America’s next national park; the best of Maine; hiking’s next big thing

America’s next national park; the best of Maine; hiking’s…

June 30, 2023
by RJ Hamster

This month’s travel inspirations: America’s next national park; 10 less-crowded national parks; kayaking across the U.S.; the essential guide to Maine; hiking’s next big thing; explore Napa beyond the wineries.

PHOTOGRAPH BY CHRISTOPHER MILLER

One of these 7 places may be America’s next national park

It’s been more than two years since West Virginia’s New River Gorge became America’s most recent national park. With strong local and federal support, these sites—from the world’s largest intact temperate rainforest to an Apache “Wonderland of Rocks”—stand a good chance of becoming America’s 64th national park.

7 SITES IN THE RUNNING

PHOTOGRAPH BY ROBBIE SHONE, NAT GEO IMAGE COLLECTION

Avoid the summer crowds at these 10 under-the-radar national parks

There are 63 national parks across the U.S., many with far fewer visitors. From rugged hiking trails to pristine beaches, upgrade your summer here.

UNDER THE RADAR

PHOTOGRAPH BY JAMES FORTE, NAT GEO IMAGE COLLECTION

Explore the U.S. by kayak on this little-known water-trail system

Lesser known than other national parks programs, the U.S. National Water Trail system links paddlers to splashy adventures.

THE BEST WATER TRAILS

PHOTOGRAPH BY GREG DALE, NAT GEO IMAGE COLLECTION

They don’t call it ‘Vacationland’ for nothing. Here is your guide to visiting Maine.

With 3,500 miles of rocky coastline, dozens of historic lighthouses, and bird- and moose-filled wild spaces, no wonder the northernmost state in New England draws around 15 million visitors a year. Here is the essential guide to visiting the Pine Tree State—when to go, where to stay, what to do, and how to get around.

THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE

Tips for visiting Maine:

•

What the locals love, from the best lobster shack to the coolest crafts

•

The 10 best things to do in Maine, from moose spotting to craft breweries

THIS ICONIC PLACE IS CHANGING

PHOTOGRAPH BY FRANCESCO VANINETTI, ROBERT HARDING/ALAMY

The postcard image that lights up our social media feeds each summer—Provence’s symmetrical fields of sweet-scented, violet-hued lavender—is near a breaking point thanks to higher temperatures, low rains, and pests. If this iconic plant is to thrive in the future, its picture-perfect landscape will have to change.

WHAT WILL IT LOOK LIKE?

THE NEXT GREAT HIKING DESTINATION?

PHOTOGRAPH BY DEZAIN_JUNKIE, ALAMY STOCK PHOTO

The Red Sea Mountain Trail, which loops through desert peaks and valleys, is mainland Egypt’s first long-distance trail—and just the latest in a network of walking paths opening across the Middle East. Such trails evoke the region’s long history of foot travel—and the views can be life-changing.

OVERCOMING STEREOTYPES

MUST-VISIT BEACHES: These are the best beaches in the Middle East +

NAPA, BEYOND THE VINEYARDS

PHOTOGRAPHS BY ASHES & DIAMONDS (LEFT) AND JEFF BRAMWELL (RIGHT)

It may be synonymous with vineyards and bold Cabernet Sauvignon, but dig deeper and you’ll find experimental menus rich in local produce and a gutsy craft beer movement that prove there’s more to the region than grapes.

WHERE TO GO

THE NEXT NAPA? This California wine region is a reminder of how Napa used to be +

TIPS FOR THE PRACTICAL TRAVELER

PHOTOGRAPH BY DAVID FLEETHAM, VWPICS/REDUX

14,000 tons of sunscreen are thought to wash into the oceans each year—and the world’s coral reefs are suffering. Here’s how to pick the best sunscreen for you—and the planet.

Plus see other tips from Nat Geo’s Travel team below, from protecting your data while traveling, to dealing with motion sickness.

SUNSCREEN TIPS

Practical tips for protecting your data while traveling

ChatGPT can help you plan your next trip—if you know how to ask

What causes motion sickness—and how can you prevent it?

How to deal with food poisoning while traveling—and how to avoid it altogether

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RJ Hamster

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America’s next national park; the best of Maine; hiking’s next big thing

America’s next national park; the best of Maine; hiking’s…

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