I love a travel bargain, especially when it is least expected, and the Italian region of Abruzzo is both an incredible deal and an astonishing one. How this gorgeous area isn’t overrun with visitors and high price tags is a bit of a mystery to me, but I’m thrilled to take it just as it is. I suspect you (and your pocketbook) will love it just as much as I do.

Geographically, Abruzzo is just east of Rome in central Italy, however, the region is considered to be in Southern Italy. Located along the Adriatic Sea, it is surrounded by the Marche region to the north, Lazio to the west and southwest, and Molise to the southeast. Abruzzo consists of four provinces: L’Aquila, Teramo, Pescara, and Chieti. 

There are ample transportation links from Rome, including trains, buses, and even rideshare programs. I was recently plotting out one journey, and I was pleasantly surprised that I could get to my destination for a fraction of the train’s time and cost using rideshares. I’ll take it! You can also connect to Abruzzo through eastern Italy (there are trains from Venice and Bologna to Pescara) and the south (via direct buses from Naples). Abruzzo Airport, in Pescara, serves international flights and is increasingly popular with low-cost carriers such as Ryanair.

But Abruzzo is much more than its transportation routes. The region’s motto is forte e gentile, meaning “gentle and kind,” and I think that captures the area’s spirit perfectly. Here are some of the reasons Abruzzo will make you swoon.

1. It’s Calm And Quiet

While I wouldn’t go so far as to describe Abruzzo as sleepy (after all, its next-door neighbor is Rome), this is a quiet region. 

To be fair, Abruzzo has good-sized cities (Pescara is home to about 120,000 people), busy seaports, and bustling medieval towns, but the overall vibe is calm and quiet, especially when you move away from the sandy beaches of the Adriatic coast and toward the rugged interior. The province of L’Aquila, with an average of 150 Abruzzese per square mile, has one of the lowest population densities in all of Italy. In some areas, visitors might just be outnumbered by animals because…

2. Abruzzo Is Europe’s Nature Capital

The Abruzzo region is the heart of unspoiled Italian nature. The region is home to foxes, porcupines, wild cats, wild boars, badgers, otters, and even brown bears and wolves. It’s also one of the few places to see the Pyrenean chamois. The chamois, a small, reddish-brown goat-antelope, was once almost hunted to extinction in order to make chamois leather but has since recovered. 

Abruzzo animals find shelter in the area’s three national parks, as well as several regional parks and nature reserves. Together, these protected areas make up half of Abruzzo’s land, and the area is nicknamed “Europe’s greenest region.”

3. National Parks

Known as the green region of Europe, Abruzzo is home to three national parks: Lazio and Molise National Park (which is often just called Abruzzo National Park), Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park, and Majella National Park.

Abruzzo National Park/Lazio And Molise National Park

Abruzzo National Park, founded in 1922–1923, offers crucial protected habitats for several endangered species, including wolves, bears, and chamois. It’s an excellent spot for birdwatching and is home to six nesting pairs of golden eagles. Visitors to the park enjoy downhill and cross-country skiing, hiking, and horseback riding.

Pro Tip: Just north of Parco Nazionale d’Abruzzo, Lazio e Molise is Lago di Scanno, or Lake Scanno. The lake appears to be heart-shaped when viewed from a panoramic point that can be reached on foot in about an hour by following the Path of the Heart.

Gran Sasso And Monti Della Laga National Park

Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park is home to Europe’s southernmost glacier, the Calderone. There are more than 120 miles of dedicated trails for horseback riding, and the area is equally famous for snow, skiing, and mountaineering. When this relatively young park was designated in 1991, a number of tiny, centuries-old communities found themselves within the park’s boundaries. Now Gran Sasso is just as popular for its village attractions as its natural ones.

Majella National Park

Majella National Park (also spelled Maiella National Park) is a scientific wonder. From 1998 to 2005 it was home to a major international geological research project known as TaskForceMajella, and in 2001 it was named a UNESCO Global Geopark. However, you don’t have to be a scientist to enjoy this gorgeous destination. The park is home to more than 300 miles of hiking trails and is an excellent spot for cave exploration (and for seeing cave paintings!).

4. Foodie Hot Spot

Is there any part of Italy that isn’t delicious? If there is, I haven’t found it. In a land of culinary dominance, Abruzzo’s cuisine really stands out. Inland, there’s a heavy emphasis on goat and lamb, reflecting the area’s heritage of farming and herding. Mutton skewers, or arrosticini, are one of its most famous dishes. The region also produces cheese made of lamb’s milk (pecorino) and goat’s milk.

Known as the land of yellow gold, Abruzzo is Italy’s saffron capital, and the prized saffron crocus grow along the Navelli plateau near L’Aquila. Abruzzo is also famous for licorice, which has been harvested in the area since Roman times. As in the rest of the country, centuries-old olive trees produce excellent extra virgin olive oil.

Other local favorites include confetti di Sulmona: candy-coated almonds that are often brightly colored and arranged to look like pretty flower petals. “Guitar spaghetti” or spaghetti alla chitarra is another Abruzzo hallmark. It is named for the guitar-shaped device that cuts egg noodle spaghetti into a square shape instead of the typical rounded edges of traditional spaghetti.

5. Abruzzo Wine

Abruzzo’s wines don’t have the same buzz as those from, say, Tuscany, but they’re absolutely beloved by oenophiles (and that lack of big-name recognition means tons of bargains). You may have already tasted Abruzzo’s best grapes without even knowing it, as about two-thirds of the region’s annual wine harvest is actually sold to other Italian regions to supplement their own production. 

Abruzzo’s most famous vino is the red wine, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo (not to be confused with a similar sounding name found in Tuscany), and the white wine, Trebbiano d’Abruzzo. Fans of rosé will want to try Cerasuolo, which is made from the Montepulciano grape in vineyards located in the mountainous interior of Abruzzo. These wines are typically a deep, bright, cherry pink — definitely unlike your usual rosé at home!

6. Homey Hill Towns

One of my favorite things to do anywhere in Italy is to explore a hill town. These picturesque destinations, ranging from tiny communities with limited amenities to bustling small towns filled with tourist-friendly services, are always charming and fun to explore. Some notable spots include:

Castel Del Monte

Castel del Monte means “Fortress of the Mountain,” and evidence of human habitation dates to the 11th century B.C. However, the medieval village you see today, with its huge defensive walls, dates to the 1500s and 1600s, when the powerful Medici family was in charge. Today, the small hamlet of about 500 people has been recognized by I Borghi più belli d’Italia, Italy’s official association for its most beautiful villages. It is also a Slow Food leader for cheese production and well known for its annual August festival in which the entire community participates in a folk tale re-enactment known as La Notte delle Streghe, or “The Night of the Witches.”

Santo Stefano Di Sessanio

Located within Gran Sasso National Park, just over 100 people call this hilltop village home. Like its neighbor Castel del Monte, Santo Stefano di Sessanio has been named one of Italy’s most beautiful villages and has been recognized by the Slow Food movement for its gourmet lentils. There’s even a lentil festival each year! Every September, the Sagra delle Lenticchie celebrates the village’s most famous food. 

Hotel accommodations here are unique. A program called albergo diffusio has one central check-in area, but the hotel rooms themselves are located in multiple locations across the community.

Castelli

Also located within Gran Sasso National Park, this community of about 1,300 is famous for maiolicas, a kind of decorative ceramics that were once all the rage among European nobles. Castelli remains popular with ceramists and artists and is home to a ceramics museum (the Museo Delle Ceramiche) and a well-regarded church from the 17th century, San Donato.

7. Underrated Archeological Hot Spot

Some of Italy’s finest archeological findings are in Abruzzo, but the area tends to be overshadowed by more famous and robust sites like Pompeii, Rome, and Tuscany. But the city of Chieti, the capital of the province of Chieti located along the Trabocchi Coast, is home to a true archeological gem. The Museo Archeologico Nazionale d’Abruzzo is home to the Warrior of Capestrano statue, which dates to the 6th century B.C. and is in excellent condition. 

In the city of Teramo, you’ll find the Teramo Cathedral (where construction first began in 1158), an archeological museum, and a Roman theater. And in the city of L’Aquila is the Museo Nazionale d’Abruzzo, where exhibits include artifacts dating to Roman times, medieval and modern art, and even a giant skeleton of an Archidiskon meridionalis, a kind of prehistoric elephant. The museum was located in the 16th century Castello dell’Aquila but had to be moved after a devastating 2009 earthquake — and as of May 2022, the Castello dell’Aquila itself is getting the full restoration treatment.

Not all of Abruzzo’s ancient history can be found in a museum. In fact, some of the region’s most significant cultural practices are still taking place today, albeit in a more limited form. The most famous of all is the transumanza, a seasonal movement of sheep flocks that dates to the region’s earliest times as a pastoral area. The activity is still practiced today and is often celebrated at community festivals.

Related Reading:

• 7 Amazing Places To Visit In Beautiful Sicily
• 10 Ways To Avoid Looking Like A Tourist In Italy
• My 6 Favorite Places To Visit In Italy’s Historic Town Of Assisi

If you’ve ever wanted to feel like you are on top of the world, Mount Pilatus is a great place to start.

Mount Pilatus is a mountain massif (range) in central Switzerland. It consists of several summits, including the highest, Tomlishorn, at 7,000 feet. On a clear day from the summit of Mount Pilatus, you’ll get a panoramic view of more than 70 Alpine peaks. Any day with 70-plus Alpine peaks is a good day!

My husband, Dean, and I are glad we decided to visit Mount Pilatus; we loved the whole experience. The day trip from Lucerne (also called Luzern) to the summit, the time spent on the glorious mountaintop, and the journey back to Lucerne. Broadly speaking, it’s all a mountaintop experience! Here are some of the reasons I loved it.

1. The Charming City Of Lucerne

One (tremendous) benefit of Mount Pilatus is that the journey can begin in the charming city of Lucerne. According to the ticket clerk at the train station in Basel where we started our trip, Lucerne is “the crowned jewel of Switzerland.” What? Not Geneva? Not Zurich?

• Skeptical Me: “Do you say that to all the tourists?”
• Optimistic Me: “I can’t wait to see it! And the dramatic Mount Pilatus!”

Lucerne is a beautiful Swiss town with wonderful shops and restaurants. Ducks, swans, and other waterfowl glide on the peaceful Reuss (river). The boulevard between city hall and Chapel Bridge along the Reuss is commonly called Old Town. This historic floral Chapel Bridge is a highlight.

The Chapel Bridge

Built in the 14th century, the wooden Chapel Bridge displays art (some 100 pictures) inside its rafters, depicting scenes from 12th-century Swiss history and city life. The bridge is overflowing with fresh flowers on both sides, even in October!

Tickets To Mount Pilatus

Unless you routinely hike mountains, most people need some help getting to the summit of Mount Pilatus. Pilatus Railways (Pilatus Bahnen) is your link between Lucerne and the summit of Mount Pilatus. They sell tickets from May to October, and you have options (see the route and various modes of travel on this interactive map). For our money, we purchased a Golden round-trip ticket package at the Lucerne Railway Station.

• Getting There: Boat from Lucerne to Alpnachstad and cog railway train to the summit.
• Returning To Lucerne: Aerial cable car from the summit to Fräkmüntegg, a panorama gondola to Kriens, and (our choice) walk back two miles to Lucerne.

Another popular option is the Silver round-trip, which offers a 20-minute train ride or bus ride from Lucerne to Alpnachstad instead of the boat, and the rest is the same.

Pro Tips: Cloudy in Lucerne? Check weather conditions and webcams because chances are the weather at the summit of Mount Pilatus will be different! That’s exactly what happened to us. If we had decided to skip the trip because the weather in Lucerne was cloudy, overcast, and rainy, we would have missed all its wonder. Tell-Pass is another way to explore the Lucerne area. Purchase one ticket and get unrestricted travel on trains, buses, boats, and aerial cableways throughout the Lake Lucerne area.

2. The Spectacular Boat Ride On Lake Lucerne

We took an hour-long boat ride on Lake Lucerne, stopping at four small docks to exchange passengers along the way.

This is one of my favorite photos from the boat. I was admiring this quaint Swiss town on the shores of Lake Lucerne, picturesque and perfect. Suddenly, I noticed a mountaintop suspended above the range of white puffy clouds. The top of Mount Pilatus? That’s where we were headed! It was thrilling!

3. The Resounding Sound Of Alpine Horns

When the boat docked at Alpnachstad, we had a short walk up a paved incline to a plaza area — a hub of activity. This is where we would catch the cogwheel train, but it required a separate voucher.

As we approached the plaza area, we heard horns. We couldn’t have scripted it better. I had never seen these before, but someone said they were alpine horns. Well, of course they are. In what turned out to be a storybook adventure, the sound of alpine horns greeted us at the plaza. Seven adults and one young boy were playing the song “Amazing Grace”, and it was amazing. The Alps towered around us, the weather had completely cleared, and we were one step closer to the mountaintop.

Our train tickets were for 1:10 p.m., so we had about an hour to wait. Dean and I went to the counter of a little outdoor restaurant. The man who took our order didn’t speak English, but we muddled through. We each ended up with a large bratwurst served with two pieces of crusty bread, a generous squirt of mustard on a paper plate, and a bottle of beer. Does everything taste better in the Alps? I bet that can be scientifically proven!

4. The Steepest Cog Railway Train In The World

The railway from Alpnachstad to the Mount Pilatus summit isn’t just any cog railway. It’s the world’s steepest cogwheel railway with a 48 percent grade! As we started the incline, we gazed out over small farms, alpine meadows, and forests, until that all gave way to views of mountains, rock walls, and rock faces.

Hearing Alpine Horns: Part Two

At the summit, we departed the train through a walkway and out to a large outdoor viewing platform. As if sweeping views of neighboring mountains and Lake Lucerne weren’t enough, we heard the unmistakable sound of more alpine horns. That beautiful sound!

Pro Tip: When you go, dress in layers. It can be windy at 7,000 feet above sea level.

5. Thrilling Hiking And Expansive Views

On the mountaintop, we took a self-guided tour. It’s easy. Plenty of hiking trails took us to several vantage points, all with spectacular views.

Esel Viewpoint

The Esel is the second-highest peak in the Mount Pilatus range. The hike starts behind a circular-shaped building, the (20-room) Hotel Bellevue Kriens. We took our time and used the railing when it was available. On top, we overlooked Lucerne and Lake Lucerne in one direction.

In the other direction, we could see the viewing platform and Hotel Pilatus-Kulm. Birds soared overhead. Large signs helped us identify nearby mountains, and we could see the zigzagged hiking trails for those ambitious souls who chose to travel on foot.

On the way back down, I noticed a sign I hadn’t noticed before. It was Psalm 66:5, written in German and bolted right into the side of the mountain: “Come and see what God has done, his awesome deeds for mankind!”

Oberhaupt Viewpoint

The third highest Pilatus Mountain peak is Oberhaupt, to the East. It takes only a few minutes to hike to the viewpoint. The hiking at Oberhaupt is an easy incline and popular. The round, state-of-the-art building is the Hotel Bellevue Kriens.

Corridor Through The Mountain

As we hiked around, we noticed a corridor that went toward one of the mountain peaks from the inside. We ended up on a lovely path that led through the rock to a place where we could see additional mountain lookout points in the distance.

6. Paragliders Soaring Overhead

From the viewing platform, we saw paragliders soaring above Mount Pilatus. When I showed this photo to a friend, she joked, “You and Dean?” No, these people were far braver or crazier than we are. It appeared to be one instructor or guide and one person, risking life and limb. There was no landing zone and no easy descent area. Just a series of big, magnificent, and unforgiving mountains.

7. The Trip Back To Lucerne

All good things must come to an end, and so it is with a mountaintop experience like this one. Getting back to Lucerne is different, and yet as interesting, varied, and beautiful as getting there.

Aerial Cableway “Dragon Ride” 

We started our descent from the summit by a cable car, called the “Dragon Ride.” Holding about 20 people, the cable car has top-to-bottom windows in the front for amazing views. It’s also fast! In less than four minutes, the cableway transports you from the top of Pilatus to the little hamlet of Fräkmüntegg.

Pro Tip: If this isn’t the mode of travel for you, the cogwheel train can also get you back down the mountain.

Panorama Gondolas

In the small town of Fräkmüntegg, we transferred from a cable car to a panoramic gondola that seated four people (we had one to ourselves). This 30-minute ride took us through Krienseregg to our next destination: the small hamlet of Kriens. As we neared town, we saw cattle grazing in fields, dirt hiking paths changed to paved ones, and a few ambitious hikers and one ambitious young man on a bike heading up.

Pro Tip: Fräkmüntegg has a lot to offer. We just passed through but two highlights here are the Toboggan Run, the longest summer toboggan run (almost three-quarters of a mile long) in Switzerland; and the Pilatus Rope Park, featuring 10 courses from zip lines to “monkey trees,” for more memorable experiences.

8. Church Bells Of Lucerne

From Kriens, we had an easy two-mile (flat) walk back to Lucerne, and it was a beautiful day. In Lucerne, church bells were ringing. Their melodious peals filled the air. Like the sound of the alpine horn in the Alpnachstad plaza and atop the mountain, this was another feast for our ears. It was idyllic — like a dream!

A Mountaintop Experience

We loved every little thing about Mount Pilatus. Can’t get to Switzerland? This virtual tour video highlights some of the experiences (note: it’s shown in reverse of the way we did it). I hope you can go see it in person, and if you do, these travel tips will help. The whole thing is a mountaintop experience and you’ll have so many reasons to love it, just as we did.

Pro Tip: Looking for another mountaintop experience? Mount Titlis is another popular day trip from Lucerne. Titlis Rotair sounds amazing; it’s the first revolving cable car in the world.

For more tips on traveling to Switzerland, check out these articles:

• 7 Fabulous Experiences Around Lake Lucerne In Switzerland
• 9 Incredible Experiences In Beautiful Interlaken, Switzerland
• 4 Quaint Mountain Towns To Visit Near St Moritz, Switzerland

After a satisfying career as communications director for an international charity, I wanted my retirement to reflect my values and my dreams. For weeks, I explored options, then someone suggested I make an equation: values + dreams = ? I boiled values down to two words: “social justice.” Then dreams: “foreign travel.” Now, I had to solve the equation. My friend suggested I list opportunities that would combine working for social justice and foreign travel. She really should get an award.

I had connections with a community development organization in Nagpur, India. The president said he would welcome my volunteer assistance with programs, translation, and grant writing. Plus, the local college would like for me to teach English classes pro bono. The organization committed to providing a room in its three-story, secure facility, meals, and local transportation. The hostel was on the third floor, the office was on the second floor, and an auditorium and dining hall for conferences and events were on the ground floor. I was expecting to “give back,” but I gained far more than I gave to poor families and students in India.

1. I Won’t ‘Settle’ — No Matter What My Age

I had settled into a relationship that seemed ideal for a 60+ woman. He was secure financially and emotionally. He was kind, intelligent, and loved to travel. My India plans revealed the fatal flaw in our relationship. He would take a luxury rail journey through India, but his only involvement in charity work was writing checks. I chose India over him. Now that I am even older, I would not trade my lifestyle for security, companionship, or convenience. My love for adventure trumps my need for a committed relationship.

2. Making Do With Less Is Not A Sacrifice

I moved from a three-bedroom ranch in suburban Chicago to a cement block hostel in a small town in India. My hosts proudly introduced me to my room, the only one in the hostel with an ensuite bathroom. It had a two-burner stove with no oven. The walls were cement and the floor was cracked linoleum. My bed was so hard I could butcher a water buffalo on it. I had no TV or Wi-Fi. The shower was not enclosed; it simply rained on the entire room including the toilet. At three drops per minute, the shower was simply decoration. Bucket baths in a warm climate are easy and refreshing.

Soon, that one room became my cozy home. Life was easy. I had none of the homeowner headaches that plagued me in Illinois. I reveled in the simplicity of coffee, toast, and local honey in the morning followed by a one-flight-of-stairs commute to the office. After the workday, I unplugged: no TV, radio, or internet. I read more, walked more, and visited with my new friends. They took me to weddings — both Hindu and Christian — temples, festivals, a tiger preserve, the town’s one coffee shop, and lovely parks for picnics.

I had no car and none of the related hassles. The organization’s driver drove me to work related-sites in the office car. For other trips, I rode on the back of a friend’s motor scooter or took a tuk tuk: a three-wheeled motorized rickshaw.

3. I Can Depend On The Kindness Of Strangers

“It’s love gift,” exclaimed Dolly, refusing to take money for my haircut and eyebrow shaping. Vasanti massaged a clay pot of yogurt into my short hair to make it shiny while Vinta made a henna design on my hand. My little room became a spa that afternoon, and my new look was certainly different.

Colleagues gave me inexpensive earrings and bangles as I had left most of my jewelry at home. They also gave flowers, from leis of marigolds to vases of fragrant blossoms. It was Valentine’s Day several times a week. A co-worker’s “mummy” sent me a plate of samosas and another sent homemade sweets. But the greatest kindness was from a man I had never met and will never see again.

Several American men joined me for lunch one day in the facility’s dining hall. They were attending a conference in the building’s auditorium. When they invited me to accompany them on a visit to a mosque, I said “yes.” At the mosque, the gate opened for the men, then slammed shut in my face. I turned around and saw a crowd gathering. People were smiling and shouting questions in a language I did not understand. I did not feel threatened, but the crowd was overwhelming. I saw no way to return to our car through the street teeming with curious people.

The gate opened and an Iman stepped out. He was tall, had a long, grey beard, and was dressed in white. “Woman,” he said. “Where is your husband?”

I ducked my head and lied, “widow,” wondering if “divorced” would get me stoned.

“Where is your father?” he asked.

“Dead,” I said, looking up. His eyes were kind.

“I will be your father,” he said. He opened the gate, locked it behind me, and escorted me across the marble courtyard to a shady spot on a thick white line. Later, I learned this is the line women must not cross. He placed a metal folding chair right on the line, then brought me a glass of water. He vanished. I waited in comfort and peace for the American men who had abandoned me to the curious crowd. They returned excited about the ancient manuscripts they had seen, oblivious to the white line and its meaning.

4. The Difference Between Me And Indian Women Is A Sari

The main task of the organization I worked with is microcredit, also known as microfinance — giving small loans to people, mostly women, to start small businesses. A tea stand beside the road, a treadle sewing machine, kitchen utensils, and basic ingredients for a bakery are just a few of the microbusinesses these women own and operate. 

Microloans, some as low as $25, enable mothers to feed their children nutritious meals and send them to school. As their businesses grow, a mud floor is replaced with cement, a tar paper shack becomes a one-room house, and an impossible dream, such as giving a daughter a dowry, becomes reality.

I was asked to “say a few words” to a group of 100 entrepreneurs who had gathered for a seminar on good business practices. I was at a loss. What could I possibly say to encourage and inspire women whose life experiences were so different from mine? I stepped to the podium with a paper scrawled with platitudes. I looked at the women. Like me, they wanted the best for their children; like me, they worked hard to provide nutritious food and educate their offspring. The glaring difference was that I wore a dress and they wore saris.

After greeting them, the words came like a gift from the universe. I began, “While men are making war, we women are cooking dal and raising children.” The connection was strong. I could see it in their eyes and smiles. I talked about our importance to our families and the world and sensed I was speaking to women everywhere. Most importantly, I was speaking to myself.

I spent four winters volunteering for that organization. I let acquaintances assume that I did it to escape Chicago winters. My family and friends know my reasons were more deeply rooted.

Read more about volunteer opportunities all around the world:

• 5 Amazing Ways Retirees Can Volunteer And Give Back
• 5 Places To Volunteer With Endangered Wildlife In Costa Rica
• Giving Back While Getting Away — 6 Amazing Volunteer Vacations

When you think of Scotland, what comes to mind? Boggy moors, earthy woodlands, myriad kinds of life in the wetlands, and meadows for miles. It’s a place where you can connect to nature.  

The deforestation of Scotland unfolded over hundreds of years, beginning in the early 18th century when trees were felled on a massive scale for fuel and buildings. In the early 19th century, more trees were cleared to make space for farming. By the 1950s, only about 1 percent of the original Caledonian Forest — the forest that once covered most of Scotland — remained. 

What Is Rewilding?

Conservationists and ecotourism companies are working to revive Scotland’s wilderness through rewilding. They are taking a whole-ecosystem approach to nature. Rewilding efforts include removing invasive species, reforestation, and reintroduction of endemic plants and animals.

The long-term goals of the Scottish Rewilding Alliance include achieving a complex, self-regulating ecosystem, with a high level of biodiversity. In 2021, the Scottish Rewilding Alliance, a group of nonprofits and businesses, petitioned for Scotland to be the world’s first rewilding nation. This would mean committing 30 percent of Scotland’s public land to the rewilding effort by 2030; reintroducing keystone species, such as beavers, lynx, and oysters; and creating a coastal zone where dredging and trawling are not allowed. 

Focus On Cairngorms

Cairngorms National Park in the Scottish Highlands is the United Kingdom’s largest rewilding project. A combination of deforestation, overgrazing, and climate change has led to the disappearance of huge expanses of forests and many animal species. Because it is home to one-quarter of Scotland’s native forest, Cairngorms is a major focus of rewilding efforts.

Ecotourism Supports Rewilding

Ecotourism businesses are now stepping in to support rewilding and increase awareness of rewilding efforts. Ecotourism helps infuse money into the non-profits’ efforts. 

One ecotourism company, Wilderness Scotland, guides hikers through the flourishing landscape. The company is working with one of its charity partners, Trees for Life, a nonprofit dedicated to nature restoration in the Highlands, on a new adventure. A five-day journey will take hikers through hills of vibrant trees and end at Trees for Life’s Dundreggan Estate.  

Farther north in the Highlands, Scottish Rewilding Alliance member Alladale Wilderness Reserve is focusing on restoring nature on a former hunting estate. Founder Paul Lister has dedicated the reserve’s 23,000 acres to reforestation and has planted over one million trees. Visitors can hike the trails, plant native trees, and attend events and exhibits that showcase progress. 

Rewilding The Oceans

For more than 25 years, the Community of Arran Seabed Trust has been “seawilding” the waters around the Isle of Arran, found off the west coast of Scotland. The protected area covers 69,190 sea acres. Travelers can explore the protected areas via the self-led Arran Snorkel Trail, where they might see anemones, crabs, seals, otters, and jellyfish.

For many years, I traveled to New Zealand regularly to spend time with my then-husband’s family. I hadn’t been back since 2017 when I booked a trip to visit this summer when COVID restrictions were lifted. In July 2020, my dual-citizen son AJ decided to get out of Miami and move to Auckland, where he’s spent the past two and a half years embracing his inner Kiwi.

I enjoyed hearing how he was getting to know the city in ways that differed greatly from our many family visits over the years and couldn’t wait to see things through his eyes. So in late July of 2022, I returned to Auckland eager to revisit my favorite places I had explored as a visitor while seeing others through the eyes of the local my son had become.

I discovered quickly that not everything is fully back online, but for the most part, life has returned to normal. If a trip to New Zealand has been on your bucket list, now might be a great time to go and take advantage of a less crowded landscape. According to Rene De Monchy, CEO of Tourism New Zealand, it could take up to 3 years before international tourism truly returns to pre-COVID levels.

1. Head To Waitemata Harbour — The Heart Of Auckland’s Waterfront For Dining And Shopping

Located in the heart of Auckland’s downtown waterfront, Viaduct Harbour — or as Kiwis refer to it “the Viaduct” — was redeveloped for the 2000 defense of the America’s Cup sailing competition. International yachting’s biggest global event helped to shine the spotlight on the tiny island nation and establish the waterfront as a welcoming destination for locals and tourists.

At the Viaduct, enjoy a stroll around the Marina checking out the mega-yachts. Grab a local brew on the terrace at Coop’s Corner or settle into a prime seat on Soul Bistro’s plant-filled terrace and enjoy a glorious sunset view along with award-winning cuisine.

The waterfront footprint has expanded to include more reclaimed neighborhoods — Wynyard Quarter to the north and Britomart to the south. Wynyard has become a live/work neighborhood with plenty of restaurants, parks, and playgrounds. The ASB Waterfront Theatre — home to the Auckland Theatre Group and groundbreaking theatre, dance, and film — is there along with Auckland’s first Park Hyatt Hotel and dining options ranging from fast casual to more upmarket fare.

We had a cozy lunch the day I arrived in Auckland at a lovely French bistro called Wander, sharing truffle fries and a magnificent seafood platter complete with Te Matuku oysters from nearby Waiheke Island, smoked Trevally rillettes, clams, local ceviche, and more, washed down with delicious Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough. 

Another great Wynyard option is The Auckland Fish Market, which has been open since 1904 and was modernized in 2018. Enjoy fresh-from-the-waters seafood from one of the fishmongers or restaurants onsite, or sign up for a class at the cooking school.

Dodging raindrops, we headed south to Britomart, the new nine-block development that lays claim to Auckland’s first five Green Star hotel, The Hotel Britomart, which opened in June 2020. Here you will find outposts of New Zealand’s top designers as well as high-end international brands like Chanel and Tiffany & Co., along with quirky and creative home furnishings and design stores. Great dining is everywhere, from Kingi for sustainable local seafood at the Hotel Britomart to Amano for rustic Italian.

2. Explore Auckland’s West Coast Beaches

Regardless of the season, anyone visiting Auckland should take time to visit the spectacular Auckland’s West Coast beaches including Piha, Karekare, Murawai, Anawhata, and the lesser-known Te Henga (Bethells). Located less than an hour from downtown Auckland, these rugged, wild black sand beaches at the foot of Waitakere Ranges Regional Park attract surfers, locals, and tourists — especially in summer.

Muriwai is home to an entertaining gannet colony, active from August-March; about 1,200 pairs of gannets nest there each year. Karekare and Piha gained prominence after being featured in Jane Campion’s Oscar award-winning film The Piano, and Karekare Falls is well worth the short, easily navigated 5-minute walk from the car park for its breathtaking views.

Anawhata is usually very uncrowded due to the 20-minute walk or so it takes to access it, but it’s an easy path down to the beach if you crave isolation; it’s a bit more of an upward climb when it’s time to go, so take care if mobility is limited.

3. Climb A Hill

Considered the most volcanic city in the world with roughly 50 dormant volcanoes located in its vicinity, Auckland’s youngest volcano is Rangitoto, an island visible from much of the city that last erupted about 600 years ago. Rangitoto is a popular tourist destination that can be reached by ferry from downtown Auckland in under half an hour. It’s about an hour’s climb to the summit with amazing views with lava caves to explore on the way. Rangitoto is also home to the world’s largest Pohutukawa (known as the New Zealand Christmas tree) forest.

You don’t have to leave the mainland though; there are several volcanic craters throughout Auckland with well-marked paths to guide you along. One of the first things I always do upon arriving in Auckland as the sun rises is to find a hill to climb and take in the city views. This time it was Maungawhau (Mount Eden), not far from my son’s Sandringham flat. Auckland’s tallest volcano, it was once the site of a Māori pa (or fortified settlement). You can wander up from the bottom or drive up and park close to the top where there’s a new boardwalk perfect for enjoying amazing 360-degree views of Auckland.

The summit of Maungakiekie (One Tree Hill) overlooks Cornwall Park’s grazing sheep and also has great Māori history, while Maungauika (North Head) in Devonport, with sweeping views over the harbor, became a military installation in the 19^th century and still hosts a rare 19th-century cannon, an 8-inch disappearing gun.

4. Eat And Drink At Ponsonby Central

Auckland is home to many dining and shopping destinations, but Ponsonby Central — located in the heart of one of Auckland’s most vibrant neighborhoods — is one of the best. With over 20 eateries as well as shops and bars, there’s an emphasis on international cuisine with something for everyone. You could spend a week dining in a different restaurant every night here and not get bored.

We chose Gaja, a Korean kitchen and bar which was packed on a Thursday winter’s night, and enjoyed sharing a variety of spicy small plates including deep-fried eggplant in a sticky gouchang glaze topped with yogurt and lemon and the aptly named yum yum chicken. Other dining options include Chinese, Japanese, Turkish, Venezuelan, Italian, French, and even American hot dogs and hamburgers.

5. Attend A Rugby Match At Eden Park

New Zealand’s national rugby union team, the All Blacks, have achieved brand status on par with the Dallas Cowboys and play around the world all year, but it’s easy to attend rugby matches for local teams, including the Blues who play at Eden Park. If you’re in Auckland during the season (dates have not yet been announced for the 2023 Super Rugby season) what a wonderful way to spend an afternoon outside with a bunch of amiable and passionate sports fans in the heart of the rugby world.

6. Head To The Puhoi Pub Hotel And Stables And Have A Pint

I’ve probably visited the Puhoi Pub every time I’ve traveled to Auckland, starting in 1989. Despite a new sign and a fresh coat of paint, I was thrilled to discover on this last visit that it’s still a great authentic Kiwi pub in a bucolic setting. About half an hour north of Auckland, it’s an easy escape to the countryside. Inside, the walls and ceilings are covered in dollar bills, memorabilia, and witty “jokes.” In the outdoor garden setting, there’s plenty of seating for everyone from families to pensioners to bikers to enjoy fish and chips and a pint or two.

This time around, we decided to do a walk up a trail that led to views of the surrounding farmland just behind the pub and felt we had earned our post-hike beer. There’s also a cheese factory/store which was not yet re-opened as of August 2022, but the cheese is excellent and is sold in markets in Auckland.

The Puhoi Town Library, built in 1913 and serving many roles before being designated a library, attracts about 6,000 visitors a year despite limited opening hours. The tiny space holds 4,500 books and many for sale. There’s a possibility that the rest of the world has discovered Puhoi, but I’m still hopeful that’s not necessarily the case as it may factor into my retirement plans!

7. Wine Tasting On Waiheke Island

If you enjoy food and wine, Waiheke Island is an absolute must. The second largest island in the Hauraki Gulf (after Great Barrier Island), Waiheke is home to about 30 boutique wineries as well as award-winning restaurants, beautiful beaches, and scenic walks. Only a 40-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland, it’s easy to just plan a day trip there but there’s also plenty of accommodation if you choose to stay longer. Once on land, it’s fairly easy to get around on the hop-on/hop-off bus, on the regular bus service, or by rental car.

Wineries are spread out throughout the island, and many have amazing restaurants attached to them with star chefs offering winery lunches and dinners, including the expensive but worth-it Mudbrick Vineyard and Restaurant. Don’t forget to enjoy some of the local Te Matuku oysters while on the island. The Oyster Inn, an award-winning beachside bistro is an excellent choice; alternately, the restaurant at the Batch Winery is in a beautiful setting and has a great menu.

Pro Tip: In the winter, some restaurants and wineries have limited hours, and the Hop-On Hop-Off Explorer Bus only operates Friday through Sunday. Make sure you make reservations and plans before you get on the ferry.

I was in Auckland during the heart of New Zealand winter and was prepared for the weather typical for that time — cold and rainy. Lucky me, I had very little rain during my and temperatures were pretty much in the 50s and 60s Fahrenheit. I was able to really get out and enjoy so much in that time.

From trivia nights at neighborhood pubs to strolling through the many parks and greenspaces throughout the city to thrifting on K Road, there’s so much more I could tell you about enjoying Auckland from a local’s perspective. But I believe if you do enjoy some of the activities I’ve outlined here, you’ll get a taste of the real Auckland and understand why it’s been one of my favorite cities to visit — for more than 30 years.

Why Auckland?

Auckland is not often categorized as one of the world’s great cities, like Paris or London, or for that matter, Sydney. Most travelers to New Zealand deplane in Auckland but head off quickly to explore what the country is known for — beautiful beaches, mountains, lakes, and stunning vistas. But I once again found Auckland to be a thriving, multicultural mecca, with Māori and Pacific culture stronger than ever, a thriving culinary and arts scene, great restaurants and café culture, and the opportunity to commune with nature while enjoying city life.

I would recommend giving yourself at the very least a few days to acclimate after what has most likely been a long flight and a significant time change and enjoy New Zealand’s most populous city before heading off to experience the country’s undeniable rural appeal.

Fun Fact

As a result of the Treaty of Waitangi Settlement, in recent years Māori names have been restored to many significant sites throughout New Zealand. You will see dual names in many places, the original in the language of the indigenous Māori, and the English names given by settlers. Auckland is Tāmaki Makaurau, meaning “Tāmaki desired by many,” in reference to the desirability of its natural resources and prime location.

Getting There

From the United States, direct flights are available to Auckland from Los Angeles, Houston, San Francisco, and Honolulu. As of September 2022, Air New Zealand has launched non-stop service from New York. Seasonal flights from Chicago and Dallas may be coming back online this year as the country’s tourism industry struggles to revive. On my trip in August 2022, Auckland International Airport seemed like a ghost town, with many restaurants and shops still closed and the duty-free shop understocked, but I imagine that will change as international travel resumes.

Getting Around

If you plan on staying in and focusing on the CBD, and most tourism guides will assure you there’s plenty to do and see from there, there’s no need to rent a car. Walking is great — if a bit hilly — and rideshares like Uber are easy enough, but if you want to really explore and only have a few days, it’s a great idea to rent a car. That way you can easily access the North Shore or West Coast beaches. One of the best things about Auckland is how quickly you can get out of the city — great nature walks and stunning beaches are less than an hour away from downtown.

When my husband and I traveled to Jordan, we thought we were prepared to delve into a country and culture completely new to us. However, the realization that no amount of research can hold a candle to actually being there quickly set in. From our delightful interactions with the people we met to our unforgettable adventures, we took great joy in the discovery process.

I’m sharing what we learned in the hope our experiences will encourage you to journey to Jordan with confidence and a sense of wonder.

Pro Tip: The best times to visit Jordan are in the spring and fall. Outside the holy month of Ramadan is a good time.

A considerable portion of our Jordan experience was generously hosted by the Jordan Tourism Board. However, all opinions are entirely my own.

1. Jordan Is Safe

Despite its location in a volatile part of the world, At no time did we feel unsafe anywhere in Jordan. Yes, Jordan shares borders with Syria and Iraq, but it also shares borders with friendlier neighbors like Israel and Saudi Arabia.

Think of Jordan as a good family living on the edge of a rough neighborhood. Jordan’s military and security forces work hard to ensure violence doesn’t spill over its borders. Security is a priority, and although the presence of law enforcement is unobtrusive, it’s definitely there.

2. Jordan Requires A Visa And You’ll Want A Jordan Pass

Gaining entry to Jordan isn’t difficult. However, if you want to stretch your Jordanian dinars (JDs) a lot farther, consider pre-purchasing a Jordan Pass, which includes your required visa and admission to many of the country’s attractions.

How To Get Your Jordan Pass

Purchase your Jordan Pass from a secure website in advance of your trip. The pass will then be emailed to you. Print it out, and make sure to bring it with you.

Each Jordan pass includes free entry to over 40 attractions and free downloadable digital brochures. If you download your Jordan Pass before entering the country and stay at least three nights and four days, your tourist entry visa fees will be waived.

Pro Tip: You will need time to explore Jordan’s wealth of history, culture, and stunning scenery. We spent an entire week and it wasn’t nearly enough.

3. Jordan Is A Feast For The Senses

Jordan consists of many complex layers. You can do your research and come away with what amounts to a view through someone else’s window. To truly experience Jordan, you have to walk through its welcoming door with your senses leading the way.

The Sights

Jordan’s landscapes are varied and breathtaking. It is a country with endless square miles of sand. It also has bustling cities, rolling hills, fertile fields, rugged mountains, rivers, and the Dead Sea. Photographers and outdoor enthusiasts will find numerous opportunities to enjoy Jordan’s magnificent scenery.

The Sounds

On our first morning in Amman, we took a walk to familiarize ourselves with our surroundings. Traffic noise and birdsong punctuated the city soundscape. What stopped me in my tracks was the call to prayer resonating throughout the city from a transmitter at Amman’s main mosque. The disembodied voice filling the air was so hauntingly beautiful in its reverence, I had to let it envelop me.

The Smells

Soft, subtle fragrances wafted from shops selling spices. Baking bread beckoned us from bakeries while the smell of fried falafel switched on the hunger pangs to the point where resistance was futile.

The Tastes

Jordanian cuisine was a treat for the taste buds. Freshly prepared salads of all varieties, eggplant, pita, hummus, falafel, and other Middle Eastern delights wooed us with distinct flavors, textures, and that special something that makes it all uniquely Jordanian. Confections consisting of seeds, nuts, dates, figs, honey, and sometimes herbs made us realize chocolate isn’t all that big a deal.

From handcrafted clothing and jewelry in markets to ancient carved stone at UNESCO World Heritage sites, let your fingers be a gateway to Jordan’s artistic, cultural, and historic treasures. Oh, and when your fingers are acquainting you with the texture of a camel’s hide, keep away from its head, or you may end up with a face full of camel spit.

4. Jordanians Are Friendly And Charming

My husband and I had met people from Jordan here in the U.S. and found them interesting and personable, but we didn’t have any idea what to expect from Jordanians on their turf. So, the first time one of many strangers said, “Welcome” in a voice that sounded like he meant it, we were dumbfounded.

During our visit, we encountered Jordanians who were kind, generous, interested in our well-being, and delightfully chatty. Of all of Jordan’s many treasures, its people are the most valuable.

Pro Tip: We learned from a friendly cab driver that although free speech is alive and well in Jordan, there is one important caveat. You can criticize the government to your heart’s content, but insulting the king or members of the royal family could get you arrested or even land you in jail.

5. Jordan Is Rich In Not-To-Be-Missed Wonders

My husband and I spent every day of our remarkable Jordan visit drinking in some of the most stunningly beautiful, historically fascinating, and mind-boggling venues in the world. There was far more than we could experience in a week, but we did manage to do the most spectacular sites justice.

The only downside was that all the sites we visited were impossible for someone in a wheelchair or with mobility challenges to navigate. For all the wonders Jordan has to offer, most are accessible only to those who are ambulatory.

Amman Citadel

Perched upon the highest hill in Amman, this site displays structures and artifacts from the Roman, Byzantine, and Muslim periods. A guide isn’t necessary, but we hired one and didn’t regret it.

Jerash

This Roman city was discovered 70 years ago beneath a sandy-covered plain. We spent hours wandering through this incredible outdoor museum gaping at the ruins of ancient structures and marveling at them, surprised that they were there at all.

Madaba 

This town is host to some of the most stunning mosaics in the world. If you only have time to see one mosaic, make it the magnificent Byzantine map which includes ancient Jerusalem, located on the floor of the Greek Orthodox Church.

Petra

One of Jordan’s most famous archeological sites, it is the sight everyone comes to see, and for good reason. We spent three days absorbed in Petra’s breathtaking beauty and historical wonders. We had a superb guide with us the entire time and I recommend you hire one as well. A professional guide will give you insights and information you won’t find on the internet or in guidebooks.

Wadi Rum

We spent the last night of our Jordan visit in a Bedouin camp. The three traditional and delicious meals we enjoyed were just what the doctor ordered after two treks into the desert, bouncing around in the back of a pickup truck, and gazing at extraordinary rock formations and a magnificent sunset.

Pro Tip: Public transportation options are limited, so to get the most out of your time in Jordan, you will need to rent a car.

6. Carefully Research Your Accommodations

When researching accommodations, we were in a somewhat unique position because of my guide dog. For our first two nights in Amman, we found an Airbnb room in the apartment of a woman from France who taught at the international school and loved dogs.

On our first day, we walked to the offices of the Jordan Tourism Board to see if someone could recommend a service dog-friendly accommodation near Petra. We left with a hotel reservation located within walking distance from Petra’s main gate and the services of a phenomenal guide for the three days we would be at the site.

7. Jordan Is A Muslim Country

The national religion of Jordan is Islam, and you will see it practiced openly everywhere you go. You will hear the call to prayer five times a day. You will see men prostrated on prayer rugs in public places. You will see some fully covered women, many wearing hijabs, and others with no head covering at all. You will find many businesses closed on Friday, Islam’s holy day. If all this seems strange, remember what you see is entirely normal for the people of Jordan.

How To Be A Respectful Tourist

Although the majority of Jordanians are deeply religious, they are not hostile to non-Muslims. We found people we met happy to answer questions about their beliefs, and we learned a lot.

A Little Consideration Goes A Long Way

The first time we saw several men near the entrance of a building engaged in prayer, we weren’t sure what to do. So, we walked quietly past them and continued on our way. We got it right, the next time we encountered a similar scene, we felt comfortable knowing the correct thing to do.

Use Common Sense In How You Dress

Modesty in dress is important in Jordan, especially for women. This doesn’t mean you have to be covered from head to toe, but leave the tank tops, mini skirts, and short shorts at home. Also, pack a head scarf and a shawl to cover bare arms when visiting a mosque.

Pro Tip: Remember you are a guest. The Jordanian people are deeply committed to religious and family values. They welcome those who want to share their country’s diverse beauty and rich history. Show respect and interest in them and their culture, and your enjoyment of Jordan will increase tenfold.

The enormous stone heads on Rapa Nui, commonly called Easter Island, are recognized worldwide.

Many of the iconic stone statues, known as the “moai,” were charred in a fire last week. And while authorities initially believed the fire was caused by lava from the nearby Rano Raraku volcano, they now suspect it was the work of an arsonist.

Ariki Tepano, director of the indigenous Ma’u Henua community that manages Rapa Nui National Park, wrote that the damage to the moai is “irreparable” and that they “are totally burned and you can see the effect of the fire on them,” in a Facebook post.

Rapa Nui Mayor Pedro Edmunds Paoa told Chilean Radio PAUTA that the fire was no accident.

“All fires in Rapa Nui are manmade,” Edmunds Paoa said.

Easter Island’s Iconic Stone Heads

Rapa Nui, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the world’s most remote inhabited island. It lies nearly 2,200 miles off the coast of Chile in South America.

It is believed that Polynesian sailors settled in Rapa Nui sometime around the year 300. Then, from the 10th to the 16th century, the society built shrines and put the towering moai in place, according to UNESCO.

While there are hundreds of ceremonial platforms and thousands of structures for agriculture, funerals, and housing, it is the moai that continue to draw visitors. Indeed, the moai — which were carved from hard basalt by hand after removing the rocks from lava tuff — range in height from around 6 feet tall to 65 feet tall.

Amazingly, there are about 900 statues of the moai on Rapa Nui

Now, if you’re wondering why only heads were carved for the statues, here’s a surprise: The moai, some of which weigh up to 70 tons, also have bodies — and some even have legs. The Rapa Nui people carved the statues and then lowered them down into deep holes they had already dug.

The Stone Statues’ Fate

Right now, it’s difficult to tell how much damage was done to the moai. The fire itself burned nearly 250 acres of the national park.

Carolina Pérez Dattari, Chile’s undersecretary of cultural heritage, explained that authorities from Chile’s National Monuments Council (CNM) “are on the ground assessing the damages” to the moai, according to CNN.

In the meantime, Rapa Nui National Park, which itself is home to 386 moai, is closed while authorities investigate the fire and conservationists evaluate damage to the moai. The problem is that, even though they are carved from stone, high temperatures from a fire’s heat can cause the stone to fracture.

Mayor Edmunds Paoa told Radio PAUTA that more than half of the moai remaining in Rano Raraku, where all of the moai were carved, are cracked.

“When the stone cracks, with a heavy rain or over time, it is released, it falls, and it ceases to be stone,” Edmunds Paoa said. “It then becomes sand.”

He went on to reiterate that damage to the moai “is irreparable.”

Be sure to read all of our Chile content, including:

• 7 Quick Facts About Easter Island’s Rapa Nui National Park
• How To Spend A Perfect Day In Valparaiso, Chile
• 8 Reasons To Add Santiago, Chile To Your Travel Bucket List

Italy has long been a top global and much-beloved vacation destination for travelers looking for history, culture, stunning coastlines, and of course, terrific food. While first-time visitors would be well-advised to stick to the well-known trio of Rome, Florence, and Venice, those returning to Italy might be looking for other off-the-beaten-path destinations and experiences.

I recently had the chance to chat with Steve Perillo, president and owner of Perillo Tours. For three generations, his family has been preparing fabulous itineraries for Americans headed to Italy on holiday. Steve gave us his insights for under-the-radar experiences, plus places you might not have ever heard of, but should consider checking out. 

Here are seven of his top recommendations and why you’ll want to add them to your must-see Italy list.

1. Take In The Trulli Residences

Alberobello

Puglia, a region in the southeast portion of the country (think the heel of Italy’s “boot”), is perhaps best known for its olive oil and wine production. What’s more, the crowds aren’t intense here, and you’ll still get all the gorgeous beaches and blue-green seascapes. Win-win!

However, there are unique lesser-known sights in Puglia that you might want to make time for during your next trip, including some interesting architecture. Trulli residences dot the region and are especially concentrated in the town of Alberobello.

“These are whitewashed stone huts with conical roofs that have been around for centuries,” Perillo told me.

Well, I’m intrigued.

As it turns out, the trulli truly are remarkable — so much so that UNESCO has named them in its World Heritage Convention, which defines the kind of natural or cultural sites that can be considered for inscription on its famed World Heritage List. Constructed without mortar, the trulli are made of limestone blocks with those signature conical rooftops. Many have symbols painted on the tops to bring good luck to those who live inside. They are architectural marvels and worth checking out!

2. Wander A Mysterious Whitewashed Labyrinth Town

Locorotondo

Also located in the Puglia region, the small town of Locorotondo is another stand-out on Perillo’s “hidden gem” list. Many consider it to be one of Italy’s most beautiful villages, with its historic homes and unique design. Locorotondo means “round place” in Italian, and when you step into the streets, you’ll quickly see this charming spot live up to its name. The city center radiates out in circles, creating an incredible labyrinth.

All of the village’s buildings are whitewashed, which along with the light-colored paving stones also contributes to the ethereal effect. Chances are you’ve never seen a place like this, and Steve says you won’t soon forget it, either.

3. Grab A Glass From A Wine Window

Florence

We all know Italy is known for its fine wines and rich winemaking traditions. However, a speakeasy-style experience that dates back to the Black Plague is still practiced today, especially around Florence.

“Wine handed out through a window in Florence is part of an old “plague” tradition,” Steve explained to me. “There are tiny hidden windows sprinkled all along the side streets — to this day! They reopened to avoid contagion during COVID-19.”

These wine windows — called “buchette del vino” — can be attributed to the infamous de’ Medici family. In the 16th century, the Medicis allowed families of similar status (noble, of course) to sell wine from their vineyards directly out of their palaces. Anyone on the street could knock on the windows to purchase wine and a servant would handle the transaction through the window.

An additional nod to this fascinating wine tradition has recently opened in Florence: a new restaurant, Babae, has reopened one of Florence’s ancient wine windows in the Santo Spirito neighborhood, serving its customers in this ancient way.

4. Visit A Blue Zone

Sardinia

Sure, Italy’s known for its wine, pizza, and pasta, which admittedly aren’t the most healthful things to consume in large quantities. However, did you know that there’s a region in the country considered a Blue Zone, where people live the longest, and are considered among the fittest in the world? 

Sardinia, a beautiful island off Italy’s western coast, is one of only five such zones. The others are in Okinawa, Costa Rica, Greece, and Loma Linda, California.

While a genetic marker prevalent among the Sardinians results in nearly ten times the number of centenarians there than in the U.S., their diet and lifestyle also play a role. A food focus on grains, omega-rich sources of dairy — including goat and sheep milk products — plus ample amounts of vegetables (meat not so much) make a big difference. Sardinians also get adequate doses of daily exercise, which has been proven to help boost both health and happiness. The island is also known for its gorgeous beaches and sparkling sunsets, making it the perfect place to visit if you’re looking to level up on longevity tips while in Italy!

5. Check Out The Alta Acqua Liberia

Venice

Venice has always had a quirky, off-beat feel to it. If you’ve been there, you know there’s just something about the city that is so special, so different, so unlike anywhere else on the planet. The gorgeous buildings, the rich history, wonderful food, art, culture, romantic gondolas, and… don’t forget about the books in bathtubs.

Wait, what?

This was an eyebrow-raiser for me as well until Steve explained the reason behind the Alta Acqua Libreria. Sadly, flooding has become more prevalent in Venice, but this little bookshop — the name of which translates to “high water bookshop” has decided to lean into the occurrences with some preventative measures.

“This Venice bookstore has resigned itself to constant flooding by keeping its books in bathtubs and boats,” Steve told me. “It’s worth a visit!”

I’ll certainly be stopping by next time I’m fortunate enough to travel through Venice!

6. Roam Procida Island Like A Local

Napoli

Just a stone’s throw from the charming coastal city of Sorrento, Steve says Procida Island is a hidden gem that’s well worth the ferry ride, and a day’s visit.

“You can almost swim there from Sorrento,” said Steve. “No one’s ever heard of it, and it’s so colorful, so beautiful. And you get the advantage of avoiding the crowds.”

It’s always been home to fishing villages, a fact given away as soon as you spy Marina Corricella. The bright pastel-colored homes were so painted to allow boats to easily find their way back home.

Tiny Procida is completely walkable, and its narrow streets are wonderful to wander. The Abbey of San Michele Arcangelo was first built in the 11th century as a home for monks, then became a church in the 16th century.  Here, you’ll find gorgeous works of Renaissance art. If there’s a better view anywhere than the one you’ll glimpse from the abbey’s balcony, we’re hard-pressed to name it. There’s also the medieval village of Terra Murata, and many beaches to explore.

7. Check Out One Of The Creepiest Churches

Rome

Last but certainly not least, if your Italian holiday has you going through Rome — and chances are it might — there’s a church that you might want to take the time to see, but its crypt is not for the faint of heart. Much like its Czech counterpart in Sedlec, the Chiesa di Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini on the famous Via Veneto was constructed with rather… shall we say, creative building materials.

“Built in 1631, it’s one of the most uncommon churches in Rome thanks to the skeletal remains of thousands of Capuchin monks excavated from the local monastery,” Steve explained. 

That’s right: the crypt contains the bones of thousands of monks and poor Romans. Many of them were used to create symmetrical designs, much like macabre mosaics. The monks would pray in the crypt’s five chapels, which utilize all 206 bones of the human body in intricate but rather ghoulish ornamentations. Today, this spot is an incredibly historic and rather hidden destination in Rome, although admittedly perhaps not for every traveler.

Pro Tip: Perillo says that travel trends to Italy right now include up close, personal, and authentic experiences that a solo traveler — or an entire family — can enjoy. Popular offerings from Perillo Tours have included truffle hunts, mozzarella-making classes, and cooking classes with Italian nonnas. Consider these experiences when you’re planning your next trip to this charming country. You might want to make sure you work one or two in.

He also offers this sage advice, especially for return travelers: “Spend a week in a single place and really live. The biggest lesson of Italy is the lifestyle. Getting off the beaten path gets you the chance to see the way life there really is.”

Looking to explore Europe? Ready for experiences less touched by tourism? Get to know Europe’s beating heart by heading off the beaten track to some of the continent’s lesser-known places. Find beauty in the French countryside, drama in Denmark, and culture in Kosovo. Experience natural wonders in Finland, discover history in Montenegro, and taste the wines of Malta — adventure is out there waiting for you!

1. Pristina

Kosovo

Pristina, located in the heart of the Balkans, is the capital city of Kosovo and is officially the youngest capital city in Europe. The city is small by capital city standards, so it’s easy to get around on foot and see the sights. As it’s such an “off the beaten track” destination, you can easily spend all day exploring the center without seeing a single tourist!

Pristina is the perfect place to escape the crowds. There aren’t masses of attractions to visit in Pristina, but there’s definitely enough for a day or two, and most tourist sites are conveniently located within walking distance of one another.

When it comes to the top things to see in Pristina, the most notable landmark is the Newborn Monument, representing Kosovo’s freedom from Serbia in 2008. Also in the center of town is the National Library of Kosovo, which is often referred to as one of the world’s ugliest buildings. Completed in 1982, the building supposedly blends Islamic and Byzantine architecture. Its style was “controversial” in the 80s and still is today. Nevertheless, with a collection of over 1.8 million books, journals, pictures, and digital resources, this is definitely worth a visit.

The city’s various Ottoman mosques should definitely be on your Pristina itinerary. Arguably the best ones are the Imperial Mosque (built by Mehmet the Conqueror in 1461), as well as Jashar Pasha’s Mosque and Xhamia e Llapit. Most of the mosques are in the small Old Town area near the Kosovo Museum.

If you are visiting during summer, I’d recommend the Pristina Bear Sanctuary, which was established to house rescued “restaurant bears” — brown bears that had been kept in tiny cages next to restaurants to attract customers. Rehomed, they now have space to freely roam the sanctuary grounds and are undoubtedly happier!

Pro Tip: Pristina is a good choice for budget travelers too as it’s considerably cheaper than most other European capital cities. If you are looking for a place to stay, try the Hotel Sirius, which is not the cheapest option in town but is within walking distance of most attractions.

2. Helsingør

Denmark

Denmark’s capital, Copenhagen, is one of the most often overlooked capital cities of Europe. A 40-minute train ride north of the city at the northern end of the island of Zealand lies an even less-known destination, Helsingør, long stuck in Copenhagen’s shadow.

The town was the setting for Shakespeare’s tragedy, Hamlet, and real-life Helsingør’s Kronborg Castle is the play’s Elsinore Castle. There are free guided tours included with the price of admission to the castle, and in the summer months, actors portray famous scenes from the play and visitors can tour the royal apartments, chapel, dungeon, and cannon towers. Make sure to spend some time in the underground dungeon and climb the cannon tower, from where there’s an amazing view of the picturesque town below and across the strait to Sweden.

Aside from its castle, the town has about 60,000 residents and several attractions to keep you busy. See the city museum, Oresund Aquarium, and the Danish Maritime Museum. On weekends there is a vibrant street food market in Helsingør.

The best time to visit is a weekend in summer when the weather is pleasant — though even in peak season Helsingør is far from crowded.

Pro Tip: Helsingør has a sister city, just a short ferry ride across the Oresund Sound in Sweden, which makes for a great half-day trip.

3. Herceg Novi

Montenegro

The Balkans are gaining popularity as a travel destination, but there are still plenty of fantastic hidden gems to be found, and Herceg Novi is one of them! Herceg Novi is a beautiful coastal town in Montenegro, at the mouth of Kotor Bay and right under the majestic Mount Orjen.

Famous for its healing sea mud, and various spa and wellness facilities, the town is situated only an hour’s drive from Kotor (Montenegro’s most popular city) or a 1.5-hour drive from Dubrovnik in Croatia. The Old Town of Herceg Novi is surrounded by fortification walls, built over five centuries, and inside the walls there are churches, squares, at least half a dozen imposing forts and palaces, and so many steps that the town is affectionately known as the “Town of 100,001 Steps.” Visit the most famous fort, Forte Mare, or take a boat trip to the mysterious Mamula Fortress.

Pro Tip: If you are looking for somewhere luxurious to stay, check out the luxurious 5-star boutique hotel Lazure Hotel & Marina, located at the Bay of Kotor.

4. Gozo

Malta

Malta is a tiny archipelago of 21 islands in the Mediterranean Sea with three main islands, two of which are inhabited: Malta and Gozo. Gozo is the smaller of the two and you’ll need a ferry to get there. Stunning beaches, little picturesque fishing villages tucked into sandy coves between the rocky seaside cliffs, wonderful hiking, delicious cuisine, ancient architecture, and an all-around laid-back attitude mean this is the perfect destination for a tranquil and peaceful holiday.

Gozo comes from the Catalan word for “Joy,” and its population of 30,000 are centered around the hilltop citadel of the capital, Victoria, from where you can see the Mediterranean on all sides. There are also a number of churches and museums located within and just outside the Citadel’s walls, and it’s worth spending a few hours exploring this area of Gozo. The Citadel is also a great spot to come for sunset!

Malta’s wine scene is growing in popularity at a rapid rate and one of the best things to do in Gozo is to learn more about the wine and try some varieties by spending an afternoon at a winery. Visit Tal-Massar, a local boutique winery, and spend a couple of hours here sampling their delicious wines.

Pro Tip: For a great meal explore the back streets and find Maldonado Bistro for fine-dining quality food without the expensive price tags. It’s located in a cellar with an impressive wine collection to accompany the delicious seafood and meat dishes.

5. The Sault Plateau Lavender Fields

France

Most people have heard about the beautiful lavender fields of Provence, and most people flock to the Valensole plateau and the Luberon Valley to get their flower fix. Both areas are stunning for their lavender fields, local villages, and breathtaking natural scenery, but there’s another secret spot that’s home to lavender fields that are just as stunning.

The Sault plateau, an area north of the Luberon, is known to locals but has somehow flown under the radar for outsiders. Sitting high above the Luberon mountains, you’ll find an untouched area of Provence, an area of natural beauty, rich agricultural heritage, and incredible gastronomy — and, in summer, you’ll also discover a lavender-laced landscape.

The charming village of Sault is a great place to experience local farmers markets, shop in colorful boutiques, and enjoy lunch with a view. In August, don’t miss the annual lavender festival that celebrates the season’s crop. The lavender in and around Sault flowers later than most in Provence because it’s grown at a higher altitude, so the best time to visit is late July or early August when it’s in full bloom.

Set between Mediterranean scrubland and rolling hills in the middle of a vast plain covered in lavender, crops, and truffle oaks, Sault may not be quite as “manicured” as elsewhere in Provence. It has a bit more of a rugged and rural feel, but this doesn’t detract from its beauty. For a real taste of Provence and village life, try La Bastide des Bourguets, a lovely little bed and breakfast situated right on a lavender farm.

6. Turku

Finland

Helsinki might be the best-known city in Finland, but Turku, the country’s oldest city and its former capital, is the one with the most soul. Turku has a long history stretching back to the Middle Ages and was once the most important city in the country — many of the locals will tell you it still is!

Turku’s main attractions are the 700-year-old fairytale Turku Castle — the largest surviving medieval castle in all of Scandinavia, originally built for the local Swedish governor when Finland was ruled by Sweden — and Turku Cathedral. The city has almost 20 museums, including the Kylämäki Village of Living History and The Sibelius Museum, which is totally devoted to music and the only one of its kind in Finland. Definitely don’t miss the Turku Market Hall, which dates back to 1896 and is full of food stalls, restaurants, and shops selling fresh local produce. This is a foodie must visit, and is a particularly good place to come at lunchtime!

For something a little different, get your hands on a Food Walk Card. For around $50, the card gives you ten tantalizing Turku restaurant options to choose from. The route along the banks of the Aura River, which runs through the city center, takes you to local restaurants that offer some of the most delicious and authentic tastes in Turku. You can choose five altogether, and once you narrow down to your five favorites you simply visit your first restaurant.

From that point on your card is valid for 3 days, so you have 72 hours to work your way through your remaining four chosen restaurants. Once you’ve used your card, your dining discounts aren’t done, you’ll still get a 15 percent discount on a meal at any of the 10 Food Walk restaurants (this discount is only valid for 2022).

Turku is the gateway to the incredible Finnish archipelago, a network of thousands of islands that stretch along the southern Finnish coast, many of which are interlinked by a network of bridges and roads. You might like to consider a 3-hour sunset or a 6-hour daytime kayaking tour around the archipelago. The vintage SS Ukkopekka, the last passenger steamship in the Finnish sea area, offers daytime tours to the pretty seaside town of Naantali and evening cruises to Loistokari, a tiny island in the Turku Archipelago.

Pro Tip: Hotel Sokos Hamburger Bors is located right in the center of town by the market square. You can wake up and watch the market sellers setting up their stalls with fruit, vegetables, and colorful flowers right from your room.

Although the better-known cities of Europe are certainly full of iconic landmarks and rich history, getting off the beaten path to less visited destinations provides a glimpse of a different side of European life — so consider adding some of my suggestions to your next European vacation.

I have always been drawn to cities on the water, be they cities straddling large rivers, or even better, hugging a coastline. There is something magical about the juxtaposition of a modern city skyline and a watery setting, as well as the merging of tooting ships and car horns.

This may well stem from my growing up in Hamburg (see below), and my associating city living with the ability to hop on a sailboat at the weekend practically on your doorstep.  So wherever a city’s public transport includes ferries, I’m sure to visit.

Having traveled a lot in my life, I have a few cities I tend to return to — or at least plan to return to — over and over again. They all have the water in common, with restaurants full of fresh seafood, views across open water dotted with a myriad of small boats and big ships, with fresh sea air messing up your hair, and that feeling of space. There is usually an atmosphere of adventure, exploration, and, as we say in Germany, of Fernweh, or wanderlust.

Here are some of my favorite cities by the water, all in spectacular water-dominated or coastal settings.

1. Hamburg, Germany

Elbe River, Alster Lakes, Canals

It all began in Hamburg, the city with Germany’s largest port, three rivers, two lakes, hundreds of canals, and countless bridges. I used to sail yawls on the larger of the two inner city lakes when I was young and cutters on the river Elbe when I was older. My dad had his sailboat moored on the Baltic coast for weekend excursions to Denmark, and the annual harbor festival, especially the tall ship parade, was a fixture on our calendar. Water is very much part of life in Hamburg, whether you are a local or a visitor.

Pro Tip: Instead of a hop-on, hop-off bus, why not take Hamburg’s hop-on, hop-off boat to go sightseeing?

2. Hong Kong, China

South China Sea

Hong Kong is one of my favorite cities in the world, in no small part because of its watery setting. The skyscrapers, trams, markets, and incredible hustle and bustle would not be half as exciting without always spotting the water of the harbor popping up in between it all. 

Island-hopping is a must, with ferries connecting the various parts of Hong Kong day and night, and making for quite a spectacle. No matter if you are watching the boats from the land or the land from the boats. The Star Ferry is an iconic part of the city and takes you across Victoria Harbour and to various sights.

Pro Tip: To truly appreciate Hong Kong’s setting, head up the fun funicular to Victoria Peak, where you can be in the green surroundings while looking out all across Hong Kong and the vast harbor.

3. Vancouver, Canada

Pacific Ocean

Vancouver is one of those lucky cities that truly has it all: you can sail in the morning and go skiing in the afternoon. You have a modern city with superb restaurants and a superb food market, yet plenty of history, art, parks, islands, and stunning coastlines. Right on my first day there, sitting outside in a restaurant by Granville Island Market, I saw a seal popping its head up watching me having lunch. You don’t get that everywhere. I fell in love with those tiny False Creek ferries — so much so, that I bought a watercolor painting of them in a nearby art gallery.

Pro Tip: To make a stay in Vancouver perfect, a (larger) ferry ride to Vancouver Island is a must. There I added whales, sea otters, and sea lions to my “spot-the-animal” list.

4. Sydney, Australia

Sydney Harbour, Pacific Ocean

Sydney probably has the very best natural harbor in the world. Stretching inland from the Pacific Ocean, the coast is a combination of rocky cliffs and sandy beaches, perfect for some of the most majestic — and expensive — real estate there is. Further in, the spectacular skyline with the iconic Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge enhance this natural setting rather than disrupting it, making for one gorgeous city.

When I moved to Melbourne, I spent my first NYE on a cruise in Sydney Harbour, because, well, you have to, right? At night, from the water, the skyline is even better, especially with fireworks sprouting from the “coat hanger” bridge.

Pro Tip: The Manly Ferry is one of the best ways to see the harbor. It leaves from Circular Quay and heads past the city’s sights to Manly, on the Pacific Coast, with some of the best surfing, and it is cheap and fast.

5. Istanbul, Türkiye

Bosphorus, Golden Horn, Strait Of Marmara

Sitting across the Bosphorus, along the Golden Horn and the Sea of Marmara, Istanbul has waterways galore. Waterways that are traversed by countless ferries, cruise ships, and larger container ships that carry cargo between the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. Taking a ferry from the European side to the Asian side of Istanbul is a must, as is a ride along the Bosphorus, under the modern bridge connecting the two continents, with a stop at one of the many great seafood restaurants.

Pro Tip: Take a ferry up the Golden Horn to Balat, one of the most colorful places in Europe, full of art galleries and cafes.

6. Stockholm, Sweden

Baltic Sea

Stockholm lies in an archipelago made up of some 30,000 islands of various sizes, and the city itself stretches across some 14 islands. So, you can imagine, there is plenty of water and great views to be had. Finding your way round can be a bit of a challenge though because the city is so disjointed that you’ve got to take it one island at a time. Probably the quaintest island to visit is home to Gamla Stan, the old town, full of historic buildings. You can also walk across to the Parliament House, which has its very own island.

Pro Tip: Because Stockholm can be so confusing, I suggest a multifaceted approach to getting your bearings. Start with a bus sightseeing tour, and then back it up with a boat tour.

7. Cape Town, South Africa

Atlantic Ocean

While Cape Town is just as exciting inland as it is by the sea, I have to admit that my favorite spot in the city is the Victoria and Albert Waterfront, which is a busy harbor, full of leisure and working boats, ships, and ferries to places such as Robben Island. Then there are the restaurants, where you can sit with your wine in hand, watching the countless seals playing in the water, and later head off for a fix of art at the Zeitz MOCAA museum. I must admit to once having sat in the Belgian Café for the duration of two bottles of rosé (shared with my husband, I hasten to add) just watching the seals play close up, and the clouds dropping off Table Mountain on the horizon. One of the best afternoons ever.

Pro Tip: But it is not all about the waterfront; indeed, just a drive outside of Cape Town, you can get to the spectacular meeting point of two oceans: The Atlantic and the Indian Oceans at Cape Agulhas.

8. Manhattan, New York City, United States of America

Atlantic Ocean

One of the world’s most iconic arrival experiences is by ship to New York City, being greeted by the Statue of Liberty. But even going past by the Staten Island ferry, or, indeed on the Liberty Island Ferry, is pretty cool. Walking along the East and the Hudson rivers, which hug Manhattan on either side, offers both tranquil parks as well as plenty of activities, plus the Roosevelt Island Tramway, which in fact is a cable car across the East River.

While you can spend days in Manhattan without barely noticing the water, trying to explore the coastline is so worthwhile.

Pro Tip: The best way to appreciate just how much water there is in and around Manhattan is to not only take the ferry to one island, but in fact go around the entirety of Manhattan and see the majority of sights from the guided Circle Line tour.

9. Venice, Italy

Venetian Lagoon, Mediterranean Sea

And here is one of the most spectacular watery cities — if not the most spectacular — to end this list: Venice. It is impossible to imagine a city more embraced by water, quite literally. This is where the streets are canals, and daily life takes place on the water. From bakeries to laundry services, vets to libraries, everyone putters around the city on boats, making it wonderfully unique. The best way to explore Venice is to take time and get lost. And get lost you will. When you think Stockholm is confusing, you have not been to Venice. Dead ends, canals, bridges, and coastlines will confuse and delight you. And the setting is unbelievably photogenic.

Pro Tip: Get yourself a day, or better, three-day vaporetto pass to hop on every passing vaporetto (water bus), and don’t stop until you have seen most of the islands dotted across the lagoon.

U.S. Warns Travelers Visiting These 10 European Countries, Citing Terrorism Concerns

The U.S. Department of State routinely urges U.S. citizens to visit its website to learn about Travel Advisories for countries they plan to visit.

“We issue a Travel Advisory for each country of the world,” the State Department explains. “Travel Advisories follow a consistent format and use plain language to help U.S. citizens find and use important security information. Travel Advisories apply up to four standard levels of advice, describe the risks, and provide clear actions U.S. citizens should take to help ensure their safety.”

Those four levels of advisories are:

• Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions
• Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
• Level 3: Reconsider Travel
• Level 4: Do Not Travel

Earlier this week, the State Department issued new Travel Advisories for 81 countries.

Importantly, among those advisories, the State Department issued Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution Travel Advisories for numerous countries in Europe. Those advisories explained that travelers should “exercise increased caution due to terrorism.”

Here’s what you need to know about those 10 European countries.

European Countries Under The Threat Of Terrorism

In each of these European countries, “terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks,” the State Department explains. “Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.”

Those 10 countries are:

• Belgium
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Denmark
• France
• Germany
• Italy
• Kosovo
• Netherlands
• Spain
• United Kingdom

Other Important Warnings In These Countries

Travelers to three of these countries need to be mindful of these other warnings as well.

First, travelers visiting France are also warned of possible civil unrest.

“Demonstrations in Paris and other major cities continue in France and are expected to continue in the coming weeks,” the State Department explains. “Property damage, including looting and arson, in populated tourist areas has occurred with reckless disregard for public safety. Police have responded with water cannons, rubber bullets, and tear gas.”

Meanwhile, travelers visiting Spain are also warned of possible civil unrest.

“Demonstrations in Spain are common,” the State Department explains. “They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events.”

Finally, travelers visiting Bosnia and Herzegovina are also warned of the presence of land mines. Although minefields and landmines are typically marked clearly, several people are killed or injured each year by landmines, according to the State Department.

You can learn more about the travel advisories for any of these countries and others, at the State Department’s website.

Planning or considering a European vacation? Consider all our Europe content, including

• 8 Hidden Gem Destinations In Europe To Add To Your Travel Bucket List
• 8 Incredibly Beautiful Lakes To Visit In Europe
• The Incredible European Bike Tour That Takes You Through Three Countries In A Single Morning

The biggest of the Canary Islands, Tenerife offers rugged countryside and an exciting coastline.

Tenerife is the largest island of the Canary Islands and officially part of Spain, but located just west of Morocco, off the North African coast in the Atlantic Ocean. Benefitting from a mild climate with even temperatures throughout the year, it’s the comfortably warm winters that make Tenerife, and the Canary Islands as a whole, favorite winter destinations for Europeans, as well as a popular place to retire to.

The island of Tenerife, which is the most populous of the Canaries, offers pretty much everything you could wish from a sunny island getaway, from fiestas in and around the capital Santa Cruz to lovely beaches, a buzzing restaurant scene, and accommodation ranging from camping to luxury hotels. However, its rugged countryside and exciting coastline, plus the fact that it is surrounded by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, rife with marine life, draw visitors who like a bit of outdoor activity. Here, there are unforgettable experiences to be had on land and the water.

Here are some great things to do, leaving you with memories you will treasure forever.

1. Tour Mount Teide

The Canary Islands are volcanic in origin, so it will not come as a surprise that there is a volcano in Tenerife. What might surprise you is that the picture-perfect Mount Teide, sitting pretty much in the center of the island, with its more than 12,000 feet, is not only the highest mountain in Spain, but also the third-largest volcano in the world when it comes to height and volume. Often snow-capped, exploring this volcano is quite safe — it last erupted in 1909 — and makes for a wonderful experience, with great hikes, climbs (which need a permit), and tours available. The easiest way to get to the top is to join a tour that takes you up by cable car. Then, you can hike within the national park and enjoy stunning views across the ocean of the islands in the distance.

Pro Tip: The Canaries are famous for their stargazing opportunities within the non-light-polluted interiors of the islands that are far away from the mainland. Take full advantage of Tenerife’s unique position by going up Mount Teide at sunset and joining a star-gazing tour, with the stars’ constellations being so close you can nearly touch them.

2. Island Hop

Once you have seen how close some of the other Canary Islands are from the top of Mount Teide, it would be a shame to only see Tenerife and ignore the rest of the archipelago. There are plenty of daily ferries that take you across to other islands, such as Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, El Hierro, La Gomera, La Palma, or Gran Canaria. Ferry times range from one hour to La Gomera, 1.5 hours to Gran Canaria, to 10.5 hours to Lanzarote.

Go along by yourself, take a rental bicycle or your hire car and treat it as a mini cruise. Maybe even stay the night or two on another island for an extra experience. Staying a night would be worthwhile for islands such as Lanzarote, which is filled with art, architecture, and natural wonders. You could also join a day trip tour to nearby La Gomera on a charter boat with a guide and learn more about the lovely little island capital of San Sebastian.

Pro Tip: There is even a ferry back to the Spanish mainland if flying is not your thing. It does take some 40 hours, but if you have time on your side, this is a great way to travel.

3. Dolphin And Whale Watching

Along Costa Adeje, in the southwest of Tenerife, you can enjoy incredible sightings of dolphins and whales. Some 20 species of marine mammals live and visit here, some all year round, and others pass by the islands during their annual migration. The best seasons to see the most diverse species are winter and spring, but there are whale-watching tours that depart from Costa Adeje year round, and you have choices of boats, timings, and size of groups.

Most tours also have a resident marine biologist on board telling you more about the species you will see. Dolphins come often as a free addition to the tours, as they tend to swim along with the boats.

Pro Tip: You might even be lucky to see an orca, a blue whale, or a sperm whale, but most common around Tenerife are pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins.

4. Scuba Dive Or Snorkel With Turtles

From one ocean giant to one of the most popular creatures of the sea: turtles. Here in the Atlantic Ocean and off the coast of Tenerife, you can grab the chance to either scuba dive or go snorkeling with green, hawksbill, and loggerhead turtles. There are a few good spots in Tenerife to see turtles, such as the protected area of Malpais de la Rasca or El Bufadero in Palm-Mar, and you can either go on dives or boat trips that include snorkeling with turtles.

Pro Tip: For an all-around sporty and adrenaline-pumping day, why not go on a kayak tour? They have been known to include dolphin and whale-spotting, snorkeling with turtles, and great views of the island from the water.

5. Hike The Anaga Forest

On the northern tip of Tenerife, you’ll find the Anaga Country Park, one of Tenerife’s oldest areas, dedicated as a Biosphere Reserve, covering 14,500 hectares of mountains, forests, ravines, cliffs, hidden villages, and spectacular coastal routes. The park is crisscrossed with often ancient hiking trails of varying difficulty levels, although all require good shoes, preparation, and a certain level of experience and fitness. 

There is a plethora of stunning scenery. You can either go it alone, reach the park by hire car or public transport, or go on an organized tour with a guide. The guide will pick you up from your hotel and drop you off after so you can get an idea of the location and what to expect. You can always come again later.

Pro Tip: You can make a day of it and see the cave village of Chinamada, visit one of Spain’s most spectacular caves, and stop for lunch on this tour.

6. Boat Trip Along Los Gigantes

Los Gigantes itself is a lovely coastal town that is worth seeing but adds the Acantilados de Los Gigantes, which are, as the name suggests, gigantic cliffs that reach up to 2,500 feet. From that height, you have a truly spectacular setting. There are plenty of things to do in Los Gigantes, quite literally at times in the shade of the majestic cliffs. 

From enjoying the black sand beach to a 20-minute saunter to the neighboring town of Puerto de Santiago, roughly one mile away along the coast (note that it is downhill from Los Gigantes, but uphill on the way back, so it will take you a little longer). You could swim in the natural large rock pools under the cliffs, or enjoy a meal at the chic and Michelin-starred restaurant El Rincon de Juan Carlon, which serves superb seafood and local dishes with a modern twist.

Pro Tip: The best way to appreciate the enormous size of these cliffs is by boat. After all, you are on an island, and much of the excitement is boat-related here. As mentioned before, some excursions can tick a few boxes off in one go. With this boat trip, you can enjoy looking up at the cliffs, swimming in the sea beneath, and with some luck, you’ll also see whales and dolphins. Bring your snorkeling gear and you might even add a turtle to the day’s pleasures.

7. Sample The Wine

Wine has been grown and made on the Canary Islands since the 15th century with the help of the black, fertile volcanic soil and mild climate. According to Wine Enthusiast, Listán Blanco (aka Palomino) and Listán Negro are the most widely planted grapes on the islands. Others include white wine grapes Malvasía Volcánica, Malvasía Aromática, and Albillo Criollo; along with red wine grapes Negramoll, Vijariego Negro, and Baboso Negro. 

There are also some international varieties, such as Syrah. The interesting thing, apart from the truly excellent wine, is the way the vines are grown. They grow in little shelters of round, walled bunkers made from white rocks that are set against the black soil with green vines growing protected within. 

Most of the Canary Islands produce wine, but Tenerife has five wine regions, covering some 8,000 hectares of vineyards. Take a day out to sample the produce, while also marveling at the ingenuity of the planting. There are numerous tours that not only allow you to visit vineyards, but also stop for lunch and a little sightseeing along the way.

Pro Tip: As you are in Spain, if not on the mainland, head to some tapas bars in the larger towns and sample your way across the food and wine menus. Don’t know where to start? There are guided tapas tours to help you out.

Africa is a mass producer of that most precious of human capabilities: memory-making. If you are looking for a canopy of millions of twinkling stars in the wildest of places to add to your memory bank, look no further than these treehouse and “star bed” destinations in South Africa. And they are not short on luxury either! 

1. Lion Sands, Kingston Treehouse

Sabi Sand Game Reserve

A hot day in December marks my umpteenth trip to the glorious surrounds of the wild and all it has to offer in the form of The Lion Sands River Lodge in the Sabi Sands Reserve. This 65,000-hectare (160,600-acre) reserve borders the world-famous Kruger National Park in the Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces of South Africa. After a brief tête-à-tête with the blasted GPS taking us to the wrong gate, we arrive at River Lodge just shy of 4 p.m. 

The following day we are dropped off in the middle of nothing at Kingston Treehouse to spend the night. We make our way through rows of magnificent white boulders and across a small drawbridge, and there we find Africa unfolding in front of us. Set amid the pure and untouched nature, we are completely isolated and surrounded by the wild. Kingston is equipped with full bathroom and shower facilities to complete this sensory experience.

The most striking feature of the Kingston Treehouse experience is without a doubt its construction, employing large sheets of glass combined with wood to a spectacular effect. The contemporary decor inside seduces with understated greys and whites. A massive double bed occupies the top half with the lower deck functioning as a lounge/dining/outlook area. It is surrounded by natural boulders, with a unique window to enjoy the ever-changing views.

And no matter what the weather has in store, guests will always have a safe and luxurious setting with a unique window to enjoy the ever-changing views. The tree house towers above the treeline and far below roam all things wild. The staff chuckle at our amazed expressions and then wave goodbye as they pull up the draw bridge. Then we are utterly alone. There is no electricity, of course, and no cell phone reception. We are left with a walkie-talkie in case of emergency but you are actually perfectly safe. Between giddy gasps of wonder, we take photographs.

As the day fades to night, we light the lanterns and then settle down to dinner as what seems like a thousand birds serenade us. We have our own “picnic basket” consisting of a feast of smoked turkey baguettes, biltong and feta pate, salads and cheeses, and for dessert a marshmallow and chocolate fondue! This is all accompanied by some excellent South African wines.

In the distance, we hear lions roar. Later a shy moon appears from the clouds high above us among a million stars and all is right with the world. Together with the slight wind, the feeling of aloneness comes and goes like an ancient echo, like the excitement that comes with the unknown. We chat late into the night, speculating about what could be the cause of each night sound or rumble in the jungle we hear all around and beneath us.

We are collected mid-morning and driven back to the lodge from where we depart. I go through the perfunctory motions, but I feel as though I am sleep-walking, still in a state of animated bliss, my mind and soul held hostage by the once-in-a-lifetime experience I just had.

2. Tswalu, Naledi

Kalahari

The big sky is swollen with bulging dark grey clouds and the visceral smell of Africa infuses me like a long-lost elixir as soon as I arrive at Tswalu, South Africa’s largest private game reserve. It covers an area of over 100,000 hectares (247,000 acres) and it is a sensory revelation. It takes us about 20 minutes to get to the lodge, and from the moment I step into the opulent yet consciously understated reception area and lounge, I know this is not your common-or-garden game lodge. 

The décor and ambiance resonate all that is Africa in terms of color, design, tactile fabric, and proportion. It is outrageously luxurious and remote, located in the so-called “green Kalahari” in the Northern Cape. Currently with only two camps, The Motse and Tarkuni, Tswalu accommodates just 30 people and has the lowest guest footprint in South Africa. The staff members are hand-picked; this is clear. They are discreet and genuinely helpful, but more importantly, they exude an inner friendliness that cannot be taught.

Tswalu’s new back-to-nature star bed experience in the Korannaberg Mountains is Tswalu’s answer to a “treehouse”. It is elevated above a valley with wraparound views, and if you wish to sleep beneath the southern Kalahari Desert’s brilliant blanket of stars in safety and seclusion, you cannot ask for better. Naledi is designed as a romantic sleep-out experience for two adults but is also ideal for a family of four. Everything has been carefully considered so that you have all you need for a comfortable stay.

And don’t think for a moment you’ll be “roughing it.” Guests sleep under a blanket of stars while cocooned in Egyptian cotton on king-size beds. Naledi is a solid structure with a thatched cover, and the natural wooden deck provides the perfect place to unwind.

This is a truly immersive and secluded safari experience, where the sounds of the wild are amplified. Upon arrival, we are treated to drinks and canapes, and a chef prepares a gourmet meal, delivered straight to the deck picnic-style. A few steps from the main Naledi deck is an open-air shower, basin, and toilet on its own timber platform, providing comfort throughout the stay.

A private guide will leave guests with a fully charged, two-way handheld radio for remaining in contact should they need assistance at any time. The night brings with it the haunting sounds of Africa’s desert and is simply blissful. The next morning, breakfast treats accompany warming mugs of coffee, tea, and hot chocolate.

Tswalu Naledi is an astonishing experience that you are unlikely to ever forget. 

3. Tsala Treetop Lodge

Plettenberg Bay

Amidst the treetops of an age-old indigenous forest, Tsala is a lavish celebration of the spirit of Africa. It is ideally situated between the coastal towns of Knysna and Plettenberg Bay in the Western Cape, and traveling there along the Garden Route is a dream.

Tsala’s massive stone-masonry entrance flanked by water leads to a magnificent foyer like something out of an ancient African civilization. The diverse cultures of Africa informed the elaborate afro-baroque decor’s earthy colors, rich textures, and handcrafted fittings, yet everything is somehow simultaneously very sophisticated.

We are warmly greeted at reception and shown to our “house in the sky.” It is truly one of the most romantic spots in the entire world. The 10 treehouse villas are secluded and beautifully furnished, each equipped with its very own splash pool. The tree-house suites are constructed of stone, wood, and glass and comprise of a plush bedroom, an elegant sitting room with a cozy fireplace, and a spacious bathroom fit for royalty. 

Built high above the forest floor to complement the style and architecture of Tsala are six lavish two-bedroomed villas, styled with sophistication and modern touches for pure luxury. A large lounge with a fireplace and dining area and a forest-facing private deck and infinity pool ensure you have everything you need and more for the perfect family escape.

All Tsala’s rooms also have complimentary Wi-Fi, a fireplace, a hairdryer, a personal in-room safe, bathrobes, slippers, international adaptors, umbrellas, laundry and pressing services, fully stocked minibars, tea and coffee making facilities, and under-floor heating and air-conditioning. In other words, the full five-star experience…

And the food, oh the food! Meals at Tsala are exquisitely presented in their glass-walled dining room or at the renowned Zinzi Restaurant. But if you choose, as we did, you may be served dinner in the privacy of your plush cocoon on top of the world. 

For guests wanting to enjoy the morning sunshine with breakfast, a spectacular dining deck, suspended above the forest floor, is the perfect spot. There are also loads of activities on offer in the area such as golf, fishing, boat trips, whale and bird watching, bungy jumping, sky diving, and diving with sharks. Or just lap up your glorious surrounds with a book and a glass of wine. And luxuriate in an in-room massage later, perhaps. Which is exactly what I did…. 

4. &Beyond Ngala

Kruger National Park

World-famous Kruger National Park teems with wildlife and is especially famous for the so-called Big Five — lion, elephant, African buffalo, leopard, and rhino. 

Situated on the border of Kruger National Park, &Beyond Ngala Private Game Reserve offers a wild experience bar none at their Ngala Treehouse. The reserve is home to several large lion prides, and its packs of the endangered African wild dog may also be spotted moving through the reserve. Guests enjoy exclusive game drives and bush walks on 14,700 hectares (36,000 acres) of private wilderness land. One might understandably be leery of spending a night alone in a place where things may want to eat you. But fear not!

Even though this is a remote overnight retreat, it offers guests the ultimate (and very safe!) sleep-out experience beneath the stars. The four-level treehouse sits cocooned in a pristine bush setting and features a choice of two sleeping areas — an enclosed and weatherproof bedroom with a king-sized bed, hot running shower, and flushing toilet on the third level, or an elevated sleep-out platform set beneath a retractable awning on the rooftop.

We arrived in time to toast the sunset with cocktails and snacks after our late-afternoon game drive. A tapas-style picnic dinner was then set up in the safety of an enclosed boma beneath the stars, and goodness, was it delicious! We were left in luxurious solitude for the night, provided with a radio and mobile phone for use in case of inclement weather or other emergencies. 

At one point I could swear I heard a buffalo snorting beneath us, but it may as well have been a leopard for all I know. It was thrilling. I got up for a midnight snack and to stare at the stars. 

While the Treehouse does not offer a full kitchen, a stocked bar and selection of midnight and breakfast snacks, as well as a coffee station, are available for guests. The Treehouse is solar-powered, allowing guests to charge their camera batteries and other appliances. Ngala Treehouse can cater for a maximum of two adults and two children ages 10 to 16 in the two sleeping areas, one of which is the open sleep-out platform.

5. Jaci’s Tree Lodge

Naledi & Madikwe

Jaci’s Tree Lodge’s founder and owner, Jan van Heteren, was profoundly inspired by the Okavango Delta’s characteristically intimate, secluded, luxury camps that seem to grow organically from the earth. These lodges are often built to sit high on stilts and with a focus on ecological construction, they blend seamlessly into their environment. As a result, Jaci’s Tree Lodge is the realization of Jan’s dream — an elevated lodge that appears to float above the ground

Guests are luxuriously accommodated in custom-built treehouse-style suites, boasting magnificent views into the surrounding riverine forest as well as glimpses across the famous Marico River. The Treehouse Suites blend effortlessly into the overarching canopy of lush foliage, making for fantastic birdwatching in a natural environment.

Upon arrival, guests are warmly welcomed at the recently refurbished Jaci’s Tree Lodge Main Lodge, which provides a cool retreat from the heat of African summer days and a cozy fireside sanctuary during chilly winter months. Each of the eight double-occupancy treehouse-style suites features a private outdoor shower, indoor bath, and private viewing decks. Each suite is decorated with Jaci’s trademark African vibrancy, complemented by modern elements, eco-friendly amenities, and a focus on privacy.

The custom-built stilted structures are connected by elevated walkways. The food and service is unbeatable, and the game drives will leave you in awe with so many animal sightings. 

You can also experience a sleep-out under the stars at Jaci’s Naledi Treehouse (not to be confused with the other Naledi). Naledi — meaning “star” in Tswana — is kitted out with a canopied king-size bed and your very own private KolKol wood-fired hot tub! There is an environmentally-friendly toilet, outdoor shower, and exceptional watering hole viewing deck.

This romantic sleep-out experience, enjoyed under starlight and the cover of an impressive tamboti tree, is certainly worthy of a top spot on every safari lover’s bucket list! You are guaranteed to come away from this experience a new person. 

Please note that most star-bed hosts require that you spend at least one night at one of their permanent lodges in addition to your star-bed experience. Contact them for more information.

Two distinct parts; one distinct Belize: On the flip side of our four glorious days on Belize’s Half Moon Caye sat another four glorious days in its up-country, with its rushing waterfalls, dramatic Mayan ruins, and wild jungles. Who knows? It’s the kind of place where you just might end up going beyond what you ever thought you would or could.

To celebrate my husband Dean’s 60^th birthday, we booked an active vacation with REI Vacations. The first half of the itinerary gave us a taste of Belize’s island life and the last half, the mountainous, Mayan-rich Cayo District in the up-country. 

Before we get too far down the road, I want to start with the people on the adventure. It’s all about the company you keep.

Note: REI Vacations no longer offers trips to Belize, but you could use these ideas for travel on your own or with another outfitter.

1. Being Led By The Guide Of All Guides

On these kinds of trips, the guide can make or break it. Our lead guide, named Israel, demonstrated his love of Belize, nature, wildlife, culture, history, and outdoor skills at every turn. Before licensing as a tour guide, he worked with the Belize Audubon Society, was a nature preserve warden, and was part of Belize’s search and rescue organization. All this adds up to a guide perfectly suited to his role. He was an unending source of knowledge, humor, ambition, and patience. Surely, he added to the adventure as much as anything we did or saw.

Pro Tip: Language is not a barrier since English is the official language of Belize. Belizian Creole is widely spoken; Israel spoke both fluently.

2. Going ‘All In’ With Our Fellow Adventurers

People who take adventure vacations — like spending a week rafting in the Grand Canyon or hiking in a river in Japan — are a unique breed, and we were in good company on this trip.

Our group was small but spirited! We were joined by a couple in their 60s from California (this was their ninth REI vacation), another from Poland and Jamaica, and the third pair — a father-son (son was age 16) combo from Connecticut. These people were marathon runners and experienced divers, held careers in law and architecture, and traveled the world. I loved the father-son pair; they were “all in” on every ounce of adventure the trip offered.

3. The “Belizean Massage’ (Belize City To The Cayo District)

Our adventure started in the passenger van transfer from Belize City to our lodging at the Hidden Valley Inn. The roads got more and more primitive as we drove the two-and-a-half hours, eventually jostling and bumping our way over rocky, red clay they call roads. Israel laughed and hoped we were enjoying our “Belizean massage.” No extra charge!

4. Hiking In The Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve Jungles

With Israel and a second guide, Rudy, we explored some of the 90 miles of trails inside the Cayo District’s beautiful Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, the largest and oldest of Belizean parklands. It has something for everyone: red earth, sandy areas, Caribbean pines, granite outcroppings, cascading waterfalls, limestone caves and sinkholes, rolling grasslands, and lush tropical rainforest. 

Pro Tip: Sunscreen and bug spray are jungle essentials. Don’t leave home without them.

5. Witnessing Giant Ceiba Trees

When Israel suggested a group photo, we were dwarfed by a ceiba tree (I believe it’s also called a kapok tree), one of the largest trees in the American tropics. Some can grow up to 200 feet! In Mayan culture, the ceiba was a multi-purpose tree and a spiritual pillar they called Wacah Chan, “the tree of life.”

6. Spotting Howler Monkeys

What was that spooky, almost prehistoric, roaring? A cacophony of howling, courtesy of howler monkeys! Israel told us that on a bad day, they will take to throwing things at the tourists. At least we didn’t have that problem! 

7. Tasting Termites — Literally!

Among Israel’s many accomplishments, he had extensive training in wilderness survival. He was constantly giving us plants to touch, smell, and taste. When he stepped up to a large termite mound, said they were edible, and demonstrated by eating some, we believed him. Upon his invitation, some believed him more than others and tried them, too! 

8. Carrying A Big Machete (Or At Least Being Guided By Someone Who Is)

Whenever we hiked, our guides carried machetes. Native to Belize, they knew these was essential gear, as common to them as us grabbing our cell phones before we leave the house. What exactly do these wild jungles hold? I wondered. All I could think was, “Speak softly and carry a big machete.”

9. Exploring Caracol, The Largest Mayan Ruin Site In Belize 

We hiked at the impressive Caracol, the largest Mayan site in Belize. Situated on the Vaca Plateau in the Maya Mountains near the Guatemalan Border, its 75 square miles are believed to have been home to almost 200,000 residents. We spent half a day here, walking around and climbing the ruins. The largest ruin, Sky Palace, is Belize’s tallest man-made structure and towers about 140 feet above the settlement.

Pro Tip: You can visit Caracol year-round but be sure to have a dependable tour guide and/or vehicle to get you there. 

10. Mountain Biking In The Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve 

Our adventure included a 10-mile ride on 21-speed mountain bikes. It wasn’t far, but it was rigorous and challenging. The terrain was rocky red earth, loose sand, and packed roads with what they called “rolling hills,” but what I’ll call rather steep inclines and downhills. 

11. Swimming In The Pools Of Butterfly Falls

Sometimes, it’s not what you know, but who you know. Butterfly Falls is located inside the public Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, but the falls themselves are located on private property operated by the Hidden Valley Inn. Fortunately, that’s where we were staying!

The 80-foot-high Butterfly Falls plunge into a gorgeous pool that attracts butterflies, including the Blue Morpho. It looks like a movie set! We hiked about half an hour to swim in the cascading pool. The water was perfect; the area was secluded and lush. 

12. Exploring The Rio Frio Cave And Pools

About 3 miles from Butterfly Falls are a cave and waterfall in the public section of the reserve.

Rio Frio Cave

If you stand in the middle of this half-a-mile-long cave, you can see both openings marked by 65-foot arches. Like all good caves, it features giant boulders and large stalactites. A river runs through it, adding reflection and beauty everywhere you look.

Rio On Pools

After cave exploration, we headed to Rio on Pools, a wide shallow stream tumbling over large, largely flat granite rocks as it made its way downstream. Dean was brave enough to get in the water and float downstream. The rocks were extremely slippery, so caution is essential.

Pro Tip: Due to fast-moving water and underwater holes, this area is not recommended for children or inexperienced swimmers.

13. Enjoying The Lap Of Luxury At Hidden Valley Inn

The Hidden Valley Inn & Reserve is nestled in Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve’s 7,200 acres. It has comfortable lounges with stone hearths, a terraced swimming area, and verdant gardens. Birds started singing at about 5 o’clock every morning, a beautiful sound to a Minnesotan in April!

The Cottages

When we stepped into our cottage (one of 12), we saw fresh flower petals on the bed and in the bathroom and a vase of fresh flowers on the fireplace mantel. The cottages are perfect places to relax because there are no TVs. There’s also no air conditioning, but the average temperature year-round is 73°F.

Pro Tip: Another reason to love this place: Due to the inn’s elevation, there are virtually no mosquitoes. 

The Food

This resort had delicious food, expertly prepared. Dinner started with amuse-bouche (literally, “mouth amuser”), and moved to homemade soup and freshly baked bread. Entrees could be a choice of three, including chicken, duck, seafood, pasta, vegetarian, Mediterranean, and more. Lastly, we enjoyed heavenly desserts, including creamy cheesecake with a “veil” garnish of spun, caramelized sugar — completely edible and beautiful!

Final Thoughts

Somewhere along our journey in up-country Belize, we saw a sign that read “Don’t go beyond.” Of course, there was a dangerous drop-off, so it was there for safety. I don’t think their little fence would do much good!

But sometimes it’s fun, and good for us, to go beyond. To take this unique pre-retirement or retirement season of life and try new things. Things that might be outside our comfort zones. So go ahead, go beyond. These incredible outdoor adventures in beautiful Belize are a great place to start!

Pro Tip: Traveling to Belize is like traveling to any U.S. destination on Central Standard Time (CST); Belize follows CST all year and does not observe daylight saving time.

Related Reading:

• 9 Reasons You’ll Fall In Love With This Stunning Remote Island In Belize
• I Spent Two Months In Belize Solo — Here’s How It Went

The Philippines’ archipelago is composed of 7,641 islands. I was born on one of them, so I am familiar with life on the beach. However, I am highlighting islands I found on four different continents, not only because of beach life. These six are unforgettable because of one amazing thing, sometimes two, or three — a natural formation, a place in history, a unique creation, or even something wildly different.

1. Marietas Islands

The Hidden Beach And The Mexican Galapagos

The Marietas Islands are on southern Mexico’s Bay of Banderas, off the popular Puerto Vallarta. There are two, 900 meters apart. Both uninhabited, together they form a National Marine Park and UNESCO MAB (Man and Biosphere) Reserve. It is said that an innocent Facebook photo of its Hidden Beach went viral and brought droves of tourists to the islands, damaging the area.

Strict new rules have since been implemented. For example, we could only snorkel outside the string of yellow buoys that demarcated Isla Redonda, the smaller of the two that guards the entrance to the Hidden Beach. Only 116 people per day can enter (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays), so you have to go early. You must swim through a 50-foot-long narrow water tunnel through the volcanic rock that leads to the beach below the crater hole. I cannot swim, and my husband didn’t want to go without me, so we just had to be satisfied with the fantasy in the pictures.

At Isla Larga, the larger island, we had to go barefoot to explore its own “hidden beaches” and a thousand-foot interpretive path. It was good enough, we comforted ourselves. The islands’ underwater life teems with rare fish species, sea turtles, dolphins, and manta rays. They are also a protected bird reserve with 92 species, including the world-famous blue-footed booby and large frigate birds, earning them the nickname “Mexican Galapagos.” We took many photos including those of Lion Head, Deadman’s Cave, Blowhole, and Stone Arch.

Pro Tip: The boat ride from Puerto Vallarta is long, so an alternative is to take a car, taxi, or bus from Puerto Vallarta to Punta de Mita, the closest point to the islands. The cost of the boat trip is cheap and you can spot whales en route!

2. Palawan

Two UNESCO World Heritage Sites

I couldn’t wait to show my husband Palawan. The fifth largest in the archipelago, it juts out such that it has the westernmost point of the country. It has two UNESCO World Heritage Sites and has consistently stayed on lists of Top 10 Best Islands in the World.

The first of the World Heritage Sites are the Tubbataha Reef, one of the world’s best dive spots just 150 kilometers off Puerto Princesa, the capital. It’s an atoll reef with a very high density of marine life. It features a 100-m perpendicular wall, two lagoons, and two coral islands. 

The other is the world’s longest (8.2 km.) navigable Underground River only two and a half hours from Puerto Princesa. A short walk through a green forest inhabited by monkeys and monitor lizards will take you to the phenomenon of the river pouring straight into the sea, set amid the lovely limestone karst mountain landscape outside and the stunning formations inside its deep chambers.

Even the Iwahig Penal Colony, a “Prison without Walls” fascinated my husband. Housing about three thousand inmates on about 45,000 hectares (originally) of land, the only real barriers were in the maximum-security section. Minimum and medium-security prisoners were provided with some land and farm animals to build a livelihood for their families. Some practiced crafts, and we bought some of their products at the gift store. Nobody attempts to escape because it was certain death in the mountains. 

Pro Tip: The island is also known for its world-class beaches and resorts like El Nido and enchanting islands like Coron and those in Honda Bay. Puerto Princesa and other nearby places offer more attractions: caves, waterfalls, mangroves, parks, wildlife refuge centers, and even refugee camps. 

3. Shetland Islands

The Broch And The World’s Smallest Pony 

After Iceland, our cruise ship docked at Lerwick (population 7,500), the capital of the northernmost islands of Scotland called the Shetlands (population 23,000). We saw typical stone buildings whose foundations were on the water, Fort Charlotte, the Lerwick Town Hall, the Shetland Museum and Archives, and the Old Town Center.

After the walking tour, there was time left before having to go back to the ship. We had a choice of a site where humans had lived since the Mesolithic period, accessible by bus, or join a Shetland pony tour. We dared ride the bus alone to get to the Broch of Clickimin. Constructed in the first century BC, it’s a very dramatic Iron Age drystone hollow-walled structure found only in Scotland.

With unbelievable luck, a Shetland pony was grazing on the bright green grass around the Broch! Originating in the Shetlands, the world’s smallest ponies stand only up to 42 inches, sport a heavy coat, and have short legs. Still, they are used for riding, driving, and packing because they are very strong for their size.

4. Gozo

Older Than The Pyramids Of Giza And Stonehenge

I took time off with my BFF to visit the Maltese archipelago. We heard that many movies were filmed on Gozo Island, an island of about 26 square miles. So, we took the 25-minute ferry ride from Malta, the bigger island, through the Gozo Channel. Instead of movie sets, we saw something else.

There was the Azure Window, a rock bridge arch on the beach which collapsed two years later. A Fungus Rock that hosts a promising medicinal fungus plant fascinated us and the Ta’ Pinu National Shrine holds so many articles of miracles. Finally, it was unique to see the Virgin Mary’s statue in the middle of the beach on Ramla Bay.

What impressed us most was a huge pile of old blackened rocks propped together in some parts by support structures. It was the Ġgantija Temple Complex, older than either the Pyramids of Giza, or the prehistoric Stonehenge and the second oldest only to Göbekli Tepe in Turkey. Together with the other temples in Malta, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site; the earliest of the series, erected during the Neolithic Age (3600–2500 BC).

Pro Tip: We took one of the “Hop-On Hop-Off” buses to these stops. A taxi would have allowed us to stay longer at the Temple.

5. Île St. Marguerite

The Man In The Iron Mask And The French Riviera

For a wedding anniversary, my husband and I chose to be on the French Riviera, visiting Antibes, Cannes, Nice, Grasse, Eze, St. Paul de Vence, and Monte Carlo from a base in Mougins. While in Cannes, we found out about the Lerins Islands, a group of four small Mediterranean islands off the coast. The two largest and inhabited are Île Saint Honorat with a historic Cistercian monastery and Île Sainte Marguerite where a fortress has a famous cell occupant.

We chose the latter. From the ferry dock, we hiked to the top of the hill to what is called the Musee de la Mer. My husband loved the dark cell where the Man in the Iron Mask was held captive for 11 years. What I loved more was that we were able to bring home photos of an entirely different view of the French Riviera, Cote d’Azur, the Cannes harbor, and the Palais des Festivals from the island.

6. Waiheke

Island Wines That Are World-Class

Waiheke Island is the second largest and most populated island off Auckland, New Zealand. It was ranked fourth/fifth best island destination in the world for a few years. From the ferry dock, we rented a car and proceeded to the southernmost part of Orapiu Bay. After some photos, we drove east through rough coastal roads, unfarmed fields, idyllic scenes with flocks of sheep, and rich olive groves.

At the easternmost part, we lingered at the Man O’ War Bay, where we photographed the lovely scenes popular for events and sampled the best sellers of the only world-class waterfront winery on the island. Satisfied, we resumed our trek up north and then west where most of the 9,000 islanders’ beachfront residences are. Farther west on Ocean View Road, we found the enviable holiday homes of 3,000 affluent Aucklanders, lingering in one owned by a friend.Back to the ferry side, where most of the art galleries, shops, restaurants, etc. are located, we chose to have late lunch at the prestigious Mudbrick Winery and Restaurant. The chef paired world-class wines with our meal and explained each pair as it was served. We chose to sit in the beautiful open garden on a hill rather than the extended balcony or the second-floor deck. From each, there was a mystical view of Auckland and Rangitoto Island. For dessert, we moved to the nearby Cable Bay Winery to sample after-dinner wines and to get another view of Auckland from the wide expanse of greenery rolling down to the waters below.

Watching the sunrise paint the sky a brilliant kaleidoscope of colors, my wife, Beverley, and I embraced, speechless, on the big-leaf mahogany deck at our rainforest treehouse. The beauty of the sun’s vibrant ascent, backlighting clusters of dew-covered palm fronds, was complemented by the lush, emerald green forest spreading out toward the horizon.

Although coyly hiding from view, the croaks of toucans, the throaty growls of howler monkeys, and the metallic orchestra of tree frogs revealed their presence from the jungle canopy high above us — providing a Jurassic Park-like soundtrack (and for good reason: The howler’s thunderous vocals doubled as monstrous T-rexes in the movies!). Blue morphos butterflies, along with clusters of orange-and-black monarchs, fluttered amongst metallic green hummingbirds – busily pollinating clusters of scarlet red zinnias. Behind us, warm, turquoise waves kissed the shell-covered shores, as though eager to blanket the golden sand beaches.

Not a word had to be spoken to know exactly how the other felt: If this wasn’t paradise, then something was trying awfully hard to fool us.

Our Search For Paradise

Beverley and I have spent years searching for our perfect retirement paradise. We’ve visited the limestone cliffs of the Algarve in Portugal as well as the mountainous villages and beach towns of the Costa del Sol in Spain. We’ve climbed the Rock of Gibraltar, blazed trails through the sands of the Sahara Desert on camels, trekked through countless Maya ruins in Belize, and picked coffee beans in the volcanic hills of Guatemala.

That’s just the tip of the iceberg. But nothing quite compares to here.

Twenty-nine countries later, our hearts remain captivated by this small tropical enclave, where pristine jungle kisses the sea: the province of Bocas del Toro in the northwest corner of Panama, bordering Costa Rica.

Of course, we always keep a checklist and scorecard. And I’ll explain why this gem ticks most of our boxes — and where it falls a wee bit short.

Bocas Del Toro: The Caribbean’s Best-Kept Secret

Surprisingly, Bocas, comprising a chunk of the mainland along with an archipelago of nine gorgeous islands and hundreds of uninhabited, or sparsely populated, islets, is often overlooked by sun-worshipping tourists. Which is fine by Beverley and me.

The packed, raucous beaches blasting loud, pounding beats in places like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Cabo San Lucas — inundated with those pesky beach hawkers — are a sharp contrast to Bocas’s quiet, secluded beaches teeming with starfish and seahorses. To those who’ve found it, this haven is regarded as the Caribbean’s best-kept secret.

Beverley and I enjoy busting a groove from time to time (there are a few places to partake in live music and a chill party atmosphere around Bocas Town’s central park), but more often we prefer peaceful solitude. That’s what we’ve found here.

Getting There

So, if you yearn to feel like a castaway on a more civilized version of Gilligan’s Island, hop on an Air Panama puddle jumper from Panama City (where airlines fly non-stop to cities worldwide — another of our must-have checklist items) and head for Isla Colon International Airport, on Bocas’s busiest island. Within an hour, you’ll be landing at this, ahem, “charming” airport — where boys kick around a deflated soccer ball just a few feet from the landing strip.

Just don’t leave it to the last minute to book your flight, or you’ll get stuck taking the overnight bus like we did. The 8-hour bus ride isn’t for the faint of heart: Most of the journey’s along a two-lane, pothole-riddled road with plenty of hairpin turns on winding mountainous ridges of the Continental Divide. Rain and fog are common, and you won’t spare yourself agony by trying to dose off since the driver routinely leans on his horn to scare oncoming traffic back into their lanes.

Oh, and he’ll probably try to beat his best time too (tempted by no posted speed limits). Once you’ve reached the mainland town of Almirante, you’ll then need to board a 30-minute water taxi or ferry to take you to Isla Colon. It’s much better to fly. Trust us!

Your first impression upon arriving by air or sea isn’t likely to be postcard-perfect, but take some time to explore, and your opinion should change. Bocas Town, the island’s main hub, is a charming, Bohemian-style seaside community of brightly painted buildings — many adorned with colorful murals. Others rest on stilts overlooking the Caribbean Sea, with some “floating restaurants” accessible only by boat.

A Healthy And Chill Hideaway — Another Strong Selling Point

Healthy, stress-free living is important to us — and there are many opportunities to achieve that around Bocas. There’s a bevy of tasty and hip restaurants, serving fresh seafood (“catch of the day” isn’t a misnomer here), locally grown produce, and a wide range of international cuisine — including Thai and Indian food. Coconut milk is a staple, and healthy fruit juices and banana-mango smoothies sell at kiosks around town for a couple bucks.

The street food here is incredible — a large portion of wood-fired chicken or pork with two sides is just $5! (But don’t worry, there’s also pizza and pancakes to satisfy those decadent cravings!)

Fitness options abound — whether it’s trail walking, swimming, beachcombing, bicycling, snorkeling, or surfing, there’s no reason to laze about — unless, of course, you want to! And stress is just a nasty word here. Grab a late-night table under a palapa, watch the sun set in a blaze of glory over the clear ocean waters, and you’ll see exactly what I mean.

Interesting People And A Vibrant, Supportive Expat Base In Bocas

We met travelers from around the world walking the streets. There are plenty of retired expats and locals, too, selling everything from fruits and veggies to nuts and freshly squeezed juices, all at prices unheard of in North America. Hand-painted murals and inspiring slogans — such as Marley’s “One Love” — decorate the walls of rustic buildings, and numerous “flower power” Volkswagen Beetles add to this nostalgic aura.

Despite being a Spanish-speaking country with a sizable number of Afro-Panamanians, English is widely spoken here. You’ll meet friendly expats — many from North America and Europe — faster than you can shake a fistful of palm fronds. Their advice comes freely, and it’s often the same: Slow down, take your time, and enjoy exploring the beauty of the islands and their people. (Mixing and mingling with locals is important to us, as is being part of a strong and supportive expat community — like the one here in Bocas!)

Easy To Get Around, Plus Fun And Adventurous Accommodations

Transportation’s a cinch. While the bus service is largely unreliable, taxis to anywhere on the island rarely cost more than $5. And, since many of Bocas’s best beaches and accommodations are scattered throughout the islands, be sure to hop a water taxi to explore them. It only costs a few bucks.

Beverley and I stayed in The Cabin in the Trees at the Monkey Tree Ocean Retreat, a couple miles outside of Bocas Town. Situated amidst a tropical rainforest, with more sloths, snakes, and monkeys than people, this rustic jungle lodge is operated by brave Canadian expat Heather (now celebrating 20 years here), Ava, her teenage daughter, and their three rescue pups.

They welcomed us to their jungle paradise with a trayful of coffee and homemade organic fudge before escorting us to our treehouse — nestled amidst luscious orchids, dangling bromeliads, and gardens filled with ginger and herbs. It felt like we were visiting Nim’s Island.

A stone hearth pizza shop, Ciao, just beyond the lodge’s wooden gate, contrasts the sense of being lost in the Amazon. Across the street is Skully’s, a bar and hostel run by California expat Steve, who embodies a real-life pirate — complete with a real peg leg! (Certain to scare small children — and anyone who’s already enjoyed a few shots of rum!). Steve also runs Flying Pirates, renting bikes and 4x4s for trekking along the shoreline — or through the jungle — to search for hidden treasure.

Five minutes down the beach is the tranquil Bocas Surf Club at Paki Point, a tiki bar offering comfy lounge chairs, plenty of wood decor, an elevated yoga platform, and a great view of crashing waves. Enjoy tasty piña coladas sitting next to a statue of Buddha, watching surfers master the waves. It doesn’t get much more zen than this, folks! Kiss those blood pressure meds goodbye!

A Brand-New, Modern Hospital Affords Excellent Local Healthcare

Speaking of which, quality health care is another of our must-haves. At the time of our last visit, Bocas’ prime medical facility was an 80-year-old building that resembled a derelict schoolhouse. But thankfully, this is changing quickly. A brand-new, $28 million, 44-bed hospital just opened on Isla Colon, sporting modern medical equipment, with live-in accommodations for doctors and staff.

“Medical care is good and inexpensive here,” Cheryl Scott, a resident expat from Dallas, told us. “I’m very impressed with the care I’ve received from the doctors on the island. We have an amazing community here working tirelessly to improve the quality of life — from caring for stray animals to recycling to after-school enrichment programs and protecting the environment.”

Rentals Are Inexpensive (But It’s Not All Perfect!)

While there’s plenty of natural, pristine beauty, and the climate’s often sunny and hot, Bocas is still a rainforest — receiving about 130 inches of rain annually. Real estate can also be a problem since, unlike most of Panama, land ownership here is governed by “Right of Possession” (ROP) laws, essentially deeming that whoever occupies a property owns it. Since such a system is wrought with abuse — often involving liens and litigation — it’s best to avoid it. Instead of buying, renting is the way to go. Rentals are plentiful and cheap — most one- or two-bedroom apartments run between $550 and $890 per month (depending upon whether utilities are included). Higher-end units run pretentiously higher, at about $1,200 monthly.

A Strong And Enduring Contender For Our Paradise

Bocas is a place where you can walk barefoot in the sand, prepare supper watching macaws soar overhead, and awaken to the sounds of the ocean. And with its low cost of living (compared to North America), tropical climate, healthy lifestyle options, friendly locals, supportive expats, and safe, laidback, and carefree vibe, it simply feels right to us.

“My husband and I absolutely love it here!” Cheryl said. “We live much cheaper than we did in the States. But, most importantly, we live much, much better.”

Although our search remains far from over (traveling is way too much fun!), Beverley and I also agree that, so far, Bocas has rocked our hearts. It’s hard to imagine any better place to retire.

On the hunt for your own retirement paradise? Consider

• 7 Key Things I’ve Learned Deciding Where To Retire
• 5 Key Questions To Ask When Deciding Where To Retire
• 9 Beautiful Beach Towns Perfect For Retirees

Malta. The Mediterranean’s heart. The archipelago has been coveted, conquered, and overturned many times. But today, Malta is an independent republic and an EU member. Its three inhabited islands — Gozo, Comino, and the main island of Malta — are escape pods for R&R, sun, hook-to-mouth seafood, a Mediterranean diet, and a laid-back way of life with deep roots.

Malta is not a high-cost place to visit; the price of food, accommodations, and transportation is a thrifty traveler’s delight. Moreover, its location in the middle of the Mediterranean makes it an ideal add-on to a trip to mainland Europe, Africa, or the Middle East.

I’ve spent extended time in Malta, exploring the islands and getting to know the culture. Here are my suggestions for a wonderful budget-friendly visit to the islands of Malta.

First: Two Must-Have Discount Cards

Malta Discount Card

Buy the Malta Discount Card (MDC) to save 50 percent on restaurants, heritage sites, museums, tours, boat trips, attractions, and watersports on Gozo and Malta. You will save the meager cost of this card the first day you use it. The Malta Discount Card is good for you, an accompanying guest, and three children under 12. You can purchase a 10-day or 365-day card.

Buy the card online, and it will be delivered to your lodging in Malta or Gozo. If you prefer, you can purchase a 10-day card from authorized sellers around the islands.

Pro Tip: To learn more about Malta’s heritage sites, visit Heritage Malta.

Tallinja Card

The tallinja card is a bus card used on all Malta Transport buses. They come in several varieties, but I suggest the Explore tallinja card. For around €21, you have 7 days of unlimited travel. That’s €3 per day to use Malta’s excellent public transportation. A single trip cash price is around €2, so €3 per day is a very budget-friendly transportation cost. Purchase cards from machines at all bus terminals, the airport, and some bus stops.

Now that you’re equipped with these handy cards, put these things to do in Malta on your list with confidence.

1. Walk Historic Valletta

No matter where you go in Malta, you’ll encounter centuries of Maltese heritage. The city of Valletta is called an “open-air museum.” Valletta has a grand collection of 16th-century sandstone buildings. These honey-colored structures stand beside 21st-century architectural works of art.

Try the Valletta Malta Free Walking Tour to see the major sites in Valletta. The tour is free, but a tip to your volunteer guide is appreciated at the end of your 90-minute walk.

Use your MDC in Valletta to visit the National Museum of Archaeology. It’s a brilliant place to get a century’s overview of Malta’s archaeological history. The museum is fascinating. I was enthralled by the artifacts found in the ancient temples dotting both Malta and Gozo. With the 50 percent discount, an adult ticket will be around €2.50.

2. Wander Through Mdina

Mdina is often called “the silent city.” For centuries, mysterious Mdina was the capital of Malta and home to the Knights of St. John, religious leaders, and wealthy citizens. Narrow passages and streets are bordered by two-story sandstone buildings. Cars are rare; only residents may enter the gates in a vehicle. Mdina is fun to explore; I like to wander without a map or GPS. 

Use your MDC for a visit to the National Museum of Natural History. You will learn about Malta’s natural resources and how man has used them for thousands of years. Again, with the 50% discount, an adult ticket will be around €2.50.

Pro Tip: I urge you to have a “splurge lunch” at Bacchus Restaurant. The food is traditional Maltese with modern twists. Everything is fresh, seasonal, and delicious. Secreted down a narrow passage past a secret garden, Bacchus is located in what was once an armory, then a wine cave, and is now one of Malta’s best restaurants. The Maltese Platter and a glass of Maltese wine will cost around €17. It’s meant as a starter to share but is a substantial meal for one.

3. Experience Marsaxlokk

Marsaxlokk is known for its Sunday fish market and can be packed with people on that day. However, the rest of the week will see few tourists. There are eateries, shops, galleries, churches, Maltese defense sites, and the harbor to explore. You’ll also find small boutique hotels and guest houses to stay in.

A street market is set up along one end of the harbor walk most days of the week. Stroll through the market and continue along the harbor promenade. The colorful luzzus in the water are used daily to go to sea and return with the Mediterranean’s bounty.

Pro Tip: Find a seat in one of the al fresco cafes for a long, lazy lunch of caught-that-morning fish and an enchanting view of the harbor.

4. Sneak Away To Marsaskala

Marsaskala is not a tourist destination. However, it has a beautiful harbor filled with small fishing vessels. Bordering the u-shaped harbor are apartments, a lovely family-friendly park, and eateries of all types. Best of all, it’s a transit hub connecting you quickly to all of Malta.

There is a lovely Victorian park and a beautiful church on the harbor’s north end. Walk the promenade along the harbor. The view is captivating at sunrise as fisherfolk take dinghies from the boat shelters in the seawall and row to their vessels moored in the dock-free marina.

Follow the walkway around the south side. You will leave the harbor area, passing salt pans en route to St. Thomas Tower, a battery and fortification used in World War II. There is also a lovely beach for sunning and swimming at St. Thomas Bay.

5. Go To Gozo

Malta’s little sister, Gozo, is a delightful day trip destination. However, most folks visiting the main island of Malta don’t go to Gozo. They miss this slow-paced rural setting and the island’s magnificent cliffs, caves, and blue lagoons. Gozo is small, but there is plenty to do.

Gozo has 18 villages, each with its own beautiful church or chapel. Terraced farms and pastures climb from the shore, producing fruit, vegetables, and dairy for the sumptuous Mediterranean diet.

Gozo Tuk-Tuk Tours

I believe the best way to see Gozo is with a Tuk-Tuk tour of the island. Yippee is a locally owned and operated Gozo tour company. All of Yippee’s drivers and guides are multilingual. They are knowledgeable about Gozo, its culture, history, and geography. They will make your tour the highlight of your visit to Gozo.

The chauffeur-driven Tuk-Tuk tour is an absolute bargain at €75 for adults. You will be picked up at your lodging, then sailed to Gozo via Yippee Island Hopper boat or the Gozo Channel Ferry. Your Tuk-Tuk picks you up at the ferry terminal. Included is a sumptuous Maltese lunch served at a beach-side café. This is when you’ll fall in love with the Mediterranean diet. At the end of your trip, you will go to Camino Island to swim and explore on foot. From there, you’ll be returned to your pickup spot.

Stops include scenic ocean vistas, salt pans, churches, ancient temples, old Roman baths, the Victoria street market, and a citadel. You’ll also have a chance to visit a gift shop with locally made lace, clothing, liquors, and sweet treats.

6. Live Like A Local

By far, the most budget-friendly lodging in Malta is an apartment. If you choose a hidden-gem village, your budget will thank you many times. The not-so-well-known towns and harbors have lodging at much lower rates — as much as 50 percent!

In an apartment, you can prepare your own meals, do your laundry, work remotely, and entertain. Outside your apartment, you can get to know your neighbors, shop, and try neighborhood eateries. Every Malta village has historical sites, churches, a park, or perhaps a beach. My two suggestions are Marsaxlokk (#5 above) or Marsaskala (#6 above).

7. Get Restaurants Discounts With Your MDC

The MDC (one of the trusty cards from above) is a great resource for restaurants. You will get a whopping 50 percent off your first meal at a participating restaurant. Each visit after that will include a 25 percent discount. I love my MDC!

8. Eat At Village Eateries And Kiosks

Small mom-and-pop pubs, restaurants, and cafes have the best menu prices and the best selection of traditional Maltese dishes. One of my favorites is Sammys Il Kcina Tal Barrakka Restaurant in Mgarr, Gozo. It’s a local’s favorite and family friendly. The authentic Maltese dishes are cooked with love and quality fresh ingredients. The menu can vary daily according to the day’s catch. Be certain to try the house-made wine.

Kiosks are food stalls selling pastizzi (savory Maltese pastries), pizzette (Maltese pizza), hand pies, sausage rolls, and an assortment of traditional Maltese food at friendly prices. You can have a small pizzette and a cold Cisk beer for around €4. These fast street food stalls are always delicious, and bargain hunters delight.

9. Buy Food At Food Shops And Supermarkets

Small food shops, or convenience stores, as Americans call them, will surprise you with the selection of fresh food. You can find the ingredients for a picnic or dinner at your apartment. They are also a wonderful place to pick up local wine and beer.

Large supermarkets can be found in larger villages and towns. Most have a wide selection of local produce, meat, liquor, wine, and beer. Additionally, you’ll find household goods and picnic supplies.

Pro Tip: The best bargains will be for local produce such as olives, olive oil, dates, figs, tomatoes, fennel, hummus, cheese, and of course, wine.

Getting To Malta

Air

You’ll fly into Malta International Airport (MLA). Many EU countries have non-stops to Malta. When coming from the U.S., expect to change planes in Europe.

Ferry

You can take a ferry from Sicily to Malta. The three-hour sailing on Virtu Ferries will cost under €100.

Getting Around Malta

Walking

Malta is a walking-friendly place. So pack your walking shoes and cover the island on foot. There are countless walking trails crisscrossing Malta and Gozo. Many have been used by man for thousands of years. Find some well-curated tracks on the Visit Malta website.

Bus

Malta Transport is excellent. Buses run 24 hours a day to all parts of Malta and Gozo. They are modern, clean, safe, and efficient. Get your tallinja card, and the bus fare can be as little as €3 per day.

Ferry

To get to Gozo, you take a ferry. The Gozo Channel ferry runs between south Malta and Gozo’s Mġarr Harbor on the southeast side of Gozo. Gozo Fast Ferry and Virtu Ferries Gozo go to Gozo from Valletta.

Taxi

At the Malta airport, go to the taxi desk to get a cab. Outside of the airport, I suggest using BOLT to find a taxi in minutes.

Why Malta?

Because Malta is an archipelago in the middle of the Mediterranean where R&R is a way of life. Because its beautiful landscape is populated by warm, generous people that hold tight to their traditions and celebrate their history. Because the water is warm and clear, the seafood is fabulous, and Maltese hospitality is lovely.

Related Reading:

• 7 Reasons You’ll Fall In Love With This Quaint Mediterranean Island
• 8 Reasons Why Malta Is A Favorite For Expat Retirees
• Our Malta retirement hub

The island country of Aruba has gorgeous sunsets, white sandy beaches stretching for miles, and so many restaurants that it is almost impossible to choose where to dine at. Aruba’s restaurants offer an extensive variety of global cuisines representing over 90 different nationalities. You can dine on authentic Aruban cuisine and Dutch dishes inspired by the motherland. Spanish, Caribbean, Asian, Peruvian — the list is extensive. Dining out never tasted so good.

Whether you are looking for a romantic toes-in-the-sand sunset dinner or a delicious grab-and-go snack from a beachside shack, Aruba has it going on when it comes to delicious food.

My favorite spots to eat in Aruba are listed in no particular order.

Note: Some information in this piece was obtained during a sponsored press trip, but all recommendations are my own.

1. Atardi

Noord

When you think of Aruba, you think of soft sandy beaches, painterly sunsets, and great seafood. Atardi is a classic pop-up restaurant. Late in the afternoon, staff begin setting up white linen-covered tables and tiki torches, preparing the seating for your Aruban sunset dining experience. Located in the Aruba Marriott Resort, Atardi is beachy casual with a touch of refined elegance.

What To Order At Atardi

The carefully curated menu is packed with seafood dishes complimented by a few turf dishes. Vegetarians are welcome and the chef will gladly prepare something off-menu. Start with the scallops which are cooked to perfection. The lobster tail entrée is sumptuous — the Caribbean spiny variety — different from a Maine lobster, but delicious. Save room for the tropical coconut cake because it is the perfect way to end a lovely meal.

Pro Tip: Plan your reservation just before sunset and you will be enjoying your main course as the sky turns shades of orange and pink as the sun sinks below the sea.

2. Linda’s Dutch Pancakes

Noord

If you have never had a Dutch Pancake, you need to give these a try. They are thin, huge like a pizza pie, and are decorated with an assortment of savory or sweet toppings. Linda’s Dutch Pancakes is a fixture in Aruba serving these disks of delight for over 20 years.

What To Order At Linda’s Dutch Pancakes

Linda’s has traditional fare on the menu, like eggs and sandwiches, but the pancakes are the star of the show. Try the banana pancake with whipped cream and a shot of banana liqueur for a sweet and boozy start to your day. You could also try the brie, walnuts, and honey pancake for something savory. They have an entire menu page dedicated to the make-your-own pancake so you can get exactly what you want.

Pro Tip: Ready to start your vacation breakfast with a kick? Order Linda’s Coffee. Bailey’s, Kahlúa, and Amaretto with a dash of caffeine — an Aruba vacation libation.

3. Lima Bistro

Oranjestad

Experience elevated Peruvian cuisine at Lima Bistro. Situated in the downtown Oranjestad area with waterside views from the patio, Lima Bistro is the perfect spot for a gathering of friends or a romantic dinner for two.

What To Order At Lima Bistro

Everything on the chef-driven menu reflects his Peruvian heritage served up slightly Aruban style. The beef anticucho with potato is the perfect starter; just enough to wake up your taste buds. The delectable entrée choices make deciding what to order extremely difficult. The pork chop cowboy style with red cabbage and mashed potatoes is a clear winner. For a filling vegetarian option, the roasted cauliflower with cheese and sweet potato is super tasty. Make sure to save room for dessert. If you’ve never had Chirimoya, try it with the meringue and caramel accompaniments.

Pro Tip: Located on the harbor, Lima Bistro is a delightful hidden gem.

3. The Pastechi House

Oranjestad

Deep-fried pastry pockets stuffed with tasty goodness, a pastechi is an Aruban staple. Akin to the empanada, pastechis are deep-fried and stuffed with cheese, chicken, ham, or beef. The Pastechi House is off the main drag in downtown Oranjestad, and worth seeking out.

What To Order At The Pastechi House

Of course, you want to order the pastechis. They are inexpensive and perfect for a quick lunch on the go. One makes a good snack, but order two if you are hungry.

Pro Tip: You will see pastechis all over Aruba. If you are downtown, make a point of stopping at The Pastechi House.

4. The Old Cunucu House

Noord

The Old Cunucu House is the best spot for authentic Aruban cuisine. The restaurant maintains the old farmhouse feel where you can dine on homemade local dishes.

What To Order At The Old Cunucu House

When you are on the hunt for traditional Aruban cuisine, try the Keshi Yena; a Gouda cheese stuffed with chicken, aromatics, cashews, and raisins. Another great choice is the Calco Stoba or stewed conch — you should at least try it once.

Pro Tip: The Old Cunucu House is located just a few blocks from the highrise hotel area in Palm Beach.

5. Eduardo’s Beach Shack

Noord

Eduardo’s Beach Shack was recommended to me by a friend, and she was right on with her recommendation. If you want to eat clean, enjoy a smoothie, or gobble up breakfast goodies, Eduardo’s is just the place. Order up then take your breakfast or lunch down to the beach and enjoy.

What To Order At Eduardo’s Beach Shack

Vacationing can be hard on your eating habits, but if you start your day at Eduardo’s with mixed fruit, acai, pitaya bowl, or any number of healthy options, you will feel good all day.

Pro Tip: The shack is located on Palm Beach along the walkway.

6. Papiamento Restaurant

Noord

Aruba antique chic and cozy, Papiamento Restaurant embodies the spirit of Bon Bini (welcome). Reserve a table by the pool for a fun outdoor atmosphere.

What To Order At Papiamento Restaurant

Start with a few sharing plates like the Blue Cheese Shrimp or the Keshi Yena. The grilled entrées are amazing. The Mermaid with wahoo and Caribbean shrimp with papaya pepper sauce is delicious. Also, the Neptune with Caribbean rock lobster, mahi-mahi, and shrimp will not disappoint.

Pro Tip: Papiamento is named after the Portuguese-based creole spoken in the Dutch Caribbean.

7. The Lobby Bar

Noord

Sushi is the name of the game at The Lobby Bar in the Aruba Marriott Resort.

What To Order At The Lobby Bar

It’s a lobby bar, so beverages are a given. Their hibiscus margarita garnished with a candied hibiscus flower is the Caribbean summed up in a glass. Edamame is the perfect foil for sushi and a great dish to share. Add on the rainbow roll and red snapper acevichado to round out the meal. If you are not into sushi, the kimchi wings are so good and sticky. The Asian barbecue flatbread with short ribs is perfection.

Pro Tip: They offer adult beverages with printed images or logos. Imagine your next business meeting happy hour with the company logo served up on top of your martini.

8. Barefoot Restaurant

Oranjestad

White sandy beach, gorgeous sunset, and a glorious meal — now that’s a vacation. Barefoot Restaurant offers water views or in-the-sand tables to make your Aruban vacation dining perfect.

What To Order At Barefoot Restaurant

Their Dutch style crab cakes are a lovely way to start a meal. Moving on to the entrée requires some thought. The Forest Mushroom Risotto is a stunning vegetarian option. The seafood selections are temping and the Caribbean grouper with mango sauce is a killer dish. There are delicious chicken and beef dishes to round out the menu.

Pro Tip: Reservations are strongly advised.

9. Flying Fishbone

Savaneta

Down the island road from the high-rise hotels and all-inclusive stays is the Flying Fishbone where you can enjoy a romantic beachside table, a brilliant Aruban sunset, and relaxed dining.

What To Order At Flying Fishbone

Start with the Carpaccio of Artichoke with goat cheese and move on to the Savaneta Seafood History or Lobster Casserole. Finish with the sweet and creamy créme brûlée.

Pro Tip: The Flying Fishbone is about a 30-minute ride from the high-rise hotel area.

Where To Stay In Aruba

Palm Beach is home to the hippest section of Aruba. Sparkling sand gives way to high-rise hotels, beach shacks with on-the-water toys, nightlife, and plenty of great food options. The Aruba Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino offer guests the perfect combination of being close enough to all the action while also being a few steps away from the private beach resort ambiance. It offers everything you need to make your Aruba getaway a vacation to remember.

Dine In Aruba

The artistically plated dishes with tantalizing options are the hallmark of fine dining in Aruba. There is no shortage of excellent restaurants with a long history of serving island guests. Whether you are in the mood for a romantic sunset dinner or a beachy picnic, you have hundreds of great options to choose from.

When you are ready to work off all those delicious bites, get outdoors and enjoy all the fun adventures Aruba has to offer. 

How to describe northern Thailand? Let’s start with the rich cultural heritage dating back to the 13th century. Add towering mountains, languid waterfalls, swift-moving rivers, ancient temples, lush green fields, high country tea and coffee plantations, and a distinct cuisine, and you begin to get the picture.

Chiang Mai, the largest city in northern Thailand and the second most visited destination in Thailand, and Chiang Rai, a smaller sibling, are great places to base yourself when exploring this fascinating region.

Hill tribe communities are another aspect of northern Thailand’s story. Descendants of nomadic wanderers from Tibet, China, and Laos — the Lisu, Lahu, Akha, Hmong, Karen, and Mien tribes — have long called the tangled green mountains stretching along the north’s border with neighboring Myanmar (Burma) home. For centuries, they were often treated as outcasts; however, this is changing, and their unique contribution to the region’s story is being acknowledged and celebrated.

Recently I spent four weeks crisscrossing northern Thailand, gaining deeper insights, further complimenting my previous visits to this magnificent region. I prefer “slow travel,” delving into the history, understanding the location, people, and culture, connecting with locals, and making “goodwill deposits” where I can.

This article concentrates on three meaningful experiences and activities that left a stamp on my soul.

1. Volunteering With Rescued Elephants

The 250-acre Elephant Nature Park (ENP) sits in the verdant Mae Taeng Valley just 40 miles north of Chiang Mai. Created in 2003 by the diminutive Saengduean “Lek” Chailert, this sanctuary provides a rest-of-life home for rescued injured, neglected, and elderly Asian elephants. A native of the north, Lek has devoted her life through her Save Elephant Foundation (SEF) to advocating and championing the rights of elephants in Asia, along with all animals in need.

These majestic rescued elephants live in natural herds, going about life — grazing in the paddocks, playing in mud baths, romping in the river, and generally being elephants without any requirement to interact with, entertain, or transport humans.

Pro Tip: Take a day trip or a 2-day, 1-night visit if you’re on a tight schedule, although I recommend the 7-day volunteer stint for a fully immersive experience.

Elephant Nature Park 7-Day Volunteer Program Activities

Suitable for adults of all ages, this program starts on Mondays and includes transfers from Chiang Mai. Onsite accommodation in shared same-sex rooms is provided for singles. Families or couples can stay together. The volunteer working day runs from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., with an hour off for lunch. Three meals (tasty vegetarian) per day are provided, and volunteers contribute 12,000 THB (approx. $330 USD) for the week at ENP.

A maximum of 20 volunteers are onsite any week as extra hands to keep the necessary work happening. Food preparation is a big job, with an abundance of mouths to feed, including 118 elephants eating around 10 percent of their body weight daily, plus buffalo and hundreds of dogs and cats.

The volume of watermelons, cucumbers, sugarcane, and bananas delivered into the elephant kitchen is eye-popping.

Other tasks include cleaning elephant enclosures while they are out foraging and paddock maintenance. Some volunteers travel with staff to collect more elephant food from local farmers. Then the rescued dogs and cats need feeding, grooming, and exercising.

After the communal dinner, optional evening activities include Thai language and culture lessons or perhaps a chat with founder Lek. An equally rewarding alternative is sitting riverside chatting with fellow volunteers while listening to the sounds of elephants trumpeting across the balmy night air.

Most Memorable Moments

So many moments will stay with me from my rewarding Elephant Nature Park week. A particular highlight was waiting on the Mae Taeng River bank late afternoon as individual elephant herds came downriver to their enclosures for the night. Not a mahout (elephant tender) or other guiding human was involved — just each herd leader, trumpeting her compatriots to hurry along. The elephants were happily and enthusiastically heading home, having learned that some tasty treats would be waiting in their enclosures.

2. Hill Tribe Village Stay

Northern Thailand offers many opportunities to visit hill tribe communities, get a photo, and maybe buy a trinket. In contrast, places like Lisu Lodge, a community tourism-created venture, allow you to stay within a community for a few days, getting closer to hill tribes’ daily lives. Your stay is without any hardship while knowing that you provide direct employment for individuals and funds from the business are channeled back to the community.

Lisu Lodge sits on the outskirts of a small village, Ban Chang, in the same Mae Taeng district as Elephant Nature Park and a 50-minute drive north of Chiang Mai. The primary residents of the village are the Lisu and Akha hill tribes people, who continue to practice their culture, traditions, and way of life.

Lodge Accommodation & Meals

The Lodge is four traditional houses set around paddy fields. A total of 20 guests can be accommodated overnight, with most visitors opting for the 2-day, 1-night stay. All guests have their own room and private bathroom. The included delicious dinner and breakfast are enjoyed communally on the expansive covered terrace, providing an opportunity to mix with fellow guests. 

Having arrived and been welcomed to the Lodge, an Akha woman named Bowie took us on a guided tour of the village, providing insights into daily life. She tells us that the village shaman sometimes comes out to meet visitors.

Our exploration of Wat Ton Lung, the local Buddhist temple and its medicinal herbal garden, provided a great insight into the health benefits of herbs I’ve only associated with Thai cooking. The village’s fruit and vegetable gardens and the surrounding rice fields are organic.

Local Excursions & Outings

Guests can grab a Lodge bicycle and explore at their own pace or sign up for one of the add-on activities. These include a nature walk with a local guide or lazily drifting down the river on a bamboo raft.

Pro Tip: One must-do excursion is visiting the nearby village-run Araksa Tea Plantation. Take the tour to learn the tea growing process and get hands on picking the fresh leaf tips. Watch how tea leaves are processed according to age-old traditions, view the factory, and sample the organically produced, award-winning teas. Stop for lunch or a snack at their café if time permits.

I loved seeing village life up close, enjoying the freshness of the delicious meals, and the Lodge staff’s friendliness plus, the rice paddies cloaked in the early morning mist. And most of all, I loved the genuineness of the whole experience.

Pro Tip: Visitors can extend beyond the typical 2-day, 1-night stay, and I recommend an extra night. Each excursion is excellent, and you’ll gain more authentic time with your host community.

3. Golden Triangle Luxe Eco Lodge Experience

The mountains to the north and west of Chiang Rai — dubbed the Golden Triangle by the CIA — were once known for ranking among the world’s largest opium-producing areas. That situation has turned around since the start of the 21st century, thanks in particular to Thailand’s royal family’s significant efforts.

The region is now renowned for its reforested mountains, colorful hill tribe communities, and high-value, export-quality cash crops like coffee, tea, and macadamia nuts. Mountains rise from 3,500 to 6,550 feet with narrow winding roads and fascinating villages — all well worth your time.

A Great Base For Exploration

One possible place to base yourself for a few days while exploring the region is Phu Chaisai resort, just under an hour north of Chiang Rai. Perched atop a bamboo-clad mountain with spectacular Mae Salong valley views, Phu Chaisai, which translates as “Mountain of Clear Heart,” is an eco-lodge created by one of Thailand’s leading interior designers, M.L. Sudavdee Kriangkrai.

On land held in her family for many years, Phu Chaisai’s design harmonizes with the forested surrounds and sees split bamboo used as a strong design element. Local hill tribe fabrics add color and texture to the rooms, while the cleansing fresh mountain air reduces the need for air conditioning. Televisions and alarm clocks are absent here.

Phu Chaisai’s overall “less is more” concept provides the opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural rhythm and environment of the far north.

Hike the marked trails on this 800-acre organic estate, visit their oolong tea plantation, or learn local dishes in the cooking school using produce grown in the resort’s gardens. Experience spa treatments incorporating natural aromatic oils created from resort-grown plants. Dine on the restaurant’s authentic northern Thai, Burmese, and Akha regional cuisines, and sip the resort’s organic teas or arabica coffee from the neighboring farm.

I loved the luxury of waking up to the early morning bird song enveloped in the cool morning air, plus dining and enjoying spa treatments knowing all the elements of products served or used were natural and from the hills around me. The resort imbued a sense of peace and relaxation.

Other Things To Do Near Chiang Mai And Chiang Rai

Phu Chaisai is a great base to explore the immediate region if you have your own vehicle. Less than 20 miles from the resort is the must-visit Doi Tung Palace and the spectacular 10-acre temperate-climate Mae Fah Luang Garden.

Learn how the Royal Family, through the Doi Tung development project, positively impacted this region and its Hill Tribe communities at the Hall of Inspiration. Be tempted by their internationally awarded ceramics, textiles, and handicrafts in the boutiques, and enjoy locally grown export quality Doi Tung coffee. 

When To Visit Northern Thailand

When to visit northern Thailand is worth considering. Though the busiest, November through to early February is a great time to visit as daytime temperatures are ideal and nighttime refreshingly cool. March through May is hot and often hazy due to crop burning, so not good for those with respiratory issues. June through October is the rainy season, with heavy downpours followed by sunny skies.

For more Thailand inspiration, consider

• A Visit To The Adorable Town Of Prachuap Khiri Khan, Thailand
• A Sleepover With Elephants In Thailand’s Golden Triangle

Colombia was not on my bucket list when an opportunity arose to fill a vacancy on a preplanned tour. I admit, I left home with low expectations. But something magical happened somewhere along the beautiful Andes Mountains, and I fell in love with Colombia. 

During the next 2 years, other trips were made in different regions, searching for that perfect place in the Andes to rest my overworked, burnt out body for a much-needed retirement. I am a country girl at heart and avoid big cities. Most of my journeys explore rural areas of an unspoiled and authentic landscapes and cultures. 

One of the side effects of the terrible drug cartel wars that lasted for many years was that very little changed in the rural areas. The media reports around the world regard high crime and violence in Colombia, but that is no longer the case. As a result, tourism development has been slow. Colombia’s Spanish culture — remaining from centuries-old colonization mingled with ancient Andean Indigenous cultures — refuses to wither away.

Rural Colombia is saturated with small quaint villages, warm friendly people, and mountain scenery I never tired of. Here are my picks, in no particular order, for the most charming villages in the Colombian Andes Mountains that are worth a stop along your journey.

1. Santa Fe Antioquia

Population: 23,216

In the northern part of Colombia, just 35 miles north of Medellin, sits Sante Fe Antioquia where architecture reflects Old Spain’s whitewashed buildings and cobblestone streets. Founded in 1541, this village received a coat of arms from King Phillip II of Spain, elevating its status in the church which secured additional royal funds used to build an exquisite city for distinguished residents. 

Today, the village is an important Colombian historical site ensuring national attention to preserve buildings, creating a feeling of being suspended in time.

While living in Medellin for 2 months, I took a day to wander around the town square, chapels, and quarters once filled with bishops and Spanish dignitaries. A few must-see places are the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Archiepiscopal Palace, the Museum of Religious Art, and the Plaza Mayor Juan de Corral. 

Pro Tip: Hundreds of tourists arrive each weekend from Medellin, so reserve your tour early from a major hotel. 

2. San Antonio De Pereira Neighborhood Of Rionegro

Population: 128,153

A popular day trip destination from Medellin, San Antonio de Pereira is a small neighborhood within the city of Rionegro. With its own central plaza, San Antonio de Pereira has a popular outdoor market of artisan crafts such as sombreros, belts, art, jewelry, pottery, and dulce (candy). Lots of dulce.

A popular foodie destination due to many quality bakeries, their sweet reputation dates back almost a century when the area was colonized for its fertile soil. Women churned out jams and jellies from numerous fruit trees. The soil produces nutritious grass perfect for dairy farms, and milk was added to cakes creating the dulce de leche cake.

This four-layer cake is soaked with leche (milk) and topped with a sweet frosting. At the Dulce Contigo bakery, we found 30 different flavors of cakes in long pans laid out on tables. The customer pays at the door for one plate, a fork, and tickets, one for each piece of cake desired. The cake walk begins around the tables as customers exchange tickets for a nice helping of bliss. 

Pro Tip: Medellin’s public bus system is modern and easy to use. Buy a ticket at the Central Metro Station for a comfortable bus ride through a lovely countryside.

3. Armenia

Population: 295,208

This town surpasses the definition of a village but has a small-town feel. Founded in 1889 and renamed in 1930, Armenia is located in the heart of the “Coffee Cultural Landscape” declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Several coffee plantations are open to the public for tours. Mine included picking coffee beans with a friendly donkey at my heels.

Armenia is home to the Willy Jeep Festival. The first U.S. military Jeep was introduced to Colombia soon after WWII to be used by coffee plantations because of the vehicle’s ability to operate in a rugged steep mountainous environment. Nicknamed metal mules, the Jeeps have become an important part of the coffee culture. 

Pro Tips: Flying from Medellin might be a better option than driving due to heavy traffic through the Andes Valley. Armenia has a large selection of excellent hotels, as well.

4. Jardín

Population: 13,541

A charming village just a 4-hour drive south of Medellin, Jardín is known for its well-preserved, brightly painted houses with hand-carved balconies that surround a large plaza filled with flowers, tables, and locals getting the latest news firsthand. First, join them for a hearty breakfast and soak in the experience.

Next, take a short hike to the Cascada La Escalera, a double waterfall hidden in the surrounding lush gardens and forest. My favorite activity is bird watching at the Reserva Natural Jardín de Rocus where the stunning Andean cock-of-the-rock birds live.

Pro Tips: Save the Reserva Natural Jardín de Rocus trip until sunset when the birds are most active. There are numerous hiking trails, but many are not advertised so ask your hotel manager for directions or how to hire a guide.

5. El Santuario, Risaralda

Population: 11,787

As the gateway to the Tatama National Natural Park, El Santuario is one of the busiest villages in Colombia. Catering to travelers passing through seeking the beauty of this important national park, many are birdwatchers and orchid enthusiasts. Only rustic cabins are available in the park but there are many options for hotels and restaurants in El Santuario. 

Nestled in a valley surrounded by massive Andes Mountains, many visitors from Medellin enjoy the scenic drive and mountain views. The Spanish Colonial architecture is intact and preserved, but outdoor activities are limited to inside the park. 

Pro Tip: Banks and ATM machines for U.S. credit cards are available in the downtown area and are good and safe places to get cash.

6. El Cairo

Population: 9,976

Designated a UNESCO Historic Site, this colorful Spanish Colonial village located near Colombia’s northern border is best known for its forest coffee. Unlike shade or shadow coffee, forest coffee bushes are planted under an uncut forest canopy that includes fruit trees, flowers, bamboo, and vegetables. This revived ancient technique produces a unique taste and eco-friendly product because the shaded beans stay moist, forest animals eat bugs eliminating pesticide use, and the plants gain nutrients from forest debris.

The Serraniagua Foundation sells local coffee via a small coffee shop on El Cairo’s square and also arranges tours of the El Porvenir Farm approved by the Rainforest Alliance.

Pro Tip: I highly recommend staying at the Pizzeria la Roma, a funky hostel owned by Maria, an artist specializing in turning trash into art. She also makes amazing pizzas with fresh garden ingredients.

7. Salento

Population: 7,247

West of Bogota surrounded by wax palm trees, Salento lies in the Cocora Valley known for amazing views of the Nevado del Ruiz volcano. Most visitors are young backpackers from around the world who come to hike the volcano and enjoy lively nightlife.

Salento offers quality hotels, cafés, music, and artisan crafts. My favorite lodge is the eco-friendly Hotel Salento Real with a gorgeous Spanish interior and solar panels for electricity.

Pro Tips: Salento is near Bogota, the largest city in Colombia, and popular for cycling and horseback riding. Make reservations early for lodging.

8. Filandia

Population: 13,700

Located in the central Andes smack in the middle of lush forest and coffee plantations, this charming village untouched by modern architectural changes has some of the most colorful buildings in Colombia. But the best part, most tourists head over to nearby Salento keeping this sleepy little town a secret gem.

Retiring in Colombia did not happen, but if it had, this would be the place where many eco-tourism opportunities with small parks and reserves are nearby — such as the Barbas-Bremen nature reserve that resembles a true jungle complete with howler monkeys.

Filandia is also a popular Sunday afternoon day trip for Bogota residents with a passion for cycling. There are numerous uncrowded dirt tracks perfect for biking past beautiful farms and breathtaking lookouts over the Andes Mountains.

Pro Tip: Some of the most scenic views of the Andes are on the outskirts of Filandia. The best way to see them is to hop on a Chiva, a vibrantly decorated bus used as a rural public bus system. 

Before You Go

Few people speak English in the rural areas, so brush up on your Spanish. There are numerous translation apps that work in Colombia, but it is best to purchase a new sim card and temporary service with a Colombian phone company. The Internet is usually free in rural areas.

Weather wise, there is no bad time to visit Colombia because of the country’s proximity to the equator. The temperature changes according to the elevation. There are dry or wet seasons but the timetable changes around the country, so check the weather patterns in the area.

Colombia hosts a world of amazing experiences, including:

• My 6 Favorite National Parks In Colombia
• 6 Unique Experiences In Colombia
• 7 Bucket-List Experiences In Colombia

For curious travelers eager to get off the proverbial beaten path, Nova Scotia’s southern coast will check all your travel boxes. There are amazing restaurants with delectable seafood, historic inns with gorgeous perennial gardens, delightful little lighthouses, and stunning beaches perfect for swimming and walking. All located just a few short hours from Halifax, these adorable small towns are a memorable addition to any East Coast road trip. I had the opportunity to visit them during a recent press trip and I can’t wait to return and explore some more!

1. Digby

Digby is a seafood lover’s dream destination. Famous for having some of the biggest and best scallops in the world, Digby’s café scene promises to delight. Prices are affordable, servings are generous, and the nautical decor is charming. There’s excellent hiking nearby, especially around the coast and Prim Point Lighthouse (which overlooks the “Digby Gut”, the waterway which leads to the Bay of Fundy). Those craving a bit of indoor luxury and leisure will want to head to the Digby Pines Golf Resort and Spa. This historic property (which has hosted a long list of luminaries, including baseball superstar Babe Ruth, who golfed here) has sumptuous rooms, elegant public spaces, a superb spa, and swimming pool.

2. Gilberts Cove

Gilberts Cove is a tiny little community with a huge personality. Like so many spots in Nova Scotia, Gilberts Cove faced a bit of a crisis when its lighthouse was decommissioned. Lighthouses like this were once the hearts of their communities and a lifeline for fishermen. However, in an era of automation and improved technology, lighthouse keepers are no longer needed and, in truth, lighthouses themselves are all but redundant. However, Gilberts Cove residents weren’t going to give up on their lighthouse and the history it represents. The community banded together to repair, restore, and transform a lighthouse into a small museum, tearoom, and craft shop. Today, it’s billed as “The Greatest Little Lighthouse In Canada.”

Pro Tip: Bring along your spare change to buy homemade cookies from the tearoom. The staff will even warm them up for you!

3. Belliveaus Cove

In this sweet little fishing hamlet, you’ll find a lighthouse that dates back to 1889, a busy farmer’s market, and a pretty harbor with colorful boats, houses, and clotheslines. Perhaps the best thing of all about Belliveaus Cove is what everyone is doing at night! It is a hugely popular spot for pétanque! If you’ve enjoyed bocce ball, you’ll love pétanque. The objective is to softly throw your ball so it lands closer to the target than your opponent’s ball. To say that pétanque is something of an obsession in Belliveaus Cove is an understatement. I was fortunate enough on my visit to chat with some local men who kindly paused their game to explain the rules and share their love of the game. Listening to them chat at sunset, with the lighthouse and boats in the background, was a wonderful travel memory.

4. Church Point

Church Point is one of Nova Scotia’s smallest college towns. It’s home to Université Sainte-Anne, the province’s only Francophone university. Like most college towns, it has a laid-back vibe but it is very strict on one thing. Visitors who partake in the university’s French immersion program are forbidden from speaking English (don’t worry if you need some local assistance — everyone will quickly figure out that you’re not a visiting student)! Other must-visit spots include Église Sainte-Marie, which is both a church and a museum. It boasts the tallest wooden steeple in North America. Nearby, Le Petit Bois offers a series of hiking trails, ranging from short and easy walks to longer, moderate treks.

5. Meteghan

One of the largest and busiest fishing ports in the area, Meteghan is a good place to grab a seafood dinner. At the Seashore Restaurant, you’ll enjoy gorgeous views and dishes like fresh haddock covered in a creamy lobster sauce. However, it wasn’t the main courses that had me and my friends singing its praises. The desserts are great and we fell in love with a cinnamon bun cheesecake. I still swoon just thinking about it! The nearby Smuggler’s Cove Provincial Park offers gorgeous water views and a chance to explore a prohibition-era smuggler’s cave at low tide.

6. Cape Saint Mary’s

If you’re craving great views and even better beaches, Cape Saint Mary’s should be on your travel list. A lighthouse has been on this site since 1868 (though the structure you see today isn’t the original building). It’s an amazing place to watch the sunset and enjoy lovely views of both the water and the nearby village. A memorial to those lost at sea underscores the region’s emotional ties with the water. Nearby, Cape Saint Mary’s Beach, Mavillette Beach, and the Mavillette Beach Provincial Park offer good swimming by day in July and August and romantic walks by night.

Pro Tip: Bundle up to watch the sunset at the lighthouse. Some serious winds whip through here!

7. Yarmouth

It might be cheating a bit to include Yarmouth on this list as it really isn’t a small town anymore, but it certainly has plenty of small-town charm. The colorful historic homes reflect the kind of stately, ostentatious elegance that was expected of well-to-do ship captains once upon a time. Frost Park, overlooking the water, is filled with flowers and pretty places to sit and watch the world go by. Come Saturday mornings, the farmer’s market is a delightful spot to stock up on berries, cider, and homemade soap, all while listening to some local music. At nearby Cape Forchu, you can climb 75 feet to the top of the lighthouse tower and take in the magnificent views.

Pro Tip: Plan on grabbing lunch at Cape Forchu. The little lunch counter has excellent lobster rolls.

8. West Pubnico And Lower West Pubnico

These side-by-side communities are filled with history and culture. In West Pubnico, the Musee des Acadiens des Pubnicos is a center of genealogical excellence and brings the everyday life of the d’Entremont and d’Eon families to life. Be sure to check out their small garden behind the museum. It’s filled with vegetables, fruits, and herbs that the Acadians used for food, medicine, and toiletries. 

Down the road in Lower West Pubnico is Le Village Historique Acadien. Sitting on a 17-acre site overlooking the harbor, this living history museum showcases life in an Acadian village in the 1900s. The cooking demonstrations are especially interesting and if you’re offered a thick molasses cookie, go for it!

Among these wonderful museums is a new attraction that is worthy of a little buzz all on its own. The Boatskeg Distilling Company has turned an old boatyard into a modern craft spirit distillery and their salted caramel vodka sells out regularly.

9. Shag Harbour

This wee little spot offers something you won’t see in most travel destinations. It’s home to a UFO museum! The Shag Harbour Incident Interpretive Centre tells the story of a mysterious day in 1967 when an unknown flying object crashed into the ocean. While a comprehensive search was immediately launched (as witnesses feared that an airplane might have gone down), no trace of the enigmatic vessel was ever found. Was it a rogue military operation or visitors from another realm? Who can say? It’s well worth dropping in for a visit to learn more about the story.

10. Clark’s Harbour 

Clark’s Harbour has the distinction of being the southernmost town in Nova Scotia. Located on Cape Sable Island (not to be confused with Nova Scotia’s similarly named Sable Island, which is famous for its wild horses), Clark’s Harbour is the gateway to the island’s many attractions and gorgeous beaches. One of the most memorable beaches is known as “The Hawk”. As you walk along the shore, you’ll see hundreds of fossilized tree stumps preserved in the seawater. I can honestly say that I’ve never seen anything quite like it.

Pro Tip: Make reservations now to dine at the Salt Banker, Clark’s Harbour’s first year-round restaurant in nearly twenty years. Nicole Hopkins, a beloved local chef, will be offering plenty of seafood, pasta, her own spin on chicken and waffles, and even homemade ice cream.

11. Shelburne

Shelburne isn’t just adorable. It’s drop-dead gorgeous! With buildings dating to the 1700s and 1800s, the community’s heritage is beautifully preserved on every street. This was the setting for the movie, The Scarlet Letter, and the production was a real boost in the area’s preservation efforts. The Cooper’s Inn is a beautiful boutique bed and breakfast, with a gorgeous garden where you can join owner Amanda for a glass of wine during happy hour and feast on an outstanding breakfast menu filled with delicious homemade goodies. Just a short walk down the road is the Dory Shop Museum, which preserves the history of the Shelburne Dory, an indispensable small fishing boat. You can even watch a shipbuilder at work while you’re there! At the Shelburne County Museum, there are plenty of interesting exhibits, as well as an excellent little gift shop that offers whirligigs (whimsical painted carvings for your garden that feature moving ‘wings’ and other parts).

When I asked a New Zealander at the beginning of our trip what to do when we reached Wellington, he said, “you’ll spend a lot of money.” Challenge accepted. What can we do in one of New Zealand’s most expensive cities without breaking the bank? We searched websites and social media to find inexpensive, incredible experiences. Make sure to include a trip up Mount Victoria when you have car access and a few hours.

1. Tour The Beehive And New Zealand’s Parliamentary Complex

Wellington is the seat of New Zealand’s government with a distinctively shaped complex that includes a beehive-shaped building. Known locally as “the Beehive,” that section contains the executive branch of government.

Book online via email before your trip or as late as before the building opens at 9 a.m.

The Introduction to Parliament tour lasts an hour, offered on the hour every hour between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. We scored tickets for the 10 a.m. tour and walked over from our apartment. Free and free.

Pro Tip: It is the nicest and shortest to walk along the waterfront. The curve in the bay makes the journey shorter than traveling the outlying city roads.

We arrived at the right side of the “beehive” as you face Parliament, entered the visitor center, walked through metal detectors, and left all our belongings at bag claim. No visitor photography is allowed inside the building.

Pro Tip: Be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled tour for the security screening process.

We watched a short video welcoming us to Parliament and thanking us for our interest in their democracy.

Our tour guide, Janet, walked us past the visitors’ information desk, and into the beehive itself to share the history of this large, semi-circular banquet hall with elevators in the center. The concept of the building may have been drawn on a napkin in the 1960s or built from matchboxes. Both are now Kiwi urban legends, and the origin is no longer known.

Next, we visited Parliament, in the main, sandstone-colored building. Partially demolished in a 1907 fire because it was made of wood, they rebuilt the building using stone. Through the main entrance, up two flights of stairs, we entered the Gallery. New Zealand’s House of Representatives is the sole chamber. They’ve done away with the House of Lords due to redundancy. Parliament is in session Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. 33 weeks a year. It’s free to enter and observe their legislative process.  

Continuing down the hall to the library (my favorite place in the building), we admired former librarians’ pictures and an awesome art piece created from book bindings. Whatever can’t be answered online for the members of parliament can be found by the librarian.

From the library, we entered the old House of Lord chambers and were regaled with stories and photos of Queen Elizabeth’s visits to open parliament. In her absence, the Governor General, originally a Brit but a New Zealander since the 1960s, sits in Her Majesty’s stead.

Then, we visited the Great Hall, the original entrance restored after the fire, and an art-filled atrium, before proceeding to the earthquake protection area where we saw a video about how the building was retrofitted with New Zealand-developed earthquake protection.

2. Visit Parliament In Session

Once you’ve toured the building, if Parliament meets that afternoon, you’ll be given the option to return to watch Parliament in action. If you can, please do. Their political parties were forced to make “side deals” to retain the majority. The subject of discussion on our visit was foreign students. That includes Americans. We learned that international student education is a $4 billion endeavor for New Zealand, making it the fourth largest contributor to the economy. Listening to and learning their perspectives was fascinating.

You have the option to choose whether you want to be an AYES or a NOES from the beginning. The signs over the doors typically represent the entry point for the ruling party (AYES) and the opposition (NOES). But, there’s a fast count purpose to the doors as well. The rare time a “conscience vote” is called, the members of Parliament walk through the door that signifies their vote and are so counted. It’s a physical representation of the mental and emotional background for a vote. For visitors, it’s as simple as selecting which side you want to be able to watch.

Be sure to check out the front table. If you see a scepter, you know they’re in a formal session.

The artwork in the room is symbolic. Locations named on these walls represent conflicts. The monogram on the ceiling is that of His Majesty, George V. The greenery isn’t just to beautify the room. It represents the suffragette movement. New Zealand was, after all, the first country to offer women the vote.

3. Visit Any Pop-Up Village

You’ll want to check local city websites or google search what village is open during your trip. For us, the village entailed several 8 by 5 feet cargo containers, outfitted with the sellers’ wares.

Pro Tip: Take an extra suitcase to carry your treasures home. We spotted resin-coated orchids made into jewelry, fur pelts, and knitted products.

4. Stop For Tea Or A Meal

The pop-up village included tents with Schnitzel and Bratwurst, the most common food fare. Individual warehouses on the pier had their own bars and restaurants with the Crab Shack, our first choice. Note that restaurant “chains” here don’t have the same menus at different locations.

5. Stroll Along The Waterfront

The waterfront is beautiful to walk along. There are plenty of businesses and shipping ventures. There’s a nice breeze and beautiful and funny sculptures — from the sails in the center section with several restaurants, to the play area with a slide high enough my 22-year-old had to go on it, to swings and a rugby pitch.

6. Visit Te Papa Museum

Te Papa Museum celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2023. When we visited, the bonus exhibit revolved around Gallipoli, quite meaningful to New Zealanders. Gallipoli, a city in modern-day Turkey, was, in 1914, still part of the Ottoman Empire and the setting for a terrible battle that took 200,000 lives, including 2,779 New Zealanders (about 1/6 of their armed forces) before they retreated.

The installation’s figures were 10 times larger than life-size and quite remarkable, right down to the flies. The saddest part was the recreation of Lieutenant-Colonel William George Malone’s hut, where he’d written letters to his wife, even hours before the battle that would take his life.

They’re open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

7. If You Lodge Near The Water, Head Home For Lunch

When in Wellington, the location of your lodgings matters. While the price of a downtown hotel or Airbnb will be higher, the time, savings, and ability to go home to make yourself a healthy lunch and rest can make the difference between a long, exhausting day, and two (or three) enjoyable sightseeing sessions. Well rested and well fed.

8. Visit The New Zealand Portrait Gallery

The New Zealand Portrait Gallery contains 14 permanent multi-media exhibits and a visiting installation. Their permanent exhibit includes photographs, paintings, and sometimes audio descriptions. Covering jazz singers and fashion designers, each had some influence on New Zealand, and many were internationally renowned.

They’re open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

9. Visit The Wellington Museum

We arrived at the Wellington Museum just an hour before closing time and went right up to the Attic, working our way down to see as much as possible. The Attic contains shipwrecks, aliens, children’s activities, and interactive exhibits whose tiger’s roar may make you jump. The first floor focuses on maritime information and a trip through time exhibit.

They’re open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Pro Tip: The movies close before the museum so attend them early.

10. Visit The Botanic Gardens And Carter Observatory

For free, you can hike up to the Botanic Gardens, but for the time, effort, and experience, I recommend taking the cable car round trip from Lambton Quay Terminal to the Kelburn Terminal. You can hop on and off at the Salamanca, Talavera, or Clifton stations to see the murals or surrounding neighborhoods, but continue to the summit for visits to the rose garden or Tree House Visitor Center. If we’d had more time, we would’ve spent it here. Some of their vegetation is unlike anything I’ve seen in the U.S. You’ll spy both blue and pink flowering bougainvillea at the same time. These are beautiful places for photos and weddings.

The Carter Observatory is open for Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday night shows.

11. Take Advantage Of A Pop-Up Shakespeare In The Park

Shakespeare in the Park was performed in a parking lot not far from our apartment. It was hysterical. We were supplied with chairs, blankets, and water as we entered. The actors very much enjoyed all the audience participation during Comedy of Errors. They ran up and down their scaffolding set and found creative ways to indicate the passage of time.

It was a chilly 56 degrees Fahrenheit by the time the performance ended. We were very grateful we lived just a few blocks away and could get home to get warm.

Pro Tip: Check out social media for special events.

Turns out our first day in Wellington, for two, cost us under $50 including groceries. Challenge completed.

I was recently the guest of Costa Cruises for two almost back-to-back cruises. To say it was the opportunity of a lifetime would be an understatement. I cruised Turkey and Greece with my husband, then boarded the brand-spankin’-new Costa Toscana ship with Taylor, my daughter and business partner, to explore Italy, France, and Spain. I returned with so many wonderful memories, and I couldn’t wait to share them with you. 

If you want the whole immersive European experience, sail the high seas with an Italian brand cruise ship that goes to the best cruise ports ever. Here is a look at six fabulous experiences cruising with Costa in Europe.

1. Pre- And Post-Cruising Fun In Rome And Vatican City

It takes so long to get to Europe from the United States that I always travel at least a day before the cruise embarks and stay for a few days after disembarking. You will most likely arrive early in the morning after a whole night of flying from the U.S., so devise a plan to drop your luggage and see as much of Rome as possible.

Having been there a few times, I grabbed a cab and went to the popular neighborhoods to see the biggies like Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and Vatican City. Costa Cruises uses the Starhotels Michelangelo Rome, an easy walk to all three, for pre- and post-cruise nights. Either way, before or after your cruise, you will typically arrive in Rome or disembark the ship early in the morning, so you have the whole day to explore.

You must have a timed entry ticket to get into the Vatican Museum. My daughter and I bought ours from a street vendor near the entrance to St. Peter’s Square. We also bought hop-on/hop-off bus tickets and went for the entire loop, which had a multi-language narrated tour. We’d hop off to get food and see something specific. The restaurants near the Michelangelo hotel were close, tasty, and affordable.

Pro Tips

• The Rome–Fiumicino International Airport (FCO) and Civitavecchia, the cruise port, are almost an hour apart. Save yourself the headache and price of private transportation and book the cruise line transfers. 
• Vatican City is less crowded toward the end of the day. Book your ticket for then.

2. Seeing Sorrento On Our Own

The first excursion on our Costa Toscana trip was to Sorrento, Italy — a first for me. This city, famous for its juicy lemons and other citrus fruits, is a real gem. Our cruise docked in Naples, and though every driver at the port insisted we go to the Amalfi Coast, Taylor and I hired a cab driver to take us to Sorrento. We had been to the Amalfi Coast in the past, and we wanted to see something new. We chose Sorrento for the scenery and photo ops, which were as good as the Amalfi Coast, but cheaper and closer.

After negotiating a price and standing firm on what I was willing to pay, our cab driver gave us a guided tour along the way, stopping at many pull-outs for us to take pictures. We allowed a few hours to see Sorrento on our own, which included eating a local lunch at Sedil Dominova Bar 2000 and roaming the pedestrian-only streets. Stepping inside the lovely Cathedral of Saints Philip and James is a must. Even the novice traveler could do this Sorrento excursion.

Pro Tip: We paid around $75 per person for 5–6 hours of a private guided tour. 

3. Getting My Gaudi On In Barcelona 

I’m a repeat visitor to Barcelona, so the only thing I wanted to do on my trip was see the Antoni Gaudi architectural sites again and get better pictures. Done. I went on a Costa Cruises excursion to the three biggies: Park Güell, Casa Milà, and La Sagrada Familia, which are all UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Tickets were provided for entry to the park and Casa Milà, so we didn’t have to wait in lines.

Note: This is an Italian cruise line. Not many Americans are on board, so the English-speaking tours are limited. Some tours have dual groups, such as an English-speaking group as well as tours in Spanish, Italian, or German. If you are concerned about what Costa offers, you can always buy external tours through a third-party site, like Viator, which I’ve used a dozen times or more. 

We could stay with the group in Park Güell, or wander on our own, so I chose the latter. Due to overcrowding, the park’s Zona Monumental is limited in the number of patrons per hour through access points. Apparently, this has been in practice for years, so know before you go. I wandered as much of the 12-hectare property as possible.

This tour was great for those who wish to delve deeper into the incredible works of Gaudi, the greatest architect of Catalan Modernism. We also had about 30 minutes to roam around La Sagrada Familia, allowing time for a coffee and pastry, plus picking up postcards.

Pro Tip: The traffic is thick and congested in Barcelona. It takes quite a bit of time to get to and from the cruise ship port. Keep that in mind if you consider doing a day on your own. 

4. Discovering Valencia, Spain

I was excited to find Valencia on my Costa cruise itinerary, and I took another organized cruise line excursion to explore this city famous for its paella. We boarded a bus for our ride to Valencia, enjoying the gorgeous flowers and highly ornate architecture along the way. 

Our first stop was a bathroom and snack break at the Mercado de Colón, an Art Nouveau public market that is breathtaking. At Horchatería Daniel, we had a refreshing horchata drink and fartons — confectionery sweets typical of Alboraya, Spain, with a sugary glaze. 

The gist of our tour of Valencia was walking around and taking pictures, and what an incredible landscape for doing so. This city is so pretty, with fancy clock towers, whimsical painted benches, picturesque fountains, panhandlers dressed as Disney and Marvel characters providing paid photo ops, and a host of shops selling everything from records to yarn, cheesy souvenirs to high-priced artwork. This city was a juxtaposition of old and new, touristy and sophisticated.

5. Impressed With Aix-En-Provence

Aix-en-Provence, France, wasn’t super crowded when we arrived; it had a comfortable vibe and interesting things to see. We had a stop at the cathedral and walked a mile or more with our guide to learn more about the city’s unique history.

When we broke off for free time, I went straight to the shops to have a meal. By this time of the day, it was getting hectic; we counted four weddings on our walk, so a reprieve of cooling off was necessary. I found, of all places, a cute little American-style hamburger place (Blend) that was air-conditioned (it was sweltering that day, and most restaurants only offer sidewalk cafes) and had free Wi-Fi, so I was set. A smash burger and Diet Coke later, I was ready to get back to seeing Aix-en-Provence. 

You’ll find the best selection of pastries, gourmet foods, and candies in Aix-en-Provence. I recommend calissons (diamond-shaped fondant sweets) from Léonard Parli confectionery, for yourself or those you are taking something home to. 

6. Falling In Love With Finalborgo And Noli

European geography is not a specialty of mine, so when my Costa Cruises cruise itinerary mentioned the Savona seaport, I had to look online to even know that it was in Italy. It is also near the city of Genoa. Since I had no expectations or ideas of what to see or do here, I let the cruise line decide for me. 

I ended up on “Finalborgo and Noli, the Middle Ages in Miniature.” I had no idea what that meant, so imagine my surprise when we first stopped at Finalborgo, a historic village in western Liguria with the sweeping sea on one side and medieval walls on the other. It was darling!

Taylor and I strolled around the cobblestoned streets, soaking up the beauty in all the little nooks and crannies. I feasted on a sinfully delicious waffle ice cream sundae and Italian coffee. This is one Italian city you won’t want to miss. And wait, there’s more.

The next stop was to Noli, one of the cutest European beach towns I’ve ever seen. The beaches were full of families and pet owners enjoying their holiday and the warm sunshine. Across the street was a web of curvy roads that led to boutiques, coffee shops, tourist stands, and great people-watching opportunities. 

I couldn’t decipher a bit of what this excursion meant on paper, but it was my favorite stop on this Mediterranean cruise itinerary.

FYI: There are naturist beaches (Punta Crane between Noli and Varigotti, for one) in the area, so be on the lookout, or don’t be — your choice. I’m just alerting you.

Now, let me start off straight away with a disclaimer so that neither you nor my husband gets the wrong idea: I have been camping a lot during my childhood summer vacations and have camped frequently with my family, when my daughter was younger for ease and budget reasons — I have even camped out in the desert in Qatar. But generally speaking, I am not a natural camping enthusiast and love the luxury of being pampered, sleeping in bed linen someone else has to wash, and sitting at a proper table for dinner with tablecloths and crystal wine glasses in hotels.

So, you can trust me when I say that the campsites I list here, are special and — at that time at least — were better than any hotel could have been, not necessarily because they provided me with a hotel experience. Instead, they provided me with a unique stay, be it in a tent under the pine trees or playing petanque in the sand. There’s something appealing about not having anything fancy around, having to go and find your own amusement. Each holds great memories for special reasons.

For a happy traveler but not a natural camper, the other undeniable bonus in France is that the majority of campsites here have chalets. Yes, there are sites where you can park your car or campervan and pitch a tent, but there are also always comfortable huts that have separate bedrooms — and even bathrooms — so you won’t have to crawl out of the tent at night and stand on a hedgehog when you are trying to find the toilet block in the dark (yes, it happened to me).

If you are either on a budget, on a road trip, or traveling with grandchildren, then “camping,” at least at the sites mentioned, can often be the easier option, cheaper, more convenient, and (dare I say it?) more fun.

Here is a selection of great sites, some fancier than others, but all offering a special stay that you will enjoy.

1. Sunelia Interlude

Ile De Re, Charente-Maritime

It was my parents who first introduced me to camping on the Ile de Re. I, in turn, introduced my husband and daughter. On a later visit, I also introduced my parents-in-law and niece to this site. It’s now a family thing, and at large gatherings, the pictures always come out.

The Ile de Re is a beautiful island off the west coast of France by La Rochelle, roughly a 5-hour drive from Paris. The island offers everything you need for a relaxing vacation: beautiful land-and seascapes, bicycle paths across the island, long beaches, fresh seafood, and most of all, a laid-back selection of accommodation. There are only a few small hotels on the island but many campsites.

This campsite, Sunelia Interlude, lies directly by the beach commune Le Bois-Plage-en-Re, and alongside a long sandy beach, perfect for frolicking in the waves, building sandcastles, flying kites, or going on endless walks. After a renovation, the campsite now offers three types of wooden chalets, complete with private decks, en-suite bathrooms, and on the site, a spa, a pool, rental bikes, and a store and food catering services.

Pro Tip: Just outside of the site on the way to the beach, the restaurant La Grillerade is perfect for dinner or lunch when you are spending the day on the beach.

2. Camping Les Sableres

Vieux-Boucau-Les-Bains, Les Landes

Also on France’s Atlantic Coast just a little further south along the M63, exiting at Magescq, lies Camping Les Sableres by the town of Vieux-Boucau-les-Bains. Nestled under shade-giving pine trees on sandy grounds, the campsite lies just behind the dunes, sheltering it from the ocean and separating it from one of my favorite beaches in Europe.

This also happens to be my favorite campsite in France, because it is still quite basic (even if you can rent a luxury chalet). A lot of people still bring their own tent, pitching it under the trees (the sandy ground makes it quite tricky to get the pegs in, but that is part of the fun) and getting down to basics, with shared, but very well looked after, shower and bathroom facilities.

There are no fancy spas here. Instead, you have ping-pong and petanque sites. For fun, you just walk across the dunes to the beach, where you can participate in water sports, learn to surf, and enjoy the splendid surroundings.

Pro Tip: Vieux-Boucau has plenty of restaurants, stores, activities, and galleries within walking distance, allowing you to spend an entire summer vacation just here.

3. Camping Merko Lacarra

Saint-Jean-De-Luz, Pyrénées-Atlantiques

We are still on the same coast, but even further south, past Biarritz and in France’s Basque region. Saint-Jean-de-Luz is a lovely seaside town just minutes away from the Spanish border and within easy driving distance of San Sebastian, one of the best foodie destinations in the world. The campsite, another vacation favorite of my family, lies along the coast just north of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, which has stopped being made up of endless straights of white sand. Due to the proximity of the Pyrenees, it’s more rugged and rocky, but with small beaches nestled in between the cliffs. There are several campsites next to each other, but my chosen one, Merko Lacarra, again is a more traditional campsite without many modern conveniences. Instead, you bring your tent or park your campervan and play ball on the grass. Yes, there are some chalets, but nothing too fancy, because otherwise, it would be called a hotel, wouldn’t it?

Pro Tip: This is hiking country, and there are plenty of trails around Saint-Jean-de-Luz’s coast, so don’t forget to bring some sturdy shoes as well as your swimming costumes.

4. Domaine De Chalaine

Lac De Chalain, Alpes Et Jura

Finally, we are leaving the Atlantic Coast and are heading to the southeast, the Jura region. Domaine de Chalaine can be reached by flying into Geneva in Switzerland (55 miles) or into Lyon (91 miles). Or, as I did, stop off here on your road trip through France heading toward Italy. The site lies next to Lac de Chalaine, a popular swimming lake with sandy beaches along its wooded coastline. Here you can bring your own tent or rent one of three accommodation options, from a traditional chalet to a bungalow or a basic hut called a mobile home.

This place aims to keep you busy with activities such as a waterpark, pedalos, canoes, bicycles, and scooter rentals; there is horse-riding, archery, and even rock-climbing. Indoor and outdoor pools allow for the at times changeable weather influenced by the nearby Alps. There is also plenty to see for bird-lovers — I spotted a woodpecker doing its thing right outside our little mobile home.

Pro Tip: This wild countryside is remote and wonderful, so it’s best explored with a car at hand to take you to all the trails and scenic spots all around. You can rent cars at both airports.

5. Camping De Paris

Paris, 16^th Arrondissement

Did you know you can camp in Paris? And I mean in Paris, not on the outskirts. It seems odd to include a campsite in Paris in this list, but while it would be lovely to spend a night or two in the Ritz or one of the glam other places, these come at a steep price, and also, sometimes, it’s good to try something different, isn’t it? I bet none of your friends have ever camped in Paris.

Camping de Paris lies in the 16^th arrondissement, not too far from the hub of Porte Maillot in the northwest of the city center. You can either arrive with your own campervan and tent or rent a small wooden chalet nestled under the trees in the Bois de Boulogne. The campsite lies on the banks of the Seine, just behind the gorgeous Park Bagatelles. While I never stayed there personally, I have walked the dog past there many times and always thought it a great spot — so close to Paris, yet feeling like you are miles away in the countryside.

But Paris is always close. And because you are in Paris, there is, of course, a small restaurant and bar, an épicerie to buy your fresh baguette and cheeses from, a food truck, and an ordering service for breakfast to be brought to you in the morning. A shuttle bus takes you to Porte Maillot, where you can hop onto metro line 1, taking you right into the heart of Paris within a quick 5-minute ride. And, for something special within walking distance, there is a private vineyard within the Parc de la Bagatelle, which offers tastings and tours.

Pro Tip: In your chalet, you will get service like you’d expect from a hotel; fresh linen and towels every day. But for your other clothes, there is also a laundry, which is handy if you find yourself on a road trip.

Bob Geldof famously wrote that “there won’t be snow in Africa this Christmas time” in the song “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” It was performed by the supergroup Band Aid in 1984 to raise money for the people of Ethiopia.

While that may have been the case for Ethiopia during Christmas in 1984, there’s snow right now in Lesotho, a small mountain kingdom in Africa. Here’s the best part if you’re a skier: This is the best time of year to ski at the resort known as Afriski Mountain Resort.

“I’ve never seen snow in my life,” said Kafi Mojapelo, who traveled from South Africa for a skiing vacation, according to the Associated Press. “This is a great experience.”

Mojapelo was among a recent crowd at Afriski, located high in Lesotho’s Maloti Mountains. The resort, sitting at an elevation of 10,570 feet, is Africa’s only ski resort located south of the equator, and it is currently the winter season there.

What You Need To Know About Lesotho

Interestingly, Lesotho may be an enclave completely surrounded by South Africa, but forbidding mountains separate the two countries. The resort Afriski in Lesotho is about a 5 hour drive from Johannesburg.

Now, about those mountains. About two-thirds of Lesotho consists of mountains. The highest of those mountains is Mount Ntlenyana, with a peak of 11,424 feet.

Because it sits in the mountains, all of Lesotho is at an elevation of at least 3,281 feet. What’s more, 80 percent of the country is at an elevation of 5,905 feet or higher, according to World Atlas.

Finally, Lesotho, which has a population of 2.1 million, is slightly smaller than the state of Maryland.

What You Need To Know About Afriski

The Afriski resort, sitting at 10,570 feet, is one of only a few ski resorts in Africa. Built in 2002, the addition of modern snow-making equipment and lifts makes skiing and snowboarding here possible throughout the winter season, which runs from June 10–August 29.

You may be wondering about the resort’s runs. 

Afriski’s Kapoko Snow Park is the only freestyle snow park in Africa. Each winter, the park hosts its annual Winter Whip Slopestyle snowboard and ski competition. This year’s event, however, just ended.

Know Before You Go

The best time to ski at Afriski is in June and July, according to South Africa. However, the skiing is also good in August thanks to the snow-making equipment. In addition to skiing, visitors can also go snowboarding or tubing.

And, of course, when the day’s runs are done, there’s even an après ski scene at Afriski.

Summer in Lesotho, on the other hand, runs from November through February because the country is in the Southern Hemisphere.

“If you’ve not been to Afriski during summer, then you only know half the story,” Afriski explains. “The warmer weather may melt the snow, but it leaves behind an awesome network of trails that link peaks and valleys, waterfalls, and scenic views.”

In the summer, popular activities at the resort include hiking, mountain biking on both downhill and cross-country trails, riding motorbike enduro trails, gorge jumping, swimming in rivers, and fishing.

You can learn more about a trip to Afriski here and more about visiting South Africa here.

If you enjoy skiing, be sure to read all of our skiing content, including:

• 10 Amazing Ski Resorts In North America Our Readers Love
• 7 Fabulous Ski Resorts Around The World For All Levels
• 10 Winter Resorts And Towns Even Non-Skiers Will Love

The Mechaneh Yehuda Market (also known as the Shuk), along with the adjacent restaurants and bars, captures the essence of Israel’s fusion of cultures. The 19th-century peasants who created a place to sell their products outside the more established Old City in Jerusalem would be surprised to see the enormous crowds that now consume the walkways in the Shuk, which caters to both a local and an international audience.

While specialty food items are the main draw, vendors also sell an assortment of other items including flowers, arts and crafts, clothing, Judaica, and houseware goods.

What Is Mechaneh Yehuda

More than a decade after our first visit to the Mechaneh Yehuda Market, I can vividly recall how we were forced to weave our way in and out of the crowds congregating near the areas where the more popular food vendors were located.

Since these visits were always on Friday afternoons right before the market closed early for the Jewish Sabbath, we watched residents rushing to purchase last-minute food items and bouquets of freshly cut flowers to prepare for their fast-approaching traditional Friday night dinner.

While this market with more than 250 vendors remains closed on Saturday, the nearby cafes and restaurants open on Saturday evening. Individuals who want to ignite their senses by the assortment of aromas, sounds, sights, and tastes without a tour, can visit on Sundays through Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Fridays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Our most recent itinerary included a private Mechaneh Yehuda Culinary Food Tour. This tour, which included stops inside the Shuk, as well as places on the perimeter, was included in our partially hosted Israel My Way tour, but all opinions are my own.

Connecting With Our Tour Guide — Roi Damari

Standing near the marketplace, our Israel My Way tour guide, Eric Tomer, introduced us to Roi Damari, a Yemenite Jew born in the 1980s in a moshav on the outskirts of Jerusalem. Following his mandatory service in the Israeli Defense Forces, Roi explored several career opportunities, including being a specialty cook for private parties, and then later studying to become a tour guide. When Roi observed the growing interest in food, he combined his passion for food with his existing background as a licensed tour guide to create culinary tours in Jerusalem.

During Roi’s youth, the Shuk was not on anyone’s radar. Just a couple of decades later, the Shuk is often cited as one of the top ten places to visit in Jerusalem. An influx of millions of immigrants coming from North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia has added depth to Israeli’s culinary scene by showcasing a variety of ethnic foods along with a strong desire by some chefs to blend and combine foods in daring and bold ways. With Roi leading the way, we forged through a mass of people as we walked toward our first stop.

Best Stops On A Mechaneh Yehuda Food Tour

1. Hachapuria

For more than a decade, visitors have indulged in some of Georgia’s favorite foods at Hachapuria on the corner of HaShikma Street and HaEshkol Street. We watched the cooks in an open kitchen prepare an open-faced circular bread made with yeast dough. In the middle, the chefs were placing an assortment of ingredients. The most popular one appeared to be the acharuli, a cheese and soft fried egg bread that is often cited as Georgia’s national dish.

Our order was slightly different. The puffed bread dough was filled with spinach and melted cheese and was served in a lined rectangular shallow box with a small plastic container of pickled carrots along with two dipping sauces — a red sauce made with lemon, bell peppers, tomato, and garlic, and a green sauce created with dill, garlic, green apple, coriander, salt, and vinegar.

2. Morduch

At Morduch, we tasted a stuffed grape leaf, sometimes nicknamed the “first sushi of the world” and a sambusa, a triangular pastry filled with chickpea paste. Both were served as is, without any sauces or condiments. According to Roi, the time-consuming efforts to prepare a pot of rolled, stuffed grape leaves cause some Jews of Spanish descent to label this food the most loved Sephardi food. (Sephardim are the descendants of Jews who lived in Spain and Portugal during the early years of the Common Era. Many of these Jews were forced to migrate at different points in history, including the Expulsion from Spain and Portugal in the 15^th and 16^th centuries.)

During a Druze cooking lesson in the Galilee, we had the opportunity to create stuffed grape leaves. While our private cooking workshop did not allow for a prolonged cooking time, Roi felt that the flavor intensifies the longer it simmers in a pot. Along with a glass of cold water, this snack was served with a shot of Arak Shalit, an alcoholic beverage distilled from wine. While many dislike the distinct taste of anise, I thought it was a good complement to these foods.

3. Basher Fromagerie Mahane Yehuda

Inside the Shuk, we made an unscheduled stop at Basher Fromagerie. With an Israeli emphasis on dairy dishes, locals flock to this store for top-quality imported cheeses. Eli and Dudu Basher fill their Shuk counters and shelves with hundreds of international and domestic cheeses. Even though we rarely eat cheese, we nibbled on small samples served on thin slices of bread garnished with dried fruit and splinters of potato chips.

4. The Etrog Man

Long before health drinks and smoothies were popular, Uzi Eli Hezi started selling drinks and cosmetics in the marketplace. His formulas were based on Moses Maimonides’ medieval herbal remedies and information he gathered from around the world. Often a Yemenite etrog grown on a nearby farm was included. The Yemenite etrog, about the size of a squash, is considerably larger than the lemon-sized etrog used by American Jews during the autumn festival of Sukkot.

Sitting at a crowded counter, we sipped four beverages. Roi shared the ingredients and described the medicinal qualities. A combination of berries produced the red tone of the first drink, which was designed to clean the blood system. The off-white beverage made from almonds and dates improved brain and heart function. A mixture of passion fruit and coconut created a light-yellow colored drink that many customers turned to for its relaxing aftereffects. The last one, a green-colored liquid, was filled with a combination of grapefruit, etrog, and some sugar.

5. Ayesha Falafel Bar

If you don’t eat falafel, hummus, and pita while you’re traveling in Israel, you’ve missed out on a regional favorite. Roi’s first choice in Mechaneh Yehuda was Ayesha, founded by his friend Sefi and Sefi’s fiancé, Eden. Roi graciously shared the key ingredients for the green version of our falafel bowl — coriander, parsley, herbs, and spices.

The freshly made falafel had a golden-brown texture with a moist green color inside while our bowls of hummus were garnished with whole garbanzo beans along with a few sprigs of parsley. Warm strips of pita were also included.

6. Halva Kingdom

Long before I ever visited Israel, I had many opportunities to nibble on chunks of halva at Jewish special occasions. Usually, the American version was overly sweet, had a straw-like texture, and was limited to a handful of flavors.

During our first visit to the Shuk, I became hooked on Halva Kingdom’s version. Even though this business has been operating since the 1940s in the Old City and since the 1980s in the Shuk, their 100+ flavors of halva are currently unavailable in the United States. With considerably more sesame seeds than sugar, this specialty item is something that cannot be skipped during a trip to Jerusalem.

The sesame seeds are imported from Ethiopia, ground with a millstone press, and then mixed with the other ingredients. The recipes have been handed down from generation to generation, with today’s batches being supervised by the founder’s grandchildren.

Pro Tip

Halva is not perishable and can be packed easily. Consider purchasing for future snacks or for gifts.

7. Cookie Cream

Like many other worldwide food tours, Roi ended the tour with a desert. While the exact origin of placing a slab of ice cream between two cookies is debated among food historians, it is an American invention. At Cookie Cream, our choices included more than a dozen different cookies along with almost as many flavors of ice cream. Even though this dessert did not have a direct tie to Israel, it was a great way to end a multi-hour food tour on a hot, late spring afternoon.

Benefits Of A Mechaneh Yehuda Culinary Tour

Participants are personally directed to a cross-section of places that would be more challenging to identify during a self-guided tour. Along the way, morsels of pertinent information help to put the overall culture of Israel’s diverse food scene into perspective. Like many other sites around the world, it is possible to wander around and create your own personal journey. However, a tour offers a more productive use of your limited time with a greater understanding of what you are experiencing.

Pro Tip

Skip breakfast and wear comfortable shoes. If you feel claustrophobic in crowded places, avoid scheduling a Friday tour.

For more on Israel, explore these articles:

• 5 Reasons You’ll Love This Unique Cooking Class In Israel
• 9 Things To Know Before Visiting Captivating Tel Aviv
• 9 Experiences To Savor In Enchanting Tel Aviv

Whistler, British Columbia, is a stunning location for summertime hiking. Epic snow-capped mountains, pristine lakes, and rushing creeks and waterfalls create the perfect destination to experience nature’s abundant beauty. There are trails for all abilities with some accessible from Whistler Village, while others require a drive to the trailhead, or a gondola or chairlift ride to access them.

Grab A Picnic

Whistler Village has a variety of options for packing a picnic, including grocery stores and bakeries. To really step up your picnic game, visit Picnic Whistler to pick up your charcuterie box. Make sure to pre-order so it is ready for pick-up, or you can pay a fee to have it delivered to your hotel. These gourmet boxes feed 2–4 people and are chocked full of local charcuterie, cheeses, fruit, nuts, and other treats. You can also order other sizes including an individual lunch or snack size.

1. Whistler’s Train Wreck Hike

• Location: Cheakamus Crossing
• Length: 1.68 miles

This is a relatively easy, dirt trail with just a 278-foot elevation gain. It is such an interesting hike with a variety of things to see from history and culture to nature. The trailhead is in the Cheakamus Crossing neighborhood and easy to find with plenty of parking. I am not in the best shape but found it to be a pretty easy trail. There was a slight elevation change as I made my way down to the Cheakamus River and the suspension bridge. That was a bit of a gut check for me as it was very bouncy and swingy. Once you are on the other side of the river, you will see the graffiti-covered box cars from this infamous train wreck. There are interpretive signs around the site so you can read the history of what happened with wreck and recovery operations. I started early and only encountered a few people, but this trail is very popular. It also connects to the Sea to Sky Trail for a longer hike.

2. Whistler Valley Trail

• Location: Whistler
• Length: 28.58 miles

The Whistler Valley Trail is a paved, car-free trail and boardwalk network that provides access to Whistler’s neighborhoods, viewpoints, lakes, and picnic areas. It is multi-use for walkers, runners, cyclists, and skaters, so stick to the right. With over 28 miles of trails, there is plenty to explore. Because it is paved, it is perfect for those with mobility issues.

Pro Tip: The Whistler Transit System services all areas and neighborhoods in Whistler. The system provides free service within Whistler Village to and from the Upper Village, Benchlands, and Lost Lake Beach (in the summer). Plan a stroll and then catch the bus back to your lodgings.

3. Lost Lake Loop

• Location: Lost Lake Park
• Length: 1.24-mile loop or 3.60 miles from Whistler Village

The Lost Lake Loop is a very popular hike. There is gorgeous scenery on a flat-gravel trail that is lit at night. You can take a short hike and just loop around the lake or use the Whistler Valley Trail starting at the visitor center in Whistler village for a longer hike. It is a beautiful hike with lake, forest, and mountain views. There is a beach at Lost Lake if you want to take a dip to cool off.

Pro Tip: There is a free shuttle from the Gondola Transit Exchange to Lost Lake which runs from 11 a.m.–6 p.m.

4. Alexander Falls

• Location: Callaghan Valley
• Length: Steps

Alexander Falls is accessed in the Callaghan Valley, and it is before the Whistler Olympic Park gate, site of the 2010 Winter Olympics. There is plenty of parking in the gravel lot and wheelchairs can access the viewing platform. From the cliffside overlook, you can view the falls crashing 141 feet into the canyon below. Just gorgeous! This is a perfect place for those with mobility issues to enjoy a stunning waterfall without a strenuous hike.

5. Snow Walls Hike

• Location: Whistler Mountain
• Length: 2.36 miles one way

Hiking the Snow Walls at Whistler’s Peak is a memorable experience. Take the Whistler Village Gondola up to the Roundhouse and access the trail near the Emerald 6 Express. Look for Pika’s Traverse Road to Matthew’s Traverse Road. Depending on the time of year and the amount of snow, the walls can extend overhead. Early summer is the best time to enjoy this experience but there are perks to waiting. Once the Peak Express Chair opens, you can take it to the top and hike down, or do the reverse. Just know, if you take the chair down, it is a 0.37-mile hike back up to the Roundhouse with a 207-foot elevation change.

6. Whistler Summit Interpretive Walk

• Location: Whistler Mountain
• Length: 1 mile

This is quite the adventurous hike with lots of parts to it. First, take the Whistler Village Gondola to the Roundhouse. Then hike down 0.37 miles to the Peak Express Chair. Just remember you will have to hike back up when you are finished at the peak. Take the Peak Express Chair to Whistler’s Peak. It is worth the effort when you see the stunning views from the top. Begin by heading off to the right to see the Inukshuk. Then, if you are brave enough, cross the Cloudraker Skybridge. This suspension bridge traverses above the clouds to the Raven’s Eye Cliff Walk which extends 39 feet up and out from the West Ridge — definitely not for the faint of heart. Make sure to check the views from all sides and read all the interpretive exhibits before you take the Peak Express back down. It is a very challenging hike back up to the Roundhouse but not too bad. I just rested on each switchback and made it up to the top.

Pro Tip: After hiking, stop at the Umbrella Bar for a well-deserved cocktail, beer, or glass of wine. Down in Whistler Village, you will après after hiking as you would in the winter after skiing.

7. Ancient Cedars Trail

• Location: Cougar Mountain Road
• Length: 3.11 miles

A short drive north of Whistler will take you to the trailhead for this hike to the Ancient Cedars Grove with its towering, massive trees over 900 years old. The trail heads to a rushing waterfall just below a wooden footbridge. From there, the trail forms a loop through an ancient cedar grove. The hike was recently updated with new trail markers and signs, so it is very easy to find your way. At one point, there is a short detour to a viewpoint with views of Showh Lake and the Soo Valley. With only 492 feet of elevation gain, the hike is rated easy. The meadows are filled with lush green skunk cabbage and devil’s club, but the highlight is the giant cedars. There are interpretive signs that tell you more about these silent giants that dominate the forest. It’s well worth the drive from Whistler to check them out.

Bears In Whistler

Sure, you always hear there are bears in the woods but rarely see any. There really are bears in the outdoor areas surrounding Whistler. I saw three during my trip. The first two in the Callaghan Valley, I observed safely from inside a vehicle with a trained guide on the Whistler Photo Safari. One was a black bear on the side of the road. The second was a grizzly bear that was concerning as she seemed to have no fear of humans. The third was a brown bear that I saw from the Whistler Peak Gondola. It had come down to a grassy area and was very close to children taking a mountain biking class. The bear was chowing down and oblivious to the children and the Whistler security observing. It is very important to be bear aware when hiking in Whistler and the surrounding areas.

Pro Tip: If you want to see bears in Whistler, take a Whistler Photo Safari tour through the Whistler Olympic Park and the Callaghan Valley. I could not believe how much bear scat we saw on the backcountry logging roads. The highlight was seeing a grizzly bear. The company has exclusive access to this gated area which increases your odds of seeing wildlife. You also get a behind-the-scenes look at the Olympic Park and the ski jump.

Whistler PEAK 2 PEAK 360 Experience

To enjoy many of the hikes on this list, you will need a sightseeing ticket which will give you access to the Whistler Peak Gondola, the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, and the Blackcomb Gondola. This guide provides information on some of the amazing hikes once you get above the tree line into the alpine meadows of the Coast Mountains. The gondolas and chair lifts give you access to backcountry that would normally be a backpacking trip if you started your hike in the valley. You will find easy, intermediate, and advanced hikes such as the epic High Note Trail. Make sure to check the gondola hours to allow you enough time to head down the mountain before closing time.

For more fantastic Whistler experiences to enjoy during all seasons:

• 10 Amazing Experiences In Beautiful Whistler, Canada During The Summer
• 9 Amazing Après Ski Spots In Whistler, British Columbia
• 7 Reasons Even Non-Skiers Will Love Canada’s Premier Ski Resort

It was when I lived in Melbourne, Victoria, that I first heard of Phillip Island, and it was the penguins that first caught my attention. I mean, who doesn’t love a cute penguin? I had seen penguins in Australia before, down on St. Kilda Pier in Melbourne, when a sighting of a dozen or so utterly thrilled me. I had even seen one lonesome penguin swim in the bay in broad daylight, but the Penguin Parade on the island promised to be something rather special.

Imagine my surprise when I not only saw penguins but found a little paradise a mere 90-minute drive from Melbourne. It’s a wildlife haven, so relaxing and so full of natural beauty that I came back countless times — in all the seasons — and simply fell in love with this gorgeous part of Australia.

Here are some of my main reasons to fall in love with Phillip Island.

1. The Penguins

Well, of course, the penguins are the main reason. For me at least. There are not one, or a dozen; there are thousands of the tiny little Fairy Penguins, and you don’t have to leave meeting them up to chance.

The Penguin Parade on Phillip Island might look at first sight like a typical tourist trap: a purpose-built center with seating and walkways across the dunes to allow the many visitors to gawk at the little birds coming home in the evening after a long day’s swimming, diving, and feeding out in the freezing cold ocean.

But whilst you can’t deny the popularity, the center is also a place of research dedicated to keeping these little birds happy and alive. The crowds are supervised, no shouting, no flash photography, no getting in people’s, let alone penguins’ way. Rangers patrol the spectacle and do not hesitate to tell anybody off who may be tempted to break the rules, allowing the penguins to get on with their daily routine, and the humans to be utterly spellbound.

2. The Other Oh-So-Cute Animals

As we all know, Australia is full of cute animals, and penguins are only the start. How about koalas, and then some? The island and the waters around it are full of resources needed to attract a myriad of animals. There are some 250 species of birds, including both residents and migratory visitors.

Apart from the feathered friends, there are also plenty of wallabies, koalas, and seals. It is on Phillip Island that I saw my first echidna, the Australian version of a hedgehog. While you are usually lucky to spot wallabies around and can go on boat trips to see the seals up close, koalas can often be hidden away; so why not go to the Koala Conservation Reserve on the island, just to be sure you see at least one of these cute critters?

Pro Tip

If you are on the island around 11:30 a.m. and are admiring all the pelicans flying overhead, there is a simple explanation. At 12 p.m. sharp, at San Remo Pier at the bottom of the bridge that connects the island to the mainland, the by-now traditional pelican feeding time takes place every day.

And you can apparently set your clock by the pelicans leaving the island for their daily lunchtime fish treat. The noise and craziness of all the pelicans are wonderful to watch, especially as they took me by surprise on my first visit because I would have sworn that pelicans are more tropical birds rather than temperate climate residents.

3. The Nobbies

Alternatively, you can try and spot some seals and wallabies on a walk along the Nobbies, at the other end of the island, yet only a 10-minute drive away. This rocky and wild end of the island is made up of cliffs and tiny, craggy islets, presided over by a large visitors’ center that sells a rather good hot chocolate and cheesecake, by the way.

There are a few boardwalks that lead you past penguin hollows, past stunning scenery and look-out points, to windy outposts that will quite literally take your breath away. While lovely in the sunshine, this place is even more stunning in windy, cold weather with the waves crashing on the rocks, and the occasional seal sliding into the water from the cliffs.

Do peek into every little hollow you see, quite often some penguins forgo a day at sea and stay put, and you’ll spot them peeking right back at you.

4. The Natural Beauty And Trails

The island is a bit of a paradise for both animals and humans: the habitats vary from mangroves to wetlands, from sandy beaches to rocky shores, and exploring (either by car or preferably on long hikes) is essential. For utter tranquility, head down to Swan Lake, famous for — you’ve guessed it — its black swans.

In the south, Cape Woolamai has a series of spectacular hiking trails across the cape that range from 2.5 to 5.5 miles in length. From Phillip Island’s highest point, walkers can take in breath-taking views of jagged cliffs that have been shaped by wind and wild southern waves over thousands of years.

Try the Cape Woolamai circuit walk, which takes you around the cape including the spiky Pinnacles rocks. This is a 5.3-mile roundtrip that takes roughly 3 hours. Though there are some steep bits, it’s an overall moderate to slightly difficult walk, worth it for the scenery and views.

The Pyramid Rock Walk takes you to the secluded Berrys Beach, and you are practically guaranteed to bump into some wallabies, especially if you walk early in the morning or later in the afternoon. Or you can follow along the wooden boardwalk through the Rhyll Inlet, which is flat, easy, and enjoyable.

A trail best followed by car is the official Artists & Creators Trail, which takes you across the island, to all the best galleries, studios, and workshops of local artists and creators showcasing their work.

5. The Food And Drink

In Australia, you cannot go far without stumbling across a vineyard or some superb food. On Phillip Island, there are both vineyards and local microbreweries, Purple Hen Winery, and Phillip Island Winery are two island boutique wineries producing high-quality cool climate wines not readily available on the mainland. Both offer full cellar door facilities including wine tastings, light lunches, and cheese platters.

The lawn at Phillip Island Winery is a beautiful spot to spend a warm Sunday afternoon, with regular live music events taking place. Check their Facebook page for what’s on. And for beer lovers, try the Phillip Island Brewing Company.

For a relaxed meal, head to Fig & Olive, where they serve a decent steak and very fresh seafood, but also pasta and pizza, fries with aioli, and share boards.  For a wonderful Australian breakfast, go to MadCowes Café and order the eggs Benedict.

6. The Multi-Generational Fun

Phillip Island has something for all generations and interests. For the petrol heads, for whom there might nearly be too much nature, there is the Phillip Island racetrack, which hosts the Australian GP, World Superbikes, Hot Laps, go-karting, V8 supercars, and other racing events.

For the grandkids, there is fun to be had at A Maze’N’Things. Chocolate lovers are well-served, as are aerial adventurists, with helicopter flights that give you a new perspective of this southern coastline and its islands.

Phillip Island’s water may be cold (remember, they have penguins living here), but that does not stop water sports enthusiasts, especially the surfers. Indeed, the island is home to Victoria’s first national surfing reserve and some of the best surfing in the region. You can rent a board from Island Surfboards.

7. Churchill Island

Where there is one island, there is usually another. Phillip Island has a little sister island called Churchill Island, which is connected to the main island by a bridge. This is a rural spot, with farmlands and wild patches full of birds, including large Canada geese, which always come in pairs, and purple swamp hens, who inspired the winery of the same name.

The island is also the site of the first formal English garden in Victoria, proving that these two islands were and still are a perfect summer retreat for the locals. You can simply go for extended walks, with the roughly 3-mile Churchill Island loop taking you around 2 hours of moderate sauntering, or watch some regularly scheduled events on the working show farm, from sheep shearing at weekends to working dog displays and vintage carriage rides.

Please note that dogs, apart from those already living there, are not allowed on the island to protect the wildlife.

Pro Tip

To stay somewhere cozy, make a booking at Oak Tree Lodge, Phillip Island’s luxury self-contained accommodation, situated in the quiet little village of Rhyll. There are four stunning suites all with their own lounging areas, kitchens, bathrooms, and all offer outdoor seating areas in a magical garden setting. The apartments are airy and really tastefully decorated, with an open fireplace in the Gatehouse.

Hiking has always played a huge role in my adult life. The passion started in the mountains of Mexico and the South American Andes and has carried me across continents and through a mixed bag of diverse terrains. Nowadays, I spend just under half of my year in the state of Victoria in Australia, where my hikes take me close to the ocean, into the Victorian Alps, and through some of the wonderful gold rush towns around Beechworth. But it’s the varied landscapes of Europe, and specifically Italy and its neighbors, that completely hold me in their thrall, both as a professional guide and as an independent hiker.

So what exactly is the attraction of hiking in Europe? Doesn’t traveling by car, bus, or train allow you to cover more ground? The simple fact is that when you hike, you get to see things you’d never see from behind the windows of a vehicle. When you can feel the ground beneath your feet, you really experience a region. Your senses come alive with the scent of plants and wildflowers, the sound of gurgling streams and birdsong, and, of course, a range of magnificent vistas. By walking across hills and through valleys and remote villages, you can get to know a region through its culture and history, all the time working up an appetite to indulge in some delicious local gastronomy.

1. Europe’s Varied Landscape

Leaving aside Europe’s gastronomic offerings for a moment, let’s think about its geography. If you’re after variety, you couldn’t be better placed than in Europe. In Italy alone, landscapes range from rugged mountains, Alpine lakes, and glacier-carved valleys to wide coastal plains. Mixed up somewhere in between, you’ll find volcanoes, the gently rolling hills and valleys of Tuscany, and, in the Abruzzo, something close to a wilderness area that is home to wild boars, wolves, and bears.

Meanwhile, venture across Italy’s borders into its neighbors — France, Austria, Switzerland, and Slovenia — and the landscape shifts further. In these countries, you can feast your eyes on lavender fields in Provence, craggy mountain peaks in Switzerland, and crystal-clear, turquoise lakes in Slovenia’s Julian Alps.

You’ll also find all this variety packed into relatively small areas. Take the French island of Corsica, which is just over 100 miles from tip to tip. This stunning island is blessed with green forests, mountain ranges that plunge into the sea, and torrents and waterfalls that have carved out gorges and valleys, while its coastline features crystalline water and spectacular natural marine parks.

2. Cultural Differences Across Europe’s Borders

I love the changes in landscape you encounter when you cross European borders. Of course, there’s nothing to stop you from driving, but I still find it thrilling to walk from one country to another! And it’s not just the landscape that changes. Shaped by history and tradition, these border regions are fascinating for so many reasons, with elements of both countries manifesting themselves in the food, language, and in people’s characters.

One of the highlights of my tour in Austria and the Dolomites, apart from the breathtaking alpine hiking and views, is the opportunity to experience the fascinating Tyrolean culture. In this patch of Europe that extends between Italy and Austria, wooden chalets, scarlet geranium–filled window boxes, and unique cuisine — think tortelloni followed by apple strudel — are very much part of the attraction. The region also has its own language, Ladino, although you’ll find Italian and German spoken in most towns.

The region is a big wine-growing area, but head into Bolzano, the capital city of South Tyrol, and you’ll find beer gardens alongside wine bars in the cobblestone streets.

3. Taste Local Produce

Food is an increasingly important part of a holiday for most of us. While there was a time when people were reluctant to try “foreign” food, nowadays experiencing a different cuisine is all part of the enjoyment. However, when you dine out in a big city, it can fall rather short of the mark. Head into the countryside where food is locally sourced and seasonal, and you’ll get the opportunity to try recipes that have been handed down through generations, prepared with the freshest local ingredients.

Not surprisingly, getting out into the countryside, walking through vineyards and olive groves, also immediately connects you with the gastronomic landscape. After all, what could be more blissful than a picnic packed with simple, fresh ingredients that more than deliver on the flavor front?

So, what are the top hiking regions that best deliver on flavor? For a really exceptional gastronomic experience, hiking in the foodie-friendly Italian region of Piedmont, the birthplace of the “Slow Food” movement, is a good place to start. By all means, take time to appreciate the rugged peaks and waterfalls, but don’t miss the chance to picnic in the summer with artisan-produced cheeses and juicy bowls of cherries and peaches.

Autumn is also a wonderful time to walk in Piedmont, a time to enjoy views across hillsides ablaze with burnished golden and amber leaves, and hearty dinners featuring chestnut and truffle-inspired dishes.

4. Wine-Tasting Experiences While You Hike

Wine tasting and hiking may sound like an odd combination, but it’s an excellent option for couples with an interest in wine who enjoy active holidays. Join a walking tour or plan a route that incorporates a wine-tasting experience, and you’ll get even more out of your hike.

Including a winery visit is also a good option for first-time hikers looking for a more laid-back experience. While I love challenging hikes in an alpine setting, I’m equally comfortable taking it slowly across the terrain. This allows me to enjoy the view and linger in villages along the way. In Tuscany, for example, where I live part of the year, pausing to chat with local winemakers about their wines and olive oils is a definite highlight.

5. Europe’s Art Treasures

Personally, the best way to appreciate some of Europe’s incredible art riches is to experience them just a little bit at a time. Yes, a weekend filled with Parisian art galleries or Florentine Renaissance masterpieces is on most of our wish lists, but I find that slipping viewings of artistic treasures into a European hiking holiday can be equally, if not more, satisfying.

Firstly, sometimes we just need time to absorb the true splendor of what we’re seeing, so after a half day of art-filled wonder, the law of diminishing returns kicks in. For me, a one-day visit to the UNESCO World Heritage mosaics and monuments in Ravenna is the perfect finale to a week’s hiking in Northern Italy; but adding a second day of art appreciation would be rather like eating two desserts! We sometimes just need time to absorb what we’ve seen before embarking on another round of masterpieces.

Secondly, while Europe’s big-hitting art and architecture — say, Florence’s Duomo or the Louvre in Paris — is quite simply magnificent, there’s also something magical about discovering lesser-known sights. Explore on foot, and you’ll pass pretty rural chapels and 15th-century frescoed churches in beautifully preserved hideaway villages that you’d be unlikely to stumble upon if you were traveling by car or train.

I also love hiking on routes that provide preview glimpses of a town or village. For example, in Tuscany, one of my favorite walks leads down through woods with views across to the iconic towers of San Gimignano.

6. Walk Through History

Last, but certainly not least, a hiking holiday in Europe is such a great way of walking through history. Europe has the most incredible wealth of churches, museums, and monuments that, apart from being aesthetically pleasing, provide a wonderful overview of history. They fill the gaps, helping us work out what fits in where and when. Nevertheless, visiting these treasures is a very different learning experience when walking through a landscape or village.

So, what sort of things can you expect to find when you hike? Well, I’ve walked past ancient tombs on sunken Etruscan roads and hiked part of the Via Francigena pilgrim route through beech and chestnut woods in central Italy. Further west, in the alpine region between France and Italy, you can follow the ancient route of Roman armies, walk through valleys carved out by glaciers millions of years ago, and hike along the route used by Victor Emmanuel II, the first King of Italy, in the 19th century.

Meanwhile, in Slovenia, a hike through the narrow gorge that leads to the Franja Partisan Hospital is significantly enriched by its history. The hospital, buried deep within the Pasice Gorge, treated partisan soldiers from the former Yugoslavia and other countries during World War II and, even today, is a true testament to the heroism and humanity of the Slovene people. 

Similarly in the nearby hills behind Kobarid, you can step back in time on the route past the remains of an ancient fort and past trenches that witnessed the World War I battles on the Isonzo front.

With over 220 inhabited Greek islands out of over 6,000, there are pros and cons of choosing one to visit at any time of the year. There are pros because there are so many islands to choose from, all with their own unique style. This can also be a con because which one should you settle for?

My article, 7 Gorgeous Greek Islands You Must Visit, can help narrow that process down, yet my tenure in this beautiful country has unearthed even more stunning locations. Some are large with excellent infrastructure, good flight links, and often more than one port. Others are tinier, offering a more traditional experience, whilst taking a little more time and patience to reach — always worth it.

Here I share with you why these six beautiful Greek islands are my favorite in Greece. I’ve deliberately chosen a cross-section of touristy ones, yet not lacking in authenticity to lesser-known ones — at least to the majority of international tourists. Come and be tempted enough to whip out that credit card and book your trip to visit Greece as soon as possible.

1. Crete

Greece’s southernmost island, and largest, Crete has two main airports — Heraklion and Chania — for domestic and European routes as well as ports in those cities too. This makes it a popular destination year-round. Despite its touristy crowds — particularly in the summer months that are attracted to Crete’s many beaches and mountain villages — Crete remains a favorite of mine because it offers such a variety of things to see and do.

Want to flop on the beach all day? No problem. The remote beach of Elafonisi in the southwest corner of the island, with its shades of pastel-pink sand and azure waters will make you feel like you’re in the Caribbean. Balos Beach, framed with the rugged scrubland and hills, is another favorite. You’ll often see its white sands and blue waters adorning Crete travel brochures.

If hiking’s more your thing, the famous Samaria Gorge — nestled within White Mountains National Park and the most famous and longest trekking gorge in Europe at 10 miles — is best hiked in the cooler spring and fall months.

Lovers of history and tradition will love the Venetian harbor, explore the old cobbled streets of Chania, and marvel at one of the oldest lighthouses in the world. The lesser-visited town of Rethymon has an equally impressive, if not bigger, harbor where the colorful fishing boats and Venetian architecture will have you snapping away with your camera.

Let’s not forget Greek mythology and a visit to the Palace of Knossos — 3 miles from Heraklion. It’s the capital of Crete where you can discover the ancient Minoan civilization, thought to be even older than Ancient Greece. A boat trip from the exclusive Elonda or the fishing village of Plaka takes you to the unusual island of Spinalonga — now long abandoned but originally a leper colony until 1957. See the stone houses still standing, some even with their lace curtains still intact.

One thing’s for sure, Crete does not disappoint as an island to visit. Read more about Crete here. 

2. Rhodes

Dodecanese Islands

In the southeast Aegean Sea, the Dodecanese Islands are known for their medieval castles, Byzantine churches, beaches, and ancient sites. The capital of this island chain is Rhodes. Despite its large size — attracting many visitors throughout the year due to its international airport with many domestic and European flights — there are several hidden treasures to be found on this eclectic island.

You can’t miss the Old Town of Rhodes — a UNESCO World Heritage site and a continuously functioning old town, meaning people still live and trade behind and within its castle walls. Dating back to the 14th-century knights of Saint John’s time, you’ll find over 200 streets and alleyways, many cobbled and meandering, designed to confuse invading pirates of the past.

Treat yourself to a stay at your choice of several unique boutique hotels in the Old Town to really immerse yourself.

Marvel at the architecture found along the Street of the Knights and the Palace of the Grand Masters, or take a stroll atop the ancient castle walls. Wear sturdy shoes!

Heading out of the ancient Old Town and driving inland will bring you to the pine forest of Profitis Ilias. Here, you’ll find the abandoned mansion, and intended summer home, of Mussolini, the Italian dictator. The forest itself sits at a peak of 2,618 feet above sea level and offers spectacular views. It makes for a beautiful day trip away from the crowded beaches.

Read more about reasons to visit Rhodes. Especially with its ease to get to, put Rhodes on your list of favorite Greek islands to explore.

3. Corfu

Ionian Islands

Lying off Greece’s western coast in the Ionian Sea are the Ionian Islands, one of the most popular being Corfu, or Kerkyra in Greek, which is very near the Albanian Coast. It’s rugged, mountainous, and surprisingly lush and green due to the high rainfall during the winter months. You can also find several luxurious resorts along the coastline.

Boasting an international airport accepting domestic and international flights and a large port means it does get busy — like any Greek island with such transport hubs. Similar to Rhodes and Crete, however, there are hidden spots to find away from the tourist crowds that will make you fall in love with this sickle of an island (the shape of Corfu resembles a sickle).

First and foremost, be sure to spend time exploring Corfu’s Old Town. The island’s architecture reflects its checkered past of Venetian, French, and British rule. Corfu Town, the island’s capital, boasts two Venetian fortresses. There is one of each in the Old and New Towns, the medieval lanes, and the cobbled streets, resembling a set of Game of Thrones.

From pebbly to sandy, organized with sunbeds, umbrellas, and water sports, to secluded beaches surrounded by pine forests and olive trees, there are many beaches and hidden coves/bays to choose from. Try Rovinia Beach on the northwest coast and explore by boat if possible.

Meat lovers will love the Corfu dish of sofrito — veal cooked in wine, garlic, and white pepper or simple “farmer-style” food such as zucchini or cheese pies. After all, before tourism, Corfu was — and still is to an extent — an agricultural island.

4. Paxos

Ionian Islands

For me, Paxos is a hidden gem in the Ionian islands. To reach it, you have to take a ferry ride of up to an hour from Corfu. Or, as the island offers quite exclusive private villas, many also offer private sea taxi transfers.

There’s a range of things to see and do on this small 30-square-mile island. If you plan to just chill out in a less-crowded destination, you’ve chosen the right place. There are many beaches to choose from. Located in the south of the island, Mongonissi is a small island linked by a causeway just 2 miles from the capital, Gaios, with rocky vegetation and a small sandy beach.

At the northern tip of the island by the lighthouse, Plani is a windswept, wild beach with big rocks that can be seen from the lighthouse. Park up here and then walk down, or access it by boat.

A few minutes’ drive away from Faros, you’ll come to the picturesque traditional harbor of Lakka with good tavernas and blue water that makes Paxos a dream island.

The small harbor of Longos is notable for its old olive oil processing factory — now an exhibition space. It’s a great place to take a boat trip and anchor up for coffee or lunch.

The bustling new harbor town of Gaios offers many boutique shops, tavernas, gorgeous blue-green hues in the water, and a cool, laid-back vibe.

Overall, Paxos is a more sophisticated Greek island to visit and spend time, offering a relaxed alternative to the busier islands in the chain of Corfu and Zakynthos.

5. Ikaria

North East Aegean Islands

A tiny domestic airport connects this unique Greek island to the mainland, and Ikaria is well worth a visit.

One of five blue zones in the world, the island’s name stems from Greek mythology. Icarus, the son of Daedalus, made wings from leather to fly. Icarus created wax wings to fly higher and, despite his father’s warnings, flew too close to the sun and melted his wings, plunging him into the sea. Where he fell is supposed to be where the island formed.

You’ll find long stretches of beaches, wild landscapes, authentic people, and phenomenal food. It’s a blue zone due to the fact that it’s a place where inhabitants live the longest and healthiest lives — essentially “forgetting to die.” This is down to the environment that allows people to live and exercise outside more, have a strong community spirit, enjoy a plant-based diet with meat eaten in measure, and take frequent naps/siestas. 

From sandy and pebbly beaches to wine-tasting tours and the unique mountain village of Christos Raches, there’s an abundance of experiences to be had in Ikaria, making it one of my favorite beautiful Greek islands. Here, the population sleeps in the daytime and opens up from 6 p.m. onwards.

6. Andros

Cycladic Islands

The northernmost island in the Cycladic chain, Andros isn’t really on the international radar. The fact that it’s only a couple of hours by ferry from the Athanian port of Rafina makes for a perfect weekend getaway or longer. Also, its proximity to other Cycladic islands such as Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, and Syros makes it a perfect island-hopping base.

Greeks love coming to Andros for its lush vegetation and rugged landscape, plus the island boasts over 60 beaches, 40 of which are accessed by dirt or paved road, some best visited by boat.

The island has a rich maritime history and many shipowner families originate from Andros. This is evident in the grand mansions and architecture seen across the island.

You don’t need to be religious to appreciate the splendor of one of the six Byzantine monasteries. Year-round, Andros offers walking and hiking routes, many signposted and taking in the monasteries, ancient temple ruins, or views out across the Aegean Sea.

The fact that the island boasts a rich, cultural heritage — and has no airport — means Andros has escaped mass tourism and offers a more sophisticated, traditional Greek-island appeal.

If you’re planning a trip sometime soon, be sure to read up on all of our Greece content, including:

• 11 Important Things To Know Before Your First Trip To Greece
• 5 Incredible Volcanoes To Visit In Greece
• 6 Ancient Sunken Cities To Explore In Greece

It was in Petra that I first heard about the Nabataean Kingdom. Though I was spellbound by the archaeological site, I’d known little of its history.

The Nabataeans were Arabs from the Negev desert who led a Bedouin lifestyle — relocating whenever grazing for their animals ran out, moving according to meetups and markets. They made the best of what the dry, desert surroundings had to offer by being flexible about where they called home, but they still built large settlements and cities when the opportunity struck.

Living in the region that spans modern-day southern Jordan and the northern half of Saudi Arabia, the tribe controlled part of the Incense Route that wound its way through their kingdom, making them very rich indeed. This was all roughly 2,000 years ago.

Petra, an archaeological site in today’s Jordan, was the Nabataeans’ main city, with more than 1,000 of their monuments still there to see today. It is undoubtedly the most famous and most impressive Nabataean site. But not long after visiting Petra, someone told me about Hegra, also known as Mada’in Saleh, in modern-day Saudi Arabia. It is host to 111 Nabataean rock tombs. 

Alas, it was at a time when visiting Saudi Arabia as a tourist was practically impossible. But I kept it on the back burner, and as soon as Saudi introduced their e-visa and COVID restrictions eased, I was off to AlUla — first stop, Hegra, the Nabataean Kingdom’s second city.

Here are some reasons why this historic tribe and its architectural achievements fascinate me so much, and why you should put Hegra on your travel to-do list.

Pro Tip: To get to Hegra, you can fly into the little airport of AlUla, either connecting through Jeddah or Riyadh or direct from Dubai. Hegra itself can only be visited as part of a tour, to protect the ancient site, but there are several daily tours, even out of season.

1. Just Because You Can

As I mentioned, for years I had longed to visit the famous rock in Hegra — the one that looks like it is standing all alone in the middle of the desert, a temple-like tomb carved into the center of it. Little did I know that this lone rock was part of an entire complex (and one that is not yet busy with tourists).

Petra is so popular that you can barely walk, let alone allow the magic of ancient history to cast its spell. But in Hegra — practically left untouched for 2,000 years, and with Saudi Arabia’s tourism still in its infancy — you’ll be one of the first internationals to see these wondrous sights, and all without having to stand in line.

2. The Workmanship Is Amazing

Most of the famous structures, such as the temples and the tombs, were literally carved from the mountains and rocks found in and around the Negev desert. It makes sense that this type of construction was used by a nomadic desert tribe; one, they would not be carrying much building material around with them, and two, wood and other supplies were of limited availability in the desert. That is not to say that the Nabataeans did not use the wood of the few trees around — they did use timber for scaffolding, as reinforcements for walls and roof structures, and to construct arches and ceilings — but mostly, they carved into rock.

In Hegra, you can see a few examples of remains of “normal” domestic living structures, such as private houses, which were built from rocks, coral, or mudbrick; but the Nabataeans are famous for fashioning entire structures from sandstone and bedrock. On the faces of the tombs in Hegra, you can see the steps at the top of the structures, which seem part of the façade’s décor, but which are in fact part of the workers’ access to the tombs when they were carving from above.

3. The History Is Practically Unknown

As with most nomadic peoples, physical proof of the Nabataeans’ history is rare. Records were passed on through stories, poems, and music, but with tribes never staying in one spot for very long, permanent structures are rare — and that is why the Nabataeans are so fascinating. Their structures are mind-blowingly large and intricate, but their history is still quite elusive, probably mostly due to being scattered across the vast desert they lived in and traveled across, where archaeologists are still discovering new sites even now. 

It is believed the Nabataeans first emerged sometime between the 6^th and 4^th century B.C, with the civilization declining around A.D. 100. Petra dates to around 300 B.C. and was only re-discovered in 1812; while Hegra dated to roughly 100 B.C. Both cities were once busy metropolises, which later, when people moved on, turned into necropolises, leaving only the tombs behind.

4. What We Do Know Is Fascinating

Apart from carving incredible structures from rock, the Nabataeans were also known for using sophisticated systems to collect water. They constructed reservoirs as well as aqueducts, some of which are still there to see in Petra, and which allowed them to stay put in one place for longer and build more permanent structures. Considering the Nabataeans founded several cities, such as Petra, Hegra, Midian, and others. It seems a little wrong to call them nomads, but essentially, they were nomadic, like all tribes living in the desert. When the water ran out, the grazing dried up, and it was time to move on.

That said, it is understood that some of the cities functioned as stations that controlled the ancient trade routes, such as the Incense Route coming up from the south. They were, if you so wish, border posts, where traders could not only refuel and rest, but no doubt also had to pay for that privilege, as well as having to part with money to be allowed to pass through the Nabataeans’ land.

5. Hegra Is Near An Oasis

Many of the cities were near an oasis. Hegra is near AlUla, an oasis that sports some 6,000 palm trees even today and must have offered a welcome respite from the formidable and inhospitable surroundings. Visiting Hegra is a hot and dusty undertaking, with barely any shade available and tombs spread across the desert, which makes heading back to the green oases of AlUla a perfect pleasure. And when you visit an oasis or date palm farm, walking among the palm trees, it is easy — or at least easier — to imagine what life must have been like in Nabataean times.

6. Modern Goes Hand In Hand With Ancient

It might lessen the sense of discovery and old-world expeditions a little, but it is quite nice that you do have modern amenities near these ancient sites. Just as Petra has Wadi Musa, with its hotels and restaurants, access to tour guides, and yes, those always necessary souvenir shops; Hegra has AlUla, with its modern town center, amazingly diverse accommodation options, superb restaurants, and other historic sites, such as the old center of AlUla with its fortified castle. 

The modernity of tourism might take a bit of the shine off the ancient sites — I will let you know what it’s like when I finally make it to the less touristy Nabataean cities mentioned below – but it also adds a little something extra to your trip. Be it a glimpse of what life is like in a Saudi Arabian oasis, sampling the local cuisine, or even visiting the superb art installations and the hyper-modern mirrored building of Maraya, which literally reflects the old in the new.

7. Hegra Is Part Of A Set

As it always seems to go, once you tick one thing off your list, another one comes along. Did you know that there are two other amazing, and yet practically unheard of, Nabataean sites in Saudi Arabia? (And probably more yet to be unearthed.)

There is the oasis Dumat al Jandal in the Al-Jawf province, and Al Badʿ in the Tabuk province (thought to be the ancient city of Midian, with scholars still busy researching its history). Both sites lie in northwestern Saudi Arabia, not as easily reached as Hegra or, of course, Petra, but even more thrilling because of their remoteness and ongoing research that uncovers more about their history each day. So now, despite having ticked off Petra and Hegra from my list, I have added two more Nabataean sites, and am already knee-deep in research about how to get there.

Ever since I first moved to the Middle East some 22 years ago, I have been wanting to explore Saudi Arabia. This vast, quintessentially Arabian country, which is roughly a fifth the size of the U.S. (3.2 times larger than Texas), has always tempted me with tiny teasers as to its history and natural beauty. But getting there as a tourist, and especially as a female tourist, was always practically impossible.

In recent years, this has changed, like so much of Saudi Arabia has. Now, you can get an e-visa within minutes. Single female travelers are not only welcome, but can even rent a car and drive, something quite unheard of a few years ago — even though driving in the cities is rather scary, to be honest.

Opening up to visitors and the frequent advertising have revealed even more treasures dotted around the huge peninsula. I could no longer resist, and by now, have not only visited different places and regions, but also came close to relocating to Saudi Arabia. Alas, that did not happen, but my to-do list of what to see on the peninsula has only just started being ticked off.

Traveling to Saudi Arabia is a lesson in acceptance, a perfect chance to embrace and learn about another culture and religion, its traditions, and history. The journey will be fascinating beyond measure. Leave your preconceptions behind and come with an open mind and just enjoy being some of the first few people to discover the hidden treasures of this amazing country.

Here are my favorite experiences in Saudi Arabia so far. My explorations are still in their infancy, and I cannot wait to return soon.

1. Getting Lost In Al Balad, Jeddah

The old center of Jeddah, the quarter of Al Balad, roughly translated as “The Town,” is a stunning example of what cities in southern Arabia looked like centuries ago. Founded back in the 7th century, the 650-odd historical buildings that remain were built from coral, limestone, and wood several floors high, with mashrabiya windows and balconies. The intricate screens allowed the women inside to see what was going on outside, without being seen themselves, as well as allowing a breeze to cool the inside of the buildings. 

Currently, the buildings are being restored, bit by bit. Some are still lived in, others have been transformed into art centers, and many have small restaurants, cafes, and shops within them. Meandering through the narrow lanes, many decorated with pretty lights, is a bit like time traveling. It is easy to imagine what life must have been like here centuries ago, and the blue and aqua-colored buildings are utterly photogenic.

Pro Tip: Pop into the Jameel House of Traditional Art, where you can not only look inside one of the restored buildings, but also see artists at work.

2. Walking Jeddah Waterfront

The waterfront promenade along the Red Sea Coast in Jeddah is a wonderful place to walk, look out to the sea, stop for coffee and snacks, and watch local life going on. This is where everybody comes to walk. Roughly 4.7 miles of seafront pavement, it is dotted with art, a “JEDDAH” sign perfect for selfies, countless adorable little food and coffee vans, an aquarium, palm trees, and gorgeous mosques — such as the pretty Island Mosque. Perfect for people to get a bit of a fresh air respite from the heat, exercise, and then recover over a donut or ice cream. 

Some top hotels, such as the Shangri-La, have properties here with superb views. Luxury restaurant Nobu has a wonderful restaurant along this corniche, looking like a giant hobbit house made from wood, but essentially, it is a promenade that is all about walking and enjoying the views.

Pro Tip: A little further on from the Shangri-La, you’ll find the Red Sea Mall, one of Jeddah’s favorite modern malls with great shops as well as some welcome air conditioning after your walk.

3. Diving Into The Red Sea

The Red Sea is an arm of the Indian Ocean, an underground rift valley separating Africa from Asia. Roughly 1,200 miles long and at most 190 miles wide, it connects to the Mediterranean Sea via the Suez Canal, and borders Egypt, Sudan, and Eritrea to the west, and Saudi Arabia and Yemen to the east. Despite being a very salty sea — with rare rainfall and no connecting rivers — due to its high evaporation levels, the Red Sea houses some of the world’s best scuba diving and snorkeling sites, with a plethora of marine wildlife found there. 

The coastline and the sea are beautiful enough for Saudi Arabia to invest in two giga-projects, NEOM and the Red Sea Development, both of which will be turned into tourism hubs with many hotels and water sports facilities starting in late 2022 and 2023. Until those beach hotels are open, just outside of Jeddah, you will find beach resorts such as the Red Sea Resort where you can go swimming and scuba diving without having to worry about offending anybody.

Pro Tip: Why not discover the beauty of the Red Sea on a cruise which takes you from Jeddah up north to Yanbu, stopping off in wonderful AlUla (see below) on the way. 

4. Marveling At Hegra

Ever since I visited Petra in Jordan and heard that this Nabatean kingdom’s second city was located in Saudi Arabia, I have been somewhat obsessed with seeing the mysterious Hegra, not far from the city of AlUla. For years I could not go, which sharpened my senses and my desire, and seeing the tombs carved from rocks in the desert — so unlike Petra but still utterly magical — was like a great big sigh freed from me. 

You will have seen the images of one gigantic rock standing in the middle of the desert with a façade carved into it. That is the main draw of Hegra. But now imagine 110 more tombs carved from numerous rocks, even one of the narrow pathways known as the Siq such as they have in Petra, all in the middle of nowhere, roughly 2,000 years old, and in superb condition.

Pro Tip: In the cooler season, you can come on a tour and then rent bicycles to explore the vast area at your leisure. There is much to see, even if you are not allowed to enter the tombs, it takes time. There is also a lovely souvenir shop and the remains of a former trans-desert railway on the site.

5. Nighttime Coffee At Elephant Rock

The region around AlUla is dotted with many otherworldly-looking rock formations, such as Elephant Rock. You can maybe imagine why it is called that, and yes, it really does look like an elephant. This rock comes into its own at night, when a café just at the bottom of it opens after sunset and serves great coffee and fresh juices, while the SALT restaurant prepares the best burgers in town. 

What makes this special are the hollows dotted throughout the sand into which seating areas are built, all lit up with twinkle lights. Here, you can snuggle down, and look up at the gigantic elephant towering 170 feet above you.

Pro Tip: If you want to see another superb rock formation, do not miss The Arch, or Rainbow Rock. If you are self-driving, make sure you get good directions, as it took me ages and many wrong turns to find it. For an easier and even more out-of-this-world experience, book a stargazing tour at the arch. There is no light pollution in this part of the world and the sky is magnificent.

6. Dining At ‘Somewhere’

I happened upon what is now one of my all-time favorite restaurants by pure chance in AlUla. Walking through the old town, I felt somewhat uninspired, but was drawn to an ochre-colored plain building, which I assumed to be an art gallery. Instead of an art gallery, I found a superb restaurant called ‘Somewhere’, with a stunning garden full of tall palm trees lit by enormous round light installations, giving a wonderfully romantic air. 

The restaurant serves a modern take on traditional local foods, from shrimp in a fine kunafa pastry to tasty shawarma served in a bao bun. So yum.

Pro Tip: Another superb restaurant can be found at Habitas AlUla.

7. Flying At Breakfast During Ramadan

Should you find yourself in Saudi Arabia during the holy month of Ramadan, which shifts by roughly 10 days every year and currently falls around April/March, you might be lucky enough to be on a flight around Iftar time. Iftar is the traditional time for breaking the fast at sunset. Instead of meals being served on the flight, everybody gets a pretty bag filled with a date or two, some sugary treats, a piece of bread, and some juice and/or labneh, a milky drink. 

Once the captain announces that the sun has set, the rustling starts across the plane, with everybody starting to open their bag and nibbling the treats after a day’s fasting. It is quite a special moment to be part of.

Pro Tip: Even Muslims are allowed to eat during the day when traveling during Ramadan, and meals are served on Saudi Arabian airlines. You will also find plenty of open cafes and restaurants in the airports.

For more Middle East experiences to check off your bucket list, check out these stories:

• 7 Amazing Once-In-A-Lifetime Experiences In Bahrain
• This Ancient City Is The Prettiest Location I’ve Ever Visited
• 9 Amazing Things To Do In Cairo After You’ve Visited The Pyramids

The northeastern coast of Catalonia, Spain, is also known as the Costa Brava, or “wild coast” — and rightfully so. The stretch of seaboard from the French border to the town of Blanes is known for its rugged landscape and wild sea, as well as kayaking, rock climbing, horse riding, and a great many more outdoor activities that will delight travelers who enjoy active vacations — but, on the other hand, love culture, good food, and great company.

Since the 1960s, the Costa Brava, with its unspoiled nature and landscape, has been a popular holiday destination. A lot has been invested in promoting and improving outdoor activities. Of course, the already fabulous beaches, good summer climate, and unlimited possibilities for water sports helped. 

Here are the most interesting outdoor activities along Spain’s Costa Brava that will delight the whole family.

1. Sea Swimming

The Costa Brava offers miles of swimmable beaches, but being the destination it is, the waters can be crowded. Look for a beach with Vies Braves.

Catalan long-distance swimmer Miquel Sunyer didn’t see any reason why only the strongest swimmers should have the pleasure to enjoy the clear and beautiful waters of the wild Costa Brava. He came up with the idea to establish secure swimming lanes running parallel with the coast — and soon, the yellow markers of the so-called Vies Braves appeared in the water. Since then, many miles of water all along the coast have been secured and allow everybody the pleasure to swim in the refreshing sea.

2. Kayaking

Kayaking is an especially popular activity because of the many coves and rugged coastline of the Costa Brava. Kayaks are for rent practically everywhere, and there are plenty of schools around that take families on trips or provide lessons for those who never have managed a kayak before. For those who rather want to go on a longer kayaking tour, this 8-hour tour via GetYourGuide will probably be ideal.

3. Exploring Cap De Creus

Cap de Creus Natural Park, located between Cadaqués and Port de la Sella, is a rarity because it is the first maritime and terrestrial park in the country. Apart from preservation and protection, the park boasts an enticing beauty that will fascinate every visitor. The park also contains a monastery and holds many lectures.

4. Horseback Riding

A great outdoor activity is a 4-day, 3-night horse riding adventure at the family-run horse farm Mas Alba. The farm isn’t far from Girona or Barcelona and accommodates riders and horses. Breakfast and one meal daily are also provided. The highlight of this horseback experience is the gallops at dawn and gallops along the beach. This is, however, not for novice riders.

5. Bungee Jumping

As the name already indicates, the Costa Brava isn’t short on exciting activities. One of them is the highest bungee jump in the entire country, a drop of 229 feet in Lloret de Mar. Get excited and book your ticket here.

6. Rock Climbing

As rock climbing on the Costa Brava is concerned, the magic words as far are via ferratas. These are rock climbing routes of various difficulty levels. Along the Costa Brava, they mostly consist of limestone and granite.

The via ferrata near Tossa de Mar, Cala del Molí, is especially enticing because, while you climb or traverse, the turquoise sea churns below your feet. Sant Feliu de Guíxols is the starting point for this route. As opposed to other via ferrata (there are several in the world), this one is quite secured with iron ladders, steel bridges, ropes, and slings.

Another via ferrata, albeit without the seas at your feet, is located at Ribes de Freser. 

Before embarking on your climbing tour, with or without a guide, research the proper equipment and bring it with you.

Note: If you suffer from vertigo, rock climbing is not advised.

7. Frolicking In Waterparks

Rock climbing may not be a suitable activity for every member of the family, but the three waterparks of the Costa Brava will bring everyone fun and relaxation. The kids, for whom special sections are set aside, will be in heaven. The parks, Aquadiver Parc in Plajta d’Aro and Water World in Lloret de Mar, are very well equipped with wave pools, rapid rivers, and more.

8. The European Balloon Festival

The first two weeks of July celebrate the Costa Brava’s most spectacular festival, the European Balloon Festival. More than 50 hot air balloons from all over the world gather in Igualada. Igualada is located in the province of Barcelona on the left bank of the Anoia River. Since 1997, hot air ballooners have assembled here to compete and celebrate the sport. The festival attracts over 25,000 visitors per year for four days of entertainment and spectacle. The balloons take to the sky at dawn or dust because those provide the best conditions for the flights.

It’s not only the competitors who can participate: Guests can also fly, and the flight is accompanied by pastries and champagne.

Catch additional magic at the “Night Glow,” when the balloons are illuminated but do not leave their moorings.

9. Exploring The Sea Caves And Beaches

Many sea caves line the shore of the Coast Brava, and some have even fancy names. The Cova de s’Infern (or Cave of Hell) is located directly under the lighthouse of Cap de Creus and gets its devilish name from the red hue the light takes on at a certain angle. Cova d’en Gispert is the longest sea cave on the Costa Brava, and an anecdote tells that Salvador Dalí himself arranged a concert here because the acoustics were so incredible. Another story circulates that, apparently, a Russian woman used to own the cove and ride down to the beach on a donkey to indulge, naked, in her bath.

10. Scuba Diving

This part of the Mediterranean is one of the sea’s most popular diving centers because of its incredible sea bed, rich flora and fauna, and, last but not least, the high quality of its diving schools and centers. Aiguablava, Begur, and Fornells are popular diving sites. Aiguablava is an example of an outstanding sea bed because of the clear, blue that hosts gorgonian coral, meadows of posidonia, and more. All diving schools in the vicinity offer beginner courses.

Other great places to dive along the Costa Brava are Blanes and Cadaqués.

11. Wind- And Kitesurfing

With all this watersport, we cannot overlook wind- and kitesurfing. The beaches of the Costa Brava hands offer themselves for this, and there are certain places where the wind blows favorably.

One of these is the Golf de Roses, or Gulf of Roses, close to the Pyrenees. Your best bet for wind- and kitesurfing in Golf de Roses is booking through the ION Club, an international watersports school and center. This has the added advantage that your equipment will be well looked after. The proximity to the Pyrenees means that when you tire of surfing, you can easily switch to other outdoor activities, like hiking or biking in the mountains — and, of course, sampling the delicious food this part of Europe has to offer.

12. Visiting Culturally Rich Cities

Costa Blanca’s most famous artist cannot be forgotten in this list. Salvador Dalí was born in Figueres and came to the charming, white village of Cadaqués. This is the location where his famous house (now Salvador Dalí House Museum) stands and attracts thousands of visitors every year. But it is not only the artistic and romantic atmosphere of Cadaqués that brings visitors here — it’s also the gorgeous beaches and the enchanting Cap de Creus Natural Park.

But Cadaqués does not feature the only monument to Dalí on the Costa Brava. There is also his hometown of Figueres, a rather bizarre place with a theater that Dalí converted into his private museum. A medieval tower still stands as part of the building, which is painted red with white eggs on top. Dalí was eccentric.

13. Hiking Footpaths Along The Coast

Hiking is one of the most popular and healthy outdoor activities. The Costa Brava is blessed with many (all rather easy) coastal footpaths, all with incredible views and some going through such lovely places as Roses, Blanes, and Cadaqués. All the while with the soothing music of the sea in the background.

Here are just three that are very pretty. First is the Montgó Nature Park Trail, which leads between Jávea and Dénia. A rocky path zigzags up the eastern face to the plateau, but apart from the last bit being a bit of a scramble, it isn’t steep. The view over the coast of Dénia is beautiful.

The Paseo Ecológico de Benissa starts at La Fustera Beach and follows the coastline. The walk is very well maintained and, along the way, there are picnic areas where you can rest.

Something a little different is the Guadalest to Altea moonlight walk. You’re in for a romantic night. The walk is organized by the local Spanish Nordic Walking Federation to coincide with the full moon in late July/early August. It leads from the dam in Guadalest to the center in Altea, is around 12 miles long, and lasts approximately 5 hours. The good news is it’s all downhill. Bring long pants, hiking shoes, and headlamps.

Related Reading:

• 9 Charming Seaside Villages To Explore On Spain’s Gorgeous Costa Brava
• 9 Reasons To Visit Empuries: The Site Where Two Ancient Civilizations Meet
• Retire In Spain: Costa Blanca Vs. Costa Del Sol

TravelAwaits travel experts share their favorite places in the U.S. and Canada to beat the heat in August. Escape from the blazing summer sun in one of these cool destinations.

1. Anchorage, Alaska

“I love to visit Anchorage, Alaska in late August/early September, right before the first winter snows begin to fall again. The pace has slowed down a bit and there aren’t as many tourists.

“Anchorage is the perfect base for exploring Alaska. There are a variety of train trips both day and overnight and the depot is within walking distance of many downtown hotels. Tour Denali National Park, take a whale watching or glacier cruise, or just explore the beautiful outdoor spaces right outside the city. You can even go fishing right downtown at Ship Creek. Stop by The Bait Shack to pick up everything you need to catch the big one.” — Peggy Cleveland

2. Cedar Breaks National Monument And Cedar City, Utah

“Last year, my husband and I stayed overnight in Cedar City, Utah on the way back to Phoenix from Calgary. We loved everything we saw on the peek we took of Cedar Breaks National Monument 30 minutes from town. So this year we are taking my husband’s side of the family there for our annual reunion.

“The national monument is smaller than Bryce Canyon National Park, but her hoodoos are way bigger. At more than 10,000 feet in elevation, there is a half-mile-deep red rocks amphitheater that is truly stunning. We hope to complete the four Overlooks (North View, Chessman Ridge, Sunset View, and Point Supreme) and find the time to walk some trails this time. And, because we are staying for a week, we also hope to explore the Festival City and watch something at the Shakespeare Theater, enjoy the Festival Grounds, and visit the lovely Mormon Temple on a hillside.” — Carol Colborn

Editor’s note: Point Supreme Overlook is closed for construction through 2022.

3. Door County, Wisconsin

“Door County, a 75-mile-long peninsula that juts into Lake Michigan, is a fantastic place for an August getaway. The New York Times has called it ‘The Cape Cod of the Midwest.’ With 250 miles of coastline, you’re never more than 15 minutes from water, so enjoy both fantastic sunrises and sunsets!

“You’ll love the almost 300 miles of biking throughout the peninsula and adjacent islands or kayaking the turquoise waters to the caves at Cave Point County Park. Take a car or passenger ferry to quaint and fragrant Washington Island, known for its abundant lavender fields, in full bloom from mid-July through August.

“If all this activity gives you an appetite, try an authentic Door County fish boil or savor locally grown cherries in full harvest, available at orchards and farm markets. Thirsty? Check out One Barrel Brewing in Egg Harbor, or any of the other wineries, breweries, and cideries. Door County is a feast in every way!” — Joan Sherman

Ready to book your getaway?

4. Galveston Island, Texas

“Galveston is calling your name with so many ways to make vacation memories. First, there are 32 miles of gulf beachfront along Seawall Boulevard. You’ll see the cars parked along the beach as vacationers jump in to meet the waves. Across the street are hotels, restaurants, souvenir shops, and mini-golf galore.

“For more fun, hit Schlitterbahn Waterpark, with tons of thrilling slides, wave rivers, and water coasters.

“Walk along the historic district, The Strand, with shops, restaurants, and hotels. Pop into the new Ship to Shore Immigration Museum and trace the journey of those who arrived in the late 19th century.

“When you’ve had enough sun, head indoors to Moody Gardens. You’ll see the pyramid beckoning with the aquarium, a tropical rainforest, plus 3D/4D movies. Get up close to monkeys, macaws, and penguins. Hop on the Colonel Paddlewheel Boat for a different view of the island.” — Mira Temkin

5. Banff

“Banff is the best place to cool off in August. Pristine and charming, downtown Banff is wrapped in jagged mountain views, setting the stage for a contrast between athletic outdoor adventures and artisan-crafted cuisine.

“The temperature ranges from the mid-40s to the low 70s in August — comfortable enough to hike any time of the day. Take a climb up Tunnel Mountain; the 2.8-mile out and back hike requires a moderate amount of exertion. However, your reward is the gorgeous views from the top.

“After you hike, plan to lunch at Maclab Bistro at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. They are famous for their cobb salad; enjoying it on the porch with a stunning panoramic view is the best way to end a hike — or simply enjoy a great lunch.

“With Lake Lousie, Moraine Lake, Jasper National Park, and Banff National Park, you will have ample options for exploring Alberta’s gorgeous natural gifts.” — Sandi Barrett

6. Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula

“In Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Michigan’s northernmost point Copper Harbor sits on Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula. August is the perfect time to explore the area because the weather is warm and the days are long. In winter, you need to enjoy the snow to visit as they measure it in feet rather than inches. I’m a snowbird, so summer is when I make the trip.

“One of my favorite places in August in the Keweenaw Peninsula is the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge, a historic wilderness resort from 1934 located at the top of the peninsula. Once you check in, the 560-acre property features so many activities you won’t want to leave.

“Summertime sports include a 9-hole golf course with stunning views of Brockway Mountain. In addition, they offer free-guided mountain bike rides on the Copper Harbor Trails. Hiking, sea kayaking, birding, and stargazing are all part of the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge’s summer fun. In fact, the Arizona-based International Dark-Sky Association recently named Keweenaw Mountain Lodge Michigan’s newest International Dark Sky Park.” — Amy Piper

7. Mount Rainier National Park: Paradise Area

“Mount Rainier National Park, especially the area called Paradise, is my favorite place to visit in August. I love the park any time in the summer, but August brings out the best of Paradise, since it is the month when an array of colorful wildflowers blanket the meadows. With the stunning backdrop of the snowcapped mountain, and surrounded by the deep green of the surrounding forest, is the best time to spend in Paradise.

“In fact, these wildflower meadows inspired the name of the area. When she saw the wildflowers in the meadow, Martha Longmire, one of the early pioneers in the 1800s, exclaimed, “Oh, this is Paradise!” The name stuck, probably because everyone who ever sees this stunning landscape feels the same way. I know I do.

“The August weather is also perfect for enjoying the trails in the area, with opportunities to see wildlife.” — Emese Fromm

8. Newport, Rhode Island

“One of my favorite places to visit in August is Newport, Rhode Island, a former enclave for families such as the Vanderbilts. The area is dotted with summer mansions, beautiful views of Narragansett Bay, a solid foodie scene, a scenic drive, and live entertainment at most venues. The added bonus is visiting Flo’s Clam Shack, which has been serving seafood since the ’30s.” — Keshler Thibert

9. San Francisco, California

“I have visited San Francisco in every season, and I’ve loved them all. But my favorite time to visit California’s ‘City by the Bay’ is August, when activities are in full swing and the days tend to be warm and (sometimes) sunny. Of course, the summer months are known to be foggy in San Francisco, but on my August visits, I’ve found that the mist fades by midday, giving way to beautifully clear skies.

“A perfect August activity is to walk the San Francisco Bay Trail, a diverse route that circles the entire Bay Area. For me, nothing beats the section that takes in iconic spots like the Golden Gate Bridge, the Embarcadero and Ferry Building, and the historic Fort Mason area.

“Or, for a unique view of the bay, I also love to hop on a ferry to Tiburon to walk the Old Rail Trail, or to Alameda to stroll the Shoreline Park trail, both of which offer fascinating history and outstanding skyline views. An added bonus in August: you’re sure to spot wildflowers framing the ocean scenes.” — Cindy Barks

10. Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park

“Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park spans the border of Alberta, Canada, and Montana. It was established at the first international peace park in 1932. UNESCO made it a world heritage site as well as a Biosphere Reserve. But beyond its remarkable history, you’ll find an easy trail to Cameron Falls or a challenging hike to Rocky Mountain peaks that will give you a view from the ‘Crown of the Continent.’

“From the stroll-worthy town of Waterton, you can catch a Waterton Lake cruise for a different perspective of glacier-topped mountains and wildlife. You can picnic at one of the cruise stops or take a short hike, then hop on the next cruise back to Waterton.

“While you’re at Waterton Glacier International Peace Park, have a cup of tea at the historic Prince of Wales Hotel — an imposing wood structure with friendly, tartan-wearing staff and unbeatable lake views.” — Teresa Otto

Let’s face it. Sometimes there just isn’t enough time to see all the wondrous things in a destination you are visiting. Whether you are on a long layover, traveling for business, or only have a few days free to journey somewhere, making the most of only a few days is a challenge.

In a recent hosted trip to Iceland, I was faced with that same dilemma. I only had about 72 hours in this country full of volcanic lava fields, swimming pools, the Golden Circle scenic drive, geysers, towering waterfalls, hot springs, whale watching, and massive glaciers. Three days is not enough to explore the whole country, but if you have only 72 hours, then spending them in Reykjavík, the capital of Iceland, is the way to go.

From historic tours to luxury hot springs spas to delectable culinary delights, Reykjavík has all you need to get a quick and brief taste of what Iceland is all about. Don’t worry — you can even “explore” the entire country in 15 minutes at one new attraction and learn about Viking culture at another.

So, until you can book a week or two in this Nordic country, here are seven incredible ways to spend 72 hours in Reykjavík, Iceland.

1. Tour The City

If your day begins with arriving at the Keflavik Airport, the easiest way to get to Reykjavík is to either rent a car or book a private transfer or shuttle through FlyBus, which is available for all arriving flights at Keflavik Airport and provides direct transportation to Reykjavik City Center. Once you arrive at the city center, the FlyBus folks will escort you to smaller shuttles that will take you to whatever hotel you’ll be staying in. 

From that point, walking and taxis are your best bet for getting around this historic city. For the first day, I always recommend taking a walking tour of the city as I believe it’s the best introduction to a new destination.

CityWalk Reykjavík offers a 2-hour, free walking tour of downtown Reykjavík but also has custom Luxury Private Tours in and out of the city, hikes outside Reykjavík, and even horseback riding tours. The free tour is stocked full of city history, places of note, and interesting historical characters, and they are led by fun, English-speaking guides. Explore Reykjavík’s many cafes, its historic city hall, the flea markets in town, and more on these day tours of the city.

While the tour is technically free, that can be misleading. While there is no fixed price for the 2-hour walking tour, you are expected to pay what you think the tour was worth at the end.

Pro Tip: CityWalk also has a popular nighttime bar crawl in downtown Reykjavik that highlights their favorite bars. You’ll get discounted drinks. Bear in mind that this tour begins at 10 p.m., visits three local pubs, and ends at a nightclub at 1 a.m. If you want to party with the locals, this is the way to go.

2. Try The Famous Iceland Hot Dog

After your 2-hour tour, stop off for Iceland’s most famous hot dog at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, which has a cult-wide following the world over. This little hot dog hut has seven locations in the greater Reykjavík area, noticeable by its jaunty red color.

The hot dog earned even more fame when President Bill Clinton visited in 2004. As he was walking past Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, the vendor called out to him and offered him one of the Icelandic hot dogs. Reportedly, President Clinton was on a diet, so he opted for a mustard-only dog, and since then, a hot dog with mustard has been called a Clinton.

If you want the true Icelandic experience, order the Icelandic hot dog, which is served on a warm, steamed bun topped with raw white onions, crispy fried onions, sweet brown mustard, ketchup, a mayo remoulade, capers, and herbs.

Pro Tip: Most people order two of these little snacks, but I found that one dog was enough to stave off the hunger before dinner. Honestly, I wasn’t a huge fan of it, but it’s definitely worth a try!

3. Check Out The Museums And Public Art

Your first day continues with a peek into the life of the seafarers who called Iceland home at Viking World, a museum that delves into the history and lore of the Vikings. The museum is split into four main exhibitions that include The Icelander, a viking ship that sailed to New York in the year 2000 to commemorate Leifur Eiríksson’s journey to the New World a thousand years earlier.

The museum also delves into the history of the Viking expansion through the North Atlantic, how these fierce explorers settled in Iceland, and the origins of Norse mythology and myths.

If traditional art beats out the helmeted warriors of old, then the art museums of Reykjavík are enough to fill a whole day.

The largest is the Reykjavík Art Museum, which is split between three historic buildings, called Hafnarhús, Kjarvalsstaðir, and Ásmundarsafn. The Einar Jónsson Museum has been a staple in Iceland since 1923 and is located downtown just beside the landmark church Hallgrímskirkja. It celebrates the life of sculptor Einar Jónsson (1874–1954).

For a true architectural wonder, the Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre, located by the old harbor between Reykjavík City Center and the North Atlantic, is one of the city’s most unique landmarks that also offers public exhibitions and artwork.

The National Museum of Iceland included dozens of permanent exhibitions that explore the heritage and history of Iceland, showcasing 2,000 objects, dating from the Settlement Age to the present. The museum has about 1,000 photographs from the 20th century, and visitors can witness the history of the island from medieval settlers who crossed the ocean to the development of its modern airport, the Icelander’s gateway to the world.

Pro Tip: If you visit Harpa, walk roughly 10 minutes down the sidewalk to see the shining steel sculpture of a Viking longship called Solfar, or “Sun Voyager.” Created by artist Jon Gunnar Arnason, this sculpture isn’t one of an actual Viking ship, but actually represents “a dream boat and an ode to the sun.”

4. FlyOver Iceland

One of my absolute favorite adventures in Reykjavík in the short time I was there was FlyOver Iceland, which will satisfy that craving for the wild, untamed places in this amazing country.

FlyOver Iceland is hard to explain, but it is an immersive digital flight across Iceland’s stunning scenery and natural landscapes. Launched in the fall of 2019, FlyOver Iceland is part roller coaster, part 360 movie, part flying adventure. It gives the impression you’re gliding through picturesque Icelandic scenery from a first-person perspective — in sharp, stunning high definition.  

This attraction uses a moving platform and a surround screen that makes you feel as if you truly are flying across the lava fields, over meadows, between towering peaks, and down waterfalls. Special effects, like wind, mist, and scents, add to the immersive experience as you hang suspended with your feet dangling above the world’s most stunning natural wonders. 

The whole digital experience starts in an ancient Viking longhouse, where a grizzled storyteller tells tales of Iceland’s past. From there, you are guided by Su Vitra, a troll inspired by local legends, to experience the Well of Time and the birth of the stars.

The FlyOver experience is a great way to “see” and experience all of Iceland, and you honestly feel as if you are soaring through the majestic mountains during the ride.

If you don’t have time to drive the Golden Circle but want to explore its swimming pools and lagoons, The Smoky Bay, the famous Iceland northern lights, and more in 15 minutes, this attraction is the way to do it.

Pro Tips: If you are prone to motion sickness, you’ll want to take motion sickness medications before taking this ride. Because the harness moves in six different ways, you can feel a bit of vertigo and nausea if you have a sensitive stomach or are subject to dizziness.

FlyOver Iceland also has a lovely little gift shop and a great coffee shop where you can enjoy a hot coffee, a local wine, or nibble on delicious pastries.

5. Taste Reykjavík

Another great way to get to know a new destination is to taste it, and luckily Reykjavík is home to hundreds of restaurants and cafes that offer up everything from traditional seafood and Icelandic fare to sushi and modern cuisine.

Across from FlyOver Iceland is Grandi Mathöll, a street-food hall in the Old Harbour district. Eight distinct food vendors serve up everything from barbecue and sushi to traditional Icelandic lamb stew and pizza. Most use locally sourced ingredients.

For a more upscale experience, check out Monkeys Restaurant, which highlights Nikkei-inspired cooking. This restaurant combines Japanese cooking traditions with Peruvian fare to create delicious small dishes unlike anything you’ve tasted before. 

Another great cafe to try is BAKABAKA, which is situated in an old, renovated house in downtown Reykjavík. If pizza is on your must-eat list, this is the place to get it.

You can’t visit Iceland without trying the famous fish and chips, and in Reykjavík’s Old Harbour district, Icelandic Fish & Chips serves up fish & chips of different kinds, along with fisherman’s stew and baked fish. 

Pro Tip: One of Iceland’s oldest shopping streets, Laugavegur, offers visitors a diverse selection of restaurants, bars, and noteworthy nightlife.

6. Visit The Famed Hallgrímskirkja Church

Visible from almost any point in the city, Hallgrimskirkja Church sits at the top of Skolavordustigur Street, which is considered one of the prettiest streets in the capital — and its design and shopping heart. 

This iconic church towers at 240 feet, and the steep climb to the top is made magical by the stunning views of Reykjavík. Even the Snaefellsjokull glacier is visible on a clear day. 

Although Hallgimskirkja is an Evangelical-Lutheran church, the design resembles Thor’s hammer as a homage to Iceland’s Norse mythological history.

It’s also one of the most visited places in Iceland, so be prepared for crowds when you visit. Because it is an active church, it is sometimes closed without notice to accommodate services and activities. 

7. Immerse In The Sky Lagoon

Your last day in Iceland should be spent in relaxation and luxury, and just mere minutes from downtown Reykjavík is a place that celebrates both.

Officially opened in 2021, Sky Lagoon is an Icelandic bathing culture experience and spa that includes ocean vista views, a 246-foot infinity “hot spring” lagoon, and a unique seven-step ritual that is sure to restore and relax.

Unlike Iceland’s Blue Lagoon, Sky Lagoon is easily accessible from the city, adding a level of luxury that the established Blue Lagoon doesn’t offer. It’s not as child-heavy as Blue Lagoon, either, making it a more relaxing, adult experience for those who aren’t fans of dozens of screaming kids.

With views of the North Atlantic, Sky Lagoon‘s “Ritual” embraces Icelandic traditions that use warm and cold waters, steam, dry heat, and fresh air to cleanse the skin and soul. This seven-step ritual is exclusive to Sky Lagoon, but you can soak in the hot lagoon surrounded by rock walls and turf houses to your heart’s delight. 

Guests with the Pure and Sky passes to Sky Lagoon receive the seven-step Ritual experience as part of admission. The Sky Pass includes premium amenities and a private changing facility.

According to the Britannica definition, a World Heritage Site is “any of various areas or objects inscribed on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage List. The sites are designated as having ‘outstanding universal value.’”

The UNESCO World Heritage sites can be anything from entire cities or parts of cities to specific monuments, natural landscapes, and more. As of July 2021, there were a total of 1,154 World Heritage Sites, with 897 of them cultural, 218 natural, and 39 mixed properties.

The choice is as varied as it is vast. While trying my best to choose some of my favorites for this list, I must admit giving up on trying to figure out and count how many I have seen to date. And there are so many I would absolutely love to see such as Machu Picchu and the Grand Canyon, which I have longed to see forever but have not yet managed. Then there are some which are so popular, such as the entire city of Rome and sights such as the Tower of London, Westminster Palace, and the Statue of Liberty, that I left them off my personal list despite their distinct value.

The result is an eclectic hop around the globe, which spans monuments and cities, small and large sites. I have picked these as my favorites for various reasons which I will share with you.

How many of my personal favorites have you seen? And do you agree with me?

1. The Great Wall

Beijing, China

This one actually blew my mind, if you pardon the expression. Perched on a mountain top an hour outside of the hyper-modern city of Beijing, standing on stones assembled hundreds and thousands of years ago, the sight of the continuous structure undulating along steep mountain ridges at impossible angles all the way to the horizon on both sides of me is something I will never forget.

No, it is not true that you can see the Great Wall of China from space with the bare eye, but this man-made structure, all official 13,000+ miles of it, is such an amazing architectural feat that you may as well believe it.

2. Forbidden City

Beijing, China

The Forbidden City has this magical allure, probably partially because of the word “forbidden,” which makes you feel like you are truly privileged to be able to have a closer look at this vast, roughly 9,000-room complex that housed 24 emperors — and you truly are privileged. This ancient complex adds another perspective to the often mind-boggling city of Beijing, and it is one of the sights I want to return to the most, as there is so much to see that even on a lengthy guided tour, you feel you miss out on so much. Next time, I will forgo the guides and just take an entire day to explore, get lost, and snoop around.

3. Taj Mahal

Agra, India

I was traveling on the Palace on Wheels, one of the world’s greatest train journeys, which allowed its passengers early entry into the grounds of the Taj Mahal. At 6 in the morning, I am not usually at my best, but entering the quiet grounds with this stunningly beautiful, delicate, and shimmering building at the end of the walkway is a sight I will never forget. It was chilly in early December, and entering the mausoleum was truly cold underfoot — but what a treat. Leaving the hustle and bustle of India outside, this is a sanctuary that feels a million miles away from everywhere.

4. The Great Pyramids Of Giza

Giza, Egypt

I must admit that the first time I visited the Pyramids of Giza I was less than impressed. It might have been my guide, who talked incessantly and drove me nuts, it might have been the shock of seeing the Cairo suburbs so surprisingly close to the gigantic monuments, or may have been the realization that I could not climb to the top — even if I had been allowed to — because each step was taller than me. 

The next time I came though, I stayed in the lovely Mena House Hotel with views across to the large triangle shapes at the bottom of the garden, and visited without a guide. Instead, I explored, stood, gazed up, petted the camels, and soaked up the atmosphere. And you know what? The pyramids are truly amazing.

5. The Banks Of The Seine

Paris, France

This is reportedly the most visited UNESCO World Heritage Site in the world, but I wonder just how many of its visitors know that the Banks of the Seine they are strolling along, crêpe in hand, are UNESCO-listed. I lived in Paris for 6 years and walked along the Seine countless times and only found out that the lovely quays and the banks dotted with small café trucks and benches have been deemed worthy of inclusion on the illustrious list when I wrote about the Seine and its many worthwhile stops.

6. The City Of Bath

Bath Spa, England

I lived in the spa town of Bath after finishing university and even got married there, and I have loved it ever since. I read my way through the Jane Austen novels (the author was a former resident of Bath) and explored the city’s historic locations. Even now, so many years later, I always pop in whenever I can, as the city is not only great for shopping and has superb restaurants. Walking along the Royal Crescent, through the Circus, or within Sydney Gardens feels like stepping back in history, something which has been proven when the historic romp Bridgerton was filmed here. Simply exchange the cars with carriages, et voila, the historic setting is authentic.

7. The City Of Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul is one of my favorite cities in the world; it is bustling, has so much history around every corner, and has such an atmosphere that is not found anywhere else. There are four UNESCO sites within Istanbul, but these are entire areas, such as the Sultanahmet Archaeological Park, which includes the Topkapi Palace, the Hagia Sophia, the Hippodrome of Constantine, Hagia Irene, and Little Hagia Sophia, and everything in between them, so generally the entire city is deemed a UNESCO site. Modern life goes hand in hand with ancient history here, and it works so well.

8. The Venice Lagoon

Venice, Italy

Venice and its lagoon are one of those rare places in the world where your whole concept of what a city and life in and around it should be like gets turned upside down. Canals instead of streets? Boats instead of cars? A floating city and islands that are so unusual, be they covered in bright, colorful houses, dedicated to the trade of glass manufacture, or even simply a cemetery, make for a truly magical destination. I so wanted to dislike Venice when I first visited, simply because everybody raves about it, but I failed miserably. What’s not to love, especially now that the ugly cruise ships have been banned?

9. Stonehenge

Wiltshire, England

Having lived for years near Stonehenge, for some reason, I never went to see it. It barely registered with me. It took several international moves and a visit back to England to make me finally decide to go and join the queue. Like with Venice, I wanted to dislike it because it is such a touristy place, but arriving during the first slot of the day, the light still brightening, I was enchanted at first sight. I am not a druid, nor does the summer solstice mean that much to me, but I swear I breathed in much more deeply than ever before and was drawn into the sheer history and age of this monument — so much so that I immediately visited Avebury too.

10. Saint-Sophia Cathedral

Kyiv, Ukraine

This was one of the most enchanting moments in my long history of global travel. It was a Sunday morning in winter, Kyiv was nestled under a blanket of freshly fallen and still pristine-white snow, and I was about to hurry past Saint-Sophia Cathedral but stopped for a quick picture of the beautiful blue and gold façade when the bells started ringing. I stood entranced as I watched as people came and entered to attend the Sunday morning service. The fine tune of the bells, the snow, the light, and the faithful walking past me, all in this stunning setting before the gorgeous church, made this a worthy contender for one of the most beautiful UNESCO sites.

11. Sydney Opera House

Sydney, Australia

And here is the most modern of the lot, the relatively young Sydney Opera House. Built between the late 1950s and the 1970s, this iconic music venue deserves inclusion in my personal list because I think it is not only a great piece of architecture, but it is a shining example of man-made working well with nature. The opera house would not have been half as impressive if it wasn’t set against the stunning natural harbor of Sydney, resulting in a symbiosis of beautiful sights.

For more on UNESCO World Heritage Sites, also read about some of the newest sites and sites along the Danube.

“It looks like a scene in a gothic novel,” my friend remarked when seeing my photos of Athenry. And right she was.

Athenry, Ireland, is a medieval walled town. Over 70 percent of the original 700-year-old wall is standing, marking the town’s boundaries. Athenry’s footprint has changed very little since the 13th century. Within the town walls are the remains of a castle, abbey, church, and other buildings and monuments built by the Anglo-Normans. The town retains its 13th-century street plan of a market town. The township honors history and tradition, and in Athenry, you are continuously surrounded by it.

The town is in County Galway. Galway Town is 16 miles west or a 20-minute train ride. This community is close-knit, with a strong emphasis on the children and their future. Preservation of the architecture that holds the town’s history is a treasured legacy for generations to come.

Take a day trip or spend the weekend. Athenry is fascinating.

1. Athenry Heritage Center

Your first stop in Athenry is at the Athenry Heritage Center. Located in St. Mary’s Church, you will discover 800 years of the town’s history. The heritage center is interactive and has something for all interests. Entertaining and knowledgeable docents will lead you on tour, explaining the artifacts and exhibits. A tour is included with your admission. Here are some things featured on a tour of the Athenry Heritage Center:

• One of the tour’s highlights is the scale model of Athenry in the 13th century.
• There’s a full-sized model of a dungeon where you might find yourself in the stocks.
• Your tour guide leads you through the village market as it looked 700 years ago.
• Get a selfie or group shot after you stroll through the costume closet, where you can dress up as a lord, soldier, or peasant.

From the Market Cross, look north. Just ahead, through the arched-stone opening, is a path to St. Mary’s Church and Athenry Heritage Center.

Pro Tip: Ask for the complimentary Athenry Heritage Trail map. It’s a curated walk to all the heritage sites in town.

2. The Magnificent Athenry Town Wall

Enclosing 69 acres, the first construction of the stone wall began in 1310. Athenry is one of Ireland’s best preserved medieval towns; more than 70 percent of the masonry stone wall still stands. The citizens of Athenry have spent years refurbishing, stabilizing, and rebuilding the stone wall built by the Anglo-Normans. As a result, you will encounter segments of the wall all around the town. Still remaining are six guard towers, the north gate, and portions of the moat outside the wall.

Athenry belongs to the Irish Walled Towns Network, where you can learn more about the Athenry wall and other walled towns in Ireland.

3. Athenry Castle

Meiler de Bermingham, lord and founder of Athenry, built the castle sometime between 1235 and 1240; though, records list different dates. The “Hall Keep Castle” sits in the northeast corner of the town wall. It was the first building constructed in the town.

The castle laid in runes for over 5 centuries. It was restored by the Office of Public Works National Monuments branch in 1990.

Take some time in the ticket office before entering the castle. It’s filled with information about the castle and Athenry. Athenry Castle is in the east of town, just off Court Lane. The tall rectangular building is visible from most of the town.

4. St. Mary’s Collegiate Church

Once again, Meiler de Bermingham was involved. He built St. Mary’s, the Athenry parish church from 1240 to 1574. After it was destroyed, a new church was built next to the runes. So today, St. Mary’s has a split personality, with half in ruins and the other half used as the Athenry Heritage Center.

Take your time wandering the grounds. There are many gravestones and monuments to honor. In addition, there are several appealing angles of St. Mary’s for photo buffs. The church is located in St. Mary’s Square. From the Market Cross, look north. Just ahead, through the arched-stone opening, is a path to St. Mary’s. Her graceful spire is easy to spot from most parts of town.

5. Athenry Dominican Priory

The remains of Athenry Dominican Priory are a treasure of architectural beauty. The stonework remaining is rare. Walking among the 700-year-old walls, you can almost hear whispered prayers.

This church was for the nobles of the area, as was the graveyard around the church. And again, Meiler de Bermingham enters the story. He built the Priory in 1241. The graves are from several centuries ago. Many have modern monuments placed by current-day relatives. Athenry Dominican Priory is located in east Athenry, and just east of the Clarinbridge River.

6. North Gate

There is only one survivor of medieval Athenry’s five town gates. Unfortunately, not much of the 16th-century structure remains. As it crumbled through the ages, the gate was patched and repaired. In 2019, it was rehabbed, emphasizing the remaining 16th-century stones, ensuring they are featured and preserved.

This gate would have restricted traffic into and out of Athenry when constructed. Today, it still controls the traffic through this one car opening. Located on North Gate Street, from the Market Cross, head northwest for one block on Burkes Lane. At Burkes Lane, turn right. You will see the gate to the northeast.

Pro Tip: To get a perfect gate photo, get up early before the traffic gets too heavy. Sunrise will also give a lovely light.

7. Market Cross

Athenry’s Market Cross is the oldest of its kind, still sitting in its original location from the 15th century. But unfortunately, the stone cross atop the marker went missing some time ago.

The carved stone monument marked the town center where people would gather and trade goods and services in an open-air market. It still serves that purpose. A farmers market assembles at this location a couple times a week. We shopped here for fresh fruit and vegetables, plus some caught-that-morning cod. We were happy to see a farmer we had purchased from in Galway’s Saturday market. Market Cross is located in the town center where Burkes Lane, Bridge Street, Cross Street, and Davis Street converge.

Pro Tip: Fill your vacation rental larder or picnic basket from the street market for a deep taste of County Galway.

8. Athenry Park

In the shadow of Athenry Castle, a lovely park offers lively playgrounds, walking paths, and tranquil waterways. The park is made for a family picnic or a romantic stroll. The fenced playground is popular with local families, and folks visiting the castle or priory across the street.

The children’s playground has well-maintained equipment, including a ground-level zip line for youngsters. Slides, merry-go-rounds, see-saws, and swings will keep the kids busy while the adults sit and chat on the playground’s park benches. To get to Athenry Park, from the Market Cross, take Bridge Street one block to the east.

Pro Tip: Bring along your own drinks and snacks. There aren’t any concessions open in the park.

9. Village Shops, Pubs, And Eateries

I loved shopping in Athenry. Just one block from my vacation rental, I had access to a food store, a butcher, pharmacy, home décor, clothing, art, and my favorite, a thrift shop. About a half-mile walk was a large supermarket with a fantastic deli.

There are several pubs, restaurants, coffee shops, and takeaway eateries in the town center. For takeaway, I suggest China Palace on Old Church Street. You will be delighted at the New Park Hotel on Cross Street for exceptional food, lovely libations, and a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Try a movable feast one evening. First, stop into a pub for a before-dinner drink. Then, leave there and step into the first restaurant you see for an appetizer. Next, go to a new place for your entrée, then head out for coffee and dessert in a café. In Athenry, this won’t mean lots of walking. From the Market Cross, head south down Cross Street. You will be spoiled for choice; the street is lined with places to eat, drink, and shop on both sides.

Traveling To Athenry And Getting Around

There are direct trains from Dublin, Galway, and Limerick to Athenry. You don’t need a car in this compact town. Everything I have mentioned is within a few minutes of walking distance from one another. If you are cycling, you’ll find Athenry to be cycle-friendly. Just be super cautious on narrow streets in the town center.

If you are flying into Ireland, you will most likely arrive at DUB (Dublin International Airport) or SNN (Shannon Airport). From DUB, take an Express Bus to the Dublin train station where you can catch a direct train to Athenry. From SNN, take a bus to the Limerick train station, where you can board a direct train to Athenry.

If you are driving, Athenry is just off M6 near the junction of M6 and M18.

Why Athenry?

The medieval architecture is outstanding; some of the oldest and best preserved in Ireland. The community celebrates its heritage with great abandon at festivals and fairs each year. They invite you to do the same; they’ll even lend you a costume.

The location is ideal. Twenty minutes from Galway but worlds away from the city buzz, Athenry is the perfect home base while exploring the Wild Atlantic Way, Galway, Galway Bay, and Westport.

I give Athenry the highest compliment I can give a destination, “I will return.” I stayed 12 days and lived like a local. I was welcomed everywhere I went. Smiles and friendly greetings were always on hand. Folks were happy to help a couple of American travel writers and wandering photographers with information and suggestions. You will be treated the same.

Check out these amazing Ireland experiences, including:

• 10 Amazing Experiences In Charming Donegal, Ireland
• 7 Unexpected Joys Of Biking One Of Ireland’s Stunning Aran Islands
• Cork Vs. Dublin: 9 Key Differences To Know Before Visiting

La Coruña (A Coruña) is a major port town, located on a promontory over the Golfo Artabro, a large gulf of the Atlantic Ocean in Galicia, the northern province of Spain. It is a vibrant coastal city full of history and culture and famous for its gastronomy, especially seafood and the foaming La Estrella beer.

The Romans came to A Coruña in the 1st and 2nd century B.C. and this led to the construction of A Coruña’s most outstanding landmark, the Tower of Hercules, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the oldest Roman lighthouse in continuous use. Another historic event was the siege of the city by Francis Drake in the early 16^th century, which was repelled by a heroine of A Coruña, Maria Pita.

A Coruña is also known as the Glass City because of an architectural particularity: enclosed glass balconies called galerias that adorn buildings along the harbor front and in other streets of the city too.

Modern times are reflected in the amazing museum of Science and Technology, in colorful street art along the port, and at my favorite hotel, called Moon (more on this special place below). A Coruña also has plenty of parks and green zones and two fabulous beaches that are very popular in the summer.

Fun Fact: You used to be able to get from one end of the city to the other on the eye-catching and fun red, white, and blue streetcars, the driver of which liked to ring his bell. Unfortunately, they were decommissioned in December 2020 (after my last visit there).

A Coruña has an international airport and is otherwise reached by motorway, train, or long-distance bus from other parts of Spain. The city is also a popular cruise ship port. The terminal is very conveniently located close to the center of town.

1. Tower Of Hercules

The amazing Tower of Hercules should be one of the first sights you visit in A Coruña for its fantastic view over city and sea and to marvel at how this monument has withstood the elements for over 2,000 years. The Romans sure knew how to build for the duration. But, over time, the lighthouse lost its importance and also deteriorated to a certain extent in that the outer ramp that once gave access to the top disappeared. However, extensive restoration has taken place and nowadays an interior staircase lets you reach the top to enjoy the view.

Around the tower is a beautiful sculpture park that you can circumvent on an easy trail that is 3.1 miles long. There is even a kids’ play area. There are several other routes, too, so you can easily spend a few hours in and around the Tower of Hercules.

Don’t miss your chance to see the sculpture of a fierce-looking warrior that stands at the access to the tower: This Celtic warrior is Breogan, who, according to legend, founded the city.

Pro Tip: To reach the tower, you can go by bus or drive, as there is ample parking.

2. Maria Pita Square

A Coruña adores her local heroine, Maria Pita, so greet her lovely statue, too, in the Plaza Maria Pita. When Francis Drake besieged the city in 1589 and was about to breach the city walls, he met with a strong defence, led by a brave woman, Maria Pita, who fought alongside her husband and, when he fell, grabbed his sword and led the remaining defenders to close the breach and repel the invaders, thus saving the city from the English.

The square, dedicated to her, is the most grandiose of A Coruña and is accessed from the port. It is surrounded by the richly decorated Town Hall and Council building, complete with arcades, many bars and restaurants, and the statue of Maria Pita on a stone plinth with her sword raised high over her head in the middle.

Pro Tip: The upper floors of some of the private buildings surrounding this square are adorned with the famous glass balconies.

3. Museum Of Science And Technology

A Coruña’s Museum of Science and Technology is a collection of innovations and inventions of science throughout history. Displayed in six halls and the brilliant Crystal Prism Building, you’ll find such extraordinary things as the landing gear of the Boeing 747 that brought Guernica back to Spain from New York, the lantern of the Tower of Hercules, and the first computer that was imported into Spain.

You can also climb into the cabin of a jumbo jet and see what developments in science and technology have occurred in the 20^th century and are being worked on for the future. It’s not only entertaining but also highly educative. Bring your kids if you have some with you.

4. A Coruña Beaches

Due to its location, it will seem that A Coruña is surrounded by the ocean, although there is a spit of land before it broadens out to the promontory. Like much of Galicia, the coastline is of a great variety: cliffs, rocks, sandy beaches, and everything in between. The sea is also much wilder and colder here than it is, for instance, in the south of Spain. But A Coruña has breathtaking (literally depending on the weather) beaches on each end.

Riazor Beach And Orzan Beach

The two main beaches are located on Riazor Bay on the northern side of town and are called Riazor and Orzan respectively. Both face outwards towards the ocean and have large waves and are accordingly supervised by lifeguards. These beaches are very popular with surfers, but if just sunbathing is your idea of “having a beach,” you can find tiny coves with sandy beaches, too, although some are more accessible than others.

5. Monte De San Pedro

Interesting as it is to explore the many beautiful sights of A Coruña itself, an experience not to be missed is a day out at Monte de San Pedro, especially for the way you’ll get there: by glass elevator.

Monte de San Pedro is a park and observation point 430 feet above the sea. There is an information center, a cafe, a wine cellar, a restaurant, and even a cigar lounge plus a picnic area, playground, and barbecue facility that will allow you to enjoy the view over the sea, the bay, and the tower of Hercules in any way you like.

Pro Tip: You can walk uphill in about 20 minutes, but it’s much more fun to ride up in the bubble elevator. It is a lift in the form of a glass ball that was installed in 2007 and can carry 24 passengers at a time. The views along the way are even better.

6. A Coruña Glass Balconies

The glassed-in balconies or galerias are such a typical architectural feature of A Coruña that they have earned the city the moniker “Glass City’.

Houses in A Coruña are usually colorful — anything from yellow to pink, very much in contrast to the white villages of the south. Their facades, facing south, are adorned with wall-to-wall sheets of glass, letting the sun in and keeping rain and humidity out.

Remember, Galicia is a green and lush part of Spain, but that is because it rains a lot, so these balconies made a lot of sense. Interestingly, they were first used in Ferrol (another ​​Galician city) and not on buildings but on the sterns of Spanish galleons and then meandered south to A Coruña where the style was adopted by the wealthy citizens. No curtains, blinds, or even flower pots obstruct the shimmering glass facades.

Pro Tip: You will find the most impressive galerias in Avenida de la Marina along the port front, and in Plaza Maria Pita.

7. Pay Respect To One Of Galicia’s Great Writers

Emilia Pardo Bazon was one of Galicia’s most influential and famous poets, novelists, and writers and a prominent defender of Galician culture and language in the 20^th century. She belonged to an aristocratic family and lived in one of the typical Galician pazos (small palaces) in the middle of the city, which is now a museum. A visit there rounds out an overview of the history of this fascinating city from the Romans to Francis Drake to the present time.

8. Sleep ‘On’ The Moon

One of A Coruña’s most original hotels and a great place to spend the night is the Hotel Moon. Located in the center of town, next to the shopping complex El Corte Ingles, the theme of the hotel is the moon, the stars, and astronauts. You can’t miss it because an astronaut stands on the sidewalk near the entrance to greet the guests.

The modern and comfortable rooms are decorated with pictures of the moon and astronauts, meals, and snacks are named with the same theme and the bar/lounge area has stars on the ceiling and a glass floor.

9. Enjoy Galicia’s Best Seafood

A Coruña is renowned for its seafood, including pulpo Galegeo, which is squid cooked in the local way and has nothing in common with the rubbery, deep-fried squid rings that are so often served in other parts of the world. This squid is boiled in huge copper pots, cut up with scissors, and served with a sprinkling of cayenne pepper, lemon juice, and crusty bread.

Pro Tip: One of the best restaurants to get this and other fresh seafood is Marisqueria Rios all washed down with local Ribeiro and Albariño wines.

The fascinating city of Fabriano is off the tourist trail in the rarely explored region of La Marche, Italy. If you love handmade paper (Remember? We once used paper to communicate with each other), then you will love this city, famous for its production of paper and for inventing the watermark in the late 1200s.

Tucked between two Apennine Mountain chains and not far from the Adriatic Sea, Fabriano is easily reached by direct train from Rome or by car in about 2.5 hours.

In 2013, Fabriano became one of UNESCO’s Creative Cities, under the category of Crafts and Folk Arts, because of its longtime production of handmade paper.

For speleologists or anyone captivated by the beauty of caves, the nearby Grotte di Frasassi promises a unique opportunity to visit one of the most pristine caves in Europe, having only been discovered in 1971 and opened to the public less than 50 years ago.

The town’s name and seal allegedly come from the Latin word faber, meaning “blacksmith.” A 14th-century legend tells of a blacksmith who worked for two feuding noblemen (who also happened to be brothers) and managed to trick them into coming together and making peace. While most Italian towns have a lion, eagle, or other imposing symbols on their official seals, Fabriano has a peace-loving blacksmith!

Besides the Paper and Watermark Museum and the Grotte di Frasassi, there’s plenty to enjoy in this medieval city — 14th-century frescoes by Allegretto Nuzi, beautiful town piazzas with plenty of cafes to enjoy a glass of wine and people-watching, and the city’s many art museums and churches. But what I love best about Fabriano is its human dimensions and captivating brick architecture (with hardly a stone in sight).

Here’s all you need to know about three special places Fabriano has to offer for even the most seasoned traveler.

Discover The History Of Papermaking At The Paper And Watermark Museum

By the 1300s, Fabriano was producing more than a million sheets of paper per year. Today the town continues to produce paper, including paper used for some of the bank notes you might have stuffed in your pocket! Watermarks were also invented here and date back to the 12th century, when the craftsmen of Fabriano were in the habit of countersigning their work. Watermarks are an image or pattern in the paper that appears when viewed by transmitted light. They are still used today on postage stamps, currency, and other government documents to discourage counterfeiting.

Housed in the former Convent of the Dominicans, the Paper and Watermark Museum covers 700 years of the tradition of paper making, including all the technological advances over time. My favorite is its reconstructed 13th-century paper mill where you can see the entire process of making paper by hand — from the selection of rags for the raw material to the hammer mills that grind the cloth into paper fibers to the filtration process — and finally, each page being sized and smoothed into a finish product.

The museum is open every day from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., except on Mondays and holidays. Tickets are around €7 (with discounts for those 65+, and children 6 and younger are free). Reservations are mandatory — book them here.

Depending on your interest in paper, the visit takes 1–2 hours and consists of a video presentation and a live demonstration of the 13th-century paper mill by the museum’s master papermakers. The shop also offers beautiful paper products, including artwork.

For more information, head to The Paper and Watermark Museum’s website, where you can also watch two lovely videos about the museum.

Experience An Underworld Marvel At The Grotte Di Frasassi

From Fabriano, you can reach the wonderful caves of Grotte di Frassasi in about 20 minutes by either car or train. You take a short bus ride from the ticket office to the cave entrance, where you will be guided (in English) through the magical sights within this cave. 

The tour takes a little more than an hour, and you want to remember to bring a light sweater, as the temperatures underground are a steady 57 degrees even on the hottest summer afternoon.

I’ve visited this enchanting place at least three different times alongside visitors from around the world. Entering the first cave never fails to make a strong impression. When you first walk into the dimly lit grotto called Abyss Ancona, you have no idea how large the space is until the tour guide shines a light on its ceiling. Suddenly you are overwhelmed by its height (650 feet) and the beauty surrounding you, making you feel like you have entered an underground cathedral.

For those more adventurous (and not claustrophobic!), you can book a 2- or 3-hour speleological visit that comes with all the necessary equipment: a helmet with a light, ropes, and boots to conquer slippery ground, narrow passages, and long slides downhill. But be ready to get muddy and to walk on your hands and knees for 100 meters of the visit!

Opening times vary depending on the season. The entry fee is around €18 for adults, with a discount for children. The entrance ticket can be purchased both online and on site at the ticket office in the La Cuna parking area (parking is free). Many kiosks surround the ticket office and offer delicious sandwiches made with local meats and cheeses, along with desserts and beverages.

Our Surprise Tour At The Cathedral Basilica Of St. Venantius

Back in Fabriano, you can easily spend an hour roaming the Cathedral Basilica of St. Venantius and enjoying its fine architectural structures, works of art, and tranquility. First built in the 1200s, the church was widened during the 13th century, and its Gothic style is evident in its polygonal-shaped apse and beautiful cloister. In the chapel of St. Lawrence, important frescos by the 14th-century painter Allegretto Nuzi are preserved. Documents verify his presence in Florence in 1346, where he would have encountered works by Giotto and his followers.

One day while visiting Fabriano, my husband and I met a man called Giorgio who was the self-appointed caretaker and guide of the cathedral. We got to talking (an advantage when you speak the native language), and he happily showed us around the cathedral, especially the newly discovered and restored frescos by Nuzi.

But the surprise came at the end, when he mysteriously announced that he was going to show us something very special that he had recently discovered all by himself! We entered the dimly lit chapel of Saint Barbara, where he pointed out to us a little hole in a panel in the front of the altar. Everyone had thought the altar was marble, but Giorgio discovered that it was actually wood, and the hole was meant for a key. Once the church officials found a key that could open the altar, they discovered a life-sized beeswax statue of Saint Barbara, beautifully adorned in 18th-century garb and peacefully lying down with prayerful hands holding a rosary. She had been forgotten and hidden away all these decades! Giorgio opened the altar for us to view this wax statue. Of course, we politely expressed our wonder, said a quick prayer to the saint, and thanked Giorgio for his generosity and time.

The cathedral is open every day in the morning and afternoon. Admission is free.

Find The Real Italy In Fabriano 

In the end, you can’t go wrong spending a day in Fabriano. I’ve been there dozens of times and find it a great place to just wander around, marvel, enjoy the Wednesday and Saturday morning markets, and indulge in a biological gelato. It’s a special town where you can relax and feel like you are in the real Italy where Italians work, play, and go about their daily lives.

There are so many reasons to love Half Moon Caye. Glittering stars. Turquoise waters. World-class snorkeling. Spectacular glamping. Hermit crabs galore. Frigates and red-footed boobies. (If I lost you on that last one, stay with me…)

When my husband turned 60, we wanted to celebrate with a vacation worthy of the occasion. Because we were new to international travel, we booked an active vacation with REI Vacations, which offered guided trips to Belize. Our trip began with 4 days on a stunning, remote island called Half Moon Caye, and ended with another 4 days in upcountry Belize. This article is all about the island, and you’ll see why we fell in love.

Note: REI Vacations no longer offers trips to Belize, but these are ideas for future travel on your own or with another outfitter.

1. Location, Location, Location

Two and a half hours by boat from Belize City, Half Moon Caye is an eco-isle of unparalleled scenery. It’s not easy or common to get to, but it’s a beauty. As the oldest protected area in Belize, Half Moon Caye sits on Lighthouse Reef in the Caribbean Sea and is the easternmost island of Belize. Its more popular sister, Ambergris Caye, is considerably north.

What does this mean for the traveler who ventures to Half Moon Caye? It means pristine, clean, untainted, natural beauty everywhere you look.

2. Glamping In Safari-Style Stand-Up Tents

The beauty of staying on an eco-island is that everything respects the natural surroundings. We stayed in an 8 by 12-foot tent that sits on raised wooden floors about half a foot above the sand.

Our tent featured a double bed with a wooden frame and six-inch foam mattress, a nightstand, an oil lamp (no electricity), and shelves. We usually kept the “windows” (canvas flaps) open to enjoy the sea breezes and relaxing sound of the waves.

Best of all, right out the door, gorgeous Caribbean views.

In keeping with the eco-island, travelers use a centralized bathroom area with outhouses and solar showers. Just take a left at the iguana and a right at the hermit crab to get there.

3. The Glittering Stars And Celestial Skies

Speaking of a late-night walk to the bathroom (were we?), the stars are incredible. One of the island staff had a high-powered telescope pointed at the moon and let us see the wonder. I was blown away by the clarity of the skies and the detail we could see.

4. Frigates And Red-Footed Boobies And Hermit Crabs, Oh My!

The wildlife is plentiful on the island, but in my mind, birds and hermit crabs take center stage.

Red-Footed Boobies Dramatic Feet

In 1928, the Belizean government named Half Moon Caye a Natural Monument and breeding sanctuary for a curious bird called the red-footed booby. Other than the Galapagos, Half Moon Caye holds the only protected colony of red-footed boobies on the planet. These seabirds get their name from the males who show off their red feet in courtship. Attention-getting!

Pro Tip: Head to the western end of the island and take a few stairs to a viewing platform in the heart of the colony, where you can enjoy these birds up close.

Frigates Steal The Show

Frigates are the larger of the two birds, and that makes them easy to spot, even in flight. These black birds soar the skies like they own them and are known for their thievery: stealing food from other birds.

Hermit Crabs Galore

Remember those late-night walks to the bathroom? Step carefully to avoid hermit crabs because at night, they’re everywhere.

5. Unforgettable Snorkeling

We snorkeled at least once a day in crystal clear, warm waters. There was variety even in snorkeling: We could take a deep snorkel (snorkeling in deep water because the visibility was so good), a snorkel drift (floating along on the current), snorkel the aquarium (a section of reef known for an especially wide variety of fish), or snorkel the wall (an underwater ridge).

We saw giant eagle rays, spotted rays, sea turtles, colorful ribbony eels, parrot fish, angel fish, tangs, squid, nurse sharks, and much more. A school of blue-striped grunts even joined us!

Pro Tip: We traveled in April and the sun is intense in this part of the world. The eco-island recommendations ask travelers to use biodegradable, reef-friendly sunblock (and shower soap, too).

The Legendary Blue Hole

People don’t toss around terms like “largest in the world” or “top 10 in the world” loosely, but Belize has a feature that claims both. Jacques Cousteau’s Blue Hole Natural Monument is the largest undersea sinkhole (984 feet across, 410 feet deep) and one of the top 10 scuba diving/snorkeling sites in the world. We snorkeled the perimeter of the Blue Hole and saw groups of scuba divers venture deeper down into the hole.

Pro Tip: An underwater camera is essential to capture even a fraction of the wonder of snorkeling. Charge your battery overnight at the island’s charging station so the camera is ready when you are.

Thrilling (And Terrifying) Night Snorkeling

Night snorkeling is the kind of thing you don’t think too much about because you could easily talk yourself out of it. I would never have done it without a guide.

It was pitch black. Remember, we’re 2 and a half hours off the coast of Belize. There is no ambient light. Of the eight people in our tour group, only four of us were brave/foolish enough to try it. To keep things as unobtrusive as possible for the wildlife, our guide asked us to split into two groups. You can bet my husband and I latched onto our expert guide and snorkeled with him, flashlights in hand. Before we set foot in the water, the guide left a light on the beach so we could find our way back (he’s done this a few times).

Night snorkeling is a rare experience I’ll never forget — thrilling but sort of spooky. What lurked in those deep blue seas at night? Highlights include seeing a giant lobster strolling on the sea floor, a nurse shark still on the bottom, and an elusive Caribbean reef octopus, light blue and pastel-colored, perfectly in his element in the Caribbean waters.

6. Kayak Out To A Shipwreck And Wind-Kayak Back

This was an adventure vacation, so activities were plentiful (hammock surfing was always an option). One day, we kayaked out to a shipwreck, explored the surroundings, and then the guide helped us raise our sails and we wind kayaked back to shore.

Pro Tip: Bring along a pair of light cotton or cycling gloves for protection from the sun and/or blisters when kayaking.

7. The Creative “Dinner Bell” And, Oh, The Food

Half Moon Caye had its own chef, and meals were served buffet style. Lots of care went into the tropical island menu, which (no surprise) included coconut everything: coconut curry chicken, coconut rice, chewy coconut desserts. We also feasted on fresh papaya, watermelon, cantaloupe, and/or pineapple at every meal. Special drinks included fresh tea made with lemon and grated ginger, or another favorite: fruit punch (sometimes spiked with rum).

The call to chow was memorable. We were summoned for meals by the sound of a kitchen staff blowing on a conch shell! Some of the visitors also tried their hand at it, but it was usually a futile effort. Funny, but futile.

8. Diving For Conch And Munching Fresh Ceviche

We spent one day on the water, boating, fishing, diving for conch, and snorkeling off the boat. The fishing we did was simple, with just a hook and line (no pole). At mid-day, we stopped at a tiny, uninhabited island and ate a picnic lunch: barbecued chicken, salad, and fruit. Here, our guide cleaned a conch and made ceviche (a mixture of seafood, fresh lime juice — as it sits, the lime breaks down the seafood — tomatoes, onion, and spices) on the spot; a perfect island treat.

9. Watching Nurse Sharks Up Close

When we returned to Half Moon Caye, a guide cleaned the fish we had caught. When the first fish scraps hit the water, hungry and harmless nurse sharks swarmed around for an easy meal.

We were respectful of the animals we saw in their natural habitats everywhere — from the bird colony to the hermit crabs to the sea life of all kinds. Nurse sharks are beautiful, and some can grow up to 14 feet long. It was amazing seeing them in the day and night snorkeling, and again, up close here.

Half Moon Caye, Belize, is an unforgettable place of stunning beauty. From the remote location to the water-lover activities to the scenic beauty above and below the clear Caribbean waters, you’ll find so many reasons to fall in love with it. This is the stuff memories are made of.

One of our favorite ways to see Portugal is by taking a road trip. The west coast is full of great stops, whether you want to see historical sights, important landmarks, interesting landscape, and of course, fabulous beaches. You can go during different seasons for varied experiences and go for a few hours or a few days depending on what you want to see and do. We’ll give you some of our favorite stops and suggestions for how to best enjoy each one.

1. Cascais

We’ll begin about 40 minutes west of Lisbon. If you drive along the Estrada Marginal, you’ll get a preview of other beautiful seaside towns you might want to visit on a road trip along the Lisbon coast. There are plenty of reasons to visit Cascais, so we think it’s worth spending at least a couple of days exploring the downtown area as well as spots nearby. Museums, restaurants, shops, and great views are all around. In addition to spending time in Cascais, driving up the western coast offers stops that are good for just a few hours.

Boca Do Inferno

This is where the sea has carved away a cavelike grotto. When the tides are up, the water sprays a massive display. Boca do Inferno literally translates into “Mouth of Hell.” Surprisingly, we have seen brave fishermen standing on the high rocks near Boca, braving the elements. We suggest just watching from a distance.

Casa Da Guia

For a great view, eclectic shopping, and tasty bites, Casa da Guia is a local favorite. A former manor home, its grounds have been transformed into a wonderland of cute shops, great restaurants, and spectacular coastal views. We love hanging out for a drink at Palaphita Cascais, a cool Amazonian eco-lounge, or lunching at LOVit on great sandwiches or sushi. There’s plenty to see and do here, so plan on at least an hour or two to wander around even if you’re not staying for a meal.

2. Guincho

To experience the wilder side of the west coast, stop in Guincho. This area is less developed than Cascais and has a breathtaking rugged coastline. The beach Praia do Guincho gets a lot of wind, making it a favorite spot for windsurfers. Even though the coastline may be rustic, dining can be the peak of elegance. Fortaleza Do Guincho is home to a five-star hotel and a Michelin-starred restaurant. If you want to experience the luxury without the higher price tag, grab a bite and beverage at the Spot, Fortaleza’s casual cafe. If the weather’s good you can sit outside on the terrace. If not, you can sit safely by huge windows that look out at the waves as they crash below. It’s a feast for all the senses and well worth a stop along the way.

3. Cabo Da Roca

A unique landmark on Portugal’s beautiful west coast is Cabo da Roca. This promontory is the westernmost part of Europe. When people thought the world was flat, this was considered one of the ends of the world. It gets super windy there, so be sure to come prepared. You’ll probably just want to take a look around, so consider it a brief stop. You can see a beautiful expanse of sea and a clifftop lighthouse that is one of the oldest in Portugal.

4. Praia Da Adraga

Praia da Adraga is a lovely beach with some unique geological features. There are interesting rock formations resulting from the sea carving out the solid cliffs. There’s a parking lot with limited spaces, and as there’s no public transportation to the beach, it’s good for hanging with locals and avoiding crowds. It’s also easy to access once you arrive because there are no cliffs to climb down to get onto the sand.

Praia Da Adraga Restaurant

For a real treat, seafood lovers will not want to miss Restaurante Adraga. This small eaterie sits right on the beach with a few outside tables and equally fabulous beach views inside. Established back in 1905, the family’s third generation still offers the freshest local ingredients and unforgettable views. It’s a little on the pricey side, and you’ll definitely need to call well in advance to get a reservation. But in our opinion, it’s worth it.

5. Ericeira

If you like the vibe of a surf mecca without the crowds, visit Ericeira in the off-season. It’s great fun in the peak season too, but you’ll have to brave the throng because it is one of the most popular cities for both surfing experts and students. This fun town has a laid-back vibe with just enough local Portuguese color to keep you aware of your surroundings. Ericeira is mostly flat and walkable, something many other parts of Portugal are not. The seafood is also a big draw. In fact, no less than superstar chef Gordon Ramsay popped in for a quiet dinner at Esplanada Furnas, where he gave his “five-star” endorsement and snapped a photo with the staff.

6. Peniche

The fishing town of Peniche is also the home of Portugal’s delicate, decorative bobbin lace. There’s a local museum dedicated to the craft, and the annual International Bobbin Lace Show garners visitors from around the world. There are plenty of attractions like forts, museums, and churches to explore. Peniche also hosts many sporting tournaments and championships in everything from beach volleyball to kayak surfing.

Berlengas Natural Reserve

Of special interest to birdwatchers and nature lovers is the Berlengas Archipelago, a small group of islands just off the cape of Peniche. This rich ecosystem hosts many birds, including several endangered seabird species. The area was given the UNESCO classification as World Biosphere Reserve, signifying its importance. You can visit Berlenga by boat ride and enjoy birdwatching, exploring caves, SUP, canoeing, and a variety of other activities.

7. Nazaré

Those in search of the 100-foot wave have learned that the beachy town of Nazaré is the place where it can be found. Guinness has certified that the largest wave ever surfed was 86 feet in Nazaré. The previous record was in Nazaré too. People come to watch extreme surfers in the winter when the waves are at their height.

But, for those who seek tamer activities, the other side of the point in Nazaré offers a fun and lively town with lots of shops and restaurants along with a huge swath of sandy beach for beach volleyball, swimming, and sunbathing. The strip along the beach is full of places to get fresh seafood at a good price. We had lunch at Adega Oceano, which conveniently has a hotel above it in case you decide you’d like to spend the night beside the sea.

8. Aveiro

Often called the Venice of Portugal, Aveiro is a favorite stop for us along Portugal’s beautiful west coast. The town itself is inviting and fun, with its colorful moliceiro boats that resemble gondolas dotting the central canal that runs through the town. You can take a ride along the canals and see the city from a waterway view. Like many places in Portugal, Aveiro also has its own special sweet. In this case, Ovos Moles de Aveiro are paper-thin wafers in various shapes stuffed with a creamy egg and sugar filling. A walk through the city also delights with many tiled buildings and art nouveau architecture and an Art Nouveau Museum. Aveiro also hosts the University of Aveiro, adding the diversity and energy usually associated with college towns. And, of course, there’s plenty of wonderful food, including seafood, to enjoy in this lagoon city by the sea.

Costa Nova

Just about a 10-minute drive from Aveiro is the lovely beach town of Costa Nova. We think both are must-visit stops. In this little beach town, you can see the fun houses which were once small fisherman homes painted in alternating white and colored stripes. Many of the homes have been expanded and restored, making the beach residences a fun sight to see.

9. Porto

Though there are many places to continue north on a road trip along Portugal’s beautiful west coast, we’ll end our road trip moving a little bit inland at Porto. Portugal’s second-largest city after Lisbon, it is also arguably one of the most picturesque. There is so much to see in Porto; we’d recommend allowing yourself at least a few days to explore and enjoy it. 

Sao Bento train station is a masterpiece of Portugal’s blue and white azulejo tiles. The Majestic Café offers coffee or tea and treats in a stunning Belle Epoque building. It’s easy to marvel at Livraria Lello, with its red-carpeted staircase and author heads peeking out of the shelves. No wonder it inspired author J.K. Rowling in creating Hogwarts for the Harry Potter universe when she lived in the city. Amazing food and wine are everywhere and those with hearty appetites will want to try a Francesinha, the largest meaty sandwich we’ve ever tried.

Vila Nova De Gaia

Across the bridge from Porto, Vila Nova de Gaia is a must for port wine lovers as it is the hub of the industry. All the major producers are present with tours and tastings readily available. For a unique Portuguese wine experience, the new WOW (World of Wine) is like an amusement park for oenophiles. The Yeatman Hotel is an absolute luxury experience that will make any visit memorable and unique. The view across the river creates an impression that will last a lifetime.

Whether you’re going for just a few hours or you want to take a few days on Portugal’s beautiful west coast, check out some of our favorite stops on a road trip of your own.

Ever since the mid-1800s, when Melbourne eclipsed Sydney with its gold wealth, there has been a (friendly) rivalry between the two Australian cities. Be it the sport (Sydneysiders play rugby, while the Melburnians invented Aussie Rules football), the food scene, the cultural events, or even the weather, one city is constantly trying to better the other.

While I lived in Melbourne for a few years, at the same time, I wrote a travel guidebook on Sydney and beyond, and therefore spent plenty of time in both cities. I find them quite different in their vibe and atmosphere, and love both cities, yet would always prefer to live in Melbourne and visit Sydney. But just like the debate of London vs. Paris, many people would choose it exactly the other way around.

Here are some of the main differences and similarities, some personal observations, and reasons as to why I think one might be preferable over the other, hopefully giving you enough information to choose for yourself.

1. Size And Population

Sydney, the capital of New South Wales in the southwest of Australia, has a population of 5.3 million, while Melbourne, capital of Victoria, a bit farther along the south coast, is home to 5 million people. Very similar right now, but forecasts expect Melbourne to overtake Sydney in the next 5–10 years when it comes to population. One of the reasons behind that forecast is that Melbourne has been voted the “World’s Most Liveable City” for 6 years in a row, and even though it’s now toppled off the top spot, it continuously beats Sydney in the ranking. 

But being a liveable city does not necessarily make it a city that tourists flock to, and while Melbourne has plenty of worthwhile places to see, Sydney is indubitably the winner when it comes to tourist attractions. If you are coming to visit Australia and have only time to see one of the two big cities, make it Sydney. If, however, you want to immigrate and live in one of them — you might want to consider Melbourne.

Pro Tip: Keeping the size of the cities in mind, consider staying in the so-called CBDs, the Central Business Districts. These tend to be the central area of most interest to visitors.

2. Getting Around To See The Sights

Both cities are sprawling, but luckily, as happens so often, most of the top sights are located in and around the old city centers and within relative proximity to each other. In Sydney, the easiest and quickest way to get around is by train, especially the City Circle Line, which takes in a lot of the sights, from Circular Quay to the Townhall, with the rest easily accessed on foot. That said, the most fun way to get around is definitely by the local commuter ferries, some of which take you across the harbor all the way to Manly. Others will take you to the various hotspots along the way. A great bus line to ride is bus B, which takes you from Circular Quay to Bondi Beach.

In Melbourne there are the iconic trams, which are fun and take you everywhere within the city and even outside the inner-city limits. If you want to get to Brighton Beach, hop on the Sandringham train at the iconic Flinders Street Station.

Pro Tip: For ease of use, in Sydney, get an Opal Card which you can pick up in newsagents and kiosks. The Melbourne equivalent to the Opal Card is the myki — same idea, and easy to use across different transport options.

3. The Weather

Before I even landed in Melbourne, I had heard about the “Four Seasons in one Day.” I thought it was a joke, but no. Melbourne’s weather is as fickle as they come, and you learn to dress in layers, and carry sunglasses and an umbrella every time you leave the house. On paper, Sydney gets more rain, but it tends to happen on consecutive days in the winter rather than a bit at a time, like in Melbourne. Sydney is rightly famous for its sunshine with more than twice the number of clear sunny days than Melbourne.

Pro Tip: Remember that Australia is in the southern hemisphere and has its seasons the other way around from most of us. Summer starts in December and Christmas tends to be celebrated with a barbecue in the garden or on the beach, while winter — and snow — occurs in July.

4. The Beaches

Australian beaches are famous around the globe, and even the cities are blessed with some stunners within easy reach of the CBD. Sydney, on the Pacific Coast, has the famous Bondi Beach, and is a city with definite surfer vibes and a distinctive beach culture. Both sides of the natural harbor have a good selection of beaches, open for swimming and surfing. In contrast, Melbourne’s beaches border Port Phillip Bay, a near-circular secluded bay that opens to the Bass Straight, making the beaches less surfable, but safer for swimming. And Melbourne’s Brighton Beach has the iconic Victorian bathing boxes, adding a splash of color to the seaside.

Pro Tip: There are occasional shark attacks in Australia, but they are rare. To be safe, stay within the flagged stretches of beach, where lifeguards are always on the lookout and warn swimmers if there is a sighting.

5. Eating And Drinking

Australia has a superb eating culture, with local as well as international cuisines represented in top restaurants. Both Sydney and Melbourne have highly rated restaurants that have been awarded Top Hats, a local equivalent to the Michelin guide. 

Melbourne is famous for its coffee culture, with no Melburnian drinking anything but the best sourced and expertly made coffee. The baristas are so dedicated, it can take a long wait to even get a simple black coffee. Equally, Melbourne breakfast, simply called brekkie, is superb: from scrambled eggs with thyme-flavored mushrooms on sourdough to eggs Benedict. This is the place to get a hearty, late breakfast-brunch on the weekend. Sydney, as well as Melbourne, has a large choice of celebrity chef restaurants, and some great eateries for special treats.

When in Australia, try the local specialties, such as kangaroo, a superbly lean meat that is totally sustainable; the barramundi, an estuarine white meat fish you’ll find on every menu and even in burgers; and the lovely Moreton Bay bugs, which are not insects but small lobsters. 

And then there is, of course, the wine. The three main wine regions of New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia offer an enormous variety of choices to pair with your dishes.

Pro Tip: Get yourself a Time Out magazine of Sydney and/or Melbourne to read about the hottest new restaurants, and to locate those serving modern Australian cuisine. The listings are always up to date and honest.

6. Shopping

Shopping in Australia is a double-edged sword. There are some superb places to splash the cash in Sydney and Melbourne alike, but Australia is unbelievably pricey, so always keep the exchange rate in mind as you browse. If the budget allows, in Sydney, head straight to the beautiful Queen Victoria Building at the bottom of George Street, and then work your way up. Don’t forget to pop into the little covered arcades, such as the Strand Arcade, as you head toward The Rocks, where you can get gorgeous souvenirs. 

Melbourne is famous for its tiny “laneways,” narrow alleyways decorated with street art and brimmed with small individual boutiques and shops, and countless cafes and restaurants. All interconnected by historic arcades and small malls, it is quite easy to get lost, so why not go on a guided shopping tour, allowing someone local to show you the best spots? 

Pro Tip: To save some money, you can claim some tax back at the airport before you leave. 

7. Outside Of The City Limits

All of Australia is worth seeing, but visitors often just get a snapshot of what this country-continent has to offer. So, when in a city, it is always worthwhile looking outside its limits for other must-see sights on the doorstep. Both Sydney and Melbourne have superb nature and attractions within easy day trips. In Sydney, a visit to the Blue Mountains, with its Jenolan Caves and the Scenic World at Katoomba, with a fun funicular is a must. Wine lovers ought to visit the Hunter Valley, a brief drive north of Sydney.

Melbourne is hemmed in by wine regions on three sides, from the Yarra Valley to the Mornington and Bellarine peninsulas. You can combine vineyards with some iconic Australian wildlife at the Healesville Sanctuary; while the must-see Phillip Island has stunning scenery and a colony of the cutest penguins. Lots to see outside of both cities, but for me, in this case, Melbourne is the winner.

Pro Tip: In both cases, there are plenty of guided coach tours available with established outfits such as ATT Kings, but you are much more flexible in a rental car. Just remember: The Aussies drive on the left, and at dusk, the roos often sit in the middle of the road, refusing to budge.

Explore all there is to do in both Sydney and Melbourne:

• 9 Tips For Experiencing Sydney On A Budget
• 9 Unique Melbourne Experiences That Locals Love
• Exploring Melbourne’s Famous Street Art

Whenever someone asks me what my favorite beach is, I ask in return, “For what?” 

There are beaches for swimming, beaches for frolicking in the waves, beaches simply made for endless walks. In Europe, we have extensive and varied coastlines, from rugged, rocky coves to endless stretches of white sand. We also have a varied climate, so an endless white-sand beach in the north might not be perfect for summer sun- and sea bathing — it is only warm enough a handful of days a year for that. But looking at it big picture, Europe has something to offer for all occasions, all seasons, and nearly all locations.

I am a dedicated wasserratte, a German term that translates to “water rat.” I am drawn to all kinds of water, be it rivers, lakes, seas, or, preferably, oceans. I love to swim, scuba dive, sail, walk the dog along the coast, or simply sit and look at an endless expanse of water for hours on end. I have been lucky to frequent a few different types of beaches around Europe, and I’ve listed a few of my favorites here along with exactly why these beaches are special to me. Enjoy your European beach vacay.

1. Seaham Beach, England

Seaham Beach, up on the gorgeous Durham coast in northeastern England, is not only stunning, but it also has a special place in my heart for one main reason: the sea glass. 

The Seaham sea glass is multi-tone, making the beach one of the top sea glass beaches in the world. But even if you are not interested in collecting its pretty, smoothed-out glass nuggets, Seaham Beach is a spectacular beach to visit for a near-endless walk, preferably with a dog. Not only is this a dog-friendly beach, but in the small town of Seaham, there is a phenomenal dog-friendly cafe, Coffee & Co, in the pedestrian zone. It serves cheap and good food for both humans and their canine friends.

Pro Tip: When you are going to Seaham, not only must you try to walk a bit along the Durham Heritage Coastal Walk, but also, as a treat for all this activity, stay at the luxurious Seaham Hall with its superb spa.

2. Bamburgh Castle Beach, England

This is probably my favorite beach of them all, at least in England. Bamburgh Castle beach lies in Northumberland, a few miles south of the Scottish border. If you are hardy, then you can swim off it, but if you are sensitive to the cold, it is not really a swimming beach unless it’s a scorching hot summer’s day on the North Sea. It is, however, one of the most picturesque beaches there is. 

Lined with enormous sand dunes, this wide white-sand beach is also towered over by the imposing Bamburgh Castle, making for an awe-inspiring backdrop. Another dog-friendly beach, I have spent hours walking up and down it, just standing still, watching the waves roll in, or taking pictures of the beach with the castle behind. Sitting close to the sheltering dunes, it is also a perfect picnic spot to spend a few hours.

Pro Tip: Spend some time in Bamburgh itself, too. It is a tiny village, but quintessentially British, with its village green, a red phone box and pillar box, and little pubs and cafes serving cream tea. If you are a fan of fresh seafood, book a table at The Potted Lobster — it does not come much better than this.

3. Noordwijk Aan Zee, Netherlands

I have lost count of how many summers I spent in Noordwijk aan Zee (“Noordwijk by the Sea”) as a child.

This long, completely straight white-sand beach stretches from the estuary of the North Sea Canal and leads inland to Amsterdam, to The Hague, and further on. I remember tumbling in the waves when the tide was in, then walking for hours with my mum to the next towns — Katwijk aan Zee on one side and Zandvoort on the other — having a snack, and then walking back, watching the tide roll in. 

Noordwijk is one of several seaside resorts along the Dutch coast, bordering the southern North Sea. The town has changed a lot over the years, with many apartment blocks and hotels along the coastal promenade now, but the beach is hard to beat.

Pro Tip: For a truly authentic Dutch beach snack, pop to any of the many little food trucks and have a matjes (a fresh young herring cured in brine) with onion; or a frikandel (akin to an elongated meat patty) served with fries and mayonnaise. So yummy, and they sum up my Dutch childhood breaks in a snack.

4. Plage Le Petit Travers, France

I love a city that is close to the water. Having grown up in Hamburg, with both the North Sea and the Baltic Sea an hour’s drive away from the city, I appreciate it when you can enjoy city comforts and beach joys within easy reach. Montpellier, in the south of France, ticks that box superbly — even more so than Hamburg — as you can reach the Mediterranean coast and several beaches by public transport right from the city center. 

Taking the tram and then a shuttle bus from Montpellier to Plage Le Petit Travers brings you across the inland brackish lagoons to a sandspit that is connected to the mainland in a few places. You step out of the bus by an ice cream van and follow a sandy trail through the dunes —  all the while the anticipation is growing. When you hit the beach, it is simply beautiful. White sand is hemmed by grassy sand dunes on one side and turquoise waters of the Mediterranean on the other. A few beach cafes are in sight, all with sun loungers out and serving cocktails.

In the distance is the more built-up beach town of La Grande Motte, but you don’t have to go near that. Just stay at Petit Travers and enjoy.

Pro Tip: On the way back, hop off the tram at the Marché du Lez, where you can eat, drink, and do some interesting shopping.

5. Vieux-Boucau-Les-Bains, France

When I wasn’t in the Netherlands, my family probably took me to the seaside in France — to the Atlantic coast rather than the Mediterranean coast. Driving across from Germany, we tended to overnight in Paris, then again in La Rochelle before taking the ferry across the Gironde estuary leading down to Bordeaux. We drove the straight line that is France’s famous Atlantic coast seaside. The end destination was often Vieux-Boucau-les-Bains and its campsite under the pine trees. 

Barely bothering to unload the car, we grabbed the blow-up boat and bodyboard and headed straight into the ocean waves. And you know what? I went there again many years later with my husband, and the magic has not disappeared at all. The beaches along this stretch of coast are simply endless, so wide that they are never crowded, and the waves are such fun.

Pro Tip: Because of said waves, this is a great place to learn to surf. The beach is dotted with surf schools, such as the Vieux Boucau Surf Club.

6. The Beaches Of Moraira, Spain

My parents spent a few years living in Moraira, roughly halfway between Alicante and Valencia on the Costa Blanca. When my daughter was still young, this presented a great opportunity for to combine a family visit with a beach vacation. Moraira has a popular large beach just behind its old castle, but it was the smaller beach to the east of the marina at Portet that was perfect for a family dip and a good snorkeling session. Its small bay was full of fish, octopi, and beautiful shells. 

What makes Moraira a nice destination in Spain is that it is so different from the popular coastal resorts, such as Benidorm or Torremolinos. Also, Costa Blanca on the whole is a lot quieter than the Costa del Sol. In Moraira, you can relax away from the crowds while the small town offers everything you need.

Pro Tip: Book ahead and enjoy a superb paella at the marina’s Club Nautico Moraira. It has lovely views.

7. Platja De Ses Illetes, Formentera, Spain

This beach offered one of the biggest surprises in the Mediterranean to me. Yachting across from Palma de Mallorca on a stormy day, we finally reached the marina of Formentera, the smallest of the Balearic Islands, feeling quite worn out after the long sea journey. But what the storm did was blow away the bad weather and the clouds, and the next day offered beautiful blue skies, sunshine, and perfect temperatures — in short, beach weather.

Not far from the marina, in the north of Formentera, lies Platja de ses Illetes, a veritable sandspit sticking out from the island. The sand on this beach is snow white, the water turquoise, and if you’d told me I had landed in the Maldives, I would have believed it. Picture perfect and just beautiful.

Pro Tip: You can get there by bicycle, for hire at the marina, by bus L3, or by taxi. Bring a picnic and a chilled bottle of rosé for maximum enjoyment.

For more beach inspiration, take a sandy stroll through:

• My 11 Favorite Beaches To Visit In The World
• 9 Beautiful Beach Towns Perfect For Retirees
• My Favorite Florida Beaches To Avoid The Crowds

I had the good sense to marry a Spaniard. It’s something I highly recommend, especially if you enjoy great food and wine, raucous firework displays, and traveling like a local through the Mediterranean. Not only do I have a cozy place to stay every time I visit Spain, but I also have the opportunity to visit places that get little ink in a typical Spain guidebook. One of these is Soria, about an hour’s drive northwest of Madrid.

Soria is both a province and a city, located in the eastern portion of the autonomous community of Castile and León. Following settlement by Celtiberian tribes, the land was conquered first by Rome and later by the Christian and Muslim kingdoms. In medieval times, the region was a major wool-manufacturing center. As industrialization took hold in Europe, Soria became increasingly rural. Military enrollment and emigration away from the country depopulated the region once more under dictator Francisco Franco.

In contrast to the largely flat, dry plains of central Spain, Soria is an interesting mix of landscapes — from ruddy cliffs and valleys planted with sunflowers to picturesque villages built into hillsides and verdant vineyards clustered along the Duero River. The assortment of sights and activities makes Soria an excellent place to explore the outdoors, then head into town for a glass of Tempranillo and flavorful tapas and pinchos.

While Soria is popular with Madrileños seeking escape from the city, it’s little-known to travelers outside the country. This makes it both easy to love and simple to get around in. Here’s a sampling of the best things to see and do in Soria.

1. City Of Soria

To begin your journey, head for postcard-like medieval streets in the city of Soria. The most famous building is the Santo Domingo Church, which dates to the 12^th century. Its facade is considered one of the finest examples of architecture from the Romanesque period.

The Plaza Mayor in Soria is typically Castilian and is surrounded by a variety of photo-worthy buildings, including the modern town hall and the House of the Twelve Lineages, the original governing body of the city. Less than a half-mile away, the Numantino Museum documents the city’s history, with artifacts from the Paleolithic era through the Middle Ages.

Be sure to stop for lunch or dinner — or both — in Soria. Castilian food, which relies heavily on meat, tends toward the unfussy and pastoral. Traditional dishes include torreznos (marinated and fried pork belly), lamb stew, and migas de pastor (sauteed breadcrumbs with chorizo and eggs). While vegetarian restaurants aren’t common in this area, you can still find meatless salads and side dishes at most restaurants.

2. Monastery Of San Juan De Duero

A short walk away, on the outskirts of the city proper, you’ll find this beautiful monastery. Dating to the 13^th century, it’s best known for its series of intricately carved arches. Some are from slightly different time periods; all show the Muslim influence on Romanesque architecture. You can amble through the building’s old halls and courtyards or visit the chapel, with its stone floors and vaulted ceilings.

3. Machado Trail

Seville-born poet Antonio Machado came to Soria in 1907 to teach French at a high school. He created some of his finest work here and met the great love of his life, Leonor Izquierdo… who was 24 years his junior. It’s a tale both questionable and tragic, as Leonor contracted tuberculosis and died in 1912, at just 18 years old. Machado left Soria, never to return again.

Today, you can trace the poet’s footsteps via a walking tour that visits places he loved and that provided inspiration for his work. From the school where he taught to his favorite social club, the couple’s home, and paths along the Duero where he took daydreamy rambles, you’ll gain an understanding of why Soria became Machado’s muse. Next to El Espino Church, pay your respects at Leonor’s grave, and view the tree that was the subject of Machado’s famous “To a Dry Elm Tree.”

4. Mushroom Hunting In The Urbión National Forest 

This was one of my favorite parts of our trip to Soria, a multigenerational activity that included my husband and me, his parents, his two brothers, and his youngest brother’s girlfriend.

Urbión is a celebrated location for mushroom hunting. So much so that eagle-eyed fungus fans from Eastern Europe, who seem to possess the preternatural ability to spot a mushroom from a dozen yards away, would make special trips to Soria and pluck the forest clean — or so the locals said. Since then, the government has instituted a licensing program. You must apply in advance with your passport and pay a fee of about 25 euros per person to harvest. A few companies take the guesswork out of it by obtaining permits for you.

Although several varieties of mushrooms grow here, we spent our time combing the forest floor for porcinis. In a couple of hours, the seven of us had filled two big baskets with about 4 pounds of the prized fungus.

5. La Lobita

With mushrooms being the theme of our trip, we stopped for a leisurely lunch at La Lobita in neighboring Navaleno. This minimalist-chic, Michelin-starred restaurant isn’t what you would expect in a tiny rural town. It’s helmed by Elena Lucas, a third-generation female chef de cuisine. Her grandmother, Luciana Lobo — the eponymous “Lobita,” or “little wolf” — was the OG. Lucas, a classically trained chef, now presents dishes inspired by her grandmother’s Castilian recipes, but with a lighter hand and more artful presentation.

In honor of my mother-in-law’s birthday, we had an 11-course, mushroom-focused tasting menu. Each was a thrill for the tastebuds, from the mushroom pate topped with tart apple slices to the autumn stew with morels, and the croquette filled with a truffled quail’s egg. Although dessert — all three courses of it, capped off with handmade cubes of dark chocolate rich with the flavor of violet — didn’t contain mushrooms, it was equally unforgettable.

6. Black Lagoon Of Urbión

This lake, which opens like a yawning mouth within the Urbión Mountains, feels hushed and mysterious. At an altitude of 6,500 feet above sea level, it was formed during the Ice Age and is surrounded by granite cliffs and Scots pines. The lagoon is the subject of many legends. Some say it’s infinite, and connected to the sea through a system of underground caves. Others caution that it’s haunted, or that a hungry creature who lives at the bottom makes a meal of everything that falls in.

Although the Black Lagoon of Urbión is the site of a famous swim crossing on the first Sunday in August, I visited in the fall, when the air was cooler, the days shorter, and the crowds nonexistent. Standing at its edge, I could see why Machado immortalized it in his poem “La Tierra de Alvargonzález.”

Pro Tip: The road to the Black Lagoon is narrow and steep, and not for those who are easily unnerved behind the wheel. It’s also closed, often without warning, during inclement weather. Don’t attempt a trip on a heavily rainy or icy day, and sign up for a tour if you prefer not to drive yourself. If you do drive, park at the lot on Paso de la Serrá and walk to the park, a little less than a mile away.

7. Rio Lobos Canyon

Another favorite moment from our trip was the visit to Rio Lobos, a 15-mile gorge that slices through a limestone plateau. The canyon is located inside a 24,000-acre park, a designated special conservation area for birds. You can access the park — for free — from several points. By far the best way to enter is through the lower portion, via SO-920 between San Leonardo de Yagüe and El Burgo de Osma.

The canyon, whose walls rise like sentinels around a sleeping natural kingdom, is one of the most beautiful landscapes I’ve visited in Spain. At the bottom lies the Chapel of Saint Bartholomew, built in the 1200s in a transitional style between Romanesque and Gothic. It’s a quick visit, and close to several walking trails that take you all around the park.

The trails are easy, although a few contain water crossings where we had to carefully pick our way across. It’s worth it to experience the sheer variety of scenery, including grassy hills, crystalline streams, sloping forests, and cliff faces and caves that provide refuge for bats, European robins, and griffon vultures.

8. El Burgo De Osma

At one end of the Ucero River, you’ll find this former military stronghold. Small, convivial, and lively, its unique charisma comes from a collision of Roman, Arabic, Gothic, and modern influences.

In addition to a compact downtown shopping and dining district, the town boasts a variety of sights. There’s a perfectly preserved Roman bridge, a superb circa-1230 cathedral, Arabic watchtowers, and a porticoed Plaza Mayor. Around the town, you can walk the medieval defensive walls and view well-preserved murals of knights and soldiers.

El Burgo de Osma was an afternoon stop on our way back to Madrid, so I didn’t get the flavor of the town at night, nor did I get to experience its more luxurious side. On my next visit, I plan to stay at Castilla Termal, a hotel and thermal spa located in a 16th-century university.

I opened my groggy eyes and squinted at three layers — cloth, water, rock — and tried to remember where I was. When my eyes focused, I recognized the end of my blue sleeping bag and beyond that, the rugged waters of the Colorado River and an immense rock wall that towered above me. Oh yes, my “bedroom” was the floor of the Grand Canyon. 

A lot happened before I opened my eyes to that view. For years, my husband, Dean, had wanted to take a multi-day rafting trip on the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon (who knew you could do such a thing?). When he suggested it, I had questions: Rafting? For multiple days? Sleeping in the canyon? Sure, the stars would be incredible, but what about bodily functions? Will my arms fall off from all the rowing? How wild are those rapids?

He called a former coworker who had taken this trip several times. She recommended using Hatch River Expeditions as our outfitter, and we took her recommendation. Before I knew it, we were signed up, peering over packing lists, and I was somewhere on the spectrum between excited and scared.

Hatch runs trips April to September in various configurations. We chose a full week of rafting from Lees Ferry to Whitmore Wash (188 miles) on motorized rafts. Hatch’s website promised “intense rapids, great hiking, ancient ruins, caves, waterfalls, and unforgettable swimming spots.” We’d camp in the canyon on sandy beaches or rocky ledges for six nights and be transported out by helicopter at the end.

Pro Tip: Check the Risks and Requirements to be sure you meet minimums, including the physical ability to climb on and off the raft, walk on rocky terrain and sandy inclines, carry your personal gear (25 pounds max) to and from camp, and tolerate repeated exposure to temperature extremes. You don’t need previous whitewater experience or swimming ability. 

Getting Underway

On our June 1 departure, we joined 24 co-adventurers to meet three guides and embark on two rafts (capacity is 16). Before I set foot on the raft, there were things I expected, and over the course of the trip, they proved true:

• It’s breathtakingly beautiful. There’s nothing like waking up in a sleeping bag (on a cot) on the floor of the Grand Canyon, under a canopy of stars.
• The guides knew what they were doing. I expected them to respect the canyon and its mighty waters, to keep us safe, to excel at history, geology, and folklore, and to take care of the odd request, and they did.
• The rafts are a marvel of engineering; the process is solid. We carried everything we needed for the entire week either in the underbelly of the raft or piled high in the center, covered by tarps. Seeing firsthand the logistics for gear storage, day and night bags, handwashing, dishes — and even backup plans for motor failure — was impressive.
• Many hands make light work. The guides positioned everything, but rafters formed an assembly line to get luggage, gear, cooking equipment, and food on and off the rafts efficiently.
• It’s a simpler life. No hotels, no showers, no bathrooms. Unplugged. Unscreened. Unparalleled.

Of course, the trip also had a few surprises…

Surprise #1: The People Who Take This Kind Of Trip Are Varied… And Fascinating

People are always more than what they do, but our trip included every occupation from schoolteachers and a professional chef (could come in handy) to an ER nurse and a risk manager (ditto). We were from eight states (including Alaska) and ranged in age from 11 to 70-something.

I loved all the informal conversations on the rafts during calm waters and when circling camp chairs for happy hour and meals. It’s a unique environment: Makeup and pretenses are off, and people are just people, with all their marvelous quirks, habits, and ideas.

Surprise #2: The People Who Guide This Kind Of Trip Are Varied… And Fascinating

As you’d expect, the river guides are full of personality. Our lead guide was 34 and has been running trips since he was 18. The “swamper” (a guide in training) was 30. He rode on the lead raft and was a “jack of all trades.” The guide who piloted the second raft was 36. His raft carried a unique passenger: a large blow-up toucan who joined us for numerous antics along the way.

One night at camp, before our nightly briefing on the events of the next day, one of the guides asked if we’d like to hear some poetry. I must admit I was expecting something frivolous or elementary, but he read Robert Service’s “The Joy of Being Poor” with passion and heart. He treated us to several other poems along the trip, too. My husband rolled his eyes, but I was delighted.

Surprise #3: New Views Around Every Bend

“Seen one, seen ’em all” does not apply in the Grand Canyon. The color, texture, pattern, light, striation, water, and rock variety of the canyon make it a continual wonder, and we had time to really see it. Calm sections of the river brought perfect mirror images of the canyon to the waters. The luxurious turquoise color of the Little Colorado and roaring Havasu Falls were a clear contrast to the rest of the Colorado River. Cavern exploration, wading and swimming, and guided hiking added variety, too.

Surprise #4: Good Food… And Plenty Of It

River guides wear many hats, and meal prep is one of them. Coffee’s on by 5 a.m. (when rafting, you “run with the sun” and make the most of daylight). Breakfast could be made-to-order eggs, breakfast meat, cereal, fruit. For lunch: build-your-own “Dagwood” sandwiches, simple sides, chips. Dinner began with appetizers and advanced to grilled steak, salmon, chicken, carnitas, pasta, salads, baked potatoes, and more. Dutch oven dessert might be brownies, cheesecake, or pound cake. Filtered water and lemonade or Gatorade (for electrolytes) were always available both on the raft and at camp. Snacks included cookies, nuts, chips, fruit. The guides kept an eye on our food consumption, too; river runners need to keep calories up.

Surprise #5: It Was Easier — And Harder — Than I Expected

These are relative terms, but parts of the trip were easy:

• The raft is motorized, so passengers just “sit down and hold on.”
• Gear is provided, packing lists are thorough, and meals are prepared for you.
• Mesh bags tied to the rafts held our pre-ordered beer and wine, chilled at perfect river temp, which tastes exceedingly good after rafting. Hard to claim you’re roughing it as you’re sipping a cold beer in camp!

Some things that were not so easy:

• The temp extremes are challenging. In June, the Colorado River at a chilly 40 degrees Fahrenheit contrasted dramatically with Phantom Ranch hiking at a sweltering 120 degrees. My advice? Follow the packing list and listen to the guides. When they tell you to get in the river before a hike and dunk your shirt and put it on wet, believe them.
• TMI, but relieving yourself ain’t fun. All liquids go into the river. More complicated: Solids go into a portable seat/box thing (technical term) but fear not — the system for privacy and sanitation during such events is simple and somewhat ingenious. 
• You WILL get wet; you WILL get sandy, and the sand will be everywhere. ’Nuf said.

Pro Tip: There’s no constantly dry spot on the raft. If you’re adventurous, sit in “the bathtub” in the front of the raft. It takes the full brunt of whatever the rapids want to dish out. At the back of the raft, “the tea room” is a less splashy option.

Surprise #6: I Laughed — Hard

We rafted through 120+ rapids on our route, including mild-mannered rapids with fun names like Soap, Badger Creek, House Rock, and even The Roaring Twenties. Larger rapids were more “rowdy” (as the guides liked to say): Horn, Granite, Hermit, and Crystal.

Remember when you were a kid and you heard big belly laughs that were contagious? The rapids are unpredictable — some looked ferocious, and they were. Sometimes, an upcoming rapid that looked innocent could pack a powerful deluge. And sometimes, even in calm water, a rogue wave would hit the raft and catch an unsuspecting victim (often me) off guard. That big belly laugh? It was mine.

Pro Tip: Hatch’s website is quick to point out that “a Colorado River trip is an active vacation in a wilderness environment.” If you aren’t up for a physical challenge, this probably isn’t the right trip for you. If you are, this is one you will never forget.

I’ve been to both rims of the Grand Canyon and experienced trails by foot and by mule. Yet this unique, prolonged vantage point from a raft surprised me. The nuances of color, the variety of pattern, texture. The sounds. The good people we traveled with who made us laugh. A myriad of stars at night. The subtle way the morning light crept into the canyon. It’s full of wonder and surprises. There’s a reason this canyon is called grand.

For more information and tips, check out all our Grand Canyon coverage, including 10 Key Ranger Tips For Visiting The Grand Canyon and 7 Amazing Canyons To Explore In Arizona After You’ve Seen The Grand Canyon.

As countries all around the world ease travel restrictions in the midst of an ongoing pandemic, Canada has recently joined the bunch, much to the delight of those traveling with young children. However, while the country continues to ease restrictions, case counts are rising as Canada fends off the sixth wave of the pandemic. 

According to the Associated Press, government officials announced last week that unvaccinated or partially vaccinated children from ages 5–11 traveling with a fully vaccinated adult will no longer need proof of a negative COVID-19 test in order to enter Canada.

Children above the age of 12, however, unvaccinated or partially vaccinated, are still required to show a pre-entry test. 

While the lifting of this restriction directly benefits children in that specific age range, Canada has eased other restrictions that benefit travelers of all ages.

Canada Dropping Some Travel Restrictions, Keeping Others

Aside from easing Canada’s entry requirements, the country has also dropped measures allowing travelers to be less cautious when monitoring COVID-19 while in Canada.

Travelers are no longer required to quarantine when they come in contact with COVID-19 or if someone in their group develops symptoms. Travelers are also no longer required to keep track of people they have been exposed to, nor will they have to report any COVID-19 symptoms. Finally, incoming travelers to Canada will no longer need to wear a mask in public spaces for their first 14 days upon arrival.

While the easing of restrictions all across Canada may also be easing travelers’ minds, there are a few restrictions in Canada remaining unchanged.

“All travelers are still required to use the ArriveCAN app to upload travel and vaccination information within 72 hours of their arrival to Canada and/or before boarding a plane or cruise ship destined for Canada,” according to the Associated Press.

Furthermore, Canada is doubling down on its mask mandate on public transportation, specifically planes and trains. “Although some restrictions may be easing, air and rail travelers are reminded that they are still required to wear a mask throughout their travel journey,” said Transport Minister Omar Alghabra in a release.

While Canada continues to ease travel requirements, cases are rising around the country thanks to an Omicron subvariant leading the sixth wave of this 2-plus year pandemic. 

The Sixth Wave Of The Pandemic

Global News reported that the BA.2 Omicron subvariant has led a resurgence of COVID-19 throughout areas in Canada, causing case counts and hospitalizations to rise.

According to Global News’ Coronavirus Tracker, Canada currently records a daily average of 9,709 confirmed cases and 66 deaths. Furthermore, there’s a daily average of 6,412 people seeking hospital treatment and 456 patients in ICUs for COVID-19.

While these statistics may be daunting for some, Canadian officials aren’t concerned that this wave will be as detrimental as the previous five.

“Although concerning, the recent rise of hospitalization rates in several jurisdictions appears to be manageable, with critical care still trending at low levels,” said Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada’s chief public health officer, according to the CBC. “We remain hopeful that the increase in transmission rates over the last several weeks will not result in as heavy an impact on hospitalizations trends as seen during earlier waves.”

Canada’s Plans For The Future Of COVID-19

While COVID-19 continues to make its mark on society, Canadian officials are looking to the future, vowing to stick to the science.

“The health and safety of Canadians remains our top priority and as vaccination levels and health care system capacity improve, we will continue to consider further easing of measures at the borders based on science,” Canadian Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos said in a release.

In Canada, 85.54 percent of people ages 5 and up are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and 49.6 percent of them are boosted as well.

For the future of the pandemic, Canadian officials are standing by the notion that vaccination remains the best protection against the virus and they have no plans to end vaccine mandates for travelers, according to the CBC.

They are also still encouraging all people to wear masks in public spaces. 

“If you’re going to be traveling with people in a certain environment, I think it is prudent to continue to require wearing a mask,” said Dr. Tam. “So I think it’s one of the least intrusive measures, but adds, definitely, another layer of protection.”

See how other countries have been handling travel requirements:

• Greece Drops All Entry Restrictions Just In Time For Summer Travel
• Switzerland, Czech Republic Ending All COVID-Related Travel Restrictions
• Visitors To Jamaica No Longer Need This Key Test Starting Today

Africa’s wild and wonderful natural spaces have compelled generations of adventurers to seek them out. But gone are the days when going on safari meant roughing it in the wild. With a wide array of opulent safari lodges to choose from, today’s safari-goers have little more to worry about than ticking off the Big Five and deciding whether to order red or white with dinner; all without losing the romance and adventure of days gone by. It’s here, in some of the far-flung corners of incredible African reserves, that you’ll find some of the world’s most luxurious safari lodges.

If you’re looking for luxurious lodges with incredible service, comfort, and indulgence, you could do a lot worse than checking yourself into one of the best and most luxurious safari lodges from my list below. Note that because I simply can’t decide which lodges are the best, I’ve gone alphabetically by country!

1. Mombo Camp

Okavango, Botswana

The award-winning Mombo Camp sits amongst the trees on Chief’s Island in the game-packed Moremi Reserve. This is ultimate luxury in the best game viewing area of Botswana’s Okavango Delta. Mombo really raises the bar for safari lodges with its combination of fantastic game viewing experiences and the incredible luxury and service in camp. Nine plush tents with private plunge pools will have you relaxing in no time at all. In between game drives, relax in your thatched gazebo and watch buffalo and impala graze on the flood plains below. At night dine under the stars.

The camp is committed to conservation, with much of the power provided by a solar farm and a portion of your rates going toward their preservation projects.

Pro Tip: Little Mombo, situated on Chief’s Island, is a smaller and more intimate camp than its sister and has its own dining and lounge area and a sparkling pool.

2. Angama Mara

Masai Mara, Kenya

Two 15-tent camps dot the edge of an escarpment about 300 yards above the game reserve at Angama Mara. The location on a hilltop overlooking the plains is breathtaking and unbeatable, with the views over the Great Rift Valley so sensational that you’ll be tempted to just stand and stare, without ever leaving your room. The floor-to-ceiling glass-fronted suites, with handcrafted and designer furniture, and the Masai Mara plains stretching out below you as far as the eye can see, make this a really special place and an exciting addition to the classic tented camps in Kenya.

Each day’s activities are tailored around you: enjoy a morning of game viewing with a delicious picnic breakfast, or opt for a lie-in and catch up with the wildlife later. Add to this exceptional food and drinks, an organic garden where lunches can be enjoyed, the Maasai beading workshop, the spa pavilion with the most well-equipped gym of any lodge in Kenya, a beautiful pool with plenty of sun loungers, a robust activity list, and doting staff, and you have the perfect place to stay for the ultimate and memorable safari experience — ideal for couples or families seeking an African adventure.

The lodge is perfectly complemented by Angama Safari Camp, an exclusive-use mobile tented camp sited deep in the Mara Triangle, and amidst the mega herds during the Great Migration.

Pro Tip: Another draw here is the spot where Meryl Streep and Robert Redford had that iconic photo taken, used to promote the film Out of Africa. Nowadays guests can enjoy a gourmet picnic in this exact location and create their own romantic memories.

3. Mahali Mzuri

Masai Mara, Kenya

Said by many to be the best safari lodge in Africa, the Richard Branson-owned Mahali Mzuri brings together every element you could ever wish for in your safari experience. Set within the private 33,000-acre Olare Motorogi Conservancy (part of the Masai Mara ecosystem but outside the national park boundaries), the 12 luxury tents, interconnected by walkways, sit on the edge of a gentle rise, looking out over the beautiful landscape. You’ll have a front-row seat, not just to the migration, but also to the abundant game you can see all year round, with monkeys scrabbling in the trees, giraffes wandering through to nibble on acacia trees, and perhaps a leopard stopping to drink from the rocky stream that runs below the camp. Being outside the national park means you get all the richness of wildlife to yourself, with no other cars in sight and no jockeying for position when out on a drive or the annoying chatter of other safari-goers.

Mahali Mzuri means “beautiful place” in Kiswahili, and the camp definitely lives up to its name.

4. Little Kulala

Sossusvlei, Namibia

Situated in a private reserve with exclusive access to the iconic Sossusvlei sand dunes and salt pans in the Namib Desert, the world’s oldest desert, Little Kulala has 11 climate-controlled, thatched “kulalas” (meaning sleep) which blend perfectly into the desert landscape, each with their own private plunge pool and rooftop bed for star-gazing. The décor is stunning and takes its inspiration from the incredible surroundings with neutral colors, gorgeous textures, and expert use of the natural light.

You can choose from a range of activities here including nature walks/drives, hot-air balloon safaris, and eco-sensitive quad biking excursions. Desert adapted wildlife, such as ostrich, springbok, and gemsbok eke out a harsh existence in the surrounding landscape, and larger carnivores, like the spotted and brown hyena and occasionally cheetah, are sometimes present.

5. Bisate Lodge

Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Built within an eroded volcanic cone, Bisate was the first lodge in Rwanda to combine world-class luxury with a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking experience. The lodge’s one-of-a-kind design pays homage to traditional hut design, while the sumptuous interiors offer comfort, warmth, and luxury with fantastic amenities like cozy fireplaces and a well-stocked wine cellar. Bisate Lodge is one of Africa’s most talked-about camps, not only because of the great mountain gorilla viewing opportunities but because of its incredible design, with the rooms resembling giant bird’s nests.

6. Londolozi Private Granite Suites

Sabi Sands, South Africa

This elegant and luxurious lodge only has three suites, with stone walls, polished concrete, and a color scheme of charcoal, silver, and elephant gray, and it offers complete exclusivity. Each of the suites at Londolozi Private Granite Suites opens out onto a heated infinity pool and magnificent views over the granite rocks of the Sand River. Sabi Sands is known as one of Kruger’s finest private concessions and is renowned for leopard sightings. Londolozi was the first game reserve in the world to be given Relais & Châteaux status, and this place could definitely be your ultimate luxury safari experience.

It’s not all about luxury though; Londolozi is involved with community upliftment, rural education, and healthcare programs. The creation of protected areas has also meant that rhinos and other iconic species can roam freely here. These are just some of the ways your safari is having a positive impact on local people and wildlife. 

7. Royal Malewane

Thornybush Private Reserve, South Africa

Royal Malewane strikes the perfect balance between stylish splendor and relaxed retreat. Situated in a private concession within the Greater Kruger National Park, this famous safari lodge hosts no more than 20 guests at a time, in luxury and style. Six suites, each with a private infinity pool, offer total seclusion with stunning views, while the lodge itself has an atmospheric library, curio shop, and dining and sitting areas with fantastic outlooks over the bush. There are also two completely private suites each sleeping four for an even more exclusive safari experience.

There’s also the self-contained Africa House, just a few minutes’ drive from the main lodge, which is the perfect accommodation option for families or friends with space for up to 12 people. With private chalets and impeccable service, game drives that deliver great wildlife, a butler service, unforgettable culinary experiences, and, of course, their award-winning safari spa, it’s no wonder high-profile visitors celebrities such as Nicolas Sarkozy and Bono have chosen to stay here.

8. Singita Sweni Lodge

Kruger National Park, South Africa

Located in South Africa’s Kruger National Park, Singita Sweni epitomizes the very definition of safari luxury. The lodge is located on 33,000 acres of private concession land on the banks of the Sweni River, with hippos, crocs, elephants, and other wildlife often to be spotted meandering past the lodge. Located far away from the crowds that are often associated with Kruger National Park, Singita Sweni Lodge offers an intimate setting with its seven large and luxurious suites, each designed to bring the feeling of the outdoors in. Large floor-to-ceiling windows, big wooden decks, and a combination of modern décor and natural elements are all incorporated into the design.

The lodge has a strong focus on sustainability, and an ethos of a minimal footprint and touching the earth lightly. Menus are designed around seasonal produce, with many of the ingredients sourced from local suppliers. The lodge is also involved in a number of local conservation and social initiatives, including a solar power plant, which has meant the lodge saves on close to 1,000 tons of carbon emissions each year. This is an eco-lux safari experience and definitely a one-of-a-kind destination.

9. Ngorongoro Crater Lodge

Ngorongoro, Tanzania

With views from the rim of the world’s largest intact caldera enough to take your breath away, Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is not just a stunning location; it also somehow captures the romance of its location with its timeless elegance and design. Circular clay buildings with thatch roofs create a warm and inviting space, while opulent furnishings, with brocade sofas, gilt mirrors, and beaded chandeliers, all transform the rooms into truly beautiful spaces. Located right on the rim of the ancient volcanic Ngorongoro Crater, the lodge offers not only some of the best views in Africa but also the opportunity for a fantastic safari, as the crater floor is teaming with wildlife.

10. Singita Grumeti Reserve

Serengeti, Tanzania

Singita in the Grumeti Reserve, Tanzania, offers a variety of accommodation options with something for every style: crystal chandeliers and gilded frames at Sasakwa Lodge, rattan chairs and campaign tables at Sabora Tented Camp, and breezy furnishings and woven basket-style light fixtures at Faru Faru Lodge. Each is special in their own way.

Sasakwa Lodge is a great choice for families or groups who enjoy the bush but still want to have all the luxuries of a five-star establishment. With impeccable service and exceptional facilities, this grand Edwardian-style manor house and stone cottages offer a private slice of the Serengeti and boasts antiques, glittering chandeliers, and plush sofas that invite you to sink into them and gaze out across the Serengeti plains; but even these opulent interiors can’t compete with the incredible views stretching out across the seemingly endless plains.

Faru Faru Lodge is built on a gently sloping hill and positioned on the great migration route that’s traversed annually by more than two million wildebeests. Informal, unconventional, and surprising at every turn, Faru Faru has seven one-bedroom suites, one family suite, and a two-bedroom suite with a private pool. With close proximity to the river and plains, guests have the unique opportunity to enjoy a close connection with the wilderness.

Sabora Tented Camp strikes the perfect balance between classic tented safari and timeless modernity and is located right on the Serengeti Plains, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the setting and enjoy Sabora’s understated yet tailored luxury. With superb game viewing opportunities all year round, Sabora’s nine tented suites are set on the Great Wildebeest Migration route.

11. Time + Tide Chinzombo

South Luangwa, Zambia

Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park is one of Africa’s hidden treasures, boasting incredible untouched natural beauty, great walking safaris, and crowd-free big game viewing. Set in this relatively unexplored reserve on a sweeping curve of the Luangwa River, lies the sophisticated and elegant Chinzombo, with just six gorgeous villas, designed by award-winning architects Silvio Rech and Lesley Carstens. Time + Tide Chinzombo is one of Zambia’s most exclusive safari lodges. The beautiful and luxurious villas combine a modern architectural feel with natural materials such as leather, reeds, and canvas

 Each villa boasts its own private plunge pool and is situated on an elevated deck with views of the river and the abundant wildlife that visit its banks. A boat ride across the river gives guests direct access to the game-rich national park. Chic and remote, this is definitely one for your bucket list. 

12. Nyamatusi Camp

Mana Pools, Zimbabwe

The beautiful Nyamatusi is a wonderful luxurious haven in one of the wildest parts of Southern Africa, Mana Pools, on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River. The camp comprises six spacious, luxury canvas suites with private plunge pools and air-conditioning, essential for those hot dry season months. The focus at Nyamatusi is on experiencing the area through walking safaris led by an experienced professional guide. Fabulous game viewing opportunities abound, especially African wild dogs and elephants, and if you want to try your hand at the iconic tiger fish, then you’ve come to the right place. A carefully curated wine cellar will doubtless enhance your safari along with the excellent meals. 

And there you have it, my favorites amongst the many outstanding and luxurious safari lodges in Africa. I hope I’ve inspired you to take a luxurious African adventure of your own.

Lima, Peru, has been referred to as “The City Of Kings” because of its connection to Spanish royalty and because it was founded in 1535 by Juan Pizzaro on the Feast Day of the Three Kings. The origin of the city’s name is in dispute. One version has it derived from the Inca word “Limaq.” The Spanish had trouble pronouncing the final “Q,” so they dropped it, and Lima was born. Regardless of what the ancients called it, here are six sites to visit in this old and fascinating city, the capital of Peru.

1. Olive Park And 500-Year-Old Trees

Lima’s Olive Park may look like any other orchard or public green space, but it holds a secret to the character of the Peruvian people, the once-proud Inca empire, and the Spanish conquest of South America 500 years ago. That secret resides in about two dozen olive trees.

In the San Isidro neighborhood on the south side of Lima, the Bosque el Olivar, several dozen gnarled olive trees bent by history and the Peruvian wind represent not only the values and perspective of the Peruvian people, but they point to their resilience as well. Beginning in 1532, Spanish conquistadors began taking over Inca land in what is today Peru. In that conquest, more than 7 million people died. The Spaniards did something else, though, something beneficial. They planted many hundreds of olive trees.

Though the Spanish conquerors are long gone, the trees they planted are not. The trees in the picture date from the mid-16^th century. The history of these 500-year-old trees is fascinating, simply because of their age. When Spaniards sailed west from Seville in the 16^th century, they carried several olive trees with them. Only three of those trees survived the ocean crossing. But those three trees propagated more than 3,000 others, several of which are in Lima’s park of olives today. They’re protected by the Peruvian government, so the only thing visitors can take from them are pictures. And yes, they still produce olives!

Pro Tip: Visiting Olive Park is a low exertion level. While walking through this idyllic park, you’ll likely see one or more of the yellow-vested “Serenazgos,” the sentries who volunteer their time to enforce the protections of the ancient trees. The sentries enjoy chatting visitors up, though their English skills are minimal. The park is also a place for residents to congregate, where kids play in fountains, and musicians serenade the neighborhood almost every night. The park is 24 acres and well patrolled.

2. San Isidro Has Numerous Attractions

Another attraction in Lima’s San Isidro neighborhood — and a fairly easy walk from Olive Park — is the Huaca Huallamarca, the so-called Pan de Azucar or the “sugar bread loaf,” which resembles a loaf of bread. This pyramid-shaped site contains burials dating to A.D. 200. The Huaca in the name has been roughly translated from the Quechuan word for “God.” The nearby museum has artifacts from Inca and some pre-Incan times, dating back almost 2,000 years.

Just west of Olive Park is the Lima Country Club. More than 100 years old, this golf club has a contentious history among everyday Peruvians due to its exclusivity.

Pro Tip: Exertion level at Huaca Huallamarca is moderate with some steep sections.

3. Coastal Lima And The Miraflores Neighborhood

Coastal Lima has every attraction tourists might need, from great shopping to an intensely colorful ocean walkway and the fine dining that’s made Peruvian food arguably the best in the world. The Miraflores neighborhood is considered the best place for tourists to stay in Lima. It’s close to beaches and oceanside amenities. While enjoying a beachside lunch at Larcomar, you’ll have a great view of the Pacific, with surfers catching waves and paragliders zipping by at one of the best sites in Peru to pursue this sport. As for swimming and similar water activity, Lima’s beaches tend to be rocky, and not heavily visited. Speaking of Larcomar, this cliffside mall offers some of the best shopping boutiques and dining in Lima.

Pro Tip: Since Miraflores is very popular with tourists, it’s also a magnet for those who take advantage of tourists. Wear backpacks in front, leave the Rolex at home, and don’t flash wads of money around. Violent crime is unheard of, but petty theft is not. Several fine hotels and Airbnbs are available, but since the area caters to expats and tourists, expect somewhat high prices there. Larcomar has numerous name-brand boutiques and restaurants that Asian, American, and European travelers will recognize.

4. Barranco Means Nightlife And Dining

Located on the Pacific Coast between Chorillos and Miraflores neighborhood, Barranco is arguably the best place in Lima to stay, especially if nightlife, music, and ceviche are your reason for the visit. Restaurants abound here, such as El Muelle, La Canta Rana, and Isolina, a family-style restaurant once voted one of the top 50 restaurants in South America.

Close by is Lima’s answer to Venice, Italy’s famous Bridge of Sighs. Lima’s Puente de Los Suspiros is relatively new. Built in 1876 to allow fishermen access to their boats, Lima’s Bridge of Sighs is considered the most romantic spot in Lima and is a legendary courting spot for young lovers and poets. Unlike the bridge in Venice, which elicited sighs of despair from condemned prisoners who crossed it, Lima’s bridge elicits the breathless devotion of lovers. One legend has it that anyone seeing the bridge for the first time gets one wish if they’re able to cross it without taking a breath.

Pro Tip: Barranco has several hostels and small hotels as well, and is easy to get to by taxi from anywhere in Lima. The Moovit app comes in handy with navigation as Lima’s bus system is confusing and somewhat chaotic.

5. Museo Rafael Larco Hoyle Museum For Pre-Columbian Artifacts

The museum’s founder, Rafael Larco Hoyle, studied the cultures and customs of ancient Peru and was responsible for excavating archaeological sites on the country’s north coast. Larco Hoyle is considered the father of Peruvian archaeology. The Larco Museum near Colmenares has one of the biggest collections of Pre-Columbian artifacts in South America.

The radiating piece shown above, for example, is a sort of abacus used to track various transactions, like grain harvests, etc. In the annex to the museum, the clay pottery offers a perspective on Pre-Columbian peoples’ apparent ease with physical pleasures. Indeed, one wing of this museum contains numerous clay figures that suggest sex was simply an enjoyable and wholly sanctioned activity with no shame attached.

References are made to the difficulty presented when the Spanish priests learned of this indulgence, and how bewildered the Inca people were at this strange reaction.

6. Fine Dining In Lima Is Worth A Visit By Itself

With respect to Peruvian food, anyone visiting the City of Kings can eat like royalty. With arguably the best food and presentation in the world, Peruvian cuisine is tantalizing, innovative, and delicious. The home of ceviche, raw fish soaked in various tasty marinades, famous pisco sours, and possibly the best mojitos ever imbibed, there are several must-visit restaurants in Lima.

Our favorite is Astrid y Gastón, which offers one of those dining experiences that goes far beyond simple nutrition. Lunch or dinner at Astrid is an event. Afterward, you’ll recommend it to fellow travelers for its delightful menu, exquisite presentations, perhaps the best pisco sour ever to pass your lips, and clever dessert selections like the chocolate bomb dessert.

For seafood, and very nearly in the sea, La Rosa Nautica can’t be beat. La Rosa is located at the end of a pier, and you’ll watch surfers that seem close enough to touch while savoring seafood that may have been caught outside the window. La Rosa Nautica may have the best view of any coastal restaurant in Lima.

For vegan and vegetarian options as well a full-service menu, Huaca Pucllana is excellent. The view there is of the ancient ruins of Huaca Huallamarca, and the decor of Huaca Pucllana reflects its proximity to that site.

Lima — the City of Kings — is one of those places that can be a destination all its own. But

Lima is also the jumping-off point for such sites as Cusco, nearby Machu Picchu, and Nazca with its famous geoglyphic lines that have defied explanation for many years. But Lima, the City of Kings beckons anyone wishing to explore Pre-Columbian artifacts, fall in love on a bridge, celebrate ancient olive trees, or dine like royalty.

Honolulu City Council has passed a controversial ordinance requiring short-term rentals in the city to be a minimum of 90 days, a huge jump from the current 30-day minimum.

The rule will not apply to resort-zoned areas in Koolina, Kuilima, Makaha, and parts of Waikiki.

Mayor Rick Blangiardi had originally proposed the idea, saying too many tourists are staying in residential areas creating parking problems and other issues.

More than 130 people spoke at the meeting, including property owners who use their homes and condominiums for much-needed income. They argued that not all visitors to Hawaii want to stay in a hotel.

The hotel industry was a strong proponent of the ordinance.

“It’s not just about the hotels,” said Mufi Hannemann, president and CEO of the Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association, according to Hawaii News Now. “We’re not against outlying short-term rentals. But the fact of the matter is some of them are not complying with the rules.”

But those who use their property as an Airbnb or other type of rental disputed the claim.

“Any economic benefits of opening up our residential areas to tourism are far outweighed by the negative impacts on our neighborhoods and local residents,” said Thomas Cestare.

The measure passed by an 8-1 vote, with councilmember Andria Tupola the lone dissenter. She argued rules already on the books aren’t enforced, and this adds yet another layer.

A rule limiting the number of short-term rentals in the city to 1,700 properties was passed in 2019, but the city never funded the enforcement positions or issued new permits.

“I hope that as a body we continue to decide how many laws we want to put on the books that don’t have enforcement,” said Tupola. “All of us want to see action. We want to see changes. And that comes when we get serious about enforcing the current laws on the books.”

The ordinance will require operators of short-term rentals to pay a $1,000 initial registration fee and a $500 renewal fee.

One resident who rents out his condo for portions of the year agreed with Tupola.

“A new law will not fix an existing ordinance that is not being enforced,” said Daniel Boothby, according to Honolulu Civil Beat.

The mayor defended the plan.

“We live here, we work here, and we want to play here,” Blangiardi told Hawaii Public Radio. “And we don’t want to feel subordinated that we’ve wholesaled Hawaii for the retail business where a bunch of people don’t even put money into local bank accounts.

“Anything and everything we can possibly do to direct our energies here to make the people who live here the priority, that’s what I’m going to be about,” Blangiardi said.

Expedia, which offers short-term rental options on its site, was disappointed by the action.

“In failing to implement existing law and the corresponding agreement, Expedia Group signed to assist with enforcement, Honolulu County and its residents are being left without a policy solution that will meaningfully address community concerns,” Richard de Sam Lazaro of Expedia Group, said in a statement.

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Vacations to the Caribbean are a bucket list item for many tourists, but lockdowns and travel restrictions have made the travel process more complicated than ever before. Now that every country and territory has its own vaccination and entry document requirements, it is important to learn about all the necessary steps to take before traveling anywhere in the Caribbean.

Anguilla

Anguilla is open to U.S. residents for non-essential travel. In order to enter, travelers must first apply for entry. Currently, Anguilla is only accepting visitors who have received their final dose of an approved vaccine at least three weeks before their arrival. Additionally, all travelers are required to provide a negative COVID test from 3-5 days before arrival.

Visitors must then submit to a second test upon arrival, after which they will be asked to quarantine until a negative result returns. This takes, on average, about 24 hours. Only after the test result returns can visitors leave their accommodations and begin exploring the country.

Beaches and other tourist attractions are open and welcoming visitors. There are no curfews, but there is a territory-wide mask mandate. All businesses implement some form of social distancing and capacity limitations.

• The CDC currently classifies Anguilla at Level Four: A Very High Level of COVID.
• For the country’s latest COVID numbers, reference the World Health Organization.
• For a detailed overview of Anguilla’s COVID testing processes, travel restrictions, and more, visit the U.S. Embassy in Anguilla.

Updated February 11.

Antigua And Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda is open to fully vaccinated U.S. residents. Unvaccinated travelers between the ages of 5 and 18 are required to submit a negative RT-PCR or rapid antigen COVID test no older than 4 days; unvaccinated travelers over 18 are not permitted entry. All visitors must submit a health declaration form issued on their flight in.

All visitors must stay at certified accommodations and patronize only certified businesses. A list of these certified locations is found here. Mask wearing on the islands isn’t mandatory but is “actively encouraged.” Physical and social distancing rules must be followed.

• The CDC currently classifies Antigua and Barbuda at Level Four: A Very High Level of COVID.
• For the country’s latest COVID numbers, reference the World Health Organization.
• For a detailed overview of Antigua and Barbuda’s COVID testing processes, travel restrictions, and more, visit the U.S. Embassy in Antigua and Barbuda.

Updated March 30.

Aruba

Aruba is open to all U.S residents. As of March 19, 2022, Aruba has lifted its COVID-related entry requirements for all international travelers.

Travelers to the country will still be required to complete an Aruba ED card before arrival, and they must also purchase Aruba Visitors Insurance prior to entering the country.

Officials have announced the lifting of local COVID-19 restrictions with local businesses and restaurants resuming normal hours and capacity limits with no restrictions on closing times.

• The CDC currently classifies Aruba at Level Four: A Very High Level of COVID.
• For the country’s latest COVID numbers, reference the World Health Organization.
• For a detailed overview of Aruba’s COVID testing processes, travel restrictions, and more, visit the U.S. Embassy in Aruba.

Reviewed April 5.

Bahamas

The Bahamas are open to U.S. residents for non-essential travel. In order to enter, travelers must submit a Travel Health Visa Application (which requires travelers to opt into COVID insurance) and proof of a recent negative test. Vaccinated travelers can submit a negative rapid antigen test or RT-PCR test, whereas unvaccinated travelers must submit a negative RT-PCR test. Vaccinated travelers should also submit proof of their vaccination.

Masks are required throughout the country, but they are not mandated on beaches — only when entering and exiting. Visitors hoping to travel between islands will need a recent negative test.

• The CDC currently classifies the Bahamas at Level Four: A Very High Level of COVID.
• For the country’s latest COVID numbers, reference the World Health Organization.
• For a detailed overview of the Bahamas and its COVID testing processes, travel restrictions, and more, visit the Bahamas’ COVID site.

Updated March 4. 

Barbados

Barbados is open to U.S. residents. In order to enter, travelers must first complete the Online Immigration/Customs form at least 24 hours before arrival. All travelers, regardless of vaccination status, are required to provide a recent negative COVID test. Vaccinated travelers should also submit proof of their vaccination, as it will opt them out of quarantine requirements. If unvaccinated, a traveler will have to quarantine for three days, with a re-test on day four. For more information on entry requirements, visit their official tourism site.

Face masks are mandatory in all public locations.

• The CDC currently classifies Barbados at Level Four: A Very High Level of COVID.
• For the country’s latest COVID numbers, reference the World Health Organization.
• For a detailed overview of Barbados and its COVID testing processes, travel restrictions, and more, visit the U.S. Embassy in Barbados.

Updated February 11.

British Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands are open to U.S. residents for non-essential travel. Vaccinated travelers must provide both a recent negative test and proof of vaccination upon entry. Meanwhile, unvaccinated travelers must obtain a BVI Gateway Travel Authorisation Certificate at least 24 hours before arrival (begining the application no later than 48 hours before arrival), provide a recent negative test, submit to a second test upon arrival, quarantine for one week, and then pass a final test.

There is currently a territory-wide curfew from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. during which only essential services are allowed to operate. Some businesses are requiring proof of vaccination upon entry.

• The CDC currently classifies the British Virgin Islands at Level Four: A Very High Level of COVID.
• For the country’s latest COVID numbers, reference the World Health Organization.
• For a detailed overview of the British Virgin Islands and its COVID testing processes, travel restrictions, and more, visit the U.S. Embassy in the British Virgin Islands.

Updated February 11.

Caribbean Netherlands (Bonaire, St. Eustatius, And Saba)

All three islands that make up the Caribbean Netherlands are open to U.S. travelers. Exact entry requirements depend on the island; you can find Bonaire’s here, St. Eustatius’s here, and Saba’s here.

• The CDC currently classifies Bonaire at Level Four: A Very High Level of COVID; St. Eustatius at Level 3: A High Level of COVID; and Saba at Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions.
• For the countries’ latest COVID numbers, reference the World Health Organization.
• For a detailed overview of each island and its COVID testing processes, travel restrictions, and more, visit the U.S. Embassy in the Caribbean Netherlands.

Updated April 5.

Cayman Islands

Currently, the Cayman Islands are open to fully vaccinated U.S. visitors; unvaccinated travelers must quarantine for 10 days. Prior to arrival, travelers must apply for travel approval, upload medical insurance, and submit proof of a negative PCR test taken 24 hours before arrival. More detailed rules are outlined on Cayman’s COVID-19 website.

Beaches and other tourist attractions are open and welcoming visitors. There are no curfews or territory-wide mask mandates, but some businesses may implement their own guidelines. 

• The CDC currently classifies the Cayman Islands at Level Four: A Very High Level of COVID.
• For the country’s latest COVID numbers, reference the World Health Organization.
• For a detailed overview of the Cayman Islands and its COVID testing processes, travel restrictions, and more, visit Cayman’s COVID-19 website.

Updated February 11.

Cuba

Cuba is open to vaccinated U.S. visitors. All travelers must present both proof of vaccination and a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival. All travelers must present a sworn statement upon arrival confirming their basic biographic information and vaccination status. Currently, unvaccinated Americans are not permitted to travel to Cuba for non-essential purposes.

Masks are mandated throughout the country in all public spaces.

• The CDC currently classifies Cuba at  Level Four: A High Level of COVID.
• For the country’s latest COVID numbers, reference the World Health Organization.
• For a detailed overview of Cuba’s COVID testing processes, travel restrictions, and more, visit the U.S. Embassy in Cuba.

Updated February 11.

Curaçao

Curaçao is open to U.S. travelers. All visitors must fill out both a digital immigration card and a Passenger Locator Card prior to arrival. Visitors are not required to submit a negative COVID-19 test, but if they test positive during their stay, they will be placed in isolation at their expense.

Masks are required in hospitals, other care facilities, and public and commercial transportation.

• The CDC currently classifies Curaçao at Level Four: A Very High Level of COVID.
• For the country’s latest COVID numbers, reference the World Health Organization.
• For a detailed overview of Curaçao’s COVID testing processes, travel restrictions, and more, visit Curaçao’s COVID-19 page.  

Updated March 29.

Dominica

Americans are permitted to travel to Dominica. Vaccinated travelers must present proof of vaccination to their travel carrier before embarking for Dominica and to officials upon arrival; unvaccinated travelers must present a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior or a negative rapid antigen test taken no more than 48 hours prior. The rapid antigen tests need to have been taken at a certified facility; at-home tests are not accepted.

Beaches and other tourist attractions are open and welcoming visitors. Masks are mandated in all public locations. Bars have resumed normal operations, and night clubs are open with capacity restrictions.

• The CDC currently classifies Dominica at Level Four: A Very High Level of COVID.
• For the country’s latest COVID numbers, reference the World Health Organization.
• For a detailed overview of Dominica’s COVID testing processes, travel restrictions, and more, visit the U.S. Embassy in Dominica.

Updated April 5.

Dominican Republic

U.S. travelers are free to travel to the Dominican Republic. All travelers must fill out an E-Ticket form prior to arrival. Most travelers, including those from the U.S., do not need to present a negative test upon arrival. Instead, airports and other entry points will conduct randomized screenings and test a percentage of passengers upon arrival. If a traveler can submit proof that they have been fully vaccinated for at least two weeks, they are exempt from these screenings.

As of February 26, 2022, the mask mandate as well as vaccine checks in public areas such as restaurants and hotels have been dropped.

• The CDC currently classifies the Dominican Republic at Level Four: A Very High Level of COVID.
• For the country’s latest COVID numbers, reference the World Health Organization.
• For a detailed overview of the Dominican Republic’s COVID testing processes, travel restrictions, and more, visit the U.S. Embassy in the Dominican Republic. 

Updated February 28.

Grenada

Grenada is open to all travelers, regardless of vaccination status. Visitors do not need to make a health declaration, provide a negative COVID-19 test, or quarantine upon arrival.

Beaches and other tourist attractions are open and welcoming visitors. There are no curfews or territory-wide mask mandates, but some businesses may implement their own guidelines. 

• The CDC currently classifies Grenada at Level Three: A High Level of COVID.
• For the country’s latest COVID numbers, reference the World Health Organization.
• For a detailed overview of Grenada’s COVID testing processes, travel restrictions, and more, visit the U.S. Embassy in Grenada.

Updated April 5.

Guadeloupe

Guadeloupe is currently open to U.S. visitors. All visitors must be fully vaccinated and must present a negative PCR test result taken 72 hours prior to arrival or an antigen test result taken 48 hours before arrival. Unvaccinated Americans cannot travel to Guadeloupe without an approved compelling reason. All travelers must present a sworn statement upon arrival stating that they have no symptoms and have not been in contact with a COVID case in the past two weeks.

There is currently a curfew throughout the region from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. during which only essential services are allowed to operate. While Guadeloupe is open to tourists, travel is limited within the region, and many surrounding islands are currently essential-travel only.

• The CDC currently classifies Guadeloupe at Level Four: A Very High Level of COVID.
• For the country’s latest COVID numbers, reference the World Health Organization.
• For a detailed overview of Guadeloupe’s COVID testing processes, travel restrictions, and more, visit the U.S. Embassy in Guadeloupe.

Updated February 11.

Haiti

Haiti is open to all U.S. travelers, regardless of vaccination status. The only required document upon entry is a negative test taken no more than 72 hours earlier. Passengers will be asked to fill out a health declaration form while on the flight and submit it to immigration officials upon arrival.

Beaches and other tourist attractions are open and welcoming visitors. Masks remain mandatory in all public indoor spaces.

• The CDC currently classifies Haiti at Level Four: A Very High Level of COVID.
• For the country’s latest COVID numbers, reference the World Health Organization.
• For a detailed overview of Haiti’s COVID testing processes, travel restrictions, and more, visit the U.S. Embassy in Haiti.

Updated February 11.

Jamaica

Jamaica is open to U.S. visitors, regardless of vaccination status. Visitors returning to the United States must present a negative COVID-19 test taken within one day prior to their return flight.

• The CDC currently classifies Jamaica at Level One: Low Level of COVID.
• For the country’s latest COVID numbers, reference the World Health Organization.
• For a detailed overview of Jamaica’s COVID testing processes, travel restrictions, and more, visit the U.S. Embassy in Jamaica.

Updated April 16.

Martinique 

U.S. residents are permitted to travel to Martinique, but only if they have received the second dose of a two-dose COVID vaccine at least two weeks prior. If they have received a one-dose COVID vaccine, it needs to have been administered at least four weeks prior. All travelers over 11 must provide a negative test from no more than 72 hours before arrival, as well as their proof of vaccination. Unvaccinated Americans cannot travel to Martinique without an essential purpose. Travelers must present a sworn statement upon arrival stating that they have no symptoms and have not been in contact with a COVID case in the past two weeks.

There is currently a nationwide curfew from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. during which only essential services are allowed to operate. Masks are mandated for anyone 11 or older in all public spaces. Gatherings of more than six people are prohibited, and all beaches and parks are closed off to the public.

• The CDC currently classifies Martinique at Level Four: A Very High Level of COVID.
• For the country’s latest COVID numbers, reference the World Health Organization.
• For a detailed overview of Martinique’s COVID testing processes, travel restrictions, and more, visit the U.S. Embassy in Martinique.

Updated February 11.

Montserrat

Montserrat is open to U.S. travelers. Passengers must fill out an Access Declaration Form at least 72 hours before arrival. Upon arrival, travelers must present this form, as well as proof of vaccination and a recent negative test. They will then be asked to quarantine for five days. Currently, non-essential travel is open to only vaccinated Americans. 

Beaches and other tourist attractions are open and welcoming visitors. There are no curfews or territory-wide mask mandates, but some businesses may implement their own guidelines. 

• The CDC currently classifies Montserrat at Level Three: A High Level of COVID.
• For the country’s latest COVID numbers, reference the World Health Organization.
• For a detailed overview of Montserrat’s COVID testing processes, travel restrictions, and more, visit the U.S. Embassy in Montserrat.

Updated February 11.

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is open to all fellow U.S. travelers. Domestic visitors — so those from U.S. states and territories — do not need to provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test. Those who test positive on the island are required to quarantine at their own expense.

Restaurants, beaches, and other businesses are all open and welcoming visitors. Masks are not mandatory on the island, but individual businesses may still require them.

• The CDC currently classifies Puerto Rico at Level Four: A Very High Level of COVID.
• For the country’s latest COVID numbers, reference the World Health Organization.
• For a detailed overview of Puerto Rico’s COVID testing processes, travel restrictions, and more, visit the Puerto Rico tourism website.

Updated March 29.

Saint Barthélemy

U.S. residents are permitted to travel to St. Barts, but only if they have received the second dose of a two-dose COVID vaccine two weeks prior, or a one-dose vaccine four weeks prior. All travelers must provide a negative test from no more than 72 hours of arrival, as well as proof of vaccination. All travelers must present a sworn statement upon arrival stating that they have no symptoms and have not been in contact with a COVID case in the past two weeks.

Masks are mandatory in all indoor, public places.

• The CDC currently classifies Saint Barthélemy at Level Four: A Very High Level of COVID.
• For the country’s latest COVID numbers, reference the World Health Organization.
• For a detailed overview of Saint Barthélemy’s COVID testing processes, travel restrictions, and more, visit the U.S. Embassy in Saint Barthélemy.

Updated February 11.

Saint Kitts And Nevis

Americans are permitted to travel to St. Kitts and Nevis if they have received the final dose of a COVID vaccine at least two weeks prior. In order to enter, travelers must first complete the entry form, upload their proof of vaccination, and provide a negative RT PCR test from no more than 72 hours before arrival.

Upon arrival, vaccinated travelers will be asked to quarantine for 24 hours at their “travel approved” condo, hotel, resort, or villa. Within that time, they must pass another RT PCR test. After this negative test, travelers are free to enjoy the country.

There is currently a nationwide curfew from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m., during which only essential services are allowed to operate. Beach picnics, parties, and gatherings are currently not allowed. Beaches are for swimming or exercise only according to the U.S. Embassy in Saint Kitts and Nevis.

• The CDC currently classifies Saint Kitts and Nevis at Level Four: A Very High Level of COVID.
• For the country’s latest COVID numbers, reference the World Health Organization.
• For a detailed overview of Saint Kitts and Nevis and its COVID testing processes, travel restrictions, and more, visit the U.S. Embassy in Saint Kitts and Nevis.

Updated February 11.

Saint Lucia

U.S. travelers are permitted to enter St. Lucia. All travelers must complete a Health Screening Form prior to arrival. Fully vaccinated visitors over the age of 5 must submit a negative rapid test taken 1 day prior to arrival or a negative RT-PCR test taken no more than 5 days prior to arrival. Unvaccinated visitors over 5 can only submit a negative RT-PCR test taken no more than 5 days prior.

Unvaccinated travelers will be transferred by a certified vehicle to an approved COVID-19 accommodation and remain on the property for 7 days. Vaccinated travelers will enjoy “expanded” access to the island.

Since March 16, mask-wearing on the island has been optional.

• The CDC currently classifies Saint Lucia at Level Four: A Very High Level of COVID.
• For the country’s latest COVID numbers, reference the World Health Organization.
• For a detailed overview of Saint Lucia’s COVID testing processes, travel restrictions, and more, visit the U.S. Embassy in Saint Lucia.

Updated March 30.

Saint Martin

Tourism to St. Martin is open to U.S. travelers. All visitors must complete a health pre-authorization application prior to arrival. Upon arrival, travelers should provide both proof of vaccination and a recent negative test. Unvaccinated Americans must quarantine for seven days upon arrival, and then undergo a second test at the end of quarantine.

There is currently a curfew throughout the region from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. during which only essential services are allowed to operate. Restaurants, beaches, and other businesses are all open and welcoming visitors. Masks are required at all public spaces.

• The CDC currently classifies Saint Martin at Level Four: A Very High Level of COVID.
• For the country’s latest COVID numbers, reference the World Health Organization.
• For a detailed overview of Saint Martin’s COVID testing processes, travel restrictions, and more, visit the U.S. Embassy in Saint Martin. 

Updated February 11.

Saint Vincent And The Grenadines

American tourists are free to travel to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. All travelers will need to complete a Pre-Arrival Form prior to travel, provide a negative test from no more than 72 hours earlier, and show proof of a fully paid reservation. Unvaccinated Americans will then have to quarantine for 10 days, as well as complete additional tests. Vaccinated travelers can present their proof of vaccination to opt out of quarantine. All travelers must present a sworn statement upon arrival stating that they have no symptoms and have not been in contact with a COVID case in the past two weeks.

Restaurants, beaches, and other businesses are all open and welcoming visitors. Masks are required at all public spaces.

• The CDC currently classifies Saint Vincent and the Grenadines at Level Four: A Very High Level of COVID.
• For the country’s latest COVID numbers, reference the World Health Organization.
• For a detailed overview of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and its COVID testing processes, travel restrictions, and more, visit th  U.S. Embassy in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.  

Updated February 11.

Sint Maarten

American travelers are permitted to enter Sint Maarten. Beginning March 1, 2022, all travelers who are fully vaccinated, as well as those who have recovered from COVID-19 in the last nine months, are no longer required to show proof of a negative test upon arrival.

Unvaccinated individuals, however, must still provide a negative PCR test taken 48 hours prior to arrival or an antigen test taken 24 hours prior to arrival. All travelers, regardless of vaccination status, must fill out a health pre-authorization form as early as 72 hours before arrival.

Starting Feb. 25, 2022, all nightlife business hours will be extended to 3 a.m. Wearing a mask is still mandatory in all public places.

• The CDC currently classifies Sint Maarten at Level Four: A Very High Level of COVID.
• For the country’s latest COVID numbers, reference the World Health Organization.
• For a detailed overview of Sint Maarten’s COVID testing processes, travel restrictions, and more, visit the U.S. Embassy in Sint Maarten.

Updated February 28.

Trinidad And Tobago

Americans are permitted to travel to Trinidad and Tobago if they have received the final dose of an approved COVID vaccine at least two weeks prior to applying for a travel pass. In order to enter, travelers must first register for said travel pass, upload their proof of vaccination, and provide a negative test from no more than 72 hours before arrival.

Beaches and other tourist attractions are open and welcoming visitors. Masks are mandated in all public spaces, and most businesses operate a limited capacity. 

• The CDC currently classifies Trinidad and Tobago at Level Four: A Very High Level of COVID.
• For the country’s latest COVID numbers, reference the World Health Organization.
• For a detailed overview of Trinidad and Tobago’s COVID testing processes, travel restrictions, and more, visit the U.S. Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago.

Updated February 11.

Turks And Caicos

Turks and Caicos is open to Americans, but only those who have received their final dose at least two weeks before their vacation. Prior to arrival, travelers should fill out an authorization form, which will require basic traveler information, proof of a recent negative test, and evidence of mandatory COVID insurance.

There is currently a nationwide curfew from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m., during which only essential services are allowed to operate. Masks are mandated in all public spaces. All restaurants and bars require either proof of vaccination or a recent negative test in order to enter the premises, according to their tourism board.

• The CDC currently classifies Turks and Caicos at Level Four: A Very High Level of COVID.
• For the country’s latest COVID numbers, reference the World Health Organization.
• For a detailed overview of Turks and Caicos and its COVID testing processes, travel restrictions, and more, visit the U.S. Embassy in Turks and Caicos.

Updated February 11.

U.S. Virgin Islands

The U.S. Virgin Islands are open to all Americans. USVI have dropped the COVID-19 test entry requirement for vaccinated travelers coming from the U.S. mainland. Proof of vaccination status is not required. Prior to arrival, travelers must fill out a USVI Travel Screening Form.

While restaurants, beaches, and tourist attractions are open and welcoming visitors, mask mandates remain in place throughout the country.

• The CDC currently classifies the U.S. Virgin Islands at Level Four: A Very High Level of COVID.
• For the country’s latest COVID numbers, reference the World Health Organization.
• For a detailed overview of the U.S. Virgin Islands and its COVID testing processes, travel restrictions, and more, visit the U.S. Virgin Islands tourism website.

Updated March 23.

Related Reading:

• Traveling To Canada: A Complete Province-By-Province Guide For Visitors
• Traveling To Europe: A Complete Country-By-Country Guide For Visitors