Travel Dispatch: 5 Alternatives to Overcrowded National Parks

Plus: 36 Hours in the Florida Panhandle

View in browser|nytimes.com Continue reading the main story July 8, 2023 A view overlooking the northwest coast of São Miguel, the largest of the nine islands that make up the Azores archipelago.Kerry Murray for The New York Times Dear Travel Fan, Here we are, on the other side of July 4 and in true summer. This week, the "Great British Baking Show" judge Prue Leith writes about her American road trip, with plenty of food commentary along the way. Also in the U.S., we asked the influencer Christina Najjar (known as Tinx online) for her favorite places in Napa Valley and we rounded up some great alternatives to overcrowded national parks. Venturing abroad, we look at Scotland's wave of innovators, including restaurateurs, hoteliers and distillers, who are making it a hot destination. We visit the island of São Miguel, part of the Azores, which offers landscapes and experiences that are at once wild and serene. And we have recommendations for six great new bistros in Paris. Our 36 Hours takes you to the Florida Panhandle (if you missed our earlier article about the debate over traveling to Florida, I recommend it) and this week's Q. and A. is with Fatimah Al Zimam, a female tour guide in Saudi Arabia. How is your summer travel going? Let us know by sending an email to travel@nytimes.com. Wishing you safe and happy journeys, Amy Virshup OPEN UP YOUR WORLD Stephen Hiltner/The New York Times 5 National Park Destinations That Aren't Parks The National Park Service isn't just the 63 big-name parks. Here are national monuments, a lakeshore and two other less crowded alternatives to explore the country's natural beauty and attractions. By Lauren Sloss 36 HOURS 36 Hours in the Florida Panhandle Pick your own paradise along State Road 30A, long a beloved vacation destination for Southerners. By Shannon Sims Luis Mazón Prue Leith's Great American Road Trip The "Great British Baking Show" judge steps out of the tent to sample the flavors of the U.S. on a 2,200-mile drive. By Prue Leith Robert Ormerod for The New York Times In Scotland, Taking the Traditional and Making It New Tartan, whisky, restaurants in the middle of nowhere — all are being reimagined in newly fashionable "Outlander" territory. By Amy Tara Koch Helynn Ospina for The New York Times 5 FAVORITE PLACES Christina Najjar's Napa Valley The influencer known as Tinx offers a list full of the "rich mom" energy she's known for, but her choices won't all break the bank. By Sheila Yasmin Marikar Kerry Murray for The New York Times In the Azores: Earth, Water, Fire and Air, Sometimes All at Once Volcanic São Miguel, one of the nine islands in this Portuguese archipelago in the Mid-Atlantic, offers landscapes and experiences that are at once wild and serene. By Amy Thomas Continue reading the main story ADVERTISEMENT THE CHANGING WORLD OF TRAVEL Paige McClanahan Q. AND A. What It's Like to be a Female Tour Guide in Saudi Arabia Fatimah Al Zimam has introduced visitors from around the world to her country, which opened to nonreligious tourism in 2019. She discusses her favorite sites, driving a pickup truck and how her country is changing. Paige McClanahan Joann Pai for The New York Times 6 Paris Bistros to Try Now The city's restaurant scene is back in full force, and a half-dozen bistro-style eateries showcase the best of what's new, including a refreshingly simple style of cooking. By Alexander Lobrano Feedback, thoughts, tips? Email the Travel desk at travel@nytimes.com. Make a friend's day: Forward this email. Did you get this from a friend? Sign up for the Travel Dispatch here. You can always find our latest stories here. Continue reading the main story ADVERTISEMENT We have more newsletters you might like! Sign up for The Morning newsletter to make sense of the day's news and ideas with David Leonhardt and Times journalists. See all newsletters here. Continue reading the main story Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance. You received this email because you signed up for Travel Dispatch from The New York Times. To stop receiving Travel Dispatch, unsubscribe. To opt out of other promotional emails from The Times, including those regarding The Athletic, manage your email settings. To opt out of updates and offers sent from The Athletic, submit a request. Subscribe to The TimesGet The New York Times app Connect with us on: Change Your EmailPrivacy PolicyContact UsCalifornia Notices The New York Times Company. 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018