Sarah Medina

Austin is absolutely packed with awesome activities to keep kids and adults alike entertained; it's a city that boasts not only ample outdoor spaces, but also almost year-round good weather to make the most of them on. Even when the heat is deemed 'unbearable' by folk from the north, it’s nothing an iced beverage and Barton Springs pool can’t fix, and during those rare storms, the indoor spaces more than suffice in keeping y’all amused. It’s safe to say Austin will appeal to visitors and locals of all ages and all tastes. Whether you’re looking for fascinating museums to inspire and educate those curious minds; parks to bask in the sunshine and let them play; or you just fancy treating the whole clan to some yummy eats with a twist of silliness, there’s absolutely no need to leave the kiddies at home. Here are some of the most fun family activities in town. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Austin

So, you've swapped out your plastic straws for metal ones and you carry a tote everywhere you go. Now it's time to make your travel plans a little more eco-friendly. Luckily, the days of sustainable travel being a little, um, crusty are way in the past. These days, green properties are as stylish and luxurious as everyone else. From Mexico to Germany, we're highlighting eco-friendly and gorgeous properties making sustainable travel easy. At these luxe hotels you'll find multi-course, farm-to-table, completely vegan meals, compostable packaging, chemical-free cleaning, and on-site composting and rain-water collecting while creating a unique and comfortable environment for guests.  RECOMMENDED: 10 eco-friendly travel companies you can feel good about booking with  

Trade in the concrete jungle for the verdant foliage on offer across the U.S. and sleep amid the treetops. Quite literally. There are a surprising number of treehouses for grown-ups all over the country, just waiting to be played in…er…we mean stayed in. And thanks to Airbnb, finding that unique (and leafy) spot to vaycay has never been easier. Whether you're looking for waterside views, a tropical climate or total off-the-grid forest seclusion, you'll find it here. The homes we’ve picked range from the simple and affordable to treetop luxury. So if you're planning a roadtrip, camping excursion or national park adventure, add these stunning outdoor-indoor accommodation options to your itinerary. RECOMMENDED: The most unique Airbnbs in the U.S.  This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

Despite the glitz and glamor, there are ways to explore Sin City on a budget in style. Veteran Vegas penny pinchers know it’s wise to save your money for the casinos, shows and other attractions by booking a room in one of the best cheap hotels in Las Vegas. For the uninitiated, finding overnight accommodations in Las Vegas is not for the faint of heart or the light of wallet. (If money is no object, check out our guide to the very best hotels in Las Vegas). It can be an expensive town to visit, especially on peak weekends and during major events, but bargains can be found—it just requires some sleuthing. These budget-friendly options offer all the amenities you need and a location you’ll want, at a fraction of the prices charged by the Strip’s big-ticket luxury hotels. Choose a cheap hotel and you’ll save enough cash to dine at the best restaurants and sip at the best bars in Vegas. That's a win-win! We’ve scoured the local landscape to locate the best cheap hotels in Las Vegas, each providing easy access to the city so you can hit the casinos knowing you’re in the black by saving hundreds with one of these budget-friendly hotels. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Las Vegas 

The Live Music Capital of Texas lives up to its name; in Austin, you can hear live music flowing out of virtually every corner of the city (and beyond). You could be dining at the best restaurants, downing margaritas at the best bars, or simply taking a hike, and still witness talented performers taking to the stage. Though many visitors come in for the biggies like ACL, SXSW or reunion gigs at COTA, the bread and butter of bat city are the charming little venues that host excellent musical notes night in, night out, throughout the year. They are where local legends are made, international artists tour, and where good ol’ Southern nights are spent. Whatever your tastes; pop, rock, country, classical or EDM, here are the best spots to catch quality live music in Austin, Texas. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Austin 

Whether you’re taking your relationship to the next level, or planning a romantic getaway with a special someone, make sure you’ve done your research. Finding the right hotel is key to setting the stage for seduction. No need to wait for Valentine’s Day, the most romantic hotels in the US have everything you need to get in the mood for love any time of year. Let's set the scene: stunning views, breakfast in bed, couples massages and chocolate-dipped strawberries at turn-down. Sounds dreamy, right? Sure it does. Well what about soaking tubs big enough for two? Or a private in-room pool? You got it! Whether you’re looking for a big city love shack or a quaint coastal bungalow, these romantic hotels have sexy perks that will have you hanging up that Do Not Disturb sign. Be sure to venture out at some point, though, because these hotels are in some of the best places to visit in the country. And one last little nugget before we get down to business: these romantic spots are sure to stoke the fires of passion, so it's worth considering the best couples vacations in the US as your next step on that love train. RECOMMENDED: The most romantic getaways in the US This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

Looking for a romantic restaurant in Austin to treat a special someone? You’ve come to the right place. And as companies and remote workers continue to relocate to our fair city, life has moved into the fast lane. Despite Beverly Hills prices and a lack of swimming pool space, the good news is that more bodies mean more potential dates and that means plenty of wining and dining (perhaps at these wine bars?). We may be best known for BBQ and tacos, but we certainly have a few tricks up our sleeve if you’re looking for an elevated experience to say “I really, really, really like you” (or more). A little conversation, some acoustic sounds, the flicker of candlelight, and cuisine that’ll make your eyes roll back - that’s what we’re talkin’ about. Whether it’s that all-important first date, a special anniversary, or just another day spoiling the bae, here are 15 romantic restaurants in Austin city to help make the magic happen. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best restaurants in Austin  

European vacations are back in full swing for US residents – but with it comes lost luggage, flight cancellations, and matchbox-sized airplane seating. So here's the good news: you don't actually have to trek to an airport and take a plane to feel like you're in Spain, Italy, France or England. Just head to one of the most European cities in America inatead.  From a Danish settlement in California to a Florida town that was founded by the Spanish more than 500 years ago, plenty of cities across the United States offer the same charm and historic architecture as the European continent (castles and beer included). Rethinking your vacation to Greece or Germany? Forget the uncomfortable red-eye flights and massive airport lines, and look no farther than these cities right here on home soil.  RECOMMENDED: The most stunning castles in the US 

This year, the firework displays across the Bay Area return and there will be two sets of synchronized displays, one at the end of the Municipal Pier and another from the barges of Pier 39, so that you can see them from many vantage points around the Bay. The display starts once it gets dark, which is usually around 9:30pm and it lasts about 30 minutes. Displays are also returning to other popular locations around the Bay Area, including the Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View, the Marin County Fair in San Rafael and Berkeley. We've rounded up the best spots for viewing the show for whatever kind of experience you prefer, whether you want to join the crowds at Fisherman's Wharf for live music and a front-row seat, set up a picnic at one of San Francisco's best parks, or head out on a boat cruise  to see the sky light up this Independence Day.  And don't forget to stock up San Francisco's best hotdogs, barbeque, ice cream to make your 4th of July in the Bay complete.  RECOMMENDED: 14 best Fourth of July events in San Francisco

Sometimes—and let's not beat around the bush, quite a lot recently—it feels like society itself is unravelling. And when that happens, we all need to take a deep breath, pause...and go somewhere nearby to just appreciate nature. And once you've realized how well that works, you might want to ponder taking this enlightening experience one step further and plan either a roadtrip that incorpoates one or two of the best national parks in the USA, or even a dedicated visit to one a little bit further away. See the forces of nature at work at stunners like Arches and Bryce (two of Utah’s 'Big Five'), witness the power of water that carved out the Grand Canyon over thousands of years, or view geysers and sulphurous lakes in Yellowstone. These national parks offer unforgettable experiences (ever gotten caught in traffic due to a bison crossing or seen a hoodoo by the light of the full moon?) no matter where you go. Visiting a national park can be as easy or challenging as you want. For diehard backcountry types, there are trails and rustic campsites that can keep you out in the wilderness for days. For the average tourist, paved roads through the parks offer the opportunity to easily see the best views and features of the park in a short amount of time. There are 63 major national parks (in addition to hundreds of smaller sites) spanning the whole country, including Alaska and Hawaii. Next time you hit the road, pick up an America the Beautiful pass and check out the best national pa

From cross-country road trips to epic hikes, outdoorsy getaways are still going strong in 2022. And it’s no surprise: With all that's happening in the world, we're retreating to nature to feel a sense of peace and calm again. So grab your gear, throw on your hiking boots and head off to one of these gorgeous spots to experience the very best camping in the United States. Whether you’re looking for glamping spots in New York City, an island stay in Florida, beach getaways in California or a secluded hideout in one of our amazing national parks, our roundup of amazing places to camp offers something for everyone.  RECOMMENDED: The dreamiest places to go glamping in the US

Extreme adventurers come in all shapes and sizes, so it makes sense that the best extreme adventure vacations in the USA also run the gamut — you can consider this your bucket list for memorable experiences that come with serious rushes. There are gems that take loads of planning (like scaling a mountainside in Yosemite National Park) and those you can do on a whim (like BASE jumping off a high bridge in Idaho), with loads of adventures in between. These adrenaline fueled activities are sure to get your heart racing, and are a great way to form a bond with a relative, friend or someone special. Also, if you’ve ever wanted to tackle one of these activities but never found the moxie, giving it a try at such famous locales will give you the jolt you need to overcome any hesitations. While some of these are fine for first-timers and require no previous experience, a few are not meant for beginners, so you’ll need to build up your skills first. Looking for some more alfresco fun? Be sure to consult our guides to the best beaches, national parks and hiking trails in the US. RECOMMENDED: The best outdoor adventure in every state

Affectionately known as “Ginny’s,” the Little Longhorn Saloon sits in a building that looks like a tiny chapel with a steeple and what happens inside is considered honky tonk gospel. Every night of the week (except for Mondays, when they’re closed) you can pull up a barstool, order a Lonestar 12oz draft beer for just $1.50, and listen to live music from Austin’s most bona fide country acts. But Sundays is when the real action happens—we're talking about chicken shit bingo, of course.  Every Sunday, hundreds gather for the Little Longhorn Saloon’s legendary chicken shit bingo. From 4 to 8pm, the bar will host anywhere between four and eight rounds of poop bingo. (Children 13 and younger go first and adults 91 and above go second.) Tickets are $2 a pop and once tickets are sold out, everyone gathers around the board to wait for the shit to hit the ground. Then, the chicken is placed on the board and "picks her number in her own chicken pickin' way." The Chicken Shit Official calls the square and notifies the band. The band announces the winning number and colors, and winners come up to the stage to collect their winnings and get their photo taken.  You have to see it to believe it. 

Now this is what we call an amusement park for the whole family. J. Rieger & Co distillery’s grand expansion, which debuted in 2019, includes two bar experiences, a massive new distillery operation, a museum-worthy exhibit and … drumroll please … a corkscrew slide that runs from the second to the first floor.  For locals who are seeking a one-stop-shop for breakfast, lunch and happy hour in Kansas City, the distillery’s many sections—the Monogram Lounge upstairs and jazz club Hey! Hey! Club in the basement—serve breakfast and coffee, lunch and snacks and premium cocktails and bites every day.  But, of course, we know you’re here for the slide, a fun tribute to Electric Park (KC's original amusement park) and the only known distillery slide in the world. Maybe save it for the end of your visit. As far as we know, a 40-foot custom built side is the coolest way to exit a bar.

The biggest theatre hit of modern times bar none is Jack Thorne and J.K. Rowling's epic two-part eighth adventure for erstwhile boy wizard Harry Potter. And now the adventure is coming to San Francisco! The Tony & Olivier Award-winning play, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: Parts One and Two, will premiere on the West Coast at San Francisco’s Curran on October 23, 2019. With record-breaking productions in London and New York as well as an Australian production set to premiere in Melbourne in early 2019, the San Francisco production will mark the fourth engagement of the smash hit play, as well as its West Coast premiere in North America. The play takes place almost two decades after the Battle of Hogwarts; Harry grapples with a past that refuses to stay where it belongs and his youngest son Albus must struggle with the weight of a family legacy he never wanted. As past and present fuse ominously, both father and son learn the uncomfortable truth: sometimes, darkness comes from unexpected places. Tickets for Harry Potter and The Cursed Child will be available to purchase beginning March 14 at 11am. You can register for priority access, which will begin March 11. Registration will be open until March 3.

Listen up, comedy geeks. The annual Clutsterfest, a three-day comedy fair going down in San Francisco, will feature some monumental talent and fun. Brought to you by the folks who bring you Outside Lands and Bonnaroo, Clusterfest is a humungous comedy smorgasbord featuring past top-shelf headliners like Jerry Seinfeld, Kevin Hart, Bill Burr, Sarah Silverman, T.J. Miller and Hasan Minhaj, plus loads of themed food and oh yea, music too.  Ticket holders get to do more than chuckle and slap their knees in the Bill Graham Auditorium. Along with stand-up, Clusterfest provides immersive experiences that will turn Civic Center Plaza into a Comedy Central theme park. This year's lineup will be announced in March, followed by ticket pre-sale available exclusively at clusterfest.com.  

Explore the science of getting schnockered at this classy annual fête, hosted at and benefitting the wonderful Exploratorium museum. This is a formal affair with 20 open bars, where some of the Bay Area’s best bartenders and mixologists will create inventive science-inspired cocktails throughout the evening, and gourmet hors d'oeuvres and sweets. But don’t let your black tie deter you from getting your hands on all the exhibits, many of which will offer tantalizing insights into our favorite boozy beverages, from distillation and brewing to (hopefully) how to cure a hangover. And if you're seeking the ultimate hair of the dog, drink recipes will be made available on the museum’s website following the event.  The Exploratorium’s ninth annual Science of Cocktails returns Friday, February 8. This year's event will be part of the museum’s 50th anniversary celebrations. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore 1969-themed spaces and photo booths honoring the Exploratorium’s founding and enjoy live music from Oakland-based band, Hot Einstein.  General admission tickets are $175 and VIP are $275. Tickets can be purchased at the Science of Cocktails page. Don't hesitate—this fun event sells out every year. 

Step back in time at this holiday adventure set in Victorian London and featuring costumed performers, the aroma of roasted chestnuts and quaint shops. A Bay Area tradition since 1970, the Great Dickens Christmas Fair takes over the Cow Palace for four weekends every holiday season. Guests can peruse corset stalls, engage in mead-chugging competitions and maybe even spot Scrooge himself.

Imagine stepping into a Pinterest board IRL teeming with stunningly curated handmade goods from San Francisco makers. Pop into an early gift fair curated by Pinterest and SFMade and peruse beautiful living wreaths, artisan home goods, jewelry, apparel, bags and accessories, body products, goodies for your pup, and more. While you’re shopping, nosh on savory bites from Pinterest’s PinChefs, indulge in sweet treats from the likes of Humphry Slocombe, Dandelion Chocolate, and more, and sip on cold-pressed juices, vino, or a brew. There will also be live printing from Social Prints.

Ryan Farr's spot near the Panhandle is so popular there are often lines for his Texas style brisket, pulled pork, smoked chicken, and pork ribs, not to mention the aptly named "Best Damn Cheeseburger.” There are also classic and not so classic sides including posole, cole slaw, baked beans, French fries and Frankaroni— crispy fried macaroni with a hot dog inside. Seating is inside a repurposed shipping container, as well as communal picnic tables on the covered patio. Vegetarians will find several salads as well as a grits and eggs sandwich served with Oaxacan cheese on a bun.

Owned and operated by an all-women team, this small, cozy champagne bar has black-and-white seating and tabletops that read “Hello Beautiful” in gold writing. Head here for bumps of caviar served with champagne shots and free popcorn with seasonings. 

Celebrating ten years of holiday fun (and embarrassing falls), the holiday season officially kicks off on November 1 with an opening day ceremony featuring special performances from the cast of the Aladdin musical. Two days later, the rink is throwing an epic birthday-themed community party on November 3, including free skating, birthday cake and more special performances.  And for those lucky San Franciscans whose birthdays fall between November 3 and January 15, the rink will honor your special day with free admission and skate rentals!  The opening of the rink also brings back some of our favorite holiday traditions, including Drag Queens on Ice (December 7), Flashback Fridays (November 10, December 8, January 12) and Polar Bear Skate (January 1). This year, the ice rink will also showcase a San Francisco-based nonprofit each week.  Worried you'll embarrass yourself in skates? Kaiser Permanente is expanding the Learn to Skate program to every Saturday and Sunday this year. Professional skate instructors will teach beginner skaters of all ages from 8:30–9:30am every weekend for free.  The ice rink will be open daily from 10am–11:30pm; $13–$18 (includes skate rental). Advance tickets go on sale Monday,October 23 at 10am at unionsquareicerink.com. Starting November 1, tickets will also be available at the ice rink ticket window in Union Square Park (333 Post Street). See the rink's event schedule below:  Ice Breaker Opening Celebration | Wednesday, November 1 | 9:30—10amBreak

This is Anchor Brewing Company's first public taproom since before Prohibition.  True to the brand, Anchor Public Taps is covered in classic copper—a massive copper-plated anchor designed by local artist Katie Gong hang above the hammered copper bar in the industrial space. In the corner, hundreds of vintage beer cans owned by former Anchor Brewing owner Fritz Maytag are displayed.  In another corner resides Anchor's new small-batch brewing program, Potrero Project. The tiny, seven-barrel mini-brewery will produce experimental, small-batch beers that will only be available on tap at Public Taps.  The opening beer list includes 11 Anchor beers, two Potrero Project beers (a pale ale and a Berliner Weisse) and three collaboration brews with Local Brewing Co., ThirstyBear Brewery and New York’s Brewery Ommegang. Food trucks are also on hand to soak up all those hops. 

The Bay Area’s most famous haunted home, the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, was once the largest private residence in the United States. The bizarro began when the lady of the house, Sarah Winchester, inherited a vast fortune from her father-in-law, Oliver Winchester, manufacturer of the famous rifle, and she moved from New Haven, Connecticut to San Jose. Winchester came to believe her family and fortune were haunted and started to build a house as a way to elude the ghosts of all the people who had fallen victim to the Winchester rifle. From 1886 until her death in 1922, construction never ceased on the strange new mansion, which at its peak included 200 rooms, 10,000 windows, 47 fireplaces and 2,000 doors, trap doors and spy holes. The house is designed to confuse—staircases lead nowhere and end at ceilings; cabinets and doors open on to walls; small rooms are built within big rooms; balconies and windows are inside rather than out; chimneys stop floors short of the ceiling; and floors have skylights. The best way to experience the haunted house? With a candlelight tour . There’s safety in numbers.

Just because you're stuck at home, doesn't mean you have to miss out on some of the world's most beautiful natural wonders. Not only can you take virtual tours of national parks and spot cuddly pandas on camera, you can also live stream the Northern Lights from the comfort of your couch.  Set up by Explore.com, the live cam is located at the Churchill Northern Studies Center in Manitoba, Canada and is situated directly underneath the aurora oval—one of the best places on earth to watch the aurora borealis. Although the northern lights occur year-round, late winter and early spring (when the arctic is dark for most of the day and the sky is clear) are the best seasons to see them. So now’s the perfect time to watch the live stream. Tune in during the darkest hours of the night, which are generally from 10pm–4am EST.  View this post on Instagram In the #Denali area, nearly everywhere is free from human light pollution, so no matter where your lodging or campground is, you should have a good chance to see the aurora if the three factors all line up for you. 1. #aurora is happening 2. The #nightsky is dark enough. 3. The sky is clear. Thanks to @neverbyllama for sharing this great shot with us. #auroraboreal #aurora_borealis #findyourpark @denalinps A post shared by Alaska National Parks (@alaskanps) on Sep 15, 2018 at 7:11am PDT As for what you're actually watching, the website also explains that aurora borealis occurs when electrically charged particles emit

Planning an international trip? Here's one less thing you have to worry about. The US government announced Friday morning that air travelers will no longer need a negative Covid test to board flights to the United States.  The testing requirement, put in place in January 2021, required all passengers bound for the USA to have a negative Covid test in hand upon boarding, and applied to anyone attempting to enter the US by air, including US citizens.  That policy will now expire this Sunday, June 12 at 12:01am.  The move comes after airlines and other travel industry officials lobbied the White House early this month, citing rising vaccination rates and mild cases as data proof enough that the policy needed to go.  The CDC also noted, however, that they will re-evaluate the decision in 90 days, and may reinstate pre-departure testing should a new variant pop up.  While this is good news for anyone who will be traveling in or out of the US this summer, things aren't going so swimmingly at other popular airports, especially in the UK. Check out our recommendations for making sure to avoid holiday hell this summer. 

アメリカのパスポートが、いよいよインクルーシブなものになる。2022年4月11日（月）から、パスポートの申請時の性別欄で「X」を選択可能になることが発表された。 第3の性別表示は、2021年6月に連邦政府から発表されていた、よりインクルーシブな政策に基づく取り組みの一つ。 性別選択に関して、今後は医師の診断書の提出は不要で、自分に合った性別欄への記載方法を、自身で選ぶことができるようになる。この新しいルールの適用は、初めてパスポートを申請する人だけではない。アメリカ市民の誰もが異なる性別での新しいパスポート申請が可能だ。 パスポートに記載されている性別は、ほかの公的身分証明書に記載されている性別と一致する必要はないが、写真は類似していることが求められる。 さらに国務省では、これまで性転換の過程にある旅行者に発行していた、有効期間が限定されたパスポートを廃止するという。 アメリカには、何年も前から身分証明書に第3の性のオプションを提供しているいくつかの州がすでにある。連邦政府の対応は遅れをとっているが、トランスジェンダーおよびノンバイナリーの人々が世界を旅することを、より容易にするための前向きな一歩といえる。 原文はこちら 関連記事 『世界のトランスジェンダー女性が驚く「乙女塾」の女性化レッスン』 『東京、LGBTQ＋フレンドリースポット11選』 『東京、学びのクィアスポット6選』 『東京、セクマイのライフサポートスポット』 『ロンドンにイギリス初のLGBTQ+歴史博物館がオープン』 東京の最新情報をタイムアウト東京のメールマガジンでチェックしよう。登録はこちら

United States passports just got a little more inclusive. Starting on April 11, US citizens will be able to select an X as their gender marker on their passport application, and the option will become available for other forms of documentation next year. The change is just one of a number of more inclusive policies that were announced back in June. In addition to the third gender marker, travelers no longer have to provide medical certification in order to change their gender marker on their passport. Instead, all passport applicants have the chance to self-select for gender on the appropriate forms. The new rules don't just apply to first-time applicants – anyone can request a new passport with a different gender selection.  The State Department is also getting rid of limited-validity passports, which were previously issues to travelers who were in the process of transitioning.  The department also clarified that the gender on a person's passport does not have to match the gender on other identifying documents in order to travel, however passport photos should be similar to those on other official IDs.  While the federal government is behind some states who have offered a third gender option on IDs for years, it is a positive step in making it easier for trans and nonbinary people to travel the world.   

If last summer was the summer of immersive Van Gogh (which took over a whopping 29 cities across the USA and many more around the world), then 2022 is the year of Frida. This spring, the popular Mexican artist is getting her own immersive exhibit in eight cities across North America.  Expect the same premise as Van Gogh – an immersive experience achieved by projecting large-scale moving images onto the walls, ceilings and floors – but swap out the flowers and starry nights with the surrealist mind of Kahlo and experience famous artworks including The Two Fridas, The Wounded Deer and Diego and I. This time, the exhibit will also focus on the artist's life and location with additional archival photos of Kahlo and her family home in Mexico City as well as flashing images of hammers and sickles representing her involvement in the Mexican Communist Party.  We can probably guess what Frida herself would think of this new way to market her work, but that won't stop super fans from showing up in numbers. (Tickets are already selling out fast.) And if you really want to get down with Frida, then some locations will also offer immersive yoga experiences, including Boston, Dallas, and Denver.   Photograph: Michael Brosilow, courtesy Frida: Immersive Dream    All the cities hosting an immersive Frida experience: Boston When: Feb. 10 through May 8, 2022 Where: Lighthouse ArtSpace at the Castle, 130 Columbus Avenue, Boston, MA Buy Tickets: Prices Start at $39. Get tickets here.   Chica

We don't have to tell you about all the gorgeous natural wonders that exist in Yosemite National Park. From Yosemite Valley to Half Dome, the country's most-visited national park is a sight to behold. But every February, something truly magical happens in Yosemite. We're talking about the famous Yosemite firefall. Have no idea what we're talking about? Let us explain. Every year, at the end of February, the sun hits Horsetail Fall on the east side of El Capitan. At just the right angle, it glows a fiery orange at sunset, making the waterfall look like a glowing lava stream as it cascades down the mountain. It's incredible to behold, and the annual event, which lasts for just about two weeks, is known to attract more than 2,000 visitors and sightseers in a single day.  In years past, Yosemite has tried to curb the crowds and protect the surrounding flora and fauna—including instituting a reservation system in 2018. You don’t have to book in advance this year, but there are still rules in place if you want to see the phenomenon.  This year's firefall is expected to glow nightly from February 10—28, with restrictions in place every day. Starting February 10, visitors have to leave their car at Yosemite Falls parking, and walk one and a half miles (each way) to the viewing area near El Capitan Picnic Area. It's recommended that visitors bring warm clothing and a headlamp or a flashlight. Roads may be closed to vehicles around the area, and parking, stopping, and unloading passeng

Whether you love fall or despise it since it signals the end of summer (relax, you've got until September 21), one thing is certain: you can't deny the beauty that fall foliage season brings to much of the United States.  RECOMMENDED: The best places to see fall foliage in the United States For those of you who are eagerly awaiting leaf-crunching season, this interactive map, which is created annually by SmokyMountains.com, has the knowledge you want – it predicts when fall foliage will start making an appearance in each state in the United States. Photograph: Courtesy smokymountains.com As a general statement, fall colors start popping out at the end of September and beginning of October but, for a more specific timeline, play around with the map's moveable date range (shown above). Keep in mind, though, that nothing is certain. "While no tool can be 100% accurate, this tool is meant to help travelers better time their trips to have the best opportunity of catching peak color each year," reads the website. According to the visualization, those in the Pacific Northwest, for example, will be able to gaze at red, orange and yellow foliage by early October. In New England, on the other hand, residents should pay extra attention to nature starting the week of September 27.  And if the data in your state just doesn't cut it, you could always embarking on a nice cross-country fall-foliage road trip to do some more leaf peeping. Fall is a beautiful season to travel in, after all. 

Well, it was fun while it lasted. Following last year’s global shutdown, the majority of EU countries started to allow travellers to cross borders freely within Europe – as long as they brought along a negative test result or proof of vaccination – again this summer. Meanwhile, visitors from elsewhere have had to find themselves on the coveted 'white list' – a small list of nations currently deemed safe by the EU – in order to avoid restrictions like mandatory quarantines.  This week, the EU updated the 'white list,' but instead of getting larger, the list got much smaller. Six nations were removed from the list, including the United States, and no additional countries were added.  Also removed from the list this week were Israel, Kosovo, Lebanon, Montenegro, and the Republic of North Macedonia. The full list is now as follows: AlbaniaArmeniaAustraliaAzerbaijanBosnia and HerzegovinaBrunei DarussalamCanadaChinaJapanJordanNew ZealandQatarRepublic of MoldovaSaudi ArabiaSerbiaSingaporeSouth KoreaUkraine Visitors from these countries will now be able to enter the EU without having to quarantine and can move freely between member nations. To compile the list, diplomats had originally recommended including all countries with an incidence rate of below 75 cases per 100,000 over a 14-day period – a number that is currently not being met by most of the world.  But there’s still hope for Brits and Americans dreaming of a European holiday this year. EU countries are free to ignore the a

2021 is proving itself to be the year of the epic train ride. From these luxury new sleeper cars in Europe to an all-you-can-drink tequila train in Mexico, rail travel is looking more glamorous (and eco-friendly) as we all rediscover domestic travel opportunities in our home countries.  But no new rail line launch is as exciting as this anticipated recent opening in the Rocky Mountains. The first US offering from luxury Canadian company Rocky Mountaineer, the new 'Rockies to the Red Rocks' trip kicked off on August 15, taking passengers on a two-day ride from Denver, Colorado to Moab, Utah – passing through stunning Rocky Mountains and southwest scenery along the way. Best of all? Passengers will witness all that gorgeous nature from the train's glass-dome top! That's right, we're talking unobstructed views of some of the most gorgeous scenery in the USA. Each train car also has a small outdoor viewing platform where you can get a blast of fresh mountain air. Rocky Mountaineer is renowned for its super luxurious service – in 2020, the company won a Globe Travel Award for 'Best Rail Company' – which includes personalized, at-your-seat meal service and cocktails. Meals are made using local ingredients (like Colorado bison and farm-fresh veggies) and feature collaborations with local companies (desserts are crafted by the Aspen Baking Company). And the route also includes a stop-off at a hotel for the overnight portion of the trip – both so that guests sleep well and so they do

If you're headed to the Mediterranean this summer, make sure to pack your snorkeling gear. The Museum of Underwater Sculpture Ayia Napa (MUSAN) is open for business - and the images are haunting.  Located 200 meters off the coast of Aiya Napa on the eastern part of Cyprus, MUSAN depicts a forest full of trees, children at play, and other whimsical characters. The catch? It's all underwater. The museum was created by British  sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor, who is well-known for his under-the-sea exhibits (like this recent one in off the coast of France). Like all of deCaires Taylor’s projects, MUSAN strived to create a habitat for life in the ocean while examining the impact of man on the natural world.  Photograph: Courtesy © MUSAN / @JasondeCairesTaylor In order to create the surreal experience of walking through a dense underwater forest, hybrid trees weighing 13 tonnes were lowered into the sea. In other sections, grey children are frozen mid-play in the forest, and some are seen pointing cameras at the human race as a critique of the way the world currently tends to treat nature. Photograph: courtesy © MUSAN / @JasondeCairesTaylor   Photograph: Courtesy © MUSAN / @JasondeCairesTaylor   Each of the sculptures is made from pH neutral materials so there's no negative impact on the surrounding environment, and in fact, the structures will act as a new home for marine life as they become covered in biomass over time – which means this is one museum that will only get be

Life on earth getting you down? Look up tonight and you might spot a pretty awesome celestial distraction: one of the brightest meteor showers of the year. The Perseids appear in the night’s sky at around the same time every year, peaking in mid-August. Created by debris from the Comet Swift-Tuttle, the Perseids all seem to come from the constellation Perseus, hence their name, and are known for being particularly colorful. This year, the meteors have been making an appearance in the night sky since late July, but the shower will peak on August 11 through the morning of August 12, when you might see as many as 100 meteors per hour! (Assuming you're somewhere very dark.)  The Perseid meteors are visible all over the planet but are especially beloved in the Northern Hemisphere, where their appearance coincides with light, warm evenings and summer holidays. When’s the best time to see them? The hours before dawn are typically a good time to try, but a bright moon might limit your ability to catch them. If you can, try looking once the sun has set but before the moon has risen.  But if you can't get out of the city in time or you're in the Southern Hemisphere, you can still get in on the action. NASA will be hosting a live stream of the meteor shower tonight, August 11 from 11pm to 6am EST on its Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube pages. If it's too cloudy on Wednesday night, NASA has promised a make-up stream the following night, August 12.  So regardless of whether you're huddli

暑さで参りそうな日が続くこの時期、つま先、あるいは全身を浸すことができる「自分専用のプール」が欲しいと思うことはないだろうか？ アメリカでそんな願いを（一時的だが）かなえてくれるのが、Swimply（スイムプリー）だ。このサービスを使えば、アメリカ各地にあるプライベートプールを1時間単位で借りられる。そう、プール版Airbnbと考えると分かりやすいかもしれない。 このサービスがスタートしたのは2018年。コロナ禍において公共プールが閉鎖された2020年以降、利用者が拡大しているという。 利用方法はとてもシンプル。場所と日付で希望のプールを検索し、条件に合うプールが見つかったらプロフィールを送信する。あとはプールへのアクセスが許可されるのを待つだけだ。プールのオーナーとはチャットで話すこともできる。 レンタル料金の価格帯は、時間当たり15ドル（約1,650円）から100ドル（約1万1,050円）以上まで、さまざま。物件の大きさや付属設備もさまざまで、飛び込み台や滝が付いているプールもあれば、ダイニングテーブル、グリル、バスタブなどが付いたバックヤードが完備されているプールもある。 例えば、南マイアミにある塩水のプールは、75ドル（約8,300円）。このプールではジャグジーも楽しめ、近くの湖で遊べるカヤックも付き。グレンデールでは、30ドル（約3,310円）を払えば、プールサイドでくつろぎの時間が楽しめる。 もしあなたがロサンゼルス辺りでプール付きの物件を所有しているのであれば、貸し出すことで収入を得てみるのもいいかもしれない。 原文はこちら 関連記事 『東京近郊プールのコロナ禍での営業情報』 『東京、銭湯富士10選』 『ニューヨークの川に浮かぶ「＋」型プール、実現へ一歩前進』 『人を拠点に渋谷をディープに巡るオンラインシティーガイドが登場』 『Airbnbがアメリカで調査、2021年の人気旅行先』 東京の最新情報をタイムアウト東京のメールマガジンでチェックしよう。登録はこちら