pass tourism 2023

 2024 Tourism Challenge 

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    April 20 - May 31, 2024

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52 Places to Go in 2023

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London  Copied to clipboard!

A buzzing city ready for a coronation, a brand-new airport link and a prehistoric colossus read more.

Tom Jamieson for The New York Times

Between an altered post-lockdown landscape, sensational changeovers at 10 Downing Street and the death of Queen Elizabeth II, there is no doubt that London is in transition. But the city continues to juxtapose old traditions and new possibilities, offering something for everyone who loves culture, history, art and nightlife.

For fans of the royal family, and maybe a few naysayers, the crowning of King Charles III , Britain’s first coronation in seven decades, will be the main event in May. There’s also the revamping of Battersea Power Station , an iconic former coal-fired power plant, into a shopping and leisure hub, and a new line on the Underground will directly connect Heathrow Airport to the central boroughs. A cast of a titanosaur, the largest creature ever to walk the planet, will make its European debut at the Natural History Museum , and late-night obsessives can head to newly opened dance clubs like the Beams . Big changes, yes, but a wealth of new choices, too.

— Isabella Kwai

Morioka  Copied to clipboard!

A walkable gem without the crowds, just a short bullet train ride from tokyo read more.

Andrew Faulk for The New York Times

Morioka, Japan

Until this past October, Japan maintained some of the most stringent travel restrictions of any major country. Now, travelers are beginning to stream back to popular destinations like Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka.

The city of Morioka, in Iwate Prefecture, however, is often passed over or outright ignored. Circumscribed by mountains, it lies a few hours north of Tokyo by Shinkansen, the Japanese high-speed rail lines. Morioka’s downtown is eminently walkable. The city is filled with Taisho-era buildings that mix Western and Eastern architectural aesthetics as well as modern hotels, a few old ryokan (traditional inns) and winding rivers. One draw is an ancient castle site turned into a park.

There’s also fantastic coffee, including one of Japan’s third-wave originators: Nagasawa Coffee, whose owner, Kazuhiro Nagasawa, is so committed to his beans that he uses a vintage German-made Probat roaster, which he personally imported and restored. Azumaya serves up all-you-can-eat wanko soba , which comes served in dozens of tiny bowls; Booknerd offers classic Japanese art books; and Johnny’s, a jazz cafe, has been open for over 40 years. An hour west by car: Lake Tazawa and dozens of world-class hot springs.

— Craig Mod

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park  Copied to clipboard!

The majesty and awe of towering buttes in a setting fit for hollywood read more.

Rachael Wright

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park,

Americans have been flocking to national parks, many of which were overrun with visitors during the peak of pandemic-related international border closures. Amid the bustle, peacefully taking in the majesty of nature can be a challenge.

Monument Valley offers a less crowded alternative. The site, known as Tse’Bii’Ndzisgaii in Navajo, has been a popular insignia for the American West ever since John Wayne rode in to film “Stagecoach” in 1939, and the grandeur of its cinematic sandstone buttes, towering above a copper-red desert vastness, elicits a feeling of reverence and awe.

The tribal park, which features a 17-mile driving loop, is open to visitors under the stewardship of the Navajo Nation. Its relatively basic infrastructure — in contrast to sites governed by the National Park Service — and its out-of-the-way location on the Arizona-Utah state line help create a more serene experience compared with other awe-inspiring U.S. destinations.

— Rachael Wright

Kilmartin Glen  Copied to clipboard!

A misty scottish stonehenge, with all of the mystery and far fewer visitors read more.

Andy Haslam for The New York Times

Kilmartin Glen, Scotland

The sun rises over Kilmartin Glen as it has for thousands of years, illuminating an ancient landscape of more than 800 archaeological monuments sprouting in the mist. This verdant valley on Scotland’s wild west coast is one of the most significant prehistoric sites in Britain, yet it’s largely off the visitor circuit; imagine Stonehenge without the crowds.

Wander among majestic stone circles, standing slabs that jut from the earth, burial cairns and rock carvings of concentric rings, expanding like ripples from a drop of water. And now the past is getting a refresh: The Kilmartin Museum is reopening with expanded exhibits and new experiences that delve into the region’s relics and flourishing natural life, including Moine Mhor (Great Moss), one of the few remaining raised bogs in Europe, above which looms the Iron Age hill fort of Dunadd.

For full immersion into the Scotland of yore, stay at the moody 16th-century Kilmartin Castle , which was recently transformed into a boutique hotel, with vaulted ceilings, copper tubs and a wild swimming pond.

— AnneLise Sorensen

Auckland  Copied to clipboard!

New Zealand

Pastries that rival France’s best, with a side of adventure tourism on the North Island Read more

Susan Wright for The New York Times

Auckland, New Zealand

Auckland is usually considered the entry point for the rest of New Zealand’s natural attractions, but travelers just passing through can miss that it’s also the culinary capital (sorry, Wellington).

Restaurants that have been germinating while the country’s borders were closed are now ready to be sampled by all. Just 10 minutes on foot from the newly renovated downtown, for instance, takes you to Hugo’s Bistro , where a regular clientele, including many lawyers, dines on unfussy French-inspired food that takes advantage of New Zealand’s fertility: Saffron, wasabi and truffles, among other delicacies, are grown in the country. Cazador , a longtime staple of the residential neighborhood Mt. Eden, serves local game in its restaurant and house-cured meats in its delicatessen.

The city’s famous multiculturalism also plays a part: Omni , which opened in 2020 and whose head chef worked at Hong Kong’s Yardbird, makes high-end yakitori, and Little French Pastry ’s founders, originally from France, serve up mille-feuille rivaling Paris’s best.

Palm Springs  Copied to clipboard!

Spotting stars in the streets and counting galaxies in the sky read more.

Beth Coller for The New York Times

Palm Springs, California

Yes, this is the land of midcentury nostalgia, with its low-slung Modernist architecture and the recent return of the 26-foot-tall “ Forever Marilyn ” statue. But these days, there’s another headliner: the surrounding desert, and the dark skies above.

Astrotourism is on the rise, with a constellation of ways to explore the cosmos, including at the Rancho Mirage Library and Observatory , which offers tours and monthly “Swoon at the Moon” events. Unfurl a blanket on the desert floor and gaze up at the starry sky at Joshua Tree National Park . This designated International Dark Sky Park has one of the darkest skies in California, with stargazing treks and the annual Night Sky Festival .

The desert nature and history that flourish around Palm Springs are also shaping the city’s landscape, including the new Palm Springs Downtown Park , designed to reflect Indian Canyons , ancestral home of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians; the Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza and Museum , which, when it opens later this year, will be one of the largest Native American cultural centers on the West Coast; and new desert-inspired hotels like Azure Sky .

Kangaroo Island  Copied to clipboard!

A haven for koalas and other wild creatures, healing after devastating wildfires read more, kangaroo island, australia.

A short trip from Adelaide, South Australia’s capital, the nearly 1,700-square-mile Kangaroo Island is known for incredible wildlife, breathtaking ocean views and its status as an ecological haven — like a zoo without fences.

Three years ago, devastating fires consumed the island, wiping out wildlife and destroying a famous luxury hotel, the Southern Ocean Lodge . Efforts to rebuild are continuing, and the island is more compelling than ever to visit. New organizations that sprang up to help with the wildlife recovery offer visitors a chance to play a part in funding that regeneration.

At the Kangaroo Island Koala and Wildlife Rescue Centre , you can book a private tour to see the animal hospital facilities, or bottle-feed a joey (a baby kangaroo). At the long-established Seal Bay Conservation Park , you can watch one of Australia’s largest colonies of sea lions frolic on the beach. And in 2023 the Southern Ocean Lodge will reopen, grander and better than before.

— Besha Rodell

Vjosa River  Copied to clipboard!

Cycling through the canyons and valleys of one of europe’s last untamed waterways read more.

Shutterstock

Vjosa River, Albania

Protecting the Vjosa , one of Europe’s last undammed rivers, hasn’t been easy. After a decade of proposed projects that threatened to alter the waterway’s wild flow, its innumerable ecosystems and its valleys strewn with ancient communities, the Albanian government signed a commitment last June to create the Vjosa Wild River National Park .

Making good on that pledge, scheduled to become reality in 2023, will establish a global conservation model while preserving the country’s canyon-lined, 120-mile stretch of the 169-mile waterway, which runs from the Pindus Mountains in Greece to the Adriatic Sea, as well as including around 60 miles of tributaries.

For travelers — on trails like Albania’s new UNESCO Cycling Route (opening January 2023), which runs along the river and visits World Heritage sites like the city of Gjirokastra — safeguarding the Vjosa and its river system, with over 1,100 animal species, encourages responsible discovery of alpine settlements, where locals welcome adventurers for coffee, raki (local fruit brandy) and a chance to imbibe oft-overlooked Balkan culture.

— Alex Crevar

Accra  Copied to clipboard!

Feast first, dance later, in a hub of innovative west african cuisine read more.

Jessica Sarkodie for The New York Times

Accra, Ghana

Accra’s food scene typically consists of two schools: “chop bars” that serve traditional, cheap meals like fufu (made from pounded cassava, green plantains or yams) with tomato-based spicy soup, and pricier restaurants serving foreign fare.

Travelers to Accra, Ghana’s capital, can now see a new wave of chefs and entrepreneurs bridging this gap by emphasizing and innovating with local produce. At the Mix, a new restaurant and design hub, the West African staple gari (granulated cassava root) is dyed pink with beetroot and accompanies squid in a passion fruit sauce.

The sustainable food space in Accra is also one to watch; Ghana Food Movement , an educational group, hosts events throughout the year, including a signature Dine & Dance series in which underutilized indigenous ingredients like millet, eaten by Ghanaians almost exclusively as porridge, are made into stars over three courses. The meal is followed by a dance party, of course, in true Ghanaian fashion.

— Jessica Sarkodie

Tromso  Copied to clipboard!

A clear-skied hot spot where aurora seekers are likely to spy their dazzling prize read more.

Nerd Nomads Travel Blog

Tromso, Norway

After years of low solar activity, projections are looking up for travelers hoping to experience the aurora borealis, or northern lights. As the sun’s volatility increases, with more coronal mass ejections and solar flares, so, too, will the frequency and intensity of the aurora. Experts predict solar activity to peak in 2025, explained Trond S. Trondsen, an aurora expert at Keo Scientific , a designer of specialized optical instruments for space research in Calgary, Alberta. Already, he said, “the number of sunspots are climbing faster than predicted .”

One of the best places to see the northern lights, Tromso, Norway, is more than 200 miles north of the Arctic Circle, and is relatively accessible, as far as reliable viewing locations go. Travelers can get there either by plane or by a combination of train and bus. Cruise ships and ferries are also a possibility.

Most important, the town’s surrounding landscape, near the sea but with mountains nearby, offers enough distinct weather zones to make it likely that there will be clear skies most nights — a must for seeing the lights when they do appear.

— Ingrid Williams

Lençóis Maranhenses National Park  Copied to clipboard!

Blinding white dunes and aquamarine pools in an otherworldly natural water park read more.

Scott Baker

Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Brazil

Want to feel like you’ve traveled so far that you’re only vaguely tethered to Earth? Welcome to Lençóis Maranhenses , a horizon of rolling, blindingly white sand dunes rising into the sun and descending into otherworldly green and blue lagoons filled with rainwater.

Forget your cell signal or trappings of comfort: There are few if any structures, people or even trees around, and the park’s location near the Equator means it’s blazingly hot during the day. Yet almost all Brazilians will tell you they want to visit this remote area to experience the sensation of playing in a lunar water park.

Logroll down the dunes, splashing into the natural pools. Traverse the area on horseback, stopping at “oases” along the way. Or be mesmerized by its immensity via helicopter tour. It’s the antidote to that claustrophobic Covid-era feeling — a vast, borderless moonscape where you can roam wild and free.

— Shannon Sims

Bhutan  Copied to clipboard!

Cliff-top fortresses and rhododendron forests on a revived trekking trail read more.

Marcus Westberg

After two and a half years of pandemic isolation, Bhutan reopened in September with changes to its longstanding “high value, low volume” tourism policy. Visitors are no longer required to travel on package tours, but Bhutan’s mandatory “sustainable development fee” increased to $200 from $65 per day.

At the same time, the 250-mile Trans Bhutan Trail, a path used for centuries as a pilgrimage and communications route, reopened after a three-year restoration that mended suspension bridges, stone stairs and long-overgrown temples. The trail stretches east to west across nearly the entire country, passing through cities, villages, farmlands and wilderness. Depending on the route and time of year, trekkers might spy the snowcapped Himalayas, visit cliff-top fortresses, scale sacred mountain passes or pass through blooming rhododendron forests.

Official guides are required, and itineraries range from half a day to more than a month. Accommodations include guesthouses, home stays, luxury hotels and well-appointed campsites on each of the trail’s 28 sections. Proceeds from trips booked with Trans Bhutan Trail , the nonprofit that led the restoration, go toward trail maintenance, educational programs, guide training and other community causes.

— Sara Clemence

Kerala  Copied to clipboard!

Learn to climb a palm tree, visit a temple during an annual festival and get a sustainable taste of village life read more.

Poras Chaudhary for The New York Times

Kerala, India

We travel to immerse ourselves in other cultures, but some forms of community tourism put residents on display without offering benefits. Not so in Kerala — a southern Indian state celebrated for its beaches, backwater lagoons, cuisine and rich cultural traditions like the Vaikathashtami festival — where the government has adopted an award-winning approach that allows visitors to experience village life while supporting the communities that host them.

In Kumarakom, one of several “ responsible tourism destinations ” in the state, visitors can paddle through jungly canals, weave rope from coconut fiber and even learn to climb a palm tree. In Maravanthuruthu, visitors can follow a storytelling trail and enjoy village street art before taking in an evening performance of a traditional temple dance.

— Paige McClanahan

Greenville  Copied to clipboard!

South Carolina

Adventure in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and on dinner plates downtown Read more

Tony Cenicola/The New York Times

Greenville, South Carolina

Set in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Greenville has established itself on the culinary scene. The quaint city of about 70,000 has more than 200 restaurants — 85 percent of which are local, without a tie to a national chain — in its strollable downtown area alone. Visitors may come for the access to outdoor adventures, but they’ll most likely leave having been introduced to flavors from around the world.

Even as the renowned Soby’s celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2022 and two food festivals — euphoria and Fall for Greenville — attract tens of thousands of people annually, restaurants continue to crop up around the city. The second location of Charleston’s acclaimed Lewis Barbecue opened to long lines in September. Mr. Crisp , with Greg McPhee as executive chef, highlights seafood, especially its crisp-yet-tender hand-battered fish and chips. Keipi celebrates Georgian khachapuri and the country’s ancient wines; Aryana delivers a taste of Afghanistan; and Califas has brought Mexican birria tacos to Greenville.

“The real heartbeat of Greenville is a creative and diverse food community that keeps reinventing itself,” said Sid Evans, the editor in chief of Southern Living. “The food here is adventurous, and the chefs have embraced the global influences shaping the modern South.”

— Ari Bendersky

Tucson  Copied to clipboard!

A rebounding center of art and adobe with centuries-old ties to mexico read more.

John Burcham for The New York Times

Tucson, Arizona

Barrio Viejo, an area of more than 150 acres in Tucson, is the largest barrio in the United States and exemplifies Tucson’s connection to Mexico, with centuries-old Sonoran adobe architecture.

This year, the neighborhood, which has one of the most diverse racial, cultural, religious and ethnic populations in the country, will receive National Historic Landmark designation . Revival projects include the restoration of the 300-seat Teatro Carmen , built in 1915 and later converted into the Black Elks Club , and female-owned boutique hotels, like the Citizen in the former home of the Tucson Citizen newspaper and the Downtown Clifton in a once-faded motel.

Take the Tucson Origins Tour by Borderlandia , which specializes in tours of the U.S.-Mexico border area, for a deep dive into history. Then explore the famed Etherton Gallery and Andrew Smith Gallery , both in new spaces. Don’t forget Barrio restaurants like the local coffee drinkers’ favorite EXO Roast , housed in an 1885 adobe home, and the Coronet , which moved to the neighborhood in 2019.

— Daniel Scheffler

Martinique  Copied to clipboard!

Creole culture, giant ferns and hummingbirds that don’t back down from a staring contest read more.

Martinique,

While travel was frozen in 2020, Martinique celebrated the induction of its traditional yole sailboat — a lightweight craft kept upright by crew members, who use their body weight as ballast by sitting on poles that extend over the sides of the hulls — on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List. In the fall of 2021, the entire island was named a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve , recognizing the destination’s commitment to sustainable economic and social development.

Islanders are awaiting yet another decision from UNESCO, which they hope will name the nearly 4,600-foot volcano Mount Pelée and the Pitons du Carbet range to the World Heritage List. The region represents “the diversity of Martinique,” said Alex Dobat, who owns Natiyabel , a scuba diving and hiking outfitter (whose name means “nature is beautiful” in Creole), who described ferns the size of trees, wild begonias and hummingbirds “staring at you quietly.”

Tourism officials are counting on the UNESCO certifications to attract ecotourists to its peaks, rainforests, reefs and Creole culture.

— Elaine Glusac

The Namib Desert  Copied to clipboard!

Southern Africa

1,000-foot dunes and crashing waves along a nearly uninhabited coastline Read more

The Namib Desert, Southern Africa

Along the desolate coast of Namibia, 1,000-foot-tall sand dunes descend into the sea. During low tide, intrepid adventurers can drive along the beach, past towering yellow dunes on one side and the South Atlantic’s churning waters on the other. This is the Namib, the world’s oldest desert, and the perfect place for a long road trip . After almost three years of Covid-19 restrictions, it’s hard to imagine a place where you can feel more free.

“Namib” means “vast place” in Khoekhoegowab, a language spoken in many parts of Namibia. It’s astonishingly easy to get lost in this almost entirely uninhabited expanse of sand, where you might travel for days without seeing another human being.

In the Namib-Naukluft National Park, travelers can go back in time at the Deadvlei, where 600-year-old trees stand eerily lifeless, preserved by the dry air; challenge themselves to climb the 100-story Big Daddy Dune; observe desert-adapted wildlife like oryx and springbok; and even see mysterious fairy circles .

— Jen Guyton

The Alaska Railroad  Copied to clipboard!

470 miles of mountains, glaciers and grizzlies from the comfort of a glass dome read more.

Christopher Miller for The New York Times

The Alaska Railroad,

Since 1923, the Alaska Railroad — the last railroad in the United States to carry both people and freight — has connected millions of passengers and trade goods over 470 miles of track, from Seward to Fairbanks. This year is the centennial of its operation and a celebration is planned in Nenana, where President Warren G. Harding drove in the golden spike on July 15, 1923, completing the railroad.

Operational well before Alaska became a state, in 1959, the railroad is an environmentally friendly way for passengers to see wilderness, and even the aurora borealis, without sacrificing comfort: Glass-domed rail cars make viewing easy. It is also the only remaining flag-stop major railroad in the country. Passengers can wave a flag to embark or disembark, gaining access to more remote locations, including harder-to-reach areas of the Chugach National Forest, through a partnership with the U.S. Forest Service.

Sights along the way include Denali, North America’s tallest peak, and Kenai Fjords National Park. History buffs can view a special exhibit at the Anchorage Museum that runs from May to February 2024, chronicling the railroad’s history.

— Charu Suri

Fukuoka  Copied to clipboard!

Savoring an endangered street-food tradition on the often overlooked island of kyushu read more.

Fukuoka, Japan

Fukuoka, a subtropical city perched on the northern shore of Kyushu, is one of the few remaining places in Japan where you will see rows of yatai — open-air street-food stalls resembling boxes of neon light. Many sell traditional foods like ramen, yakitori and oden, but if you stroll along the riverfront on Nakasu, a small island that is Fukuoka’s red-light district, you’ll find some diversity with wine, coffee, and even French sausages and garlic toast.

Yatai were a common sight across Japan in the 1950s, but during the 1964 Summer Olympics, the authorities had them removed to project an image of economic recovery. In the present, Fukuoka is the only city left that’s fighting this bureaucracy. The government has acknowledged the cultural significance of yatai by increasing the safety and quality of the food and by offering more licenses in 2022. Even so, the number of yatai has fallen drastically to around 100 stalls today from more than 400 in the ’60s. Pull up a seat while you can and enjoy rubbing shoulders with strangers over supper again.

— Harvard Wang

Flores  Copied to clipboard!

An island paradise where crater lakes change color and nine-foot dragons roam read more.

Lauryn Ishak for The New York Times

Flores, Indonesia

The term “fairy-tale getaway” is overused, but what else do you call a far-off, unspoiled, Southeast Asian island with nine-foot Komodo dragons, active volcanoes, white-sand beaches, coral gardens, rushing waterfalls and color-shifting crater lakes reputed to house departed spirits?

Such are the allures of Flores, one of the roughly 17,500 islands of the Republic of Indonesia. An hour’s flight from Bali and far less visited, Flores may be seeing more visitors with the scheduled opening late this year of Kodi Bajo , a luxury resort in the fishing town of Labuan Bajo. Operated by the group behind the NIHI hotel on Sumba, a nearby Indonesian island, Kodi Bajo will offer sumptuous hillside accommodations and views of the nearby Komodo National Park archipelago — the only place in the world inhabited by the famous giant lizards.

— Seth Sherwood

Guadalajara  Copied to clipboard!

Celebrating queer culture’s diversity and l.g.b.t.q. athletes from around the globe read more.

Adrian Wilson for The New York Times

Guadalajara, Mexico

Travel has always been a way to experience diversity, and in 2023 you’ll find a variety of sexual expression and shifts in traditional gender roles in Jalisco’s capital. This fall, the city will co-host (with Hong Kong) the 11th annual Gay Games . Athletes from around the world — of varying ages, sexual orientations and levels of athletic experience — will participate in 20 sports.

The city is also home to the annual Prohibido festival , during which an abandoned theater is transformed into a celebration of sexual diversity through art installations, interactive experiences, live music and talks about polyamorous and nonbinary culture. In Guadalajara, too, women take on nontraditional performance roles. On most nights, you can hear one of almost a dozen female mariachi bands from the area at Hotel Riu Plaza Guadalajara or El Patio, a restaurant. There are also local performances by female cowboys, known as escaramuzas, who present their choreography on horseback.

The city is considered by some to be Mexico’s drag capital, with numerous performers and shows. Guadalajara has also developed “antiturista” maps, including one for L.G.B.T.Q. travelers, that provide a local’s perspective on places to see and stay.

— Maggie Jones

Tassili n’Ajjer  Copied to clipboard!

Rock art, sandstone pillars and a glimpse at a lost saharan history read more.

Tassili n’Ajjer, Algeria

Often overshadowed by its neighbor, the tourism giant Morocco, Algeria — a stone’s throw from Mediterranean Europe and a mere three-hour flight from London — has recently relaxed its visa policies, allowing for much easier exploration of the country. While most visitors tend to stick to the coastal north, which contains some of the region’s best preserved Roman ruins, Africa’s largest country also contains its largest national park.

Virtually unknown to the outside world, Tassili n’Ajjer is eight times the size of Yellowstone. At the heart of the vast landscape of Saharan sand and stone lie the deep red dunes and pillars of Tadrart Rouge. Accessible only by a four-wheel-drive vehicle, this astonishingly striking national park is home to thousands of ancient works of rock art, stretching back to when the desert was a thriving savanna, as well as to a very much living nomadic Tuareg culture.

— Marcus Westberg

Kakheti  Copied to clipboard!

New flavors and ancient winemaking traditions in tiny hilltop towns and green valleys read more.

Irma Laghadze

Kakheti, Georgia

The mountainous nation of Georgia’s 8,000-year-old winemaking tradition is at the center of several new trends in the wine world, including skin-contact (a.k.a. orange ) wines, amphora fermentation and charismatic grape varieties like saperavi. As a result, Georgian wine exports to the United States recently topped one million bottles and are growing at almost 29 percent annually, as Wine Enthusiast recently reported .

For wine lovers, a tasting trip to estates like Vazisubani and Kardanakhi in Kakheti offers a chance to discover new wines in a landscape of tiny hilltop towns and verdant valleys framed by the Caucasus. Many wines are made in traditional pointed qvevri clay vessels that are buried in the earth.

To complement the experience, local chefs have started offering cooking classes where gastronomes can learn how to make the meaty dumplings known as khinkali and other dishes from what Saveur magazine called “Europe’s great unsung cuisine.”

— Evan Rail

Nîmes  Copied to clipboard!

A sunny mediterranean morsel whose charming streets are studded with roman monuments read more.

Joann Pai for The New York Times

Nîmes, France

Nîmes is that rarest of Gallic delicacies — a sunny southern French city with great charm and fascinating architecture and museums that hasn’t yet become thronged with tourists like Arles or Avignon.

The city has a growing word-of-mouth reputation for the excellence of its dining options, which include everything from Michelin two-star restaurants like the chef Pierre Gagnaire’s Duende at the recently renovated Hotel Imperator to exceptionally good lunchtime dining in Les Halles de Nîmes, a covered food market, where the Halles Auberge and La Pie Qui Couette offer first-come first-serve counter service at noon. The latest local buzz is about the chef Georgiana Viou, originally from Benin, who serves up her personal and very delicate Afro-Provençal cooking at Rouge , the restaurant of the elegant new 10-room Margaret-Hôtel Chouleur in a landmarked mansion in the heart of the Écusson, or Old City. Le Coin and Menna, two excellent cosmopolitan modern French bistros — a type of restaurant that’s new to Nîmes — are not far away.

Shed some calories after a meal by taking in the sights of the Rome of France, a sobriquet explained by the most spectacular collection of Roman monuments in Europe outside of Italy.

— Alexander Lobrano

Ha Giang  Copied to clipboard!

A two-wheeled thrill ride leads to mountainside settlements where hmong and tay culture lives read more.

Ha Giang, Vietnam

The several-day loop by motorbike through the Ha Giang highlands in northern Vietnam is not for the timid. Getting to the city of Ha Giang takes six hours by road from Hanoi, and the loop’s steep roads, serpentine passes and recurring switchbacks can make the journey both treacherous and exhilarating.

This remote tableau of soaring peaks and cavernous valleys inspires a deep connection to the landscape and its inhabitants. Veer off the main road onto the narrow ribbons of concrete streaking the mountainsides and into the Hmong and Tay settlements dotting the hillsides and hollows. To learn more about their cultures, you can hire a guide from QT Motorbikes and Tours .

Road improvement projects and new high-end accommodations have made the loop more accessible and inviting. Don’t miss a boat ride through the canyon on the emerald river at Ma Pi Leng Pass.

— Patrick Scott

Salalah  Copied to clipboard!

A historic frankincense-trading center where the desert erupts in waterfalls read more.

Salalah, Oman

With last year’s World Cup drawing attention to the built environment elsewhere in the Persian Gulf states, seaside Salalah, Oman, offers visitors a chance to see the region’s natural beauty. Depending on when you go, the area is either lush and green and blanketed in thick fog, or basking in sunlight and a warm breeze.

During the khareef (monsoon), the valleys and riverbeds are flooded with fresh water, and the mountains flow with waterfalls. The city is also home to Al Baleed Archaeological Park and the Museum of the Frankincense Land , which provides a visual history of the ancient incense trade and the associated export routes to the rest of the world. (A nearby collection of sites, known as the Land of Frankincense , is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.) Another draw is the collection of historical ports spread along the coast.

The population of Salalah, one of Oman’s largest cities, is around 330,000, so it’s easy to find oneself alone in the crystal clear waters of the area’s many tranquil beaches, including Mugsail, Fazayah and Haffa.

— Noa Avishag Schnall

Cuba  Copied to clipboard!

An island of music and white-sand beaches ripe for rediscovery as the united states eases travel restrictions read more.

Robert Rausch for The New York Times

With its sea-sprayed, pastel facades, white-sand beaches and tobacco-rich valleys, Cuba sits tantalizingly close to the United States, though it often feels out of reach — especially in recent years, when the Trump administration reinstated strict rules for American citizens hoping to visit.

But a confluence of factors just made travel to the island nation a bit easier. Last spring, President Biden relaxed many of the restrictions imposed by his predecessor. And in November, American Airlines resumed flights beyond Havana, adding departures to the beach town Varadero and the interior city Santa Clara, a regional capital steeped in revolutionary history. More flights from other carriers are set to begin in the coming months.

Cuba’s people are as generous with their stories — of history, family, even politics and protest — as they are with their music, an omnipresent, joyful soundtrack thrumming through the island’s cities and towns. Less than two years after historic protests were met with harsh repression, and as the country rebuilds from Hurricane Ian, travel to Cuba and support of its people may never be more valuable.

— Lauren Prestileo

Odense  Copied to clipboard!

A mystical new museum and garden with all you need to write your own fairy tale read more.

Andreas Meichsner for The New York Times

Odense, Denmark

Designed by the Japanese architect Kengo Kuma & Associates, the new Hans Christian Andersen Museum in Odense, on the island of Funen, is more than a museum. It’s a mystical land, featuring labyrinthine gardens that double as a public park.

The museum explores Andersen’s literary interplay between real and imaginary: You can gaze up at the sky through a glass dome and feel like the Little Mermaid; roam sunken courtyards, illuminated by sunlight splintering through trees; and engage with exhibits by contemporary artists in cylindrical spaces wrapped in latticed timber that suggest the city’s traditional thatched-roof houses. The museum is as much about telling stories as it is about imagining your own: Creativity is encouraged at the magical Ville Vau children’s center, where children can paint, draw, write and play dress-up amid colorful scenes from Andersen’s fairy tales.

Time your visit with Odense’s summertime H.C. Andersen Festivals , and then find artistic inspiration, as Andersen did, by venturing across his home island of Funen, the “garden of Denmark,” with its storybook castles (the moated Egeskov is the stuff of dreams), heather-coated hillsides and misty coastline.

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park  Copied to clipboard!

The shape-shifting sandstone heart of a continent and its indigenous heritage read more.

Matthew Abbott for The New York Times

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Australia

At Uluru, time stretches, dissolves. Over 500 million years old, the 1,142-foot sandstone monolith in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is a shape-shifter: aflame in pink, orange and violet through the day; its crevices gush with the rain, its surroundings erupt with wildflowers.

Now, Uluru is a symbol of urgency. In 2017, it was the site of the Uluru Statement From the Heart , which calls for an Indigenous “voice to Parliament” to be enshrined in Australia’s Constitution. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced there would be a national referendum on the issue in 2023.

Uluru is sacred to the Anangu people, who protect and manage the land, and for decades tourists climbed the rock against their wishes. Climbing was banned in 2019, and now visitors can take a 5.8-mile walk around Uluru’s base to experience its splendor. The ban was a rare victory for Indigenous rights and cultural respect, and evidence that even deep-rooted attitudes can change.

— Tacey Rychter

Boquete  Copied to clipboard!

A slope-side nirvana for coffee geeks, waterfall hikers and white-water rafters read more.

Paul Castillero

Boquete, Panama

Geisha, among the world’s most expensive coffee varietals, thrives on the slopes of the Barú Volcano, near Panama’s western border. In recent years, specialty coffee geeks the world over have gravitated here, encouraging coffee farms around the highland town of Boquete to act more like Bordeaux vineyards. New cupping rooms and bodega tours have been added at farms like Lamastus Family Estates , Chevas Coffee Estate and Finca Altieri , while coffee-themed hotels — including Finca Lérida and Panamonte — have updated their facilities.

In Boquete’s town center, which acts as a base for adventure activities like waterfall hikes and white-water rafting, the noted Panama City chef Mario Castrellón has opened a branch of the coffee roaster Café Unido , as well as a restaurant and bar with seasonal menus and Geisha-infused cocktails, in the new Selina hostel . The bold, 60-room property straddles a small river, with rooms ranging from beds in concrete cylinders to luxe suites.

— Nicholas Gill

Tarragona  Copied to clipboard!

An unsung artsy seaport rich in well-preserved roman ruins, and delicious tapas read more.

Tarragona, Spain

Long upstaged by the flash of Barcelona, this unsung waterfront city on the Costa Daurada is a culturally rich alternative, with thriving Catalan traditions, from the famous castells (human towers, formed by people standing on one another’s shoulders) to earthy Romesco sauce, often served with grilled fish and vegetables, and best enjoyed in El Serrallo, a maritime neighborhood.

But what elevates the Tarragona experience is the past: This is one of the oldest Roman settlements in the Iberian Peninsula. The impressively preserved Tarraco ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, transform the city into an open-air museum, from the mighty Roman walls to the amphitheater framed by the Mediterranean.

Against this ancient backdrop, the city is in the midst of change: a revitalized port, new low-cost fast trains to the region and a growing contemporary arts scene. Perhaps the best way to savor it is to partake in a paseo: Stroll the Rambla Nova, grazing on tapas along the way, to the aptly named Balcó del Mediterrani observation point, where touching the iron railing is said to bring good luck.

Charleston  Copied to clipboard!

A powerful space will examine a city’s past and honor the african american legacy read more, charleston, south carolina.

Charleston’s brutal history of slavery can be overshadowed by a romanticized portrait of a city with charm, award-winning restaurants and plantation gardens. The planned opening of the $100 million International African American Museum this year will help comprehensively display the city’s complicated past.

The I.A.A.M. occupies the former Gadsden’s Wharf, where an estimated 30,000 African captives landed during the trans-Atlantic slave trade, more than at any other site. The sleek, single-story building floats atop 18 pillars clad in tabby, a kind of concrete made from oyster shells, and houses a genealogy center, a social justice action lab and 10 exhibit galleries that include stories of slavery and the Great Migration. A public outdoor space offers an African Ancestors Memorial Garden featuring indigenous plants like Lowcountry sweet grass and Canary Island palm trees.

This spring, the Charleston tourism board will debut a comprehensive guide to Black-owned businesses to elevate the overlooked successes of creative locals.

— Lauren Matison

Cayos Cochinos  Copied to clipboard!

Planting coral and counting sea turtles where there are no cars or roads read more.

Cayos Cochinos, Honduras

Off the northern coast of Honduras, the Cayos Cochinos archipelago, part of a marine preserve where commercial fishing is banned, encompasses about 300,000 acres, two main islands and 13 small cays, with a collective population of about 200 Indigenous Garifuna residents.

Before the pandemic, the nonprofit Cayos Cochinos Foundation, which manages the reserve, derived much of its funding to study and protect its biodiversity from the fees paid by day-trippers to snorkel there. Now, the nongovernmental organization is gently opening itself to tourism, allowing visitors to stay in basic cabins (from $45 a night) that previously hosted exclusively scientists.

Between scuba dives and hikes to see pink boa constrictors and black-chested spiny-tailed iguanas, travelers can volunteer to propagate new coral or count sea turtles. Travel to the islands, which are roadless and free of cars, also supports the Garifuna community, which offers guide services, restaurants and tastings of the local root-infused spirit, guifiti.

Burgundy Beer Trail  Copied to clipboard!

Paying homage to hops and yeast in a region where wine has long reigned read more.

Burgundy Beer Trail, France

Wine lovers have long revered the great vintages of Burgundy. Now, beer lovers have their eyes on the Burgundy region, following the arrival of head-turning new breweries like Ammonite , Vif , Independent House and 90 BPM , all within 90 minutes of one another, and all rated among the best in France by fans on sites like Untappd and RateBeer .

Winemaking influences these new brewers, some of which employ solera barrel systems (like those used to age and blend sherry and Madeira wines), natural yeast, small oak barrels and other tools and techniques most often used by vintners.

For years, France has been a laggard in the global craft beer revolution, running far behind neighboring countries like Spain and Italy. The emerging beer trail in Burgundy’s wine region shows how France might soon develop an enviable beer culture of its own.

Istanbul  Copied to clipboard!

Reviving a city’s historic architecture just in time for modern turkey’s centennial read more.

Maria Mavropoulou for The New York Times

This October, the Turkish Republic celebrates its 100th anniversary, and to mark the occasion, Istanbul’s local government has invested millions in giving historic structures new life.

Among them: Feshane, a factory that manufactured the iconic Turkish hats and one of Istanbul’s first steel buildings, will become one of its largest art centers; west of the old city, a comprehensive restoration of the stone-and-brick Mevlanakapi city walls with their 22 towers dating back to the fifth century, will transform them into a four-and-a-half-mile walking path; and the Botter Apartment, one of Istanbul’s earliest Art Nouveau buildings, whose bottom floor was originally a studio for the sultan’s private tailor, will be turned into a fashion design center.

There’s more. Art museums are planned for the former Yedikule gasworks and the Halic Shipyard, one of the world’s oldest still in operation. And most notably, the newly built Istanbul Modern museum, designed by the architect Renzo Piano, will open its doors along the Bosporus in Karakoy, showcasing the works of notable Turkish artists such as Fahrelnissa Zeid and Erol Akyavas.

— Nora Walsh

Taipei  Copied to clipboard!

Floating sky lanterns and soaring skyscrapers in a sprawling, thrumming capital read more.

Taipei, Taiwan

Taipei is a glorious assault on the senses, a capital with stunning natural beauty, low crime, and clear air despite its immense urban sprawl. From its neon-lit night markets to its Qing Dynasty temples, visitors can feel the quiet drum of independent pride, however fragile its future.

Beijing, which sees self-ruled Taiwan as an unruly child, continues to assert its desire to reunify with Taiwan and put the island firmly back under its control. But for now, a visit to this city offers a riot of culinary and cultural pleasures. In 2023, the island’s third-tallest skyscraper will open, and the Taiwan Lantern Festival , a beloved tradition in which thousands of glowing lanterns float skyward in tandem, will return to Taipei after more than two decades.

Taipei’s future is uncertain. But in 2023, it remains an ideal place to gape at the sheer power of human innovation.

— Debra Kamin

El Poblado  Copied to clipboard!

Medellín, Colombia

A chic shopping district, pulsing nightlife and rainbow-colored macaws Read more

Federico Rios for The New York Times

El Poblado, Medellín, Colombia

In the 1600s, Spanish settlers established El Poblado, “the village,” along the Medellín River. Eventually, the larger city of Medellín grew to the north, and El Poblado became a rural getaway for wealthy Colombians.

Today, it is once again a center of activity. The grid of two- or three-story homes has blossomed with shops and restaurants, interspersed with boutique hotels rising above the treetops. Nearby, gushing waterfalls and rainbow-colored macaws add to the lush tropical vibe.

An afternoon roaming the neighborhood, popping into Mon y Velarde for menswear or Makeno for artisanal home goods, followed by coffee at Pergamino or modern Colombian cuisine at Oci.Mde , is a worthy entry on any South American traveler’s bucket list. Stay out late enough to see the area transform into the pulsing heart of the city’s nightlife, with D.J.s on the rooftops and dance parties in the streets.

Lausanne  Copied to clipboard!

Switzerland

Spectacular views of Lake Geneva and an exploding architectural and artistic scene Read more

Clara Tuma for The New York Times

Lausanne, Switzerland

Already blessed with a sublime Lake Geneva location and dramatic mountain views, Lausanne, Switzerland’s fourth-largest city, has been adding architectural and artistic beauty to its repertoire as well.

Known as Plateform 10 , the city’s three-year-old arts district recently inaugurated a bold new building that resembles an artfully cracked block of white stone for a pair of museums. Photo Elysée is dedicated to exhibiting photography in all its forms, while MUDAC is a haven of five creative outlets: design, glasswork, ceramics, jewelry and graphic art. The two institutions join the new home of the city’s international art museum, the Musée Cantonal des Beaux-Arts , which moved into its ridged, rectangular building in 2019.

Methana  Copied to clipboard!

A hike, a stroll or a run into the bronze age followed by a soak in an ancient tub read more.

Methana, Greece

Athens’s nearest active volcano, Methana, sits on a peninsula of the same name some 30 miles southwest of the Greek capital. Though largely unknown to tourists, the area is slowly evolving, in part because of its increasing popularity as a hiking destination.

In recent years, groups of locals have managed to reopen and map old walking paths, some of which date back to the Mycenaean Era, creating hiking trails that attract visitors from around the world. (So far, more than 18 miles have been cleared and marked.) The Methana Volcano Challenge , first organized in 2021, offers a trail run across the peninsula’s sloping landscape.

Visitors to this volcanic peninsula can also enjoy several hot springs, the most interesting of which is an ancient (and recently renovated) tub known as the Pausanias Baths near the village of Agios Nikolaos.

— Demetrios Ioannou

Louisville  Copied to clipboard!

A rising l.g.b.t.q. scene with quilts, drag shows, the derby and, of course, bourbon read more, louisville, kentucky.

One of the oldest cities west of the Appalachian Mountains, and arguably among the most beautiful, Louisville somehow flies under the radar. This despite its graceful 19th-century park system , designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, and its bourbon-fueled convivial spirit.

Today, its L.G.B.T.Q. scene is also thriving, with hot spots like Chill Bar and Play Dance Bar , which hosts regular drag nights featuring touring artists. (The city has also earned top marks from the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index for seven years running and is home to two new L.G.B.T.Q. community centers.) This spring brings Hotel Genevieve , from the Texas-based Bunkhouse Group, which offers Louisville-inspired touches like décor that pays homage to the city’s rich quilting heritage, an on-site market selling work from local artists and bourbon selections from neighboring Rabbit Hole Distillery .

Make plans for 2023, because the city might not stay below the radar much longer: 2024 will draw the masses for the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby.

— Paul L. Underwood

Manaus  Copied to clipboard!

River-to-table cuisine and ancestral recipes in the heart of the amazon read more.

Manaus, Brazil

Michelin-starred restaurants in São Paulo use Amazonian ingredients to appear exotic, but in Manaus, where you can sip steamy gourds of tacacá from a stand in front of the Teatro Amazonas or wander past plastic bottles of tucupi, the juice squeezed from grated cassava, in Adolpho Lisboa Municipal Market, Amazonian ingredients are a fact of life.

At the Indigenous-owned Biatüwi , a restaurant that pays homage to ancestral recipes and cooking techniques, drinks are made from fermented purple yams, and chiles are used to purify river fish in piquant stews like quinhampira.

Then there’s the chef Felipe Schaedler, who has helped threatened Yanomami communities commercialize their native mushrooms and runs two restaurants of his own: Banzeiro and Moquém do Banzeiro . Steering away from traditional preparations, Mr. Schaedler reimagines ingredients like lemon-grass-flavored ants and tambaqui ribs in a modern format, as do the bistros Caxiri , set in a colonial building overlooking Largo de São Sebastião, a grand plaza, and Fitz Carraldo, in the boutique hotel Villa Amazonia .

Vilnius  Copied to clipboard!

A 700-year-old survivor ready to party like there’s no tomorrow read more.

Gordon Welters for The New York Times

Vilnius, Lithuania

Lithuania’s cobblestoned capital has a long history of bootstrap survival. Occupied once by the Nazis and twice by the Soviets, Vilnius has a story that is complex and fascinating to explore. Its architectural riches span from Gothic to Renaissance to Baroque; grand churches rub shoulders with quaint timber homes on leafy streets.

In 2023, the resilient city celebrates its 700th birthday with a full year of revelry. A light festival , free music performances and the first Vilnius International Biennial are all on the calendar. Artificial intelligence will resurrect one of the city’s first operas from the 17th century, and an exhibition space will allow visitors to virtually explore Vilnius’s streets as they looked more than 200 years ago.

Ringing in its eighth century, Vilnius reminds travelers that, when viewed through the long lens of history, our own uncertain times are fleeting.

Macon  Copied to clipboard!

1,100-year-old native american mounds and deep rock ’n’ roll roots read more.

Macon, Georgia

The area around Macon has been home to multiple Native American tribes for 12,000 years. That history will be acknowledged this year, when Georgia is expected to get its first national park: The Ocmulgee Mounds, some of the most significant prehistoric Indigenous mounds in North America, date to the year 900, and are now a national historical park .

The national park will include the Bond Swamp National Wildlife Refuge , for a total of 50,000 acres, and offer a network of exquisite hiking trails and artifacts from American Indian culture. Management will be shared by the Muscogee Nation and the National Park Service.

Additionally, the city, whose musical roots run deep — Little Richard, the Allman Brothers and Otis Redding all got their start here — is celebrating its 200th anniversary with a new 10,000-seat amphitheater . Visitors can check out the Hotel Forty Five , a boutique hotel that opened downtown last year and that was named both for the angle of the street on which it sits and as a nod to musical history.

— Ondine Cohane

Madrid  Copied to clipboard!

Kicking off a worldwide tribute to picasso in a place that’s a masterpiece unto itself read more.

Emilio Parra Doiztua for The New York Times

If art is a universal language, as travel often reveals, Pablo Picasso’s antiwar “ Guernica ” may be one of its most potent symbols.

The Spanish and French governments recently announced the Picasso Celebration 1973-2023 in front of the famous painting at the Reina Sofia museum, kicking off a transnational commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the artist’s death. The worldwide tribute, from Madrid to Paris to New York City, includes some 50 exhibitions, many of which explore the artist through the lens of the present day. Madrid leads the way, with tributes throughout the year, including “Picasso. The Sacred and the Profane” at the Thyssen-Bornemisza ; “Picasso 1906. The Turning Point” at the Reina Sofia ; and an exhibition exploring Picasso and El Greco at the Prado .

During Picasso’s anniversary year, it’s worth noting that the city’s artistry isn’t just within its museums, but outside as well: Madrid’s cultural core is an urban masterpiece of art, nature and light, and in 2021, the entire area of the Paseo del Prado and verdant Parque del Buen Retiro, called “Landscape of Light,” was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Grand Junction  Copied to clipboard!

A bonanza of canyons, arches and cliffs, without the hordes of tourists read more.

Grand Junction, Colorado

On Colorado’s Western Slope, arid Grand Junction offers attractions similar to those of Moab, Utah, the gateway to Arches National Park, without the throngs.

The area around the Colorado alternative has the second-largest concentration of natural arches in the country in Rattlesnake Canyon, where some 35 sandstone spans are part of the roughly 123,700-acre McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area , reachable via off-road vehicle or a strenuous 14-mile round-trip trek. More convenient hiking trails in the Colorado National Monument — where geologic uplift and erosion formed monoliths of the same Entrada sandstone found at Arches — lie within about 10 minutes of town.

The 2021 opening of the Palisade Plunge adds a 32-mile descent — from the world’s largest flat-topped mountain, 10,000-foot Grand Mesa, down to the Colorado River — to the area’s biking challenges. All trails lead back to downtown Grand Junction, filled with shops, craft breweries, locavore restaurants and wine-tasting rooms from area vineyards.

La Guajira  Copied to clipboard!

An unspoiled land of orange-sand beaches and flamingo-lined lagoons read more.

La Guajira, Colombia

The remote and arid La Guajira peninsula, straddling Colombia’s border with Venezuela, remains largely unknown to international tourists — in spite of its dramatic salt flats, flamingo-lined lagoons and orange-sand beaches.

Terrorist activity made this area mostly off limits until 2016, but eco-minded hotels, including La Casa del Pavo Real and Hotel Waya Guajira , have spread along the peninsula, relying on increased flights to Riohacha, the regional capital, and nearby Santa Marta.

This region is the home of the Indigenous Wayúu people, who have expressed concerns that giant development projects may irreparably alter their ancestral lands. Tour operators visit Wayúu weavers known for their chinchorros, the colorful hammocks that take months to make, and their rustic kitchens, where cooks like Zaida Cotes showcase traditional cuisine based on salted fish, goat meat and purple corn.

Bergamo and Brescia  Copied to clipboard!

Open-air theater, art, music and a plateful of local delicacies in a cultural crossroads read more.

Andrea Wyner for The New York Times

Bergamo and Brescia, Italy

Milan may outshine Bergamo and Brescia , but in 2023 a spotlight will fall on these two Lombardy cities after they were jointly named the Italian Capital of Culture . More than 100 art projects, music and theater events (some open-air), nature walks and new bike routes are ​meant to map a way forward after the tragic headlines this northern region generated in 2020, when it was more ravaged by the coronavirus than anyplace else in Italy.

Bergamo is distinctive for its ancient, walled Città Alta (Upper Town) and modern Città Bassa (Lower Town), the two connected by ​narrow roads, a funicular and a footpath. Brescia, around 30 miles southeast , is a handsome crossroads of Roman, medieval and Renaissance sites .

Outstanding food is another draw — it’s Italy, after all — with menus in both areas featuring creamy, nutty polenta taragna and variously stuffed crescents of casoncelli swirled with butter and sage — little pasta miracles that prove how good life can still be.

— Julie Besonen

American Prairie  Copied to clipboard!

A vast, and growing, swath of nature where you can still feel tiny read more.

Janie Osborne

American Prairie, Montana

With its wide-open skies and boundless horizons, American Prairie is ideal for visitors seeking a respite from the fast pace of modern life. A vast nature preserve founded by a Montana nonprofit, A.P. has been accumulating grasslands since 2004. It currently consists of 455,840 acres — and the preserve continues to expand by acquiring private properties that connect to surrounding public lands. The goal: to create a contiguous, three-million-acre reserve and restore a disappearing ecosystem.

A.P. offers a broad range of activities, including leisurely walks, cross-country skiing and expert-level hiking, biking and paddling. Paved roads lead to Antelope Creek Campground, which features an interpretive trail and distant views of the Little Rockies. Buffalo Camp, accessible by gravel roads and situated among the reserve’s largest bison herd, is a little farther off the beaten path and provides a chance to see a buffalo jump, a cliff traditionally used by Indigenous peoples to harvest bison.

— Janie Osborne

Eastern Townships  Copied to clipboard!

A leisurely journey through the countryside with stops for wine, cheese and poutine read more.

Eastern Townships, Quebec

This is slow travel at its best: Pedal across the quiet Quebec countryside, refueling on local cheese, wine and, yes, poutine. Montreal and Quebec City are the stars of the region, but the bucolic, lake-laced terrain between them is often relegated to fleeting glimpses from the windows of a rental car.

The Eastern Townships — Canada’s New England, with French flair — deserves a visit all its own, and especially now, with the recent debut of the Véloroute Gourmande . The 150-mile cycle route traces the Route Verte and Trans Canada Trail across this charming region dotted with flower-festooned villages, and features more than 100 epicurean stops along the way, from farmers’ markets to maple groves to fromageries to vineyards.

Try the lush, sweet vin de glace (ice wine), made from ripe grapes that have frozen naturally on the vine, at Le Cep d’Argent , and the buttery Brise des Vignerons at the family-run Fromagerie des Cantons , one of the first in the area to develop cheese exclusively from Jersey cows, a nod to the region’s British influences.

New Haven  Copied to clipboard!

Connecticut

A home to tinkerers and rebels, and a treasure trove of contemporary art and architecture Read more

New haven, connecticut.

Connecticut’s third-largest city is a historic, mostly walkable and bikeable seaside town with distinctive neighborhoods, an encyclopedic collection of great American architecture, a thriving cultural life and one of the best food scenes in the country for a city of its size (134,000).

Founded in 1638, it’s a place where people have always tinkered with, mused about and challenged the status quo, which is why the New Haven Preservation Trust is now looking at saving the modernist buildings of the 1970s, which many see as disastrous examples of urban renewal. Discover one of the best of these brutalist concrete buildings by checking into the new Hotel Marcel , named for its architect, Marcel Breuer. Recently renovated, it’s become the first completely solar-powered, energy-neutral hotel in the United States.

Check out NXTHVN , a cutting-edge, community-focused arts center founded in 2019 in two abandoned factory buildings in the Dixwell neighborhood that has become the heart of a vibrant African American artists’ community. And then treat yourself to a great meal — maybe crispy artichokes with Parmesan aioli and pork belly with Tuscan cabbage and apple mostarda — at the recently opened Villa Lulu .

The Black Hills  Copied to clipboard!

South Dakota

Pine forests, powwows and a climb up to Crazy Horse’s giant granite face Read more

Benjamin Rasmussen

The Black Hills, South Dakota

The Lakota people trace their creation to the He Sapa, or Black Hills, a mountain range of dramatic peaks and pine forests in an area that is South Dakota’s chief tourism attraction.

Now, representatives of all nine tribes in the state — working as the South Dakota Native Tourism Alliance — are having a say in how to experience Native American sites with the publication of a new tribal nations’ visitors guide , including destination suggestions and tips on visitor etiquette. The assembly helped identify the Great 8 , eight sites and experiences — among them powwows, or dance celebrations — that are significant to Indigenous culture, with a concentration in the Black Hills. These include Bear Butte State Park where hiking trails may lead past prayer cloths tied to trees, 7,244-foot Black Elk Peak, the state’s highest, and the Crazy Horse Memorial .

The massive sculpture of the Lakota warrior turns 75 next summer, when the biannual Volksmarch will allow hikers to ascend the carving, still under construction, and stand beneath Crazy Horse’s more than 87-foot-tall granite face.

Sarajevo  Copied to clipboard!

Bosnia and Herzegovina

A living museum of resilience where empires and cultures have long intersected Read more

Todd Heisler/The New York Times

Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Sarajevo’s history lives in the present. There is the Latin Bridge, where a certain archduke was assassinated, catalyzing World War I. There are buildings still pockmarked by shells from the siege three decades ago. And there is the intricate interplay of empires, from the Ottoman to the Austro-Hungarian, that allows visitors to tour a mosque, a cathedral, an Orthodox church and a synagogue all within a few blocks.

These layers of history, of course, can detonate as easily as they can coexist. Bosnia’s multiethnic capital remains on edge. Look up to the hills, and there are the artillery positions built on the grounds of the 1984 Winter Olympics. But Sarajevo’s splendor comes from this intrusion of the past. It remains a living museum that hints at how a Ukraine or a Syria cannot only survive but perhaps one day flourish anew.

— Hannah Beech

Design and Production

Sean Catangui and Gabriel Gianordoli

Danial Adkison, Stephen Hiltner, Suzanne MacNeille, Morrigan McCarthy, Fiona Murray, Nancy Ramsey, Tacey Rychter and Amy Virshup

Photo Editing

Phaedra Brown

Baden Copeland

Corrections

A photograph with an earlier version of this article misidentified the city shown in the image. The photograph depicted the province of Tarragona, Spain, not the city itself. The image has been replaced.

The article also misstated the size of the Barrio Viejo neighborhood of Tucson, Ariz. It is more than 150 acres, not 150 blocks.

A photograph with an earlier version of this article misidentified the location in the image. It is Keelung, Taiwan, not Taipei.

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• Best city passes to visit Italy in 2023
• Best Tours and Experiences

If you're planning a trip to Italy, it's worth buying one of our city passes . Check out the passes on offer in Rome, Naples, and Venice.

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Visit the Lantern City with a unique pass

2023 is the perfect year to visit Italy and make the most of its beautiful cities. To save time and money during your trip, we recommend considering the purchase of one of the best available tourist passes.

Among the top options is the Genoa City Pass , which provides access to many of Genoa's most important attractions, including the Genoa Aquarium, the Galata Museo del Mare, and the San Lorenzo Cathedral. Additionally, the pass allows you to use local public transport almost unlimitedly during the pass's validity.

The Genoa City Pass is available in various options depending on the duration of your visit and the attractions you wish to visit. By purchasing the pass online, you can activate it at first use. Don't miss the opportunity to visit Italy's beautiful cities in 2023 while saving time and money with one of the best available tourist passes, such as the Genoa City Pass.

Dante's city through a tourist pass

Are you looking for a way to save time and money during your visit to Italy in 2023? Then don't miss the opportunity to purchase one of the best available tourist passes to visit the most beautiful cities in our country.Among the best available options is the Florence Pass , a pass that offers you priority access to Florence's main attractions, including the Florence Cathedral, the Uffizi Gallery, and the Pitti Palace. Additionally, the pass allows you to use local public transport almost unlimitedly during the pass's validity.

The Florence Pass is available in various options depending on the duration of your visit and the attractions you wish to visit. You can purchase the pass online and activate it at first use. Don't miss the opportunity to visit Italy's most beautiful cities in 2023 while saving time and money with one of the best available tourist passes such as the Florence Pass.

A pass for the city of the Madonnina

If you are planning a trip to Italy in 2023, we recommend considering the purchase of one of the best tourist passes offered in our country. Tourist passes for Italian cities like Milan, as well as the aforementioned Rome, Naples, and Venice, are an excellent solution to save time and money when visiting the main tourist attractions.

In particular, the Milan Pass offers you priority access to the city's main attractions, including the Milan Cathedral, the Brera Art Gallery, the Teatro alla Scala, and many more. Additionally, with the pass, you can use local public transportation almost unlimitedly and benefit from many facilities and discounts for restaurants, shops, and leisure activities. Don't miss the opportunity to discover the beauty of Milan through the Milan Pass.

Visit Italy's most beautiful medieval city

In 2023, Italy has a lot to offer tourists in terms of tourist passes. If you are looking for the best tourist passes for Italy in 2023, you are in the right place. The tourist itineraries we propose are designed to help you discover the beauties and wonders of Italy in a comfortable and convenient way.

One of the tourist passes we highly recommend is the Orvieto City Pass . This pass will give you access to numerous attractions in the city of Orvieto, including the famous cathedral, the museum of the cathedral's works, and the Tower of Moro. The pass also includes the opportunity to take a guided tour of the city, to discover its history and culture. Buying the Orvieto City Pass is easy and convenient: simply book it online and pick it up directly in the city. This way, you can avoid long queues and save precious time during your visit.

How to buy city passes easily?

You can purchase the city passes we showed you,  online at the pass sites you can find on our channels, or on our portal's Tickets section . Once you have purchased your pass, you can activate it on the first day of use and it will be valid for the duration of the pass. When you buy your pass online, you will receive an electronic voucher that you can exchange for a pass at the venue.

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Where to Go in 2023: The Most Exciting Destinations to Explore This Year

Our writers and editors rounded up 10 must-visit spots

As we move into the new year, many of us are starting to think about our travel plans for 2023. While 2022 was a year of slow re-opening, travel opportunities for 2023 feel limitless, as old favorites (Japan, anyone?) have finally re-opened, and new frontiers await. Whether you're looking for a relaxing beach vacation, an exciting city break, or an opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture, there are plenty of options from which to choose.

Some of the destinations on our 2023 list may seem overly familiar, we know—Rome? Tulum? Sydney?—but we promise that each has exciting new developments and things to see and do that will make your visit (or re-visit) revelatory. And then, of course, we've also snuck in a few unexpected treasures, like Central Maine and Israel's Western Galilee region, both places that are sure to delight first-time travelers and seasoned jet-setters alike.

Read on to discover the best places to visit this year, and consider adding both some unexpected destinations and old standbys to your 2023 travel bucket list.

Sydney, Australia

With its laid-back outdoor lifestyle and relaxed beachy chic, Sydney's natural assets usually get all the attention. There's the glittering harbor, the coastline strung with world-class beaches , and the stunning World Heritage wilderness on its doorstep. But in 2023, it will be Sydney's new cultural offerings that will steal the show.

For starters, the Sydney Opera House turns 50 in 2023. It celebrates by throwing off the scaffolding of a 10-year, $300-million renovation. Everyone in town is talking about the improved acoustics in the main Concert Hall, and many areas in the enormous building have been made accessible to people with mobility impairments for the first time. The venue will showcase its improvements with a stunning theater, music, and opera programs in 2023. 

Meanwhile, just past the Harbour Bridge , Pier 2/3 opened in 2022 to house the acclaimed Australian Chamber Orchestra in a stunningly repurposed Edwardian-era finger pier extending into the harbor. It's the latest addition to the Walsh Bay Arts Precinct, home to nine of Australia's most important performing arts companies, including First Nations contemporary-dance powerhouse Bangarra Dance Theatre and the Sydney Theatre Company —the theater of choice for Australian cinema stars seeking a stint of live performance, such as Toni Collette, Hugo Weaving, Geoffrey Rush, and former artistic director Cate Blanchett. 

Just south of Walsh Bay, Sydney's harbor revitalization is continuing with the massive development of Barangaroo , which transformed a working wharf area into parkland (including a brand-new harbor swimming spot in view of the Harbour Bridge), cultural spaces, and the 889-foot-high Crown casino, which has transformed Sydney's skyline. 

Meanwhile, the $344-million Sydney Modern wing of the Art Gallery of NSW opened in December 2022. Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architects Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa, it’s a sprawling glass-fronted stunner embedded into the Domain parklands over a series of stepped terraces. Inside are landmark collections of First Nations art, an underground gallery in an old World War II oil tank, and a dedicated new-media gallery. 

Australia is a long journey from many places worldwide, but new non-stop flights will make connections easier than ever. Qantas has announced it will link Sydney and New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport in a non-stop, 16-hour flight starting June 14, with plans to fly non-stop to London in the future too. 

And although Australia endured some of the harshest lockdowns in the world just a few years ago and closed its international border for almost 600 days, it reopened to international travelers in February 2022. In July 2022, it lifted the requirement for a COVID-19 test before entering the country. Locally, Sydney-siders have rebounded out of the tight restrictions with glee. The town is jumping, with live music pouring out of venues, conversation buzzing in restaurants, and what feels like half the city spreading a towel at the beach. Visitors are being welcomed with a choice of new luxury stays, including Heritage-listed Capella Sydney , opening in March 2023, behind a beautiful sandstone facade once occupied by the Department of Education, and the architecturally adventurous W Sydney , overlooking Barangaroo, in the dining and nightlife precinct of Darling Harbour. — Monique Choy

Central Maine

The classic Maine daydream usually consists of the tried and true elements: lighthouses, sailboats, and the roar of waves crashing into a rocky coast. But approximately one hour north of Portland, nestled in native Eastern white pine, lies a less coastal—and less congested—version of the state’s slogan, The Way Life Should Be.

For a state that has inspired heaping shelves of classic American literature—think “Olive Kitteridge,” “The Cider House Rules,” and, of course, anything by native Mainer Stephen King—it seems apropos that Maine was once a dominant force in the paper mill industry. In the 19th century, paper production consumed nearly half of the annual cut of Maine timber. The state’s abundant woodlands, particularly its plentiful poplar and spruce trees, made it the perfect destination for the industry to boom.  

Today, only six paper mills remain in Maine, and the glory days of its booming mill towns are long gone. While the allure of heavily touristed areas like Rockland, Camden, and Kennebunkport have cushioned the southern end of the state in tourism revenue, towns further away from the coast are finally finding their footing.

Central Maine has become an inspiring model for how to take a negative—defunct former mill towns—and transform them into hyper-local communities that enrich the lives of both natives and starry-eyed vacationers. Towns like Belgrade and Winslow, better known for their lakes than ocean views, offer plenty of outdoor adventure for campers, hikers, skiers, and more. And for those looking for a taste of Maine without breaking the bank, the area still offers the same unrivaled seafood and blueberries that you’ll find down south for a fraction of the price.

In Waterville, visitors walking down Main Street can still see the once-storied Lockwood Mills on the south end of town. The mills, which hung empty over Waterville for years, are now becoming a series of residential units and commercial spaces. It’s not the only thing being revitalized: Waterville-based Colby College has invested $100 million into the city’s downtown area over the past few years, culminating in the summer 2022 opening of the boutique Lockwood Hotel , as well as the Paul J. Schupf Art Center , which debuted in December 2022. 

Head to the bar at the sleek and sophisticated Lockwood on any Friday night in town, and you’ll be greeted by a young and creative crowd sipping craft cocktails by the fireplace. The Schupf Art Center, which spotlights work from local artists, also boasts a brand new cinema set to host a portion of this summer’s Maine International Film Festival . 

That swell of creative energy also extends over to Waterville’s neighboring city, Skowhegan. After securing space in a building once a county jail, co-founder and CEO Amber Lambke launched Maine Grains , a gristmill producing organic and heritage grains solely sourced from the Northeast. The mill just celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2022 and has announced plans to expand to an additional building to accommodate several new product lines and serve as an online fulfillment hub. 

The three-story former jail is also home to a local radio station, a yarn store, a dry goods shop, and an artisanal cheese shop Crooked Face Creamery , founded by local Amy Rowbottom, who handcrafts all of the shop’s offerings from milk sourced from local farms. On weekends, the area around the building buzzes with crowds of locals who drive up for lunch at The Miller’s Table , the gristmill’s onsite restaurant serving sandwiches and pizzas made with dough milled onsite. The menu features no shortage of craft beers from nearby Bigelow Brewing , which has also announced recent expansion plans: the brewery will take over the 80,000 square foot former Solon Manufacturing mill on Skowhegan Island, which had a strong run producing yarn and wood products in the early twentieth century.

Of course, there’s always plenty to do in Maine for those seeking solitude in the outdoors any time of the year. Just 2 miles from Waterville, the Quarry Road Trails offer over 8 miles of singletrack trails for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. Outfitters like Magic Falls and North Country Rivers offer rafting trips on the nearby Kennebec River. And in this part of the state, hiking opportunities, like the lush RiverWalk at Head of Falls or the Kennebec Messalonskee Trails , are abundant—just don’t be surprised if you see a moose or two. All are perfect opportunities for visitors to get up close and personal with the trees that built the state. — Astrid Taran

Western Galilee, Israel

While Tel Aviv and Jerusalem should very well be on your Israel itinerary , devote a few extra days to exploring a side of the country that often gets overlooked—and unfairly so. Western Galilee, also known as the North Coast of Israel, stretches along the Mediterranean Sea from the Carmel Range just north of Haifa to the country’s north-westernmost tip, with rolling mountains and coastal views intermixed with archaeological sites and farm-to-table eats that can’t be beaten.

Start your trip in the port city of Acre (also known as Akko), a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled at the northern tip of the Bay of Haifa. Conquered by a range of empires and civilizations over its 5,000-year history, Acre is best known for having once been the capital of the Crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem. Take a tour of the Hospitaller Fortress , which served as a hospital and hospice to pilgrims en route to Jerusalem in the 12th and 13th centuries, before journeying through the Templars Tunnels. This 492-foot-long underground passage was used to link the Knights Templar's main fortress to the port. Afterward, browse the city’s souk and artisanal shops, including Art 192 , a gallery that sells ceramics, jewelry, and other wares created by Israeli craftswomen from around Galilee and Golan.

Natural beauty is in no short supply here, either. Just south of Lebanon, on the Mediterranean coast, the geologic formation of Rosh HaNikra comprises grottoes and white chalk cliffs that can be accessed via a quick ride down the world’s steepest cable car. Then head to the remains of nearby Keshet Cave: a large natural arch situated on the southern cliffs of the Adamit Mountain Ridge in Adamit Park. Hike the short trail to the top, where you can simply take in the spectacular views or join other adventure seekers in rappelling roughly 130 to 165 feet down to the cave floor.

Meanwhile, the region’s food and drink scene is undoubtedly one to rival Tel Aviv’s. At Alto Dairy Farm , visitors can munch on housemade sourdough bread, a variety of quiches, and fresh cheese produced from Galician goat’s milk, paired with toppings such as silan, tahini, and nuts. If you’re looking to imbibe, sip wine at Kishor Winery , staffed by members of the neurodiverse Kishorit kibbutz, or craft beers at Malka Brewery .

Got a sweet tooth? Look no further than Tosha Bakery in Achziv. Co-owned by Shahaf Avraham and pastry chef Tomer Swisa, who honed his craft in Israel and France, Tosha offers more than 30 delectable pastries and other sweets adapted from recipes Swisa’s grandmother used to make. Pick up a smattering of baked goods to split with the table—from croissants oozing with pistachio crème to mouthwatering mousses and savory bourekas—and order a cup of coffee on the side. If you still have room left for dessert, head to Odette Chocolate & Pralines Boutique for an assortment of delicious confections—including chocolate logs, chocolate-covered nuts, and pralines filled with flavors like hazelnut and olive oil—and chocolate workshops led by owner Dr. Shlomit Zamir.

Don’t leave without signing up for a cooking workshop or home hospitality experience with tour operator Galileat , which offers visitors to the region an opportunity to learn about local culture through food. Through the program, Druze, Muslim, Christian, and Bedouin hosts around Galilee are ready to welcome you into their homes to share their faith and customs, cook you a traditional homecooked meal, and maybe show you how to roll a grape leaf or two.

To truly get a feel for what it is like to live and work on a kibbutz, a collective Israeli community with agrarian roots, round out your trip with a visit to Kibbutz Kfar Masaryk . In addition to tours of the grounds, the kibbutz offers workshops on topics ranging from birdwatching to Rondo and Hora dances, an art gallery, a dining hall with buffet-style lunch, and 20 accommodations where both families and couples can spend the night. —  Elizabeth Preske

Perhaps the most anticipated tourist reopening, Japan is now fully reopened to travelers, making 2023 the year to experience—or perhaps re-experience—the Land of the Rising Sun. Visitors will also be able to take advantage of a weaker-than-usual yen, as the exchange rate in 2020 was an average of 106 yen to $1—the current exchange rate is 127 yen per dollar.

For travelers with kids (or those who are simply young at heart), Tokyo is a must-visit city in 2023, with Tokyo Disney's Toy Story-themed hotel now open. Based on the film series, the hotel offers a unique stay for visitors that includes not just rooms decorated with characters from the franchise on the walls and matching bedding but an entirely immersive experience. If you want a truly magical experience in Tokyo, the 300,000-square-foot Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter opens this summer. The interactive experience allows guests to explore the world of Harry Potter through a behind-the-scenes look into how the films and special effects were created, including a recreation of the indoor soundstage and outdoor backlot used to make the films.

Entertainment lovers will also want to beeline to Tokyu Kabukicho Tower in Shinjuku, set to be the country's largest hotel and entertainment complex. Spanning 48 floors, Kabukicho will comprise two hotels, a movie theater, a massive food hall, and a four-story concert venue that will seat 1,500 people.

And for anime fans, Studio Ghibli has opened its long-awaited new theme park in Nagoya, about three hours by train from Tokyo. The expansive park spans five different themed lands based on fan-favorite films, like "My Neighbour Totoro" and "Princess Mononoke," as well as a life-sized replica of Howl's Moving Castle.

Japan has always been a bastion of luxurious hotels, and now the tony EDITION brand will plant its roots in Ginza, opening an 86-room hotel with three restaurants, including a rooftop bar where you can take in the expansive Tokyo skyline. Meanwhile, local brand Tokyu Hotels opened Hotel Higashiyama last July in Kyoto. Located near Chionin Temple and Heian-jingu Shrine, staying at the hotel is a zen-like experience with rooms arranged around a central courtyard with a Japanese garden. Each room also comes with a box full of original tea utensils that you can use to brew your own Japanese tea.

For families, Hoshino Resorts, which currently operates 58 properties in and around Japan, has just opened RISONARE Osaka , which bills itself as a hub of creativity where children can draw on the walls and windows of their guest rooms with crayons. Marking itself as Japan's first hotel to embrace the Reggio Emilia Approach, an early childhood education program, it hopes to become a hotel that offers value by creating opportunities to nurture children's artistic creativity.

Further north, Club Med has opened its newest ski resort in the area, Club Med Kiroro in Hokkaido. The all-inclusive resort offers up some of the best skiing in the region and will feature a natural open-air hot spring and spa, with all the attractive features the brand continues to be known for .

If you've been saddened by the news of Danish restaurant Noma closing its doors, but don't have plans to visit Copenhagen before then, you may still be in luck. The long-standing "world's best restaurant" is holding a 10-week pop-up in the Ace Hotel Kyoto from March 15 to May 20, 2023, focusing on a tasting menu inspired by the region's distinct ingredients and culinary history.

And, of course, after you've exhausted all the traditional culinary adventures Japan has to enjoy, you can take respite in the comfort food of choice at one of the country's long-standing top hotels: Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo , which features 12 restaurants and bars across its 38 floors. You'll have everything from traditional Cantonese at Sense, upscale French cuisine at Signature, and even Michelin-starred Tapas Molecular Bar. At the end of the night, tuck away to the rooftop Mandarin Bar and admire Tokyo's glittering sprawl. It's good to be back. — Ryan Smith

Thomas Pickard

In unexpected social media trends of the year, the infamous Drake Passage—the notoriously rough body of water that separates South America and Antarctica—has made its rounds on TikTok. And that's because more people than ever are heading to the southernmost destination in the world.

Antarctica is heating up, both figuratively and literally. With the rapid growth of the expedition cruising industry, particularly in the luxury sector, getting to Antarctica has never been easier.

Between 2022 and 2023, nearly a dozen new polar-class ships have been or will be launched by both existing and new cruise lines: Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, Silversea's Silver Endeavor and Silver Nova, Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit, Atlas Ocean Voyages' World Traveller; Aurora Expedition's Sylvia Earle; Albatros Expedition's Ocean Victory and Ocean Albatros; Scenic Eclipse II; and Swan Hellenic's SH Diana, among them. And that's not to mention numerous others that debuted in 2020 and 2021. Between them, you're treated to comforts like high-end spas, toys like helicopters and submersibles, and, of course, fine dining.

What's more, even land-based Antarctic expeditions are growing. Luxury operator White Desert just opened its third space-age glamping facility, Echo Camp , on the continent; to get there, White Desert flies guests from Cape Town to Antarctica via private jet.

With so many options for visiting Antarctica, there hasn't been a better (or at least a more convenient) time to visit the White Continent. But returning to Antarctica heating up, is it ethical to go?

As an icy continent, Antarctica is, perhaps unsurprisingly, directly impacted by planetary temperature change. But Antarctica's climate is complex and dynamic, with dramatic regional differences. East Antarctica, for instance, has seen some cooling trends; the South Pole, which is technically in East Antarctica, had its coldest winter on record in 2021. And long-term Antarctic sea ice trend shows essentially zero change, according to Climate.gov . But the Antarctic Peninsula in West Antarctica, where most expedition cruises sail, is warming dramatically.

It's important to acknowledge that cruising is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, just like flying. Even ships that use liquified natural gas, which is touted as a more sustainable alternative to diesel, contribute to emissions, just in the form of methane rather than carbon dioxide.

But what makes cruising to Antarctica worth the potential environmental trade-off is the continent's ability to turn you into an ambassador for protecting Earth. On one of my trips to Antarctica, a naturalist told us that often people don't care to protect what they don't know. Being able to fully immerse yourself in the wilderness of Antarctica—to hear the thunderous crack of a glacier calving and the roar of the tsunami that follows, to watch an Adélie penguin waddle across your path with a pebble in its mouth to build a nest with its mate, to witness humpback whales lunge feeding in an extraordinary display of graceful choreography—makes you care just so much more about not just Antarctica, but the entire planet.

That's why we encourage you to visit Antarctica, but we implore you to do so with the right intentions. Don't just book a trip to check off your seventh continent. Do your research into the company you book with, ensuring they're a member of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators . This organization ensures its members adhere to the best practices for protecting wildlife and the environment and take all precautions for human safety. And keep in mind that Antarctica is a remote, extreme, and dangerous place—listen to your guides at all times, and be highly mindful throughout your entire trip. A trip to Antarctica is an extraordinary privilege that shouldn't be taken lightly. Travel with intention, be safe and open yourself up to the wonders of the White Continent. — Stefanie Waldek

Bianca Loðbrók

Rome, Italy

If it seemed like everyone on your Instagram feed was in Italy last year, you’re not imagining things. A 2022 study by Allianz found that demand for Europe travel was up 600 percent, and Rome ranked as the fifth in-demand summer destination. That trend is likely to continue into 2023. A recent survey by the Leading Hotels of the World found that Italy is currently leading the pack for bookings this year.

Rome is called the Eternal City for a reason, but in addition to its many timeless pleasures, it has some compelling new reasons to go in 2023, especially if it’s been a while since your last visit. The Mausoleum of Augustus —the world’s largest circular tomb—reopened to the public in 2021 after an 8 million euros restoration. Also in 2021, the Colosseum opened the underground level known as the hypogeum, allowing visitors to walk the narrow corridors where gladiators prepared for the games and wild animals were kept before being hoisted up to the stage on wooden platforms. To visit the underground level, you must book a guided tour, such as the official Moon over the Colosseum tour , or a private tour with a company like Roma Experience .

Last year saw the inauguration of the Museo dell’Arte Salvata (Museum for Rescued Art), which displays looted or lost antiquities and other artworks that have been recovered before they’re returned to their rightful homes. In addition, a restoration of the Sacred Area of Largo di Torre Argentina —where Julius Caesar was assassinated—is currently underway. When it’s completed, visitors can join the cats at the Largo Argentina Cat Sanctuary and get up close and personal with the ruins, which lay just below street level in an open area in the heart of Rome’s centro storico.

In terms of modern developments, the city’s hotel scene is heating up in a big way, bringing hip new affordable options and luxurious properties by international brands. Already open are the Hoxton Rome and Mama Shelter Roma —where budget-conscious travelers don’t have to sacrifice style—and Soho House Rome and the W Rome , both of which boast rooftop restaurants and pools.

Coming soon are high-end hotels by Six Senses , Edition , Nobu , and Bulgari , in addition to Palazzo Roma, a luxury boutique hotel in a historic palazzo by the Shedir Collection (the company behind Hotel Vilòn and Hotel Maalot)—all slated to open in 2023. Plus, Thai brand Anantara is currently renovating the historic Palazzo Naiadi hotel on Piazza Della Repubblica.

Whether or not you splurge on a room, these new hotels are bringing buzzy restaurants and bars to attract locals and international visitors. The Bulgari Hotel, for example, will have a restaurant by lauded chef Niko Romito. The W has two hot restaurants: Giano by Michelin-starred Sicilian chef Ciccio Sultano and Otto Rooftop, which serves pizzas by esteemed Roman pizzaiolo Pier Daniele Seu, whose pizzeria Seu Pizza Illuminati is ranked number 8 on the list of the 50 Top Pizzerias in the world.

Indeed, it’s a perfect time for pizza aficionados to visit Rome. The city has seen a wave of next-gen pizzaiolos energizing the scene. Top spots include 180 Grammi in the off-the-beaten-path neighborhood of Centocelle, L’Elementare , which has locations in Trastevere and the Parco Appio, and I Quintili by pizzaiolo Marco Quintili, who hails from the province of Caserta, which is known for having some of Italy’s best pizzerias. A visit to Rome in 2023 will be a feast for all the senses. — Laura Itzkowitz

Courtesy of Four Seasons

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Prince got it right, per usual, when he told Oprah in a 1996 interview that he'd always live in Minnesota because "it's so cold it keeps the bad people out." The state's residents are notoriously nice, which makes Minnesota a particularly welcoming place to visit, no matter the weather. With the addition of a luxury hotel, a restaurant at the helm of pivoting American cuisine, and other must-see locales, it's easy to understand why you'd want to visit the land of 10,000 lakes. (Though, as Minnesotans will politely correct you, the state technically boasts 11,842 lakes—but who's counting?)

Start your stay in Minneapolis, the livelier of the Twin Cities. Hop on the light rail at MSP airport, and 30 minutes later, you'll step off in downtown Minneapolis, where you can check in for a stay at the state's first five-star hotel, Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis . Located two blocks from the Mississippi River and four blocks from famed music venue First Avenue, the Four Seasons is within walking distance of all that downtown and its posh adjoining neighborhood, the North Loop, have to offer. That's assuming you can tear yourself away from eating every meal at Mara , the Mediterranean-inspired restaurant by award-winning chef Gavin Kaysen , located within the hotel.

One meal you must venture out for is a dinner at Owamni , the highly-praised restaurant at the center of the Indigenous foods movement. Perhaps you read about Owamni in The New Yorker , or maybe the name sounds familiar from their 2022 James Beard Award win for Best New Restaurant. Every menu item is "decolonized," as co-owner and Oglala Lakota chef Sean Sherman calls it, free of ingredients introduced to North America after Europeans arrived. Forget dairy, cane sugar, black pepper, and wheat flour. You don't need them, at least as far as the Owamni menu (which features dishes like bison stew and blue corn mush) is concerned. The restaurant is just an 11-minute walk from the Four Seasons, so go ahead and indulge in one more glass of whatever you're washing your elk short ribs down with. If the weather allows—always a gamble, though Minnesotans are bred to soak up every warm, sunny day—enjoy your meal on the patio overlooking the Mississippi River.

Add the Minnesota Zoo to your itinerary too. Located just south of the charming capital St. Paul, the zoo is not only home to lions and tigers and bears (oh my!) but also the world's longest elevated pedestrian loop. The Treetop Trail is a 32-foot-high, 1.25-mile walking path through the zoo's various lush landscapes, including a reflection pond, wetlands, and, as the name implies, a forest. The trail's multiple access points, with elevators and ramps, allow guests of all mobility levels to enter and exit in different locations to get a glimpse of their favorite animals. If all goes to plan, the Treetop Trail will open this summer, hopefully just in time to coincide with the zoo's annual and adorable Farm Babies exhibit.

For a more all-encompassing view of the midwest, book Viking's new Great Lakes Collection cruise. The two-week-long excursion travels between Duluth, Minnesota, and Toronto, winding through the Great Lakes with pit stops at iconic locations like Niagara Falls and Mackinac Island.

We like to think Prince would be the first aboard. — Megan McCarty

Maximilian Guy McNair MacEwan

Tulum, Mexico

The city that launched a thousand hashtags and the poster child of boho-chic, Tulum is one resort town where every year brings something new. Between the booming beach clubs and luxurious boutique hotels, there are many reasons why travelers keep returning again and again to this once-sleepy fishing village next to the Mayan ruins. Roughly a two-hour drive from the Cancun Airport, Tulum has always proved rewarding for those willing to go the extra mile, but the coming years are promising an easier way to get there so that you can skip the pricy cab fare or the rental car.

There are two massive infrastructure projects on the horizon in Tulum: the Maya Train and a brand-new international airport. Construction has been underway on the Maya Train, which will connect Tulum to not only Cancun but other major cities on the peninsula like Bacalar and Izamal. The first section of the train line is expected to open in December 2023, but the project has also been controversial, enduring harsh criticism from environmentalists and human rights advocates .

Meanwhile, the new airport will sit 20 minutes south of the city center near the ruins of Muyil. The first route will run between Tulum and Mexico City's brand-new airport, Felipe Ángeles (AIFA), and low-cost airlines are already eyeing the new landing strip. It's been given an opening date of December 2023, but it might take until mid-2024 for the regular service to kick in. Both projects are working towards decongesting traffic from Cancun as more and more holidaymakers are finding their way down to Tulum worldwide. The new international airport will also give travelers a better starting point for exploring the southern reaches of Quintana Roo, like the multicolored lakes of Bacalar (two hours south of Tulum) and the far jungle side of the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve.

Tulum's beachfront is stacked with luxury hotels that claim the best location in the city and are always trying to make the biggest splash in art and design. You can find the influencer set lining up for snapshots in front of the "Ven a la Luz" sculpture at the Ahau Tulum Resort or booking the top suite La Valise , where the bed rolls out onto the balcony so you can sleep under the stars. However, Hilton has just opened two new hotels in the area, which will pose shiny new offerings for travelers in 2023. The centrally-located Motto delivers Tulum style with a rooftop infinity pool, and with comparatively affordable rates, it's a good choice for those who plan to bounce between the city center and the beach. Alternatively, the Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya is 20 minutes away from Tulum proper, sitting on the turtle-filled beaches of Akumal, but the resort offers a more traditional Riviera Maya resort experience, but with the Tulum twist of holistic wellness experiences and bass-thumping DJ sets.

As always, Tulum's beaches are the star attraction. The gentle blue waves are watched over by the ruins of an ancient Mayan city, and the wind conditions entice kite surfers to strap on their boards and fly. The only thing that could ruin this picture is the massive clumps of sargassum seaweed that wash up on the shores daily. However, this problem will be mitigated in 2023 thanks to a new 1.4-mile-long anti-sargassum barrier that stops the seaweed before it washes up on the beach.

Tulum is a place that is constantly transforming, and with many promises on the horizon to make it even more accessible, this is a place to watch. — Jamie Ditaranto

Honestly, there is no wrong time to visit Disneyland . But making a pilgrimage to "The Happiest Place on Earth" during 2023 will make your visit extra sweet, and we're not just talking about the consumption of the park's sugar-coated churros.

This year the Walt Disney Company is celebrating a century of creating its unique brand of animated magic. The Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio—which it was initially named—was formed on Oct. 16, 1923, just months after 21-year-old Walt made the move to Los Angeles. There will be a year-long cross-company global observance to honor the centennial, with Disneyland being the centerpiece of the celebration. Beginning on Jan. 27, 2023, the park will feature added entertainment, festivities, and an abundance of razzle dazzle sprinkled throughout the park—all for the Disney100 Celebration , Sleeping Beauty's castle will be given a platinum-hued glow to kick it all off. The castle will also be the focus of the new nighttime extravaganza entitled Wondrous Journeys . This brand new show will use the castle, Main Street U.S.A., Rivers of America, and the facade of "it's a small world" as the canvas for a visual cavalcade featuring snippets and nods to every film that Disney has released during the past hundred years. Meanwhile, over at California Adventure, this year will see the debut of World of Color - ONE , the new water projection show paying homage to Disney classics, both new and old, alongside moments from "Star Wars" and Marvel movies.

Disney parade lovers will be thrilled with the return of the wildly popular " Magic Happens " parade in late February. The over-the-top extravaganza pays tribute to cherished moments from Disney's films from "Moana" to "Frozen" to Pixar's "Coco" with music, dancing, and elaborate floats, all led by an iridescent outfitted Mickey Mouse. But Mickey will have much more than merely a parade presence.

Since "it was all started with a mouse," as Walt Disney once famously stated, it's only fitting that Mickey Mouse will star in this year's most anticipated debut. On March 27, Mickey's Toontown, which has undergone a massive remodel, will reopen to guests. The reimagined land will feature CenTOONial Park, a sprawling grassy knoll, interactive play areas, and a bevy of water features, which will be a welcome addition on those hot southern California days. The highlight of the land is the west coast debut of Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Train , opening on Jan. 27. The attraction—which already exists in Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World—will be housed in the memorabilia-filled El CapiTOON Theater.

Over in Critter Country, big changes are on the horizon. Disney is transforming the wet and wild Splash Mountain into Tiana's Bayou Adventure. While this metamorphosis won't be complete until next year, you can get a taste of the "Princess and the Frog" vibe with the debut of Tiana's Place. The French Market in New Orleans Square, right around the bend from Critter Country, will be reimagined with a menu to reflect Tiana's culinary talents for dishes such as gumbo and beignets.

Speaking of beignets, whenever there is something to celebrate, Disneyland invariably cooks up something tantalizing and wildly creative. The year will be sprinkled with an eclectic array of new treats, both sweet and savory, along with food-centric commemorative souvenirs like the Mickey Mouse popcorn buckets and sippers, to go along with all the other commemorative Disney100 apparel and merch available for purchase.

If you've been looking for a good excuse to visit the "Happiest Place on Earth," partaking in the Disney100 Celebration is a pretty worthy one. Plus, there are churros. — Sunny Chanel

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Few cities in Asia and the world blend an opulent British-colonial past with ever-growing, space-age skylines like Kuala Lumpur, shortened to "KL" by most locals—and now, Malaysia's capital will soon be more accessible than ever to visit.

Expect more seamless connections from the U.S. to this Southeast Asian gateway after the Federal Aviation Administration upgraded Malaysia's air safety rating in October 2022. A coil of highways and light-rail transport systems connects the airport to the former small towns of the Klang Valley, which now function as KL's many thriving residential neighborhoods.

They attract foreigners who find no match for Kuala Lumpur's low cost of living and quality of life. Since last year, Malaysia's De Rantau Pass , Southeast Asia's first full-fledged digital nomad visa, has a rock-bottom income requirement of $2,000 a month and allows stays of up to two years.

Today, the Klang river that marked the city's humble beginnings—Kuala Lumpur means "muddy estuary" in Malay—is strangled by development but still flows by some of the old city's architectural gems, such as the Jamek Mosque and the old Kuala Lumpur Railway, completed in 1916 by the former British colonialists. These old dames rub walls with modern buildings, monorail, LRT overpasses, shopping malls, and futuristic skyscrapers.

The next giant to open mid-2023 is Merdeka 118, the world's second-highest building. Soaring above the tourist enclave of Pasar Seni and Petaling Street, the city's bustling Chinatown, this 118-story, 2,200-foot tall, dark glass tower stretches up to the sky as the supreme example of Malaysia's world aspirations.

Before that, the 88-story, 1,400-foot-high Petronas Towers held the world's record for the tallest building from 1998 to 2003. These futuristic twin towers are the trademark of KLCC, Kuala Lumpur's glitziest and central neighborhood, filled by the city's largest shopping malls and the plushest entertainment and dining options.

Perched on the 48th floor of the Naza Tower, literally "haute" restaurant Dewakan boasts authentic Malaysian dishes prepared with rare ingredients and stunning views of the Klang Valley hemmed by the viridian slopes of the nearby Genting Highlands, the city's quickest getaway to fresh air, shining casinos, and a plethora of resorts.

It's no wonder that in December 2022, Dewakan and the French-inspired DC by Darren Chin earned a star each in the first Michelin guide to Kuala Lumpur and northern sister Penang island. But Michelin's recommendations only scratch the surface of Kuala Lumpur's labyrinthine food scene, which mixes Malay, Chinese, Indian, and international cuisines and boasts some of Asia's best street food culture.

First-time visitors usually spill from bar-and-nightclub strip Bukit Bintang to the adjacent tourist-friendly Jalan Alor, a haven of Chinese seafood and staple dishes like KL Hokkien Mee (noodles smothered in a sweet-salty black soy sauce with prawns, pork belly, and cabbage) and bak-kut-teh (pork ribs cooked in a broth of herbs and spices).

But the savviest local foodies brave the city's eternal traffic jams to venture out of the center to suburbs like Petaling Jaya, where Marriott opened minimal-chic Le Meridien in June 2022, and Subang Jaya—in particular, its SS15 district. From Jibril's irresistible salted egg butter chicken to Uncle Seng's choice of handmake pork and chicken curry noodles, and the zesty pork burgers of Burgertory , this district will add inches to your belt.

When the city becomes too much, one doesn't have to travel far to wind down in nature. The longest trail at Kota Damansara Community Forest Reserve, Denai Tiga Puteri Peak, is a two-hour out-and-back scrawl across the rainforest to a viewpoint overlooking a busy highway and the city's skyline.

For more challenging trails, Bukit Saga in the northeastern area of Ampang has something for every level, from quick strolls to a whole day hike across the connecting Saga and Apek hills. Bukit Gasing in Petaling Jaya is next to the city's heart and can also be visited by car, driving up to a perfect viewpoint to soak Kuala Lumpur's lights come alive after pink-hued sunsets. — Marco Ferrarese

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Attractions Passport

Explore tucson & southern arizona attractions with the book of fun.

The best thing a passport does for you is act as a doorway to new adventures, a ticket to a path waiting to be explored. The Tucson Attractions Passport offers the same commitment: with this book, you're ready to explore the best of what Southern Arizona has to offer visitors.

Filled with deals you can't get anywhere else, you can take in the stars at Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium or experience one of America's best zoos at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. Get behind the cockpits of the Pima Air and Space Museum or take in art in a variety of forms at DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun, Madaras Gallery, the Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures, and the Tucson Museum of Art, just to name a few. Get ready for a Southern Arizona adventure by checking out our  list of all 100 participating attractions . 

Whether this is your first time in Tucson or you're a lifelong resident, the Tucson Attractions Passport is a guidebook to a world of opportunities. The savings are great, but what you'll really take away are the memories.

3 More Ways to Enjoy Your Adventure!

Tucson Attractions Passport  — Browse the offers and then purchase the Paper Book or Digital Passport  with PayPal or credit card to start exploring the attractions while saving money! (how cool is that?).

• ​ Pick One Up in Person  — Stop by our Southern Arizona Heritage and Visitor Center located within the Historic Pima County Courthouse at 115 N, Church Ave., Tucson, AZ. 85701. For additional distribution outlets, please contact the Southern Arizona Attractions Alliance  at (520) 499-2662 or email [email protected] .

PRO TIP—We recommend you purchase one passport for every two people in your party (since many of the discounts are buy-one-get-one-free deals, you don't want anyone in your group to be left out of the savings).

Want more examples of where you'll save?

How about the University of Arizona Museum of Art located on the University of Arizona campus. With the purchase of a general admission, you'll get a complimentary entry admission ticket. Atop Mt. Lemmon, over 9,000 feet above sea level, Ski Valley (the southernmost place to ski in the United States) offers "sky rides" with panoramic views of the Santa Catalina Mountains and the desert floor below. Buy one ski-ride, get another one of equal or lesser value for free...only with the Tucson Attractions Passport.

That's just the beginning: the OK Corral in Tombstone, the Arizona State Museum and Biosphere 2 and so much more.

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• Dubai sightseeing & attractions passes

Dubai sightseeing & attractions passes

Unlock huge savings with pre-paid access to top sights, tours and activities. Choose from the available attraction passes below.

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What is a dubai pass, how to use a dubai city pass, option 1: dubai pass, option 2: go dubai pass, common dubai pass questions.

A Dubai pass, also known as a Dubai city pass or an attractions pass, is a great way of seeing Dubai’s sights for less.

See all the sights with a Dubai pass

Using your Dubai attractions pass is as simple as opening a mobile app.

Experience all that's possible in Dubai for less, with the Dubai Pass.

Choose your Dubai Pass

Take your pick from these incredible options

Dubai Flexi Attractions Pass

Save up to 40% on more than 30 Dubai experiences. Choose three, five or seven top Dubai attractions.

Dubai Select Attractions Pass

Save up to 50% on selected attractions with seven days to use your pass.

Dubai Unlimited Attractions Pass

Save up to 60% on 30+ attractions, with three or five-day passes to fit your schedule.

Dubai Theme Park Pass

Save up to 40% on Dubai's best theme parks, with multiple options to suit you.

Dubai Stopover Pass

Save up to 50% on two to four top experiences, to use over 36 hours during your Dubai stopover.

Enjoy even more flexible savings with the Go Dubai Pass.

Choose your Go Dubai Pass

Select which pass is perfect for you

All-Inclusive Pass

Visit as many attractions as you like with 2 to 7-day passes, valid over two weeks.

Explorer Pass

Enjoy access to 3, 4, 5, or 7 attractions, with 60 days to use your pass.

Find the answers to some of the most frequent questions about Dubai attraction passes here.

Is it worth it to buy a Dubai pass?

How much is a pass in Dubai?

Is a Dubai unlimited pass worth it?

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What is included in the Dubai Explorer Pass?

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Seattle CityPASS

Experience Seattle’s must-see attractions with two great options — Seattle CityPASS® and Seattle C3® by CityPASS.

Seattle CityPASS Save 48% or more on admission to 5 attractions. Includes: • Space Needle; includes two visits (must occur within 24 hours) • Seattle Aquarium

Plus your choice of admission to 3 of the following attractions: • Chihuly Garden and Glass • Argosy Cruises Harbor Tour • Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) • Woodland Park Zoo • Pacific Science Center

Adult $127 (value $242); Child, ages 5-12 $97 (value $171)

For those on a shorter stay, Seattle C3 tickets save up to 31% on admission to 3 attractions. Choose from: • Space Needle • Chihuly Garden and Glass • Seattle Aquarium • Argosy Cruises Harbor Tour • Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) • Woodland Park Zoo • The Museum of Flight • Sky View Observatory • Seattle Art Museum • Pacific Science Center

Adult $97; Child ages 5-12, $76

• Address One Convention Place, 701 Pike Street, Seattle, WA 98101
• Phone (208) 787-4300

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Nebraska Passport

Discover Nebraska's Hidden Gems

The purpose of the Nebraska Passport is to help travelers discover Nebraska’s hidden gems. The Nebraska Passport is special because it offers a wide variety of travel adventures, including museums, parks, restaurants, wineries, retail stores and more. The 2024 Nebraska Passport program will run from May 1 through  September 30, 2024

Knight Museum and Sandhills Center (Alliance) Melodramas by Popcorn Productions, LLC at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park (Ashland) Sandhills Guest House Motel (Atkinson) Susan's Books & Gifts (Aurora) John G. Neihardt State Historic Site (Bancroft) Happy Kernel Gourmet Kettle Corn and Pork Rinds (Beatrice) Kala’s Savory Bites and Sifted Sweets (Beatrice) Antique Anthology (Bennet) The Simple Co. Coffeehouse & Floral Shop (Bridgeport) Gospel Coffee & Ice Cream (Brownville) Adeline's Bakery (Burr) Magnolias Boutique, LLC (Central City) Prairie Creek Vineyard & Winery (Central City) Bean Broker Coffee House & Pub (Chadron) The Broken Mug (Columbus) Dam Fish Shack (Crofton) Johnson Lake State Recreation Area (Elwood) Rowdy's Steakhouse (Fairbury) Spring Ranch Campground (Fairfield) Diane's Greenhouse (Fordyce) Los Mezcales Ortiz (Fremont) Gothenburg Historical Museum (Gothenburg) Barista's Coffee House (Grand Island) Island Oasis Waterpark (Grand Island) Studio 10 Art Gallery (Grand Island) Nebraska National Forest in Halsey, Nebraska (Halsey) Nissen Winery and Tasting Room (Hartington) Special Scoops Ice Cream Parlor (Hastings) Holdrege Bronzes at Nebraska Prairie Museum (Holdrege) S.A.M. Que  and Catering (Kearney) Steinbrink Landscaping & Greenhouses (Kearney) The Archway (Kearney) Art & Soul  Cafe and Bar (Lincoln) Great Plains Art Museum (Lincoln) Ten Thousand Villages Lincoln (Lincoln) Wax Buffalo Candle Lab + Small Bar (Lincoln) Wildeflour Baking Co. (Lodgepole) Lakeside in Louisville at Louisville State Recreation Area (Louisville) The Scoop Ice Cream (McCook) The Secret Garden (Merna) Mullen Arts Center (Mullen) Lied Lodge at Arbor Day Farm (Nebraska City) The Keeping Room (Nebraska City) Wildwood Historic Center (Nebraska City) Poppin’ Delights Gourmet Popcorn (Norfolk) CR Rustic Antique Mall on the Bricks (North Platte) Feather River Vineyards (North Platte) Petrified Wood and Art Gallery (Ogallala) El Museo Latino (Omaha) Monolithic Brewing (Omaha) Mormon Trail Center at Historic Winter Quarters (Omaha) Werner Park (Papillion) Ole's Big Game Steakhouse & Lounge (Paxton) Plainview Klown Doll Museum (Plainview) Outlaw Pizza and Ice Cream (Ponca) Hangar 39 - Flyover Brewing Co. Potter (Potter) Branched Oak Observatory (Raymond) James Arthur Vineyards (Raymond) The Willa Cather Childhood Home at the National Willa Cather Center (Red Cloud) Powerhouse On Broadway — Suites & Social (Scottsbluff) Junto Wine (Seward) Liberty House B&B, Antiques & Tours (Seward) Beans and Steams Coffeehouse, LLC (Sidney) Cheyenne County Museum and Post Commander's Home (Sidney) Primitive Chicks - Antiques and Home Décor (Stromsburg) Superior Estates Winery (Superior) Rich Harvest Vineyard and Winery (Syracuse) Anthem Coffee (Thedford) Swanson Reservoir State Recreation Area (Trenton) Centennial Hall Historic Museum (Valentine)

Chimney Rock  National Historic Site (Bayard) Our Lavender Co. (Big Springs) Museum of the Fur Trade (Chadron) Fort Robinson State Park History Center (Crawford) Sugar Shack Home Décor (Edgar) Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area (Gering) Baker’s Candies (Greenwood) Classic Car Collection (Kearney) Robber’s Cave (Lincoln) Kregel Windmill (Nebraska City) Great Plains Black History Museum (Omaha) The Potter Sundry (Potter) Taylor Villagers (Taylor) Master’s Hand (Tekamah) Smith Falls State Park (Valentine)

For more info on bonus stops click here .

The 2024 Nebraska Summer Passport will run from May 1, 2024  through September 30, 2024 . 

More Information

Beatrice, NE

North Platte, NE

Burwell, NE

North Loup, NE

Broken Bow, NE

Bellevue, NE

Red Cloud, NE

Papillion, NE

Scribner, NE

Crofton, NE

Springfield, NE

Nickerson, NE

Falls City, NE

Scottsbluff, NE

Columbus, NE

Sargent, NE

Ogallala, NE

Pickrell, NE

Clarkson, NE

Lexington, NE

Shubert, NE

Emerson, NE

Valentine, NE

Crawford, NE

West Point, NE

Harrisburg, NE

The app is free to download and is available for both iPhones and Androids; simply search for “Nebraska Passport” in your app store. 

We love to watch the number of Passport champions rise throughout the summer! Here are the program statistics as of October 16.

If you took selfies in place of getting a booklet or digital stamp, you can submit here!

Want to be featured in the booklet and on the website? 

Being a Passport stop is not only an enjoyable experience, the Passport can help your destination reach your goals.

Passport Inspiration

#visitnebraska.

Vancouver Attractions Passport – City Pass for Tourists 2024

The Vancouver Attractions Pass is the best (actually, the only ) Vancouver tourism passport on the market.

With it, you’ll be able to explore the city’s most popular attractions with a single ticket.

The pass includes skip-the-line tickets to a dozen must-sees like Capilano Suspension Bridge and Grouse Mountain + bike tours , harbour tours, and more.

Let’s see how the Vancouver City Pass gets your holiday planned right from the couch.

Vancouver Attraction Passport

Vancouver’s unrivalled natural beauty and long list of cultural items make it a great city to explore.

Unfortunately, all of our city’s acclaim and accolades come with one major downside: it’s an expensive place to live – and visit.

Cue the Vancouver Attractions Pass .

With this convenient discount pass, you can save money on your upcoming holiday just for visiting stuff you’ve already had planned.

This Vancouver tourist pass includes many of the top things to do in Vancouver plus some of the city’s best tours.

What’s Included in the Vancouver City Pass?

This Vancouver Attraction Passport breaks down two ways:

• City Tour Pass : Capilano Suspension Bridge and Park, Vancouver Aquarium, Vancouver Art Gallery, Vancouver Lookout, Bloedel Conservatory.
• Summer Tour Pass : Grouse Mountain, VanDusen Botanical Garden, Stanley Park Horse-Drawn Tours, Vancouver Harbour Cruise, Cycle City Tours.

Both of these passes carry a one-year validity .

How Much Does it Cost and Is it Worth It?

The Vancouver Attraction Passport costs $113.66 USD (children $57.66).

The Summer Tour Pass costs $152.38 (children $94.72).

Let’s break down the Vancouver City Tour Pass:

• Capilano Suspension Bridge : $51.34
• Vancouver Aquarium : $34.25
• Vancouver Art Gallery : $22.57
• Vancouver Lookout : $13.52
• Bloedel Conservatory : $6.87

That brings you to a total of $128.55 – a savings of $14.99 per person .

Even taking away the Bloedel Conservatory, you’re saving money.

You’re also getting skip-the-line tickets which could save you 20-30 minutes per attraction in summer, which adds value as well.

This isn’t even counting the 5% discount voucher which I’ll get to below.

How Do I Buy This Vancouver Sightseeing Pass?

Post-COVID, the only place offering this tourist discount pass is travel discount site KKday .

It’s as simple as buying something on Amazon – once you’ve put the payment through you’ll get your voucher by email.

From here, all you do is show your Vancouver Attraction Pass voucher (sent via email) to get in at the attractions.

If you’re coming using the Vancouver Planner link button below, you can use a 5% discount code (APP5OFF) if you make the purchase using the KKDay app.

Finally, if you’re looking to experience Vancouver nature under one ticket (this was launched June 1st, 2023 ) you can also check out this amazing combo pass:

Vancouver Tourist Pass: What’s Included

Update: 05/12/2023 : The original Vancouver Attraction Passport still has not been reinstated after it was taken off the market for COVID. The attractions below were included in the original pass but many of them will not be found in the current pass.

For the full list of sights + terms and conditions, please click the button above or follow this link .

Museum of Vancouver (2-for-1 admission)

*up to a max value of $18.00

The Museum of Vancouver is a civic-history museum in the trendy Kitsilano neighbourhood , just outside downtown.

Here you’ll recount our city’s fascinating transformation from a rugged pioneer outpost to the cosmopolitan metropolis we see today.

Learn about the city before the city via a variety of exhibits outlining the history of the area’s First Nations groups .

Related : Best Vancouver City Tours

Vancouver Art Gallery (25% off admission)

*Maximum of two adults

Located in a stunning neo-classical building in the heart of downtown, the Vancouver Art Gallery is the largest public art museum in Western Canada.

With a collection of over 10,000 pieces , you’re guaranteed to find something that catches your eye.

Favourites include a series of works from BC modernist painter Emily Carr , a repository of works from local Vancouverites and an impressive collection of 17th-century Dutch masterpieces.

Vancouver Police Museum (one free admission)

*purchase of admission of equal or greater value required.

The Vancouver Police Museum will take you through the city’s history of policing, crime and punishment. Situated in the city’s former morgue, the VPM is the oldest museum of its kind in North America.

The building houses a collection of over 20,000 artifacts, photos and documents, including seized weapons, illegal drugs and counterfeit money.

Afterwards, you can visit the morgue, which remains primarily untouched since it was decommissioned.

Museum of Anthropology (2-for-1 admission)

*Up to a max value of $18.00

The Museum of Anthropology is a world-renown anthropological museum that houses an extensive collection of traditional and contemporary art from cultures all over the globe – with a heavy BC influence.

The MOA contains perhaps the most extensive collection of works from Northwest Coast First Nations groups worldwide. There is not a more prototypically British Columbian experience available in the city.

Be sure to catch the famous cedar sculpture The Raven and the First Men by acclaimed Haida artist Bill Reid. 

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden (2-for-1 entry or 25% off)

*2 for 1 (Oct 1-Apr 30) or 25% off up to 2 adults (May-Sep 30)

The Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden is the first classical Chinese scholar’s garden built outside China. Moreover, the garden has been named the best urban garden in the world  by National Geographic. 

Located in the heart of Chinatown , this urban oasis is the perfect respite from the gritty streets. The stunning assortment of rocks, plants, pagodas and lily-covered ponds have been carefully positioned in accordance with the Taoist yin/yang principle.

Vancouver Lookout (25% off admission)

Many visitors have told us they left firm in the belief that Vancouver is the most beautiful city in the world .

Sure, it’s just a matter of opinion, but before making up your mind, I’d suggest taking a trip to the Vancouver Lookout observation deck.

Once you enter the glass elevator, you’ll be whisked 169 metres (553 feet) above the historic streets of Gastown below.

Once you reach the top, you’ll receive 360-degree panoramic views  of Burrard Inlet, the North Shore Mountains and the Vancouver skyline. 

VanDusen Botanical Garden (25% or 50% off admission)

*25% off in high season (Apr-Sep) and 50% off in low season (Oct-Mar)

The VanDusen Botanical Garden is a 55-acre urban oasis in the heart of Vancouver’s Oakridge neighbourhood – and it’s included in the Vancouver BC city pass.

The garden contains over 7,500 different species of plants and trees from all over the world.

Spot and photograph local wildlife, find your way through the Elizabethan maze or peruse the grounds at your own pace.

In addition, the garden is home to a variety of popular seasonal festivals, including the Sakura Days Cherry Blossom Festival and the Holiday Festival of Lights .

Related : How Many Days Do I Need to Spend in Vancouver?

Vancouver Attractions Discount for Tours

Vancouver Forbidden Walking Tours (2-for-1 with Vancouver Tourist Pass)

*Purchase one ticket online to receive your coupon and present it upon arrival for your tour.

Gaze deep beneath Vancouver’s surface to see a seedy underbelly riddled with crime , intrigue and scandal . You’ll wander the streets with an expert guide on one of five one-of-a-kind walking tours .

Discover Vancouver’s depression era secrets, unearth Stanley Park’s sinister past or check out a tour focused on LGBTQ travellers.

Either way, Forbidden Vancouver comes highly recommended, with a coveted five-star rating on Trip Advisor.

Cycle City Tours (15% off or 25% off, dependent on the season)

*15% off in July & August and 25% off the remainder of the year

Looking to get in a bit of exercise while you explore the city? Luckily with its generous bike lanes, relaxed biking culture and legendary Seawall , Vancouver is one of the most bike-able cities in North America .

In my opinion, the best way to take advantage is via the famous Cycle City Tour .

Casually cruise the city with your professional guide and as you hear fascinating and humorous stories along the way. Choose from the Grand Tour or focus on Stanley Park , one of the best urban parks in the world.

Related : Best Things to Do in Vancouver with Kids

Hop On Hop Off Tour ($10 off for Adults/$4 off for children)

Operated by Westcoast Sightseeing, the Vancouver Hop on Hop Off Tour allows you to create your own custom Vancouver itinerary from 28 convenient stops .

It includes Gastown , Chinatown , Granville Island and Stanley Park .

Travel on an open-air convertible bus or the popular San Francisco trolley-style vehicle along with a group of like-minded travellers.

It’s the fastest way to soak up the most Vancouver info.

Capilano Suspension Bridge & Grouse Mountain ($25 off with Vancouver Attractions Pass)

*$25 off for adults and $15 off for children

Also operated by Westcoast Sightseeing, this combination tour offers a trip to two of the most famous sights in Vancouver.

The Capilano Suspension Bridge and Grouse Mountain draw over 1.2 million visitors yearly, so you won’t want to miss them.

Located in the suburb of North Vancouver , the 140-metre-long Capilano Suspension bridge traverses the beautiful Capilano River in front of a stunning mountain landscape.

Afterwards, you’ll head to nearby Grouse Mountain, where you’ll climb over 4,000 feet to take part in a variety of recreational, cultural and educational activities. 

Ski just 15 minutes from downtown Vancouver, enjoy the local wildlife, or take in the stunning views from the famous Eye of the Wind!

These are quite possibly the two most popular attractions in the city , so to receive admission to them both in one low-price package is a steal.

Vancouver Brewery Tours (15% off all tours with Vancouver tourism pass)

Beer always tastes better with friends, so why not join a group of thirsty travellers to sample the very best of Vancouver’s vibrant beer community ?

Join Vancouver Brewery Tours for behind-the-scenes access at three of Vancouver’s best breweries using this Vancouver sightseeing pass.

You’ll taste tons of Vancouver’s finest craft beers .

It’s ranked one of the top ten beer experiences in the world by Trip Advisor.

Taste Vancouver Walking Tours (20% off all tours)

This award-winning culinary walking tour series subscribes to the simple motto of offering more yum and fun! And it’s included in the Vancouver City Pass.

Enjoy a mouth-watering foodie experience that takes you on a journey through Vancouver’s most trendy neighbourhoods .

Taste Vancouver offers three different options, including culinary treks through; Gastown , Little Italy and the emerging Vancouver food scene of the Shipyards on the city’s North Shore . 

Vancouver Visitor Pass for Outdoor Adventure

Salmon fishing charters (save 10% with the vancouver tourism passport).

Some of the largest salmon runs in the world return to the waters of the Salish Sea, right outside Vancouver.

As a result, local anglers are blessed with virtual year-round access to  five species of salmon and a wide variety of groundfish.

If you’d like to test the waters, Pacific Angler Fishing Charters offers guided tours that will grant you the chance to catch a 50 lb Chinook right on Vancouver’s doorstep. 

Hyak River Rafting (2-for-1 rafting trips with the Vancouver tourist card)

*Max one free adult

The valleys of the Coast Mountain range serve as a conduit to empty the Vancouver area’s glacial river waters into the Pacific.

The result? Some of the best white water rafting available anywhere.

Hyak River Rafting offers a variety of exhilarating rafting tours to the rivers surrounding the Lower Mainland. Choose from the local Chilliwack River , or go further afield to BC’s interior to conquer the more challenging Thompson River .

1,2,3, and 6-day adventures are available.

Vancouver Whale Watch (save 20% per person)

The waters surrounding Vancouver are home to 4 species of whales, in addition to a stunning array of dolphins, porpoises, and marine mammals.

You can take part in an exciting local whale-watching tour to experience the thrill of seeing these amazing creatures in their natural environment.

Vancouver Whale Watch offers 3 to 5-hour tours from historic Steveston Village in both open-air and semi-covered zodiac-style boats. Onboard hydrophones will allow you to hear firsthand the wild calls of Killer Whales and Humpbacks.

And the best part is that sightings are guaranteed!

Windsure Adventure Watersports (2-for-1 lessons)

*Applies to windsurfing and paddle boarding group lessons.

I get it; watersports aren’t likely to significantly influence your decision to come to Canada. However, many people are surprised to learn that Vancouver is blessed with a stunning array of urban beaches .

To take advantage, Windsure Adventure Watersports provides a series of exciting instructional windsurfing and paddleboard classes from their Jericho Sailing Centre compound.

After a dry land simulation and sailing theory class, you’re on to the on-water instruction, where you can enjoy the sun from the sparkling waters of English Bay.

Day Trips with a Tourism Vancouver Passport

Whistler village & shannon falls ($30 off for adults/$15 for youth).

*Includes 3 hours in Whistler and a stop at the Shannon Falls waterfall.

Located two hours North of Vancouver on the Sea to Sky Highway , Whistler is home to the largest ski resort in North America .

The resort is most famous for hosting the 2010 Winter Olympics . However, it’s far from just a Winter wonderland.

The stunning landscape, pedestrian-only Village and down-to-earth mountain culture make Whistler an unforgettable year-round destination .

Enjoy world-class restaurants , a vibrant nightlife and a never-ending choice of outdoor recreational opportunities.

Victoria & Butchart Gardens ($25 off for adults/$12 off for youth)

*Includes a ferry ride to and from Victoria, entry to Butchart Gardens and a few hours to explore Victoria’s Inner Harbour.

Victoria is located 114 kilometres Southwest of Vancouver on Vancouver Island . This quaint provincial capital city combines old-world British charm with Westcoast beauty and sophistication.

After a two-hour ferry ride across the Salish Sea, you’ll head to legendary Butchart Gardens . Over one million visitors a year make the trek to marvel at over 55 acres of lush greens and blooms. 

Afterwards, you can take some time to walk the cobblestone streets of the picturesque Inner Harbour . Enjoy the music, shop in the area’s charming boutiques or enjoy a world-class dining experience. 

This is one of the best day trips from Vancouver .

Related : Victoria Hop on Hop Off Bus

Gulf of Georgia Cannery (2-for-1 admission or 50% off single access)

If you’re looking for a trip using the Vancouver City Pass that’s a little closer to your hotel, then a day trip to historic Steveston Village is just what the doctor ordered.

Located 40 minutes South of downtown Vancouver , Steveston is the epicentre of BC’s fishing industry and a popular tourist attraction.

Experience the area’s history firsthand with a trip to the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National historic site with the Vancouver Attractions Pass.

Enjoy interactive exhibits, films and guided tours celebrating this vital industry and the people who have worked in it for over a century.

Britannia Mine Museum (Save $5 per person)

*Up to a maximum of 2 adults and 2 children.

Located a 45-minute drive North of Vancouver along the Sea to Sky Highway , the Britannia Mine Museum is a national historic site and highly acclaimed tourist attraction.

With the Vancouver tourist card you can take the opportunity to see and experience what was once the largest copper mine in the entire British Empire .

The building has since transformed into an award-winning museum offering awe-inspiring sights and memorable family experiences through various interactive exhibits.

Related: The top things to do in Squamish

Vancouver Travel Discount Pass FAQs

What is the vancouver attraction passport and experiences guide.

The Vancouver Attraction Passport and Experiences Guide is a guidebook and discount pass that offers discounts at 55 museums, attractions, and restaurants.

How do you purchase the Vancouver Attraction Passport and Experiences Guide?

The tourist pass can be purchased online and shipped to your home.

Alternatively, you can pick up your guidebook at Vancouver International Airport or Downtown Vancouver upon arrival.

How much is the Vancouver Attraction Passport and Experiences Guide?

The guidebook costs $113.66 when purchased online via our friends at KKday .

Ready to Stamp your Vancouver Attraction Passport?

That signals the end of our look at the Vancouver Attraction Passport and Experiences Guide. But I promise, if you’re willing to make the small investment, the savings are just beginning!

Do you have any more questions about the guidebook? Or maybe something else Vancouver related?

I can always be reached in the comment section below or on the Vancouver Planner Facebook page. So don’t hesitate to ask.

But in the meantime, enjoy your Vancouver discount pass! ?️

I've used online guides on five continents to find the world's greatest travel spots and this is my chance to give back - with insider info on my home, the mighty Vancouver BC!

Related posts

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Vancouver in April: Top Events & Things to Do in 2024

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16 comments

I’m traveling to Vancouver in late December 2021. I’d like to purcahe the Vancouver Attraction Passport now, but I can’t find the right area to do so. Please help.

Hello Beverly! Unfortunately at the moment due to COVID these types of passes have been temporarily put on hold while the industry recovers… I imagine a lot of their profitability has to do with large volumes of tourists, which we unfortunately haven’t had 🙁

I really hope we can have some news for you soon.

Hi, I am trying to purchase the Vancouver Attraction Passport and I can’t seem to find it.

Please help.

Unfortunately this pass has been discontinued during COVID. Once the pass has been reinstated we’ll be updating the website accordingly… let’s hope it’s back soon because that means tourism is back to normal!

Hello, so this passport is only to get discount for attractions correct? Does it cover any of the attractions at all?

Hi Veronica,

Yes indeed, it’s just a discount pass 🙂 Unfortunately it has yet to be reinstated post-COVID but we hope this is the case soon.

Hi, would like to do a quick check, the attraction passport is still not avail if we are travelling Vancouver in April 2022? If it isn’t, are there alternatives. Thanks.

Yes, unfortunately the pass is still not live yet 🙁 I have heard rumours they’re revamping it for a full relaunch but nothing going as of yet… I assume post-COVID they’re going to have to make some huge adjustments depending on who survived, who changed their prices/options etc. This is the same with all the passes unfortunately.

Such a weird time… but I hope to have some info soon.

HI, I’M NATALIA GOMEZ, I will travel with my Husband to vancouver in MAY 2022 and we would like to buy the discount pass or which package with some attractions ticket do you recommend to get to know Vancouver 1 week?

Hi Natalia,

Unfortunately the Vancouver Attraction Pass is still ‘in limbo’ due to COVID. I have a suspicion that they are changing a few things and will be relaunching it soon, but as of now there is no discount pass available online.

At this point I would simply plan my Vancouver Itinerary and book the attractions individually. That said, in the next couple months the pass might be relaunched so do keep an eye out.. I will be updating this page as soon as I know something.

Hi, We are travelling to Vancouver and Canada Rockies this May. Can I check if we are able to purchase Canada Sim Card at Vancouver International Airport? Thank you.

Hello Mei! Thank you for writing 🙂

Yes, you can purchase Canada SIM cards at the 7-11 in the airport – it’s located on Level 1 in the Domestic Terminal Building.

Please let me know if you have any more questions… always here to help!

Hello, hope you’re well.

Any news on the reinstatement of the passport?

Will it be available this summer?

Hi Sebastian,

No word yet 🙁 I’ve been anticipating word in spring for the summer but still nothing… once we hear something it’ll be posted here ASAP.

Dear Sirs: My wife and I are considering purchasing the “Vancouver Attraction Passport” for a visit to Vancouver in September, 2023. Is the price of 36.06 CAD a price per person or a price for a couple? You state that there are fifty-five (55) attractions with a discount available. I need a list of the 55 attractions, ideally with the 2023 retail price shown, then the discount amount or percentage shown.

Gary W. Jamison

Unfortunately as mentioned above this pass has been discontinued pre-COVID and we’re still waiting for it to come back. As such, I can’t make any comment about price or otherwise… I am hoping it comes back and I can have some info for you soon!

We currently offer two types of passes for use at national parks, forests, and other federal recreation sites: Site Passes and the America the Beautiful - The National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands Annual Pass (referred to as the Interagency Annual Pass). You can learn more about these pass options below:

Site Passes

These digital passes cover entrance, standard amenity (day use), or recreation fees at a single location. Destinations across the country offer the convenience of digital passes, with a variety of pass options at each individual location for daily, weekly, seasonal, and/or annual access. Site Passes are also available immediately for download and can be used from your phone or tablet.

• Arm Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge Site Pass
• Acadia National Park Site Pass
• Adams National Historical Park Site Pass
• Antietam National Battlefield Site Pass
• Arches National Park Site Pass
• Badlands National Park Site Pass
• Bandelier National Monument Site Pass
• Bent'S Old Fort National Historic Site Site Pass
• Big Bend National Park Site Pass
• Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park Site Pass
• Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge Site Pass
• Bryce Canyon National Park Site Pass
• Cabrillo National Monument Site Pass
• Canaveral National Seashore Site Pass
• Canyonlands National Park Site Pass
• Capitol Reef National Park Site Pass
• Cedar Breaks National Monument Site Pass
• Chaco Culture National Historic Park Site Pass
• Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area Site Pass
• Cherokee National Forest Annual Pass Site Pass
• Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park Site Pass
• Chickamauga & Chattanooga: Point Park Site Pass
• Christiansted National Historic Site Site Pass
• Cibola National Forest & Grasslands Site Pass
• Cleveland National Forest Site Pass
• Colonial National Historical Park Pass Site Pass
• Colorado National Monument Site Pass
• Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Site Pass
• Coronado National Forest Site Pass
• Crab Orchard NWR Site Pass Site Pass
• Crater Lake National Park Site Pass
• Desoto National Wildlife Refuge Site Pass
• Death Valley National Park Site Pass
• Denali National Park Site Pass
• Deschutes National Forest Site Pass
• Devils Tower National Monument Site Pass
• Dinosaur National Monument Site Pass
• Dry Tortugas National Park Site Pass
• Everglades National Park Site Pass
• Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument Site Pass
• Fort Mchenry National Monument and Historic Shrine Site Pass
• Fort Moultrie Site Pass
• Fort Pulaski National Monument Site Pass
• Fort Vancouver National Historic Site Site Pass
• George Washington and Jefferson National Forests Site Pass
• Glacier National Park Site Pass
• Glen Canyon National Recreation Area Site Pass
• Grand Canyon National Park Site Pass
• Grand Teton National Park Site Pass
• Great Falls Park Site Pass
• Great Sand Dunes National Park Site Pass
• Guadalupe Mountains National Park Site Pass
• Gulf Islands National Seashore Site Pass
• Haleakala National Park Site Pass
• Harpers Ferry National Historical Park Site Pass
• Hawai'I Volcanoes National Park Site Pass
• Huron-Manistee National Forests Site Pass
• Indiana Dunes National Park Site Pass
• Joshua Tree National Park Site Pass
• Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park Site Pass
• Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge Site Pass
• Lake Havasu Shoreline Sites Site Pass
• Lassen Volcanic National Park Site Pass
• Lava Beds National Monument Site Pass
• Lewis and Clark National Historical Park Site Pass
• Medicine Bow - Routt Nf - Fs Site Pass
• Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge Site Pass
• Mesa Verde National Park Site Pass
• Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge Site Pass
• Montezuma Castle National Monument Site Pass
• Mount Rainier National Park Site Pass
• Mt. Hood National Forest Site Pass
• Muir Woods Annual Pass Site Pass
• Npr Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge Site Pass
• Olympic National Park Site Pass
• Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument Site Pass
• Padre Island National Seashore Site Pass
• Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Site Pass
• Pinnacles National Park Site Pass
• Pompeys Pillar National Monument Site Pass
• Prince William Forest Park Site Pass
• Pu`Uhonua O HŌNaunau National Historical Park Site Pass
• Red Rock Site Pass
• Rocky Mountain National Park Site Pass
• Saguaro National Park Site Pass
• Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park Site Pass
• San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park Site Pass
• Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge Site Pass
• Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Site Pass
• Shenandoah National Park Site Pass
• Siuslaw National Forest Site Pass
• Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Site Pass
• Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument Site Pass
• Theodore Roosevelt National Park Site Pass
• Thomas Edison National Historical Park Site Pass
• TumacÁCori National Historical Park Site Pass
• Tuzigoot National Monument Site Pass
• Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest Site Pass
• Vicksburg National Military Park Site Pass
• Walnut Canyon National Monument Site Pass
• Whiskeytown National Recreation Area Site Pass
• White Mountain National Forest Site Pass
• Wright Brothers National Memorial Site Pass
• Wupatki National Monument Site Pass
• Yellowstone National Park Site Pass
• Yosemite National Park Site Pass
• Yuma Field Office Blm Site Pass

Interagency Annual Pass

This physical pass provides access to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites. The Interagency Annual Pass is valid for a full year through the month of purchase. This pass does not provide discounts for camping, permit, or ticket reservations. The Interagency Annual Pass is shipped in the mail and must be carried with you; please allow time for shipping. Anyone 16 years or older may purchase the pass. Children 15 years and under are always admitted for free.

Buy Interagency Annual Pass Now

Camp, RV, and Explore Outdoors

Recreation.gov is your gateway to explore America's outdoor and cultural destinations in your zip code and across the country. We provide tools and tips to discover new adventures through a one-stop shop for inspiration and ideation, trip planning, information sharing, and reservations. Find incredible places and experiences that help you bring home a story through Recreation.gov!

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Exiting nps.gov

Entrance passes.

Most of the sites managed by the National Park Service are free to visit, but some require an entrance pass. You may also need a vehicle reservation at a few high-traffic sites.

Frequent visitors, seniors , military, and others may save money on entrance fees with an America the Beautiful—the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass, also known an America the Beautiful or interagency pass. Review all pass options below and decide which pass is best for you.

Entrance Pass Comparison

National parks that charge an entrance fee require visitors to purchase or obtain a standard pass, park-specific annual pass, or America the Beautiful pass. Visitors only need one of these.

Standard Pass

• For one national park
• Valid for 7 days
• Directly funds the park

Recommended for

One trip to one park

Entrance fees and passes by park

Annual Pass

• For one national park or park group
• Valid for 1 year
• Not available for every park
• Multiple trips to one park
• One or more trips to one park group

America the Beautiful—the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass

• Covers entrance fees and standard amenity fees (day-use fees) at Federal recreational sites, including national parks
• 1 year and lifetime options
• Seniors , military, visitors with permanent disabilities
• One or more trips to multiple parks

More about America the Beautiful Passes

Vehicle Reservations

Some highly-visited national parks use a seasonal or year-round timed entry system to manage private vehicle traffic. Reservations are typically made available through recreation.gov on a rolling basis. If you plan to drive into one of these parks while the timed entry system is in effect, we recommend making a reservation well in advance.

Parks with vehicle reservations

Covers entrance fees and standard amenity fees (day use fees) at lands managed by

• National Park Service
• US Fish & Wildlife Service
• US Forest Service
• Bureau of Land Management
• Bureau of Reclamation
• US Army of Corps of Engineers

Depending on the type of entrance fee charged at a site, covers One private vehicle fee or Four per person fees

America the Beautiful Passes are non-refundable, non-transferable and cannot be replaced if lost or stolen . Passholders must show valid photo identification (ID) with each pass.

How to Get an America the Beautiful Pass

In person (recommended).

Passes can be purchased or picked up at over 1,000 federal recreation sites.

Purchase and pickup locations

Order Online, Receive by Mail

To receive your pass by mail, order online at the USGS Online Store or by phone: 1-888-275-8747 , extension 1. Hours of operation are 8 am to 4 pm Mountain Time.

Visiting soon? Pick up a pass when you arrive.

America the Beautiful Passes ordered online through the USGS Online Store may take up to three weeks to be processed and delivered. Get your pass at one of over 1,000 purchase and pickup locations to avoid the wait.

Senior Passes

US citizens and permanent residents ages 62 and older can purchase an annual America the Beautiful—the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass for $20.00, or a lifetime version for $80.00. Applicants must provide documentation of age and residency or citizenship.

• The Senior Pass may provide a 50 percent discount on some amenity fees charged for facilities and services such as camping, swimming, boat launch, and specialized interpretive services.
• The Senior Pass generally does NOT cover or reduce special recreation permit fees or fees charged by concessioners.
• Passes may not be purchased as gifts since eligible recipient must show proof of eligibility.

Annual Senior Pass

Lifetime senior pass, golden age passports and golden access passports.

Golden Age Passports and Golden Access Passports are no longer sold. However, these passes are still honored according to the provisions of the pass.

We encourage you to exchange your Golden Age/Golden Access Passport for a current Lifetime Senior Pass for free. You can exchange in-person at sites that issue passes. Please bring your old pass and photo identification with you.

Annual Passes and Park Groups

While most annual park passes are limited to one national park, a few sites offer an annual pass valid at multiple national parks, federal recreational lands, or state parks.

Free Entrance Days

Come experience the national parks! On six days in 2024, all National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone. Mark your calendar for these entrance fee–free dates in 2024:

• January 15: Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
• April 20: First day of National Park Week
• June 19: Juneteenth National Independence Day
• August 4: Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
• September 28: National Public Lands Day
• November 11: Veterans Day

Your Fee Dollars at Work

All the money from entrance fees remains in the National Park Service, and at least 80 percent stays in the park where it was collected. Learn more about how entrance fees are used to improve the visitor experience .

Last updated: March 25, 2024

• International

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Israel-Gaza news

7.4 magnitude quake hits Taiwan, strongest in 25 years

By Nectar Gan , Wayne Chang , Jerome Taylor, Antoinette Radford, Deva Lee and Maureen Chowdhury , CNN

Our live coverage of the Taiwan earthquake has moved here.

Search and rescue efforts continue after 7.4 magnitude earthquake rocks Taiwan. Here's the latest

From CNN staff

Rescuers are working to free dozens trapped after a 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck the east coast of Taiwan — causing landslides and collapsed structures.

At least nine people have died , more than 900 others are injured and over 100 buildings have been damaged.

The quake is the strongest to hit Taiwan in 25 years .

Here's what else we know:

• The quake:  The earthquake  hit  at 7:58 a.m. local time, 18 kilometers (11 miles) south of the city of Hualien at a depth of 34.8 kilometers, according to the US Geological Survey.
• Aftershocks : The quake was followed by 29 aftershocks greater than a magnitude of 4.0 near the epicenter of the earthquake in east Taiwan so far, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Tremors have been felt across the island, including in Taipei. Tremors as high as magnitude 7 are  expected  in the following days.
• Hualien County:  The region where the quake struck, Hualien County, has a population of about 300,000, around 100,000 of whom live in the main city of Hualien. But many in the region live in remote coastal or mountain communities that  can be hard to reach , so it might take time to understand the extent of Wednesday's quake.
• Trapped miners: Taiwan's national fire agency said that 71 people are trapped in two mines in Hualien.
• Power cuts : More than 91,000 households were without electricity, according to Taiwan's Central Emergency Command Center.
• Medical facilities: Hospitals across Taiwan’s capital , Taipei City, are operating normally despite being damaged by Wednesday’s earthquake, according to the Municipal Government.
• US monitoring: The Biden administration is monitoring the earthquake in Taiwan overnight and is prepared to offer assistance, a National Security Council spokesperson said Wednesday. 

71 miners trapped in 2 mines in Taiwan after earthquake, national fire agency says

From CNN's Shawn Deng

Taiwan's national fire agency said that 71 people are trapped in two mines in Hualien after a powerful earthquake struck the island. 

In the Heping mine, there are 64 people trapped, and seven more are trapped in the Zhonghe mine, the fire agency said in a news conference on Wednesday. 

Video shows man swimming in a rooftop pool when massive earthquake hit 

When a magnitude of 7.4 earthquake rocked Taiwan on Wednesday, it struck during the morning commute.

Video shows highway roads shaking and even a man being heavily swayed and rocked on a rooftop pool.

Watch the moment here:

Taiwanese semiconductor facilities will resume production overnight following earthquake

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (TSMC), the chipmaking giant, said on Wednesday that its facilities which were impacted by the 7.4 magnitude earthquake are expected to resume production overnight. 

TSMC reported that their overall tool recovery is at more than 70% within 10 hours of the earthquake striking the island. Safety systems are also operating normally, TSMC added.

The company noted that a small number of tools were damaged but that there was no damage to its extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUV) tools. Work at construction sites will resume after further inspections are complete, TSMC said.

Earlier, a TSMC spokesperson told CNN they had evacuated some manufacturing plants. All personnel are now safe, TSMC said in an update.

Biden administration monitoring Taiwan earthquake, White House says

From CNN's Sam Fossum

The Biden administration is monitoring the earthquake in Taiwan overnight and is prepared to offer assistance, a National Security Council spokesperson said Wednesday. 

"We are monitoring reports of the earthquake impacting Taiwan and continue to monitor its potential impact on Japan. The United States stands ready to provide any necessary assistance. All those affected are in our prayers," a statement from National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said.

7 major earthquakes have hit Taiwan over the last 50 years

The 7.4 magnitude earthquake that killed at least nine people and injured hundreds Wednesday, is the strongest to hit Taiwan in 25 years .

Over the last 50 years, the island has experienced a total of seven major earthquakes, the last being a 7.1 magnitude quake in 2006 in Pingtung County in southern Taiwan.

The island sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire , which makes it prone to earthquakes.

See a full list of the earthquakes that have hit Taiwan:

29 aftershocks above 4.0 magnitude have occurred near epicenter since earthquake, US Geological Survey says

From CNN's Sara Tonks 

There have been 29 aftershocks greater than a magnitude of 4.0 near the epicenter of the earthquake in east Taiwan so far, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

Of these aftershocks:

• One was above 6.0
• 13 have been at or above 5.0
• 14 have been above 4.0.

Forecast during recovery efforts: Tonight's forecast in Hualien City, near the epicenter, calls for increasing cloud coverage. Thursday is looking at mostly cloudy skies with afternoon showers and rain Thursday night and Friday during the day.

Rainfall totals should be relatively light for Taiwan, with models calling for under 25 mm (less than 1 inch) by Friday evening local time.

Watch landslide engulf road after 7.4 magnitude earthquake hits Taiwan

A dashcam camera has caught the moment a large landslide came down a mountain in Taiwan, triggered by a 7.4 magnitude earthquake on Wednesday morning.

The quake is the strongest to have rattled the island in 25 years, killing at least nine people and leaving more than 150 trapped.

Please enable JavaScript for a better experience.

Abu Dhabi’s $10 Billion Plan For Tourism

Josh Corder , Skift

April 5th, 2024 at 8:17 AM EDT

The capital of the UAE wants to supercharge its tourism sector.

Josh Corder

The capital of the United Arab Emirates has unveiled a new grand plan for tourism, with $10 billion worth of investment into the sector, almost 200,000 new jobs, and the promise of new streamlined visa processes.

Abu Dhabi serves as the administrative center of the UAE and holds most of the nation’s oil reserves. Nearby emirate Dubai is much better known for its tourism sector and brought in more than 17 million international visitors last year.

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030 has the following goals by the end of the decade:

• Create 178,000 new tourism-related jobs.
• Double international overnight visitors from 3.8 million in 2023 to 7.2 million.
• Increase the number of hotel rooms from hotel room 34,000 in 2023 to 52,000.
• Increase countrywide GDP contribution from $13.3 billion in 2023 to $24.5 billion.

How Will Abu Dhabi Achieve This?

As is the way in the Middle East, Abu Dhabi is throwing money at the situation. DCT – Abu Dhabi chairman Mohamed Al Mubarak estimates the capital will spend $10 billion between now and 2030 on new tourism infrastructure.

He told local newspaper The National : “[When it comes to] infrastructure, in terms of museums, theme parks and hospitality, [with] the private sector playing a significant role, we are hovering at over $10 billion of investment from now to 2030.”

The chairman said another $1 billion is to go to marketing efforts between now and 2030.

Beyond the massive investment, the department hasn’t laid out timelines for its 2030 plan. Rather, it shared 26 “key initiatives” it needs to focus on. These initiatives aren’t named but are grouped into four pillars:

Offerings and City Activation

Promotion and marketing, infrastructure and mobility, visa, licensing, and regulations.

The first pillar surrounds the building of additional cultural sites, theme parks, retails offerings and new hotel chains.

DCT – Abu Dhabi will also more than double its promotion and marketing efforts, expanding its international reach from 11 to 26 markets. It will also establish global partnerships with media outlets and well-known brands for collaborations.

The strategy’s infrastructure and mobility pillar will increase hotel room availability, including accessible and luxury options, glamping, and farm stays. This pillar also stipulates boosting airlift and the aviation sector.

In November 2023, Abu Dhabi’s new Terminal A opened.

Abu Dhabi International Airport’s Terminal A  brings a major increase in capacity for the emirate’s commercial aviation sector, more than doubling the current passenger capacity, with the new facilities being able to process up to 45 million travelers annually. 

At triple the size of the previous terminals, Terminal A will handle 79 planes simultaneously and 11,000 passengers per hour.

Lastly, both visitor experience and tourism business operations will be enhanced with new visa, licensing and regulation processes.

What Does Abu Dhabi Currently Have?

Abu Dhabi has built itself up as a cultural alternative to Dubai, investing heavily in museums and religious sites. It is home to its own Louvre museum (affiliated with the famed Paris institution); Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque; and is building its own Guggenheim Museum as well.

The city is also big on sporting events, similar to Saudi Arabia’s recent focus on boxing, football and wrestling. Abu Dhabi has its own Formula 1 track which wraps around a five-star hotel operated by Marriott. It also has a Ferrari-themed amusement park and continuously hosts UFC events on Yas Island.

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Tags: abu dhabi , Tourism news , travel news , uae

Photo credit: The lobby at Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island, a luxury, All-inclusive resort on the Arabian Gulf in Abu Dhabi. Source: Ennismore.

Weather: Major tourist attraction closes and planes struggle to land as Storm Kathleen leaves thousands without power

The storm has hit parts of the UK and Ireland, with Titanic Belfast forced to close on Saturday due to damage to its roof.

By Dylan Donnelly and Mickey Carroll, news reporters

Sunday 7 April 2024 07:12, UK

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Storm Kathleen has brought disruption to the UK and Ireland, with tens of thousands of people left without power, dozens of flights cancelled and a major tourist attraction forced to close.

Gusts of about 70mph have hit the island of Ireland and parts of Britain - with the conditions leaving planes struggling to land at Heathrow Airport.

A British Airways flight was forced to abort a landing at Heathrow, with its wheels kissing the runway before immediately taking back to the skies.

More than 140 flights departing and arriving at UK airports were cancelled on Saturday, including all Aer Lingus services at Belfast City Airport.

About 34,000 homes in Ireland were earlier left without power, with the outages concentrated in Mayo, Galway, Kerry and Cork. Around 12,000 customers remained without electricity on Saturday evening.

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Titanic Belfast was forced to close on Saturday due to damage to its roof caused by Storm Kathleen.

It said it had "taken the precautionary measure to close its building to the public for the remainder of today and tomorrow".

Customers who have booked visits will be refunded and the attraction will reopen on Monday, it added.

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Winds of 73mph were recorded in Drumalbin, Lanarkshire, the Met Office said.

The M48 Severn Bridge was closed in both directions to all traffic on Saturday night due to strong winds.

A yellow weather warning for wind is still in effect for Sunday and covers Eilean Siar and Highland, as well as Argyll and Bute in Scotland from 9am to 3pm.

Some parts of the UK saw warm weather as Saturday provisionally became the hottest day of the year so far.

The Met Office said the day's highest temperature of 20.9C was reached in Santon Downham, Suffolk, on Saturday afternoon.

As of 5am on Sunday, the Environment Agency (EA) has 20 flood warnings - where flooding is "expected" - and 120 flood alerts in England are in effect.

Forty-five red cautions for strong streams on the River Thames are still in place, with the EA advising users of all boats not to navigate.

National Resources Wales also has one flood warning and 15 flood alerts in effect as of Sunday morning.

Read more from Sky News: Two planes at Heathrow Airport collide wings Sex offender wanted over woman's murder found dead Inside the city where monkeys look like they are running the show

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The Met Office warned there was a risk of "injuries and danger to life" from large waves and beach material being thrown on to sea fronts, coastal roads and properties.

⚠️ Saturday morning will be very windy with #StormKathleen bringing severe gales to some western areas. The most persistent rain will become confined to northern Scotland with showers following. Staying generally dry in the east though with some warm sunshine. #WeatherAware pic.twitter.com/qPyhCxCK7L — Met Office (@metoffice) April 5, 2024

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Met Office meteorologist Ellie Glaisyer said Storm Kathleen was "the reason we are seeing the warmer temperatures, because the location of the storm - situated out towards the west of the UK - is bringing a southerly wind across the UK".

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Barcelona is increasing its tourist tax next week - here’s how much you’ll have to pay from April

The Spanish city first introduced an extra tourist tax in 2012 to attract ‘quality’ tourism.

Barcelona’s tourist tax is set to rise once again on 1 April.

Since 2012, the visitor hotspot has added an extra fee on top of the region-wide tourist tax.

In 2022, city authorities announced that the fee would be increased over the next two years.

The city’s surcharge varies depending on the type of visitor accommodation and is only levied on official tourist lodging.

Barcelona is Spain ’s most visited city and continues to struggle with overtourism.

How much is Barcelona’s tourist tax?

Visitors to Barcelona have to pay both the regional tourist tax and the city-wide surcharge.

The regional tax varies depending on the type of accommodation you are staying in. For four-star hotels it is €1.70, for rental accommodation like Airbnb it is €2.25, and for five-star and luxury hotels it is €3.50.

Cruise passengers spending less than 12 hours in the city pay €3 to the region, while those spending more than 12 hours pay €2.

The city tax, which applies to a maximum seven-night stay, has been steadily increasing. In April 2023, it rose from €1.75 to €2.75 for all types of stay. From April 2024, it will increase once again to €3.25.

What does that mean for accommodation prices in Barcelona in 2024?

As of 1 April 2024, visitors to Barcelona will have to pay €3.25 to the city on top of the regional tourist tax - an increase of €0.50 per night.

That means guests in five-star accommodation will pay a total of €6.75 per night - €47.25 per person for a week’s stay.

In rental accommodation, the fees add up to €5.50 per night or €38.50 for a week-long stay, on top of the nightly cost of the accommodation.

Cruise day-trippers will pay €6.25. The idea behind this is to encourage “quality” tourism over big numbers, according to the city mayor.

• Plaza de España: Seville’s plan to charge entry fee for iconic square sparks backlash
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Why does Barcelona have a tourist tax?

Barcelona’s authorities have said the increased tourist tax aims to attract ‘quality’ tourism over big visitor numbers.

The city sees an average of 32 million visitors a year, many of whom arrive on cruise ships.

In 2022, the Catalan capital launched new measures to curb disruption from guided tours including noise restrictions and one-way systems.

The hike in the tourist tax, which is divided between Barcelona ’s Generalitat and the City Council, will also bolster the city’s budget.

• Overtourism: From Venice to Marseilles, here’s how European travel hotspots are tackling overtourism

Authorities hope the fee will bring in as much as €100 million in 2024.

“The economic data for tourism in 2019 is already increasing, not in the number of tourists, but in the amount of income from tourism in Barcelona,” deputy mayor Jaume Collboni said.

“It was the objective sought: to contain the number of tourists and increase tourist income because our model is no longer mass tourism but quality tourism, which adds value to the city.”

The council said the proceeds would be used to fund the city’s infrastructure, including improvements to roads, bus services and escalators.

What other Spanish cities have a tourist tax?

Barcelona isn’t the only tourist hot spot in Spain taxing visitors to cope with their impact.

The Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza , Formentera), charges a nightly fee of €1-4 for each holidaymaker aged 16. Known as the Sustainable Tourism Tax, it is used to promote better tourism practices and conserve the islands’ nature.

Valencia planned to introduce a similar measure at the end of last year, but it was scrapped following the 2023 elections. It would have seen travellers pay between 50 cents and €2 per night for up to seven nights.

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How does new solar eclipse map affect Arizona's view

O n Monday, the moon will briefly pass between the Earth and the sun creating a solar eclipse . For a couple of hours, Arizona residents will be able to watch a rare meteorological event that astronomers have been tracking for months.

People in parts of Mexico, Canada and the United States will get to see a total solar eclipse. However, due to the Earth's rotation and the relative positions of observers, the timing of the eclipse will differ significantly from one location to another. In Arizona, people will be able to witness a partial solar eclipse in the morning.

If you have been tracking the eclipse as well, you may have seen alternate paths of totality all over the internet. It can get confusing following so many different paths, but this new map will provide solar eclipse enthusiasts with a precise prediction of the path of totality.

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Here is everything you need to know about the newest map tracing the path of eclipse totality and how it will affect Arizona's ability to view it.

Who created this new eclipse map?

Besselian Elements is a blog dedicated to solar eclipses. They describe themselves as "a team of dedicated amateur astronomers, passionate about solar eclipses" on their website.

John Irwin, a member of the Besselian Elements team, is the primary creator of a new map tracking the path of totality. This map has been cited in articles by numerous news outlets including Forbes .

What makes this map different?

Irwin created this map while taking into account "adjustments that account for the topographic elevation, both around the limb of the Moon and on the surface of the Earth." This causes the map to provide a narrower path of the eclipse over the United States.

What does this mean for Arizonans?

Because this map provides a narrower path of the eclipse, it really affects the towns and cities that are on the trail's border. Arizona is thousands of miles away from the path of totality so residents here will not have to worry about this new map changing their plans.

Where are the best places in Arizona to watch the eclipse?

According to this new map, the path of totality will continue to miss the entire state, but this does not mean you will miss the meteorological phenomenon entirely.

Use this map, based on your ZIP code, to find the best places to watch the eclipse .

Republic reporter Tiffany Acosta contributed to this report.

Support local journalism and subscribe to  azcentral.com .

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: How does new solar eclipse map affect Arizona's view

Top Thrill 2 Preview Events

It’s officially time to really GET REVVVED UP! As we prepare Top Thrill 2 for its public debut on Saturday, May 4, we have the details on how YOU can experience the ride before then.

Please read the information for each individual event below, as you’ll want to understand the details prior to buying a ticket or making a reservation for any of these events. Due to the limited capacity for each event, not all guests will be able to participate.

Here’s everything happening prior to opening day on May 4, in the order of which it occurs:

Prayers From Maria Charity Ride

• Sunday, April 28
• Noon – 3:00 p.m.
• $120 per ticket
• Exclusive; extremely limited capacity

This charity event is the very first chance for the public to ride Top Thrill 2. For your donation of $120 per ticket, you’ll not only support a wonderful Cedar Point charity partner, Prayers From Maria , but will have the opportunity to ride Top Thrill 2 multiple times, along with Power Tower, Corkscrew, Super Himalaya and Magnum XL-200.

A commemorative Top Thrill 2 gift will be provided, along with complimentary food & beverage. All proceeds go directly to Prayers From Maria.

Tickets for this event go on sale on Wednesday, April 3.

Cedar Point Prestige Passholder Preview

• 4:00 – 8:00 p.m.
• Free (reservation & valid 2024 Cedar Point Prestige Pass required)
• Limited capacity

We invite select Cedar Point Prestige Passholders to experience Top Thrill 2 on Sunday, April 28 from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. During this preview, guests will receive a boarding pass to ride Top Thrill 2 once during an assigned time window. In addition, Power Tower, Corkscrew, Super Himalaya and Magnum XL-200 will be open.

Guests may also purchase all-new Top Thrill 2 merchandise from the new CP Racing Store or purchase food & beverage from BackBeatQue.

Prestige Passholders from other parks who have purchased an All-Park Passport are not eligible for this preview.  

Reservations may be placed beginning Wednesday, April 3.

2023 Coastermania Keychain Holder Preview

• Free (reservation & Coastermania keychain required)

Guests who participated in Coastermania 2023 who also have a CP Racing keychain are invited to join the Cedar Point Prestige Passholder Preview event. Boarding passes will be issued for an assigned time window to ride Top Thrill 2 once, and the same rides/offerings will be available.

Coastermania guests who also have a CP Racing keychain must register for this event and must present their keychain at the gate to enter. Registrants without a CP Racing keychain will not be admitted.

Registration opens on Wednesday, April 3.

2024 Cedar Point Gold & Summer Passholder Previews

• Tuesday, April 30
• Wednesday, May 1
• Thursday, May 2
• 4:00 – 10:00 p.m.
• Free (registration and valid 2024 Cedar Point Gold or Summer Pass required)

For three days, 2024 Cedar Point Gold & Summer Passholders, along with 2024 Platinum and Ticket of a Lifetime Passholders are invited to register for a chance to ride Top Thrill 2, in addition to Power Tower, Super Himalaya, Corkscrew and Magnum XL-200. Valid Passholders can select one single day to participate.

Like the other events, boarding passes will be issued with an assigned time window to ride Top Thrill 2 once. The CP Racing Store & BackBeatQue will be open for purchases.

This event is for 2024 Cedar Point Gold & Summer Passholders only. Cedar Point Prestige Passholders or Gold Passholders from other parks may not register for these events.

Registration will open on Wednesday, April 3.

Important Details For All Events

• If you’re a 2024 Cedar Point Prestige Passholder, 2024 Cedar Point Gold Passholder or 2024 Cedar Point Summer Passholder, a valid pass ID number is required for each individual Season Pass event registration. If you are making reservations for your family, for example, you’ll need each family member’s individual pass ID number.
• These events are all extremely limited, and registration is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Not all Passholders or guests will have the opportunity to participate.
• Weather or maintenance conditions may result in delays or cancellations. Please follow Cedar Point on X (@cedarpoint) for the latest event updates.
• To purchase tickets or register on Wednesday, you'll go to the Top Thrill 2 Preview Events page where you'll find links to purchase/register.

We look forward to sharing the Top Thrill 2 experience with our special guests & Cedar Point Passholders. Even if you aren’t able to attend, we’re confident you’ll still enjoy the world’s tallest & fastest triple-launch roller coaster this season!

Tony is Cedar Point's Director of Communications. He oversees media relations, social media, website, mobile app, photo & video production and more. Tony loves Millennium Force, the CP & LE Railroad, fresh-cut fries and interacting with other park fans.

• Cast & crew

Janet Planet

In rural Western Massachusetts, 11-year-old Lacy spends the summer of 1991 at home, enthralled by her own imagination and the attention of her mother, Janet. As the months pass, three visito... Read all In rural Western Massachusetts, 11-year-old Lacy spends the summer of 1991 at home, enthralled by her own imagination and the attention of her mother, Janet. As the months pass, three visitors enter their orbit, all captivated by Janet. In rural Western Massachusetts, 11-year-old Lacy spends the summer of 1991 at home, enthralled by her own imagination and the attention of her mother, Janet. As the months pass, three visitors enter their orbit, all captivated by Janet.

• Annie Baker
• Zoe Ziegler
• Luke Philip Bosco
• June Walker Grossman
• 11 Critic reviews
• 84 Metascore
• 1 nomination

• Male Counselor
• (as Luke Bosco)

• Performer 1
• Performer 2
• Performer 3

• Performer 4
• Performer 5

• Contra Dance Caller
• Person at End
• All cast & crew
• Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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Did you know

• Trivia Directorial debut feature from Annie Baker.
• Soundtracks The Littlest Worm Performed by Zoe Ziegler, Luke Bosco, and June Walker Grossman

User reviews

• How long will Janet Planet be? Powered by Alexa
• June 21, 2024 (United States)
• United States
• Present Company
• See more company credits at IMDbPro

Technical specs

• Runtime 1 hour 53 minutes

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