Wild Adventure Awaits at the Fort Worth Zoo

With its newest habitat, Predators of Asia & Africa, the Fort Worth Zoo hosts the wildest summer adventure yet! Discover and interact with some of the most dramatic and skilled hunters of the animal kingdom like never before, only at the Fort Worth Zoo. This new habitat features many exciting new elements:

Cascading waterfalls, lush grass, trees and rock structures form enriching, naturalistic spaces for the Zoo's carnivores of Asia and Africa, often separating guests by only a pane of glass.

Upon entering the Zoo, guests are greeted by our pride of African lions in their beautiful and enhanced new home. Guests can also observe the pride from above at the top of the waterfall flowing through the entire Predators complex.

Guests continue their journey into Asia to meet a species new to the Zoo: the elusive clouded leopard. Following the winding, shaded walk, guests discover the critically endangered Sumatran tiger and get up close and personal with the intriguing striped hyena.

Upon crossing into Africa, guests encounter the cheetah, the fastest land mammal on earth. These animals return to the Zoo in an enriching and newly expanded habitat. Beyond the grotto, a pack of African painted dogs also rejoin us. Finally, the Zoo welcomes African leopards for the first time in its 114-year history. Don't miss the playful, young sibling duo that now live here at the Zoo.

Multiple aviaries house several exotic bird species, including the red-crowned crane, Satyr tragopan, African pygmy falcon and more.

Most importantly, complete with educational programming such as keeper chats, Predators of Asia & Africa will share the critical messages of conservation and environmental stewardship.

Predators of Asia & Africa is the third phase of a $130-million, four-phase master plan, A Wilder Vision, that guarantees for generations the survival of certain species that may in our lifetime become extinct in the wild. The first phase, African Savanna, opened in 2018 and the second phase, Elephant Springs, opened in 2021. Each of these habitats feature lush greenery, enlarged spaces and interactions guests cannot get anywhere else including:

A giraffe experience that gives guests the opportunity to feed the tallest land mammal on earth and observe them from eye-level.

Standing nose-to-nose with a hippo at an underwater viewing area.

Squirting a gentle stream of water onto the Asian elephant herd as they swim in the 400,000-gallon river that flows through the authentic fishing village.

Other Zoo highlights that you won't want to miss this summer include seeing the western lowland gorilla baby, Bruno (born in November 2022) and two Asian elephant calves, Brazos (born October 2021) and Travis (born February 2023).

By exploring the Fort Worth Zoo, guests can not only see these animals firsthand, but their visit helps fund conservation efforts locally and around the world, ensuring a future for at-risk species. Admission is $18 for adults, $14 for children ages 3 to 12, $14 for seniors ages 65 and up, and free for children 2 and younger. Admission tickets can be used within 30 days of purchase. Parking is $5 per vehicle. The Fort Worth Zoo is open 365 days a year. Visit fortworthzoo.org for the most up-to-date hours.

The nationally acclaimed Fort Worth Zoo has been voted a top zoo in North America by USA Today, one of the "World's Greatest" by BloombergTV, the Best Zoo in Texas by Yahoo Travel, the No. 5 zoo in the nation by USA Travel Guide, the No. 1 family attraction in the DFW Metroplex by Zagat survey and a Top 10 Zoo or Aquarium by FamilyFun magazine. Home to nearly 7,000 animals, the Zoo is beginning its final installment of a four-phase master plan. The first phase, African Savanna, opened in 2018; the second phase, Elephant Springs, opened in 2021; the third, Predators of Asia & Africa, opened in June 2023. The fourth and final phase, Forests & Jungles of the World, is next. The institution's focus on education and conservation is second to none, enhancing the lives of more than 1 million visitors a year and the animals that live there.

Hollywood Luminaries Reveal the Mexico Resorts

Vidanta, Mexico and Latin America's leading vacation and entertainment destination company, has unveiled a star-studded new video campaign featuring Catherine Zeta-Jones, Mark Wahlberg, Jaime Camil, and Abraham Ancer showcasing the brand's notable immersive experiences and lavish accommodations. The video, directed by Sean Scanlin, is now available for viewing on @Vidanta's social media channels and Vidanta.com/ExtraordinaryVacations and follows each celebrity through their custom Vidanta experience, from lounging poolside and hitting the world-famous golf courses to taking in interactive performances and dining on haute cuisine and sipping on inventive drinks.

As Vidanta continues to expand their offerings for luxury travelers, the video also serves as a preview of the upcoming, 830-acre multiple theme parks at Vidanta Nuevo Vallarta. The first phase of the visionary theme park will open later this year and will delight guests with thrilling rides, epic water shows and immersive entertainment – all conceived with Vidanta's renowned levels of design, service and attention to detail.

"Vidanta is proud to partner with world-famous talent to tell the story of how we are continuously working to offer our guests the most extraordinary and celebrity-approved experiences," said Ivan Chavez, executive vice president of Grupo Vidanta. "We look forward to sharing new incredible adventures as we expand the Vidanta universe and transform the future of luxury entertainment travel."

In addition to teasing phase one of the first theme park – the first of its kind in Latin America – the three Hollywood personalities take viewers on a journey highlighting impeccable golf greens, sparkling swimming pools, delectable cuisine, gracious service and posh accommodations for which Vidanta has built its reputation. "Only when we travel do we discover the best version of ourselves, ready to break free and experience the extraordinary," says Catherine Zeta-Jones. "Vidanta is like my very own paradise where I can simply relax and indulge, and it was a pleasure to be part of this project."

With six destinations throughout Mexico, including Nuevo Vallarta, Riviera Maya and Los Cabos, Vidanta is setting the standard for luxury entertainment travel, understanding that guests are looking for show-stopping offerings and exclusive experiences with luxury at the core of accommodations and service. While the new Nuevo Vallarta theme park will be unlike anything offered in Mexico or elsewhere, Vidanta already has a history of developing legendary attractions, having brought Cirque du Soleil to Mexico and launched Latin America's most beloved water destination, Jungala Aqua Experience in 2019 at Vidanta Riviera Maya.

Vidanta has a storied and respected reputation in the hospitality industry and is also known for their championship-level golf courses, having most recently hosted the PGA TOUR Mexico Open at Vidanta in 2022 and 2023. "As an avid golfer who can't get enough of Mexico, I have loved to get to know Vidanta's world-class golf facilities, breathtaking settings, and the gracious Mexican hospitality for which Vidanta is famous," said Mark Wahlberg. "I can't wait to return and bring the whole Wahlberg crew with me."

Professional golfer Abraham Ancer, who is featured playing golf with Wahlberg in the campaign, added, "In addition to playing golf on Vidanta's legendary courses, with a vacation at Vidanta you also get luxurious amenities, incredible cuisine and amazing experiences."

Going beyond the traditional, Vidanta delivers on experiences that bring thrill and wonder to the forefront through unique entertainment and performances. "Vidanta has the most exciting shows, entertainment, action, and fun worldwide, such as the SkyDream Parks Gondola, Cirque du Soleil JOYÀ, Jungala Aqua Experience, and more adventures and surprises," added Jaime Camil.

ABOUT GRUPO VIDANTA

Founded in 1974 by the visionary leader of the tourism industry, Daniel Chávez Morán, Grupo Vidanta is the most important comprehensive developer of tourism services in Mexico and Latin America, specializing in building and operating luxury vacation destinations, luxury resort hotel brands, real estate, golf courses, luxury beach clubs, cruise ships, theme parks, innovative experiences, and spectacular entertainment centers in Mexico.

The company's visionary approach to the development of luxury beach destinations makes dream vacations a reality in the most coveted places on the coast of Mexico—Nuevo Vallarta, Riviera Maya, Los Cabos, Acapulco, Puerto Peñasco, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán, and coming soon East Cape. Their portfolio of world-class brands and experiences include luxurious and award-winning resorts; SkyDream Parks Gondola, the world's first-ever gondola at a beach resort. In addition, Vidanta is redesigning the future of entertainment to bring to life a new universe filled with immersive adventures: VidantaWorld, theme and experiential parks for all generations.

Grupo Vidanta also continues to pioneer innovative partnerships, including original collaborations such as Cirque du Soleil JOYÀ, a permanent show located at Vidanta Riviera Maya and the only Cirque du Soleil theatrical and culinary experience in the world. Grupo Vidanta also has an ongoing relationship with Nicklaus Design and Greg Norman Golf Course Design to develop spectacular professional golf courses within Vidanta's different destinations. And the company is proud to host the 2022 -2024 PGA TOUR's Mexico Open at Vidanta, which is located at the award-winning Vidanta Vallarta Course at Vidanta Nuevo Vallarta.

Grupo Vidanta's real estate division has built and sold more than 2,000 luxurious vacation homes and is responsible for developing the first privately built airport in Mexico, Mar de Cortés International Airport, in Puerto Peñasco.

Listed by Forbes, Expansión, and Great Place To Work as one of the best employers in Mexico, Grupo Vidanta maintains a solid commitment to its employees and the communities where it operates through its continuous mission dedicated to promoting social and environmental efforts, as recognized by such global authorities as EarthCheck, and through its non-profit foundations, the Vidanta Foundation and the Delia Morán Vidanta Foundation.

Skyscanner's Savings Generator reveals travellers could save

According to Skyscanner's latest research, in association with OnePoll, almost all (91%) UAE travellers are planning to get away this summer, but nearly half (48%) have yet to book their summer getaway. Whilst almost all (91%) of UAE travellers share that they feel confident that they know how to find the best holiday deals, Skyscanner data shows that only 4% of UAE travellers are searching for trips during the cheapest week of summer. In response, global travel site Skyscanner has launched the new and expanded summer edition of its Savings Generator tool to help travellers save big this summer.**

Whether you've yet to book your trip or are tempted to book another holiday this summer (3 in 4 UAE travellers are tempted to book again if the price is right!). Skyscanner's Savings Generator is on hand to find you the cheapest week of the summer to travel to a selection of the most popular routes from the UAE including the UK, India, Maldives and the Philippines.

The global travel site currently searches over 80 billion prices every single day, so Skyscanner's experts have crunched the numbers to share some simple dos and don'ts for grabbing the best bargain this summer:

1. Travel the last week of the school summer holidays (instead of the first) and save 10%

Despite half of UAE travellers (50%) sharing that they know that there are cheaper weeks of the summer holidays to travel, Skyscanner can reveal that only 4% of UAE searches are for the cheapest of the summer/school holidays.

According to our data, the first two weeks of the school holidays are by far the most popular weeks to head away this summer, however, this is in fact the most expensive time to travel. Skyscanner's data shows that on average travellers can save 10% by travelling the week of 19 August versus start of July, meaning an average saving of AED760 for a family of four!

2. Want to save big this summer? Travel on a Friday (most of the time)!

Travellers who are flexible and can fly on less popular days of the week can save up to 35% on the cost of their flights this July and August, according to Skyscanner's summer Savings Generator. An added bonus? The airports are likely to be less crowded too! As 90% of UAE travelers share they would be willing to change the day and/or week of their summer holidays to save this year. For instance, flying to Türkiye on a Friday, instead of a Saturday, means a family of four can save up AED669 on average for their return travel this July and August.

3. There are still cheap deals – just search EVERYWHERE for the very best prices

UAE residents yet to book their summer trips estimate flights will cost AED431 per person on average, however Skyscanner can reveal deals to holiday favourites including Georgia from AED274 return, Israel from AED344 return, Cyprus from AED348 and Jordan from AED359 return this August.*** Let Skyscanner's algorithm find the cheapest deal – just type in 'Everywhere' with your travel dates!

4. UAE residents can save Dirhams by switching their departure airport

Flight prices from UAE airports airport's will vary in price for destinations depending on a number of factors such as which airlines are based there and which routes they serve, meaning some will be busier than others at peak times.

Using Skyscanner's Nearby Airports filter is an easy way to compare your options. Save AED13,828 on a trip to Italy for a family of four on return flights to Rome during the month of August (from Abu Dhabi for AED586 per person versus from Dubai for AED4,043 per person).

Commenting on the findings, Skyscanner's Travel Expert Ayoub El Mamoun says: "We know how much UAE travellers look forward to and research their summer holiday break – this year more so than any! It's therefore our duty to analyse all the data we have access to and share this insight via our Savings Generator, updated for Summer 2023 so UAE travellers know how to make their money go further this summer.

"Our research shows that over half of UAE travellers (58%) make sacrifices, including spending fewer meals out, takeaway coffees and new clothes, in order to save for their summer holidays, but are less likely to shop around for holidays in the way they would when doing their weekly shop or clothes. We're aware that the summer holidays can be a costly time to travel, so we've updated our Savings Generator to help UAE travellers easily see how to get away within budget this summer.

"There's so much money to be saved if consumers compare their travel options, so we're building the tools for travellers to do this quickly and easily. We encourage all travellers to take note of our savvy tips and utilise the tools on our site like our Calendar View and Everywhere Search to save big this summer."

Skyscanner is a global leader in travel helping travellers plan and book their trip with ease and confidence. Every month Skyscanner connects over 100m travellers in 52 countries and 30 languages to more than 1200 trusted travel partners so they can find the best flight, hotel or car hire options. Making use of the latest technology, Skyscanner simplifies the complexity of travel and provides honest and transparent solutions, searching more than 80 billion prices every day so travellers can be sure they've seen the best possible options, all in one place. Founded in 2003, Skyscanner has offices worldwide, in Europe, Asia-Pacific and North America where traveller-first innovations are developed, powered by data and insights. Skyscanner is committed to helping shape a more responsible future for travel in collaboration with our partners, so that every traveller can explore our world effortlessly for generations come.

Vail Resorts 2023 2024 Epic Pass

Vail Resorts' 2023/24 Epic Pass is on sale now, offering access to premier mountain resorts including Vail Mountain, Whistler Blackcomb, Park City Mountain Resort, Breckenridge Mountain Resort and more. But with winter months away, why buy now? Here are five reasons to buy an Epic Pass by Memorial Day.

Buy your Epic Pass at the lowest price of the year. Prices go up after May 29.

The only thing better than locking in an Epic Pass for the 2023/24 season, is locking it in at the lowest price of the year. Skiers and riders have until Memorial Day on May 29 to buy an Epic Pass for the 2023/24 season before prices increase. Epic Pass is currently priced at $909 ($463 for kids 5-12); Epic Local Pass at $676 ($351 for kids 5-12); Epic Military Pass at $159; and Epic Day Pass customizable with three levels of resort access – ski or ride resorts like Vail Mountain from $86 a day.

Skiers and riders interested in purchasing an Epic Pass to take advantage of the lowest price of the year, can compare all Epic Pass offerings, including regional passes, on the Epic Pass website.

2. Buy a pass now and get two discounted Buddy Tickets for friends and family.

Skiers and riders who purchase an Epic Pass by May 29 will receive two discounted Buddy Tickets. Buddy Tickets offer up to 45% savings on a lift ticket so that guests can share days with family and friends at their favorite resorts.

3. Last chance to lock in your Epic Pass for only $49 down, zero interest.

If purchased by May 29, skiers and riders can lock in an Epic Pass now with just $49 down at checkout and pay the remaining balance (with zero interest) in September (payment policies vary by product). After May 29, the $49 down payment option will no longer be available.

Alternatively, Pass Holders interested in a buy now pay later payment option can choose to select Epic FlexPay for zero down payment, zero interest, and if purchased by May 29, zero payments until September1.

4. Unlock access to a Pass Holder Exclusive Summer Lodging Sale.

New this year, Vail Resorts is offering Epic Pass Holders exclusive access to a summer lodging sale running May 25-30. Pass Holders who have purchased their 2023/24 Epic Pass will be eligible to receive 20% off room rates + an additional 20% off with Epic Mountain Rewards benefits.

Epic Pass Holders can book the Pass Holder Exclusive Summer Sale by signing into their Epic Pass account, selecting the sale and searching for their lodging of choice across eligible mountain resorts. For more lodging options, visit snow.com/info/lodging-deals.

5. Pass Holders enjoy free Summer Scenic Gondola rides, plus save 20% on bike rentals, golf and more this summer.

From mountain biking and hiking to sightseeing and mountain coasters, summer in the mountains provides a variety of exhilarating experiences for all ages. With Epic Mountain Rewards, Pass Holders can save 20% on bike rentals, bike haul, and golf (at select resorts), and on-mountain food and beverage, in addition to lodging. Summer Scenic Gondola rides at participating resorts are free with Epic Passes (excluding Epic Day Pass).

Vail Resorts is a network of the best destination and close-to-home ski resorts in the world including Vail Mountain, Breckenridge, Park City Mountain, Whistler Blackcomb, Stowe, and 32 additional resorts across North America; Andermatt-Sedrun in Switzerland; and Perisher, Hotham, and Falls Creek in Australia. We are passionate about providing an Experience of a Lifetime to our team members and guests, and our EpicPromise is to reach a zero net operating footprint by 2030, support our employees and communities, and broaden engagement in our sport. Our company owns and/or manages a collection of elegant hotels under the RockResorts brand, a portfolio of vacation rentals, condominiums and branded hotels located in close proximity to our mountain destinations, as well as the Grand Teton Lodge Company in Jackson Hole, Wyo. Vail Resorts Retail operates more than 250 retail and rental locations across North America.