This Popular Italian City Will Soon Charge Tourists an Entrance Fee

Oh, and you’ll have to book "tickets," too. On Our Radar [This Popular Italian City Will Soon Charge Tourists an Entrance Fee]( Oh, and you’ll have to book "tickets," too. [Nervous Flying Without a Mask Mandate? These Airlines Are Offering Refunds]( Several airlines are offering flexible refund policies in light of recent events. [I Traveled to a High-Risk Country—and It Ruined Airport Security for Me]( Getting "SSSS" on my boarding pass is now the thing I fear most about flying. Destination of the Day New Zealand After undergoing one of the strictest lockdowns during the pandemic, [Aotearoa (New Zealand)]( has finally reopened its borders to U.S. travelers after two years of closures. With Air New Zealand getting ready to launch the first-ever, [non-stop flight from NYC to Auckland](, and Queenstown having recently opened [the country’s first six-star hotel](, New Zealand is welcoming back tourists with open arms. And if the country is on your bucket list (it’s certainly on ours), we’re here to help you get started planning a trip. Things to Do The country is world-famous for its natural beauty. There are all kinds of opportunities to get outdoors and explore nature, from hiking one of the country’s [Great Walks]( and sea kayaking at [Abel Tasman National Park](, to much more mellow activities like [relaxing on a beach]( or cruising through [the Milford Sound fjord](. Whatever kind of experience you're looking for, you can probably find it [somewhere in New Zealand](. North Island vs. South Island New Zealand is comprised of two main islands: the North and South Islands. [Auckland]( is the largest city in the North Island (and in the country), and [Christchurch]( is the largest city in the South Island. Travelers often wonder which island is better, but that's a question that can't really be answered: Both have their highlights. To help you decide which one is right for you, we’ve created [two, week-long itineraries](—one for the North Island, the other for the South Island. Choose one or combine them to create a complete tour of the country. New Zealand’s Wine Regions With microclimates that range from sunny to cool, many parts of New Zealand offer ideal conditions for grape production. Sauvignon blanc is the most beloved New Zealand wine, both at home and abroad, and chardonnay, pinot noir, and pinot gris are also popular and successful. From north to south, here’s a low-down on [New Zealand’s wine regions](. Vacation Like a Pro Unless you really like rain, avoid the North Island in winter (June through August). [Elen Turner]( Contributing Writer Your Packing List New Zealand’s autumn stretches from March through May. Depending on where you'll be visiting, pack light layers that can be removed easily—or added on to. While it rains often in New Zealand, you'll still want to protect yourself from the sun with either [a good hat]( or a [high SPF sunscreen](. If you’re visiting from June to August, pack lots of layers, including a sweater, jacket, [raincoat](, and [umbrella](. On the South Island, you'll need a down jacket, a scarf, and a hat as well. Pack a type I [plug adapter]( to keep all your devices charged. Embarking on one of New Zealand’s famed Great Walks? You’ll want to stock up on [essential hiking gear items](, including proper hiking boots and a day pack. Lots of activities in New Zealand involve water, so you’ll also want a [dry bag]( to keep your stuff safe. Trending in Travel [The Best Family Road Trip for Every Age]( [10 Tips Every First-Time Cruiser Needs to Know]( [16 Gifts for Mom This Mother’s Day]( Get Inspired The Namib Desert is one of the oldest deserts in the world, and at its heart lies the Sossusvlei dune sea. Here, ocher dunes rise in spectacular star-shaped peaks, outlined against the azure sky. Staying at Sesriem Camp (located within the park gates) affords you early access to the dunes—a major benefit for anyone wanting to climb to the top of iconic peak [Dune 45]( in time for sunrise. Got Any Tips? Have a travel tip or feedback on how we can improve? Send us a note at feedback@tripsavvy.com and you may just see it in a future newsletter! [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [Instagram]( [LinkedIn]( You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the TripSavvy newsletter. If you wish to unsubscribe, please [click here](page=tripsavvy) A DOTDASH BRAND 28 Liberty Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY, 10005 © 2021 tripsavvy.com - All rights reserved. Privacy Policy If you believe this has been sent to you in error, please safely [unsubscribe](.