You know it’s winter in North America when ads promoting the Caribbean, Mexico and Hawaii are absolutely dominating every inch of media you consume. The message: winter is coming; board the nearest plane headed for sun and sand.

But, before you book that flight, consider this counterpoint: those balmy destinations are great year-round. The places that hit peak beauty at the chilliest times of year are only at their best for a short length of time. And what’s more, they don’t always require an airplane or a full week’s vacation to enjoy them. What’s more: there’s no better place than the outdoors with its fresh air and sunshine to sidestep cold and flu season. Grab your parka and mittens, embrace the chill and enjoy these rare moments of winter wonder.

1. Snowshoe through Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

Bryce Canyon is a stunner any time of year, but a dusting of snow turns it into a crystalline fairyland as towering red rock hoodoos (formed by erosion) melt away into rolling badlands under blue bird skies. The other benefit of a winter visit: solitude. The height of summer sees 15 times the number of visitors that come during the snowy months.

With fresh snow, Bryce Canyon becomes one of the premier snowshoeing destinations in the US. If you don’t have your own, join one of the ranger-guided snowshoe walks where a pair is provided free of charge.

2. Spy the bubbles at Abraham Lake, Alberta

If Banff and Jasper National Parks don’t fully satisfy your craving for winter beauty, just outside the parks sits Abraham Lake, with its peculiar claim to fame: beautiful bubbles. When the lake freezes over, methane released from decaying matter on the lakebed becomes trapped in the ice, creating a remarkable effect that draws photographers from around the world.

To see the beautiful bubbles in person, timing is everything. Go after the lake has fully frozen and is safe to skate on, but while the ice is still clear enough to see through – usually late December into January. And bundle up – this is one chilly adventure.

The region also boasts some of the most charming and cozy lodges situated against the backdrop of Alberta’s snowcapped mountains. 

3. Catch a show at Horsetail Falls, Yosemite National Park

For most of the year, wispy Horsetail Falls is one of the least remarkable waterfalls in Yosemite Valley, but for about two weeks in mid-to-late February, it’s the star of the show. At sunset, when the winter light is just right, Horsetail Falls lights up like a stream of fire flowing off El Capitan, reminiscent of the long-gone tradition of the Yosemite Firefall when burning embers from a bonfire were pushed over the edge of Glacier Point for the enjoyment of visitors below.

This natural firefall is popular with photographers, so you now need to apply for a permit from the Ansel Adams Gallery to park along the key stretch of Northside Drive near El Capitan (you can also walk or take the free shuttle, no permit required). At the coldest times of winter, also watch for frazil ice: frozen mist crystals from Yosemite Falls that wash down the creek making an icy slurry that flows like white lava.

Never been to Yosemite? We’ve got you covered with this guide here.

4. Experience the Northern Lights in Fairbanks, Alaska

Winter is the season for the northern hemisphere’s most spectacular light show: the aurora borealis, aka the Northern Lights, and Fairbanks has everything you need (most notably, an international airport). The Northern Lights won’t always come to you – it can take patience, a little luck and some stalking. For the best viewing, head away from the lights of town.

Popular viewing spots include Creamer’s Field, a bird sanctuary on the north side of Fairbanks, and along Chena Hot Springs Road. For a more adventurous approach, guided tours leave from Fairbanks taking you north along the famous Dalton Highway, across the Arctic Circle to Coldfoot and Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve.

The 119-year-old resort, Chena Hot Springs, is also a worthwhile offbeat pitstop 60 miles from Fairbanks, offering days passes to the hot springs and pools, as well as overnight accommodations. 

5. Wander with wildlife in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

With the exception of a short stretch of road to Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park shuts down to car traffic every year in early November – but that doesn’t mean you can’t go. Old Faithful Snow Lodge and Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel remain open all year, and once enough snow accumulates (usually by mid-December), roads open to snowmobiles and snow coaches.

In winter, Yellowstone’s famed geysers and other geothermal features make the snow-blanketed landscape steamy and mysterious. For wildlife lovers, look for bison keeping warm near steaming hot springs, migrating herds of elk, foxes donning their winter coats and the always elusive wolf.

Free, ranger-led snowshoe walks are available, and local guides offer a range of skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling tours throughout the cold season.

6. Experience the weird at Racetrack Playa, Death Valley National Park

Until quite recently, the “sailing stones” of Racetrack Playa were a long-standing mystery of Death Valley National Park. Any traveler who makes the long, bumpy trek to the flat playa will see that, over time, numerous large rocks have carved clear, meandering trails across the desert floor. Since the 1940s, dozens of theories on how they move have piled up until researchers finally cracked the case in 2014.

The culprit: winter. Thin sheets of ice that form on the playa floor melt in the morning sun, while wind pushes the floating ice against the rock, moving them along at up to five meters per minute. The Racetrack can be visited during other seasons, too, but winter is one of the most pleasant times to visit, given that the rest of the year Death Valley is generally very hot. 

7. Ice climb in Ouray Ice Park, Colorado

What do you get when you combine an abundant source of spring water with 7500ft of irrigation pipe, more than 100 shower heads, and a cold, shady gorge in the Rockies? You get the world’s first man-made public ice climbing park. Ouray Ice Park offers climbers of all levels free admission to more than 200 climbs.  Several nearby outfitters rent gear, while multiple local services provide training and guide services for all levels at the park. If you’re there in January, check out the three-day Ouray Ice Festival and Competition, which draws some of the world’s best climbers. 

8. Contemplate in Sequoia National Park, California

Few things on Earth will alter your perspective more than standing next to a giant sequoia. Even better, stand next to a giant sequoia in the snow with no one around to interrupt your thoughts. An adult blue whale, the largest animal, can weigh 200 tons. Comparatively, the General Sherman tree in Sequoia National Park is estimated to weigh over 2,000 tons and is a relative youngster at around 2,200 years old.

At the Giant Forest and Grant Grove you can join free ranger-led snowshoe hikes, or you can head out on your own on one of the park’s many trails. For families with children who aren’t as enthused about a long hike in the snow, check out Wolverton Meadow, which has a winter snow-play area and is great for sledding. Take a break and warm up with a hot cocoa in the restaurant at the nearby Wuksachi Lodge. The area has recently been impacted by wildfires, so check the latest entry rules from the National Parks Service before you go.

9. Go birding in Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, New Mexico

People aren’t the only travelers that flee the cold of winter. Hundreds of thousands of migratory birds including snow geese and sandhill cranes flock to the marshes and grasslands of Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge south of Socorro, New Mexico, one of the most dramatic birding destinations in North America.

Explore the web of trails on foot, or drive the 12-mile auto tour loop to see hawks, eagles, ospreys and more. Come at sunrise to see huge flocks of geese taking off in search of food, and bring your binoculars and your zoom lens. The peak season is December and January, but you can always check the park’s online bird tracker to see the latest avian arrivals.

10. Ice skate the Rideau Canal, Ottawa

Ottawa’s historic Rideau Canal – one of Canada’s Unesco World Heritage Sites – is the oldest continuously operated canal system in North America. In the winter, the boats disappear, the canal freezes over and it transforms into the world’s largest ice rink. Lace up your skates and explore the nearly 5 miles of glassy ice that runs from downtown Ottawa to Dow’s Lake.

There’s no need to make this a marathon outing; skating the canal can be as leisurely as you like. Heated rest stops dot the skateway, and skates can be rented at numerous spots.  When you’re ready for a break, warm up with freshly fried beavertails (donut-like slabs of dough) sold by vendors along the route. But don’t dawdle too long – the skating season is on average only 50 days long.

11. Admire Minnehaha Falls, Minnesota

Not all winter wonders require a journey out into the frozen middle of nowhere; a few can be found within easy reach of big-city comforts. Minnehaha Falls, made famous by Longfellow’s poem The Song of Hiawatha, can be easily enjoyed within the city limits of Minneapolis.

In the cold winters of Minnesota, the 53-foot waterfall freezes solid, forming a dramatic curtain of ice. Enjoy the frozen falls from a safe distance at the open viewing areas – the City of Minneapolis issues dozens of citations every year for people that venture down into the closed area around the base of the falls.

The Central American isthmus consists of seven countries, two expansive coastlines and more than 100 volcanoes. Add it all up, and you’ve got one of the most exciting regions in the world to explore.

Options for adventure travelers and nature enthusiasts are ubiquitous, and you’ll also find plenty of relaxed island getaways, magnificent Maya ruins and bustling cities. Whatever your travel preferences, Central America can satisfy them.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a repeat customer, knowing where to start can be a challenge – but it’s also part of the fun. In this roundup of Central America’s best experiences, we’ll guide you on where to find monkeys, how to choose islands, which volcanoes to summit and who throws the best parties. ¡Vamos!

1. Island hop in Bocas Del Toro, Panama

With nine main islands and some 200 islets, this stunning archipelago looks like a series of eye-catching postcards and is unsurprisingly Panama’s most popular vacation spot.

Its dockside hotels and restaurants, low-hanging palm trees and crystal-blue water have for many years attracted international travelers. Some have even refused to go home.

Activities of choice include pedaling a beach cruiser around, snorkeling among giant sea stars, surfing reef breaks, touring chocolate farms and feasting on delicious Caribbean fare.

In the evenings, Latin rhythms and clinking glasses fill the air on backpacker-y Isla Colón.

2. Meet wildlife on Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula

The wildest of the wild in Costa Rica, this national park on the country’s most secluded peninsula explodes with biodiversity and eye-popping ecosystems.

In the same afternoon, you can traverse a gnarled, dripping rain forest, cross a waist-deep river and take lunch on a wilderness beach – and you’re all but guaranteed to encounter dangling monkeys, shy tapirs and squawking macaws.

It’s usually intrepid types who venture out here, as the terrain is rugged and remote. But the trails are in good shape, and a guide is required (which is great because getting lost would suck).

3. Self-reflect at Guatemala’s Lago de Atitlán

Outsiders tend to fall in love with Central America’s deepest lake, extending their trips by weeks or even years – and for good reason.

Ringed with lush hillsides, towering volcanoes and diverse communities, this crater lake and its aquamarine waters, a highlight of any Guatemala trip, offer an escape to a simpler way of living.

On an Atitlán getaway, travelers can do it all: some learn Spanish, practice yoga and stay with a local family; others long-distance kayak, scale volcanoes and throw down with other backpackers in San Pedro La Laguna.

Whatever you do here, take some time to relax and reflect by this glorious lake as the rustic fishing boats glide by.

4. Explore Mayan ruins in Honduras’s Copán

Tucked into an idyllic river valley, these archeological ruins were home to a Maya civilization whose artisans could carve stone like few others.

The sculptures here are particularly impressive – don’t miss the hieroglyphic stairway – and a day spent peering around these temples and the surrounding sites will make you feel like a time traveler.

Thereafter, you can retreat to the neighboring town of Copán Ruinas and its lovely boutique hotels or stay in the pine-forested hills at Hacienda San Lucas. Day trips north for a soak in hot springs at Luna Jaguar Spa Resort are to be savored.

5. Plunge into Belizean waters

Undersea adventures are off the hook around the atolls of Belize, where snorkelers and divers glide over spectacular coral formations and encounter majestic marine life, including reef sharks.

At the world-famous Blue Hole, divers submerge more than 100 feet into a massive marine sinkhole.

Reputable tour operators with excellent customer service and solid environmental credentials abound.

And bold travelers seeking a highly personal and adventurous experience should consider a stay on the castaway-esque island Long Caye, which is just minutes from the country’s most coveted underwater attractions.

6. Explore Guatemala’s colonial gem, Antigua

Central America’s top colonial showpiece is an enchanting amalgam of cobblestone, crumbling ruins and elegant churches. To comply with its World Heritage listing, the former Guatemala capital hides all evidence of modernity behind traditional pastel facades, and its plazas and markets pulsate with local life.

If you ever tire of wandering these charming streetscapes (which you won’t), you’re also well-placed to venture into the surrounding countryside, where traditional Maya communities, verdant coffee plantations and smoking volcanoes await.

7. Road trip through El Salvador’s Ruta de las Flores

Flanked by wildflowers, this scenic 20-mile road through multi-hued colonial villages and undulating coffee plantations is a journey into the heart of El Salvador.

It is best undertaken on weekends when the cobbled streets of five main settlements come alive with local food festivals. The Feria Gastronómica in Juayúa is particularly delicious.

Regardless of when you go, there will be ample opportunity to shop for artisanal crafts and sample the coffee.

Not too far off the route, Los Chorros de Calera offers hiking and swimming near a series of waterfalls spilling from fractured cliffs.

8. Feast on the Corn Islands’ Caribbean fare

Foodies who land in Central America simply cannot miss the lip-smacking Caribbean cuisine, and there’s no better place to sample it than on Nicaragua’s dreamy Corn Islands.

We’re talking scrumptious lobster, whole fried snapper, heaping plates of coconut-y rice and beans, and (best of all) the rondón.

Essentially the jambalaya of the Caribbean, this local favorite features sea bass or snapper, shellfish, tubers, plantains, heart of palm, plantains, peppers and a host of spices.

Local restaurants on Great Corn – the larger and busier of the two islands – serve this stew year-round. Be sure to give 24 hours’ notice for your order, though, as the ingredients must simmer in a spicy coconut broth all day. The islands also throw a festival dedicated to crab soup every August.

9. Move-and-shake in Panama City

Welcome to Central America’s most hustling, bustling capital city. You could almost mistake the place for Miami with all its steel and glass towers – but the glittering skyline is only the beginning.

We recommend staying in the historic district, Casco Viejo, whose restored colonial buildings now house boutique hotels, swank restaurants and rooftop bars. You’ve also got the crumbling ruins of Panama Viejo, the rollicking nightlife of Calle Uruguay and an abundance of casinos all over the city to keep you entertained.

A short drive west, you can visit the world-famous Panama Canal and its impressive lock system. Rainforest and beach destinations are also within striking distance.

10. Live it up in El Salvador’s Playa El Tunco

El Salvador’s most famous beach is a hard-partying black-sand paradise with killer beach breaks and a distinctive pig-shaped rock formation just offshore. (“Tunco” means pig)

Weekends are an absolute scene with both locals and tourists, and hangovers are best nursed with thin-crust pizza at Tunco Veloz.

Other nearby beaches are much more chill, particularly the windswept wilderness of Barrio Santiago, where turtles hatch along the shore.

11. Volcano-board in León, Nicaragua

There is just one place in the world to “send it” down the sooty terrain of a volcano: Nicaragua’s Cerro Negro, just outside of León.

The little-known sport essentially involves dressing up in an orange jumpsuit, a helmet and safety goggles and carrying sled-like equipment up over lava-baked rocks.

Then, you hurl yourself down the sulfur-spewing cinder cone’s ashy flank. The idea is to go fast, but not so fast that you wreck. What’s not to love?

For the full experience, stay at the Bigfoot Hostel, a vibrant backpacker joint formerly owned by the inventor of volcano boarding. Go with one of their group tours and have a Toña beer once you’ve survived.

12. Learn to scuba dive in Utila, Honduras

If you’re looking for big experiences on a small budget, consider taking the plunge off Utila, one of the world’s least expensive places to get scuba-certified.

The balmy, turquoise waters off this palm-flecked Caribbean isle simply teem with colorful coral and curious fish.

Enormous whale sharks have been known to chill on the northern tip of the island all year round, and the tasty seafood and lively bar scene are nothing to scoff at, either.

13. Surf Nicaragua’s Pacific Coast

Ever since Endless Summer II hit the big screen in 1994, surfers have been flocking to Central America’s Pacific Coast for its temperate sea and uber-consistent swells.

The film featured Costa Rica’s Tamarindo, and certainly that beach is a surfer’s paradise. But just a few hours north in Nicaragua, things get a bit more adventurous and a lot more affordable.

The former fishing village of San Juan del Sur is now Nicaragua’s jumping-off point for all things surf, but its waves are unremarkable compared to the point breaks and beach breaks found in the secluded bays to the north and south.

The hollow tubes rolling into Playa Maderas are world-class, and the backpacker beach vibes are strong.

14. Zip-line through the Monteverde forest canopy

We know, we know: there’s nothing more touristy than strapping on a helmet and shimmying into a harness to zip around a Central American forest like some oversized hummingbird on a bender. But the rush is undeniable, and if you’ve never done it, you need to.

There is no shortage of zip lines, particularly in Costa Rica, where the tourist attraction was invented. We are partial to forest flying in the adventure parks of Monteverde, where businesses have stepped things up with Tarzan swings, rappels through tree centers and treetop walkways.

When you’re done, head to the Tree House Restaurant for a delicious passion-fruit smoothie.

15. Do nothing on Caye Caulker in Belize

Sometimes travel can feel a bit hectic. Rest assured that this will never happen on this blissed-out tropical dream island. Think sugar-white sand, warm azure waters and beach bars serving up fruity cocktails and pumping reggae tunes all day long.

Nights are on the quiet side, which tends to draw a chilled-out, international backpacker crowd and plenty of families.

For visitors who insist on doing stuff, there are plenty of opportunities for snorkeling around with turtles and small sharks, spying on manatees or kayaking to lesser-explored parts of the island.

You might also like:
6 road trips in Costa Rica that aren’t for the faint of heart
Central America’s most thrilling volcano adventures
Why you should take a cacao tour in Latin America

Traveling alone is a uniquely personal experience: It offers great freedom to step out of your comfort zone, try new things, and make lifelong friendships. As a woman who frequently travels alone, finding the right destination for a solo adventure also helps ensure a good experience. And, while as an Asian I may be biased toward this vast continent, I think visitors to this region will find incredible travel experiences that blend modern infrastructure with old-world charm. 

During my slow and solo travels across Asia, I’ve focused mostly on culture, food, the outdoors and nature. I’ve felt safe and welcomed and been continuously inspired to see and experience more. Here are six of the best places in Asia that are well-suited for women traveling solo, and two that are on my short list of where I’ll head next. 

1. Luang Prabang, Laos

I consider myself lucky to have been to Luang Prabang enough times to have grown familiar with the Unesco-listed town’s slow rhythm of life. (Plus, the local BBQ evenings they’ve taken me to are a real treat!) When I recently spent several weeks in Luang Prabang on assignment, it easily became one of my favorite solo travel experiences. There’s hardly anything more magical than watching the sun go down over the Mekong River, either on a boat tour or from one of the cafes that line the waterfront.

Luang Prabang is tourist-centered and locals are extremely friendly, outgoing and chatty, which makes it easier to make friends. I felt completely safe walking alone in the old town, even at night, and you can cycle, hop on a tuk-tuk or book a Loca (Laos’ ride-hailing app) taxi to nearby villages.

Some highlights of my time include swimming in the Kuang Si Falls, and climbing Mount Phou Si for sunset. I also did the most interactive food tour here with Lao chef Somsack Sengta at the morning market and took a ferry across the Mekong to Lao Pottery House, to see how local potters preserve an age-old tradition.

If you’ve extra days, cycle across the Nam Khan River to Ban Xang Khong village, to see generational artisans at work, crafting handmade paper or weaving silk.

2. Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai is one of Thailand’s popular tourist destinations, but it’s a far cry from Bangkok’s daily hubbub. Located in the northern countryside surrounded by forested trails, waterfalls and terraced rice paddies, Chiang Mai is a vibrant blend of Buddhist temples, a thriving coffee scene, food markets and welcoming locals who are ready to patiently help while you stumble over common, everyday Thai phrases.

Once you’ve sufficiently explored the ancient town, or center of the city, book yourself into a cooking class, which usually includes an introductory market tour. There, you’ll learn how to whip up a bowl of khao soi (a coconut curry noodle dish from Northern Thailand) while making new friends. While there, explore the Bang Kang Wat artist village (it’s also a great place to base yourself); hike the Monk’s Trail to Wat Phra Doi Suthep at sunrise; day-trip to Thailand’s highest mountain Doi Inthanon; aimlessly meander through the weekend markets like Jing Jai where local artists sell ceramics, clothes, handmade notebooks and stone jewelry.

3. Kerala, India

With a population of more than 1.4 billion and a reputation for being crowded and somewhat chaotic, India can be an intimidating destination for even the most seasoned solo travelers. Still, if you know where to go, the country promises an unmatched level of diversity, local cuisine loaded with fresh seafood and incredible seasonal produce and the most warm and friendly locals. 

Kerala in South India is one of my favorite places to visit, and a great spot to start any solo journey. The best – and the safest – way to explore the area is to stay in homestays with local families. Find them on Kerala Tourism; just remember to read reviews and do your research to be sure the host you choose fits your personality. Overall, though, the Kerala custom is to shower guests with a kind of hospitality hard to match elsewhere.  I spent a week in Aymanam, the village of Booker Prize-winning author Arundhati Roy, boating through the backwaters where pink lotus bloom early in the morning and being fed fried fish with every meal by my host grandma. Take your time to wander through the historic Fort Kochi; chase monsoon-fed waterfalls in interior jungles; and watch sunsets in the beach town Varkala. Remember to dress modestly to respect the local customs.

4. Bhutan

I met many other women traveling solo during my trip to Bhutan and almost all of them had one thing in common: Bhutan was their first solo travel destination. According to the country’s international tourist policy, guides are mandatory while traveling through most of the country. Since all guides and drivers are vetted by the Bhutanese government, it makes it easier, safer and more rewarding to explore this Himalayan Buddhist kingdom surrounded by temples, fluttering prayer flags and the aroma of burning incense.

Almost everyone who visits Bhutan hikes to Paro Taktsang or the Tiger’s Nest, a sacred site nestled on a dramatic cliff. But don’t skip subtropical valleys like Punakha, where you can visit the Chimi Lhakhang (also called the Temple of Fertility). In Phobjikha, a glacial valley where black-necked cranes from Tibet arrive in hundreds during the winter months, you can tour the 17th-century Gangtey Monastery with ornate wood carvings and Buddhist imagery.

For a more local experience, stay at Kinley Choden’s Mendrelgang Homestay to experience the Bhutanese love for chili peppers. It’s the country’s indispensable vegetable and almost everything in Bhutan is cooked with chili, like the national dish ema datshi (chili and cheese).

5. The Maldives

Most people think the only way to explore the Maldives is to stay on a resort island – or that it’s only a honeymoon destination. This is, in fact, not true. While I sometimes love a vacation where I can pamper myself, my favorite way to experience the Maldives is to stay on a local island. On your solo trip to the Maldives you could split your time between a resort and a local guesthouse.

There are 188 inhabited islands in the Maldives, and many of them now have guesthouses and boutique hotels that are more budget-friendly than the well-known resorts. My favorite is Dhigurah, a stunningly beautiful island with a long sandbank on Alif Dhaal Atoll. Home to whale sharks year-round, it’s a great place to explore the marine world with local guides. You should also go on a sunset fishing tour on a dhoni (a traditional wooden vessel) and cycle through the island to see the Maldivian life where fishermen offload onto the shore their daily catch. Local islands now have designated powdery-sand beaches where you can slip into your swimwear, but remember to dress modestly, covering your knees and shoulders while in public spaces.

6. Singapore

Singapore is sometimes overlooked as a layover on a long-haul journey, but I recommend staying a few days to explore this incredible place. As one of Asia’s most economically developed countries, Singapore has an efficient, clean and safe public transportation system called Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), as well as a robust pedestrian and cycling culture.  

There’s plenty to do, too, from feasting on hawker stall food in Chinatown and visiting vibrant Hindu temples in Little India to shopping at famous Orchard Road, snapping photos of the Peranakan terrace houses and visiting the Marina Bay Sands. Don’t forget to grab a spot, lie down and watch the light show at Gardens by the Bay at night when Instagram-famous architectural greenhouses come to life in illuminating color. If you are on a budget, stay in hostels to cut costs.

On my bucket list…

Taiwan

Ever since I saw a few TikTok videos of Jiufen, a charming old town with winding narrow alleyways lined up with teahouses and boutiques, I’ve been wanting to visit Taiwan. It’s on my bucket list for its incredible food, scenic cycling routes, eclectic night markets and cool hangouts. (I’ve been eyeing the Huashan 1914 Creative Park.) There’s also more to do beyond Taipei, like visiting the stunning Taroko Gorge or Tainan with its historic temples and old streets. And, with an efficient train system, the country seems perfect for my slow travels.

Uzbekistan

In recent years, Uzbekistan has emerged as a cultural tourist destination with historic architecture, bustling bazaars and a thriving art and crafts scene that includes ceramics, pottery and ancient silk paper making. I’ve seen my fellow writer friends travel through the country with so much ease while having the time of their lives. They’ve all told me that Uzbeks are some of the most welcoming people, who’d not shy away from inviting you over for a meal.

In terms of culture, there’s so much to see and do from Tashkent’s markets and Samarkand’s Registan Square – the center of Timurid Renaissance – to tasting local plov, Uzbekistan’s national rice and meat dish. I can’t wait to travel through the historic Silk Road cities of Bukhara and Khiva and navigate Tashkent’s subway, stopping at some of its remarkable metro stations.

As a northern Albertan, I grew up with bears in my backyard – and I mean that quite literally. During the summer and fall, they’d frequently wander into our unfenced yard to gorge on crab apples. 

But for my Australian partner, they remained an enigma. 

“I’m beginning to believe that Canadians are just making bears up,” she lamented on her fourth trip to Canada without seeing so much as a bear butt. 

So, when we got invited to a September wedding in British Columbia, I knew the timing was perfect to change that. I booked us a stay at the historic Tweedsmuir Park Lodge in the traditional territory of Nuxalk and Ulkatcho First Nations. Situated in BC’s Great Bear Rainforest – a remote region northwest of Vancouver – it’s renowned for its grizzly bear watching. 

Within 20 minutes of arrival, we saw our first grizzly. There was no question: This trip was going to make my partner a true bear-liever. 

During the autumn months, the main activity in the Great Bear Rainforest is (not surprisingly) grizzly bear watching

Calling all Fat Bear Week enthusiasts: This is your opportunity to see the chonkiest of bears get even thicker. 

There are a number of grizzly bear watching lodges in BC, but what makes Tweedsmuir Park Lodge stand out is its location. Situated deep in the Bella Coola Valley at the confluence of the Atnarko and the Bella Coola rivers, the steep surrounding cliffs create a natural corridor that funnels bear through it as they fish for salmon. 

The prime time to see them is during the salmon run from mid-August to mid-October. This when upwards of 800,000 chinook, chum, ocho, pink and sockeye salmon migrate upstream to spawn. At Tweedsmuir, bears can be seen fattening up for hibernation (technically torpor) in the Atnarko River, which runs along the property’s edge. None of the bears are tagged or collared, but with 1.2 bears per kilometer, the valley has one of the densest grizzly bear populations in BC, so chances of seeing one are high. However, I’d still recommend a three-night stay to maximize your chances. 

Your trip may even help contribute to their conservation. On a guided walk through the bush, bear-whisperer-in-residence Ellie Lamb said that their popularity with visitors helped end the grizzly bear trophy hunt in 2017. 

“Tourism is the most incredible contributor to these bears,” she said.  

 You don’t have to stay at a luxe lodge to see the bears

Tweedsmuir Park Lodge has a dedicated wildlife watching stand, but it’s also not unheard of to see bears right through the windows of your cabin. We even saw one eating a salmon while we sat in the main lodge indulging in a three-course lunch. (Really, is there any greater pleasure in life than watching wild animals eat while you eat?)  

However, you don’t have to stay at one of the area’s lodges to spot the big brown bears. If you choose to stay in one of the handful of motels or Airbnbs, there are also public viewing areas, including the Berlako Wildlife Viewing Area off Highway 20. Just make sure to bring a camp chair, insect repellent, a book or something to do while you wait (there’s no cell phone reception) and a fair amount of patience. 

My favorite activity was the river drift

While it’s amazing to see bears from the riverbanks, there’s nothing quite like seeing them from directly on the water. We watched one bear, Ivory (named for her white claws), as she walked just a few feet from our boat, snacking on about 15 fish along the way. It was just part of her calorie count for the day; during peak season, grizzlies can catch up to 50 salmon a day. 

My partner watched in rapt horror and awe as Ivory bit into a salmon and fish eggs exploded everywhere. (Don’t feel bad for the salmon; they die shortly after spawning anyway. Not pictured: The thousands of dead fish we also saw. Gosh, isn’t science neat?) Ivory’s power was on display, but it was hard to feel fearful. Instead, I found myself relating deeply to her snack strategy. Really, she was just enjoying a solid girl dinner. 

The best spot to gain a better understanding of the Bella Coola Valley’s unique ecology is from the top of the via ferrata. 

Grizzly bear watching usually tops everyone’s list, but if you’ve got time for another activity, Tweedsmuir Park Lodge’s via ferrata is probably next on the list. This series of iron rungs makes rock climbing accessible to even kids – and from the top, you can see how the valley funnels bears through it, with bald eagles soaring high above.

The bear necessities? Download a solid playlist or podcast for your drive.

It’s possible to access Bella Coola (the closest major town to the Tweedsmuir Park Lodge) via a daily 70-minute flight from Vancouver, but if time is on your side, there’s nothing like a road trip through beautiful British Columbia. 

From Vancouver, there are two options: The first is driving north on Vancouver Island, then catching the ferry from Port Hardy to Bella Coola. It’s more scenic, but more expensive (due to ferry tickets) and time-intensive.

The second option is to stick to the mainland. It’s about a 12-hour drive, but will take you through some of BC’s most varied landscapes – from the snow-capped peaks and oceans vistas of the Sea-to-Sky Highway, to the deserts and sandstone canyons of the Cariboo Chilcotin region. 

In total, it took us two days to drive the 1000-kilometer (621-mile) distance – including tackling the misleadingly named “Hill.” A particularly hairy section of gravel road, it drops from the Heckman Pass (1524m/5000 ft) down to the valley floor and features grades of 18%, making it one of the steepest public roads in North America. Oh, and did I mention there are no guardrails?  

But my biggest regret was not downloading more playlists or podcasts before we set out, since cell phone reception is all but non-existent west of Williams Lake. 

I’d also recommend packing a picnic lunch for the road, as eating options along the way are largely limited to fast food joints and gas stations. 

 The best souvenir I snagged was a bottle of gin. 

To break up our drive, we overnighted at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler, where we started our day with a sunrise soak in the hot tubs before hitting the road. This is also where we picked our favorite souvenir from the trip – a bottle of Blackcomb Gin. Made with BC hops, cedar tips and orris root, it tasted distinctly like the Pacific Northwest.

On our drive back from Tweedsmuir Park Lodge, we managed to spot a bonus black bear lounging in the sunny meadow. Now, there’s no way my girlfriend can say she doesn’t believe in bears. But her favorite Canadian animal? It’s still a squirrel. Fortunately, the Great Bear Rainforest has plenty of those, too.

Jessica Lockhart visited Tweedsmuir Park Lodge at the invitation of Destination BC and Fairmont Chateau Whistler at the invite of Fairmont. Lonely Planet does not accept freebies for positive coverage.

The truest way to show your love for New Orleans? To leave it for the day.

Whether you’re fleeing from the brutally hot and humid weather, seeking an outdoorsy adventure or simply looking for a respite from the Big Easy’s riot of colors and sounds, here are a few of the best ideas for easy day trips from New Orleans.

1. Explore the swamps of Barataria Preserve

Travel time: 40 minutes by car

One of our favorite ways to experience south Louisiana’s rich wetlands is by visiting Barataria Preserve, a national park about 25 miles south of New Orleans. Easy dirt trails and boardwalks thread through the swamps here, and you may be able to spot local alligators (although wildlife sightings are often hindered by prolific invasive water flora). On your way back to New Orleans, pop into the superlatively good Tan Dinh for some excellent Vietnamese food.

How to get to Barataria Preserve from New Orleans: Take US-90 and cross the Crescent City Connection Bridge over the Mississippi to the New Orleans Westbank. From US-90, take exit 4B to access Barataria Blvd, which leads to the preserve.

2. Feel the beach vibes of Mississippi’s Gulf Coast

Travel time: 1 hour 30 minutes to Gulfport by car

Despite being completely tied to the water, there’s no real beach access in New Orleans, barring a few stretches of not-very-friendly sand on Lake Pontchartrain. While the beaches of Gulf Shores and Dauphin Island, Alabama, are pretty lovely, they’re also a fair distance away. Consider instead the decent sand, friendly restaurants and generally laid-back seashore vibe at Mississippi Gulf Coast towns like Bay St Louis and Gulfport. While this area can get inundated with day trippers on hot weekends, a relatively quiet escape beckons during the week.

How to get to Mississippi Gulf Coast from New Orleans: Heading east on I-10 will take you along the entire Mississippi coast to the Alabama state line.

3. Get all Cajun in Lafayette

Travel time: 2 hours 30 minutes by car

As fabled a destination as New Orleans itself, Cajun Country is a land of low prairies, deep swamps, good music and delicious meals that you will probably not want to let your cardiologist know about. “Acadiana,” as the area is known, consists of many small towns scattered around southwest Louisiana. The capital of the region is Lafayette, a small, friendly city located 140 miles west of New Orleans that’s packed with great food and excellent live music venues. Don’t leave without stopping in for a night of dancing at the Blue Moon Saloon.

How to get to Lafayette from New Orleans: Take I-10 west. Part of the route goes through the preserved Atchafalaya Basin, one of the state’s remaining wild wetlands.

4. Encounter the sobering history of slavery at the Whitney Plantation

Travel time: 1 hour by car

A cluster of restored antebellum mansions sits roughly 50 miles west of New Orleans, with the Whitney Plantation being the most interesting of the bunch to visit. While most plantation sites now at least pay lip service to the history of slavery, the Whitney is a museum dedicated to confronting and unpacking the grim institution head-on. Through a series of thoughtful exhibits, the Whitney demonstrates how the South did not just benefit from but was built upon chattel slavery.

How to get to the Whitney Plantation from New Orleans: Take I-10 west for about 40 miles, then detour south on LA-641 for another 10 miles.

5. See small-town Louisiana in St Francisville

Travel time: 2 hours by car

When the furnace of New Orleans gets too hot, head north about 120 miles to St Francisville, a tiny, tidy bohemian retreat set amid hills and forests. A glut of historical buildings, cute cafes, antique vendors, artsy stores and hiking trails through the woods makes for a perfect break from New Orleans.

How to get to St Francisville from New Orleans: Take I-10 west toward Baton Rouge, getting off at exit 8C and onto I-110 north. From there, take US-61 north to St Francisville.

6. Experience the spectacle of sporty Baton Rouge

Travel time: 1 hour 30 minutes by car

A lot of New Orleanians blow off Baton Rouge (named for a red stick used as a geographic marker by local Native Americans) as the state’s gray, faceless capital. Yet it’s also a sprawling town with some decent attractions worth checking out. In particular, football games at LSU are a non-stop display of pageantry and spectacle. Game days serve up the football-mad culture of the American South at its liveliest, where team loyalty is tribal, and tailgating is a form of art. For a quieter experience, the Rural Life Museum offers a window onto the state’s past.

How to get to Baton Rouge from New Orleans: The “BR” is an easy 80-mile drive northwest of New Orleans via I-10.

7. Head up to the sleepy (and a little weird) North Shore

Travel time: 1 hour by car

The north shore of Lake Pontchartrain is made up of several bedroom suburbs of New Orleans and radiates a sedate vibe. Make the drive to sample some brews at the Abita Brewery or explore the surreal madness of the Abita Mystery House, one of the state’s great roadside attractions. Need a place to stay? Cabins at Fontainebleau State Park are raised on stilts over Lake Pontchartrain, making for a supremely relaxing, breezy escape.

How to get to the North Shore from New Orleans: To cross Lake Pontchartrain, take I-10 west and exit to cross the Pontchartrain Causeway, one of the longest bridges in the world.

8. Smell the flowers and taste the hot sauce in New Iberia

Travel time: 2 hours 30 minutes by car

The hazy, humid town of New Iberia sits about 140 miles west of New Orleans. On its sleepy main streets, you’ll find the well-preserved plantation Shadows on the Teche. Just outside of town is the area’s main attraction: Avery Island (though you’ll have difficulty finding the waterways that make it one), home of a huge salt mine and the headquarters of iconic hot sauce maker Tabasco. If you like heat, take a tour of the Tabasco Factory, then amuse yourself afterward by exploring the nearby Jungle Gardens, a sort of botanical retreat, wildlife preserve, aviary and a slice of historical trivia all in one.

How to get to New Iberia from New Orleans: US-90 West gets you almost the whole way to New Iberia, with plenty of low-lying Louisiana farmland along the way.

9. Paddle Louisiana’s swamps

Travel time: meet in New Orleans; the swamp is about 45 minutes away

While it’s great fun to tread a boardwalk at Barataria or watch an old fisherman point out gators on a motorized boat tour, there’s something utterly otherworldly about paddling the Louisiana swamps. This strange, primal and beautiful experience immerses you in the wildness of the bayou, making you aware that you are but a visitor to this ecosystem – or a fish out of water, if you will (or at least a human gliding across it).

Louisiana Lost Land Tours are led by local environmental experts who give participants an excellent kayaking experience, as well as a solid introduction to the unique environmental issues confronting south Louisiana.

How to get to the Louisiana swamps from New Orleans: Lost Lands will help you coordinate the launching point for your swamp adventure.