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The Draconid meteor shower might not be the most reliable — it’s known to be a bit unpredictable in terms of how many shooting stars it’ll produce — but if there’s any chance of seeing a meteor, we are more than happy to take it. Other than being a bit mysterious, the Draconids have another claim to fame: While most meteor showers are best observed between midnight and dawn, the Draconids can be seen from the early evening through midnight....

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) rejected rumors that the Tokyo 2020 Olympics will be canceled, calling a recent report “categorically untrue.” In a response to a report from The Times of London on Thursday, the IOC said it was “fully concentrated on and committed to the successful delivery of the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020 this year,” and went on to quote a statement from the Japanese government saying that they would be “implementing all possible countermeasures against COVID-19 […] in our preparations for holding a safe and secure Games this summer....

Americans gave up their U.S. passports at startlingly high numbers this year compared to 2019 According to a study from accounting firm Bambridge Accountants New York, 5,816 Americans gave up their citizenship in the first six months of the year — a more than 1,200 percent increase from the six months prior when only 444 U.S. citizens relinquished their passports. In 2019, the country saw only 2,072 Americans gave up their citizenship....

Flying first class is always a luxurious experience, with lie flat seats, exclusive pre-flight lounges, plenty of space, and a glass of champagne waiting for you as you step on board. As wonderful as that is, especially on long flights, I’ve now encountered an even better way to fly — on a private plane with Surf Air. Flying Surf Air on a short flight from the Los Angeles area to Santa Barbara was a taste of the easy, luxe life....

While the arrival of Labor Day means bidding farewell to the long days of summer and an arbitrary deadline of when you’re no longer supposed to wear white clothing, it also brings along some of the year’s best shopping. The sales that pop up over the long weekend are not to be missed, especially when it comes to deals on furniture and decor to spruce up your space heading into a new season....

Spending time in self-isolation has meant one thing and one thing only to many people: Eating whatever the heck we want. For months, people have heeded official warnings to stay home and self-isolate to stop the spread of the coronavirus. While stuck inside many took to baking to calm their nerves and frankly just have something to do. (Seriously, if you didn’t bake banana bread did you even quarantine?) Deborah Kolb/Getty Images...

Picking a name for your dog is a big deal. You’re going to be using that name for everything: at the vet, during training, and, of course, in all of your loving social media posts. So no matter what your dog’s name is, you should be happy with the name you’ve chosen, and it so happens a lot of people have similar names they can’t get enough of. Naturally, over the years, certain trends have popped up among dog owners....

Airports use electricity and chemicals; passengers toss water bottles and food wrappers. But the biggest problem with air travel is air pollution: aviation accounts for about 2 percent of global CO2 emissions, according to the Air Transport Action Group, an industry organization. “Every time you take a long-haul trip, you are likely to double your annual carbon footprint,” says Harvard’s Epler Wood. Spurred on by the bottom line, popular interest, and the UN’s COP21 climate talks last year, the industry is trying to improve....

A California town is offering an extra perk for visitors who stop by for a few nights. Santa Maria Valley, located near California’s Central Coast, less than a three-hour drive from Los Angeles — and known for being in one of the state’s best wine regions — is offering visitors staying for at least two nights a $100 gift card to use in town. The gift card can be used at local restaurants, wineries, breweries, and other local attractions during their stay....

The OutdoorMaster Padded Golf Club Travel Bag is sleek, sturdy, and easy to carry, making it a great option for travelers looking to keep their clubs in top shape without the hassle of schlepping different carrying cases. This bag is made with a waterproof and tear-resistant fabric exterior with more than a half inch of padding for lightweight yet effective protection. You can secure the bag with two buckled straps on the top and bottom, while a padded strap and top handle make it comfortable to carry, whether you’re slinging it over your shoulder or wheeling it behind you....

Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather trilogy is arguably one of the most iconic and critically acclaimed pieces of cinematographic art ever made. And now, you can own the opulent Italian castle featured prominently in the franchise’s third installment. Courtesy of Italy Sotheby’s International Realty Courtesy of Italy Sotheby’s International Realty The stunning property, known as the castle of the Pennisi Family of Floristella, spans a whopping 43,055 square feet and is truly fit for (Hollywood) royalty....

Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale is happening, which means a craving for more summer sandals is also happening (that’s just basic cause and effect). Honestly, who can resist? With hundreds of shoes on super sale, how could wenotlook and subsequently add two (or 10) pairs to our cart? Again, cause and effect. 22 Seriously Discounted Travel Finds from Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale We’re not joking around here. The sale features major markdowns on this season’s big sandal styles — from charming ankle-wrap sandals, to minimalist strappy heels that are perfect for summer nights out dancing....

No matter your age or stage of life, every birthday can be celebrated with a big trip. Some exciting destinations are perfect for visiting in your 20s, like backpacking through Southeast Asia or road tripping the Pacific Coast Highway. Others, like a relaxing beach vacation in Hawaii or Thailand, might be better suited to those 50 and over. We asked our trusted A-List of top travel advisors for their recommendations on the best places to celebrate a milestone birthday, whether you want to go alone or with a larger group, stay in one place or visit multiple locations....

Charleston is still coming to terms with its difficult history of slavery. Historians estimate that slave ships brought 200,000 to 360,000 men, women, and children into Charleston’s harbor over the course of America’s period of international slave trade. Charleston’s mayor, Joseph P. Riley, Jr., goes so far as to estimate that more than 80% of African-Americans in the U.S. today can trace at least one ancestor back to Charleston. Fortunately, more and more Lowcountry institutions are now recognizing African-American history and creating learning opportunities for locals and visitors....

There are two kinds of people: those who can kick back on their porch without a care in the world, and those who have to add a slick layer of repellent to avoid being eaten alive by mosquitos and pesky bugs. So, if you happen to be included in the latter of the two, then why not test out another solution that doesn’t leave you shiny and sticky when it’s time to hit the sheets?...

Australia is officially extending its international travel ban for three more months. Australia’s government announced Tuesday that it is extending the travel ban through June 17, 2021. The initial ban had been set to expire on March 17, however, the government noted fear that the rest of the world “continues to pose an unacceptable public health risk” to its borders, Australia’s 7 News reported. “The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee has advised the Australian Government the COVID-19 situation overseas continues to pose an unacceptable public health risk to Australia, including the emergence of more highly transmissible variants,” Health Minister Greg Hunt said in a statement....

Stepping onto the red soil of South Australia’s Outback looks like you’ve just landed on Mars. Kanku-Breakaways Conservation Park’s otherworldly landscape is made up of majestic orange, white, and red flat-topped mesas, and unique rock formations. This remote conservation park is an aboriginal heritage site and home to the Antakirinja Matuntjara Yankunytjatjara people. The word Kanku means shelter, as it’s a place that has provided the flora and fauna with shelter for millions of years....

How much would you pay for a weekend getaway to Europe? Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to hand over a ton of cash to get an incredible experience. According to CNN, the UK’s Post Office published its annual City Costs Barometer, which analyzes what tourists are paying (in British pounds) to enjoy a wide variety of amenities offered in European cities. The Barometer ranks the most cost-effective (read: budget friendly) cities in Europe, finding the most affordable places for tourists to go if they’re looking for a fun, European weekend getaway without having to pay inflated prices for everyday travel needs....

Ethiopian Airlines is spending an estimated $5 billion to build the largest airport in Africa. It could also become Africa’s busiest airport, capable of handling more passengers than the current busiest hub in Johannesburg, South Africa. In an interview with the Ethiopian News Agency (ENA), Ethiopian Airlines CEO Tewolde Gebremariam said that the airline completed its 2025 goals seven years ahead of schedule. The airline is now moving onto its 2035 vision, which includes the massive new airport....

T+L launched Operation Vacation to inspire workers to use their days off and get away, offering exclusive travel discounts as incentive. For the latest deals on hotels, airfare, cruises, and trip packages, visit travelandleisure.com/operation-vacation South Carolina: 33 percent off at Montage Palmetto Bluff, a family-friendly resort nestled on a coastal nature preserve in the Lowcountry. Travel + Leisure Exclusive includes: Three nights for the price of two in an inn room, guest house, or cottageUse of two bicycles during your stay...