Travel in county Bay

My first view of Monterey Bay on California’s Central Coast was thrilling — a raft of 40-something sea otters — and free. The next time I would get close to them, at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, it cost nearly $60. That split between free access to outdoor wonders and investment-grade attractions epitomized my experience in the area.

While Baltimore is home to a wealth of fascinating museums, restaurants and historic attractions, there’s a world of opportunity for visiting ecotourists found far beyond city limits. From the heart of Chesapeake Bay to the edge of the Atlantic, Maryland is rife with top-tier birdwatching destinations, each one equipped with a diverse array of species spanning from tiny passerines to fierce raptors. As you plan your next trip to the Old Line State, be sure to save some room on the itinerary for these can’t-miss birdwatching spots.

Spring has sprung in Monterey; sunny days are longer, wildflowers are in bloom, whale watching is at its best, and abundant outdoor activities are in full swing. Inns of Monterey offer much more than just a good night’s rest. Each hotel immerses guests in Monterey’s rich history, shares a tale worth telling, and sets the stage for making memories. For a one-of-a-kind visit, Inns of Monterey feature special packages and discounts, and each boutique hotel offers a unique locale, theme, and décor to fit travelers’ styles. Active links are available to book instantly. Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa is the ideal home base for a family spring break.  With the “Stay Longer and Save” package, guests who stay three nights will receive 15% off any room type that includes a flexible cancellation plan, and staying four nights saves 25% on any room type. The hotel features abundant gardens, hacienda-style buildings, and gracious guestrooms in Monterey’s Historic District. Home to award-winning Esteban Restaurant, Executive Chef Ben Hillan’s California-inspired Spanish cuisine is prepared with the finest and freshest local ingredients. Indoor and outdoor patio seating is available for dinner and weekend brunch. Amenities for the whole family abound, like the outdoor heated pool, pet-friendly accommodations, complimentary use of bicycles, fitness center, and DESUAR Spa which offers a variety of treatments. Signature amenities include convenient on-site parking, electric vehicle charging stations, and complimentary wifi. Casa Munras is at 700 Munras Avenue, Monterey, California 93940. (800) 222-2446. www.hotelcasamunras.com Book Now.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Angela, an academic and content creator in her early 40s who travels solo in Europe. Angela requested that her last name not be shared for privacy. This essay has been edited for length and clarity.

Cruise travel has never been more popular as the industry is expected to achieve record levels in 2024.

JetBlue Vacations is inviting travelers to save up to $300 and score special perks when they book through its Insider Experience program this spring.The program connects customers with a specially trained team of local Insiders throughout their stay at no extra charge and comes standard with flight and hotel packages to a handful of popular destinations in Mexico and the Caribbean.

La Mortella is an extraordinary garden we visited on the island of Ischia in the Bay of Naples. It is a wonderland of exotic plants, created in 1958 by Argentinian Susana Walton. Unbelievably sumptuous were the hanging orchids, and the experience was full of other delights such as the biggest lily pads I have ever seen. We were guided by the receptionist (with a talking parrot) to the cafe, where we enjoyed fantastic food and then a concert featuring music written by Susana’s husband, Sir William. The gardens are open from 30 March to 3 November (entry €12) on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. Our memory is of music, food and glorious surroundings.David Innes-Wilkin

Hawaii has six main visitable islands in its remote archipelago, and it can be hard to choose which one is right for you, especially if you're a first-time visitor.

Metro Manila, a bustling metropolis brimming with diverse cultures and dynamic energy, is home to some unique hotel experiences. During your next stay, try one-of-a-kind amenities ranging from immersive dining adventures to tailor-made recreational activities.

“They say you can hear the northern lights crackle. Even after years of living amongst them, I’ve only heard it once,” says Dave Daley, a long-distance dog sledder and Métis tour guide based in Churchill, Canada. He was 250 miles north of home when it happened, crossing the Hudson Bay as his dogs stopped to look at the display, spanning shades of pink, green, and white. “The lights made a wall in front of us, and for 10 minutes we were in a trance. Why did they appear at this moment? It was my ancestors making sure I got to my destination safely.”

Southwest Airlines is picking up where it left off earlier this month by launching another sale on spring flights.

Americans have their sights set on sunny beach destinations this spring.

Queen Elizabeth will sail to Barbados in October 2025.

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Lovers of luxury and wellness, get ready: Six Senses is headed to the Lowcountry.

The surprise exit of Jumeirah Group CEO Katerina Giannouka 15 months into her role is the latest resignation for the government-owned hotel brand of Dubai.

While the United States is a particularly young nation compared to some of its European allies, this sprawling country is no slouch when it comes to fascinating historic destinations. All across the eastern seaboard, there’s a wealth of centuries-old cities that offer a diverse blend of museums, landmarks and historic neighborhoods all open for exploration—and for New England in particular, Boston draws visitors in droves. As you plan your next vacation to the Bay State capital, don’t miss out on these fascinating attractions spanning from the historic North End to the southern reaches of Fenway.

Around 1,600 towering karst pillars and forested islets spring from the emerald bays off Vietnam’s northeastern coast. Traditional sailing junks, cabin cruises, and yachts drift through the Ha Long, Lan Han, Bai Tu Long bays, and the Cat Ba Archipelago. Most travelers spend at least one night aboard with kayaking, climbing, and short yet steep hikes immersing you further in this spectacular landscape.

Maryland’s Eastern Shore, stretching from the Chesapeake Bay to the Atlantic Ocean, is a vast landscape of farmland, tidal wetlands, and small towns, many of which retain their character and architecture of the past, thanks to significant preservation efforts. The Eastern Shore is about an hour and 20 minutes from DC, making it an easy day trip from the nation’s capital.

Massachusetts may measure in at just 27,363 square kilometers, but what this historic state lacks in size it certainly makes up for in biodiversity. From the craggy peaks of the Berkshires to the tip of Provincetown, classic New England fauna can all be found in abundance across the commonwealth—but when it comes to winter birdwatching in particular, it’s best to head east. Carved eons ago by moving glaciers, Cape Cod serves as a top summer vacation destination, while the dead of winter brings ample opportunity for birdwatchers hoping to lengthen their life list. With winter in its final throes, don’t miss out on the last few weeks of cold-weather birding across this stunning Bay State region.

There are about 3.72 million Americans who participate in surfing each year; the well-loved sport was even added to the Olympic Games as of 2021. But despite its popularity, learning to surf as an adult can be intimidating. Learning to surf with physical limitations? Even moreso.