Tag Archives: IAAPA

Attractions, Family Travel, luxury travel, themeparks and attractions, Tips for Travel, YOLO Travel Experiences

Themeparks, Attractions, Cultural Institutions Roll Out YOLO Luxury Travel Experiences

Discovery Cove’s Ultimate VIP Experience Package offers valet arrival, private cabana, personalized concierge service and up-close animal encounters © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

By Karen Rubin, Travel Features Syndicate, goingplacesfarandnear.com

With many travelers deciding to travel shorter distances, many will explore nearer-by attractions. But rather than seem ordinary or mundane, you can still turn these visits to theme parks and attractions into very special YOLO (You Only Live Once) travel experiences, in essence bringing the same appeal, adventure and sense of discovery that comes from traveling far away, to exotic locales.

We asked Jakob Wahl, president and CEO of IAAPA (International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions), who represents attractions worldwide with a focus on safety, sustainability, and innovation, how to make visits special.

What would a YOLO luxury travel experience look like at a themepark or attraction?

Skip the lines and get more rides in using themeparks’ VIP upgraded passes, such as offered by Universal Orlando © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Luxury travel in today’s attractions landscape is increasingly defined by personalization, exclusivity and seamless experiences. It goes far beyond traditional VIP line access to include private, behind-the-scenes tours, dedicated guides, curated itineraries and premium amenities such as private transportation, elevated dining and exclusive access to attractions outside of normal operating hours. Guests are looking for unique, once-in-a-lifetime moments that feel tailored specifically to them, whether that’s an intimate animal encounter, a private cultural experience, or a fully customized, multi-day journey.

Are you seeing people with the means to travel anywhere opting to stay closer to home?

We are seeing a mix of both trends. While there is still strong demand for international, bucket-list travel, many high-value travelers are also placing greater emphasis on convenience and flexibility, which can lead to more regional or closer-to-home experiences. What’s most notable is that regardless of distance, guests are prioritizing quality over quantity—seeking fewer but more meaningful, elevated experiences. This is driving growth in premium offerings across both local and global destinations. They want something unique and highly immersive.

Who is offering these experiences?

While major operators like The Walt Disney Company and Universal Destinations & Experiences have long offered premium experiences, we’re now seeing a much broader range of providers entering this space. This includes regional theme parks, destination resorts, cultural institutions, tour operators, and even conservation-focused experiences. From boutique luxury hotels and immersive attractions to expedition-style travel companies and live entertainment producers, many organizations are creating high-end, highly curated offerings that cater to travelers seeking exclusivity and deeper engagement.

Examples of some of the VIP standouts within the attractions industry?

Cedar Point, Ohio: For travelers seeking to elevate their theme park experience, a growing number of attractions are offering ultra-premium, VIP upgrades that go far beyond front-of-the-line access. At Six Flags Cedar Point, the Sunrise Thrills VIP Tour gives guests exclusive, behind-the-scenes access to some of the park’s most iconic coasters—including a rare trip to the top of Valravn’s lift hill for panoramic views—paired with immediate ride access, dining perks, and premium amenities. Info: Private Tour | Sunrise Thrills VIP Tour | Cedar Point | Ride | Cedar Point

Discovery Cove’s Ultimate VIP Experience Package offers up-close animal encounters © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Discovery Cove, Orlando, FL:  In Discovery Cove, the Ultimate VIP Experience Package offers a more relaxed but indulgent escape, complete with valet arrival, a private cabana, personalized concierge service, and up-close animal encounters guided by dedicated zoological experts. From curated dining to private photography, these high-end add-ons cater to guests looking for a seamless, all-inclusive luxury experience.
Info: Discovery Cove Orlando Vacation Package Upgrades | Discovery Cove

Graceland, Memphis, TN: At Graceland, the exclusive “Presley for a Day” experience offers an ultra-premium, behind-the-scenes look at Elvis Presley’s iconic estate. Limited to just eight guests per day, the experience includes a personal concierge, private guide, golf cart access, rare behind-the-scenes entry, and a high-end dinner, along with an after-hours mansion tour and white-glove artifact access. Info: Presley for a Day

SeaWorld Ultimate VIP Tours (Various Locations): At SeaWorld parks, Ultimate VIP Tours provide exclusive, guided access to rides and animal encounters, including behind-the-scenes experiences, front-of-line privileges, and personalized itineraries tailored to each group. Info: SeaWorld VIP Tour

Cirque du Soleil VIP Experiences (Global): Cirque du Soleil offers premium VIP packages across many of its shows, including exclusive seating, private lounges, behind-the-scenes access, and elevated dining—enhancing the theatrical experience with added luxury and exclusivity. Info: Cirque du Soleil VIP Experiences

Have your wishes come true at Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom with the Disney Private VIP Tour © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Disney Private VIP Tour: See and do all of the things on your list with the help of the Disney Private VIP Tour service, which let’s you customize your day to match your tastes. Some of the personalized VIP services include: pickup by private vehicle from your Walt Disney World Resort hotel or other select hotel; pre-arrival planning; flexible start time; visits to multiple Disney parks; behind-the-scenes insight from a knowledgeable Disney Private VIP Tour Guide. This special guided service is billed at an hourly rate on top of the VIP admission to each of the parks visited: prices range from $450 to $950 per hour (minimum of 7 hours, maximum of 10 hours) for up to 10 guests (including infants). Reservations are recommended and can be made up to 60 days in advance. (Call 407-560-4033 to book, https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/private-vip-tours/)

“The VIP tour was phenomenal – my clients went through back entrances, used tunnels that employees use. They covered whole park in half day,” remarked Virtuoso travel advisor Stephanie Durst, of Pro Travel, Westbury, who regularly sends clients on African safaris, Bhutan wellness retreats and private yachts.

Skip the lines and get behind-the-scenes access with Universal Orlando Resort’s VIP Experience © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Universal’s VIP Experience: Universal Orlando Resort’s VIP Experience tour immerses you in one or more of Universal’s parks—Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, and the newest, Universal Epic Universe—with a knowledgeable guide, exclusive perks like reserved seating at select shows and valet parking, behind-the-scenes visits and priority (front-of-line) access to attractions. TheVIP Experience fee is on top of theme park admission for the same calendar day(s) and to the same theme park(s) as the VIP Experience ticket. (To book, 866-346-9350, https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/tickets-packages/vip-experience.)

Busch Gardens Tampa, which has one of the best zoos anywhere, offers an Elite VIP Tour, a fully guided, personalized experience with priority access to rides, animal encounters designed around your preferences, and Serengeti Safari tour with up close views of free-roaming animals ($500 pp, https://buschgardens.com/tampa/tours/elite-adventure/)

La Casa de la Playa, Riviera Maya, Mexico: For an adults-only, ultra-luxury escape, La Casa de la Playa offers an all-inclusive boutique experience with personalized service, private transfers, and exclusive access to Xcaret’s portfolio of parks and attractions. Info: Xcaret VIP

Jungala Aqua Experience, Mexico: Jungala Aqua Experience offers a high-end water park experience with luxury cabanas, private concierge service and upscale dining—redefining the traditional water park with a focus on comfort and exclusivity. Info: Jungala Aqua

VidantaWorld BON Luxury Theme Park, Mexico: The upcoming BON Luxury Theme Park is designed to blend immersive storytelling with high-end hospitality, positioning itself as a next-generation luxury theme park experience. Info: Vidantaworld

Hotel das Cataratas, Iguazu National Park, Brazil: Located within Iguazu National Park, Hotel das Cataratas offers an exclusive, ultra-luxury stay with privileged access to Iguazu Falls before and after public hours. Operated by Belmond, the property combines refined accommodations with unmatched proximity to one of the world’s iconic natural wonders. Info: Hotel Das Cataratas

Puy du Fou – Le Grand Tour, France: Puy du Fou offers an immersive luxury rail journey, “Le Grand Tour,” a multi-day experience aboard a vintage-style train traveling across France. Guests enjoy theatrical storytelling, fine dining, and curated excursions inspired by the destination’s history and culture.Info: Le Grand Tour

Tomorrowland VIP Mansions, Belgium: At Tomorrowland, VIP Mansions packages offer luxury accommodations, private transportation, exclusive viewing areas, and premium hospitality—transforming the world-renowned music festival into a high-end, all-inclusive experience. Info: Tomorrowland VIP

Rulantica VIP Cabanas, Germany: At Rulantica, guests can reserve ultra-premium 2-story private cabanas featuring dedicated service, upscale amenities and secluded relaxation spaces—offering a more exclusive way to enjoy one of Europe’s leading indoor water parks.
Info: Rulantica VIP Suite

Nimb Hotel, Copenhagen, Denmark: Located within Tivoli Gardens, Nimb Hotel offers a boutique luxury stay with exclusive park access, fine dining, and personalized service—blending historic charm with modern indulgence. Info: Nimb

Sydney Harbour Bridge Private Climb, Sydney, Australia: For an unforgettable, bucket-list experience, Sydney Harbour Bridge offers a private BridgeClimb experience with exclusive, guided access to one of the world’s most iconic landmarks. Guests enjoy a personalized climb with a dedicated guide, flexible pacing, and unparalleled panoramic views of Sydney Harbour—delivering a truly unique and elevated adventure.
Info: Private BridgeClimb | Exclusive personal tour of the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Platinum Heritage Desert Safari, Dubai, UAE: For travelers seeking elevated, once-in-a-lifetime experiences, Platinum Heritage offers a highly curated, ultra-luxury desert safari. Guests explore the Dubai desert with a private conservation guide, enjoy sunset falconry with canapés, and indulge in a five-course, Michelin-curated dining experience in a serene desert setting ) https://www.belmond.com/hotels/south-america/brazil/iguassu-falls/belmond-hotel-das-cataratas/.

Cultural institutions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City are offering private, expert-led VIP tours © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Cultural institutions are also offering special experiences. As one example,The Metropolitan Museum of Art VIP Tour (Art Smart), New York, offers private, expert-led VIP tours through Art Smart. Guests enjoy skip-the-line access, personalized itineraries tailored to their interests, and in-depth insights from knowledgeable guides—transforming a traditional museum visit into a curated, high-touch cultural journey.
(VIP Tour at The Met | ART SMART, https://www.artsmart.com/nyc-museum-tours/met-tours/vip-night-at-the-met-museum-with-wine-tour/)

Cruises, Too

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection (Global): For those seeking the ultimate in luxury travel, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection offers a highly curated, all-suite yachting experience across the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Central America. Guests enjoy spacious suites with private terraces, personalized service, elevated dining, and immersive shore excursions with overnight port stays—all within an intimate, small-ship setting. (www.ritzcarltonyachtcollection.com)

Disney Cruise Line, a floating entertainment and attraction destination, is one of the cruiseline members of IAAPA © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

The Ritz Carlton is one of the cruise members of IAAPA. Others include Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian, MSC Cruises and SeaTrade Cruise. It may surprise people that cruiselines consider themselves attractions. Here’s why they qualify, Wahl explained:

A Shared Focus on the Guest Experience: Cruise ships are essentially floating destinations, bringing together entertainment, dining, attractions, and immersive environments in one place. At their core, they’re focused on delivering seamless, memorable experiences, just like IAAPA members. 

Norwegian Breakaway, with a rooftop themepark, is one of the cruiseline members of IAAPA © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

The Growth of Onboard Attractions: Today’s cruise ships are offering more and more theme park–style experiences—from water parks and simulators to live entertainment and even dark rides. Companies like Royal Caribbean International and Carnival Cruise Line are continuing to push the envelope, making them a natural fit within IAAPA’s community of innovators and creators. 

New Opportunities for Members: Bringing the cruise industry into the fold opens the door for new partnerships and business opportunities—especially for IAAPA members who design, build, and supply attractions and technology. There’s a growing demand for creative, ship-based entertainment solutions.

Family fun on Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

A Strong Exchange of Ideas: There’s a lot both industries can learn from each other. Cruise operators bring deep expertise in areas like guest flow, personalization, and large-scale hospitality, while IAAPA members lead in safety, storytelling, and attraction design. Together, that creates a powerful opportunity for shared innovation. 

A Truly Global Audience: Cruise lines reach a broad, international audience—very much in line with IAAPA’s global membership. That shared reach helps strengthen IAAPA’s role as the voice of the worldwide attractions industry. 

A More Connected Experience Ecosystem: As the lines between destinations continue to blur, cruises are often part of a bigger journey that includes theme parks, water parks, and other attractions. Welcoming cruise lines into IAAPA reflects how interconnected and experience-driven the industry has become.

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© 2026 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear.com and travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/. Blogging at goingplacesnearandfar.wordpress.com and moralcompasstravel.info. Visit instagram.com/going_places_far_and_near and instagram.com/bigbackpacktraveler/ Send comments or questions to FamTravLtr@aol.com. Bluesky: @newsphotosfeatures.bsky.social X: @TravelFeatures Threads: @news_and_photo_features ‘Like’ us atfacebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures

America's 250th, Attractions, Family Travel, Summer Vacations, themeparks and attractions, Uncategorized

Themeparks, Attractions Are Go-To Destinations for Families Adapting Vacation Plans to Pressures

Safari West, Santa Rosa, California, offers a marvelous alternative to a long-haul trip to Africa. Make it a multi-day vacation by staying over in their authentic glamping tents. © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

By Karen Rubin, Travel Features Syndicate, goingplacesfarandnear.com

With rising gas prices and air fares exacerbating families’ affordability issues, families are looking for ways to satisfy the desire to vacation and engage in pleasurable activities together, and themeparks and attractions – because of their proximity and location – may well satisfy those needs and criteria this year.

We asked Jakob Wahl, President and CEO of IAAPA (International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions), to address questions about trends and forces affecting the attractions industry, and tips for travelers to enhance their visits.

How is economic uncertainty impacting the industry? 

“The Joker” coaster at Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson, NJ. In uncertain times, themeparks can offer provide escapism © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Economic uncertainty is certainly influencing how people plan, but it hasn’t diminished the desire to travel. Instead, we’re seeing consumers prioritize value and intentionality. Guests may take fewer trips, but they are choosing higher-quality, experience-driven visits. 

At the same time, attractions play an important role in providing a sense of escapism. In moments of uncertainty, people are seeking opportunities to disconnect, recharge, and spend meaningful time with family and friends. Attractions offer that emotional release—creating spaces where guests can step away from day-to-day pressures and simply enjoy the moment. 

In response, attractions are offering more flexible pricing, bundled packages, and added-value experiences to ensure guests feel they are getting the most for their time and money, while still delivering the memorable, uplifting experiences they’re looking for. 

Tips for getting tickets, saving time, and arranging special experiences?

Universal Orlando. Premium and fast passes may well be worth the extra cost © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Planning ahead is key. Many attractions now offer timed entry, mobile apps for real-time updates, and bundled ticket options that can save both time and money. 

Most major parks—and even many smaller attractions—offer premium or VIP-style experiences. These can include front-of-line access, guided tours, exclusive viewing areas for shows, and even behind-the-scenes experiences.

An important shift in the industry is how much technology enhances the guest experience—from mobile ordering to virtual queues—making visits smoother and more personalized than ever before. A few simple strategies can make a big difference: 

Visit during off-peak days or seasons when possible 

Purchase tickets in advance online 

Use park apps to plan your day and minimize wait times 

Consider bundled packages or multi-day tickets for better value 

Arrive early or stay late—those first and last hours are often the least crowded 

What are new trends among themeparks and attractions? 

Safari West, Santa Rosa, California, is among the attractions becoming multi-day vacation places with authentic glamping tents © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

One of the biggest misconceptions is how much attractions have evolved beyond rides. Today’s parks are full-day—and often multi-day—destinations offering culinary experiences, festivals, live performances, expanded nighttime experiences, and even wellness-focused spaces (like shade and cooling) and environmentally responsible operations. 

While new rides and expansions continue to be important, one of the biggest stories right now is how parks are evolving into full-scale, seasonal destinations anchored by major events. 

For instance, Kennywood is introducing “Celebrate Kennywood Weekends,” adding new energy and programming to its 2026 season. 

Six Flags has introduced a new Hotel Partner Program, enabling visitors to participating Six Flags parks to book their park admission and overnight accommodations at the same time. The new Hotel Partner Program complements the company’s growing collection of owned and operated resort hotels and campgrounds, like the glamping experience at its Savannah Sunset Resort within its Six Flags Great Adventure safari park in Jackson, NJ (SixfFags.com) 

What trends are you seeing with this year’s celebration of, America’s 250th? 

Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida. Themeparks will be creating special programs to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American Independence © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

We are seeing a clear surge in travel interest tied to meaningful national moments, and the 250th anniversary of the United States is a major catalyst. Attractions across the country are leaning into this milestone with larger-than-ever celebrations and deeply immersive experiences. 

Walt Disney World’s EPCOT and Disney California Adventure Park will debut Soarin’ Across America this summer, a new film experience celebrating the 250th anniversary with breathtaking scenes of landscapes and iconic cityscapes—offering an immersive way to experience the country’s beauty and spirit. 

Cedar Point is hosting its Star-Spangled Celebration with skydivers, live entertainment and a spectacular July 4 fireworks finale. 

Worlds of Fun is running an extended Americana celebration throughout the summer. 

Silver Dollar City is honoring active-duty military with free season passes and hosting season-long patriotic programming, including concerts, drone shows, and themed culinary offerings. 

Wild Adventures Theme Park is launching its Celebrate America Festival with live entertainment and patriotic experiences starting in early summer. 

Overall, travelers are seeking experiences that are both celebratory and meaningful—something that brings people together and creates lasting memories. 

Dollywood is a standout example of how regional parks can deliver world-class experiences rooted in authenticity. What makes Dollywood special is its deep connection to place—the Smoky Mountains—and its emphasis on hospitality, craftsmanship, and storytelling. For America’s 250th, Dollywood is embracing a full seasonal transformation with red, white, and blue décor, and its beloved Sweet Summer Nights Drone Show will feature a patriotic tribute. The park is also debuting its largest investment to date—Nightly Expedition—further enhancing the evening experience for guests. 

Discover New York State’s crucial role in the Revolutionary War at Fort Stanwix in Rome © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

We’re also seeing strong participation from museums and cultural institutions. Organizations like the Smithsonian Institution, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and The Henry Ford are creating exhibitions and programming that invite visitors to reflect on the nation’s history and future. 

With Families Seeking Out MicroVacations, Themeparks & Attractions Do Their Part to Promote Responsible, Sustainable Travel

Go on safari, even stay in a glamping tent at Six Flags Great Adventure and Wild Safari in Jackson, NJ, a less than half-a-tank option for many © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Themeparks and attractions are doing their part in maximizing the benefits of travel and tourism while mitigating the negative impacts. These days, with the cost and availability of gas, diesel and jet fuel exacerbating families’ affordability issues, families are looking for ways to satisfy the need to vacation and engage in pleasurable activities together, and themeparks and attractions – because of their proximity and location – may well satisfy those needs and criteria this year.

Nearly 75% of travelers are now opting for trips of four days or less, underscoring the rapid rise of “micro-cations” and a broader shift toward shorter, more frequent travel.

Are these frequent short trips better or worse for the planet? And what are themeparks and attractions doing to enhance responsible, sustainable travel?

IAAPA (International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions) Director of Sustainability Ylva Linder offered these responses to our questions:

How do transportation choices, especially flying, shape travel’s carbon footprint?

Philadelphia is ideal for a sustainable vacation with so many major attractions within walking distance or by public transportation. © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Transportation is one of the biggest contributors to travel’s carbon footprint, particularly air travel. The distance traveled and frequency of trips often matter more than the length of the stay. One long trip where a traveler stays in a destination for a week or more can sometimes have a lower overall footprint than several shorter trips that require multiple flights.

That said, transportation choices within a destination also play an important role. Choosing destinations where visitors can rely on public transportation, rail, walking, or shared transit instead of renting a car can significantly reduce the overall impact of a trip. Responsible travel isn’t just about where you go — it’s about how you get there and how you move around once you arrive..

Might micro-cations help redistribute tourism or risk increasing emissions?

Micro-cations can be a positive trend if they encourage travelers to explore destinations closer to home, travel during off-peak periods, and discover places that may not traditionally see heavy tourism. This can help spread economic benefits to more communities and reduce overcrowding in major destinations.

However, micro-cations can also increase emissions if they lead to people taking more frequent flights or additional trips that wouldn’t have happened otherwise. From a sustainability standpoint, the goal isn’t just shorter trips — it’s smarter trips. Traveling less often, staying longer, choosing closer destinations, and being thoughtful about transportation choices all make a meaningful difference.

Ausable Chasm in the New York State’s Adirondack Mountains offers an excellent driveable outdoor adventure attraction where you explore on foot © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

How can destinations and operators design more sustainable short-stay experiences?

Design plays a major role in sustainable tourism. Destinations and attractions can make responsible travel easier by investing in public transportation access, shuttle systems, walkable environments, and infrastructure that reduces the need for individual car use.

On the operations side, many attractions are focused on energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction, and sourcing food and materials locally. Capacity management and timed entry systems are also becoming more common, helping reduce overcrowding and improving the guest experience at the same time.

When sustainability is built into how a destination operates, responsible choices become the easiest and most natural option for visitors, enhancing rather than compromising the overall experience.

What does responsible, sustainable travel look like as habits shift globally?

Visiting Betsy Ross at her house in Philadelphia. Philadelphia is ideal for a sustainable vacation with so many major attractions within walking distance or by public transportation. © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Responsible travel today is less about telling people not to travel and more about helping people travel better. We’re seeing travelers become more intentional — choosing destinations where they can spend more time in one place, support local businesses, and have meaningful experiences rather than just checking locations off a list.

It also means being mindful of when and how we travel, for example avoiding peak times where possible, respecting local communities, minimizing waste, being conscious of energy and water use, and supporting local businesses, as well as choosing businesses and attractions that are investing in sustainable practices. Responsible travel is about making a thoughtful contribution to the destination while keeping a low overall footprint.

How are attractions driving sustainability at scale across global tourism?

Attractions are in a unique position to drive sustainability because they operate at scale and serve millions of visitors each year. Many attractions are investing in renewable energy, water recycling systems, and sustainable food sourcing.

But just as importantly, attractions can help guide visitor behavior by making more responsible choices easier, such as offering refill stations, reducing single-use materials, or providing shared transport options. These are small steps, but at scale they can help reduce impact.

Because attractions combine entertainment, education, and large-scale operations, they can play a meaningful role in moving the entire tourism industry toward more sustainable practices.

What are theme parks/attractions doing to cut down on auto travel (and the expense of on-site parking!)? For example, are they setting up free shuttles from hotel areas (like ski resorts do in Lake Placid NY, and Banff BC)?

Many attractions and destinations have partnered with hotels that offer free shuttles to and from their neighboring attractions and theme parks. Some attractions have dedicated bus routes and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure so visitors can move between hotels, attractions, dining, and entertainment without needing a car.

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© 2026 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear.com and travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/. Blogging at goingplacesnearandfar.wordpress.com and moralcompasstravel.info. Visit instagram.com/going_places_far_and_near and instagram.com/bigbackpacktraveler/ Send comments or questions to FamTravLtr@aol.com. Bluesky: @newsphotosfeatures.bsky.social X: @TravelFeatures Threads: @news_and_photo_features ‘Like’ us at facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures