I am desperate for a vacation. I spend my lunch break searching up last-minute sun holidays and immersing myself in Lonely Planet articles on dreamy beaches, cool city breaks, epic festival experiences and places that offer incredibly tasty things to eat.
I’m more desperate than usual, mainly because summer has eluded me so far. I live in Ireland, and this part of Europe is enduring unseasonably dreary weather. I’m talking endless gray skies, persistent drizzle, and temperatures hovering around a chilly 18°C/64°F daily. I need to feel the sun so I’m considering a little trip in September. Maybe something like this? I’ve also been inspired by my teammates, who have been exploring some really colorful places in all sorts of climates recently.
Let’s see what they’ve been up to in July—maybe you’ll find some inspo in here too.
I explored southern Italy with my husband Tosh, taking the train to three fantastic, yet very different places. We spent the first few days indulging in the sweet and savory delights of Naples and soaking in the city’s friendly, energetic vibes. I was surprised to find myself as excited by the sweet pastries, like sfogliatelle (flaky pastry with ricotta and cream filling), as I was by my primary reason for traveling to Naples — pizza.
Next, we traveled by train to the small town of Parghelia in Calabria, a highlight of my trip. My accommodation, run by the incredible host Gianni, featured private access to a stunning beach with free sun loungers and parasols. Gianni grows herbs, including the most amazing basil I’ve ever tasted, that guests are free to use when cooking. The town itself was small and intimate, with a surprising number of restaurant options despite not being touristy.
Finally, we visited the more touristy seaside town of Tropea, where I enjoyed some of the most delicious food of my trip. Highlights included a gelato dessert called tartufo at Caffè del Corso and lobster linguine at Il Marchese restaurant.
Tip: When visiting Parghelia, watch the sunrise with a spritz while lying in a hammock at the casual hilltop bar Pousada Café.
I had a fantastic long weekend in New Orleans, staying at the historic Hotel Monteleone, one of the oldest family-owned hotels in the United States. I started with a swim in the rooftop pool and a famous Fleur de Lis cocktail before heading to the Garden District. There, I got a great haul at NOLA Mix Records, bought books from the Garden District Book Shop, and enjoyed excellent coffee at Whatever Coffee. Dinner and cocktails at Sylvain in the French Quarter capped off the day.
The next day, with French Truck Coffee in hand, we hopped on a streetcar down St. Charles Avenue to Audubon Park, then walked along Magazine Street for more thrift shopping. Lunch was a sandwich at NOLA Poboys in the French Quarter. Dinner at Pêche featured a whole fish and good accommodations for my food allergies (not always easy to find). Before leaving, we grabbed beignets from Café du Monde (delicious), strolled through Jackson Square, had coffee at Fourth Wall, and then hit the road.
Tip: Don’t be afraid to walk! As long as you’re staying hydrated, the heat is manageable and you’ll see so much more of the city.
A conference in Newfoundland was the perfect excuse for a road trip across the island with my 72-year-old mom. We watched puffins in Elliston; visited Dildo (yes, a real place name); got screeched-in in St John’s (a Newfie tradition that involves kissing a cod fish); and visited the mid-century modern departures lounge at Gander Airport, made famous by musical Come from Away.
My favorite stop was Gros Morne National Park’s fjord-like Western Brook Pond. With its steep granite cliffs covered in trees and waterfalls cascading into the freshwater below, this serene spot is easily one of Canada’s most underrated destinations.
Tip: Newfoundland’s iceberg season usually runs from early June to July. To find out where the icebergs are, you can use the crowdsourced Iceberg Finder, but if – like me – you prefer the weather radar to the weather forecast, then you’ll love Environment Canada’s Daily Iceberg Analysis Report.
I just returned from five days in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), where I had an amazing time island hopping between Tortola, Guana, Anegada, and Cooper Island. My ideal vacation includes daily swimming, and that’s exactly what I did!
I stayed on Guana Island, a private island with only one hotel. The first evening, I swam alone on a deserted beach, one of the most peaceful moments of my life. I swam at several of the seven beaches and toured the orchard, sampling fresh fruits like passion fruit, star fruit and papaya.
In Tortola, I hiked to a pineapple farm and then bouldered up to a natural spring. Later I enjoyed cocktails at sunset at Smugglers Cove beach and visited a 200-year-old rum distillery on Tortola, where I got to sample the goods.
I also spent two days on a catamaran, where a highlight was a visit to Conch Island. This is a spot where all the fishers discard the empty shells of conch they catch – it looks like an art installation. Not only did I watch our guide catch the conch, but he also showed us how to clean it and make ceviche. I got the honor of tossing the empty shell onto the island!
Tip: Most people rent a catamaran and sail through BVI, but make sure to spend some time on the islands! There are so many good, locally-owned restaurants and shops worth trying.
Picture yourself waking up on a sandy beach beside a turquoise underground lake, illuminated by sunlight pouring in through a giant skylight. Imagine finding yourself inside a natural cathedral made of sinuous stone, shaped by millions of years of erosion. Visualize yourself fording a subterranean river, and being stopped in your tracks by the sight of mist and clouds forming on the inside of the cave so vast that the brain struggles to comprehend its exact dimensions.
Every year, a few lucky visitors to Vietnam get to enjoy this very experience. The world’s largest cave, Hang Son Doong (Mountain River Cave) was discovered in the dense forests of Vietnam’s Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in 1990 by a local man, Ho Khanh, as he was seeking shelter from a storm. The cave then lay forgotten until Khanh led British caver Howard Limbert and his team there in 2009 to map Hang Son Doong for the first time.
Hang Son Doong is vast. It’s so big that you can fit any of the world’s other largest caves comfortably inside it, as well as several 40-story skyscrapers. The cavern reaches 503m (1650ft) in height and 175m (574ft) in width and the cave system is 9.4km (5.8 miles) long, winding beneath karst mountains. Indeed, the cave is even larger than previously thought – in 2019, British divers explored Hang Son Doong’s underground waterways and discovered a tunnel linking the cave to Hang Thung, another huge cavern.
You could fit several jumbo jets inside the world’s largest cave. Geng Xu / Getty Images
How can I visit Hang Son Doong?
The world’s biggest cavern can only be visited on pricey organized caving tours, and there are strict limits on the number of visitors admitted every year. But if you can’t stretch to the cost or time commitment of a Hang Son Doong expedition, surrounding Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park offers plenty of other cave-based adventures.
Covering 1233 sq km (476 sq miles), this UNESCO World Heritage Site bristles with some of the oldest karst mountains in Asia, riddled with extraordinary cave systems, which are the park’s top draws. Above-ground attractions include excellent jungle trekking, excursions into the picturesque countryside and sites linked to the American War – it’s certainly one of the highlights of a trip to Vietnam.
How do I book a Hang Son Doong expedition?
Howard Limbert helped to establish the adventure tour agency Oxalis in 2011, and in 2014 the company launched multi-day exploration tours of Hang Son Doong. Groups set up camp in the spectacular Hang En cave en route, taking a swim in its subterranean lake before descending into Hang Son Doong using safety harnesses.
You’ll spend two days exploring giant passages with vast rock formations, bathing in underground pools and streams, gazing upon areas of primeval forest growing inside the cave, and sleeping in scenic campsites beneath two dolines (giant sinkholes) that fill the cave with effervescent light. Wildlife sightings are common, from monkeys, flying foxes, snakes, bats and birds to endemic species of fish, shrimp and creepy crawlies that evolved to exist in complete darkness.
Access to the cave is limited to 1000 visitors per year, so demand for places is high. Each group of ten is led by at least one of the British cavers who took part in the original Hang Son Doong expedition, and bookings open for the caving season (January to late August) up to two years in advance. Realistically, you can expect to join a tour around 18 months from the date you book.
The four-day/three-night expedition costs US$3000 per person (of which US$620 goes towards the upkeep of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park). This includes a pick-up and drop-off at the city of Dong Hoi (the nearest town with an airport) and the services of a cave expert, tour guide, safety assistants, cooks and porters, as well as food and drink, accommodation in tents, and all necessary safety equipment. However, you’ll need your own comprehensive travel insurance.
Are other caves in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park worth exploring?
If you can’t join a Hang Son Doong expedition, consider joining an overnight trek with Oxalis to Hang En, another of the world’s largest caves. You’ll camp on a sandy beach beside an emerald pool inside the cave and trek through the primeval jungle to get here.
Oxalis also offers expeditions to the Tu Lan cave complex. Choose between overnight camping trips or multi-day expeditions that include abseiling into underground rivers, exploring Hang Tien, technical training in the darkest part of the cave and encounters with Nguon people in a remote mountain village.
Oxalis also offers a multi-day Hang Ba Deep Jungle Expedition, hiking through primary forest in search of wildlife such as gibbons, wildcats, langurs and wild boar, and exploring six caves that have only recently become open to guided tours.
Another operator is Jungle Boss, with various overnight and multi-day trips, including a three-day tour of Hang Thung, the giant cave linked to Hang Son Doong. Highlights include rappelling and camping by the Ma Da subterranean lake. There’s also an overnight trip to Hang Pygmy – the world’s fourth largest cavern – with paddleboarding on yet another spectacular subterranean lake.
What if I don’t have time for an overnight trip?
Time too tight for an overnight trip? From the village of Son Trach, you can day trip to Hang Tien, the largest of the dry caves in the Tu Lan system, where you can view astonishing calcite formations and rimstone pools. Alternatively, you can whizz above Hang Toi (Dark Cave) on a 400m-long (1312ft) zipline and squelch through thigh-deep mud in pitch darkness before finishing off with a kayaking session and a swim.
Visits to Phong Nha Cave involve a leisurely boat trip from Son Trach, passing rice paddies and limestone peaks before your craft glides silently past immense illuminated stalactites and stalagmites. If you climb the 330 steps to Tien Son Cave, you can view 9th-century inscriptions from the Cham era.
Even if caves are not generally your thing, Paradise Cave may change your mind. Electric buggies ferry visitors to this striking cavern surrounded by forested karst peaks. The small size of the cave entrance belies the staggering spectacle of the colossal cavern inside, flanked by otherworldly rock formations. Both Phong Nha Cave and Paradise Cave get busy with tour groups, so it’s best to visit first thing in the morning.
A doline creates a beam of light inside Hang Son Doong cave. Mike Rowbottom / 500px
How should I choose a tour operator?
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is peppered with unexploded ordnance from the American War, and many areas can only be visited on foot with a licensed tour operator. Paradise Cave and Phong Nha Cave are accessible on day trips, but to see Hang Son Doong, Tu Lan, Hang En and some other caves, you’ll need to join an overnight trek with a licensed guide.
Oxalis is the exclusive operator for Hang Son Doong caving tours, and also runs multi-day jungle expeditions to Hang Ba, while Jungle Boss has exclusive rights to overnight treks to Hang Pygmy and three-day, two-night explorations of Tiger Cave. They also offer multi-day jungle treks and rappelling adventures to the base of Do Quyen waterfall. Ecofoot, led by knowledgeable jungle guide and conservationist Hai, arranges visits to the park’s Wildlife Rescue Centre and daytime and nighttime treks in the jungle.
When choosing an operator, ask about group sizes and the operator’s guide-to-client ratio, and confirm what exactly is included in the price. Many places to stay in Son Trach or Dong Hoi can arrange jungle treks inside Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park with independent local guides, but quality varies, so it’s worth asking other travelers for recommendations.
Camping next to an underground lake is a highlight of many cave expeditions. LukeWaitPhotography / Getty Images.
When should I go caving in Phong Nha-Ke Bang?
As with other parts of Vietnam, the best time to visit varies depending on what you plan to do and see. Winters (December to March) can be crisp and cold, with an equal number of sunny and rainy days, but Hang Son Doong has its own microclimate, and January and February are the best times for watching sunbeams penetrate deep inside the cave.
In late January or early February, all of Vietnam goes on vacation for the Tet festival, so it’s the busiest time of year to travel. Phong Nga residents celebrate Tet in a raucous way, sometimes using unexploded ordnance in place of fireworks and sharing jugs of rice wine with passers-by.
April to May is arguably the loveliest time to explore the national park; the weather warms up, the landscape turns a lush green and wildflowers are everywhere. You may also witness the phenomenon of clouds and mist forming inside Hang Son Doong.
Summer (June to August) is the hottest, most humid time of year, but the trekking trails to Hang Son Doong and other caves are shaded by tree cover. Inside Hang Son Doong, the temperature hovers at a balmy 22–25°C (72–77°F), and it’s warm enough to swim in the streams and underground lakes inside the cave. Autumn (September to November) brings tropical storms and heavy rain, with flooding in the jungle and inside river caves, so caving trips only run from January till late August.
How much time should I spend here?
If you’re taking part in a Hang Son Doong expedition, you need to set aside six days, but if you’re looking to just dabble in cave exploration and take in Phong Nha-Ke Bang’s above-ground attractions, you can pack a lot into four or five days. Consider an overnight trek to Hang En cave or the Tu Lan cave system, then take a day to explore the beautiful Bong Lai Valley by bicycle, followed by day trips to the Phong Nha Cave and Paradise Cave. Or perhaps combine an overnighter to Hang Pygmy with day jaunts to Hang Tien, Hang Toi, and the Bong Lai Valley.
Phong Nha Cave in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park can be explored on boat rides from Son Trach. Huy Thoai/Shutterstock
Is it easy to get in and around Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park?
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park spreads west to the border between Vietnam and Laos. It’s centered on Son Trach (also known as Phong Nha Village), a stop for most open-tour sleeper buses from Hanoi and Hoi An. Dong Hoi, 50km southeast of Son Trach, is the nearest city with a domestic airport, while the nearest international airports are in Danang and Hanoi.
Dong Hoi is also a stop on the train route between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, with frequent public buses connecting Dong Hoi and Son Trach. Accommodations in Son Trach also organize private and shared car transfers to/from Dong Hoi, and you can also get here using motorcycle transfer services from Hanoi, Hue and Hoi An.
Exploring the more accessible parts of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is best done with your own wheels. Cycling or scootering is a wonderful way to traverse the rural roads on the fringes of the park; bicycle and scooter rental is available from guesthouses, homestays and hotels in Son Trach, and staff can sometimes provide maps. River taxis connect Son Trach with the beautiful, unspoiled Bon Lai Valley, and bicycles and motorbikes can be taken on board.
The condition of roads inside the park varies and routes are not well-signposted, though you can download route information from the independent website Vietnam Coracle. Consider joining a motorcycling tour with Thang Phong Nha Rider, with a knowledgeable, enthusiastic local team helping you discover the park’s highlights. They also arrange motorcycle transfers to destinations further afield, such as Hue or Khe Sanh.
A woman gazes up to a hole in the ceiling of Hang Son Doong cave. john spies / 500px
Frequently asked questions
Do I need prior caving experience?
No prior caving experience is necessary; the expedition agency will take care of everything.
What gear should I bring?
Essentials include quick drying, long-sleeved shirts and trekking pants, breathable trekking shoes with good grip (rather than waterproof/Gore-Tex boots), warmer layers for winter months, and swimwear, shorts and T-shirts for summer. Other must-carry items include mosquito repellent, sun cream, antifungal cream, environmentally friendly personal hygiene items and a drybag and powerbanks for your electronic gear.
How physically fit do I need to be?
Some trekking experience is essential. In the year before a Hang Son Doong expedition, aim to complete at least one overnight trek and one or two day hikes of at least 8km that involve steep mountainous terrain. Take regular exercise to maintain an adequate level of fitness, as the Hang Son Doong expedition involves trekking on rocky terrain, some steep climbing, abseiling inside the cave, fording rivers and scrambling over large rocks.
Are there age restrictions on caving expeditions?
Most multi-day caving and jungle trek trips are open to participants aged 16 (or 18) to 70. However, Oxalis also offers day-long introductions to the Tu Lan cave for kids aged 6 and older.
What’s the accommodation like?
On overnight cave expeditions and jungle treks, you’ll sleep in tents, with drinks and meals provided by the operator. Camping equipment is transported to the campsites by porters. Many cave expeditions camp on sandy beaches beside underground rivers and lakes, providing opportunities for swimming.
What is the bathroom situation like?
Campsites inside the caves have eco-friendly composting toilets. There are no showers, but you can wash in cave rivers and lakes. Shampoo or soap should not be used, as it would contaminate the water; for some campsites, you’ll need dry shampoo and wet wipes.
Do I need to bring money on the trek?
There are few opportunities to spend money while you’re trekking, but infrastructure is limited in Son Trach, the village closest to the caves. There’s a single ATM, which is occasionally out of order, so bring plenty of cash to cover spending before and after your expedition.
Should I tip?
While tipping is not deeply ingrained in Vietnamese culture, it’s always appreciated. A standard gratuity for tour guides is around VND 100,000–200,000 per day (less for porters and cooks), depending on the length and complexity of the tour. Tip in the local currency, ideally in small denomination notes.
Mural-filled monasteries, snow-crowned peaks, ancient fortresses and tranquil Buddhist villages edged by chili farms – the stunning beauty of Bhutan is visible around every turn of its hairpin roads. As part of the country’s “high value, low volume” tourism model, there’s a fixed daily tourist fee of US$100, but the rewards speak for themselves.
Internationally famous for its commitment to “Gross National Happiness” and its carbon-negative status, Bhutan has worked hard to protect its unique culture and natural beauty. Nearly 70% of the country is blanketed in dense pine, oak and rhododendron forests, the country is rich in outdoor activities and charming villages showcase an undiluted Buddhist culture fast vanishing from other parts of the Himalayas.
While it can take hours of travel by road to reach each destination, the scenic drives (and those hair-raising bends) are all part of the experience of visiting this truly special place. For anyone interested in Himalayan scenery, mountain trekking, Buddhist spirituality and more, here are our picks for the best places to add to your Bhutan itinerary.
Almost every visitor to Bhutan makes the hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest monastery near Paro. Apisak Kanjanapusit/Shutterstock
1. Paro
Best for hitting Bhutan’s highlights
Travelers careen between steep mountain slopes before their aircraft touches down at Paro International Airport, the gateway to the “Land of the Thunder Dragon.” Less than 10 minutes from the airport lies the historic riverside town of Paro, known for its National Museum, the dramatic Paro Dzong fortress and iconic Taktshang Goemba (Tiger’s Nest Monastery), accessible via a 6.4km (4-mile) hike.
Paro town is a place you will – and must – visit. Take time to wander the streets and visit the Paro Weekend Market to peruse shops and stalls selling Himalayan honey and handmade souvenirs. When you’ve worked up an appetite, stop into any number of restaurants – we rate Momo Corner for fresh, handmade momo dumplings.
Planning Tip: As the setting for Bhutan’s only international airport, Paro is usually the first or last stop on any Bhutan traveler’s itinerary. Whether you’ve just arrived or are wrapping up your trip, hire a car and a guide to take in the historical and religious sights spread around the Paro Valley.
The Trashi Chho Dzong towers over the riverbanks in Thimphu. Andrew Stranovsky/Getty Images
2. Thimphu
Best for a taste of Bhutanese city life
Bhutan’s capital city beautifully combines culture with a cosmopolitan vibe. Spend the day creating your own stamps at the Bhutan Postal Museum, touring the massive Trashi Chho Dzong, circumnavigating the National Memorial Chorten and watching immaculately dressed policemen manually direct traffic (there are no traffic lights in the entire country).
When the sun dips below the mountains, enjoy the nightlife at bars and clubs such as Mojo Park and the Grey Area, a popular art bar with live music where you can chat with locals over a bottle or two of Bhutanese Red Panda beer or a glass of ara (a spirit distilled from rice).
Planning Tip: Be sure to take a walk in the hills around the capital. For an easy taster, a lovely, level walking trail follows the west side of the valley, linking the BSS communications tower to Wangditse Goemba.
Punakha Dzong is at its most beautiful in June and July when the jacaranda trees blossom. Shutterstock
3. Punakha
Best for experiencing rural life
Ringed by rustic riverside farms where cows graze among rice and chili fields, Punakha is one of the most beautiful places in Bhutan – home to what is arguably the country’s most spectacular dzong (monastery-fortress), sitting majestically beside the sacred confluence of two rivers.
Life in Punakha revolves around the rivers that meet at its heart. For the best river views, take a short walk from Punakha Dzong to one of the country’s largest suspension bridges, wrapped with fluttering prayer flags. Travelers can also go white-water rafting over the rapids of the Po Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers.
Planning Tip: Punakha’s low elevation (1242m/4075ft) means that temperatures tend to be warmer than in nearby towns and districts – you’ll need fewer layers and more sunscreen.
Khoma is an important center for traditional Bhutanese weaving. David Pineda Svenske/Shutterstock
4. Khoma
Best for discovering traditional textiles
Adventurous travelers can peek behind the curtain – or perhaps that should be shawl – in Khoma, Bhutan’s textile hub. In the eastern district of Lhuentse, this village is home to roughly 100 residents and zero cars, and local artisans spend their days weaving ornate patterns and traditional Buddhist motifs on wooden looms, using dyes made from minerals and plants harvested in the area.
Visit the Phobjikha Valley between October and March to spot majestic black-necked cranes. Cheten Tashi/Shutterstock
5. Phobjikha Valley
Best for outdoor activities and birdlife
Drive past mountain meadows dotted with yaks to reach one of Bhutan’s most sacred places. Tranquility and peace emanate from the Phobjikha Valley and its main attraction, Gangte Goemba, a 17th-century monastery gazing out over the valley’s fertile farmland. This is also one of the easiest places to spot endangered black-necked cranes.
The monastery is gorgeous but it’s Gangte’s natural beauty that really stands out. You can hike myriad trails, many with relatively flat stretches where you can focus on the views rather than exertion. Archery, mountain biking, camping, birding and picnics are other popular activities.
Planning Tip: Naturalists should aim to visit between late October and mid-March to see the elegant black-necked cranes that gather here on their migration route from Tibet.
Studded with chortens (stupas), Dochu La is a rest stop with a view. Edwin Tan/Getty Images
6. Dochu La
Best for a pit stop with a view
We’ll bet you 100 Bhutanese ngultrum that this scenic rest stop will make an appearance on your Bhutan itinerary. Hailed as one of the best lookouts in Bhutan, this mountain pass lies on the route from Thimphu to Punakha, and almost everyone traveling on this road pauses to admire the view.
On a clear day, sparkling views of Himalayan peaks await, and the pass is marked by 108 stupas – a sacred number in Buddhism – honoring the Royal Bhutanese soldiers who died battling Assamese insurgents in 2003. On the opposite side of the road, stop into the dainty Druk Wangyal Lhakhang then visit the restaurant at the pass for coffee, cakes and momos.
7. Laya
Best for off-the-beaten-track adventures
The arduous seven-hour drive from Thimphu to Gasa only takes you part of the way to this remote northwestern village. From Gasa, you’ll strap on your hiking boots and trek for three to five hours uphill to the highest permanently occupied village in the country.
But the views of the Himalayan peaks are worth it. Home to the Indigenous Layap people, this pedestrian-only village is filled with yak herders, collectors of cordyceps (an insect-infecting fungus hailed as an aphrodisiac) and elders who honor ancient traditions.
Planning Tip: Try to arrange your trip to coincide with the famous Royal Highland Festival in late October, when you’ll witness one of Bhutan’s most culturally unique events, marked by livestock contests, dancing and traditional songs.
Time your visit to Bhutan to coincide with a festival such as the Bumthang Jakar Tsechu. Shutterstock
8. Bumthang
Best for spirituality seekers
This centrally located and mountainous district is also one of the country’s most spiritual quarters. Spread over four valleys, important sites include Jampey Lhakhang, a historic 7th-century Buddhist temple, and the Jakar Dzong, an auspicious fortress built in 1549.
Rest your legs and indulge in some fresh cheese and jams at the Bumthang Swiss Cheese factory, followed by a local beer next door at the brewery that produces Red Panda beer. The Bumthang Jakar Tsechu festival in October/November is one of Bhutan’s most colorful celebrations, featuring evocative masked dances.
Planning Tip: The drive from Thimphu to Bumthang takes many hours over often treacherous roads. If you’re pressed for time – or prone to motion sickness – consider a domestic flight to Bumthang’s tiny airport from Paro.
9. Haa Valley
Best for immersing yourself in nature
While there’s no shortage of postcard-worthy vistas in Bhutan, the Haa Valley is in a league of its own. Close to the China–India border, about three hours from Paro, you’ll find some of the country’s most spectacular hiking trails, which meander through lush green valleys and monastery-dotted villages.
Covered in alpine forests and jagged mountain peaks, this small section of the country is also one of the most unspoiled. Travelers can take off on the one-day Haa Panoramic Hiking Trail or the three-day Sagala Trek, or simply sit by the Haa River and take in 360-degree views of pristine nature.
Campania is Italy in a double espresso shot: hot, feisty, passionate, loud, intense and big-hearted. Whether you’re walking in the footsteps of toga-wearing Romans through ancient ruins, clambering up the volcanic crater of smoldering Mt Vesuvius, or feasting on pizza, Caravaggio and street art in Naples, this could well be the Italy of your wildest dreams. All the drama and decadence of Italian life is crammed into this southern region.
As you helter-skelter along the cinematically beautiful coastal roads of the Amalfi Coast, where cliffs drop to pastel-painted villages and the glittering blue Tyrrhenian Sea, and swim in the azure waters of Capri, you’ll gain a deep understanding of la dolce vita. After all, when life gives Campania lemons, it makes limoncello (lemon liqueur).
Read on for our favorite things to do to get a real flavor of the region.
A visit to Capri is possible as a day trip from Naples or Sorrento, but it’s worth staying for much longer. Boris Stroujko/Shutterstock
1. Strike a pose on Capri
Benvenuto (welcome) to the supermodel of the Italian islands. You’ve heard the hype and you can believe it. Off the west coast of the Sorrento Peninsula, Capri is off-the-charts beautiful. With roads rollercoasting down to the bluest-of-blue seas, steep cliffs punching above gold-sand bays, bougainvillea-swathed villas, and yacht harbors as polished as the mega-rich people frequenting them, this island is the classic Italian heart-stealer.
You’ll find your own magic on these shores, but special moments are bound to include hiking or hopping into the chairlift to 589m-high (1932ft) Monte Solaro for mood-lifting views over the Bay of Naples, roaming through the flowery terraces of Giardini di Augusto in cinematically pretty Capri Town, and swimming among the ruins of a Roman villa at Bagni di Tiberio.
Planning tip: You can easily tack Capri on as a day trip from Naples or, quicker still, by hydrofoil from Sorrento, but you’ll wish you had spent the week. Come in the low season for fewer crowds and less excruciating prices.
Paestum’s Greek temples are among the best-preserved in Europe. Shutterstock
2. Rewind to ancient Greece at Paestum
Everyone raves about Athens, but there are rich pickings in Campania, too. Top billing goes to Paestum, a staggering archaeological site harboring three of Europe’s best-preserved ancient Greek temples. Originally called Poseidonia, as an ode to the Greek god of the sea, Paestum was founded by Greek settlers in the 6th-century BCE and fell into Roman hands in 273 BCE.
Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, Paestum is a joy to explore on foot – and a less crowded alternative to Pompeii if you’re craving a shot of history. Go for a wander and rewind back 2500 years in time contemplating the soaring Doric columns of the temples, which include Tempio di Cerere, dedicated to goddess Athena, and the astonishingly well-preserved Tempio di Nettuno, honoring Neptune.
Planning tip: For a primer on history, dip into the museum, which spans two floors and sheltering a fascinating collection of bas-relief friezes, frescoes, ceramics and artefacts.
Take your pick from the nine nature trails crisscrossing Vesuvio National Park. Getty Images
3. Trek around Mt Vesuvius
Looming large above the Bay of Naples, Mt Vesuvius makes one hell of an impression. This whopper of a volcano – part of a volcanic chain thought to be around 400,000 years old – last blew its top in 1944 (and for real in 1631). Another full-scale eruption would be catastrophic, so it’s carefully monitored these days, with more than half a million people living in the “red zone”.
Get a taste of its smoldering beauty by latching onto one of the nine nature trails in the Parco Nazionale del Vesuvio. Favorites include full-day, 12km (7-mile) trail No. 1 through the “Valley of Hell,” taking in the volcano from striking angles as you trudge through rocky terrain stippled with broom, stone pine, chestnut and holm oak woods (listen for woodpeckers). Or go straight for the top: trail No. 5 to Great Cono, a gentle stomp around the crater that takes in lapilli and lava flows produced when the volcano erupted in 1944. From the crater, there are tremendous views of the city and Gulf of Naples to the mountains beyond.
Planning tip: Maps and details of the trails are available on the national park website. Start hiking early before the heat rises.
Naples’ pizzas have few toppings on a soft, fluffy base. Shutterstock
4. Find perfect pizza in Napoli
The pizza contest between Roma and Napoli has raged for centuries (exact sources quibble over precisely how long). One thing’s for sure: Rome likes its pizza thin, crisp and piled high with toppings, while Naples prefers a softer, fluffier, gooier base with less on top. Whether you scoff them on the street or straight out of a wood-fired oven in a family-run pizzeria, you’ll find real gold here.
You could pound Naples’ sultry streets for ages seeking your own faves, but our vote goes to the likes of slow-food Concettina ai Tre Santi in the beating heart of the working-class district of La Sanità. In Oliva family hands for generations, it’s now pizzaiolo (pizza maker) Ciro Oliva who takes pride in baking flawless bases and sourcing finest local produce for his toppings. Pizzas are paired with local craft beers and wines.
Local tip: Want to keep it simple? Swing by L’ Antica Pizzeria da Michele, where fabulous margherita and marinara pizzas (that’s right, just two kinds) fly out of the oven quicker than you can say delizioso! Founded in 1870, the pizzeria shot to fame when Julia Roberts ate pizza here in the 2010 film Eat, Pray, Love.
Procida is often overlooked in favor of Capri and Ischia, but visitors love it for its authentic vibes. Frank Chmura/Getty Images
5. Escape the crowds on Procida
Never heard of Procida? You are not alone, but you are missing out. So let us fill you in. This little speck of a volcanic island in the Bay of Naples is often overlooked in the mad dash to its sister isles Capri and Ischia, but don’t make that mistake. Procida is special, with none of the glamour and clamor of nearby islands and an enticingly authentic feel. Avoid peak summer (especially August) and you’ll often find yourself largely alone on its cliff-wrapped coves, in sun-bleached streets full of friendly chatter and in pastel-painted marinas where humble taverns dish up inexpensive seafood and fisherfolk mend their nets. Renaissance palaces, baroque churches, pretty backdrops that starred in the 1994 film Il Postino – this dinky isle has the lot.
With hydrofoils speeding across to Naples in just 25 minutes, you could rush straight off, but the island is a slow-burner. Linger and it will be those lovely snapshots of daily life you’ll remember most.
Local tip: With a rich fishing heritage and rocky coast, Procida is shaped and defined by the sea. One of the best ways to get out and explore is by sea kayak.
Positano is a stunning town with many steep streets leading to epic views. Getty Images
6. Climb the clifftop streets of Positano
The poster child of the Amalfi Coast, insanely gorgeous Positano’s views (and glitzy five-star hotels) have sent poets, artists, writers and celebrities into raptures, John Steinbeck, Picasso, Klee, Liz Taylor, Mick Jagger and Taylor Swift among them.
Romantic? You bet. Looks-wise, the town is a knockout, with pastel-painted, flower-draped houses spilling down a cliffside to the brilliant blues of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Hacked into the rock, its maze of steep streets and staircases crack open the kind of views that hoover up Instagram likes. Bring flat shoes for stiff climbs.
Local tip: Lemons – Positano is famous for them, especially when they add zing to local limoncello and marmalades. Some of the best are sold at Valenti.
The Cilento, Vallo di Diano e Alburni National Park is the perfect place to get away from the crowds of Naples. Rico Markus/Shutterstock
7. Escape to Parco Nazionale del Cilento, Vallo di Diano e Alburni
Wave the crowds further north arrivederci and tiptoe quietly into the wondrously pretty Parco Nazionale del Cilento, Vallo di Diano e Alburni. A breath of fresh air after the buzz of Naples or the sun-bronzed hordes of the Amalfi Coast, this national park is all about slipping back to nature in woods, flower-freckled meadows, river valleys and ochre-colored hilltop villages where the out-of-tune bells of campaniles toll. All of this is set against the rugged drama of the Alburi range, dubbed the “Dolomites of Southern Italy.”
Nature trails take you properly off the beaten track, but don’t expect them to be brilliantly signposted. The exception to the rule is the path to the highest peak, 1742m (5715ft) Monte Alburno. There are two waymarked trails to the summit from the center of Sicignano degli Alburni (allow four hours for either). The park is also honeycombed with caves, including the otherworldly and unmissable Grotte di Castelcivita. Inhabited 42,000 years ago, these fantasy grottoes are a forest of stalagmites and stalactites.
Planning tip: Come for the springtime eruption of wildflowers, when the park is a fragrant, vibrantly colored mass of narcissi, wild orchids, tulips and poppies.
Pause as you follow the Path of the Gods to admire the sweeping coastal views. Shutterstock
8. Hike the Sentiero degli Dei
Lace up boots to hook onto the Amalfi Coast’s Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods) for a heavenly feast of southern Italian landscapes, with swoon-worthy views of the rugged, densely wooded Lattari mountains sheering down to the inky-blue Mediterranean, candy-colored villages staggering down hillsides and distant glimpses of Capri. You can nail it in half a day, but with scenery like this, why rush? Pack a picnic and grab a map of the walk from local tourist offices.
Following an elevated, often rocky mule trail linking Agerola (Bomerano) to Nocelle, before tripping down 1700 stone steps to postcard-perfect Positano. The path unzips some of the area’s least-developed countryside with minimal effort and is immediately spectacular. You’ll traipse past terraced hillsides, lemon orchards and fragrant macchia (scrub) of rosemary and holm oak. A flight of 1500 steps trips gleefully down to Arienzo, where you can pause for a cooling dip, seafood lunch and cocktail at the beach club. The sunsets here are something else.
Planning tip: An easy to moderate hike, the 8km (5-mile) trail takes three to five hours to complete. Get an early start and dodge the worst of the crowds and heat by trekking it in the shoulder seasons (March to mid-June and September to October).
Pompeii, once a thriving Roman town, is now an evocative archaeological site. Shutterstock
9. Time travel through Pompeii
As the first morning lights up the ruins of Pompeii, you might be moved to tears, or at least wide-eyed wonder. In the shadow of Mt Vesuvius – the volcano that destroyed this once thriving Roman town when it spectacularly erupted back in 79 CE – this vast archaeological site touches deep. Buried under layers of molten lava, ash and lapilli (burning fragments of pumice stone), the ruined city is so remarkably well preserved you can still see the grooves from chariot wheels in the uneven cobbled lanes and vividly picture how life must have been roaming around its marketplaces, bathhouses, temples, frescoed villas, and amphitheaters where gladiators did bloody battle. There’s even a brothel festooned with erotic art.
Part of the beauty of Pompeii is exploring it with no fixed plan, but you won’t want to miss showstoppers like the restored, 90-room Villa dei Misteri, with its Dionysiac frieze depicting a bride-to-be into the cult of Dionysus, and the Terme Stabiane bathing complex, with its stuccoed vault adorned with putti (winged cherubs) and nymphs.
Planning tip: Arrive as Pompeii opens to sneak in before most visitors arrive. Sidestep the biggest crowds by coming during the low season (November to March).
Explore the best of Naples with a local guide who will take you through the backstreets of the historic center. Massimo Borchi/Getty Images
10. Go for a backstreet tour of Naples
Hot, rough around the edges and fizzing with energy, Naples’ true charisma only becomes apparent when you stray beyond big-hitters like the Gallerie d’Italia and its Caravaggio masterpieces. To really feel the city’s pulse, dive into the backstreets, strung with drying laundry, filled with spluttering vespas and alive with neighborly banter, stopping for an espresso on a cafe terrace, a bite of pizza on the hoof or an aperitivo (pre-dinner drink)as the sun plops into the sea.
There are lots of great tours to get you started. If you’re into your food, try Culinary Backstreets, offering a five-hour, button-busting spin of the centro storico (historic center) and beyond, ticking off everything from market to pizzeria, patisserie (for shell-shaped, cream-filled sfogliatella pastries) and baccaleria (for salt cod). If art and culture rock your boat more than food, look up Napoli Paint Stories for street-art tours and Looking for Lila for an eye-opening romp through the city’s lesser-known streets and hidden courtyards.
The town of Sorrento inspired many of the 19th-century artists and writers that visited on the Grand Tour. Shutterstock
11. Fall for the beauty of the Sorrento Peninsula
All of Campania is lovely, but the Sorrento Peninsula is the dream, taking its name from the sirens, mythical sea-nymphs who lured sailors to their death with the sweetest of songs. The landscapes are equally fantastical: hairpin roads whip along sheer cliff edges to olive and lemon groves, villages in a fresco painter’s palette of pastels cling to sheer rock walls, and life moves to a relaxed beat in tiny fishing ports.
Once a stop on the 19th-century Grand Tour, Sorrento itself is crazily romantic for a coffee on the piazza or a passeggiata (stroll) in the gold-pinks of sunset. Lord Byron, Keats, Goethe and Dickens found plenty of poetic inspiration here. But it’s the peninsula’s rugged, cove-indented south that will really grab you, with turquoise bays like Baia di Leranto, where you can swim, snorkel and kayak, and Punta Campanella at the very tip, with sublime views out to Capri. Here you can walk trails through the fragrant macchia or dive into electric-blue waters to explore ancient ruins and underwater grottoes.
See ruins, mosaics and clothing in Herculaneum, all buried in lava and ash following the 79 CE eruption of Mt Vesuvius. Sean Pavone/Shutterstock
12. Roam the ruins of Herculaneum
Just a quick hop south of Naples, Herculaneum is a spellbinding archaeological site that suffered a similar fate to that of its more-hyped sister, Pompeii, namely being buried by under a 16-m-thick (52ft) layer of molten lava, gas, ash and mud when Mt Vesuvius erupted big time in 79 CE. The pyroclastic flow fossilized the Roman fishing town of 4000 inhabitants, which means the ruins you see today are extraordinarily intact, from mosaics, clothing and furniture to terror-stricken skeletons.
A couple of hours here wings you back to Roman times and gives you a proper glimpse of how life would have been, as you zoom in on highlights like the Casa di Nettuno e Anfitrite, where a lavish mosaic-tiled nymphaeum (fountain and bath as a shrine to the water nymph) depicts the sea god and his bride, the Terme Maschili bathhouse, complete with a shelf for storing sandals and togas, and the Casa del Bel Cortile (House of the Beautiful Courtyard), sheltering three of the 300 skeletons, which were unearthed in 1980, almost two millennia after the eruption.
Planning tip: For more insight, jump the lines and join a two-hour guided tour with an archaeologist.
Monterey, on California’s central coast offers adventure and exploration, culture and food and sunny afternoons at the beach. The wide empty road, salt-tinged sea air and ornamental Cypress trees all work to create a unique and stunning environment.
Monterey county is home to famous sights like 17-mile drive and the Spanish Bay golf course, charming towns like Carmel-by-the-Sea and Pacific Grove, the world-class Monterey aquarium, and stunning State Parks and beaches, here’s where to see the best of the best.
Must-do in Monterey
Point Lobos State Reserve
While Monterey County is a fully customizable destination, you can’t miss Point Lobos State Reserve. This dramatically beautiful and distinctly California park boasts forests, sea cliffs, wild flowers and tide pools all in one place. Point Lobos State Reserve also has some of the most amazing views in central California (which is saying a lot) and it is accessible for all travelers young and old – with paved paths and adventurous hikes.
17-mile drive
17-mile drive is another must-do attraction in Monterey. This iconic stretch of highway 1 takes you past some of California’s loveliest (and, of course, most elite) homes, as well as the breathtaking white sand Spanish Bay beach. Along the way are stands of ancient Cypress trees, and of course plenty of seals and sea lions.
For a special Spanish Bay experience, make your way to the Inn at Spanish Bay at sunset, when you can watch a bagpiper play along the sea cliffs every night of the year — a nod to the Scottish-style golf course.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Animal lovers (and kids) will want to make a stop at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, one of America’s most popular aquariums. It’s a massive facility and a great place to learn about California’s marine ecosystems. The aquarium is at the end of Monterey’s historic Cannery Row, the city’s main tourist stretch. From there, it is also easy to check out the Monterey pier and enjoy sea food or a sweet treat overlooking the water.
Watch more marine life in California
The iconic Bixby Bridge is simply an unmissable landmark near Monterey. Aurora Creative / Getty Images
Bixby Bridge
Lastly, round out your visit to the central coast by making the drive to Bixby Creek Bridge, about halfway between downtown Monterey and the entrance to Big Sur. The bridge featured in films as well as stealing the show in dozens of car commercials. It’s a photographer’s dream—an architecturally striking bridge in a magnificent wild locale.
See all the top sights in Big Sur
Unexpected gems
Although Monterey is a famous tourist destination, there are plenty of places and activities to surprise you and keep return visits interesting.
Monterey has an abundance of fresh produce and the near-daily farmer’s markets are a local favorite. Zack_Tscharanyan / Getty Images
Farmers’ markets
Monterey County has a bounty of agriculture nearby, and the farmers’ markets are incredible. There is one nearly every day of the week, but the one in Monterey on Tuesday nights is the largest. It has fresh produce, but also food stands from local restaurants and art vendors.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Beyond Monterey proper lie the quaint villages of Carmel-by-the-Sea and Pacific Grove. They are both just a few miles from Monterey. Carmel is perfect for window shopping, with boutiques, galleries and gift shops. Make a stop at the Tuck Box for an English style tea in a storybook-style cottage, or grab sandwiches from Nielsen market to eat alfresco; Carmel has a historic mission and several nice parks to enjoy a picnic. Downtown runs straight into the town’s long, white sand beach, so you can end the afternoon there.
Check out Carmel’s art scene
Pacific Grove
Pacific Grove is the less popular of the two, but it is a classic seaside village, complete with Victorian architecture and a tight knit community. The Lovers’ Point Beach in Pacific Grove has a great view, and right up the street is the Lovers’ Point book shop, which in addition to their awesome literary selection has a cafe with unique drinks (try the signature lavender latte). Pacific Grove is also home to Asilomar, a retreat center with hiking trails through forests and along sand dunes and sea cliffs.
Monterey Wharf and Marina where fishing, sport and tourism combine to play vital economic roles in the vitality of Monterey Bay, California. Ken Wolter / Shutterstock
Where to eat & drink
Best eats
Monterey’s food has upscale dining in spades as well as casual watering holes. For seafood, the classic Sardine Factory or more rustic Monterey Fish House are both good options. The best sandwiches in Monterey County are without a doubt found at Mundo’s; make sure to try the Argentine tri-tip.
Craft brews
Enjoy local brews and beer snacks at Alvarado Street Brewery or check out the Central Coast outpost of Bay Area brewery Fieldwork, which opened a beer garden in Monterey recently; both spots have great ambiance, and children and pets are welcome.
Wine lovers
For wine drinkers, there are plenty of options on the Central Coast, which, although not as well-known for wine as Sonoma or Napa, produces plenty of world-class wines. Cowgirl Winery in Carmel Valley has a nice tasting room with a Western twist– it’s located in a reclaimed wood barn, and also includes a boutique that sells local jewelry, gifts and, of course, cowgirl hats.
Monterey is the setting for HBO’s Big Little Lies, find all the filming locations here.
From airport issues to abuse experienced while out and about, many are well acquainted with the precarity of traveling while Black.
This becomes even more tenuous for Black LGBTIQ+ travelers, considering it’s still illegal to be gay in around 70 countries. Even where it’s legal, LGBTIQ+ people have few, if any, protections. Here are some things to keep in mind when it comes to Black LGBTIQ+ travel.
Googling “Black LGBTIQ+ travel” tends to bring up resources primarily on Black travel or LGBTIQ+ travel, but rarely for those who are both. As a result, Black queer travelers have to undertake a lot of the legwork themselves – research is crucial to understand the precautions they may need to take abroad.
“My worry is usually how comfortably I can just exist in a space and how safe it is for me to go wandering alone, especially if I’m not presenting in a particularly feminine way,” says Garen Abel Unokan, a Black queer woman who often travels solo to countries like Morocco, Spain and Nigeria.
The 12 most LGBTIQ+ friendly places on Earth: where to go for Pride 2022
“I’ve always found the most interesting things just by walking around, so it’s really frustrating to have to Google “What is (X country) like for Black people” or “(X country) gay people” but it’s essential if I want to have the kind of holiday experience where I’m not constantly looking over my shoulder.”
In the face of very few robust sources of information, looking up the policies pertaining to LGBTIQ+ people in the holiday destination tends to be a useful and necessary starting place for many travelers. But it doesn’t necessarily give an indication of widely held attitudes or the important community-focused work that might be taking place.
Black South African queer traveler Tshegofatso Senne says looking up a country’s rights is always among her top priorities.
“The first thing I always do is to check the homosexuality laws in each country,” she says “The second is to do some research on safety for women in that particular country and if there are certain things I should avoid doing or places I should give a miss as a result.”
“I keep in mind the protections, or lack thereof, of LGBTIQ+ in the country, and read articles to learn more about LGBTIQ+ people (living there),” says Gloria Kimbulu, another queer Black woman. “One concern I have for the future is what it would look like to travel with a partner or friends who are visibly queer in terms of safety because as someone who is largely not read as queer, that of course changes when traveling with a partner or friends who are.”
Out of 72 countries where homosexuality is criminalized, 32 of them are African nations and nine are Caribbean islands. With Ugandan president Yoweri Museveni describing being LGBTIQ+ as a “western import” and former Zimbabwean leader Robert Mugabe calling homosexuality “un-African,” it’s little wonder Black queer travelers may not feel safe in the countries their parents and grandparents refer to as home.
“I wasn’t disappointed by experiences in Nigeria and Ghana because I had no expectations of safety there,” says Maya Okonkwo, a Black lesbian. “I stayed firmly in the closet for the entire duration of my stay, silent as family friends blamed everything from Brexit to America’s teen pregnancy on ‘the gays.’ The homophobia is another dimension of intense patriarchy present in many African cultures and it was psychologically exhausting to witness.”
But there’s a lot of joy to be found within local LGBTIQ+ communities and many different ways to find them.
Many countries don’t accept our right to exist: life as a gay traveler
For many, traveling is a way of forming relationships and bonds worldwide and for Gloria, her relationship with travel centers on connecting with people from the African diaspora in countries like Puerto Rico and Cuba.
“In Cuba, I met up with an Afro-Cuban LGBTIQ+ organization – it’s helpful to look into whether or not there is a group or organization you can meet up with if meeting with local LGBTIQ+ people is a priority to you.”
How dating apps can help travelers connect
Dating apps and meet-up sites prove especially useful when trying to connect with communities within your holiday destination, plus they are more knowledgeable about where and what will be good.
Swipe right: a traveler’s guide to dating apps
“[Another priority I have] is to try and see if I can find queer people online that are in those same areas, whether it’s to meet up with them or just to get some recommendations for Black and queer-rich areas that I can make sure I go to,” says Tshegofatso.
“Remember that every single country has queer people living there – there’s room to meet and have fun with other queer people in countries you may not have assumed have a queer population.”
Santorini is the supermodel of the Greek islands, a head-turner whose face is instantly recognizable around the world: multicolored cliffs soar out of a sea-drowned volcanic crater, topped by whitewashed buildings.
With its reputation for dazzling panoramas, romantic sunsets and volcanic-sand beaches, it’s hardly surprising Santorini features on so many travelers’ bucket lists.
If you’re planning to join the crowd, here’s your guide to Santorini to ensure your trip is one to remember.
Peak travel time to Santorini is July and August, when temperatures and prices peak, and hotels, viewpoints and beaches are packed with tourists. Cruise ships deposit thousands of day-trippers to join the holidaying throngs. For better or worse, the island can feel like a crowded party.
For those in-the-know, the shoulder seasons from late April to June and September to October are the best months to visit Santorini. Things are marginally quieter at the caldera edge, and considerably quieter on the east coast. From May to October the weather is reliably sunny, and swimming is possible. Sea temperatures are more favorable in fall compared to spring.
All that said, don’t discount a winter break, when crowds are scarce (and prices low) while the scenery is still breathtaking. However, note that not all tourist places are open in winter. Tourism season kicks off in earnest from Greek Orthodox Easter (approximately mid-April).
Fancy extending your trip to mainland Greece? These are the top destinations to visit
How much time should I spend in Santorini?
Santorini can be expensive to visit (especially when you compare it to the lesser-hyped Greek islands), so your Santorini travel itinerary will depend on how far your budget stretches – and, in turn, this is highly dependent on what time of year you visit.
You need at least three days in Santorini to experience the best of the island – the caldera-edge views, a boat tour, some beach activity, and a dose of history and wine-tasting, too.
Is it easy to get in and around Santorini?
Frequent ferries and high-speed catamarans link Santorini with Athens’ main port of Piraeus, Crete and various Cycladic islands. Check OpenSeas for ferry timetables.
Santorini Airport has year-round flight connections with Athens, and direct summertime European connections.
On the island, bus services are decent, if crowded in summer. Lots of companies offer cars, mopeds and ATV four-wheeler bikes to rent. Walking is by far the best way to experience the caldera-edge clifftop towns.
The top activity on Santorini is to walk the caldera edge and admire the gob-smacking views. Walks in and around Fira are spectacular, particularly heading north to Firostefani and Imerovigli along the caldera-edge pathway.
Keep walking and you’ll eventually reach Oia – a popular pastime, but be aware that it’s about 6.5 miles (10.5km) in total from Fira to Oia, and a good four-hour walk, one way. Carry water and sunscreen.
Nature’s handiwork is on display from any waterfront seat come sundown, but prime sunset-viewing on Santorini is in Oia, where thousands of tourists flock to admire nightfall.
Unearth history
Santorini’s intrigue reaches deep into the past, with the fascinating site of Akrotiri displaying a Minoan city destroyed by the volcanic eruption of 1613 BC. In Fira, the impressive Museum of Prehistoric Thera helps piece together the story of ancient Akrotiri.
Taste the island
Santorini’s local flavors are in the spotlight these days, and deservedly so. The island’s lauded wines are its crisp dry whites and the amber-colored, unfortified dessert wine known as Vinsanto. Both are made from the indigenous grape variety, assyrtiko. About a dozen local vineyards host tastings (usually with a small charge) and some offer food, with scenery and local produce combining to great effect. Start your investigations at SantoWines, or join a wine tour.
Take a tour
You might not think of yourself as a day-tour kind of traveler. But in Santorini, that might change. Any tour your heart desires can be organized, and there are dozens of agencies ready to help with winery visits, archaeology tours, sunset-watching and more. The most popular option is a cruise, and the classic itinerary takes in the caldera’s volcanic islands of Nea Kameni and Palia Kameni, including a stop at the former’s crater and the latter’s hot springs.
Do you want to experience Greece like a local? Try these “hidden” destinations
A caldera walk is always high on my agenda: come for the views, but stay for the fabulous Santorini surprises, including an innovative brewery, wine caverns adorned with artworks, and cooking classes that celebrate the island’s blossoming food focus.
After a day on a trail or a beach, my favorite evening activity (well, second to sunset-watching) is checking out what’s playing at the gorgeous, tree-lined open-air cinema in Kamari. Cheesy movie, deckchair, popcorn, local beer: now I’m on vacation!
How much money do I need for Santorini?
Accommodation will be your biggest expense on the island. If you can afford it, first-timers should stay on the caldera edge to experience the full wow factor. Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli and Oia have hotels and villas with whitewashed interiors, terraces and infinity pools that have inspired marriage proposals, high-fashion photo shoots and many Instagram posts. Unfortunately, there are not a lot of places to stay in these view-blessed locales for budget-conscious travelers: caldera-view accommodations are expensive, and they’re in hot demand.
There are decent midrange options in Fira and Firostefani (less so in Imerovigli and Oia), away from front-row panoramas of the caldera. There’s also a great hostel and a campground (with rooms) on the outskirts of Fira. If you’re more interested in a beach break or activities, stay in Perissa or Kamari (and catch the bus into Fira). The advantage of this is some respite from the camera-toting caldera crowds, plus more reasonable prices.
Food options span the spectrum, from budget gyros to super-swank fine dining. The best activities are free: follow a walking trail, watch the sun set.
There are good ways to spend time without it burning a hole in your pocket: rent a sunlounger on the sand, visit a museum to investigate storied ruins. A day tour is always a hit: sightsee from a boat or visit local wineries. A visit to Ancient Akrotiri costs €16.
Basic room for two: Away from the caldera’s edge in Fira in July, a dorm bed goes for around €50
Double room at a resort: A guesthouse double room can be found for €120 to €160 per night, a self-catering apartment for two begins around €180.
Lunch at a local market: Gyros costs between €5 and €7
Main meal at a restaurant: €25
Bottle of beer at a bar: €4
Boat tours: Range from about €50 to €100 per person
Bus ride in Fira: Varies between €1.80 and €2.50
Taxi from the international airport: To the center of Fira is approximately €15 – €20
Santorini’s main tourism is focused on the caldera-edge clifftops in the island’s west, with large clusters of whitewashed buildings nesting at dizzying heights, spilling down cliff-sides and offering gasp-inducing views from land or sea. Fira, the island’s busy capital, sprawls north into villages called Firostefani (about a 15-minute walk from Fira) and Imerovigli (the highest point of the caldera edge, about a 30-minute walk from Fira). A path running through these villages is lined with upmarket hotels, restaurant terraces and endless photo opportunities.
These three conjoined settlements draw most visitors, together with the stunning and upmarket village of Oia in Santorini’s north. There’s a growing number of hotels in the island’s south, offering caldera views looking north and northeast. Akrotiri’s views come cheaper than Oia’s, but it’s a fair way from the action of Fira.
Don’t miss the lesser-celebrated east coast
Santorini’s east coast is lesser known than the celebrated, elevated west coast. Here, the caldera-edge heights have sloped down to sea level, and volcanic-sand beaches and resorts offer a very different drawcard.
East coast resorts such as Kamari and Perissa have a more traditional (and more affordable) island-holiday appeal: sunlounger-filled beaches, water sports, and taverna-lined promenades. The east coast’s beaches are lined with black sand. On the south coast, there’s a string of beaches famed for their multicolored sand. The dramatic Red Beach is a traveler favorite.
The island’s interior is dotted with vineyards and traditional villages that let you see beyond the tourist hustle. Make a stop in Pyrgos for great eats and a wander through charming backstreets.
There’s a profusion of exciting things to see in the city of Stockholm. And once you expand your radius from Gamla Stan, you can add country palaces, windswept islets, dynamic towns and Viking culture to the mix, via easy day trips.
The Stockholm region is easy to drive around and even easier to explore on public transport. Conveniently, SL Travelcards allow unlimited travel on all buses and local trains in the area, making exploring the region a seamless breeze.
From Drottningholm Slott to Vaxholm in the Stockholm Archipelago, here are the best day trips from Sweden’s capital city.
Historic Uppsala offers a big does of traditional Swedish culture and charm. Mikhail Markovskiy/Shutterstock
1. Immerse yourself in Swedish history at Uppsala and Gamla Uppsala
Travel time: 40 minutes to 1 hour each way
A lively college town that’s rich in history, Uppsala is one of Sweden’s oldest cities, dating back to the 3rd century. It’s also next-door to one of the most important pre-Viking sites in the country.
The city’s 40,000 students create a youthful buzz that’s you’ll quickly feel in the numerous stylish-but-unpretentious cafes and bars. Cobblestone pathways thronged with bicycles lead to the banks of the river Fyris, which flows through the center of town. A squat, pink castle tops a hill above, with a royal garden stretching out below. Budding scientists will enjoy the Linnémuseet and adjoining botanical garden, a replica of famed botanist Carl von Linné’s workspace. History buffs will have plenty to absorb, starting with the treasure-filled Museum Gustavianum or the skyline-defining Domkyrka (Cathedral). But the big draw is Gamla (Old) Uppsala, just up the road.
A gorgeous, 2.5-mile (4km) bike ride north, this fascinating archaeological site was once a flourishing 6th-century religious center where – allegedly – human sacrifices took place. Its 300 mounds from the 6th to 12th centuries make it one of Sweden’s largest and most important ancient burial sites. You can learn more in the adjoining Gamla Uppsala Museum, or wander on your own, reading the informative plaques throughout the site.
If you feel like a strolling or cycling further, Eriksleden is a 3.75-mile (6km) “pilgrims path” between the cathedral in Uppsala and the church in Gamla Uppsala. Its namesake, Erik the Holy, become King of Sweden around 1150 – until the Danes beheaded him 10 years later. The story is that his head rolled down the hill; where it stopped a spring rose up. The main trail also provides access to a ridged wilderness hiking area called Tunåsen, with a panoramic viewpoint (follow signs along Eriksleden just south of Gamla Uppsala to “Utsiktsleden”).
How to get there from Stockholm:
SL commuter trains run frequently (every 30 minutes or more) from Stockholm’s Central Station and City Station to Uppsala’s central station, taking 40 minutes to an hour. Bus 801 goes frequently from Stockholm Cityterminalen to Uppsala station via Arlanda Airport in about 45 minutes. Buses for Gamla Uppsala leave from Stora Torget in central Uppsala.
Just a short boat ride from central Stockholm, the numerous islands of the Stockholm Archipelago offer a taste of small-town Swedish culture. Nowaczyk/ShutterstockWith fabulous architecture and gorgeous gardens to explore, the royal palace of Drottningholm is just a short journey from Stockholm. Kalin Eftimov/Shutterstock
3. Get the royal experience at Drottningholm Slott
Travel time: about 1 hour each way
The grand 17th-century palace of Drottningholm is home to the royal family for part of the year – and open for informative, 1-hour guided tours for visitors all year long (in English three times daily from June to August, and on weekends for the rest of year).
The tour will take you through the highly ornamented State Bedchamber of Hedvig Eleonora, with its opulent baroque interior (it’s the envy of everyone on Pinterest). The library of Lovisa Ulrika is a bright and impressive room, with most of its original 18th-century fittings intact (even if most of her 2000 books have been moved to the Royal Library in Stockholm for safekeeping).
Completed in 1766, the royal Slottsteater is in a remarkable state of preservation. Performances held here in summer still use the original 18th-century machinery to create dramatic effects (the wind machine is particularly impressive). At the far end of the royal gardens, Kina Slott is a lavishly decorated Chinese pavilion that features some of the finest rococo chinoiserie interiors in Europe.
The palace grounds are open for individual roaming, with the geometric gardens, set at an angle for maximum impact, worth the trip all by themselves.
How to get there from Stockholm:
Take the tunnelbana (metro) to Brommaplan, then change to the bus to Drottningholm. There’s also a well-marked bicycle path from the center of Stockholm to the palace (13km / 8 miles). In summer, regular boat services leave for Drottningholm from Stadshuskajen.
Learn all about Viking traditions at Birka, a settlement dating from 760 CE. Alexander Farnsworth/Getty Images
4. Discover Viking history at Birka
Travel time: 2 hours each way
On the island of Björkö in Lake Mälaren, the historic Viking trading center of Birka makes for memorable day trip. This UNESCO World Heritage site was founded around 760 CE to expand and control trade in the region. While not much remains today (other than a cemetery with some 3000 graves – and a beautiful Swedish island), the fun in visiting here is imagining the place bustling with traders and craftspeople centuries ago. The site also contains excavated remains of a defensive fort and the harbor.
If your imagination needs jump-starting, visit the superb Birka Museum, where exhibits include artifacts from the excavations, copies of the most impressive objects uncovered and a scale model of the village as it would have looked in Viking times.
How to get there from Stockholm:
Strömma Kanalbolaget runs round-trip cruises to Birka from Stadshusbron in central Stockholm. Since the trip takes 2 hours each way (the boat ride is glorious), plan on a full-day outing. Cruise prices include museum admission and a guided tour in English of the settlement’s burial mounds and fortifications.
There’s something especially wonderful about traveling with your girlfriends. It’s so alluring that countless movies have been made, books written and songs sung about the uniquely magical experience of heading to new sights with your friends. Not only can these trips provide the chance to slow down from our busy lives, but they can also be an opportunity to step away from the distractions that can get in the way of quality time, all while making new memories along the way.
That’s why I asked Lonely Planet staff to help me compile a range of destinations that make for unforgettable trips for every type of girl group. Whether you are going for outdoor adventure, nightlife that never sleeps, historical explorations or a chance to relax, there is something for every type of girl gang.
Left: Tulum is known for its abundance of cenotes, make sure to take a day to swim in them. Chamidae Ford/Lonely Planet Right: Whether you stay at the beach or head in to town, there is so much to explore in Tulum. Chamidae Ford/Lonely Planet
1. Tulum, Mexico
Have a glitzy beach escape
Mexico is filled with unmissable experiences, but there is something about Tulum that just screams girls’ trip. Maybe it’s the white sand beaches, the fantastic cuisine, luxe hotels or countless clubs to dance the night away. Or maybe it’s because I have enjoyed all these signature perks of Tulum with my own group of girlfriends. I was there with three friends for my 24th birthday, and we spent afternoons sipping on poolside mojitos, warm mornings dashing into the ocean, hours biking through town, and day trips cooling off in cenotes.
Tulum has finally opened an airport, which makes accessing this shimmering escape even easier. The water is warm, the sun is bright, and the cuisine is delicious. If you stay by the beach, grab dinner at MEZE, a mouthwatering Mediterranean restaurant that has a grilled catch of the day fish that I still think about.
We stayed at Kanan, which reminded me of a treehouse and had a beautiful beachfront, but if you prefer more privacy, you can rent a private villa like Casa Xixim.
Left: Cool off in Montana’s shimmering lakes. Ann Douglas Lott/Lonely Planet Right: Hit the trails and explore the boundless nature in Big Sky country. Ann Douglas Lott/Lonely Planet
2. Montana, USA
Road trip through Big Sky Country
If pulling on jeans and a cowboy hat is more your style, follow in Digital Editor, Ann Douglas Lott’s, footsteps and head to Big Sky, Montana. She spent a girls’ weekend there last August, “trail roaming, lake swimming, hot tub soaking and, of course, driving around Yellowstone National Park.”
Whether you rent a house in the mountains or opt for the road trip approach through stunning national parks, such as Glacier and Yellowstone, make sure to try some BBQ (Ann Douglas’ favorite was at the Riverhouse along Hwy 191), frolic through meadows and swim in natural streams. Let the nature lover in you come alive.
In Mykonos, dinner by the water at sunset is always a must. Chamidae Ford/Lonely Planet
1 / 5
3. Cyclades Islands, Greece
Enjoy island time
Iconic, beloved, captivating. There are so many words to describe the Cyclades Islands, all of which make it a fantastic girl trip destination. The beauty of these Greek islands is that there is the perfect one for whatever type of trip you are hoping to take.
Head to Mykonos for techno beats and staying up until sunrise. Opt for Paros for a quieter, swimming-focused adventure. Try Naxos for hiking and outdoor adventure, and for those of you who are coming for the food, head to Crete.
During my own visit to Mykonos, we made a day trip to Delos Island, which you can access from many of the nearby islands for a visit to ancient ruins. While it’s no Athens, it is still captivating to witness the long history that existed before you even thought to make your journey to this island.
Pro tip: If you are heading to smaller islands, you will most likely have to take a ferry ride. Flying into Athens is typically the easiest way to go. Plus, Athens is an adventure in itself and worth a few days before or after your island time.
Left: Spend you days vineyard hopping and sampling all the different grape variations of Napa. Nicole Geehr/Lonely Planet Right: Try your hand in the art of sealing wine bottles. Nicole Geehr/Lonely Planet
4. Napa, California, USA
Explore Wine Country
If vineyards, sunshine and friends are more of your vibe, head to Napa, California’s wine region. Nicole Geehr, a Senior Product Manager at Lonely Planet, spent a weekend in Napa with her friends from high school, visiting five different vineyards over the course of two days. Rent a house in wine country or, for something luxurious, copy Nicole and stay at the Lodge at Sonoma Resort.
There are loads of vineyard tours you can go on, or opt for a self-led exploration. Kendall-Jackson, Frank Family and La Crema are all good wine producers to visit. Enjoy the stunning landscapes, endless variations of wine to sample and hands-on workshops. Nicole and her friends had the chance to dip wine bottles in hot wax to seal them, which makes for a great souvenir.
Left: Grab your matching caftans and hit the bar for the ultimate girls’ night. Brekke Fletcher/Lonely Planet Right: Treat yourself to a luxury stay at GoldenEye Resort. Brekke Fletcher/Lonely Planet
5. Jamaica
Relax and unwind on the beach
Want an experience from 1998-movie How Stella Got Her Groove Back for yourself?Few places feel as “classic girls’ trip” as the Caribbean. Brekke Fletcher, Senior Director of Content for Lonely Planet, takes an annual girls’ trip, and last year, she visited the white sand beaches of Jamaica.
Brekke and her friends enjoyed the endless amenities at GoldenEye Resort, hiked to and swam at the iconic blue hole, and donned matching caftans for dinner. In Jamaica, you can relax and unwind, trek through dense, lush trails or enjoy the shimmering water all afternoon. There is endless potential.
Pro tip: It doesn’t have to be all about luxury resorts – Jamaica has plenty to offer travelers on a budget.
Left: Banff’s towering wilderness leaves so much to explore. Jessica Lockhart/Lonely Planet Right: Dip your toes in, if you’re brave! Jessica Lockhart/Lonely Planet
6. Banff, Canada
Go backpacking (in style)
For adventurous types, hit the trail. Destination Editor Jessica Lockhart was recently joined by two of her friends in the Canadian wilderness for a multiday backpacking trip. Banff is known for its towering mountains, dense and captivating forests and cold, shimmering lakes.
If trekking and camping among trees is the way you like to girls’ trip, Banff is for you. You can also go Jessica’s route and add some cozy comfort with your outdoors with a stay at Shadow Lake Lodge, one of Banff’s three lodges, with comfortable beds, delicious food and access to countless trails for day-hiking experiences.
“With our bear spray in hand, we put our phones on airplane mode and headed into the bush,” Jessica said. “Over the next three days, we indulged in far too much food in a cozy cabin, hiked over and above countless waterfalls to a mountain ‘amphitheater,’ and swam in glacial lakes.”
Left: In Sedona you can spend your days exploring stunning red rock formations. Emily Dubin/Lonely Planet Right: Sedona is believed to be a place that radiates the earth’s energy. Emily Dubin/Lonely Planet
7. Sedona, Arizona, USA
Experience red rock energy
Surrounded by trails and beloved for its iconic red rock formations, there is something special about Sedona. Maybe it’s the abundance of vortexes, where energy swirls and healing can occur, that makes such a lasting impact.
Emily Dubin, a Senior Book Designer at Lonely Planet, has an annual girls’ trip with her high school friends and this time, they chose Sedona. None of them had ever been, and the accessibility of the Phoenix airport meant everyone could take a direct flight — the perfect scenario. They hiked the Birthing Cave trail, visited a psychic and enjoyed flavorful cocktails at Mariposa.
“Some of my friends are very into the metaphysical stuff, and some of us (me) are more on the skeptical end of the spectrum, but we all agreed that whether from the vortexes or from time together in a singularly beautiful place, we left energized and renewed.”
Pro tip: Beat the heat and catch the best views by hitting the trails at sunset.
Left: Serina and her friend sip drinks in Seoul. Serina Patel/Lonely Planet Right: There is so much to uncover in Seoul’s bustling neighborhoods. Serina Patel/Lonely Planet
8. Seoul, South Korea
Have a city adventure
This is for girl groups that love to try something new. Serina Patel, Lonely Planet’s Marketing Manager, recently made the nearly 16-hour flight to meet her friend who lives in Seoul. While the journey is long, it is completely worth the trek, especially if you prefer getting lost in exciting new cities rather than lounging by the beach. You’ll find Seoul is jam-packed with bustling markets, all the Korean BBQ you could want and natural wonders like Seoul Forest, which are begging to be explored.
Pro tip: Extend your stay and visit Jeju-do, an island off the coast of South Korea, known for its pristine beaches, volcanic craters and great hiking. It is perfect if you like to combine city slicking with some nature.
America’s oldest national park, Yellowstone has been captivating visitors since the 1870s. Lofty mountain peaks, thundering waterfalls and abundant wildlife are all big draws of this 3471-square-mile park, but even more extraordinary are Yellowstone’s geothermal features. This is the land of boiling geysers, gurgling mud pools and steaming lakes. Traveling in this remote corner of northwestern Wyoming can sometimes feel like exploring another planet.
Most people plan a trip during the summer season, from June to early September. This is when all of the roads, campgrounds and trails are open (though snow is still possible at higher elevations through early July). Unfortunately, it’s also a very busy time with congested roads and sizable crowds at key destinations (like Old Faithful).
You can beat the crowds and higher accommodation prices by coming just before or after the high season (May or October). For a different perspective on Yellowstone, visit during the winter when access is generally by special snow coach (buses with huge snow tires). Several lodges in the park stay open in the winter, and you can arrange tours by ski and snowshoe.
How much time should I spend in Yellowstone?
With five far-flung entrances, Yellowstone is enormous, and you could easily spend a week here and not run out of things to see and do. If you have only a long weekend, spend your first day on the west side of the park, where you’ll find the most impressive geothermal features – like Old Faithful, Norris Geyser Basin and Mammoth Terraces.
On day two, head east to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, then have a look at scenic Yellowstone Lake – particularly the area around West Thumb, which also has geysers and bubbling hot springs.
If you have four days to spare, you can also fit in some wildlife watching in the Lamar Valley, squeeze in a challenging hike or two and not have to rush your time at park visitor centers. Park-run museums near Old Faithful and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone give insight into the park’s natural history, its wildlife and the geological forces at work deep beneath the earth’s surface.
Is it easy to get in and around Yellowstone?
The main gateway airports are in Jackson (56 miles), Bozeman (65 miles) and Billings (129 miles). There’s also the tiny West Yellowstone airport, though it has limited and pricey summer services. Once you fly in, you’ll need to rent a car as there is no bus service available in the park.
With lots of cars on park roads, you’ll need to plan carefully: head out early to your top destination of the day to avoid traffic snarls, and pack plenty of patience. Traffic jams are often caused by bison, who sometimes decide they want to take a stroll right down the middle of the road. Just remember that this is their land, and we’re the interlopers. You’ll simply have to wait until they move safely out of the way.
The star of Yellowstone is Old Faithful, so named for its regular eruptions, which typically happen every 90 minutes. There are many fine vantage points for seeing the thundering geyser, including the observation deck of the Old Faithful Inn, where you can purchase a cold drink (Old Faithful Ale naturally) while enjoying nature’s finest show. Afterwards, you can explore the Geyser Basin, which is packed with geothermal wonders.
A nearby must-see is the Grand Prismatic Spring with its psychedelic hues. Take the easy-going boardwalk loop, but for a better perspective be sure to also take the short hike up the Fairy Trail to the overlook above the spring.
The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is another spectacular site that should figure high on any itinerary. The dramatic canyon snakes for some 20 miles, and its fairly steep walls boast a range of colors in subtle shades of orange, pink and auburn. Several waterfalls thunder through canyon: Head to the Brink of the Lower Falls to stand just above the roaring cascade, then lose the crowds by taking a hike along the North Rim, where you’ll enjoy some sweeping views of the falls as you walk through the forests beyond the canyon’s edge.
Most visitors stick to the boardwalk trails, but if you’re eager to see the backcountry, you’ll have plenty of options among the park’s 1000 miles of trails. For bragging rights, make the climb up Mt Washburn, which sits at an elevation of 10,219 feet. The 6.8-mile roundtrip takes you to an overlook with 360-degree views, and there’s a good chance of spotting wildflowers and bighorn sheep along the way.
My favorite thing to do in Yellowstone
I love to rise early and head to the Lamar Valley. Sometimes referred to as the Serengeti of the US, the Lamar Valley is home to some of the largest herds of bison and elk in North America. Just after sunrise, the wildlife-watching is at its best, and there’s a good possibility of seeing not just the big ungulates, but also pronghorn (North America’s fastest land animal), moose and bighorn sheep. On lucky days, I’ll even see wolf packs, which come to hunt the elk – their favorite prey.
Unless you’re camping, you’ll need a decent budget to properly experience Yellowstone. In-park lodging soars during the short summer season, and the limited accommodation options at nearby towns also get pricey then. You’ll need to factor in the cost of car rental and fuel as well, since it’s not practical to explore the park without a vehicle (unless you’re coming in the winter). If you’re willing to rough it a bit, a small two-person cabins without bathrooms start at $150 per night.
When hiking in grizzly country, stay alert and make plenty of noise – and avoid hiking alone. Never hike before dawn or after dusk. If you encounter a bear at close range, don’t run. Instead, back away slowly. If it charges, deploy your bear spray.
Bear spray?
Indeed, you should never hike in Yellowstone without carrying bear spray and keeping it within easy reach (on your belt, not buried in your backpack). Purchase a canister when you arrive (you can’t transport it on planes). It’s available at many stores, including within the national park. For a quick overview on using bear spray, read more here.
Leave the fuzzy cows alone
In truth, bears aren’t the most lethal creatures in Yellowstone. More people have been injured or killed by bison. Never approach bison or other wildlife, and give ample space to these seemingly docile creatures, who will charge if they feel threatened.
Stay on the trail when hiking, and don’t stray from the boardwalk when visiting geothermal areas. Ignoring these warning signs can land you in a lot of trouble with the law (as actor Pierce Brosnan discovered earlier this year), not to mention you could be seriously hurt if you fall into a boiling spring or a steam vent.
Packing tips
Even on a cloudless summer day, it’s wise to pack a waterproof shell jacket and a knit cap. Wear layers that you can peel off as needed. The mountain weather is ever changeable, so always be prepared for the rain and cold.
Wildlife-watching etiquette
If you see something from the road and want to have a look, don’t park in the road and block traffic. Use pullouts and make sure your wheels are all the way off the main road when parking.
