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Tourism has been in the news for all the wrong reasons of late, from fuel shortages to water-gun-wielding locals, yet travel is poised to have a banner year. Behind the gloomy headlines, the real story is one of resilience and determination. Here are some ways people are getting around the obstacles and fulfilling their love for travel this year.
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When the 2026 total solar eclipse sweeps across northern Spain, crossing over World Heritage sites, vibrant cities, and endless vineyards, Smithsonian Journeys will be there.
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Behind the shamrocks and gold-tipped rainbows, Ireland is packed with surprises—both in its history and in the ways it has shaped culture far beyond its shores.
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Beyond the chocolates and roses of Valentine’s Day, the world is full of unique courtship customs and enduring love legends.
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Smithsonian's educational travel program was one of the first of its kind when it debuted nationally in 1970, and it quickly found an audience eager to explore places both familiar and far-flung—from New Mexico to post-Mao China and the Soviet Union.
An interview with art historian Ross King, the best-selling author of Brunelleschi's Dome and other books—and a popular expert on journeys to Italy and France.
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Egyptologist Huub Pragt and Smithsonian Journeys traveler Kellie Mecham share first impressions from their visit to the museum just days after its long-awaited opening.
An interview with astrophysicist Michelle Thaller about the northern lights, stars, planets, and eclipses—and interpreting the wonders of the cosmos while traveling with Smithsonian Journeys.
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A Q&A with Expert Cassandra Potts Hannahs
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What's it like to introduce travelers to the wildlife and habitats you've grown up with? Hear from naturalist Grant Nel about his time leading safaris in Africa for Smithsonian Journeys.
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Why doesn't the Great Sphinx of Giza have a nose? Explore historical evidence, myths, and the real story behind one of Egypt’s archaeological mysteries.
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