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Rome’s ‘Queen of Roads’ Is the Latest Italian UNESCO World Heritage Site

Culture- and history-motivated travelers are probably familiar with UNESCO World Heritage Sites. And if you’ve been to Italy, a country packed with some of the world’s most famous historical attractions and art, you may not be shocked to learn the country now has 60 World Heritage Sites, with the latest addition of the Appian Way, added in late July of 2024.

UNESCO stands for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, and is a special agency within the United Nations focused on promoting international cooperation in education, arts, sciences, and culture.

Essentially, UNESCO works to protect and preserve sites deemed to be of global importance to society’s shared cultural history. And that’s certainly true of the newly added Appian Way, the first highway in Italy built in the days of the ancient Roman Republic and one of the most important historical sites in Europe.

The Appian Way ran for roughly 500 miles through what’s now modern-day Italy. Photo: ValerioMei/Shutterstock

It was constructed in 312 BCE and was Rome’s initial attempt at large-scale road engineering. This strategic artery connected the city to its southern territories, facilitating military campaigns, trade, and communication.

Its advanced construction methods were unparalleled for its time. It ran for about 500 miles and became known as the “Queen of Roads” for its significance, both in terms of size and as the main thoroughfare used to move the famously successful Roman armies around Europe and beyond. Soon, however, it became used for trade and movement of people, ideas, and skills around Italy, contributing to Rome’s reputation as a bright light for creativity and engineering.

The road was built in several layers, including a flat layer as a base, a drainage layer, a thick layer to prevent wear, and a top layer with interlocking stones to hold the road in place, which is still present today. To construct it, Roman engineers had to level hillsides, swamps, marshes, and other nearly impassable terrain.

While remnants of its original grandeur persist, the Appian Way is now much harder to find than it once was, as time, weather, and subsequent civilizations have taken their toll. It’s now a historical relic lined with ancient tombs and ruins, but still one of the most visited tourist sites in Rome. The most well-preserved and accessible section of the Appian Way is in the Parco Regionale dell’Appia Antica in Rome (beginning near the Porta San Sebastiano), where visitors can walk or bike on the original Roman roadbed. At 500 miles, the Appian Way continued far beyond Rome, but the sections outside the city have been more impacted by time and development.

23 other sites were also added to the list

Part of the new Nelson Mandela Legacy Sites n South Africa. Photo: paul saad/Shutterstock

The process of selecting UNESCO World Heritage Sites is rigorous, and sites must first be nominated by the country in which they’re located. This nomination requires substantial documentation outlining the site’s significance, from its cultural and historical importance to natural beauty and biodiversity.

Once nominated, a site undergoes a comprehensive evaluation by the World Heritage Committee. The evaluation assesses the site’s authenticity, integrity, and potential for preservation. The Appian Way was one of 24 new sites around the world added in July 24. Other locations deemed to be of global significance include:

The Nelson Mandela Legacy Sites, South Africa

The Human Rights, Liberation and Reconciliation: Nelson Mandela Legacy Sites are a new UNESCO World Heritage collection of 14 locations across South Africa. These sites represent key moments in the country’s struggle against Apartheid and role of freedom fighter and former president Nelson Mandela. From the brutal Sharpeville Massacre to the iconic Union Buildings, where Nelson Mandela was inaugurated as South Africa’s first Black president, the places were selected based on the story they tell of the fight for freedom, equality, and reconciliation.

The Schwerin Residence Ensemble, Germany

Photo: Pani Garmyder/Shutterstock

This massive (and beautiful) home on an island is the pinnacle of 19th century German court culture.

The complex includes more than 30 buildings, including the Grand Duke’s Palace, administrative structures, and cultural venues. Its architectural styles range from Neo-Renaissance to Neo-Baroque, reflecting the historicist spirit of the era. Surrounded by water and parkland, the ensemble offers a stunning example of how a city can be integrated with a royal residence, creating a harmonious urban and architectural landscape. It’s open for tours six days a week.

Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Brazil

Lençóis Maranhenses National Park is a natural wonder in northeastern Brazil. It’s known for vast white sand dunes that can look like sails ripping in the wind, with a truly unique and otherworldly landscape. During the rainy season, rainwater often collects in the valleys between the dunes, creating crystal-clear lagoons. The park supports a diverse range of wildlife, making it a popular destination for eco-tourism in Brazil. Travelers can visit by booking tours beginning in the nearby town of Barreirinhas, usually in 4×4 vehicles able to navigate the sand dunes.

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A Sustainable Travel Guide to Vermont’s Legendary Green Scene

Welcome to Vermont, a state where adventurous spirits are drawn to the distinct local flavor and the allure of the Green Mountains. A state where you’re pretty much guaranteed lush forested peaks as backdrop for your vacation photos. And a state where sustainability isn’t a buzzword — it’s a way of life.

So nature enthusiasts, rejoice! Vermont’s got your back year-round with a range of eco-friendly activities. Whether you’re shredding the slopes in winter, leaf-peeping in fall, or kayaking the state’s many waterways under the summer sun, Vermont promises unforgettable adventures, all served with a side of environmental stewardship. The same goes for accommodations. From cozy farm stays where you can milk a cow before breakfast to quaint village inns and swanky hotels in the center of town, you’ll find plenty of spots that prioritize the planet without skimping on comfort or style.

Pack your bags and get ready to experience the best of Vermont while keeping the environment top of mind.

Enjoy year-round outdoor recreation, intentionally.

Photo: Adam Wilding/Shutterstock

No matter the season, Vermont is an ideal destination for outdoor recreation, but what really makes it shine is communities’ commitment to the natural world. Take Craftsbury Outdoor Center. This non-profit in the Northeast Kingdom isn’t just focused on outdoor fun like cycling, sculling, and cross-country skiing — it’s all about eco-conscious practices, too. The organization’s Activity Center, opened in 2014, was constructed using locally sourced materials and features solar panels and passive solar heating, making a visit to this facility a perfect mix of adventure and green living.

Vermont’s ski resorts also get in on the eco-action. Jay Peak, near the Canadian border, is one great example. The resort recently underwent a major overhaul, executing one of Vermont’s most ambitious carbon-reduction projects and one of the largest in the ski industry. It involved installing a three-megawatt electric boiler to reduce carbon emissions from heating. Jay Peak’s expanded partnership with ECOLAB will also save millions of gallons of water annually.

And let’s not forget about Vermont’s incredible trail organizations. The Green Mountain Club maintains the Long Trail system of backcountry hiking trails, and the Catamount Trail Association promotes stewardship for a network of world-class backcountry ski terrain. Meanwhile, the Vermont Huts Association is busy building the most innovative hut-supported mountain-biking trail system in the country. These organizations are committed to keeping Vermont’s trails pristine while protecting vital ecosystems and wildlife habitats, striking a balance between outdoor fun and ecological preservation. With others following their lead, Vermont’s natural beauty will remain intact for generations to come.

Try your hand at farm-hopping…

Photo: Fat Sheep Farm & Cabins

While in Vermont, dive into the state’s lively regenerative agriculture scene. Each farm offers a peek into sustainable agriculture with hands-on fun, tours, and farm-to-table treats.

Head to Vermont’s verdant Upper Valley where Cedar Circle Farm & Education Center, located along the Connecticut River in East Thetford, welcomes you with organic goodies and a friendly vibe. Beyond growing all sorts of veggies and berries, Cedar Circle has a farmstand, retail greenhouses, an on-site farm kitchen, a coffee shop, a unique Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, and workshops. Don’t miss the chance to pick your own seasonal strawberries, blueberries, flowers, and pumpkins. This isn’t just a farm — it’s a place to connect with your food and the people who grow it.

On the western side of the state, Larson Farm and Creamery in Wells is a delightful spot where you can meet grass-fed cows and sample fresh dairy products. Enjoy the Vermont sunshine while tasting raw milk, butter, yogurt, and more at the farm store. Or, for a more in-depth look at everything Larson Farm has going on, call ahead for a tour.

Over in Northfield near Montpelier, Green Mountain Girls Farm is another operation that’s all about regenerative agriculture. There’s fresh meat, eggs, veggies, and goat milk for sale at the farm, but for a truly memorable visit, keep an eye out for events at the Barn Guesthouse. Try your hand at milking, egg collecting, or being a farmer-in-training — it’s the perfect way to embrace farm-to-table living while doing your bit for the planet.

…or even stay at one!

Photo: Photo: Hill Farm Inn

Why settle for a quick farm visit when you can stay overnight? Green Mountain Girls Farm opens the doors to its Farmhouse Inn for overnight stays, and it’s not the only farm in Vermont that offers this intriguing option.

At Fat Sheep Farm & Cabins, set in the hills of Hartland, you’ll find private cabins overlooking sprawling fields and rolling hills, all just minutes from the historic villages of Woodstock and Quechee. It’s a slice of paradise where you can roam the grounds, collect fresh eggs, and maybe even make friends with a goat or two. The family that operates this property is firmly committed to sustainable living.

Farther south in Sunderland, Hill Farm Inn is just a stone’s throw from Manchester and has 70 scenic acres with a history as rich as its soil. It’s been welcoming visitors for over 150 years, offering a luxurious escape and some seriously tasty farm-to-table fare. Ingredients are sourced from both its backyard and neighboring farms, then served at the on-site restaurant.

Take your pick of eco-friendly hotels.

Photo: Isora Lithgow Creations/Basin Harbor Resort & Boat Club/

If farm stays aren’t quite your thing, Vermont has plenty of eco-friendly hotels where you can hang your hat. Take Hotel Vermont, which is centrally located in downtown Burlington. This sleek and stylish property is LEED certified, and rooms operate with an energy-saving system and have refillable toiletries.

Right in the middle of Stowe, the Green Mountain Inn proudly integrates environmentalism into its hospitality. From reducing trash by eliminating unnecessary packaging to sourcing locally grown products and offering in-room recycling, every little bit helps. Guests can also opt to reuse towels and linens to conserve energy.

South of Burlington in Vergennes, the Basin Harbor Resort on Lake Champlain displays a profound commitment to preserving its breathtaking surroundings through eco-friendly construction and waste-reduction strategies like recycling and composting. By conserving natural habitats and protecting wildlife corridors, it ensures the landscape remains pristine for all to enjoy. Lake Morey Resort in Fairlee is also serious about safeguarding the planet, from being big on recycling and energy efficiency to its use of solar panels and electric car chargers (off the property, check out this handy map to see where Vermont’s 400-plus EV charging stations are located across the state).

Over in the Mad River Valley, the Common Ground Center strives to live in harmony with nature. With green building practices and reliance on solar power for all electricity needs, the center maintains a low carbon footprint. Nearby, the lodging options at Sugarbush are leading the charge for a greener future through the use of solar power and energy-efficient lighting.

Check out the sustainable dining and brewing scene.

Photo: Vermont Tourism

For a true farm-to-table dining experience, visit Shelburne Farms, a short drive south of Burlington. This working farm and educational center focuses on sustainable agriculture, and its restaurant serves one of the finest meals in Vermont, with most ingredients sourced directly from its own fields and pastures. It’s a dining experience that’s as nourishing for the body as it is for the planet.

In Essex Junction, find Black Flannel Brewing & Distilling inside a solar-powered building that champions energy-efficient practices. The brewery also uses only recyclable packaging for its outstanding brews, such as the Märzen German-style lager. And you can stay for dinner (food ingredients are sourced from local farms whenever possible) and try one paired with maple roasted cauliflower “steak” frites or chicken and waffles with spiced bacon maple syrup.

Next, head to Lawson’s Finest Liquids in Waitsfield, where beer lovers flock for a sip of the Mad River Maple, a rich ale made with 100 percent pure Vermont maple syrup. Lawson’s has recently invested in a solar roof, a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment facility, and electric vehicle chargers. Beer aficionados also shouldn’t miss The Alchemist Brewery in Stowe. Try one of its famous hazy IPAs, like Heady Topper, in the summer beer garden with mountain views or at the beer cafe during the colder months. The Alchemist is dedicated to sustainability, working to reduce wastewater and use clean energy to power its cannery. It’s on a mission to become completely trash-free, showcasing its commitment to the environment in every aspect of its operations.

It’s clear that being green isn’t some passing fad in Vermont; it’s ingrained in the very fabric of the state’s communities. That’s why so many Vermont businesses (including big names like Cabot Creamery and Ben & Jerry’s) have earned B Corp Certification, a designation reserved for leaders in environmentalism and equity. So go ahead and soak up Vermont’s eco-vibes with a mix of curiosity and reverence. You’ll be helping to preserve the legendary landscapes of the Green Mountain State for years to come, even as you enjoy them to the fullest on your Vermont vacation.

The Olympics Will Return to Salt Lake City in 2034. The City Is Already Better to Visit Than Ever.

My buddy and I almost turned back upon reading the “Club Members Only” note plastered to the doorman’s booth. It wasn’t apparent why what appeared from the outside to be a standard-issue bar and grill was, in fact, a hoity-toity private club. The year of our confusion was 2007, the establishment was a joint with a simple sign that read, “Pub, Grill, and Night Club.” But a couple of ski bum college kids visiting Salt Lake City on a spring break powder getaway weren’t up to snuff in any case, we presumed.

Anyone familiar with Salt Lake City’s formerly arcane liquor licensing policies knows already that our assumption was false. To gain entry to the nightclub, one of us needed only to pay that $5 “membership fee” to the doorman and the other could join as his “guest.” Utah’s “private club” policy came to an end in 2009, but for 40-odd years before that, establishments serving liquor had to operate as membership clubs and those entering their doors had to fill out an application and pay a fee. During this era, even the common beer-and-a-shot order was met with a “no-can-do,” as only one drink could lounge in front of a patron at any given time. Beginning in 1990 and lasting until before the 2002 Olympics, there were even metering devices installed on bottles of liquor.

Over the course of a week in the Beehive State snowboarding during the day and taking in the capital city’s pub scene by night, we became accustomed to the policy, and began alternating who paid the fee and who was the honored guest. In the end, aside from parting us from a few Lincolns, the strict liquor laws weren’t that big of a deal – Colorado, where we lived, had only recently begun allowing liquor stores to operate on Sundays. But their mere existence made it obvious why the perceptions of Salt Lake City as a hub under the fat thumb of the Mormon church persisted as widely as they did. Prior to the 2002 Winter Olympics, our drinking experience would have been considered radically liberal in the city.

Things have consistently, if slowly, changed since the private club law was abandoned in 2009. I’ve visited the city several times since that first experience in 2007, uncovering each time a layer of what is a contemporary, even vibrant, metropolitan area. With the announcement that the city will again host the Olympics in 2034, it’s worth discussing why now is a great time to visit Salt Lake City. As a semi-frequent visitor (I’ve been to Salt Lake seven times since the first visit), it’s stood out to me how the ease of getting a beer has evolved in tandem with the city’s standing as a hub for those who want an active mountain lifestyle combined with urban amenities.

No major city offers easier mountain access

Look closely and you can see the people on the roof. Photo: Tim Wenger

Many snowboarders, mountain bikers, and other outdoor enthusiasts I know have moved to the area in the past decade, and none seem to have any plans to pull the plug. Growing up in Denver, the mountains of the Front Range were right there. I gazed at them every day on my way to school. Getting to them on a weekend, though, required slogging through stop-and-go traffic on Interstate 70 that frequently moved so slowly it would take two to three hours to reach the ski resorts of Summit County 70 miles away. While there are fewer resort options, Salt Lake City enjoys easier access to its nearby ski resorts than Denver.

My wife and I visited Salt Lake City this summer and spent a day hiking at Snowbird. We felt no rush getting up there in the morning – we left the hotel in downtown SLC around 9 AM and were in Snowbird’s parking lot by 9:40. Granted, it was on a weekday in summer, and I’ve experienced moderate ski traffic heading to Snowbird in the winter, but even doubling the 35-minute drive is preferable compared to what I grew accustomed to when I lived in Denver. En route to the mountain we discussed how much easier it must be for the resort employees who work in both Little and Big Cottonwood Canyons, where most of the city’s nearby ski resorts are, to be able to find housing in greater Salt Lake as opposed to fighting for housing in small and increasingly unaffordable resort towns, a major issue facing ski resort employees across the country.

It’s not just the ski resort staff that benefit. Outdoor recreationists of all stripes – from hikers to climbers to bikers in summer and all manners of snowsports in winter – to reach their sport of choice. he same is true for recreationists – most of us can’t afford to buy a house in Park City or Aspen, even if we wanted to. Here you can get from the airport to the slopes in 45 minutes or so, a monumental achievement given that Salt Lake City International Airport is the 21st busiest airport in North America, flying nearly 23 million passengers in 2023.

Its resorts are benefitting from the influx. To reach the top of Snowbird from the base village, we rode atop the tram in a newly-designed carriage called the Rooftop Balcony that provides 360-degree views of the surrounding Wasatch Range while you move higher into it. We literally stood on top of the tram as it moved – and the experience was like riding a chairlift where you can stand, turn around, move about side to side, and actually get a good look at what’s around you instead of only what’s immediately ahead. The resort already pushed innovation with its magic carpet skier tunnel through the mountain, and now its tram offers a similar thrill for summer visitors.

The beer scene is on-point

Photo courtesy TF Brewing

After hiking at Snowbird, we stopped at Templin Family Brewing, known by seemingly everyone we spoke to as TF Brewing. I knew of Kevin Templin, the brewery’s founder, as he formerly brewed at Red Rock Brewing, which I’d visited on a previous trip. TF opened in 2018, and is part of a generation of breweries in Salt Lake City that have established the region as a great place to raise a pint. There are nearly three dozen breweries in the Salt Lake metro area, more than twice as many as there were a decade ago according to a map compiled by Utah Beer Blog. I’m basic when it comes to beer – I like pilsners, ales, and lagers. Maybe a dunkel or a red here and there. Here I started with a Jarda Czech Pilsner and followed it with a Granary Kellerbier, both of which were light and refreshing on that hot summer day. Alisha, who’s more adventurous, had a Big Smoke, a Franconian smoke beer, and a Phantasm with Incognito Citra Hops.

Pizza at Emigration Canyon Brewing. Photo: Tim Wenger

The brewery, located in the Ballpark neighborhood, was buzzing around happy hour time. This itself is not so extraordinary – but as a visitor, I’ve come to see Salt Lake’s beer scene as representative of the city as it is. It’s gotten better each time I’ve visited. Back in the day, there was Squatter’s Pub, Red Rock Brewery, and Uinta – beyond those three, just a few small-scale operations could be found around the city. It’s not just beer bars on offer. For dinner we visited Emigration Brewing, a creekside taphouse about 15 minutes outside the city in Emigration Canyon. Here I had an Amber Ale and a mezcal cocktail called Commandment, which added Fernet Branca, pineapple, cinnamon syrup, and ginger beer to the spirit complemented by lime and mint, paired with ceviche and pizza.

A good city is multi-faceted, defined not by its institutions but by its people – and as a beer drinker, I’ve noticed the changes in the city’s offerings over the years. Visit Salt Lake currenlty offers a 1-day Salt Lake Brewery Pass via its app, which allows discounts at brewery’s across the city. Also on offer is a 1-Day Connect Pass, which grants admission or discounts at cultural attractions across the city including the Clark Planetarium, The Children’s Museum of Utah, and the Natural History Museum of Utah. It’s easier than ever to have a well-rounded trip to Salt Lake, and it stands to be exciting how the city will evolve before it welcomes back the world in 2034.

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This Budget Airline Can Get You to Paris for Half The Price of the Most Popular Flights

Like many travelers, I’m always on the hunt for discounted airfare. Spirit Airlines has gotten me across the East Coast on a budget countless times. However, my enthusiasm for budget airlines wanes once a transatlantic flight is in question, or truthfully, any flight over three or four hours.

So when I spotted last minute summer flights out of Miami via French Bee for literally half the price of competing airlines, my first instinct was skepticism — I’m a firm believer that you get what you pay for — but a $500 one-way ticket is quite appealing compared to a $1,000 one-way ticket. I decided to do what any contestant on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire would do when self-doubt presents itself: it was time to poll the people.

Had anyone else ventured on this airline I’d never heard of? As I scanned Reddit posts online, I quickly discovered an overwhelming amount of critical comments from disgruntled customers, warning all readers to steer clear of French Bee. One previous passenger called out the flight crews: “Their flight attendants are all young and inexperienced (like, ALL of them…).” Another described an uncomfortable flight, dubbing French Bee the “worst airline of all time.” But even then, $500 is $500, and since my flight option was a red-eye, I figured I’d spend most of the journey sleeping (one can always prepare with the best ways to sleep on a plane and hope for the best).

Despite the online commentary, I took a chance and decided to proceed.

Like other budget airlines, French Bee follows the à la carte model. You book a cheap flight, and tag on your add-ons. Carrying a personal item? That’s an extra cost. Picking your seat? That’s another cost. It’s about $20 per add-on. Even with a few of these tagged on, you’re still paying way less than usual. The airline started transporting travelers in 2016, and now offers flights from major U.S. hubs like San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, and Miami to Paris and back, as well as flights to and from French territories far from the motherland including Tahiti and Réunion Island.

As soon as I stepped on the plane, I noticed how new the interior of the aircraft was — presumably a benefit of an airline just shy of its first decade in existence. Though there were complaints online about cramped, smaller seats, I felt perfectly comfortable. The other thing I noticed was the courtesy of the staff on board. Before the passenger next to me even attempted to tuck away her suitcase overhead, a steward approached and insisted on doing it for her, despite it being standard procedure that flight attendants are not supposed to help lift luggage. Throughout the flight, the crew was more polite and friendly than most flights I’ve been on. The only noteworthy difference in service was that water was the only complimentary beverage. Any other drinks required payment (those damn add-ons!). Beyond that, we enjoyed a full meal as usual, and the flight went smoothly.

We landed with no delays at Paris Orly Airport, where French Bee is based. Orly Airport is smaller, less chaotic, and a bit closer to the city than the larger Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (where Air France is based). Perhaps I got lucky with my flight, or perhaps French Bee has been steadily improving its services to compete with juggernaut airlines, but the lesson for me is to not believe every review you read online.

You do typically get what you pay for, but every once in a while, it’s worth taking a chance on a different, less expensive option. You never know what awaits you.

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This Villa Is the Perfect Luxury Abode in Thassos, Greece

When visitors to Greece flock to the famous islands of Santorini or Mykonos, they’re overlooking the natural beauty that the northern part of the country has to offer. The island of Thassos is a perfect alternative for those seeking a more tranquil and authentic Greek experience, and Elia Stone Villas Deluxe Private Pool Villa is the ideal place to stay while you’re there.

The two-story villa combines minimalistic design with luxurious stone architecture. Inside you’ll find two bedrooms, with the master bedroom upstairs featuring an ensuite jacuzzi. The well-equipped kitchen has everything you might need to prepare a meal during your stay. The living room opens up to a huge patio with a private pool surrounded by a lush, green lawn and olive trees. There is even a garden swing and a barbeque, perfect for relaxing and enjoying outdoor meals.

@epic.stays Save this #Airbnb for your next trip to #Thassos #Greece @Elia Stone Villas @Pink Plankton #greecetravel #airbnbfinds ♬ original sound – Airbnb & Hotel Guide

Thassos is known for its lush, mountainous landscapes and crystal-clear waters. Be sure not to miss Giola Lagoon, a natural pool carved out of rock that connects to the sea. Those interested in history should definitely check out one of the several ancient ruins, such as the Alyki Archaeological Site, as well as the Archaeological Museum of Thassos. If you’re just looking to relax, Golden Beach and Paradise Beach are popular choices, but any of the islands’ beaches will do. Renting a car is recommended to freely explore all that Thassos has to offer. The main road around the island is about 60 miles long, so you can easily drive all the way around in a day.

Photo: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: Airbnb

Thassos is accessible by ferry from the mainland towns of Keramoti and Kavala, which are about two hours away from Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city. Depending where you depart from, you will arrive at either the Limenas or Skala Prinos ports, and Elia Stone Villas is conveniently located near both.

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Virginia State Parks’ New Viewfinders Help Colorblind Visitors See Fall Foliage

Ever since the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990, nearly all parks in the United States have been retrofitted to make sure trails, buildings, bathrooms, and other public areas are accessible for people with different mobility needs. But creating accommodations to make visiting parks more enjoyable for people with invisible disabilities — those you can’t see just by looking at a person — has been a slower process.

But recently, one state park system introduced a small new offering, though it’s sure to make a big difference for people with visual differences.

In 2023, Virginia State Parks installed a trial EnChroma-adapted viewfinder at Natural Tunnel State Park, based on a suggestion from the park’s colorblind chief ranger. The mounted viewing devices look like the mounted binoculars you’ll find at many look-out points in parks, but “are equipped with special lenses from EnChroma designed to help those with red-green Color Vision Deficiency (CVD) experience an expanded range of visible color,” according to the release. In 2024, the park installed them at the remaining 42 parks in the system.

Fall foliage to a person with red-green color deficiencies (right), and the view through the new viewfinders (left). Slide for more. Photo: Virginia State Parks/EnChromaPhoto: Virginia State Parks/EnChromaPhoto: Virginia State Parks/EnChromaPhoto: Virginia State Parks/EnChroma

Virginia is the first state to install the colorblind-friendly lenses in viewfinders at all state parks, though the parks’ partner, EnChroma, works with attractions around the county to lend colorblind-friendly eyeglasses to visitors. Travelers visiting destinations ranging from the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge in Florida to Canada’s Northern Lights Resort & Spa in Whitehorse or the Parco Nazionale della Maiella in Italy can borrow a pair of EnChroma glasses for their visits, making nearly all colors more vivid and vibrant.

The completion of the project across Virginia’s state parks is ideal timing for visitors keen to see the state’s colorful fall foliage. Deciduous trees like sugar maples, oak trees, and hickories turn the state’s hillsides into a living canvas during autumn. At lower elevations, it’s mostly oaks, sweet gums, and dogwoods creating a vibrant array of reds, yellows, oranges, and even purples.

Some of the best state parks in Virginia for fall foliage include:

Natural Bridge State Park is known for its 215-foot-tall natural bridge, as well as its beautiful fall foliage.Pocahontas State Park near Richmond is an 8,000-acre park with hiking, biking, and horse trails, as well as two fishing lakes and an aquatic center. It’s a great place to see fall foliage from some very accessible walking paths.Grayson Highlands State Park is a mountain park known for bouldering, scenic hiking, and horse trails. It’s also home to a herd of wild ponies, and it’s a great place to see fall foliage in the state’s high country.Sky Meadows State Park is a 1,900-acre park with 24 miles of trails (including the Appalachian Trail) and an 1860s farm in the southern part of the state’s Blue Ridge Mountains. More like thisMusic + NightlifeThe Best Road Trip for Music Lovers Is The Crooked Road in Virginia

One of the Most Romantic Places in Italy Reopens After 12 Years

Italy has no shortage of romantic places to visit, but the colorful coastal towns of Cinque Terre are among the most romantic places in all of Europe. And in Cinque Terre, one particular walkway is known for being one of the most romantic places in town: the Via dell’Amore, a picturesque pedestrian walkway along the coast. And in good news for late-summer visitors, the reopening plans announced in 2019 finally came to fruition on July 27, 2024, after a more than decade-long closure.

This iconic trail, celebrated for its romantic atmosphere and stunning sea views, had become a beloved destination for couples worldwide. The restoration project was a complex undertaking, requiring significant investment and engineering expertise to ensure the safety of visitors. New updates included massive steel mesh to cover segments of the cliffside and keep rocks and boulders in place, plus the planting of nearly 10,000 new plants with roots to secure the hillside and minimize the impact of future heavy rain. Italian authorities also installed a warning system, allowing for advanced notice if the path begins to become unstable.

The history of the Via dell’Amore

The Via dell’Amore was built to connect the coastal town of Riomaggiore with Manarola. Photo: Whatafoto/Shutterstock

The Via dell’Amore owes its existence to a rather basic purpose. Constructed in the 1920s, it was initially a utilitarian path carved into the rugged Cinque Terre cliffs to support building a railway tunnel connecting the towns of Riomaggiore and Manarola; the path was an access point for workers and materials. Once the tunnel was completed, the path was abandoned. But it was quickly embraced by local youth, who found its scenic beauty and the secluded atmosphere the perfect spot for a romantic rendezvous. The moniker “Via dell’Amore” emerged in the post-war era, cementing its reputation as a haven for Italian paramours.

However, the Via dell’Amore’s idyllic existence was abruptly interrupted in 2012 when a massive landslide slid down the cliffside, triggered by a combination of heavy rainfall and geological instability. The natural disaster caused severe damage to the Via dell’Amore, rendering the once-loved walkway impassable. The landslide not only disrupted the lives of local residents and injured four Australians, but also dealt a significant blow to the region’s tourism industry, as the Via dell’Amore was a major draw for visitors.

Fortunately, after the $25 million restoration project, it’s once again open for Italians and visitors alike — with a catch.

How to walk the Via dell’Amore

View from along the Via dell’Amore. Photo: Suchan/Shutterstock

The Via dell’Amore is a relatively short stretch, about two-thirds of a mile long, connecting the charming villages of Riomaggiore and Manarola. But you can’t just arrive in Riomaggiore and start walking. To preserve the path’s integrity and avoid overtourism, you’ll need a permit. During a test run in summer of 2023, permits cost five euros (roughly $5.50) per person and were capped at 30 people per hour, which equates to about 600 people per day. Visiting the path is now part of a group tour, rather than an opportunity to independently walk at one’s own pace. Reservations should be made in advance online, though the Via dell’Amore website is still under construction as of late July 2024.

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A Little-Known US Airline Just Added a Massive Amount of New Flights

If you’ve never heard of Avelo Airlines, there’s a reason for that: it’s still a pretty small airline. But that’s changing, as it announced a massive expansion plan for late 2024.

Avelo Airlines is an American ultra-low-cost carrier headquartered in Houston, Texas. It was founded in 2020 but didn’t start flying until 2021, rebranding charter-jet companies Casino Express Airlines and Xtra Airways as the public-facing Avelo Airlines. It primarily serves the US East Coast and Pacific Northwest coasts, with major hubs at Tweed New Haven Airport in Connecticut, Orlando International Airport in Florida, Raleigh-Durham International Airport in North Carolina, and Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport, in California.

The low-cost carrier didn’t begin flying until 2021. Photo: Avelo Airlines

Currently, Avelo Airlines serves about 50 destinations in the US. Most are to smaller and less-congested airports, which helps keep fares low. But on July 24, the growing airline made a huge announcement. Billed as “the largest expansion in company history,” Avelo Airlines announced it’s adding a whopping 18 new routes to its schedule, and will fly internationally for the first time to Montego Bay, Jamaica; and Cancun, Mexico. Calling it the largest expansion in history is a bit humorous as the airline has only existed for two years — but there’s no denying it’s huge operational increase for a nascent, mostly unknown airline.

Avelo Airlines also announced an expansion into Bradley International Airport in Connecticut, the second-largest airport in New England. Operations from Bradley will begin on November 7, 2024.

New Avelo Airlines routes

Photo: Avelo Airlines

The newly announced routes are spread throughout several of the airline’s airports, and will run twice a week. One-way basic fares are priced starting around $59. Most flights begin early November, though a few are available as soon as mid-October.

From Hartford, Connecticut’s Bradley International Airport, fly to:Cancun, Mexico, Wednesdays and SaturdaysMontego Bay, Jamaica, Wednesdays and SaturdaysCharlotte, NC, Thursdays and SundaysDaytona Beach, FL, Mondays and FridaysHouston, TX, Mondays and FridaysOrlando/Lakeland, FL, Mondays and FridaysWilmington, NC, Mondays and FridaysFrom Florida’s Lakeland International Airport near Orlando, fly to:Atlanta, GA, Thursdays and SundaysManchester, NH, Mondays and FridaysConcord, NC, Thursdays and SundaysHartford, CT, Mondays and FridaysWilmington, DE, Thursdays and SundaysRochester, NY, Mondays and FridaysSan Juan, PR, Wednesdays and SaturdaysFrom the Delaware Valley’s Wilmington Airport, fly to:Concord, NH, Mondays and FridaysOrlando/Lakeland, FL, Thursdays and SundaysFrom Concord-Padgett Regional Airport in Charlotte, NC, fly to:Rochester, NY, Mondays and FridaysWilmington, DE, Mondays and FridaysOrlando/Lakeland, FL, Thursdays and SundaysHartford, CT, Thursdays and SundaysManchester, NH, Thursdays and SundaysAlbany, NY, Thursdays and Sundays More like thisTravelNew Study Finds Cheap Flight Hacks Don’t Actually Work

Arson, Robberies, and Chaotic Soccer Matches Mark the Start of the 2024 Paris Olympics

The opening ceremony for the 2024 Olympics in Paris is designed to be a major spectacle on July 26. Yet issues have plagued the games before they’ve even begun. Just hours before the opening ceremony, arsonists attacked France’s high-speed rail network and disrupted travel to Paris from around Europe for 800,000 people — fans and athletes alike.

According to PBS, French officials say the attacks don’t appear to have a direct link to to the Olympics, though the investigation is still in its early stages. One traveler who was delayed perhaps put it best to PBS: “It’s a hell of a way to start the Olympics.”

Two of the four trains with athletes heading to Paris on the Atlantique high-speed line were delayed by the arson attacks hours ahead of the opening, and two German athletes were forced to turn back in Belgium. Thankfully there were no injuries.

The centerpiece of the opening ceremonies is on the Seine River, which has undergone an expensive cleaning procedure to be safe for swimming. Some residents staged a “poop protest” to dirty the waters, though the Paris mayor made a swim to show it’s safe. It was a sign of some of the tensions before competitions begin.

A 40-year-old Russian chef was arrested for espionage in Paris on July 21 due to a “large scale” destabilization plot, according to The Guardian. Australia’s Olympic broadcast team was robbed of their gear. A staff member of the Canadian women’s soccer team, which won gold at the last games, was caught flying a drone over the New Zealand team’s practice field while they were playing — and the Canadian head coach was suspended, leaving an assistant coach to lead through the games. Chaos in an opening game between Argentina and Morocco led to hours of delay, confusion over who won, and the entire crowd being escorted out of the stadium by riot police.

With a rocky start, one can only hope things get smoother from here.

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Barcelona Will Stop Encouraging Mass Tourism After Protests Against Too Many Visitors

Barcelonans made headlines when, earlier this month, they hosted anti-tourist demonstrations that included squirting tourists with water pistols. The city has become overrun with travelers in recent years, which saw some 26 million overnight visitors in 2023. Locals feel as though their city has been overrun, and as a result, the local tourism agency has taken an interesting approach: Visit Barcelona is dropping “Visit” from its 15-year-old slogan, Skift reported this week.

The decision comes as part of the agency’s effort to focus less on mass tourism and instead shift towards “quality” tourism, which implies targeting fewer visitors with the hope that those who do come will spend more, be more respectful, and engage more fully with the community and its cultural offerings.

Its not just local residents who have noticed the throngs of tourists in the city. Local businesses and government leaders have felt the pinch, too, and this year Barcelona joined several other popular destinations worldwide in implementing a hgiher tourist tax. Guests staying in hotels will need to pay 4 Euros per night, about $4.35, on top of their nightly rate beginning in October. The city also plans to increase the fee it charges guests staying for less than 12 hours in the city center, though the specific amount to be charged has yet to be disclosed.

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