Massive Elephant Seals Took Over a California Beach During the Government Shutdown and Nobody Can Get Them to Move?

The government shutdown may be over (for now), but the work to restore some of America’s sacred outdoor spaces has just begun. For places such as Joshua Tree, facing that process is daunting due to litter and other damage caused by humans, but one beach in California is experiencing a different kind of side effect.

During the shutdown, government workers were put on furlough and were no longer required to attend to Drake Beach, a stretch of sand in Northern California that is part of the National Park System's Point Reyes National Seashore. Because it was left abandoned, nobody was there to monitor the local wildlife, which includes a few gigantic elephant seals. So, the seals decided to reclaim their land and snuggle up on the shore. And now, nobody can get them to leave.

Let each night be spent under a million stars at this camping hotspot

With this rising adventure spot that offers endless opportunities to enjoy thrilling activities clubbed with one of the best camping experiences, weekends will no more be boring at escapes like Kanatal. Considered to be one of the best holiday destinations in India for all travelers, camping in Kanatal is one experience that no one should miss out on.

Best time to visit: April to June
How to reach

• By air: Located at a distance of 92 km, Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest airstrip to Kanatal.
• By rail: Located at a distance of 75 km, Rishikesh railway station is the nearest railhead to Kanatal.

Attractions: Kodiak Jungle, Tehri Lake, Surkanda Devi temple, New Tehri Dam, and more.

A Portuguese delight famous for its never-ending party scenes?

Unarguably, Goa has to be the amongst the first few places to visit in India in your twenties. Young and energetic! Amazing nightlife, a variety of booze, beach shacks and dirt cheap prices – Goa is one of the best holiday destinations in India that makes your trip memorable.

Best time to visit: November to February
How to reach

• By air: Dabolim International Airport is the major airport in Goa.
• By rail: Madgaon Railway Station and Thivim Railway Station are the main railway heads of Goa.
• By road: Margao Bus Terminal, Kadamba Bus Terminal, and Mapusa Bus Terminal are best-connected bus terminals in Goa. However, many people prefer taking a car/bike ride from Mumbai and Pune.

Attractions: Beaches like Vagator, Calangute, Anjuna, Colva, & Benaulim, Fort Aguada, Church of Mae De Deus, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Temple of Bodgeshwar, Dudhsagar Waterfalls, St Xavier’s Church, Grand Island (for watersports), and clubs like Cafe Mambos,Titos, LPK (Love Passion Karma), SinQ, & Club Cubana.

Khajjiar?

This beautiful place bears a very striking resemblance to Switzerland’s topography, the well known romanticizing location. Khajjiar is located at the foot of Dhauladkar, in the lap of Himalayas and is 2000 meters above sea level.

A beautiful panoramic view of the densely populated forests and the meadows and snowy peaks of Himalayas can be captured. Summer months are the best to visit this place as it wouldn’t be too cold and the hill station would be laden with beautiful flowers which makes it one of the most beautiful places in India.

From the perfect sunsets to the thrills of scuba diving, Andaman has it all?

Scared of water? Never swam? Maybe it’s time to beat the fear out of you and dive into the deep sea and overcome the fear of water and depths, ZNMD Style. Trust us, you’d be delighted at the sites underwater and it will keep you coming back for more. And woah, for aqua lovers, it is famous tourist places in India which feels no less than a paradise!

Best time to visit: November to mid-May
How to reach

• By air: Vir Savarkar Airport in Port Blair is the archipelago’s major airport.
• By sea: Ships ply between Haddo Wharf Port in Port Blair and cities of Chennai, Kolkata, & Visakhapatnam.

Attractions: Cellular Jail National Memorial, Radhanagar Beach, Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex in Port Blair, Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Chidiya Tapu, and watersports like scuba diving, snorkeling, & parasailing

Rejuvenate your senses in the heavenly capital of Kashmir?

If you’re in your twenties, it’s time to add Kashmir to your list of best places to visit in India. If there is heaven on earth, this it is! Experience its charismatic charm before the natural hits & turmoil spoils it all. And when would be a better time to explore flood-hit, terror-stricken heaven on earth if not now?!

Best time to visit: April to October
How to reach

• By air: Srinagar has its own airport.
• By rail: The Srinagar Railway Station is under construction. Till then, passengers can take a train to Udhampur Railway Station(229 km from Srinagar)
• By road: Unless you are traveling from a city of Jammu & Kashmir, the road is not a preferred way to reach Srinagar.

Attractions: Dal Lake (boating in shikaras & night stays in houseboats), Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, Tomb of Zin-ul-Abidin, Jama Masjid, Hazratbal Mosque, and Shankaracharya Hill

Trek to Triund and relax in the refreshing air of the hills?

The majestic mountains can call tourists to experience the best of what nature has to offer at Mcleodganj – one of the most beautiful places in India. Triund offers the spectacular view of the Dhauladhar ranges. Experience bliss while camping under billions of stars with your friends in Triund. This is among loveliest Indian destinations for camping, regardless of which season you’re coming in. No wonder it’s among the top 10 places to visit in India.

Best time to visit: September to June
How to reach

• By air: Gaggal Airport (18 km away) is the nearest airport.
• By rail: The nearest railhead is Pathankot Railway Station (89 km away)
• By road: Numerous state government & private buses ply between Mcleodganj and various cities of north India like Delhi, Chandigarh, Dharamshala etc. on a regular basis. Passengers can take a bus to Mcleodganj bus stand and then hire a taxi.

Attractions: Kangra Fort, Bhagsunath Temple, Bhagsu Falls, Namgyal Monastery, Dalai Lama Temple complex, HPCA Stadium, tea plantations of Kangra valley, and Triund trek

Mendocino Lodging with the Finest Luxuries

Sea Rock Inn is truly one of the best places to stay in Mendocino. The stunning setting is perfect for a memorable Mendocino getaway or honeymoon. Our elegant accommodations accented with hand-hewn wood treatments feature luxuriously comfortable coastal contemporary design and are fully appointed with virtually every amenity imaginable.

Wake up and enjoy a delicious breakfast overlooking the ocean. Stroll through colorful gardens, walk to town, curl up by the fireplace or relax on your deck and watch the sunset from your private Mendocino cottage or suite. Explore our vacation packages or book an appointment at our on-site spa to make your getaway even more special. If you need help planning what to do on your trip, download our free Mendocino Vacation Guide!

Mendocino Bed and Breakfast & Cottage.

The Sea Rock Bed & Breakfast Inn in Mendocino offers romantic, ocean-view cottages and suites overlooking Agate Cove along the coast. Come to the Sea Rock Inn for luxurious Mendocino lodging with comfort, privacy, and superb views of the beauty of the coast.

Snuggle up in front of a fireplace or unwind in a soaking tub in our Mendocino cottage while watching the sun setting over the rugged Northern California coastline for the perfect vacation.

From your Mendocino cottage or suite, you will experience the true beauty of the Pacific coast with spectacular panoramic views of the ocean and the dramatic rocky cliffs of the Mendocino Headlands State Park.

Take a tour at the Herring Mansion?

The herring fishery has always been one of the largest industries in Hokkaido. For centuries, many of the inhabitants of Otaru have made their livelihood from agriculture and herring fishing. This heritage is immortalized in the Herring Mansion. Many fishermen of times past became quite wealthy from this industry. Inside the Herring Mansion, you can see galleries and fishing antiques of equipment that is no longer used.

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Walk Along the Otaru Canal?

This canal is undoubtedly one of Otaru’s most famous sights, one that truly defines the city’s character. It isn’t Venice, but pleasant to walk along all the same. This canal was built in 1923. When you stroll through the walkway along the banks, you can’t help but feel that you’ve gone back in time to another era. This feeling is due in large part to the ancient oil lamps that illuminate your journey.


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U.S. Virgin Islands?

A Caribbean vacation isn't out of reach without a passport if you stick to the U.S. Virgin Islands: St. John, St. Croix and St. Thomas. Since they're U.S. territories, a government-issued photo ID or birth certificate with a raised seal will suffice.

Nassau, The Bahamas?

Visibility in the water off Nassau in The Bahamas can reach up to 100 feet -- and that's why it's home to the world's best diving. Explore the Blue Hole, a natural hole 100-feet across and 200-feet deep full of large schools of fish. Trinity and Piece of Cake caves both have openings large enough to swim through and are home to some large lobsters. There are also countless shipwrecks that have occurred along the reefs surrounding the islands of the Bahamas that make for some very exciting underwater adventures.

An exclusive Operation Vacation offer for T+L readers?

T+L launched Operation Vacation to inspire workers to use their days off and get away, offering exclusive travel discounts as incentive. For the latest deals on hotels, airfare, cruises, and trip packages, visit travelandleisure.com/operation-vacation

Nevis: 42 percent off Nisbet Plantation Beach Club, an intimate beachfront inn on the northern coast of Nevis, the sister island to St. Kitts. Relax in a hammock, have afternoon tea on the veranda of the Great House, or sign up for a massage under a swaying palm tree. 

Alaska is at the top of many a cruise wish list — but how many lines can truly get you up close to the state’s natural wonders?

Someday you’re going to go to Alaska. You can say you hate the cold, but you’ll still go. There are puffins, whales, otters, bears, glaciers, and fjords in many places around the world, but eventually you’ll give in, because only Alaska feels like Alaska: vast, empty, disconnected, and, as you start to realize during your 10th hour in the air to Anchorage, farther away than you’d imagined. It’s the end of the line, and not in a Key West kind of way.

“Alaska isn’t a reserve. It’s wild,” I was told by Chris Srigley, the leader of the expedition team aboard my Seabourn Sojourn cruise last July. “Wild” is not quite the same as the pure, still majesty of Antarctica, which fills you with peace. Wild is a charge in the air. It’s the dark, ominous, infinite evergreens. It’s watching everything trying to eat everything else while keeping a respectful distance from the things that want to eat you. It’s the nagging thought in the back of your mind that the most powerful earthquake recorded in America — an incomprehensible 9.2 — occurred where you’re standing. The ground in Anchorage shook for four and a half minutes.

Rooms?

This marvelous, two-room suite features a massive four-poster king with Scandia Down featherbed and comforter, queen with Scandia Down featherbed and comforter in a separate room/living room. Amazing full frontal ocean views from both the living room and deck, two-person whirlpool tub/shower, fully equipped kitchenette, private entrance and deck, telephone, hairdryer, coffeemaker, wood-burning fireplace, robes, luxury linens, European toiletries, breakfast table, cable TV/DVD in both rooms, binoculars, iron and ironing board. All Suites are 660 square feet.

Your Relaxing Stay at Sea Rock Inn?

The Mendocino Whale Festival is definitely a fun activity but can be exhausting after attending the event for the entire day. After the festivities are over, come back to a lovely room at Sea Rock Inn! Our Inn is a coastal dream-come-true that you can’t miss. Come see for yourself why our cozy accommodations are the perfect place to rest and admire stunning ocean views right from your bed!

For some extra magic, book one of the four junior Suites! Picture yourself laying next to the wood-burning Franklin fireplace with a glass of wine in hand. You can then slip into a complimentary robe and lay in a beautiful queen bed and dream away with the sound of the waves crashing in the distance. Wake up the next morning to the sandy smell of the nearby shore and join us in the main inn where a delicious homemade breakfast is served. You’ll love our fresh scones, raspberry-filled croissants, and sun-dried tomato and spinach quiche!

Have a Whale of a Good Time at the Mendocino Whale Festival?

If you’re the ultimate nature lover and always crave discovering more local festivals, then the Northern Coast of California is one of the most beautiful areas and has tons of exciting events to add to your bucket list. Mendocino, in particular, is one of the top destinations along the shore. Between its scenic landscapes, fabulous hiking opportunities, and diverse wildlife, this gorgeous seaside town is the place to be! Plan a visit during one of the most interesting times of the year—whale watching season. The Mendocino Whale Festival is a marvelous way to experience the beauty of the area in a fun and exciting atmosphere! Held every March, the festival gives visitors the opportunity to observe majestic whales in their natural element and also provides delicious food and wine tastings. Read on to learn more about the festival and start planning your trip today! Do you want to learn even more about Mendocino before your visit? Download our free Vacation Guide and get our top recommendations! You’ll find information on the top restaurants, museums, shops, events, outdoor adventures, and more.

Mendocino Lodging with the Finest Luxuries?

Sea Rock Inn is truly one of the best places to stay in Mendocino. The stunning setting is perfect for a memorable Mendocino getaway or honeymoon. Our elegant accommodations accented with hand-hewn wood treatments feature luxuriously comfortable coastal contemporary design and are fully appointed with virtually every amenity imaginable.

Wake up and enjoy a delicious breakfast overlooking the ocean. Stroll through colorful gardens, walk to town, curl up by the fireplace or relax on your deck and watch the sunset from your private Mendocino cottage or suite. Explore our vacation packages or book an appointment at our on-site spa to make your getaway even more special. If you need help planning what to do on your trip, download our free Mendocino Vacation Guide!

Mendocino Bed and Breakfast & Cottages

The Sea Rock Bed & Breakfast Inn in Mendocino offers romantic, ocean-view cottages and suites overlooking Agate Cove along the coast. Come to the Sea Rock Inn for luxurious Mendocino lodging with comfort, privacy, and superb views of the beauty of the coast.

Snuggle up in front of a fireplace or unwind in a soaking tub in our Mendocino cottage while watching the sun setting over the rugged Northern California coastline for the perfect vacation.

From your Mendocino cottage or suite, you will experience the true beauty of the Pacific coast with spectacular panoramic views of the ocean and the dramatic rocky cliffs of the Mendocino Headlands State Park.

The Great Northern Hotel?

This spot may be the most exciting for fans to visit. The Great Northern Hotel, the lodge behind the falls, is a luxury hotel in real life. The Salish Lodge and Spa is the premiere hotel in Snoqualmie and even if you can’t stay overnight, you have to visit their gift shop for a treasure trove of Twin Peaks inspired goodies, such as local coffee, local cherry pie filling, owl knick knacks, and log pillows. Oh, and yes, you can stay in room 315, though the interiors for The Great Northern Hotel were filmed in upstate Washington at Kiana Lodge in Poulsbo, Washington for the pilot and later recreated on a soundstage in L.A.

The Falls?

The opening credits of the show feature the iconic falls that seem remote, but in reality are easily accessible. Less than an hour's drive from downtown Seattle, Snoqualmie, Washington is a Twin Peaks wonderland and home to Snoqualmie Falls. The 270-foot waterfall is one of Washington state’s most-visited tourist attractions with more than 1.5 million visitors per year. If you go, go early so you can beat the crowds and get that iconic shot of the falls with The Great Northern Hotel in the background. Parking and admission are free. There are two observation platforms. The top area is an easy walk from the parking lot, but the lower area requires a hike. Be sure to bring a rain jacket and poncho and accept that you will get wet. The mist off the waterfall is incredibly powerful. Use a waterproof sport camera or at least take a waterproof phone case.

Twin Peaks Locations You Can Visit in Real Life?

Out of all the kooky characters and avant-garde art scenes, the best character in David Lynch’s ‘90s cult classic is place. Twin Peaks wouldn’t be the same show without the brooding, dreary mountain town of the show's title. With Showtime’s new season underway, Twin Peaks fandom has reached peak hysteria. But if you really want to get into the spirit, visit the real Twin Peaks, have a damn fine cup of coffee, and find the place where “the owls are not what they seem.”

Pike Place Market?

Just steps from the MoPOP, you can hop on the monorail, which travels between Seattle Center and Westlake Center Mall. From there, you’re just three blocks from the famous Pike Place Market. Give yourself plenty of time to eat your way through this massive marketplace. Most places offer samples so you can try a wide variety of foods before you buy, from smoked salmon to chocolate pasta to fresh cheese curds. 

Museum of Pop Culture?

Also next to the Space Needle, this curvy, colorful museum is a must for movie/TV buffs and music aficionados. As a huge fan of Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings, the Fantasy: Worlds of Myth and Magic exhibit was a major highlight for me, featuring props and costumes from these and other films. There are several exhibits for sci-fi enthusiasts (including two floors devoted to Star Trek), and music fans won't want to miss the Guitar Gallery.

The Leela Palace mixes tropical aesthetics with modern luxury?

The Leela Palace in Bangalore entwines tropical aesthetics with modern luxury. Though certainly frequented by the legions of business travellers who pour into the city, the hotel’s luxury outlook lends it a universal appeal – its Maharaja Suite, catered to by 24-hour service, is quite the treat.

The historic Taj Falaknuma hotel is set on 32-acre grounds?

2,000 feet above Hyderabad and constructed in the shape of a scorpion, the Taj Falaknuma Palace certainly isn’t subtle. Within the hotel’s 32-acre grounds, guests will find rarefied art pieces, a library built to replicate Windsor Castle’s, and 60 rooms that are the very picture of grandeur.

The impressive ITC Grand Chola is one of the largest hotels in the country?

The third largest hotel in all of India, the sprawling ITC Grand Chola in Chennai makes a majestic impression (it’s also LEED-certified, making it impressively eco-friendly). Taking a page from southern India’s ancient Chola dynasty, its architectural splendour is matched by plush guest accommodations.

The Oberoi Grand is a treasure-chest of Indian heritage?

Ideally positioned in Kolkata (the so-called ‘City of Joy’), and known colloquially as the Grand Dame of Chowringhee, The Oberoi Grand is a treasure-chest of Indian heritage. Dating to 1880, it’s host to a soaring ballroom, expansive spa, and three different high-end eateries.

Glamorous Mumbai is home to the Taj Mahal Palace?

There’s more than one Taj Mahal in India. Glamorous Mumbai is home to the Taj Mahal Palace, one of the best luxury hotels in Northern India, whose opulence challenges that of the original. Having hosted kings, presidents and rock stars for over a century, it predates even the Gateway of India as a historic local landmark.

The Oberoi Gurgaon

A luxury property rendering much more than one’s imaginations, The Oberoi Gurgaon is a perfect mixture of luxury, comfort and entertainment. The Oberoi’s 200 rooms and suites feature scenic windows through which can you take a view of the lovely gardens and swimming pools.  24 hour room service is also available to make the visitors’ stay comfortable. The hotel has no less than 5 kitchens, each offering a refreshing taste like never before. There is a Piano bar amidst the lavish surroundings, serving a variety of food and drinks.

The Oberoi Mumbai

Tendering opulence, convenience and a variety of scrumptious cuisines, The Oberoi is situated at Nariman Point in proximity to the business and shopping centers of South Mumbai. It offers a variety of spa therapies to relax your mind, body and soul. All the elegantly appointed rooms overlook the charming views and provide the guests with memorable experience to treasure forever. The guests can also relish Indian, Chinese, Italian and Japanese dishes at the restaurants. The bar overlooking the crystal clear sea offers an array of Indian as well as international liquors.

Trident Gurgaon

Spread amid 7 acres of walkways, verdant beauty and a fountain, Trident is positioned in Gurgaon in the vicinity of the entertainment options for the guests. Take a break from your hectic schedule and come to a beautiful property that tenders so much than one can imagine. You can indulge in various Ayurvedic, spa and beauty treatments at the spa center. The Trident’s rooms are designed in natural tones and have wooden floors. Tendering sight of the pool from the window, each room comes complete with in-room amenities. The other facilities that visitors can relish during the stay are Business center, Yoga, car rental, room service, doctor on call and laundry service.

Taj Rambagh Palace Jaipur

An architectural masterpiece situated in the vicinity of Rambagh Polo Ground, Taj Rambagh Palace is one of the recommended hotels in Jaipur. It comprises two meeting rooms and five halls for social and business meetings. Having 79 rooms and suites that come with a plethora of facilities, it renders visitors an opportunity to experience royal living. The palace also offers scores of recreational facilities like outdoor swimming pool, spa, mini golf course and fitness center to make the guests stay delightful. The restaurant serves a variety of Indian, Chinese and continental cuisines to gratify the taste buds of the visitors.

Wildflower Hall Shimla

Positioned at a height of 8250 ft and in proximity of Shimla mall, Wildflower is a landmark of superior comfort, with spectacular views of Himalayas. It offers tranquil surroundings that make it an idyllic place to stay. There are many memorable experiences to be had, from iconic setting, exotic cuisines to state-of-the-art facilities. One can also take a stroll on the paths leading through the cedar woods and relish picnic baskets that accompany your adventure. It also organizes adventure thrills like mountain biking, ice skating, trekking and white water rafting to provide the visitors with remarkable memories.

Moevenpick Hotel & Spa Bangalore

Within easy reach of the main shopping and business hubs of Bangalore, Moevenpick Hotel promises an invigoratingly new, unforgettable experience to the guests. The interior decoration shows the superb art of Kalamkari, which forms a peaceful ambience. The Moevenpick tenders 182 rooms that are endowed with contemporary amenities. Visitors can visit the Sky Brew rooftop lounge to dig into refreshing drinks or Obsidian Sports and Music Bar rendering a perfect dining experience with its royal era designs. The hotel also features a swimming pool and Bonsai lounge for all those who want to unwind after a tiring day.

The Paul Bangalore

Luxurious ambience, relaxing spa treatment, world class facilities and friendly hospitality make The Paul among the best hotels in Bangalore. It is situated in a picturesque setting without compromising on uniqueness and quality. The hotel is 4 miles from railway station and 28 miles from the international airport of Bangalore. During the stay, guests can take pleasure in oodles of activities like Fitness center, spa and swimming pool. Besides this, they can enjoy having different varieties of cuisines at the award-wining restaurants.

Trident Gurgaon

Spread amid 7 acres of walkways, verdant beauty and a fountain, Trident is positioned in Gurgaon in the vicinity of the entertainment options for the guests. Take a break from your hectic schedule and come to a beautiful property that tenders so much than one can imagine. You can indulge in various Ayurvedic, spa and beauty treatments at the spa center. The Trident’s rooms are designed in natural tones and have wooden floors. Tendering sight of the pool from the window, each room comes complete with in-room amenities. The other facilities that visitors can relish during the stay are Business center, Yoga, car rental, room service, doctor on call and laundry service.

The Oberoi Rajvilas Jaipur

Just a 15 min drive from the city center brings you to the luxury property – The Oberoi Rajvilas, offering cascading fountains, impeccable service, flowering trees and friendly hospitality.  The hotel boasts of 54 rooms which are divided into luxury tents, villas and premier rooms. Constructed in Rajasthani fort style, it offers spa that includes Ayurvedic and western treatments for leisure and relaxation. All the rooms at The Oberoi Rajvilas feature wired internet access, electronic safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee maker and round the clock room service. Experience the best of India and other countries at the restaurants of hotel.

Taj Rambagh Palace Jaipur

An architectural masterpiece situated in the vicinity of Rambagh Polo Ground, Taj Rambagh Palace is one of the recommended hotels in Jaipur. It comprises two meeting rooms and five halls for social and business meetings. Having 79 rooms and suites that come with a plethora of facilities, it renders visitors an opportunity to experience royal living. The palace also offers scores of recreational facilities like outdoor swimming pool, spa, mini golf course and fitness center to make the guests stay delightful. The restaurant serves a variety of Indian, Chinese and continental cuisines to gratify the taste buds of the visitors.