Nature tips

A European summer vacation should always be coupled with life’s great pleasures — midday Aperol Spritzes, delicious pastries, abundant pasta dinners, and late night dancing. While treating yourself is well-deserved, sometimes the nighttime revelries and tasty indulgences can make us feel less well-rested once we return back home. That’s why it’s a great idea to commit a few days of wellness to bookend your next European vacation and SHA Wellnessin Spain makes it a breeze to reset.

Trains and wine make natural partners, be it a glass of crisp white over a leisurely lunch in a restaurant car while cruising through the Alps or a rail itinerary that meanders through a region noted for its fine wines. Many of Europe’s most prized wine regions lend themselves naturally to exploration by rail.

The honk of the geese as they take off from the lake is comically loud, reeds quiver and the reflection of the clouds on the water is momentarily fractured. A butterfly flits by, landing on my boot. We’re on a guided walk at 42 Acres, a regenerative farm, nature reserve and retreat centre near Frome in Somerset – and the whole place feels vibrantly alive.

Travel can be a hair-raising experience. Or a hair-flattening one.

Famed for its towering mountains and pristine beaches, the island of Puerto Rico offers a spectacular array of natural destinations to explore all within its boundaries, yet when it comes to true splendor, it’s tough to beat El Yunque National Forest. This sprawling green space measures in at just over 115 square kilometers, with a massive array of native birds, amphibians and insects calling the region home. Given the region’s diversity of wildlife and strong cultural significance within Puerto Rico’s indigenous Taíno culture, preserving the flora, fauna and landscapes found throughout El Yunque is of utmost importance—and fortunately, some of the island’s top organizations have united in hopes of accomplishing just that.

While Minneapolis draws visitors in droves thanks to its thriving drinking and dining scene, nature lovers and outdoor adventurers alike can find a truly spectacular array of attractions across Minnesota’s North Shore. Spanning just under 250 kilometers along Lake Superior, this scenic stretch of coastline is rife with cozy communities and spectacular natural preserves, with no shortage of top-tier restaurants and breweries to discover along the way. With summer on the horizon, there’s no better time than the present to plan a nature-filled foray into the picturesque reaches of northern Minnesota.

Cruises are increasingly popular but not the most environmentally-friendly option for travelers keen to keep carbon emissions low. It's also true that cruise companies need to meet goals of being carbon-neutral by 2050—one possible solution then, would be to start building nuclear-powered cruise ships.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Madi Lee, 24, about her experience living and working in Medora, North Dakota — a summer tourist town with a year-round population of less than 150 people. Lee said the remoteness of Medora can be challenging at times, especially during the winter, but she loves the tight-knit community and nearby nature.

This Mother’s Day, why not give the mom who loves traveling something to help prioritize herself while she’s on the road? Research has proven that consistent self-care is linked to improved physical, mental, and emotional health.

Barcelona has a food scene like none other. Home to some of the world’s most extravagant dining, including three three-star Michelin establishments and the world’s second-best restaurant according to The World’s 50 Best, the Catalan capital is also a surprisingly laid-back destination, brimming with casual tapas bars and natural wine joints.

This Mother’s Day (12 May 2024), treat a travel-loving mum with one of these indulgent beauty gifts to make a long-haul journey just that little bit easier. From skin rejuvenating creams to hydrating mists, these gifts will pamper and make every Mum feel loved when away from home.

Renowned for their tangled roots and resistance to salinity, the earth’s mighty mangrove forests serve as a crucial bridge between the open ocean and inland environments, with no shortage of aquatic and terrestrial species thriving across their branches—yet in spite of their importance in mitigating natural disasters, this ecosystem has seen widespread devastation over the centuries. While more than 5,000 square kilometers of mangrove forest have been destroyed since the mid-’90s, not all hope is lost for these marvelous natural features. From the lush jungles of the Yucatan to the shores of Fiji, some of the earth’s most dazzling hotels have set out to restore their surrounding mangrove forests, ensuring that all native flora and fauna will have a safe place to flourish for years to come.

The African elephant is perhaps the most enduring symbol of nature’s grace and fragility.

When I visited Madeira, Portugal, I found an island paradise brimming with natural wonders and cultural opportunities.

For moms who travel, a spa getaway is the perfect excuse to send mom on a glamorous vacation that’s uniquely all about her. Exceed mom’s expectations this Mother’s Day with one of the best spa getaways on Earth.

As a first generation Taiwanese immigrant, Kathy Yen says she feels a “profound significance” being an Asian American business owner.

From taking a bath in thermal rivers to a fascinating ride on a cable car, Bolivia has plenty of safe and fun attractions for all ages.

As social media continues to draw more visitors to US national parks, the pressure on these pristine environments is intensifying, setting all-time records and crowded conditions that push people deeper into wilderness areas.

The pool was empty – perhaps because at about 22C, the water was too cold for Italians. It was also about to close. Whatever the reason, we had the glorious Biolago di Pinzolo, a spring-fed, plant-filtered swimming lake, to ourselves. As my son and I swam, we could just make out the tiny red-roofed hermitage of San Martino on the forested slope above, where, according to legend, a hermit survived on bread provided by a tame bear.

The Galapagos is an enchanted place, and it has stayed that way largely because it has been protected. Several islands in the remote volcanic archipelago remain as pristine as they were well before Charles Darwin first visited in 1835.

One of the most incredible bird scenes in Europe took place as I hiked through the Bielawa nature reserve in northern Poland, about 40 miles north of Gdansk. I had left the village of Sławoszyno via a dirt track and was heading towards Kłanino, the open countryside and fields disappearing from my sight as the hedgerows grew taller either side of me. As I stepped forward, a gap appeared in the hedge and in front of my eyes a flock of nearly 100 cranes, which had been silent, took off across the field, honking with their red-tinged heads and faces, and feathery wing feathers flapping. I could almost touch them. The 19,000-hectare (47,000-acre) park is a mix of forest, wetland and coast. Rita