Winter after the New Year is one of the best times of year to enjoy New York City. Seriously.

There are deals to be had , there’s finally some elbow space on sidewalks in SoHo and Greenwich Village and calendars are filled nightly with must-see cultural events in every borough.

These six things will leave you with warm feelings about the coldest season in New York City.

1. Ice skate on some of the world's most picturesque rinks: Central Park, Rockefeller Center and Bryant Park

A century ago, about 30,000 New Yorkers would head to Central Park’s long-gone Great Rink to hit the ice on a winter weekend (not so much to skate as to flirt). Those days are gone – happy hour changed everything – but skating outdoors in the city, particularly at night, remains a classic New York experience.

The rink at Rockefeller Center, a city icon, is a tiny space packed with visitors who pay the rather exorbitant prices for a photo opp in front of the gold Prometheus statue (prices hover around $35 to skate and $15 to rent during peak season and only slightly cheaper in January). Skating’s better at Wollman Rink , in the southeastern corner of Central Park. It’s a wide outdoor rink, with great views of the Midtown skyline and the park’s treetops. To save, skate Monday to Thursday.

A just-as-lovely setting is Bryant Park’s pocket-sized rink that’s free to use (though skate rental is an additional fee). Further downtown at Brookfield Place , you can skate alongside the Hudson River (so make sure you’re adequately dressed for the windchill).

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2. Join the vibrant festivities of Chinese New Year, this year on February 1, 2022

One of the city’s greatest (and most colorful) events is the Chinatown parade to celebrate the Lunar New Year, falling near the end of January into early February. About half a million people crowd the streets each year to sample food on the sidewalks, shop and watch vibrant dragons parade down Canal Street. But even many locals don’t realize that it’s not the only place to celebrate Chinese New Year. The Flushing, Queens, parade – which is actually a couple of years older than the one in Manhattan – is just as colorful, with far fewer people (about 10,000 a year).

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3. Enjoy a Broadway show or go Off-Broadway for something different

There are few things more New York than the thrill of a Broadway or Off-Broadway show. Most new shows tend to open between September and April, and on any given night you'll find upwards of 100 plays and musicals throughout the city. With such a wide variety, there really is something for everyone at every price point. Discounts and comprehensive listings can be found on the TodayTix app.

How to actually save money while visiting New York City

4. Enjoy a taste of the best of NYC's restaurants with Restaurant Week

Never mind the fact that the foodie-themed 'week' actually spans three, this beloved event offers reduced set meals at great city restaurants. The prix-fixe specials provide the coveted opportunity to dine at restaurants from chefs like Daniel Boulud and Marcus Samuelsson – a real deal for NYC. Check here for reservations , dates and a list of participating restaurants.

5. Linger a bit and enjoy the splendor of Grand Central Station

A hub for Amtrak, MetroNorth and the MTA subway, Grand Central Terminal is beloved by New Yorkers (well, the building is, but maybe not the unreliable train service). Once saved by Jackie O from a Penn Station-like fate, the building is always a spectacle, with nonstop action, ‘secret' bars and whisper galleries, plus the slick Oyster Bar downstairs, the work of Noma co-founder Claus Meyer.

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6. The kooky and unique artisan gifts you'll find at Brooklyn's Winter Flea

Brooklyn’s Winter Flea has become a shopping tradition for the cold months. Sixty or so vendors peddle all manner of wares from 10am to 6pm, Saturday and Sunday. Even if you’re not in the market for anything, it’s worth going to fill up your stomach at the accompanying Smorgasburg event, which offers up street food and other delicious fares from vendors across the city.

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NYC in winter: Broadway, ice skating, Restaurant Week and more top reasons to visit this season

From cloud-topped mountain peaks to colorful coral reefs, Fiji’s borders encompass 333 islands as well as the waters that surround them.

Travelers who prefer to spend most of their time outside will find few better places in the world to explore. Hike along rainforest trails to cascades, run full speed down a sand dune, blow bubbles alongside tens of sharks – and get ready for a trip where you won’t dare be bored.

Fiji is home to four national parks and over 100 marine sanctuaries where wildlife is protected. While a nature-bound adventure can usually be found steps away from your accommodation, these are the national parks and marine sanctuaries worth going to extra effort to see.

Bouma National Heritage Park – Taveuni

Bouma National Heritage Park on the lush island of Taveuni is where you can explore tropical rainforests with waterfalls and villages hidden among its trees. Many of its best cascades are easily accessible, like the first of the trio of Tavoro Falls, making it one of the best national parks in Fiji for families. On the Lavena Coastal Walk, you’ll follow a trail along Taveuni’s wild coastline, crossing beaches that jump from white to black sand, tropical flowers and fruit trees, and a swimming hole with a hidden waterfall.

If you crave trails that will challenge you, climb Taveuni’s volcanic crater to Des Voeux Peak and look out over Lake Tagimoucia. The area is home to the tagimoucia, Fiji’s national flower that can be seen on the country’s $50 banknote. The crimson-and-white blossom grows solely in this region of Taveuni.

Visiting Bouma National Heritage Park

Entrance into the park costs FJD$36 ($17) per person, paid on arrival into Bouma or Lavena village. All major resorts and accommodations on Taveuni can help arrange guided tours of the park, and it’s doable as a day trip. Budget one day for the Lavena Coastal Walk and a second for Tavoro Trail.

Sigatoka Sand Dunes – Viti Levu

Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park is one of the most historically significant national parks in the country, as archeologists have uncovered pottery and human remains dating back over 2500 years. The park hosts a visitor center with a handful of relics and information about how the sand dunes came to be. A short trail through a mahogany forest leads to the dunes themselves, which can look in overcast skies like mounds of gray ash, or bear a golden tint in full sun. Carve out a spot for a picnic, go for a swim (if seas are calm) or take the challenge of sprinting down a dune without care of consequence.

If it’s crowded, walk down the beach towards the Sigatoka River to find a swath of sand to yourself – though you might see a surfer or two making their way over the crest with a board underarm.

Visiting Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park

Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park is an easy day trip from Nadi or Suva, and a convenient road trip stop if driving along the Coral Coast. Entrance to the park costs FJD$10 ($5.70) per adult and FJD$5 ($2.35) per child. The visitor center is open from 8am to 5pm daily.

Colo-I-Suva Forest Park – Viti Levu

You don’t have to venture far from Fiji’s capital city to get lost in a jungle. Just 12 km (7mi) outside of Suva’s city center is Colo-I-Suva Forest Park, a popular place for Suva residents to spend their holidays and weekends. The first mile of the trail into the park is well kept – it was redone in 2018 for the British royal visit – and leads to a tranquil swimming hole. Jungle vines and tree roots encroach into the trail further along – but persistence is rewarded by creek walks, rope swings, uncrowded swimming areas, picnic benches and waterfalls that range from barely a trickle to modest cascades.

Visiting Colo-I-Suva Forest Reserve

For non-Fijian citizens, the entrance fee into Colo-I-Suva is FJD$5 ($2.35) per person; the front gate is open from 8:30am to 4pm daily. It’s wise to take a photo of the park map at the park trail entrance as trails are not well marked and phone reception can be spotty. Muggings have been known to happen here, so leave valuables behind.

Koroyanitu National Heritage Park – Viti Levu

With grasslands, waterfalls, hiking trails that range from leisurely to downright grueling, jagged peaks and welcoming villages, Koroyanitu National Heritage Park is a paradise for travelers who have a penchant for adventure. Trek to the top of Mount Batilamu for views of the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands. Pack your bathing suit to enjoy a dip in one (or many) of the site’s waterfall-fed natural pools.

Residents of the six villages within park grounds are custodians of the area, and often welcome travelers to have a home-cooked lunch for a small fee. For a true Fijian experience, stay the night and pack along a bundle of yaqona (kava) to share with the villagers, who will pour out servings of the mud-colored relaxant after a long day of trekking.

Visiting Koroyanitu National Heritage Park

The visitor center in Abaca is technically open from 8am to 5pm Monday to Saturday and 8am to 10am and 12pm to 5pm on Sunday, though you might not always spot someone at the desk. Entrance costs FJD$25 ($11.80) per person. Trails aside from the one to Mount Batilamu are best explored with a guide (FJD$20-50 per person depending on the hike), as many are unsigned. There are barebones huts in the park for campers (FJD$40 per person).

Shark Reef Marine Reserve – Beqa Lagoon

Shark Reef Marine Reserve was founded in 2004 to protect eight species of sharks, from small species like blacktip and whitetip reef sharks to giant bull sharks and tiger sharks. A visit to the reserve is one you won’t forget, as you drift down to the seabed and watch as tens of sharks circle above – all without a cage. Just be sure to stay still.

This sanctuary was made possible through tourism, as the village of Galoa receives money from the shark-dive operator to protect the sanctuary from any form of fishing. Hundreds of other fish species have also taken shelter in these waters, which teem with marine life.

Visiting Shark Reef Marine Reserve

Shark Reef Marine Reserve is in Beqa Lagoon, accessed from Pacific Harbour. Dives are organized through Beqa Adventure Divers and cost FJD$325 ($153) for a two-tank dive plus FJD$50 ($23.50) entrance levy.

Namena Marine Reserve – Vanua Levu

Namena Marine Reserve off Vanua Levu is Fiji’s largest marine sanctuary, protected by multiple villages in the region. Underwater, snorkelers and divers discover soft corals that span the rainbow, hosting sea turtles, crabs, octopi, eels, anemones, and over 1000 species of fish. And while the reef is mesmerizing during a dive, be sure to look into the blue as dolphins, whales, sharks, tuna, and other pelagic marine life are often seen cruising through. Some of the coral bommies are found in shallower waters, making this a perfect place to explore for divers and snorkelers alike.

Visiting Namena Marine Reserve

Namena Marine Reserve is best accessed through dive resorts and operators in Savusavu on Vanua Levu. Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, Namale Resort and Namena Divers at Koro Sun Resort offer trips to the reserve.

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Don’t leave Fiji without visiting these national parks and marine sanctuaries

Between the comfortable and scenic trains plus the comprehensive bus network, it’s possible to get around much of Sicily without your own vehicle. And prices on public transportation are very cheap, making it a great budget option. Still, for maximum flexibility in your explorations, you can’t beat having a car, although that comes with both environmental and financial costs.

There are good train services for parts of the island

The train is a delightful way to travel on Sicily, although large swaths of the island are not served. The main line runs east from Palermo to Messina and then south to Syracuse via Catania. Trains on these routes are fast and comfortable. A web of secondary lines with much slower trains and more limited service covers some other parts of the island.

Some night trains and daytime fast trains serving the lines to Palermo and Syracuse use the train ferry at Messina to link up to the rail network on the mainland. You can ride as far afield as Naples, Rome, Florence, and Milan without changing trains.

Fares are cheap. For instance, Palermo to Catania is only €13.50 ($15.60) and the ride takes four hours (just 20 minutes longer than the bus) and it is much more scenic. Intercity (IC) or Intercity Night (ICN) trains are the fastest, stopping only at major stations; espresso trains stop at all but the most minor stations, while regionale trains are the slowest of all, halting at every stop.

While the state-owned Trenitalia operates all regular trains on Sicily, those that circle the base Mt Etna are run by the private Ferrovia Circumetnea.

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Buses are the only transportation to interior towns

Away from the main coastal train routes, buses are generally the best way of getting around Sicily. Buses offer faster, more direct service on certain intercity routes where train connections are inconvenient, such as Catania to Agrigento, Syracuse to Palermo, or Palermo to Trapani.

Buses are the only form of public transportation serving many interior towns. In rural areas services are sometimes linked to school hours and market opening times, which can mean leaving incredibly early or finding yourself stranded after mid-afternoon. Sunday schedules are often meager at best.

In larger cities, the main intercity bus companies have ticket offices or operate through agencies. In smaller towns, bus tickets are often sold in bars or on the bus. Reservations are not necessary, but buying a ticket in advance can ease time-sensitive journeys such as those to an airport. Compare services online, using services like Omio

Sicily’s major bus companies cover most destinations: They are: AST (Azienda Siciliana Trasporti); Interbus; SAIS Autolinee; SAIS Trasporti; and Salemi.

Ferries run year-round to offshore islands

Sicily’s offshore islands are served by traghetti (ferries) and aliscafi (hydrofoils). To the Aeolian Islands, services run from Milazzo and Messina; to the Egadi Islands, from Trapani and Marsala; to Ustica, from Palermo; and to the Pelagic Islands, from Porto Empedocle (near Agrigento).

Many services run year-round, although they are pared back considerably in winter and can be affected by adverse sea conditions. Overnight ferries offer cabins for an extra cost. Deck class is only sold in summer. Larger ferries to/from the mainland and the islands carry vehicles. Operators include Liberty Lines and Siremar. Check schedules and compare fares at Ferryhopper.

Car is ideal for exploring the countryside

A car is the best way to explore Sicily’s countryside, remote hill towns, seaside archeological sites and much more. However, having your own wheels on the island does come with certain headaches, not the least of which are the carefree attitudes locally about traffic rules. Drivers can be aggressive and/or sloppy in their driving habits.

Most roads are in good condition and some cross-country strade statali (state roads) roads actually seem over-engineered with extraordinary amounts of concrete used in their construction. Car ferries run constantly between the Italian mainland and Sicily. Parking in cities and towns can be very difficult, with few available spots. Staying at accommodation that includes parking can offer great relief when you’re worn out from a day of driving.

Tips for renting a car: Major international car rental firms can be found at airports, city centers, and tourist areas. Motorcycles, motorbikes, and scooters are usually available for rent from local agents in resort areas. Almost all drivers can use licenses valid in their home countries.

Road rules in Sicily

Important road rules when driving in Sicily include:

Drive on the right
Seat belts must be worn
Helmets are required for riding all two-wheeled vehicles
Do not use handheld mobile phones
The speed limit in built-up areas off main roads is a mere 50km/h (approx 30mph).

Official taxis are expensive

Official taxis are white, metered, and expensive. If you need a taxi, you can usually find one in taxi ranks at train and bus stations. If you book a taxi by phone, you will be charged for the trip the driver makes to reach you. Rates vary from city to city. There’s also an array of supplementary charges for night-time/Sunday rides, to/from the airport, extra luggage, etc. Uber in Sicily only operates in Syracuse.

Riding a bike is a challenge on Sicily's narrow roads

There are no special road rules for cyclists, but you would be wise to carry a helmet and lights. Sicilian drivers may not be particularly considerate to riders, and with narrow roads and summertime heat, bike riding in Sicily can be challenging. Bike rental isn’t widespread, but it’s usually available at coastal resorts.

Planes serve the offshore islands

The only commercial flights within Sicily are those connecting the main island with smaller islands offshore. DAT flies to Lampedusa and Pantelleria in well under an hour from Sicily’s main airports (ferries take anywhere from a little over two hours to seven hours for these trips).

Larger cities have comprehensive transportation services

There are local transit systems in Sicily’s larger cities that operate comprehensive local bus services. In addition, Palermo has a tram network and Catania has a metro.

Accessible transportation in Sicily

Prodded by EU and Italian legislation, transit on Sicily is becoming more accessible, although it still has far to go. Much of the island’s infrastructure presents challenges by way of steps, uneven sidewalks, too-small elevators (where they exist), and vehicles that cannot accommodate a wheelchair. It is possible to book wheelchair-accessible cabs with some taxi companies – specify this when you call to book in advance.

The train system can accommodate wheelchair users, although it may require intervention on the part of staff. Disabled assistance at stations, including for people in wheelchairs, is provided by Sala Blu, a branch of the state railway company. Contact them in advance for assistance. It's also useful to arrive at the station well in advance so as to coordinate any assistance needed getting on the train (accessibility varies widely across the Sicilian train network and trains). Once aboard, let the conductor know if you'll need assistance at your destination or arrange it in advance by contacting Sala Blu. Palermo’s trams are accessible. Other city transit systems and intercity buses are usually accessible.

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It's the most wonderful time of the year! There's no better time to cut some slack off your diet as you cut into a delicious yule log cake. The Christmas season is all about celebrating the joys of life, and what's more joyful than dessert?

But just where do some Christmas desserts such as shortbread, plum pudding and mince pies come from? And how did they become a part of the Christmas season? Here's a handy guide to tracing the history of the world's most delicious traditional Christmas desserts, and the most fun part of all: where you can try them yourself.

Bibingka is traditionally enjoyed on Christmas morning in the Philippines © richardernestyap / Shutterstock" data-embed-button="images" data-entity-embed-display="media_image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{"image_style":"","image_link":""}" data-entity-type="media" data-entity-uuid="6fce45b4-a9db-4130-b867-2cea561fa6b8" data-langcode="en" title="Bibingka, Philippines">

Bibingka, Philippines

Bibingka, a type of sweet, glutinous rice cake is commonly eaten during the Christmas season, which begins in September in the Philippines. The batter is traditionally poured into a terracotta dish lined with a banana leaf and steamed in a clay oven with coals above and below.

The sticky cakes were initially presented as offerings to pre-colonial gods or were given as gifts to honored guests. Today, bibingka is still a special pleasure among Filipinos, who often have it for breakfast or right after the nine-day dawn masses during the holidays. The popular delicacy is also enjoyed in areas of Indonesia.

Where to try it: Cafe Via Mare in Manila

Buñuelos, Mexico

These light, crispy, sweet discs are a beloved treat in Mexico during the holiday season, a legacy of the Spanish colonisers. Made of fried dough, buñuelos are then sprinkled with sugar or soaked in piloncillo syrup (made from cane sugar). The recipe and shape vary from state to state. For instance, in Tabasco, people make a similar version to the original, while in Veracruz they come in different flavors, such as sweet potato, pumpkin or almond, and some are small balls or donuts fried in lard and dusted with sugar. In other Latin American countries, such as Colombia, buñuelos are ball-shaped and filled with cheese.

Where to try them: Street food stalls across Mexico sell them at Christmastime.

Kahk, Egypt

In Egypt, making kahk (which means cookies) is as ancient as the pharaohs. In fact, drawings depicting women making kakh have been found engraved on the walls of pharaonic temples in ancient Thebes and Memphis. In ancient times kakh were often stuffed with dates and figs.

Today the shortbread-like cookies, imprinted with a geometric pattern, are made with a variety of stuffings – dates, pistachios, walnuts – or spiced with cinnamon, cloves and ginger, and sometimes also fennel seeds, anise seeds and mahlab (the seed of a sour cheery pit).

Kakh is enjoyed by both Muslims and Coptic Christians to mark the end of Ramadan and Advent fasts, as well as other special festivals. Coptic Christians often bring a box of kakh as a gift when visiting friends and family at Christmas.

Where to try it: Zack's Bakery Cafe, or at the legendary Khan al-Khalili bazaar.

Rose cookies, India

This traditional delicacy is especially popular at Christmas in the Indian state of Goa, which was subjected to Portuguese rule for almost 500 years. Known in Portuguese and Goan as rose de coque, rose cookies are not really cookies at all but rather fried dough infused with cardamom and vanilla.

The rose shape is accomplished using a cast iron mould with a rounded, flower-like design. After frying, rose cookies might be dipped in or sprinkled with icing sugar.

Where to try them: Nicolau Bakery

Malva pudding, South Africa

Malva pudding, or malvapoeding in Afrikaans, is a rich and sweet cake deeply rooted in South Africa’s Cape Dutch culture. While not prepared exclusively at Christmas, its decadence means it’s reserved for special occasions. Also known as lekker (meaning delicious) pudding, the traditional dessert is embraced by all South Africans.

It’s prepared with apricot jam and a little malt or balsamic vinegar, which give the dessert a caramelized texture. Some ingredient variations include ginger, brandy, and/or Amarula liqueur. After baking, the cake is then drenched with a creamy sauce while still hot. This is key, as the cake absorbs the sauce while cooling, turning into a sticky pudding. The dessert is most popular in Cape Town.

Where to try it: De Oude Cafe and Restaurant, or try Willoughby & Co closer to the center of town.

Stollen, Germany

A veritable German icon, this traditional cake-like fruit and nut bread coated in icing sugar originated in Dresden. In the Middle Ages, stollen was a hard bread made of oats, flour and water.

In time, the pope granted special dispensation permitting bakers to use butter and other rich ingredients like raisins, marzipan, and candied orange peel — foods that were forbidden during Advent — to make their Christmas bread. However, the bakers had to pay a fine as well as present their ruler with an increasingly large stollen, the largest, in 1730, weighing a staggering 1.8 tonnes.

The mammoth stollen tradition continues today at the annual Dresden Stollenfest, taking place on the Saturday prior to the second Advent.

Where to try it: Stollenfest, or Schlosscafé Emil Reimann.

Beigli, Hungary

This sugary, roll-shaped pastry with a dense, swirly filling of poppy seeds or walnuts is a Christmas fixture in Hungary. A German-Yiddish word meaning horseshoe or "to bend", beigli dates back to old folk traditions in which both poppy seeds and walnuts had their symbolic significance: walnut provided protection against magic spells or curses, while poppy seeds, imported by the Ottomans, meant prosperity. Beigli’s cousin, flódni, is a Jewish-Hungarian dessert stacked with layers of apple, walnut, and poppy seeds.

The ubiquitous Christmas treat as it is known today came to Hungary in the second half of the 19th century, during the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Initially baked only in the home as a family ritual, beigli eventually spread to cukrászdas, or confectionaries.

Where to try it: Edesem Cukrászda.

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Hi, I’m Dr. Jenny Yu, Healthline ’s Medical Expert and Lonely Planet Travel Health Expert. Welcome to my column, where each week I’ll share stories and insights, experiences and opportunities, and perspectives on how you can take the "well" traveled path in your journeys.

The Omicron variant is likely to take over as the dominant COVID-19 variant in the next couple of months, replacing Delta. The race to stop its spread has caused confusion and many new challenges for travelers. Many countries have implemented – or reintroduced⁠ – strict testing either on arrival or within one day of travel. The US now requires all travelers and returning citizens test negative for COVID-19 within one day of travel, and some of the practical tips on how to navigate the testing can be found here.

Read more: Omicron: How the new COVID-19 variant is impacting travel around the world

Luckily, the US allows travelers to use at-home testing kits, provided they are proctored by a telehealth professional. So whether you’re in an eco-lodge in Costa Rica or a luxury resort in the south of France, if you have a reliable internet connection and a device you can connect with medical professionals with ease. Two of the at-home testing kits that are approved for re-entry into the US, BinaxNow and Ellume, offer telemedicine appointments for testing. On the subject of telehealth appointments, their ubiquity allows us to stay connected with our own providers more so than ever before. If you test positive and/or are feeling ill, having medical advice from your own doctor is both comforting and reassuring.

Planning for travel during the pandemic requires us to set time aside to consider various medical scenarios. The checklist could include: What is the availability of testing at my travel destination?; Will the country allow me to bring the self-administered tests?; What is the capacity of services in local hospitals/clinics?

The good news is that if you are vaccinated, especially if you’ve received a booster shot, a breakthrough infection may be quite mild. Early data from the Omicron variant also suggests that while it is more transmissible, the symptoms are milder.

You can relieve some of the stress of getting sick away from home by packing a “medical” kit.

I have often traveled with my own “sickcare” kit, which includes anti-fever and anti-inflammatory medications, antibiotic ointment, and more. During the pandemic, packing a thermometer and/or a pulse oximeter would be helpful in gauging your symptoms. Having these data points would also be beneficial when doing a telemedicine appointment with a healthcare provider. It would help to determine when you would actually need to seek care.

Many travelers have had to change their plans because of an unexpected positive COVID-19 test – even if they didn’t have symptoms. Having a contingency plan still seems to be necessary due to the various unknowns of Omicron. As we continue to navigate through rapidly changing rules, read these practical tips for self-isolating abroad.

For more information on COVID-19 and travel, check out Lonely Planet's Health Hub.

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Bereft of sun-loungers and ocean-front promenades, Alaska redefines the traditional image of a beach. Here, in the land of humongous glaciers and polar bears, palm trees are mock-ups made from whale baleen, golden sands really do contain gold and, if you want to go swimming, you may have to break a hole in the ice first.

But, before you write off Alaska’s beach credentials, consider that the 49th state has more coastline than the entire Lower 48 states combined. The beaches of the Last Frontier state are places to commune with nature and get active – we promise you won't miss the sunbathing!

Here's a guide to the best beaches in Alaska.

Go gold panning on Golden Sands Beach, Nome

Nome, on Alaska’s chilly western shoreline, was the hub of a frenzied 1899 gold rush (Klondike’s unruly sequel) when hunks of the precious metal could be found quite literally lying on the beach. While the big fortunes are long gone and Wyatt Earp and his gang of gold rush gofers are now fading ghosts, Golden Sands remains open to recreational mining.

On long summer days, amateur miners set up temporary camps along the stretch of shore running a mile east of town along Front St. Some pan or open a sluice box on the beach itself; other more serious prospectors rig up sluices and dredging equipment on pontoon boats anchored offshore.

If you fancy chancing your arm, practically every gift shop and hardware store in town can sell you a black plastic gold pan. Striking it rich is not all feverish fantasy – in 1984, a beach-combing visitor uncovered a 1.29oz nugget at the eastern end of the seawall that was worth well over $1000.

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Ride the surf at Cannon Beach, Yakutat

Endowed with soft glacial silt sand and battered by gloriously surfable waves, this windswept beach runs for 10 miles near the isolated settlement of Yakutat on Alaska’s "Lost Coast." Named for the remnants of US military hardware left over from WWII, the beach is bookended by two naval gun batteries and scattered with other wartime debris, including an old landing craft.

These days, the biggest threat to your sandcastles is not the guns or the tides, but the huge brown bears that frequent the area – look out for their paw-prints in the sand and stay alert. Beyond the driftwood and military junk, tall grasses and thick coastal rainforest attract a plethora of birdlife.

Yakutat is considered Alaska’s best surfing hub and there's a small local surf scene and a friendly surf shop renting boards and highly necessary wetsuits.

Dip your toes in the Arctic Ocean on Barrow Beach, Utqiaġvik

There’s not a whole lot to do in frigid Utqiaġvik, aka Barrow, the most northerly settlement in the US, except grin and bear the weather, keep a close eye out for polar bears and dip in the Arctic Ocean. In fact, many visitors come here just so they can say they’ve paddled or plunged into the uncomfortably cold waters of the world’s most northerly sea.

The town’s dark-sand beach is usually accessed via a whalebone arch close to the Top of the World Hotel (the town’s coziest nook). You can stroll for a short distance along the northern rim of America to view umiaks (traditional kayaks), the giant jawbones of bowhead whales, fish-drying racks and Arctic pack ice, which floats like a jumbled jigsaw on the horizon even in July. Don’t wander too far beyond the town limits: polar bears prowl the surrounding tundra.

If you come in the height of summer, expect it to feel more like winter in New York and dress accordingly. If you’re considering coming in the winter, don’t – unless you're planning a pilgrimage to the setting for the 2007 vampire flick 30 Days of Night.

Spot wildlife on Lowell Point Beach, Seward

At this small beach, 3 miles south of Seward on the Kenai peninsula, you can sit on a log on the pebbly shores of Resurrection Bay and watch sea otters floating contentedly on their backs, while sea lions play in the surf and cruise boats glide past for an afternoon of glacier-viewing in Aialik Bay.

Safe, tranquil and walkable from Seward along an unpaved road, Lowell Point is a state recreation site and also the trailhead for the Tonsina Creek Trail, which connects to another beach a short walk to the south. In the lush Sitka spruce and hemlock forests that lie behind the shoreline, bald eagles congregate like pigeons in Central Park.

Cast your reel from Kenai Beach, City of Kenai

Few would claim that the City of Kenai is Alaska’s prettiest settlement, but this utilitarian oil town has an interesting quirk: it has a sweeping sandy beach, flanked by volcanic peaks and revered by fishing enthusiasts. It’s not just the sand that makes Kenai extraordinary; guarding the mouth of the Kenai River and lapped by the waters of Cook Inlet, the beach attracts hundreds of dip-net fishing enthusiasts in June and July, when migrating sockeye salmon fill the bay.

You can see these athletic fish jumping in and out of the water just yards from the shore as they head upriver by the thousand to spawn. Add in Frisbee throwers, picnickers and family reunions, and you’re looking at a full-on Alaskan beach party.

Kenai is probably best known for the views of conical Mount Redoubt across Cook Inlet. The 1989 eruption of this stratovolcano was the second costliest in US history (after the eruption of Mt St Helens in 1980). When incorporated into a fiery sunset, the broken crater is a sight to behold.

Go swimming at Rotary Beach, Ketchikan

You have to travel almost to the southernmost point in Alaska to find a beach where getting into the water doesn’t make you feel like running straight out again. Rotary Beach is Ketchikan’s Coney Island without the kitschy amusement parks. Locals come here at weekends to picnic, set up a barbecue and let the kids run wild in the water.

The area has great tide pools teeming with sea urchins, octopi and anemones. Credit for the warmish (by Alaskan standards) water goes to the cement causeway, which creates a protected pond regularly replenished by the tides of adjacent Nichol’s Passage.

Located 3.5 miles south of Ketchikan on the South Tongass Highway, the beach was once owned by a Norwegian miner, Martin Bugge, who staked a claim here in 1915. Colloquially, it’s still known as Bugge Beach.

Become an amateur paleontologist on Fossil Beach, Kodiak

Some 46 miles south of Kodiak City on the island of Kodiak, this remote beach is hemmed in by smooth cliffs and backed by a couple of diminutive lakes, and there are multiple reasons to visit. The beach was named for the fossils of ancient shells and vertebrates that can be picked up on the foreshore, dating back to the Neogene period, 20 million years ago.

Soccer-ball-sized concretions of fossils, sand and silt line the cliffs at either end of the beach. Pick your way carefully around the easternmost cliff at low tide and you’ll spot more fossils entombed in the sandstone. Head left up the hillside where the road ends and you'll reach a series of bunkers and the remains of a searchlight station on Narrow Cape left over from WWII.

While Kodiak is celebrated for its brown bears, Fossil Beach is better known for the herd of bison that roams the sandy expanses close to shore and sometimes blocks the road. Gray whales are often visible offshore (look for the spray from their blowholes) along with the occasional brave surfer.

Go beach-combing on Kincaid Beach, Anchorage

Anchorage’s best beach is nestled in a much-loved 1400-acre park on the western ‘nose’ of a rounded peninsula that juts into Cook Inlet. If you’re heading south from downtown on the perennially popular Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, this is where you’ll end up.

Unpaved side-trails wind down through rolling, forested hills to a clean sandy beach backed by dune-like bluffs. While it’s too cold to comfortably swim on Kincaid, beach-combing can throw up some surprising souvenirs, including prized glass fishing floats, lost decades before by fishing boats operating off the coast of Japan.

Widescreen views of mountains and water are marred only by the periodic roar of incoming jets (the airport is nearby). Fire Island guards the teal-blue waters of Cook Inlet and, on a clear day, it’s possible to make out the snowy humps of Mt Susitna and 20,310ft (6,190m) Denali, America’s loftiest peak.

Discover Alaska Native history at Petroglyph Beach, Wrangell

If you thought Alaska's history started with the Klondike gold rush, you’re out by several millennia. For proof, come to this boulder-strewn beach just north of Wrangell on the southeastern panhandle, where primitive Tlingit rock carvings have resisted the forces of time and weather for thousands of years.

Protected by a state historic park, the beach has rocky outcrops and boulders bearing some 50 faint etchings, many of them resembling spirals and faces. A wooden viewing deck by the entrance has interpretive boards explaining the main theories about their origins and meaning. Come at low tide to see the best selection. You can also view some more recent wrecked fishing vessels at the north end of the beach.

Grab a bite to eat and go shopping on Homer Spit, Homer

This elongated finger of land – known colloquially as "the Spit" – is a 4.5-mile sandbar jutting into Kachemak Bay near Homer on the Kenai peninsula. It's the most un-Alaskan of Alaska’s beaches, doing a good impersonation of a New England coastal resort. The Spit pulsates all summer with diners tucking into fish and chips and cruise ship passengers inflicting irreversible damage on their credit cards in gaudy gift shops.

The hub of local activity is the small boat harbor which, with more than 700 boats, is surprisingly large. Beachcombing, lighting bonfires, bald-eagle watching and joining the recently docked fishers chewing the fat at the Salty Dawg Saloon are all favorite activities.

You can go clam collecting at Mud Bay on the east side of the Spit, or just walk along the pebbly gray-brown sand admiring the stilt-supported buildings and the noble peaks of the surrounding mountains.

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With more than 320 days of sunshine and 288 parks, Albuquerque is definitely a destination for outdoor lovers. From family playgrounds to the rugged wilderness of the Sandía Mountains, Albuquerque has a range of public spaces for every person – and dog. Here are a few favorite parks and public spaces that offer a wide range of activities when you want to get outside.

Balloon Fiesta Park

This 72-acre field is the site of the annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, when hundreds of hot-air balloons lift off daily during the first week of October. But this enormous green space is open to the public the rest of the year, too. Other special events at this park include the annual Albuquerque Renaissance Faire, Freedom 4th fireworks display, and Doggie Dash and Dawdle. The Albuquerque Golf Center here has 35 tee boxes, a putting course and pro shop open most of the year.

Open Space Visitor Center

The Open Space Visitor Center on Albuquerque’s West Side manages 18 acres of fields that are planted with grasses, corn and other crops that benefit wildlife along the Rio Grande corridor. A popular place for birders, the center has both indoor and outdoor wildlife viewing areas. Trails offer access to the river, and the Visitor Center hosts art shows and other special events throughout the year.

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Maloof Air Park

Maloof Air Park is devoted to the safe operation of radio-controlled airplanes, helicopters and cars. It has an 800ft runway, helicopter landing pads, and shaded picnic areas with barbecue grills and restrooms. Anyone is welcome to visit and watch RC enthusiasts fly their models.

New Mexico Veterans’ Memorial

New Mexico Veterans’ Memorial is a park dedicated to honoring members of the armed services. There are monuments with the names of Albuquerqueans who have served in armed conflicts, and an amphitheater is used for ceremonies and performances. An on-site museum has exhibits with items and remembrances donated by New Mexico veterans.

Petroglyph National Monument

Managed by the National Parks Service and the city of Albuquerque, Petroglyph National Monument on the city’s West Side is a 7236-acre park with thousands of ancient rock art images called petroglyphs. Trails pass through basalt boulder fields, and visitors are welcome to respectfully hike the three areas that comprise this park. Leashed pets are permitted.

A Park Above

Located in Rio Rancho, a city just north of Albuquerque’s West Side, A Park Above is a playground with wheelchair-friendly swings and other ADA-approved playground features. A splash pad operates during the summer and shaded picnic areas, basketball courts and a dog park make this a fun destination for every family.

Albuquerque Foothills Open Space

Hiking and mountain biking trails lace throughout the 17-mile long Foothills Open Space of the Sandía Mountains to Albuquerque’s east. Managed by the city and the US Forest Service, this public space can be accessed from trailheads at the east end of most major streets including Candelaria, Copper, Spain and Indian School. Elena Gallegos Picnic Area has restrooms and covered shelters.

Tiguex Park

Located in Old Town across from the Albuquerque Museum and ¡Explora!, Tiguex Park has fields for soccer, volleyball and other sports, playgrounds for a range of ages, basketball courts, paved walking paths, and exercise equipment and stations. It’s a great place to relax and/or let kids play during a day of exploring Old Town and the museums.

Río Grande Nature Center State Park

Located at the west end of Candelaria off of Rio Grande Boulevard, the Río Grande Nature Center State Park has walking paths that lead to the cottonwood-lined Rio Grande. The visitor center has exhibits explaining the ecology of the Rio Grande corridor, and blinds and observation decks allow visitors to observe the many birds, turtles and other wildlife that live along the river. The park connects with the paved Paseo del Bosque Trail open to pedestrians and cyclists that parallels the river for 16-miles through the city. More hiking trails lead from the Paseo del Bosque Trail into the cottonwood forest lining the Rio Grande called the Bosque, Spanish for forest.

Montessa Park

Also called Tijeras Arroyo or The Dig, Montessa Park in Albuquerque’s South Valley is 577 acres and open to off-road vehicles. The desert terrain has hills, sandy washes and other features that challenge motorcyclists, ATV trails, Jeeps, off-highway vehicles and all other off-road vehicles.

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The UK government has changed its entry rules for travelers, in response to the detection of the Omicron strain of COVID-19 in the country.

The country is also adding more mitigation measures like requiring masks in most indoor places and the NHS COVID pass to enter nightclubs and large venues.

As of 4 am on Tuesday, December 7, all travelers over the age of 12 entering the UK from another country (apart from Ireland which is exempt) will be required to have taken a COVID-19 test within 48 hours of boarding their flight, regardless of vaccination status. The UK health secretary Sajid Javid made the announcement and said it was because of an "increasing number of cases linked to travel".

Passengers will also need to take another  COVID-19 PCR test after they arrive in England. They will need to do some research and pre-book their PCR test before traveling. That's because they'll need to include the test's booking reference in the passenger locator form, which is to be completed up to 48 hours before departure. The test can be taken anytime after arrival but before the end of day two.  Day of arrival is noted as day zero.  If the results are positive, the traveler must continue to self isolate for a full 10 days. If the test result is unclear, the passenger can opt to take another private test. If the result of that test is negative, they can stop self-isolating.

All travelers must quarantine in their home or the place they are staying while they await test results.

Only tests booked through a government-approved provider will be accepted. Tests cost between £75-140 (US $100-186), depending on the provider, and passengers will have to cover the cost themselves.

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Previously, passengers could take an antigen or lateral flow test upon arrival but the government announced last week that it will only allow PCR results. This is in response to the emergence of the Omicron COVID-19 strain in the UK, which the World Health Organization has labeled as a "variant of concern" that poses a "very high" global risk.

The UK has as of Monday banned arrivals from Nigeria, adding the country to the list of  10 southern African countries on the UK's 'red list', including South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and Angola. Only UK or Irish citizens are being permitted entry to the UK from a red-listed country, and they must isolate in a government-approved quarantine hotel for at least 10 days.  Travel to the 11 countries on the red list is not currently permitted from the UK.

UK brings back mask mandates, requires NHS COVID pass in some venues

After dropping all domestic COVID-19 restrictions in July, the UK has brought back its mask mandate. Face coverings are once again compulsory in shops and on public transport; however hospitality venues like restaurants and bars are exempt.

In addition, the NHS COVID pass will be mandatory for entering the following places:

Nightclubs
Indoor events without seating that host more than 500 people
Outdoor events without seating that host more than 4,000 people
Any venue hosting more than 10,000 people

If you have a trip to the UK booked, remember that you'll also need to prove that you’ve been fully vaccinated under a vaccination programme accepted by the UK. Visitors should continue to observe official precautions, and be sensitive to differing requirements and local attitudes across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

For more information on COVID-19 and travel, check out Lonely Planet's Health Hub.

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The blockbuster TV series is over but Game of Thrones fans can continue to experience the Seven Kingdoms as a new HBO-backed Game of Thrones Studio Tour is set to open early next yea r in Northern Ireland.

Many of the series’ most memorable moments were filmed at the location and Northern Ireland has experienced a visitor boom thanks to the popularity of the series. The series which ran for eight seasons from 2011 was mainly shot in Northern Ireland, but also moved to Croatia, Scotland and Iceland.

The expansive new tour will open on February 4, 2022, in Linen Mill Studios, Banbridge (midway between Belfast and Dublin) where some of most iconic scenes from Game of Thrones were filmed. The immersive experience brings Westeros to life and will evoke the show’s epic scale.

The Great Hall at Winterfell where Jon Snow was proclaimed the new King in the North after defeating the Boltons is just one of the sites in this new 110,000-square-foot tourist attraction, giving fans the chance to relive key dramatic moments from the series.

The studio tour will also include fully-dressed sets, costumes, imagery and original props from the Game of Thrones universe - including King's Landing, Braavos, Dorne and Dragonfell - which have been rebuilt and restored by the same construction crews and artists who worked on the Emmy award-winning show.

Taking cues from the Warner Bros. Studio Tour of London - The Making of Harry Potter, the Linen Mill Studios tour will be a completely immersive experience.

Peter van Roden, Senior Vice President of Warner Bros. Themed Entertainment, said: “ Knowing you are in the very same spot where some of the series’ most memorable moments were filmed is an incredible feeling and we know fans will feel the same when they see the rich detail in the sets, costumes and props up close and personal.”

There are 25 filming locations for Game of Thrones dotted around Northern Ireland, including the famous Dark Hedges and Cushendun Caves. Tickets for the new experience can now be booked here.

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