How To Find A 7.5-Carat ‘Diamond Ring’ During April’s Total Solar Eclipse—But Bring Your Own Bucket

Even as we travel around the globe, it’s easy to forget that our planet is part of a much larger celestial dance. Sure, we mark the orbit of the Earth around the Sun each year, but nothing reminds us that we are part of something much bigger than the experience of watching the Moon slide in front of the Sun during a solar eclipse. 

While Seattle is renowned for its thriving tech industry and vibrant dining scene, those who venture east across Lake Washington can discover an idyllic vacation destination in the form of Bellevue. Officially incorporated in 1953, the city offers a quiet respite from the hustle and bustle of downtown Seattle, with no shortage of charming restaurants and dazzling green spaces to explore within its limits. Whether you’re hoping to encounter fascinating flora and fauna, hit some of King County’s lushest hiking trails or just stuff your face with delicious hot pot, Bellevue has the perfect destination in store for you.

On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will sweep across areas of North America.

A popular port of call for cruisers or daytime stop for French Riviera travelers, Monte-Carlo offers so much more than a quick diversion on a longer trip. The principality sandwiched between France and Italy offers luxury accommodations, fine dining, an incredible, palm-tree adorned setting on the coast, and top notch hospitality. With an almost nonexistent crime rate, a distinct local culture, 300+ days of sun per year and hoards of attractions, ranging from luxe beaches to lounge on to top rated restaurants, Monte-Carlo may be the best home base for your next getaway on the Côte d'Azur.

Walt Disney World regularly offers discounts to help guests save money on their vacations, but it does not often give things away completely for free. However, for vacations in 2025, Disney is doing just that.

On April 8, the moon will pass directly before the sun, darkening the afternoon sky with a rare, total solar eclipse. For those along the path of totality, the solar eclipse will last around four minutes. With so many people clamoring to see this rare celestial spectacle, you'll need a plan if you want to be among them.

It's hard to know when to call something a travel trend but one sign might be when current trends merge into one, particularly for the top 1% of travelers.

Many astronomy events will grace the sky this year, but the total solar eclipse is hands down the highlight for those even marginally interested in celestial happenings. On April 8, 2024, the total solar eclipse will cross North America, and many are trying to get in on the action (though the options for where to stay along the path of totality is already limited).

If you ask French people what they think of the SNCF, the French national railway company, many will complain about how often the employees are on strike (not that often, really). However, you won’t hear many grieve about the frequency of the trains, the extent of the network, or the price it costs to ride the rails. That’s because the rail service in France is exceptionally good. I’ve been riding trains all over the world for over 20 years and, in my opinion, few places can match the rail service you get in France other than maybe the extensive rail network in Japan.

Motors and Motown put Detroit on the map. Michigan’s largest city also has a vibrant cultural scene expressed through street murals and a rotating fleet of 75 seasonal food trucks. Served by the free-to-ride QLine Streetcar, Woodward Avenue links Downtown Detroit with Brush Park, Midtown, and the Amtrak station. The Detroit People Mover (DPM) is free for 2024, meaning that you’ll have more dollars to put toward sightseeing – or a place to hang your hat. Featuring skyline condos and artsy lofts, these Airbnbs in Detroit have as much character as Motor City.

Sarah Faith is a content and values writer at activist travel company, Responsible Travel.

Québec City is a beautiful, charming city full of incredible restaurants, luxurious hotels and independent boutiques – the perfect city break with a French flavor.