jtrent238 test blog: Travel Dispatch: Stargazing Under Utah’s Dark Skies

May 4, 2024

Under Canvas Lake Powell-Grand Staircase in Utah. John Burcham for The New York Times

Dear Travel Fan,

The incredible response to the recent total solar eclipse demonstrated the growing popularity of tourism that looks to the skies (including going in search of the northern lights). This week we take you to Utah, where the Under Canvas Lake Powell-Grand Staircase glamping resort is the first resort in the world to be Dark Sky certified, making it a prime site for stargazers. But for our writer who recently visited — would the clouds part in time?

A few years back, plastic straws became the target of environmental activists, for their lack of sustainability and harmful effects on wildlife. Now some are calling for a ban on the cheap plastic slippers that many hotels give guests. Here's why.

Looking forward to summer, France is a major destination, with many people planning to see the Olympics in Paris. But events are happening all around the country, and we've got a guide to taking in the games while avoiding the crowds in the French capital. If your summer travel plans include travel to places at high elevation, we've got tips on how to recognize and avoid altitude sickness.

We also journey to Buenos Aires to check out Chacarita, its newly cool — and quirky — neighborhood, filled with distinctive stores, places to eat and a cemetery that rivals the famous Recoleta. And our 36 Hours column visits Minneapolis, with a sprawling urban park system, a robust cultural scene and top-notch restaurants.

Wishing you safe and happy journeys,

Amy Virshup

OPEN UP YOUR WORLD

The interior of a small restaurant shows a communal table crowded with boisterous diners and covered with brightly colored fresh flowers

Sarah Pabst for The New York Times

Chacarita Is Buenos Aires's Quirkiest Neighborhood. Get There Soon.

Strolling through this once-traditional nook of the Argentine capital, the author found Art Deco houses on cobblestone streets, decadent churros and pizza slices, and whimsy around every corner.

By Seth Kugel

36 Hours

36 Hours in Minneapolis

Springtime is best for exploring this Midwestern city's lakeside trails, robust arts scene and top-notch restaurants.

By Ingrid K. Williams

A tall, four-walled canvas tent is pitched in a park-like setting. It is night, and the tent is lit from within. Beyond the tent, but at quite a distance, are other tents. Above, the night sky is filled with stars.

John Burcham for The New York Times

Glamping With the Stars

Would cloudy weather ruin a visit to the first-ever resort to receive certification from DarkSky International? A stargazer in Utah holds on to her optimism.

By Colleen Creamer

THE CHANGING WORLD OF TRAVEL

A factory worker in a blue uniform is crouched beside a large plastic bag of disposable hotel slippers.

Sam Panthaky/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

Are Disposable Hotel Slippers the Next Plastic Straws?

Slippers supplied by hotels — flimsy models usually made of plastic and fabric — are the next single-use item in the cross hairs of sustainability activists.

By Elaine Glusac

The stone buildings of a Marseille, France, situated next to a port filled with sailboats. A hill rises in the background, and there is a church with a tall spire on top. The whole scene is bathed in rose-colored light.

David C. Tomlinson/The Image Bank, via Getty Images

9 Places to See the Summer Olympics Without Setting Foot in Paris

You may have trouble finding accommodations or tickets to events in Paris, but other destinations around France are hosting sports like soccer, sailing, basketball and surfing.

By Sophie Stuber

TRAVEL 101

An illustration of four people hiking on a trail in a rugged mountain range. The hikers at the lead of the pack are carrying backpacks and using poles. The hiker at the rear of the group is pulling up a pair of sunglasses and looking up at the sky with a sense of wonderment. There are several mountain goats standing alongside the path.

Weston Wei

travel 101

Avoiding Altitude Sickness: How to Enjoy the Mountains Safely

Headaches, nausea and insomnia can spoil a ski trip or trek, and in extreme cases, the thin air can even be dangerous. Here's how you can reduce symptoms, and what warning signs to watch for.

By Megan McCrea

Feedback, thoughts, tips? Email the Travel desk at travel@nytimes.com.

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