Aquarium tips

It may seem strange to seek out an indoor, underwater activity in beautiful, landlocked Colorado, but hear me out.

New Orleans is a lively and progressive city where new developments are always underway to keep the city moving forward. For over 300 years, New Orleans has been a hub for rich culture, history, architecture, and unique attractions. With the addition of new and exciting things throughout the years, New Orleans is ready for the future.

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.

A family of adorable pink pigs will be moving to Texas this year.

As the holiday season arrives, Chicago transforms into a winter wonderland with a myriad of festive activities and events that capture the spirit of the season. From sports enthusiasts to art lovers, families to couples, there is something for everyone in the Windy City. Here are some things worth exploring this holiday season.

If you haven't yet made plans to see the total solar eclipse in 2024, Niagara Falls is beckoning. The New York State destination is partnering with NASA on a series of eclipse events and exhibitions in the days leading up to the grand show, as well as day-of programming.

There are things that everyone knows and loves at Walt Disney World Resort that are popular for good reason. We have lists of the best hotels at Disney World, the best restaurants at Disney World and even the best outdoor restaurants at Disney World.

Visitors to Athens Greece will soon have to add one more destination to their must-see list: The Ellinikon which, among other things, will be home to Europe’s largest coastal park, virtually doubling the amount of greenspace in Athens. Greece is a nation festooned with monumental sights and ancient classics so it’s hard to imagine anything new in this bastion of antiquities, but Ellinikon will have plenty of new to offer visitors. In addition to a 500-acre coastal park, the development will be joined by a beachfront Mandarin Oriental hotel, 50-story residential tower, two shopping malls, a sports complex, casino, and a marina designed to accommodate mega-yachts. Just 25 minutes from the Athens airport and only 20 minutes from the Acropolis and the center of Athens, the Ellinikon’s reinvention of the Greek coastline promises to be transformational to the Riviera and to Athens.

Surrounded by the Appalachian Mountains and Cumberland Plateau, Chattanooga is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts with plenty of hikes and bouldering spots within an hour’s drive. Not to mention the gorgeous Tennessee River that runs through downtown, offering a variety of watersports activities. Over the past decade, the word has gotten out about Chattanooga for more than just outdoor enthusiasts, too, with a mix of restaurants, attractions, and accommodations that have made the city and surrounding area one of the coolest weekend getaways in the country.

For anyone heading to Indian Ocean beaches from colder climates, the region’s warm waters have an obvious appeal. But with sea levels rising faster here on average than in the Atlantic and Pacific, many of those beaches are at risk of being claimed by the tides — threatening the natural habitats and livelihoods of people living in coastal areas. This is a global problem, of course: sea levels worldwide have risen around 10cm in the past 30 years, with the rate increasing from 1.5mm a year through most of the 20th century to 3.9mm a year now. Projections for future sea level rises vary greatly, but when you’re in the Maldives, whose highest points rise to just over two metres above sea level, every centimetre counts.

Brazil, known for its diverse landscapes and rich culture, is also home to some of the world’s most luxurious accommodations. The Pousada Reserva do Patacho, a boutique hotel in the heart of the northeastern state of Alagoas, is the perfect example of what it’s like to stay in style in Brazil’s tropical paradise. This property offers a blend of luxury, comfort, and connection with nature that makes it a one of the most special hotels in Brazil.

The South Carolina Aquarium, commonly referred to as the Charleston Aquarium because of its location, has the deepest aquarium in North America: the Great Ocean Tank. In this 385,000-gallon tank that is so tall it stretches from the first to the third floor, you’ll see sharks, a 220-pound loggerhead sea turtle, and many more fish, each more intriguing and beautiful than the next. But the aquarium is home to all sorts of animals beyond fish: a rehabilitated bald eagle named Liberty, a large pink spoonbill named Pearl, and adorable river otters. Need another reason for visiting? The aquarium hosts adult-only night visits where you can wonder the galleries with a canapé on one hand and glass of wine in the other.

The resort city of Palma on the Spanish island of Mallorca is home to magnificent historic buildings, palm-shaded promenades and sweeping golden beaches.