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If you’ve been out after dark recently, you’ve probably noticed a superbright “star” shining in the southwest. That’s actually Venus, often called the “Evening Star” by stargazers, and it has only recently been visible after spending much of 2019 as a pre-sunrise “Morning Star”. A bright Venus is always great to see, but the real highlight comes this Sunday when it appears to pass the giant planet Jupiter in a moonless twilight sky....

The “River of Heaven”, the “Ganges of the Sky”, the “Vía Láctea.” All are names for what we call our home galaxy, the Milky Way. In summer, it’s some sight under dark skies, and now is the very best time of the year to see it arch across the night sky. Why Is Now a Good Time to See the Milky Way? Firstly, from about July 25 (a week before New Moon) through Aug....

When I decided to learn to surf, five years ago, I did not venture to Malibu, Maui, or any of those fabled breaks where coconut-lotion-scented breezes ripple through palm trees and shirtless specimens with streaked hair play out their endless summers. Instead, I headed to the Rockaways, and I did so in the winter. One December day, I found myself at one of New York City’s few designated surf spots, the south end of Beach 69th Street....

The Beverly Hills Hotel has seen its fair share of famous faces come and go. But none left a mark quite like Marilyn Monroe. And now, the famed Los Angeles hotel is honoring their favorite starlet with a new package called “Live Like Marilyn.” The package, the hotel explained, was inspired by her long history with the hotel. For those unaware, Monroe lived at the hotel on and off for years, spending most of her time between bungalows 1 and 7....

A quick drive from Denver, Colorado Springs is deceptively large. In fact, it’s Colorado’s second biggest city. Because it’s so spread out, most locals recommend picking up a rental car at the Colorado Springs regional airport to properly explore the area. The city is framed by imposing views of the eastern Rockies (also known as the Front Range), and has plenty of fun things to do for outdoors enthusiasts. With a 14,000-foot peak as your backdrop, Colorado Springs has all the makings for a thrilling, and thoroughly enjoyable vacation suitable for the whole family....

Collecting art is more than a hobby. It’s also has potential as a long-term investment and is a way to show your support for the global creative community. By commissioning living artists, you’re helping to support the development of the arts. But, if you’re not already deeply entrenched in the community, you may not know where to begin on your hunt for the perfect pieces to start your collection. There are plenty of talented names to consider....

American Airlines is making 2020 the year for travel to New Zealand. On Monday, the airline announced its plan to launch the only nonstop route between Los Angeles International Airport and Christchurch, New Zealand starting in October 2020. It’s also adding the only direct service between Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and Auckland, New Zealand. Angel Di Bilio/Getty Images “The South Island sums up everything that our customers are looking for in New Zealand — adventure, culture, and wildlife found nowhere else,” American’s Senior Vice President of Network Strategy, Vasu Raja, said in a statement....

Learning that you’re going to have a baby is a moment that’s filled with emotion. But once the shock wears off, it’s time to get to work planning for the little one — things like getting their room ready, preparing yourself for their arrival, and picking out a name. However, the latter may be a bit trickier than you think because there are more than a few names that people are outright banned from giving their offspring....

With most of us still stuck at home practicing social distancing, you may be looking for new ways to fill your time. If you’ve already binge-watched all the shows on Disney+ and read all the books downloaded on your iPad, we recommend trying out an online course. These educational classes will not only teach you a new skill from the comfort of your home, but they can also help you achieve career goals or develop a new interest....

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is expanding its preclearance program at international airports, the agency shared with Travel + Leisure this week, allowing travelers to go through customs, immigration, and agriculture inspections before they board a flight to America. Travelers who use the program do not have to clear customs or go through any Transportation Security Administration security inspections when they arrive in the U.S. In addition, the preclearance program — which started in 1952 at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport and is currently offered at 16 locations in six countries — allows travelers to fly into U....

There are so many different ways to celebrate Pride month. Between the various parades around the world (both virtual and in real life), museum exhibitions, opportunities to learn about LGBTQIA+ history, special events, and so forth, people are looking for tons of inspiration online for what they should do to make the most of Pride 2021 after a year spent mostly inside. fourseasons/Getty Images This year, according to Pinterest, people are using the platform to find inspiration for coming out parties and Pride events, with searches for coming out cakes, in particular, doubling since last year....

Cruise fans missing their time sailing the rivers and seas of the world can arrange the ultimate exclusive travel experience aboard an AmaWaterways ship. Each of AmaWaterways’ 25 ships is available for a charter river cruise where guests buy out the entire vessel for a seven-night customized experience. Starting at $365,000, ships ranging from the 28-passenger Zambezi Queen to the award-winning 190-guest AmaMagna may be chartered for a fully customized cruise....

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. Colorado resorts have long beckoned Travel + Leisure readers to rustic-chic mountain towns like Vail, Aspen, and Telluride....

It goes without saying that the pandemic continues to wreak havoc on every traveler, adding stress and anxiety to those attempting (or simply longing) to venture near and far with the ever-changing state of the world. That’s precisely why the historic 95-year-old Hotel Figueroa in Los Angeles recently unveiled a brand new Rest and Recovery Suite, a chic designer space with unique in-room experiences to encourage relaxation first and foremost....

Dubai — already home to the world’s biggest indoor theme park and on the way to opening the world’s longest zip line — is getting another jaw-dropping attraction: an underwater luxury vessel resort. Opening in 2020, The Floating Venice will offer an “authentic Venetian experience” in the Middle East. The floating resort — that’s technically classified as a boat — will have an underwater deck with accommodations as well as restaurants, bars, and shops....

Travel in 2020 is changing. People are no longer looking to take trips to far-off destinations and are instead seeking out domestic locations where they can still give in to their wanderlust. For many Americans that means getting out into the great outdoors at some of our beautiful national parks. And for everyone heading out to those parks this year we have some good news: Those national parks are about to get a serious influx of cash....

Known for its upscale boutiques and irresistible beaches, Palm Beach has long been a favorite Florida getaway for vacationers from all over the world. Separated from southern Florida by the beautiful Intracoastal Waterway, Palm Beach is West Palm Beach’s sister city, and is known for being irresistibly serene. It has 47 miles of pristine coastline, upscale shopping, and the kind of refinement that can be hard to find in sunny ocean destinations....

In an effort to prevent further spread of coronavirus, Hong Kong International Airport is testing a new machine that would effectively sanitize passengers head to toe. The CLeanTech machine acts as a full-body disinfectant, killing bacteria on people’s bodies and clothing. The cleaning, which takes 40 seconds, uses an antimicrobial coating on the interior surface of the machine as well as sanitizing spray for “instant disinfection,” according to a press release shared by the airport....

Even if you’ve never heard of Matrix by ITA software, you’ve certainly seen its magic at work. It powers both Google Flights as well as KAYAK, and is the tool travel agents have used for decades to help clients find the best possible fares. Rather than sifting through a dizzying array of flight search engine results, travelers can be confident they’ve found the best deal by mastering this program. What Is the ITA Matrix?...

Attention Nintendo fans: It’s finally happening. Super Nintendo World is officially opening its doors this month. But, to get in, you’re going to have to follow a lot of new rules. After pushing back its 2020 opening date, and again pushing back its February 2021 opening date, Super Nintendo World in Japan announced its new opening date, March 18, in a statement posted to its website. “Super Nintendo World will make its debut as the first multi-level land at Universal Studios Japan where Peach’s Castle and Bowser’s Castle tower over the area,” the theme park shared....