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2024, 01/11: Antarctica Discovery

2024, 01/11: Wonders of Australia and New Zealand — Solo Friendly

2024, 01/16: Tahiti and French Polynesia

2024, 02/03: Iceland and the Northern Lights

2024, 02/06: Legends of the Nile—Cairo, Luxor, a Nile Cruise and Abu Simbel

2024, 02/06: Mayan Splendor in Mexico's Yucatán—Solo Friendly

2024, 02/21: Vietnam By Land and By Sea

2024, 02/26: Taste of the Caribbean—Panama City to Miami

2024, 03/01: Morocco, Land of Enchantment

2024, 03/05: Bali, Singapore, Thailand and Angkor Wat

2024, 04/03: Northern Italy: From the Alps to the Adriatic

2024, 04/06: Total Eclipse of the Sun near Austin, Texas

2024, 04/16: Ancient Traditions of Japan's Inland Sea— Solo Friendly

2024, 04/20: Morocco and the Canary Islands—Solo Friendly

2024, 04/29: Provincial French Countryside

2024, 05/07: Classical Mediterranean Cruise—Malta, Sicily and Tunisia

2024, 05/16: Cotswolds Escape

2024, 05/21: Ireland and Northern Ireland—Emerald Isle Cruise—Solo Friendly

2024, 05/27: Treasures of Peru: with Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca

2024, 06/07: Circumnavigating Iceland—Solo Friendly

2024, 06/10: Easy Company: England to the Eagle's Nest

2024, 06/11: Croatia and Cruising the Dalmatian Coast—Zagreb to Dubrovnik—Solo Friendly

2024, 06/21: Cruise the Rhine and Mosel Rivers—Basel to Amsterdam, A Family Journey—Solo Friendly

2024, 06/30: Norwegian Fjords and the Midnight Sun—Oslo, Bergen and Tromsø

2024, 07/31: Grand Danube Passage—Prague to Sofia—Solo Friendly

2024, 08/05: Scotland—Stirling

2024, 08/06: Radiant Alaska

2024, 08/21: Insider’s Japan

2024, 08/26: Iconic Destinations by Private Plane

2024, 09/08: Classic Safari: Kenya and Tanzania

2024, 09/15: Northern Lights and the Wildlife of Northern Manitoba

2024, 09/20: Romance of the Douro River—featuring Lisbon, Porto and the Alto Douro Wine Region—Solo Friendly

2024, 09/26: Village Life of France

2024, 10/02: Swiss Alps and the Italian Lakes

2024, 10/20: Classic Greece and Turkey—Athens to Istanbul

2024, 11/05: United Arab Emirates—Solo Friendly

Portrait of Italy: Amalfi Coast to Venice

SOLD OUT- 2024, 05/06: Cruise the Heart of Europe—Amsterdam to Budapest—Solo Friendly

SOLD OUT- 2024, 05/10: Normandy, the 80th Anniversary of D-Day—Solo Friendly

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Where to See Bison in the Wild

America's national mammal is even more majestic in person.

American Bison

Photo by: ©iStockphoto.com/CarbonBrain

©iStockphoto.com/CarbonBrain

Ever dreamt of spending an afternoon where the buffalo roam?

You’re in luck. There hasn’t been a better time to see our national mammal in the wild in a hundred years. The bison, a.k.a. buffalo, is back from the brink of extinction — and thriving, in fact. Most bison today live on commercial ranches, where they’re raised for burgers and steaks, but the country is dotted with free-roaming wild herds descended from the few hundred lucky animals who survived the mass slaughter of the nineteenth century.

Bison ranged from northern Mexico to northern Canada in their pre-1800s heyday, and from Oregon in the west to New York in the east — but today, the bison heartland overlays eastern Montana and the western Dakotas.

It includes the only place in the continental United States where bison have been grazing uninterrupted since prehistoric times: Yellowstone National Park , home to a herd of almost 5,000. Bring your camera and your patience to Yellowstone, because you’re likely to see astonishing numbers of bison — while contending with astonishing numbers of tourists if you visit in the summer. It’s worth the trouble, at least once. For best results year-round, head to the park’s Hayden and Lamar valleys. (In the winter, you might also have luck around warm hydrothermal features.)

Photo by: Jed Portman

Jed Portman

Before, during or after your bison-watching expedition, stop for a bison burger, bison meatloaf or a bison sloppy joe at the iconic 1904 Old Faithful Inn , one of the largest log structures in the world.

To the north, Montana’s 18,800-acre National Bison Range , run by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, has been a safe haven for bison — and other native animals including elk, black bears and pronghorn — since 1908. Although the bison population is 10 percent or less than that of Yellowstone at 350-500, Fish & Wildlife keeps a close eye on its shaggy residents.

Start at the visitor center, where you can get the rundown on recent bison activity, and then get back in the car to see the refuge via the one-mile West Loop drive, where you can often see bison in the summertime, the 14-mile Prairie Drive or the 19-mile Red Sleep Mountain Drive, which winds its way up 2,000 feet in elevation to breathtaking views.

Just across the Montana-North Dakota border outside little Medora, is one of the country’s most underappreciated gems: Theodore Roosevelt National Park , with a herd of 200-400 bison in the South Unit and 100-300 in the North Unit. You won’t have to fight crowds there — especially not early in the morning, when the bison are on the move, and you can find family groups or lone bulls around every other corner on Scenic Loop Drive in the South Unit.

The park is a must-visit for any wildlife lover, with abundant populations of elk and pronghorn and prairie dogs densely settled across the landscape.

A few hours to the south in South Dakota, two more parks contain hundreds of wild bison: Wind Cave National Park  near Hot Springs, and Custer State Park  in Custer.

Wind Cave’s main attraction is the eponymous cave, which is the sixth-longest in the world and festooned with elaborate natural frostwork, boxwork and popcorn formations. Several hundred bison, though, graze the native prairie on the surface.

To keep its bison numbers in check, ensuring a healthy population, Custer State Park auctions off a portion of its 1,300-strong herd each November. That means a group of cowboys and cowgirls have to corral the herd on horseback each September for an inspection. A mix of locals and tourists swarm the designated viewing areas for the dusty, ground-shaking Buffalo Roundup . It starts at 9:30 a.m., but you’ll want to be there around 6:15, when the parking lots open up, for the best view of the Old West spectacle.

South Dakota's Must-See Attractions

Mount Rushmore

Completed in 1941, Mount Rushmore is undoubtedly one of the most recognized memorials in South Dakota, and in the US. Each year, more than 3 million visitors come face-to-face with the likeness of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. Plan a visit to Mount Rushmore in 2016 when it will celebrate its 75th anniversary.

Photo By: South Dakota Department of Tourism

Badlands National Park

Located 75 miles east of Rapid City, SD, Badlands National Park spans across 244,000 acres of prairie grassland, and boasts beautiful landscape views of unique and rugged geologic formations. Visitors from around the world visit the Badlands to camp, hike and view wildlife like bison, bighorn sheep and black-footed ferrets roaming throughout the park.

Deadwood, SD

Once home to Wild West legends like Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane and Seth Bullock, Deadwood , SD, was named a National Historic Landmark in 1961. Located in the northern Black Hills, visitors can experience the rich history of the Wild West at family-friendly museums and attractions, test their luck gambling at one of the casinos, or get a taste of South Dakota at Belle Joli or Schade Winery .

Crazy Horse Memorial

A short distance from Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial -- the world?s largest mountain carving -- stands as a tribute to Crazy Horse, a Lakota warrior and one of the most important Native American tribal leaders. Construction on the memorial began in 1948, and has been in progress since; once complete, it will stand 563 feet tall. Other attractions located at Crazy Horse Memorial include the Indian Museum of North America, a cultural center, restaurant and gift shop which showcase the culture, tradition and heritage of North American Indians.

Photo By: Thinkstock

Custer State Park

Seventy-one thousand acres of breathtakingly beautiful scenery awaits the outdoorsy and adventurous at Custer State Park in the Black Hills of South Dakota. From hiking and mountain biking to fishing and wildlife viewing, the park offers a little bit of everything for everyone. In addition to camping, the park offers a variety of accommodations, including the historic State Game Lodge and Blue Bell dude ranch.

Photo By: AWL Images / Getty Images

Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup

Each September, thousands of people travel to Custer State Park to experience the annual Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup when a group of cowboys and cowgirls roundup and drive a herd of approximately 1,300 buffalo. After the roundup, grab a small bite to eat at the Dutch Oven or Chili Cook-off then stop by the Buffalo Roundup Arts Festival for arts and crafts vendors and entertainment.

Photo By: Robert Harding World Imagery / Getty Images

Minuteman Missile National Historic Site

Named a National Historic Site in 1999, Minuteman Missile National Historic Site stands as an ongoing reminder of the Cold War Era. Learn about the history and significance of the Cold War and nuclear weapons development on a tour throughout the Minuteman Missile Silo launch facility and control room.

Photo By: National Park Service

Akela Spa of Deadwood

Designed with luxury and serenity in mind, Akela Spa of Deadwood -- the area?s only destination spa -- uses Native American treatments to calm and soothe its guests. Book the spa?s signature massage, Akela Hante, which uses cedar oil -- a sacred element in the Native American culture -- to purify and heal your mind and body.

Photo By: Greg Valladolid

I-29 Cultural Corridor

The I-29 Cultural Corrido r in east South Dakota features a variety of attractions including the South Dakota Art Museum, National Music Museum and Children?s Museum of South Dakota. 

Ingalls Homestead

Experience life on the prairie with a visit to Ingalls Homestead in De Smet, SD. This is where author Laura Ingalls Wilder once lived, and the inspiration began that sparked her popular Little House books. Travelers of all ages will enjoy an old-fashioned day on the prairie with a covered wagon ride, an authentic 1880s school session, pioneering activities and more.

The Corn Palace

Opened in 1921, the Corn Palace -- the world?s only palace built entirely out of corn -- is a popular attraction visited by more than 500,000 people each year. Some visitors return to see the new theme of the mural on the outside of the palace, which changes annually. In addition to being a tourist attraction, the palace is used for a variety of events, including exhibits, performances and the annual Corn Palace Festival .

National Music Museum

It?s music to your ears. The National Music Museum , located at the University of South Dakota, features a collection of more than 15,000 musical instruments from various cultures and centuries. A designated ?Landmark of American Music,? the museum has one of the largest collections of its kind in the world, attracting thousands of visitors each year.

Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

Get ready to hit the pavement at the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally -- one of the largest motorcycle rallies in the world. Welcoming almost 400,000 bikers and biking enthusiasts each year, the 7-day rally takes place the 1st week of August in Sturgis, SD, and includes scenic drives, concerts, races and more.

Tabor Czech Days

Experience the rich Czech culture of Tabor, SD, at the annual Tabor Czech Days celebration. The 3-day event includes music entertainment, dancing and traditional Czech cuisine, as well as parades and craft fairs that showcase the town?s heritage.

Children’s Museum of South Dakota

You?ll find fun for the whole family at the Children?s Museum of South Dakota , located just off the I-29 corridor in Brookings, SD. Here, children?s minds will run wild as they sing, dance, craft and play throughout the museum?s 21,000-square-foot interactive exhibit space and 1.5-acre outdoor exhibit space.

If you can’t get to the Plains this year, other parts of the country have wild herds, too — from Kansas’s Tallgrass Prairie herd , consisting of around 2,100 animals, to the bison at Kentucky’s Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area . Utah has two large herds, including one on Antelope Island  near Salt Lake City. There's also 150 wild bison, rumored to be remnants of a 1920s film shoot, that live on California’s Catalina Island .

Forty-nine states have commercial operations, where you can often observe fenced-in but undomesticated bison — and pick up steaks and burgers for the freezer.

Wherever you see bison, keep in mind that they’re more dangerous than they look. Although tourists often assume that they’re docile, like cattle, they’re unpredictable wild animals with sharp horns that can move their thousands of pounds of mass at 35 miles per hour and jump six feet in the air. Always give them space, and treat them with the respect they’re due.

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Animals We Protect

American Bison (Buffalo)

Learn about the iconic American bison and see what we’re doing to protect them.

Last updated May 21, 2023

Facts About Bison

• Common name: American bison, buffalo
• Scientific name: Bison bison
• Conservation status: Near threatened, population stable
• Lifespan: 10 to 20 years
• Weight: Adult males: 1,000–2,200 lbs; Adult females: 790–1,200 lbs; Calf: 30-70 lbs at birth

More furry bison facts!

• About Bison
• Bison Protection
• Bison Photos

Meet the American bison

The American bison takes the top prize for the largest land mammal in North America. Adult males weigh in at up to 2,000 pounds and stand as tall as six feet high at the shoulder.

These titans of North America are grazers, matriarchal-led family groups ranging from tens to thousands of buffalo. As they move across the prairie, they selectively focus on the grasses and sedges avoiding most of the forbs and legumes which helps balance the floristic competition. They sometimes wallow, which among many benefits helps mitigate biting insects and is also a social behavior thought to be a sign of contentment. These wallows create shallow depressions in the dense prairie which provide microhabitats to insects and amphibians among others to complete their reproductive cycles.

Bison Homecoming

Since 2020, we’ve transferred 1,000+ bison in TNC herds to their ancestral grazing lands.

Bison life cycle and reproduction

Male bison reach sexual maturity at 6 years old and females at 3 years old. They mate once each year from July up to September. During the mating season, also called the rut, bulls (males) will fight aggressively by ramming their heads together and charging at one another for a chance to mate with a cow (female).

After a nine-month gestation period, cows give birth to a single calf each spring. You can typically see mothers with young calves beginning in April.

It’s worth noting here that female bison weigh up to 1,000 pounds and run just as fast as the males at 40 miles per hour.

Bison are very protective of their young and as a group do their best to protect them from any dangers. When visiting a TNC preserve—or any preserve—where bison are present, it’s best to give them the space and respect they deserve, for your safety and for theirs.

Wait… Are they bison or buffalo?

Yes! Both terms have important scientific and historical meanings and use, and both continue to be used today to refer to the official mammal of the United States. There are also hundreds of words from Indigenous languages that have been used for thousands of years. Words like: “tatanka” or “pte” in Lakota and “yanasi” in Cherokee.

Genetically speaking, the American bison is not akin to either the water buffalo of Asia or the Cape buffalo of Africa. The American bison are found only in North America and certain parts of Europe.

Oceans apart in their range, the physical appearance of the American bison is vastly different from water buffalo and Cape buffalo. Developing on different continents means they encountered different conditions including climate, which influenced the evolution of their bodies and behavior.

Protecting the American Bison

Millions of bison once lived and traveled across huge sections of North America. At one point, you could see these icons of the prairie from Canada all the way south to Mexico and even as far east and west as the coasts.

But as American settlers developed and expanded, the U.S. government encouraged settlers to slaughter millions of these animals, bringing bison and the Indigenous communities that relied upon the herds to near extinction in the early 20 th century.

At the end of this brutality, tribal communities were decimated, and less than 1,000 free-roaming bison remained in the world.

Today, about 500,000 bison live in the U.S. and can be found in all 50 states. However, most of these bison are privately owned and raised as livestock. Only a small fraction of this number includes bison who are living in conservation herds and even much less than that are bison who are roaming on large landscapes. There are no truly free-roaming bison left in North America.

The Nature Conservancy collectively is one of the largest bison producers with over 6,000 bison living on 12 preserves we own and manage in the United States.

How does TNC work with bison to manage grasslands in the Great Plains?

Bison can be found grazing on 12 of The Nature Conservancy’s preserves across North America. At TNC, we consider grazing to be essential to the health of our native prairies and grasslands. Recognizing that most of our grasslands in North America evolved under the influence of climate, fire and grazing, we reintroduced bison to our first preserve in 1978 and continue to support bison across our 12 preserves to ensure those lands remain diverse and resilient.

What does TNC bring to the table?

TNC has long been in the business of protecting our lands and waters. Across the Great Plains and beyond, we manage some of the highest-quality grasslands remaining in North America. It’s a little-known fact that native grasslands are one of the most endangered and least protected habitat types on Earth. Grasslands are also dependent on periodic disturbance, through grazing and fire to remain healthy and productive.

At TNC preserves, we manage bison herd sizes that support and enable healthy grasslands while also sustaining healthy bison. This careful balancing act ensures both bison and grasslands can thrive as conditions around us change. We also work with conservation partners like the National Park Service, Intertribal Buffalo Council, Tanka Fund, and other Indigenous organizations to transfer bison to support herds and communities around the country.

What do fragmented grasslands mean for bison?

Prior to colonial settlement in North America, bison roamed freely across North America, undeterred by obstacles commonly found today like the privatization of land, fences, diseases brought in by exotic cattle and other livestock not native to this land, roads and buildings. Since that time, a lot has changed and the native grasslands that once blanketed much of central North America have dwindled to just a small fraction of their former range.

What this means for bison is that they no longer have the physical space needed to live and sustain herd sizes of the past and coupled with their classification by many states as “livestock,” they cannot roam freely as wild animals as they once did.

How does returning bison to native grasslands affect the ecology of these landscapes?

The bison and grasslands of today are the result of a relationship that has evolved over the past 12,000 years. Bison help maintain grassland ecosystems in many ways. Bison provided the much-needed disturbance that healthy grasslands depend on, including their selective grazing, which created floristic balance and structure heterogeneity, nutrient recycling, wallowing, and many more. The relationship between fire and grazing is vital to creating a mosaic of habitats within the grassland ecosystem. Over thousands of years, this relationship aided in creating some of the most biologically diverse ecosystems on Earth.

Find a Bison Herd Near You

Visit one of these TNC preserves and watch the bison roam for yourself! Catch adorable cinnamon babies in spring or witness the thrill of the rut (from a distance) in fall.

How Bison Help Grasslands Thrive

Bison have historically been important conservation practitioners on the grasslands they've roamed. Here are just a few of the ways bison help improve ecosystems in North America.

Soil Disturbance

Bison hooves work the soil in powerful ways. Their massive size, coupled with the aerating power of their hooves, helps build organic matter in the soil and creates space for new plants to grow.

Adding Nutrients

Bison also build healthy grasslands through the fertilizing powers of their buffalo chips! Bison droppings add nutrients back to the soil, providing a nutritious food supply for microorganisms living beneath the surface.

Seed Dispersal

These furry travelers used to tromp hundreds of miles across the Great Plains, bringing seeds with them picked up by their fur. Seeds could travel unimpeded as they hitchhiked with bison and animals to pollinate plants potentially miles away.

Photos: Bison at The Nature Conservancy

Select each photo to view in a bigger size and see bison across 12 TNC preserves.

Bison Corral: Bison leap to freedom after being released from the final chute in the vaccination process. © Morgan Heim

Charismatic Megafauna: Furry, fierce and a force of the Great Plains grasslands, we are protecting North America's most iconic and charismatic megafauna. © David Smith

Bison in corral : Bison in dust and sunlight at the Niobrara Valley Preserve in Nebraska. © Amanda Hefner

Cinnamon Spring: A cinnamon colored bison calf trots through the blooming tallgrass prairie. © Larry W. Hall

Cross Ranch : Bison in the winter at Cross Ranch Preserve in North Dakota. © Lane Ketterman

Bison in the rain: Broken Kettle Grasslands Preserve, Iowa. © Chris Helzer/TNC

American bison: American bison roam and graze the spring grasses across the more than 40,000 acre Tallgrass Prairie Preserve in Pawhuska, Oklahoma. © Morgan Heim/TNC

Colorado Bison: Bison graze on the Colorado plains. © Dave Showalter

Bison-KSands-Quigley: Bison and calf at Kankakee Sands in Newton County, Indiana. © Michael Quigley

Save the Bison: Bob Hamilton, Tallgrass Prairie Preserve Director. © Morgan Heim

Support Bison and Grasslands Conservation

Grasslands are among the most endangered, yet the least protected, landscapes in the world. Give today to help TNC save grasslands and the bison that depend on them.

Bison Stories

Bringing Bison Back to the San Luis Valley

Few creatures are as emblematic of the American west as the bison.

Coming Home

Lucille Contreras set out to reconnect her Lipan Apache community with its heritage. In the process, she brought buffalo back to Texas Native American land for the first time in a century.

By Dylan Baddour

Putting Bison Back on the Prairie in North and South Dakota

Almost three decades ago, TNC introduced its first herd of bison at the Samuel H. Ordway, Jr. Memorial Preserve. That herd has now grown to 300 bison and several others have been established.

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Places to View Wild Roaming Buffalo in the US

Have you ever felt the ground tremble beneath your feet as a herd of majestic wild buffalo rumbles by? Or have you experienced the thrill of locking eyes with these iconic creatures, feeling a connection that transcends time?

If you're a nature enthusiast and yearn for an authentic American wildlife encounter, look no further. In the heart of the United States, there exists a tapestry of landscapes where the spirit of untamed wilderness still roams free. From rugged prairies to expansive national parks, these are the places where you can witness the primeval dance of wild roaming buffalo, a living testament to the nation's rich natural heritage.

Join us as we unveil the top destinations that offer you a front-row seat to this awe-inspiring spectacle, inviting you to be a part of a story as old as the land itself.

The Magnificent Seven: Top Destinations to Witness Wild Roaming Buffalo in the United States

Antelope Island State Park (Utah)

Antelope Island State Park, situated within the magnificent Great Salt Lake of Utah, is a haven for nature enthusiasts and wildlife seekers. The park's unique blend of saltwater, desert, and mountains creates a striking backdrop for observing wild buffalo. As you explore its trails, you'll encounter bison roaming across expansive grasslands, with the iconic Great Salt Lake serving as a stunning backdrop. The park's commitment to conservation ensures that these bison continue to thrive in an environment that closely resembles their historical habitat.

Henry Mountains (Utah)

The Henry Mountains in southern Utah hold a special place in the hearts of bison enthusiasts. Here, a rare population of genetically pure wild bison roams, tracing their lineage back to the last wild herds of the American West. The isolation of the Henry Mountains has preserved the integrity of this population, allowing these bison to thrive without the genetic influence of domestic cattle.

Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho)

Yellowstone National Park, renowned for its geothermal wonders, also offers a remarkable opportunity to witness wild buffalo in their natural habitat. The park holds one of the largest remaining wild bison herds in the world. Against the backdrop of spouting geysers and vibrant hot springs, the bison's raw power and resilience shine. Their movements across the diverse landscape, from grassy meadows to dense forests, showcase their adaptability and intrinsic connection to the environment.

Badlands National Park (North Dakota)

The rugged and surreal landscapes of Badlands National Park provide an evocative setting for encountering wild buffalo. Amidst the dramatic rock formations, deep canyons, and sprawling prairies, bison move with a timeless grace.

The sight of these creatures traversing the barren yet captivating terrain highlights their ability to thrive in the face of adversity. The juxtaposition of the buffalo's strength against the backdrop of the Badlands' unique geology creates an unforgettable visual and emotional experience.

Wind Cave National Park (South Dakota)

Wind Cave National Park is a treasure trove of natural wonders, both above and below ground. Beneath the surface lies a complex labyrinth of limestone caverns, while on the surface, bison roam freely across the picturesque prairies.

The bison herds of Wind Cave National Park carry a unique significance due to their connection to the cave system. These creatures are believed to use the cave's natural openings for shelter and as a means to escape harsh weather.

American Prairie Reserve (Montana)

The American Prairie Reserve stands as a testament to conservation and ecological restoration on a grand scale. This vast expanse in Montana is dedicated to revitalizing the Northern Great Plains ecosystem.

The reserve's efforts not only offer a chance to observe bison in their natural habitat but also contribute to the revival of a vanishing landscape, showcasing the intricate web of life that these creatures sustain.

Custer State Park (South Dakota)

Nestled in the Black Hills of South Dakota, Custer State Park offers an enchanting encounter with wild buffalo amid a landscape steeped in history. The annual Buffalo Roundup draws visitors from far and wide to witness cowboys and cowgirls guide herds of buffalo across the sweeping grasslands.

This park, once a haven for bison conservation efforts, presents an opportunity to witness the majestic creatures in action and celebrate the enduring relationship between humans and nature.

Bottom Line

If you're passionate about embracing the wild, mesmerizing plains and the magnificent buffalo that call them home, why limit this experience only to your travels? There's an undeniable charm about bringing the outdoors inside and infusing your home with nature's beauty and serenity. Outdoor and wildlife-themed decor can invite a sense of tranquility and adventure into your everyday environment. Transform your living space into a celebration of unspoiled wilderness, where buffalo roam freely in your decor, and the spirit of the open landscape whispers through every corner.

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• INTELLIGENT TRAVEL

Where the Buffalo….Still Roam

Back in September, I blogged about the concept of the Buffalo Commons, whose goal was to revert the Great Plains to its pristine condition by creating a nature preserve for free-roaming bison. So when I read a recent article in the New York Times about this very topic, I was delighted to discover the eco-initiative has continued to gather momentum over the past several months.

The NYT reports:

The lions won’t be arriving anytime soon, but travel operators have already come, to take advantage of the return of the wild. “When my wife and I first started, two decades ago, we were one of only two operators in the state,” said John Hanson, owner of the Logging Camp Ranch in Bowman, N.D. “Now there are thousands.”

NYT suggests some highlights among the “thousands” of eco-operators, like Off the Beaten Path . Based in Bozeman, Montana, the outfitter offers guided, seven-day trips through the Dakotas, where travelers visit a working bison ranch to learn from bison rancher and author Dan O’Brien (in addition to indulging in a can’t-get-fresher-than-this barbecue).

Many outfitters in the upper Midwest are taking a cue from African bush camps. The American Prairie Foundation leads safaris

across its own preserved land, which even include jetting across the prairie in a private plane (or click here to download a self-guided auto tour).

Backcountry jeep safaris in South Dakota’s Custer State Park herd visitors within steps of bison, all the while educating them about the species. Check out their annual Buffalo Roundup and Arts Festival , held this year Sept. 27–29, when you can witness 1,400 buffalo driven into corrals, gorge yourself at a pancake feed and chili cookoff, browse craft exhibits featuring the artwork of local artisans, and experience Western and Native American entertainment.

Most fascinating to me was the fact that apparently sighting bison happens regularly these days, private jet or not. “Even without the jeep rides,” NYT reporter Joshua Kurlantzick writes, “it’s hard to miss the bison. On one trip to Custer State Park, I woke in the early morning, walked out of my tent, and stumbled into a group of bison ambling slowly across the road.”

Kurlantzick is also quick to point out, however, that the Midwest is not yet capable of providing pampering that has come to be expected of the “rhino-by-day, Riesling-by-night” African safari camps. But Plains advocates understand that’s precisely the appeal. “The most incredible thing is, if you want to experience the Great Plains the way it was in the 19th century, you can still have that experience,” explained Ted Lee Eubanks (chief executive of eco-tourism company Fermata) to the NYT . “You can still stand right in the wagon ruts from that time.”

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Buffaloes roaming major highway prompt wildlife rescue operation in South Africa

Previous sightings suggest the south african buffaloes may have been on the loose for months.

Yellowstone buffalo spotted accidentally ice skating across pond

A buffalo was seen sliding across a pond at Yellowstone National Park in Lamar Valley. See the animal slip and slide by his herd! 

• Two buffaloes were spotted walking down the middle of a major highway on the outskirts of Johannesburg.
• Authorities launched a wildlife rescue operation to locate and tranquilize the buffaloes.
• Previous sightings suggest the buffaloes may have been on the loose for months.

Where the buffaloes roam can be a problem in South Africa .

Two buffaloes were spotted walking down the middle of a major highway on Saturday night on the outskirts of the country's biggest city, Johannesburg, as cars and trucks whizzed past. Some startled motorists took pictures and videos on their phones.

It's not clear where the buffaloes came from, and no one has reported missing any.

YELLOWSTONE TOURIST GETS SCARE OF HER LIFE WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PET BISON: VIDEO

City authorities have decided they need to be caught and moved as soon as possible because of the danger presented by the sharp-horned bovines, which can each weigh up to 1,760 pounds and are notorious as fairly grumpy and unpredictable.

A buffalo is seen at Kruger National Park in South Africa. Two buffaloes were spotted walking down the middle of a major highway on Saturday night on the outskirts of the country's biggest city, Johannesburg, as cars and trucks whizzed past. (BSIP/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

The buffaloes disappeared soon after their highway stroll, but security and risk assessment company Bidvest Protea Coin helped authorities hunt them down with a helicopter armed with an infrared camera.

Their body heat was picked up by the camera and gave them away. The chopper spotted them early Tuesday in a bushy area off a highway near Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport, said Waal de Waal, chief operating officer at Bidvest Protea Coin.

The helicopter, normally used for responding to crime and tracking stolen cash-in-transit vans, will be used to dart the buffaloes with a tranquilizer gun from the air, de Waal said.

Veterinarian Cliff Bull will do the darting. He said finding them is hard enough but moving buffaloes is the biggest operation.

Because of the uneven terrain and thick bush, Bull said carrying the buffaloes out on a kind of stretcher once they were tranquilized would be extremely difficult. So, the best bet is to dart them with a mild tranquilizer that allows a team to guide the drowsy animals to a truck with cattle prods.

"We're probably going to have to walk them out," Bull said.

Herding buffaloes tests the mettle of the bravest vets, he said.

BISON GORES ARIZONA WOMAN IN YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK

The buffaloes might have been on the loose for months after reports of other sightings in the region last April.

Surprisingly for big animals, "they have got a way of getting around without being seen," Bull said.

This is not the first wild animal operation undertaken by Bull, who runs the Craig View Veterinary Clinic in Johannesburg.

He once darted and removed a leopard that someone discovered in the laundry room of their house in the nearby town of Benoni, he said. Bull was also called to remove a bushpig, a kind of wild hog, on the loose in the streets near Johannesburg's high-rise financial district of Sandton.

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California Guided Buffalo Hunts

Capture a part of the American West and join Bitterwater Outfitters on the hunt of a lifetime. The buffalo are a free roaming herd on thousands of acres of open rolling hills. This is an exciting hunt in a beautiful area. All buffalo make great European or shoulder mounts and the winter months make beautiful hides. The buffalo meat is one of the healthiest meats and is very good. Trophy bulls have a high chance to score SCI.

The best time to come for shoulder mounts and hides is the first of November through the first of March. The meat is good year round. The 2 year old cows weigh between 450-550lbs. The mature cows weigh between 700-1,000. The bull buffalo on the ranch weigh between 700 and 2,000 lbs. The trophy bulls are classed and priced based on age, weight, and horn size. These animals are judged in the field by glassing. The expected meat yield from a buffalo will vary with the age and weight, amount of finish, and the way that the carcass is cut up. Average yeild ranges from 20-40% of the live weight, but can vary.

Mature Cow Buffalo Hunt: $4500 Bull Buffalo Hunt: $5000-$9,500 depending on size Non Hunter Guest: $200 per guest ** (gratuity not included)

What to Bring:

• Good Hiking boots and comfortable clothing
• .270 or bigger
• Lead free ammo
• No license or tag required

What It Includes:

A buffalo hunt includes up to two days of hunting, field dressing and skinning of game. Most of our hunts are concluded on the first day. 

All hunts include:

-Tent or trailer camping on the ranch free of charge -Access to the shooting range to sight in your gun -Access to the catch and release fishing pond -Access to the BBQ and fire pit

Meals are not included. See "Lodging" for additional accommodations.

Buffalo hunts operate year round and can be scheduled weekdays and weekends.

Effective July 1, 2008, the California Fish and Game Commission modified the methods of take to prohibit the use of projectiles containing lead when hunting big game and nongame species in an area designated as the California condor range.

Bitterwater Outfitters is in the condor range and lead free ammo is required. For a list of certified nonlead ammunition, click here

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It was a really good experience going on a hunt with Bitterwater Outfitters. I loved staying at the ranch headquarters. The operation is an old western, down to earth feel. Clayton was great to talk to and be around. Everyone that I know that has gone keeps coming back. If someone doesn’t come back, they don’t like to hunt.

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Bitterwater Valley is located just east of Paso Robles in San Luis Obispo County. Hunt wild pig, buffalo, exotics, deer, dove, quail, turkey and varmints. © Copyright 2024 Bitterwater Outfitters. | All Rights Reserved. | Accessibility

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A Dark Day Is Coming for Buffalo. It Can’t Wait.

A total eclipse will pass directly over the city next month, and as many as a million visitors are expected to visit.

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By Sarah Maslin Nir

This article is part of The Times’s coverage of the April 8 eclipse , the last time a total solar eclipse will be visible in most of North America for 20 years.

When the sky above Buffalo briefly goes dark on the afternoon of April 8, the city will transcend its dreary place in the public consciousness — measured as it so often is by snowstorms and Super Bowl shortcomings — if only for about three minutes.

After that, it’s up to Buffalo to make the most of its moment in the sun (or should that be: out of the sun?), when it will be met with an estimated one million eclipse tourists. Owing to the city’s excellent vantage for witnessing a rare total eclipse, nearly every room in every hotel in the region is booked, the campgrounds are almost full and good luck finding a rental car anywhere along the Erie Canal.

“For a couple of minutes the whole world will be thinking about Buffalo,” said Dave Horesh, the co-founder of Oxford Pennant , a local felt flag factory. Mr. Horesh ran a nationwide sweepstakes called “The Best Seat in the Universe,” and is flying the winner to Buffalo to watch the eclipse from a love seat on the lawn of a former mental institution now converted into a boutique hotel. “I was thinking: All this city has ever been known for is bad sports teams, snow and chicken wings,” he said. “This is an opportunity.”

Buffalo’s Erie County and nearby Niagara County lie in what astronomers call “the zone of totality,” a band stretching from Dallas to Montreal in which the moon will fully block out the sun. Officials in the region first realized that the eclipse would be a big deal seven years ago — that’s when, in 2017, the area’s tourism agency received its first group tour booking: 56 people in a bus from Pennsylvania, according to Patrick Kaler, the president and chief executive of Visit Buffalo Niagara .

Officials have spent the past year getting ready in earnest, poring over white papers on how comparable cities have handled past eclipses, Mr. Kaler said. Regular meetings brought together emergency medical workers, astronomers and even an ophthalmologist to answer anxious questions about eyeballs and eclipses.

The visitors expected in Buffalo could nearly double the area’s population, jam traffic and overload cellphone signal capacity. To mitigate the concerns, the region has collaborated with cellphone companies to bring in mobile units to boost signals, and will be staging ambulance and emergency crews across the area to better reach people in need, according to Mark C. Poloncarz, the Erie County executive.

To limit overcrowding, the official messaging to locals has been similar to what they hear during blizzard season: Stay put. “We are just telling people there is no bad vantage point,” Mr. Poloncarz said, adding that he most likely will be watching from his own telescope. “Just stay at home,” he said.

Now, just weeks from the big day, Buffalo is ready to party: There are at least 50 events open to the public , according to Visit Buffalo Niagara, from lectures by a NASA expert to a viewing party at Highmark Stadium, where the Bills play. There is also an eclipse-themed crafting party, something billed as a solar eclipse silent disco and a bonfire in an art park where you are encouraged to burn your eclipse-themed poetry . Across the region, schoolchildren have the day off.

The terrestrial chaos will be rivaled by the celestial, according to Kay Leach, a Buffalo-based tarot reader and spiritual adviser who has been prescribing eclipse-day protection rituals for anxious clients. “The overall energy is it feels like it’s going to be a day of classic Buffalo day drinking,” said Ms. Leach, whose business is called I Am Magick . “That concerns me a little bit because of the intensity of the solar eclipse, the spiritual side.” (Carrying black tourmaline and shungite stones on eclipse day can help, she suggested.)

The total eclipse will occur at 3:18 on the afternoon of April 8. At 4 p.m., Dr. Andrew L. Reynolds , an ophthalmologist and clinical associate professor at the University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, will open his clinic at the Ross Eye Institute and keep it open until long after the sun sets to address any injuries.

“We all know you shouldn’t look directly at the sun,” Dr. Reynolds said, “and — bam! — you have this sudden window where people are tempted to look.”

A dark shadow hanging over the shadow over the sun is the fact that in this pocket of western New York, it is just as likely to be overcast on April 8 as it is to be sunny, according to meteorologists. The last total eclipse in these parts was on Jan. 24, 1925 — a cloudy day.

Whether the conjunction of the sun and moon is visible or not, all those visitors will have to eat. Drew Cerza, the founder and self-proclaimed “wing king” of the National Buffalo Wing Festival, is capitalizing on the eclipse with a themed chicken wing — honey mustard for the sun, “eclipsed” by barbecue sauce — available at pop-up locations around town.

(To go with the wings: Big Ditch Brewing Company, in partnership with the Buffalo Museum of Science, is releasing a limited edition black IPA , complimentary eclipse glasses included with every six-pack.)

Anchor Bar, which lays claim to inventing the world’s first Buffalo wing in 1964, will have twice the number of chicken wings — 28,000 — ready to go at its flagship location as it does on an average weekend, and will stir up 50 gallons of medium-spicy sauce per day, said Mark Dempsey, the president of the Anchor Bar Franchise Company.

At its competitor, Duff’s Famous Wings, Greg Duell, an executive at the Duff’s Franchise Group and the owner of the Duff’s at Eastern Hills Mall, said he planned to close the kitchen for about three minutes so the staff could take in the eclipse. Then it’s back to the fryers to meet the flood of orders.

“The total eclipse, which is a neat experience, is only three minutes long,” Mr. Duell said. “And then it’s like, ‘OK, you guys want to go get some wings?’”

Sarah Maslin Nir is a Times reporter covering anything and everything New York ... and sometimes beyond. More about Sarah Maslin Nir

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• Where to Go in 2024 Overview: Where to Go in 2024

The 50 Best Places to Travel in 2024

• An Insider's Guide to Paris — Luxury Hotels, Vintage Shops, and the City's Best Restaurants Included
• This Southern U.S. City Was Named One of the Best Places to Travel in 2024
• 5 Coastal Towns in Alaska That Are Adorable in Any Weather
• T+L's Review of Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Seven Seas Grandeur
• This Exclusive Helicopter Dining Experience Is the Best Way to See the 'Grand Canyon of Mallorca’
• Where to Go in 2024 The 50 Best Places to Travel in 2024 An Insider's Guide to Paris — Luxury Hotels, Vintage Shops, and the City's Best Restaurants Included This Southern U.S. City Was Named One of the Best Places to Travel in 2024 5 Coastal Towns in Alaska That Are Adorable in Any Weather T+L's Review of Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Seven Seas Grandeur This Exclusive Helicopter Dining Experience Is the Best Way to See the 'Grand Canyon of Mallorca’ CLOSE Part of Where to Go in 2024

Where to go in 2024, according to Travel + Leisure editors — for cultural immersion and major travel bragging rights.

Since 1971, Travel + Leisure editors have followed one mission: to inform, inspire, and guide travelers to have deeper, more meaningful experiences. T+L's editors have traveled to countries all over the world, having flown, sailed, road tripped, and taken the train countless miles. They've visited small towns and big cities, hidden gems and popular destinations, beaches and mountains, and everything in between. With a breadth of knowledge about destinations around the globe, air travel, cruises, hotels, food and drinks, outdoor adventure, and more, they are able to take their real-world experience and provide readers with tried-and-tested trip ideas, in-depth intel, and inspiration at every point of a journey.

Well, you knew it was coming. This year, more than 20 Travel + Leisure staffers weighed in to create this hand-picked list of the places that thoughtful, curious travelers should consider in 2024.

These are the destinations that have captured our imaginations, the spots where T+L editors want to spend their own time in the year ahead. Among the picks are Canada's Métis Crossing, which headlined our October 2023 issue ; Istanbul, for which our editor in chief makes a compelling case ; and Paris, because there's a little thing called Les Jeux Olympiques coming up.

Other, lesser-known places are on the rise. Consider the small towns of Sonoma County, where new businesses are doing big things ; a remote corner of Australia, where expedition ships are the way in; a Himalayan hideaway where visitors are left breathless and not just because of the altitude.

We hope this list inspires you to see the world in a new way in the coming year. We'll see you out there.

— Edited by Paul Brady and Maya Kachroo-Levine  

Travel + Leisure

Destination by Category

For cultural immersion, ålborg, denmark.

Alexander Farnsworth/Getty Images

It rates as Denmark’s fourth-largest city, with around 120,000 residents, but out-of-the-way Ålborg might seem an unlikely international-travel hub. That's not stopping Scandinavian Airlines, which is betting on the compact, alluring city with newly launched flights from Newark Liberty International, which will run three times a week from April through October. The cobbled streets of Ålborg’s old town are lined with half-timbered houses and pastel exteriors; the attractively refurbished waterfront — where you’ll find the newly renovated Pier 5 Hotel — is another walkable district. The city’s rich cultural scene includes a modern art museum , an architecture center, and, a short drive away, Regan Vest , a Cold War museum that opened in a former bunker in February 2023. Indeed, Ålborg is a gateway to the wider region of North Jutland, with its dramatic coastline around the town of Skagen, long a draw to Danish artists; windswept dunes of Thy National Park ; and 2,000-year-old Viking ring fortresses which have, at long last, been collectively designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site . — Peter Terzian

Cartagena, Colombia

Sofia Jaramillo

A perennially hot destination, Colombia is coming into its own as a luxury escape these days, thanks to a ton of excitement in and around Cartagena, on the country’s Caribbean coast. In 2023, the city welcomed Casa Pestagua , a 16-room boutique hotel within a restored 17th-century building, in the historic center. Now, the same owners are working to open bungalows on Isla Barú, a popular day-trip spot, before the end of 2023. Sustainability minded travelers can find their fit at Blue Apple Beach , an eco-hotel on Tierra Bomba Island, just off the coast, that’s B Corp certified and generates half its power from solar, as T+L recently reported . In 2024, Disney's “Encanto”-themed tour of Colombia will debut, shining more light on Cartagena, one of the many stops on the itinerary. And there’s even more growth in the pipeline: Delta Air Lines is adding new nonstop flights to Cartagena from Atlanta in December 2023, a Four Seasons hotel is on the horizon, and the nation is investing in an airport expansion that will serve an ever-increasing number of visitors. — Susmita Baral

Eastern & Oriental Express, a Belmond Train

Courtesy of Belmond

After a four-year pause, this luxury train that crisscrosses Southeast Asia will ride again in February. Several new itineraries will be available on the revamped Express, which has 15 cherry wood–clad cabins and vibrant Malay-inspired decor. The Essence of Malaysia journey, for example, takes travelers from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur, with side trips to Langkawi, for snorkeling in Pulau Payar Marine Park, and Penang, among the greatest food cities on the planet. Alternatively, a Wild Malaysia option includes a stop at Taman Negara National Park, where visitors might spot a Sumatran rhino or tiger. “These ‘slow travel’ journeys give our guests the opportunity to rest their mind, rekindle, and reconnect,” said Dan Ruff, the CEO of Belmond. Much like a storied ocean liner, the majestic Eastern & Oriental Express is a destination unto itself, with a sultry piano bar car; an open-air lounge with wicker furniture where passengers can watch the Malaysian jungle rush by; and two restaurant carriages serving Peranakan food. You may not have had "eating laksa on a luxury train" on your 2024 bingo card, but you really should. — Maya Kachroo-Levine

Christian Kain

For one month between June and July, soccer — or should we say fußball — will take over Germany, as the nation hosts the 2024 UEFA European Football Championship. Held every four years, the tournament for men’s national teams will take place in 10 cities across Germany, including Berlin, Cologne, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, and Munich. “This will be an incredible, not-to-be-missed moment,” said Sofia Markovich , a travel advisor on T+L's A-List who specializes in Austria and Germany. “I expect interest to go through the roof as this is a major sports event — second only to the World Cup.” Even casual fans should find the atmosphere thrilling, Markovich said, particularly those who happen to pass through game-day destinations while cruising the country’s rivers . One host city deserves a particular spotlight thanks to the new Rosewood Munich , which opened in October. Set across two buildings (one, formerly the headquarters of the State Bank of Bavaria, the other, a Baroque residence), the 132-key property is steps from the charms of Old Town, including the leafy Maximiliansplatz, and walkable to one of Europe’s most surprising surf spots: the rapids of the Isar River . — Liz Cantrell

Métis Crossing, Alberta

Amber Bracken

“This is not a place where you look at old things behind glass,” said Juanita Marois, the CEO of Métis Crossing, one of Canada’s most compelling Indigenous tourism projects. “This is an immersive destination where you experience the culture and the warmth of the Métis people through our land, water, skies, buildings, food, and programs.” The 688-acre retreat, which writer Carleigh Baker detailed in T+L’s October 2023 issue , is today home to a 40-room lodge, a cultural center, and campgrounds. Depending on the season, visitors can learn about traditional crafts, enjoy festivals held on-site, or head out for bird-watching, canoeing, or snowshoeing. A new addition to Métis Crossing is a collection of eight Sky Watching Domes , luxe stand-alone suites with panoramic skylight windows. From the Domes, Marois explained, “guests can listen to Indigenous stories of the night skies, see the stars, and view the aurora borealis." — Jalyn Robinson

Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park, Georgia

Getty Images

It’s not every day the U.S. gets a new national park, but 2024 could see this central Georgia destination enter the fold. Presently managed as a national historical park, Ocmulgee is home to large earthen mounds, including temple complexes, created by numerous Native American peoples over thousands of years. Should Congress approve the new designation in 2024, Ocmulgee will become the first national park in the state and the first in the U.S. to be co-managed by a nation whose ancestors were removed from the area: the Muscogee (Creek) were forcibly relocated from central Georgia as a result of the Indian Removal Act of 1830. “We now have an opportunity to come back and not feel like we are visiting, but to feel like we are coming home,” said Tracie Revis, a member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and the director of advocacy for the Ocmulgee National Park & Preserve Initiative, a community group. The gateway to the park is the city of Macon, where the Muscogee (Creek) Nation flag flies alongside the Stars and Stripes, and the street signs are being replaced with ones written in both Muscogee and English. A particularly opportune time to visit will be in September, for the town’s annual Indigenous film festival . — Liz Cantrell  

Rajasthan, India

Aparna Jayakumar

India’s northwestern state of Rajasthan, with its wealth of iconic hotels and cultural attractions, is one of the best-known among U.S. travelers. It also promises new delights in the coming year, with several new addresses in Jaipur worth planning a trip around. There's Villa Palladio , a delightful nine-room hotel on the outskirts of town created by the Swiss-Dutch team behind Bar Palladio , an Instagram favorite in the city center. The Johri is a beautifully designed five-room property with a chic cocktail bar and organic vegetarian restaurant on the ground level, tucked away in a heritage townhouse in Jaipur's Old Town. Meanwhile, the Anantara hospitality group is set to launch its first-ever property in India next year. The 150-room, new-build Anantara Jaipur Hotel is designed with India's ballooning market for destination weddings in mind: it will have event facilities that can accommodate as many as 2,500 guests. In the meantime, the city and wider region are becoming more accessible than ever, thanks to a new six-lane expressway that connects Jaipur to New Delhi, a major hub for international flights. — Flora Stubbs

Shinta Mani Mustang, Nepal

Courtesy of Shinta Mani Mustang

A once-forbidden kingdom is now home to some truly palatial digs. Nepal’s Mustang district, which opened to outsiders in 1992 , is a place to watch in 2024 thanks to this stunning, 29-suite hotel, which welcomed its first guests in August. Shinta Mani Mustang, the latest property from the Bensley Collection, delivers the luxurious wellness experiences and thoughtful design that devotees of the brand have come to expect. Guests can spend their days trekking the surrounding Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges, searching for rare wildlife like the Pallas’s cat and Tibetan wolf, horseback riding, and visiting local villages. “What caught my attention was that the outstanding aesthetics and architecture are in sync with sustainable and responsible tourism,” said Carole Cambata, an advisor on T+L's A-List and expert in Himalayan travel. “They sourced local building materials and used Indigenous construction methods.” The noteworthy opening comes at a time of positive change: in April, the Nepal Mountaineering Academy and the Nepal Tourism Board partnered on a program to educate the country’s first-ever class of LGBTQ+ trekking guides, CNN reported , in an effort to make Nepal’s hiking and climbing industries more inclusive. “Nepal is one of Asia’s most progressive countries for LGBTQ+ people due to laws that forbid gender identity discrimination,” said John Clifford , another A-List advisor. “Visitors to the country can even select ‘other’ as an option for gender identification on their visas.” — Samantha Falewée

Tallinn, Estonia

Nina Ruggiero/Travel + Leisure

This country’s literacy and secondary education rates consistently rank near the top in Europe, especially among women, so it should come as no surprise that Tartu, the university city to the southeast of Tallinn, has been designated Europe’s Capital of Culture for 2024 . Still, for first-timers to the Baltics, there’s no better place to get schooled than the country’s capital city, Tallinn: its walled Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved examples of Medieval architecture in the world. PoCo Art Museum , which opened in May with pop art by Andy Warhol, Banksy, David Hockney, and Jeff Koons, is now one of nearly 50 art institutions in the city, joining Fotografiska (world-renowned photography), Kumu Art Museum (contemporary Estonian art), and Kadriorg Art Museum (early European and Russian art). After soaking in the culture, head for the Noblessner district , an industrial shipyard area turned seafront hot spot that’s now bursting with stylish cafes, shops, and Estonia’s first restaurant with two Michelin stars, 180° by Matthias Diethe . (You might also try a “ smoke sauna ” at Scandi-chic Iglupark .) As for where to stay, the new Nunne Boutique Hotel has views over Old Town’s Towers Square . —  Nina Ruggiero

Warsaw, Poland

Christopher Larson/Travel + Leisure

The thriving contemporary art scene in Warsaw, which is home to art-circuit stalwarts like the Foksal Gallery Foundation and Raster Gallery , will get a big boost in 2024, when the Museum of Modern Art in Warsaw finally moves into its own headquarters. Founded in 2005, the museum has burnished the city’s art reputation for two decades, with its holdings of both foreign and Polish work, despite operating out of temporary spaces. The new HQ will be part of a 22-acre arts district centered on the existing Palace of Culture and Science, a Stalinist skyscraper that towers over the city. The museum, along with a new 800-seat TR Warszaw Theater nearby, was designed by Thomas Phifer and Partners , the architecture firm behind other notable institutions, including the Glenstone Museum in Maryland and portions of New York’s Corning Museum of Glass . — Denny Lee

For the Food and Drinks

The austrian countryside.

Journey south of Vienna and you’ll find two of the regions that give the countryside of Austria its fairy-tale quality. Styria has rolling hills and hiking trails, with the medieval city of Graz at its heart. Mellow, rural Burgenland is home to Lake Neusiedl, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Both regions have a long, rich history of winemaking, and in recent years, have become the site of a burgeoning natural wine scene. Cult producers such as Winery Maria and Sepp Muster and Alice & Roland Tauss should be at the top of any visitor’s list, as should Burgenland’s beloved vintners Gut Oggau and Meinklang . Then, round out a visit to the country with a stay at Rosewood Schloss Fuschl , a meticulously restored 15th-century castle opening on the shores of a small lake near Salzburg in spring 2024. — Peter Terzian

Mérida, Mexico

Itzel Garrido/Travel + Leisure

The capital of Yucatán, this city has long been popular with Mexican travelers drawn to its Maya ruins, cerulean-blue cenotes, restored haciendas, and incredible food . But it has a growing acclaim among international visitors — especially LGBTQ+ travelers, who often describe Yucatán as very gay friendly . Mérida’s historic beauty and laid-back cantina culture might explain why LGBTQ+ retirees have embraced the city in recent years, buying homes and bringing their friends along. Those not ready to make a full-on move will find lots of designer hotels carved out of stately mansions, not to mention wonderful shopping and plenty of food tours, both in the city and in the surrounding countryside, which is punctuated by haciendas, many of which host pop-up events or even overnight guests. Plans for a sprawling new “ Yucatán Central Park ,” with a food market and amphitheater, remain hazy, as does an exact timeline for the arrival of the ballyhooed Maya Train , which is nearing completion and should make it easier to hop between Mérida and popular seaside spots such as Cancún and Tulum. — Denny Lee

Sonoma County, California

Gentl & Hyers

More than double the size of Napa, Sonoma might offer twice as much to do. It’s not just about the wine — though with the addition of a new American Viticultural Area (AVA) called West Sonoma Coast last year, Sonoma County now has 19 AVAs slinging chardonnay, pinot noir, and zinfandel at established wineries, such as Flowers and Scribe , and new ones, including Vérité Wines . There’s also a long coastline to explore, from Bodega Bay up to Sea Ranch, where the dreamy, cliff-top Sea Ranch Lodge is newly renovated . Inland, the opening of Dawn Ranch shines a spotlight on Guerneville , a crunchy town along the Russian River known for its LGBTQ+ scene and proximity to the Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve. Tear yourself from the 22-acre haven, with tree house–like cabins, creekside glamping tents, and alfresco redwood tubs at the idyllic spa, to bike into town where the reimagined Piknik Market serves one of Oprah’s favorite biscuits . The changes coming to Sonoma County in 2024 are largely shaped by the area’s most famous chefs: in Healdsburg, California, Noma alum Stu Stalker debuted the plant-based restaurant Second Story, above Little Saint and down the street from Michelin three-starred SingleThread and chef Dustin Valette’s The Matheson . Restaurant powerhouse Charlie Palmer plans to launch his hotel brand, Appellation , in Healdsburg by the end of next year. — Maya Kachroo-Levine

For Big-city Thrills

Tessa Desjardins/Travel + Leisure

“It’s a classic Asian megacity: frenetic, neon-lit, and overwhelming to the senses,” said Jack Tydeman , a Southeast Asia specialist at Audley Travel and member of T+L's A-List. But change is coming to Bangkok, in the form of many megaprojects, including Dusit Central Park, which is slated to open in 2024, with the 259-room Dusit Thani Bangkok Hotel and a multi-terraced roof park. Also coming soon will be King Rama IX Memorial Park, a park that honors the sustainability initiatives of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Meanwhile, Lumpini Park , Bangkok’s original public green space, is getting a massive refresh next year that will add a new food hall, a vegetable farm, and a sports club ahead of its centennial. Even while sprinting to finish these new developments, Bangkok is finding time to slow down and prioritize wellness. Luxury travel network Virtuoso recently named Thailand as just one of five “emerging self-care destinations” worldwide, noting that “travelers are seeking a more spiritual journey, turning to Thailand for more than the traditional Thai massage.” The forthcoming Aman Nai Lert Bangkok , slated for 2024, is sure to deliver, with 52 spacious suites overlooking Nai Lert Park and a multifloor wellness sanctuary. — Susmita Baral

Courtesy of Cleveland Museum of Natural History

The year ahead has the Land set to shine, thanks to national and international events, world-class cultural expansions, and the rebirth of historic hotels. It all starts in April, when the NCAA Women’s Final Four comes to the state-of-the-art Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse and a total solar eclipse sweeps over the city on April 8, 2024. Cleveland will see even more action when the Pan-American Masters Games crisscross the city July 12-21. And in November, The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, which was held in Brooklyn in 2023, will return home. Meanwhile, many institutions are in the midst of revitalization. The Cleveland Museum of Natural History is nearing completion of its multiyear $150-million expansion, with updated exhibits and new public spaces in University Circle. Karamu House , the nation’s oldest Black producing theater, will debut a new restaurant, outdoor stage, and an additional venue in the Fairfax neighborhood. The city’s oldest hotel will reopen in 2024 after extensive renovations as a Marriott Autograph Collection called Hotel Cleveland. Also coming is the Fidelity Hotel, a new boutique property with a speakeasy that's slated to launch in a landmark building downtown. There’s development along the Cuyahoga River and Lake Erie, too, where paved hiking and biking trails are livening up a waterfront that has, for many decades, been underutilized. — Jennifer Salerno Yong

Fort Worth, Texas

Mariah Tyler

Offering classic Western experiences like bull riding, cattle drives, and stock shows, Fort Worth, Texas, is booming, bringing in $3 billion in tourism revenue last year alone. With all of the renewed interest in the city, luxury hotels are flocking to Cowtown’s Cultural District. The Crescent Hotel, Fort Worth opened in November, home to the first-ever wellness club by Canyon Ranch and a Mediterranean restaurant by Food Network chef Preston Paine. Bowie House, Auberge Resorts Collection , is slated to open its doors December 2023, with a tree-lined pool terrace, chic spa, and upscale chophouse called Bricks and Horses. Walking distance from both hotels is The National Cowgirl Museum , which will run a 2024 exhibit honoring the Mexican female horseback riding tradition of escaramuza charra . Looking ahead, the National Juneteenth Museum is scheduled to open in the city’s Historic Southside neighborhood in 2025. — Mariah Tyler

Turkey’s style capital is seeing a resurgence of life along the Bosphorus, thanks in part to the Galataport, the world’s first underground cruise ship terminal with a pedestrian promenade and the Renzo Piano–designed Istanbul Museum of Modern Art just above. Another neighborhood anchor is the 177-room Peninsula Hotel , spread out over four buildings, three of which date to the early 1900s. Highlights include a glittering pool facing the Hagia Sophia; a sprawling, subterranean spa; and Gallada, a rooftop restaurant from whiz kid chef Fatih Tutak, whose eponymous restaurant is Turkey’s first to earn two Michelin stars. The hotel staff wears posh uniforms courtesy of Arzu Kaprol, a designer who has a boutique in the nearby Paket Postanesi, a historic post office turned chic shopping mall. Also on the waterfront, in Beşiktaş, the lavish Çırağan Palace Kempinski has been reimagined by local interior designer Serdar Gülgün, with rooms that lean into Ottoman-era grandeur (think tulip-pattern motifs and mother-of-pearl furniture). Finally, don’t miss The Basilica Cistern, open again after a five-year closure, and now hosting contemporary art exhibits amid the ancient columns. — Jacqui Gifford

Kansas City, Missouri

Jonathan Tasler/Courtesy of Visit KC

World famous for barbecue and jazz, KC is now staking a claim as a global leader in sports and entertainment — and not just because of Taylor and Travis . In March, the Kansas City Current, of the National Women's Soccer League, will open the first-ever purpose-built stadium for women’s pro sports. “It will be a destination for sports lovers and will inspire generations of girls to follow their dreams,” said Katie Mabry van Dieren, CEO and curator of The Strawberry Swing , a brand that organizes events and pop-ups in the city, as well as Shop Local KC , a string of boutiques. The stadium’s construction has spurred other developments around the city, including the forthcoming Origen Hotel KC , a 118-room boutique property; the massive Berkley Beer Garden; and an extension of the free KC Streetcar that will serve the Berkley Riverfront area. Also coming soon is the country’s first entertainment district of its kind, the Rock Island Bridge , a reclaimed rail crossing over the Kansas River. “Visitors will be able to enjoy two levels of entertainment with food from two restaurants and three bars, plus a covered event space with a dance floor and open veranda seating overlooking the river and city,” a source told T+L of the High Line–inspired project that will connect Kansas City, Missouri, and Kansas City, Kansas. — Jalyn Robinson

Raf Willems/Getty Images

Just when you think Sin City can’t get any bigger, louder, or glitzier, Las Vegas turns it up another notch. On the heels of blockbuster residencies from Adele , Katy Perry, and Lady Gaga, U2 kicked off their inaugural stint at the long-anticipated Sphere this fall. Filmmaker Darren Aronofsky’s immersive sci-fi production “Postcard from Earth” will also show off the new arena’s 16K LED display, beginning this fall and continuing through 2024. Formula 1 and Netflix’s Formula 1: Drive to Survive captured a growing American audience for the international racing circuit, and the Las Vegas Grand Prix will hit The Strip Nov. 16-18, 2023, and again Nov. 21-23, 2024. It won’t be the only megaevent on the sports calendar: Las Vegas will host Super Bowl LVIII on Feb. 11, 2024, at Allegiant Stadium, marking the first time the game will take place in Nevada. Still not enough? The 67-story Fontainebleau Las Vegas will open in December with 3,700 rooms and a ton of buzzy restaurants, including a Casa Dragones Tasting Room and a Chinese noodle den from the restaurateur behind Wagamama and Hakkasan. — Elizabeth Rhodes

Louisville, Kentucky

Nick Simonite/Courtesy of Hotel Genevieve

The Kentucky Derby will celebrate its 150th anniversary on May 4, 2024, as well as the debut of the redesigned Churchill Downs Paddock, which is coming off a multiyear, $200-million renovation. Those that can’t make race day can brush up on the event’s history and culture year-round at the Kentucky Derby Museum , which has interactive exhibits on subjects like Black horsemen’s contributions to racing . Continue on theme at Derby City Hotel, a Canopy by Hilton property, which will open in downtown Louisville this summer with 168 rooms plus a rooftop pool and bar, or opt for another new property, such as The Myriad Hotel, Common Bond Hotel Collection , or the trendy Hotel Genevieve by Bunkhouse Group. Also coming in 2024 is “Ali,” a musical about the Louisville icon, which opens at the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts in the fall. There’s news on the spirits scene, too, including the launch of Bourbon and Belonging – Kentucky’s Queer Bourbon Week, a statewide celebration running Oct. 3-6, 2024, that will have events in Louisville and beyond. — Elizabeth Rhodes

Alessandra Amodio/Travel + Leisure

As close as you can get to Europe without the transatlantic flight, this island city of nearly 2 million is newly relevant in the year ahead, thanks to forward-thinking infrastructure that’s made it one of the greenest and most visitor-friendly spots in North America. The Réseau Express Métropolitain, or REM, is a new automated light rail system that Canada’s Globe and Mail calls “ Montreal’s biggest public transit project in more than half a century ,” with a growing number of stations coming online in the years ahead. (All of them are or will be “ universally accessible .”) The Grand Quay, the city-center pier that many cruise ships use, has a new attraction in the form of the Port of Montreal Tower , a blocky observation spire that echoes the look of the famed Habitat 67 nearby. Meanwhile, the city’s bike-sharing program, Bixi, which launched back in 2009, is still going strong and now offers an all-you-can-bike monthly pass for just $14 that makes using the system a no brainer; the city’s 560 miles of bike lanes help, too. The recently renovated Vogue Hotel Montreal Downtown, Curio Collection by Hilton , and the new-in-2023 Honeyrose Hotel, Montreal, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel , join the four-year-old Four Seasons in adding a touch of luxury that had, perhaps, been missing in the heart of the city. That said, Montreal has more than 24,000 hotel rooms — and plenty of Airbnbs — across the metro area, which will make it an ideal last-minute destination for eclipse watchers who want to be in the path of totality on April 8. — Paul Brady

When Paris hosts 329 distinct sporting events next summer, the whole city will be on display: the first-ever Olympic Games breakdancing competition will be at Place de la Concorde; beach volleyball courts will skirt the Eiffel Tower; and the opening ceremony’s Parade of Nations will sail down the Seine River. The host city of the 2024 Summer Olympic Games (July 26-August 11) and Paralympic Games (August 28-September 8) will welcome visitors with a flurry of new hotels and restaurants. Chateau des Fleurs is an extravagant new stay in the eighth arrondissement with 19th-century style and an haute Korean restaurant. Celebrated hotel designer Martin Brudnizki just unveiled two projects : the 50-room Grand Mazarin , in the Marais, and La Fantaisie in the ninth. And the hoteliers behind the Hôtel Dame Des Arts , which appeared on T+L’s 2023 It List , unveiled their train-themed Hôtel des Grand Voyageurs in Saint-Germain-des-Prés in October. The legacy establishments have new life, too: Hotel Plaza Athénée , named the best hotel in Paris by T+L readers, has a French restaurant, Jean Imbert au Plaza Athénée, which recently scored two Michelin stars, to say nothing of the property’s brand-new Dior Spa. And the sumptuous La Tour d’Argent restaurant just got a sensational facelift. Meanwhile, “numerous museums and institutions will host sports-related exhibitions, films, performances, workshops, and kids’ programming throughout the summer,” writer Lindsey Tramuta reported in T+L’s November 2023 issue. For those in need of a sports break, La Galerie Dior and Fragonard Musée du Parfum are two new additions to the scene worth checking out. — Maya Kachroo-Levine

For Moments on the Water

Coastal alaska.

Cruising is back in a big way, and Alaska's Inside Passage is leading the charge. In 2023, the state saw ships including Regent’s Seven Seas Explorer and Carnival’s Luminosa for the first time, while Royal Caribbean recently sent Brilliance of the Seas north for the first time in years. The new Klawock port, on Prince of Wales Island, is poised to welcome large ships in the 2024 season with food and retail outposts, exhibits detailing Indigenous culture and history, and nature trails. Skagway, a well-known port that’s home to Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park and the scenic White Pass and Yukon Route Railway, is getting a 550-foot floating pier, which will allow the port to host two megaships simultaneously beginning in the 2024 season. Lately, that season has been getting longer: most companies run trips May to September, but Norwegian Cruise Line had October sailings in 2023, which gave passengers a look at Alaskan life during a quieter season. Considering Alaska is projected to notch 1.65 million cruise travelers on around 700 voyages this year, opting for a shoulder season trip in 2024 might not be a bad idea. —  Nina Ruggiero

Coastal Norway

Sebastian Lamberg Torjusen/Courtesy of Salmon Eye

Long known for its cutting-edge design and architectural marvels like the Oslo Opera House, Norway has lately doubled down on building big. “Over the last few years, we’ve seen a surge in new attractions,” confirmed Katrine Mosfjeld, the chief marketing officer for Visit Norway. In seaside Oslo, the new luxury hotel Sommero is a study in adaptive reuse, inside a landmark building from 1930 originally designed by famed Norwegian architects Andreas Bjercke and Georg Eliassen. Four hours southwest, in Kristiansand, the Kunstsilo , or Art Silo, is another repurposed wonder: the one-time industrial complex will reemerge in 2024 as a museum devoted to Nordic modernist art. Up the coast, in Bergen, Iris Expedition Dining is a new tasting-menu destination located in Hardangerfjord, inside a floating sculpture known as the Salmon Eye. North of the Arctic Circle, the long-awaited Six Senses Svart promises to be one of the hottest openings anywhere when it finally debuts. The ring-shaped resort, at the base of the Svartisen glacier, aims to be off-grid, carbon-neutral, and emissions-free, with a zero-waste dining program and a “design lab,” as the hotel calls it, meant to foster further innovation. — Taylor McIntyre

Douro River, Portugal

Courtesy of Tauck

As recently as a decade ago, almost nobody was talking about wine tourism in Portugal. These days, “you have to see the Douro River,” said Sheree M. Mitchell , a T+L A-List advisor based in the country and the president of Immersa Global. “It’s non-negotiable.” Mitchell’s preferred way to do it is on a yacht charter, which gives guests the chance to spend a few hours or days hitting quintas , or wine estates, and dining at Michelin Guide–approved restaurants like Castas e Pratos . Cruises are a more affordable option, and lines are expanding their presence on the river, which cuts across Spain and Northern Portugal before reaching the Atlantic in the city of Porto. Tauck , a favorite among T+L readers, unveiled the Andorinha in 2021, which will sail 33 wine-country itineraries in 2024. Another T+L reader favorite, Viking, will have four ships on the Douro in the year ahead, visiting towns such as Peso da Régua and Pinhão, in the heart of port country. And AmaWaterways recently announced a special November 2024 departure that will “explore the history of the Black and African diaspora in Lisbon and along Portugal's stunning Douro River,” according to the brand. — Maya Kachroo-Levine

Faroe Islands

This remote, starkly beautiful archipelago in the North Atlantic just got way more accessible. Summer 2023 saw Atlantic Airways launch nonstop flights from New York Stewart International, 70 miles north of New York City, to Vágar Airport, in the islands. “This direct flight is not only about easier transport to our great ocean nation, but a means of creating a bridge between two worlds,” Jóhanna á Bergi, CEO of Atlantic Airways, told T+L. The news seems to have been warmly received by U.S. travelers. Melissa Lee , a Northern Europe specialist on T+L’s A-List said she has seen an uptick in interest in the Faroes. "Previously, you could only get there from Copenhagen, or Reykjavik, Iceland.” Once there, a world of adventure awaits, with activities including cold-water surfing , traditional knitting , and hiking to places such as Sørvágsvatn, the so-called lake above the ocean . Then there’s the top-flight dining: the restaurant Roks in Tórshavn, the Faroe Islands’ capital, is an offshoot of Koks, the Michelin two-starred restaurant in Greenland which is presently on hiatus. — Liz Cantrell

Kimberley, Australia

Bruno Cazarini/Courtesy of Silversea Cruises

This destination in northwest Australia, also called The Kimberleys, is home to ancient wonders: dinosaur tracks; striated geological formations, some 350 million years old, known as Bungle Bungles; waterfalls and reefs that seem unmoored from time; and Aboriginal history from what some call the world’s oldest continuous culture . Lately, though, some of the world’s top cruise lines have caught on to all the upside and are racing to offer thrilling expedition-style itineraries that combine all this history with modern-day adventures, such as sightseeing flights by helicopter, paddling, Zodiac tours, scuba diving, and cultural excursions. Silversea will have its Silver Cloud in the region from May through September, doing 10- to 17-day trips, with a maximum of 200 passengers. Seabourn is also bullish on the destination, and its newest expedition ship, the 132-suite Seabourn Pursuit , will spend June, July, and August cruising the region. (Both lines are perennial favorites among T+L readers .) Also operating on this remarkable stretch of coast are several Australian companies , including Coral Expeditions and True North Adventure Cruises , as well as private yacht charters like those organized by Yotspace . — Paul Brady

The Mississippi River

Courtesy of Viking

New ships are bringing fresh interest to one of America’s most storied waterways, meaning now’s the time to consider river cruising closer to home. “The Mississippi River is such an important part of American history,” said Adam Peakes, president of Hornblower Group, the parent company of American Queen Voyages. The line will have two ships on the Mississippi in 2024, both of which are already booking up for summer. “Many of our cabin categories are nearly at capacity almost a year in advance,” Peakes added. Other brands are also betting on the river: the Viking Mississippi launched in 2022, with 193 Scandi-chic suites, all with private verandas; American Cruise Lines has launched three new ships on the Mississippi in the past three years. There are new draws on land, too. In Memphis, the newly completed riverfront Tom Lee Park has an installation by artist Theaster Gates and a pavilion named for Tyre Nichols; the expansive riverfront attraction — a collaborative effort from Studio Gang, Scape Studio, and numerous other architectural and design firms — sits just south of Beale Street and is connected to the city via the River Line, a walking and cycling path. Meanwhile Natchez, Mississippi, is these days “filled with surprises, thanks in large part to a cohort of young natives who wandered away and then returned home with new ideas,” according to Southern Living ; come December, the town hosts holiday markets akin to those in Central Europe, as T+L recently reported . In St. Louis, the newest 21c Museum Hotel recently opened in a renovated, century-old YMCA building, with numerous permanent art installations as well as rotating shows and a beautiful, all-day cafe. And, of course, there’s always New Orleans . — Paul Brady

Courtesy of Cunard

Few voyages are as iconic as a transatlantic crossing aboard a Cunard ocean liner. So when the new Queen Anne departs Southampton, England, in May 2024, expectations will be sky-high for the first new Cunard ship to launch since the Queen Elizabeth in 2010. The 1,498-cabin vessel is slated to sail to Lisbon and will then spend its first summer in the Mediterranean. It will also represent an evolution for the 183-year-old brand: Queen Anne will have four new restaurants, including an omakase venue and an Indian dining room, alongside more familiar options such as the Princess Grill and Queens Grill, all overseen in partnership with U.K. chef Michel Roux, Jr. A top-deck wellness studio, with yoga and other fitness classes, will be another noteworthy addition to the ship. A third distinction: Queen Anne will be captained by Inger Klein Thorhauge, the first woman to hold that rank for Cunard. For all the new, some familiar traditions will remain, including proper high tea service and, naturally, an outpost of the Golden Lion pub pouring Cunard’s own microbrews. — Paul Brady

Seven Seas Grandeur

Courtesy of Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Slated to launch in November 2023, Seven Seas Grandeur will be the sixth ship from Regent Seven Seas Cruises, a luxury line that T+L readers consistently say is one of their absolute favorites thanks to no-nonsense, all-inclusive pricing and fabulous suites. The newcomer will feature fresh takes on the elevated dining, shore excursions, and entertainment already found on ships such as Seven Seas Splendor and Seven Seas Explorer , said Andrea DeMarco, the brand’s president. “ Grandeur is inspired by our rich heritage, but we’re reimagining signature restaurants and offering 15 exceptional suite categories to only 746 guests,” she explained. Among the no-expense-spared features of the new ship will be a multimillion-dollar, 1,600-piece art collection that counts among its trophies a handful of Picassos and a custom Fabergé Egg. (Fittingly, the ship’s godmother is Sarah Fabergé, the director of special projects for the jewelry house.) Grandeur ’s inaugural season will be in the Caribbean, but it will head for the Mediterranean in April before returning to the U.S. in August. — Elizabeth Rhodes

For Nature Lovers

Amboseli national park, kenya.

Courtesy of Angama

This 151-square-mile expanse, close to the border with Tanzania, is famed among safari insiders for its big-time wildlife: Amboseli has a well-earned reputation for elephant spotting, with massive herds roaming the dusty plains, along with all sorts of other charismatic creatures including cheetah, giraffe, and zebra. Camps and lodges surrounding the park tend to be basic, which is one reason the fall 2023 opening of the richly appointed Angama Amboseli is so exciting. The second? The 10-suite lodge is the first spinoff of the Angama Mara , a destination hotel that's among the best safari lodges in the world, according to T+L readers . The new property, located about 45 minutes driving from Amboseli National Park, on a private wildlife conservancy, will offer game drives as well as cultural experiences organized in partnership with local communities. Another draw: Angama Amboseli will have unparalleled views of the peak of nearby Mount Kilimanjaro, including from private patios attached to every suite. — Paul Brady

Aspen Mountain, Colorado

Jesse Hoffman/Courtesy of Aspen Snowmass

The legendary ski destination is getting its biggest makeover in four decades this season, with the opening of a new lift, a high-speed quad known as Hero’s that will make accessible a fresh 153 acres of fluffy powder. The project will increase the mountain’s skiable terrain by some 20 percent, adding more than a dozen new chutes, glades, and trails for intermediate and expert skiers. “The quad is a game-changer for Aspen,” said Maureen Poschman, a spokesperson for the Aspen Chamber Resort Association. “The new terrain is a big area, it’s high-altitude skiing, and it’s a bit of a hedge against climate change,” she noted. Not that you have to be a pro skier to find something to love in ever-evolving Aspen, which experienced an influx of residents the past few years . The cultural calendar is as packed as ever; Balenciaga and Hermès now have shops in the heart of town; and scene-y restaurants, including a Sant Ambroeus coffee bar, keep popping up. Where to stay? Mollie Aspen is the newest luxury hotel in town, slated to open in December with 68 rooms designed by Post Company, plus a rooftop plunge pool and terrace, right in the middle of it all. — Denny Lee

Big Sky, Montana

Mark Hartman

Just an hour from Yellowstone National Park, this wild, wide-open area offers heart-pumping activities such as fly fishing, hiking, horseback riding, and skiing at every turn. So, thankfully, a new retreat from hospitality brand One&Only is slated to bring some rest and relaxation to Big Sky in 2024. Situated between Lone Mountain and the Spanish Peaks, the 73-room Moonlight Basin will provide convenient access to 5,850 skiable acres, with a dedicated gondola connecting guests to Big Sky’s terrain, plus a private ski lodge and a Chenot spa. (The resort will also have 19 villas and 62 private residences.) The first U.S. outpost of One&Only, Moonlight Basin arrives a few years after another five-star resort, Montage Big Sky , which opened in 2021, with 139 rooms, six dining venues, a bowling alley, a huge spa, and, naturally, ski-in, ski-out access. — Alisha Prakash

Hokkaido, Japan

Courtesy of Club Med

Travelers are flocking back to Japan , but in the year ahead, they should look beyond Tokyo and Kyoto. Hokkaido, the northernmost of Japan’s main islands, has a sterling reputation for food — its biggest city, Sapporo, is famous for miso ramen — and its Shiretoko National Park is a natural wonder with excellent hiking and photogenic waterfalls. Hokkaido is also, insiders know, one of the world’s premier ski destinations thanks to simply phenomenal snow . The center of the action is the village of Niseko, which has plenty of hotels, homestays, and resorts — but has gotten a touch easier to visit thanks to the 2022 opening of Club Med Kiroro. The something-for-everyone property has two distinctive concepts, Club Med Kiroro Peak , for guests age 12 and older, and the new-in-2023 Club Med Kiroro Grand , a family-friendly alternative. These all-inclusives are helping to eliminate the intimidation factor when booking a Japanese ski week, by rolling up everything from accommodations and equipment rentals to off-the-mountain entertainment and kids' clubs. Another perk? Club Med Kiroro Grand will also have the brand’s first-ever Japanese onsen alongside other wellness facilities including soaking tubs and saunas. — Danielle Pointdujour

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Sven Musica/Courtesy of Madwaleni River Lodge - Babanango Game Reserve

This out-of-the-way South African province, sometimes shortened to KZN and located on the country’s eastern coast, is moving into the spotlight. “KwaZulu-Natal has two World Heritage Sites — the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and the majestic uKhahlamba Drakensberg National Park — and is popular for its beaches, safari parks, green hills, and temperate weather,” said Julian Harrison , a safari expert and longtime member of T+L’s A-List. It’s also home to an ambitious rewilding project backed by the Emcakwini Community Trust , which began reintroducing once-endemic species including black rhino, cheetah, elephant, giraffe, and lion in 2018; today, it’s known as Babanango Game Reserve . Harrison also points to other conservation efforts, such as those underway at andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve , which is monitoring critically endangered Temminck’s ground pangolins. The newly opened Madwaleni River Lodge is the place to stay, said Raza Visram , another A-List expert. “The intimate lodge has 12 beautifully designed tents that overlook the White Umfolozi River,” he explained. There’s also Sala Beach House , an oceanfront escape on Thompson’s Bay that writer Heather Richardson detailed in T+L’s September 2023 issue . Coming soon in KZN will be The Homestead , a 12-suite eco-lodge in the province’s western Nambiti Game Reserve. — Samantha Falewée

Mababe, Botswana

Dana Allen/Courtesy of Wilderness

Long considered one of Africa’s most exclusive safari destinations, Botswana has a huge array of five-star lodges, operated by the likes of African Bush Camps, andBeyond, and Great Plains Conservation. But the most compelling new place to stay isn’t one with high thread count sheets or over-the-top amenities: Mokete, a new safari lodge from Wilderness , is worth the trip because it will only exist until 2026, when the operator pulls down the tents and carries away any sign the nine-suite escape was ever there. The temporary enclave will be situated east of the famed Okavango Delta, in the heart of a 124,000-acre tract known as the Mababe Concession, which has considerable populations of lion, elephant, and buffalo, plus a huge variety of birds. Wildlife watching is the thing here, with all-day game drives and guided nature walks. Mokete is all about an elemental connection with the outdoors, down to the design of the guest quarters: each tent will have a retractable roof so guests can stargaze from bed — and hear the calls of hyenas from the surrounding bush. — Paul Brady

New Zealand

It’s time to take it off your once-in-a-lifetime list and just go : earlier this year, Delta launched service from Los Angeles to Auckland, and United Airlines plans to start a San Francisco to Christchurch route in December. That’s on top of an existing Air New Zealand nonstop between Auckland and New York City that launched in 2022 . “Any time of year is a great time to visit,” said Sarah Farag , a member of T+L’s A-List and the Auckland-based owner and director of Southern Crossings , a luxury travel firm. “Our summer months are always popular,” Farag said of the December to March period, “but those who come at other times are well-rewarded with captivating colors during autumn harvest season, snow-capped adventures and spectacular stargazing in the winter, and fabulous fishing and hiking in spring.” There’s a growing number of enticing stays, including the new exclusive-use villas at Flockhill Lodge , set on a working sheep station, and the Clifftops at Anderson Cove , a tented camp above the Northland coast. Christchurch has recently seen the opening of two new boutique properties, the sleek, modern Mayfair and the artsy Observatory Hotel ; meanwhile the beloved Huka Lodge in Taupo is getting a makeover. If the outdoors are a priority, turn an eye to the North Island’s Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve , the country’s second, which was certified earlier this year, or the new Tom Doak–designed golf course which just opened at Te Arai Links . — Peter Terzian

For Beach Vibes

Anna maria island, florida.

Flavio Vallenari/Getty Images

Compared to some brand-name Florida destinations, this island south of Tampa Bay is way under the radar. But it's cultivated a loyal following, thanks to its no-high-rises shoreline, incredible sunsets, and small-town feel. Case in point: Anna Maria Island is a place where most people tool around by golf cart or beach cruiser, and almost all the sherbet-hued clapboard homes are vacation rentals. In an effort to keep things copacetic, the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, which works on the island, inked a partnership with Leave No Trace this summer, making Anna Maria the first destination in Florida to work with the nonprofit. Meanwhile, new developments fit right in with the vibe: Mello on the Beach , a hotel that opened in July, offers vibrant retro-style apartments on the Gulf of Mexico, while the villas of Joie Inn , which opened in 2021, still feel super-fresh. On the dining scene, the cocktail bar Doctor’s Office recently added a “dining room” to its string-lit outdoor garden, and coming soon to the island is Bohemian, a restaurant from repeat James Beard semifinalist Jeannie Pierola. Getting there has gotten easier thanks to growth at Sarasota-Bradenton International, which added nonstops to four new domestic destinations in 2023. A planned terminal expansion looks to be right-sized, too: the airport aims to add five gates next year. — Jennifer Salerno Yong

Coastal Campania, Italy

Courtesy of Hotel La Palma

It’s no wonder Campania — the southern Italian region that’s home to Amalfi, Capri, Positano, and Sorrento — is having a bit of a hotel boom: visitors have been flocking to this splashy coastal destination over the past few years. The renaissance kicked off with Il Capri Hotel , which opened on the island last spring, offering travelers a boutique option inside a neo-Gothic villa reminiscent of a Venetian palazzo. Next, Oetker Collection, the luxury hotel brand behind the celeb-loved Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes, France, debuted its first Italian hotel in June: the glamorous, 50-room Hotel La Palma is a fresh take on a property that originally opened in 1822. Then there’s the new Convento di Amalfi , a 52-room Anantara with a cliffside pool, set in a 13th-century Capuchin convent. Airlines have also taken note of the increased demand: American Airlines and Delta are both launching new routes to Naples next year, the former from Philadelphia, the latter from New York City. Lindblad Expeditions, meanwhile, will have its new Sea Cloud II in southern Italy this coming May, for an 11-day itinerary that will take guests to the ancient ruins of Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast’s most beautiful seaside villages, with a focus on Italian food and wine. —  Nina Ruggiero

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

The land of pura vida just keeps getting better, which is why Costa Rica was just named T+L’s 2024 Destination of the Year . Surfers can find their bliss at the new, boho-chic Sendero hotel, which opened in February in oceanside Nosara, on the Nicoya Peninsula. A few hours north, the Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo has added the new Virador Beach Club, updated its golf course (while cutting water usage), and opened Wellness Shala, a spa that offers healing treatments with local ingredients like cacao, coconut, and volcanic mud. Nearby, the community of Las Catalinas has announced a new mixed-use space, La Rambla, which will promote spending time outside and car-free living. Forward-thinking tour operator Intrepid Travel has launched new trips that shine a light on the Terraba community, one of Costa Rica’s eight Indigenous groups. Meanwhile local outfitters such as UrriTrek are now offering guided hiking trips on the 174-mile Camino de Costa Rica , a trail connecting the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. — Samantha Falewée

The self-declared Nature Island, Dominica has been voted the best island in the Caribbean for the past two years in T+L’s World’s Best Awards , thanks in part to its serene tropical rain forests, enticing hot springs, and gushing waterfalls. There’s also an ever-growing number of resorts and hotels, such as the InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa , which opened this year, and the forthcoming Anichi Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection , and Tranquility Beach Resort — Curio — a Collection by Hilton . Also of note is the new 32-nautical-mile Waitukubuli Sea Trail, which takes sea-kayakers along the island's western coast from Scott’s Head to Capuchin; Soufrière Outdoor Centre can supply equipment, an itinerary, and a guide. And there’s another element to Dominica’s story that’s capturing the attention of travelers who care about sustainability. The volcanically active country plans to commission its first geothermal power plant in 2024, and in the meantime gets about a quarter of its overall power from hydroelectric sources. It’s also home to what T+L has called one of the world’s most eco-friendly resorts, Coulibri Ridge . — Annie Archer

Hawai’i Island

Courtesy of Rosewood Resorts

“We welcome mindful visitors to Hawai‘i Island,” said Ilihia Gionson, the public affairs officer of the Hawai'i Tourism Authority, in an interview with T+L. Commonly known as the Big Island, the destination is planning for a meaningful 2024, with the help of returning visitors. “Travelers have the opportunity to help mālama , or care for, our natural resources and support our community to ensure a regenerative model of tourism that is sustained for generations,” Gionson said. The theme of mālama is more significant than ever this year following the devastating fires that impacted both Hawai’i Island and Maui in 2023. Those looking to support relief efforts have many choices, including the Hawaii Red Cross, the Lāhainā Restoration Foundation, and more . Travelers ready to return might consider Kona Village, an iconic hotel that reopened in 2023 as a Rosewood Resort following its closure in 2011. “Each villa feels like your own little beach house,” Nicole Hollis, the interior designer of Kona Village, told T+L . Various events are on the island’s cultural calendar in the year ahead, including the Kona Brewers Festival in March and the Big Island Chocolate Festival in April. — Christine Burroni

Los Cabos, Mexico

Mariah Tyler/Travel + Leisure

With its rugged desert-meets-ocean landscape, 350 days a year of sun, and stunning five-star resorts, Los Cabos isn’t exactly an unexpected choice for a dreamy vacation. But 2024 promises to be a big year for the Baja California destination, thanks to all the new resorts coming to Cabo del Sol, the 1,800-acre community just east of Cabo San Lucas with two miles of beach and two 18-hole golf courses. Four Seasons Resort Cabo San Lucas at Cabo Del Sol and Soho House Beach Club are expected to open in the first part of 2024; Park Hyatt Los Cabos at Cabo Del Sol will join them by the end of the year. On the southern shore of the peninsula — and not far from the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal , a T+L reader fave — there’s even more happening: the resort community of Quivira Los Cabos will welcome the 120-room St. Regis Los Cabos at Quivira by late 2024, with access to 2.5 miles of beach and its own Jack Nicklaus golf course. — Danielle Pointdujour

Mallorca, Spain

Lara D'Agostino/Travel + Leisure

The sparkling waters, delicious food, and laid-back atmosphere are all still here — and Americans are loving United’s summertime nonstop service from Newark Liberty International. In the year ahead, though, they’ll be visiting for the booming luxury hotel scene, which is poised to help this island steal the spotlight from its western neighbor, Ibiza. One must-see is Son Bunyola , a Virgin Limited Edition retreat on Mallorca’s northwest coast, with three miles of beautiful coastline backed by olive groves. Sir Richard Branson first purchased the property in 1994, as T+L recently reported , but it only opened to guests this summer, with 26 rooms and suites, plus three villas. Nearby is The Lodge Mallorca , a Small Luxury Hotels of the World retreat that opened in May, which has wood-fired dining and extensive wellness programming. Then there’s the first hotel from 22-time Grand Slam champion and Majorcan Rafael Nadal, whose new Zel lifestyle brand has opened — what else? — Zel Mallorca , an approachable, beachy hotel in partnership with Meliá, the Spanish operator. Coming soon, said Clare Watkins, an expert in the Balearic Islands at Red Savannah , are more exciting properties: Four Seasons Resort Mallorca at Formentor will be a top-to-bottom refresh of a century-old hotel, while Mandarin Oriental Punta Negra, Mallorca, will have 131 rooms, plus 44 suites and nine bungalows, overlooking the sea just outside Palma. — Danielle Pointdujour

For Adventurous Travelers 

Alula, saudi arabia.

Didier Marti/Getty Images

Of all the ambitious tourism developments in Saudi Arabia, AlUla may be the most enchanting, which may explain why Qatar Airways recently launched new flights to the destination from its Doha hub. This huge sweep of red rocks and desert in the country’s northwest is home to Hegra, a 2,000-year-old archeological site filled with soaring tombs carved by the Nabataean civilization, the same one that built Petra, in modern-day Jordan. After touring ancient history, visitors can retreat to decadent contemporary hotels, including a forthcoming 36-room luxury resort at Hegra that will sensitively incorporate parts of an old railway station and fort. A short drive away, in AlUla’s Old Town, the contrast of old and new continues; the new 30-room eco-hotel Dar Tantora , for example, eschews electricity in favor of candlelight. In the year ahead, more fresh thinking will touch down in AlUla, courtesy of Wadi AlFann, or Valley of the Arts, a permanent showcase of works from big-name international artists. The best way to see it might be from on high, duringca April’s “AlUla Skies” festival, when helicopters and hot air balloons will soar above Instagram-worthy monuments. —  Jacqui Gifford

Bahia, Brazil

Marta Tucci

This coastal state, situated between the Amazon and Rio de Janeiro, is the sort of place most Americans never quite get to — and that’s a shame. Its coastline offers some of the most mythical surf-and-sand spots in the world, including Itacaré, which is home to the community-minded Barracuda Hotel & Villas , and the boho-chic enclave of Trancoso, a place that “first captured the imagination of the international creative set back in the 1980s,” as T+L reported in the September 2023 issue . “The beaches are some of the most picturesque in Brazil,” said Paul Irvine , an expert in the country and member of T+L’s A-List. But, he added, there’s more to Bahia than the coast. “We’ve started sending our more adventurous clients to the Chapada Diamantina National Park ,” he said, “which has its own vibrant, off-grid hippy culture.” While high-end hotels in the area are in short supply, more villa accommodations are popping up all the time. One thing to keep in mind for 2024: Brazil stopped requiring a visa for U.S. citizens back in 2019, but the country’s tourism officials have said that the mandate will return on Jan. 10, though further details on how to apply and any fees have yet to be announced. — Paul Brady

Northern Pakistan

Courtesy of Intrepid Travel

The northern reaches of this South Asian nation have a growing profile in the adventure-travel world, thanks to striking topography, high-elevation lakes, and precipitous peaks. Consider that, in 2023, Intrepid Travel launched a 12-day women-only expedition to the region, a first for the tour operator, which has similar trips in places such as Jordan, India, and Morocco. Intrepid will return in 2024 — with departures in May, September, and October — taking women to ancient villages, alpine lakes, and historic forts; travelers will have ample opportunity to meet with locals in areas that would be off-limits if men were part of the group, according to Intrepid. Other outfitters are heading to Northern Pakistan as well. Wild Frontiers will debut a brand-new, 14-day walking adventure that will no doubt challenge the bodies and minds of those who are up for it, with several full-day hikes, some above 4,000 meters (13,123 feet). The payoff comes in the form of staggeringly beautiful landscapes — not to mention the chance to make connections with people you meet along the way and see historic gems in Islamabad, the trip’s jumping off point. — Alisha Prakash

Peru's Trekking Routes

In a country where all roads seemingly lead to spectacular scenery and historic finds, there’s much more to explore beyond majestic Machu Picchu. These days, travelers have more options for getting off familiar routes thanks to the efforts of companies such as Alpaca Expeditions , an Indigenous-owned outfitter that will lead its first-ever, all-women hiking trip on the Salkantay Trail in 2024. Operated by women — including guides, porters, drivers, chefs, and other staff — for women, the seven-day adventure will include stays high in the Andes and cultural experiences such as cooking classes and farm visits that aren’t typical on more popular Inca Trail trips. Meanwhile the tour operator Intrepid Travel debuted in 2023 a 12-day expedition on the Great Inca Road in northern Peru. Starting in Huaraz and culminating at the Inca site of Huanuco Pampa, the trek will immerse hikers in this less-visited region’s nature and culture, including plentiful archeological sites. — Alisha Prakash

South Australia

ROBERT LANG/Courtesy of South Australia Tourism Commission

Visitors to this low-key state may feel like they’re in on a big-time secret with all that’s happening lately. The biggest news may be Australia’s new national park, Nilpe­na Ediacara , which opened in April and gives travelers a look at the oldest known fossils on the planet. “They’re about 550 million years old,” Mary L. Droser, an American paleontologist, explained in a recent interview with T+L . Across South Australia’s wine country, meanwhile, hotels such as Le Mas Barossa , Sequoia Lodge , and The Vineyard McLaren Vale are gateways to the hundreds of vineyards and cellar doors just outside of Adelaide, the state capital. “South Australia is known as the wine state for a reason,” said Tim Duval, the winemaker at John Duval Wines . Travelers can learn about small-batch wineries (including Duval’s) at Artisans of Barossa ; sample eco-conscious shiraz at Bird in Hand ; and enjoy a tasting in The Cube, a five-story structure fashioned after an unfinished Rubik’s Cube, at d’Arenberg . Another notable stay can be found on Kangaroo Island, where the famed Southern Ocean Lodge is slated to reopen in December after the disastrous bushfires of 2020. — Samantha Lauriello

Tatiana Kashko/Getty Images

This small South Asian island nation has big things on offer. “You can cover a lot of ground in two weeks, with loads of variety in the landscapes, from gorgeous beaches to lush jungles to high mountains to historic cities,” said Catherine Heald, co-founder and CEO of Remote Lands, a luxury travel firm. This year, the tea company Dilmah opened two boutique stays under its Reverie brand, Kayaam House and Ahu Bay ; Sri Lankan–owned hotel group Uga is debuting Uga Riva in Negombo this November; and for foodies, Red Savannah recently rolled out a culinary tour of Sri Lanka. Political unrest in 2022 took the destination off the table for many travelers, acknowledged Rachel Cooper , a South Asia travel expert at Red Savannah. But, she added, "the new government has introduced measures to protect and encourage a positive traveler experience throughout the country.” — Susmita Baral

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Warren Sapp Joining Deion Sanders' Coaching Staff at Colorado

The NFL Hall of Famer will be roaming the Buffaloes' sideline in 2024.

• Author: Liam McKeone, Special to SI.com

In this story:

The Colorado Buffaloes now have two gold jackets in the closet. On Monday, news broke that NFL Hall of Famer Warren Sapp had joined Deion Sanders' coaching staff as a graduate assistant. In a behind-the-scenes video posted by Well Off Media (a media company founded by Deion Sanders Jr.), Sapp was introduced to the team for the first time and informed them all he'd be a "senior quality control analyst" for the 2024 season. ESPN noted Sapp is taking classes at the school, which is why he's considered a graduate assistant.

The former Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle has certainly been working on his motivational speaking. In front of the Buffaloes' roster for the first time, Sapp said he's there to help them build mansions.

"We're building mansions here," Sapp said to the team when he was introduced by Sanders to the group in a video posted on YouTube. "That's why I'm here, to help you build your mansion."

Sanders is facing a big year as Colorado moves into the second season of the Prime Show. The hype for what Deion can do with his sons in tow reached critical mass early in the 2023 campaign after a few big wins. But the Buffaloes crashed hard down the stretch and ended up going 4-8 in a rapidly disintegrating Pac-12. Last summer, it was announced that the university would join the Big 12 for the 2024 season and beyond, which will bring a heightened level of competition.

Colorado will be bringing back its biggest contributors from the 2023 season, which should help. Two-way superstar Travis Hunter will be playing both sides of the ball for one more season before he hits the NFL draft. Shedeur Sanders flashed solid potential at quarterback last year and should improve in 2024. The Buffaloes' roster is lacking depth, but the star power at the top is excellent for a program that hasn't finished above .500 since 2016.

Now Sanders has added more star power to his coaching staff. Sapp brings an impressive resume to the table as a four-time All-Pro, Super Bowl champion, and Hall of Famer. He's also bringing reinforcements where Colorado needs it most. The Buffaloes' defense was porous in 2023 and will have to take a big leap if they are going to be anything resembling competitive. Sapp should help matters there.

Another big get for Sanders.

Liam McKeone is a writer at The Big Lead.

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This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Roaming Coastal Maine

A new tour, off the beaten track, this sounded great to me

Maureen Jones , Community Contributor

I read hundreds of brochures each month and was interested in seeing a new tour – Roaming Coastal Maine which I like the sound of. For people who don’t want to go overseas, perhaps this would be of interest to them. It’s certainly not a well travelled region of the country.

The program was Collette Tours, and it is one of their Explorer Small Group Tours. Up to 15 people, and their aim is to give you unique experiences you wouldn’t get if you went travelling on your own. Good value and a price of $2299 is based on a departure on May 10, 2020.

Find out what's happening in Los Altos with free, real-time updates from Patch.

You will be on a 7 day tour, with 9 meals, 6 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 2 dinners. You go to Portland, stay 2 nights in the Hyatt Place Old Port hotel, then Bar Harbor, 2 nights at the Bar Harbor Grand Hotel, then Rockport for 2 nights at the Samoset Resort. You will discover why Maine is known for lobster. You will find out what life is like for local lobstermen and see traps hauled out of the water as you cruise the waters on a traditional Downeast-style lobster boat.

In Acadia National Park, its your choice, admire the striking mountains and rocky shorelines as you drive the scenic park with a local guide, or set your blood pumping and take a bike ride through the famous winding carriage roads with a naturalist guide.

Uncover the quaint charm of Camden, tucked along the coast of Penobscot Bay, a small New England village boasting historic homes and plenty of little local shops and restaurants. You will have a few hours of free time to explore this jewel of the Maine coast.

You will visit an oyster farm, a local winery, and visit an antique collection of 150 cars, and an art museum.

There is lots of free time on this tour, so you can explore on your own, or with some new friends. You will be off the beaten track, in small places, away from crowds, yet enjoy a scenic part of the land.

I think this tour is worth checking out. It certainly tickled my fancy.

Maureen Jones

All Horizons Travel/Frosch

825 Santa Cruz Ave

Menlo Park, CA 94025

650-961-2340 direct

www.froschvacations.com

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch? Register for a user account.

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Transportation | Toyota Prius collides with bison on U.S. 40…

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Transportation | colorado wolf kills calf in grand county, but wildlife officials won’t say if reintroduced animal responsible, transportation | toyota prius driver hits, kills bison on u.s. 40 near craig, driver escaped injury on monday night, but animal was killed.

Drivers in western Colorado know to keep an eye out for deer and the occasional moose or elk that might stray onto the roadway. But on Monday night, a driver of a Toyota Prius ran into a bison in the dark on U.S. 40 west of Craig and lived to tell about it.

“The highway stayed open. There were no injuries to the driver,” said Colorado State Patrol Trooper Gabriel Moltrer.

The bison was killed in the accident, which occurred near milepost 74 at around 10:34 p.m. That mile marker is near the Lay Valley Bison Ranch. Efforts to reach someone at the ranch were not successful.

A Pew Trust study estimates that 1 million to 2 million crashes occur each year in the U.S. between motor vehicles and large animals, resulting in 200 human fatalities, 26,000 injuries and about $8 billion in property damages.

Colorado is considered a low-risk state when it comes to vehicle versus animal collisions, likely because such a large share of the population is concentrated along the northern Front Range, according to a study from State Farm .

In Wyoming, a high-risk state, about a fifth of reported collisions involve an animal, according to the Pew study. Drivers nationally have a one in 127 chance of being involved in a collision with an animal, according to State Farm.

Deer are the large animal most frequently hit on a road in the U.S., while collisions involving bison are very rare. Bison collisions are more of a problem in northwestern Canada, especially Alberta and the Northwest Territories, where wood bison roam freely.

John Graves, president of the Rocky Mountain Bison Association, which has 100 members in Colorado and Wyoming, said ranchers, whether they are raising cattle or bison, work hard to keep their livestock away from roads.

But fencing isn’t always foolproof and young animals in particular are curious by nature and some find a way to slip through barriers, he said.

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