The announcement declaring “America-first entry fee policies” comes as national parks deal with the strain of a major staff reduction and severe budget cuts, along with recovering from damage during the recent government shutdown and significant lost revenue due to fees not being collected during that time.

The fee change will impact 11 national parks, including the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone and Yosemite, according to the U.S. Department of the Interior.

As part of the changes, which are set to take effect Jan. 1, foreign tourists will also see their annual parks pass price jump to $250, while U.S. residents will continue to be charged $80, according to the department's statement.

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said in a post on the social platform X that the changes make sure U.S. taxpayers who support the park service “continue to enjoy affordable access, while international visitors contribute their fair share to maintaining and improving our parks for future generations!”

A White House post on X laying out the increased fees ended with the phrase, “AMERICANS FIRST.”

The announcement follows a July executive order in which President Donald Trump directed the parks to increase entry fees for foreign tourists.

“There’s a lot to unpack in this announcement, including many questions on its implementation – all which NPCA will raise with the Department of Interior,” Kati Schmidt, a spokesperson for National Parks Conservation Association, said in an email.

The U.S. Travel Association estimated that in 2018, national parks and monuments saw more than 14 million international visitors. Yellowstone reported that in 2024, nearly 15% of its visitors were from outside the country, which was down from 30% in 2018.

The money made off the new fees will help support the national parks, including with upgrading facilities for visitors and maintenance, according to the statement.

The “resident-only patriotic fee-free days” next year include Veterans Day, which was one of the parks' eight free days open to everyone in 2025. The Department of the Interior had announced those days by saying they wanted to ensure that “everyone, no matter their zip code, can access and enjoy the benefits of green spaces and our public lands.”

Florianópolis, the capital of Santa Catarina state, spreads across a large island and a mainland peninsula. While the city is known nationally for its natural beauty—crystal-clear lagoons, dramatic sand dunes, and lush Atlantic rainforest—its social fabric is equally striking. Local residents, known as “manézinhos,” usher visitors into a culture defined by warmth and open-mindedness. This spirit is reflected in everything from the city’s vibrant gastronomy to its lively beach gatherings, where queerness is not just tolerated but quietly celebrated .

Unlike Rio’s world-famous Pride, Florianópolis offers a subtler embrace. Here, queer travelers mingle with locals at sunset on the sands of Praia Mole, a beach that has organically become a safe haven for LGBTQ+ people. The sense of security is palpable—same-sex couples walk hand-in-hand, trans women pose for photos against the crashing surf, and rainbow flags flutter discreetly from beach kiosks. The city’s relaxed ethos means there’s little of the overt commercialism that can sometimes overshadow queer spaces in larger cities .

Though not as internationally renowned as São Paulo or Rio, Florianópolis has steadily developed a dynamic queer nightlife and social scene. On weekends, the city’s bars and clubs pulse with queer energy—Jivago Social Club and Conca Club are favorites, drawing a diverse crowd for nights of dancing that spill out onto the streets . While the venues may be smaller, the sense of community is tangible, and visiting travelers report feeling genuinely welcomed by both staff and regulars.

The city’s queer community is also visible beyond nightlife. Coworking spaces across the island host queer digital nomads and remote workers, many of whom are drawn to Florianópolis for its combination of affordability, natural beauty, and safety. LGBTQ+ locals and expats alike organize informal meetups, beach picnics, and art collectives, weaving queer presence into the island’s creative and social fabric .

What sets Florianópolis apart from more commercialized destinations is the blend of tradition and progressiveness. The city’s Azorean heritage is celebrated in local fêtes, and the annual Festa do Divino Espírito Santo fills the streets with music and dance. Yet, there is space for new stories: LGBTQ+ artists exhibit at local galleries, drag performers headline open-mic nights, and queer-friendly yoga studios offer classes that center inclusivity.

Nature is a constant companion. Many queer visitors cite Praia Mole as a spiritual home—a place to sunbathe, swim, and simply be. Less crowded than Rio’s Ipanema or Copacabana, Praia Mole’s vibe is both social and serene, making it ideal for LGBTQ+ travelers who want to connect with others or enjoy solitude without fear of harassment .

For those seeking adventure, Florianópolis offers hiking in the rugged hills of the Serra do Tabuleiro or sandboarding down the dunes of Joaquina. The island’s eco-conscious ethos attracts queer travelers interested in sustainability—numerous hostels, surf schools, and tour operators are outspokenly inclusive, a reflection of the city’s progressive streak .

Community members describe Florianópolis as a place where queerness can exist openly but without spectacle. “It’s not about rainbow capitalism here,” says Lucas Menezes, a local activist and artist. “We create our own spaces, and everyone is welcome—if you bring respect.” . Social media groups—such as Instagram: @floripagay—connect newcomers with long-term residents for advice and friendship, reinforcing a sense of belonging.

Several local projects center the needs of transgender people and other marginalized identities. The NGO Associação em Defesa dos Direitos Humanos com Ênfase na Sexualidade offers legal and psychological support, and its events calendar features queer film nights, workshops, and roundtables on intersectionality .

Florianópolis’s rise as a queer destination is driven by factors both practical and personal. Safety is consistently ranked high by visitors, with low rates of anti-LGBTQ+ violence compared to other Brazilian cities . The cost of living remains accessible, particularly for longer stays, and the city’s digital infrastructure supports remote work and community building.

Perhaps most importantly, Floripa offers a rare balance of celebration and contemplation. It is a destination where LGBTQ+ travelers can feel visible without being spotlighted, free to participate in island life as their authentic selves. As global queer travelers look for alternatives to crowded “gayborhoods” and high-priced resorts, Florianópolis’s blend of natural splendor, cultural depth, and quiet inclusivity is putting it firmly on the map.

How to Experience Florianópolis as a Queer Traveler

- Visit Praia Mole for its natural beauty and welcoming queer crowd, particularly on weekends and holidays .
- Check out Jivago Social Club and Conca Club for a taste of the city’s inclusive nightlife.
- Connect with local LGBTQ+ organizations such as ADEH for community events and resources .
- Explore the island’s many coworking spaces—many are explicitly queer-friendly and offer regular meetups .
- Experience the island’s festivals, from traditional Azorean celebrations to contemporary art and drag shows.

Florianópolis stands as proof that queer joy can flourish off the beaten path—anchored in community, surrounded by natural wonders, and vibrant with possibility.

Local tourism planners say the hills are no longer just a British secret. Rising interest from American travelers looking for more relaxed alternatives to the Cotswolds has helped drive new overnight stays, pushing the area's visitor economy past $262 million and supporting more than 4,000 jobs. When I visited, the footpaths were busy even on a weekday afternoon, with both tourists and locals shopping, dining and exploring.

A hillside restaurant changes the game

The Malvern Hills National Landscape covers about 40 square miles of grassy summits and ancient woodland, rising from the flat Severn Plain. The highest point, Worcestershire Beacon, offers views stretching across 13 counties on a clear day; a panorama far removed from Britain's usual tourist routes.

High on the hillside sits The Cottage in the Wood, a former Georgian villa built in 1919. The hotel has long attracted notable guests, including Thatcher, but its increasingly strong culinary reputation is reshaping why people seek it out.

When I visited for dinner, the staff described how the restaurant has become a destination in its own right, bringing guests who once overlooked the area. Its 1919 Restaurant earned three AA Rosettes in 2024, placing it among a small cohort of U.K. dining rooms recognized for high standards and creative menus. For a rural setting known more for walking trails than white tablecloths, the distinction has made the property an unlikely fine-dining stop.

The restaurant's rise has made the hotel a stop for travelers who plan trips around food as much as scenery, a habit increasingly common among American visitors. Inside the tasting room, miniature gas lamps, a nod to Lewis's lamppost, tie the area's literary lore to its modern focus on food.

Rural destinations draw the crowds

Britain's broader tourism rebound is shaping what happens on the hillside. The United Kingdom welcomed 5.6 million U.S. visitors in 2024, a record year in which Americans spent $9.56 billion, averaging approximately $1,700 per trip. Many were repeat travelers looking beyond major cities for smaller towns, scenic stays and food-led itineraries. Global market data show rural and heritage destinations are among the fastest-growing parts of the tourism industry, a trend planners say is helping push the Malvern Hills, and its standout restaurant, into the spotlight.

For visitors exploring the area, part of the draw is how easily the landscape, food and stories connect. Great Malvern's surviving Victorian gas lamps, more than 80 remain, still glow along the town's steep lanes, a link to Lewis' fictional world. Hikers cross open commons and wooded slopes before stopping at St. Ann's Well or continuing to restaurants and hotels overlooking the valley.

A hidden corner waiting to be seen

Whether Americans embrace the Malvern Hills in large numbers remains to be seen, but planners say growing interest is already shaping the district. They argue that careful, steady growth will help the area keep the peaceful atmosphere that once drew Lewis and Thatcher while letting the 1919 Restaurant play a larger role in its future.

Mandy is a luxury travel, fine dining and bucket list adventure journalist with expert insight from 46 countries. She uncovers unforgettable experiences around the world and brings them to life through immersive storytelling that blends indulgence, culture and discovery, and shares it all with a global audience as co-founder of Food Drink Life. Her articles appear on MSN and through the Associated Press Wire in major U.S. outlets, including NBC, the Daily News, Boston Herald, Chicago Sun-Times and many more.

Guerneville’s evolution into a beloved gay mecca began in the mid-20th century, when the town’s bars and resorts—including the property now known as Dawn Ranch—became safe spaces for LGBTQ+ people from across Northern California. In the 1970s and 1980s, Dawn Ranch operated as “Fife’s,” one of the region’s most iconic gay resorts, fostering radical acceptance and shaping Guerneville’s reputation as a center for openness and queer celebration . This legacy continues today: rainbow flags wave proudly throughout the area, and Dawn Ranch’s staff and programming reflect a commitment to affirming queer joy and belonging .

The revitalized Dawn Ranch offers a suite of curated experiences for guests of all identities. Onsite amenities include a full-service spa, a sparkling pool, and access to kayaking and paddleboarding on the Russian River . The resort’s culinary program, led by Chefs Juliana Thorpe and Ignacio Zuzulich, emphasizes farm-to-table dining with ingredients sourced from Sonoma’s fertile valleys, furthering the property’s deep connection to the local landscape . Guests can relax with fireside cocktails, participate in yoga and mindfulness sessions, and join both complimentary and ticketed events that reflect Guerneville’s unique blend of nature, creativity, and unapologetic queerness .

For decades, Dawn Ranch has represented more than just a getaway—it’s been a symbol of safety, celebration, and resilience for LGBTQ+ travelers . Today, the property continues to amplify queer visibility and foster intergenerational connections, hosting weddings, bachelor parties, solo retreats, and gatherings for chosen families. Dawn Ranch’s leadership affirms that “radical acceptance, and openness, and how Guerneville has become this place where all types of people come together and coexist” are central to its mission . The resort’s enduring popularity is a testament to its ability to honor the past while creating new traditions for an evolving LGBTQ+ community.

Located just 90 minutes from San Francisco, Guerneville has provided a retreat for urban LGBTQ+ residents seeking respite, celebration, and nature for generations . With its vibrant nightlife, year-round pride events, and proximity to Sonoma’s wine country, the region’s inclusive spirit continues to attract visitors from across the globe. Dawn Ranch remains a cornerstone of this environment, offering not just luxury, but a deeply meaningful sense of belonging.

This November, I had the opportunity to visit Churchill, Manitoba, the Polar Bear Capital of the World. While I only had a day to visit, it cemented itself as one of the most memorable adventures I've taken.

Getting to watch and photograph the polar bears roughhousing for hours on one side of the Tundra Buggy, while mom and cub walked on the other, was incredible.

It's undoubtedly a trip that you will remember, because I know I will.

It's the Polar Bear Capital of the World

The single reason Churchill is so famous is for its polar bears. Each fall, hundreds and hundreds of polar bears congregate along the shore of the Hudson Bay, waiting for the sea ice that will allow them to begin hunting their favorite meal: seals.

Because the sea ice never comes at the same time, the bears end up hanging out around Churchill for weeks at a time, even outnumbering the local population.

Mid-October to mid-November is the best time to visit, as that's when the most polar bears are present. And once the sea ice is strong enough, the bears seemingly disappear overnight.

See pictures of polar bears from Churchill.

Great Chance To See Northern Lights

If you look at a map, Churchill is incredibly far north, and with that comes fantastic opportunities for northern lights. If you have clear night skies from September through April, you're very likely to see the northern lights.

Confirm with your hotel or lodge if they do a northern lights wake-up call. If not, it'll be on you to stay up late into the night and catch the sky magic.

Unique Community With No Roads Connecting It to the Rest of the World

Churchill has about 800 full-time residents and is completely cut off from the Canadian road system. The only way in or out is by plane or train (with the occasional cruise ship).

This area has a long history thanks to the Hudson Bay Company, but is now almost squarely supported by tourism across the three seasons. (Spring is the only season without a major tourism push.)

With museums, the SeaWall murals, and dog sledding, there's plenty to do outside of wildlife and the Aurora Borealis.

Spend Time With Thousands of Beluga Whales

Each summer, 50,000 beluga whales filter into the shallow, warmer waters of Hudson Bay to give birth, feed, and mate. A small portion of that, 3,000-4,000, comes to the mouth of the Churchill River. Here, you have the opportunity to kayak and boat near them, gaining unprecedented access to these beautiful animals.

Nicknamed "sea canaries", if you put your head underwater near them, you might be able to hear them communicating amongst themselves.

Changing Climate Adversely Impacting Polar Bears

As the Earth warms, the sea ice that polar bears rely on for their livelihood shrinks. With sea ice taking longer to form in the fall and melting faster in the spring, polar bears have a shorter window for feasting on seals that make up the majority of their diet. This is the biggest cause for alarm. Polar bear populations are declining as the effects of climate change intensify, with warming oceans.

The Western Hudson Bay bears have seen their numbers decreasing, with a 2021 survey showing a 27% decrease from 2016 estimates. This means the time is now to see them before numbers continue to shrink.

New tundra buggy EV 1

One way the community is reducing its carbon emissions is by transitioning from diesel to electric buggies.

The newest buggy is the Tundra Buggy EV 1, a state-of-the-art vehicle from Frontier's North and Polar Bears International. It will allow Polar Bears International, a not-for-profit group focused solely on protecting polar bears, to have longer access to the animals and a better ability to communicate with the outside world from such a remote area.

This zero-emission research and outreach vehicle allows scientists, media teams, and visitors to observe and live-stream polar bears up close, all while significantly cutting carbon pollution and proving that clean energy can not only endure but excel in the extreme subarctic environment.

If you're curious for more information about climate change and polar bears, check out the work Polar Bear International is doing to protect polar bears throughout the Arctic.

Costa Rica’s journey toward LGBTQ+ equality has been marked by steady and meaningful progress. In 2020, it became the first country in Central America to legalize same-sex marriage, a landmark decision that followed years of advocacy and public dialogue. The government has also taken steps to strengthen anti-discrimination protections, support trans rights, and incorporate LGBTQ+ education and awareness into public policy.

This progressive spirit resonates deeply with locals and travelers alike. Whether in the cosmopolitan capital of San José or the relaxed coastal towns, visitors often remark on the country’s sense of openness and acceptance.

My journey began in San José, the cultural and social hub for the country’s LGBTQ+ community. The city’s vibrant nightlife scene includes popular bars and clubs such as Club El Teatro, which has hosted drag shows and queer performances for decades, and La Avispa, one of the oldest gay bars in Latin America.

Beyond nightlife, San José’s art and cultural institutions also reflect queer voices. Local galleries frequently showcase works by LGBTQ+ artists, while community organizations such as Centro de Investigación y Promoción para América Central de Derechos Humanos play an important role in advocacy, education, and social support.

The city’s annual Marcha de la Diversidad (Pride March), typically held in June, attracts tens of thousands of participants from across Central America, filling the streets with color, music, and the unmistakable energy of solidarity and celebration.