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If you’re looking for the chance to see fascinating wildlife up close without leaving the U.S., it might be time to plan a trip to South Dakota. The state’s rolling plains, wooded streams, and timbered hills are home to elk, pronghorns, deer, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and one of the world’s largest publicly owned bison herds at Custer State Park. South Dakota’s oldest state park, Custer State Park was originally established as a game preserve in 1913 to re-introduce wildlife into the area that disappeared due to the effects of early settlers and the gold rush....

If there has ever been a year in which we deserve a do-over vacation celebration, 2020 is it — and Viceroy Hotels & Resorts wants to help. To celebrate two decades in business, Viceroy is giving away 20 trips to its properties around the world. Through the contest, the company is looking to give largely homebound travelers a second chance to celebrate those birthdays, anniversaries, and other special moments they might have otherwise commemorated with travel....

On an otherwise vacant beach, we gather around two blue-footed boobies immersed in a stomping courtship dance on a small bluff. We keep our distance, but they don’t seem to notice (or care) that 11 people are watching and photographing their every move. I’m amazed at our luck. It’s our first day aboard the Integrity, a luxury yacht that will be our home as we travel around the western Galápagos Islands with INCA (International Nature & Culture Adventures)....

The word is out—cruise vacations are fun, relaxing, and increasing in popularity. The best way to visit several destinations without unpacking and repacking, airport transfers, hotel check-ins, and other inconveniences, cruises on oceans and rivers are seeing passenger growth each year. New ships are being built and added to accommodate the growing demand. Cruising can be economical, and there are ways to ensure that you’re getting the most for your dollar....

Skywatchers are in for a surprise treat this month thanks to a comet very few people saw coming. On March 27, astronomers first observed a dim little comet flying by our planet using NEOWISE, or Near-Earth Object Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer, a space telescope launched by NASA more than a decade ago, EarthSky explained. The astronomers cataloged the comet as C/2020 and didn’t think much of it at the time as it was nowhere near bright enough to be visible to the naked eye....

Ahead of Memorial Day weekend, Airbnb announced it will extend its ban on certain bookings and guests to prevent house parties through the end of the summer. “We are announcing the extension of the ban through at least the end of Summer 2021 […] to be as direct as possible that we will not tolerate behavior that disrupts neighborhoods or violates the trust of our Host community,” Airbnb announced in a press release on Thursday....

Why drive when you can fly? Airbus took its new eVTOL aircraft, also known as CityAirbus, for its first flight in front of public officials and the media for the very first time last week, Time Out reported. The flight demonstration was attended by German politicians who were visiting an Airbus facility in Bavaria. The eVTOL — which stands for electric vertical take-off and landing — vehicles are more than just a new aircraft for Airbus, they could also change how we choose to get around our cities....

It’s time to book a perfect fall getaway. And now, you can bring a friend for free. Now through Sept. 30, Amtrak is offering buy-one-get-one free tickets on all Acela and Northeast Regional trains throughout the Northeast Corridor, from Boston to Virginia. In addition to this sale, you can also score train fare as low as $30. Guests on Northeast Regional trains can travel between Richmond, Virginia and Washington, D.C., or Norfolk, Virginia and Washington, D....

The coronavirus pandemic has changed the way people travel and book vacations. And while some people are booking years in advance, many have turned to last-minute getaways. Cue travel booking app Hopper to launch its newest feature: Stay the Night, allowing customers to book hotels at the last minute and snag great deals in the process. In fact, travelers can save 25% off peak prices when they book within 48 hours of when they plan to check-in, the company shared with Travel + Leisure....

Have you dreamed of sitting on a royal throne? That may not happen, but you could at least have the chance to clean the royal throne instead. Kensington Palace officials recently announced that Prince William and Kate Middleton are currently on the hunt for a new housekeeper to help oversee Apartment 1A. According to the job listing, the person must “have an organized approach and take pride in what you do....

A man in Utah is facing prison time after digging up graves in Yellowstone National Park back in 2020 in pursuit of a legendary treasure, according to Insider. Insider reported that Rodrick Dow Craythorn, who lives in Syracuse, Utah, plead guilty to charges of “excavating or trafficking in archaeological resources, and injury or depredation to United States property,” according to the US Attorney’s Office District of Wyoming. The 52-year-old was apparently digging up parts of Fort Yellowstone Cemetery between October 2019 and May 2020 while seeking Forrest Fenn’s long-sought-after $2 million treasure....

New Zealand declared the coronavirus contained in the country on Monday, reporting no active cases and eliminating restrictions on gatherings and services. People walk up Mount Maunganui after it was reopened to visitors on May 18, 2020 in Tauranga, New Zealand. Phil Walter/Getty The country moved to Level 1 of its COVID-19 alert system, appearing to have totally eradicated the virus. While there are no restrictions on moving throughout the country, New Zealand’s borders do remain shut to international visitors, The Associated Press noted....

According to the brand, the popular gadget removes 500 percent more plaque than an average manual option. Plus, it has six different pre-programmed cleaning modes to choose from, including a whitening mode and one for sensitive teeth. Even better, the Bluetooth-enabled toothbrush uses artificial intelligence to track your brushing and then sends personalized tips to your phone on how to improve your brushing skills. To buy: amazon.com, $100 (originally $200)...

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are officially out as working members of the royal family. As a result, the couple will lose all of their honorary appointments. In January 2020, the couple shocked the world by announcing their plans to leave royal family life behind and instead heading off to create their new beginning in Meghan’s home state of California. Since then, the pair have been spotted working with charities in the state, and have brokered deals with Netflix to produce a suite of documentaries to come....

If you’re missing travel right now, know that you’re not alone. Just head over to Rick Steves’ Instagram page to see what we mean. On Thursday, the famed travel expert shared what can only be described as the absolute perfect travel throwback image with his 191,000 followers. “Here I am, heading off to Europe the day after high school graduation in 1973 — with a budget of $3 a day, a ten-week Eurail pass in my pocket, and the biggest backpack I could find, jam-packed,” Steves wrote in the photo’s caption....

These Oprah-approved Lounge Socks Will Keep You Warm All Winter Long The exterior of the Asgard Women’s Waterproof Chelsea Boots is made of a sturdy PVC material to keep moisture out. Thick rubber soles have an anti-slip design, which provides great traction on slippery surfaces. The interior includes a textile lining and an EVA foam insole for maximum comfort while walking. Each shoe has a pull tab and elastic-goring on the sides, which many shoppers say makes them easy to slide on and off....

Despite our best attempts to control every single aspect of the travel experience, sometimes things run amok in unexpected ways. And one nightmare situation that every traveler dreads? Lost luggage. Every Airline Has a Different Boarding Process — Here’s What You Need to Know However impossible it may be to control checked luggage once it leaves your eyesight, there are a few precautions travelers can take to increase the chances that luggage makes it safely to its final destination....

A little over a year after the tragic death of Breonna Taylor, a new art exhibit in her hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, is honoring her life and legacy, while also spotlighting larger issues of gun violence and police brutality in the U.S. On display now at the Speed Art Museum, the “Promise, Witness, Remembrance” exhibit most notably features Amy Sherald’s portrait of Taylor, which was used as the cover of Vanity Fair’s September 2020 issue....

If your idea of a next-level return to travel is hunting for truffles in the northern Italian countryside, then we have terrific news: There is now a hotel in Italy with the world’s first truffle concierge. Casa di Langa, a 39-room hotel on more than 40 hectares of vineyards and forested hills, just opened in the heart of Piedmont (a.k.a. truffle country). Piedmont is specifically known for Alba white truffles, which is why Casa di Langa is integrating truffle experiences into their wine and food-forward programming....

When it comes to bucket-list vacations, an African safari ranks high for many travelers. For some, it could take years of saving up to embark on this once-in-a-lifetime trip. But now, there’s a new contest giving travelers the opportunity to win a safari vacation at a luxury lodge in Botswana. With the hope of inspiring travelers to visit the continent, Lion World Travel — a company specializing in affordable luxury safaris and tours in Southern Africa, East Africa, and Egypt — is hosting the We Love Africa contest in conjunction with the release of a new video series by the same name....