The Canadian Island For When You Really, Really Want to Get Away

On a recent trip to Battle Harbour, an island in Canada's Labrador Sea, I heard the Northern Lights. Or at least I think I did. Scientists still debate whether the aurora actually makes any sounds, but as I gazed at the chartreuse display, I thought I could make out a faint whispered whistle in the night's otherwise profound silence. A true separation from the din of daily life eludes most of us, even on vacation—but in that moment, I was sure I'd found it.
For most of the year, the remote island of Battle Harbour in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador lies empty, pummeled by relentless snowstorms. Icebergs regularly float by in the bay. But for the three months of summer, the island opens briefly, like a portal to another quieter world. I had traveled to the island from New York City with my new husband as part of our honeymoon.

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Fox News

2 hours ago

• Fox News

Flight passenger's rant about airline standby practices goes viral as record summer travel gets underway

An individual has taken to social media to rant that he or she is "tired of airlines acting like they're doing you a favor for putting you on a flight you paid for" just as the busiest summer travel season gets underway — sparking a heated discussion online among other travelers. "I book a flight weeks in advance and find out I've been put on standby when I get to the airport," wrote the person in a Reddit post, which elicited more than 5,000 reactions. "I then get told, 'Oh, you're lucky we got you the last seats available.'" The person added on the Reddit travel thread, "Lucky? I paid for this flight weeks in advance." The Redditor went on to say, addressing an unnamed airline in the post, "You oversold the flight and are now scrambling people around and are acting like you're doing me [a] favor for getting me a seat on the flight I originally booked and paid for." One individual responded to the post, "They will cancel or change the flight at a moment's notice, but if you change it, it's a problem and costs more." That reply alone attracted some 3,000 reactions. The vast majority of commenters agreed with the original post and expressed similar levels of outrage. "They rarely admit fault and if you make a mistake, it usually costs you," said another person. "It would be fair if they took responsibility, especially for overbooking." "You paid for your ticket. You did your part." Wrote yet another person in part, "While I understand the concept of positive positioning for customer service, it's insulting for them to use the word 'lucky' here. You paid for your ticket. You did your part. They created a problem and they had to solve it." Said another commenter, "If you fly first class, they actually treat you like a person once you get on the plane." Others online shared different perspectives — with some expressing confusion about the situation described. "Did you make sure to check in 24 hours in advance?" wrote one person. "Some airlines will release your seat to standby if [you're] not checked in by the last hour or so." Others also said they've never been bumped and asked the original poster for more details. "I have never experienced that," wrote one person. "I don't take that many domestic flights, but I do travel quite a lot internationally. I [have] never been bumped or had my ticket canceled." Said another person, "This has never happened to me. Ever." Wrote someone else, "Did you buy a basic fare with no assigned seat? I'm confused as to how they could move you to standby." With July 4th just up ahead, Americans are predicted to set a travel record this year to celebrate during the nation's 249th birthday. AAA released its "Independence Day Travel Forecast" report, finding that 72.2 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home this July 4th, Fox News Digital previously reported. The forecast looks not just at the Fourth of July but at holiday travel spanning from Saturday, June 28 to Sunday, July 6. The 2025 report is predicting an increase of 1.7 million travelers compared to last year, while determining there will be seven million more travelers compared to 2019. Over 60 million Americans are set to drive to their destination, which is a 2.2% increase from 2024. Of the millions predicted to travel, 8% or 5.84 million Americans will be flying to their destinations. About 4.78 million travelers will be taking other forms of transportation such as cruises or trains. Ashley DiMella of Fox News Digital contributed reporting.

Forbes

2 hours ago

• Forbes

A Biologist And Avid Spearfisherman Offers 3 Rules To Avoid Becoming ‘Jaws Bait' This Summer

Summer is the best time to enjoy the sand, sea and surf. Here's how to do so safely, without letting ... More irrational fears spoil a great vacation. Anyone who has ever seen the movie Jaws (which turns 50 this week) has probably thought at one point or another 'Nah, I'll stick to the pool today' or 'We'd better stay in the boat and save the swim for another time.' In many ways, this thinking comes at the cost of having a great time. It's akin to saying something like, 'No, I don't want to take that European vacation because I'm too scared to get on a plane' or 'I'd rather not go camping because I'm afraid of getting bit by a snake.' Sure, there's the possibility that you die in a plane crash, get bit by a snake, or get eaten by a Jaws-size great white shark. But there's also the risk that you develop heart disease, contract cancer, or die in a car accident. I don't have to tell you which outcome is more likely. This might come off as a bit insensitive. But, keep in mind that you're reading a column by a guy who catches venomous snakes for a living and, in his spare time, spearfishes striped bass in one of the most dangerous inlets on the eastern seaboard. (At some point I'll tell you about all the amazing sharks I've seen while spearfishing, but I'll save that for another article.) Suffice it to say that my risk-odometer is a little different than most. Of course, like any intelligent human being, I'm a big believer in taking calculated risks. And, yes, swimming in the ocean, any ocean, comes with risks. Sharks are absolutely one of those risks. Here are three rules to help you manage ocean risks, while doing so in a way that preserves your ability to have a good time. 1. Be Aware Of All Ocean Risks, Not Just Those Posed By Sharks Despite their fearsome reputation, sharks cause far fewer deaths worldwide than rip currents, ... More jellyfish, or even sun exposure. Knowing the real risks can help you enjoy the ocean safely. Do you know what the biggest risk of ocean swimming is? It's not a trick question. The answer is drowning. The likelihood of drowning in the ocean in the United States is about one in three million. The odds of experiencing a deadly shark bite is less than one in 264 million. We're talking about orders of magnitude here. Keep this fact in mind the next time a scary Jaws scene pops into your head while wading knee-deep into the whitecaps. The single best way to avoid drowning is to swim at a guarded beach. Don't break this rule. Furthermore, the odds of being attacked and killed by a shark isn't even the most common cause of death among marine wildlife and human encounters. Jellyfish, for example, are reported to kill about 50 people per year while sharks only kill 5-10 people per year. That said, fatalities from jellyfish stings are generally more geographically restricted than shark attacks, occurring mostly in northern Australia and Southeast Asia where the deadly box jellyfish is found. Rip currents are another danger – far more deadly than sharks. They account for over 80% of rescues performed by beach lifeguards. These fast-moving channels of water can pull even strong swimmers away from shore. Additionally, sunburn and heatstroke are also common beach-related health issues that can ruin a vacation. Being mindful of the weather, staying hydrated, using reef-safe sunscreen and knowing how to identify a rip current are all practical ways to minimize risk while maximizing enjoyment. 2. Not All Beaches Have An Equal Shark Attack Risk Some U.S. counties, like Volusia in Florida and Maui in Hawaii, have recorded dozens of shark ... More attacks. But even in these hotspots, bites are rare and usually non-fatal. You can read this article if you're interested to know exactly where most shark attacks take place, but I'll provide you with the cliff notes here. The International Shark Attack File (ISAF) provides detailed, publicly accessible records of unprovoked shark attacks worldwide. In the United States, certain counties stand out for higher-than-average shark activity – due to a combination of factors like warm water, active surf communities and high marine biodiversity. Volusia County, Florida, leads the list with 351 recorded attacks, particularly around New Smyrna Beach, nicknamed the 'Shark Bite Capital of the World.' The nearby Brevard County has logged 158 attacks. Further down the Florida coast, Palm Beach County (83 attacks), Martin County (41 attacks), St. Lucie County (39 attacks), and St. Johns County (45 attacks) also make the list. Each of these areas is a popular beach destination, increasing the chances of incidental encounters between people and sharks. Hawaii features heavily, too, with Maui County (75 attacks), Oahu County (42 attacks), and Kauai County (33). These islands host vibrant marine ecosystems and strong surfing cultures, which naturally lead to a higher rate of contact with sharks, especially tiger sharks. South Carolina's Charleston County (40 attacks) and Horry County (36 attacks) have also seen their share of incidents, as have places like Duval County, Florida and Brunswick County, North Carolina. Still, it's crucial to remember that even in these 'higher risk' zones, shark attacks remain incredibly rare and often non-fatal. In fact, many of the injuries are minor, involving quick bite-and-release behavior from a curious or confused shark. 3. Always Swim On A Guarded Beach Swimming at a lifeguard-monitored beach is the single most effective step you can take for ocean ... More safety. The single most important thing you can do to stay safe when going to the beach is to stay near the lifeguards and always swim between the flags. These designated swim areas are monitored constantly, and lifeguards are trained to respond rapidly to any kind of emergency, whether it's a rip current, medical issue or wildlife concern. Guarded beaches are also far more likely to close temporarily if a shark is spotted, ensuring that you aren't in the water when one is actively hunting or patrolling nearby. In addition, lifeguards often have access to real-time information about water quality, tides, jellyfish blooms and other hazards that the average beachgoer wouldn't otherwise be aware of. If you're unfamiliar with a beach, check local advisories before entering the water and don't swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk, when sharks are most active. Wondering how afraid you are of sharks, and other dangerous creatures, compared to others? Take the Sensation Seeking Scale for a science-backed answer.

USA Today

2 hours ago

• USA Today

Adam Scott rebounds from U.S. Open with 62 Saturday at Travelers Championship

Adam Scott shoots a 62 at the Travelers, rebounding from a draining U.S. Open and leaning on smart recovery habits. CROMWELL, Conn. – Adam Scott sounded and played like a man who was tired this week at the Travelers Championship, posting rounds of 2-over 72 on both Thursday and Friday. Coming off last week's U.S. Open, where he was in contention deep into Sunday afternoon, that's understandable. But the Australian, who turns 45 next month, appeared refreshed Saturday at TPC River Highlands and shot his lowest round of the year, a 62. 'I believe I'm playing this (tournament) well, but you've got to make some putts at the end of the day to shoot a number,' Scott said. 'That was the difference between the first two days and today.' While walking a rain-soaked Oakmont Country Club was wearing on everyone, for Scott, the mental fatigue of grinding and working to win a second career major was more mentally fatiguing than physically hard. 'Sunday last week was a real letdown,' he admitted. 'It was draining — confidence and fatigue, you know? But I knew I had to play this week.' Unlike most of his career, when Scott typically took the week after a major off, the demands of the PGA Tour's signature event schedule have required a shift in strategy — and recovery habits. That means not showing up at the course on Monday or Tuesday unless there's a pressing issue. It also means relying on past experience — this is his fourth appearance at the Travelers Championship in the last five years — and taking it easy in practice rounds. 'It's really about conserving energy and just having a bit of recovery, so that hopefully when you're in contention the next week, there's plenty in the tank still,' he said. Scott's putter, however, is where things turned most dramatically on Saturday. The 2013 Masters champion struggled on the greens Friday, requiring 34 putts to complete 18 holes and making just 40 feet of putts. Saturday, he needed only 25 putts, and the combined distance of those was just over 121 feet. According to the PGA Tour's ShotLink system, it amounted to a four-shot improvement. 'I made one on one (from 21 feet) and freed up a little bit there,' he said. 'You need a trigger to change it. You can't do the same stuff and expect a different result.' That trigger came courtesy of a quick conversation with longtime friend and former Masters champion Trevor Immelman, who offered a subtle cue during a pre-round putting session. 'It wasn't technical. It was more just a feeling of watching the putt roll in my posture,' Scott said. 'I think he liked the idea that I just kind of stayed down in the shot more, rather than just standing up to watch it roll.' That freedom led to one of the cleanest rounds of the day. But finishing at 4 under for the tournament, before the overnight leaders — Justin Thomas, Scottie Scheffler and Tommy Fleetwood — started their day at 9 under, Scott is not going to win this tournament. But in the grand scheme, that's OK for Scott. 'I'm out here for a reason, so I'll try and get the most out of it if I can,' he said. 'I'd rather leave today with the confidence of shooting 62 than mailing it in and shooting 70 or 72 and not really getting anything out of it.' Scott may have arrived in Connecticut with his gauge pointing to 'empty,' and he won't leave with the trophy. But he's heading into the rest of the summer knowing there's still plenty of game — and grit — left in the tank.