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“The feeling of going that speed on open roads, it’s awesome,” Kristina Tracy, owner of Yosemite Adventure Co., says to me, removing her helmet in the parking lot of a roadside diner in Mariposa, California. We had just spent the first half of the day riding Can-Am On Road bikes around Yosemite National Park, and as someone who avoids driving whenever possible, I couldn’t believe how strongly I agreed with her....

With international leisure travel pretty much at a standstill, Iceland is using its pandemic downtime to make some major upgrades to its tourist infrastructure. The Icelandic government is putting more than $12 million into improving roads, preserving popular sites, and revamping facilities at national parks, The New York Times reports. The government had already been planning to enhance its tourism infrastructure, but decided to double down on its efforts as the pandemic has kept visitors away....

One of the staples of the contemporary art scene in Los Angeles is here to stay. Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) announced on Monday that it acquired the massively-popular Rain Room installation as part of its permanent collection. The gift from Restoration Hardware (which commissioned the piece) is meant to honor the 50th anniversary of LACMA’s Art and Technology Lab. ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images The large-scale installation recycled 528 gallons of water to create an indoor rainstorm where visitors could walk through without ever getting wet....

For the first time in weeks, recoveries from coronavirus in South Korea is actually outpacing the number of new cases, according to reports. South Korea, which has the fourth highest number of recorded cases in the world behind mainland China, Italy, and Iran, recorded only 110 new cases on Friday and released 177 people from hospitals, Reuters reported, citing the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In total, the country has recorded more than 7,900 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and declared 510 people fully recovered, according to Johns Hopkins University, which is tracking the virus around the world....

The U.S. State Department warned Americans against traveling to Japan on Monday, classifying the country under its highest warning level just months before the Olympic Games are set to start. The department placed Japan under a “Level 4: Do Not Travel” advisory due to its rise in COVID-19 cases. While the warning level is at its highest possible, the U.S. has not outright banned Americans from flying to the country....

Every summer, we scour the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale for deals on all sorts of items, ranging from luggage and handbags to comfy shoes and stylish seasonal fashion. This year is no different, and we’ve rounded up some of our favorite deals in a variety of categories. The sale lasts until August 8, but we recommend shopping soon to ensure you get what you want before things start to sell out....

The Bahamas will reopen for tourism starting June 15, allowing yachts and private planes at first before welcoming commercial travelers in July, the country’s Ministry of Tourism & Aviation shared with Travel + Leisure. When the country does reopen for tourism, The Bahamas will implement several safety measures like temperature screenings at both airports and seaports, requiring visitors to wear a mask when social distancing is not possible, and introducing a “Clean & Pristine certification program” for tourism-related businesses like hotels and restaurants....

Grabbing friends or family and loading them into your car for a weekend road trip across this enormous and gorgeous country is an idea we stand strongly behind. However, after a few days (or even hours) on the road, your vehicle can start to become a catchall for pet hair, food trash, and dirt from pit stops along the way. Taking your car to the carwash for frequent detailing and vacuuming can be expensive, and it’s not a detour you’re going to want to make off the map you’ve carefully curated....

Now you can see Simba’s real-life kingdom for yourself on “Lion King”-themed safari in one of the most beautiful regions on the planet. In honor of the upcoming remake of the Disney classic, which opens in theaters on July 19, two luxury travel companies in Kenya and Tanzania are offering “Lion King”-themed itineraries to explore the lands and animals that inspired the films. Courtesy of Zicasso, Inc. Starting in July, Zicasso will be introducing its “Family Safari: Pride of Africa” itinerary, an 11-day safari that takes you from the Serengeti to Nairobi on a fun-filled adventure for the entire family....

The Best Heated Vests for Hiking, Camping, and Other Cold-weather Adventures The vest is available in 12 colors and patterns, including basics like black, navy, and white, as well as bolder options like a multi-colored floral, bright red, and royal blue. It runs in sizes XS to XXL, and a size chart from the brand will help you find the right fit. Right now, you can get the best deal on the Poppy Red version of the vest in a size extra small, which is on sale for $15, although many other color and size combinations are on sale for under $30....

If you’ve spent your childhood dreaming of a tree house of your very own, consider your wish granted. Courtesy of Airbnb This “dreamy tree house” is a must-visit for anyone who likes a little luxury and a little whimsy in their Airbnb stays. Located near Park City, Utah, this place not only has the comfort and the breathtaking views, but it’s also the most wish-listed property in the state. Courtesy of Airbnb...

There are plenty of mountain towns with endless sunshine and communities that attract and inspire world-renowned artists — but there’s only one Taos. The small New Mexico town set against the Sangre de Cristo Mountains has it all: a rich Indigenous heritage, historic adobe buildings, and enough galleries and hiking trails to satiate both artistic and active travelers. “Taos has a unique blend of history, culture, and community that can only be found here....

The Bodtek Women’s Thermal Underwear Set is made from a soft, stretchy blend of polyester and spandex and has a heat-trapping fleece lining. Both the long-sleeve top and leggings are moisture-wicking, breathable, and odor-resistant, making them a great option if you’re wearing them while exercising, skiing, hiking, or participating in other outdoor activities. The set is available in six colors: black, gray, royal blue, baby pink, navy, and white. You can also shop a three pack of black, gray, and white sets for $80 if you want to stock up and save a few dollars....

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. Fans of Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights might not have to wait until next year to get their fix of frights. Even though the 2020 event is still canceled, Universal Orlando recently announced Halloween experiences starting this weekend, including two haunted houses at Universal Studios Florida and trick-or-treating at Islands of Adventure....

Your next flight to Tokyo might be a lot more scenic. Over the weekend, Tokyo’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism kicked off the first flight to Haneda Airport, using a new route that flies directly over central Tokyo. Ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics, Haneda Airport is undergoing a massive expansion. There are about 50 new international landing slots approved at the airport, which is possible thanks to a loosening of airspace rules....

There will be even more magic in central Florida this fall as Walt Disney World commemorates its golden anniversary in the most spectacular of celebrations. Starting on its 50th birthday on Oct. 1, the park will kick off “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” - an 18-month-long event with tons of new programming, including two new nighttime spectaculars, the park announced yesterday. At Magic Kingdom, which opened on Oct. 1, 1971, the lights will fill up with Disney Enhancement, an after-dark show featuring the lighting, fireworks, and music that accompanies most Disney shows, as well as the premiere of immersive projection effects that will run all the way down Main Street, U....

A horrifyingly large alligator wandered across a Florida golf course in the rain Wednesday in a surreal scene reminiscent of “Jurassic Park.” Although alligators making appearances in unusual places isn’t exactly news in Florida, this one is making headlines for its frankly unbelievable size and casual gait across the green. The prehistoric-looking beast was spotted at the Valencia Golf and Country Club in Naples, Florida. “Yep, it’s real,” Tyler Stolting, the first assistant golf professional at the club, confirmed to the Tampa Bay Times....

Nonstop parties, unwarranted comments, and a lack of diversity were a few reasons why I avoided booking a gay cruise. However, that changed with Vacaya, a large-scale adults-only vacation company that touts its inclusivity to the entire LGBTQ+ community and our straight allies. I’ve always been insecure about my weight, and if the marketing strategy for an LGBTQ+ cruise, vacation, or tour company doesn’t include me or make me feel seen — as a chubby Black gay man — I avoid it....

Denmark is preparing to welcome a record number of tourists this year. And, despite warnings of overtourism, the country has no plans to slow down. Within three years, Denmark is expected to have enough hotel beds to accommodate up to 10 million tourists, almost twice the country’s population, according to the Chamber of Commerce. Earlier this year, Denmark came in fourth in Intrepid Travel’s ranking of “destinations suffering overtourism” based on tourists per head of population....

For the first time, the ships, speeders, and stormtroopers made famous by Star Wars films can be explored in real life. With Disney’s Star Wars-themed land now open to the public at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World, guests visiting the Happiest Place on Earth can finally live as they would on a remote Star Wars planet — and spend their discretionary income “credits” the same way, too. For those who want to leave their paychecks behind on Batuu, it’s rather easy....