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Editor’s Note: Those who choose to travel are strongly encouraged to check local government restrictions, rules, and safety measures related to COVID-19 and take personal comfort levels and health conditions into consideration before departure. Stretching 469 miles from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina, the Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the country’s most scenic drives. Whether you aim to travel the entire parkway from milepost 0 near Waynesboro, Virginia, all the way to milepost 469 near Cherokee, North Carolina, or just plan to visit a small portion of the road dubbed “America’s Favorite Drive,” you’re bound to see some incredible Appalachian views....

I’m not usually a duffel person. As a chronic overpacker, I tend to favor hard-sided rolling suitcases (even for short leisure trips) because they force me to be more judicious and I can push them around easily, even if they’re super heavy. The one time I tend to make an exception is when minimal schlepping and lifting is involved — say, a road trip. So when Away invited me up to the Hudson Valley for an overnight to test the new Weekender bag, I couldn’t wait to put the duffel through its paces....

This year’s World’s Best Awards survey was open for voting January 11 through May 10, 2021, as destinations around the world were lifting COVID-19 restrictions. Survey rules have always allowed readers to reflect on their travel experiences over a three-year period. We hope that this year’s honorees will inspire your own travels as you get back out into the world. There’s no shortage of natural splendor, exciting adventure activities, and high-caliber resorts on the best islands of Hawaii....

Coney Island is a New York landmark that has withstood the test of time, natural disasters, economic downturns, and more. So, it’s no surprise that one of its iconic amusement parks is emerging from 2020 with plans to debut a new roller coaster later this year. Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park couldn’t open last year to celebrate its 100th anniversary, but that’s not stopping the park’s owners from building the Phoenix, a suspended, adrenaline-inducing roller coaster — their largest investment to date....

In 2020, the world changed forever. Rather than hopping on planes to explore the world, we put away our passports and stored our luggage for the greater good. However, as more people get the COVID-19 vaccine, a return to travel is coming. We’re celebrating the reopening of borders and planning epic trips once again with all-new episodes of our podcast, Let’s Go Together, which highlights how travel changes the way we see ourselves and the world....

An AirTrain linking New York’s LaGuardia Airport with the city’s subway system is one step closer to reality after the Federal Aviation Administration approved the plan. On Tuesday, the FAA approved an environmental review, the last step in the process to get the project off the ground. Now, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey will be able to proceed with its proposal to construct the rail system and will be able to apply for funding under the Passenger Facility Charge program....

Grab your bucket list, because there’s one dream destination you may not have considered yet. You can search the world for a dream vacation. Many people spend weeks, months, or even years planning for a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Europe, or Asia, but Peru is one hot destination that has been flying under the radar for lots of travelers out there. The South American country is probably best known by people who want to explore ancient Incan ruins, trekking to Machu Picchu by the thousands every day....

In the first 12 episodes of Let’s Go Together, host Kellee Edwards has taken listeners on a journey around the world to meet travelers from all walks of life. She’s introduced us to folks fighting to preserve their natives cultures, plus-sized travelers who aren’t letting their size keep them grounded, a gay couple discovering America on an RV journey, and widowed women rediscovering the world as solo travelers. But now we’re turning the microphone around....

Show your favorite friend, significant other, or family member how much you love them by whisking them away on a vacation –without actually spending that much. With the Southwest Companion Pass, eligible fliers can arrange for one other person to fly with them at almost no cost (they only have to pay the taxes and fees). For years, people have been saying this is one of the best deals in travel....

“Lunar New Year celebrations are punctuated by food rituals,” says Lucas Sin, chef at Manhattan fast-casual chain Junzi Kitchen. “A big feast on New Year’s Eve, rice cakes on the first day, candy and melon seeds on the second…it’s an opportunity to gather with family, reflect on the past year, and give blessings for the next.” This year, Sin is celebrating in especially delicious style. The Hong Kong-born chef has teamed up with the Met Museum to launch a limited-edition run of chili oils inspired by “Celebrating the Year of the Ox” — a new exhibition, on display through Jan....

Everyone’s day-to-day lives have certainly changed over the last few months, but perhaps none more so than parents. Not only do they now have to attend to their normal duties, but many have also had to take on the role of part-time teacher, ensuring their child’s educational needs are met too. And Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, is no exception. In an April interview with the BBC, Middleton revealed that she was now homeschooling her two older children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, as they remained home from school during the coronavirus pandemic....

Machu Picchu is finally accessible for everyone. Despite being a mega tourist attraction, Machu Picchu was essentially cut off to people living in wheelchairs until 2019. But, in January, the travel company Wheel the World introduced the first-ever wheelchair-accessible tour of the ancient historical site in Peru. And now, it wants to bring its tours to the masses. According to Insider, the company was founded by friends Alvaro Silberstein and Camilo Navarro....

Running into wildlife can be quite a grizzly experience. Especially when the wildlife is bent on taking over your car. Chad Morris, a barbershop owner from Kentucky, had an interesting encounter with a black (luckily not grizzly) bear cub in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, last Thursday when he found the animal climbing into one of his car windows, ABC 6 WATE reported. Courtesy of Chad Morris As Morris looked on in shock, two more cubs approached the vehicle, and one climbed right into the driver’s side window, as momma bear watched them nearby....

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy Whether you’re looking to take a trip to California, the South, or New England, we’ve got the perfect romantic getaway for you. Estes Park, CO Stay: Della Terra Mountain Chateau This charming mountain town is the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. Nature is always nearby so don’t be surprised if you have to stop your car to let an elk cross the road....

An early sign that spring is on the way: The New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) has launched its famous orchid exhibit, titled “The Orchid Show: Jeff Leatham’s Kaleidoscope” for its 19th year. Officially opened on Feb. 26, the colorful show runs through May 1. The creations from floral designer Jeff Leatham — best known for his work at theFour Seasons Hotel George V, Paris, Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center, and the Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills, as well as his work with celebrity clients Dolly Parton, Tina Turner, Cher, Oprah Winfrey, and His Holiness the Dalai Lama — were originally scheduled for the 2020 show, but closed down as the pandemic set in....

The Empire State Building has officially kicked off the holiday season, celebrating one of New York City’s most beloved traditions. Christmas colors adorned the New York skyscraper on Tuesday evening in honor of the official opening night of the Rockettes’ 2021 Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall. The Rockettes’ Christmas Spectacular has been a New York holiday tradition since 1933. It has taken over the stage at Radio City every single year around Christmas — except for last year when it was forced to cancel due to the pandemic....

You may think you’re smart — but are you smarter than someone born in September? Those born in September are, apparently, the smartest out of the entire year. Ailbhe O’Donnell/Getty Images According to Marie Claire, a study published in the National Bureau of Economic Research found that there’s a clear correlation between the month during which you were born and how smart you are. The study, entitled “School Starting Age and Cognitive Development,” found that schoolchildren born in September were more likely to have higher GPAs than those born in any other month....

The Transportation Security Administration is expecting a record number of travelers around spring break this year, with more than 100 million passengers traveling through airports from March 14 to April 28. Because of the large numbers, you’ll want to be prepared to ensure your trip goes smoothly. Here are a few tips, along with suggestions from TSA officials, to help you get in and out of the airport in record time....

As Singapore continues to evolve into one of Asia’s most exciting cities — the buzz surrounding last year’s hit film Crazy Rich Asians has yet to dissipate — the island-nation’s hotel scene also grows more vibrant. Although last year’s winner (the iconic, historic Raffles Hotel) was closed all of 2018 for renovation, there were plenty of other spots Travel + Leisure readers experienced and loved. Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more....

While some people love hosting holiday celebrations for friends and family, it’s undeniably a ton of work to prepare for the festivities — especially if you plan on cooking by yourself. So this year, rather than take on the burden, why not book a getaway? Especially one that comes with a private chef, so you can enjoy a gourmet meal that you don’t have to cook. That’s an actual possibility if you book a stay via Edge Retreats, a vacation rental platform for some of the most over-the-top villas around the world....