From solar eclipses to Mississippi cruises, Smithsonian Journeys unveils new trips

Smithsonian Journeys has unveiled new itineraries for 2026 and 2027, featuring land-based tours, special solar eclipse trips and small-ship cruises, including on the Mississippi River.
The tour operator is expanding its tour collection, including to the Balkans and Greece. Smithsonian Journeys is also leaning into the astrotourism trend with itineraries dedicated to observing the skies and will offer a river cruise in the U.S.
The brand will debut "Baltics Past and Present: A Journey to Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia," an 18-day itinerary launching in May that takes travelers to Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. There, travelers will explore historic sites, visit castles and see World Heritage-listed towns.
The "Greek Odyssey: Athens to Corfu" itinerary will bring travelers across Greece in 14 days, where they will visit the birthplace of democracy, the island of Corfu and places like Delphi, known for being an ancient sanctuary in Greece.
Other new itineraries are to Switzerland and the American West.
Tapping into the astrotourism trend, Smithsonian Journeys will offer two itineraries next year dedicated to celestial wonders after seeing a spike in interest in solar eclipse tours.
The brand will offer "Solar Eclipse Over Spain -- Basque Country to León," an eight-day itinerary with one departure date beginning Aug. 8, where travelers will witness the total solar eclipse in northern Spain. Visitors will also explore Madrid and World Heritage sites. This itinerary is already proving to be one of the most popular with travelers, the tour operator said.
"Chile Earth and Sky: A Stargazing Journey from Santiago to the Atacama Desert" will offer two departure dates next year and one departure date in 2027. The 12-day itinerary dives into astronomy in northern Chile, including trips to observatories.
Smithsonian Journeys will launch two new small-ship cruises, one next year and one in 2027.
Smithsonian Journeys and Ponant will offer a joint expedition cruise to the Baja Peninsula next year. Photo Credit: Smithsonian Journeys
"Cruising the Mississippi: A Springtime Voyage from Memphis to New Orleans" will take passengers on a nine-day trip of the Mississippi River on the American Splendor paddlewheeler. Passengers will visit Southern cities, battlefields and plantations.
The "Baja and the Sea of Cortez" itinerary is a joint offering between Smithsonian Journeys and Ponant Exploration. The 2027 expedition cruise on Pnant's Le Bellot will last 11 days, bringing passengers to the Baja Peninsula, where they will watch grey whales, snorkel with sea lions and hike dunes.
The tour operator also revealed its top 10 journeys for 2026, which "reflect an appetite for discovery," the brand said. These popular itineraries are to Japan, Italy, Egypt, Central Asia, Spain, Turkiye, Switzerland, Greece and France.

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I've Solo Traveled for 15 Years—These Are the 7 Gadgets That Help Me Stay Safe and Connected Anywhere

Travel + Leisure

an hour ago

Travel + Leisure

I've Solo Traveled for 15 Years—These Are the 7 Gadgets That Help Me Stay Safe and Connected Anywhere

As someone who's been solo traveling for more than 15 years, I know the importance of staying connected and safe when I'm exploring on my own. However, it takes practice to find the right balance between checking your phone and being tethered to it, because, though smartphones and tech are helpful tools for navigating new cities, they can easily put us in harm's way if we're not careful. "Anything that disrupts our awareness and keeps us distracted can affect our safety," Nicole Snell, an experienced solo traveler and self-defense expert and educator, told Travel + Leisure . "Learning to stay aware of your surroundings and carefully choose how and when to engage with your devices while traveling is a key skill. Our awareness is fluid and serves us best when we aren't glued to something." Snell, who is the CEO of Girls Fight Back, a personal safety and empowerment-based self-defense program for women, also stressed that this lack of awareness of your surroundings could send the wrong messages to the wrong people. "Focusing intently on our devices means we're not paying as much attention to our surroundings, which a criminal may see as an opportunity," she explained. "Many studies over the years have shown that insecure body language and/or being distracted are indicators that potential criminals look for in a target. Having confident body language and showing that you are aware of your surroundings are often effective deterrents." Whether I'm navigating the canal-lined streets of Amsterdam, hiking through Arizona's red rocks, or exploring Sri Lankan juggles, I want to know I can reach the outside world if I need to—while still being present where I am. Over the years, I've curated a go-to list of smart, travel-ready gadgets that help me feel grounded, secure, and in the moment. Below, these personal safety tools let me text hands-free, track my belongings, check in with loved ones, and stay charged, without constantly scrolling. "We have to be honest with ourselves that we're never going to be able to ditch our phones," Snell quipped. "We rely on them, and they are an integral part of our modern society." That said, you want to make sure that you always have a backup battery or charger handy. This lightweight, fast-charging model fits into the smallest crossbody bags. With 5000mAh of power and a built-in Lightning connector, I've recharged my phone mid-flight, mid-hike, and mid-coffee run. Plus, a digital battery readout means no more surprises from a dead battery. I don't always wear a smartwatch, but for adventure-heavy trips, the Apple Watch Series 10 is a must. The cellular and GPS features keep me connected for hands-free texting, walking navigation, and quick Apple Pay purchases. I also love the health tracking features—like heart rate, cycle tracking, and fall detection—which offer extra peace of mind when I'm traveling solo. According to Snell, a great way to practice safe phone usage during solo travel is to "look up from your device often and scan your surroundings, and avoid focusing intently on your devices when you're in a public place where being distracted is used by criminals to their advantage." The Apple Watch's always-on display makes it easy to check the time or my Maps directions without getting pulled into my phone. Android users, this one's for you. The Galaxy Watch 7 offers advanced sleep tracking, on-wrist Google Maps, and seamless syncing with your phone, making it a great companion for solo travel. It even monitors stress levels and offers guided breathing when things get overwhelming (looking at you, crowded Paris train station). Pro tip: Snell admitted that it's impossible to be aware of your surroundings 100 percent of the time, but there are ways to navigate our safety without looking over our shoulders constantly: "If you have to spend a lot of time on your device, go into a store, hotel lobby, etc. and find a safe, quiet place to handle your digital business. Look up common scams and safety bulletins for the area you're traveling to and heed the advice of locals." The Invisawear necklace is a chic, smart safety device designed so you'll "never walk alone again," according to the brand. With a double press, it sends your live GPS location to up to five trusted contacts—and can alert 911 if needed (you don't even need to take your phone out of your pocket). Stylish and discreet, it looks just like any old piece of jewelry, so no one will guess it's more than a fashion accessory. It also comes in bracelet and keychain form. Pro tip: "Your body and your intuition are the best tools you have," Snell shared. "Listen to your intuition." Courtesy of Amazon Sure, the playlist you created is a better trip soundtrack than the crying baby on the train or the loud construction taking place on your leisurely stroll, but you don't want to constantly be fiddling with your phone to adjust the volume, change the song, or pause your music to hear an important update. Smart headphones like the Apple AirPods Pro 2s allow you to handle all that by simply tapping, swiping, or holding the earbud. You can even nod your head to hear a message, answer a call, or manage a notification via Siri. These are also great for solo travelers because they offer various noise-canceling levels so you can still hear your surroundings, something Snell noted is important want you're on your own: "Put your phone away when on public transportation or walking through a city and focus on the present. What are you seeing, smelling, hearing, experiencing?" Staying in tune with what's around you and mindfully taking everything in will keep you alert and safe. Apple AirTags are an essential tool for solo travelers. I drop one in my bag and track it via the Find My app—especially when it's out of sight during shuttles or transfers. On rare checked-bag days (I'm a die-hard carry-on-only traveler), I always know exactly where my things are; no need to frantically check the airline app for updates or waste time on the phone with a representative. The tracker is so precise that you can even easily locate lost items in hotel closets, airport lounges, or Ubers. If you travel with one on your person, your family and friends can track your location when you're exploring solo, too. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: Every solo traveler—especially women—needs a She's Birdie alarm. This compact device fits on my keychain and offers instant peace of mind. If I ever feel unsafe, pulling the top will trigger a 130-decibel siren and flashing strobe to grab attention. TSA-approved, discreet, and rechargeable, it's one of those tools I hope I never need but always carry. I don't have the latest version (yet), but the Oura Ring has been a game-changer for travel and everyday life. It tracks sleep, recovery, stress, heart rate, and temperature with impressive accuracy, helping me stay in sync through jet lag and time zone shifts. The daily readiness score tells me when to push through or take it slow. No screens, no buzz—just quiet, data-driven wellness on your finger. Love a great deal? 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We Asked 3 Diabetes Experts How to Prepare for Traveling—This Is What They Said

Yahoo

2 hours ago

Yahoo

We Asked 3 Diabetes Experts How to Prepare for Traveling—This Is What They Said

Reviewed by Dietitian Karen Ansel, M.S., RDNTraveling with diabetes presents unique challenges beyond blood sugar–friendly eating. Diabetes experts say there are strategies to make travel less stressful and help manage blood glucose. These include packing healthy snacks, a separate medication bag and a water is one of life's great pleasures, offering new sights, fresh experiences and a chance to break away from the daily grind. But if you're living with diabetes, the excitement of hitting the road (or air, boat or train) can come with an extra layer of planning. Between blood sugar monitoring, meal timing and keeping medications stored properly, even a quick getaway can feel like a juggling act. If you've ever wondered how to balance the spontaneity of travel with the routine of diabetes care, you're probably not alone. Fortunately, traveling with diabetes doesn't have to feel like an uphill battle. It just takes a little up-front preparation. From navigating airport security with your supplies to making sure you're ready for unexpected delays or meals that don't quite match your plan, small adjustments can make a big difference. To make your next trip easier, we reached out to three diabetes experts for their favorite tips for traveling with diabetes. Because who better to guide us than the pros who know the ins and outs of this territory? Stay tuned because we're about to share their best strategies for ensuring your next trip is as smooth as it is memorable. When traveling, it's a good idea to pack your medication—and any supplies like syringes, lancets or testing strips—in a separate carry-on bag. 'This specialized bag typically doesn't count towards your standard carry-on limit, ensuring you have all essential medications, devices and snacks readily accessible,' says Lindsay Cohen, RD, LD, CDCES. While you're at it, Vandana Sheth, RDN, CDCES, FAND, suggests packing more medication and related supplies than you expect to need. 'This is especially important to avoid being without key resources like medications if you experience significant travel delays or lose your bags,' she says. Additionally, it's a good idea to carry a note from your health care practitioner explaining your condition and the necessity of your supplies. Also, be sure to pack your medication in its original containers. These steps can be helpful in case of an emergency or during security checks. Since traveling with medications can sometimes cause slowdowns when going through security, you may also want to allow extra time to avoid having to rush through the airport. Before you leave, it's also helpful to put together a complete list of all your medications and their dosages in case you require care while away from home. Planning a visit to a tropical destination? In addition to packing your sunscreen and swimsuit, you may want to pack a cooler bag or ice pack. Why? 'If you take insulin and plan to travel to a warm destination, it's important to protect your insulin from high temperatures, as insulin can lose its effectiveness if it gets too hot,' says Cohen. Ditto for GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic or Wegovy, especially if they haven't been opened yet. Cohen also recommends packing a specialized cooling solution, such as a BreezyPack or Frio bag, to keep your medications at a safe temperature without the need for refrigeration or ice. Packing snacks is basically the golden rule of travel, whether you're living with diabetes or not. Between unexpected travel delays and lack of access to healthy noshes, having nourishing snacks on hand when traveling is always a good idea. However, with diabetes, having readily available blood sugar–friendly snacks is especially critical. We don't have to tell you that managing blood sugar levels on the go can be challenging. Carrying a variety of diabetes-friendly snacks may help prevent sudden glucose drops or spikes. 'Pack snacks that are fast-acting carbohydrates in case of hypoglycemia [aka low blood glucose],' suggests Toby Smithson, M.S., RDN, CDCES. In addition to glucose tablets, she recommends snacks that contain protein and carbohydrates to keep blood glucose steady, like peanut butter on graham crackers. She also suggests tossing some low-carbohydrate snacks like dehydrated cheese balls or jerky into your bag in case your blood glucose rises above target. Paying attention to time changes while traveling is incredibly important for keeping blood sugar on track. At home, you may not think twice about sticking to a regular schedule for things like medication, snacks and meals. But crossing time zones can throw that routine off, potentially causing your blood sugar to go too high or too low. 'If you will be traveling [to] a significantly different time zone, check with your doctor or diabetes educator about any changes required for taking your diabetes medications,' says Smithson. You may have to adjust your insulin doses and keep an especially close eye on your glucose levels. So, it's key to be prepared in advance. People with diabetes are more likely to become dehydrated because high blood sugar levels can cause the body to lose more fluids. That makes adequate hydration critical. In addition, if blood sugar isn't well managed, it can lead to imbalances in electrolytes like sodium and potassium. Dehydration can also put extra strain on the kidneys, which work harder to flush out excess sugar. This can make it harder for the body to reabsorb water, leaving you even more dehydrated. 'Take an empty water bottle with you to fill up after security and stay hydrated,' says Sheth. In addition to drinking plenty of water, you can also sip low-sugar fluids like low-sodium vegetable juice, nonfat milk or unsweetened soy or almond milk to maintain a healthy balance of electrolytes. Traveling with diabetes may require a bit of extra planning. But it's entirely possible to enjoy every moment of your trip and keep your health in check. Simple dietitian-approved strategies like packing a dedicated medication carry-on bag, plenty of diabetes-friendly snacks and a water bottle can help you feel confident and prepared for whatever adventures come your way. You'll also want to be sure to protect your medication from temperature extremes and prepare for time zone changes. And don't forget to allow a little extra time for airport security. Whether it's a weekend getaway or your dream vacation, taking these small steps up front can mean more peace of mind and more time to soak in the sights, experiences and memories that make travel so rewarding. Safe and healthy travels! Read the original article on EATINGWELL

This Under-the-radar Bermuda Resort Has 4 Pools and a Private Beach on the Island's South Shore

Travel + Leisure

6 hours ago

Travel + Leisure

This Under-the-radar Bermuda Resort Has 4 Pools and a Private Beach on the Island's South Shore

Azura is set at the edge of a cliff, offering spectacular Atlantic vistas at almost every turn. The resort has a private beach and a saltwater infinity pool set right on the shore. A variety of accommodations are available to book, ranging from standard hotel rooms to spacious apartment-style suites with full kitchens and multiple bedrooms. The terrace pool bar makes a mean version of Bermuda's unofficial national cocktail, the rum swizzle: pineapple, orange, and cranberry juice, Angostura bitters, and two types of rum (including Bermuda's own Goslings, of course). I didn't anticipate that my first visit to Bermuda would force me to question my internalized idea of the color blue. There were simply so many shades of it when I visited in March—enough to make me feel like the English lexicon was not sufficient to describe all of them. I saw a vibrant greenish-blue that one might call cyan while boating out to the tiny rocky islets of Mangrove Bay, at the island group's western tip. I saw another in Crystal Cave, an underground complex of millions of years old limestone formations under a lake of still, clear water, which was an electric turquoise when illuminated by the lights under the floating boardwalk. And at Azura Bermuda, the clifftop resort, where I stayed during my long-weekend trip, I saw even more: cobalt, teal, cornflower, cerulean, ice, and everything in between. Regular visitors to Bermuda may remember Azura as the old Surf Side Beach Club, which closed in 2015. Much has changed on the property in the decade since, but the views of the Atlantic certainly have not. You can hardly walk without being stopped in your tracks by the expansive, all-encompassing blue. I stared at the ocean while eating breakfast on the sunny pool deck and during a yoga class on a breezy rooftop. My room, in a blazingly white, clean-lined building at the resort's western end, had a glass wall looking directly out to the waves. From most vantage points in the bedroom, all I could see was sky and bright-turquoise water dotted with Bermuda's distinctive barrel reefs. The first phase of Azura went quietly online in 2020, its grand opening waylaid by the pandemic. But the resort continued to expand in phases, with a collection of modern cottages and three new buildings unveiled in the several years since. The vibe around the property is relaxed and residential. To create a more stable and sustainable model in a place with very high operating costs, Azura was envisioned as a condominium-style resort, and accommodations are individually owned. Residents must leave a suite or a room—which can be seamlessly separated from the rest of the residence, becoming indistinguishable from a standard hotel room—available for booking on a regular basis. In addition to the bright, modern design and secluded atmosphere, one of Azura's greatest assets is its prime location in Warwick Parish, along a central stretch of Bermuda's South Shore. It's just a 15-minute drive to Hamilton, the capital, and some of Bermuda's best spots for swimming and sunning, like Elbow Beach, Jobson's Cove, and the famous Horseshoe Bay. However, I preferred to stay at Azura's own private beach, which has a serene saltwater pool set at the bottom of the cliff. I lingered there for hours every day, looking out at an expanse of sea that blended from aquamarine to sapphire, and a wide, blue sky, powdery and silvery at the edges. The view inspired me to come up with new names to describe the shades of blue I didn't know, but eventually, I decided that some things can't be put into words. Keep reading for an overview of all the offerings at Azura. Azura's 60 rooms and suites are spread across a series of clifftop buildings, the oldest of which are from the renovated Surf Side. Clustered around the main pool, they reflect a more classic Bermudian style, complete with the iconic stepped roofs (which help collect rainwater) common in the country's vernacular architecture. The three newer buildings have a more contemporary look. However, the interiors are fresh and sunny, no matter where you're staying, clad in a palette of bright white and blond wood with subtle pops of color, usually blue. A final construction phase, anticipated to be completed in 2026, will add 20 additional rooms. I stayed in an Oceanfront Guest Room, a room category that offers unobstructed ocean views; other guest rooms also have ocean views, though less direct. There are one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites, which include washers and dryers, as well as fully equipped kitchens. Oceanfront Jacuzzi Suites, the highest category, have larger terraces complete with hot tubs and run up to 2,500 square feet. Enjoy Mediterranean cuisine at SURF. Azura's new main restaurant, SURF, is designed as an homage to the spirit of old Surf Side. Opened in late 2024, the intimate, thoughtfully designed space offers a wide view of the water and features works by local artists, including Chris Duperreault, who creates gyotaku prints using whole fish he catches himself. The surf and turf dinner menu is united by a running Mediterranean theme, seen in dishes like charred octopus and Moroccan lamb meatballs. The restaurant also hosts monthly wine dinners and occasional pop-ups. Al fresco seaside dining at AZURA Restaurant & Bar. The main pool terrace also includes Azura Restaurant & Bar, which offers fairly classic resort fare for breakfast and lunch (avocado toast, crudo, sandwiches, pasta) as well as cocktails. During the summer season, the outdoor tables are also available for dinner. Another bar in the beach area, next to the saltwater pool, serves beer and wine. The Best Times of Year to Visit Bermuda The Best Bermuda Beaches Azura has a secluded private beach and four swimming pools, including the beach-level saltwater pool, fed directly from the Atlantic. On the walk down to the beach from the lobby, a series of sandy platforms are set up with lounge chairs that look over the water. There is also a main pool by the lobby; a rooftop pool and an adjacent infrared sauna; a smaller pool in a quiet corner near the gym that you're likely to have all to yourself. The small fitness center has weights and cardio machines (including a Peloton bike). Ocean-view rooftop yoga classes are offered up to six times a week, depending on the season. The hotel's concierge can help arrange island activities, such as guided tours, golf, tennis, and water activities like boat rentals, fishing, or snorkeling. There is no dedicated spa, but one hotel suite is set aside for treatments. In-room massages are also available. Currently, the resort does not have guest rooms designed for guests using wheelchairs and other assistive devices; however, four will be added during the final stage of construction, which is slated for completion in 2026. Contact the resort directly to discuss your specific needs. The lobby, main pool, and outdoor dining space are all accessible. Buildings in Bermuda must be designed to catch and store rainwater, and Azura is no different—in fact, water harvesting provides all the water for the hotel, including both guest rooms and public spaces. Aerial view of the beach and Ocean Pool. Azura is located in the middle of Bermuda's South Shore, about a 25-minute drive from the only commercial airport, L.F. Wade International Airport (BDA). At just over 20 square miles, the country is quite small, so most sites can be reached within about half an hour. It is possible to rent a car in Bermuda, but tourists can only book mini electric vehicles that seat a maximum of two people. Taxis are readily available and offer hourly rates if you wish to hire them for sightseeing. Although it's an associate member of the Caribbean Community, Bermuda is actually located in the North Atlantic and is closer to the tip of North Carolina than it is to the islands of the Caribbean. Nonstop flights to Bermuda are available from many major cities on the East Coast; most take between two and three hours. My flight from New York City touched down in around 90 minutes. The resort is not part of any loyalty program. Check its website for the latest offers and discounts. Nightly rates at Azura start from $629 for an Ocean View Room. Every T+L hotel review is written by an editor or reporter who has stayed at the property, and each hotel selected aligns with our core values.