jtrent238 test blog: Travel Dispatch: Hiking With Wild Ponies in the Welsh Hills

January 29, 2022

Wild ponies groom each other on Black Mountain in the Brecon Beacons, in South Wales.

Dear Travel Fan,

As someone who has traveled a fair bit, I usually pride myself on my knowledge of architecture and design. But I confess that I was completely flummoxed by our second Architecture, in Abstract quiz this week. The photographer, Nikola Olic, specializes in creating abstract two-dimensional images of buildings and other architectural or artistic objects. His photos are delightful — and disorienting. If you haven't already, try your hand at the quiz (I will not be revealing my score).

We recently sent the Travel reporter Heather Murphy to the Caribbean to answer this question: Why is everyone going to the Dominican Republic? Indeed, that island nation saw nearly five million visitors in 2021, more than any other country in the Caribbean. The country pursued a deliberate strategy to draw visitors, making it easy to visit, with few Covid restrictions. But now, with Omicron sending the number of infections up, some critics are questioning the wisdom of that approach.

We also check in from ski country this week, with a report on how staff shortages (caused by difficulty hiring and Omicron cases) have ski areas both big and small scrambling to keep lifts spinning, terrain open and crowds of pandemic-weary skiers happy and fed. Cindy Hirschfeld, a frequent Travel contributor on skiing, reports on the forces that are feeding the problem.

The photographer Claire Thomas often focuses on horses and her lovely World Through a Lens photo essay captures the world of wild Welsh ponies, and the attempts to preserve these herds. And while Omicron has caused the cancellation of some big events scheduled for late winter and early spring (the Sundance Film Festival, for instance, went virtual), many are proceeding as planned, though with some adjustments. We've got a roundup of some of the biggest events (the Super Bowl, Mardi Gras) and what you can expect if you're planning to attend.

The other week I mentioned how much I liked the renovated LaGuardia airport. I'm not alone.

As always, I'd love to hear how your travels are going. If you want to share your story, or gloat about your score on the quiz, write to me at travel@nytimes.com.

Wishing you safe and happy journeys,

Amy Virshup

OPEN UP YOUR WORLD

Claire Thomas

The World Through a Lens

Can a New Line of Work Help Save These Wild Welsh Ponies?

A longstanding source of local pride and affection, Welsh mountain ponies have seen many of their traditional roles vanish. A new initiative aims to ensure their continued survival.

By Claire Thomas

Nikola Olic

Architecture, in Abstract: Quiz No. 2

Can you identify the cities where these abstract architectural photographs were taken?

Photographs by Nikola Olic

Continue reading the main story

THE CHANGING WORLD OF TRAVEL

Tony Cenicola/The New York Times

Why Is Everyone Going to the Dominican Republic?

The country is a rare pandemic success story, with recent visitor numbers far surpassing those of most other Caribbean destinations. Easy entry rules are a draw, but some residents are uneasy.

By Heather Murphy

Emily Kask for The New York Times

Will There Be Mardi Gras?

Yes. And Coachella, too. After canceling many major events over the last two years, organizers are going forward in the first months of 2022, though there may be adjustments.

By Debra Kamin

Caleb Kenna for The New York Times

For Skiers, a Winter of Discontent

With resorts having trouble hiring and employees calling out sick, visitors have been frustrated by idled lifts, limited services and closed terrain. Some of the biggest complaints have come from Epic Pass holders.

By Cindy Hirschfeld

GET INSPIRED

52 Places for a Changed World

The 2022 list highlights places around the globe where travelers can be part of the solution.

Continue reading the main story

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

I'm a U.S. Citizen. Where in the World Can I Go?

For Americans eager to resume international travel, here are the countries that currently allow U.S. citizens to enter, though there may be restrictions, including vaccine requirements.

By Paige McClanahan