February 2023 – healthyng

Romance

Soak up Bath with these wonderful things to see and do

Classy, cultural Bath in southwest England is famous for its exquisite architecture and Bridgerton backdrops.

While the Roman Baths and Georgian Royal Crescent are must-see sights, there’s also a cool, contemporary city to explore. True, the city can be expensive. But avoiding peak times brings accommodation prices down. Add superb shops, arts and music venues and some surprising outdoor activities, and you have an appealing city break for couples and friends.

Tour Bridgerton filming locations

When it premiered in late 2020, Bridgerton quickly became Netflix’s biggest-ever series. A record 82 million households watched in the first month. Set in Regency London, the show was filmed extensively in Bath and city buildings are clearly identifiable behind the action.

The Visit Bath website lists the locations so you can do a self-guided tour taking in Lady Danbury’s mansion, the home of the Featheringtons and the Assembly Rooms, the settings for those lavish balls. Or book a tour with BritMovie Tours for an anecdote-filled, two-hour guided promenade around Bath’s Bridgerton locations – spiced with scandal, naturally.

Soak like a Roman in a rooftop pool

Bath was born of geothermal springs which flow from the earth at a toasty 46°C (114ºF). Those arch lovers of luxury, the Romans, spotted their potential and built a state of the art bathhouse. Almost two centuries later, the Thermae Bath Spa means you too can blissfully float in mineral-rich waters.

The complex has massage jets, whirlpools, an ice chamber and steam rooms. But the big draw is the open-air, rooftop pool. Schedule an evening session, and you could be soaking under the stars with views of illuminated rooftops as the steam rises all around.

People soaking in the waters at Thermae Bath Spa — Blissfully float in the mineral-rich waters at Thermae Bath Spa © Matt Cardy / Thermae Bath Spa

Experience the Roman Baths

Although the Roman Baths are undeniably a tourist attraction, they’re also the key to unlocking both Bath’s historic narrative and the city you see today. The Romans built the sumptuous bathing complex in 70AD and today the cluster of atmospheric pools, courtyards and exhibits are brought vividly to life by projections, soundscapes and CGI displays.

The baths are beside a temple to the healing goddess Sulis-Minerva. It’s this connection between the geothermal waters and health that has helped the city flourish and has funded grand building projects – from the Roman era to the spa town and tourist hotspot it is today.

Book tickets online and aim for a slot first thing in the morning. Or check the baths’ What’s On page for special events like T’ai Chi on the Terrace overlooking the Great Bath.

Delight in the Royal Crescent

An exquisite semicircle of grand honey-colored homes, Bath’s Royal Crescent is another of the city’s can’t-miss sights. The terrace of 30 houses sweeps for 150 meters around a manicured lawn and was built between 1767 and 1775.

This gorgeous place inevitably featured as a backdrop in Bridgerton. One of the houses, the museum No 1 Royal Crescent, appeared as the Featheringtons’ home. Book a visit to see lavish Georgian furnishings, and the pots and pans of the servants’ quarters. After a June 2021 reopening, the story of the house and its residents has been brought to life by new digital projections and soundscapes.

a wide shot of the Royal Crescent — Royal Crescent is a great photo opportunity and you can’t miss the museum too ©travellight/Shutterstock

Discover the Circus & the Georgian Gardens

After visiting the Royal Crescent, one of Bath’s big draws, many visitors take in the Circus en route from the city center as a bit of a sideshow. This means they miss an intriguing insight into the city’s past. A ring of 33 graceful townhouses split into three semicircular terraces, the Circus features stonework with beautiful emblems and symbols.

A short stroll away, down Gay St and back along Royal Ave, sits one of Bath’s unsung sights. The Georgian Garden is set behind No 4 The Circus. The compact space has been restored to resemble a typical town garden dating from around 1760. Complete with authentic plants and a copy of an elegant 18th-century garden seat, the space provides a rare glimpse into life behind Bath’s grand Georgian facades.

Book a Reading Spa

Novelist Jane Austen lived in Bath in the early 1800s. Mary Shelley wrote much of Frankenstein while in the city. So what better to do in a geothermal town awash with literary links than indulge in a Reading Spa? Run by the beautiful bookshop Mr B’s Emporium, these one-off experiences allow you to sit down with a bibliotherapist over coffee and cake to discuss what you love to read. They then scour the shelves for armfuls of books to suit your tastes. All you have to do is decide which to take home.

Unfortunately, there’s a big backlog for in-person sessions. Mr B’s bespoke reading subscriptions – where a dedicated bookseller selects a book for you each month – are a good alternative while you wait.

Clamber up Bath Abbey’s tower

Bath’s famously fabulous architecture has visitors tracing trails from the Roman Baths to the Georgian Royal Crescent. But the best way to see these exquisite buildings initially is to actually look down on them from the roof of Bath Abbey.

During the medieval abbey’s Tower Tours, you’ll climb 212 steps, navigate a stone spiral staircase, weave past bell ropes and emerge onto the roof for panoramic views. From here, the city’s architecture and street plan appears like a giant animated map.

A view from Bath Abbey's rooftop — The best way to take in some of the city’s architecture is from the Bath Abbey’s roof © Nigel Jarvis / Shutterstock

Go to a great grassroots gig

Touring all that gorgeous architecture can leave you gasping for a pint. Handily Bath is blessed with some brilliant, beautiful pubs, including locals’ favorite, the Bell Inn. This ethical, lively, live-music pub is owned by the customers – around 500 of them bought it in 2013.

The inn is a living-wage employer and is part of the Musicians’ Union Fair Play Venue Scheme, which helps performers get a fair deal. The Bell is also home to seven real ales, bar billiards, a real fire and live music sessions three times a week spanning jazz, blues, Cajun and folk.

Cycle through a musical, mile-long tunnel

In a city of splendid sights, the idea of cycling through a tunnel might seem odd. But Bath’s Two Tunnels Greenway is a unique cycling experience. It runs from East Twerton, east of the city center, to Midford, 3.8 miles to the south.

After views of the Royal Crescent, riders enter the Combe Down Tunnel. At 1672 meters – or a little over a mile – this subterranean stretch is the longest traffic-free cycling tunnel in Europe. It’s also packed with interactive sound and light installations. Your movement through Passage, an installation by United Visual Artists and the composer Mira Calix, triggers audio-visual displays set in 20 separate alcoves. It’s an unforgettable ride.

Hire a row boat

If visitors stray from Bath’s streets, they probably hop on a boat trip from Pulteney Bridge. But a more atmospheric way to explore is by walking a mile north east of the city center to hire your own craft from the Bath Boating Station.

This Victorian boathouse hires out vintage wooden rowing boats, Canadian canoes and punts. You then get to propel yourself along some 2 miles of river, looking out for birds like kingfishers, herons and moorhens en route to the Bathampton Mill pub.

Make your own bauble

Bath Aqua Glass specializes in making aquamarine artworks using techniques that haven’t changed much since Roman times – many of the pieces echo styles of the era. Most visitors spot the shop near Bath Abbey. But if you walk 10 minutes north to the outlet on Walcot St, you can watch the artisan glassblowers at work.

The doors to the workshop are often open to disperse the heat. But if you visit on Friday or Saturday you can head inside for a closer look. Or you can book activities including choosing the colors for a personalized bauble, crafting your own glass artworks, or hiring a glassblower for the day.

Enjoy superb shopping

Bath’s shops are some of the best in the west. High-quality independent stores line the narrow lanes just north of Bath Abbey, Milsom St is good for upmarket fashion, while the SouthGate shopping center has all the high street brands.

Bookworms love Mr B’s Emporium and Topping & Co – the latter has rolling library ladders and free pots of coffee. Walcot St, the city’s self-styled Artisan Quarter, has the Bath Aqua Glass outlet, the workshop and store of renowned weaver Katherine Fraser, and the fabulously pungent Fine Cheese Co shop and cafe.

Suspended umbrellas outside stores at SouthGate shopping center — The shops in Bath, like SouthGate shopping center, are among the best © Getty Images

See a film in an art deco cinema

In a city rich in history, it’s fitting that one of its independent movie spaces is historic too. The Little Theatre Cinema was built by community theater pioneers in 1935, primarily to screen newsreels and documentaries.

Since then it has added a second screen, and it now focuses on art house films and foreign language flicks. It also holds special autism-, toddler-, child- and dementia-friendly screenings, and it still has an art deco feel.

You might also like:
Best things to do with kids in England
How to get around in England
The 11 best beaches in the UK

Wildlife and Nature

Both of Montana’s national parks are true treasures. Here’s how to get the most out of them

When it comes to natural beauty in the USA, Montana sets the gold standard.

The Treasure State’s rugged mountains, endless forests and rich wildlife remain largely pristine thanks to wilderness preservation programs, low population density and the state’s sheer size, which allows outdoorsy types to enjoy all that Montana has to offer. Given Montana’s unparalleled natural attractions, it’s no surprise that the first national park in the United States was established here.

While it’s true that Yellowstone National Park is shared with neighboring Wyoming and Idaho, Montana is the primary gateway to this slice of America’s natural history, with thermal features and wild animals you’ll find nowhere else in the country (or the world). While Yellowstone showcases the wild landscapes as they’ve always been, Glacier National Park – entirely within Montana, even if its geologic features extend into Canada – offers some of the state’s best hikes, with endless trails, towering cliffs and sparkling lakes galore to explore.

Read on to learn why both of Montana’s iconic national parks should be part of any itinerary to the Rocky Mountains and the American West.

Glacier National Park

Montana’s best national park for hiking

In Glacier National Park, towering mountain peaks overlook crystal blue lakes surrounded by dense pine forest, all home to the largest concentration of grizzly bears in the world.

While hiking trails are the star attractions here, there is a lot to see even for non-hikers. A kayak ride across Lake McDonald immerses you in the scenery, and photographing the multicolored river stones beneath the shockingly clear (and cold) water provides a closer-in view. Driving Going-to-the-Sun Rd, an east-west drive transecting the park, is so in demand that it can lead to traffic jams during busier times (generally July and August).

If you want to hike, you’ll be spoiled for choice: more than 700 miles of trails are accessible, most leading to stunning views you’ll find nowhere else in the country. The most popular routes include the hike to Avalanche Lake, a relatively flat and easy trek. A 10-mile out-and-back with 2000ft of elevation gain, the Grinnell Glacier hike leads to a stunning glacier and its lake on the eastern side of the park. Along the way, you’ll enjoy expansive views of the park’s characteristic cliffs and the green valleys below them. Reachable from the parking lot at Logan Pass, the Highline Trail is another must, as is the Hidden Lake Trail.

People leaving into water at Glacier National Park Montana NPS — After a long day of hiking, consider a dip in a pristine (and rather cold) alpine lake. Jacob Frank / NPS

Visiting Glacier National Park

Visiting Glacier National Park requires serious advance planning. Its roads, hotels and trails are all seasonal, and the park’s popularity has skyrocketed in recent years as the frenzy for road trips and #VanLife has swept the country.

Glacier National Park has seven entrances in total, three of which connect to Going-to-the-Sun Rd. The most used entrances are at West Glacier on the western side of the park and the east entrance at St Mary. Both of these are open year-round but may have closures due to snow; the east entrance, on tribal land, is sometimes closed by decree of the Blackfeet Nation.

Several hotel options lie within the park’s boundaries, including the historic Many Glacier Hotel and Lake McDonald Lodge. There are plenty of campgrounds, too, some of which take reservations, others being first come, first served. You can also apply for a backcountry permit if wilderness camping is your thing.

A jeep with kayaks on its roof drives along Going-to-the-Sun Rd, Glacier National Park, Montana, USA — The drive along Going-to-the-Sun Rd is an essential experience in Glacier National Park. Just be sure to reserve well in advance. YinYang / Getty Images

Outside the park, several gateway towns with hotels and campgrounds cluster by the park’s west side. West Glacier is the closest town to the park’s border, with West Glacier Village offering cozy cabins and an RV park that are perfect starting points for a Glacier adventure. Thirty miles west is the ski resort town of Whitefish, south of which is Kalispell, a (relatively) larger city that hosts Glacier Park International Airport (FCA). On the east side, the Tiny Homes at St Mary Village offer a unique option for accommodations.

As with Yellowstone, booking far in advance is recommended for trips from June to September. Under The Big Sky Festival takes place in Whitefish in mid-July, causing serious competition for even the least desirable campsites.

Entering Glacier in a standard vehicle costs $35 (except on fee-free days), unless you have the $80 annual National Park Pass or are a military veteran or 4th grader with the respective annual pass. In 2021, a $2-per-vehicle ticket was implemented to access Going-to-the-Sun Rd between 6am and 5pm during the summer months. Getting the permit was competitive and not always guaranteed, and while it’s possible to see parts of the park while avoiding GTTSR, it’s not easy or recommended.

Yellowstone National Park

Montana’s best national park for natural history

It’s easy to see how Yellowstone National Park helped lead officials in the expanding United States to conserve huge swathes of the American wilderness. In 1872, at a time when westward expansion was on a tear, it was Yellowstone’s iconic, unique and now world-famous features that inspired forward-thinking planners to designate this treasure as a federally protected area.

Today, the park is not just one of the best places to visit in Montana – it regularly tops the list of attractions across the 50 states. Visitors today are captivated by the same sights that amazed in the 1800s, in particular dazzling hydrothermal features and unparalleled wildlife.

The 3471-sq-mile park is packed with bubbling hot pots and more than 500 bursting geysers; the best known is Old Faithful, a relatively predictable spewer. Scattered among the waterworks are herds and packs of some of America’s most recognizable animals, including bison, gray wolves, grizzly bears, elk and bald eagles. All-but-guaranteed sightings of such abundant wildlife is a main reason more than 4 million visitors come here annually, predominantly during the summer.

The Grand Prismatic Spring viewed from above, Yellowstone National Park, USA — The best view of the Grand Prismatic Spring is from above, along the Fairy Falls Trail. kwiktor / Getty Images

Yellowstone’s most memorable attractions begin outside the park in Gardiner, the gateway to the park’s north entrance and the site of the famous Roosevelt Arch. (A line of cars winding beneath the gate is standard any time of day in the summer, so getting a photo isn’t too hard.) Just inside the west entrance is the town of Mammoth, including the spires of Mammoth Hot Springs, another popular photo spot. Elk frequently wander around Mammoth – but be sure not to approach, feed or touch them. Also, take care never to walk between a bull and any of his cows, as he’ll take that as an act of aggression.

Other popular attractions include the multicolored Grand Prismatic Spring, the largest hot spring in the United States. (Note that the best view of its otherworldly orange-blue colors is not from the boardwalk winding through the spring, but from a nearby elevated platform along the Fairy Falls Trail.) Yellowstone Canyon (also called the “Grand Canyon of Yellowstone”) is another photo op most visitors won’t want to miss. Park at Artist Point to view the canyon and Lower Falls in all their glory.

In addition to geological features, the park is also known for Old Faithful Inn, a historic wood-and-stone landmark next to the geyser of the same name. It’s a great place to stop for lunch or just poke in to admire the antique architecture (if you want to spend the night, count on reserving 12 to 24 months in advance). Hayden and Lamar Valleys are the most reliable spots to find Yellowstone’s wildlife, particularly the predator species. Bison are fairly difficult to miss anywhere in the park.

Wild gray wolf (Canis lupis) trotting through winter snow in Yellowstone National Park, Montana, USA — Visiting Yellowstone in winter can be a challenge – but brings a higher likelihood of spotting predators like the gray wolf. KenCanning / Getty Images

Visiting Yellowstone National Park

As at Glacier, taking a trip to Yellowstone will require some planning, especially during July and August when it’s busiest. Old Faithful Inn and Roosevelt Lodge offer in-park accommodation, and there are also 12 campgrounds with over 500 sites within the park. The gateway towns of Gardiner at the north entrance and West Yellowstone at the west entrance offer abundant accommodations just outside the park’s borders; Bozeman, with the nearest airport, is equidistant from both entrances. Livingston, Big Sky and Paradise Valley also offer accommodations with relatively close access to the park. In every case, booking ahead will be essential during the high season.

In winter, only the road from the north entrance in Gardiner to Cooke City stays open. Some accommodations may be closed during this time, but there are enough available rooms to sustain the minimal crowds. This is the best time to see wolves and other wildlife that have congregated in the Lamar Valley for the winter. Cooke City is also a very common spot to find snowmobilers, though winter travelers are unlikely to encounter them within the vast park. In any case, come prepared for freezing temperatures and suboptimal driving conditions.

Entering Yellowstone is not free (except on fee-free days): each standard vehicle must pay $35 at the gate – which we highly recommend so you can explore the park on your own schedule. Alternatively, consider a National Park Pass for $80, which provides a year’s access to every national park in the country. Military personnel (including veterans) and 4th graders may acquire annual passes for free. Once in the park, no site is fee-restricted.

Beaches

How St Lucia’s body-positive culture changed my relationship with mine

St Lucia’s body-positive environment was a confidence boost for Stephanie Yeboah, who now recommends the Caribbean island to fellow plus-size travelers.

Growing up in a plus-size body doesn’t come without its negatives. From the polarizing treatment I would get from strangers to lack of access to basic facilities, everywhere I turned I would be made aware that my size was an issue to others.

This caused me to develop a self-hatred of my body that manifested itself in a variety of ways – including avoiding travel or being seen in public.

When I’d open up travel brochures or see vacations advertised on TV, I would be met with images of models with smaller, super-toned bodies living their best lives on holiday.

I convinced myself that travel and beach vacations were not for individuals with bodies like mine and that I was too fat to enjoy myself abroad.

It sounds silly to recall these moments, but at the time, the lack of body diversity in the marketing of travel made me think that you could only visit these beach destinations if you had a body type that fit society’s standard of beauty.

Traveling solo as a confidence booster

Throughout my early twenties, I embarked on a self-love journey of sorts. I was maturing, and needed to shake off trauma as well as unlearn the toxic narratives surrounding body size that I had internalized while growing up. This was essential to live my best life.

Part of doing so included taking the leap and traveling solo to boost my confidence. I started traveling in 2016, and while I had an amazing time, I stuck to cities and rural spots – in other words, places that didn’t require me to wear bikinis, shorts, skirts or spaghetti-strap tops.

Even though I could slowly feel my confidence rising, I wasn’t at the point where I felt comfortable in my body.

Then, in 2019, everything changed for me. I was invited to visit St Lucia for a few days in honor of Black History Month. While I was filled with excitement, a part of me was also filled with dread.

Stephanie in St Lucia: “I was greeted with bodies that looked just like mine”

Visiting a Caribbean island could only mean one thing: hot weather and beaches. The thought of having to wear pieces that would keep me cool gave me feelings of anxiety. I had come so far in my self-love journey; but was I ready to go all out and wear a swimsuit?

All of my old insecurities resurged with a vengeance: What would people say if I did? Would I need to work out before going? Should I have a ‘bikini body’? Would it be acceptable for me to wear leggings on the beach?

I decided to go out on a whim and buy three string bikinis, just for a laugh. My intention was never to wear them publicly, but to just see what I looked like in them.

The most body-positive of places

Fast forward a few weeks later and I arrived in St Lucia. It’s no hyperbole for me to say that it is one of the most beautiful places on Earth. And what makes the island beautiful isn’t just the agriculture, the Piton mountains or the beaches, but the people.

From the moment my plane touched down until my flight off the island, I was greeted with bodies that looked like mine: Plus-sized bodies of St Lucian women wearing beautiful wrap skirts, tiny shorts and crop tops, just going about their daily lives.

No one stared at them or questioned them for daring to wear such clothing. They were treated as normal human beings. And in that moment, I’d never before felt so seen.

When I arrived at my hotel, I removed the tags on my new black-and-red bikini and popped it on with a cover-up, and headed for Rodney Bay beach. A friend said I should have my photo taken, so I decided to let go of my inhibitions, take off my cover-up and pose in my size-24 bikini.

The rush of adrenaline that came with doing that was simply addictive. I was met with compliments and cheers, with people telling me I should be a model. I wasn’t used to my body being seen in such a positive way, and the effect it had on my self-esteem was momentous.

Stephanie lets go of her inhibitions and strikes a pose.

Beauty in all shapes and sizes

Locals I met told me about the St Lucian standard of beauty and how it generally celebrates curvier bodies. I discovered for myself how bigger bodies were celebrated on the island, and how St Lucians recognize that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes.

As someone who has grown up in the shadows of the Westernized standards of beauty and its favoritism toward slim bodies, hearing this alternative take was music to my ears.

I spent the rest of the trip sunbathing in my bikinis and walking proudly in sundresses. I began to develop a newfound sense of confidence. I felt attractive. I felt comfortable. And for the first time, I felt like I deserved to enjoy myself unapologetically.

I have returned to the island again, and the second time was even better than the last. I will always credit the beautiful island as being the place where I got my body-image groove back.

Romance

What every traveler should know about hidden resort fees

Travel is supposed to be filled with good surprises — unexpected new tastes, sights, and sounds that delight and inspire us.

But there’s one particular kind of surprise on the rise across the United States that no traveler wants: unexpected ‘resort fees’ at hotels that can range from $25 to $100 or more (£20.29 to £81.15; €22.76 to €91.05). Unfortunately, the nasty surprise often occurs at the check-in counter or, even worse, at the end of a stay when a final bill is presented.

The good news is, awareness of the unpopular resort fee is on the rise. Online booking companies are letting hotel chains know that hidden fees such as the resort fee are potentially deceptive and harmful to travelers. Attorneys General of Nebraska and the District of Columbia filed suit against major hotel chains for advertising room rates that do factor in the resort fee. There are also several steps every traveler can take to minimize, if not always eliminate, the sting of the fee.

A blue-green hotel resort pool with a few palm trees near the ocean — Hotels may charge resort fees for access to the swimming pool © AleksandarGeorgiev / Getty

What is a resort fee?

The semi-official definition of a resort fee (sometimes referred to as a ‘destination fee’ or an ‘urban fee’) is an additional charge for amenities that, at least in theory, go above and beyond the basic hotel experience. Under that definition, you might presume that a resort fee would apply to you only if you planned to, say, avail yourself of a property’s golf course, boating equipment, extensive concierge services, airport shuttle, and other ‘extras.’ But, in practice, many hotels claim that the fee goes toward an extensive list of amenities that most travelers might assume are already included in the nightly room rate: access to a swimming pool and pool towels, wi-fi, daily newspaper, local telephone calls, access to a fitness center, access to a business center and fax machine, self-parking, lobby snacks such as cookies or afternoon appetizers, and even access to the beach at some seaside properties.

The most frustrating thing for anyone presented with a resort fee at check-in or check-out is that the fee is often not made clear to travelers when they book a hotel room, including on major booking sites, hotel-chain sites, independent hotel sites, and over-the-phone booking. It’s entirely possible for a traveler to book a room at a rate of, say, $150/night (£121.73; €136.58), and presume that, with the addition of local sales taxes and possible tourism taxes, their stay could set them back in the neighborhood of $175 (£142.02; €159.34). But when that traveler arrives at the check-in counter and asks what her estimated bill will look like, she finds that it’s well over $200 (£162.31; €182.10). Worse, if that traveler doesn’t bother to ask at check-in, she’ll discover the resort fee at check-out (and, in cases of automated check-out, a traveler may not even notice the fee until she arrives home).

Does your hotel charge a resort fee?

How to protect oneself from the nasty surprise of an unexpected resort fee? Know before you go: There are a number of ways travelers can educate themselves in advance of booking a room.

Start with ResortFeeChecker.com, which can give you an idea of that hotels are known for charging resort fees, and give you a sense of what you might expect to pay. Then take a close look at a property’s (or chain’s) website: information about resort fees is often posted, but not obvious. A hotel chain may, for instance, post a notice that mentions there will be a resort fee (or ‘resort charge’), but not specify the amount of the fee.

Perhaps the most reliable method is rather old-fashioned: instead of booking online, call a property directly and talk through exactly what your room rate will include — basic rate, taxes, and any fees you’ll be responsible for. (Speaking directly with an actual person at the property also gives you the chance to ask for the lowest possible rate, which can, especially when booking at the last minute, nab you one of those good travel surprises, an unexpected bargain.)

How to talk your way out of a resort fee

While there’s no guarantee that this method will always succeed, a growing number of travelers have managed to avoid paying a resort fee by arguing — ideally in advance of check-in, but sometimes at check-in or even at check-out—that they are seeking only a basic hotel stay, they do not plan to avail themselves of such amenities as a pool fitness center, business center, etc, and would like the resort fee to be waived.

If you plan to go this route, be prepared for pushback: you’ll likely have to talk to an actual person (as opposed to emailing or using an online form), so it will pay to be polite, and be prepared to ask to speak to that person’s manager. You should also be prepared to be told emphatically ‘no’ no matter how polite or logical your argument may seem. If you can’t afford the resort fee, don’t assume that you can successfully talk your way out of it.

In some cases, travelers have successfully disputed a resort fee with their credit card company, or by taking a hotel to small-claims court. Those seeking to attempt such a dispute will find resources at KillResortFees.com, whose founder, Lauren Wolfe, is an attorney who works for the consumer advocacy group Travelers United.

A large pitcher of lemon water on a hotel lobby bar — Some hotels may consider lobby refreshments as part of a resort fee © Greg Bethmann / Getty

How to avoid resort fees altogether

As with many such travel mishaps, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure: it’s possible to avoid resort fees altogether, but it takes some advance work.

Just say no. As mentioned above, use ResortFeeChecker.com and simply avoid any property that has a reputation or record of charging hidden fees. (A more specialized, though admittedly limited, resource dedicated to Las Vegas can be especially helpful for travelers concerned about Sin City’s reputation for resort fees.)

Join hotel rewards programs. In addition to the other benefits of joining the rewards programs of hotel chains you frequent and enjoy, some programs waive resort fees for members who book using reward points. Wyndham, Hilton and Hyatt are especially known for waiving resort fees.

Leverage elite status if you can. The world of elite-status travel is complex, and, of course, tends to involve travelers with deep pockets. But if you have elite status with the property where you’re planning to stay, use it to ask for a waiver of any resort fees.

Aerial view of Las Vegas strip in Nevada — Vegas has a reputation for resort fees © f11photo / Getty

Book with Airbnb, but…

A typical stay at an Airbnb property will not include a resort fee. But do be aware that if an Airbnb host manages six or more listings, they are allowed to charge resort fees, linen fees, management fees, and community fees.

Adventure Travel

A first-time guide to Arizona

For most, Arizona conjures up images of sweeping painted deserts, towering saguaro cacti, isolated winding highways and endless sunshine. Yet that’s just one piece of this tremendous and remarkably diverse state.

Home to the fifth-largest city in the US, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, three national parks and nearly 21 million acres of National Forest land, Arizona is defined by stark contrasts. One moment you’re wearing a t-shirt walking in a hip city neighborhood, and a couple of hours later, you’re bundled up skiing at 10,000ft. This is a place where spiny cacti meet lush pine forests, where ancient cliff dwellings sit not far from retro neon signs along Route 66, and where Tucson – one of the USA’s two UNESCO Cities of Gastronomy – dishes out some of the best food the country.

With endless ways to get outdoors and new cultural experiences to discover, where do you start? The Arizona you want to experience – whether through dreamy deserts, through vibrant cities, in the high country or on scenic drives – is totally up to you.

Blooming lupines and poppies and tall saguaro cactus in spring at Horseshoe Reservoir in Tonto National Forest, Arizona — In the spring in Arizona, the desert briefly blooms. Eric Mischke/Getty Images

When should I go to Arizona?

This depends on what kind of experience you envision and where you’re headed. In the southern part of the state, which includes Phoenix and Tucson, winter into early spring (December through April) is ideal weather-wise, with daytime temperatures ranging from the high 60°s to low 80°s F (19° to 28°C). The downside? Everyone wants to be in Arizona this time of year, from hiking and golf enthusiasts to sunshine-seeking visitors from colder climates and Spring Training baseball fans. Expect maximum traffic, crowds and rates for services like rental cars and lodging.

Up north, as Arizonans like to say, winter is very different. Towns in the White Mountains sit at elevations well over 8000ft (2438m) and soaring 10,000ft-to-12,000ft (3048m-to-3657m) mountains dot the San Francisco Peaks near Flagstaff – so snow is as abundant as sunshine.

Arizona summers, on the other hand, aren’t for the faint of heart – at least not in the desert. Temperatures regularly surpass 110°F (43°C), and during monsoon season (June through September), the weather alternates between stiflingly dry and suffocatingly humid. Higher-elevation destinations such as Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon are pleasant and drastically cooler, making summer the perfect time to explore northern Arizona.

At an elevation 4350ft (1326m), Sedona falls in the middle, getting a dusting of snow a few times each winter and typically remaining mildly cooler than Phoenix in the summer.

Budget-conscious travelers should consider September or October a bit of a shoulder season, with fewer visitors and warm yet tolerable weather. If you’re okay with spending all your waking hours poolside or indoors, look for incredible staycation deals at upscale resorts June through August. If you’re planning outdoor activities, remember that Arizona is a very dry place, so be sure to bring more water than you think you’ll need – especially in the sweltering summer.

A straight strech of an empty highway leading through the desert at dusk, with the mesas and rock formations silhouetted in the distance, Arizona — A visit of a week or more in Arizona allows you to take your time on a road trip through its epic desert landscapes. Getty Images

How much time should I spend in Arizona?

You can hit the highlights in any one of Arizona’s cities on a weekend trip – the key word being “one.” To do any meaningful exploring – and more importantly, to get a real sense of how astoundingly diverse and big Arizona is – you’ll need at least four to five days, ideally seven to 10.

Basing yourself in Phoenix for a five-day trip, you could take a road trip to Sedona or one of the state’s three national parks, hit some of the Valley’s famous urban hiking trails and eat and drink your way through Scottsdale. With a full week or more, you can venture further afield to Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend near Page, stay overnight in the Grand Canyon, or explore lesser-known but certainly worthwhile gems like Picacho Peak, quirky Bisbee or Kartchner Caverns.

Is it easy to get in and around Arizona?

Phoenix and Tucson both have international airports, with PHX the substantially larger one. While most visitors fly into one of these and then drive to their final destination, there are also smaller regional airports throughout the state. Wherever you land, plan to pick up a rental car right away. While bigger cities and tourist hubs have buses and other public transport options, Arizona is overwhelmingly a driving destination. Service areas are surprisingly lacking even in the biggest metros, and wait times are commonly 30-45 minutes – which feels more like an eternity when it’s 100°F (37°C) out.

Insider tip: in Phoenix, book an off-airport rental, then take the light rail to pick it up. Airport fees inflate the cost of both rental vehicles and rideshares.

Top things to do in Arizona

Adventures in the Grand Canyon State are as diverse as its terrain and climates. In just one weekend, you can hike through the desert, dine in a globally recognized food city, take in views from nearly 12,000ft (3657m) and much more.

A teenager stands on cliff by rocky mountains against a gray sky, Superstition Mountains, Arizona — The easily accessible Superstition Mountains offer trails to suit hikers of all skill levels. Getty Images

Hike through the Superstition Mountains

There are so, so many amazing places to hike throughout Arizona – and the rugged Superstitions have a special allure. Situated in far east Mesa, these mountains are easily accessible from anywhere in Phoenix and under 2 hours from Tucson. Experts can embark on ultra-challenging treks and spend literal days on the trail, while first-timers can take advantage of fantastic short and (mostly) sweet hikes. Check out the Hieroglyphic Trail, Wave Cave Trail or Treasure Loop Trail, all under 3 miles.

Experience an energy vortex in Sedona

One of the things that draws visitors to Sedona in droves is its naturally occurring energy vortexes. Many people believe these bring intense spiritual, transformational and even healing powers – and whether you believe that or not, there’s absolutely no question that Sedona’s vibe has a heightened…something. Find out for yourself at one of the more accessible vortex sites around town: Bell Rock, Boynton Canyon, Cathedral Rock or Airport Mesa.

If it’s hot out, cool off in a swimming hole afterward, or check out the natural water slides at Slide Rock State Park.

An adobe building with a blue, yellow and red door on empty street in Tuscon, Arizona, USA — Tucson’s Barrio Viejo is one of the Arizona’s most historic and stylish urban neighborhoods. Manuela Durson/Shutterstock

Explore one of the state’s oldest neighborhoods in Tucson

In Tucson’s Barrio Viejo, you’ll find art galleries and studios, elaborate murals and dozens of incredible restaurants all tucked into (and in between) colorful adobe buildings from the 1870s and ’80s. If you time it right, you can hit 5 Points Market & Restaurant for breakfast, then sit down to dinner at The Coronet, where the menu constantly changes and the cocktails are always top-notch.

Ride a high-elevation scenic gondola

A quick visit may not be enough time to summit Arizona’s highest mountain, 12,633ft-tall (3850m-tall) Humphreys Peak – but you can still soak in similar views. The scenic gondolas at Arizona Snowbowl in Flagstaff whisk you up to 11,500ft (3505m), from where, on clear days, you can see the Grand Canyon and Sedona. The gondola runs almost year-round, with hiatuses between summer and ski season. In favorable-weather years, Snowbowl also opens a short gondola season for leaf-peeping in October.

On your way up (or back), stop by Mama B’s for a classic burger, fries and shake combo. The no-frills spot, formerly known as Mama Burger, is a local institution and has a fabulous mountain view to boot.

A woman paddles a yellow kayak on the Colorado River by the red-colored cliffs of Horseshoe Bend, Arizona — Exploring Horsehoe Bend on a kayak lets you take in its majesty without the crowds. Shutterstock

My favorite thing to do in Arizona

Horseshoe Bend is by no means a hidden gem – on the contrary, it attracts millions of visitors each year. Yet there’s a way to experience this iconic natural wonder without any of the crowds: by kayaking through it. As people crowd the viewing platforms trying to snap the perfect selfie, you’re 1000ft (305m) below, blissfully paddling the Colorado River, surrounded by impossibly steep canyon walls with no one around except some wild horses.

To check this epic adventure off your own bucket list, book a backhaul service with Kayak the Colorado or Kayak Horseshoe Bend. In both cases, a boat will take you and your kayak upriver, then you’ll paddle (on calm days, it’s really more of a float) back down to Lees Ferry. I’ve done this trip multiple times with both companies and in different seasons – while there’s truly no bad way to go about it, I do recommend staying in Marble Canyon since the area is super-remote, and you’ll need to be at the marina first thing in the morning.

Next to a tall, gnarled pine tree, a woman stands at an rocky ledge overlooking a valley with a pine forest and mountains in the distance, Mogollon Rim, Arizona, USA — Dense pine forests are as typical of Arizona as vast deserts. Christopher Harris/Getty Images

How much money do I need for Arizona?

By and large, Arizona is largely affordable – though as everywhere, you can expect (much) higher prices on everything in bigger cities and big tourist destinations. While Sedona and Scottsdale have well-earned reputations for causing sticker shock, don’t be surprised by disarmingly high price tags in unassuming neighborhoods anywhere. Accommodation has the biggest variance, with options ranging from ultra-budget motel rooms to sprawling five-star resorts.

Basic room for two (major city or tourism hub): $130–300 per night
Basic room for two (smaller town): $60–120 per night
Upscale hotel room (city, low season): $170–400 per night
Upscale hotel room (city, peak season): $350-1000 per night
Daily resort fee (applicable mostly in Tucson, Phoenix and Sedona): $30–55
Airbnb (entire house, city or tourist area): $100–1500 per night
Airbnb (entire house, smaller town): $70–175 per night
Coffee: $4–8
Sandwich: $8–18
Fast-casual dinner for one: $16–25
Average sit-down dinner for two: $60–100
Pint of beer at the bar: $4–10
Cocktail: $12–18
Paletas (traditional Mexican frozen ice pops, usually made with fresh fruit): $3–7

Do I need a passport to cross from Arizona into Mexico?

While you should have a valid passport for any international travel, for US citizens, a passport card is sufficient for land crossing into Mexico from Arizona. With a look similar to a driver’s license, these provide proof of US citizenship (though they’re not valid for international air travel). Citizens with other nationalities should count on using their passports to cross into Mexico.

Watch your step in the Arizona desert

A lot of native venomous critters live in Arizona, particularly in the desert. These include rattlesnakes, scorpions and spiders – and while you should be mindful, there’s no reason to be afraid of them. Like most wildlife, these animals generally don’t want anything to do with humans and only strike or bite as a defense mechanism. When you’re out in nature, pay careful attention to your surroundings and watch your step, especially around bushes and large rocks.

Adventure Travel

10 of the best places to snorkel in the world

You don’t have to be a certified diver to come face-to-face with some of the sea’s most fascinating creatures. In fact, in some destinations, you can simply wade from the sand into the shallows with your mask and snorkel and enjoy some incredible marine life encounters.

From gazing upon colorful cichlids in Malawi to wading out to spy rare aquatic mammals near protected reefs in Egypt, here is our guide to the very best places in the world to snorkel.

A manta ray soars over a coral reef — Lady Elliot Island offers some of the best snorkeling in Australia. Colin Baker/Getty Images

1. Lady Elliot Island, Australia’s Great Barrier Reef

Best for coral and manta rays

The Great Barrier Reef’s southernmost coral cay, Lady Elliot Island offers some of the best snorkeling in Australia and is known for its manta rays, nesting sea turtles, and eco-credentials.

Explore a seabed of coral gardens and abundant marine life, including giant manta rays, barracudas and leopard sharks. The shallow lagoon fringing the eastern side of the island is best for families and beginners, while the coral gardens on the western side have deeper waters ideal for the more seasoned snorkeler.

Sitting in one of the Great Barrier Reef’s “Green Zones,” a “no-take” area where destructive behavior is prohibited, Lady Elliot Island enjoys the highest level of environmental protection. That’s one of the reasons the humpback whales that migrate through these waters between June and October keep returning.

A woman snorkels underwater while a small tour boat moors nearby — Head out from Baía do Sancho, one of Brazil’s most beautiful beaches, to see turtles, rays and reef sharks. Getty Images

2. Fernando de Noronha, Brazil,

Best for warm waters with great visibility

A volcanic archipelago off Brazil’s northeast coast, Fernando de Noronha is a fiercely protected eco-wonderland, favored by naturalists and marine biologists, with a rugged coastline and diverse ecosystems.

It’s renowned for its undeveloped beaches and unparalleled snorkeling. With visibility reaching up to 40m (131ft) in its warm, emerald waters, you can spot sea turtles, rays, lemon and reef sharks. The beach also has the highest concentration of resident spinning dolphins in the world.

At Baía do Sancho, considered by many to be the most beautiful beach in Brazil, the sandy seafloor allows boats to stop without damaging the coral. Other good snorkeling points include Baía dos Porcos, Sueste, Morro de Fora, and Porto, with its accessible shipwrecks teeming with marine life.

A mother and her daughter snorkeling in crystal clear waters near a rocky islet — The rocks around Thumbi Island in Lake Malawi are home to colorful chichlid species. Vincent Boisvert/Getty Images

3. Thumbi, Malawi

Best for colorful fish

The lazy and lovely village of Cape Maclear is one of Malawi’s most laid-back and scenic spots. You may find it hard to prise yourself off the golden sands at the edge of Lake Malawi to do anything, but a boat trip across to the pyramidal wooded island of Thumbi is well worth the effort.

Head over with a local boat captain and ease yourself into the balmy lake waters with your mask and snorkel. A swim around the rocks at Thumbi quickly reveals the cichlid fish for which the lake is famous.

More than 850 cichlid species are supported by this glorious and vast freshwater lake, and while the fish themselves may not offer the wow factor and visual diversity that you get on a coral reef adventure, their colors dazzle. Watching these amber yellow, fuchsia pink, orange, indigo and turquoise creatures dart around you as you dip is a rare delight.

A skin diver with large fins heads down underwater next to small silvery fish who have all grouped together to form one massive ball — Be enchanted by the underwater displays of sardines near Cebu Island in the Philippines. Jao Cuyos/Shutterstock

4. Cebu, the Philippines

Best for snorkeling with sardines

Home to more than 7000 islands, the Philippines boasts bountiful snorkeling sites. The Cebu region in particular is synonymous with marine life and aquatic activities – from swimming with polka-dotted whale sharks to exploring enigmatic wrecks. Nestled in Cebu Island’s western shores, Moalboal is home to an almost year-round sardine run.

Snorkeling this paradisiacal haven is ideal for those seeking underwater adventure at a leisurely pace. There’s no need to get on a boat or strap on a tank to discover Moalboal’s underwater sanctuary. Panagsama Beach’s reef is easily accessible due to the sea’s calm waters and its proximity to the shoreline. Simply wade into the crystal waters from a blindingly white stretch of sand, dip your head under the surface and find yourself among seemingly infinite masses of sparkling sardines.

Forego expectations of scaly fish packed tightly into a tin. Instead, picture glimmering figures swirling in synchronized, undulating formations against a deep-blue backdrop, the sunlight glinting on their silvery scales. It’s a magically mindful experience.

A girl with mask and snorkel swims in shallow clear waters just off a beach — December to March are the top months for snorkeling or diving from Radhanagar Beach on Havelock Island. Shutterstock

5. Radhanagar, Andaman Islands

Best for crystal-clear waters

Clinging to the northwest coast of seductive jungle-wreathed Havelock Island (the most developed of India’s far-flung Andaman Islands), showstopping Radhanagar is undeniably one of Asia’s most exquisite beaches. Gaze out on this glorious white-gold stretch of silken sand washed by turquoise waves and bordered by tangles of near-impenetrable primeval tropical forest.

Havelock tempts travelers with its terrific diving and outstanding local dive schools, but you can also get a taste of the island’s underwater riches with just a leisurely spot of snorkeling off Radhanagar. The glass-clear waters are famous for their dazzling rainbows of fish, and you might even spot a shark, turtle or manta ray. Otherwise, there’s little to do here apart from stroll the beach’s vast expanses and kick back on the sand as the sun sinks into the Andaman Sea – and that, of course, is what it’s all about.

Crocodiles are a serious danger in the Andaman Islands and there have been several fatal attacks on people in recent years. Make sure you’re up to date on the latest safety information, follow any official local warnings and keep out of the water at dusk and dawn.

People head out into the turquoise waters of a large cove with shallow reefs — Book your timed slot in advance to snorkel the shallow waters of Hanauma Bay, Hawaii. Getty Images

6. Hanauma Bay, Hawaii

Best for snorkeling on an ancient coral reef

Nestled in an ancient volcano crater, backed by palm trees and home to a 7000-year-old coral reef, Hanauma Bay is one of the most scenic and popular snorkeling spots in Hawaii.

Don your snorkeling gear and wade right into the calm, shallow waters: hundreds of neon-colored species of fish, corals, eels and sea turtles await not far from the dreamy white-sand beach. Beyond the reef, you can also explore crevices and caves teeming with yet more sea life.

The bay is part of a nature preserve and marine-life conservation area. It’s closed on Mondays and Tuesdays to minimize the impact on the ecosystem, and a maximum of 1400 visitors are allowed on any given day. Visitors must reserve their time slot in advance, pay a fee ($25 + $3 for parking) and watch a 9-minute-long orientation video before heading out into the water.

Rocky outcrops at sea — The marine life in the ocean around Raja Ampat is so diverse that it is considered a biological hot spot. Roy Singh/500px

7. Raja Ampat Islands, Indonesia,

Best for diverse marine life and reefs

Southeast Asia abounds with spectacular diving and snorkeling spots and Indonesia’s Raja Ampat arguably tops the all-star list, with its fine white-sand beaches, hidden lagoons and impressive diversity of marine life and coral reef systems.

The quantity and variety of marine life here is so astounding, in fact, that scientists have described Raja Ampat as a biological hot spot. They believe its reef systems restock reefs throughout the South Pacific and Indian Oceans.

Armed with your mask, snorkel and fins, you’ll have free rein to explore Raja Ampat’s blue-water mangroves and a marine area that boasts over a thousand species of reef fish, hundreds of species of coral, several types of sea turtles and majestic manta rays.

In deep blue waters, a snorkeler swims underwater towards a much larger whale shark — Mozambique has a large whale shark population year-round. Jason Edwards/Getty Images

8. Tofo Beach, Mozambique

Best for snorkeling with whale sharks

The southeast African country of Mozambique offers plenty of superb snorkeling spots along its pristine Indian Ocean coastline. Here, warm turquoise waters, which lap dune-fringed beaches, abound with shoals of colorful fish and well-preserved corals.

The waters off Tofo Beach, in the southern province of Inhambane, are particularly rich in marine biodiversity and most famous for their large whale shark population. It’s one of the few places on the planet where gentle whale sharks can be found year-round.

Manta rays also grace these waters, along with sea turtles and dolphins. Add in the fact humpback whales stop by between June and October, and you’ll be popping Mozambique right to the top of your snorkel bucket list.

A red lionfish, which has scales that create a striped pattern and fins that splay out like wings, swims towards the camera in the waters off the coast of Honduras — The reefs around Roatán Island are rich with tropical fish. John A. Anderson/Getty Images

9. Roatán Island, Honduras

Best snorkeling in the Caribbean

Roatán is the largest and most developed of the Honduran Bay Islands, and one of the best places to snorkel in the Caribbean. Fringed by an incredibly diverse coral reef rich in tropical fish, the island is a diving and snorkeling paradise.

Head to the pristine white-sand beach of West Bay to spot parrotfish, butterflyfish and angelfish just off the shore, or venture south to Mary’s Place, a diving site that revolves around a huge crevice where sea turtles, eagle rays and groupers often come up to the surface.

A medium-sized marine mammal, that is long and grey, with a dorsal fin, flippers and large snout, snuffling on the sandy bottom of the sea — Dugongs are rare marine mammals that live in the waters around Marsa Alam in Egypt. Getty Images

10. Abu Dabbab Bay, Marsa Alam, Egypt

Best for snorkeling with dugongs

Marsa Alam in southern Egypt is one of the few places in the world to spot the elusive dugong, a rare, lesser-known cousin of the manatee that’s long inspired mermaid myths and legends across cultures.

In Abu Dabbab, the shallow waters, protective reefs and abundant seagrass attract and sustain a small population of dugongs – affectionately dubbed “sea cows” because of their grass-eating habits.

Other residents of the bay that can be found around the well-preserved coral reefs include giant sea turtles, parrotfish, angelfish, barracudas and seahorses, while the sandy seafloor is also home to stingrays.

Some golden rules for responsible snorkeling

Never touch corals or sea creatures. Check where you put your feet – do not stand on corals.
Show respect to marine life and keep your distance at all times.
Avoid crowds – no turtle wants to be surrounded by a group of leering humans; the snorkeler who swims away from the crowd is the snorkeler who sees things no one else in the group does.
Choose reef-friendly sunscreen (which can sometimes be trickier than it sounds) or, more simply, wear rash vests or skinsuits to avoid sunburn.
Pick responsible and ethical boat operators when embarking on snorkeling tours.
Avoid using plastic when you travel, as much as possible.
Consider volunteering for local beach cleans to help keep reefs healthy.
Be safe, watch for currents and, if you’re not a strong swimmer, don’t venture out of your depth.

Wildlife and Nature

10 of the best places to visit in Laos

A gem of Southeast Asia, Laos attracts visitors who love natural beauty, intriguing culture and off-the-beaten-track experiences – without the throngs.

The country’s low population density means that many of the landscapes here are untouched by humans, which means exciting adventures for outdoor lovers. Yet in Laos’ cities and towns, visitors find historical treasures, alluring temples and a warm welcome from Lao locals.

Here are 10 places where anyone can discover the treasures – and pleasures – of Laos.

Laos is one of the best countries to visit next year. See our full list of Best in Travel 2025 winners.

1. Luang Namtha

Best for trekking and jungle exploration

Luang Namtha in the North is Laos’ unabashed adventure capital, with trekking, kayaking, rafting, bicycling or other jungle activities within easy reach. The town’s main drag is lined with trekking agencies that offer everything from daily group tours to custom-made options.

The showpiece here is the nearby Nam Ha National Protected Area, a zone of forest, rivers and mountains spread over 220,000 hectares (543,000 acres) – some 10% of the country’s total land. Home to a diverse array of ethnic minorities, it’s a fascinating melange of nature and traditions, and well worth making the effort to get to. (Laos’ new high-speed rail has made this easier: Luang Namtha is about a 90-minute drive from the station at Boten, at the border with China.)

Trips here range from 7-day jungle survival courses – where you’ll learn how to use native bamboo to make everything from your shelter to your dinner plates and utensils, as well as foraging for food from the forest – to more culturally immersing homestays in the traditional ethnic villages of Akha or Khmu, which you’ll reach by bicycle of boat.

Planning tip: It’s best to trek between November and February, when it’s dry and temperatures actually get cool at night. March, April and May get very hot and hazy from agricultural burning. Trekking in the rainy season (June to October) means slippery trails, mud and leeches.

Tourists paramotoring over a valley at dawn in Vang Vieng, Laos — Take in the karst formations of Vang Vieng by paramotoring above them. Shutterstock

2. Vang Vieng

Best for enjoying a magnificent world of karst

Vang Vieng is one of Southeast Asia’s most stunning natural wonderlands. Hundreds of soaring limestone karst peaks rise above the gorgeous Nam Song River – all yours to admire as you float by on an inner tube. The scenic backcountry here has endless dirt roads to bicycle, viewpoints to clamber up to, hidden caves to explore and freshwater swimming holes to plunge into.

Other enticements in Vang Vieng include challenging rock-climbing routes on the karst towers, as well as chance to float above the magical landscape in hot air balloons – and even paramotor above it. While Vang Vieng used to be a backpacker haunt accessible only by a bumpy road from Vientiane, the new high-speed train has made it newly accessible. Indeed, new boutique hotels make the area a potential weekend getaway spot from Vientiane or Luang Prabang.

Planning tip: Rent a bicycle or motorbike to be able to get away from the core and explore the sights further across the river.

3. Plain of Jars

Best for archaeology buffs

Set on the 1100m (3610ft) plateau next to Phonsavan town, this intriguing UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-visit. Across the perpetually misty landscape are strewn hundreds of megalithic cylindrical stone jars dating back to 600–1200 BCE, whose origins and purpose remain a mystery. Recent archaeological research indicates they were used for some sort of funerary rites, either as storage for dead bodies during the decomposition process or else as urns after cremations. Local tradition still has it, though, that they served as giant storage vessels for rice wine. Some of the jars are made of limestone, some of sandstone – and each site is vastly different.

Most visitors stick with visiting Sites 1, 2 and 3, due to their easy access from Phonsavan. The intrepid might consider Site 52, which has almost 400 jars and is reached by an adventurous trek on foot, usually overnighting in a Hmong village.

The Plain of Jars area was heavily bombed in the 20th century, and only recently have some of the sites been declared completely free of UXO (unexploded ordnance). Many tours here also include visits to the Provincial Museum and MAG (Mines Advisory Group) UXO center, where you can learn about both the jars and the consequences of the destruction experienced here – and make visits to Ban Napia village, where locals have started turning scrap aluminum from munitions into spoons on other practical utensils.

Planning tip: While you can rent a motorbike and cover Jar Sites 1, 2 and 3 on your own in a day, you’ll need to use a tour agency to go further afield. Plan for extra time here as well as getting in and out due to the bad condition of the roads. We’d recommend taking a flight at least one way, as the routes from Vientiane and Luang Prabang can take 10 hours or more by bus.

An Akha girl wears a headdress made of metal discs and brightly colored threads — In remote Phongsali, you can encounter traditional ethnic minorities such as the Akha. Getty Images

4. Phongsali

Best for getting off the beaten path

Forget about the high speed-train and the well-traveled Banana Pancake Trail: you’re going to have to work to get to Phongsali, one of Laos’ more difficult-to-reach spots. But the rewards are ample.

At the top of a ridge at 1500m (4920ft), temperatures here actually get cold in the winter. Any time of year, you can expect to be treated to a mesmerizing “sea of clouds,” formed by fog banks that come up from the valleys far below.

Phongsali is an epic spot for trekking, offering the chance to encounter some of Laos’ traditional ethnic hill tribes. Some 10 different types of Akha live here, along with Phu Noi, Lolo and Tai Dam, many of whom still wear traditional dress and keep their long-standing customs. Many of the Akha women here still wear their signature caps, adorned with glittering coins.

You can also check out Phongsali’s abundant tea plantations. What’s more, since the Chinese Yunnan dialect is spoken here more than Lao, you’ll find delicious Yunnanese cuisine in the restaurants. After all, China is just up the road.

Planning tip: To get here, you’ll need to take a bus from Udomxai to Boun Neua, the new provincial capital. From there, you’ll board another minibus for the 2-hour drive up the mountain. Count on a 9-hour trip in total.

Two novice monks walking the grounds of Wat Xieng Thong temple, Luang Prabang, Laos — Don’t miss the magical Wat Xieng Thong monastery in Luang Prabang. Simon Irwin for Lonely Planet

5. Luang Prabang

Best for anyone who loves temples, architecture and boutique stays

Laos’ most revered town, Luang Prabang is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a fascinating blend of traditional Buddhist and French-Lao architecture. Its charming historical core lies on a tiny peninsula hemmed in by the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers, surrounded by picturesque jungle-clad hills.

Make sure to check out the riveting Wat Xieng Thong monastery, which features a gilded ordination hall (or sim), as well as a unique reclining Buddha. Also make a stop at Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham, the largest monastery in town, which has an exquisite four-tiered roof.

Other highlights include the bustling night market, where you can feast on local specialties like jaew bong (a chili paste made with garlic, shallots and water-buffalo skin) and kai phaen (roasted Mekong weed made with tamarind and sesame seeds dried in the sun).

You’ll never be uncomfortable in Luang Prabang, thanks to Laos’ best selection of boutique stays. Many properties here are repurposed French villas, governors’ residences or princes’ mansions, and feature poster beds, antique furnishings and other vestiges of antique charm.

Spend at least a day exploring the nearby surroundings, too, making a visit to the multi-tiered Kuang Si waterfall, where you can swim in natural turquoise pools. Or go explore the Pak Ou Caves, set above the Mekong and home to hundreds of small Buddhist statues.

Planning tip: If you can come here during the second week of April, you’ll get to experience Pi Mai, the Lao New Year – which is essentially one big water fight. Everyone gets in the action, buying water guns and balloons, and setting up outside their homes and shops with buckets ready to drench anyone passing by. It’s all in good fun and helps everyone cool off at the hottest time of year. Make sure to book your accommodations well in advance if coming at this time.

A boat on the Mekong River against a backdrop of karst outcroppings, Laos — Travel like a Lao by hopping on a slow boat down the Mekong River. Getty Images

6. The Mekong River

Best for slow river journeys

The mighty Mekong winds its way through much of Laos on its way to the South China Sea, and the best way to appreciate its languid bends is by slow boat, traveling from either Luang Prabang or Huay Xai. The journey takes two days, breaking for the night in sleepy Pak Beng, where you might want to linger an extra day to check out Lao elephants in a natural habitat at Mekong Elephant Park.

The slow boats are very…local, stopping in dozens of small hamlets along the way. And they offer a simply fantastic way of experiencing a way of travel in Laos that hasn’t changed for decades, as you snake past verdant hills shrouded in mist and drift past fishermen in their wooden dugout boats casting nets. Each leg of the trip takes 7 to 9 hours (depending on the time of year and whether you’re going up or down river), and as there is minimal food available aboard, you’ll want to stock up on baguette sandwiches and grilled chicken from vendors who set up before departure each morning.

Planning tip: Make sure to arrive at the pier an hour early to ensure you’ll snag a seat toward the front of the boat (the rear area near the engine can be noisy and far less comfortable). If you’re traveling during high tourist season (November to February) and want a ride that’s a bit fancier, Shompoo Cruises operates a boat with a capped number of passengers and lunch service, with a stop at the beautiful Pak Ou Caves included in the price of a ticket.

Two people jump off a platform into the Mekong River off of Don Det Island, Laos — When you’re not relaxing in hammock on Don Det, you might take a dip in the Mekong River. Matthew Micah Wright/Getty Images

7. Si Phan Don (4000 Islands)

Best for lazing in a hammock

While there aren’t actually thousands of islands in Si Phan Don (which means “4000 islands”), it sure seems like it in the dry season, when submerged islets, lily pads and floating vines take over the surface of the Mekong. This area of Southern Laos is a great place to experience rural life and unwind – and many travelers end up staying far longer than planned.

The main islands to visit here are Don Det and Don Khone, with Don Det being the top choice for plopping down in a hammock and settling into a bamboo bungalow for a week (or three). It’s the closest thing you’ll find to a beach vacation in Southeast Asia’s only landlocked country.

While idling with a book or going for a swim are the pursuits of choice for most travelers here, you can get a bit more active if you wish. Go kayaking on the Mekong. Or rent a bicycle and ride across an atmospheric old French railway bridge to Don Khone, home to the beautiful Li Phi waterfall. Don Khone’s abundant rice fields are spectacular to cycle through during the planting season in June or harvest season in late fall.

Planning tip: The best time to visit is in the cooler dry season, from November to February. March to May brings suffocating heat. The rainy season (June to October) submerges most of the islands, though the landscape is at its most verdant then.

An Asian elephant takes a bath in the lake in Sainyabuli, Laos — A visit to Sainyabuli helps efforts to conserve the magnificent Lao elephant. Tom Lau/Getty Images

8. Elephant Conservation Center (Sainyabuli)

Best for supporting wildlife conservation

One of Laos’ most powerful ancient kingdoms was called Lan Xang, which means “Land of One Million Elephants.” These days, unfortunately, that number has dwindled to under 800, with only half of them still in the wild. To see these amazing creatures in a more natural setting, pay a visit to the beautiful Nam Tien lake, home to the Elephant Conservation Center. This organization is dedicated to saving the Lao elephant and returning them to the wild.

This isn’t a place for simply dropping in. After taking a boat across the lake and checking in at a rustic bungalow overlooking the water, you’ll get to walk with the elephants and their mahouts in the jungle; watch them coming down to bathe; visit the onsite elephant hospital; and learn about the challenges of keeping, feeding and preserving Southeast Asia’s most iconic symbol. The center has about 25 elephants in its care, with a staff of wildlife biologists, veterinarians, guides and personal mahouts you’ll get to meet.

A visit here also allows you to discover a part of Laos few visitors get to. Sainyabuli Province is home to the majority of the Lao elephants, and the immense, beautiful Nam Pouy Protected Area is a center of efforts to return elephants to the wild.

Planning tip: You’ll need to arrange your visit to the EEC in advance, as day visits are not allowed. Overnight packages include round-trip transportation from Luang Prabang. A recent new bridge and road upgrade in Sainyabuli means you can now get here in around 2.5 hours.

A group of people illuminated by daylight at the mouth of the Patok Cave near Nong Khiaw, Laos — It’s easy to set out on adventure experiences from Nong Khiaw. Matthew Micah Wright/Getty Images

9. Nong Khiaw

Best for day hiking, river experiences and rural Lao charm

Surrounded by jungle-clad mountains on the banks of the languid Nam Ou River, sleepy Nong Khiaw offers something for everyone. It’s one of the few places in Laos where you can find ample do-it-yourself options, ranging from day hikes up one of the town’s seven viewpoints to exploring wartime caves to kayaking on the peaceful Nam Ou.

Plenty of affordable tours are on offer here, too, with agencies banding together travelers for trips out to hidden waterfalls, visits to remote weaving villages, camping excursions atop Pha Daeng Peak or even extended kayak rides all the way to Luang Prabang.

Numerous lodging choices and restaurants overlook the river and karst peaks. If the high-season crowds aren’t your thing, consider taking the boat upriver an hour to Muang Ngoi Neua, an even tinier hamlet full of similar adventure options that recalls what Nong Khiaw was like 15 years ago.

Planning tip: Since Nong Khiaw is a small town easily reached from Luang Prabang, it can be swamped during the November-to-February high season. It’s best to book at least your first night’s accommodation prior to arriving.

10. Vieng Xai

Best for learning about Laos’ wartime history

The fascinating Vieng Xai Caves pack a punch in more ways than one. In Laos’ remote northeast on the border with Vietnam, Houaphanh Province had some 2 million tons of explosives dropped on it by the US during the so-called “Secret War” in Laos from 1964–73. During this time, the Pathet Lao revolutionary movement discovered 480 caves hidden in the jungle around Vieng Xai, which their leaders, as well as 20,000 followers, turned into a hidden city, complete with hospitals, communications and meeting rooms. A large theater cave hosted rallies, weddings and even movie screenings.

The caves have been preserved and are open to the public. Traveling around by bicycle, accompanied by both an English-speaking guide and an audio device, you’ll get a living history lesson as well as a sense of the extraordinary effort it took to be able to survive here. The surrounding area looks a bit like Vang Vieng or Krabi in Thailand, with beautiful limestone mountains covered in jungle foliage. It’s one of the most out-of-the-way places in Laos, with few visitors making it to this far-flung spot.

Planning tip: Sam Neua, an hour west of Vieng Xai, is the regional transport hub (it has a good selection of hotels as well as an airport) – but you might want to consider staying in Vieng Xai itself. The town has a handful of guesthouses and restaurants, allowing you to catch the 9am guided tour each morning (the other daily tour is at 1pm). Otherwise, hire a driver in Sam Neua.

Adventure Travel

6 of the best places to see (and help) sea turtles

The memory of your first sea turtle sighting never fades. Whether it’s a turtle swimming gracefully or hatchlings scurrying toward the sea, these moments linger for a lifetime.

Wherever your travels take you, you’ll come across unique species in stunning environments, each moment showing you just how rich the ocean truly is. But the sense of awe? That’s felt everywhere. These ancient creatures have endured for millions of years, but our actions threaten their survival. Protecting their habitats is crucial if we want future generations to witness these magical moments. Here’s how you can be part of the solution.

A diver swims near a hawksbill turtle that's been caught in a plastic bag that trails behind as it swims along. — Plastic waste in the ocean is a big threat to all turtle species. Getty Images

Sea turtles are in peril

Of the seven sea turtle species, six are either endangered or threatened, with the Hawksbill and Kemp’s Ridley turtles critically endangered, according to the IUCN. WWF reports that leatherback turtle populations in the Eastern Pacific have declined by 90% in the last 30 years, nearing endangered status.

Bycatch – when turtles are accidentally trapped in fishing gear – is one of the leading dangers to their survival, causing over 250,000 turtle deaths each year, according to WWF. Illegal hunting and the consumption of turtle meat and eggs also continue to shrink populations, with CITES protections undermined by online platforms that facilitate illegal sales.

Climate change intensifies these issues: higher temperatures mean more female hatchlings, and rising seas, severe storms and pollution from plastics and fishing gear continue to damage vital turtle habitats.

These threats affect sea turtles at every stage of their life, from hatchling to adult, making it clear that stronger protections and global efforts are urgently needed to ensure their survival.

Two tiny hatchling turtles scamper along a sandy beach towards the distant ocean — Bright lights from coastal developments can disrupt hatchlings as they make their way to the ocean. Philip Lee Harvey/Lonely Planet

Responsible tourism can have a positive effect on sea turtle populations

Tourism can be a double-edged sword for sea turtles. On one hand, coastal development disrupts turtle nesting by pushing them to other beaches, altering habitats and polluting their environment. As more people flock to the coast, recreational activities add clutter, blocking turtles and trapping hatchlings. Waste like plastic and fishing gear ends up in the ocean, where turtles can get tangled or ingest it.

But when managed responsibly, tourism can make a real impact. Biologist Col Limpus remembers how early visitors at Mon Repos Beach in Queensland, Australia, disturbed hatchlings due to a lack of education. In 1994, the Nature Conservation Act protected turtles under the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS), and Woongarra Marine Park was established to safeguard Mon Repos’ turtle population. The newly established Turtle Sands eco-resort collaborates with the Mon Repos Turtle Centre to educate guests on responsible turtle watching and provide hatchling viewings, all while raising awareness for the beloved loggerhead turtles.

Ecotourism ventures like Turtle Sands help finance programs that benefit sea turtles and their surrounding communities. Funds are allocated to local guides, conservationists and beach protection efforts, while tours educate visitors and encourage support for turtle conservation.

Interior of a conservation and information center dedicated to turtles with touchscreens and displays — Mon Repos Turtle Centre in Bundaberg, Australia, educates visitors on responsible ways to watch turtles and raises awareness of their endangered status. Paul Harding/Shutterstock

Here’s how tourists can help

Keep a safe distance from nesting turtles and avoid shining bright lights near the beach at night.
Avoid buying souvenirs made from turtle shells, leather or other parts to combat poaching. Here’s how to identify turtleshell.
Choose eco-friendly tour operators that don’t disturb turtles during hatchling viewings or snorkel excursions.
Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect sea turtles and their habitats.
Avoid touching or chasing sea turtles while snorkeling or diving.
Maintain a safe distance from sea turtles when on a boat or kayak.
Stay at eco-friendly hotels that support turtle conservation and minimize nesting site impacts.
Recycle plastic or reuse bags to collect trash on the beach.
Travel in small groups, stay on trails and follow Leave No Trace principles.
Donate to or volunteer for local turtle conservation programs.

A hawksbill turtle swimming over a coral reef — Hawksbill are one of the turtle species that is considered critically endangered. Getty Images

6 of the best places to see turtles in the wild

1. Mon Repos, Australia

Looking to get up close with loggerhead turtles? Mon Repos Beach in Bundaberg, Queensland, is home to the largest nesting population of these endangered turtles in the South Pacific. Stay at Turtle Sands, tucked right behind the dunes, for easy access to the beach. From November to March, take part in a Turtle Encounter Tour with a Parks Ranger, starting at 6:30pm each evening. For even more turtle encounters, Bundaberg is your gateway to Lady Elliot Island, where you can spot green, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles.

Planning tip: From January to March, adult turtles come ashore to lay their eggs, but you can also watch hatchlings make their way to sea from January to March.

2. Tetiaroa, French Polynesia

Tetiaroa, a 7-sq-km (3-sq-mile) atoll in French Polynesia, is one of the world’s few undisturbed green sea turtle nesting sites. Guests of the Brando Resort have the rare chance to observe turtle hatchings, thanks to the resort’s partnership with Te Mana e Te Moana, a conservation group managing turtle efforts on the island. When the resort was being built, staff worked with Dr Cécile Gaspar to ensure the villas were placed away from vital nesting areas, allowing guests to witness hatchings with Tetiaroa Society guides. Join a nature and culture tour to learn about Tetiaroa’s flora, fauna, cultural history and sustainable living practices.

Local tip: Dr Gaspar recommends visiting between November and January for the best chance to see turtles hatch, usually around 4–6am.

A man stands a safe distance away from a mature loggerhead turtle as it makes its way down a sandy beach and into the ocean. — Loggerhead turtles nest on Jekyll Island, Georgia, from May to October. Natasha Wood/Shutterstock

3. Jekyll Island, Georgia, USA

Located on Georgia’s coast, Jekyll Island is a popular nesting spot for loggerhead turtles from May to October. Visitors can experience a turtle hatching on a guided Turtle Walk and take a behind-the-scenes tour of the Georgia Sea Turtle Center’s hospital to learn about turtle care. Early risers should join the turtle patrol at dawn to assist researchers in monitoring and cataloging nests around the island. You don’t have to join a tour to spot turtles – with 16km (10 miles) of public shoreline, you’re likely to see one on the beach. Just be sure to respect their space and avoid disturbing them.

Planning tip: The turtle center advises purchasing admission online in advance, especially during turtle season from May to October.

4. Red Sea, Egypt

Egypt isn’t just about the pyramids – its Red Sea is a prime spot for olive ridley, green and hawksbill turtles. Turtles Beach in the shallow Abu Dabbab Bay is renowned for its giant sea turtles grazing on seagrass. Experienced divers swear by Marsa Alam as the best place to encounter green and hawksbill turtles, and other marine animals like dugongs. June to September is the ideal time to see them, as it’s when they nest and hatch, but turtles can be spotted just about every day.

Planning tip: Visit Turtlewatch Egypt to track turtle sightings from biologists and snorkelers, or even adopt a turtle yourself.

A diver viewing an endangered green sea turtle that's paused on a sandy ocean floor next to a reef — The dry season of June to November is the best time to see endangered green sea turtles in the Galápagos. Michele Westmorland/Getty Images

5. The Galápagos Islands

For many, the Galápagos Islands are a dream destination brimming with turtles, unique ecosystems and volcanic landscapes, yet challenging to navigate solo. Joining a guided tour like Intrepid Travel’s 8-Day Galapagos Island Hopping is the easiest, responsible way to witness the magnificent green turtles. For those interested in conservation, See Turtles runs volunteer trips where participants can snorkel, join a turtle photo ID project, work with tortoises and help clean the beaches.

Planning tip: Plan your trip during the dry season (June to November) for optimal visibility. November and December are the warmest months, while March and April see the least rainfall.

6. Bunaken Marine Park, Indonesia

Bunaken, in northern Sulawesi, Indonesia, is a biodiversity hot spot where divers can encounter up to 20 turtles in one dive, especially near the famous “Muka Kampung” (Turtle City). With strong currents and vibrant schools of fish, the dive is thrilling, and larger marine creatures occasionally join the scene. Guests of 3Will Bunaken Dive Resort have easy access to several dive sites, including Turtle City, through the onsite dive center.

Planning tip: The park’s sheltered location allows for year-round diving, but the best conditions are during North Sulawesi’s dry season (March to November).

Beaches

Where Locals Go: Our NYC staff share their favorite nearby getaways

“Where locals go” is our series featuring under-the-radar holiday destinations that are often overlooked by visitors but cherished by locals. In this edition, our NYC experts showcase their favorite holiday spots at home.

While those of us who live in New York City know there is no place like home, we also know there is nothing like getting out of town. It has long been a tradition for the locals to flee to cooler and more relaxing destinations when the tourists descend and the city starts to feel too small, even for us. That’s why four New York-based Lonely Planet team members have shared their beloved nearby escapes that they return to year after year.

Martha’s Vineyard

An idyllic NYC Getaway
Ann Douglas Lott, Associate Editor

Every New Yorker has a go-to close-ish summer beach destination they dream about the rest of the year. Martha’s Vineyard is so special because it’s so uniquely itself – almost no chains, walkable towns with unique personalities, all kinds of beaches to suit your vibe, and undeniably gorgeous pink sunsets. The best news? Delta and JetBlue have insanely cheap direct flights from NYC if you book early enough. I’m currently eyeing one that’s less than $200 for a round trip.

Oh, and let’s talk about the incredibly fresh seafood. My favorite bite here is hands-down the lobster roll from The Net Result in Vineyard Haven, taken to-go for a secluded sunset picnic at Lambert’s Cove Beach. Honorable mentions go to the ice cream at The Scoop Shack in Edgartown and cocktails on Atlantic Restaurant’s waterfront deck.

I’m headed there in July, and we’re planning a Midsommar-esque garden dinner one night and will spend the rest of our trip beach-hopping and strolling through Edgartown. Some beach recs: South Beach has fun crowds and big waves, while Lighthouse Beach is a more peaceful tanning spot.

You could go the Airbnb route (they’re all over the island), but if you prefer a hotel, the historic Harbor View Hotel and The Charlotte Inn in Edgartown have that classic Martha’s Vineyard feel. If you’re basing yourself in Oak Bluffs (most ferries dock here), a room at the Oak Bluffs Inn is not far from the iconic, colorful “gingerbread cottages.”

Need a car-free getaway? These 10 destinations are perfect.

Left: Catskills Mountains, Right: Exterior view of Olana — One thing the Catskills promise: a change of scenery © light photo / Getty Images, Laura Motta

The Catskills

For hikers, shoppers, and foodies
Laura Motta, Senior Director of Content

The Catskills has to be NYC’s worst-kept secret. We all love it, and there’s nothing better than a weekend escape, but it would be a crime not to give it the recognition it deserves. I spent some time there last year, and it’s exactly what you hope for: a change of scenery.

Every town in the Catskills has a unique charm and holds the promise of wonderful restaurants, trendy bars, and excellent shopping. I love to stop by Subversive Malting + Brewing for smash burgers, quirky brews, and a great outdoor space. The postcard-ready town of Hudson is another great stop. Shop for vintage clothes and records here, or have afternoon tea. Head over to Spotty Dog for two of my favorite things – drinks and books – all under one roof. For dinner, try Swoon in Hudson, which has mouthwatering steak and an upscale vibe. Or if you are open to a 30-minute drive, Silvia in Woodstock and its fame-to-table fare will forever live in my mind.

For an artsy excursion, drive to Olana, the historic (and gorgeously eccentric) home of painter Frederic Church. It sits perched on a hill overlooking the Hudson and welcomes you as you cross the Rip Van Winkle bridge into town.

Not only is it super easy to get to the Catskills from NYC (rent a car or hop on the Amtrak), but there’s a lot of nice lodging that’s reinventing the idea of the cabin/deep woods getaway. Hunter Lodge feels right for skiers and hikers, but it also is great if you’re pursuing lower-impact sightseeing. The Maker Hotel is pricey but oh-so-stylish and is located right in the heart of Hudson.

In need of more inspo? Check out where the Lonely Planet team is going this summer

Shelter Island

The Hamptons for people who hate the Hamptons
Brekke Fletcher, Senior Director of Content

I’ve lived in New York City for years, and there are two universal truths:
1) The city on a summer weekend is kind of amazing because it’s empty!
2) The city on a summer weekend is a hellscape from which there is no escape.

I used to be more like a 1. Now I’m a full-fledged 2. So where do I go? Shelter Island, situated between the North and South Forks of Long Island. It’s about 3 hours from the city, depending on lots of things I cannot control. It’s not “easy” to get there, but it is very easy to be there. You can drive (I can’t, no car), or you can take the LIRR or Hampton Jitney to Greenport, then hop on the ferry (for which you need $3 in cash to buy a token – make sure you’ve got some ones). But the truth is once you’re there, you’re going to want a car – pro tip for the carless: rent one at JFK.

My dear friends bought a house there during the pandemic, and because I’m basically a charwoman who cooks and cleans, I’m a frequently invited guest. (JK, they totally love me.) You can either rent a house for the week or book a room at one of the island’s charming hotels. It’s summer in the Hamptons, so it’s not cheap. If you can midweek it, so much the better. I love The Pridwin the most: it’s on Crescent Beach, it has a pool, a fantastic bar and restaurant, a lovely spa, and it’s newly renovated. The Chequit, if you’re not driving, is a walkable option, and Shelter Island House.

When it comes to food, you have to pay through the nose. My favorite place to spend $25 on a baby wheel of cheese is Marie Eifell. I love their breakfast sandwiches on baguettes. Grab a less fussy breakfast from Eccentric Bagel (go for the Za’atar). For lunch: Stars Cafe and The Islander are solid choices. Watch the sunset with oysters and martinis at the Rams Head Inn, or listen to live music in the afternoon at Shipwreck Bar. For fancy-ish dinner go to Leon or Vine Street Cafe.

For things to do, there is a public golf course and outdoor massages at Crescent Beach. Another great beach, particularly for swimming, is Wades, which is not far from the Mashomack Preserve (bring your bug spray and wear socks to guard against ticks). There’s also an adorable farmstand at Sylvester Manor. And there is no place I love more than the island’s only grocery store: the IGA.

Want to get away for a day? Here are some ideas for day trips from NYC

Lake George

For lake lovers
Chamidae Ford, Associate Writer

Lake George, in the wide and beautiful Adirondacks region, is a newer summer tradition in my life, but I love it all the same. My boyfriend grew up going to this lake every year, and now I get the very lucky experience of tagging along. Lake George feels like home to me as it holds the west coast charm of a massive shimmering, oh-so-clear lake and towering trees to provide a respite on the hot days.

At 32 miles long, the lake spans a few areas, but the Lake George Town and nearby spots are where most people stay. The town is kitschy but maintains a timeless charm you can’t help but find endearing. Plus, it is chock-full of activities.

Take a tiki boat cruise with your friends (who doesn’t love a party on the lake?), play miniature golf at Pirate’s Cove Adventure, swim along the shores at Million Dollar Beach, rent a paddleboard, and blow some money at one of the arcades. Unlike other popular NY getaways that can lean very glamorous, Lake George feels wholesome and rustic. If you’re looking for your inner child, it’s probably here.

The area is not one for fine dining, but spots like Gaslight and the Adirondack Pub and Brewery will hold you over.

The Lodges at Cresthaven has all the amenities a family needs to enjoy a lake trip. There are cabin-style rooms, a pool, lake access, and a lovely boathouse restaurant. A more mid-range option is Blue Lagoon Resort and its lakeside abodes. Airbnb also has viable options for cozy stays. Don’t forget to buy a tacky graphic tee on your way out that says “Lake Life Living” before heading home.

Want to know more places to swim Upstate? Here are our 7 favorites

Washington, DC

For city lovers who want a little less city
Ann Douglas Lott, Associate Editor

This is kind of an unexpected “getaway,” but when you spend so much time in a city as big as NYC, DC feels a bit more “quaint.” But it’s not actually quaint – there’s so much to do here. Here’s why I love making a couple of trips here every year (aside from visiting friends):

1. You can Amtrak here in 3.5 hours. If I book at least two months in advance, it costs around $30 per way. And once you’ve arrived, getting around is very manageable.

2. The best things to do here are free. The Smithsonian museums, strolling around neighborhoods like Georgetown and Dupont, visiting national monuments, walking through Rock Creek Park – the list goes on.

3. Eating out here is so fun: Balkan food from Ambar, brunch in the back of Kramers bookstore, Le Diplomate for a taste of French cafe culture, and Call Your Mother for bagel sandwiches and latkes, to call out a few.

As for museums, you’ve got the museums on the National Mall, like the National Gallery, the National Museum of African American History and Culture and the Air and Space Museum. But also venture beyond this area for others like the Phillips Collection, the National Postal Museum and the National Museum of Women in the Arts. Most importantly, DC’s museums are air-conditioned, making them a fabulous summer activity. Or you can head to a Washington Nationals baseball game.

I usually stay with friends in Dupont Circle, but you’ve got plenty of stellar hotel options, like the Lyle in Dupont Circle, the Dupont Circle Hotel and the iconic downtown Willard InterContinental Hotel.

Spending a few days in DC? This is the ultimate long weekend itinerary

Beaches

Where Lonely Planet staffers traveled in September

While autumn settles in, the LP team has been savoring the last glimpses of summer with various adventures across beautiful destinations. From cruising through the Swiss Alps in a rented campervan to stargazing under the Milky Way in the Bahamas, our map is now sprinkled with new pins.

Max, with his knack for finding the coolest wine bars wherever he goes, uncovered a perfect sundowner spot in Sicily that I’m definitely bookmarking for next year. Rachel, who curates our Instagram and Pinterest accounts, spent time in Portland, Maine, with her wife, exploring the kind of cafes and independent boutiques that perfectly capture her eye for aesthetics.

Let’s dive into our recent travels and discoveries.

Max in Sicily — Max spent just over a week in Sicily visiting its cities and beaches. Max Felderman for Lonely Planet

Sicily, Italy

Max Felderman, Sales & Marketing Manager, Trade

I spent just over a week on the northern coast of Sicily, bopping between different beaches (some off the beaten path, some more accessible and luxe) and visiting a bunch of different cities. My visit coincided with Ferragosto, an Italian summer holiday where nearly everyone heads to the beach to celebrate, so the mood was festive and relaxed the entire time we were there.

Max’s top picks

1. Best beach: My favorite was in Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro, one of Sicily’s most famous natural parks. The beach was about a 45-minute hike from the entrance in brutal heat, but it was well worth it!

2. Can’t miss: A visit to Cefalù. Stop at Enoteca Le Petit Tonneau and have a glass of wine overlooking the beach where the second season of White Lotus was filmed.

3. Top meal: Dinner at Abbazia Santa Anastasia, a gorgeous winery in the mountains near Castelbuono.

Max’s tip: Don’t skip Catania, a fantastic city that’s a bit more gritty and welcoming than Palermo. We spent a night at Palazzo Marletta, a wonderful hotel in the city center.

Aoife hiking in Switzerland.jpg — Aoife and friends road-tripped through the Swiss Alps where they swam in Lake Oescheinensee (left) and hiked Jungfraujoch (right). Aoife Breslin for Lonely Planet

Swiss Alps, Switzerland

Aoife Breslin, Publicity & Marketing Coordinator

I spent a week in the Swiss Alps with friends, where we rented a campervan and went on a little road trip. We visited Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken, Grindelwald and Bern. As a traveler who finds joy in nature’s raw beauty, spending the day sunbathing, swimming, and picnicking by the lakeside was nothing short of perfection. My Irish bones are well-equipped for the cool temperatures of the Swiss lakes, so swimming in the crystal clear waters of Lake Oeschinensee wasn’t a problem.

Aoife’s top picks

1. Best experience: I still have to pinch myself when I think of the views I was met with when I reached Lake Oeschinensee. Nestled in the Bernese Alps near Kandersteg, reaching this lake feels like you are stepping into a real-life postcard.

2. Can’t miss: Jungfraujoch, otherwise known as the “Top of Europe”. The journey to this summit begins with a steep gondola ride, followed by a scenic cogwheel train trip through tunnels carved into the mountains. On arrival you’ll be treated to a 360-degree view that stretches as far as Germany and Italy on clear days.

3. Top treat: Switzerland is famous for its rich chocolate heritage and brands like Lindt, Toblerone and Cailler, but nothing compares to the joy of savoring a handcrafted praline from a local chocolatier.

Aoife’s tip: We rented our campervan from Roadsurfer, which I highly recommend for its responsive service. When we punctured a tire in the middle of our trip, the company had us safely back on the road within the hour.

The Bahamas

Alex Howard, Editorial Director

A few weeks ago, I went to the Bahamas. It was my first time to the Caribbean Islands, and I’m already plotting a way to go back. If you’re looking for a truly off-the-beaten-path experience similar to mine, skip the big resorts and head to the smaller islands. The stars alone are worth it!

Alex’s top picks

1. Best experience: Island-hopping to Cat Island and staying at Rollezz Villas Beach Resort. The remote location offers stunning views of the Milky Way on clear nights.

2. Can’t miss: Experiencing a lively Rake and Scrape music session – don’t be shy; join in and learn a step or two. You should also pay a visit to Bon Vivant, one of the coolest cocktail bars in town

3. Top drink: Sky juice! A unique and potent mix of coconut milk, condensed milk, nutmeg and gin. I bought mine from a guy selling it out of his car trunk.

Alex’s tip: It’s easy to fall in love with the Bahamas, especially if you go exploring beyond the typical tourist trail. The Out Islands offer a perfect blend of history, culture and secluded paradise, with impossibly blue waters, sugar-sand beaches, and rich cultural experiences set to the rhythms of Junkanoo.

Greenland

Sofie Andersen, Production Editor

This summer, I got to visit Greenland’s Ilulissat and Disko Bay with three generations of my family. I had high expectations, and it didn’t disappoint – stunning landscapes, excellent activities for all abilities, and delicious food based on locally sourced, super-fresh ingredients.

Sofie’s top picks

1. Best experience: The hike with our Greenlandic guide John in the Ilimanaq tundra – he had such a wealth of knowledge about the land, and we had lots of interesting conversations about what life is like in such a tiny settlement where the sea freezes from December to May, meaning a shopping trip or any emergency is by helicopter.

2. Can’t miss: The Icefjord in Ilulissat completely overwhelms you with its beauty and size as you approach the coast.

3. Top meal: The three-course set menu at Restaurant Egede (only open from June to September annually) that included reindeer carpaccio and musk ox.

Sofie’s tip: Be prepared for a change of plans – this is Greenland, and though airport runways are being extended to make access easier, the weather doesn’t often play ball.

Portland, Maine

Rachel Lewis, Senior Marketing Manager

When I told my grandmother (who’s from Massachusetts) that I was planning a long-weekend trip with my wife to Portland, she had two recommendations: eat as much as you can manage, and go to the locally owned Cool As A Moose (and buy her a mug for Christmas – on it, Gramma). My wife and I landed with empty tums and space in our luggage for goodies, and hit it.

Rachel’s top picks

1. Best experience: A sunset cruise of Casco Bay to see Diamond Pass and the Calendar Islands. We also saw dolphins, seals and a bald eagle.

2. Can’t miss: A visit to Soleil, an extremely colorful shop filled with things like lobster toiletry bags and notebooks with croissants on them.

3. Top meal: Anything at Green Elephant, an all-vegetarian restaurant perfect for a quick lunch – minimal wait and a great menu.

Rachel’s tip: Book your sunset cruise with Casco Bay Sunset and Lighthouse Cruise ($52/person) and arrive early to snag stellar seats on the upper deck.

healthyng