THE COMPASS

In this week’s Compass: This winter is an extra special time to see the northern lights in Alaska, Rwanda’s largest national park is a Big Five safari destination with a fraction of the crowds, and what to do if your flight is delayed or canceled. Plus, we rounded up memorable city trips and urban adventures.

How to see the northern lights in Alaska

America’s northernmost state is the perfect front-row seat to the aurora borealis—especially this year as the sun is at the peak of an 11-year cycle. “You can have an aurora every single night.”

Best of the World: Witness an extraordinary wildlife restoration in Rwanda

Lions, white rhinos, elephants, and giraffes have been reintroduced to Akagera National Park, which was once nearly devastated by civil war. Learn how to plan your trip to see the Big Five at Akagera—one of the destinations on our Best of the World list for 2026.

CITY BREAKS AND URBAN ADVENTURES

What to do if your flight is delayed or canceled in the U.S.

From getting a refund to rebooking your trip, what to know about handling air travel curveballs—and your rights as a traveler.

Today’s newsletter was edited and curated by Sidney Madden and produced by Amanda Williams-Bryant. 

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