Sarah Medina

You’d be hard pressed to come by a travel bucket list that doesn’t feature the Northern Lights. Sure, there are plenty of aurora-chasers on social media, but having the chance to witness this wondrous natural spectacle irl is something most of us are keen to do at least once in our lives.  There is, obvs, a rather unromantic scientific explanation for the Northern Lights (solar flares plus the earth’s atmosphere, you get the gist), but we aren’t about to pour water on this fire. What we are going to do is bring you a list of the very best places to see the Northern Lights, which includes more than just Norway and Iceland. For your best chances, opt for a dark night between November and March, with minimal light pollution and preferably a new moon, at one of these wonderful locations – read on for the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights. RECOMMENDED:🏜️The best national parks in the world🌤️The best places to ‘coolcation’ in Europe🏖️The most underrated travel destinations in the world⛰️The best hikes in the world

We've all been there – you step into your dream vacation spot only to find it swamped with tourists who seem to have copied your exact itinerary. And sure, city escapes to places like New York and LA do have an undeniable charm, but sometimes it’s nice to break free from the crowds and opt for a peaceful getaway. So why not opt for a remote Airbnb where you can soak up nature's beauty? From cozy cabins nestled near scenic hiking trails to floating tiki huts that gently sway in the ocean (yes, really), Airbnb's selection of unique, secluded properties promises the serenity and rejuvenation we all crave.  To make your isolated adventure dream a reality, we've pulled together a list of our absolute favorite secluded Airbnb rentals across the United States. Whether you’re a solo traveler on a backpacking adventure or a busy family craving some peace and quiet, we like to think there’s a little something for everyone on this extensive list. So, pack your essentials, start the car, and get ready for a vacation like no other.  RECOMMENDED:🌲Check out the most unique Airbnbs in the US 💸Discover the best Airbnb penthouses in the US🏠Looking for a unique stay? These are the ‘guest favorite’ Airbnbs you need to see🇺🇸Explore the best Airbnbs in the USA This guide was written by Sarah Medina, Time Out’s former North American Travel Editor. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editoria

With its stunning Victorian architecture, world-famous bridge and sweat-inducing hills that reward wtih sweeping views, San Francisco’s seven-by-seven mile radius is packed with sights, sounds, tastes and experiences that you’ll be hard pressed to find elsewhere on the map. With one of the world’s best dining scenes, endless natural beauty and eccentric culture, there’s a reason so many leave their heart in this gem of a town. While the go-to city attractions, like the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz are worth a visit, the best local experiences take place when you go well beyond major attractions like Fisherman’s Wharf (trust us.) From sipping cocktails in a sky-high historic bar with 360 views to eating burritos in the Mission to hanging out on a sunny day at Dolores Park, this list of the 50 best things to do in SF will give you a true taste of this beautifully unique city. Just don’t forget your jacket.  🎨 The best museums in San Francisco🛏️ The best Airbnbs in San Francisco🏨 The best hotels in San Francisco This guide was updated by San Francisco-based writer Clara Hogan. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

Once Las Vegas mastered nightlife they dove into the dayclub scene giving the bachelorette and bachelor party crowd a place to play during the day. The resort pool is now one of the coolest places to spend an afternoon. What Las Vegas lacks in sand and surf it makes up tenfold in scene and vibe. While plenty of dayclubs with big name DJs make this list, there are also some more relaxing scenes where you can chill with a cocktail, read a book, get a poolside massage, or play a little swim-up blackjack. There are also wave pools, water slides, and a couple of family-friendly spots. Here are the best places to beat the heat in Las Vegas. This guide was updated by Las Vegas-based writer Ryan Slattery. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.  RECOMMENDED: 🍹 The best bars in Las Vegas🍴 The best restaurants in Las Vegas🎰 The best things to do in Las Vegas🏨 The best hotels in Las Vegas👙 The best Airbnbs with pools in Las Vegas 

If you’ve never been to San Diego, you’re in for a treat. But if you have, you already know the delights that await you in this fabulous city. Not to be overshadowed by its big sister Los Angeles, San Diego is one of the chillest spots in California (if not the USA), and it’s crammed full of brilliant things to do.  Here you’ll find everything from whale watching to kayaking and and stand-up paddle boarding, and plenty of great bars, restaurants and clubs to see you through to the evening. San Diego's 70 miles of coastline is stuffed with activities and attractions, and whether you’re here for Comic-Con, Beer Week or just to finally relax, trust us: you’re going to love it. Here are the best things to do in San Diego.   RECOMMENDED:🍽️ The best restaurants in San Diego🏨 The best San Diego hotels🍹 The best bars in San Diego🏘️ The best Airbnbs in San Diego This guide was last updated by Kai Oliver-Kurtin, Time Out’s San Diego & Southern California correspondent. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.

We all know Medieval Times, Planet Hollywood and Rainforest Cafe. Each is strong evidence that America loves a restaurant with a theme. Yes, there are the big chains like the aforementioned eateries, but when it comes to the true, kitschy glory of dining room theater, many of the best are either standalone restaurants or just a few regional locations. What makes a themed restaurant? The answer can owe to a unique atmosphere, a firmly focused menu or both. Whether it’s your goal to make a meal of three courses of chocolate, eat inside a grounded airplane or tempt your medical fate with grossly oversized burgers, these are the spots for you. Take a great American road trip from the Boston suburbs to Los Angeles, all while eating at the best themed restaurants in the U.S. RECOMMENDED: The best fast food restaurants in the U.S.The best themed restaurants and bars in New York

Loved one's birthday around the corner and need a last-minute solution? We've got you covered. But don’t be put off by the crazy amount of incredibly expensive flower delivery services out there – although they’re great, too. But it's not always an option for people looking for budget-friendly bouquets. Luckily, it turns out there are a whole bunch of (see what we did there) great companies out there that will take a bouquet straight to your loved ones without breaking the bank. Here are the best cheap flower delivery services in the USA. RECOMMENDED: In a hurry? Here's the cheapest flower delivery service on our list🍫Complete your gift with the best chocolate shops in the USA How do we know it's the best of the best? Our lists are expertly curated by our local experts far and wide to offer you the lowdown on the best delivery services in NYC. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

Contrary to popular belief, it ain’t all ranches and dusty motels down south – Austin is a modern metropolis filled with swanky lounges, tech offices, and big-name events, meaning fabulous hotels of all sorts to keep up with the demand. The Texan capital provides the perfect opportunity to elevate a stay, you know; designer furniture with a little feng shui, small-batch spa products from local perfumers, acclaimed on-site restaurants with camera-roll pretty plates… And the odd poolside firepit. This is Texas, after all. Basically, y’all have your eyes set on a boutique hotel to make your stay one to remember, don’t cha? Whether it's a weekend break or a staycation, we’ve rounded up the best boutique hotels in Austin that pack bags of character, style, and, of course, food (don’t forget to check out our list of best restaurants and best bars while you’re at it), and we promise, these are an experience in their own right. Who says hotels are just for sleeping? Check in and let the fun times roll.  RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Austin 

When you think about it, beaches are actually pretty simple. All you need are some crystal-clear waters, long stretches of sun-kissed shoreline and you’ve got yourself a gorgeous, ‘gram-worthy patch to lie down and chill out (whilst, obvs, slathered in a healthy dose of sunscreen).  Though plenty have sun, sand and sea in common, no two beaches are truly alike – nature just doesn’t work that way. The glistening white shores of tropical, palm tree-lined bays are a million miles away from volcanic black pebbles along rugged Nordic coastlines. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t all magnificent, and the ones in this list are the very best this planet has to offer: take a look. RECOMMENDED: 🌍The best things to do in the world🏊‍♀️The most spectacular places to swim in the world 🤿The best places to go snorkelling in the world🧗‍♀️The best caves in the world to explore

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 slots, 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 ain't 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. That's where we come in. 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 cheap lodgings 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 affordable hotels that won't break the bank. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Las Vegas  Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every hotel featured, we've based our list on top reviews, hosts and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For m

Serious travelers who want to take their adventures to the next level should consider vacationing not near the water, but on the water. That's where these floating Airbnbs in the U.S. come in. These are some of the most unique and secluded Airbnbs you can find in the USA. Whether you want to rough in on a floating barrel or zen out on a bobbing house on the river, these floating houses make for a peaceful vacation, stunning views, and a great story to tell friends. Rather stay on land? Check out these stunning treehouses, glasshouses and cabins across the U.S.  RECOMMENDED: The best U.S. roadtrips  Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every Airbnb featured, we've based our list on top reviews, hosts, and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

Ah, Europe. With its incredible history, unmatched charm, delicious food and variety of enchanting cultures, it's no wonder a European vacation is so desirable. But an international trip isn't in the cards for everyone, be it because your wallet isn’t quite equipped, you don't have a passport, or you're not particularly excited about that long of an airplane ride. Luckily, if you want to enjoy the spirit of Europe but stay stateside, plenty of U.S. cities will make you feel like you've crossed the Atlantic. From the Danish-inspired town of Solvang, California to the German-style city of Helen, Georgia to a slew of New England hamlets that feel like...well.. Old England, you'll be (almost) as charmed at these destinations as the real thing.  RECOMMENDED: The 10 most underrated beach towns in America

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.

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. 

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.

As much as I hate to say it, having kids has undoubtedly cramped my style. Before I had my eldest in 2019, I was frequently flying as part of my job, I am after all a travel editor. And while she’s been on her fair share of trips — she went on her first vacation, a tour of the Pacific Northwest, when she was just five months old — the pandemic and the addition of a second visit from the stork in 2021 meant that travel had definitely slowed for me and my family.  Earlier this year, my partner and I took our two bundles of joy to New Mexico, which proved to be no holiday (potty training problems — if you know, you know). However, with enough time passed to soften the memories of screaming in Santa Fe, we were ready to try again this fall. With one very important hitch: I was going to take the girls on my own, sans husband. I know. I deserve a medal. So, here are the lessons I learned taking my two kids, aged 3½ years and 14 months on their first international trip... all by myself. Pick the right destination With the onset of daylight savings and the seasonal depression that seems to follow soon after, we were looking for a last Sangria in the sun. Before this trip, the longest airplane ride my kids had been on was 2-3 hours and I was not looking to test out a longer one. The radar from our homebase in Los Angeles included tons of amazing options, but in the end we decided on Cabo. It had it all: sun, beach, pool, family-friendly activities, and a reasonable flight time. It als

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