A 250-mile bike route following the river Seine in France from Paris to Rouen to the shores of Le Havre, Normandy, was completed in 2020. La Seine à Vélo is split into 12 stages — the longest being 29 miles — all suitable for casual cyclists. Along the way, riders will encounter historic châteaux, market towns, parks, gardens and more.

For a map, info on renting a bike and a list of restaurants and accommodations along the route, visit www.laseineavelo.com.

In Tsarskoye Selo, Russia, near the Catherine Palace, about 15 miles south of St. Petersburg, the Alexander Palace opened as a museum on Aug. 13, 2021.

Once an imperial residence favored by Nicholas II, the last czar of Russia, the palace became home to a Soviet academy and, after WWII, offices for the Soviet Navy before being left to the state for restoration in the ’90s. The palace has now been partially restored, with some original furnishings, to its appearance from the time...

Marriott International (marriott.com) announced on Nov. 24 that it would begin disclosing any and all resort fees, as part of the nightly rate quoted, before a room is booked. It is the first major hotel chain to decide to reveal these fees up front.

Resort fees are charged for amenities such as Wi-Fi, access to the hotel’s pool or gym and even parking and are often charged per night. The fees can substantially raise the advertised cost of the room. Typically, resort fees are...