

Another factor that could impact travel trends moving forward: dwindling budgets. While travel abroad isn’t slowing down, consumers do seem to be getting more price-conscious.

“Though travelers started the planning process later in 2022, they returned to the app to check the price of their trip 25% to 50% more than in previous years,” said Berg, citing Hopper’s data.

Travelers seeking a bargain could stay closer to home, avoiding pricey long-distance flights. Or they could start paring back their travel generally. Yet the data doesn’t suggest that U.S. consumers are backing off just yet.

“If Americans have shown us anything in the last three years it’s that their travel budgets are resilient,” said Berg.

More From NerdWallet

In this distinctly non-drought 2023, though, that roar is thunderous and likely to get even more so, thanks to California’s epic snowpack. Snowmelt is sending the Merced River to flood stage and beyond, with flooding in Yosemite Valley likely through early July. So all the usual warnings — check the National Park Service site for trail and road condition updates before you go, exercise extreme caution on those slippery trails and maintain a safe distance from rivers, creeks and waterfalls — apply tenfold.

But it also means that those glorious waterfalls are going to be a spectacle for months to come. (Lucky us!) So plan your trip for late summer or early fall, when the crowds thin out. Here’s where to stay and what to do, including a few tips for those traveling with rambunctious tots.

On our last waterfall-seeking adventure, my husband and I were traveling with our then-18-month-old son, so we kept our expectations low about how much we could get done with a toddler in tow. Our goal: One big adventure each morning, followed by lunch and naptime — and then pool time and a relaxing dinner at our resort just outside the park, Rush Creek Lodge and Spa near the Big Oak Flat entrance to the park, with easy access to Hetch Hetchy. This cadence worked really well for us — something for parents and grandparents to consider if you want to experience the wonders of the park, while not ticking off your tiny dictators.

Hiking Hetch Hetchy

On our first full day at Yosemite, we tackled a challenging 5-mile hike (harder when you’rewearing a baby!) to Wapama Falls. The trail runs along the Hetch Hetchy reservoir, where the views of dazzling blue water and stunning, rugged rocks add to the adventure.

Wildflowers—and the butterflies they attract—add an extra dimension of beauty. Even our baby was impressed. “Wow!” he shouted every half hour or so, as we passed a burst of flowers, a colorful cluster of butterflies or one of the many glimpses of the waterfall.

A word of warning: Pedestrian bridges at the top of the trail take you within splashing distance of the powerful cascade. It’s extremely tempting to cross and experience that, but the water is icy and powerful, the bridge slippery and treacherous, and a fall here can be fatal. Save this experience for another year, when conditions are not so dangerous.

A few tips: Wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen, as the trail is mostly exposed. There is no potable water on the trail, so you’ll want to pack at least one liter of water per person.

Hiking with a baby or toddler? The first half-mile or so of the hike is so flat and smooth, you can use a stroller. Once the trail grows rocky and steep, just park the stroller on the side of the trail, out of the way, so it’s not a hindrance for others. If your experience is anything like ours, just about every hiker you pass will delight that they found the baby that belongs to the stroller and comment on the fact that it is still there.

We encountered plenty of friendly hikers like these, but this trail is considered one ofYosemite’s less crowded waterfall hikes, and there were many times when it felt like it was just us, the rocks and the water.

Biking the Valley

Later in the week, we ventured out on two wheels to explore Yosemite Valley, where you’ll find the more famous landmarks you probably know from Ansel Adams photos. Getting around via bike is the best way to see them all without spending precious time waiting for the shuttle bus or stuck in traffic, which is formidable through the summer (and delightfully absent in the fall).

The 12-mile bike trail is a completely flat, circular loop, so it’s very hard to get lost (thiscoming from someone who gets lost in her own neighborhood). If you’re not up for all 12 miles,you can take on a shorter segment, of course. We rented bikes — and a bike trailer for our little one — at Curry Village. (We packed a baby carrier, too, because the distance from the bicycle parking areas to some of these sites is a hike.)

If You Go

Yosemite National Park: Find details on the park, road and trail conditions and accommodations at www.nps.gov/yose/index.htm. This year’s extraordinary snow and rainfall have impacted everything from campsites to highways to Half Dome cables. Highway 120, for example, which connects the Big Oak Flat entrance and Yosemite Valley, is scheduled to reopen in mid-June. A 7-day park pass is $35 per vehicle.

Bike rentals: Three Yosemite venues offer bicycle rentals, including Curry Village, Yosemite Village and Yosemite Valley Lodge, for $30 for a half day and $40 for a full day. Rental bikes with an attached trailer ($55/$75) are also available. Find details at www.travelyosemite.com/things-to-do/biking/.

Rush Creek Lodge and Spa: Rooms start at $228 during the off season and $500 during summer/peak season. Find the lodge at 34001 Highway 120 in Groveland; www.rushcreeklodge.com.

In this distinctly non-drought 2023, though, that roar is thunderous and likely to get even more so, thanks to California’s epic snowpack. Snowmelt is sending the Merced River to flood stage and beyond, with flooding in Yosemite Valley likely through early July. So all the usual warnings — check the National Park Service site for trail and road condition updates before you go, exercise extreme caution on those slippery trails and maintain a safe distance from rivers, creeks and waterfalls — apply tenfold.

But it also means that those glorious waterfalls are going to be a spectacle for months to come. (Lucky us!) So plan your trip for late summer or early fall, when the crowds thin out. Here’s where to stay and what to do, including a few tips for those traveling with rambunctious tots.

On our last waterfall-seeking adventure, my husband and I were traveling with our then-18-month-old son, so we kept our expectations low about how much we could get done with a toddler in tow. Our goal: One big adventure each morning, followed by lunch and naptime — and then pool time and a relaxing dinner at our resort just outside the park, Rush Creek Lodge and Spa near the Big Oak Flat entrance to the park, with easy access to Hetch Hetchy. This cadence worked really well for us — something for parents and grandparents to consider if you want to experience the wonders of the park, while not ticking off your tiny dictators.

Hiking Hetch Hetchy

On our first full day at Yosemite, we tackled a challenging 5-mile hike (harder when you’rewearing a baby!) to Wapama Falls. The trail runs along the Hetch Hetchy reservoir, where the views of dazzling blue water and stunning, rugged rocks add to the adventure.

Wildflowers—and the butterflies they attract—add an extra dimension of beauty. Even our baby was impressed. “Wow!” he shouted every half hour or so, as we passed a burst of flowers, a colorful cluster of butterflies or one of the many glimpses of the waterfall.

A word of warning: Pedestrian bridges at the top of the trail take you within splashing distance of the powerful cascade. It’s extremely tempting to cross and experience that, but the water is icy and powerful, the bridge slippery and treacherous, and a fall here can be fatal. Save this experience for another year, when conditions are not so dangerous.

A few tips: Wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen, as the trail is mostly exposed. There is no potable water on the trail, so you’ll want to pack at least one liter of water per person.

Hiking with a baby or toddler? The first half-mile or so of the hike is so flat and smooth, you can use a stroller. Once the trail grows rocky and steep, just park the stroller on the side of the trail, out of the way, so it’s not a hindrance for others. If your experience is anything like ours, just about every hiker you pass will delight that they found the baby that belongs to the stroller and comment on the fact that it is still there.

We encountered plenty of friendly hikers like these, but this trail is considered one ofYosemite’s less crowded waterfall hikes, and there were many times when it felt like it was just us, the rocks and the water.

Biking the Valley

Later in the week, we ventured out on two wheels to explore Yosemite Valley, where you’ll find the more famous landmarks you probably know from Ansel Adams photos. Getting around via bike is the best way to see them all without spending precious time waiting for the shuttle bus or stuck in traffic, which is formidable through the summer (and delightfully absent in the fall).

The 12-mile bike trail is a completely flat, circular loop, so it’s very hard to get lost (thiscoming from someone who gets lost in her own neighborhood). If you’re not up for all 12 miles,you can take on a shorter segment, of course. We rented bikes — and a bike trailer for our little one — at Curry Village. (We packed a baby carrier, too, because the distance from the bicycle parking areas to some of these sites is a hike.)

If You Go

Yosemite National Park: Find details on the park, road and trail conditions and accommodations at www.nps.gov/yose/index.htm. This year’s extraordinary snow and rainfall have impacted everything from campsites to highways to Half Dome cables. Highway 120, for example, which connects the Big Oak Flat entrance and Yosemite Valley, is scheduled to reopen in mid-June. A 7-day park pass is $35 per vehicle.

Bike rentals: Three Yosemite venues offer bicycle rentals, including Curry Village, Yosemite Village and Yosemite Valley Lodge, for $30 for a half day and $40 for a full day. Rental bikes with an attached trailer ($55/$75) are also available. Find details at www.travelyosemite.com/things-to-do/biking/.

Rush Creek Lodge and Spa: Rooms start at $228 during the off season and $500 during summer/peak season. Find the lodge at 34001 Highway 120 in Groveland; www.rushcreeklodge.com.

While some people rightfully detest airports, NerdWallet has rounded up a collection of nine U.S. airports that are enjoyable to spend time in. Some are like a cozy coffee shop, while others have retro vibes that harken back to the golden age of aviation. These airports were chosen for several reasons, some of which might include their unbeatable views, unique amenities, charming atmosphere — or a combination of it all.

But NerdWallet also included key details that can impact the airport experience, including on-time arrivals rate, based on Bureau of Transportation Statistics data between February 2022 and February 2023. For comparison, the national average on-time arrivals rate is 76.98%.

To qualify for this list, airports also had to have fewer than 1.5 million arriving passengers in 2022. To put that into perspective, America’s largest airport by arriving passengers — Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International — had more than 37 million arriving passengers in 2022.

The data is sorted by the number of arriving passengers in 2022, also based on BTS data, from most to least.

9. Long Beach Airport

(Photo courtesy of Long Beach Airport)

Long Beach, California

On-time arrivals rate: 78.9%.

Total 2022 passengers (departing): 1.3 million.

Total 2022 passengers (arriving): 1.3 million.

Airlines served: Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest Airlines.

Long Beach Airport is the oldest airport in California, and it still largely maintains the art deco style there when it was built in 1941. Today, the avant-garde work of architecture is a recognized historical landmark. And while many of the original features have been preserved, such as a mosaic masterwork incorporating more than a million hand-cut tiles, there are also modern touches.

A sprawling, post-security outdoor space makes it possible to take advantage of Southern California’s sunshine before departure. Most eateries are an extension of Long Beach’s local food scene, such as the airport outpost of Sweet Jill’s Bakery — famous for its cinnamon rolls.

8. Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport

Belgrade, Montana

On-time arrivals rate: 78.2%.

Total 2022 passengers (departing): 981,807.

Total 2022 passengers (arriving): 970,728.

Airlines served: Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Avelo Airlines, Delta, JetBlue Airways, Southwest, Sun Country Airlines, and United Airlines.

Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport has cozy mountain vibes, designed with natural wood and stone. Gaze at the crackling fireplace inside, or enjoy the picturesque views of the mountain outside.

7. Asheville Regional Airport

Fletcher, North Carolina

On-time arrivals rate: 77.23%.

Total 2022 passengers (departing): 756,726.

Total 2022 passengers (arriving): 761,652.

Airlines served: Allegiant, American, Delta, JetBlue, Sun Country, and United.

Asheville is known for its vibrant art scene, and that extends to Asheville Regional Airport. Inside, you might hear a concert pianist performing on the airport’s grand piano or a live musical performance by local schools, choral groups or folk musicians. There’s also an art gallery featuring rotating, curated artwork exhibits by local fine artists.

Though small, the airport is growing: The airport says it saw a 29% increase in 2022 passengers over 2021 — and that 2022 marked the highest number of passengers ever served in one year for the airport.

6. Santa Barbara Municipal Airport

(Photo by Sally French)

Santa Barbara, California

On-time arrivals rate: 78.9%.

Total 2022 passengers (departing): 505,104.

Total 2022 passengers (arriving): 503,645.

Airlines served: Alaska, American, Southwest, and United.

Santa Barbara Municipal Airport is decorated with Mediterranean-style colorful tiles, rustic lanterns, modern art and beautiful Spanish murals, reflecting the distinctive architecture throughout the city. There’s also a small outdoor seating area for plane spotting and enjoying the landscaping of local plants, such as purple sage, magenta bougainvillea and lemon trees.

The airport is growing, having “experienced a faster than predicted operational recovery” in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a statement from the airport. Much of that was driven by the addition of Southwest, which began service in Santa Barbara in 2021 with routes including Las Vegas and Denver.

The airport also has a mini museum on Santa Barbara’s aviation history, including photos of actor James Dean with a 356 Speedster race car — as his last drag race was at the airport.

5. Jackson Hole Airport

Jackson, Wyoming

On-time arrivals rate: 78.4%.

Total 2022 passengers (departing): 351,977.

Total 2022 passengers (arriving): 338,015.

Airlines served: Alaska, American, Delta, Sun Country, and United.

Located within Grand Teton National Park at the base of the Teton mountain range, Jackson Hole Airport has spectacular views.

The airport offers standard services like a restaurant, market and gift shop, but here’s something particularly charming: the Teton County Library Bookshelf. You can take a book with you or leave a book for the next visitor.

Cozy up to the fireplace or spread out on one of the branded wooden benches, representing the ranching families in Jackson Hole for generations.

4. Cherry Capital Airport

Traverse City, Michigan

On-time arrivals rate: 79.8%.

Total 2022 passengers (departing): 254,263.

Total 2022 passengers (arriving): 250,777.

Airlines served: Allegiant, American, Delta, JetBlue, and United.

Cherry Capital Airport’s architecture and design are inspired by the renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s works, with details like copper light fixtures, stone wainscoting and stained glass. The welcome area, complete with a stone fireplace, feels more like a lodge than an airport.

3. Ketchikan International Airport

Ketchikan, Alaska

On-time arrivals rate: 80.1%.

Total 2022 passengers (departing): 125,641.

Total 2022 passengers (arriving): 125,994.

Airlines served: Alaska.

To get to and from the airport and the actual city of Ketchikan, you’ll likely end up boarding a ferry. The five-minute ride on the water only adds to the charming experience of Ketchikan International Airport, located on Gravina Island.

2. Martha’s Vineyard Airport

(Photo courtesy of Tim Johnson, Martha’s Vineyard Airport)

West Tisbury, Massachusetts

On-time arrivals rate: 76.7%.

Total 2022 passengers (departing): 66,698.

Total 2022 passengers (arriving): 67,464.

Airlines served: American, Cape Air, Delta, and JetBlue.

The airport terminal is built in the same Cape Cod style found across the island of Martha’s Vineyard, down to its cedar shingles. Look out the window as you take off and land for aerial views of the island’s beaches and lighthouses.

It’s centrally located in the middle of the 100-square-mile island. And for those staying in Edgartown, you might even take the bus, as it’s just a three-minute ride to the classic New England seaport village.

1. Branson Airport

(Photo courtesy of Branson Airport)

Hollister, Missouri

On-time arrivals rate: 61.7%.

Total 2022 passengers (departing): 5,999.

Total 2022 passengers (arriving): 6,016.

Airlines served: Sun Country.

Located in the heart of the Ozark Mountains, Branson Airport captures the broader spirit of Branson, which is known for its live entertainment, lakes, museums and historic downtown. The airport has a wild west vibe, featuring facades of a saloon and sawmill, plus a real babbling creek inside.

If you have time before going through security, you might grab a meal at Branson Jet Center, which offers outdoor patio dining adjacent to a putting green. And while Bass Pro Shops is generally known for its massive size, there’s also a relatively tiny Bass Pro Shops General Store inside the airport.

(Top photo courtesy of Blake Bronstad, Santa Barbara Airport)

More From NerdWallet

But summer can also be an expensive time to travel, which makes it hard to budget enough money for your vacation.

Though it’s best to pay in cash for nonessential travel, there are financing options available, including credit cards, “buy now, pay later” plans and vacation loans. Consider the interest rate and how long you’ll be in debt when deciding which to choose.

The challenges of budgeting for summer travel

Travel demand is in “near-record territory” with all indicators pointing to a “very robust summer leisure travel season,” the U.S. Travel Association, a nonprofit that monitors the U.S. travel industry, said in an email. According to the association, demand has driven up prices in sectors like airfare and lodging.

Even without higher prices, travel is tough to budget for, says Jake Northrup, a certified financial planner in Bristol, Rhode Island.

“Travel usually comes in big waves, and there’s just a lot of uncertainty as to what things will actually cost,” Northrup says.

Adrienne Davis, a certified financial planner in the Washington, D.C., area, says her clients often receive last-minute offers to go on trips with friends or family, which leads to a cash shortage.

“We don’t expect prices to be that high when it’s time to book,” Davis says. “And if your money is already allocated on a month-to-month basis, it’s like, ‘Wow, where am I going to get this extra $500 or $1,000?’”

Northrup and Davis emphasize it’s best to avoid taking on debt for a vacation. But because a trip can mean precious time with loved ones or an enriching personal experience, it’s reasonable to explore your options.

“I certainly understand sometimes the best decision that you can make is not the most financially optimal one, and that’s OK,” Northrup says.

Credit cards, ‘buy now, pay later’ and vacation loans

The majority of travelers this summer (85%) plan to use a credit card to cover travel expenses, according to a survey conducted by The Harris Poll for NerdWallet, though most (74%) plan to pay it off in full within the first billing statement.

Davis prefers a credit card if you must finance a trip because you’ll likely earn points or cash back, which can offset costs. Some cards come with protections, she says, like travel insurance.

But interest rates on credit cards are high, which is why Davis recommends getting a card with a 0% annual percentage rate and paying off the balance during the initial promotional period — typically 15 to 21 months — before regular interest kicks in.

Companies like Affirm and Uplift offer buy now, pay later plans for travel. These plans divide your purchase into equal installments that you pay over time, and interest rates vary.

Uplift partners with airlines, resorts and other travel companies, including some that offer zero-interest financing and terms up to 24 months, depending on the partner and loan amount. Affirm offers no-interest options with terms up to 60 months.

Northrup prefers buy now, pay later if it’s zero interest, but like any debt, it’s important to prioritize repayment to avoid fees or hits to your credit.

A travel loan, or an unsecured personal loan from a bank, an online lender or a credit union, is another option. These loans are larger, and rates vary based on your credit score and debt-to-income ratio. Repayment is typically two to seven years, so consider how long you want to be in debt after your vacation.

Saving for your next trip

Unpacking your bags after a trip with zero debt to repay is a great feeling. Here are tips for saving for your next vacation:

Start now: Time is your most valuable resource when saving. Start putting aside money now for next summer, even if you don’t have a trip planned, Davis says. By saving $85 per month, you’d have over $1,000 saved in a year.

Open a high-yield savings account: Davis and Northrup advise their clients to put travel-specific funds in a separate high-yield savings account. You’ll earn interest, and you won’t accidentally dip into the funds to cover other expenses.

Pick the destination last: Many travelers pick their destination first, then try to come up with the money. But you can reverse that process, Northrup says, by “backing into” the trip you want. See what you have saved, then choose a destination based on that figure.

This article was written by NerdWallet and was originally published by The Associated Press. 

More From NerdWallet

Frontier Airlines has hit more turbulence for troubles that, despite relatively low fares, have shaken relations with travelers.

A new analysis of the nation’s 10 major airlines ranked Frontier last, citing high rates of “bumping” passengers involuntarily off flights, customer complaints, and fees for bags and changed flights. This seventh-annual report found that all airlines deteriorated in their performance with overall complaints increasing in 2022 by 87%. But Denver-based Frontier’s reported data from 2022 showed that company gate agents denied boarding for more than 6,000 passengers against their wishes, an average of more than 16 every day and roughly 1 out of every 3,752 travelers, according to the report by “The Points Guy,” a travel information website. And Frontier led also in the rate of complaints with 22.6 for every 100,000 travelers in 2022 — more than twice the number of complaints reported by Spirit, the second-to-last carrier in that category.

Atlanta-based Delta Airlines fared best for the fifth year in a row in this multi-factor analysis.

Frontier’s descent in the rankings reflects frequent friction between the company and fliers in recent years that have prompted Colorado authorities to demand a federal investigation.

On Sunday, a woman who boarded a Frontier flight from Denver to Tampa “became belligerent” and was ushered off the plane. She hit a Frontier flight attendant with an intercom handset, according to a Frontier statement about that incident, and was arrested by Denver police. The police cited her for assault, then helped her find another flight to Tampa.

Frontier offers relatively low base fares but no longer makes agents available by phone in a booking process that seeks fees for services, and sometimes at airports travelers must agree to pay a fee to talk with a check-in counter agent. Online “chatbots” automated responses to common questions and “live chat” online messaging allow a form of interaction. And baggage size limits increasingly are enforced with gate agents paid a $10 bonus for every boarding passenger they catch with a bag that fails to fit into a measuring box set up at gates. Fliers caught with oversize bags must pay $99 penalties to be allowed to board. Customers in recent weeks have chafed at this practice, complaining they were charged unfairly.

Frontier officials declined to comment on the rankings or to discuss friction with fliers.

However, Frontier spokeswoman Jennifer de la Cruz acknowledged, in emailed statements, “a commission for gate agents” who catch fliers who try to board planes with oversize bags. “We have on a number of occasions investigated specific claims by customers who say they were unfairly charged for a bag at the gate and typically find there is more to the story. All complaints are taken seriously and consumers are encouraged to contact our Customer Care Team with any concerns,” de la Cruz said, referring to Frontier’s online options.

The $10 commission “is simply designed to incentivize our team members to ensure compliance with the bag size requirements to ensure all customers are treated fairly, including the majority who comply with the rules,” she said.

Do fliers always have to pay to speak with a Frontier employee at the ticket counter? “It depends,” de la Cruz said via email. “If it is something they can easily do themselves on their phone/online, then, yes, there is an agent assist fee. If it is not something they can easily do on their own, there is no charge.”

Is Frontier reconsidering whether to restore direct human contact in-person or by phone rather than rely on the online “chatbot” and “live chat” options? “We do not have plans at this time to move away from chat versus voice calls.”

In Colorado, no other airline has racked up complaints as frequently as Frontier, which had a rate of more than 600 complaints in 2020, according to Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser. In August, Weiser called on the U.S. Department of Transportation to investigate Frontier. Weiser also led a coalition of attorneys general from 38 states (including California, New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio and Virginia) pushing federal airline industry regulators to address flier woes.

Weiser contends air travelers booking tickets “should enjoy a reasonable expectation of being treated fairly, respectfully, and consistently by airlines.”

He and fellow state attorneys, in a letter to Congress, said that, while federal law places the central responsibility for protecting airline customers on federal transportation officials, little has been done to hold airlines accountable amid rising complaints. State attorneys argued that they are well-positioned to protect consumers — if Congress would authorize them to do so.

When a Frontier flight from San Diego to Denver this week was delayed due to a mechanical failure, gate agents gave passengers a choice to re-book on next-available Frontier flights that would require overnight stays in connecting airports at fliers’ expense. Then after five hours of delay due to the mechanical breakdown – apparently due to a faulty fire detector in a cargo hold, a crew member said — the plane was cleared for take-off. But agents refused to allow passengers who had rebooked onto lengthier fights the next day to re-board the flight to Denver, even though their seats still were available.

Gate agents threatened to call the police when one angry passenger yelled.

The pilot then intervened, telling gate agents he was going to override their refusal. On his phone, he reached a live “passenger planning” official who approved a re-boarding of passengers denied access, including a Colorado Springs couple with a 6-month-old child.

On the flight, passenger Rachel Bliss of Highlands Ranch, a boiler company sales engineer and mother of three children, lamented difficulties seeking refunds for her children’s tickets after a Frontier flight cancellation. And at the gate before the Denver flight, Bliss said, she’d faced paying the $99 fee to board when her daypack measured too big — until she “collaborated” with another passenger to avert the penalty by off-loading some of her items into the other passenger’s bag.

After witnessing fliers’ rancor and wrangling over five hours of uncertain waiting in San Diego, Bliss shook her head upon landing on the tarmac back in Denver.

“Maybe we should form a Frontier Airlines flyer support group,” she said. “I really do feel trauma-bonded with these people who went through so much.”

With inflation not fully tamed and Memorial Day weekend marking the unofficial start of summer, be warned that some vacation expenses are overheated.

It wasn’t long ago that numerous businesses, particularly those that sell “fun,” were greatly limited or even shuttered due to pandemic limitations. So, discounting was needed to lure customers until the business restrictions dissolved.

For summer 2023, those “welcome back” specials are history. Travel and hospitality businesses are jammed. And like many labor-intensive industries, there’s a worker shortage for leisurely endeavors. That has trimmed the availability of services and raised an operator’s costs.

To gauge price pain across the spectrum of vacation spending, my trusty spreadsheet looked at 10 slices of the Consumer Price Index tracking common traveler expenditures. This vacation inflation scorecard compared price averages for the first four months of this year vs. the same timeframe last year and in 2019 — way back when nobody knew what a coronavirus was.

The results suggest leaving town won’t be “leisurely” for your wallet. Remember, even the cost to stay home has soared. Overall inflation averaged 6% annual gains in this year’s first four months and is up 19% since 2019.

Be warned: some fun expenses have increased even more swiftly …

Pain ports

Airfares: 16% pricier this year and up 9% since 2019. Planes will be packed so don’t expect airlines to be enticing folks to fly. And flight numbers are down due to staffing shortages. Jet fuel remains pricey.

Outdoor supplies: 11% costlier this year and up 28% since 2019. The supply-chain woes are gone, so supplies are plentiful, but demand for the required outdoor gear grows.

Dining out: 8% pricier this year and up 24% in four years. Restaurants are full of diners and short of staff. And it’s not just rising labor costs — costs of ingredients and other supplies remain elevated.

Hotels: 7% more expensive this year and up 16% since 2019. “No Vacancy” signs have become as common as pre-pandemic days. So there are few discounted room rates, and labor costs are surging, too — if staff can be found.

Entertainment: 7% costlier movies, theaters and concerts this year. Admission prices are up 17% since 2019 as folks no longer avoid crowds. The talent is more expensive, for both performers and workers who operate the venues.

Booze, beer, wine: 6% pricier for “alcohol away from home” this year — and up 16% since 2019.  Bars had a rough time during the pandemic, as many locations could not do what eateries could — take-out and delivery meals.

Sports tickets: 3% costlier this year and up 1% since 2019. Athletic attendance hasn’t rebounded as robustly as other entertainment options. But seeing a game can get costly once you’re inside the stadium or arena.

Bargain breaks

Cruises: 2% cheaper this year and down 6% since 2019. It’s not that demand hasn’t returned, there’s just oodles of competition for cruise-ship travel.

Car rentals: 5% less expensive this year but up 49% since 2019. Finding a rental car has gone from impossible to probable. Car rental companies have trimmed prices modestly.

Gasoline: 9% cheaper this year but up 38% in four years. Petroleum supplies are back in line with demand. Production interruptions are minimal. And there’s relative geopolitical calm— always good for the wallets of drivers.

Location. Location. Location.

Don’t forget geographic twists, so the hit to your wallet may vary depending where you’re headed.

Ponder this slice of vacation-related spending, what’s dubbed “recreation” costs. Nationwide, it’s up 5% in a year and 12% over four years.

In Midwestern states, recreation is 6% costlier in the past year and 15% pricier over four years. It’s up 6% in the West in a year, 13% over four. In the South, it’s 5% recreation inflation this year and 12% since 2019.

So, where are the bargains, geographically? Northeast states are up just 2% since 2022, and 11% in four years.

Jonathan Lansner is the business columnist for the Southern California News Group. He can be reached at jlansner@scng.com

With inflation not fully tamed and Memorial Day weekend marking the unofficial start of summer, be warned that some vacation expenses are overheated.

It wasn’t long ago that numerous businesses, particularly those that sell “fun,” were greatly limited or even shuttered due to pandemic limitations. So, discounting was needed to lure customers until the business restrictions dissolved.

For summer 2023, those “welcome back” specials are history. Travel and hospitality businesses are jammed. And like many labor-intensive industries, there’s a worker shortage for leisurely endeavors. That has trimmed the availability of services and raised an operator’s costs.

To gauge price pain across the spectrum of vacation spending, my trusty spreadsheet looked at 10 slices of the Consumer Price Index tracking common traveler expenditures. This vacation inflation scorecard compared price averages for the first four months of this year vs. the same timeframe last year and in 2019 – way back when nobody knew what a coronavirus was.

The results suggest leaving town won’t be “leisurely” for your wallet. Remember, even the cost to stay home has soared. Overall inflation averaged 6% annual gains in this year’s first four months and is up 19% since 2019.

Be warned: some fun expenses have increased even more swiftly …

Pain ports

Airfares: 16% pricier this year and up 9% since 2019. Planes will be packed so don’t expect airlines to be enticing folks to fly. And flight numbers are down due to staffing shortages. Jet fuel remains pricey.

Outdoor supplies: 11% costlier this year and up 28% since 2019. The supply-chain woes are gone, so supplies are plentiful, but demand for the required outdoor gear grows.

Dining out: 8% pricier this year and up 24% in four years. Restaurants are full of diners and short of staff. And it’s not just rising labor costs – costs of ingredients and other supplies remain elevated.

Hotels: 7% more expensive this year and up 16% since 2019. “No Vacancy” signs have become as common as pre-pandemic days. So there are few discounted room rates, and labor costs are surging, too – if staff can be found.

Entertainment: 7% costlier movies, theaters and concerts this year. Admission prices are up 17% since 2019 as folks no longer avoid crowds. The talent is more expensive, for both performers and workers who operate the venues.

Booze, beer, wine: 6% pricier for “alcohol away from home” this year – and up 16% since 2019.  Bars had a rough time during the pandemic, as many locations could not do what eateries could – take-out and delivery meals.

Sports tickets: 3% costlier this year and up 1% since 2019. Athletic attendance hasn’t rebounded as robustly as other entertainment options. But seeing a game can get costly once you’re inside the stadium or arena.

Bargain breaks

Cruises: 2% cheaper this year and down 6% since 2019. It’s not that demand hasn’t returned, there’s just oodles of competition for cruise-ship travel.

Car rentals: 5% less expensive this year but up 49% since 2019. Finding a rental car has gone from impossible to probable. Car rental companies have trimmed prices modestly.

Gasoline: 9% cheaper this year but up 38% in four years. Petroleum supplies are back in line with demand. Production interruptions are minimal. And there’s relative geopolitical calm – always good for the wallets of drivers.

Location. Location. Location.

Don’t forget geographic twists, so the hit to your wallet may vary depending where you’re headed.

Ponder this slice of vacation-related spending, what’s dubbed “recreation” costs. Nationwide, it’s up 5% in a year and 12% over four years.

In Midwestern states, recreation is 6% costlier in the past year and 15% pricier over four years. It’s up 6% in the West in a year, 13% over four. In the South, it’s 5% recreation inflation this year and 12% since 2019.

So, where are the bargains, geographically? Northeast states are up just 2% since 2022, and 11% in four years.

Jonathan Lansner is the business columnist for the Southern California News Group. He can be reached at jlansner@scng.com

A recent visit there, before Memorial Day but after the cold passed, helped me realize that it’s the little things that make Nantucket a big adventure.

And while you may find these suggestions busier in the summer months, seeking them out will still make your visit extra special.

Time to savor the doughnuts

A friend had told me I simply had to grab breakfast at The Downyflake on Sparks Avenue (https://www.thedownyflake.com) a family-owned diner that’s been a local fave for nearly 90 years.

It’s lovely and comfy, and the service and menu are great – but oh, those doughnuts.

Cooked fresh all day, they’re crusty and buttery on the outside, flaky on the inside and come in amazing flavors. You can choose to have one instead of toast, or add one (we proclaimed them breakfast appetizers and scarfed one down while waiting on our food. We also proclaimed them breakfast dessert because you cannot have just one). You can also grab a bunch to go.

Worth the ferry ride alone.

I’m always drawn to independent book stores, so it’s no surprise I meandered into Mitchell’s Book Corner (https://www.mitchellsbookcorner.com) right on Main Street. In business since 1968, it’s a true book store, where the staff can give you recommendations and you just feel invited to browse.

I headed – as I often do –  to the “local” section, where I like to find books that give me insight on wherever I’m visiting. Of course I’d read “In the Heart of the Sea,” perhaps Nathaniel Philbrick’s most famous title. So when I came across “Away Off Shore,” his very first book that digs into the long history of the island, I knew I’d found the right one.

I brought it back to our rental property (a quick walk from town), settled outside in the warm sun and cracked it open to find that it was signed. What a treat!

Dinner with an over-the-top view

Galley Beach (https://galleybeach.net/home) on Jefferson Avenue does demand a bit from your wallet, but it’s gorgeous beachside dining that isn’t just about the view.

We savored amazing cocktails and meals (my Duck, Duck, Goose appetizer rates as perhaps the best first course I’ve ever had), all while watching the sun set into the ocean across the beautiful sand. You’ll need to reserve ahead of time as it’s super popular, but it’s so special, you’ll want to make the plans, set aside the time and carve out your budget for it.

BBQ Beauty

On the more budget friendly side (Nantucket-wise), check out B-ACK Yard BBQ on Straight Wharf (https://ackbackyard.com) for amazing BBQ and more. We ordered out our first night and were amazed at not just the portion size (We chose “The Feedbag,” which serves three to five but provided us with leftovers for quite some time) and price (under $100 is pretty great for island prices), but also the quality.

We headed to their bar one night for an after dinner drink or two. Their cocktail menu is creative and delicious, and their bartenders attentive and enthusiastic.

Walk about

Try not to use your car, not just because of traffic, but because of what you’ll miss by driving. The lovely flowers, the obvious pride homeowners take in their property, the cool side alleys and best of all, the clever home names make walking places a delight. If we were heading anywhere a mile or so or less, we always walked. And we’re glad of it.

‘Sconset Bluff Foot Path

Permission to wander through the beachside yards of amazing Nantucket homes? Yes, please. The ‘Sconset Bluff Foot Path is like no other. A  narrow, simple unpaved path takes you along the high bluff and so close to front porches you almost want to ask for a coffee. I saw seals frolicking, beautiful blooms, amazing homes and – the big bonus at the walks end – the Sankaty Head Lighthouse.

There were little touches too, like the “shell joke garden” one homeowner set out. Read the joke and flip the shell for the punch line. My day, pre busy season, was quiet. I’m sure it’s busier in the summer and yet, it’s a must do.

Advice? Don’t drive there – parking is at a premium. Rather, rent a bike for a nice ride or take the well-run island bus (trust me; it’s convenient and clean).

There’s not a soul in sight at this secluded Bureau of Land Management (BLM) site. Though we can see some of Zion’s iconic landscapes from our quiet perch atop Smith Mesa, including the Towers of the Virgin rock formations, my friends and I are miles away from the thousands of travelers who flock to the national park each day.

Last year, Zion was the country’s third-busiest national park, with 4.69 million total visits. For travelers who want to experience Zion’s colorful sandstone cliffs and slot canyons, especially during the busy summer months, the park’s popularity typically means crowded hiking trails, long lines at entrance stations, jam-packed shuttles and full-to-the-brim parking lots.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. With a little preparation, it is still possible to plan a relaxing, stress-free trip to Zion and largely steer clear of all the crowds. Here’s how to make it happen.

Ride a bike

During peak season, the road into Zion Canyon is closed to private vehicles — most people access the canyon via free shuttle buses. Zion’s shuttle system is actually really great — the buses run frequently, the drivers are friendly and communicative, and you can listen to insightful recorded information about the park’s history, geology, flora and fauna.

But if you’re looking to get away from other tourists, consider riding a bike instead. This lesser-known way of traveling along Zion Canyon Scenic Drive lets you access all the same areas, but with a more peaceful, nature-filled vibe. And since you’re riding out in the open air, not sitting inside a bus, you’ll have unobstructed views of the towering, 2,000-foot canyon walls.

On a bike, you can stop whenever you want to snap photos, admire a grazing mule deer or peer up at the rock climbers who are brave enough to tackle the exposed sandstone cliffs. If you’re extra lucky, you may even spot an endangered California condor soaring overhead.

For safety reasons, cyclists must stop completely and let shuttles pass whenever one comes up from behind. But even with this minor inconvenience, riding a bike through the canyon is still relaxing and serene because there aren’t any other vehicles on the road. (And, honestly, you’re probably going to want to stop to soak up the scenery every so often anyway.)

Another perk: You can bypass the main Zion Canyon entrance station, which often gets backed up with traffic, and instead head straight for the special pedestrian/bicycle entrance, where you’ll be able to waltz right in. From this entrance, it’s also easy to start your two-wheeled journey into the canyon along the paved Pa’rus Trail, which hugs the Virgin River and features interpretive signs.

Bring your own bike, or rent one from one of the many outfitters nearby. E-bikes are allowed on Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, and many rental shops offer both classic and pedal-assist models to take out for the day. If you want to learn even more about the park, some companies, such as Zion Adventure Co., also offer guided cycling tours ($219 for a half-day tour that includes a rental bike).

Head to the other side of the park

The vast majority of visitors to Zion National Park spend their time in Zion Canyon, which provides access to well-known hiking trails like Angels Landing and the Narrows. If you don’t mind venturing off the beaten path a bit, consider visiting the other side of the park, which is much less trafficked and equally as beautiful.

Situated roughly an hour’s drive from Zion Canyon, the Kolob Canyons area makes up the park’s northwest corner. Here, you can drive your own car, take solitary hikes on more than 20 miles of trails and explore slightly different terrain — chiefly, steep box canyons carved into the edge of the Colorado Plateau.

Orient yourself with a stop at the Kolob Canyons Visitor Center before hiking to Kolob Arch, one of the largest freestanding arches on the planet.

Stay up late

Zion National Park became an International Dark Sky Area in June 2021, and the nearby town of Springdale is also on track to become dark-sky certified this summer. Because there’s very little light pollution here, once the sun goes down, it gets dark — really dark. As such, it’s an ideal destination to stay up a little later than usual and go stargazing. And with all the other Zion visitors asleep in their RVs or hotel beds, you’ll have the place almost entirely to yourself.

The park itself is open 24 hours a day, so you can stay up late, get up super early or set an alarm for the middle of the night to marvel at the night sky. Just outside the bounds of the park in a private field, the tour company Stargazing Zion also hosts nightly stargazing programs ($150 for adults; $85 for kids 12 and under). During these two-hour outings, a local astronomer will take you on a tour of the solar system, point out various constellations and go in-depth on a variety of astronomical and cosmological phenomena, such as the different types of twilight and black holes. Through it all, you’ll be able to relax under a blanket on a squishy, zero-gravity bean bag chair while sipping hot chocolate and looking through a provided pair of binoculars.

You can also stargaze from the comfort of a glamping tent when you book a stay at Open Sky, a new off-grid resort in Virgin, Utah, that opened in the summer of 2021. The property’s “Star Seeker” tents have a large glass ceiling above one of the beds for clear views of the cosmos as you nod off to sleep (nightly rates start at $688).

Venture outside the park

Zion National Park encompasses 229 square miles, or about 150,000 acres. But there are even more public lands to explore when you venture outside the park — and they’re all much less busy than Zion Canyon.

The 7,300-acre Snow Canyon State Park, for instance, has burnt orange petrified dunes that formed when grains of sand solidified into whimsical mounds over millions of years. It also helps safeguard the habitat of 13 vulnerable species protected by federal or state laws, including desert tortoises and Gila monsters.

Inside Red Cliffs National Conservation Area, meanwhile, you’ll find the tracks a three-toed dinosaur made 190 million years ago (likely a Grallator, Kayentapus or Eubrontes dino), as well as petroglyphs and Indigenous rock art.

Go paddleboarding atop the turquoise waters of Sand Hollow Reservoir, located inside Sand Hollow State Park. Keep your eyes peeled for wild horses while zipping around on an all-terrain or utility task vehicle (ATV or UTV) on the Stud Horse Draw loop in Dixie National Forest. Or ride your mountain bike on flowy single-track and slickrock trails at Gooseberry Mesa, managed by the BLM.

Visit during the off-season

Though the summer travel season is upon us, if your schedule allows, consider traveling to Zion in late fall or winter. The park’s monthly visitation statistics tell the whole story: 70% of all tourists come between April and September. December and January combined, for comparison, see just 5% of the park’s annual visitors. Though you may not be able to access the region’s high-alpine terrain, there’s still plenty of wilderness to get out and explore — and your photos of the snow-dusted sandstone cliffs will be mind-blowing.

For many travelers, a Disney cruise actually comes out cheaper than a trip to Walt Disney World.

To better understand Disney Cruise Line versus Disney World costs, NerdWallet analyzed prices for two people sharing one room across three price tiers: Value, Moderate or Deluxe.

Disney World trip costs included four categories:

• Park tickets (and add-ons, such as Genie+).
• On-property hotel room rates.
• Food at park restaurants.
• Add-on activities, such as spa treatments and tours.

Cruise prices are mostly all-inclusive, so the analysis only included:

• Base rates (including taxes and fees).
• Add-on activities.

Here’s a closer look at the data on Disney Cruise Line versus Disney World costs.

Disney Cruise Line vs. Disney World: An overall cost comparison

While the data doesn’t definitively determine whether one is cheaper every time, there are some clear trends.

For longer trips (e.g., seven nights), cruises are always cheaper. Cruises are also a better deal for Deluxe-style trips with larger or fancier rooms, plus activities like spa services.

Here are the average prices across each trip type:

What’s included in a Disney Cruise?

While Disney Cruises have a relatively high base cost, you won’t pay much more once onboard. Cruises include:

A room for two, plus taxes and port fees: Stateroom prices assume double occupancy, so solo travelers owe the same as a couple. They also include taxes and port fees, which vary by location but typically amount to about 15% of stateroom costs. Cramming more than two people in each room incurs an additional cost.

On Disney’s newest ship, the Disney Wish, the lowest-cost, inside staterooms include a queen bed, convertible sofa bed, pull-down bed and bathroom, plus a mini refrigerator and TV.

All meals (except some upgraded choices): Food is free, except for a few upscale restaurants, alcohol and upgraded options. You can eat as much as you want from the onboard restaurants or order complimentary room service (available 24 hours a day).

Soft drinks are included at meals and at certain outposts like the teens-only lounge — but cost extra at bars and lounges. Alcohol is always extra, though Disney lets you bring alcohol onboard in limited quantities.

Most entertainment and activities: Once onboard, you’re free to attend Broadway-quality shows, jump in the pools, hit the gym, visit the nightclubs and meet characters roaming about.

What’s not included in a Disney Cruise?

There are a few extra costs you’ll almost certainly encounter onboard. Extra costs include:

Gratuities: While not required, they’re recommended. Disney suggests $14.50 per person, per night (about $100 extra per person on a seven-night cruise). Disney automatically adds an 18% gratuity for some optional add-ons, such as spa services and alcohol.

Transportation to the ship: You’re on your own to arrive at the port, though Disney can help coordinate shuttles (for an extra fee, of course). Note that NerdWallet didn’t include transportation expenses to Disney World in its analysis.

Avoidable extras

Disney might try to sell passengers upgrades and add-ons, but you can have a delightful cruise even if you skip them:

Port adventures: Upon docking, you’re free to explore on your own, which is theoretically free. Or, you can pay Disney to chauffeur you around through organized excursions. Some are affordable, like bike rentals (typically under $20). Others cost more, like tours of historical sites and guided scuba dives. Some run many thousands of dollars, like a seaplane ride through Misty Fjords National Monument offered on some Alaska cruises.

Wi-Fi: Internet access costs extra. Prices vary by itinerary, though it’s rare to find free Wi-Fi on any cruise.

Some onboard entertainment and activities: You might pay extra for a princess tea party, personal training or a golf simulator.

What costs should you account for on a Disney World trip?

At Disney World, you generally pay for food and entertainment à la carte. While most experiences are included once inside the park, you’re still paying for a ticket to get inside and the food at restaurants while you’re there.

So with that, here are some costs you should expect to encounter at Disney World, broken down by service level:

Disney World ticket prices

Disney World ticket prices vary by park and date. An average Magic Kingdom ticket (typically the most expensive park) costs $160 for one-day tickets, though prices drop the longer you stay. NerdWallet found that the average five-day, one-park-per-day ticket price was $643, which breaks down to $129 per day.

Disney sells additional add-ons like Park Hopper tickets that let you visit multiple parks each day or access to Lightning Lane entrances, which are priority queues for certain attractions.

Disney World hotels

There are more than 30 Disney-owned hotels at Disney World. According to Disney price tracking site Touring Plans, rooms run as low as $128 per night at the affordable Disney All-Star properties.

Disney World food costs

Comparing Disney World versus Disney Cruise Line food is tricky, considering cruises are all-you-can-eat. Disney World has buffets and restaurants with à la carte meals and snacks.

Folks with lighter appetites (or who pack snacks) might find Disney World more worth it than a cruise. But cruises can offer significant savings for those who take advantage of the all-you-can-eat meals.

Other activities

Across both cruises and Disney World, you could stay entertained without opening your wallet (yes, there is plenty of free stuff to do at Disney World outside the theme parks). But it’s more realistic to assume someone spending a week at either would pay for extra activities, like spa services, snorkel rentals, mini golf or cruise Wi-Fi.

Depending on the length of the trip and price tier, NerdWallet’s sample budgets accounted for additional entertainment line items:

In general, cruisers should budget more for add-on activities than Disney World vacationers. However, even the most frugal travelers are likely to pay a bit more for add-ons during a weeklong Disney World trip.

The bottom line

Don’t write off a cruise simply because the upfront cost is far higher than a Disney hotel room. A cruise is more than a place to sleep — it’s food and entertainment, too. When budgeting for a Disney World trip, budget for theme park tickets, food and all the other incidental costs that go along with it.

Both trips are growing in popularity. In 2022, Disney saw a 51% increase in occupied hotel room nights across all its resorts and a 32% increase in passenger cruise days, according to its Fiscal Year 2022 Annual Financial Report — suggesting that interest in theme parks is rising faster than cruises.

But for vacationers seeking any sort of Disney fix — especially for a week or longer who prefer more luxurious accommodations — cruising might be cheaper than going to Disney World.

Sam Kemmis and Carissa Rawson contributed to this report.

More From NerdWallet

In 2021, Binder and her partners, Jodie and Bruce Wright of One Architects, opened CampV, a 120-acre campground located near what used to be a thriving mining town on Colorado’s Western Slope. A visit includes glamping options and interactive artwork set against stunning desert views, as well as a lesson in local history.

“When I travel, I look for spaces that tell a story,” Binder said. “I felt like this not only had an incredible story, but it also had a story that was worth preserving and retelling.”

The “V” in CampV stands for Vancorum, the name of an enclave built by the Vanadium Corporation of America to house engineers and managerial staff who worked for a nearby uranium mine in the town of Uravan. Uravan is long gone, evacuated and demolished due to the presence of radioactive materials in the mid-1980s, but the enclave — where no mining ever took place — in Naturita remains. And now it’s being given new life.

Since purchasing the property, Binder and the Wrights renovated more than a dozen cabins, originally built in the 1940s, into modern mountainside sanctuaries complete with amenities such as gas fireplaces, colorful kitchenettes, patios with grills, and record players complete with vinyl collections.

The partners added several Airstream trailers, also available for rent, and glamping tents of various shapes and sizes. There are also RV hookups and tent sites, providing options for a variety of camping styles.

Because it’s located on a hill, CampV’s property is naturally subdivided into three sections. Most of the lodging resides on what Binder calls “middle V,” which is the hub of activity and art. At the base of the hill, “lower V” offers riverside tent camping and a pond where guests can swim or paddleboard. Binder also repurposed a bus she found on the property as the centerpiece of an outdoor lounge area there.

Binder calls the area at the highest point of elevation “upper V.” That’s where guests will find some additional camping spots and a historic water tower that often plays host to yoga and meditation classes. It’s a killer spot for stargazing, Binder said, and open for campers to use every night.

Large-scale artworks are peppered throughout the grounds. The most awe-inspiring is the Prairie Wind Chapel, dubbed one of the most incredible works of Burning Man art ever made by Business Insider. Binder met the chapel’s artist, Robert Hoehn, when she attended the Burning Man festival in 2019. Hoehn decided to make Naturita the open-air temple’s permanent home, so guests can now sit on the benches beneath the canvas structure and gawk at its ornate details, including a restored pipe organ.

Binder said her experience at Burning Man was instrumental in helping her envision what kind of potential CampV has as a cultural hotspot for visitors. But more importantly, she hopes to offer something special to locals within the community. Both of Binder’s parents were raised near Naturita and her father lived at Vancorum while the mine was operational.

“One of our biggest mantras is that rural communities deserve access to world-class art and programming,” said Binder, who grew up in Green River, Wyo. “These events, from outside looking in you might say ‘Oh, you’re just throwing a party.’ But no, we’re building community.”

To that end, Binder is booking the calendar with events like recent documentary screenings in partnership with Telluride’s Mountainfilm festival. The venue is also available for weddings and other private events.

Binder’s signature event, Planet V Fest (May 26-29), is currently gearing up for its second year when the property will come alive with live music, comedy, yoga, art-focused workshops, bonfires and more. The event started as a private gathering of Burners in 2020 before welcoming the wider community.

While Planet V is sure to attract more than 300 travelers to this hidden gem in Naturita, Binder’s long-term goal is to support local tourism to the point that it becomes a burgeoning industry. The region’s economy has been devastated in the transition away from mining and nothing has yet filled that void, Binder said.

“We want to continue to grow our music and art offerings, but also the future is continuing to introduce more people to this space and be part of building an outdoor recreation economy, which has some momentum. But at this point it’s not a sustainable economy based in outdoor recreation,” she said.

The next phase of growth at CampV includes putting a $2 million grant from Colorado Creative Industries to work building employee housing and an outdoor performance pavilion. Part of the funds will go toward renovating an existing house on site to be a public arts and maker space, Binder said. She expects to break ground on all those projects this summer.

If you go

CampV is open year-round and accepts reservations for its cabins, glamping spots, RV hookups and more at campv.com. Summer is typically the busiest season, Binder said.

CampV offers some food options, which are available to pre-order ahead of a reservation. Otherwise, guests are able to bring their own food and drinks to wherever they camp.

Planet V Fest takes place May 26-29 and offers guests a rare opportunity to set up a tent anywhere on the property. Single-day tickets with camping range from $95 to $145. A three-day pass costs $215 and includes several meals; camping is sold separately. See all the lodging options at planetvfest.com.

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter, The Adventurist, to get outdoors news sent straight to your inbox.

The simple idea of safari is a romantic notion, and with summer upcoming and June brides galore, the idea of an unhurried honeymoon in Kenya, with its magnificent lion prides, starlit nights and endless, windswept savannas is the perfect, if not adventurous way to begin a marriage.

With a nod to romance and love, take your pick of the following camps and lodges that range from thatched roofs to tented luxury and will leave you with starry-eyed memories of your new life together.

Finch Hattons Luxury Tented Camp, Tsavo West National Park

Finch Hattons, named for the British-born aristocrat Denys Finch-Hatton, a big-game hunter and adventurer who lived in Kenya, is in uncrowded Tsavo West National Park, a place of absolute quiet and where it’s possible on a game drive to not see another human. Each of the 17 luxury tented suites has a private deck, a sumptuous bedroom and ensuite bathroom with oversized showers. On a clear day, Mount Kilimanjaro is visible over the camp’s natural springs. The animals are fewer here than in the Masai Mara or Amboseli but no less exciting to see, especially with wonderful birding. The food is simply outstanding, with seasonal fruit and vegetables, grass-fed beef and fresh seafood flown in from Kenya’s coast. Eating under the stars is an option. At the end of the day, opt for a treatment at the small spa. On game drives, expect to see elephants, giraffes or Tsavo’s most famous residents, lions. Visit www.finchhattons.com or Cheli & Peacock Safaris at www.chelipeacock.com

Fairmount Mount Kenya Safari Club, Nanyuki

Three things stand out in the storied Mount Kenya Safari Club. First, the equator runs directly through it. It’s fun and offbeat to stand in the northern hemisphere one second, and then step into the southern the next. Plus, the views of snowcapped Mount Kenya are unrivaled. I never once tire of seeing Kenya’s second highest mountain in all its rugged, mountainous glory. And finally, the service is impeccable, and the staff is ready to assist at a moment’s notice. Add in its history — actor William Holden was instrumental in founding the resort — rich Colonial architecture, plush accommodations and 100 acres of lushly landscaped gardens, and it all wraps up neatly for a honeymoon escape for June brides and grooms. Second time to the altar and have little ones tagging along? Families are welcome, too. Visit https://www.fairmont.com/mount-kenya-safari/accommodations/

Elewana Loisaba Tented Camp and Starbeds, Loisaba Conservancy

When darkness falls, only the constellations and moon light up the unpolluted skies of Loisaba Conservancy. With Elewana Loisaba Tented Camp’s location perched right on the edge of an escarpment, the panoramic views, both day and night, seemingly traipse on into eternity. If not for the game drives where you’re likely to see elephant, lion and leopard, you might not want to leave your spacious tent built with custom floor-to-ceiling doors and windows and African-themed décor. If you would rather sleep outdoors, Loisaba also offers handcrafted four-poster Starbeds that are rolled out onto wooden platforms so that you can snooze underneath the wide-open African sky as you listen to the lullaby of elephants trumpet from afar. Visit www.loisaba.com or www.elewanacollection.com

Segera Retreat, Laikipia

In the undulating plains of the Laikipia Plateau, between Mount Kenya’s magnificence and the depths of the Great Rift Valley, is Segera Retreat, a collection of villas that includes Segera Nay Palad, a place that bespeaks of romance. The only way to describe the very private Segera Nay Palad most effectively is to say that it resembles a big bird nest, albeit a luxurious five-star bird nest, suspended amid the treetops of a river teeming with wildlife. Just the two of you can watch a dazzling African sunset as you toast the evening with flutes of champagne. Experience tranquility and the drama of the plains at one time. After a night of gazing at the heavens and then snuggling and slumbering under the stars, wake the next morning as elephants, giraffes and big cats gather at the river to begin their day anew. Visit www.segera.com

Richard’s Camp, Masai Mara

Time moves slowly in Africa, very slowly, and days are unhurried and blissfully long. That’s especially true at Richard’s Camp in the Masai Mara. With only seven posh tents, it’s small, secluded and intimate to ensure privacy. Lots of white linens and furniture make the camp bright and airy. Meals are served under the stars. Bird and bush walks with knowledgeable guides take you through the stark and incredible scenery that surrounds the camp. Sunsets on the Mara are dazzling as the magical transition of the colors merge with the wildly wonderful dusty, musky scents that signal that daylight will soon fade into nightfall. Celebrate evenings with the customary ritual of a sundowner on the acacia-speckled Mara and salute the view and your new marriage with a gin and tonic, on safari the traditional cocktail of choice. Visit www.richardscamp.com

Elewana Elephant Pepper Camp, Masai Mara, Mara North Conservancy

The infinite plains of Elewana Elephant Pepper Camp are known for its extraordinary plethora of wildlife. Great herds of elephants roam the hills, some curious enough to amble straight up to your safari vehicle. For romantic adventure, at night the plains and woodlands surrounding the camp come alive with a serenade of lions roaring, hyenas whooping and jackals barking. While the wildlife may be restless outside, you’re completely safe inside your well-appointed tent that is set amid a grove of fig, ebony and elephant pepper trees. Have your meals picnic-style by the Mara River. On bush drives, watch carefully for the big cats, not only lion but also cheetah and leopard, as well as a dazzle of zebra or a tower of giraffe. Elephant Pepper Camp is just lovely and remote, two of the ideal ingredients for a honeymoon in the African bush. Visit www.elewanacollection.com

Borana Lodge, Borana Conservancy

From a distance, the thatched roofs of the eight cottages at Borana Lodge meld seamlessly and harmoniously into the warm, rusty fusillade of colors that are the hallmark of the Kenyan landscape. At an elevation of 6,000 feet, nights are cool enough for a crackling fire. Each cottage, built of rock and cedar, has a fireplace and wide, private verandah for game viewing, and the entire lodge overlooks a sparkling lake where wildlife wanders in to slurp water in both early morning and late evening. Borana Lodge scores bonus points with its spacious bathrooms with showers and tubs that provide fantastic views of Mount Kenya to the south and a panorama of mountains and desert to the north. Call it a loo with a view. The chorus of songbirds and whispers of wind combine for a natural orchestra that soothes the soul. The lodge is elegant and quiet, the way a safari should be. Visit www.borana.co.ke

—

If you go

Visit Kenya Tourism Board at www.magicalkenya.com. Visas and passports are required. Visit www.evisa.go.ke for more information and how to apply electronically.

For the most up-to-date information on entry requirements for COVID-19, malaria, yellow fever and other vaccines, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/kenya.

Kenya Airways is the only airline that flies nonstop to Nairobi from New York. Visit www.kenya-airways.com. Other airlines offer one-stop service from several gateways in the U.S., including KLM, Air France, British Airways, Turkish Airlines, Egyptair, Qatar and Emirates. Most lodges and camps require additional travel by bush plane from Wilson Airport with arrangements made by your travel agent or tour company.

©2023 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Expat insurance provider William Russell recently analyzed the costs of identification and travel documents across the globe to reveal which countries’ documents are the most expensive and cheapest to secure.

At a total cost of $230, Australia’s travel document is by far the most expensive. What’s more, Australia charges the most for a student visa with an average fee of $452.

Australia is followed by Mexico at $170. Switzerland ($140) and Italy ($135) aren’t far behind, narrowly edging out the United States. At a total cost of $130, the U.S. is the fifth-most expensive country when it comes to passport fees. The U.S. also charges the most for a tourist visa at an average fee of $127.

It’s worth pointing out that the country charging the least for a student visa is Mexico, with an average fee of $36.

On the other end of the spectrum, a Czech Republic passport costs just $27, making it the world’s cheapest, according to William Russell’s research. Europe dominates the list of the top five cheapest, with Latvia ($29), Spain ($33), Poland ($35) and Slovakia ($35) rounding out the list of countries with the most affordable travel documents.

Each of the standard aforementioned passports is valid for 10 years.

©2023 Northstar Travel Media, LLC. Visit at travelpulse.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

As an Orlando native who just recently started bringing her twin toddlers to the parks, I have lots of thoughts on how to execute an efficient, worthwhile Disney trip. Here are some tips for making the most of a Disney trip with kids.

Brave the crowds

Bringing children to the Disney parks is a magical experience. It can also be a nightmarish one if you’re unprepared. Set yourself up for success by doing some planning ahead of time: Identify priority attractions for your family, make sure you bring plenty of water and sunscreen, and always don your most comfortable shoes/pants/hat/stroller. This is a marathon, not a sprint.

When you go is crucial: The most affordable way to visit a park if you plan on going multiple times per year is to buy an annual pass. Kids under 3 do not require a ticket, so annual passes can be a particularly good deal if your kids are in the sweet spot of being old enough to enjoy Disney but young enough to not need a ticket. If you’re just going for a day and have some flexibility, look at the ticket calendar and figure out when tickets are the most affordable. This usually aligns with when the parks are less in demand, which means less crowds. Prices (and crowd sizes) can vary wildly depending on the time of year you go.

Plan your food: One of the quickest ways to waste money is to forget the essentials for a long day at Disney. The parks allow outside food and drink, so be sure to load up a backpack with snacks, especially if you have little ones in tow. Everyone will want more food than you think. With the pressure off, you can choose wisely when it comes to where to eat in the park. Ordering from a quick-service restaurant? Check the Disney World app to see if there’s an option to order food ahead of time — it’s an easy way to have the food waiting for you when you arrive. For sit-down restaurants, reservations ahead of time are encouraged, but there are often day-of reservations available on the app at even the busiest spots.

Look beyond rides: If you’re really adamant about riding a particular ride, consider paying for the Genie+ service or individual Lighting Lane passes. But if you’re flexible, hit up the ride you most want to ride first, then spend your time elsewhere. (Epcot’s “Finding Nemo” ride is always a hit with our toddlers, and the line is usually a breeze.) Depending on the park, there are things to do for kids that don’t involve waiting in a 90-minute queue. At Epcot, look for the Kidcot Fun Stops offered at countries around World Showcase, where kids can collect activity cards and learn facts about each country.  Over at Animal Kingdom, Pandora — The World of Avatar provides a fun playground for smaller kids to marvel at.

Skip the parks

One of the best parts of not going to a theme park is that you actually have time to explore the vast networks of restaurants, hotels and outdoor spaces on Walt Disney World property. Depending on the time of year, a handful of Disney hotels can be found for $200 per night or less. Book a night at one of these and enjoy the amenities: large swimming pools, themed food halls, outdoor walking paths. Some hotels even have playgrounds. And all of them are just a Disney bus ride away from Disney Springs, the large entertainment complex with restaurants, shops and a movie theater.

Take the Skyliner: On a recent trip to Disney, my 2-year-old son’s favorite ride by far was the Disney Skyliner, and it was easy to see why. The transportation system that opened in 2019 connects Epcot, Hollywood Studios and four hotels: the Art of Animation, Pop Century, Caribbean Beach and Riviera resorts. It’s a great way to access the parks if you’re staying at one of these hotels, but it’s also a fun time on its own. You don’t need to be going to a park to enjoy the free, scenic, breezy ride.

Character dining: Our toddlers were looking forward to seeing Mickey Mouse on a holiday trip to Disney this past December, but with no park tickets, we did the next best thing: character meals at various hotels. Breakfast at Ohana at the Polynesian Resort offers a prix fixe menu of breakfast items served family-style ($45 per adult and yes, it’s all-you-can-eat, just ask for more!) and characters who visit the tables: Lilo, Stitch, Pluto and, most importantly, Mickey. Over at the woodsy Wilderness Lodge, Story Book Dining at Artist Point offers a prix fixe dinner ($65 per adult) in a forest-themed restaurant that brings out the characters from “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.” Both meals are a flat rate per person, but kids under 3 eat free.

Tampa Bay Times/Tribune News Service

In resort towns across Mexico, the hospitality industry is celebrating all things agave, the sacred native succulent that provides the nectar for tequila, mezcal and other spirits.

Agave spirits were the second-fastest-growing category by revenue and volume in the U.S. in 2022, according to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States.

Now that visitors to Mexico are more interested in agave spirits, hospitality pros are expanding programs that educate guests about the tradition and craft of distilling them. Many hotels and restaurants offer experiences designed to teach while tasting.

At Vista Encantada Resort (part of the Hacienda Encantada Resort) in Cabo San Lucas, nightly guided tequila tastings and cocktail classes are available at the outdoor Museo del Tequila. Steered by tequila sommelier Consuela Cervantes, we tasted four types of tequila and enjoyed locally sourced accents such as roasted pineapple and hibiscus salt to enhance the pairings. The resort offers this friendly, entry-level program 10 times each week for $30 per person.

Also in Cabo, at the luxe Las Ventanas al Paraiso, resort guests determine their “tequila sign,” their personal flavor preference (I’m herbal), after a one-on-one blind tasting with the experts at the breezy palapa bar. By reservation only, the $170 per person experience includes accompanying guacamole and sikil pak, a Yucatecan pumpkin seed dip. Sparklingly fresh sushi and ceviche are also available to pair.

Our guide Farid Fajer taught us to let the liquid sit in the glass to allow the first whiff of ethanol to blow off and the aromas to open before sipping. The translucent black glasses made for a truly blind tasting experience, because, Fajer said, “not knowing what the spirit is … shows you the soul of the spirit.” We learned unaged, blanco tequilas offer the purest flavor of cooked agave, and which key terms to look for on a label when shopping for a bottle to take home, (100% agave and Hecho en Mexico, or made in Mexico, are good indicators of quality spirits), but Fajer warns to watch out for any additives.

Some people also like to see the NOM, the distiller registration number. This number indicates who made the tequila, as opposed to just the brand name.

At Acre Resort Los Cabos, tastings focus on the four types of La Tierra de Acre Mezcal, made by the resort’s partner producers. Hotel guests can enjoy a complimentary pre-dinner lesson; others can join in for $35.

“The No. 1 thing our guests are most surprised about with their tasting experience is in the mezcal-making process itself,” said Acre’s mezcal sommelier Justin Lizarraga. The families that make Acre’s mezcals are fourth-generation mezcaleros who mostly use the same traditional methods, such as roasting the agave underground and crushing it with a tahona.

“The making process is far more art than science, and we try to communicate that with our tastings. We hope our guests learn that mezcal is so much more than ‘smoky tequila,’” Lizarraga said.

La Tierra de Acre Mezcal CEO Jordan Haddad offers a view of the bigger picture. “The industry growth in mezcal has been enormous over the last 20 years. There is almost twice as much mezcal product now consumed outside of Mexico compared to within Mexico,” Haddad said. “We believe that through education programs such as ours that consumers will be able to take this increased agave spirit awareness home with them.”

The stunning Waldorf Astoria Pedregal houses a collection of over 100 native Mexican and agave spirits in their aptly named Agave Study bar. Dip your toe into their lesser-known native liquids (including Jalisciense raicilla, Sonoran bacanora, and Chihuahuan sotol, which is actually not agave-based) plus an impressive collection of rare and aged bottles. Pedregal’s experts share the wealth in several curated outdoor guided tasting programs starting at $95 per person, all complete with a view of the Pacific Ocean from Cabo’s southernmost tip, and migrating whales, in season.

A less formal tequila-tasting experience can be found in downtown Cabo at Pancho’s Restaurant. Make a reservation for a 45-minute tour through four styles of tequila at three different price points, then stick around for a rollicking night with tableside guacamole, steaks and local seafood.

Further north, an hour’s drive up the Baja Coast at Hyatt’s Rancho Pescadero, the hotel’s bar staff offers a Mezcal and Tequila Experience that includes paired traditional botanitas (snacks) and a margarita-making lesson using fresh local fruits and garnishes for $60 per person.

Mezcal enthusiasts can find deeper study in Oaxaca, the spiritual and physical home of Mexico’s mezcal production. Asis Cortes, whose father Don Valentin Cortes is a maestro mezcalero, runs a tasting room in Oaxaca City called La Pulquisima, a restaurant, Comeré Oaxaca, that features traditional local cuisine, and a small adventure company, Expediciones Oaxaca, which takes guests out to the palenques and agave fields to meet the people behind the agave spirits produced in the region.

“Mezcal is something living and therefore changing,” Cortes said. “We have to see it in its environment to really comprehend what mezcal is, it is not enough to describe its aromas and flavors, it is always necessary to go further. The future of mezcal depends on understanding the patience, dedication and love of Maestros Mezcaleros and of course, sharing all this with everyone who is visiting Oaxaca and is looking for real culture. … The way in which we can ensure the permanence of this culture for many more years is through education.”

Lisa Futterman is a freelance writer.

Solo travel among women has been growing exponentially over the past decade. During the four years leading up to the COVID-19 pandemic, searches for the term “solo female travel” had increased six-fold, according to data from the Solo Female Travelers Club. And that search volume recovered in 2022 once the pandemic became less of a concern.

But even as women increasingly embark on travel alone, safety remains a top concern. The 2022 Solo Female Travel Trends Survey showed that 65% of women who travel alone worry about their personal safety.

A new report from travel insurance provider Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection (BHTP) and GeoSure Global, aims to address such concerns. The report identifies the world’s 11 safest cities and countries for women traveling alone. And there’s one country in particular that appears among the top 11 more than any other.

The runaway winner of the BHTP ranking is Switzerland. In particular, Basel, Switzerland, nabbed the No. 1 spot for safest city in the world, while the No. 3 slot went to Bern, Switzerland, and No. 4 is held by Zurich, Switzerland.

Other destinations that made it into the top include Toronto, Ontario, at No. 2 and Lisbon, Portugal at 5. Orebro, Vasteras and Uppsala, Sweden, all tied for the No 6 slot, while Stockholm came in at 7. Rounding out the list were Monaco; Salzburg and Innsbruck, Austria (tie); Pamplona and Oviedo, Spain (tie) and finally Cannes, France.

“Women who are traveling alone and consider safety a top priority should look into Western Europe, Scandinavia and Canada, as these regions topped the list of safest cities and countries for women,” BHTP said in a statement when issuing its ranking.

The travel insurance provider added that the safest countries for women traveling alone comes as no surprise given that the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, Canada, Sweden and Switzerland were all included in BHTP’s separate ranking of the Top 10 Safest Countries for travel in general.

In a blog post about their safety ranking for women traveling alone the company further explained that “certain cultures around the world objectify women and/or treat them as less than equal. Violence against women is not held to the same standards as violence against men in some countries, sometimes with tragic results.”

However, the BHTP added that their new ranking is in “no way meant to deter women from traveling.”

“In fact, just the opposite. We want to empower women to feel safe when traveling by offering valuable information and facts for their travel-planning decision making, and ultimately their protection,” says the company’s blog post.

—

©2023 Northstar Travel Media, LLC. Visit at travelpulse.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.