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The 50 Best Places to Travel in 2019Šolta, CroatiaThe jewel of the Adriatic Sea, Croatia is home to more than 1,200 islands, but travel between them has long been dictated by expensive yacht charters and sluggish public ferries. In 2018, that’s set to change, now that UberBOAT, from the popular ride-sharing app, has launched on-demand transfers and private tours along the Dalmatian Coast. Hit the high seas in the direction of Šolta, a hilly isle a mere nine nautical miles from Split (the second-largest city in Croatia).Often overlooked in favor of more-developed, splashier neighbors like Hvar or Brač, Šolta’s under-the-radar nature has proved a boon: The stony islet has become synonymous with pristine nature (pebbly beaches, turquoise waters, lush greenery), medieval villages, winemaking (try the indigenous Dobričić variety), and family-run olive oil purveyors like Olynthia, a fourth-generation producer. After watching the sun set at Maslinica bay, check out the island’s peppering of stylish beach clubs, seaside bars, and open-air restaurants — then drop your bags at the Heritage Hotel Martinis-Marchi, built inside an 18th-century Venetian fort-castle and ideally situated for those who want to explore Šolta’s ancient villages and crystal-clear bays.Greenville, South CarolinaOnce a sleepy second fiddle to Southern culinary powerhouses like Charleston and Nashville, Greenville is stepping into the limelight with hot new restaurants. The town will soon be home to an outpost of Sean Brock's heirloom-crop-focused Husk and a food-centric market hall called the Commons. Other recent additions include modern Italian spot Jiannathis link opens in a new tab from Michael Kramer (the opening executive chef of McCrady's in Charleston, pre-Brock) and the moody speakeasy lounge Vault & Vator. It's an impressive collection of quality restaurants for a city of just over 67,000.Those with a predilection for high-thread-count sheets will soon be able to luxuriate at the Grand Bohemian Hotel, a ritzy boutique property with Carolina charm. In the meantime, discerning visitors can bunk at the swank Westin Poinsett, a historic hotel that was rescued from the wrecking ball in the late '90s, laying the groundwork for Greenville’s great Southern revival.GrenadaGrenada, known as Spice Island, remains one of the Caribbean’s under-the-radar gems, even though it’s got what every traveler wants: uncrowded beaches, preserved rain forests, and a lively local culture and cuisine. The island, which was spared from last fall’s brutal hurricane season, is poised to attract new luxury travelers when the Silversands Hotel opens in March 2018. The first major resort to open on Grand Anse Beach in 25 years, Silversands will offer 43 rooms and suites, nine villas, and the longest pool in the Caribbean. After a recent renovation, the beloved Calabash Luxury Boutique Hotel is now part of Relais & Châteaux, only the fifth hotel in the Caribbean to be invited to join the celebrated hotel group. Getting to the island is a cinch — JetBlue added daily service from New York City last year, and Grenada is now a port of call for 33 new cruise ships — and visitors will soon have even more options for high-end stays, with Kimpton Kawana Bay and the Levera Beach Resort both in the works.Buenos Aires, ArgentinaThis year, Buenos Aires becomes a hub for art, sports, and politics: the inaugural Art Basel Cities program, the Youth Olympic Games , and the G20 will all take place in the city, beginning with the multi-year Art Basel initiative. Though the Argentinean capital is already home to an eclectic collection of galleries, Art Basel Cities promises to elevate Buenos Aires’ reputation in the global art scene by offering professional support for local artists, as well as lectures and workshops throughout the year to draw art lovers to the city.The project culminates in September with a week of public arts programming developed by Cecilia Alemani, chief curator of the High Line in New York. Then, in October, 4,000 teen athletes from more than 200 countries will flock to the city for the Youth Olympic Games. The southern Villa Soldati neighborhood has seen significant development in anticipation of the events, with new housing, parks, and sports venues that will breathe life into the area well after the Olympians return home. Should you miss out on the world-class athletes, drown your sorrows in a world-class meal. Tegui , an eight-year-old restaurant in trendy Palermo, was recently named one of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants — the first time an Argentinean spot has made the list in 15 years.Los Cabos, MexicoLocated at the tip of the Baja Peninsula, the two small colonial towns of Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo have become the hottest vacation destinations in Mexico in recent years. With wide, pristine beaches, lively nightclubs, glam resorts, and a farm-to-table food scene, the oasis of Los Cabos is drawing tourists in record numbers. As a result, the hotel scene is booming, with a clutch of new developments and renovations completed this year along the Tourist Corridor, including the sleek Chileno Bay, an Auberge Resort, and a stunning beachfront Solaz resort.A new crop of five-star brands are coming in 2018, including the Zadún, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve , the Four Seasons Los Cabos at Costa Palmasthis , the Montage Los Cabos , 1 Hotel & Homes , and the first Nobu Hotel in Mexico. Foodies will want to make a reservation at Acre , a restaurant-farm from executive chefs Kevin Luzande and Oscar Torres, who are set to unveil 12 new treehouse guest rooms on site.Walla Walla Valley, WashingtonWith more than 300 days of sunshine each year, the southeastern corner of Washington state is home to three flourishing viticultural regions: the Columbia, Walla Walla, and Yakima Valleys. But in recent years Walla Walla has come into its own as the next must-visit destination for oenophiles, golfers, and cyclists. With more than 140 wineries producing European-style Syrahs, Cabernets, and Merlots, there’s no shortage of tasting rooms in the valley, which hosts four weekend-long wine events each year. The region gets its first high-end resort in February, when Va Piano winemaker Justin Wylie and James Beard Award–winning chef Jason Wilson open the 10-suite Eritage on a 300-acre plot north of the city of Walla Walla.Change is afoot in town, too: There are new tasting rooms from Barons , Bledsoe Family , and Nocking Point , and a historic building is set to open as the Penrose Walla Walla Hotel & Spa next year.UzbekistanAlthough the former Soviet republic might seem remote, Uzbekistan once sat at the very center of the world. In the first millennium, no traveler could pass from Asia to Europe without stopping in the Silk Road strongholds of Bukhara and Samarkand, and as a result these cities evolved into rich cultural centers. For intrepid travelers, today’s Uzbekistan is a promised land: a Muslim-majority nation that’s both safe and affordable, with few tourists and an abundance of well-preserved mosques and harems. And since the death of authoritarian president Islam Karimov last year, the new regime has taken steps toward reform that have given both Uzbeks and the international community reason for optimism. Improving relations with Iran could soon bring a rail link to the Persian Gulf, and in 2016, the Afrosiyob high-speed-train line began connecting the country’s major cities. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan should benefit from the so-called Iron Silk Road, or Trans-Asian Railway — a Chinese-funded network of routes knitting together Beijing and Europe — once a segment connecting the country through Kyrgyzstan is completed. Book a customized journey with Exeter International, which specializes in the region. —Heidi MitchellEgyptPolitical strife and economic woes have taken a toll on Egypt’s tourism industry in recent years, but travelers will soon have a new reason to visit. On the arid plains of Giza not far from the Great Pyramids, a modern monument is under construction that’s more than two decades and nearly $1 billion in the making. The Grand Egyptian Museum will showcase the finest treasures of the pharaohs — including the body and golden funeral mask of Tutankhamen — in a structure spanning nearly 650,000 square feet.In addition to more than 100,000 artifacts, including pieces currently stored in the vaults of the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, the new museum will sport a Modernist design courtesy of Heneghan Peng Architects. Chosen from more than 1,550 design proposals from architects in 82 countries, the final building will echo both the geography of the plateau on which it rests as well as the Pyramids themselves. When the museum partially opens in 2018, visitors in the immense atrium can soak in the majestic sight of both the Pyramid of Menkaure and the Great Pyramid of Khufu from a floor-to-ceiling glass wall.Marrakesh, MoroccoThe Moroccan city has attracted an artistic crowd since the 1960s, when everyone from Yves Saint Laurent to Mick Jagger fell for its vibrant sensory landscape. Now the city’s cultural scene is being reinvigorated, thanks to two landmark happenings in the world of art and design. First came last October’s launch of the YSL Museum — a striking geometric building next to the Jardin Majorelle, which Saint Laurent and his partner, Pierre Bergé, bought and restored in the 1980s. Then, in February, the 1:54 Contemporary African Art Fair will debut at the storied hotel La Mamounia . Marrakesh has had an art biennial since 2005 — the next is slated for 2020 — and the city is home to a number of well-regarded galleries. But the arrival of 1:54, which has editions in London and New York and draws names like Billie Zangewa and William Kentridge, is set to position the city as a hub for African art. There’s also hotel news. Oberoi is poised to open its third African property here, a lakeside resort surrounded by citrus orchards. And Royal Mansour has added a 6,450-square-foot pool flanked by seven air-conditioned cabanas.FijiIt’s no secret that Fiji is home to some of the world’s most spectacular scenery — powdery beaches fringed with palms, crystalline waters with colorful reefs, and rugged coastlines covered in greenery. But the islands’ new crop of luxury accommodations is making a case for the archipelago’s man-made phenomena as well. At the exclusive, family-owned Kokomo Private Island Resort, which is spread across 140 acres of dense tropical rain forest and white-sand beaches, guests will have their pick of 21 beach villas (among the most spacious in Fiji) and four hilltop residences featuring infinity pools and walled tropical gardens. If you’re a diver, you’re in luck: the Great Astrolabe Reef, which is teeming with kaleidoscopic corals and exotic marine life (like reef sharks, rays, and dolphinfish), is in the resort’s backyard. The luxury ante will only be upped in March when a Six Senses debuts on Malolo Island. Set on a private beach, the boutique property will offer the brand’s namesake spa and wellness offerings (including yoga, meditation, and nutrition and sleep counseling), plus a restaurant with ingredients sourced from the resort garden. Also slated to open in 2018: Nihi Fiji , from hotelier James McBride and Christopher Burch — the same duo behind Nihi Sumba Island, which Travel + Leisurereaders named the best hotel in the world for 2017.Albuquerque, New MexicoRising above its associations with the annual hot-air-balloon festival, Albuquerque will this year set out to prove itself as a fully-fledged destination. The Sawmill District, just north of the historic Old Town, is being revived as a creative center, anchored by the arrival of the Hotel Chaco. The design of this boutique property, which opened in April, is inspired by the state’s indigenous culture, with handmade Navajo wool textiles and pueblo-inspired motifs. Come spring, downtown ABQ will also see the arrival of a new entertainment hub: the $40 million One Central , which will have a sleek bowling lounge, as well as upscale stores and restaurants. And just outside town, visitors will soon be able to experience the striking Sandia Mountains in a nail-biting new way. The proposed Mountain Coaster, an alpine sled-style ride that plunges riders down the mountainside in a total vertical drop of 380 feet, is due to open this fall. Getting to Albuquerque is becoming even easier, thanks to new nonstop flights from major U.S. cities via Southwest, United, and Alaska Airlines.ZambiaUntil now, Zambia has had little recognition as one of Africa’s great safari destinations. Yet experts know it as the birthplace of the walking safari — as well as the home of some of the most highly trained guides on the continent. In South Luangwa National Park , visitors can expect to see more animals than baobab trees, while Liuwa Plain National Park is the setting for the world’s second-largest wildebeest migration, when tens of thousands of the creatures head across the plain from neighboring Angola. Last year saw the arrival of Liuwa’s first permanent camp: King Lewanika Lodge , a six-villa safari lodge overlooking a watering hole where hyenas and antelope gather.Archipelago Sea, FinlandFinland’s Archipelago Sea is the world’s largest, with 25,000 miles of shoreline and innumerable islands. Still off the beaten track for international tourists, who gravitate toward Helsinki in summer and Lapland in winter, the archipelago is the well-kept secret of the Finns, generations of whom flock to family-owned islands. And there’s never been a better time to join them, with increased airlift — including transatlantic flights on Norwegian Air starting around $350 — and a burgeoning food and beverage scene in nearby Turku, Finland’s medieval capital. (Start at the Kauppahalli, or market hall, where the salmon is as fresh and flavorful as a summer tomato.) The archipelago has a subarctic glamour, with eerie, sunlit summer nights and dark winter days, its rocky, tree-lined islands dotted with storybook wooden cottages. Hike, bike, or drive the islands; or hole up on one all your own.Colombia’s Pacific CoastSince the government’s 2016 peace deal with the FARC paramilitary group, memories of Colombia’s civil war have begun fading. As a result, new parts of the country are becoming accessible — among them the Pacific coast, which contains a once-dangerous strip of virgin beach and rain forest known as El Chocó. Regular commercial flights now connect travelers from Bogotá and Medellín to the fishing villages of Nuquí and Bahía Solano. From there, small boats run along the shore to chic eco-lodges like Punta Brava , which sits above two private beaches, and El Cantil Ecolodge , which is near surf breaks and a thermal spring. —Nicholas GillIguazú Falls, Argentina and BrazilTo better accommodate the millions who visit Iguazú Falls, a UNESCO site of 275 mighty waterfalls straddling the border of Argentina and Brazil, nearby Cataratas del Iguazú Airport is being modernized and enlarged. Within Iguazú National Park, the Ecological Jungle Train, which takes visitors on a 25-minute journey to the epic Devil’s Throat cascade, is converting from gas to environmentally friendly electric trains. Starting this February, travelers will be able to bed down at the long-awaited Awasi Iguazú resort where 14 rainforest villas will each have plunge pools and guests will have access to a personal excursion guide and 4WD vehicles. Expect visits to native Guarani tribes, river kayaking, and jungle treks led by a resident biologist. Selvaje, an upscale 12-room lodge, will also open early this year and will offer a menu of couple-friendly activities, from picnics to spa treatments. For the ultimate in romance, though, Argentinean travel outfitter Mai 10 (run by Travel + Leisure A-List Agent Maita Barrenechea) can arrange private dinners alongside the falls under the light of a full moon.Salina Island, ItalyOf all the islands that make up Italy’s Aeolian archipelago, Salina is arguably the most alluring: it is not yet a celebrity haven like its neighbor Stromboli, where Giorgio Armani, Domenico Dolce, and Stefano Gabbana have homes; and it’s not yet overrun with the luxury yachts of affluent soccer players like nearby Panarea. That the isle has stayed blissfully unspoiled for this long eludes those who know of its imposing natural beauty — steep mountains blanketed in blossoming trees and wildflowers, small villages speckled with olive and lemon groves, fig trees, and miles of terraced Malvasia vineyards. The Relais & Châteaux property Capofaro Malvasia & Resort is one of Salina’s finest places to check in to, thanks to its secluded location, private beach, Tasca d’Almerita wines, and restaurant spotlighting local flavors (think wild fennel, orange, and caper leaves). Once you’ve settled in, skip on over to the town of Lingua to watch the sun set on the Marina Garibaldi, and order the best almond granita of your life at the Da Alfredo waterfront café.MontenegroMove over, Croatia. Long overshadowed by its neighbor to the northwest, Montenegro is ready for the spotlight. The ancient city of Kotor is already attracting plenty of visitors, like the celebrities vacationing at luxurious boutique hotel Forza Terra , just outside the medieval walls, not to mention the hundreds of thousands of cruisers who’ve arrived with companies like Viking, Celebrity, and Princess. The swank marina Porto Montenegro is thriving in the formerly sleepy coastal town of Tivat, and the complex’s Regent hotel unveiled an expansion in 2017. Nearby, luxury development Luštica Bay is slated to open this summer, with plans for villas, a golf course, and a five-star Chedi hotel. Further west on the Bay of Kotor’s jagged coastline is the site of the country’s most anticipated arrival, the One&Only Portonovi, which will be the brand’s first European outpost when it opens this summer. Plans for the resort, situated on a 60-acre site overlooking the Adriatic, include 140 villas and residences, a tennis club, and a spa.Toronto, CanadaWith its recent 150th anniversary celebration, pop-culture cred (Drake, Ryan Gosling, and Justin Bieber have Canadian roots), and charismatic prime minister, the Great White North has finally begun to receive the international recognition it deserves — and Toronto has been preening itself for this lead role. Luxe properties and forward-thinking restaurants have been popping up across the city: there’s Queen Street’s historic Broadview Hotel , which reopened in the burgeoning East End with guest-room details like vinyl turntables and burgundy velvet drapes, and the stylish Bisha Hotel downtown, where the likes of Lenny Kravitz and celebrity chef Akira Back have lent their design and culinary expertise. In stereotypically modest Canadian fashion, Brothers Food + Wine — one of the city’s most exciting new openings — is housed inside a tiny, nondescript space just above the Bay Street subway station, but dazzles with seasonal dishes like crispy steelhead trout with braised gem lettuce and yogurt-and-caper sauce. Next up: in Spring 2018, the Museum of Contemporary Art will move into a century-old former factory in the Junction Triangle.Pyeongchang, South KoreaOver the past few years, South Korea’s Gangwon Province has shed its sleepy past and come into its own as a prime winter-sports destination — a transformation that will take center stage during the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics (February 9–25). Ahead of the big event, the region will debut a new high-speed rail line that will whisk travelers from Incheon International Airport to the resort town in just 70 minutes, making it easier to access the Taebaek Mountains’ panoramic pistes and tourist-friendly attractions. Powder hounds will want to lodge at the InterContinental Alpensia Pyeongchang Resort, which commands a prime location at the foot of the Alpensia ski slopes, steps from two Olympic-class runs, and is one of a handful of hotels built for the games. Break from all the outdoor action at the Ocean 700 indoor water park, complete with wave pools and tubing rides.San Antonio, TexasThis year is San Antonio’s 300th anniversary, and the city is marking the occasion with events, activities, and new infrastructure. Ahead of the festivities, there’s been a flurry of development: In the past few months, the botanical gardens completed an expansion; the city’s first food hall, the Bottling Department, debuted at the Pearl; and San Antonio’s iconic passenger barges got an upgrade, with colorful electric models replacing the old gas-fueled boats. In January, the city will unveil Confluence Park, an expanse of trails and science-focused education facilities near the convergence of San Pedro Creek and the San Antonio River. A commemorative week is planned for early May, with celebrations at each of San Antonio’s five missions and the dedication of San Pedro Creek Culture Park, a once-unremarkable drainage ditch that’s been transformed into a waterfront promenade with public art and performance spaces. Ruby City , a new David Adjaye–designed art center that will house more than 800 pieces from the Linda Pace Foundation Collection, is expected to be completed at the end of 2018. And boutique stays still in the works — including a Thompson Hotel and the third location of the Saint Hotel — hint that San Antonio’s heyday is just beginning.Valletta, MaltaA picture-perfect trio of islands lapped by turquoise waters, the Maltese archipelago has all the charm of nearby Sicily with far fewer tourists. Valletta, the tiny nation’s capital and a UNESCO World Heritage site, feels like something plucked straight from Westeros. The historic walled city dates back to 1565, and has a vibe that’s Mediterranean with a North African twist. This underrated destination is finally stepping into the global limelight as a 2018 European Capital of Culture. To celebrate the occasion, the city has planned more than 140 projects and 400 events throughout the year. The festivities begin on January 20, with contemporary dance, a choral symphony, and acrobatic performances across the city’s four main squares. Should you miss the grand opening, swing by in February for Carnival, or in June for the Malta International Arts Festival and the Valletta Film Festival .IrelandThe Emerald Isle has seen a rush of American visitors recently, spurred by favorable exchange rates and increased airlift. If you haven’t yet made the trip, now’s the time to go. Adare Manor , a hotel set in a grand 19th-century mansion on 840 acres of rolling County Limerick countryside, reopened in November after an 18-month overhaul. The picturesque estate now has a new 42-room wing, a redesigned golf course, and the first La Mer Spa in the British Isles. Ireland’s whiskey scene has been quietly blooming for the last decade, and recently historic estates have embraced the trend. In August, Slane Castle in County Meath opened its new distillery to the public, and later this year, the iconic Powers court Estate in County Wicklow will debut its own craft facility. In Dublin, Pearse Lyons, a wealthy Irishman with Kentucky-bourbon bona fides, recently opened his names akedistillery in the former St. James’s Church, and more whiskey destinations with visitor centers are soon to come from the Dublin Libertiest and Roe & Co. And now that Luas, Dublin’s light rail system, has finally completed its latest expansion, getting around the city is a breeze — the $433-million project has linked two lines and added new stops near many of the city center’s most popular sights.JordanHistory buffs and intrepid travelers have long been attracted to Jordan and its famous archaeological site of Petra, a “lost” citadel dating back 2,000 years. And despite political unrest in the broader region, the country remains a safe destination to discover the wonders of the Middle East. After playing out Indiana Jones fantasies amid the rose-colored, rock-cut façades of Petra’s famous landmark, Al Khazneh (the Treasury), set out to unearth the nation’s other historical attractions. In the lesser-known city of Jerash, 170 miles from Petra, you can see the ruins of an ancient Roman settlement, including the second-century Hadrian’s Arch, while in the protected desert wilderness of Wadi Rum, you’ll find some 25,000 rock carvings that trace the early development of the alphabet.Beyond offering a glimpse into ancient history, Jordan is also making a name for itself as a luxury destination. Hilton opened the Dead Sea Resort & Spa in March 2017, making it the first Hilton in the country. Located at the lowest point on earth, some 1,345 feet below sea level, the resort offers beach access, Middle Eastern cuisine, and treatments containing the mineral-rich black mud.Bangkok, ThailandThai tourism is as robust as ever: more than 21 million international visitors poured into the capital in 2016, making it the world’s most visited city. To accommodate all those arrivals, the metropolis is welcoming a bevy of posh new hotels in the coming year. The Waldorf Astoria Bangkok will have a spa, rooftop bar, and outdoor infinity pool overlooking the Royal Bangkok Sports Club, while the 155-room Bangkok Edition will open this summer in MahaNakhon, a towering skyscraper with a swirl of cubical cutouts wrapping around the building. Four Seasons and Capella both have properties in the works on the Chao Phraya Estate, a lush riverfront development that’s part shopping and dining destination, part tropical escape. The Michelin Guide will make its long-awaited debut here this year, drawing attention to one of the world’s most dynamic culinary scenes. And for art lovers, there’s a flock of brand-new multipurpose creative spaces to explore, including the Thailand Creative & Design Center, which just relocated to a former General Post Office on historic Charoen Krung Road; Warehouse 30, a series of World War II-era warehouses revamped by starchitect Duangrit Bunnag; and ChangChui , an immense complex of bars, shops, and restaurants constructed out of upcycled materials, including an airplane salvaged from the scrap pile.MauritiusU.S. travelers have historically overlooked Mauritius in favor of other Indian Ocean destinations like the Seychelles and Maldives. That could all change, though, now that this remote, idyllic island some 1,200 miles off the African coast has become easier to reach. A flurry of new airline services launched at the end of 2017: KLM began servicing Mauritius from Amsterdam, and British carrier Thomas Cook Airlines introduced biweekly flights in November. Upon arrival, travelers can take in dreamy lagoon views from the newly reopened One&Only Le Saint Géran, fresh off a multimillion-dollar renovation. Every room and suite now has a private terrace or balcony, marble baths with cascade showers, and sophisticated teak, stone, and leather accents. Guests can also look forward to updated dining experiences — like lunch spot La Pointe, which grills fresh-caught seafood over firewood and coconut embers, or open-air restaurant La Terrasse, which offers Mauritian specialties. Unchanged at Le Saint Géran is its aura of exclusivity, thanks to the resort’s unique position on a private peninsula jutting out from the island’s eastern shore.The Peloponnese, GreeceThe Greek highway system has seen several recent upgrades, with a new route making the 2,000-year-old olive trees and lesser-visited ruins of the Peloponnese, the country’s southernmost swathe of mainland, more accessible. Completed in late 2016, the new A71 highway from Lefktro to Sparta shaves off two hours of driving time from Athens, and has also connected the Lefktro region to nearby Kalamata Airport, about 90 minutes away. Meanwhile, ports have been expanded at Gytheio and Katakolon — the latter a stopping point for the Viking Star, which launched in 2014. Farming is still integral to the region, and agritourism resorts like Eumelia constantly refresh their food and wellness-themed workshops, in addition to serving local dishes like maniatiki pasta with dry mizithracheese, and moustokouloura, or cookies made with grape molasses. Goddesses seeking more temple-like accommodations should head to Porto Heli, on the eastern side of the Peloponnese, where everyone is talking about Amanzoe’s new Villa 31b, a serene space with grandstand views of the surrounding coastline that contains a unique installation by light artist James Turrell.São Paulo, BrazilWhile São Paulo’s concrete sprawl doesn’t offer the verdant beauty or mythic beaches of Rio de Janeiro, its thriving art and food scene has in recent years transformed what was once just Brazil’s financial capital into its cultural epicenter. Stroll the city’s gritty alleyways and avenues to see where celebrated street artists Os Gemeos and Eduardo Kobra got their start. São Paulo’s Art Biennial, which is second to Venice’s in longevity, kicks off in September 2018 and showcases contemporary talent, both international and homegrown. For a truly immersive experience into Brazilian fare, don’t miss Alex Atala’s D.O.M.t, named one of the best restaurants in the world. Atala champions native ingredients — from priprioca root to ants, often foraged from the Amazon region by the chef himself — and weaves them into his inventive dishes. The arrival of luxe hotel brands is another signal of the city’s burgeoning cosmopolitan status. The prestigious Oetker Collection, with only nine other properties (in glitzy places like Seychelles and the Côte d’Azur), recently opened Palácio Tangará, a gorgeously appointed mansion set in leafy Burle Marx Park, a welcome oasis from the city’s high-rises. The Four Seasons will also debut a new property in mid 2018, marking the brand’s first foray in the country.The Berkshires, MassachusettsLeaf-peeping and a thriving farm-to-table food scene (the country’s first CSA sprouted here) lure out-of-towners to the bucolic far western corner of Massachusetts. But the arts have long been their own major draw: Tanglewood, the Clark Art Institute, and the Williamstown Theatre Festival all call the area home, as does MASS MoCA, a popular modern art destination housed in a circa-1800s textile mill in North Adams.Last summer, the museum expanded its artistic footprint by over 130,000 square feet, making it the largest contemporary art space in the country. The new Building 6 houses long-term installations by artists like James Turrell, Louise Bourgeois, and Jenny Holzer. Two new museums are still in the works for North Adams, both spearheaded by former Guggenheim director Thomas Krens. At the Global Contemporary Art Museum, curators will work directly with artists to acquire and commission site-specific pieces, while the Extreme Model Railroad & Contemporary Architecture Museum will showcase works by the likes of Frank Gehry and Zaha Hadid, all built in miniature as part of an elaborate model train system. Design is also top-of-mind at Tourists, a modern take on the roadside motel that’s set to open this summer. The resort — situated on 55 acres at the convergence of the Appalachian and Mohawk Trails — will have 48 rooms, each with floor-to-ceiling windows that put the focus on surrounding vistas.Luang Prabang, LaosLandlocked Laos might be quieter than Southeast Asian neighbors like Vietnam and Thailand, but 2018 could transform the country into the region’s next hot spot. Wattay International Airport, in the capital of Vientiane, is set to complete a terminal expansion to accommodate more international links next year, but the biggest changes are foot in the UNESCO World Heritage–inscribed town of Luang Prabang, in central Laos. This serene riverside spot lures travelers to its golden Buddhist temples, French-colonial architecture, hiking trails, nearby elephant sanctuaries — and now, glamorous new digs. Last year, the design-forward Azerai opened inside a century-old French-colonial building that was formerly an officer’s quarters. The debut concept from Aman Resorts founder Adrian Zecha has airy, light wood interiors that nod to local culture in their use of batik textiles and Laotian artwork. There’s also an 80-foot swimming pool in a tree-shaded central courtyard. The upcoming Rosewood Luang Prabang aims to be a destination in itself. Opening in mid 2018, this highly anticipated resort will feature pavilion-style villas, luxury tents, and a spa that seems to float above the jungle.New Orleans, LouisianaThe Big Easy turns the Big 3-0-0 this year, and in this city where the good times roll, the parties will be epic — think citywide art shows, supersized Mardi Gras parades, and a festival of lights using landmark buildings as backdrops. Thirteen years after Hurricane Katrina, there is much to celebrate: The Central Business District, once a dead zone after dark, now crackles at all hours thanks to four new hotels (the Ace, Troubadour, Catahoula, and NOPSI), each with its own rooftop bar. The neighborhood is also home to new restaurants like Maypop — a Vietnamese-Creole joint from acclaimed chef Michael Gulotta. Another area coming to life is the three-mile riverfront, where a renovated Spanish Plaza will reopen this spring. More riverfront updates, including a new Four Seasons Hotel, will roll out in the next few years. Toast the tricentennial at the Sazerac House, a French Quarter museum dedicated to the official cocktail of New Orleans, opening later this year.Boise, IdahoWith an exciting influx of new and revamped hotels, an up-and-coming restaurant scene, and a blossoming wine industry, Idaho’s capital city—traditionally known as a convention destination — has started to attract the attention of leisure travelers. Boise’s invigorated downtown is evidence of the trend, with the newly opened Inn at 500, a 110-room boutique property whose perks include balconies overlooking the capitol, and its on-site restaurant, Richard’s, owned by James Beard Award-nominated chef Richard Langston, leading the way. (Meanwhile, Hotel 43 and The Grove both recently unveiled swank renovations.) The city’s craft-beer scene continues to impress; one noteworthy newcomer is White Dog Brewing, whose rustic taproom features a 24-foot “frost rail” that keeps your beer, well, frosty. In other toast-worthy news, Boise has become a hub for Idaho’s growing wine industry. Oenophiles shouldn’t miss a stop at the new downtown tasting room of Coiled Wines. Owner Leslie Preston — a native Idahoan who sharpened her skills at Clos du Bois and Stags’ Leap in California — makes a spectacular dry Riesling. Getting there is easier than ever: to meet rising demand, American Airlines has launched new nonstop service from Chicago O’Hare, while Southwest now runs a nonstop from San Diego.Enrique Abe Takahashi/Courtesy of Design Week MexicoMexico City, MexicoThe city has cemented its reputation as a must-visit destination with its most recent honor: it’s been named 2018 World Design Capita, the first ever in the Americas. It’s no wonder: despite challenges like the recent earthquake, young Mexican creatives are no longer searching for opportunities abroad but staying to build something meaningful at home. Their success is evident in arts initiatives like Zonamaco and the Material Art, Fair in February, Design Week Mexico in October, and the Condo Fair, which will debut in Mexico’s capital in April. Aesthetes have plenty of design-forward places to stay and eat, too. Bed down at Downtown Mexico, the newest hotel by Grupo Habita, which plans to open another property, Catedral M X, nearby in 2018. Or book a room at the Four Seasons Hotel Mexico City, which unveiled an ambitious redesign by Gilles & Boissier in 2016. Dine at Enrique Olvera’s world-famous Pujol, which relocated last year to a mid-century house and has a fresh, pared-down look. The new space is outfitted in natural materials — a fitting design for a restaurant that celebrates wood-fired cooking.The BahamasThose who think they’ve seen and done it all in the Bahamas should think again. Baha Mar, the multibillion dollar hotel and casino development on Nassau’s Cable Beach, will be fully up and running when Rosewood resorts launches there this spring. (Baha Mar’s Grand Hyatt and SLSthis link opens in a new tab properties are already drawing visitors with their sophisticated, contemporary rooms.) On neighboring Paradise Island, the iconic Ocean Club resort is under new management with Four Seasons. And at Atlantisthis link opens in a new tab, the adults-focused Cove resort now has an outpost of Sip Sip restaurant, Julie Lightbourn’s Harbour Island favorite, while the family-friendly Coral Towers debuted a new lobby, guest rooms, and pool courtesy of star hotel designer Jeffrey Beers. And T+L’s World’s Best winner Kamalame Cay has added stylish beach bungalows — stand-alone suites that start at a whopping 450 square feet and feature private verandas and outdoor showers.Abu DhabiFor proof of Abu Dhabi’s burgeoning status as the cultural capital of the Middle East, look no further than Saadiyat Cultural District, which is quickly becoming a treasure trove of world-class art and groundbreaking architecture. The multibillion-dollar initiative has already resulted in one major project, the Jean Nouvel-designed Louvre Abu Dhabi, which opened in November. Though its construction was controversial, the museum has quickly become the premier creative beacon in the Emirates. Work is under way nearby on the Zayed National Museum, by Norman Foster; the Abu Dhabi Performing Arts Centre, by Zaha Hadid Architects; and the Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, which when completed will be the largest Guggenheim museum in the world. The city’s hotel-building campaign is also in full swing: this year Marriott debuted a 400-room hotel in the Al Forsan sports center, and next year will see the opening of the Abu Dhabi Edition and Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas.Shanghai, ChinaA century ago, Shanghai was China’s star city, a cosmopolitan center of art, technology, and finance. Today, it’s reclaiming that mantle, parlaying the economic boom that began in the 1990s into a world-class array of cultural and culinary attractions. On the West Bund riverfront, Tank Shanghai will transform disused oil tanks into a sprawling arts complex with a gallery, an education center, and parks when it’s completed later this year. Farther north, the Norman Foster and Thomas Heatherwick–designed Fosun Foundation, with its façade of shifting bronze cylinders, began hosting performances and art shows last fall. The North Bund is being redeveloped with a park linking it to a new lifestyle development that’s anchored by the city’s first W Hotel. In the residential Minhang district, Cordi debuted in May, and Amanyangyun will open nearby after relocating Ming and Qing dynasty buildings, as well as 10,000 ancient camphor trees, from Jiangxi province. More luxury stays are still to come in 2018, including the Middle House, the Bulgari, and the Edition.Copenhagen, DenmarkTravel to the Danish capital has jumped more than 80 percent in the past decade, thanks in part to René Redzepi’s influential Noma restaurant (slated to reopen in its new location in February), as well as Scandinavian Airlines’ ongoing flight expansion. Today, Copenhagen is teeming with inspiring places to eat and drink, in addition to a number of sleek new hotels — so much so that the New Nordic food, beverage, and design movement has now spread worldwide. Even before it debuted in July, Restaurant Barr — the beer-centric boîte by Redzepi and chef Thorsten Schmidt that occupies the old Noma plot — was already garnering international attention. Then there’s Apollo Bar & Kantine, the recently minted, design-focused restaurant in the Kunsthal Charlottenborg gallery from Frederik Bille Brahe, proprietor of hit café Atelier September. Brothers Mikkel Borg Bjergsø and Jeppe Jarnit-Bjergsø, of Mikkeller and Evil Twin Brewing, respectively, have in the last couple of years introduced the world to experimental Danish craft beer, and their brews can now be sampled at bars and beer halls across Copenhagen and beyond. Stylish new places to stay, such as Hotel Danmark and Sanders, as well as a revamp of the classic, Arne Jacobsen–designed Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, reinforce the reasons the Scandinavian aesthetic is so popular right now.Brussels, BelgiumVisitors may want to return to the Belgian capital in 2018 to visit two cutting-edge museums. The Millennium Iconoclast Museum of Art opened in the once-infamous Molenbeek district’s old Belle-Vue brewery this past spring, to showcase contemporary art from around the world. There’s also the Citroën Cultural Centre, a new collaboration with Paris’s Centre Pompidou, which will launch its first exhibition in May. The edgy JAM Hote, an industrial-chic property with exposed brickwork and concrete beams housed in a former art school, is the perfect place for culture-lovers to stay. Don’t leave town without paying homage to Belgium’s UNESCO-recognized beer culture at youthful breweries like Brasserie de la Senne or Brussels Beer Project, both of which are shirking brewing traditions in favor of more experimental microbrewery techniques.Mornington Peninsula, AustraliaIt’s easy to see why this outcrop of land just an hour’s drive from Melbourne has long been a weekend retreat for the city’s well-heeled residents. Rolling vineyards in its interior give way to seaside villages and sandy shoreline. Travelers can swim with wild dolphins, visit wineries on horseback, or soar above the landscape in a gondola. And with a new flurry of openings, the region has begun to attract global attention. The latest addition is Point Leo Estate on the peninsula’s southernmost point. Set on 330 acres, it combines a tasting room, a 110-seat fine-dining restaurant, and a sculpture park, with more than 50 works by Australian and international artists like George Rickey and Inge King. Its arrival follows the launch of Jackalope, a seductive, art-infused boutique hotel neighboring a working winery. Elsewhere, Peninsula Hot Springs, a day spa set amid geothermal pools, is slated to unveil seven new pools and a new treatment list in 2018.Mendoza, ArgentinaIt’s one of the world’s great wine capitals, and like any great vintage, Mendoza is only getting better with age. Start your tasting tour in the Uco Valley, where Casa de Uco vineyard-view eco-villas will debut this year. Head down the road to to Vines of Mendoza Winemakers’ Village for small-production wines from the likes of Corazón del Sol and SuperUco, and to dine at winery Bodega Monteviejo, where renowned Spanish chef Nadia Harón cooks up Mediterranean-tinged fare inspired by the wines. In Maipú, wineries like Club Tapizand Trapiche are giving visitors a true taste of the local terroir, using produce grown on the vineyard grounds in their restaurants. Back in town, plot your return trip over a pie at Francis Mallman’s year-old pizzeria, Orégano. With new direct flights from Lima, Panama City, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo, and low-cost carrier Norwegian Air plotting dozens of new routes, tacking a Mendoza stop on to your next South American itinerary will be a breeze.Big Sur, CaliforniaWhen historic rainfall pummeled California last February, the damage to Big Sur was severe. Mudslides cut off access to Highway 1, the region’s only thoroughfare, from the south; then a crack ripped through the Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge, blocking the northern end. Almost overnight, this 90-odd-mile stretch of craggy coastline — long beloved for its sense of remoteness — became an island. Nearly a year later, Big Sur is stirring back to life. The bridge has been replaced and a major slide has been cleared. After an elaborate renovation, the 160-acre Ventana Big Sur has reopened as the first Alila property in the U.S. — and is a luxurious rival to Post Ranch. The place is a stunner, whether you’re facing a forested canyon from the pool or enjoying pink and orange sunsets from the terrace. In addition to the plush ocean-view suites, clad in weathered wood, there are now glamping tents nearby that marry rusticity and comfort, with amenities like luxury linens and fire pits.Tel Aviv, IsraelTel Aviv has attracted a lot of attention for its nightlife and creative culinary scene in recent years. These days its center of gravity has shifted south, to the site of the ancient port town of Jaffa (technically part of the city itself). This month, the Setai opens in a former Ottoman prison; a new W Hotel housed in a 19th-century former convent and pilgrims’ hospice is scheduled to open in March. It’s just the latest in a growing list of upscale hotels, restaurants, and boutiques to arrive among the winding streets of this former fishing village. Jaffa’s once-shabby flea market is now populated by a number of high-end antique dealerships, which sit alongside trendy cafés and bars — many offering live music into the night. Don’t miss Maskit, an iconic Israeli fashion house known for its embroidery that has been recently reincarnated after closing in the 1990s. Numerous interesting chefs have also set up shop among Jaffa’s churches, mosques, and archaeological sites. Try Beit Kandinof, a restaurant housed in a 17th-century building, where creative dishes like artichoke-and-pesto bruschetta are served alongside local art exhibits.Washington, D.C.The capital may be set on banks of the Potomac, but it’s never had a reputation as a great waterfront city. That could all be about to change, thanks to the $2.5 billion, 24-acre District Wharf, which opened in October just south of the National Mall. The shiny new InterContinental Washington D.C.-The Wharf offers access to the development’s new parks, music venues, 50-plus shops, and 20 restaurants — which include projects from area chefs like Fabio Trabocchi, Mike Isabella, and wunderkind Kwame Onwuachi. This is also set to be a banner year for culture: the Freer and Sackler galleries, sister museums that champion Asian art, recently reopened after a 20-month renovation, the National Gallery of Art will host the first-ever show dedicated to Cézanne’s portraits from March to July, and the Kennedy Center continues its inaugural season of hip-hop programming curated by Q-Tip.BaliAs Bali goes increasingly upmarket, it now offers visitors access to a buzzing food scene in Ubud, its cultural capital, as well as an island-wide luxury-hotel boom. The Ubud Food Festival, which is in its fourth year, showcases the diverse flavors of the Indonesian archipelago in dozens of events, including cook-offs, demos, talks, food tours, and events in new restaurants. Notable newcomers on the town’s food scene include Spice, a casual Asian-fusion restaurant from Chris Salans, formerly Bouley Bakery’s chef de cuisine and head chef at Thomas Keller’s Bouchon; Room4Dessert from Will Goldfarb, whose now-closed avant-garde New York eatery of the same name won him a James Beard nomination; and Moksa, a vegan café, bakery, and organic farm with its own grocery. Heading up the wave of new high-end hotels is luxury Japanese chain Hoshino Resorts,which unveiled Hoshinoya Bali, 30 thatched-roof villas in the rain forest outside Ubud. Capella Ubud will launch 22 ultra-luxury tents, each with an outdoor saltwater Jacuzzi pool, in early 2018. And Jumeirah Bali plans to debut 123 villas surrounded by tropical gardens in upscale Jimbaran in mid 2018. A two-year overhaul at Four Seasons Jimbaran Baymeans its villas will now have bigger bedrooms and better ocean views, while at Four Seasons Sayan in the Ubud rain forest, guests are being offered a new activity: being rocked to sleep in a silk hammock in a bamboo hut by an former Buddhist nun, the resort’s wellness mentor.Southern Sri LankaThough decades of civil war made parts of the island unsafe, tourism is on the rise in Sri Lanka, where international visitors exceeded 2 million for the first time in 2016. The momentum is particularly strong along the south coast, which has the highest concentration of hotels and resorts after Colombo. The 172-room Amari resort recently opened on the beachfront in Galle (known for its UNESCO-protected Dutch fortress) with ocean views from every balcony. Water also plays a central role at Alila Koggala, a new luxury eco-resort with 36 suites and private villas, opening 20 minutes outside of Galle in June. The property sits on the serene shores of Lake Koggala and will feature an ayurvedic spa where treatments can be taken on a platform floating on the lake. Further along the south coast, Mirissa Beach is attracting travelers in need of a full mind-body reset. The laid-back surfer town — think Venice Beach minus the tech crowd — comes alive at night with bars and barbecue restaurants overlooking the turquoise bay; when you’re ready to turn in, there are earthy, low-key lodges peppered throughout the jungle, such as Surf & Yogathis link opens in a new tab, which offers daily on-site yoga and private surf lessons.GreenlandCruise ships and luxe lodges are familiar sights in western Greenland, but more recently, the untamed tundra of the east has begun opening up. Natural Habitat Adventures is leading the push: two seasons ago it debuted Base Camp Greenland, a seasonal eco-lodge comprising eight rustic but cozy tented cabins, which visitors use as a home base for exploring East Greenland by boat, helicopter, and on foot. When you’ve had enough of the wilderness, return to the western shore. Upscale additions there include the glamping retreat Camp Kiattua, which has tipi-like tents with fireplaces and fur-draped furnishings, and the new Ilimanaq Lodge, which feels like the Arctic’s answer to the overwater bungalow. Each of 15 Scandi-inspired cabins feature floor-to-ceiling windows and oceanfront terraces for whale-watching and iceberg-spotting.Nagambie Lakes, AustraliaJust an hour and a half north of Melbourne, Nagambie Lakes is one of Australia’s oldest viticulture areas, with some vines dating back to the mid 19th century. This part of Victoria has long been considered a great day-trip destination for its outdoor activities — waterskiing, rowing, and sailing — and renowned wineries. Now there’s reason to linger, thanks to the November debut of the Mitchelton Hotel, a 58-room resort and spa at Mitchelton Winery. With its fine-dining restaurant, the Ministry of Chocolate, and 5½ miles of trails circumnavigating the vineyard, it’s the perfect base for a weekend in the region. Start your trip with a tasting on-site — Mitchelton is known for its Riesling — before venturing to other nearby wineries like Tahbilk, which has been producing quality vintages since 1861, and Goulburn Terrace, which specializes in natural wines. Other popular local vintners include McPherson Wines, David Traeger Wines, and Box Grove Vineyard.SloveniaEver since Tolminc raw-milk cheeses and Slovenian marbled trout were featured on an episode of the Netflix series Chef’s Table with chef Ana Roš, Slovenia’s culinary star has been on the rise. Hiša Franko, the Soca Valley inn and restaurant that Roš runs with her sommelier husband, is now one of the region’s hardest tables to get — prompting the pair to open a small brewpub, Hiša Polonka. Surging demand for Slovenia’s natural and orange wines has driven local winemakers like Burja Estate and Moviathis link opens in a new tab to expand. And in the capital of Ljubljana, adventurous chefs at Monstera, Atelje, and Restavracija JB are helping redefine modern Slovenian cuisine, while the experimental farm and eatery Gostišče Grič bhas brought in a Swedish celebrity duck farmer and full-time forager to create one of Europe’s most unexpected dining experiences.Edmonton, AlbertaAs Canada's token middle child, Edmonton has long gotten short shrift amid its glitzier sisters (we're looking at you, Toronto and Vancouver). But no longer — food and museum news is casting a spotlight on Alberta’s capital city. After stints at Noma in Copenhagen and Manhattan's Daniel, chef Scott Downey returned to his hometown to open the Butternut Tree in September, with a focus on indigenous foods — grilled bannock with wild mushrooms and winged kelp; bison served with Saskatoon berry jus; maple-butter cake with black-currant jam. We're waiting to make our dinner reservations until the new Royal Alberta Museum opens its doors. Designed by Dialog architects on the site of a former Canada Post distribution center, the 419,000-square-foot space will include Ice Age horse fossils and a dig pit for children. To experience Edmonton’s indie side, stay at Crash Hotel, an homage to the Ace, which opened last winter. Its themed Hi-Fi room walls are lined with vintage speakers, and hangover pills are at the ready in the mini-bar.Iya Valley, JapanKnown as the Tibet of Japan, the remote Iya Valley is tucked away in the mountainous interior of Shikoku, the least visited of the country’s four main islands. Tourism to the region took a leap forward when it hosted the World Rafting Championship in 2017 — putting its turquoise Class Four rapids firmly on the adventure-travel map. New ziplines and hiking trails are sprouting up in the canyons, while upgrades have been made to accommodations in the area’s traditional thatched-roof farmhouses, or minkas. Chiiori House is the most luxurious; the property also maintains an excellent portfolio of more affordable options.Bayreuth, GermanyThis German town lays claim to not one but two of the world’s greatest opera houses. Most music lovers know about the acoustically perfect Bayreuth Festspielhaus, built in 1876 by composer Richard Wagner as the home for his summer music festival. But the city also contains the grandest Baroque theater in the world, the Margravial Opera House, built between 1744 and 1748 by Princess Wilhelmina of Prussia. Named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2012, the theater has been closed for repairs for the past six years. It reopens in April 2018 with a performance of Artaserse by the 18th-century German composer Johann Adolph Hasse. Bayreuth also makes an excellent starting point from which to explore the rest of the region, famous for its hundreds of Bavarian biergartens and vineyards producing internationally renowned Franconian wines.

I did a writeup for another forum a few years back and kept it up for about a year or so… here’s what I had. This is the information I used to get started…(Disclaimer: Some of the information in here is specific to the Pacific Northwest United States, but you can use the same resources to find information local to you, so use my information as a sample of the data)<Snip>Ok, I've compiled some of the information that I have researched over the last year for communications and I'll share what I've found. (Mostly links, maybe some suggestions.)A huge challenge in learning this stuff is "What do I search for???"Please check the end of this document for KEY Phrases you might want to look at.DISCLAIMER: If you TRANSMIT on frequencies reserved for HAM radio without a license you will be considered a "Pirate" (Whether we agree with this or not). This is against FCC regulations and they can find you, fine you and take all your electronic gizmos.That aside, it's good to have for good times and critical to have them for bad times.When speaking on HAM frequencies you are required to give your call sign at the beginning of your transmission and every 10 minutes during a conversation and at the end when you sign off (Thanks Catcow for the reminder!).There are two forms of communication you will be most concerned with:Simplex - Radio to Radio communication. This is the closest you will come to a "Private" conversation as it doesn't travel through any other system, it just goes from one radio to another. You can setup codes on your radio to prevent you from hearing other people, but you cannot setup codes to prevent others from hearing you, so be aware of this.Repeater - Radio to "Middleman" that boosts the signal and relays to other Radios. This form of communication not only extends the range you can communicate over, it can also potentially bridge your communication across continents and cross it over the internet (With IRLP). To get a sense for where your communication and chatter can be going, look up a particular repeater on the internet or in a repeater directory (They sell those) book.Some repeaters require an access code to transmit on them. This code is in the form of an inaudible tone sent before your transmission. (If you see "Tone 123.000" on a repeater, that means you setup this tone when you enter that channel into your radio and it automatically sends that first. It's called "Opening the repeater")Some repeaters are just "Open" and require no tone to access.Repeaters also have an "Offset". Which basically means it sends signals out on the frequency listed, but receives your signal on a slightly lower or higher frequency. It would only take a few minutes to learn how to setup a repeater offset and PL tone.Check this guide to learn how to access and use repeaters.How to Use Amateur (Ham Radio) RepeatersSome specific frequencies have been setup (Reserved) for repeater use. Usually by clubs or organizations.HAM radio bands have slang names like "2 Meter, 70 Centimeter, 6 Meter, 10 Meter etc."Divide 300 by the average frequency and you get the "slang name" for a particular band.For instance:"2 Meter" is actually 150 Mhz. So 300 / 150 = 2."70 Centimeter" is 450Mhz. So 300 / 430 = 0.7-ish"2 Meter" (Most common) = 144.000-148.000MHZ - This is VHF or Very High Frequency - Good for outdoors and unobstructed communications over modest ranges.In my experience in the city with a 5 watt handheld you can communicate over 20 miles with this, with a 25-45watt mobile vehicle radio over 50 miles. In the country/hills 5-10 miles handheld, 10-20 in vehicle. Through mountains 3-5 miles handheld, in vehicle 7-15 miles. With a home base station VHF radio running 50 watts over a good antenna you can reach out over 100 miles if you aren't going over too many mountains (And a handheld/mobile can receive your messages at that range, but may not be able to respond back at that range.) - With the novice (Technician) class HAM license you can operate over the entire 2 Meter spectrum."70 Centimeter" = 420.000-450.000MHZ - This is UHF or Ultra High Frequency - Good for indoor communications, through some concrete as the shorter wavelength isn't as disrupted when it contacts solid objects.The range outdoors in my experience is about half that of VHF (I only use UHF from my home base station radio, but I have hit repeaters 37 miles away with a 50 watt home UHF radio. - With the novice (Technician) class HAM license you can operate over the entire 70 Centimeter spectrum.HAM Radio Resourceshttp://radiofreeq.wordpress.com/2013/06/29/shtf-survivalist-radio-frequency-list/SHFT Radio Frequencies. Good information for emergency communications, and might be something other preppers are tuning in to.American Radio Relay League | ARRL - The national association for AMATEUR RADIO - American Radio Relay League (This is the NRA of Radio)eHam.net Home - Amateur Radio (Ham Radio) Community Site - Ham Radio on the Net (This is the Northwest Firearms of Radio, Forums, Classifieds, Reviews.)eHam.net Ham Radio Practice Exams - Study guide for the HAM license exam.Washington Amateur and GMRS radio repeaters - Washington Repeater DirectoryOregon Amateur and GMRS radio repeaters - Oregon Repeater DirectoryUS Band Plan by ICOM by dxzone.com - ICOM US Amateur Frequency Band PlanClark County Emergency Services Frequencies (You can change the county/state here too)U.S. VHF Channels - US Coast Guard FrequenciesInternational Distress FrequenciesJ Pole - Antennas: J-Pole - Make your own J-Pole antenna for REALLY cheap! (For under $20 these are great!)HAM REPEATER STARTING ACCESSI recommend programming in these frequencies to start with if you are near SW Washington or NW Oregon. It's at least somewhere to start listening.AB7F Repeater SystemExcerpt from AB7F Repeater Page:[quote]This repeater runs 25 watts out to a 6 Db gain antenna 30 feet above ground. It is located in East Clark Co. at 1800feet. This repeater is at the same site as, and linked to The 442.375 Repeater.The best coverage area is Vancouver / Portland..., but it will reach North near Longview, South to Salem, East toCascade Locks, and West toward the Oregon Coast Range...Here is a plot that estimates the Mobile Coverage Area of the 145.370 repeater.http://www.ab7f.com/pics/orchards464PLOT.png145.370+ Tone 123.0 Vancouver IRLP / EcholinkThis repeater is usually linked to SIX other repeaters:224.640 - Tone 123Hz ----------Vancouver WA. repeater440.375+ Tone 123Hz ------------Longview WA.repeater441.375+ Tone 123Hz -----------------Salem OR. repeater442.375+ Tone 123Hz ----------Vancouver WA. repeater443.275+ Tone 123Hz -------------Chehalis WA. repeater444.875+ Tone 100HZ --------------Randle WA. repeaterFor more information about repeater access, IRLP or Echolink access, or etc. email[/quote][quote]Quick Text Version of the VHF and UHF Band Plans (What frequency is used for what type of communication)2 Meters (144-148 MHz)144.00-144.05 EME (CW) <- CW is explained below in a link. Basically Morse Code or Carrier Wave.144.05-144.10 General CW and weak signals144.10-144.20 EME and weak-signal SSB144.200 National calling frequency <- Good for emergency and traveling communication!144.200-144.275 General SSB operation <- Single Sideband (You can look that one up if you want)144.275-144.300 Propagation beacons144.30-144.50 New OSCAR subband144.50-144.60 Linear translator inputs144.60-144.90 FM repeater inputs144.90-145.10 Weak signal and FM simplex (145.01,03,05,07,09 are widely used for packet)145.10-145.20 Linear translator outputs145.20-145.50 FM repeater outputs145.50-145.80 Miscellaneous and experimental modes145.80-146.00 OSCAR subband146.01-146.37 Repeater inputs146.40-146.58 Simplex146.52 National Simplex Calling Frequency146.61-146.97 Repeater outputs147.00-147.39 Repeater outputs147.42-147.57 Simplex147.60-147.99 Repeater inputs70 Centimeters (420-450 MHz)420.00-426.00 ATV repeater or simplex with 421.25 MHz video carrier control links and experimental426.00-432.00 ATV simplex with 427.250-MHz video carrier frequency432.00-432.07 EME (Earth-Moon-Earth)432.07-432.10 Weak-signal CW432.10 70-cm calling frequency432.10-432.30 Mixed-mode and weak-signal work432.30-432.40 Propagation beacons432.40-433.00 Mixed-mode and weak-signal work433.00-435.00 Auxiliary/repeater links435.00-438.00 Satellite only (internationally)438.00-444.00 ATV repeater input with 439.250-MHz video carrier frequency and repeater links442.00-445.00 Repeater inputs and outputs (local option)445.00-447.00 Shared by auxiliary and control links, repeaters and simplex (local option)446.00 National simplex frequency447.00-450.00 Repeater inputs and outputs (local option)[/quote]Here's my recommendation for your first radio. It cheap and works as well as my Yaesu VX-170. (Just not quite as rugged)BaoFeng UV-5R UHF/VHF (HAM) Radio - Up to $38.05 now from $29 over the holidays.BaoFeng BF-S112 Two Way Radio Speaker (Handheld mic) - $7.19Car charger cable - $4.84ExpertPower 14.5" Dual Band Two-way Radio Antenna SMA-Female - $12.55Baofeng Programming Cable for BAOFENG UV-5R/5RA/5R Plus/5RE, UV3R Plus, BF-888S - $10.75This is the cable NOT TO BUYAmazon.com: USB Programming Cable for Baofeng UV-5R UV-3R+ Two way Radio With Driver CD: Car Electronics(Labeled as "USB Programming Cable for Baofeng UV-5R UV-3R+ Two way Radio With Driver CD")Chirp - Free Open Source Radio Programming SoftwareBaofeng UV-5R Programming With a Computer (3 part video walkthrough on using CHIRP to program this radio)So after ordering 2x (2 is 1, 1 is None) of each of the items listed above I have:2 BaoFeng 2-way radios (With ear buds for silent operation)2 14.5" antenna upgrades2 Handheld Mics (Good for clipping to your collar like the EMT's!)1 Car charger (This requires you to use your regular charging station and this cable)1 Proper USB programming cablePrices (Shipped)1 Cable + 1 Car charger + 2 Mics (one order) = $37.432 Antenna upgrades = $23.092 Radios = $70.38Total cost: $131.90Total cost for ONE radio + Upgrades: $70.35Advanced Learning - KEY PhrasesRDF - Radio Direction Finder - How to locate a radio transmission. (Or how they will find you)DTMF or Dual-tone multi-frequency signaling - How to send Text Messages without internet or cellular!Packet Radio - How to connect one computer to another to send text, images, voice and video without the internet.IRLP - Internet Radio Linking Project (Only valuable while systems are online, but works for global communication.)Echolink - Software that allows you to connect your radio or server to the Internet (If you are a licensed HAM you can also go to this web site and talk to other HAM operators using only your computer)CW or Carrier Wave (Morse Code)One last note from the author:People preparing for emergencies sometimes tend to border on paranoid, or be mostly concerned with their immediate safety and for their immediate family.I fell into this category until I started getting more involved in Radio and it got me to thinking about REAL world scenarios where say for instance the economy collapsed. Can you defend what you've stockpiled? Is it worth it for you to survive if EVERYONE around you perishes?For me, the answer is no. I'd rather get more involved in local community communication and preparation.I'd rather reach out and have a community survive disaster instead of just myself. I'd love to meet the Fema trucks and say "We got this, thanks though..."To that end, if you get your license, consider joining something like ARES - The Amateur Radio Emergency Services and get involved in neighborhood planning. (It doesn't have to be "Doomsday prepper" level planning, but emergency planning in the event of Fire, Earthquake, Extended freezing weather, Tornado etc. Look into the Community Emergency Response Teams. (While CERT is a FEMA group, it's focus is on local folks helping local folks, and still provides a leg up on preparing for disaster.)From Catcow: 5/6/2014 - Oregon HAM ClubsIf you are interested in ham radio, be sure to check out the local clubs and come out to the monthly meetings.East Multnomah County - Hoodview Amateur Radio Club http://www.wb7qiw.org/, meets at Mt Hood Community College on the 3rd Thursday of each month at 7:30pm.Portland - Portland Amateur Radio Club http://www.w7lt.org/, meets in the basement auditorium of the Liberty Center building at NE 7th and Holliday on the 4th Friday of the month at 7:30pm.West side - Oregon Tualatin Valley Amateur Radio Club http://www.otvarc.org, looks to meet at a church on NW Cornell Rd on the 3rd Thursday of the month at 7pm.And then there is the Amateur Radio Emergency Services groups. Multnomah County ARES http://www.multnomahares.org/ meets on the 4th Thursday of the month at 7pm at Portland Fire Training Center and Fire Station 2 on NE 122nd just north of Sandy. I'm afraid I don't have the info for the other ARES groups in the area handy right now.Coming up at the end of next month is the ARRL Field Day http://www.arrl.org/field-day, a rather busy event that is part contest, part emergency exercise, where you spend 24 hours in the field running off of batteries. PARC participates from a site on top of Kelly Butte on the roof of the old city nuclear bunker. Just about every club will set up somewhere, and lots of individuals doing it from home, or from a park, or even some lightweight gear and go camping or hiking for the weekend and do it from the forest.From Bazooka Joe: 5/7/2014 - Washington HAM ClubsSeattle area - Mike and Key Amateur Radio Club http://www.mikeandkey.org/ , meets the third Saturday of the month. 720 South Tobin Street, (MapQuest Map) Renton WA. This location is situated at the southeast corner of the Renton airport, one block North of the Renton Parking Garage. The building is open for socializing, coffee, and doughnuts at 9:30 AM and the meeting starts at 10:00 AM.Tri-cities -- Tri-Cities Amateur Radio club http://www.w7az.org/ , meets the first Monday of the month at 7pm. Tri-Cities Red Cross Building, 7202 W Deschutes Ave, Kennewick, WA.Yakima -- Yakima Amateur Radio Club http://yakimaamateurradioclub.com/ , meets on the Second Tuesday of every month at the Yakima Chapter of the American Red Cross at 7:30 p.m. local time. 302 South Second Street, Yakima, WA.Spokane area -- Spokane DX Association http://www.sdxa.org/ Regular monthly meetings are usually alternated between Spokane County Libraries and, unless otherwise posted, are always at 7:00PM the first Thursday of every month. Check the website for location of next meeting.ARES:WA State ARES http://www.wastateares.org/ARES of King County http://www.aresofkingcounty.org/Spokane ARES http://www.spokares.org/Yakima ARES/RACES http://ares.ykm.com/Software Defined Radio (SDR)Software Defined Radio is basically running the radio hardware (Transmitter, Receiver, Antenna) connected to your computer, and the "Brains" of the radio, instead of being firmware in a radio, it is a software program on your computer.PROS: You download new software, and you have a new radio. You get the benefits of on-screen displays, wide frequency scanning, recording, analyzing and more that aren't available on all but the most expensive radios.CONS: It's Computers... they're horrible pieces of technology, so you better know how to run one, and troubleshoot one, and have a regular old radio as a backup.Below, I've linked a SDR (Scanner, receive only) setup I'm playing with.RTL-SDR, FM+DAB, DVB-T USB Stick Set with RTL2832U & R820T. Great SDR for SDR#, HDSDR - $8.10http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00C37AZXK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1MCX (Tiny antenna) to PL259 (Real antenna) adapter - $7http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00C20FV78/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1SDR# (Software Defined Radio Software) - $Freehttp://www.sdrsharp.com/So for $15.10 I have a scanner that will allow me to monitor all frequencies (At least theoretically) within a fairly decent range.2 of the RTL-SDR's are rumored to be able to even scan trunking systems (1 picks up the control channel, then passes the information to the chat channel on the other system)I'm just getting started with SDR, so please feel free to expand on this anyone with experience!Here is a video that gave me the idea to setup SDR (This video isn't for SDR, it was to show a radio that transmits on expanded frequencies, but it really shows the capability of the SDR setup!)

Willem Van Spronsen Immigration Martyrdom Domestic TerroristWho fights a jihad holy war or war of liberation against ICE? And who sent this Antifa anti-facist warrior on his suicide mission? There is no such thing as a lone gunman.June 26, 2018 Willem Van Spronsen of Vashon Island, at a protest the Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma Washington a 68-year-old man wrapped his arms around a police officer’s throat and shoulders in an apparent attempt to free another protester. When police got the man into handcuffs, they found a collapsible baton and knife in his pocket, leading to criminal charges.July 13, 2019 Willem Van Spronsen Immigration Martyrdom is shot by police, apparently after he started shooting after tossing incindiery fire devices at the Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma Washington. Van Spronsen tossed lit objects at vehicles and buildings, causing one car fire, and unsuccessfully tried to ignite a propane tank. Officers were called by an ICE employee who saw he had a rifle. La Resistencia made a statement that a person who appears to have been engaged in protest against the Northwest Detention Center (NWDC) in Tacoma was shot and killed by members of the Tacoma Police Department. and marks yet another death linked to the detention center, at the hands of the police. protestor killed, appears to have been targeting the parking lot where buses transports immigrants to be caged and transports [illegal] immigrants to the Yakima Airport, from which they are deported. apparently trying to set the deportation buses ...sadly reflect the level of desperation people across this country feel about the government’s outrageous violence against immigrants, which includes the use of detention centers to cage migrants both currently living in the U.S. and those seeking asylum. Deb Bartley, a friend of Van Spronsen’s for about 20 years, described him as an anarchist and anti-fascist, and she believes his attack on the detention center was a suicide intended to provoke a fatal conflict.*FootnotesPolice: 69-year-old man dies after attacking migrant jail | Miami Herald https://www.miamiherald.com/latest-news/article232642657.html July 13, 2019 Police said officers called out to Van Spronsen, and shots were fired. ... as the officer was trying to detain a 17-year-old protester June 26, 2018, ...*Tags Domestic Terrorist Immigration issue motive Police victim Police involved shooting Suicide by cop*SourcesArmed man attacking Tacoma’s ICE detention center killed in officer-involved shooting Seattle Times July 13, 2019 Officer Sam Lopez turns away would-be protesters in front of a roadblock near the Northwest Detention Center on Saturday after Tacoma police said they shot at an armed man who was attacking the center. By Brian Contreras and Paige Cornwell A protest outside the federal immigration detention center in Tacoma last year drew headlines when a 68-year-old man wrapped his arms around a police officer’s throat and shoulders in an apparent attempt to free another protester. When police got the man into handcuffs, they found a collapsible baton and knife in his pocket, leading to criminal charges. Early Saturday morning, that man, Willem Van Spronsen of Vashon Island, returned to the Northwest Detention Center, the holding facility for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, this time armed with a rifle and incendiary devices, according to Tacoma police.four responding officers all opened fire and then took cover, uninjured.Police said Van Spronsen tossed lit objects at vehicles and buildings, causing one car fire, and unsuccessfully tried to ignite a propane tank.Officers were called by an ICE employee who saw the rifle. Soon after they arrived, officers reported “shots fired,” said Tacoma police spokeswoman Loretta Cool, although it is unclear who fired first or if Van Spronsen fired at all. The Pierce County Medical Examiner’s Office classified his death as a homicide.Deb Bartley, a friend of Van Spronsen’s for about 20 years, described him as an anarchist and anti-fascist, and she believes his attack on the detention center was intended to provoke a fatal conflict.“He was ready to end it,” Bartley said. “I think this was a suicide. But then he was able to kind of do it in a way that spoke to his political beliefs … I know he went down there knowing he was going to die.”Man Attacking ICE Detention Center With Incindieries Is Fatally Shot by the Police - The New York Times Man Attacking ICE Detention Center Is Fatally Shot by the Police July 13, 2019 The man, identified by officials on Saturday afternoon as Willem Van Spronsen, 69, of Vashon Island, Wash., continued throwing lit on fire objects at ...Man killed at ICE detention center jumped on cop in 2018 protest ...ttps://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/article232647262.htmlhe man who was shot and killed by Tacoma police while allegedly staging an attack at a Tacoma immigrant detention center has been identified. The Pierce County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the man killed at the Northwest Detention Center as Willem Van Spronsen, 69, of ...The Latest: Friend says man wanted to provoke deadly fight - The ...https://www.washingtonpost.com/.../ea1b5052-a5e4-11e9-a767-d7ab84aef3e9_story.ht...Bartley, who tells the Times she has been a friend of Willem Van Spronsen's for about 20 years, described him as an anarchist and ...Attacker on Tacoma ICE Detention Center identified as "anarchist and ...ttacker on Tacoma ICE Detention Center identified as "anarchist and antifascist"...Willem Van Spronsen attacked the center with incendiary devices before being shot dead. In an earlier 2018 protest outside the facility, Van ...Police: 69-year-old man dies after attacking migrant jail - AP NewsPolice: 69-year-old man dies after attacking migrant jailOn Saturday night, the Pierce County Medical Examiner's Office identified the man as Willem Van Spronsen of Vashon Island, the Tacoma ...Rest in power, Willem Van Spronsen : ChapoTrapHouse - Reddithttps://www.reddit.com/r/ChapoTrapHouse/.../rest_in_power_willem_van_spronsen/Jul 14, 2019 - 1 post - ‎1 http://authorhttps://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/13/us/tacoma-detention-center-shooting.html](https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/13/us/tacoma-detention- ...level 1sulidosMilitaires Sans Frontières12 points·52 minutes agofirst news thats given me any type of hope or joy in 7 days. did y'all hear he kicked a cops ass last year too. what a studlevel 2mcgrathc093 points·19 minutes agoHe is Chad made fleshlevel 1OSAMA_BEEN_LAFFINrest in power to a real onelevel 1sorry if this is a dumb question, but wouldnt attacking the place also hurt the innocent people there too?level 2FyrdUpBillyA statement from a local organization:La Resistencia Statement on Shooting Death of Northwest Detention Center ProtesterTacoma, WA-- Early this morning, a person who appears to have been engaged in protest against the Northwest Detention Center (NWDC) in Tacoma was shot and killed by members of the Tacoma Police Department. Today marks yet another death linked to the detention center, and another death at the hands of the police. Based on available information, including the police scanner recording, Willem Van Spronsen, the protestor killed, appears to have been targeting not the detention center itself, as has been widely reported in the media, but the parking lot across the street from the detention center which houses the NWDC’s transportation infrastructure. This infrastructure includes a fleet of buses that transports immigrants to be caged at the detention center, and that transports immigrants from the detention center to the Yakima Airport, from which they are deported.Mr. Van Spronsen was apparently trying to set the deportation buses on fire when he was shot and killed. His actions sadly reflect the level of desperation people across this country feel about the government’s outrageous violence against immigrants, which includes the use of detention centers to cage migrants both currently living in the U.S. and those seeking asylum. This death results from the federal government’s unresponsiveness to the anger and despair people feel at the horrors unfolding both at the border and in the interior, and from the inability of officers to de-escalate rather than shooting to kill.But for the City of Tacoma allowing the GEO Group’s facility to be built and expanded in Tacoma, this death, and the death and suffering of those inside the detention center would have been avoided. The NWDC has become a liability not just for the tens of thousands who have been caged there, but for the city of Tacoma itself. It’s past time for the city of Tacoma to cancel GEO’s business license. It’s clear that this “business” is a deadly one, that has only brought pain and suffering to our region.La Resistencia calls on the City of Tacoma to hold immediate public hearings addressing the Tacoma Police’s actions today that resulted in the loss of life at the Detention Center and why the City continues to allow GEO to operate with a city business license.#####La Resistencia (formerly NWDC Resistance) is a grassroots collective led by undocumented immigrants and U.S. citizens based in Tacoma, Washington. It is an unincorporated association founded to confront human rights violations at the Northwest Detention Center and dedicated to ending the detention and deportation of immigrants.level 2FyrdUpBilly1 point·25 minutes agoFrom what I understand, he was not attacking the facility itself. He was attacking buses and the media has not been terribly accurate in reporting. This is neither intended as an endorsement of his acts or a condemnation. Merely passing along info.2This guy went in alone knowing full well he wasn't going to survive in order to send a message. He didn't attempt to hurt any people, just damaged property.It's possible a raid would have innocent casualties, but people are already dying in these camps due to neglect.14 minutes agoImagine getting yourself killed by firebombing a federal facility just to "protect" a bunch of people who broke your nation's immigration laws and are being sent back accordingly. I know you guys will fellate him for it since you all have some very naive views on the world, but lol. I'm also curious as to how this is supposed to fit in with the whole anti-armed citizenry angle of the left. Pretty hard to fight against a bunch of genocidal fascists running concentration camps when you're encouraging all of your fellows to disarm.level 248shadesofgrey1 point·10 minutes agothrow up pics of your sexy dad, so we can felate him toolevel 2Citydabman1 point·9 minutes agoNo one on this sub is encouraging people to disarm dude. I know you fellows have a pretty Naive view of the world but still get your facts right you fucking imbecileContinue this threadlevel 2sparkiebee11 point·8 minutes agoImagine, actually giving a shit about your country.level 2Fuck_Yo_Carrots1 point·5 minutes agoI'm also curious as to how this is supposed to fit in with the whole anti-armed citizenry angle of the left.I don’t think you know your audience here, budJack Posobiec on Twitter: "I will offer $1,000 for a verified copy of Antifa manifesto Jack Posobiec on Twitter I will offer $1,000 for a verified copy of Willem Van Spronsen's Antifa manifesto that was reportedly mailed to several associates before he fire ...The Latest: Friend says man wanted to provoke deadly fight - The ...https://www.washingtonpost.com/.../ea1b5052-a5e4-11e9-a767-d7ab84aef3e9_story.ht...1 hour ago - She says that she and other friends of Van Spronsen got letters in the mail ... devices at an immigration jail in Tacoma as Willem Van Spronsen, 69, ... he lunged at the officer and wrapped his arms around the officer's neck and ...Man killed at Tacoma immigrant detention center jumped on cop in ...https://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/article232647262.html7 hours ago - Van Spronsen was accused of assaulting a police officer during a ... he lunged at the officer and wrapped his arms around the officer's neck ...Police: 69-year-old man dies after attacking migrant jail - ABC Newshttps://abcnews.go.com/.../police-kill-man-allegedly-attacking-immigration-prison-6431...1 hour ago - The Tacoma Police Department said the officers responded about 4 a.m. to the ... Willem Van Spronsen of Vashon Island, the Tacoma News-Tribune and the ... Police said officers called out to Van Spronsen, and shots were fired. ... he lunged at the officer and wrapped his arms around the officer's neck and ...