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Alaska senators are working to get the state’s cruise season off the ground with new legislation following Canada’s cruise ship ban. Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan introduced the Alaska Tourism Recovery Act on Friday that, if passed, would allow cruise ships to travel between the state of Washington and Alaska without stopping in Canada. Currently, the Passenger Vessel Service Act — passed in 1886 — requires large foreign-flagged ships to stop in Canada before heading north to the state, which wouldn’t be possible this year as Canada extended its cruise ship ban through February 2022....

The durable shoes have a pull tab on the back that makes them super easy to slip on and off, and they lace-up design so you can find a comfortable, secure fit. The soles feature the brand’s signature shock-absorbing Shank Merrell Air Cushioning that provides a smooth stride and prevents foot pain. Women’s Merrell Moab 2 Vent Hiking Shoes To buy: amazon.com, from $58 (originally $110) Men’s Merrell Moab 2 Vent Hiking Shoes...

This year’s deadly coronavirus outbreak has gripped China, forcing many people to hunker down and stay out of public places during what has typically been a busy travel time. But while many businesses remain closed, some of China’s most popular museums are moving their exhibits to a new place to be enjoyed: online. The move comes as the number of confirmed coronavirus cases continues to rise, reaching as high as 24,604 as of Wednesday, with 494 deaths, Forbes reported....

On Saturday morning in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, a groundhog named Phil emerged from his hole and did not see his shadow, predicting an early spring. This was just the 18th time that Punxsutawney Phil emerged at Gobbler’s Knob in the Pennsylvania Wilds and predicted an early spring, and with the recent polar vortex, his timing couldn’t have been better. On this holiday, clear skies traditionally meant a longer winter. Romans invading north brought the tradition to Germany, who decided that if the sun appeared, a hedgehog would see its shadow and, in turn, there would be six more weeks of winter....

Travelers aboard Disney Cruise Line will be able to meet their favorite Pixar characters out on open waters when the cruise line launches “Pixar Day at Sea” sailings next year. Starting in January 2023, select Disney Fantasy cruise ships will play host to beloved Pixar characters from movies like “Toy Story,” “Monsters, Inc.,” and “Finding Nemo.” The daylong celebration will include themed dining, meet-and-greets with characters, dance parties, and a “theatrical musical experience,” according to a press release shared with Travel + Leisure....

Disney World will ease face-covering rules on Tuesday, making masks optional for fully-vaccinated park goers, the company said in its latest guidance. The new rule will allow vaccinated guests to go maskless in most areas, according to the company, but not all. Masks will still be required for all park-goers on Disney transportation, including on Disney buses, monorails, and the Disney Skyliner. The company said it will not require guests to provide proof of vaccination, but added: “we expect Guests who are not fully vaccinated to continue wearing face coverings in all indoor locations, and upon entering and throughout all attractions and transportation....

With summertime fairs canceled across the country due to the COVID-19 pandemic, fair food vendors and state fairs have created the next best thing: fair food drive-thrus. In cities around the U.S., you can now get your favorite fair snacks — from funnel cakes to corn dogs — in a socially distant way and without the crowds. More food fair and festival news Typically, state fairs are held throughout the U....

What do you like with your beer? Perhaps a pretzel with some mustard? Well, French’s has a unique way of combining these tastes into one savory drink. In honor of National Mustard Day on Aug. 1, French’s is launching a mustard-flavored beer for a limited time. The condiment brand teamed up with Oskar Blues Brewery in order to make the unique brew, which French’s says is “perfect for summer barbecues.”...

Attention cookie enthusiasts: Reynolds Kitchens is looking for you. Reynolds Kitchens, the maker of Reynolds Kitchens Parchment Paper, is on the hunt for the ultimate sugar lover to fill its new Cookie Connoisseur role. “The holidays may be filled with some uncertainty this year, but baking cookies always brings joy,” Lisa Smith, senior vice president of marketing for Reynolds Brands, shared in a statement. “We’re looking for a fun-loving baker to help us end this challenging year on a sweet note with a creative cookie countdown....

Quick: What comes to mind if you hear spring break and Los Cabos? If the first things you picture are college students, nightclubs, and tequila shots, you probably haven’t been to Cabo in a while. With a slew of new boutique and luxury hotels, as well as sophisticated restaurants and bars, the scene has certainly changed. And along with a well-heeled crowd, more and more families are choosing this desert playground at the edge of the sea where plenty of activities on land and in the water await....

There’s a lot happening at Disney theme parks: Between new openings and secret attractions, a visitor’s attention is thrown all over the place. Sometimes it feels like there’s too much to see and too few hours in the day to experience it all. Then take into account that there are whole parts of Disney parks hidden in plain sight, but camouflaged so you don’t notice them, and your head might just spin....

In 2020, international tourist arrivals declined by 74% year over year, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) reported. An astonishing 1 billion fewer people traveled that year compared to 2019. And understandably so. The tourism industry was no match for COVID-19, which the UNWTO said led to an estimated loss of $1.3 trillion in export revenues. It’s shaken an industry that employs an estimated 319 million people around the globe. Though there are signs of hope (and signs of a booming return to travel to come), exactly when people travel — and when they can find deals — may be altered forever....

In my fantasies, when I picture myself escaping the hustle of life on a remote island, I’m on a sun-drenched, white-sand beach surrounded by turquoise waters — you know, the Maldives. Maybe somewhere in the Caribbean. I’m not frolicking on a remote, rocky seashore, where the high temperature is about 50 degrees Fahrenheit, even in summer. Kylie Fly But that’s exactly what I got on Fox Island, which sits in the middle of Alaska’s Kenai Fjords National Park — one of the few national parks that’s only reachable by boat....

Scott’s Cheap Flights, best known for surfacing flight deals through email, is giving passengers the chance to upgrade — literally. The company just announced a new Elite membership level for travelers looking to book discounted airfares in premium economy, business, and first-class. Its existing premium membership option shows only flight deals in economy class. Elite members have already been alerted to the availability of $863 round-trip premium economy flights between New York City and Barcelona, and to business-class flights between Newark and Lisbon for $1,150 round-trip — a bargain even by Scott’s Cheap Flights standards....

A tranquil boat ride through a mangrove-bordered lagoon was the perfect beginning. Arriving at my suite at Rosewood Mayakoba, I stepped onto a wooden dock that led to a heated plunge pool. With my Wellness Butler, I entered the main level to see a living room, dining area, wet bar, and a coffee center arrayed with healthful snacks like granola, nuts, honey, and dried fruit. Soft music, lagoon views, and a selection of art books and sculptures enhanced the tranquil atmosphere....

The coronavirus outbreak has had a huge impact on every aspect of our lives, forcing many to cancel or postpone major celebrations like graduations, birthdays, and weddings. If you’ve had to change your wedding or honeymoon plans because of the COVID-19 pandemic, you deserve a little good news. That’s why Coffee Meets Bagel and Getaway are teaming up to give 10 lucky couples a free romantic mini-moon. Courtesy of Getaway...

Among wine geeks, there has been buzz for some time about the potential of Brazil—better known for beaches, soccer, caipirinhas, and rainforests—to fashion serious vino. Problem was, you couldn’t get the wines in the United States. But that’s been changing, and now there are 10 wineries being imported to the U.S. The newest one is among the best: Salton, which is Brazil’s largest privately owned winery, and family-run to boot....

The Museum of Youth Culture is crowdsourcing photographs, objects, and other artifacts from people’s youths, Lonely Planet reported. It doesn’t matter when you were a teenager or young adult or what types of items you have either. After all, we all were teenagers once, and who doesn’t love a little nostalgia? The museum is actually more like a digital archive with over 150,000 photographs and texts from many different contributors that highlight the impact young people have had on our heritage, according to its website....

Although there are lots of tips and tricks for saving on airfare, there is no money-saver quite like flexibility. Travelers who are locked into rigid plans will almost always have to shell out more money than their freewheeling counterparts. Why You Should Only Ever Book a Flight for the Early Morning As you consider your next destination, here are five ways that being flexibility can help you travel on a budget....

It’s been a long time since most of us have been able to travel. The pandemic that began in early 2020 here in the U.S. has kept travelers grounded for over a year, with little exception. Over the last 14 months, our suitcases have sat dormant and our passports unstamped. Now that the country, and the rest of the world (we see you, France), is slowly beginning to open up again, travel is back on the table....