
Get away for Aries season: 4 astrologer-approved destinations for the ram
Get away for Aries season: 4 astrologer-approved destinations for the ram
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What government layoffs at U.S. national parks mean for your next trip
The National Parks Service reported 331.9 million visits in 2024, a record high. But the White House has slashed jobs, which could affect travelers.
As the first sign of the zodiac calendar, Aries are known to be adventurous thrill-seekers – and their travels match their fiery energy.
"Ruled by fiery Mars, those born under Aries are bold, intense and surprisingly resilient," Astrid Bly, astrologer at California Psychics, told USA TODAY. "They are constantly seeking out new experiences, projects and adventures, and they will pursue their goals relentlessly once they've set their sights – even if they have to do it on their own."
Aries season kicks off March 21 and runs until April 19 – the perfect time for those born under the fearless ram to get away.
"The most important thing to them when they travel is new and unexpected experiences – new cultures, different landscapes and faraway locations will always intrigue them," Bly said.
Here are some trip ideas for Aries.
Need travel inspo: We visited stunning places in 2024, but these are the 5 destinations we would repeat
What are good trips for Aries?
When Aries travel, they seek out exploring new parts of the world and embarking on exciting adventures – whether that's hiking to a summit, scuba diving with marine life or a going on a walking tour in a bustling city, according to Bly.
Prioritizing new activities and experiences, Aries make for the perfect solo travelers so they're not held back by travel companions. While they won't say no to a luxurious resort, Aries also don't mind bare bones accommodations as long as they're in the center of the action.
Maui
While you could spend all day relaxing at one of Maui's many world-renowned beaches, Aries prefer to take a more intrepid approach to the Valley Isle. Aries travelers will be drawn to Maui's pristine scuba diving, hikes to cascading waterfalls, and the breathtaking ascent around the sacred Haleakala volcano.
For Aries season, the average airfare to Maui is around $638, with the cost for one night at a Maui hotel at $710 per night, according to Hopper.
Grand Canyon National Park
After millions of years of erosion by the Colorado River, the Grand Canyon is a park of epic proportions, views and history. Spanning a length of 277 miles, the national park offers whitewater rafting trips, ambitious hiking trails through forests and red-hued canyons that are sure to meet an Aries' expectations. Aries with hiking experience can attempt the bucket list journey of traversing the Grand Canyon from the South Rim to the North Rim – a total of 21 strenuous miles with an elevation gain of nearly 6,000 feet.
Travelers can score airfare during Aries season for as low as $283 to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas, or $344 from Phoenix, according to Hopper. The average cost of a hotel is between $318 and $379 per night.
New Orleans
Aries thrive in vibrant cities just as much as they crave awe-inspiring nature, and New Orleans is a perfect playground for their adventurous spirit, Bly said. From the exciting nightlife to endless live music that fills the streets and spooky ghost tours, the Big Easy will engage Aries travelers for days.
According to Expedia, flights to New Orleans are as low as $127 in late March from New York and $277 from Los Angeles in early April. Hopper said the average nightly rate for a hotel is $256.
Yosemite National Park
As the first land in the U.S. to be set aside for recreation and protection in 1864, Yosemite National Park is one of the country's most iconic national parks. Ancient sequoia forests, roaring waterfalls and monoliths are just a few of the natural wonders travelers can explore in the 1,200 square miles. Aries can choose from a wide variety of activities, including rock climbing, stargazing, skiing, rafting, horseback riding and of course, hiking.
Travelers can score airfare to Fresno Yosemite International Airport for as low as $350, with the average hotel rate being $530 per night, according to Hopper.

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USA Today
an hour ago
- USA Today
'It's scary': Travelers caught off guard as travel ban rules come into effect
'It's scary': Travelers caught off guard as travel ban rules come into effect Show Caption Hide Caption What we know now about President Trump's new travel ban taking effect How could President Trump's travel ban or restriction of nearly 20 countries impact you? Here is what we know now. New travel restrictions from the Trump administration took effect Monday, impacting nearly 20 countries. The restrictions add limitations on visas and entry, causing anxiety for travelers at U.S. airports. Many travelers were unaware of the policy shift. NEW YORK — A new round of travel restrictions from the Trump administration quietly took effect Monday, catching many travelers off guard and sparking fresh anxiety for immigrants and visitors at U.S. airports. At New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport, passengers arriving at Terminal 4 and their loved ones waiting to greet them seemed unaware of the policy shift. About a dozen people in the terminal's arrivals area told USA TODAY they were unfamiliar with the updated travel ban, which adds new limitations on visas and entry from almost 20 countries, part of the administration's continued efforts to tighten U.S. borders. The updated restrictions primarily target nationals from a select list of countries, but critics say the move sends a chilling message to immigrants and foreign visitors more broadly. 'It's scary. It makes me worried. It affects my decisions to go home to visit my family,' said Randy Wicaksana, 33, who has lived in the U.S. for about three years. Wicaksana, an Indonesian national, said he is preparing to return home later this month to renew his visa but is increasingly uncertain about what might await him when he comes to the U.S. again. There were no visible signs or announcements in the terminal to alert travelers to the new rules. The administration said the changes are meant to "combat terrorism" and "strengthen our borders." For travelers like Wicaksana, however, the law feels increasingly unpredictable. Which nationals are barred from entering the US? The full travel ban applies to nationals of the following 12 countries: Afghanistan Burma (Myanmar) Chad Republic of the Congo Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Haiti Iran Libya Somalia Sudan Yemen Additionally, partial restrictions are imposed on nationals from: Burundi Cuba Laos Sierra Leone Togo Turkmenistan Venezuela What happens to travelers from these countries when they arrive at an airport? Travelers from the fully banned countries who attempt to enter the U.S. after the ban takes effect will likely be denied boarding by airlines or turned away upon arrival in the U.S. Those from partially restricted countries may face additional scrutiny, delays, or denial of entry, depending on their visa type and purpose of travel. What will happen to those with tickets already? Individuals from the affected countries who have already purchased tickets to travel to the U.S. should consult with their airlines and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. While some exceptions exist, most travelers from the fully banned countries are expected to be denied entry. Those from partially restricted countries may still be allowed to travel, subject to additional screening and requirements. Travelers are advised to review the latest guidance from the U.S. Department of State and consult with immigration attorneys if they have concerns about their eligibility to enter the U.S. under the new proclamation. Zach Wichter is a travel reporter and writes the Cruising Altitude column for USA TODAY. He is based in New York and you can reach him at zwichter@
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Yahoo
With Just 40% of Urban Pet Parents Calling Their Neighborhoods Pet-Friendly, Mars Expands BETTER CITIES FOR PETS™ to Help People and Pets Thrive
First of its kind program catalyzes a global movement of pet-friendly and climate-resilient cities fit for future generations A new partnership with C40 Cities empowers mayors to increase access to pet-friendly and climate-resilient green spaces with an initial focus on London, Los Angeles, São Paulo, Bengaluru, and Bangkok An expansion of its collaboration with Tripadvisor will foster more pet-friendly places and communities across new countries LONDON, June 9, 2025 /CNW/ -- Mars, Incorporated, a global leader in pet care products and services, is expanding its BETTER CITIES FOR PETS™ program around the world—helping more cities become pet-friendly and making it easier for people to enjoy life with their pets. The expanded program invests more than $1 million focused on increasing access to more green spaces and pet-friendly places, aiming to benefit 10 million people and pets around the world by 2030. This global initiative is powered by a strategic partnership with C40 Cities, one of the world's largest networks of mayors focused on climate action. In addition, Mars is expanding its partnership with Tripadvisor to help connect people with more pet-friendly places to make travel easier. Since 2017, BETTER CITIES FOR PETS™ has supported cities, focusing on key features pet parents need and want in their community. Through its expanded global focus, Mars is putting pet parents at the heart of urban life, fostering vibrant, pet-friendly cities that are not only kinder to the planet but also uplift thriving pet-friendly businesses in communities around the world. The benefits of owning a pet are undeniable. Globally, 83% of pet parents say their pet has had a positive impact on their mental well-being1, and more than half (54%) say their pet has improved their social life—sparking conversations, connections, and even new friendships. Pets play a powerful role in strengthening community bonds and enhancing city life. Ikdeep Singh, Global President of Mars Pet Nutrition, comments: "With the urban pet population set to rise by almost 10% by 2030, Mars is more committed than ever to improving city living for millions of pets and pet parents around the world. Giving pet parents a voice in how our cities are designed for the future won't just benefit our pets – it will contribute to healthier communities and a better planet for all. Because a better city for pets is a better city for all." More pet-friendly, resilient green spaces: Together with C40 Cities, the BETTER CITIES FOR PETS™ program has the ambition to drive a global movement toward pet-friendly, climate-resilient cities designed for future generations. At the heart of this partnership is the launch a first-of-its-kind Urban Nature Playbook for People, Pets and the Planet. Designed to inspire and equip city leaders, the playbook offers practical guidance for greener urban spaces—from tree-lined sidewalks to parks and public squares—that support biodiversity, improve mental and physical health, and strengthen climate resilience. Mars and C40 Cities will work hand-in-hand with cities, starting in London, Los Angeles, São Paulo, Bengaluru, and Bangkok, to bring the playbook to life through local initiatives that enhance green spaces for pets, people, and the planet. Mark Watts, Executive Director of C40 Cities, comments: "Green space in cities is vital to ensuring people's well-being. Places to walk, relax in and enjoy are critical. They're also vitally important in the face of increasing climate disasters like flooding. This partnership with Mars will accelerate support to cities to build resilience and improve access to green space for people and their pets. Our Urban Nature Playbook for People, Pets and the Planet provides tangible actions for cities to design people and pet-friendly urban environments." Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London and Co-Chair of C40 Cities, said: "Everyone should be able to enjoy safe, green spaces – including with our pets. London is proud to be one of Europe's most pet-friendly cities, where people and their pets can relax and enjoy a healthy, green environment. I'm happy to support this funding to keep making life better for both people and their pets here in London, and to help other cities do the same." More pet-friendly places: 11% of global urban pet parents feel owning a dog limits where they can go2, highlighting the need for more pet-friendly places in cities. After a successful pilot in the U.S., Mars is also expanding its Tripadvisor and CESAR® partnership to the UK and Italy, and with MY DOG® in Australia, encouraging more pet-friendly businesses across the globe. This builds on the 5,000 new pet-friendly places identified on Tripadvisor in the past year. 1 Mars x Calm Research 20252 Mars Global Pet Parent Study 2024 ABOUT MARS: Mars, Incorporated is driven by the belief that the world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today. As a $50bn+ family-owned business, our diverse and expanding portfolio of leading pet care products and veterinary services support pets all around the world and our quality snacking and food products delight millions of people every day. We produce some of the world's best-loved brands including ROYAL CANIN®, PEDIGREE®, WHISKAS®, CESAR®, DOVE®, EXTRA®, M&M's®, SNICKERS® and BEN'S ORIGINAL™. Our international networks of pet hospitals, including BANFIELD™, BLUEPEARL™, VCA™ and ANICURA™ span preventive, general, specialty, and emergency veterinary care, and our global veterinary diagnostics business ANTECH™ offers breakthrough capabilities in pet diagnostics. The Mars Five Principles—Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom—inspire our 150,000 Associates to act every day to help create a better world for people, pets and the planet. For more information about Mars, please visit Join us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube. ABOUT C40 CITIES: C40 is a network of nearly 100 mayors of the world's leading cities working to deliver the urgent action needed right now to confront the climate crisis and create a future where everyone, everywhere, can thrive. Mayors of C40 cities are committed to using a science-based and people-focused approach to limit global heating in line with the Paris Agreement and build healthy, equitable and resilient communities. We work alongside a broad coalition of representatives from labour, business, the youth climate movement and civil society to support mayors to halve emissions by 2030 and help phase out fossil use while increasing urban climate resilience and equity. The current co-chairs of C40 are Mayor Sadiq Khan of London, United Kingdom, and Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr of Freetown, Sierra Leone; three-term Mayor of New York City Michael R. Bloomberg serves as President of the Board. C40's work is made possible by our three strategic funders: Bloomberg Philanthropies, Children's Investment Fund Foundation and Realdania. To learn more about the work of C40 and our cities, please visit our website or follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn. ABOUT TRIPADVISOR: Tripadvisor, the world's largest travel guidance platform*, helps millions of people each month** become better travelers, from planning to booking to taking a trip. Travelers across the globe use Tripadvisor's website and app to discover where to stay, what to do and where to eat based on guidance from those who have been there before. With more than a billion reviews and contributions, travelers turn to Tripadvisor to find deals on accommodations, book experiences, reserve tables at delicious restaurants and discover great places nearby. Tripadvisor LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tripadvisor, Inc. (Nasdaq: TRIP). The subsidiaries of Tripadvisor, Inc. own and operate a portfolio of travel media brands and businesses, operating under various websites and apps. * Source: SimilarWeb, unique users de-duplicated monthly, May 2025** Source: Tripadvisor internal log files Photo - - View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Mars View original content to download multimedia: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data


USA Today
a day ago
- USA Today
A floating Disney bubble: What families can expect on Disney cruises
A floating Disney bubble: What families can expect on Disney cruises Show Caption Hide Caption Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom tour on the new Disney Treasure USA TODAY took a ride on the brand new Disney Treasure cruise ship. Here's what to know about the Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom. "Family travel' is a six-part series showcasing the best experiences and destinations for young families looking for an escape. If you'd like to contribute to our future reporting and share your experience as a source, you can click here to fill out this quick form. I've been visiting Disney parks my entire life. I thought I knew what the Disney bubble was. Disney Cruise Line blew my definition out of (or into) the water. Everything Disney fans look for in a Disney vacation is – as Disney likes to say – plussed up on their ships. Here's what I experienced on my first Disney cruise and what your family can expect on yours. What is special about a Disney cruise? Disney cruises are made for Disney fans. 'We know that when guests get on one of our ships, 40, 50% of them are saying the only reason I'm cruising today is because Disney is here,' Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D'Amaro told USA TODAY last August, ahead of the cruise line's expansion announcements at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. 'These cruise ships are ways that we can tell all of the amazing stories that we have. We bring them to life in dining; we bring them to life theatrically. We bring them to life through technology and our cast members.' Many ship venues are inspired by Disney stories. Guests who want to learn how they can take an Art of the Theme Show Tour during their sailing. Disney characters roam about regularly and unlike in the parks, never have long waits to meet them. The entertainment on board is truly Broadway quality, not only because Disney is at heart an entertainment company, but it's also produced numerous shows on Broadway. My favorite show on our Disney Treasure sailing was "Disney the Tale of Moana," which Disney developed with Broadway veterans and Polynesian cultural advisors and cast. The youth clubs, particularly for younger children, feel like stepping into Disney movies. Many kids happily spend hours there, and adults wish they could, too. The closest grown-up guests get is during open houses. Guests rotate through a variety of themed restaurants for dinner each night of their sailing, and servers rotate with you so they can get to know you and your preferences, as well as any dietary needs. The level of customer service is exactly what you'd expect from Disney. Ships are designed with families in mind. Most staterooms have split bathrooms, so multiple people can get ready at the same time, and most feature bathtubs, which are clutch with young children. You're traveling with fellow Disney families and fans, who share your enthusiasm. Non-Disney fans can still enjoy sailings, but for those who love Disney, it's the ultimate floating Disney bubble. Disney parks take to the seas: How the new Disney Treasure makes magic Is a Disney cruise all-inclusive? Disney cruises include lodging, most dining, entertainment, recreation, youth club access, and more in their standard fare. There is an additional fee for childcare for infants and toddlers under age 3 at 'it's a small world nursery.' Extra experiences like adult-exclusive dining, makeovers at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Sea, the Royal Court Royal Tea Party with Disney princess, and spa and salon services also have fees. Is all the food on a Disney cruise free? Meals at rotational dining restaurants, on-board buffets, and various food stands are included in the cruise fare, as is most room service. Guests may choose to pay extra for adult-exclusive dining like Remy or Enchanté by Chef Arnaud Lallement. Treats at smoothie and sweets shops and snacks at concession stands near onboard movie theaters have à la carte fees. Specialty coffee drinks and alcohol are also extra. Do Disney cruises have good food? Yes. There are various options at each rotational restaurant. Guests are also welcome to ask for other offerings off menu, but what stuck out to me were everyday dishes like comforting congee at breakfast and a mountain of succulent crab legs during lunch at the Treasure's Marceline Market buffet. Mickey Churro Waffles and Disney Cruise Line chicken tenders are other fan favorites. So are Mickey ice cream bars, which you can order for free through room service. Italian-inspired Palo and other adult-exclusive restaurants, which cost extra, are so popular that reservations book up well ahead of sailings. Guests who miss out in advance can try to book in person upon embarkation. Is there unlimited alcohol on Disney cruises? No. There are no unlimited alcoholic beverage packages on Disney cruises. You can buy individual drinks and bottles of wine on board or pre-order bundles of hard seltzer, beer or wine. There are also deals like Drinks of the Day and the Beer Mug Savings package, which, for a one-time $15.25 fee, gets you 21-ounce beer refills for the price of 16 ounces. Upon initial embarkation and at each port, guests of legal drinking age may also carry on up to two unopened bottles of wine or champagne or six unopened beers no larger than 12 ounces. These must be brought in carry-on luggage, not checked, and may not be consumed in lounges or public spaces, aside from restaurants, where there is a corkage fee. Is there a casino on the Disney cruise? No. There are no casinos on Disney cruise ships. The closest thing to gambling is BINGO, which is extremely popular. Is there free Wi-Fi on Disney cruises? Yes. Guests can use free DCL Guest Wi-Fi to access the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App and message fellow guests. You can also message folks back home using third-party tools like Apple Messages and WhatsApp. However, you'll need paid internet service for anything more substantive like making calls, accessing social media, browsing the internet, posting or streaming video, and more. How much does a Disney cruise cost per person? Prices vary widely by sailing (ship, dates, itinerary, cruise duration and more), stateroom category, how many guests share the same stateroom and guest age. Kids under age 3, ages 3-12, and 13-17 are charged at different rates than adults, according to Plan Disney. Limited-time promotions also impact pricing. For instance, Disney Cruise Line is currently offering up to 30% off select summer 2025 sailings from the U.S. Prospective guests can find the latest special offers on the cruise line's website. Additionally, Disney Cruise Line passengers can lock in 10% off a future cruise when they purchase a refundable placeholder reservation while onboard a ship. At last check, the lowest priced sailing for a family of four departing the U.S. with two adults and two kids between the ages of 3-12 was priced at $2,620. That works out to $655 per person in an interior cabin on the Disney Wish for a 3-night Bahamas cruise leaving Port Canaveral on Aug. 22, 2025. Three-night cruises on the new Disney Adventure, launching in Singapore this December, start even lower. Does Disney Cruise Line go to Europe? Yes. Disney sails from three European ports: Barcelona, Spain Citavecchia, Italy (outside Rome) Southampton, England Transatlantic sailings are also offered several times a year. Do adults with no kids go on Disney cruises? Yes. Even though the cruises are designed with families in mind, lots of Disney adults sail kid-free. Many enjoy getting to feel like kids again themselves. Each ship and both of Disney's private island destinations have adult-exclusive areas and experiences. What are Disney's two private islands? Disney's has two private island destinations in the Bahamas: Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. Is it cheaper to go to Disney or Disney cruise? That depends on how long you plan to sail versus visit parks, as well as choice of accommodations, dining and time of year. It can go either way. What is the cheapest way to book a Disney cruise? Guests will generally find the best prices the day itineraries are released. This happens a few times a year, about 15 to 18 months in advance of sailings, according to Plan Disney. Travelers can work with travel agents to keep tabs on when the next batch will be released or sign up for Disney Cruise Line email updates and follow the cruise line on social media. Are Disney cruises worth it? They are for many fans. 'They rate us very, very highly, and they tend to want to come back,' D'Amaro said. But just like any vacation, the cruises may not be worth it for everyone. The reporter on this story received access to the ship from Disney Cruise Line. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of reviews.