✈ How and Why to Visit Recovering Destinations, the Best Time to Book Flights & More From TPG ✈

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September 26, 2025 View in browser         TOGETHER WITH     TOGETHER WITH

Travel responsibly by Rachel Craft, Travel writer In destinations that have suffered natural disasters, tourism can be a force for good, but initially, visitors might be apprehensive about continuing with a planned trip or booking a new trip. I recently had a chance to visit Asheville, North Carolina, nearly one year after the devastation wrought by Hurricane Helene. It was inspiring to see how much of this vibrant city had recovered. Roughly 90% of businesses have reopened, according to a representative from Explore Asheville, and are eager to welcome visitors. Even before the hardest-hit areas rebuild, you might be surprised at how many other neighborhoods and businesses are open in the aftermath of a disaster. For instance, after the devastating Lahaina fires on West Maui in 2023, the rest of the island remained open — and in need of tourism revenue. Although the Grand Canyon's fire-stricken remote North Rim is closed for the rest of the 2025 season, it’s business as usual on the South Rim, where the majority of the lodging and visitor services are located. Visiting after a natural disaster can give you a unique perspective on the spirit of a place and help you connect with the community on a deeper level. While some areas may still be off-limits (the local tourism office is a great resource to use while planning), you'll find plenty of others welcoming visitors, including hidden gems you wouldn't have discovered otherwise. There might even be opportunities for voluntourism, where visitors can assist with projects that provide a positive impact on the local community. Plus, you'll feel good knowing your tourism dollars are helping with the reconstruction process. Just be sure to focus your attention on locally owned restaurants and small businesses rather than larger chains to ensure those dollars go to the people who need them most. For more travel content, check out these TPG stories: Where to go in 2025: The 29 best places to travel The ultimate Blue Ridge Parkway road trip guide TPG exclusive: First look at Marriott’s freshly renovated Grand Bohemian Lodge Asheville Maui is still recovering: Here’s why you should go and how to help Grand Canyon fire: What to know if you have plans to visit the national park Posts in this newsletter contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products, and this may impact how or where they appear. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page. Photo Credit: DENIS TANGNEY JR/GETTY IMAGES.

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Today's top stories The best time to book flights for the cheapest airfare for the holidays Experts share their advice on the best time to book flights so you can save money on airfare this year. Read more 13 credit cards that can get you $1,000 or more in first-year value Consider one of these cards that can provide at least $1,000 in value in the first year. Read more Secondary screening? TSA requiring some flyers to show IDs again at the gate The TSA is rechecking travelers' identification on certain flights this month, especially to New York. Read more How to save thousands on a luxe weekend getaway to Maine's coastal towns using points Save thousands on a getaway to Kennebunkport and neighboring seaside towns using these points and miles hacks. Read more Delta to launch Porto, Portugal, flights in 2026 — its seventh new European route Delta Air Lines is launching new service to Portugal in 2026, with its seventh new European route taking flight in May. Read more

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