This Iconic Death Valley Resort Just Received a $150-Million Renovation

The historic Oasis at Death Valley has seen a lot of history. On Our Radar [You Can Rent a Backyard of Your Own in NYC This Summer at Pier 17]( The 32 mini lawns have some of the best views in the city. [This Iconic Death Valley Resort Just Received a $150-Million Renovation]( The historic Oasis at Death Valley has seen a lot of history. [Teachers, You Could Win a Cruise With Kelly Clarkson This Fall]( A hundred teachers will be chosen to set sail, and one could be you. Destination of the Day Brno, Czech Republic While it may not be as well-known as [Prague](, Brno is full of impressive historical sights, a thriving food and drink scene, and a number of quirky attractions. From architectural masterpieces to subterranean discoveries, the Czech Republic’s second city has [something for everyone]( without the hustle and hassle of bigger cities. Tour the Famous Villa Tugendhat [Villa Tugendhat]( is an architectural icon. Located in Brno’s Černá Pole neighborhood, this building was a pioneer of modernism when construction began in 1928. The Gestapo confiscated it during World War II, but it was restored to its former glory in the 1960s. In 1992, it was the setting of the Velvet Divorce that split Czechoslovakia into two independent countries, and it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001. Villa Tugendhat is one of the top sights to see in the Czech Republic, so be sure to book a tour at least three months in advance to avoid disappointment. Catch the Astronomical Clock’s Glass Ball Náměstí Svobody, or Freedom Square, is Brno’s main square and the location of the city’s peculiarly shaped astronomical clock. Crowds gather around the imposing black stone monument daily as it chimes at 11 a.m. and drops a glass ball for one lucky person to catch. It’s common to find people standing around the clock as early as 9 a.m. claiming their spot for this event. The square hosts several festivals throughout the year and is lined with restaurants and bars, making it a great spot to enjoy a meal or drink outside in the city center. Explore Špilberk Castle Dating back to the 13th century, [Špilberk Castle]( was once the seat of Moravian margraves and, for a time, was considered to be the harshest prison in the Austro-Hungarian empire. The casemates below the fortress can be visited today and offer a glimpse into this grim past. Above ground, the castle is now home to the Brno City Museum. Visitors are treated to some of the city's best views from the complex, and the gardens surrounding are a great place to enjoy a relaxed stroll. Vacation Like a Pro When tipping, it’s common to round the bill up to the next whole number or tip servers up to 10 percent, but it’s not expected. This is only for table service, though. Tipping a bartender or taxi driver will always be appreciated, but is not the norm. [Victoria Borisch]( Contributing Writer Your Packing List Summers in the Czech Republic have gotten hot in recent years. Be sure to pack light, breathable clothing that can be washed or swapped out easily if you need to freshen up. Be sure to pack some [sunscreen]( and [a hat]( to block out harmful rays. It’s also a good idea to invest in [a spray]( to prevent tick bites if you’re planning to spend a lot of time outside. Air conditioning is not common in the Czech Republic; check with your accommodation to find out what your sleeping situation will be ahead of time so that you can pack accordingly. Trending in Travel [10 National Parks Tied to Asian American History]( [Sponsored by Chevrolet: The Memorable Adventure List]( [These Are the Best Car Rental Companies of 2022]( Get Inspired The wall that separated East and West Berlin experienced its fair share of defacement until it fell in 1989. And now you’ll find a section of the actual wall available for a symbolic—but impermanent—action in the men’s bathroom on the first floor of [Main Street Station]( in Las Vegas. The section, which is mounted behind glass behind three urinals, is only one of the historical oddities of this casino property. Elsewhere, you’ll also find Winston Churchill’s personal snooker table, Buffalo Bill Cody’s personal rail car, and 19th-century chandeliers from the San Francisco Opera House. 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](.