Travel News Roundup: The Anti-Aging Elixir, Hippo Hype, and the Cruise Dream That Sank

Dramatic shots of a peregrine falcon in pursuit of a butterfly, a vulture's grim feast on a black bear, and a penguin's surfing adventure have claimed top honors at the Bird Photographer of the Year 2024 competition. Now in its ninth year, the contest not only celebrates the splendor of avian life but also sheds light on the challenges birds face in a human-dominated world.

Emerald Peaks and Azure Seas: Unveiling Muğla's Hidden Treasures

In a historic decision, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has returned its highest peak to its original Cherokee name, Kuwohi, over 150 years after it was named for a Confederate general. The US Board of Geographic Names voted in favor of changing the name from Clingmans Dome to Kuwohi, which translates to "mulberry place" in Cherokee, following a request from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

Discovering Costa Navarino: Greece's Emerging Luxury Mainland Rival to the Islands

Discovering the Undiscovered: Time Out's Coolest Neighborhoods for 2024

Rome is considering restrictions on visitor access to the iconic Trevi Fountain to manage overcrowding and preserve the historical site.

Las Vegas: A Thriving Family-Friendly Destination with Cutting-Edge Attractions

The summer of 2024 has set a new global heat record for the second consecutive year, making it likely the hottest year ever recorded, according to data from Copernicus, Europe's climate change service. The period from June to August was the hottest on record since 1940, with temperatures 0.69°C above the 1991-2020 average. This surpasses the previous summer's record by a slight margin of 0.03°C. The 12 months from September 2023 to August 2024 were also the warmest on record, being 1.64°C warmer than pre-industrial levels. Scientists warn that the continued emission of greenhouse gases from human activities is driving up global temperatures, leading to extreme heat, deadly heatwaves, wildfires, and storms. The record-breaking temperatures are a stark reminder of the urgent need to reduce emissions to prevent more devastating consequences.

Death Valley National Park has recorded its hottest meteorological summer ever, with an average temperature of 104.5°F (40.3°C) from June to August, according to the National Park Service. This surpasses the previous record set in 2018 and tied in 2021. July was particularly brutal, with the park's weather station at Furnace Creek registering its hottest month, including nine consecutive days of 125°F (51.7°C) or higher. The summer's highest temperature was 129.2°F (54°C) on July 7. Overnight lows averaged 91.9°F (33.3°C), offering little respite. The extreme heat led to numerous incidents, including two fatalities where heat was a contributing factor. Despite it being September, temperatures are expected to remain over 100°F into early October. Visitors are advised to take precautions such as staying near air-conditioned vehicles, hydrating, and wearing protective gear. The park's low elevation, with Badwater Basin at 282 feet (86 meters) below sea level, contributes to the intense heat as hot air gets trapped in the valley.

Europe's Hidden Gems: Off-the-Beaten-Path Islands for Solitude and Natural Beauty

Europe's Hidden Gems: Off-the-Beaten-Path Islands for Solitude and Natural Beauty