Rick Steves: Rome Best Enjoyed After Dark

Carrie Haverfield, of Boulder, took her first trip to Costa Rica a decade ago after researching destinations that were safe for solo travelers and that fit her budget. She swam in hot springs bordered by the jungle in the Arenal Volcano area and took hikes — one around the base of a volcano, another to the La Fortuna waterfall, which cascades down 230 feet into a refreshing pool.

Rocky Mountain National Park’s largest campground will remain closed this summer due to construction delays, park officials announced Thursday. The 244-site Moraine Park Campground was shut down last summer for a modernization project, and at the time, park officials said they hoped it would be finished in time to reopen this summer. “Production in the field did not match the anticipated schedule,” park officials announced Thursday with a news release.

It’s so hot right now: sitting in a small, steamy room, sweating out the aches of life. It’s also very, very cool: submerging your overheated self into a tub of near-freezing water complete with tiny icebergs. Welcome to the world of sauna, an ancient practice that’s resurging as a wellness tool and workout-recovery technique.

Denver International Airport’s longest-ever flight — a nonstop leg from Denver to Istanbul — will take to the skies for the first time Tuesday evening. The new Turkish Airlines flight will carry Colorado travelers 6,130 miles to Istanbul, marking the longest flight in DIA history, airport officials announced in April. The flight will take about 13 hours, longer than the 12-hour, 5,788 mile direct flight between Denver and Tokyo. “This new partnership is expected to produce over $54 million in annual economic impact for Colorado and approximately 350 new jobs,” airport officials said. The first flight is scheduled to take off from Denver at 6:05 p.m.

No matter where you find yourself in Colorado, there’s a state park ready to embrace your arrival. Colorado’s parks reflect the state’s ecological diversity, whether nestled in the mountains or sprawled across the prairies, alongside flowing rivers, or in dense forests. Embark on an adrenaline-pumping whitewater rafting adventure or gather for a family picnic.

Colorado is home to both hot springs and historic scenic train rides, which both are known for the release of steam. Why not combine these experiences for a little steam with steam for a memorable and unique trip? Although none of these entities currently offer a package with a train trip and a hot springs soak, you can choose your own adventure and try out multiple hot springs with one train ride or something else.