Actor Mario Lopez has perfected packing light. In fact, he can fit everything he needs for up to two weeks into a carry-on suitcase. “I’m pretty good, I do a little military-style folding. I like the roll — the roll is key — you can fit a lot like that, jam it in there,” Lopez told Travel + Leisure in a recent interview. “You never have to worry about losing your luggage, which is the best luxury....
Be Our Chef, a new family cooking competition show, is coming to Disney+ this month. In the series, five families will compete to create the best Disney-inspired dishes. In each of the 11 episodes, two of the five families will face off in a cooking challenge, where they get to show off their culinary skills and favorite flavors while creating delicious, Disney-themed food. The families will go to different areas in the Disney parks, visiting iconic attractions and meeting beloved characters before whipping up a dish inspired by their experiences....
Your Royal Caribbean cruise just got more luxurious. One of the world’s largest cruise ships, Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas, is getting a $165 million makeover in honor of its 10-year anniversary, according to a statement from the cruise line. The groundbreaking cruise ship is truly the first of its kind. Originally launched in 2008, the ship is separated into “neighborhoods” that help guests navigate the gigantic ship, including Central Park (an outdoor space that is pretty much a park on the ocean), a Pool and Sports Zone, Royal Promenade, Boardwalk, Vitality Spa and Fitness, Entertainment Place, and the Youth Zone (a kid-friendly neighborhood)....
Samantha Brown travels for a living as a veteran T.V. host and the creator of “Samantha Brown’s Places to Love” on PBS. But even people who spend more time in airports than at home still have to figure out how to pack efficiently. Travel + Leisure caught Brown as she prepared for one of her more challenging packing trips. This week she will be co-hosting PBS’ “Autumnwatch — New England,” a three-part, live national T....
Home sales in certain real estate markets in the U.S. have seen a record surge in the past two years. From oceanfront homes in Florida to mountain cottages in Colorado, buyers are looking for residences that offer modern amenities, beautiful views, and a great return on investment. But it turns out that if long-term home value is your main priority, your best bet is searching for a property in Texas. According to a newly released report by SmartAsset, six of the 10 “best markets for growth and stability” are in the Lone Star State....
We have some stellar news for stargazers out there. Tonight, you might have a chance to see the northern lights in the U.S. The University of Alaska Fairbanks’ Geophysical Institute, which issues aurora forecasts, predicts a spectacular show in the night sky. Specifically, using the Kp-index — the scale scientists use to rate geomagnetic activity around Earth — is indicating a level 5, which is considered high auroral activity. “Weather permitting, highly active auroral displays will be visible overhead from Inuvik, Yellowknife, Rankin and Iqaluit to Vancouver, Helena, Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Bay City, Toronto, Montpelier, and Charlottetown, and visible low on the horizon from Salem, Boise, Cheyenne, Lincoln, Indianapolis and Annapolis,” writes the University of Alaska Fairbanks in its forecast, which also includes a map of where the aurora should be visible....
Though right now may not be the best time to pack up your bags and travel, that doesn’t mean people aren’t actively dreaming about their next vacation. According to a recent survey by Airbnb, more than a third (36%) of Americans are currently daydreaming about traveling at least once daily. Over one quarter (28%) of survey respondents said planning a trip for some time in the future makes them feel hopeful, and more than two-thirds (69%) replied that daydreaming about traveling brings about positive emotions....
Now that winter is approaching, it’s time to break out our warmest sweaters and coziest loungewear. So why not combine the two with a pair of cashmere sweatpants? Nakedcashmere is known for its luxe cashmere goods, sweats included, and it’s easy to see why. We found a pair of pants that can easily be dressed up or down all season long, whether you’re lounging around the house or braving the cold outdoors....
If you’re preparing for a hiking trip but want to maintain your sense of style, it might be hard to find a pair of boots that are comfortable, durable, and fashionable. While J.Crew might be an unlikely source for hiking boots, we found a pair that checks all these boxes and more. And if these boots catch your eye, there’s no better time to shop, since they’re currently on sale for 30 percent off, bringing their price down to $140 from $198....
“Hello, operator? We’d like to report a lack of margaritas.” Premium tequila brand Casamigos, created by George Clooney, Rande Gerber, and Mike Meldan, is collaborating with Jumby Bay Island resort on the Caribbean island of Antigua to bring margarita lovers several ways to imbibe while they’re at the resort. Not only does this collaboration includes a new pop-up beach bar and specialty crafted cocktails for Jumby Bay Island, but it also includes a margarita hotline where guests can order margaritas to their suites....
While we all endeavor to shop and eat more locally, the reality is that when it comes to our grand Thanksgiving dinners, the staples often come from different states. In their latest study, foodie magazine Chef’s Pencil took a look at the USDA’s site to find where our Nov. 25 meals may be originating. Courtesy of Chef’s Pencil As it turns out, Minnesota has long been the top producer of the meal’s centerpiece, with 40 million heads (the measurement used for the bird) of turkey a year, followed by Arkansas with 31 million and North Carolina with 30 million....
A new rooftop terrace is about to open in Manhattan, but unlike the others in town, this one will be free. Following a $200 million renovation, the New York Public Library’s former Mid-Manhattan Library has transformed into the 180,000-square-foot Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library. As part of the upgrade, the utilitarian roof was re-envisioned, and the new design features an L-shaped outdoor space, which will be the city’s only publicly accessible rooftop terrace without an admission price....
This month, join Travel + Leisure Editor in Chief Jacqueline Gifford and travel experts as they discuss the future of the industry and explore topics including diversity, sustainability, and human connection in an engaging virtual event. The Evolution of Travel virtual forum will be live on Wednesday, March 31 from 3:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m. EST — mark your calendars and register now for the free, online event. Women in travel leadership roles will discuss the future of the industry in the first panel, The Changemakers....
Virgin Voyages has announced that all passengers will be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 before boarding future cruises. A spokesperson for the cruise line confirmed to Travel + Leisure on Tuesday that they were “committed to fully vaccinated cruises, which includes both passengers and crew” when service resumes, expected later this year. “We’re really encouraged by the latest rollout plans in the May time frame from the new administration, and we know the future is about vaccinations,” CEO of the cruise line, Tom McAplin, said in an additional statement provided to T+L....
St. Lucia’s natural scenery already makes it one of the most romantic destinations in the Caribbean. But this private dining deck at the Cap Maison raises the bar, most notably for its trademark Champagne zip line. Yes, that’s right — Champagne is delivered straight to the table via its roped system to ensure there’s no interruption to a couple’s alone time. And as proof of just how idyllic the setting is, Cap Maison was featured on season 14 of The Bachelor as the site of Jake Pavelka’s final rose ceremony....
City living has plenty of perks — job opportunities, good food, theater, and easy access to world-renowned museums — but it comes at a price. In the world’s biggest and best cities, rent tends to be high, restaurants can charge top dollar, and a $20 cocktail is the norm. If you’ve been feeling the pinch in 2021, that’s because the cost of living for city dwellers has seen its most dramatic increase in five years, according to data released by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU)....
How to Make Your Home Feel Bigger and More Comfortable During Quarantine (Video) After combing through the collection, which is is organized by room (entryway, living room, kitchen, dining space, and bedroom), we found several helpful products that will be sure to spruce up any small living space, making staying at home a bit more comfortable, stylish, and certainly more organized. A modular closet organizer shelf, for example, is perfect for those who want to streamline their clothing storage space, and it would even be perfect for someone who doesn’t have a closet (as a New York City-dweller, I’ve been there)....
As a lifelong skier and snowboarder, I can honestly say I have one life regret: I didn’t become a meteorologist. Trying to figure out where the snow is going to fall each year, if the season is going to be good enough to merit a pricey season pass, and guessing when I should take time off for a ski trip, was becoming a time-consuming mess. Until, that is, I found out about Be Snow Sure....
So you’ve decided to bring your children to New Orleans. Some people might call you crazy, but don’t worry. Your kids will love the festive atmosphere and the southern charm of NOLA. True, Bourbon Street at night might be too wild and risqué for children, but much of New Orleans is totally kid-friendly. There are families living all over town and many of them frequent the places I’ve listed below. It’s not hard to find things for children to do here; you just have to look in the right place....
In a time when the nation can feel so divided, one travel company is reminding us it’s our diversity that makes the country so strong. To launch its America Is for Everyone campaign, Booking.com is offering $50 weekend-long stays — to represent the unity of the 50 states — at 10 select hotels in culturally rich neighborhoods. The Byodo-In Temple in Hawaii. Booking.com As a way to experience global travel within our borders, the first person to book at each hotel starting on Nov....
