From Spawning Salmon to Rare Bats: Why Nature Lovers are Heading to Vilnius

From Spawning Salmon to Rare Bats: Why Nature Lovers are Heading to Vilnius



As travelers increasingly seek destinations that combine urban culture with access to real nature, Vilnius offers a rare mix: a modern European capital with thriving ecosystems woven into its urban fabric.

What's New in San Diego this Summer 2026

 What's New in San Diego this Summer 2026



As the travel and tourism industry celebrates National Travel and Tourism Week (May 3 – 9), San Diego is gearing up for Summer 2026 with a season full of can’t miss moments, including major sporting events, concerts, cultural experiences and standout dining. San Diego is inviting visitors to soak up the sunshine and the feel-good-energy and come to the bright side.  

Major Events 

The first-ever NASCAR San Diego Weekend will be held during Father’s Day Weekend (June 19 – 21) at Naval Base Coronado, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Navy. NASCAR San Diego will be three days of races headlined by the stars of the NASCAR Cup Series on June 21, along with the NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. In addition to being San Diego’s first NASCAR event, it will also be the first race to take place on a military base.  

Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism launches Adirondacks, USA website

 The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST) launched its newly developed website, AdirondacksUSA.com. The website has been designed to enhance how those who may be unfamiliar with the Adirondacks access travel-related information about the area, while also aligning with trends and changes in the way people travel. 

 


AdirondacksUSA.com encourages users to “find their place” within the Adirondacks’ six million acres by using the website to learn about the Adirondacks, its geography, activities, and events throughout the region. It then directs users to one or more of the ROOST-managed regional websites. Providing information about multiple regions of the Adirondacks supports the emerging trend of travelers visiting more than one place during their vacation.


New York State's Most Iconic Pride Destinations

 New York is the favorite destination in the world for LGBTQ+ travelers and a top destination for Pride travel, offering some of the most meaningful and dynamic celebrations in the

country. As the birthplace of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement, the Empire State honors its legacy each summer with events that stretch far beyond New York City. From historic landmarks to beachfront celebrations, Pride in New York blends culture, history and community in unforgettable ways.

See below for some of the most iconic ways to celebrate Pride across New York State:


7TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION BROADCASTING LIVE FROM TOKYO TO CINEMAS WORLDWIDE ON SUNDAY, MAY 24

 7TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION BROADCASTING LIVE FROM TOKYO TO CINEMAS WORLDWIDE ON SUNDAY, MAY 24


Trafalgar Releasing, BIGHIT MUSIC, and HYBE are proud to present the exclusive global theatrical broadcast of 2026 TXT MOA CON IN JAPAN: LIVE VIEWING. On Sunday, May 24, K-pop’s ever evolving artists, TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT), will bring their massive 7th anniversary celebration to the big screen, broadcasting live from Aichi’s IG Arena in Nagoya, Japan, to cinemas worldwide.


ATOMIC MUSEUM ACQUIRES LOS ALAMOS CONFINEMENT VESSEL

ATOMIC MUSEUM ACQUIRES LOS ALAMOS CONFINEMENT VESSEL

Photo Courtesy of the National Atomic Testing Museum


 The National Atomic Testing Museum announces the arrival of a new artifact to be displayed in it’s “The Bomb Without the Boom” exhibit. Arriving on March 18 from the Los Alamos National Lab in Los Alamos, N.M., the 6-foot-5-inch confinement vessel will be on display beginning March 19. The vessel is a replica of a container designed to confine the effects of an explosive test and to allow scientists and engineers to gather data using delicate diagnostic instruments.

Stonewall National Museum Welcomes Legendary Singer-Songwriter Janis Ian in Conversation & Film Screening

Stonewall National Museum Welcomes Legendary Singer-Songwriter Janis Ian in Conversation & Film Screening 



Following her recent induction into Stonewall National Museum, Archives & Library’s (SNMAL) ‘Standing on the Shoulders of Heroes’ exhibit, renowned singer-songwriter Janis Ian is back at the Museum for a screening of her documentary film, ‘Janis Ian: Breaking Silence’ as well as conversation and audience Q&A Sunday, April 26th 5pm ET as part of Wilton Women’s Week and presented by Stonewall National Women’s Fund. 
 

Women’s March Leaders Announce Nationwide July 4 Mobilization (NYC)

Grassroots Leaders to Unveil Nationwide Mobilization Ahead of America’s 250th Anniversary at NYC Town Hall



On Thursday, April 16, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, at Middle Collegiate Church in Manhattan, national and local leaders affiliated with the Next 250 initiative will convene a major town hall and press briefing marking the final gathering before the public launch of a nationwide mobilization tied to the 250th anniversary of the United States.


Helsinki presents Sámi culture through art and everyday life in two exhibitions

Helsinki presents Sámi culture through art and everyday life in two exhibitions

Photographer: Maija Toivanen, HAM


In 2026, Helsinki is offering a unique opportunity to explore Sámi culture through two major exhibitions. We Who Remain opened at the Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma on 27 March, and an exhibition on the life of Sámi in Helsinki will open at the Helsinki City Museum in November. These exhibitions invite international visitors to discover Sámi identity, art and everyday life in an accessible urban setting.

MSC Group’s Cruise Division introduces Sandy Cay today—a new luxury private Bahama island destination

MSC Group’s Cruise Division introduces Sandy Cay today—a new luxury private Bahama island destination



MSC Group’s Cruise Division introduced Sandy Cay today—a new luxury private island destination located next to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in The Bahamas, due to open in 2028. Designed for MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys guests, the new island further elevates the Company’s vision of delivering truly unique and authentic travel experiences.

Punta Gorda’s Spring Seafood & Music Festival Returns to Laishley Park April 17–19

Punta Gorda’s Spring Seafood & Music Festival Returns to Laishley Park April 17–19

 


There are weekends you plan… and then there are weekends that unfold naturally—where the breeze off the water, the sound of live music, and the aroma of something sizzling nearby convince you to stay just a little longer. That’s exactly the spirit of the Punta Gorda Spring Seafood & Music Festival, returning to Laishley Park April 17–19, 2026.


Set along the scenic Harborwalk, this open-air gathering blends the best of Southwest Florida into one easygoing, come-as-you-are experience. Produced by Paragon Festivals, the three-day event offers free admission and a welcoming atmosphere where guests can wander, sample, listen, shop, and repeat.


The festival’s culinary lineup is designed for exploration. Vendors will prepare dishes fresh onsite, offering a wide range of options—from coastal seafood favorites to hearty meat selections and vegetarian fare. Add in a lineup of sides, sweet treats, and refreshing beverages (both spirited and alcohol-free), and the result is a weekend that invites guests to graze at their own pace.


Music flows throughout the park all weekend long, with a rotating schedule of live performances spanning blues, rock, funk, soul, and more. Whether posted up in a chair, dancing near the stage, or enjoying the view from a shaded spot, guests can expect a soundtrack that shifts with the mood of the day—from laid-back afternoons to high-energy evenings.


Friday, April 17

4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.       Soundwall Jackson

6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.       Annika Chambers Deslauriers & Paul Deslauriers

8:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.     Twinkle & Rock Soul Radio

 

Saturday, April 18

12:30 p.m. – 2 p.m.     Jack’D Up

2:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.       Phoenix5

4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.       Deb & The Dynamics

6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.       22N

8:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.     Phenomenal Animal

 

Sunday, April 19

12:30 p.m. – 2 p.m.     Trey Wanvig Band

2:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.       Kettle of Fish

4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.       Jah Movement


Between sets, the festival reveals another layer: a marketplace filled with handcrafted goods, artwork, specialty items, and gourmet finds. It’s a place to discover something unexpected, meet local makers, and take a piece of the weekend home.


Festival hours are Friday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Leashed pets are welcome, adding to the relaxed, community feel that defines this event.


No tickets. No pressure. Just a waterfront weekend where you can follow your appetite, your ears, and your curiosity.


For more information and updates, visit www.paragonfestivals.com.

Former NHL Star Brooks Laich Launches World Playground, the Only Travel Platform Delivering Wholesale Prices on Hotels and Best Value Possible on Cruises and Travel Insurance.

Former NHL Star Brooks Laich Launches World Playground, the Only Travel Platform Delivering Wholesale Prices on Hotels and Best Value Possible on Cruises and Travel Insurance.


Former NHL star Brooks Laich today announced the launch of World Playground, a groundbreaking online travel booking platform built on one simple, radical brand promise “Making the Unforgettable More Affordable.” World Playground is the only platform in the world that gives travelers the actual base prices that hotels, cruise lines, and insurance companies set before any retail markups or booking fees -- on hotels, cruises, and travel insurance, or refunds all commissions back to them in the form of site travel credits.

Cindy Crawford and Holocaust Survivor Ella Mandel Receive 'Award of Courage' at Holocaust Museum Annual Gala

 Holocaust Museum LA honored philanthropist, entrepreneur and supermodel Cindy Crawford and Holocaust survivor Ella Mandel (who will be 99 next month) with the “Award of Courage” at the museum’s annual gala Tuesday, Oct. 28, at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel.



San Diego Queer High Holy Day

 Often called the “Queer High Holy Day” or “Gay Christmas,” Halloween has long held a special place in the hearts of LGBTQIA+ people. What began as a pagan harvest festival celebrating transformation and warding off spirits has evolved into a day that celebrates self-expression, creativity, and unapologetic authenticity. The history of Halloween is deeply rooted in protest.



Daytona Beach Arts Scene Offers Surprises, Variety and Cultural Connections

Daytona Beach Arts Scene Offers Surprises, Variety and Cultural Connections

Daytona Beach is best known for its 23 miles of Atlantic shoreline, with beautiful beaches and welcoming waters. It is, however, also making a splash as an arts destination. Monuments and murals grace public spaces and tell stories of local culture and history and increasing numbers of visitors are drawn to the galleries, shops, performances and events that celebrate the arts here.



Pride Journey: Milwaukee, Wisconsin – An LGBTQ Enclave of Culture, History, and Charm

Pride Journey: Milwaukee, Wisconsin – An LGBTQ Enclave of Culture, History, and Charm

By Joey Amato

Nestled on the shores of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee, Wisconsin is a city that often surprises first-time visitors. Known historically as a hub for brewing and manufacturing, Milwaukee has transformed into a vibrant cultural destination with world-class museums, iconic tours, and a thriving LGBTQ community. From the famous Miller Brewing Tour to the innovative Milwaukee Art Museum, the city offers a little something for everyone. Whether you’re a lover of history, art, beer, or nightlife, Milwaukee deserves a spot on your travel radar.



American Cruise Lines Expanding on the Mississippi River

 American Cruise Lines Expanding on the Mississippi River

American Cruise Lines is pleased to announce an expanded fleet and three new itineraries that exemplify what is now possible for world-class river cruising in the U.S. The company is adding capacity and itineraries on the Mississippi River and tributaries, by introducing the first-ever 9-Day Arkansas River Cruise between Tulsa, Oklahoma and Memphis, Tennessee; a new 11-Day Great Smoky Mountains Cruise between Knoxville and Huntsville, Tennessee; and a brand-new 8-Day Gulf Coast Cruise between Pensacola, Florida and New Orleans, Louisiana. 

Ride Into 2026: Wilderness Scotland and Wilderness England Announce New Cycling Trips

Ride Into 2026: Wilderness Scotland and Wilderness England Announce New Cycling Trips  

Gravel biking in Scotland, E-biking in Cornwall, and road cycling in the Cotswolds headline the brands’ two-wheeled adventures in 2026.

Aviemore, Scotland. September 25, 2025 – From gravel adventures in the Highlands to E-biking along Cornwall’s rugged coast, Wilderness Scotland and Wilderness England, award-winning leaders in sustainable active travel, are now rolling out new two-wheeled itineraries for 2026, with options available for riders of all levels.


Trailhead events, public art and culinary creations are all part of a Northshore getaway

Trailhead events, public art and culinary creations are all part of a Northshore getaway

The Northshore is a welcoming destination on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain that has become a favorite getaway spot for couples. Here, they find the perfect combination of relaxation and activity and some refreshing ways to combine interests along the way, with some surprising extras that add to the fun. The Northshore is just 40 minutes north of New Orleans, an hour east of Baton Rouge and an hour west of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, with easy access via Interstate 12. 

Stonewall Museum Unveils Harvey Fierstein’s Tony Award Robe in Historic Display

Stonewall Museum Unveils Harvey Fierstein’s Tony Award Robe in Historic Display

Stonewall National Museum, Archives, & Library (SNMAL), one of the nation's leading historical institutions fighting to protect LGBTQ+ rights, and proudly showcases an iconic addition to its expansive collection of LGBTQ+ memorabilia- the Broadway ‘Torch Song Trilogy’ robe worn by award-winning actor, playwright, screenwriter, and recent 2025 Lifetime Achievement Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein. 

A+ Weddings by Rev. Vernon Diannah Porter - Provincetown weddings by someone who truly cares

A+ Weddings by Rev. Vernon Diannah PorterProvincetown weddings by someone who truly cares


By Steven Skelley & Thomas Routzong

There are some people who are born to do exactly what they do. Reverend Vernon Diannah Porter of Provincetown, Massachussetts is one of those rare people. We cannot imagine a more perfect wedding officiant than Reverend Vernon Diannah  Porter.

Within moments of meeting this man, you’ll realize that everything about him exudes kindness and compassion for his clients. Reverend Vernon Diannah Porter truly loves what he does and truly loves the people he is assisting with their special day.

Gay Homestays - Matching travelers with LGBTQ property owners

Gay Homestays - Matching travelers with LGBTQ property owners

 
By Steven Skelley and Thomas Routzong
 
Gay Homestays was established in 2010 to provide safe and welcoming travel accommodation to the LGBTQ community (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer). This gay owned and operated company offers an online community marketplace for people to list, browse, discover and book gay accommodation around the world.  


Parliament Resort Augusta, GA - The World’s Largest All-Male Gay Resort

Parliament Resort Augusta, GA - The World’s Largest All-Male Gay Resort

by Steven Skelley & Thomas Routzong

Augusta, Georgia, which sits on the legendary Savannah River 
a) is home to one of the most popular golf tournaments in the world
b) is the second largest metro area in the state of Georgia
c) has a historic district dating to pre Civil War, and 
d) is home to The World’s Largest All-Male Gay Resort - Parliament Resort!

The Parliament Resort property dates back to 1958 when it was part of the Alamo Plaza Hotel chain known for its distinctive Mission Revival Style architecture, a U-shaped court, multiple buildings and a facade reminiscent of the original Alamo Mission in San Antonio, Texas. 

Oahu Nature Tours Oahu, Hawaii - Excellent tours of Oahu The Gathering Place

Oahu Nature Tours Oahu, Hawaii - Excellent tours of Oahu The Gathering Place


By Steven Skelley & Thomas Routzong

Throughout history, Oahu has been called “The Gathering Place.” That description is valid even today. Oahu is the third largest Hawaiian island but it is the most populated. It is a fascinating 
blend of Native Hawaiian, Eastern and Western cultures. It is a contrast of old and new. It is modern cities surrounded by ancient natural wonders.