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Tourists behaving badly on vacation in Mexico have driven officials to shut one of the country’s most popular archaeological sites over the Easter holiday weekend. According to the Associated Press, officials in Mexico plan to close Chichen Itza on the Yucatan Peninsula from April 1 through April 4 in hopes of curbing the spread of COVID-19. “It is regrettable to see how undisciplined things have become,” Lucio Hernández Gutiérrez, acting police chief in Quintana Roo — a state that’s home to hot spots like Tulum, Cancun, and Cozumel — said, the AP reported....

Even if you’re stuck at home, you deserve a little zen. As more and more schools, restaurants, and other public places shut down in order to combat the spread of coronavirus, people may find themselves extra anxious about this global outbreak. Of course, spending time alone at home 24/7 probably doesn’t do much to soothe your stress. Since museums, in particular, are also closing their doors for the time being, these organizations are finding new ways to give a little culture to the public....

A little Christmas cheer is a good way to keep your spirits up, even if it’s March. According to People, lots of people are opting to put their Christmas lights back up in the last few days in an effort to help boost community morale in the wake of COVID-19 (coronavirus). Social media users have been using the hashtags #LightsForLife and #CoronaKindess and posting photos of their festive lights. It’s unclear who actually started this trend, according to People....

Pierce Brosnan is a legend, undeniably. The star of four James Bond films (1995 - 2002), he’s also known for his unforgettable roles in “Mrs. Doubtfire” and “Mamma Mia!,” among many, many others. Brosnan has solidified his legacy in the world as an actor, activist, and philanthropist, not to mention he was once named People’s Sexiest Man Alive. Now, the former Mr. Bond is taking on a new role: global spokesperson for Casa Don Ramón, a luxury tequila company from Mexico....

Each one of the million of us who live in little old Rhode Island has our own cherished idea of what makes this place enchanting. For me, it is the coastline that has always cast a spell. Rhode Island’s shore is by turns rocky and forbidding, with towering red granite cliffs tumbling wildly into the crashing Atlantic surf, or placid and lulling, the cattails of the marshes whispering softly in the gentle breezes of sheltered inlets....

With COVID-19 cases rising in many parts of the country, Thailand is suspending most domestic flights, making it even more complicated to move about the southeast Asian nation, a favorite for digital nomads. This includes a ban on domestic flights to and from Bangkok, the Thai capital. International flights will still be permitted to land in Bangkok and other airports, as will emergency flights and flights related to special “sandbox” travel programs....

From toga-wrapped emperors to board-toting surfers, all walks of life have flocked to the seaside for renewal, reflection, and amusement, and the tide of influences has defined beach culture around the world. Transcending time and place, surf fever over the centuries proves our obsession for sea and sand is here to stay. First Century A.D. Early VIP sunseekers to Italy’s Amalfi Coast (Nero, Augustus) build summer residences in the town of Baiae, on the Bay of Naples, and it soon becomes a spot for imperial indulgence and hedonism....

As the weather continues to drop, you’re likely looking to add a slew of cozy oversized sweaters to your rotation. Not only are they the perfect way to stay warm and comfortable while lounging around the house or out running errands, but they are also a great option to wear while traveling. Luckily, you don’t need to look far to find one. The inside is lined with the same ultra-soft material, so it’s great to snuggle up in....

New York City’s Plaza Hotel is famous for many reasons. But perhaps its most beloved reason is the character of Eloise. The endearing six-year-old scamp — created by Kay Thompson in 1955 — runs around The Plaza, causing good-natured mischief wherever she goes. And, as every good mischief maker knows, there’s no better time of year for stirring up shenanigans than Halloween. This year, in honor of All Hollow’s Eve, The Plaza’s famous Palm Court is giving its daily Eloise tea a spooky twist — complete with scavenger hunt and costume contest....

My mother and I are at our best when unwinding on the beach with a piña colada in hand. It’s not that we don’t love adventurous travel, just that our travel styles are different. She’s all about going with the flow, and I love to have a plan and a well-balanced itinerary. But one thing we both appreciate is a good tropical resort — and a hotel hot tub. Beautiful pools and a view of the water are where our travel styles meet....

After record demand for its 2023 world cruise, Oceania Cruises has unveiled the itinerary for its epic global voyage for the following year. The cruise line’s 180-day journey around the world will set sail on Jan. 14, 2024, and visit more than 96 destinations in 34 different countries. “Incredibly, last year our 2023 world cruise sold out in just one day, so for 2024 we are providing guests more extended voyage options to deeply and meaningfully rediscover the world,” Howard Sherman, President and CEO of Oceania Cruises, said in a statement shared with Travel + Leisure....

America’s national parks have long been a favorite for family road trips. So The Family Vacation Guide examined which of the country’s 63 national parks is the most kid-friendly, looking at the number of hotels, trails, attractions, and landmarks suitable for young travelers. In its Best National Parks for Kids in the U.S. study, revealed last month, it determined that Yellowstone National Park rises to the top. Mostly in Wyoming — with sections in Idaho and Montana — the country’s first national park is having an especially big year, having celebrated its 150th anniversary in March....

Editor’s Note: Travel might be complicated right now, but use our inspirational trip ideas to plan ahead for your next bucket list adventure. Stunning views of the Italian Alps that were once reserved for brave hikers can now be enjoyed by all at Iceman Ötzi Peak, a new observation platform located 10,666 feet above sea level. Local company Noa designed and built the deck with vertical steel slats that allow visitors to step close to the edge for an unobstructed view....

Each set comes with four different sized packing cubes — three of which have mesh covers, so you can easily see what’s inside. It also comes with a smaller zip-up bag, that’s the perfect size for storing smaller items, such as socks and intimates, as well as a drawstring laundry bag to help keep dirty and wet clothes separated. There’s even a shoe bag included that can fit two to three pairs and a double-layer toiletry bag that will keep your makeup and skincare essentials safe and sound....

Not just any old shovel and salt procedure could keep a landmark like the Eiffel Tower operational during the winter — they bring in the blow torch. In a video posted to Twitter this week, the Eiffel Tower posted their ice-removal process after some snowy weather hit Paris. “When negative temperatures return, my floors got partially covered with ice!” the attraction tweeted this week. “To get rid of it, we need to use a blowtorch because ice-control salt is too corrosive for the metal....

It’s a good time to shell-ebrate, because the beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel in Florida just saw one of its biggest nesting seasons of loggerhead sea turtles ever. The Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation, one of the longest running sea turtle conservancy programs in the U.S., reported some unparalleled results with turtle nesting this year. Perhaps unsurprisingly, since a large portion of 2020 has been spent indoors by humans due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, animal populations have been thriving — and that’s especially true for sea turtles....

A boat full of tourists received an unexpected lift from a gray whale off the coast of Baja California earlier this month. While Lory Barry was on a whale-watching expedition near the coast of Guerrero Negro, Mexico, a gray whale suddenly appeared near her boat. According to the video footage that Barra captured, at first, the whale came up to say hello to her human visitors. Then the whale put the small boat on its back and began swimming, giving the passengers an unexpected lift....

In honor of National Potato Month in September, McAlister’s Deli is launching “The Great Spud Getaway” to celebrate its delicious giant spuds (fully-loaded baked potatoes that are beloved by all). Otto Kitsinger/Courtesy of The Big Idaho® Potato Hotel As part of the sweepstakes, McAlister’s fans can enter to win a four day, three night all-expenses-paid trip for themselves and a guest to America’s potato capital — Boise, Idaho. While in Boise, they will stay at the unique Big Idaho Potato Hotel (literally shaped like a potato) as well as receive a year’s worth of free giant spuds from McAlister’s Deli....

Whether you’re a practicing Catholic, a Buddhist, an atheist, or any belief system in between, there’s no denying that northern New Mexico’s Catholic churches, the oldest of which dates back to 1610, are some of the most important historical structures in the United States. The crumbling adobes and powerful stone edifices have harbored both miracles and madness throughout the centuries, depending on which historical lens you use to interpret northern New Mexico history....

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. Each property we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team....