Friday around the planet: A roundup of news and inspiration for the week ending April 15

Welcome to Friday Around the Planet, a roundup of some of the travel-related news and inspiration you might have missed over the past week.

It’s not even the weekend yet but I’ve already binged three episodes of the new Netflix series Our Great National Parks hosted by former US President Barack Obama. Using breathtaking photography, the series transports you to protected lands on different continents to see all the spectacular wildlife it protects. From sloths who change color to surfing hippos, I’m hooked and have already added places like Tsingy De Bemaraha National Park to my "places I want to see it in real life" list.

Speaking of surfing, North Devon in the UK has been designated as the country’s first World Surfing Reserve. The designation will give the coastline some added protection against harmful development and pollution.

In the United States, National Park Week kicks off this coming week so don’t forget that entry to US National Parks and sites is free tomorrow (April 16)

You need to pay to take a ferry to get there but Channel Islands National Park has long been on my “to visit” list. Check out this guide to these enchanting islands off the coast of southern California that are often compared to the Galapagos.

If you plan to visit any of the parks, make sure you read our handy guide to Leave No Trace practices.

Travel restrictions and requirements

As Australia has reopened to international visitors, check out this guide on how to limit your carbon footprint during your travels down under. Need further inspiration? Check out our new Ultimate Australia Travel List that just came out this week.

In case you missed it, the mask mandate on public transportation in the United States has been extended another 15 days until May 3, 2022.

Greece is dropping its remaining COVID-19 travel restrictions in May. Other places rolling back entry requirements this week:

Cayman Islands is now open to all vaccinated visitors
Cyprus has eased restrictions for travelers
Jamaica is scrapping pre-arrival COVID-19 testing requirements April 16

Interesting new openings to inspire your travels

The Islas Marías archipelago in Mexico was once home a prison colony but is about to be reimagined as eco-friendly tourist destination.

A new fairytale-inspired Hans Christian Andersen museum, complete with underground exhibits and a labyrinth garden, has opened in Denmark.

In Italy, a new exhibit at the Museo Civico Archeologico in Bologna chronicles the life of famed singer-songwriter Lucio Dalla.

Checking In: This week, Lonely Planet's Senior Director of Content Laura Motta checks out the Kimpton’s Aertson in Nashville.

Need a some travel ideas inspired by the Bard? Here are 10 Shakespearean sites that let you follow in the footsteps of the great playwright.

Finally, if you’ve ever dreamed of having a destination wedding in Hawaii, take a look at the $125,000 wedding package one Maui resort is offering.