Travel
Is Antarctica a country? | CNN Travel
It’s the world’s least visited, least populated continent. On the perfect day, this can be very arduous to get to. And but, the enchantment of the unknown and the need to set foot on each continent have inspired vacationers to attempt to make their solution to the South Pole.
Nonetheless, for the obsessive catalogers of the world, Antarctica is tough to categorise. It isn’t a rustic, so are you able to cross it off a bucket record? Who controls it? If it had a capital metropolis, the place wouldn’t it be? What could be the native language?
A nationwide flag for a nation-less place
These had been among the many questions that Evan Townsend posed to himself when he signed up for the primary of two stints working at McMurdo Station, the US-run base in Antarctica.
Townsend, an elementary college instructor in Boston, knew he had a strict baggage restrict when going to Antarctica to work as a assist staffer — everybody is restricted to 85 kilos, he says, which has to incorporate garments, toiletries, drugs, electronics and the rest they may need or want throughout their keep.
In the future, Townsend and some colleagues took the Delight flag exterior and snapped pictures of themselves to put up on social media. The pictures ended up changing into a global story, with many information shops saying the outing was Antarctica’s first-ever Delight parade.
“That was once I realized the ability of flags,” Townsend says. “On one hand, I am utterly remoted on the finish of the Earth. And alternatively, I am a part of this world neighborhood.”
The “True South” flag Townsend designed to signify Antarctica
Courtesy Evan Townsend/True South
Regardless of not having a background in design, Townsend identifies as a longtime “flag nerd” and commenced to toy with the thought of making a flag to signify Antarctica.
“I wished it to be a impartial flag, for positive,” Townsend says. “It is a distinct design, it is a distinct colour, to make it possible for it isn’t affiliated with any specific group or nationality. I wished it to be one thing that had plenty of symbolism, however that was easy sufficient that individuals may apply their very own notion of Antarctic and their very own understanding of the continent to the flag.”
Swedish nurse Johanna Davidsson did not set out for the South Pole aiming for a world report — however she walked away with one anyway.
The title of the flag challenge, True South, additionally has its personal significance.
“‘True south’ actually means the path towards the geographic south pole, versus magnetic south which might result in the magnetic south pole,” Townsend explains. “it is meant to signify the shared objectives and values by which the Antarctic neighborhood can orient itself.”
And Townsend has no plans to trademark or copyright the flag’s design, as he believes it ought to belong to the entire world.
“The very best flags are flags that get their that means and their energy from the those that fly them,” he provides.
Who’s in cost right here, anyway?
Townsend is simply one of many many individuals across the globe who’re transfixed by Antarctica, even when they’re by no means capable of go to and see the place for themselves.
So, what’s it concerning the southernmost continent that continues to entrance individuals?
In a world that is extra interconnected than ever, Antarctica stays one of many few locations that most individuals do not know something about.
The one everlasting installations are a handful of scientific stations, which solely make use of scientists and their assist workers — a time period comprising anybody from cooks and upkeep employees to electricians and airport managers.
It is common for individuals to multitask. Townsend labored in meals service, as a bartender and as a craft room supervisor throughout his tenure. At its peak, the variety of human Antarctic residents is roughly 10,000.
Among the many gadgets they agreed on was that that Antarctica ought to “be used for peaceable functions solely” and that science could be on the forefront of any growth or settlement there. Members of the navy are allowed to be there, however solely in assist roles.
Though few individuals reside there, Antarctica’s scope of affect is very large. Local weather change has induced the continent to shrink. And regardless of the treaty’s existence, world politics have modified and new energy gamers — specifically China — have emerged in Antarctica.
The True South flag flies alongside the flags of the unique 12 Antarctic Treaty Signatories on the ceremonial South Pole.
Courtesy Lisa Minelli/True South
Klaus Dodds, professor of Geopolitics on the College of London, is the writer of a number of books concerning the polar areas, most not too long ago “The Arctic: A Very Brief Introduction,” printed in June 2021.
“Stuff simply retains being taken from Antarctica. Data, ice, sources like seals and whales and fish,” he says. “Antarctica’s fragility, I believe, represents the fragility of the broader world.”
Whereas local weather change is the most important affect on Antarctica, there’s one other main issue that may solely develop extra important because the pandemic ebbs — tourism.
The way forward for the seventh continent
Presently, the US is the one largest supply of Antarctic tourism, however China is shortly rising into second place, and Dodds believes inside in a decade it is going to prime the record.
Simply as international locations jockey for energy with navy bases and political maneuvers, Antarctica has turn out to be one other web site for his or her rivalries — and fears — to play out.
“No one can reply the query (of) who owns Antarctica,” Dodds says.
“I believe the Antarctic represents, in essence, not simply the idealism that the treaty represents, however it additionally represents the supreme contradictory nature of humanity extra usually. So for all of the issues we want to rejoice in Antarctica, there’s additionally the ugliness of humanity.”
He factors to some main successes: Antarctica was the primary continent to be utterly freed from nuclear weapons. Additionally it is demilitarized.
One other instance of the continent’s potential for magnificence and unity? The True South flag, which Dodds admires.
“(It) is a well-intentioned reminder that Antarctica is a marvel. Antarctica ought to signify the perfect in all of us.”
Locations just like the Villages in Florida and Arizona’s Scottsdale are a number of the most acknowledged retirement spots within the U.S. Nevertheless, the nation is extremely numerous, and regardless of your pursuits and preferences, there are many wonderful locations you’ll be completely happy to name dwelling.
From coastal cities that always offer retirement discounts to cities to retire with the best quality of life, to a number of the coolest small towns in America for retirement that provide an ideal mix of peace, breathtaking surroundings, security, and tradition, there are countless choices to discover.
Nevertheless, in between these areas additionally exist secret spots that you simply’ll get pleasure from spending your golden years in. From Arizona’s Solar Metropolis to Texas’ Georgetown, listed below are the most effective hidden retirement locations within the US by 2025.
7 Solar Metropolis, Arizona
This city gives loads of social alternatives, a low price of dwelling, and picturesque environment
Aerial View of the Phoenix Suburb and Retirement Neighborhood of Solar Metropolis, Arizona
When you’re prioritizing heat climate, spend your golden years in Solar Metropolis, one of many little-known cities for retirement within the US.
Even supposing it was initially constructed as a deliberate retirement neighborhood, it’s not as well-recognized as fashionable locations like Scottsdale.
The city has a variety of unimaginable perks for seniors, together with a number of social alternatives, resort-style facilities, and a fantastic leisure scene. With a median dwelling worth of $311,555, it is likely one of the most affordable towns to retire in Arizona (based on median home prices).
Moreover, Solar Metropolis boasts picturesque pure environment, together with golf programs with scenic desert views, wonderful parks, and mountains.
6 Dunedin, Florida
This city gives a vibrant downtown, security from hurricanes, and proximity to fabulous scenic islands and seashores
One of many most beautiful small towns in Florida to visit, Dunedin is among the many greatest hidden retirement locations within the US in 2025.
Solely about half-hour west of Tampa, this city has a wide range of out of doors alternatives, together with miles of scenic trails, bike tracks, pristine seashores, and proximity to lovely islands.It has a vibrant downtown with scrumptious eateries, artwork galleries, distinctive outlets, and craft breweries.
One of many city’s loveliest perks is its location in a non-evacuation zone; it’s thought-about one of many most secure locations to reside in Florida from hurricanes. It gives an inexpensive price of dwelling, low crime charges, and an easygoing payment.
5 Bend, Oregon
This mountain city gives out of doors recreation, a top quality of life, and a relaxed vibe
One of many best mountain towns in Oregon for hikers, Bend is perhaps extra often called a trip spot, however it additionally makes an ideal place to retire. It has a number of the most breathtaking pure environment with loads of alternatives for out of doors recreation.
The city has all the things, from spectacular historic structure to scrumptious meals to breweries, and extra.
Bend’s price of dwelling is barely increased than the U.S. common, however the residents get pleasure from a top quality of life, due to a sturdy financial system with a number of alternatives.
Moreover, it ensures a relaxed life-style, due to the small-town vibe and a number of resorts and spas.
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4 Sequim, Washington
Retire in Sequim for a costal attraction, out of doors adventures, and a relaxed life-style
One of many most unique small towns to visit in Washington, Sequim is thought for having one of many highest concentrations of lavender farms within the U.S., which has earned it the identify; “Lavender Capital of North America.”
A stroll alongside the Sequim Lavender Trail will take you thru a number of the most breathtaking lavender farms within the city. Positioned on the base of the Olympic Mountains, this distinctive city makes a fantastic retirement spot for outdoorsy seniors and people searching for a relaxed life-style.
It has a shocking coastal location, nice climate, and a pleasant ambiance.
3 Sandpoint, Idaho
Retire in a picturesque city with a number of out of doors leisure alternatives, a enjoyable downtown space, and a welcoming ambiance
Positioned on the banks of Lake Pend Oreille and the Pend Oreille River, Sandpoint is a dream come true for outdoor-loving retirees.
The city is legendary for its picturesque panorama and a number of enjoyable adventures, from scenic mountain hikes to scenic drives to water actions, together with fishing, kayaking, and boating.
It’s dwelling to a enjoyable downtown with wonderful eating choices, spectacular artwork galleries, and a vibrant purchasing scene. The neighborhood is usually heat and welcoming and enjoys a slow-paced life-style.
2 Laredo, Texas
From excessive dwelling requirements at low price to low crime charges to big-city facilities and small-town attraction, this metropolis has a variety of unimaginable perks for seniors
Nestled deep in South Texas, Laredo is likely one of the least expensive locations to reside in Texas, and gives loads of perks for retirees.
The most important inland port on the U.S.-Mexico border, this metropolis has a sturdy financial system and gives excessive dwelling requirements for its residents. It has a small-town attraction, a peaceable ambiance, and one of many lowest crime charges in Texas.
Retirees have many choices to stay entertained, from purchasing malls to cultural facilities and museums to fine-dining eating places, artwork galleries, and theaters.
1 Georgetown, Texas
Expertise the most effective of country-living and concrete life-style on this charming city
Well-known for being the “Crimson Poppy” Capital of Texas, due to the crimson poppy wildflowers scattered all through the city, Georgetown is likely one of the greatest hidden retirement locations within the US for 2025.
It has a repute for internet hosting Texas’ most lovely city sq. with vintage outlets, scrumptious eateries, wineries, and a bar. Surrounded by the Texas Hill Nation, this charming city gives a superb mixture of city and nation dwelling, permitting seniors to expertise the most effective of each worlds.
Georgetown only some miles from Austin, giving entry to its top-notch facilities and amenities. It has one of many lowest crime charges, a low price of dwelling, and a slow-paced life-style.
Palm Springs is sizzling. It’s having its second within the solar. It’s basking in its personal glow. And that’s not even mentioning this desert metropolis’s infinite sunshine.
Because the Anchor of the Coachella Valley, a couple of two-hour drive east of Los Angeles, Palm Springs has been each a hideaway and a playground for generations of Southern Californians, from hikers to Hollywood varieties. However lately, it’s taken on a world status of being cool for everyone, because of its defining mid-century fashionable structure and design, completely 21st century lodges and eating places, an lively arts group and a second-to-none LGBTQIA+ scene. And as an increasing number of guests come to frolic, the restaurant high quality has risen to the event (oh, and there’s that little music pageant known as Coachella, down valley within the metropolis of Indio).
By all of it, nature all the time brings its greatest, making Palm Springs a mecca for outside actions from climbing to tennis and pickleball to lounging by the pool – and, sure, golf. And people springs that lent town its title? They nonetheless bubble, creating oases above floor and spas to assuage physique and soul – plus inspiring frothy cocktails to maintain the power going properly into the evening.
All of which is by means of saying that for a metropolis of its measurement, about 45,000 folks, it’s fairly exhausting to beat.
When ought to I am going to Palm Springs?
Throughout excessive season (roughly October to April), temperatures are about good. Crystal-clear, cool mornings transition into heat, sunny afternoons and gorgeous sunsets. The occasional winter rains assist flip the hillsides a lush inexperienced and permit wildflowers to burst with colour. Though Palm Springs has not too long ago turn out to be ever extra of a year-round vacation spot, you’ll be able to anticipate severe warmth by Might, and between June and September excessive temperatures prime 100℉ (38℃) just about each day. In July and August, highs attain 108℉ (42℃), with occasional spikes larger. “Yeah, but it surely’s a dry warmth,” they are saying. We say that when it’s that sizzling, you’ll wish to spend the sunlight hours indoors – or within the pool slathered with waterproof sunscreen.
How a lot time ought to I spend in Palm Springs?
Some locations could also be “seen it, go dwelling” for you, however for Palm Springs permit an additional day or two simply to calm down into the slower tempo. After a pair days, you could start to acknowledge people – the man within the line to your morning espresso, the couple from the climbing path, the parents subsequent to you on the bar – and, presto, you might have a group. Some guests keep for days, others for a month – or your entire vacationer season.
Is it simple to get to and round Palm Springs?
Palm Springs is mad for mid-century fashionable structure, and its airport (PSP), by famous native architect Donald Wexler, makes for a grand entrance. Till pretty not too long ago, it was served by principally short-hop flights from LA, San Francisco, Phoenix and Denver, however these days, you’ll discover nonstops from airline hubs all throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Alternatively, visitors jams allowing, Palm Springs is a two-hour drive from LA or San Diego, making it a straightforward stopover on a California highway journey.
When you’ve arrived, most individuals get round by automotive, whether or not their very own, a rental (most businesses have a presence on the airport), or taxi or ride-share. There are buses, however the “last-mile” downside is actual right here. Nevertheless, rental bicycles and e-bikes are extensively obtainable and make sense on this principally flat (although considerably unfold out) metropolis.
High issues to do in Palm Springs
Structure and design
Palm Springs is likely one of the world’s prime locations for structure buffs, because of mid-century modernism, which just about defines town’s look: clear, minimalist strains, cantilevered, v-shaped roofs, clerestory home windows, sliding glass doorways and breeze blocks had been all designed to blur indoors and out within the desert local weather. From the Fifties via the Seventies, architects together with Albert Frey, A. Quincy Jones, William Krisel, John Lautner, Richard Neutra and Donald Wexler had been family names right here, the best way sports activities stars may be elsewhere.
Nature…
Many guests are joyful to only calm down by the pool with a guide, a cocktail, a pal, or all three, however for those who’re up for a extra lively vacay, Palm Springs has you coated. Flanking town’s west facet and cradling its south facet, the San Jacinto Mountains present seemingly infinite decisions for climbing. The gorgeously rugged Indian Canyons and Tahquitz Canyon, the ancestral dwelling of the native Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, are definitely worth the worth of admission; the paths are dotted with streams and honest-to-goodness oases. There are additionally quite a few municipal trails, accessible without cost. Amid flora of cacti, mesquite, creosote and wildflowers, you could come head to head with bighorn sheep – they’ll be mellow round you in case you are round them.
On the outskirts of city, the two.5-mile (4km) Palm Springs Aerial Tramway whisks you from the desert flooring to eight,516 ft (2,596m) in elevation in 10 minutes – the temperature drops round 40℉ (20℃), so carry heat clothes in winter, or discover aid from scorching warmth in summer time.
For extra conventional sports activities, there are dozens of alternatives for golf, tennis and pickleball throughout city.
…and nurture
If you happen to desire your nature of the extra pampering type, spend a day on the Spa at Séc-he. The pure sizzling spring that provides town its title has for millennia soothed the Agua Caliente, whom personal the spa. It was named one of many nation’s prime spas following a current renovation. After “taking the waters” in a personal, effervescent mineral tub, select from an in depth menu of different therapies for thoughts, physique and soul: salt cave, floatation tank, zero-gravity chair, cryotherapy, or therapies from facials to hot-stone therapeutic massage. And naturally, there’s a swimming pool.
Or tradition
The Palm Springs Art Museum payments itself because the Coachella Valley’s largest cultural establishment; its assortment consists of works by the likes of Alexander Calder, Louise Bourgeois and Mark Bradford, plus intensive collections of images, sculpture, and West Coast, up to date Native American and queer artists. Elsewhere on the town, the museum maintains meticulously preserved mid-century fashionable houses and the Structure and Design Heart.
The newly renovated Agua Caliente Cultural Museum, subsequent to the spa, presents a complete but accessible overview of the Native American peoples of the Coachella Valley. Desert X, the biennial exhibition of provocative set up artwork throughout the Valley, is ready to return from March 8 to Might 11, 2025. Or if plane are your concept of “excessive” tradition, stand up shut and private with puddle jumpers to fighter jets on the Palm Springs Air Museum.
And all that model
Impressed to accumulate that Palm Springs look? Head for the Uptown Design District. Inside specialists like Modern Way and Bon Vivant provide designers and atypical folks alike. The Shag Store is the gallery of town’s unofficial artist of document, Shag (a.okay.a. Josh Agle), whose angular strains and saturated colours outline native model. For fierce, groovylicious wearable artwork, Trina Turk and her adjoining males’s store, Mr. Turk, set the usual.
Additional down Palm Canyon Drive, amid the worldwide chain and memento retailers of the city heart, Destination PSP stands out for its custom-designed clothes, housewares and present gadgets oozing native model. Each Thursday night, this part of Palm Canyon turns into Villagefest, a vigorous road market served by a bevy of native distributors and organizations.
And if outlet procuring is extra your velocity, there’s a pair of outlet malls in Cabazon, about 10 miles out of city, with about 200 decisions from dwelling items to style and athletic put on.
My favourite factor to do in Palm Springs
First, espresso. Both at dwelling or at Koffi close to me. Then, I’ll seize a pal to hit a climbing path earlier than the daytime warmth kicks. If it’s not a working vacation, Farm and Escena Grill are two of my favorites for lunch with pals, possibly following up with a stroll down Palm Canyon Drive to window store for cool designs.
By late afternoon, the second the solar slips behind the mountain, my neighbors all come out to hang around by the pool (there could also be a cocktail or two concerned), adopted by dinner at Mr. Lyons or El Marisol and, if I’m feeling it, a nightcap at one of many golf equipment on Arenas Rd.
How a lot cash do I would like for Palm Springs?
Palm Springs has one thing to go well with virtually each pocketbook. Price range vacationers will discover a vary of motels and trip leases to select from, and Palm Springs has its share of chain and informal eating places to maintain prices low. If cash isn’t any object, you’ll be spoiled for selection.
Room for 2 in mid-century fashionable lodge: from $229
Iced latte at Koffi: $5.95
Cocktail: $15
Fundamental dish at informal Mexican restaurant: $22
Dinner and a drink for 2 at an upscale restaurant: $120
What to pack for a visit to Palm Springs
Sunscreen, a hat and a refillable water bottle! Even when it’s not particularly sizzling, the solar is powerful, and also you received’t wish to be with out them. Apart from that, the desert wardrobe is what you make it. Palm Springs is that fairytale place the place you may get away with colours that may increase an eyebrow again dwelling: yellows, oranges, turquoises and sages are drawn from the panorama. Shorts and neat sandals are nice many of the yr, though you need to embrace a pair “gown to impress” outfits for a flowery evening out – and a jacket or wrap since winter temperatures can drop considerably. And for those who’re planning to get out into that panorama, pack climbing footwear – you don’t wish to scuff your tennies or twist an ankle.
The most effective day journey from Palm Springs
About an hour’s drive east of Palm Springs, Joshua Tree National Park is definitely two deserts in a single place. The place the Mojave and Colorado deserts meet, every brings its personal distinctive flowers, cacti and animals. The namesake Joshua Tree is definitely within the yucca household, its outstretched limbs mentioned to signify the prophet Joshua pointing the best way via the desert. Right here, it signifies numerous routes for daytime hikers and climbers (such because the Joshua tree forest of Black Rock Canyon, the oasis of Cottonwood Springs, or the panoramas of Keys View) or camp in a single day and ponder the infinite over a few of California’s biggest stargazing.
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