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• 2021 IN REVIEW

These are the best travel photos of 2021

Explore the world in 18 stunning images from our contributors.

Even with an unsteady return to travel, 2021 proved to be a time of renewed exploration. The photographs we published this year reflect an intimacy that comes from staying closer to home and looking deeper into the landscapes and cultural traditions all around us.

Our National Geographic contributors shared surprising glimpses of regions they know well, from the urban trails of San Francisco to the untamed lands of Patagonia to the watery wilds of Alaska. These images reveal the enduring essence of inspiring places.  

( Best of the World: Here are 25 incredible journeys for 2022 .)

The year ahead promises a grand return to travel, and we’re eager to hit the road. We hope these photographs reignite your desire to discover, spark your adventurous imagination, and set you off on your next journey, near or far.

Correction: The correct name of the Greek church is Agios Onoufrios. 

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19 Best Travel Photography Blogs

By Tata Rossi 16 days ago, Inspiration

Whatever your trips or plans, the best travel photography blogs will perfectly satisfy your travel craving. While it is impossible to travel across closed borders due to quarantine measures against COVID-19, viewing travel blog pictures is the only way to help explore a future trip, remember a favorite vacation, or inspire you to explore something completely new.

Top 19 Travel Photography Blogs

• TravelAndDestinations - Information center for travelers
• TravelFreak - Coverage of all practical aspects of travel
• Ken Kaminesky Blog - Professional travel photographer’s blog
• PhotoTraces - Simple and clear presentation style
• Camping Fun Zone - Active sports while traveling are in focus
• Farfelue - A well-organized blog dedicated to Paris and beyond
• AnnMarie John - Frequent posts
• Photodoto - Educational blog for photographers
• Stuck in Customs - HDR Photography, travel photography and camera reviews
• CampingHiking - Hiking trip photography tricks and suggestions
• Bookatrekking - Hiking destination guides
• Anywhere We Roam - Best travel blog of UK
• Owl Over The World - Complete destination guides
• Aperlust - Travel tips from a pro
• Alex In Wanderland - An award-winning travel blog documenting journeys since 2009
• The Legendary Adventures of Anna - For fans of travel, comments and social subtext
• Beers and Beans - Creators of Pin-Up Live, the innovative live chat on Pinterest
• Kirsten Alana - Creative socially conscious visual stories
• Paris in Four Months - Focuses on the glamorous side of Paris

Many travel photographers have switched to Instagram, but some researchers continue to share amazing images with stories that can excite, motivate and inspire. Whether you are a regular traveler or not, you will enjoy viewing the photo travel blog to learn more about new places, other people’s activities, as well as find tips, ideas and inspiration for your own work.

Now travel blogs look the same, with common standard templates due to automated tools that let you focus on writing articles, marketing and SEO, sacrificing user experience for profit. In this article, you will find a list of blogs with different identities that aren’t overloaded with unnecessary content.

1. TravelAndDestinations - Our Choice

• Illustrative guides
• Pro global authors
• Travel-optimized UI
• Photography tips
• Free trials, special offers
• Content of an advertising nature

Verdict: TravelAndDestinations is a fully illustrated information center and travel resource created by an avid traveler and itinerant photographer Mike Clegg to help travelers around the world. Travel shots here are supplemented with travel articles that contain ideas about places to visit and things to do upon arrival, as well as city guides, budget travel tips and everything related to travel destinations.

This versatile blog features articles about photos, interviews, travel tips and tricks to help and inspire travelers. It is the best travel photography blog to find vacation ideas and places to visit. A number of keen travel writers regularly share their experiences via this website, which is designed to provide visitors with a good experience and high-quality content, as well as photography tips , so that they can make more informed decisions about shooting on trips.

2. TravelFreak

• Practical experience to help you prevent mistakes
• Testing of equipment
• Travel tips from the team of pros
• Collaboration with well-known publications
• More attention is paid to equipment, not shooting

Verdict: Talented mixologist and TravelFREAK creator Jeremy Scott wants you to put your doubts aside, and he will stop at nothing to make you do it, enticing you with beautiful photos and a free photo tour that evokes a passion for travel. TravelFREAK has an excellent travel photography portfolio.

This professional adventurer has created an online community. Its goal is to help as many people as possible to discover the world of traveling. If you have a travel camera and wild spirit, Jeremy will do everything to take you outside, on the road and in nature. By focusing on transformative and adventurous rides, you will immediately book your next plane ticket - most likely by viewing one of his photo essays. Besides, I recommend to follow the Photographertouch blog that will help you become a better photographer on your next trip.

3. Ken Kaminesky Blog

• Professional shots of rare natural phenomena
• Articles with tips and hints
• Organizing exotic photo tours
• Collaboration with famous photography magazines
• Rare updates

Verdict: Ken’s home page shows a passion for travel and photography, encouraging us to read the catalog. His view of the amazing things immediately catches the eye when you examine his shots. Ken takes juicy, detailed pictures of landmarks around the world on a variety of topics, from culture and nature to people at work. Ken’s cityscapes are beautiful, and his nature shots are particularly rich.

His travel blog pictures are some of the most comprehensive, from the interior of the Hungarian Opera house to the wild river in Canada. Not only does Ken share his images, but he also gives you tips on how to take them.

4. PhotoTraces

• Cruises recommendations
• Regular posts
• Shares practical experience
• Equipment tests
• Lack of convenient article categorization

Verdict: PhotoTraces blog was created to make photographers’ life easier and explain complex things in simple terms. You may think that photography is expensive and too difficult because of tons of “extra” stuff around it. In fact, the reality is different from this opinion.

If you don't have to deal with these distractions, you can focus on key tasks and enjoy the process. Viktor Elizarov, the owner of PhotoTraces , is ready to share his experience. He talks about his entire journey in the industry: from the first steps to the business aspect of photography.

This community consists of more than 60,000 photographers and photo enthusiasts. They are ready to open their secrets and make learning easier and fun.

5. Camping Fun Zone

• Describes various outdoor activities
• Handy content categorization
• Bright traveling photos
• List of places and leisure activities
• Too little text info

Verdict: Camping Fun Zone is an eye-grabbing live travel photography blog where the author publishes a great variety of travel photos to inspire followers. Here you will find a myriad of images featuring various travel and outdoor sports activities including fishing, birdwatching, hiking, etc.

Conveniently, they are organized into categories like Camping, Adventure, Places, RVS, Equipment, Vehicles, and Nature to accelerate your search for the required content. In addition to multiple travel photos, the blogger also gives readers helpful tips on how to cope with certain difficulties or prepare for a certain type of activity.

6. Farfelue

• Clear organization into places and categories
• Articles describing the attractions
• Little advertising content
• Excellent shots, unique tips
• Interesting Instagram feed
• The main theme is dedicated to one place
• Not all tabs are filled with content

Verdict: Faye is an Englishwoman who moved to Paris and started a photoblog about the city in a unique way, not just with a few overexposed professional shots. It is hard to make Paris look bad, but Farfelue knows how to make Paris perfect. While Faye’s blog is great for its Paris travel guide and travel tips, it is mostly notable for her shots that capture the French capital in all its glory.

Farfelue should be your main reference point and one of the best travel photography blogs if you are planning a trip to the French capital. Focusing on Paris, she has been traveling around the world as well.

A quick visit to her blog shows a variety of places, 15 of them in Europe alone. Her travel photography blog goes beyond that, with beautiful photo guides to major but not so popular cities and countries like Rome, London, Reykjavik, Myanmar and many others.

7. AnnMarie John

• Helpful photography tips
• Accommodation reviews
• Convenient categorization
• Cruises tips
• Frequent posts

Verdict: AnnMarie John is an engaging travel and lifestyle blog, run by a retired army veteran and amateur photographer. Anna shares her images alongside great writing and tips on traveling across the globe, you won’t find anywhere else. She’s travelling around the world with her kids and posts helpful articles frequently.

The blog is conveniently categorized, and all the tips are divided by destinations: Africa, Asia, Americas, Middle East, Caribbean, Oceania, Disney, from where she brings back gorgeous and colourful images.

8. Photodoto

• Constant updates
• Contains categories for easy search
• A good choice of free learning tools
• Simple language
• The design could be more modern

Verdict: Photodoto is an informative photography blog that includes educational posts on a variety of genres. The authors of the blog believe that you need to be well-versed in the equipment, constantly hone your photo editing skills, and also take inspiration from various sources to become a successful photographer.

Here you will find articles that will be useful for both novice photographers and professionals with extensive experience. The blog contains a wide collection of ebooks, articles, email courses, and other learning materials for those who want to improve their skills. Readers regularly get access to new articles and guides that will be useful for their work.

9. Stuck in Customs

• Plenty of tutorials and guides
• Hardware and software reviews
• Shots from exclusive events and festivals
• The blog is simply overloaded with information
• Exclusive content and unlimited access have to be paid for

Verdict: Trey Ratcliffe has created and runs a blog dedicated to art and travel photography, with a free guide to HDR photography , photography tips, reviews of cameras and photo editing programs. The author is a sincere old-school gentleman researcher with really cool toys. Trey has one of the greatest personal travel blogs, and his shots reflect some of the amazing places that he writes a lot about.

Here you will find a lot of Asia, a bit of Antarctica with the addition of South America in moderation. His shots shine from different angles and perspectives. Trey has a real talent for photography, and his images, from the Great Wall of China to the mountains of New Zealand, will make you pack your bags as soon as possible.

10. CampingHiking

• Abundance of notes on camping sites, hiking trails, and recreational areas
• Convenient article search
• Tips for both beginners and professionals
• Outdated interface

Verdict: The CampingHiking blog was created in 2020 and its main goal is to help visitors come up with new hiking trip ideas. Here you’ll find articles on how to take unconventional travel photos and where you can organize an outdoor photoshoot. The website contains information about a long list of campgrounds, recreational areas, and hiking trails.

Other than that, the blog provides general tips on portrait and product photography as well as suggestions on how to take photos using a drone. The author also publishes articles on how to set up your photography studio properly and start making money with your work.

11. Bookatrekking

• Convenient website design
• In-depth hiking and trekking destination articles
• Articles appear regularly
• Inconvenient article search

Verdict: Bookatrekking believes that every step you take on a hiking trail is a step closer to discovering the beauty of our planet. Their travel blog is your gateway to a world of awe-inspiring landscapes, untamed wilderness, and incredible treks. They curate a diverse selection of hiking routes, catering to both novice explorers and seasoned trailblazers.

Their travel blog boasts a treasure trove of meticulously crafted articles that delve deep into the heart of hiking destinations. Each piece is a labor of love, thoughtfully composed to provide you with an in-depth understanding of the terrain, culture, and challenges that await you on your adventure.

12. Anywhere We Roam

• Detailed routes broken down by day
• Useful links for booked trips
• Focus on wildlife and exotic locations
• Articles with reviews and ideas to be implemented

Verdict: This blog is an invitation to get a unique experience and unforgettable memories of unusual trips. Without paying much attention to major attractions or famous hotspots, Mark and Paul from Anywhere We Roam focus the lens on less-visited places where there is a lot untold.

Their adventure photography blog is a journey through inspiring moments and exciting experiences that engage the senses and recreate the emotions of being in a completely new place, encouraging a deeper look at different cultures through lifestyle photography . These are breathtaking landscapes on relatively unknown hiking trails, close encounters with some of the world’s most valuable animals, local characters and their collective stories, as well as the joy of simple travel.

13. Owl Over The World

• Describes various destinations in detail
• Doesn’t post many ads
• Professional shots, handy tips
• Female-oriented content

Verdict: Owl Over The World is the name of the blog created by a traveler Bilyana. During her travels across the globe, she is always trying to find something unexpected, meet locals and other travelers to learn more about their experiences, try new things, and explore her surroundings wherever the road takes her.

Bilyana is a huge fan of outdoor pursuits. As a true thrillseeker, she enjoys adrenaline activities and always tries to learn more about various countries that she visits during her travels in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

Being a seasoned traveler, Bilyana often supplements her photos taken during the trips with unique tips based on her own experience. Her blog is easy to navigate thanks to the convenient system of categories. You can sort tips by different locations, such as Asia, Africa, Europe, Middle East, the Caucasus region. From every trip, she brings back stunning images of incredible locations.

14. Aperlust

• Helpful tips for photographers
• Posts appear regularly
• Fantastic images

Verdict: Aperlust is a blog run by a young guy named Vincent. He is an avid traveler, photographer, and WordPress enthusiast. He created his blog to share ideas on topics he likes. Vincent has a penchant for traveling and documenting his adventures along the way.

The blog abounds with useful tips on how to choose shooting equipment, what places to visit if you are fond of hiking, how to use Photoshop for image processing, how to earn money being a photographer, and more. Besides, there is a section with inspirational travel quotes, which you are bound to like.

15. Alex In Wanderland

• Plenty of organized archives
• Original site design and map
• Virtual portfolio of writing for well-known publications
• Promo codes and discounts

Verdict: Many years ago, NY-born Alex left the US to travel around the world, documenting her trips in the blog, and never looked back. Her adventures are reflected in her gorgeous shots.

Alex has a well-designed website, so it is a pleasure to browse. It breaks down tourist activities into categories that are easy to find. Her passion for travel is infectious, and the travel map is amazing. The site is clear, and the beautiful design makes it one of the best travel photography blogs.

16. The Legendary Adventures of Anna

• Interesting articles about travel and social phenomena
• Free consulting
• Stunning Instagram
• Site adaptation and design are minimal

Verdict: Anna’s blog is a humorous reflection on the joys of travel. A playful mood defines the idea and style of this travel blog. She gives a number of useful travel and restaurant tips, especially for Northern and Southern America. Her images of Iceland are particularly spectacular.

Anna shares her travel photography stories along with great emails and travel tips around the world. She currently has five travel guides to Japan, Italy, British Columbia, Ecuador and Iceland. Take a look at her Instagram to find the best shots. They convey her exuberant spirit and passion for travel.

17. Beers And Beans

• Good blog content
• Creative campaigns
• Feedback about the app, product, hotel
• Creators of Pin-Up Live, an innovative chat

Verdict: Here is one of the most extensive travel blog websites. If you are planning a trip, get plenty of travel tips and tricks, destination details, info on volunteering and more. Beth and Randy have interesting photo essays, writing and travel tips.

Their shots are joyful, diverse and inspiring. The Venice After Dark series is very atmospheric. Also, check out their Pinterest Board, one of the most well-known travel photography boards.

18. Kirsten Alana

• One of the most beautiful blog designs
• Collaboration with well-known brands
• Available for all social networks
• Professional content from a four Seasons staff photographer
• More attention is paid to brands in travel

Verdict: The blog of travel photographer Kirsten, a multimedia creative from New York, perfectly tells the brand’s stories through the lens of her camera. You can’t judge a book by its cover, but her photography is just as talented as her design ideas. But beyond the graphics, Kirsten’s travel blog pictures, which range from whimsical shots of culture to pure images of nature, are simply beautiful. Her shots of the sky are undoubtedly special. Also, you will find quick shots of culture and vivid images of landscapes.

19. Carin Olsson’s Paris In Four Months

• Shots from fashion and romantic capitals of the world
• Unique film photography
• Recipes for traditional dishes and desserts
• Reviews of clothes and fashion looks
• Content is more suitable for ladies
• The main theme is focused on one city

Verdict: Paris is one of those cities with a rich culture, cuisine and lifestyle. Don’t look for better female travel blogs about this City of Lights. Since 2012, Carin, who is originally from Sweden, has been absorbing all the charms of this wonderful city and presenting it well to us.

Her blog is an ode to the beauty of Paris, from streetscapes to pastry shops and fashion boutiques. There you will find architecture, fashion and urban photography in a variety of images traveling through the urban landscape.

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• Single author

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A Look at My 20 Top Travel Photos of 2021

The clock is beginning to run out on the year 2021 and that means it is about time for my annual post on my Top Travel Photos of the year. To be completely honest, when the year started, my hope was that this post would be filled with wonderful pictures from my autumn trip to Egypt, Jordan, and Israel. However, the COVID-19 curse put a dent in my travel plans once again and left me scrambling to change my travel plans this autumn. As frustrating as it was to have to push back my trip, I was extremely blessed to be able to go on several incredible adventures this past year. From those adventures, I was able to capture several great photographs that I am very happy with. The purpose of this annual post is to share these photographs with you in the hopes that it inspires you to plan your next big adventure.

However, before I introduce you to my favorite pictures from my travel adventures this year, let me remind you that you can still go back and review my favorite photographs from previous years in case you missed them. This is a yearly exercise that I have been doing for several years and I have linked to the previous editions of my yearly Top Travel Photos showcase for you to review below.

Follow Me on Instagram for More Great Travel Photos

If you are a fan of my travel photography and you would like to know a very easy way to support me in my quest to keep bringing you travel and travel photography related content, you can give my Instagram account a follow. I post unique travel photographs and travel experiences to my feed at least twice a week and your support would mean the world to me. Like I said, it is a quick and easy way to support me without having to do too much!

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Elephant Seal Vista in California

The travel year began for me with a trip to Southern California to visit my brother and his family. I love getting to see them, but I also love my visits because there are so many incredible things to see and do in Southern California. One of my favorite stops, when I am down there, is the Elephant Seal vista North of Santa Barbara. Seeing these huge and incredible creatures up close is remarkable.

Bull Elephant Seal

This year when I visited, I was lucky enough to visit around mating season, so there were a lot of huge bull elephant seals on the beach. You really have no idea just how massive these seals are until you see them in person. This guy was doing his best to protect a prime piece of beach that he had staked his claim to.

Pinnacles National Park

One of my favorite stops on my California trip this year was to a national park that I have been trying to find time to visit for years. Pinnacles National Park is one of the newer parks in the United States, and it is also one of the smallest. However, what it lacks in size it certainly makes up for in beauty. I think this shot of the jagged rock formations in the high hills of the park perfectly showcases the beauty of this incredible park. If you would like to learn more about the park, I have linked to a visitor guide I created for you to review below.

Condor Landing at Pinnacles National Park

Without a doubt, some of the top travel photos that I took this past year were of the incredible California Condors at Pinnacles National Park. If you haven’t had an opportunity to see these incredible birds in person, you are really missing out. If you think the size and beauty of bald eagles are impressive, wait until you see these kings of the sky.

Condor in Flight at Pinnacles National Park

If I had to narrow down the favorite of my top travel photos from this year, it would be very difficult to not choose this shot of a California Condor in mid-flight at Pinnacles National Park. Seeing this picture brings back such fond memories of seeing these amazing birds in person and just sitting mesmerized as I watched them soar above the park.

Beautiful Santa Barbara, California

Ever since I first visited my brother and his family in Santa Barbara, California, I have been in love with the city. If you love outdoor adventure, the city of Santa Barbara couldn’t be a more perfect destination for you. With close proximity to some incredible surfing spots and the Sierra Nevada range only a short way away, there is always something to do outside. Not to mention, it is the gateway to the Channel Islands, which is one of the most incredible and underrated national parks in the United States. There is some of the best whale watching in the world off of the islands. I took the picture below from high up on the bluffs behind Santa Barbara. In the distance, you can actually see the Channel Islands off the coast. So beautiful!

Beautiful Sunset in Ventura, California

One thing that you can always count on when visiting California is experiencing some of the most vibrant and brilliant sunsets imaginable. This was certainly the case when we visited Ventura, California. The sunset off the beach was so incredible that I was able to capture a number of amazing photographs. This sunset photo is definitely one of my top travel photos of this past year. You can see the surfers trying to get in as many waves as they can before the sun sets behind the horizon.

California Sunset Dreaming

This is another photograph that I took of the same sunset that I am equally as proud of. You can see the young family at the bottom of the screen out on the beach enjoying the incredible view. If I had the time, I would try and spend every evening chasing sunsets as it often produces some of the top travel photos and most memorable shots. If you would like to learn how to predict when there will be an amazing sunrise or sunset to photograph, I have included a guide that you can review below.

Exploring the Porcupine Mountains

As the calendar year turned to Summer in the Midwest United States, it was time for me to head to the Great Lakes to embark on what has become a yearly tradition for me. Each summer, I try and seek out some of the best kayaking destinations to explore. This year, one of the destinations that I chose to explore was the beautiful Porcupine Mountains in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. These rolling hills (I wouldn’t actually call them mountains) are absolutely beautiful and have some really fantastic hiking trails for visitors to explore. I love this shot that I was able to get that shows the mountains with Lake Superior in the distance.

Beautiful Bond Falls in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

One of the best parts about the Porcupine Mountains in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan is all of the incredible waterfalls in the area. One of my favorites to visit when I am in the area is the beautiful Bond Falls, which is located just outside of the park. I was able to capture this beautiful photograph of the falls with the reflection in the water on my visit this past summer. Such a beautiful place.

Breathtaking Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Without a doubt, the hallmark of my summer kayaking trip was a visit to the infamous Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. If you love to kayak, then Pictured Rocks is an absolute must-visit destination. It is home to some of the best big freshwater kayaking in North America. It is also where I took some of my top travel photos of the year. The huge rock cliffs that highlight this spectacular coastline are amazing to explore from the water. You can also hike along the top of the cliffs to get a bird’s eye view of this dramatic coastline. I absolutely love this shot that I got when I hiked the Mosquito Beach and Chapel Beach loop this summer.

Kayaking Fun at Pictured National Lakeshore

While there might be some wonderful hiking trails at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, the claim to fame for this coastline is the spectacular giant coastal cliffs. One of the most popular ways to see and experience these cliffs is to get out on the water in a kayak and explore the coastline. That is exactly what I did this summer, and the experience is one that I will not soon forget. This photograph of our group kayaking thru the large archway on the coastline is one of my top travel photos of the year for sure. For more information on how to visit Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and get out on the water and kayak this amazing coastline, please see my Definitive Pictured Rocks Travel Guide linked below.

Pictured Rocks Kayaking Adventure

While the kayaking at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore was cool enough, having the opportunity to do so around sunset just added to this magical experience. As I have mentioned many times on my blog, photographing around sunset or early morning around sunrise are my favorite times of day to take pictures. This shot that I got on the back end of my Pictured Rocks Kayaking adventure is one of my favorites because the soft light of the evening gives the picture a warm glow. What an amazing moment to capture!

Exploring Leprechaun Canyon

My last big trip of the year was to Southern Utah and without a doubt, this trip ended up delivering some of my top travel photos of the year. Southern Utah is such a magical place, which is why I keep getting drawn back there to explore and photograph. On this trip, I was determined to discover some of the lesser-known spots in Southern Utah and explore them so that I could share them with you. One of these places was the beautiful Leprechaun Canyon Slot. I have explored several breathtaking slot canyons in my travel adventures, and Leprechaun Canyon ranks right up there with some of the most beautiful. However, the best part about Leprechaun Canyon is that it is not nearly as busy or crowded as some of the other slot canyons in Southern Utah. As you can see in this photograph of me, we have the canyon all to ourselves.

Exploring the Amazing Goblin Valley State Park

While Southern Utah’s five national parks may get most of the attention, the area is also home to some truly spectacular state parks for visitors to enjoy as well. Without a doubt, one of the most incredible state parks to visit in Southern Utah is the beautiful Goblin Valley State Park. Much like the nearby Bryce Canyon National Park, the Goblin Valley State Park is known for its incredible canyons filled with amazing rock formations. I love this photograph that I took in Goblin Valley because it showcases both the area’s vastness and beauty.

The Beauty of Goblin Valley State Park

Like most places in Southern Utah, the beauty of Goblin Valley State Park is only enhanced as the sun starts to set. I absolutely love the glow in this photograph that I took of the breathtaking rock formations in the valley that make Goblin Valley State Park such a treasured destination. It almost feels like you are walking on the planet Mars when the sun starts to set and the red rock formations in the valley start to glow with the setting sun. It’s a stunning time to see the park!

A Monument Valley Sunset at Forrest Gump Point

Not only is this photograph of Monument Valley one of my top travel photos of 2021, but it is also one of my favorite photographs that I have ever taken in Southern Utah. If this landscape looks familiar, it is probably because it has been showcased in a large number of movies throughout the years. Most famously, this exact spot was showcased in the 1990’s classic “Forrest Gump”, starring Tom Hanks. If you don’t recall the scene, this is where Forrest Gump abruptly stops his cross-country run and decides to go home. It is a beautiful viewpoint of a breathtaking landscape. I love the glowing sunset sky in this shot I was able to capture at Forrest Gump Point this past autumn.

The Beautiful Alstrom Point in Glen Canyon

This photograph that I took of the incredible Alstrom Point in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in Southern Utah could have made my list of the top travel photos of 2021 for me simply because it is a destination that I have tried to reach at least a handful of times in the past and failed. I simply never had enough time and the correct vehicle to reach this viewpoint before. This past autumn I was bound and determined to get there, so I set aside a large portion of an afternoon and made sure I had a high clearance 4×4 vehicle with me. Needless to say, getting there still wasn’t easy and involved white knuckle driving on an unimproved road at night, but I was able to finally capture some long-desired photographs of Alstrom Point like this beauty here.

Posing for a Picture at Alstrom Point

This sunset photograph that I was able to take of myself at the incredible Alstrom Point in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is one of my favorite self-portraits of all time. I am absolutely obsessed with the breathtaking viewpoints in Southern Utah and Alstrom Point is one of the most beautiful and difficult to reach. The fact I was able to make it there this year and get this photograph makes me so very happy!

An Amazing Sunrise at Reflection Canyon

For years, the favorite photograph that I have ever taken was one that I took early on in my adventure travels of the incredible Morraine Lake near Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada. While I still absolutely cherish that photograph, I may have a new all-time favorite picture. Never before in my adventure travels have I had to work so hard to get a photograph. To get this beautiful sunrise shot of Reflection Canyon in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in Southern Utah I had to drive 2.5-hours a mere 50-miles down an unimproved road, hike roughly 18-miles on an unmarked trail thru slot canyons and deep washes, and camp out overnight in 28-degree Fahrenheit temperatures to be ready to capture this photograph. After seeing how it turned out, it was so worth it!

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Published by Josh Hewitt

Avid traveler and photographer who loves to see new places, meet new people, and experience new things. There is so much this world can teach us, we just need to explore! View all posts by Josh Hewitt

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9 comments ›.

These are great photos!

Thank you so much Laci!! 😄

That Sunrise At Reflection Canyon is one of the most beautiful photos I’ve ever seen. And what an amazing place.

Thank you so very much Coral!! You made my day!! 😃

• A Look at My 2022 Travel Adventure Bucket List January 5, 2022 • 8:31 am

Best photos.

Thank you so very much!!!

• A Look at My 25 Top Travel Photos of 2022 January 25, 2023 • 12:01 pm
• A Look Back at My 20 Top Travel Photos of 2023 December 18, 2023 • 8:23 pm

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10 new travel trends that will shape your vacations in 2024

W hile classic family vacations like theme parks and all-inclusive family resorts never go out of style, embracing the newest travel trends for 2024 might expand your idea of what a family trip can look like. That's especially true if you've stayed close to home the past few years, because 2024's emerging vacation trends are all about finding brand-new experiences to enjoy together as a family.

Here are the newest travel trends that could help you make this year's family vacation the best yet.

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1. Set jet (yes, you read that right)

Jet-setting might feel like the exclusive domain of the rich and famous, but set-jetting is for everyday travelers who are fans of media made "on location." From vacationing in the City of Light a la "Emily in Paris" to journeying to Sicily to see the sights of "The White Lotus" Season 2, visiting the spot where your favorite movie or television show was filmed is an emerging trend for 2024 vacations. In the U.S., Los Angeles is the epicenter of family set-jetting. Fans of "Barbie" can rollerblade in Venice Beach, just as Barbie and Ken did in Greta Gerwig's hit. 

For set-jetting with multigenerational appeal, channel Julia Roberts in "Pretty Woman" at the Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills, where much of the iconic movie is set. Dine like Eddie Murphy in "Beverly Hills Cop" overlooking Rodeo Drive at The Blvd (the large kids menu should please even finicky eaters). Or stay at The Millennium Biltmore Los Angeles and imagine yourself in the presence of the "Ghostbusters" (scenes from the original movie were filmed there) or Molly Ringwald from "Pretty in Pink."

More 2024 vacation ideas:

• 14 most anticipated new family resorts and hotels of 2024
• What's coming to Disney’s theme parks and cruises in 2024
• 50 fun family vacation ideas for all ages in 2024

2. Bring more, it's merrier

The popularity of multigenerational family vacations shows no sign of slowing in 2024. When you travel with extended family, booking an accommodation with room to spread out offers privacy and togetherness in the right proportion. Some families opt to rent a big house , maybe even hire a cook or organize meals together, while others relish having it all included. Either way, making memories in person has rarely felt quite as important as it does these days.

My family and I recently took a multigenerational vacation to Beaches Negril in Jamaica. We stayed in a new Eventide Villa with a kitchen, living room, four bedrooms, and 4½ bathrooms that sleeps 18 people comfortably. While it was far from a cheap family vacatio n, the per-person cost fit into our budget and hit the sweet spot straddling independence and family time. You could also purposefully choose a combination of rooms and suites across a Caribbean family resort like Beaches so meet-ups for activities are all the more special.

More multigenerational vacation ideas:

• How to plan a multigenerational Disney World vacation
• 19 best family resorts and hotels in the U.S.

3. Renew your passport the easy way

With post-pandemic travel demand still soaring and so many possible travel trends to pursue in 2024, the process of applying for or renewing your passport through traditional methods continues to be unpredictable and, at times, downright frustrating. I recently used It’s Easy, a passport and visa expediting company that has been in business since 1976 but is experiencing renewed interest in today's travel environment. 

I downloaded the app, which allowed me to take my passport photo in my living room, then filled out a few forms and mailed it all to their office. My new passport arrived straight to my mailbox in a jiffy. The process was efficient and well worth the reasonable fee. Children under 16 must apply for a passport in person, but It’s Easy can facilitate the process, holding your hand throughout. 

More vacation ideas with (or without) a passport:

• 10 tropical destinations you can visit without a U.S. passport
• 6 ultra-affordable all-inclusive resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean

4. Learn indigenous history and culture

After a strong year in 2023, tourism that allows us to learn about the culture, traditions and homes of our nation’s first inhabitants will continue to gain in popularity in 2024. This kind of travel can guide you to some of North America's most beautiful natural settings while helping you learn history you may not have been taught in school. 

Seek out Navajo-led tours through Monument Valley and Canyon de Chelly to learn not only about the area's cultural history but also about geologic time. In Monument Valley, you can do both by hiring a local guide to take you beyond the prescribed 17-mile loop. In Canyon de Chelly, there's no other way to see the valley from its floor than with a local guide which adds power to the stories of the generations. Both the The View Hotel in Monument Valley and Thunderbird Lodge at Canyon de Chelly are Indigenous-owned and -operated, so your visit serves you and channels important resources to local communities. 

Similarly, purchasing crafts made by Native American artisans is welcome at a variety of Native Art Festivals all year long around the U.S., and you can learn about the creative process of some of the most prized crafts from Acoma potters with a visit to Acoma Sky City in New Mexico, the longest continually inhabited community in the United States.

Near the Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Glen Canyon and Lake Powell, stay at Shash Dine EcoResort in a traditional off-grid Native hogan near Page, Arizona. Or, for a more curated experience, consider joining Trafalgar’s National Parks and Native Trails of the Dakotas guided group tour. On this nine-day trip, you'll gain a deeper knowledge of Indigenous history and current issues, including the value of respectful tribal tourism as a source of income.

More indigenous tourism ideas:

• Tour review: Trafalgar’s national parks and native trails of the Dakotas
• 5 family-friendly luaus in Hawaii that celebrate Hawaiian and Polynesian cultures

5. Engage with outdoor art 

Even a few years on from social distancing, Americans continue to want to incorporate open spaces into their travels, and the many outdoor sculpture gardens around the U.S. are a perfect and low-key way to do it. Liberated from the constraints of an indoor museum, sculpture parks hold special appeal for families. Kids can run and play while absorbing color, form and the ever-changing dialogue between art and the environment. 

This past summer, my family and I visited the Olympic Sculpture Park in the heart of Seattle. The kids ran circles around Alexander Calder's immense The Eagle while the adults took a seat on Eye Benches, surrealist eyeballs that double as surprisingly comfortable benches. It was free, easy and fun. Of course, sculptures abound in the form of monuments, statuary, and fountains around the National Mall in Washington, D.C., most notably at the National Gallery Sculpture Garden and the easy-to-miss Vietnam Women's Memorial .

For one of the best sculpture treasure hunts in the country, build a visit to the Storm King Art Center into a New York family vacation . Stretch your legs while you walk among marvels by Calder, Maya Lin and Andy Goldsworthy, among others, or rent bikes to travel further afield. The 500-acre outdoor museum just 90 minutes from New York City is worth a whole day's visit, and if you run out of steam or simply prefer to see more with less energy, there's a regular tram tour throughout the day. 

More nature and outdoors vacations:

• 10 best campgrounds and RV parks for family vacations
• 10 incredible family glamping resorts in the U.S.

6. Discover the joys of low-season vacations

For the family who sees art in all of nature and loves an outdoor adventure, ski resorts make great summer playgrounds , providing ample opportunities for mountain biking and hiking in particular. Though vacationing in swanky, snowy wonderlands in places like Aspen and Jackson Hole is expensive in winter, prices tumble as temperature rises. At the exclusive St. Regis Deer Valley in Park City, Utah, ski trails are transformed into a patchwork of mountain biking and hiking trails. Out-of-the-box activities like falconry and candle-dipping are also part of the summer experience, and the giant swimming pool is a magnet for kids. 

Similarly, Limelight Ketchum 's central location in Ketchum, Idaho, makes for an ideal home base for mountain adventures. A fly-fishing mecca, Ketchum offers the thrill of the river, an extensive trail along the valley riverbed, and downhill mountain biking with handlebars pointed toward the water. Bikes are available at Limelight, and it's a gentle jaunt to the Sawtooth Botanical Gardens or deeper into town for any of Ketchum's awesome dining spots. 

More Affordable Family Vacation Ideas:

• 8 cheap spring break trips that don’t skimp on the fun
• 7 cheap California vacations for the whole family

7. Savor a new kind of culinary travel

Travel tends to be best enjoyed with delicious dining options , and everyone can enjoy a special setting. After all, why have dinner at an ordinary restaurant when your family can feast in a novel setting with plenty of panache? Pair your Colorado vacation with a stop at The Airplane Restaurant and dine inside a real Boeing KC-97. Then, take a quick trip to Denver to dine at Casa Bonita, where waterfalls, all-you-can-eat Mexican food and seating for 1,000 create a true dining experience. 

Other special dining experiences worth building a 2024 vacation around include Tellers , an Italian eatery inside The National Hotel in Oklahoma City. Once the First National Bank, today it's a place to enjoy luscious pasta while sitting in restored original teller booths. Similarly, you can dine in a renovated train factory in Montreal's Hoogan et Beaufort , where architects preserved the history of the building while creating an inviting space for meals. And in Rhode Island, dine inside a Hobbit house straight out of "The Lord of the Rings."

More food-themed vacation ideas:

• Skip the buffet: 7 all-inclusive resorts with the best food offerings
• 11 one-of-a-kind Disney foods you need to try at Disney World

8. Enjoy wine instead of whining kids

Though you have to be at least 21 to drink, wineries are opening their doors to kids with fun activities from cider tastings to cornhole toss. The relaxed atmosphere that tends to come with wine tasting can be ideal for visitors of all ages as long as the kiddos have something to do.

All of the wineries in Traverse City, Michigan, welcome children. Black Star Farms in Sutton Bay has a herd of goats, horses, hiking trails, an outdoor patio and organic apple cider. Seasonal sleigh rides and brunch with Santa are a hit with families. Washington State’s Walla Walla Valley is another respected viticulture region, and at family-owned Woodward Canyon Winery , kids can play lawn games while parents taste.

In Northern California, your whole family can enjoy the Napa Valley Wine Train . If staying on terra firma is more your style, nearby Sonoma's Cline Cellars offers not only delicious wines but also opportunities for kids to feed the koi, birds and goats; it's also home to a California Mission Museum with scaled models of the California missions, so kids can have a learning opportunity while you enjoy your wine. Further south in Paso Robles on the Central California Coast, Sculpterra Winery’s sculpture garden, giant kaleidoscope and table tennis will keep kids occupied while parents sip and savor. 

More Wine-Themed Vacation Ideas:

• How to plan the perfect wine tasting trip to Napa and Sonoma
• 9 Napa Valley hotels that actually welcome kids

9. Avoid the crowds at state parks 

There are nearly 4,000 state parks scattered across the United States, many of them offering excellent recreational facilities and pristine beauty. The two things state parks often lack? Big crowds and big prices. State parks are often extremely affordable hidden gems. I've learned that not all of North America's beauty resides in the bigger and busier national parks , and you can usually find a great state park within an hour of most urban centers.

In Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is a family favorite with 60,000 acres of old-growth forest, waterfalls and miles of trails. Camping, fishing, disc golf, mountain biking, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are recreational possibilities.

New Hampshire’s Franconia Notch State Park sit on the shores of Echo Lake and is just an hour's drive from Concord. With boating, fishing, swimming and views of Cannon Mountain, this state park is a scenic delight.

At Florida’s Cayo Costa State Park , you cam make like Robinson Crusoe. This secluded island state park is accessible only by boat, but once you're there and pay a $2 entry fee, you'll find an undeveloped shoreline and a rich array of marine life and shorebirds.

More state park vacation ideas:

• 10 best Florida state parks for families
• 12 super fun Midwest family vacations

10. Finally get a good night's sleep on vacation

Parents know the saying "sleep like a baby" can be misleading. Getting a good night’s sleep is essential to your family’s well-being, but it can be tough to achieve when you’re in a new environment. In 2024, many hotels will be prioritizing the intersection of sleep and hospitality. 

At the hip Hotel Figueroa in Los Angeles, the Rest and Recovery Suite aims to induce slumber with a pillow menu, mattress with an adjustable thermostat, and eco-friendly earplugs. In New York, buck the "City That Never Sleeps" label with a restorative sleep bed by Bryte at the Park Hyatt . At Lake Nona Wave Hotel in Orlando, there’s a resident sleep expert to guide you toward better rest after a day spent enjoying any of the many Orlando theme parks .

10 new travel trends that will shape your vacations in 2024 originally appeared on FamilyVacationist.com .

More from FamilyVacationist:

• 25 best family vacation spots in the U.S. for all ages
• 15 best all-inclusive family resorts around the world
• 8 all-inclusive family resorts for a tropical winter escape

FamilyVacationist.com and TourScoop.com are owned and operated by Vacationist Media LLC. Using the FamilyVacationist travel recommendation methodology , we review and select family vacation ideas , family vacation spots , all-inclusive family resorts , and classic family vacations for all ages. TourScoop covers guided group tours and tour operators , tour operator reviews , tour itinerary reviews and travel gear recommendations . The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 10 new travel trends that will shape your vacations in 2024

17 brand new experiences for your 2021 bucket list

Dec 26, 2020 • 8 min read

The immersive Van Gogh Alive exhibition is one of the many incredible experiences of the year ahead © Grande Experiences

The arrival of a new year is always joyfully anticipated, but 2021 is even more keenly awaited than usual as we hope it'll be the year we put the COVID-19 pandemic behind us. Here are some of the places, attractions and new experiences that will enhance the worldwide travel scene in 2021, all waiting to be enjoyed when travel restrictions lift.

1. See Colorado and Utah from a glass-domed train

Train company Rocky Mountaineer has announced its plans to introduce a new Colorado to Utah route to its luxury train journeys in 2021. The "Rockies to the Red Rocks" route will be a two-day rail journey between Denver and Moab , with an overnight stay in Glenwood Springs. Between Denver and Glenwood Springs, the trains will journey alongside the Colorado River and through a series of canyons with steep, rugged rock walls. Guests on the new multi-day, daytime route will enjoy onboard storytelling, regional cuisine and beautiful scenery in the trains' glass-dome coaches.

2. Dive to the wreckage of the Titanic

If you fancy visiting the wreck of the Titanic, a series of six dives has been organised to the historic passenger ship, which is located about 600km south of Newfoundland . The dives will begin at the end of May 2021 and will collect images, video, laser scans and sonar data to provide an objective baseline of the current condition of the wreck. They will give citizen scientists the opportunity to participate as active members of the team, known as "mission specialists," for which they will receive hands-on training and continued instruction.

3. Revel in this multi-sensory Vincent van Gogh exhibition

A multi-sensory Vincent Van Gogh exhibition is coming to the US for the first time at the Salvador Dalí Museum , Florida , the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields , and the Germania Club Building in Chicago . Through ceiling digital projection, close to 3000 moving images illuminate the colorful brushstrokes of Vincent van Gogh in larger-than-life scenes, giving visitors the opportunity to effectively step inside the Dutch artist's famous paintings. A musical soundscape will accompany the projections to add to the dream-like state of the exhibition, while aromas will be infused throughout the auditorium so that museum-goers can literally stop and smell the Sunflowers . 

4. Enjoy unlimited stays in the Maldives

A luxury resort in the Maldives is offering unlimited stays for two people in its overwater bungalows throughout 2021. The new package from Anantara Veli Maldives Resort is called ‘Unlimited Stays in Paradise,' and although the price tag of US$30,000 might seem eye-wateringly steep, it works out to just over $84 a night. It includes free breakfast every morning, and use of the resort’s fitness center and pool.

5. Visit the Italian town named the City of Wine for 2021

Wine is something that’s taken very seriously in Italy , and those who like to imbibe should head to the village of Barolo, which has been declared the official Città del Vino, or City of Wine, for 2021. Barolo is located in the Piedmontese province of Cuneo and and while it counts no more than 700 citizens, it’s the birthplace of the homonymous Barolo red wine. It also has an enviable location since it’s sitting right in the middle of the Langhe hills , which were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014.

6. Check out this Paris art museum

Head to Paris where a former stock exchange will reopen as a museum dedicated to the collection of businessman and art collector François Pinault. The Bourse de Commerce is set to open on 23 January, and will house contemporary art seen through the prism of the Pinault collection. Pinault has assembled a collection of more than 5000 works from the 20th and 21st centuries, and the museum will offer educational programs, conferences, meetings, screenings, concerts and performances.

7. Take a bus across 18 countries in 70 days

An epic new hop-on-hop-off bus service from Adventures Overland will set off on a 20,000km journey from India to England , crossing 18 countries over 70 days and allowing passengers to stop off in cities along the way. The adventure is made more comfortable with mod-cons such as reclining ‘business class’ seats with plenty of legroom, wifi, in-seat phone charging points, private lockers and individual entertainment systems with AUX and USB ports.

8. Cycle the trail around Italy's Lake Garda

A brand new way to explore Italy ’s largest lake by bike is coming in 2021, and it's a 140km-long trail that circles Lake Garda in the north of the country. The project, called Garda by Bike , has been constructed from both existing cycling tracks and newly built paths that will take you from Lombardy through Trento and the Veneto and back. Garda by Bike will also link up to the continent-spanning European cycle routes Eurovelo Route 7 and Eurovelo Route 8 .

9. Be mesmerised by a kaleidoscopic Japanese exhibition

Digital art collective teamLab has unveiled an incredible new exhibition that sees Kairakuen Garden in Mito, Japan, being transformed into a psychedelic, kaleidoscopic open-air art exhibition. The interactive display features 3000 plum blossom trees, all of which are transformed into living artwork, thanks to ground-breaking technology. Running from 13 February to 21 March 2021, the interactive show responds to the presence of people, and is being held in conjunction with the 120-year-old Mitu Ume (plum) Festival .

10. Get cultured in Romania’s Timişoara

Romania ’s western city of Timişoara  has been chosen as the European Capital of Culture for 2021 by an EU-nominated international jury. Its campaign was carried out under the slogan ‘Shine your light. Light up your city.’ As the European Capital of Culture, Romania's third-largest city will have a special programme promoting the diversity and richness of its culture.

11. Experience the 2021 total solar eclipse from an Antarctic cruise

On 4 December 2021, cruise passengers will go from blinding white conditions to a complete blackout thanks to a voyage that coincides with a total solar eclipse that will take place in Antarctica . On 20 November 2021, the 114-guest ship M/v Sea Spirit will depart the world’s southernmost city, Ushuaia in Argentina , and return there after visiting South Georgia, the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) and the Antarctic Peninsula. On day 14 of the 23-day voyage, the captain will navigate the vessel to the small path of totality that will experience the total solar eclipse.

12. Take in a major Picasso exhibition

A major Picasso exhibition is coming to the US next year. Organized in partnership with Musée National Picasso-Paris , Picasso. Figures will make its sole US appearance in the Frist Art Museum in Nashville to celebrate the institution's 20th anniversary. The landmark show will run in the Frist's Ingram Gallery from 5 February until 2 May, before traveling to the Musée National des Beaux-Arts du Québec in Canada in June 2021.

13. Voyage on the world's biggest square-rigged ship

Two celebrity-led cruises are taking place on a mighty cruise ship that takes 70% of its power from natural sources. As the world's biggest square-rigged ship, Golden Horizon is a sustainable vessel with great on-board facilities. The first trip sets off from Scotland in May 2021 and travels to Iceland , where passengers can learn about volcanoes with wildlife presenter Kate Humble. The second trip takes in Belfast , the Giant's Causeway and dramatic Antrim coast, as well as the Isle of Man , where passengers can board a vintage train to the top of Snaefell mountain. It also sails to Dublin to see Malahide Castle and Dublin Bay.

14. Hike the stunning villages and vistas of Southern Italy

Several initiatives aim to make the South of Italy more accessible and popular, like the Cammino Materano and its newest hiking route. The project centers on the city of Matera and consists of six routes connecting it to other locations in Southern Italy across the regions of Basilicata , Puglia and Campania . The project is promoted by local volunteers and businesses and it’s an excellent way to enjoy slow traveling in the heart of what used to be Magna Graecia and discover all its histories and peculiarities. Travelers can rely on guides and info points to help them on their trip and they can also receive a certificate, called testimonium , that testifies they have walked at least 100 kilometers on the route.

15. Take to the seas on a 136-day world cruise

The Viking Star cruise ship is scheduled to set sail on a 136-day trip on 24 December, 2021, from Fort Lauderdale . The 2021-2022 itinerary is expected to include visits to 27 countries and 56 ports, with overnight stays in 11 cities. It will explore ports of call in Central America , transit through the Panama Canal and journey up the west coast of North America before crossing the Pacific Ocean and calling upon Hawaii. It will then traverse New Zealand and Australia , and sail through Asia, the Middle East and the Mediterranean before concluding in London .

16. Visit the Grand Eyptian Museum 

This epic museum was originally slated to open in 2020, and has since been pushed back to mid-2021. But with its treasure-trove of artefacts dating back thousands of years, this epic museum is likely well worth the wait. 

17. Take a trip to Nashville's new National Museum of African American music 

Music lovers have yet another reason to visit  Nashville  as the National Museum of African American Music is preparing to launch in January 2021. It's no overstatement to say that African American music changed the world. From gospel to jazz, R&B to  hip-hop , funk to rap, house to  techno  and soul and more, its influence stretches worldwide, bends genres and transcends cultures. It's the backbone of our music landscape. And given its particular significance in American history and culture, it's fitting that there's now a place to honor the music and the musicians who shaped it. 

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The Three Key distinction is the highest hotel honor in The MICHELIN Guide. Earning One Key (80 properties) or Two Keys (33 properties) is difficult enough, but only 11 hotels earned Three Keys in the United States. Of those, four can be found in New York City. The Three Key hotels excel in all five criteria used to judge hotels by our Inspectors. But in this series , we thought it fitting to focus on just one of those criteria — the most photogenic of the five — architecture and interior design. Below, take a look at the interiors and exteriors of each of our four Three Key hotels in New York City.

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Okinawa, Japan, is one of the world’s five Blue Zones. (Photo: Getty Images)

The World’s Blue Zones Beckon with Culture, Serenity and Secrets to a Longer Life

With wellness tourism showing no signs of slowing down, travelers continue to find new ways to focus on their physical, mental and emotional well-being when they’re on vacation. The latest trend? It’s travel to Blue Zones, five areas of the world where residents enjoy unusually long, healthy lives.

Researchers have identified reasons why people in these healthy hot spots may regularly live to be 100 years old. Some common threads among the varied cultures are everyday natural movement (i.e., gardening vs. a gym class); a mostly plant-based, whole-food diet; connection to community; and a value system that involves plenty of time for de-stressing activities, whether prayer, meditation, daily naps or even happy hours with friends.

To learn more about these secrets for living a longer, happy life, consider a trip to one of these worldwide Blue Zones. As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.

Okinawa, Japan

In Okinawa, Japan, a thoughtful mindset around food is ingrained in the culture. It’s common for Okinawans to recite “hara hachi bu” before meals. It literally means “eight out of 10,” that is, eat mindfully until you’re 80-percent full. Put the practice into play on a trip to Okinawa while sampling the island chain’s naturally low-calorie, nutrient-dense diet featuring plenty of purple sweet potatoes, tofu and stir-fried vegetables.

Island residents also appreciate life’s simple pleasures, including spending time outdoors in Okinawa’s temperate climate. Do the same while kayaking through mangroves, visiting traditional onsen (natural hot springs) and hiking to rainforest waterfalls.

Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica

Squash, beans and corn are staples of the Nicoya Peninsula diet. At restaurants across this region on Costa Rica’s west coast you’ll find dishes with these filling, nutritious ingredients. Consider drinking plenty of the local water: It’s chock-full of calcium, which may help older residents maintain their bone strength and avoid falls and fractures.

The Nicoyans take their siestas seriously — it’s common to work in the morning and then rest in the afternoon. So in between surfing on the coast, spotting wildlife in the rainforest or touring caves in a national park, be sure to build in plenty of quiet time on your Costa Rica vacation .

Sardinia, Italy

It’s no surprise the residents on Italy’s second-largest island are so fit: Steep roads crisscross the villages. That means it’s a daily workout to walk from home to the market, church or café on this mountainous island just south of Corsica, France.

While exercise is seamlessly incorporated into daily life in Sardinia, so is a glass of good wine. Take a tour of one of the vineyards here to learn more about the cannonau (grenache) grape that’s grown locally. The perfect accompaniment? A few chunks of Sardinia’s beloved pecorino cheese made from sheep’s milk.

Loma Linda, California

About 60 miles east of Los Angeles in San Bernardino County, Loma Linda is home to about 9,000 Seventh-day Adventists , who, according to their faith’s principles, eat a vegetarian diet, exercise regularly and don’t drink alcohol or smoke.

On a weekend visit to this longevity hot spot in SoCal, check out the Sunday farmer’s market to shop fresh produce and healthy snacks, hike the myriad trails in South Hills Preserve just south of town, and stop into one of the area’s veggie-friendly restaurants, including the offerings on the Loma Linda University campus, where cafés are solely vegetarian.

Ikaria, Greece

Lean into a languid pace on the North Aegean island of Ikaria, Greece , accessible via ferry from Athens or from neighboring islands like Mykonos . Quiet and not touristy, Ikaria offers visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the agricultural lifestyle that has been enjoyed by residents for centuries.

Live like locals with a stroll through olive groves or along mountain paths. Soak in the natural thermal pools or take a dip in a blue-green ocean cove. And finish your day in a neighborhood taverna with a glass of wine and top-quality Greek ingredients like just-picked vegetables, freshly caught fish and homegrown honey.

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The Ultimate Guide to the Santa Barbara Funk Zone

What should two parents do when both kids go away to summer camp for the first time? Go to wine country of course! That’s exactly what The Husband and I did this past month as we entered the new era of sleepover summer camp. We dropped the kids off on the side of a mountain with “adult supervision” (18-20-year-old camp counselors) then headed home to pack our bags and catch a flight to Santa Barbara . The next five days were spent sunning on the Southern California beaches, sipping our way through the Santa Ynez Valley…but first we hit the Funk Zone in Santa Barbara.

It made sense to start here since we were flying in and out of Santa Barbara. It was also an excuse to get to see some good friends who drove in from LA to sip through the Funk Zone with us.

What is the Santa Barbara Funk Zone?

What was originally an abandoned industrial area filled with warehouses a few blocks off the waterfront, has been transformed into a hip, artistic neighborhood with 20 wine tasting rooms, a dozen art galleries and studios, delicious restaurants and great boutiques. The Funk Zone is one of the coolest areas in Santa Barbara to hang out in…and the best for sipping through all six AVAs in Santa Barbara County while never having to leave the city.

It used to be that if you wanted to visit a winery you had to drive into the hills and seek out the tasting rooms at working vineyards. Santa Barbara is now home to nearly 30 tasting rooms, which make up the Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail. The highest concentration of tasting rooms along the Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail is the Funk Zone. Many of these tasting rooms are second tasting rooms from wineries located in the six AVAs in Santa Barbara County.

Located just two blocks from the beach, between Cabrillo Blvd. and Highway 101 you can  surf or SUP in the morning and then head over to the wineries for the afternoon.

Map of the Santa Barbara Funk Zone

I’ve noted a few of my favorite places to sip, savor and stay here AND mapped out (literally) a few itineraries for you guys below. Go get your funk on!!!

Where to Sip in the Santa Barbara Funk Zone

A few suggested wineries in the Funk Zone include, Pali Wine Co., Kunin Wines, Santa Barbara Winery, Melville, Area 5.1, The Valley Project, The Santa Barbara Wine Collective and Riverbench Winery. See the suggested itineraries below for more ideas.

TIP: Arrange to be at Deep Sea Tasting Room at sunset, you’ll have a better understanding of why Santa Barbara has been dubbed the American Riveria.

Where to Eat in the Santa Barbara Funk Zone

• Chad’s Cafe (formerly named Sambo’s)
• Helena Avenue Bakery – The bakery is a great spot to grab a picnic lunch too!
• Shalhoob’s Funk Zone Patio – This is a great spot to sit back and enjoy just being outside. Oh, and the food makes for a perfect paring for a day of wine tasting. From tapas to salads to burgers and BBQ, everyone will love it.
• Lucky Penny – Hello, pizza!!!
• Blue Water Grill – Get a table on the waterfront patio and indulge on the variety of seafood options. This spot is also great for dinner, think ocean sunset view…
• While Sterns Warf isn’t technically in the Santa Barbara Funk Zone, it is home to some amazing views and seafood restaurants. If you’re up for it, head over to the Warf and try lunch at the Santa Barbara Shellfish Company or the Harbor Restaurant (the seafood tower is amazing!)

I love The Santa Barbara Wine Collective . I wasn’t sure where exactly to fit this place into the following itineraries but it’s a must visit. The patio makes for the perfect spot for an afternoon flight and charcuterie board.

For dinner in the Funk Zone, hands down is The Lark . Named by Wine Enthusiast at one of America’s top 100 Wine Restaurants in 2016, you will not only be sipping through a wide selection of Central Coast wines, but indulging on artisanal and seasonal ingredients that showcase the region. To say the food is delicious is an understatement. TIP: Make reservations for the patio. Blue Water Grill and Due Lune Cucina are also great options.

Where to Stay in the Santa Barbara Funk Zone

There are several lodging options in Santa Barbara but I personally wanted to stay in the Funk Zone at a hotel where I could walk to the beach, restaurants and wine tasting rooms. The area is 100 percent pedestrian friendly. Since I was planning to test out UberWINE during our stay, renting a car wasn’t in the cards.

During our stay, we did Santa Barbara on both the front and back end of the trip, enabling me to try out TWO different hotels – Hotel Milo and Harbor View Inn . I recommend both! They’re equally as nice and both are pet friendly. The two things I liked about Hotel Milo over the Harbor View Inn were the wide selection of outdoor patio options overlooking the waterfront. Hotel Milo also has two pools, versus one at Harbor View Inn. This is nice since the pool areas do fill up in late afternoon. (Why? The ocean is right across the street, come on people!)

While I didn’t stay at Hotel Indigo it is highly rated and in the heart of the Funk Zone. It’s an IHG hotel so you can earn rewards and trust that the quality of the room is going to be top notch. The one drawback, you’re a few blocks away from the ocean. However, this can be a plus if you’re looking to save a few bucks since you won’t be paying for a waterfront hotel.

Santa Barbara Funk Zone Itinerary: Day One

Start the morning off with a run or walk along the beach. If you’re staying at Hotel Milo or Harbor View Inn, you’re literally right across the street from the ocean. If you’re opting to walk, I suggest you grab a coffee at State Street Coffee then make your way along the shore. Pack a light jacket – even in the summer – as the mornings can be crisp! Also, be on the lookout for sand dollars. I found eight one morning under the pier of Stearns Warf.

Make your way from West Beach over to East Beach and up to Santa Barbara’s Chromatic Gate (East Cabrillo Blvd and Calle Puerto Vallarta. While it’s technically outside of the Funk Zone, it makes for a great walk and even better Instagram shot.

After your morning walk, you have to hit Chad’s Cafe for the best breakfast sandwiches. The menu offers a lot more than sandwiches but the two times I visited, I couldn’t help myself. AMAZING!!! The place fills up so you can always place a to-go order and do a picnic at the beach and then walk.

Most tasting rooms in the Santa Barbara Funk Zone open about 12 pm, giving you plenty of time to enjoy your morning. (Closing time is between 6-9pm.)

Moving into the second part of your day, I recommend you start at The Valley Project . This tasting room strives to educate visitors and take them through all six of Santa Barbara County’s AVA – one glass at a time. The huge map on the wall provides an excellent backdrop to set the stage for your educational tasting where you’ll learn about the regions’ topography, soils and microclimates.

Next up, lunch. There are a variety of dining options in the Funk Zone (see above), but for this itinerary I suggest Shalhoob’s Funk Zone Patio . (Its location is perfect for where you are and where I want you to go.) This is a great spot to sit back and enjoy just being outside. Oh, and the food makes for a perfect paring for a day of wine tasting. From tapas to salads to burgers and BBQ, everyone will love it.

After lunch it’s time to sip more wine and explore the dozens of galleries and studios in the Funk Zone. Head over to the Arts Fund Gallery , where local painters and sculptors rotate their work each month. Then it’s time to do a bit more sipping. From the Arts Fund Gallery, you’re about a block from Pali Wine Company , LaFond Winery and the Santa Barbara Winery . Pick one – maybe two – and then start walking down Anacapa St. towards the ocean because you must visit Kunin Wines and DV8 Cellars .

Right next door is Municipal Winemakers and Corks and Crowns which are two great alternatives or spots to tack on for Day Two. I’ve read great things about both but wasn’t able to get into either since they were closed. (Municipal Winemakers was having a private event.)

For dinner definitely make a reservation for a patio table at The Lark . This is hands down my favorite spot in the Funk Zone. It’s also just a block up from Kunin. Named by Wine Enthusiast as one of America’s top 100 Wine Restaurants in 2016, you will not only be sipping through a wide selection of local, Central Coast wines, but indulging on artisanal and seasonal ingredients that showcase the region. To say the food at The Lark is delicious is an understatement. It’s just so much more.

The night is now yours to get your funk on…

Santa Barbara Funk Zone Itinerary: Day Two

After a long day of wine tasting, sleeping in might just be the best way to kick things off. Followed by a breakfast sandwich at Chad’s Cafe. Seriously guys, it’s the best!

In Santa Barbara the sun doesn’t tend to make its appearance until about 10am each morning. Now, don’t get me wrong, it’s risen and there but the cloud coverage keeps the mornings cool and hazy. By lunch time the sun is out and in full force, making it the perfect time to hit the beach.

Head over to West Beach to rent a paddle board or kayak for a few hours and explore the shores. If you’re uncomfortable doing this on your own you can always pay for a private tour guide who can help you with your techniques and give you a lay of the land. You can also do boat rentals or join a boat tour. I personally prefer to SUP. Great exercise and a fun way to spend time at the beach.

After a few hours at the beach you’ll be ready for a late lunch. You have a few options here. If you’re not ready for sipping, head over to the Stearns Warf for seafood at the Santa Barbara Shellfish Company or the Harbor Restaurant (the seafood tower is amazing!). Pop into the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center to get educated on the waters that surround you.

Did you know some of the most extensive submarine forests in the world lie off the Santa Barbara coast in 30 to 50 feet of water? One forest lies just beyond the Santa Barabara breakwaters. Giant Kelp is the dominate plant in these submarine forests, which explains all the kelp along the shores.

When you’re ready to get your funk on, head over to Lucky Penny for lunch. Its known for its wood-fired pizza, but for sure check out the small plates and sandwiches. OMG – the Muffaletta… From here you’re in the heart of the Santa Barbara Funk Zone, with tasting rooms, shops and galleries galore. The Santa Barbara Wine Collective is a great place to start the day.

The wine flights offered at The Santa Barbara Wine Collective take you through all of the AVAs in Santa Barbara County, along with a cheese board you are setup for an amazing start of the day. You may find yourself wanting to just sit back on the patio and simply sip in the rest of the day. Which is totally fine, BUT, there’s so many more things to go and sip. Walk around the corner to do a tasting at Area 5.1 . It’s a fun play on the alien theme of Area 51, all the wines play into this theme as well. The rose is delish! I enjoyed both the wine and the fun play on things.

Afterwards, head next door to Riverbench or Oreana Winery.  Then across the street you’ll find the Grapeseed Company , the first vinotherapy line upcycled from the byproduct of the California wine industry. (WHAT?!?) Ok, they make skin, hair, bath and body products utilizing fresh, local ingredients – aka red grape seeds. They’re natural anti-oxidants so makes sense.

If you’re still up for sipping head back over to one of the spots you didn’t visit on the first day – Kunin Wines , DV8 Cellars , Municipal Winemakers , Corks and Crowns . For dinner make a reservation for a waterfront patio table at Blue Water Grill . Try to plan for 6pm so you can catch the sunset over the ocean. Then sip in the night while indulging on the variety of seafood options.

If you’re in Santa Barbara for a third day, I highly recommend you get out into the wine country, specially the Santa Ynez Valley. Take a look at the Santa Ynez Valley hotel I recommend and suggested itineraries.

Have you visited the Santa Barbara Funk Zone? What were your favorite things to do? Let us know in the comments.

Elaine N. Schoch

Elaine Schoch (pronounced the German way – Shock) is the editor and founder of Carpe Travel as well as an award-winning travel writer, wine judge, certified by the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 2 and certified American Wine Expert. She is married to The Husband and has two kids, Princess One and Two – who’s interest and knowledge in wine is quite extensive. Not to mention the stamps in their passports.

Places the U.S. Government Warns Not to Travel Right Now

You may want to reconsider traveling to these countries right now.

Do Not Travel to These Countries

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Crime, civil unrest and terrorism are common risk factors for countries that end up on the State Department's "Do Not Travel" advisory list.

In 2024, tourism across the globe is “well on track” to return to pre-pandemic levels, according to projections by UN Tourism.

Global conflicts and natural disasters , ranging from a series of coups across Africa to catastrophic earthquakes in the Middle East affected international travel patterns throughout 2023. Still, international tourist arrivals reached 87% of pre-pandemic levels in 2023, according to estimates by UN Tourism .

In January 2024 alone, about 4.6 million U.S. citizens left the country for international destinations, 17% higher than the same month in 2019, according to the International Trade Administration . But some destinations warrant more caution than others.

On Oct. 19, 2023, following the outbreak of war between Israel and Gaza and flaring tensions in the region, the U.S. State Department issued a worldwide caution advisory due to “increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests.” Prior to this update, the most recent worldwide caution advisory was issued in 2022 after a U.S. strike killed Ayman al-Zawahiri, Osama bin Laden’s successor as leader of Al Qaeda, causing “a higher potential for anti-American violence.” The worldwide caution advisory remains in effect.

The U.S. State Department also issues individual travel advisory levels for more than 200 countries globally, continually updating them based on a variety of risk indicators such as health, terrorism and civil unrest. Travel advisory levels range from Level 1, which means exercise normal precautions, to Level 4, which means do not travel there.

About 10% of countries – 19 total – have a Level 4: “Do Not Travel” advisory as of Mar. 4. In Level 4 countries, the U.S. government may have “very limited ability” to step in should travelers’ safety or security be at risk, according to the State Department. Crime, civil unrest, kidnapping and terrorism are common risk factors associated with Level 4 countries.

So far in 2024, the State Department made changes to the existing Level 4 advisories for Myanmar, Iran and Gaza, and moved Niger and Lebanon off of the Level 4 list.

Places With a Level 4 Travel Advisory

These are the primary areas the U.S. government says not to travel to right now, in alphabetical order:

Jump to Place: Afghanistan Belarus Burkina Faso Central African Republic Myanmar (formerly Burma) Gaza Haiti Iran Iraq Libya Mali Mexico North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) Russia Somalia South Sudan Sudan Syria Ukraine Venezuela Yemen

Afghanistan: The Central Asian country is wrestling with “terrorism, risk of wrongful detention, kidnapping and crime,” according to the State Department. U.S. citizens are specifically at risk for wrongful detention and kidnapping. In 2022, the government reinstituted public floggings and executions, and women’s rights are disappearing under Taliban control. The U.S. Embassy in Kabul halted operations in August 2021. Since the Taliban took control , many forms of international aid have been halted . Meanwhile, in 2023, some of the year’s deadliest earthquakes killed more than 2,400 in Afghanistan while the country continues to face a years-long extreme drought.

Belarus: Belarus, which shares a western border with Russia and a southern border with Ukraine, has been flagged for “Belarusian authorities’ continued facilitation of Russia’s war against Ukraine, the buildup of Russian military forces in Belarus, the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, the potential of civil unrest, the risk of detention, and the Embassy’s limited ability to assist U.S. citizens residing in or traveling to Belarus.” The U.S. Embassy in Minsk halted operations in February 2022.

Burkina Faso: Terrorism, crime and kidnapping are plaguing this West African nation. Terrorist attacks may target hotels, restaurants and schools with little to no warning, and the East and Sahel regions of the country are under a state of emergency. In late November 2023, hundreds died in clashes between state security forces and rebels near the country’s border with Mali. In June, more than 2 million people in Burkina Faso were displaced due to “violence linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group.”

Central African Republic: While there have not been specific incidents of U.S. citizens targeted with violence or crime, violent crime and sudden closure of roads and borders is common. The advisory states that “Embassy Bangui’s limited capacity to provide support to U.S. citizens, crime, civil unrest, and kidnapping” is a factor in its assessment. Recent data from UNICEF suggests the country has the worst drinking water accessibility of all countries in 2022.

Myanmar (Formerly Burma): Armed conflict and civil unrest are the primary reasons to not travel to this Southeast Asian country, which experienced a military coup in early 2021. Limited health care resources, wrongful detentions and “areas with land mines and unexploded ordnance” are also listed as risk factors. After Ukraine and Israel, Myanmar had the highest conflict-related death toll in 2023.

Gaza : Hamas, a foreign terrorist organization as designated by the State Department, controls much of the Gaza Strip, which shares borders with both Israel and Egypt. On Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas fighters broke across the border into Israel, killing hundreds of civilians and soldiers in a brazen attack that stunned Israelis. On Oct. 10, Israel hit the Gaza Strip with “the fiercest air strikes in its 75-year conflict” according to Reuters . The conflict has since escalated into war between Israel and Hamas, with regular Israeli airstrikes leading to extensive civilian casualties in Gaza. As of mid-December, nearly 85% of Gaza’s population were displaced from their homes, according to UN estimates . The region continues to face shortages of food , water, electricity and medical supplies , with conditions deemed “far beyond a humanitarian crisis.” The State Department warns of terrorism and armed conflict within Gaza’s borders.

Haiti: In July 2023, the Department of State ordered all non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members to leave the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince in response to the increased risk of kidnapping and violent crime in the country , as well as armed conflict between gangs and police. The travel advisory states that cases of kidnapping “often involve ransom negotiations and U.S. citizen victims have been physically harmed during kidnappings.” The travel advisory also states that “U.S. citizens in Haiti should depart Haiti as soon as possible” given “the current security situation and infrastructure challenges.” A series of gang attacks in late September 2023 caused thousands to flee their homes, and many aid groups have been forced to cut or suspend operations amid escalating violence in recent months.

Iran: Terrorism, kidnapping and civil unrest are risk factors for all travelers to Iran, while U.S. citizens are specifically at risk for “arbitrary arrest.” U.S.-Iranian nationals such as students, journalists and business travelers have been arrested on charges of espionage and threatening national security. Executions in Iran rose sharply between 2021 and 2022, bringing the country’s total to nearly 580 people over the year, according to a report by Amnesty International released in May 2023.

Iraq: The State Department cites “terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict [and] civil unrest” as cause for the country’s Level 4 distinction. Iraq’s northern borders, and its border with Syria, are especially dangerous. Since the escalation of conflict in neighboring Israel in October, there has been an increase in attacks against Iraqi military bases, which host U.S. troops and other international forces. In October 2023, non-emergency U.S. government personnel and eligible family members were ordered to leave the U.S. embassy in Baghdad.

Libya: Following the end of its dictatorship over a decade ago, Libya has been wrought with internal conflict between armed groups in the East and West. Armed conflict, civil unrest, crime, kidnapping and terrorism are all risk factors. U.S. citizens have been targets of kidnapping for ransom, with terrorists targeting hotels and airports frequented by Westerners. The U.S. Embassy in Tripoli halted operations in 2014. In mid-September 2023, floods, which some say were intensified by climate change , killed thousands in eastern Libya. Clashes between armed factions escalated across the country in the latter half of 2023, including in the capital city of Tripoli and in Benghazi.

Mali: After experiencing military coups in 2020 and 2021, crime, terrorism and kidnapping are all prevalent threats in this West African landlocked nation. In July 2022, non-emergency U.S. government employees and their families were ordered to leave the country due to higher risk of terrorist activity. A U.N. report in August 2023 said that military groups in the country, including both Mali security forces and possibly Russian Wagner mercenaries, were spreading terror through the use of violence against women and human rights abuses. Democratic elections were supposed to occur in February 2024, but Mali’s military junta postponed the plans indefinitely. In December, the U.N. officially ended a decade-long peacekeeping presence in the country, which had been among the agency’s deadliest missions, with hundreds of the mission personnel killed since 2013.

Mexico: Each state in Mexico is assessed separately for travel advisory levels. Six of the 32 states in Mexico are designated as Level 4: Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas and Zacatecas. Crime and kidnapping are listed as the primary risk factors throughout the country. Nearly 112,000 people were missing across the country as of October, a number the U.N. has called “alarming.”

North Korea (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea): U.S. passports are not valid for travel “to, in, or through” this country, home to one of the world's longest-running dynastic dictatorships. The travel advisory states that the Level 4 distinction is due to “the continuing serious risk of arrest and long-term detention of U.S. nationals.” In July 2023, a U.S. soldier fled across the border into North Korea, where he is believed to be in North Korean custody, the first American detained in the North in nearly five years. He was returned to U.S. custody in September 2023.

Russia: The travel advisory for Russia cites its invasion of Ukraine , harassment of U.S. citizens by Russian government officials and arbitrary law enforcement as a few of the reasons for the Level 4 designation. Chechnya and Mount Elbrus are specifically listed as Level 4 regions. Terrorism, civil unrest, health, kidnapping and wrongful detention are all noted as risks.

Russia Invades Ukraine: A Timeline

Somalia: A severe drought resulting from five failed rainy seasons in a row killed 43,000 people in 2022, and caused a famine amid conflict with Islamist insurgents . Violent crime is common throughout Somalia , pirates frequent its coast off the Horn of Africa, and medical facilities, where they exist, have limited capacity. Crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health and kidnapping are all risk factors. In January 2024, some passengers aboard a U.N.-contracted helicopter were taken hostage by al-Shabaab militants after the vehicle crashed in central Somalia.

South Sudan: Crime, kidnapping and armed conflict are the primary risk factors for South Sudan, which separated from Sudan in 2011, making it the world’s newest country . Weapons are readily available, and travelers have been victims of sexual assault and armed robbery.

Sudan: The U.S. evacuated its embassy in Khartoum in April 2023, and the country closed its airspace due to the ongoing conflict in the country, only permitting humanitarian aid and evacuation efforts. Fighting has escalated in the region between two warring generals seeking to gain control after a military coup in 2021 ousted the country’s prime minister. Civil unrest is the primary risk factor for Africa’s third largest country by area. Crime, terrorism, kidnapping and armed conflict are also noted. The International Criminal Court began investigating alleged war crimes and violence against African ethnic groups in the country in 2023. Millions have fled their homes due to conflict, and the U.N. has said its efforts to provide aid have been hindered by a lack of support, safety and resources. As recently as December 2023, the United Nations warned of catastrophic famine , with millions of children at-risk for malnutrition .

Syria: The advisory states that “No part of Syria is safe from violence,” with terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, armed conflict and risk of unjust detention all potential risk factors. U.S. citizens are often a target for kidnappings and detention. The U.S. Embassy in Damascus halted operations in 2012. Fighting in neighboring Israel has escalated since October, and the conflict has spilled over into Syria, where the U.S. has carried out air strikes following drone and rocket attacks against American troops in Syria and Iraq, triggered by the Israel-Hamas war.

Ukraine: Russian setbacks in their invasion of Ukraine buoyed hopes in Ukraine in 2023. However, Ukraine is a Level 4 country due to Russia’s invasion, with crime and civil unrest also noted as risk factors. The country’s forces shot down two Russian fighter jets on Christmas Eve 2023, in a move Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said “sets the right mood for the entire year ahead.”

Venezuela: Human rights abuses and lack of health care plague this South American nation, which has been in a political crisis since 2014. In 2019, diplomatic personnel were withdrawn from the U.S. Embassy in Caracas. Threats in the country include crime, civil unrest, kidnapping, wrongful detention and poor health infrastructure.

Yemen: Six of the nine risk factors defined by the State Department – terrorism, civil unrest, health risks, kidnapping, armed conflict and landmines – are all present in Yemen. Despite private companies offering tourist visits to the Yemeni island of Socotra, the U.S. government argues those arranging such visits “are putting tourists in danger.” Civil war and cholera are also both present throughout the country. The U.S. Embassy in Sanaa halted operations in 2015. The country has experienced a relative lull in the civil war fighting, but as peace negotiations have gotten traction, flare ups in the fighting have jeopardized progress. Most recently, the U.S. and U.K. have carried out a series of airstrikes in the country, targeting Iran-backed Houthi sites.

Other Countries to Watch

Since Jan. 1, the State Department has updated travel advisories for 17 different countries as well as for the West Bank and Gaza, adding information about specific regions or risk factors, or simply renewing an existing advisory. Travel advisory levels can change based on several factors in a nation, such as increased civil unrest, policies that affect human rights or higher risks of unlawful detention.

The State Department has given about 25 countries an assessment of Level 3, meaning it recommends people “reconsider travel” to those destinations.

On Oct. 14, one week after the deadly Hamas attack on Israel, Israel and the West Bank were both moved from Level 2 to Level 3, while Gaza remains at Level 4. The region’s travel advisory was updated in November to reflect travel restrictions for certain government employees who have not already left the area, and it was updated again on Jan. 3.

Following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in early October, the U.S. State Department raised Lebanon ’s travel advisory level from a Level 3 to a Level 4 level due to “the unpredictable security situation related to rocket, missile, and artillery exchanges” between Israel and Hezbollah or other militant groups. In December, the U.S. Embassy in Beirut returned to normal staffing and presence, and on Jan. 29, the country was moved back to Level 3. Crime, terrorism, armed conflict, civil unrest, kidnapping and unexploded landmines are listed as the country’s primary risk factors. However, the country’s borders with Syria and with Israel, as well as refugee settlements within Lebanon, are specifically noted as Level 4 regions.

China became a Level 3 country in late 2020, with an update in December 2022 citing “the surge in COVID-19 cases, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, and COVID-19-related restrictions” as the reason for the advisory. In June 2023, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) was moved from the Level 3 to the Level 2 list, but travelers are still advised to be cautious in the area due to “arbitrary enforcement of local laws.” Meanwhile, Macau remains at Level 3.

Following an attempted coup in August 2023, Niger was elevated to Level 4 in August and the Department of State ordered all non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members to leave the U.S. Embassy in Niamey. In early January 2024, the overall risk level for the country was lowered back to Level 3. Despite the new classification, the State Department still asks non-emergency government personnel and eligible family members to depart the country.

In mid-December 2023 there was an explosion at Guinea’s main fuel depot which has since affected access to health care and basic goods and services. The country was subsequently designated a Level 3 nation after having previously been Level 2. Concerns about civil unrest, health, crime and fuel shortages impacting local infrastructure were listed as the primary risk factors contributing to the change.

Several Level 3 countries are among the worst countries for human trafficking, as designated by the State Department’s annual Trafficking in Persons Report . Level 3 countries on this list include Papua New Guinea, Guinea Bissau, China and Chad. There are also nine Level 4 countries designated as among the worst for human trafficking: Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, Myanmar, North Korea, Russia, Syria, South Sudan and Venezuela.

Over 70 countries are currently at Level 2, meaning the State Department recommends travelers “exercise increased caution” when traveling to those destinations.

Botswana became the newest Level 2 country on Feb. 26 after having previously been Level 1, with crime noted as the primary risk factor.

France, which saw nationwide protests throughout 2023, has civil unrest and terrorism noted as risk factors for its Level 2 status, and Sweden’s Level 2 status is associated with risks of terrorism.

The Level 2 travel advisory for the Bahamas was updated in January to reflect water safety concerns. The advisory warns that “activities involving commercial recreational watercraft, including water tours, are not consistently regulated” and notes that government personnel are “not permitted to use independently operated jet-ski rentals on New Providence and Paradise Islands.” It also warns visitors to be mindful of sharks, weather and water conditions. The advisory also says that crime is a primary risk factor with gang-on-gang violence contributing to high homicide rates in some areas. Visitors are asked to “be vigilant” and to not physically resist robbery attempts.

Bangladesh 's Level 2 travel advisory was updated in October 2023 to add a note about the country’s general election , which took place Jan. 7, 2024. The advisory states “demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.” The U.S. has since claimed the country’s election was not free nor fair.

In November 2023, several Level 2 travel advisories were updated with new cautionary information. The advisory for Ghana was updated to reflect threats against LGBTQI+ travelers specifically, noting “anti-LGBTQI+ rhetoric and violence have increased in recent years.” Meanwhile, the advisory for South Africa was updated in February to note that routes recommended by GPS may be unsafe with higher risk for crime.

Turkmenistan was moved off of the Level 2 list to become the newest addition to the Level 1 list on Jan. 22, meaning normal precautions are recommended but there are no risk factors causing travelers to practice increased caution.

The State Department asks travelers to pay attention to travel advisory levels and alerts , review country information pages for their destinations and read related country security reports before going abroad.

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Tags: Russia , Ukraine , Travel , Coronavirus , Travel Tips , Israel , Gaza , violence , Civil War , crime , kidnapping

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Introducing the Travel Zone

By Dallas 31 August, 2012 in Forum Archives

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As promised I have been hard at work thinking up and designing new ways to make this website more interesting for its members and also to attract new membership.

One of the ways I intend doing this is to bring you this new Travel zone that is entirely dedicated to travel, specifically for the purpose of taking photos. This zone is going to be linked in from my other website, www.photographers.travel and I'm hoping that photographers who are enthused about travel anywhere in the world will take up residence here to share stories, advice and of course photos from their global travels. The best posts found in the various boards will get moved into this top forum, which I have named The Wanderlust Journals .

When the new default theme is completed (soon) it will become apparent exactly how the best content found on Nikongear will be presented to visitors and regular readers of these boards. You may have also noticed a few other new boards in other zones.

All the travel boards are 100% free to use, no subscription required. I will be taking a slightly different approach in making the travel zone viable from a financial point of view, but more on that later. For now, let's see where you've been and what you found there.

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Moscow/Zelenograd and New Moscow

• 1.1 By plane
• 1.2 By train
• 4 Events, Festivals

Zelenograd and New Moscow are two large parts of Moscow city, that lie (often far) outside consolidated residential zone of the city, which lies within and just beyond the MKAD (Moscow Ring Road).

Zelenograd was added in Moscow in 1968 as one of the leading scientific centers. New Moscow was added to Moscow in 2012, forming Novomoskovky and Troitskiy Administrativniy Okrugs with plans of new vast expansion. New Moscow territory is yet to change according to its new city status. Even though suburbial kind construction intensifies in Novomoskovsky Administrativniy Okrug, Troitskiy Administrativniy Okrug still mostly has a rural feel.

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ]

Vnukovo and Ostafyevo airports are situated in New Moscow proper, though from Ostafyevo airport you still have to go through the "old" Moscow. It is possible to get from Sheremetyevo to Zelenograd without going to the old city - you have to change to 400 minibus on Leningrad highway or on local train on Planernaya. From Domodedovo airport you'll have to go through the old city anyway (the route through Domodedovo and Podolsk will take more time).

By train [ edit ]

Local trains connect Zelenograd with Leningrad Train Station, Tver, Klin and Konakovo. Local trains from Kiev Train Station pass through northern part of New Moscow between Novoperedelkino and Krekshino. To go to Zosimova Pustyn you may want to go all the way to Bekasovo, but trains there are infrequent. It is possible to get to New Moscow through Podolsk, but you'll have to change to bus there.

By bus [ edit ]

Most frequent bus to Zelenograd is bus 400 from Rechnoi Vokzal. It has special pricing. Buses are primary way of public transport to get to New Moscow, new buses are often added. Most buses start from Yugo-Zapadnaya and Tepliy Stan metroes, and Podolsk train station. Troitsk serves as a bus hub.

By car [ edit ]

Zelenograd is accessible by M10 highway. Major highways in New Moscow are M3, A101, Warsaw highway Podolsk - Kresty (joining with A101), first "Beton Ring" A107 and Borovsk highway Peredelkino - Vnukovo - to join with M3. M10 and A101 are often highly congested, M3 may be less prone to it, except Moscow vicinity, and crossing with A107, A107 is congested near M3 crossing, which is northwest of New Moscow; Warsaw highway is congested in Podolsk, and you'll have to pass congested M2 to get there from MKAD.

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Mount Ruang Erupts in Indonesia, Spewing Lava Thousands of Feet Into the Sky

Hundreds of earthquakes were detected in the weeks preceding the eruption of the volcano in North Sulawesi province. Hundreds of people were evacuated.

By Christine Hauser

Mount Ruang, a volcano in Indonesia, erupted on Tuesday, spewing fiery lava and ash thousands of feet into the night sky and forcing the evacuation of hundreds of people in the North Sulawesi province, according to the authorities and local news reports.

The volcano erupted at about 7:19 p.m. local time, Antara, the national news agency, reported. The country’s National Disaster Mitigation Agency said on Wednesday that more than 800 people in nearby villages were displaced by the eruption, many using ferries and taking shelter in churches and community centers.

The authorities said supplies such as mats, blankets, cleaning materials, and tents were needed, and that more shelters might be opening for people fleeing the volcano.

Indonesia is the world’s largest archipelago nation. It is spread across what is known as the Ring of Fire, where tectonic plates clash under the surface of the Pacific Ocean and spawn earthquakes and eruptions from volcanoes.

Mount Ruang is a stratovolcano , or a steep, conical volcano that has built up over years in layers from explosive eruptions of lava, rock fragments, ash and other properties.

“It is in a part of the world where there are a lot of active volcanoes,” said Dr. Tracy K.P. Gregg , who chairs the geology department at the University at Buffalo.

Its last major eruption was in 2002, when the column of lava and ash that it spewed reached up to 17 miles, Dr. Gregg said.

She said the volcano in 2002 measured 4, a “large” volcano on the Volcanic Explosivity Index, a scale used to measure the strength of an eruption by looking at several factors, such as duration, ash volume and plume height. Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines in 1991 measured 6 on the index. Mount St. Helens in the United States in 1980 measured 5.

“So it is a little bit smaller than that,” she said of Mount Ruang. Right now, it is not as violent as the previous eruption, she added, but the volcano cannot be fully assessed while it is in progress.

More than 300 volcanic earthquakes were detected over a period of at least two weeks preceding the eruption of Mount Ruang.

It is not immediately clear why the volcano erupted when it did. “Every volcano has its own personality,” she said.

In the past few years, several volcanoes in Indonesia have erupted. In December, 2023, the bodies of 11 hikers were found on the slopes of Mount Marapi on the island of Sumatra, after an eruption that spewed an ash column of nearly 3,000 meters — about 10,000 feet high.

In December 2022, more than 1,900 people were evacuated from the area surrounding Mount Semeru as it erupted. In an eruption there the previous December , more than 50 people were killed and hundreds more were injured.

Christine Hauser is a reporter, covering national and foreign news. Her previous jobs in the newsroom include stints in Business covering financial markets and on the Metro desk in the police bureau. More about Christine Hauser

Moscow concert attack: More than 60 reported dead; ISIS claims responsibility

This live blog has ended. For the most recent updates, please click here .

What we know about the Moscow concert attack

• Men in camouflage broke into a Moscow concert hall and opened fire, shooting an unknown number of people, Russia’s prosecutor general said.
• The terror group ISIS has claimed responsibility but did not provide proof of the claim, which was made on ISIS-affiliated news agency Amaq on Telegram.
• Russia's Investigative Committee said that more than 60 people are dead after the attack at Crocus City Hall. Officials have said more than 100 others were injured.
• A fire also started inside Crocus City Hall, a large concert venue northwest of central Moscow. Firefighters have evacuated about 100 people from the basement of the building and efforts are underway to rescue people from the roof, Russian emergency officials said.
• Russia officials said they were investigating the attack as a terrorist act.
• A popular rock band was scheduled to play what appeared to be a sold-out show at the venue, which has a maximum capacity of more than 9,000 people.

Three children among those killed, state media reports

Chantal Da Silva

Three children were among the more than 60 people killed in yesterday's attack at Crocus City Hall, Russian news agency RIA Novosti reported, citing the Russian Ministry of Health.

Officials have warned that the death toll connected to the deadly incident may increase as the investigation continues.

Xi sends condolences to Putin

Chinese President Xi Jinping sent condolences to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday after a deadly shooting at a concert hall near Moscow, saying China opposes all forms of terrorism and strongly condemns terrorist attacks.

China firmly supports the Russian government’s efforts to maintain national security and stability, Xi said, according to CCTV state television. 

Moscow bloodshed comes two decades after some of worst attacks in Russia

Phil Helsel

The shooting attacks in Moscow are the latest in a series of deadly terror attacks in the country since the 2000s.

In 2004, militants from Chechnya and elsewhere took hostages at a school in Beslan in southern Russia.

The militants demanded a withdrawal from Chechnya. Hostages were kept in a gymnasium, and 334 died — half of them children — when gunfire and explosions erupted when it was stormed. Hostages’ families were critical of the rescue operation. Russian prosecutors later cleared authorities .

Two years prior, in 2002, Chechen separatists attacked the Dubrovka Theater in Moscow and took more than 700 people hostage. Russian forces used gas, and 129 hostages died. The attackers were killed.

More recently, in 2017 a suicide bomber from Kyrgyzstan killed 15 people as well as himself in an attack on a St. Petersburg subway. In 2013, two bombers killed a combined 34 people in attacks on a railway station and a trolleybus in Volgograd.

The group Islamic State, also known as ISIS, claimed responsibility for the attacks Friday at the Crocus City Hall venue.

Putin wishes victims well, deputy prime minister says

President Vladimir Putin is thinking of those injured in today’s attack and thanked doctors, a Russian government official said according to state media.

State media TASS reported that “Putin wished all those injured in the emergency at Crocus City Hall to recover and conveyed his gratitude to the doctors, Golikova said,” referring to Tatiana Golikova deputy prime minister for social policy, labor, health and pension provision.

More than 60 dead, and death toll could grow, Russian agency says

Russia’s Investigative Committee said Saturday that more than 60 people have died in the attack, and warned the number may increase.

“The bodies of the dead are being examined. It has been previously established that more than 60 people died as a result of the terrorist attack. Unfortunately, the number of victims may increase,” according to the Investigative Committee, which is a federal state agency.

Russia's Ministry of Internal Affairs and the security agency FSB are continuing to investigate, the committee said in a statement, and weapons and ammunition have been found.

U.S. warned Russia about planned terrorist attack in Moscow, NSC says

Monica Alba

The United States shared information about a potential terrorist attack in Moscow with Russia’s government earlier this month, a spokesperson for the National Security Council said.

The U.S. Embassy in Russia on March 7 warned U.S. citizens to avoid crowds and said it was monitoring reports that extremists might attack large gatherings in Moscow.

“Earlier this month, the U.S. Government had information about a planned terrorist attack in Moscow — potentially targeting large gatherings, to include concerts — which prompted the State Department to issue a public advisory to Americans in Russia,” NSC spokesperson Adrienne Watson said.

“The U.S. Government also shared this information with Russian authorities in accordance with its longstanding ‘duty to warn’ policy,” Watson said.

Putin recently dismissed ‘provocative’ warning about potential attacks

In remarks that aired three days ago, Russian President Vladimir Putin accused the West of “provocative statements” about potential terror attacks in Russia, and dismissed them.

“I’ll remind you of recent, let’s say directly, provocative statements of certain official Western structures about potential terror attacks in Russia,” Putin said.

“All of this looks like obvious blackmail and an attempt to intimidate, destabilize our country,” he said before the state security agency FSB.

Putin in those remarks did not specify a country or warning. The U.S. embassy in Russia on March 7 warned U.S. citizens to avoid crowds .

“The Embassy is monitoring reports that extremists have imminent plans to target large gatherings in Moscow, to include concerts, and U.S. citizens should be advised to avoid large gatherings over the next 48 hours,” the U.S. embassy warned.

Guards at concert hall didn't have guns, state news says

The Associated Press

Guards at the concert hall didn’t have guns, and some could have been killed at the start of the attack, Russian media reported.

Some Russian news outlets suggested the assailants fled before special forces and riot police arrived.

Reports said police patrols were looking for several vehicles the attackers could have used to escape.

U.S. had been gathering intelligence that ISIS could attack Russia

Ken Dilanian

The U.S. had been gathering intelligence for months that ISIS could mount a mass casualty attack in Russia, two U.S. officials confirmed to NBC News.

That information led to a March 7 warning issued by the U.S. embassy in Russia about possible extremist attacks, including at concerts, urging people to stay away from large gatherings, one of the officials said.

That official said the claim of responsibility today by ISIS appears to be genuine, though no final assessment had been made about who was responsible.

Some Moscow concertgoers filmed events as they unfolded Friday night, when gunmen opened fire inside a theater and people ran to take cover in fear for their lives.

Witness says gunfire was first thought to be construction noise

A witness to today’s armed attack on Moscow’s Crocus City Hall told a state news agency that they first mistook the gunfire for sounds of an installation being dismantled.

“First, we started hearing typical loud pops, but it was impossible to understand that they were gunshots. We thought that something was falling, as exhibitions were being dismantled at that moment, and someone seemed to be dropping something large,” Mikhail Semyonov told TASS .

“Then, the bangs were getting more and more frequent. Suddenly, there was a scream, and the bangs started to be heard as bursts. Then it became clear that it was shooting,” he said.

ISIS claims responsibility for attack but does not provide proof

The terror group Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack in Moscow.

The group, also known as ISIS, did not provide any proof of its claim, which came from ISIS-affiliated news agency Amaq on Telegram.

The group’s members have carried out a number of terror attacks, including the 2015 attacks in Paris that killed 130 people.

Children among the victims, Russia's children commissioner says

Yuliya Talmazan

Russia’s commissioner for children’s rights, Maria Lvova-Belova, said children were among the victims of tonight's attack.

"Information about their condition is regularly updated," Lvova-Belova said on Telegram. "Any additional assistance will be provided immediately."

She later told Russia 24 TV channel that at least two children had been injured, including one boy with a gunshot wound.

Earlier, Russian officials released a preliminary casualty toll of at least 40 people dead and more than 100 injured.

France, U.K., Germany condemn attack

Officials from France, the U.K. and Germany were among those who expressed their condolences to the victims of the attack at the Crocus concert hall.

"The images of the terrible attack on innocent people in Crocus City Hall near #Moscow are horrific," Germany's Foreign Office said on X . "The background must be investigated quickly. Our deepest condolences with the families of the victims."

"We condemn the terrorist attack in the Crocus City Hall near Moscow," the U.K.'s embassy in Russia said . "This is a terrible tragedy."

Meanwhile, France's foreign ministry called for "full light" to be shed on "these heinous acts."

Public events across Russia called off after attack

Several regional leaders across Russia, including in the annexed Kherson region of Ukraine, have canceled public events this weekend over security considerations after the deadly concert attack in Moscow.

Shortly after the attack, Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin canceled all sports, cultural and other public events in Moscow this weekend. State news agency TASS also quoted Russia's cultural ministry as saying that mass and entertainment events in federal cultural institutions have been canceled in the coming days.

Zelenskyy adviser speaks out about attack

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s adviser denied that Ukraine was involved in the deadly Crocus concert hall attack.

“Ukraine certainly has nothing to do with the shooting/explosions in the Crocus City Hall (Moscow Region, Russia),” Mykhailo Podolyak wrote on X. “It makes no sense whatsoever.”

No evidence has emerged to suggest Ukraine may have been involved, but Ukrainian officials may be trying to pre-empt accusations, as some Kremlin hawks have already started pointing at Kyiv. 

Asked whether the shooting was at all tied to the war in Ukraine, U.S. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said: “There is no indication at this time that Ukraine, or Ukrainians, were involved in the shooting, but again, this just broke. We’re taking a look at it, but I would disabuse you at this early hour have any connection to Ukraine.”

Videos posted to social media appear to show chaos inside Moscow's Crocus City Hall during and after a terrorist attack.

Some videos include what sound like gunshots and show men with rifles, as concertgoers frantically try to exit the venue.

State Department issues warning to Americans in Moscow

Jason Abbruzzese

The State Department said that the U.S. Embassy in Moscow is aware of the terrorist attack on Crocus City Hall and that U.S. citizens should avoid the area and follow the instructions of local authorities.

"The U.S. government’s ability to provide routine or emergency services to U.S. citizens in Russia is severely limited, particularly in areas far from the U.S. embassy in Moscow, due to Russian government limitations on travel for U.S. embassy personnel and staffing, and the ongoing suspension of operations, including consular services, at U.S. consulates in Russia," the State Department said in a message posted to its website .

'What a nightmare in Crocus,' Widow of opposition leader Alexei Navalny condolences about concert attack

Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny who died in prison last month, expressed her condolences about the attack Friday.

"What a nightmare in Crocus," Navalnaya wrote on X. "Condolences to the families of the victims and quick recovery to the injured. Everyone involved in this crime must be found and held accountable."

320 firefighters, 3 helicopters working to put out fire

Russia's Ministry of Emergency Situations said the number of rescue crews responding to the attack is growing and now includes more than 320 firefighters, 130 emergency vehicles and three helicopters dumping water on the burning concert venue.

Moscow regional governor says 40 dead, more than 100 injured

Moscow Regional Governor Andrei Vorobyov said on Telegram that at least 40 people are dead and more than 100 injured in the terrorist attack, confirming figures previously reported by Russian state news.

Putin informed about concert venue attack 'in the first minutes,' Kremlin spokesperson says

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said President Vladimir Putin was informed about the shooting at the Crocus concert hall "in the first minutes" of the attack, Russian state news agency RIA reported.

The president is receiving information about what is happening and the measures being taken through all relevant services and is giving necessary instructions, Peskov said according to RIA.

Russian journalist was inside concert venue when gunmen entered

Russian news agency RIA Novosti said on Telegram that one of its reporters was inside the venue when gunmen entered and began shooting concertgoers.

The journalist said that at least three unmasked gunmen in camouflage entered the hall a few minutes before 8 p.m. Moscow time. They shot people point-blank and threw incendiary bombs, according to the journalist.

Russia's foreign ministry spokesperson calls incident 'bloody terrorist attack'

Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for Russia's foreign ministry, called the Friday night incident at the Crocus City Hall in Moscow a "bloody terrorist attack" as she called for "strong condemnation" from the international community.

"Now, as the Russian authorities have stated, all efforts are being devoted to saving people," Zakharova said. "The entire world community is obliged to condemn this monstrous crime!"

U.S. national security spokesperson says embassy has told Americans to avoid large gatherings in Moscow

Kyla Guilfoil

National Security Council Spokesman John Kirby addressed the attack in Moscow at a White House press briefing Friday afternoon, calling it a “terrible, terrible shooting attack.”

“The images are just horrible and just hard to watch and our thoughts obviously are going to be with the the victims,” Kirby said.

Kirby added that the U.S. embassy has notified all Americans in Moscow to avoid large gatherings, concerts, shopping malls, etc., and “stay put where they are” for their safety.

Russian media says 40 dead, more than 100 injured at concert attack

TASS, Russia's state-owned news agency, and RIA Novosti are reporting that Russia's FSB security agency has put the preliminary casualty count at 40 dead and more than 100 injured by a terrorist attack on a Moscow-area concert venue.

NBC News has not confirmed those casualty numbers.

Roof of concert venue at risk of collapse, Russian media says

Russian news agency RIA Novosti said on Telegram that the roof of the building near the concert venue's stage has begun to collapse.

Video posted to Telegram by RIA Novosti showed fire continue to blaze inside the venue.

Moscow area governor says more than 70 ambluances at scene of attack

Andrei Vorobyov, Moscow's regional governor, said on Telegram that more than 70 ambulances have been dispatched to the scene of concert venue attack.

“Everything is being done at the scene to save people," he wrote in the Telegram message. "The Special Rapid Response Unit (SOBR) has been deployed. There are over 70 ambulance carriages near Crocus, doctors provide the necessary assistance to all victims."

Nigel Chiwaya

Russia’s prosecutor general office says number of victims still being determined

Russia's prosecutor general said on Telegram that officials are working to determine how many people have been killed or hurt in the concert attack.

“On behalf of Igor Krasnov, the prosecutor of the Moscow region has gone to the scene of the incident at Crocus City Hall to coordinate the actions of law enforcement agencies," the prosecutor general's Telegram account posted. "Tonight, before the start of the event in the concert hall in Krasnogorsk, unknown men in camouflage clothes broke into the building and started shooting."

"The number of victims is being determined, a fire started in the entertainment center building, and citizens are being evacuated."

Moscow's mayor cancels weekend events

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said on Telegram that he was canceling all public events in Moscow this weekend.

"I have taken the decision to cancel all sports, cultural and other public events in Moscow this weekend," he said. "I ask of you to treat this measure with understanding."

Popular rock band was to play sold-out venue that can hold 9,500

Tim Stelloh

A popular rock band was scheduled to play what appeared to be a sold-out show at the Moscow concert hall where there were reports of gunmen in combat fatigues opening fire.

Picnic, formed in 1978, was to play at Crocus City Hall, west of central Moscow.

The multilevel facility in Krasnogorsk has a maximum capacity of 9,527 people. Booking sites show the event was sold out.

Russia's aviation agency says additional security added to Moscow airports

The Russian aviation agency Rosaviatsiya said that additional security measures are being introduced in Moscow airports

"Due to increased security measures, we ask passengers to arrive at Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo and Zhukovsky airports in advance," the agency said on the Telegram messaging app.

Moscow's emergency ministry says it is working to extinguish fire

Moscow’s emegency ministry said it was working to extinguish a fire that began at the music venue.

The ministry said about 100 people were evacuated from the building, and it was working to rescue people from the roof.

Russian media says state security taking action

Russia's news outlet RIA Novosti said that the country's security agency, the FSB, is taking measures to respond to the shooting at a concert hall near Moscow.

Videos posted by Russian media show men with rifles moving through area

Extended rounds of gunfire could be heard on multiple videos posted by Russian media and Telegram channels. One showed two men with rifles moving through a concert hall. Another one showed a man inside the auditorium, saying the assailants set it on fire, with incessant gunshots ringing out in the background.

Andrei Vorobyov, the governor of the Moscow region, said he was heading to the area and set up a task force to deal with the damage. He didn’t immediately offer any further details.

Russian media reports said that riot police units were being sent to the area as people were being evacuated.

Russian news outlets report gunman opened fire at Moscow concert hall

Several gunmen in combat fatigues burst into a big concert hall in Moscow on Friday and fired automatic weapons at the crowd, injuring an unspecified number of people, Russian media said.

Russian news reports said that the assailants also used explosives, causing a massive blaze at the Crocus City Hall on the western edge of Moscow. Video posted on social media showed huge plumes of black smoke rising over the building.

Russia’s state RIA Novosti news agency reported that at least three people in combat fatigues fired weapons. The state Tass news agency also reported the shooting.

U.S. warned of imminent Moscow attack by ‘extremists,’ urges citizens to avoid crowds

Patrick Smith

U.S. citizens in  Moscow  had been warned to avoid large gatherings earlier this month because of heightened fears of a terrorist attack.

The U.S. Embassy in the Russian capital said it was “monitoring reports that extremists have imminent plans to target large gatherings in Moscow, to include concerts, and U.S. citizens should be advised to avoid large gatherings over the next 48 hours.”

U.S. citizens should avoid crowds, monitor local media for updates and “be aware of your surroundings,” it said in a brief  online update .

Read the full story here.