THE COMPASS

This week: Stargazing 101; a wallet-friendly railway stunner; should you insure your vacation?; soaring through Notre Dame; busting myths about cheap flights; and Italian surprises with Stanley Tucci.

PHOTOGRAPH BY SIMON GAKHAR; GETTY IMAGES

Here’s what to know about traveling during hurricane season

Snagging travel deals to dreamy tropical islands can sometimes come with the risk of hurricanes. From when to go to whether travel insurance will help you, here’s how to prepare.

Related: From bird-watching to hiking seaside cliffs, here are 11 gorgeous Caribbean islands to try

PHOTOGRAPH BY OLIVER BERRY

This budget-friendly train trip rivals Canada’s famed Rocky Mountaineer

One of the country’s little-known rail journeys passes through some of British Columbia’s wildest landscapes, including the Great Bear Rainforest.

Related: Dazzling landscapes and fascinating passengers on a 72-hour train across America

PHOTOGRAPH BY BABAK TAFRESHI, NAT GEO IMAGE COLLECTION

5 famous constellations almost anyone can find

From the Southern Cross to Orion, here’s how to spot some of the night sky’s most dazzling figures.

Related: 
—Top night sky events to look for this month, from vanishing rings to a flower moon
—Here’s your indispensable, practical guide to stargazing
—This new U.S. astrotourism trail takes you to some of the best spots for stargazing

TOOLS AND TIPS TO TRAVEL BETTER

PRESENTED BY CITI® / AADVANTAGE®

PHOTOGRAPH BY ALP MEDIA

Athens Travel Guide

Athens, Greece, is a city that’s simultaneously historic and hip. From world-class Mediterranean cuisine to ancient ruins, Athens blends the old with the new. Timeless yet trendy, this city has everything you’ve imagined and so much more. Discover hidden gems and plan your dream trip with the Athens Travel Guide.

TRAVEL JOURNAL

PHOTOGRAPH BY MATT HOLYOAK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

Exclusive: What Stanley Tucci discovered by traveling to the heart of Italy

The actor returns to the “beautiful country” and finds surprises, from one family’s unique take on a classic timballo to brothers dishing up seasonal pizzas across from the Circus Maximus.

Related: How to plan the ultimate trip to Tuscany

PHOTOGRAPH BY TOMAS VAN HOUTRYVE/VII. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Video: Go inside the painstaking task of rebuilding Notre Dame

Nat Geo got exclusive access to record the detailed work of rebuilding one of France’s most iconic architectural wonders after a 2019 fire.

Related: Everything you need to know to visit Paris’s famous cathedral

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