Every February, couples receive a not-so-gentle reminder to rekindle their romance. While cards, flowers, and chocolate may be the norm as far as gift-giving goes, we know that some years may merit something a little extra. Why not turn those drugstore bouquets into beautiful flowering gardens, or try locally-made Mexican sweets in lieu of the usual heart-shaped candy?
Now is precisely the time to take advantage of a weekend getaway – especially if you’re looking to score major points with your sweetie. Picture oceanfront views and breakfast in bed, live entertainment and endless cocktails. Then add white-sand beaches as far as the eye can see. Whether you’re whisking away your beloved on Valentine’s Day, or surprising them with an upcoming romantic getaway, here are ten of Mexico’s best adults-only resorts.
Viceroy Riviera Maya
Romance means different things to different people, but if you’re both simply looking to stay in as much as possible (and who could blame you), you’re going to want to head to the Viceroy Riviera Maya just outside Playa del Carmen. Each private villa features not only the necessities (hello Egyptian cotton bedding to snuggle in and Italian linen robes to wear for days), but plenty of lovely additions like your very own heated plunge pool, outdoor rain bath and hammocks to laze about in.
If you do decide to wander out, stop by the Wayak Spa and opt for the Mayan-inspired Xaman-Ek (Love Ritual), where you’ll enjoy a number of treatments together, including a massage, feet ritual and a healing herbal bath.
Excellence Riviera Cancun
When your resort name features the word “excellence” in it, they better deliver on the promise. Fortunately, it’s just the adjective to describe how every facet of this property in Cancún is managed. Fans of the Excellence Riviera Cancun often remark on the high-level of service and personal attention you’ll receive as a guest, and this attention to detail also transfers over to other areas as well. Well-kept gardens, six pristine pools, five jacuzzis, and nearly a dozen international restaurants and bars can all be found here.
If you’re looking to get more adventurous, you and your significant other can borrow snorkel gear, sea kayaks, catamarans and more. Just don’t forget to book services at the Miilé afterwards; the highly-revered spa boasts indoor and outdoor service rooms and various water-based treatments including a Swedish sauna and their popular Temezcal steam baths.
For adventurous couples, most of the resorts will help you have enjoy all the unique experiences Mexico has to offer, like going for a swim in a cenote. Thomas Barwick / Getty Images
Tata Tulum
If you and your beloved prefer a more bohemian-style escape, try booking a few nights at the Tata Tulum, an enchanting, down-to-earth resort that serves as the perfect backdrop for romance. Spend your days dipping your toes in the sands of Tulum, drinking tropical cocktails in the shade of the palapas and simply enjoying each other’s company.
Take a dip in the pool, ocean, or jacuzzi and feast on delicious Mexican cuisine. You could always rent bikes to explore town. Or, you know, enjoy those comfy rooms and cozy robes and reconnect while the waves crash just a few feet away.
Unico Riviera Maya 20°N 87°W
Opulence is at the heart of the Unico Riviera Maya experience, a 5-star resort that spares no expense to ensure all guests leave the property begging to return. Each suite has a personal host to manage all the little things: setting spa appointments, finding the ultimate adventure somewhere on the Riviera Maya, arranging late checkout or simply preparing your spa tub. You can request aromatherapy and custom scent amenities, or opt for a special PURE room to minimize allergies (and avoid ruining your romantic getaway).
You can even customize your stay ahead of time by noting your dietary preferences, how they should personalize your mini-bar, and whether you’re celebrating anything special (because you know they’ll make sure to go the extra mile for it). There are also three fabulous pools, a luxurious spa with numerous signature treatments, five unique restaurants, a cocktail bar and even a wine shop where a sommelier will help you pick the right bottle for the evening.
Palladium’s TRS Yucatan Hotel
The Palladium Group owns a number of hotels on the Riviera Maya, but none compare to the TRS Yucatan, an adults-only escape that is refined, thoughtful, and truly top notch. Each one of their 454 spacious suites feature a hydromassage bathtub, cozy robes and slippers, pillow menu, and butler service, among other delights.
It only gets better from there, as some suites boast private pools, wine climatizers, balconies and sunbeds. And then of course, there’s everything outside your room: six a la carte restaurants, a spa and wellness center, four pool bars, two private pools and an infinity pool with sea views and outdoor activities like yoga and kayaking.
Hotel El Ganzo
For a more off-the-beaten path experience, you’ll want to consider a stay at Hotel El Ganzo. Catering to creative couples, El Ganzo stands out from neighboring all-inclusives in a number of ways, from hosting live entertainment to having an artist-in-residence and even an on-site recording studio. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Situated beside a dock on the Sea of Cortez on the Baja California Sur, the eco-friendly hotel features 70 rooms, complete with 400 thread count linens, locally-sourced toiletries, reusable water bottles, and of course, splendid ocean views.
While there, you and your significant other can hit the rooftop infinity pool or, if the ocean is more your thing, El Ganzo’s staff will take you out to their private beach. Definitely an ideal getaway for hip couples looking for fun and connection.
A casual walk becomes a romantic stroll on the beach in Mexico. Image Source / Getty Images
Le Blanc Spa Resort Los Cabos
This pristine, luxury resort near Cabo San Lucas caters to the power couple looking to relax in style. That means posh accommodations (373 to be exact) featuring Bvlgari bath products, aromatherapy options, handcrafted soap and bath salt menus, stunning views, even complimentary bottles of wine or tequila waiting the moment you step in.
High-end dining options abound at Le Blanc, as do top-shelf bottles for all your cocktail needs. More importantly though, you’ll both find serenity at the on-site spa (the Passion couple’s package includes a chocolate wrap, aroma essence massage, and oxygen facial you’ll want to book as soon as you arrive). And if you’re seeking off-property fun with your beloved, ask them to book you for a sunset sailing cruise.
Hilton Puerto Vallarta The Hacienda
While the Hilton Puerto Vallarta is open to people of all ages, the hotel has created a little kid-free hideaway in The Hacienda. This adjacent property is perfectly secluded for adults looking to sneak off and enjoy one another’s company. Book a room on the first floor complete with a private swim-up pool (perfect if you and your honey want to whisper sweet nothings sans prying eyes), or secure a junior suite on the top floor and spend the days alternating between the bed, terrace, and jacuzzi. The Hacienda also features two restaurants, a pool with swim-up bar, and most importantly: plenty of privacy, peace, and quiet.
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Whether you want to gain a new perspective on American history, explore unusual art venues or eat your weight in cannolis, Massachusetts is ready for you. From the bustling energy of Boston to the quaint charm of its coastal and mountain towns, there’s no shortage of things to do and see.
The Bay State is home to iconic landmarks like Fenway Park and the Freedom Trail, as well the stunning beaches of Cape Cod and the tree-blanketed Berkshires. Whether you’re looking to dive deep into history, enjoy the great outdoors or uncover the state’s whimsical side, here are 21 fun things to do in Massachusetts.
1. Dump tea into Boston Harbor
Boston, the most-visited city in Massachusetts, has no shortage of things to do. If you had to pick just one, though, how about reliving a famous moment in history? It’s a fun way to dive into the city’s rich past. The renowned Boston Tea Party helped pave the way to the American Revolutionary War – and nothing showcases this history quite like the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum. This in-person, interactive must-visit historical site allows visitors to adopt a historic persona, engage in heated debates and shout “Huzzah!” as they join the Sons of Liberty in storming ships and hoisting crates of tea overboard.
2. See amazing contemporary art at MASS MoCA
Set in 26 buildings on 19 acres, this extraordinary contemporary-art museum occupies the former site of the Sprague Electric Company in the Berkshires town of North Adams. The sprawling post-industrial campus has brick facades, football field-sized rooms, open-air courtyards, hidden passageways, covered viaducts and other nooks and crannies.
And every one of them is filled with art – bold, bizarre, eyebrow-raising, head-scratching, mind-boggling art, all frequently refreshed via rotating exhibitions. For a brilliant immersive experience, walk through Sol LeWitt’s Wall Drawing Retrospective, which occupies nearly one acre of wall space all by itself.
3. Treat yourself to cannoli in Boston’s North End
The North End is a little slice of the old country in the heart of Boston. Dining out in the North End is a delightful and delicious experience – only most restaurants don’t serve dessert.
That’s because they can’t top the sweets on offer at local bakeries. Light and crispy on the outside, sweet and creamy on the inside, cannolis are sheer perfection in a pastry – and a North End specialty.
Where’s the best place to go for cannoli in the North End? The famous Italian bakeries are on Hanover St, though Bova’s Bakery on Salem St serves equally scrumptious cannolis without the mile-long lines.
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4. Watch for whales at Stellwagen Bank
There’s nothing like the thrill of seeing a majestic whale launch its massive body out of the water or flip its tail as if saying hello. These types of sightings are (almost) guaranteed on a cruise to the offshore Stellwagen Bank, one of the world’s richest feeding grounds for marine mammals and birds.
Cruises depart from Gloucester, Plymouth, Provincetown and Boston. Common sightings include humpback, minke and fin whales, as well as dolphins, sharks and seals.
5. Ogle old-master paintings at the Gardner Museum
Isabella Stewart Gardner was a 19th-century socialite, a patron of the arts and a lover of the Boston Red Sox. Today, the unrivaled collection of art she amassed is on display at a Venetian-style palazzo just off the Back Bay Fens.
From rare books to ancient Roman objects to Italian Renaissance paintings, over 7500 pieces of art dazzle visitors. Watching over it all is Gardner herself, via a captivating portrait by John Singer Sargent hanging in the Gothic Room. If you close your eyes, it’s easy to imagine the salons and soirées that took place here back in the day.
The interior courtyard – bursting with seasonal blooms, ancient Roman sculptures and mosaics – is worth the price of admission ($20) in itself. The museum was also the site of one of the world’s most brazen – and still unsolved – art heists, in 1990: look out for the empty frames that still hang in the missing paintings’ place.
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6. Summit the cliffs at Quincy Quarries
This former granite quarry is now a sort of unofficial, experiential outdoor art studio and rock-climbing center. Vibrant paintings cover every cliff – personal tags, political rants and murals wacky and whimsical, their colors exploding off the dull gray granite facades.
The place has an offbeat, unkempt beauty that may not appeal to everyone. Rock climbers in particular have mixed feelings about the graffiti (which makes the granite extra slick), though the quarry is still a popular spot to rope up, with dozens of climbing routes around the grounds. An epic view of the Boston skyline awaits if you make it to the summit.
The oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball, Fenway has been the scene of countless triumphs and tragedies since 1912. It’s the home of the Boston Red Sox, a team that inspires unrivaled passion in their fan base. The scene isn’t always pretty – but it’s pure, unfiltered Boston. If you can’t get tickets to a game, the on-site Bleacher Bar (with a limited view onto center field) is the next best thing.
8. Eat fried clams on the North Shore
The fried clam is one of the state’s iconic foods, with crispy breading on the outside, tender bivalve on the inside – and tasty all around.
The North Shore is the place to sample this delicacy: it was invented here, and the clams harvested in Essex and Ipswich are consistently sweet and succulent. Sample them at Woodman’s of Essex (the original), at JT Farnham’s overlooking the salt marsh, or at the Clam Box, a restaurant that actually looks like…a clam box.
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9. Discover the street art in Salem
The Point (or El Punto) is a predominately Latinx neighborhood only a few blocks from Salem’s historic center. In recent years, the streets have transformed into a unique Salem attraction: the Punto Urban Museum, an open-air art exhibition with more than 75 murals on the neighborhood’s brick walls, painted by artists from around the world.
The paintings immortalize Latinx heroes, elevate cultural themes and comment on socioeconomic inequities. And they also enrich the neighborhood with their color, texture, detail and vibrancy.
Best things to do in Salem
10. Learn about Indigenous culture at the Plimoth Patuxet Museums
The town of Plymouth on the South Shore is typically known as the site of an early English settlement – but the native Wampanoag people have inhabited the region for over 12,000 years, with the Patuxet resident in the 17th century. The Plimoth Patuxet Museums, formerly called Plimoth Plantation, explore both these histories.
At Historic Patuxet, you can visit a wetu (Wampanoag house), study the craftsmanship of a dugout canoe and observe how food was grown and cooked before the English colonists arrived.
11. Cycle through the dunes along Cape Cod National Seashore
Stretching along the outer edge of the Outer Cape, Cape Cod National Seashore is 40 miles of utter paradise. Pristine beaches, sand dunes, pine forests and kettle ponds with a few lighthouses for effect make any trip here one you’ll remember forever. Some of the best beaches in Massachusetts, including Marconi Beach in Wellfleet, known for its dramatic cliffs, are located here.
It’s impossible to see it all in one visit, but the Province Lands bike trail offers an excellent sampler along a surprisingly rigorous 5.45-mile loop – one of Cape Cod’s top activities. On a hot day, end your ride at wild and wonderful Race Point Beach to cool off in the waves.
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12. Spy on seals in Chatham
It’s not unusual to glimpse a sweet, whiskered face peeking out of the waters near Cape Cod, which is home to some 50,000 gray and harbor seals. If you want a guaranteed sighting, take a boat trip out to Monomoy Island, where you’ll see the creatures bobbing in the water or lounging on the beach.
During mating season (especially September and October), the sheer number of bodies astounds, with the long, narrow beach packed with hundreds of seals piled on top of each other like anchovies in a tin.
Alternatively, you can usually spot seals from the observation deck at the Chatham Pier Fish Market (which is also a fantastic place for a lobster roll lunch).
Tip: No matter how cute you think these seals are, remember they are wild animals. Always maintain a safe distance.
13. Get lost in the stacks at Montague Bookmill
On a wooded country road along the banks of the Sawmill River on the edge of the micro-town of Montague is a bibliophile’s bliss. The unexpectedly rich and locally beloved Montague Bookmill is a place to get lost for hours.
The c 1842 building retains the rustic atmosphere of the grist mill it was for nearly a century. Today, it contains tens of thousands of volumes in a maze of stacks and shelves, with plenty of comfy chairs and sunny corners to curl up with your treasures.
With coffee available next door at the Lady Killigrew Café, this place is pretty much perfect.
14. Behold the dramatic colors of the Aquinnah Cliffs
It’s hard to outdo the red-clay cliffs at the western end of Martha’s Vineyard, both for their sheer natural splendor and their geology, which is unique in Massachusetts.
Rising 150ft from the ocean, this dramatic glacial formation is a stunner, especially when it reflects rich jewel tones in the late-afternoon sun. Expect gorgeous views – and surprisingly few crowds – at Gay Head public beach.
15. Catch some of the world’s best artists at a Berkshire summer festival
Whether you’re into live music, theater or dance, you can get your cultural fix amid the Berkshires’ forest-covered hills and under star-filled skies. Massachusetts’ western mountain region has been an artistic hub ever since the Gilded Age elite came from New York and Boston to spend their summers amid the greenery.
No longer as exclusive, it’s now a lovely region for packing a picnic, spreading a blanket and listening to live music at Tanglewood–the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and an essential stop for classical music lovers. The venue also hosts world-class performances of all kinds, including those by the Boston Pops Orchestra, and music festivals like the Jazz Festival in September and the Festival of Contemporary Music in early August. Bring a blanket and picnic and enjoy the live music in the open air during the summer season.
Planning tip: The Boston Pops spend July 4th in Boston playing a free outdoor performance on the Charles River at the Hatch Memorial Shell that wows, coordinating the “1812 Overture” to the fireworks finale. If you plan to brave the crowds, remember to plan ahead and choose your viewing spot wisely. Great seats at the concert don’t necessarily mean clear views of the fireworks, and vice versa.
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16. Pick (and eat) your own apples amid the fall foliage
Apple picking is the perfect way to get your fix of eye-goggling fall foliage and crispy, local produce. In September and October, apple orchards around the state lure families with hay rides, hedge mazes and other farm animals.
Others forgo these extras: Bartlett’s Orchard in Richmond only has trees, yielding a dozen varieties of apples (the local favorite: tart, juicy McIntosh). But the surrounding Berkshire hills – dressed up in extravagant yellows, oranges and reds – make Bartlett’s one of the top places in Massachusetts to take in the splendor.
A word to the wise: no matter where you get your apples, do not pass on apple-cider donuts, an autumn rite of passage each year.
17. Raise a toast to freedom at Faneuil Hall
As one of Boston’s most historically significant buildings, Faneuil Hall has served as a marketplace and meeting hall since 1743. Today it’s part of the Boston National Historical Park. It played a pivotal role in the American Revolution, with prominent figures like Samuel Adams gathering here and using it as a platform to rally for Freedom. Visit the 2nd floor to hear about the building’s history from National Park Service (NPS) rangers.
On Faneuil Hall’s lower level, the Boston Slavery Exhibit confronts the city’s role in the slave economy, beginning in the 1620s when the English enslaved Native American people. In 1638, the first ship transporting enslaved Africans docked in Boston, and by the 1760s, more than 17,000 enslaved Black people had arrived in New England. The exhibits share stories of enslaved people and their lives in the Boston area.
In 1826, a new market was constructed behind Faneuil Hall, named for Mayor Josiah Quincy. The North Market and South Market buildings on either side of Quincy Market were completed the following year and together comprise the insanely popular complex of shops and food stalls known collectively since the 1970s as Faneuil Hall Marketplace. Though you may find better food elsewhere, you can grab a quick bite at the touristy eateries and food stands selling everything from chowder to tacos and ice cream.
18. Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum
Located in the hometown of Theodor Seuss Geisel, aka Dr. Seuss, the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum in Springfield is a whimsical, family-friendly attraction that brings the beloved works of the author to life. From “The Cat in the Hat” to “Green Eggs and Ham,” visitors of all ages can explore interactive displays, view original artwork and learn about the life and legacy of Dr. Seuss. It’s a fun, educational and colorful experience for kids, but also works for Seuss fans of all ages.
Planning tip: You can enjoy free admission on the first Wednesday of the month. If you can’t make it that day, it will cost you $25 to visit.
19. Walk in the footsteps of Revolutionaries at Minute Man National Historical Park
One of the best places to experience Revolutionary War history is Minute Man National Historical Park. Located in the towns of Lexington and Concord just outside Boston, this park preserves the sites where the first battles of the American Revolution unfolded on April 19, 1775.
You can walk along the historic Battle Road Trail, a 5-mile trail that connects the historic sites related to the battles – from Meriam’s Corner, where gunfire erupted while British soldiers were retreating, to the Paul Revere capture site. The park is also home to the residence of American author Nathaniel Hawthorne, who penned classic works like The Scarlet Letter and The House of the Seven Gables.
20. Climb to new heights at the Pilgrim Monument and Provincetown Museum
For a sweeping view, visit the Pilgrim Monument and Provincetown Museum on Cape Cod. The monument, which stands 253ft tall, commemorates the Pilgrims’ first landing in 1620. Climb the 116 stairs to the top for panoramic views that are worth the effort. Note: There isn’t an elevator.
The adjacent museum offers exhibits on the Pilgrims, as well as Provincetown’s rich maritime history, and its role as a space for artists and the LGBTQ+ community. In fact, it’s where one of the largest and most celebrated gay pride events in the country takes place every June. In August, visit for the colorful Carnival Week, filled with parades, costumes, street performances and themed parties. It’s a party-like atmosphere drawing tens of thousands each year.
21. Set sail for adventure at Gloucester Harborwalk
If you ever watched the film The Perfect Storm, the based-on-true-events blockbuster starring George Clooney and Mark Walhberg, you already have had a glimpse at Gloucester’s maritime heritage. This fishing town located on Massachusetts’ other cape, Cape Ann, is one of the oldest fishing ports in the US. Take a stroll along the Gloucester Harborwalk, which will guide you through the town’s art installations and historical markers that tell its rich tale. Along the way, you can visit the Fishermen’s Memorial statue and wall which pays tribute to the thousands of fishermen lost at sea over the years, including the six crew of the Andrea Gail depicted in the movie.
From this perch, you can also watch fishing boats return with their daily catch. Just be sure to go to one of the local restaurants serving those local scores, such as the Seaport Grille, which is famous for its lobster pie and clam chowder.
Practically a country unto itself, Bavaria packs in more than most independent states of its size.
Think peaks over 2000m (6560ft) and sweeping plains. Medieval cities and 21st-century museums. Roman ruins and Alpine lakes.
You could spend a lifetime exploring it all. If you need a place to start, here are 10 experiences that will introduce you to the pleasures of this special corner of Germany.
Bavaria is one of the best regions to visit next year. See our full list of Best in Travel 2025 winners.
A cog railway chugs through the Alps to Germany’s highest mountain, the Zugspitze. Dieter Meyrl/Getty Images
1. Take the high road to the Alps
Geography may have granted Germany’s south just a mere sliver of the Alps, but the region certainly makes the most of its mountains, many of which are but a short train ride from central Munich. The ski resort of Garmisch-Partenkirchen is the place to head for the best fun in the snow, as it sits under Germany’s highest mountain, the Zugspitze, the top of which can be reached by a special train. Surrounded by Austria on three sides, the Berchtesgadener Land in Bavaria’s far southeast delivers all the best Alpine pleasures, providing dramatic mountain scenery, great hiking and splendid lake vistas.
Local tip: Skiing is a big deal in the German Alps, with countless pistes scoring their snowy slopes. The skiing season here runs from around mid-December until sometime in April, depending on weather conditions. When the white stuff fails to fall, artificial snow made by special canons means the fun doesn’t stop.
The old-master paintings at Munich’s Alte Pinakothek always dazzle. Alexey Fedorenko/Shutterstock
2. Lose yourself in world-class museums
You could devote many months to Bavaria’s exceptional museums, some of which rank as the best of their kind in Europe. It would be easy to while away a week “doing” Munich’s art museums alone, including the world-class Pinakotheken (Alte Pinakothek, Neue Pinakothek and Pinakothek der Moderne). The Deutsches Museum is a highly enjoyable repository of the country’s storied technical past, while Nuremberg boasts the Deutsche Bahn Museum, Germany’s top railway museum, and the Nationalmuseum, the country’s most comprehensive exhibition of Germanic culture. Of course, Bavaria witnessed one of the most sinister chapters in European history – the rise of the Nazis – and regional sites don’t sugarcoat this story. Berchtesgaden’s Dokumentation Obersalzberg and Nuremberg’s Reichsparteitagsgelände – where the largest Nazi rallies were held in the 1930s – memorably relate elements of this unfortunate past.
Planning tip: Many of Munich’s museums and galleries charge only €1 on Sundays, which could save you a considerable amount of your travel budget if you intend on visiting a few.
The biergarten by the Chinese Tower in the English Garden is one of Munich’s most charming. Pani Garmyder/Shutterstock
3. Sample Bavaria’s hop-infused traditions
Munich has often been called “the city of art and beer,” and after you’ve taken in art by day (see above), the evenings belong to the one-liter steins of frothy brews in typical beer halls such as the Hofbräuhaus, the Augustiner Bräustuben and the Weisses Brauhaus. Of course, the best time for disciples of the hop to make a pilgrimage to the Bavarian capital is during Oktoberfest (annually late September to the first weekend in October), during which over 6 million liters of beer are downed.
Outside Munich, the beer is just as good – better in fact, according to the drinkers of Franconia (Bavaria’s northern region), where countless village breweries pump out an astonishing variety of Landbier (small-scale regional beers) not available anywhere else. The best place to sample these is the Kellerwald near Forchheim, literally a huge beer garden in the middle of a forest.
Local tip: A Bavarian phenomenon is the beer garden, with its tables and chairs set out under horse chestnut trees and garlands of fairy lights. Some of the best to seek out in Munich are the Biergarten am Chinesischen Turm in the Englischer Garten; the Hirschgarten, which has almost 9000 seats; and the Hofbräukeller am Wiener Platz, said to be the original Munich beer garden.
Lovely Linderhof is one of Ludwig II’s more diminuitive castle projects. Shutterstock
4. Discover Ludwig II’s castles
Every Bavarian town and hilltop seems to host a medieval pile or two, but it’s to three 19th-century follies commissioned by Bavaria’s King Ludwig II that most outsiders flock. Rising out of Alpine forest near the town of Füssen, Schloss Neuschwanstein is Germany’s most popular tourist attraction, its dreamy turrets and dramatic location having inspired Walt Disney. Ludwig’s other two sugary creations are the Herrenchiemsee, a Versailles-inspired palace on an island in the Chiemsee, Bavaria’s biggest lake; and compact Linderhof, in a remote Alpine location near Oberammergau.
Local tip: Linderhof occupies a lonely spot amid the peaks of the Ammergau Alps. A great way to reach it is to take a gentle 12km (7.5-mile) hike from Oberammergau, itself a major tourist attraction.
You can check out the newest models at the free BMW Welt in Munich. Domagoj Kovacic/Shutterstock
5. Feel the speed at BMW
Bavaria is home to two of the highest-octane names of the motoring world: BMW in Munich and Audi in Ingolstadt. The space-age BMW Welt (BMW World) is a car fanatic’s dream come true, a huge, free exhibition of the company’s latest models, which can be sat in, fiddled with and admired from the driver’s seat. Next door is the excellent BMW Museum, and technically intriguing tours of the nearby factory can be easily arranged.
Traditional Bavarian culture is deep rooted – and awfully fun, too. Shutterstock
6. Admire Bavaria’s deep-rooted traditions
The world-famous Oktoberfest and Christmas markets. Oberammergau’s once-a-decade Passion Play. The glass-blowing traditions of the Bavarian Forest, the beer-brewing monks of Andechs, the folk-costumed bashes in Alpine taverns and the veneration of Wagner at Bayreuth: Bavaria is a place where culture and traditions form an easily accessible link with a colorful, folksy past. And unlike other countries in Central Europe, you don’t have to look far to find them, for every local keeps lederhosen or a dirndl in their closet for wearing to weddings, church services or simply the local beer festival.
7. Buy Bavarian
There’s shopping for every budget in Munich, from top-end boutiques to secondhand bookstores. And there sure are a lot of items unique to the Free State that will weigh down suitcases on departing planes and trains. Traditional Bavarian folk costume makes for a truly unique souvenir. Central Munich’s Loden-Frey sells the real deal; those on a budget should head for Holareidulijö, which offers secondhand items. Just before Oktoberfest, many pop-up shops appear in central Munich offering cheap versions of traditional garb.
Nymphenburg porcelain is another popular take-home item, best sourced at the Porzellan Manufaktur Nymphenburg factory shops. Glassware from the Bavarian Forest area, Nuremberg gingerbread, and new and antique beer steins are other mementoes to take home from any Bavaria trip. More-unusual shopping experiences are provided by Käthe Wohlfahrt shops, where you can source your Christmas decorations all year long – a surreal experience in July when the mercury is pushing 30ºC (86°F).
Königssee may be Germany’s most gorgeous lake. Getty Images
8. Make a splash in Bavaria’s gorgeous lakes
Between Munich and the Alps, many picturesque foothill lakes reflect quaint villages and onion-domed churches in their glassy waters. Easily accessible by S-Bahn from Munich, the Fünfseenland is (as its name implies) an area of five lakes. Perhaps the most popular is the pretty Starnberger See, a retreat for stressed-out city folk and the place King Ludwig II mysteriously drowned in 1886. Southeast of Munich, the Chiemsee is a great place to mess around in boats. Yet top marks must go to the Königssee, Germany’s most spectacularly beautiful body of water, cupped by Alpine slopes and walls of granite. Take an electric boat along its length or hike the high peaks around its shores.
Weisswurst is a Munich must-try. Michaela Handrek-Rehle/Bloomberg via Getty Images
9. Chow down like a local
Bavaria’s heavy, carnivore-friendly menus are the perfect accompaniment to its tasty beer. Eating out is not all about soaking up the lager, however. Munich has a thriving culinary scene, with vegetarian, vegan, Asian and Michelin-starred gourmet restaurants, and boasts more Italian eateries than most cities in Italy. In the countryside, things stay on the traditional side, though there’s still a lot of variety, especially where tourists congregate in numbers.
A must-try Bavarian specialty is Weisswurst. Essentially sausages of minced veal and bacon, flavored with various herbs and spices, these off-white links are served with sweet mustard, a pretzel and a mug of wheat beer…for breakfast. Sample a plate in any city-center tavern until 11:59am – after which locals will push a plate of them away, declaring them stale.
Avoid the crowds and enjoy extra charm by visiting the Romantic Road’s evocative towns – like Rothenburg ob der Tauber – in winter. Getty Images
10. Set out on the Romantic Road
Running along the western edge of Bavaria, the Romantic Road is Germany’s most popular tourist route, extending for 350km (217 miles) from Würzburg in the north to the Alps in the south. This ribbon of quaintness is punctuated by perfectly preserved walled towns such as Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Dinkelsbühl and Nördlingen. You could spend a week visiting all of the towns and villages on the route – more if you decide to attempt the trip by public transport.
Planning tip: The Romantic Road is traveled by millions of visitors over the summer, so consider setting out in winter, when a blanket of snow adds extra romance to these special places.
Sunset in the desert; an intimate meal with the waves of the Gulf lapping at your feet; enjoying a rooftop beverage with Doha’s skyline filling the horizon. Qatar offers a perfect backdrop for a romantic getaway, from the city to the desert.
Whether you are visiting Qatar for a special moment over Valentine’s Day, for a honeymoon, a proposal, or simply a vacation, there are so many options to choose from to make your stay special, you will be hard-pressed to squeeze it all in.
For a romantic getaway that feels like staying in a village within steps of the city, book yourself into Al Sharq Village & Spa, a Ritz Carlton Hotel. Al Sharq Village & Spa is a low-rise property at the far end of the Corniche, with the distant bright lights of the skyline offering a pretty horizon backdrop. Located on the beach looking over the bay, the hotel has a luxurious spa and offers one of the most romantic spots for a meal a deux in Qatar – The Zarb Experience, where diners can sample local delicacies in a private gazebo on the beach.
Alternatively, book yourself into the stunning Anantara Banana Island. Overwater villas make for a superbly relaxing and romantic stay. Just beware that the resort is dry.
Head out at night into Doha Bay for a dhow cruise. On a traditional wooden boat, you will see the city sparkle all around you, with the light reflected on the dark, calm water of the Gulf, making it look iridescent.
Or you could head into the desert for a night safari, enjoy a drive through the sand dunes, maybe a camel ride, and a spectacular sunset, but most importantly a look at the vast sky filled with stars miles away from any light pollution. You can even opt to stay overnight in a luxury Arabian-style tent at the Regency Sealine Resort at the foothills of the Inland Sea.
Explore the mysterious signs and symbols of Qatar’s Al Jassasiya rock carvings
There is nothing more magical than walking in beautiful surroundings, together. A must-do in Doha is a walk along the 4.5-mile long Corniche with its two world-class museums: the National Museum of Qatar, reminiscent of a desert rose, a gypsum formation found locally in the desert; and the Museum of Islamic Art. Both offer perfect stop-off points for an art-and-culture fix along the way.
Then saunter through Souq Waqif, the bustling traditional market, and marvel at the windows in the Gold Souq, where there is practically nothing you cannot get in solid gold. Maybe choose a trinket as a reminder of your trip to Doha.
For a dash of European glamor, stroll along The Pearl, where you can explore the colorful Qanat Quarter, which comes with a copy of Venice’s Rialto Bridge and many Instagram-able spots, or café-hop in Medina Centrale.
There are superb spas in Qatar and going for a couple’s massage is a must. The Four Seasons Hotel Doha has a dedicated Private Spa Suite for couples and can arrange signature treatments and massages, as well as bespoke one-day or multi-day spa experiences.
If you have a few days, take a retreat to experience an overhaul of your wellness and nutrition. Enjoy a complete detox from stress when you book yourself into the new Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som on the northern tip of Qatar. It’s the world’s first center for Traditional Arabic and Islamic Medicine (TAIM) and the holistic approach includes herbal gardens, art, and a 4000-book library – all in a stunning setting alongside the turquoise sea.
Or try the Couple’s Suite at the Mandarin Oriental, Doha in the trendy design neighborhood of Msheireb Downtown Doha. The Omnia Treatment for two offers a spa retreat experience of hair and scalp treatment, invigorating massage, and facial.
With around 100 different nationalities living and working in Qatar, you can be assured of a cosmopolitan choice of cuisines, from Japanese to Italian, from French to, of course, Qatari. There are some stunning locations, perfect for a romantic dinner.
For some of the best views from high above, head to Il Galante, the Italian restaurant in the Banyan Tree Doha. From the 27th floor you have amazing views of Doha twinkling below you. For Qatari delicacies in a superb setting, have lunch in Jiwan Restaurant right in the National Museum of Qatar. From the terrace, the skyline of Doha and the bay stretch before you, and the food is simply divine. Or you could visit the Japanese restaurant Nobu, which is perched at the end of a pier with 360-degree views of Doha and the Gulf.
For something a little extra special, why not have dinner for two on a helipad, high above Doha’s West Bay skyline? At the JW Marriott Marquis City Center Doha you can dine à deux, enjoying a menu designed to your special wishes and preferences, feeling on top of the world.
8 of the finest dining experiences in Qatar
A couple that shops together…
Finding a piece of Qatar to take home with you is a must, and shopping can include some wonderful experiences, too. Take a gondola ride through the canals of Venice within Villaggio Mall or wander through Doha’s luxurious Al Hazm Mall. There are not only great shops in a stunning setting, but also myriad restaurants, including Rosemary Café, whose ceiling is covered in pink flowers.
Alternatively, for a touch of Paris head to Galeries Lafayette, right by the Katara Cultural Village, which makes for a perfect après-shopping walk with its galleries, street art, and beautiful architecture right by the beach.
Whether you shop, dine, soak up culture or get pampered together, Qatar is the perfect place for a romantic getaway.
Vail’s world-class skiing and snowboarding terrain draws visitors from around the world, it’s true. Yet there’s much more to this Colorado mountain town than snow sports.
Whether you crave a bold outdoor adventure in the Rockies or favor an afternoon of posh pampering, the Vail Valley offers vacationers a wide range of recreation options.
From hiking with llamas to sampling tasty craft beers, here are 15 ways to get the most out of your next visit to Vail.
1. Sip a flight of craft beers
Craft beer is huge in Colorado, and the Vail Valley is no exception. Head to one of Vail Brewing Co’s two locations – Eagle Vail or Vail Village – and order a flight to sample a rotating selection of their brews. Founded in 2014, the veteran-owned brewery makes beers inspired by the valley’s active lifestyle, each one perfect for sipping after a day of hiking or skiing.
Drinks aside, you can get a sense of Vail’s local flavor by bellying up to the bar at any of the restaurants in the valley and chatting with the bartender and fellow patrons.
2. Drive bumper cars on ice
Remember playfully ramming into your friends and siblings in bumper cars at the local carnival as a kid? Now picture doing it on an ice rink, as a grown-up.
You can relive this fun piece of your childhood in a slightly chillier setting at Vail’s John A Dobson Ice Arena. The arena has 12 colorful ice bumper cars available for kids and adults to rent at a cost of $10 for 15 minutes.
Planning tip: Remember to preregister before you get to the arena. Then bump away.
Enjoy trekking through the Rocky Mountains more by outsourcing the carrying to a furry porter: a llama. Getty Images
3. Go trekking with llamas
Backpacking by yourself requires a lot of planning and gear that seems to get heavier as the day goes on. So consider hiring a very special (and very cute) team to help bear your load. The llamas at Paragon Guides in the Vail Valley can shoulder your gear on multi-day trekking trips between Colorado backcountry huts.
Planning tip: If you’re strapped for time, the llamas are also available for shorter “take a llama to lunch” excursions.
4. Zoom around the slopes on a snowmobile
You can go pretty darn fast while skiing downhill – but you can really let rip on a snowmobile. These speedy machines are a great way to explore the Vail Valley’s expansive terrain in the winter while also getting your adrenaline pumping. Numerous local companies offer tours and rentals, including Vail Backcountry Tours, Nova Guides, Sage Outdoor Adventures and Vail Extreme Rentals.
5. Get out on the water on a stand-up paddle board
Vail’s weather is downright glorious during the summer – think mild mid-70-degree highs, lots of sun and light breezes. While you won’t find many beaches in these mountains, the Vail Valley offers plenty of ways to get out on the water, including on a stand-up paddle board (SUP).
If you’re new to the sport, head out on the flat waters of Nottingham Lake (where you can also rent paddle boards and pedal boats) or book a stay at Piney River Ranch, which offers its guests access to Piney Lake.
Detour: Fancy a more adrenaline-fueled adventure on the water? Try white-water rafting with Timberline Tours to get up close and personal with Colorado’s rivers.
The Solaris Plaza Ice Rink in Vail village offers active fun for the whole family. Margaret Wiktor/Shutterstock
6. Glide around on ice skates
Lace up your skates and aspire to the grace of an Olympic figure skater or the strength of an NHL hockey pro. Ice skating is a fun, family-friendly activity, and the Vail Valley is home to several indoor and outdoor rinks that are perfect for spending an afternoon gliding around on the ice (and warming up with hot chocolate after).
Check out the John A Dobson Ice Arena, the Alderhof Ice Rink and the Solaris Plaza Ice Rink in town, as well as the rink at Beaver Creek Village, just a 15-minute drive west of Vail.
7. Hit the links at one of Vail’s golf courses
Since the Rockies are the ever-present backdrop here, it’s no surprise that Vail is home to some seriously stunning golf courses. Whether you’re a semi-pro or a beginner, there’s a course for everyone here.
Vail Golf Club is a popular 18-hole public course with views of the Gore Range, while Red Sky Ranch & Golf Club is a premier private club with courses designed by esteemed architects Tom Fazio and Greg Norman. Though membership is required, guests can enjoy the course if they’re staying at one of the club’s partner properties.
Other golf courses to bookmark include EagleVail Golf Club, Beaver Creek Golf Club, and Gypsum Creek Golf Course. Many Vail courses also offer lessons and have a clubhouse that serves food, so that you can make a day of it with the whole family.
8. Go cross-country skiing at the Vail Nordic Center
Vail is famous for its downhill runs – but the valley is also a great place to work up a sweat while cross-country skiing. The Vail Nordic Center offers more than 10 miles of groomed trails reserved for classic or skate skiing, plus 6 miles for snowshoeing and 8 miles for fat biking (a winter-friendly style of biking with big, cushiony tires). Managed by the Vail Recreation District, the center also offers daily lessons, on-site rentals, and a cafe for warming up after a day in the snow.
Detour: EagleVail also has 5 miles of groomed trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, plus terrain designed specifically for kids.
Picnic Vail specializes in planning picture-perfect experiences in all seasons. Kristin Christian
9. Have a fancy picnic
Instead of packing a dull trail mix to eat during your hike, why not dine in style among the aspens and evergreens? Local purveyor Picnic Vail specializes in planning picture-perfect picnics that range from simple meat-and-cheese plates to elaborate spreads set up by a “picnic concierge.” Seating, tableware and everything else you’ll need is provided – you just need to show up and enjoy the views while you dine.
10 Learn about the environment at the Vail Nature Center
Run by the nonprofit Walking Mountains Science Center, the Vail Nature Center is a tranquil place to learn about sustainability, the environment, plants, animals, birds and other nature-focused topics. Situated on a seven-acre plot once occupied by a 1940s homestead, the free center has interactive walking trails, exhibits and tours about everything from birds to beaver ponds.
Detour: If you have time, also check out Walking Mountains’ other locations: the Avon Tang Campus and the Nature Discovery Center, accessed via the Eagle Bahn gondola at the ski resort.
Numerous Vail companies offer sledding excursions, before which you can get to know the husky dogs that will pull you along through the snow. Brent Bingham Photography/Getty Images
11. Zoom across the snow on a dog sled
Watch the snowy winter landscape fly by as excited pups pull your sled through the snow. Mountain Musher, Alpine Adventures and other operators offer guided dog-sledding excursions and tour. The experience typically includes meeting the dogs and learning about their unique job before they get to work, and your snowy ride begins.
12. Dash through the snow in a horse-drawn sleigh
Even if you don’t visit over the peak holiday season, there’s no better way to enjoy the Vail Valley’s serene, snow-covered landscape than from the comfort of a horse-drawn sleigh.Located 20 miles west of Vail, 4 Eagle Ranch offers sleigh rides that start with a warm drink and a bowl of chili, then end with a full-blown, ranch-style dinner and s’mores around the campfire. Sleigh rides are also on offer through Bearcat Stables and Beano’s Cabin.
Anglers can enjoy excellent fly fishing in the mountain creeks and rivers near Vail. Shutterstock
13. Tap a guide and go fly-fishing
Whether you’re a fly-fishing pro or just starting to (ahem) dip your toes into the water, the Vail Valley’s rivers and creeks are ideal for pursuing this slow-paced and stress-relieving pastime. Head out on your own, or find a guide to show you the best spots on the Gold Medal waters of Gore Creek, the Eagle River or the Colorado River. Gore Creek Fly Fisherman, Vail Valley Anglers, Minturn Anglers, Colorado Angling Company and other operators offer turnkey guided trips throughout the valley and beyond.
14. Enjoy open-air concerts and performances at Gerald R Ford Amphitheater
On a warm summer evening, there’s nothing like unfolding a blanket on the lawn of Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, kicking back and listening to an orchestra or watching a ballet performance.
With intriguing architecture and a gorgeous mountain backdrop, the outdoor amphitheater was named after the country’s 38th president, who regularly visited Vail during and after his presidency. (He had a house near Beaver Creek.) The Amp, as it’s known locally, is one of the most scenic performance venues around and regularly hosts big-name musicians, live theater, dance performances and several festivals.
15. Indulge yourself with a spa treatment
After playing in Vail’s mountains all day, give your body (and mind) a break with a spa treatment. Vail has so many great spas it can be hard to pick just one, but your hotel can be a great place to start. The Sonnenalp, the Four Seasons, the Grand Hyatt and The Arrabelle are among several Vail hotels that have world-class spas. Services range from deep-tissue massages to body scrubs, facials, salon services…everything in between.
With historic cities clinging to gorgeous coastlines, endless islands and waterfall-filled national parks, Croatia has plenty of wonders to entice travelers. That’s why we’ve created three itineraries that will take you to the country’s most essential spots, the Istrian peninsula and lesser-visited coasts of Kvarner and Northern Dalmatia.
Ranging from 7 to 10 days, you can extend these itineraries by adding extra time at various stops or even combining them together to build the two- or -three-week itinerary of your dreams. Whatever you choose, an epic journey in Croatia awaits.
Wander the incredible walls around Dubrovnik’s Old Town. Getty Images
1. See Croatia’s most essential spots
Allow at least 7 days Distance: 456km (283 miles)
The essential Croatian experience has a bit of everything – a day-long fling in the capital city Zagreb, followed by the sun-kissed southern counterparts of Split and Dubrovnik on the Dalmatian coast and an island or two in between. There’s an airport at each end, with highway and ferry connections.
Zagreb: 1 day
Fly into Zagreb, Croatia’s delightful capital city made for low-key, leisurely strolls. Roam the city’s charming historic Upper Town with its cobblestoned streets, ride the funicular and check out the burgeoning specialty coffee scene and great street art. Explore its quirky museums (like the Museum of Broken Relationships), contemporary art galleries and expansive green spaces that dot the city.
Next stop: Drive 4 hours or take a 45-minute plane ride from Zagreb to Split.
Split: 2 days
Base yourself in Croatia’s exuberant second city, seafront stunner Split. Roam Diocletian’s Palace, a throbbing ancient quarter with 220 historic buildings and about 3000 residents. Dive into its heady sightseeing and nightlife.
Next stop: Travel from Split to Hvar Town by catamaran (1 hour).
Detour: Take a day trip from Split to the postcard-perfect walled town of Trogir (30 minutes by car/bus) and stroll the marbled streets.
Hvar Town: 2 days
Catch the catamaran (June to mid-September) to historic Hvar Town, the vibrant main town of Hvar Island. This picturesque place showcases an intriguing mix of European glamour and vibrant nightlife. Explore the island’s pristine beaches, stellar wineries and a string of storybook towns, like lovely Stari Grad.
Next stop: Travel from Hvar Town to Dubrovnik by catamaran (3.5 hours).
Detour: Hop off in Korčula Town on your way to Dubrovnik, a photogenic walled town on the namesake island.
Dubrovnik: 2 days
Catch the catamaran (in peak months) to Dubrovnik. Your first sight of the magnificent old town from the sea, fringed by mighty defensive walls and the sparkling blue Adriatic, will blow you away. Spend the next two days taking in the sights of the Pearl of the Adriatic.
Spend an evening in the hilltop town of Motovun in Istria. Daniel Alford for Lonely Planet
2. Explore the best of Istria
Allow at least 7 days Distance: 214km (133 miles)
Explore the heart-shaped Istrian peninsula for its magnificent medley of sights that span coastal “blue” Istria and “green” Istria, the peninsula’s hinterland strewn with woods, olive groves and vineyards. You’ll find stunning coastal resorts, pretty beaches, hilltop medieval towns, top-rated food, award-winning wines and lovely rural hotels.
Pula: 2 days
Start in Pula, home to the “Arena,” a well-preserved Roman amphitheater that overlooks the city’s harbor, and a smattering of other ruins. Explore Istria’s southernmost point, uninhabited Cape Kamenjak, by bike or on foot to see its rolling hills, wildflowers and 30km (19 miles) of virgin beaches and coves.
Next stop: Travel from Pula to Rovinj (45 minutes by car).
Detour: On the way to Rovinj, 14km (9 miles) from Pula, stop by the captivating town of Bale, one of Istria’s best-kept secrets.
Rovinj: 2 days
Set aside two days in Rovinj, the showpiece resort town on this part of Croatia’s coast. Its steep cobbled streets and piazzas lead up to St Euphemia’s Church, with a 60m-high (197ft) tower that punctuates the peninsula. Explore the verdant beaches and islets of Rovinj’s archipelago.
Next stop: Travel from Rovinj to Poreč (45 minutes by car).
Detour: Spend a couple of hours in sweet little seaside town Vrsar, 29km (18 miles) from Rovinj, en route north.
Poreč: 2 days
Zip up the coast to Poreč to gape at its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Euphrasian Basilica, one of Europe’s finest intact examples of Byzantine architecture, with magnificent 6th-century frescoes.
Next stop: Travel from Poreč to Motovun (45 minutes by car).
Istria’s Interior: 1 day
Start in the artsy hilltop settlement of Motovun. From here, detour into music and gallery-filled Grožnjan and then head to hilltop Buzet, the truffle epicenter of Istria, Croatia’s foodie heartland. Wander the “world’s smallest town,” adorable Hum, and check out Pazin to walk or zip line across the famous chasm that once inspired Jules Verne.
Enjoy the incredible beauty of Plitvice National Park in Croatia. Shutterstock
3. The lesser-visited coasts of Kvarner and Northern Dalmatia
Allow at least 10 days Distance: 295km (183 miles)
Take in the delights of Croatia’s less-trodden coastal stretches in the north and their wild hinterland. Start in the spectacular Kvarner Gulf with its stunning isles, and move south to northern Dalmatia with its wide spectrum of appealing sights, including a lovely coastal city and a mighty national park.
Rijeka: 2 days
Begin in the capital of Kvarner, Rijeka, Croatia’s third-largest city and a thriving port with a laid-back vibe and lively cafe scene. Take a day to explore this under-visited city.
Next stop: Travel from Rijeka to Cres and Lošinj (2 hours by car and ferry).
Detour: Spend a day visiting the elegant seaside town Opatija (16km/10 miles from Rijeka) with its belle epoque villas. Stroll Lungomare, a picturesque path winding along the coast through bamboo thickets to Volosko, a pretty fishing village.
Cres and Lošinj: 2 days
Hop over to one of the Kvarner islands – interconnected and offbeat Cres and Lošinj. Wilder, greener Cres has remote campgrounds, pristine beaches, medieval villages and an off-the-radar feel. The more populated, touristy and posh Lošinj showcases a pair of pretty port towns, beautiful bays, and lush and varied vegetation.
Next stop: Travel from Cres and Lošinj to Rab Island (3.5 hours by car and ferry).
Rab Island: 2 days
Spend another two days chilling on Rab, lounging on the sandy beaches of the Lopar Peninsula, hiking through the island’s pine forests and exploring the postcard-pretty Rab Town with its ancient stone alleys and the four bell towers that rise from the red-roofed huddle of townhouses.
Next stop: Travel from Rab Island to Paklenica (2.5 hours by car and ferry).
Paklenica: 1 day
Head from Rab back to the mainland to explore one of the most spectacular natural beauty spots of Croatia, Paklenica National Park. For a dose of adventure, don’t miss a hike through its network of alpine trails and canyons or for extra thrills, tackle one of the park’s rock-climbing routes.
Next stop: Travel from Peklenica to Zadar (50 minutes by car).
Zadar: 2 days
Next head down to Zadar in northern Dalmatia for an amble through this vibrant coastal city with its medley of Roman ruins, Habsburg architecture and a scenic seafront. Stick around for two days to take it all in, including its mesmerizing Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun and the city’s stellar food scene.
Next stop: Travel from Zadar to Plitvice Lakes (1.5 hours by car).
Plitvice Lakes: 1 day
Head back inland to spend a day exploring the eye-popping natural wonderland of Plitvice Lakes National Park, with its gorgeous turquoise lakes linked by a series of gushing waterfalls and cascades. Stroll the scenic boardwalks, explore the numerous forest trails and ride the excursion boats inside this mighty park.
Most beaches in Aruba are the very definition of paradise: palm trees, soft white sand and turquoise waters. But there are also some others that are exciting for water sports enthusiasts, perfect for families, great for marine life, and those that are far from a typical beach.
So get ready to discover the best beaches Aruba has to offer. Let’s dive into the most breathtaking and must-visit spots that will make your island getaway unforgettable.
1. Eagle Beach
Best for beach for a day out
Having been named the best beach in the Caribbean several times, Eagle Beach is renowned for its wide stretch of pristine white sand and crystal-clear waters. There are shady spots, beach huts and all sorts of activities, such as yoga, snorkeling and beach tennis, which is a favorite among the locals, especially on the weekends. The sand is super soft and it’s a lot of fun, so feel free to watch or join in.
The iconic, photogenic Fofoti trees are often featured in advertising and social media – you’ve probably seen an image of Eagle Beach and its trees whilst researching for your trip to Aruba.
Eagle Beach is a key nesting site for four species of sea turtles, adding to its natural charm. Some parts of the beach might be closed off to keep the nests safe.
Planning tip: If you plan to spend the day, bring enough cash. Some places charge US$50 and more for two simple beach chairs.
Join in the fun at Hadicurari Beach with a windsurfing or kitesurfing lesson. Aaron Hawkins/Getty Images
2. Hadicurari Beach (Fisherman’s Huts)
Best beach for windsurfing and kitesurfing
If you are an adventure seeker or water sports lover, Hadicurari Beach is for you. It is the best place on the island for windsurfing and kitesurfing thanks to its steady winds and calm, shallow waters. Both beginners and experienced surfers come here to have a good time. Sign up for a class and try the sport out for yourself.
Aruba Hi-Winds is a windsurfing competition taking place every summer. It’s the largest of its kind in the Caribbean. Sarah-Quita Offringa is an Arubian 24-time world champion windsurfer who often trains here when she isn’t competing internationally.
Whether you surf or not, make Hadicurari Beach part of your Aruba itinerary and enjoy the show of colorful kites in the sky.
3. Baby Beach
Best beach for families
Near San Nicolas in the southern part of Aruba, you’ll find Baby Beach. It’s a wonderful place for families with young children. Thanks to its unique shape, the beach is quite protected, with shallow areas and only small waves. Make sure to stay in the designated areas as the bay opens up to the ocean.
With refreshment stands offering drinks, snacks and serving up BBQ and seafood, you’ll be well fed. Rent beach chairs, windbreaks and snorkel gear, or simply relax in the shade of one of the free huts.
Planning tip: Baby Beach is about a 40-minute drive from Oranjestad.
Admire the shimmering shades of blue in the water at Mangel Halto Beach. Flavio Vallenari/Getty Images
4. Mangel Halto Beach
Best beach for snorkeling, kayaking and SUP
Mangel Halto Beach is a great place for adventurers who enjoy snorkeling, kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). And once you’re done, spend the evening watching the sunset over a delicious seafood dinner.
The beach is located right next to the road, so it’s not super quiet, but the mangroves and the trillion shades of blue in the water make up for it. There are wooden decks and stairs in some parts of the beach and its surrounding area. Some of it is a sandy beach, some of it is rocky cliffs that aren’t too steep, but as the water is generally pretty shallow, you shouldn’t try to jump in.
Planning tip: Certified scuba divers will enjoy the reef that drops to approximately 30m (100ft) and is home to colorful fish, octopuses and barracudas.
5. Tres Trapi
Best beach for marine life
You’ll find Tres Trapi Beach – which translates to Three Steps in Papiamento – almost at the very northern tip of Aruba. Malmok Beach, Boca Catalina Beach and Arashi Beach are its neighbors, and they are all beautiful, but if you are looking for a special treat, then Tres Trapi is the spot for you.
Thanks to its clear waters, chances seeing turtles in the wild here are high. In fact, they’re almost guaranteed, so bring your fins, mask and snorkel and enjoy the show. Note: keep a good distance from the marine wildlife and never attempt to touch them.
Planning tip: You can drive right up, park and hop in the water at Tres Trapi. You probably won’t be spending an entire day here, though, as there is hardly any shade and the rocks aren’t very comfortable.
Detour: Drive up to California Lighthouse at sunset and enjoy the magical colorful show as the sun disappears on the horizon.
Take a break on Arashi Beach with friends and family. Flavio Vallenari/Getty Images
6. Arashi Beach
Best beach for relaxing
Arashi Beach is especially popular with families because it is great for snorkeling, swimming and sunbathing. Palapas (sunshades) and sunbeds are available for rent, but feel free to bring one from your apartment or hotel, as many offer them free of charge. Beach huts, a lively bar and showers are also available. Occasional live music adds to its charm. The waves and currents are gentle and usually safe for swimmers.
Planning tip: If you enjoy snorkeling, head to the left side of the beach to find marine life.
7. Natural Pool (Conchi)
Best for a unique Aruba experience
While not technically a beach, the Natural Pool aka Conchi had to make this list of top beaches. Located inside Arikok National Park and only reachable by 4WD, horseback or hiking, it’s a unique spot on the island. The desert landscape and rough rocks make this dip one of a kind. Bring water shoes so you don’t hurt yourself when going in.
Planning tip: To get to Conchi, you need to be an experienced off-road driver. If you have little to no experience, consider joining a 4WD tour with a driver.
If your first port of arrival in Thailand is Bangkok, the notion of taking to the road might seem nuts.
In the Thai capital, cars are stacked bumper to bumper, motorcycles vie for space with pedestrians and seemingly anything goes when it comes to road rules.
But Bangkok is not all of Thailand. Far from it.
Once you escape the capital, traffic conditions calm considerably – though you’ll always need to be cautious of speeding trucks and buses and a steady throng of motorcyclists. The good news is that Thailand’s roads are mostly well maintained, car- and motorcycle-rental costs are moderate, and there’s so much to see in this fabulous country that you’ll discover something exciting on even a short jaunt.
The smart way to road trip in Thailand is to start outside Bangkok, renting a vehicle in one of Thailand’s smaller towns. The further you veer from the tourist trail, the quieter the roads and the more there is to encounter in the towns and villages you pass through on the way.
Excited yet? Read on for more about our favorite road trips in Thailand.
A quick jaunt through the forested mountains around Chiang Mai will give drivers a taste of Thailand’s natural beauty. Mike Towers/Shutterstock
1. Mae Sa Valley
Best road trip for first-timers
Chiang Mai–Chiang Mai; 80km (50 miles); allow 1 day
A great taster trip to get you used to driving or riding in Thailand, this circuit through the forested mountains north of Chiang Mai will introduce you to village life and the jade-green rainforest landscapes of Northern Thailand. After leaving Chiang Mai, the crowds drop away as you get closer to Nam Tok Mae Sa, a natural swimming pool that makes a lovely picnic spot.
Continue to the Queen Sikrit Botanical Gardens, a collection of plantations, walking trails and greenhouses plus a family-friendly natural-history museum. From here, you enter a part of the country that was once used to grow opium poppies before the Thai royal family persuaded hill tribe farmers to switch to fruit and flowers.
Experience village life with a detour north to the Hmong community of Nong Hoi, where the local restaurants at Mon Cham serve tasty village food and Thai fruit liqueurs in pavilions overlooking the valley. The loop back to Chiang Mai on the 1269 passes Samoeng village and a series of spectacular viewpoints where you can pause for photos before arriving back to town.
Planning tip: Get an early start to make the most of this day-long road trip, grabbing a portable breakfast at the Talat Thanin food market before you set off.
Phitsanulok is a lively town on the route between Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Anocha Tumsuk/500px
2. Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Best road trip for history
Bangkok–Chiang Mai; 583 km (362 miles); 3 to 4 days
If you’re brave enough to start in Bangkok, the drive from the capital to Chiang Mai packs in a lot of history and some of Thailand’s most spectacular ancient sites. The hardest part is the beginning, as you escape Bangkok’s gravitational pull on Route 347. Fortunately, it’s only 90 minutes to Ayutthaya, the first stop on the route.
Explore the ruins of the imperial city that was Siam’s capital from 1350 to 1767, then continue north on Route 32, making a detour east to view Lopburi’s monkey-thronged Prang Sam Yot temple. Back on the highway, it’s a sustained slog north to Phitsanulok, where you can pay your respects to one of Thailand’s most revered Buddha images at Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat.
The next stop is stunning Sukhothai, whose ruined stupas and temples were the hub of a powerful Thai kingdom from the 13th to the 14th century. Break the journey north with a homestay at Ban Na Ton Cham or an overnight (or longer) stop in hip Lampang, where more local movers and shakers throng cool cafes. Lamphun makes for another worthy stop before you roll into Chiang Mai and head straight for the night markets to feast.
Detour: To add some contemporary history to the trip, tack on a detour to Kanchanaburi, between Bangkok and Ayutthaya. Made infamous by the Burma–Siam Railway, this town on the Mae Nam Khwae Yai River is today a hub for encounters with history and day trips to splash in the waterfalls of Erawan National Park.
Wherever you find yourself in Isan, always leave plenty of time to eat: the region may have Thailand’s tastiest cuisine. Getty Images
3. An Isan loop
Best off-the-beaten-track road trip
Nakhon Ratchasima–Nakhon Ratchasima; 830km (515 miles); one week
Travelers gush about Thailand’s Isan region – the tract of land that runs northeast from Bangkok up to the Lao and Cambodian borders. In this gently slumbering corner of the country, the cuisine is spectacular, the pace of life unhurried and crowds are rare. In other words, conditions are perfect for a slow road trip by motorcycle. Spare yourself the drive out of Bangkok by taking a bus or train to Nakhon Ratchasima (Khorat) and pick up some wheels there.
Hit the trail and meander east through Phanom Rung Historical Park, a striking Khmer temple complex atop an extinct volcano. Track the Cambodian border eastward to reach Ubon Ratchathani, an off-the-tourist-track town studded with handsome monasteries and balanced beside the Mae Nam Mun river. Loop through Yasothon (worth a stop during the rocket festival in mid-May) and lake-centered Roi Et to reach Prasat Puay Noi, a fine Khmer Hindu temple complex from the 12th century. Keep the Khmer theme going at Phimai, a grand temple ruin that fuses Hindu and Buddhist motifs, then close the loop back in Nakhon Ratchasima, grazing on Isan delicacies at RN Yard.
Planning tip: A big part of traveling in Isan is sampling the food. Essential Isan dishes to try include larb (a zesty ground meal salad with lime, mint, chili and toasted rice), som tam (a pounded salad of green papaya, green beans, peanuts and shrimp) and sai krok isan (a sour, smoky, fermented pork sausage).
4. Hua Hin to Surat Thani
Best road trip for low-key beaches
Hua Hin–Surat Thani; 580km (360 miles) one way; 3 to 4 days
Southern Thailand’s long, slender profile doesn’t lend itself to looping road trips, but there’s plenty to see here by sticking to the coast. Start in Hua Hin, Thailand’s original beach resort, where one-way car rentals can be arranged through Thai Rent a Car. Slide south through the low-key, locals-oriented beach towns of Prachaup Khiri Khan, Ban Krut and Bang Saphan Yai to Chumphon, where the Muslim culture of southern Thailand will start to be visible. Before ending the trip at Surat Thani, duck inland to Khao Sok National Park, one of the world’s oldest rainforests, one that provides shelter for bears, tapirs, gibbons, elephants and tigers, myriad birds and the enormous Rafflesia kerrii (the world’s largest flower). The fun doesn’t have to stop at Surat Thani: the town is a jumping-off point for the Gulf Islands of Ko Samui, Ko Pha-Ngan and Ko Tao, where you can bask, party and enjoy some of the world’s best-priced scuba diving.
When driving in Thailand’s far south you’ll never be far from the beach. Shutterstock
5. Phuket to Satun and back
Best road trip for island adventures
Phuket–Satun–Phuket; 1100km (690 miles) round trip; one week
Because of political unrest in Thailand’s far south, the Andaman Coast is best explored as an out-and-back road trip starting from Phuket, avoiding the troubled east coast. With hundreds of idyllic islands offshore, you’ll want to stop regularly for overnight sojourns on tropical islands along the way.
Starting with a seafood feast in Phuket, follow the Andaman Coast around Phang-Nga Bay, stopping for a boat trip around the otherworldly karst islands of Ao Phang-Nga Marine National Park. Keep following the bay south to Krabi and the epic rock-climbing cliffs around Railay, one of the world’s most enjoyable adventure-sports hubs.
Hug the south to Ko Lanta to enjoy more time on the sand, then return to the mainland to reach Trang, gateway to its own collection of idyllic karst islands. (Do we see a pattern here?) The final leg south passes through townships that feel almost Malaysian in character. Turn around at Satun and take a couple of days to snorkel and hike on the unspoiled islands of Ko Tarutao Marine National Park before you retrace your steps to Phuket.
Planning tip: Since the seas off the Andaman Coast can get very choppy from May to October and many ferry routes and some national parks close for the season, it’s best to avoid this time of year.
After tackling the Mae Hong Son Loop’s 1864 curves, you can get a souvenir certificate of completion in the town. Watcharaphan Kanthasap/Shutterstock
6. Mae Hong Son Loop
Best road trip for traveler vibes
Chiang Mai–Chiang Mai; 604km (375 miles); 4 days
A more ambitious road trip from Chiang Mai meanders through the green hills to the southwest, following Routes 108 and 1095 through the lively traveler town of Mae Hong Son. This twisting loop is famous for having 1864 curves; the Chamber of Commerce in Mae Hong Son even issues souvenir certificates for drivers who complete the circuit. On the way, you can swing into some of the most interesting townships in northwest Thailand.
Leaving Chiang Mai on the 108, the first stop is Doi Inthanon National Park, a lush, green mountaintop that’s one of the few places in Thailand where temperatures can dip below freezing. You’ll want to pause for a day or two at Mae Sariang, a relaxing riverside town that’s a great base for hiking and sustainable adventures in the hills.
There’s time for another stop at Khun Yuam to explore wartime history before you roll into Mae Hong Son, one of Northern Thailand’s best hubs for monastery-hopping and treks to hill-tribe villages. On the loop back to Chiang Mai on Route 1095, make stops at the Su Tong Pae bamboo bridge, the “Little Switzerland” of Pang Oung and the bustling traveler hub of Pai, where you can kick back for a while, enjoying everything from treks to yoga classes and cooking schools.
Planning tip: Be ready for cold temperatures at Doi Inthanon National Park; chilly fog can swirl around the summit year-round, so bring a warm layer.
7. Chiang Rai to Phayao
Best road trip for dramatic vistas
Chiang Rai–Phayao; 250km (155 miles); 3 days
Crammed with temples and cultural sites like Chiang Mai but with less of a backpacker vibe, Chiang Rai is Northern Thailand’s second great city. A stop at the “white wat” of Wat Rong Khun is almost obligatory – if only to view the pop culture murals showing such diverse subjects as the 9/11 attacks and Keanu Reeves in The Matrix.
To reach the Lao border town of Chiang Khong, follow back roads through a region that was once notorious as the heart of the opium-growing Golden Triangle. Take your time drifting through villages tucked along forest-cloaked ridges, then stop for a day or two in Chiang Khong to soak up the Lao influences seeping in from Huay Xai, just across the Mekong River.
Divert south on the 1020 and follow Routes 1093 and 1155 through dramatic emerald hills to epic viewpoints such as Pratu Siam and Phu Chi Fa. Pause to enjoy the hot waterfall at Nam Tok Phu Sang before you roll onward to finish up in leafy Phayao, an overlooked Northern Thai town with pretty wooden houses, wetland scenery and a lost-in-time mood that will give you a sense of what all of the region was like before the arrival of mass tourism.
Planning tip: This route follows many back roads off the main highways; turnoffs are usually signposted; if not, ask at roadside cafes and gas stations.
Take special care for rule-flouting motorcycles when on the road, and drive slowly for maximum safety. Alongkot Sumritjearapol/Getty Images
Tips for driving in Thailand
Thailand officially drives on the left – though be wary of locals flouting the rules, particularly motorcycles, which often ride against the traffic flow on the hard shoulder. Always give way to larger vehicles such as buses and trucks, and watch out for pedestrians. Driving slowly is always sensible.
You can rent cars, motorcycles and scooters with your own (presumably foreign) driver’s license. We recommend taking out as much insurance as is available and keeping your license and passport (or copies of the identity pages) handy for police checks.
No matter where you stay in the Florida Keys, you’ll feel a bit outside of normal USA time.
Throughout this chain of coral islands drifting south from the tip of Florida, you’ll find incredible things to do: lost-in-time dive bars and weather-worn marinas are interwoven with oceanfront views from five-star resorts and Michelin-star-worthy dining experiences.
While all of the Keys share a relaxed, easy energy – and an appealing blend of beauty and laid-back inelegance – each island maintains its own distinct character, and it’s easy to hop between them. From the scuba paradise of Key Largo to the unapologetic eccentricity of Key West, whatever kind of vacation you’re looking for, you’ll find it here. Here’s a guide to the best islands in the Florida Keys.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park near Key Largo is a protected area perfect for snorkelers. Getty Images
1. Key Largo
Best for adventures on land and sea
Key Largo, the biggest island in the Upper Keys, acts as a bridge between the mainland and the rest of the archipelago. Water and land-based thrills here will meet the demands of even the most intrepid explorer; start the adventure at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, a 70-sq-mile tract of protected seaspace, teeming with marine life. Pennekamp is a scuba and snorkeler’s dream, boasting stunning coral reefs that can also be viewed on glass-bottomed boat tours. There’s even an undersea statue of Jesus known as Christ of the Abyss, a 9ft-tall replica of the famous statue in Genoa, Italy.
Take a kayak out along the shores of Blackwater Sound and scan the swampy forests for birdlife and American crocodiles at Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge, a 6600-acre nature preserve in the northern part of Key Largo.
Activities abound on land, too, starting with the Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park. This patch of wilderness was saved from developers, and now, instead of condominiums, it’s home to one of America’s largest West Indian tropical hardwood hammocks (the local term for areas of forest that form an ecological island, distinct from surrounding types of vegetation). Visitors can walk along nature trails surrounded by land that still feels wild and untamed, and the area is also open to cyclists.
Planning tip: If you want to beat the heat on the trail, March to May might be the best time to visit.
Head out to sea on a fishing boat launched from the many marinas of Islamorada. Getty Images
2. Islamorada
Best for a bit of everything
Islamorada is widely known as the sportfishing capital of the world, and with the abundance of marinas and plentiful stocks of billfish and other desirable catches, it’s hard to argue with this moniker. The island has a well-developed scene for both backcountry and deep-sea fishing, but there are plenty of other unique draws, too.
For rest and relaxation, head to the white sands of Anne’s Beach, book a massage at Blu Bamboo Salon Spa or just perch at the poolside in a luxury resort such as Cheeca Lodge or the Moorings Village.
Just offshore, Lignumvitae Key, a haven for native plants, provides a chance to experience the natural beauty of the islands. Bougainvillea, lignum vitae and hardwood hammock forests thrive in this undeveloped landscape, giving a hint at what the whole archipelago might have looked like hundreds of years ago.
Planning tip: Time your visit for the third Thursday of the month, when the Morada Way Arts and Cultural District hosts an evening arts walk (6 to 9pm) with live music over a six-block stretch of downtown studded with studio spaces and galleries.
Sombrero Beach is the perfect place to relax in Marathon. Simon Dannhauer/Shutterstock
3. Marathon
Best for beaches
Marathon’s main beach, known to locals as Sombrero Beach, is one of the best in the Keys. Open to the public year-round, it’s sprinkled with some of the archipelago’s finest sand and is also a protected nesting ground for turtles. Sun-worshippers will find more fine sand at Coco Plum Beach, a smaller and more natural beach popular with windsurfers.
Planning tip: As the halfway point of the Keys, Marathon is also a great place to stay for travelers looking to explore more widely. Head north to Long Key State Park – one of the quieter preserves in the Keys – or drive south across the famed Seven Mile Bridge to adventures in Bahia Honda State Park or Key West.
Bahia Honda State Park near Big Pine Key is a tropical wilderness. Natalia Bratslavsky/Shutterstock
4. Big Pine Key
Best for nature lovers
Nature nuts will not be disappointed by a trip to Big Pine Key. This sparsely populated island is mostly devoid of luxury and nightlife, especially as you move further away from US Route 1. But what Big Pine Key lacks in action, it makes up for in tropical beauty.
The most famous wild space in the Lower Keys is Bahia Honda State Park, just east of Big Pine along the highway. You can swim, snorkel or kayak in the park’s turquoise waters before hiking up to one of the highest points in the Keys. Watch the sky burst into color as the sun sets, then stick around to gawk at the sparkling stars. The best view of all, though, is of the landmark Saddleback Bridge, a rusty remnant of Henry Flagler’s ill-fated Overseas Railway.
Big Pine Key is also home to the rare Key deer, a small, endangered subspecies of white-tailed deer found only in the archipelago. Wander the rambling trails of National Key Deer Refuge and stop at Blue Hole, the only freshwater lake in the entire Florida Keys – an unmatched place to see the diversity of local wildlife.
Key West is the closest thing to a city in the Florida Keys. Getty Images
5. Key West
Best for art, culture and nights out
Key West, perhaps the most famous island in the Keys, is a sun-filled carnival and the closest thing to a proper city in the archipelago. For vacationers seeking parties that spill out into the streets, late-night wining and dining and epic drag shows, Key West is your best bet.
While its wild child reputation is well earned, there are many reasons to visit the southernmost Key beyond the rowdiness of Duval St. Literary pilgrims flock to the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, where the famed writer lived from 1931 to 1939 (the cats that wander the grounds are descendants of Papa’s six-toed kitten, Snow White).
Other worthy stops include Audubon House, where ornithologist John James Audubon produced some of his famous bird illustrations in the 1830s, and the Key West Historical Society, showcasing the rich history of the island. Take time for a stop at the Key West Pottery and Key West Island Books, a new and used bookstore with a great assortment of local titles.
Author of Lonely Planet’s new book Stargazing Around the World: A Tour of the Night Sky, Valerie Stimac, shares her favorite places for seeing the stars in all their glory.
Standing in the starlight under the swath of the Milky Way, the pristine night sky is one of the most incredible wonders many of us have not seen – and which is under threat due to the constant march of human progress and resultant light pollution. From April 21 to 28, the world will celebrate International Dark Sky Week, an event organized by Dark Sky to promote the preservation of dark skies around the world.
Of course, you can enjoy dark skies at any point of the year, and I am often asked about the best places to do that. Here is a selection of my favorite stargazing destinations around the world, but remember, there are countless others of similar quality and experience – use this list as inspiration to spark your own research and astrotourism adventure.
Bolivia’s salt flats offer an unobstructed view of the sky. Olga Kot Photo/Shutterstock
1. Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
High in the mountains near the crest of the Bolivian Andes, several prehistoric lakes have come together to form the Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flats. When the surface is dry, the salar is a pure white expanse of the greatest nothing imaginable – just blue sky and white ground. When there’s a little water, the surface perfectly reflects the clouds and the blue altiplano sky, and the horizon disappears.
Visiting Salar de Uyuni is a complex undertaking: while it’s possible to explore Salar de Uyuni on your own, it’s advisable to go with a tour provider due to the size of the flats and the logistics of booking accommodations and amenities. There are increasing opportunities to visit the Salar de Uyuni at night to take advantage of its dark starry nights and wide horizon. As the Salar de Uyuni is relatively undeveloped (except for intermittent tourism amenities throughout the flats), visitors can experience truly dark skies. Tour operator Ruta Verde runs special itineraries specifically focused on stargazing, though other providers also serve the area.
Zion National Park is just one of Utah’s International Dark Sky Parks. Getty Images
2. Utah and Arizona, Southwestern USA
If there’s one region in the world that comes to mind for the greatest density of incredible dark sky locations, it has to be Southern Utah and Arizona in the American Southwest. In fact, these two states continue to compete for which one has more International Dark Sky places.
Within this vast area, there are several great places to visit for stargazing. For inspiration, one could plan a trip to visit all five of Utah’s National Parks – Utah’s “Mighty 5” – which are all recognized dark sky parks. Or to Arizona’s Grand Canyon National Park and neighboring Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument, where the gigantic geologic formations rival the stars in their expansiveness.
Parc National du Mont-Mégantic is home to a world-class observatory. Alireza Teimoury/Alamy Stock Photo
3. Mont-Mégantic, Canada
Mont-Mégantic paved the way and became a model for dark-sky protection as the world’s first designated Dark Sky Reserve. Located in southern Québec near the US border with New Hampshire and Vermont, Mont-Mégantic Dark Sky Reserve encompasses some 3300 sq miles (8547 sq km), including the community of Sherbrooke, Mont-Mégantic National Park, and the observation facilities therein. Mont-Mégantic National Park is a popular hiking destination but also great for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in winter months. Paragliders and hang gliders also love to catch a ride off Mont St Joseph, whereas mountain bikers and cyclists appreciate the challenge of navigating the mountains throughout the park, and birders enjoy spotting some of the avian species protected here.
Camping and other rustic accommodations are available in the park, where you can set up on your own for some stargazing. In addition to experiencing the national park by day, your main must-see stops are the Mont-Mégantic Observatory, the Popular Observatory, and a visitor center, ASTROlab. Mont-Mégantic Observatory operates the second-largest telescope in eastern Canada, 63in (1.6m) in diameter. The observatory is open to the public for daytime tours and night-time astronomy events.
Enjoy the incredible night skies without the crowds in the NamibRand Nature Reserve, Namibia. Jaco Le Roux/Alamy Stock Photo
4. NamibRand Nature Reserve, Namibia
Some of the world’s best places to see the stars are far from the crowds — and their associated light pollution. Life is harsh in the world’s desert environments, and this reduces human development and light pollution. One such place is the NamibRand Nature Reserve in Namibia.
NamibRand Nature Reserve was established in 1984 by J.A. Brückner, a successful businessman who began acquiring farmland on the Namib-Naukluft National Park. Working with other farm owners, he successfully petitioned that the land be turned into a nature reserve. Today, over 215,000 hectares of Namibian desert and savannah are protected in one of the region’s largest private reserves.
In 2012, NamibRand Nature Reserve was recognized and certified as a Dark Sky Reserve; within the reserve, all tourism and business construction is required to comply with low-pollution lighting to help ensure the skies above NamibRand remain dark and species aren’t affected by light pollution.
Set your eyes on the southern night sky and meteor showers from Indonesia’s Mt Bromo. Nicholas Olesen/Getty Images
5. Mt Bromo, Indonesia
Located in the fiery heart of East Java, Mt Bromo is considered one of the top attractions in Indonesia. Travelers come to climb near this active volcano to watch the sunrise, but Mt Bromo is quietly gaining renown as a great stargazing location in Indonesia, as astronomers observe and astrophotographers capture photos of the Milky Way, Andromeda Galaxy and the Magellanic Clouds. Located less than 10 degrees south of the equator, Mt Bromo and the surrounding region are also a good destination for viewing the southern night sky and meteor showers like the Southern Taurids.
Unlike other dark-sky places that offer designated locations and planned astronomy activities, stargazing in Mt Bromo is a mostly independent affair. Consider planning an early morning stargazing session so you can also view the sunrise from Mt Penanjakan, a popular lookout with Mt Bromo in the foreground. Visitors can also plan their trip around the annual Yadnya Kasada ceremony, an offering from the Tenggerese people to the mountain in honor of a Majapahit kingdom legend.
Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve is one of the best places to stargaze in New Zealand. Suriyapong Thongsawang/Getty Images
6. Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve, New Zealand
In the early days of human history, the night sky was a central character in cultural lore and belief systems. Before artificial light and electrical power, the stars were the primary show available to everyone each night, and the stories about stars, constellations and other astronomical phenomena seem almost as numerous as the stars themselves. This holds especially true for the Māori of New Zealand, who not only had a complex lore about the night sky, but used the stars for navigation around New Zealand’s islands.
Thanks to this origin, New Zealand has long been a haven for astronomers and increasingly for astrotourists. Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve, located in the heart of New Zealand’s South Island, is one of the best places in the country to view the night sky. Comprised of Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park Visitor Centre and the Mackenzie Basin, the Dark Sky Reserve was certified in 2012 to continue protecting the dark skies in the area.
Stargazing enthusiasts should plan a visit to Mt John Observatory, which offers night sky tours and observation through one of the facilities’ many telescopes. Tours must be booked in advance through the exclusive tour operator Dark Sky Project and originate from the nearby town of Tekapo.
Ireland’s Kerry mountains help protect the Wild Atlantic Way from light pollution. Christian McLeod
7. The Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland
Most visitors road trip Ireland’s western Wild Atlantic Way – a tourism route designated in 2014 to encourage visitors to explore beyond hot spots like Dublin and Cork. But the route is also fast becoming a great region for stargazing, thanks to the efforts of local communities along the Way who’ve worked to achieve dark sky designation.
Kerry Dark Sky Reserve, located on the Kerry peninsula in southwest Ireland, received its designation in 2014. The area is well protected from light pollution thanks to the Kerry mountains, and visitors can gaze out over the Atlantic Ocean at the vast expanse of sea and stars. Similarly, Wild Nephin National Park offers visitors incredible dark sky quality further up the western Irish coast in County Mayo. I was fortunate to visit Wild Nephin (also sometimes called the Mayo Dark Sky Park) in late 2019 and it was one of the darkest skies I’ve ever witnessed.
If planning a trip, keep in mind that Ireland does have wet months where overcast skies are more likely to interfere with your stargazing prospects.
Head out into the otherworldly landscapes of Wadi Rum Desert in Jordan for astonishing night skies. rayints/Shutterstock
8. Wadi Rum, Jordan
I’ll end by sharing one of my personal favorites, based on my experience traveling to Jordan several years ago. During my trip, I saw many of the country’s highlights: the Roman ruins of Jerash, the vast expanse of the Dead Sea, and the Rose City of Petra. I also spent one night at a camp in Wadi Rum, the desert region in southern Jordan.
Wadi Rum is also sometimes called the “Valley of the Moon,” though you’re more likely to compare it to Mars if you visit. Made famous for its otherworldly landscapes in movies like Prometheus, Star Wars: Rogue One and The Martian, Wadi Rum’s towering red rock formations are fascinating to explore by day – and offer protection from any distant light pollution once the sun sets.
Stargazing in Wadi Rum is a breathtaking experience, and like NamibRand Nature Reserve and Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve, reminds us how our ancestors experienced the night sky for millennia before light pollution began to encroach on this wondrous natural resource.
