Archives September 2024

A surge in Formula 1’s popularity means that a glimpse into the high-octane world of the sport has become increasingly appealing in recent years. Long-time race attendee Nicky Haldenby helps fans plan their Grand Prix weekends at a leading F1 travel website. Here, he gives you the inside track on planning a trip to a Formula 1 race.

Formula 1 is the pinnacle of motorsport. It is industry-leading technology and fast-paced precision racecraft. It’s pure drama and incredible skill, all played out at over 200km/h (124mph). What’s not to love?

To witness all of that in person is a thrill that never dulls. In fact, if anything, it gets better with each passing year. The more you know about going to a race, the easier and more relaxed the experience becomes. I’ve been attending Formula 1 races since 2012 and I thoroughly believe that the best way to get the most out of your experience is to go as prepared as possible.

Below are all the tried and tested tips you need to get a jump start in maximizing your visit to a Grand Prix. Beware: attending F1 races can be highly addictive and you may find yourself coming back for more, at different locations, year after year. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!

Step 1: Decide which race to attend

Day or night? Street circuit or road course? Off-track experience or on-track action? Take your pick.

Formula 1 races in a variety of settings across its record-breaking 24-race 2024 calendar, from the exotic artificial islands of the Middle East to the rolling green mountains of mainland Europe. From tight city tracks which needle their way through the confines of usually bustling streets, to classic road courses out in the open countryside.

Deciding which race to attend all depends on what you want to get out of your visit. Some events lend themselves more to the off-track experience than the on-track overtakes, while others get the balance between the two just right.

Here are some top picks for F1 races that should definitely be on your bucket list.

British Grand Prix, Silverstone

Silverstone is one of the classic tracks – along with Monaco, Monza in Italy and Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium – that appeared on the very first F1 calendar back in 1950 and is still visited by F1 today. The legendary British circuit oozes racing heritage, and races here always rank amongst the most exciting of the season.

The best-attended weekend of the year, with attendance figures of 480,000 in 2024, the British Grand Prix is a true racing spectacle, and massive gains have been made recently in improving the trackside experience for fans, including the introduction of world-class nightly entertainment.

The race is held at the height of the British sporting summer, meaning there’s scope to extend your trip into a true British holiday full of events. For a blend of high-octane racing, off-track entertainment and overall traditional race experience, you can’t get much better than the weekend full of thrills, which you’re bound to get at Silverstone.

Mexico City Grand Prix, Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez

Nicknamed the “F1ESTA”, the Mexico City Grand Prix has grown as an event each season since the legendary track returned to the F1 calendar almost a decade ago. Support for local Red Bull driver Sergio Perez is strong, with weekend attendances surpassing 404,000 in 2024.

Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez runs through the Estadio GNP Seguros (formerly known as Foro Sol) – yes, the same stadium that has hosted the likes of Coldplay, Taylor Swift and Harry Styles – which is the heart of the action on F1 weekend. It’s here where you’ll really capture the passion of the locals’ love of both the sport and their star driver. It’s also here that the drivers celebrate on the podium, so tickets in this section of track are highly recommended.

Of course, a trip to the Grand Prix puts you in the middle of the cultural metropolis of Mexico City, famed for its delicious street food and enlightening museums – all of which you can explore during your visit to the race. Regularly voted as the event with the top fan experience, the Mexico City Grand Prix is one not to be missed.

United States Grand Prix, Circuit of The Americas

Miami and Las Vegas have joined the calendar in recent years, but it’s the United States Grand Prix in Austin that remains top of the list of F1’s three stateside races. Circuit of The Americas soon established itself as a true racer’s circuit when it first joined the calendar in 2012 and has been instrumental in F1’s recent popularity surge in the US.

With relatively high elevation around the track, grandstand seats are the top choice here, with the upper levels offering panoramic views of large sections of the circuit.

Austin’s status as live music capital of the world is supersized on race weekend, with performances at COTA from global music icons – think Queen, Elton John and Stevie Wonder. It’s also not unheard of to bump into an F1 driver or two in one of the highly-rated local bars post-race on Sunday night.

Singapore Grand Prix, Marina Bay Street Circuit

Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Abu Dhabi all host their own evening F1 races, but nothing beats the original night race: the Singapore Grand Prix. A firm favorite for F1 travelers since its 2008 debut, the Singapore weekend is so much more than just a race.

Like most places that F1 visits, Singapore really soaks up the Grand Prix atmosphere and lays on special events for F1 fans in the days leading up to the big race. The event itself is more like a festival than a Grand Prix at times, with eclectic music acts performing on multiple stages around the circuit.

The Singapore race is one that has fine-tuned and perfected the balance between show and racing spectacle. With the track in the middle of the compact city-state and the race not taking place until later on in the evening, there’s plenty of time to check out all that vibrant Singapore has to offer.

Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka

F1’s only figure-of-eight circuit, Suzuka, has a special place in the sport’s folklore. Arguably the most challenging track on the calendar, it’s the scene of unforgettable title deciders and masterful wet weather drives. If you want to see the drivers pushing to the limit, this is the track for you. What’s more, the Japanese Grand Prix is one of the cheapest races to attend on the current calendar in terms of the average price of three-day tickets.

The circuit – located some 60km (37 miles) and a two-hour journey from nearest city Nagoya – can be tricky to get to for international visitors, especially non-native speakers, but this is perhaps the only downside. Fancy dress is common for racegoers here, who soak up the trackside atmosphere well into the night.

Step 2: Choose what kind of ticket to buy

Mix with diehard F1 fans or wine and dine like champions with all-inclusive hospitality.

Before booking your ticket, you need to decide two things: the type of ticket and how much of the weekend you want to see. Let’s start with the latter: do you want to be there for all three (or four!) days of the race weekend, or book a two-day or single-day ticket? Three-day tickets give the best value and allow you to soak up all three days of on-track and off-track action.

Grandstand seats at some of motorsport’s most iconic corners are the most popular, while a General Admission ticket in unreserved seating or standing areas is a great choice for those on a budget.

More high-end and expensive hospitality can also be found at all circuits, and if you’re looking for a particularly special experience – mixing Formula 1 with culinary delights and other perks – this is the option for you.

Premium hospitality offered by Formula 1’s official ticket package partner F1 Experiences, goes the extra mile putting you at the heart of the action with exclusive paddock and pit lane tours, though the package prices reflect their exclusivity.

Do your research on which sections of your chosen track have the best action, and make sure there’s a big screen visible nearby so you don’t miss any of the race.

Step 3: Book your tickets

The race before the race. Be in pole position to secure your tickets fast.

Formula 1’s rise in popularity has been substantial in recent years, and some races – namely bigger events like the ones in Melbourne, Austin and Britain – will sell out quickly. It pays to book your race tickets early. With dynamic pricing recently adopted by a number of promoters and early bird discounts applicable for some events, it really is worth getting in the queue as quickly as possible.

Sign up for email alerts from official sources to make sure you’re in the know in advance of tickets becoming available.

Step 4: Book your accommodation

Affordability and flexibility is key in deciding where to make your nightly pit stops.

Once your race tickets are secured, it’s time to decide where to stay. Finding the perfect base for your trip can make or break a Grand Prix weekend. The truth is, if you’re making the most of your time trackside – including following all the support races as intently as the main F1 action – you won’t be spending too much time wherever you choose to sleep. You need somewhere affordable, close to the circuit and well-suited to your needs over the race weekend.

A top tip is to make a flexible booking. Although it is increasingly rare in more recent years, revisions are sometimes made to the F1 calendar, which can result in races changing dates after tickets have gone on sale. It’s worth making sure your accommodation booking is flexible just in case of this eventuality.

Camping trackside is a popular, convenient and relatively cheap option, especially for many races during the European summer, which have campsites within walking distance of the circuit. If camping isn’t your thing, most tracks are located within a reasonable distance of hotels and stays in self-catering accommodation are increasingly popular options for racegoers.

Like tickets for races, nearby accommodation tends to sell out quickly, and prices will rise in line with demand. Get a good idea of what kind of place you’re looking for before securing your race tickets.

Step 5: Plan your journey

It’s not just the drivers who need an effective strategy on race weekend.

Make sure you’re as well-prepared as possible for traveling to and from the track before your visit. Thoroughly research your journey instead of winging it! Thankfully, most Formula 1 circuits are well-linked by public transport, especially in-city races, while most permanent circuits have ample car parking space if you plan on making your own way there.

If your travel plans include the use of public transport, be sure to check whether there are special shuttle services or additional connections for F1 fans over race weekend, as these can be very convenient.

Whichever form of transport you’re using, it’s highly recommended you get to the circuit as early as possible each day, ideally within an hour of the circuit gates opening. Not only will you avoid getting caught up in traffic, which can build up significantly at the more rural race locations, but you’re also likely to get a better view of the action if you have unreserved seating or General Admission access.

Step 6: Decide what you need to take to the track

Take all you need to keep yourself revved up throughout a long day at the track.

First things first, always be prepared for rain! Yes, rain-hit races are exciting to watch on television, but if you’re unprepared and trackside, watching in the rain will not be a fun experience. At the very least, pack a raincoat.

Dress the part and pack your merch! Go all in with your support for your favorite team or driver. F1 fans are generally a friendly bunch: fans of all drivers are welcome at all venues, regardless of the local driver bias. Have a pen at hand just in case; driver signings and sightings are a feature at most Grand Prix weekends.

A backpack is definitely needed for all your essentials, which you can re-pack and re-stock at your accommodation each night. Sensible shoes and comfortable clothing is a must if you’re out in the open, as is protection from the sun if you’re in an uncovered area of the track. Fans in General Admission areas will benefit greatly from a fold-up seat to relax in when there’s no on-track action.

In the sport’s current V6 hybrid era, ear protection is not as imperative as it once was, but F1 cars are still loud, so you may want to bring ear defenders. Race commentary is available via the circuit’s public address system, but this will not suffice when 20 of the world’s fastest cars are hurtling past you. Bring headphones and a radio, and you should be able to tune in to race commentary around the circuit.

Consult the specific list of prohibited items on the circuit’s website before you attend. Some are more strict than others. Some will not allow power packs through the gates, for example, while others will not allow food to be brought in from outside.

Step 7: Enjoy it!

Soak up the atmosphere like the podium finishers soak up Champagne.

You’ve done the hard work, now take in every second! Enjoy all the activities surrounding the weekend – from the support series to fan zones, concerts and special events in the bigger cities. There all weekend? Use Friday to explore different vantage points around the track and visit the fan zone.

The cars may race past you only once a lap, but you can follow the whole Grand Prix on the big screens and catch up on what you missed, if anything, when you get home. Take in the sound of screaming engines, the scent of burning fuel and the spectacle of 20 of the world’s best drivers putting on a show.

Stay long after the chequered flag has fallen on Sunday: why spend time queueing in traffic, when you can walk on the track (at most locations) or watch the pit garages being disassembled. Then, it’s time to start planning your next race!

In the last couple of decades, the likes of Costa Rica and Panama have transformed Central America into one of the world’s adventure havens.

It’s a land scored by smoking mountains, threaded with coconut-dotted beaches and dressed from head to toe in jungles packed with sloths and slithering snakes.

This guide to eight of the region’s best hiking trails will hop from the wave-bashed Pacific to the untrodden reaches of the Darien Gap. The aim? To reveal Central America’s finest trekking paths and day hikes, with something for all levels, beginner to Bear Grylls.

1. Sendero el Perezoso, Costa Rica

Best for sloth viewing
1.3km (0.9 miles), 30 minutes, easy

Ask 10 people why they came to Costa Rica in the first place, and sloths are likely to feature somewhere in the answer. Cue this short detour off the main Park Trail in that ground zero of biodiversity, Manuel Antonio National Park, built to offer hikers access to some of the most sloth-rich jungles in the world – hence its name.

The Sloth Trail begins less than a 10-minute walk into the forest from the reserve’s main entrance. Take the spur that leads off to the west and follow the raised boardwalk pathways; soon you’ll be dwarfed amid phalanxes of silk cotton trees and buttonwoods.

They’re known to host two- and three-toed sloths, but spotting the critters can be tricky – they hardly make a move! Try to get on this one nice and early, because there are more sloths when there are fewer people.

The end of the trail connects to the main intersection for all routes through Manuel Antonio. That’s a great place to be, what with the cinnamon sands of Playa Espadilla Sur on one side and the route to the much-photographed scythe of powder at Manuel Antonio Beach on the other.

2. Volcán Concepción, Nicaragua

Best for a challenging long day-hike
16km (9.9 miles), 11 hours, challenging

Volcán Concepción is one of two cone-shaped summits that keep watch over Lago de Nicaragua, the largest freshwater lake in Central America.

It might not look it, but it’s doable in a single push; just leave early, because it’ll take 10 to 11 hours for most, and the cool morning air is a blessing on the initial ascent.

Speaking of ascents, the real killer here is the altitude gain. The summit is at a relatively mild 1610m (5282ft), but the base level of the hike is a mere 130m (427ft), meaning it’s a long way to the top. First sections are through lush jungle, and then you get a zigzagging mud track up the spine of the mountain.

The final leg above 1200m (3937ft) is trickier. That’s where the scree takes over, and there are steep parts where you might be asked to scramble against a vertigo-inducing backdrop of swirling lake waters and surrounding coffee plantations.

But there’s a reward: clear days at the top mean visions of a cloud-wisped crater rim. and even Mombacho Volcano far to the north.

3. Lost Waterfalls Trail, Panama

Best for waterfall lovers
3.3km (2.1 miles), 2-3 hours, easy

The good news is that none of the three waterfalls on this hike are lost, exactly. In fact, they’re pretty well known, as this is surely one of the most popular out-and-back routes in the eco mecca of Boquete.

The point is they feel lost, because you’ll need to navigate through Amazon-thick jungles woven with lianas and spiderwebs to reach them.

The waterfalls themselves are strewn almost equidistance along the route. The first is the biggest, a roaring cataract that froths over a ridge of wet stone.

The second is the place to swim – it gurgles into a deep and inky plunge pool. The third is like something out of a Jules Verne novel, framed by lush vines and colorful orchid blooms deeper in the Panamanian rainforest.

There is an entry fee for the Lost Waterfalls Trail and plus the taxi from Boquete. Wear sturdy, waterproof boots and bring a rain jacket for this one – it’s notoriously muddy and wet from start to finish.

4. Poás Volcano, Costa Rica

Best for staring right into a volcano
4.6km (2.9 miles), 2.5 hours, moderate

The whole of Central America is pock-marked with more volcanos than you can shake a hiking map at. One of the most accessible is Volcán Poás, in the heart of north-central Costa Rica.

It sits in a national park amid jungle-dressed peaks, about 50 minutes north of Alajuela and a 90-minute drive north of the capital, San José, making it prime day-trip territory.

There’s a visitors center at the trailhead where you can learn a little about the somewhat-disconcerting vulcanology of Poás – hikers brush aside the fact that it’s erupted 40 times since the 1820s and hit the path.

It initially runs east to Laguna Botos, the first of two crater lakes, passing through cloud forests rich in resplendent quetzals and hummingbirds.

The last ascent takes you to a high ridge some 2500m (8202ft) up. There, a 180-degree panorama reveals the second crater lake, Laguna Caliente, which sits broiling with sulfur and smoke in the crater of Poás itself. It’s actually the largest open crater on the planet, measuring a whopping mile from end to end.

5. Cerro Chirripó, Costa Rica

Best for seasoned trekkers
20km (12.4 miles), 2-3 days, challenging

Shouldering its way above the sierras and the clouds in southern Costa Rica, Cerro Chirripó is the highest peak in the land of Pura Vida. It’s a proper challenge that requires good fitness and some determination, taking two or three days on the mountain in all.

Even getting to the trailhead takes some effort, requiring an odyssey through the Cordillera de Talamanca to the tiny trekking town of San Gerardo de Rivas.

From there, it’s a full day’s walk up steep, rocky paths to the tin-roofed hut of Crestones Base Camp. That’s where things get really interesting, as day two brings sections of cloud forest and high-altitude paramo, a biome of rugged rosette plants and gleaming yellow wildflowers.

At the summit, some 3821m (12,536ft) above sea level, you can wonder at surrounding lakes and glacial valleys that are 20,000 years old!

6. Tiger Fern Trail, Belize

Best for seeing jaguars
5.5km (3.4 miles), 3-5 hours, moderate

If you can peel yourself away from the sugar sands of Belize’s cays and atolls, a wonderland of biodiversity awaits inland. Chief among the many reserves is the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, which is precisely where you’ll find this moderately challenging out-and-back route weaving through primeval jungles.

The Tiger Fern Trail creeps through dense thickets of Belizean pine and broadleaves, occasionally cutting across a babbling creek on moss-caked rocks. It takes you deep into jaguar-conservation territory, so keep those eyes and ears peeled for big cats as you go.

Nearing the top, there’s a rustic campground with sweeping views of the Maya Mountains, along with a duo of waterfalls where you can cool off.

The best time to come is the dry season (December to April), when the trails are generally less muddy and the plunge pools much clearer.

7. Volcán Telica, Nicaragua

Best for overnighting by an active volcano
13.1km (8.2 miles), 1-2 days, moderate

You can climb Volcán Telica in León, northern Nicaragua, in either one or two days. It’s not a terribly challenging route, starting with flat farm fields and then a steep push up the sinewy cone itself. It’s really all about the view at the top.

Looking out, you’ll see a sort of Nicaraguan Serengeti, sweeping west toward the Pacific in endless scrub fields dotted with the occasional mango tree, heat haze sitting low in the valley bottom. It’s the view into the crater you’ll write home about.

Peer down to see a smoke-belching hole, plumed in sulfur and wisps of ash. At night – and here’s the reason you might prefer to spend an evening on the slopes – it even burns red with hot magma and lava.

8. Pipeline Trail, Panama

Best for getting close to the jungle
6.1 km (3.8 miles), 2.5-3 hours, moderate

The Pipeline Trail is a straight valley walk through the Bajo Mono, the hiking playground just north of Boquete town in the heart of western Panama.

It’s actually named for the industrial pipe that joins the path at the trailhead, but it could just as well be for the closeness of the rainforest, which looms in like a tunnel as you really get going. Yep, it’s jungle on all sides here.

A symphony of emeralds and greens rises overhead to the canopy, the scent of decaying leaves abounds and you get a sense of snakes moving in the undergrowth.

Suddenly, you’ll be stunned by the appearance of the great Cenizo – a hulking tree that’s said to be over a millennium old. The finale is a ribbon-like waterfall that drops through a gap in the jungle-covered ridges above.

Denver is Colorado’s biggest city and home to a major international airport. As such, it’s a popular jumping-off point for quick getaways and longer trips into the Rocky Mountains and beyond.

In less than two hours, you could be lacing up your hiking boots at a trailhead, sitting down to a multi-course meal, drawing inspiration from world-class sculptures or finding a moment of zen on your yoga mat. The hardest part about day-tripping from the Mile High City is deciding which direction to go – so many options to choose from, and usually not enough time.

During a trip to Colorado, Denver is really just the starting point. To get a sense of all this state has to offer, consider adding one of these day trips from Denver to your itinerary.

1. Breckenridge

• Distance from Denver: 80 miles

• Estimated drive time: 1 hour 30 minutes

• Go for: wellness

Perched at 9600ft above sea level, Breckenridge is one of the best day trips in the Rocky Mountains, and it will feed your mind, body and spirit. In this historic mining town known for its ski resorts near Denver, you can take a mindful hike guided by a naturalist, do yoga on a standup paddleboard, and dine on nutritious meals at eateries like Semplice Cafe, which serves up an array of refreshing vegan and vegetarian options. Depending on the timing of your visit, you may also be able to attend a soul-nourishing retreat at Clairvergence Wellness Center or tap into your creative side during an art class at Breck Create. Even if you just sit and breathe for a few quiet moments while staring up at the stunning mountain scenery, you’ll leave Breckenridge feeling rejuvenated and restored.

You can get a quick taste of Breck’s many wellness experiences in a day, but if you find yourself with extra time, there’s plenty to do and see here during a longer stay.

How to get to Breckenridge from Denver: Drive west on I-70 for 70 miles. At Frisco, exit the interstate and head south on CO-9 for about 10 miles. If you’re flying into Denver, the Peak 1 Express airport shuttle can transport you to Breck.

2. Beaver Creek

• Distance from Denver: 110 miles

• Estimated drive time: 2 hours

• Go fo: fine dining

Treat yourself to a delicious day trip to Beaver Creek, a mountain resort that’s home to several unique fine-dining restaurants and excellent skiing near Denver. Beano’s, situated roughly 9000ft above sea level, is housed in a stunning log cabin with a cozy fireplace and rustic decor. In the winter, the only way to reach this cabin is via a sleigh pulled by a snowcat; in the summer, you can take a horseback ride or a shuttle. Once you arrive, you’ll tuck into an upscale, multi-course meal while gazing out at sparkling ski slopes or fields of colorful wildflowers, depending on the season. (And be sure to keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, as diners regularly spot bears and moose out the window.)

Other tasty options include Citrea, which serves Mediterranean-inspired fare, and WYLD, which specializes in elegant, New American dishes. Little ones love the Candy Cabin, a colorful on-mountain paradise with nearly every sweet imaginable. And you’ll definitely want to make sure you’re at the resort’s main base area at 3pm, aka “Cookie Time,” when chefs bring around warm platters brimming with freshly made (and complimentary) chocolate chip cookies for everyone to enjoy.

How to get to Beaver Creek from Denver: Drive west on I-70 for roughly 100 miles, then exit the interstate at Avon. The main Beaver Creek base area is roughly 3 miles south on Village Road. The Colorado Department of Transportation’s Bustang Pegasus shuttle can also drop you off in nearby Avon.

3. Loveland

• Distance from Denver: 52 miles

• Estimated drive time: 1 hour

• Go for: art

Loveland has a few claims to fame – it’s a hot spot for postmarking letters around Valentine’s Day, for example – but art is this community’s biggest year-round draw. It’s home to two world-class sculpture gardens: Benson Sculpture Garden and Chapungu Sculpture Park. And if you’re visiting Denver on a budget, you’ll be happy to know that both are free to enter.

Located in the middle of town, Benson has almost 180 sculptures situated on the banks of several small ponds. They’re connected by walking trails, and slowly weaving your way through them all is a serene, relaxing endeavor. Chapungu, meanwhile, is located east of Loveland’s main core and spotlights 82 stone sculptures created by Zimbabwean artists. Also, check out indoor venues like Artworks Center for Contemporary Art, Independence Gallery and the Loveland Museum. At under an hour from Denver and the Denver International Airport, Loveland is an easy excursion during a long layover in Colorado.

How to get to Loveland from Denver: Head north on I-25 for roughly 40 miles, then head west on CO-402. (To reach some parts of Loveland, including Chapungu, you’ll need to head east of I-25.) You can also take Groome Transportation directly from the airport.

4. Pueblo

• Distance from Denver: 114 miles

• Estimated drive time: 1 hour 45 minutes

• Go for: green chiles

Coloradans put green chile on everything, from scrambled eggs to burritos and enchiladas. But one of the absolute best ways to chow down on this beloved spicy stew is by eating a “slopper,” or a burger that’s smothered in the stuff. Pueblo is slopper central, with restaurants like Gray’s Coors Tavern and Sunset Inn Bar & Grill serving them up in droves. If you’re visiting in September, you can also attend the annual Pueblo Chile & Frijoles Festival, which has been going strong for 30 years.

How to get to Pueblo from Denver: Drive south on Interstate 25 South for 110 miles, passing through towns like Castle Rock and Colorado Springs on the way. Though Greyhound operates a bus between the two cities, public transit options are limited.

5. Fort Collins

• Distance from Denver: 66 miles

• Estimated drive time: 1 hour and 10 minutes

• Go for: craft beer

Colorado is home to some of the earliest craft beer pioneers – and there’s no better place to sip hoppy IPAs and malty brown ales than in Fort Collins. Located north of Denver, not far from the Wyoming border, this funky college town is home to more than 25 craft breweries – and counting, since new ones are opening up all the time.

Some of the well-known forefathers of the entire US craft beer industry are located right in town, such as New Belgium Brewing Company and Odell Brewing Company. But you’ll also find plenty of smaller, newer spots where brewers are getting extra creative, like Funkwerks, Horse & Dragon, and Peculiar Ales. It’s not uncommon to find live music, food trucks or trivia nights at Fort Collins breweries, and some of the larger establishments even offer behind-the-scenes brewery tours. You could easily spend a few days to a week in Fort Collins, but it’s also a great place to spend a sunny afternoon.

How to get to Fort Collins from Denver: Drive north on I-25 for 60 miles, then take one of several exits to head west into Fort Collins. A handful of public transit buses run between the two cities, including the Bustang North Line and FLEX. Groome Transportation is a convenient option if traveling directly to or from the airport.

6. Garden of the Gods

• Distance from Denver: 70 miles

• Estimated drive time: 1 hour 10 minutes

• Go for: rock formations

Though Colorado is famous for the craggy, snow-capped peaks of the Rocky Mountains, the Centennial State is also home to some other road trip-worthy geologic formations, like Garden of the Gods. Situated northwest of Colorado Springs, near the small town of Manitou Springs and the famous fourteener Pikes Peak, this park protects towering red sandstone formations that formed roughly 65 million years ago. And it’s completely free to enter, which is convenient if you’ve exhausted all of the other top free things to do in Denver.

Just marveling at the otherworldly shapes and figures is more than enough, but you can also rent bikes, go horseback riding, take a guided tour via segway, take a hike, hop on a trolley and go rock climbing, among other activities. Garden of the Gods is a perfect day-trip destination, but to experience the broader Manitou Springs and Colorado Springs area, you may need more time.

How to get to Garden of the Gods from Denver: Head south on I-25 for 64 miles. Get off at exit 146, then head west on Garden of the Gods Road. Turn south once you reach N 30th Street, and you’ll arrive at the visitor center. If you don’t have a car, the Colorado Department of Transportation’s Bustang South Line can get you most of the way there – but you’ll need to take a few more buses or call a ride once you reach Colorado Springs.

7. Estes Park

• Distance from Denver: 65 miles

• Estimated drive time: 1 hour and 30 minutes

• Go for: wildlife

Estes Park is the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, which protects 415 square miles of wilderness in northern Colorado. Because of its close proximity to the park and other public lands, like the Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests, Estes Park is a prime wildlife viewing destination. Animals loom so large in this Colorado mountain town that it even hosts an annual Elk Fest every fall, when males are searching for mates and making loud noises to prove their dominance, a behavior known as “bugling.”

Year-round, you may catch a glimpse of elk, mule deer, marmots, beavers, bears, coyotes, moose, mountain lions, bobcats and more. Dozens of species of birds call Estes Park home, too, including birds of prey like Cooper’s hawks and peregrine falcons.

Planning tip: If you do decide to make a day trip, set your alarm clock early or plan to stay until after sunset: wildlife tend to be most active around dawn and dusk.

How to get to Estes Park from Denver: Head north on Interstate 25, then northwest on US 36 for roughly 50 miles, passing through Boulder on the way. Switch to CO-7 W in Lyons. Or ride the Colorado Department of Transportation’s Bustang.

8. Boulder

• Distance from Denver: 30 miles

• Estimated drive time: 40 minutes

• Go for: shopping

To browse high-end outdoor gear, cozy bookstores and bountiful vintage shops, get yourself to Boulder’s quintessential downtown, pedestrian-friendly shopping district, Pearl Street Mall. The lively four-block radius has more than 200 stores and specialty shops, as well as some delicious restaurants. And it’s only a 40-minute road trip from downtown Denver, making it an ideal pitstop for a short layover in Colorado.

For book browsing and literary events, stop by the three-floor Boulder Bookstore. Or, for charmingly giftable home goods, make your way to Peppercorn. In between shopping, grab a bite at Avanti, a European market-inspired indoor food hall, on Pearl Street.

How to get to Boulder from Denver: Head north on Interstate 25 for about seven miles, and then take US-36 W to Boulder.

9. Rocky Mountain National Park

• Distance from Denver: 70 miles

• Estimated drive time: 1 hour and 30 minutes

• Go for: hiking

As one of Colorado’s top attractions, Rocky Mountain National Park is a great spot for a one-day vacation in nature with plenty of hiking, from the milky blue waters of Lake Haiyaha to the jagged pinnacle of Longs Peak. There are trails for all hiking levels, whether you want to tackle the challenging but doable Dream Lake Trail or the short, easy Sprague Lake Loop. 

If you’d prefer to see the sights from the car, take the winding Trail Ridge Road, one of the park’s most iconic scenic roads and the highest paved road in the US. Driving up to 12,000ft above sea level, you’re likely to see wildlife accompanied by great lookout points with incredible views. 

Planning tip: Be aware that the park requires timed entry reservations from May through October.

How to get to Rocky Mountain National Park from Denver: Take I-25 N to US-36 W, and once you get to Lyons head west on CO-7.

10. Idaho Springs

• Distance from Denver: 33 miles

• Estimated drive time: 40 minutes

• Go for: hot springs

Colorado is known for its numerous natural hot springs, and Indian Hot Springs in Idaho Springs offers a restful day trip from Denver. Like many of the hot springs in Colorado, the thermal waters were used as a place for healing and worship by the Ute and Arapaho tribes hundreds of years ago. 

Today, visitors can take a dip in the spring’s turquoise waters in a serene glass-covered atrium surrounded by banana trees. If you want a more private soaking experience, you can reserve a tub in a cave, book a private outdoor tub or slather yourself in the mineral-rich mud. 

Planning tip: Hours and prices vary depending on what you want to do at the springs, but the main pool is open from 8:30am to 9pm on weekdays and 8am to 9pm on weekends with a break from 1pm to 2pm. Prices range from $15 to $45, but access to the swimming pool is $30 during the week and $35 on holidays and weekends.

How to get to Idaho Springs from Denver: Head west on US-6 and pick up I-70 West for 20 miles.

Montenegro may be famed for the beauty of its Adriatic coastline dotted with stunning beaches and coves, but even more treasures await you inland. Five national parks with distinctly different landscapes preserve the impeccable unspoiled scenery and create a wonderland of outdoor adventures amidst deep river gorges and rugged mountains.

Pack up your beach towel and tear yourself away from the coast – it’s time to immerse yourself in Montenegro’s wild side. Here’s everything you need to know about its national parks.

1. Hike the mountain trails of Lovcen National Park

If you visit just one Montenegrin national park, make it this one. Looming above the Bay of Kotor, Lovcen is the black mountain that gave Montenegro its name and this national park sprawls over its slopes. For centuries, this karst massif was the very crucible of Montenegrin culture – a rocky redoubt of resistance to the Ottomans, populated by fearsome warriors, clerics and poets – and it remains the nation’s spiritual hub. The old royal capital, Cetinje, is nestled on its slopes and it makes a perfect base for exploring, though the park also can be easily accessed from the coastal hotspots of Kotor and Budva.

Allow time to investigate Cetinje’s palaces and museums before heading into the national park proper. There’s a visitor center in the hamlet of Ivanova Korita where you can gather information on Lovcen’s numerous hiking and mountain-biking tracks before you continue to the park’s most famous feature, the striking Njegoš Mausoleum, containing the tomb of the philosopher-poet Petar II Petrović-Njegoš, sitting at the top of its second-highest peak at 1657m (5436ft). Gargantuan statues by acclaimed Yugoslav-era sculptor Ivan Mestrovic compete for attention with the extraordinary views, as the craggy landscape dissolves into the distance.

Planning tip: As you loop back to your start point, be sure to stop for a snack at the village of Njegusi. As well as being the ancestral home of Montenegro’s Petrovic dynasty, this small settlement is famed throughout the region for its prosciutto, cheese and honey.

2. Spot myriad bird species in Lake Skadar National Park

Split between Montenegro and Albania, Lake Skadar is the largest lake in the Balkans and one of the most important habitats for wetland birds in all of Europe. The entire Montenegrin side of the lake has been protected as a national park since 1983, and birdwatchers come from around the world to spot the 270 species that shelter here, including the endangered Dalmatian pelican and a globally significant population of pygmy cormorants.

Boats and kayaks can be rented from the lake’s main settlement, Virpazar, and from the national park visitor center across the causeway near Vranjina, for exploring at surface level. Birdwatching expeditions can be combined with visits to the cluster of tiny islands on the lake, which are home to medieval monasteries. Also here is the Ottoman-built prison fortress, Grmozur, once known as the Montenegrin Alcatraz.

Alternatively, paddle up the sinuous Crnojevic River to the historic village of Rijeka Crnojevica, or hire a bike to explore the tiny wine-making villages and ruined fortresses hidden in the lush hinterland around the lake. It’s also fun to take a plunge into the river from the terrace of the floating restaurant in the village of Dodosi or join the local daredevils diving off the bridge.

Planning tip: Remote Murici, on the lake’s southwestern shore, is one of Montenegro’s best beaches. It’s a 40-minute drive to Murici from Virpazar and there’s a campground for overnight stays.

3. Hike the trails of Durmitor National Park

The jewel in the crown of Montenegro’s national parks is the mountainous Durmitor in the country’s untamed north. This highly dramatic reserve boasts around 50 peaks higher than 2000m (6562ft) and 18 glacial lakes known as gorske oci, meaning “mountain eyes.” The park also embraces the Tara Canyon, a cleft in the limestone cut by the Tara River over many millennia. The gorge’s forested walls reach 1300m (4265ft) at their highest point.

Rafting is by far the best way to see the canyon, and numerous operators offer trips along the last 18km (11 miles) of the gorge, where you will find most of the rapids. However, you’ll have to book the classic two-day overnight journey to visit the deepest part of the canyon.

In winter, Durmitor is a major ski destination, offering the country’s most reliable snow cover and two ski centers. Javorovaca is best for beginners while Savin Kuk caters to more advanced skiers. In summer, the focus shifts to hiking and mountaineering. Around 150km (93 miles) of marked trails meander through the mountains, ranging from the easy stroll around the picturesque Black Lake to major alpine expeditions where a local guide is strongly recommended.

Planning tip: Just south of the national park, near Šavnik, the remarkable Nevidio Canyon is a favorite spot for canyoning (canyoneering to Americans). Cut by the Komarnica River, the gorge is only meters wide at points, and guided expeditions only run during the dry months of July and August.

4. Hike the forests of Biogradska Gora National Park

Located within the Bjelasica mountain range, Biogradska Gora National Park protects an exceptionally lovely area of virgin forest. From the park entrance, you can take a 3.5km (2.2-mile) trip on a tourist train to the vividly green waters of tree-lined Lake Biograd. Here you will find the main park infrastructure, including a campsite, cabins, rowboat and kayak rental and a restaurant serving traditional Montenegrin mountain fare.

Take an easy 3.4km (2.1-mile) amble around the lake, then inquire at the visitor center about more challenging hiking and mountain-biking tracks through the surrounding mountains, including overnight trips through remote sections of the reserve. There are also glacial lakes to explore and several peaks above 2000m (6561ft), including 2139m (7018ft) Crna Glava, the “Black Head.”

Planning tip: In summer, it is possible to take multi-day hikes through Biogradska Gora National Park staying overnight in katuns, the traditional wooden huts used by the region’s semi-nomadic shepherds; contact the park visitor center for information.

5. Trek the wilds of Prokletije National Park

For true wilderness, you can’t beat Montenegro’s newest national park, dedicated in 2009 to protect a 161-sq-km (62-sq-mile) expanse of the Prokletije Mountains bordering Albania and Kosovo. The southernmost and highest section of the Dinaric Alps is surely one of Europe’s least-explored corners. Prokletije translates to “accursed,” which says all you need to know about the treacherous and unforgiving nature of the terrain.

If you want to push your limits in extraordinarily beautiful, off-the-beaten-track wilderness, this is the place to come. But despite the menacing name, a visit to Prokletije does not have to be a major expedition. Start at the gateway town of Gusinje with a visit to the 17th-century Vizier’s Mosque and then take a half-hour walk to the beautiful Ali Pasha Springs, which bubble up from the karst rocks at the foot of the mountains.

Planning tip: On your way into Prokletije National Park, stop at the park visitor center, where you can gather information on more advanced hiking and climbing routes and make connections with local guides.