October 2024 – healthyng

Wildlife and Nature

14 places for discovering the soul of Scotland

Some of Scotland’s most appealing places will be instantly familiar to anyone who’s ever gazed at a whisky label or shortbread tin. Those dramatic peaks, lonely glens and lochs, all that tartan and haggis – it really does all exist, in wonderful real life.

From craggy Skye and historic Edinburgh to the rolling rivers of Speyside, Scotland’s big sights are – truly – as glorious as you’d imagine. Yet this proud nation is more than a mere series of postcards. Spend even a short time here, and you’ll find a varied and engrossing place, dotted with prehistoric villages, teeming wildlife and ruined abbeys.

So, where to start? Once you’ve decided on the best time for your visit, you need to decide on the best places to go while you’re there.

Our list of the best destinations in Scotland will help get you started.

People walk into the barbican (fortified entrance) of Stirling Castle, home of Mary Queen of Scots and Robert the Bruce, Stirling, Scotland UK — Imposing and wonderfully preserved Stirling Castle has been at the center of Scottish history for centuries. Shutterstock

1. Stirling

Best for castle fanatics

With an impregnable position atop a mighty wooded crag – the plug of an extinct volcano – Stirling’s beautifully preserved Old Town is a treasure trove of historic buildings and cobbled streets winding up to the ramparts of Stirling Castle. This fortress has seen serious action: it was bombarded by the Warwolf, a giant 14th-century English siege engine; came under attack during the 1745 Jacobite rising; and dispatched troops to the battle of Bannockburn, the decisive battle celebrated at the end of Braveheart, just a few miles south.

Today, views that stretch to the Highlands, glorious tapestries and juicy history make this Scotland’s best castle – and a great family attraction.

Planning tip: Since many tourists come on day trips, it’s best to visit in the afternoon. You may have the castle almost to yourself around 4pm.

2. Speyside

Best for whisky tasting

Scotland’s national drink is whisky – from the Gaelic uisge beatha, meaning “water of life” – and this fiery spirit has been made here for more than 500 years. More than 50 distilleries are in operation in Speyside, Scotland’s most famous whisky area, famed for fruity, lightly spicy flavors. (Head over to Islay for peatier varieties.)

Ask at the Whisky Museum about the Malt Whisky Trail, a self-guided tour around the local distilleries. If you just have time for one, the Balvenie Distillery is a good bet as it still uses a traditional malting floor. The smell is glorious.

Planning tip: Dufftown lies at the heart of the region and is host to the biannual Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival.

A group of black-and-white birds with colourful beaks stand together on a clifftop on a misty day — The Shetlands are home to vast colonies of birds, including characterful puffins. Getty Images

3. Shetland Islands

Best for bird-watching

Close enough to Norway to make Scottish nationality an ambiguous concept, the Shetland Islands are Britain’s northernmost outpost. The stirringly bleak setting – recognized as a precious UNESCO Geopark – still feels uniquely Scottish, though, thanks to its deep, naked glens flanked by steep hills, twinkling, sky-blue lochs and, of course, wandering sheep on little-trafficked roads. It’s the birdlife, however, that really draws visitors here.

From their first arrival in late spring to the raucous feeding frenzies of high summer, the vast colonies of gannets, guillemots, skua, puffins and kittiwakes at Hermaness, Noss, Sumburgh Head and Fair Isle provide some of Britain’s most impressive birdwatching experiences.

Local tip: Shetland is one of the best places in the UK to spot orcas, as well as the northern lights.

4. Loch Lomond

Best for a lakeside hike

Despite being less than an hour’s drive from the bustle and sprawl of Glasgow, the bonnie braes (banks) of Loch Lomond – immortalized in the words of one of Scotland’s best-known songs – comprise one of the most scenic parts of the country.

At the heart of Scotland’s first national park, the loch begins as a broad, island-peppered lake in the south, its shores clothed in bluebell-sprinkled woods, before it narrows in the north to a fjord-like trench ringed by mountains.

Detour: The summit of Ben Lomond (974m/3031ft) is a popular climb. Follow the well-maintained path for a 7-mile (11.25km) round-trip on the popular Tourist Route; allow around 5 hours.

Group of people walking along cliff edge looking at city views. Edinburgh Castle in the distance — Edinburgh serves up history, culture and dramatic landscapes in equal measure. Andrew Merry/Getty Images

5. Edinburgh

Best for year-round entertainment

Scotland’s capital is justly famous for its festivals. Yet this is a city of year-round pleasures and many moods. Visit in spring to take in the Old Town silhouetted against a blue sky and a yellow haze of daffodils; or on a chill winter’s day to observe fog snagging the spires of the Royal Mile, rain on the cobblestones and a warm glow beckoning from the windows of local pubs. With a world-class modern art gallery, top museums, spooky historic sites and a majestic 12th-century castle, there’s plenty to keep you entertained, whatever the season.

Local tip: Start your visit to Edinburgh with a climb up Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano that offers up panoramic views over the city.

6. The Scotland Borders

Best for a country ramble

Many visitors to Scotland race up to Edinburgh and then hightail it to the Highlands, missing the Scottish Borders entirely. That’s their loss. Once fought over by war chiefs and cattle thieves, the Borders region is rich in history and packed with good cycling and hiking routes.

There are grand country manors (Traquair House brews Jacobite Ale and has a concealed room that once hid Catholic priests), as well as a series of gorgeous ruined abbeys (Gothic Melrose Abbey is the best), plus birds and sea cliffs at St Abb’s Head. More active types can fish for salmon or thunder down the mountain bike trails at Glentress and Innerleithen.

The Kylesku Bridge spanning Loch a' Chàirn Bhàin in the Scottish Highlands, which is a landmark on the North Coast 500 tourist driving route — The Kylesku Bridge is a landmark on the spectacular North Coast 500 driving route. Helen Hotson/Shutterstock

7. North Coast 500

Best for a scenic road trip

Breathtaking views abound in the Highlands. And the far north is where things become truly awe-inspiring. This is the best place in Scotland to explore by car (the truly fit can also cycle it) – with the reward being some of the finest roadside scenery in Europe.

The North Coast 500 starts and ends in the lovely city of Inverness, looping past the lochs, sand dunes and golf courses of the east coast before taking in the remote cliffs and beaches of Cape Wrath, the rugged peaks of Assynt, and Torridon’s desolate beauty. These sights – as well as the famously warm Highland hospitality found in the region’s classic rural pubs and old crofting villages – make this an unforgettable week-long tour.

8. West Highland Way

Best place for long-distance hiking

The best way to absorb Scotland’s landscapes is to walk across them. Expect peaks that tower over lochs and sea cliffs that gaze over the wind-whipped sea, yes – but also short woodland trails and charming strolls through valleys dusted with purple heather. At the top of many hikers’ wish lists is the 96-mile (155km) West Highland Way from Milngavie (near Glasgow) to Fort William, a weeklong walk through some of the country’s finest scenery that finishes in the shadow of its highest peak, Ben Nevis.

If you don’t have the time or energy for a long-distance trek, it’s possible to do just a day’s hike along part of the trail. For example, you could walk the section from Rowardennan to Inversnaid, returning to your starting point using the Loch Lomond waterbus. Whichever section you take on, pack waterproof layers and midge repellent. Rail lovers should note that sleeper trains run south from Fort William all the way to London, making for an easy exit after a walk.

Detour: The 1345m (4413ft) summit of Ben Nevis is within reach of anyone who’s reasonably fit. Treat the peak with respect, and your reward (weather permitting) will be magnificent views that can stretch as far as Northern Ireland.

Man overlooking view Old Man of Storr in Autumn on the Isle of Skye, Scotland, UK — The Isle of Skye is stupendously photogenic. Getty Images

9. Isle of Skye

Best for photographers

In a country famous for over-the-top scenery, the Isle of Skye is an apex. From the craggy peaks of the Cuillins and the bizarre pinnacles of the Old Man of Storr and the Quiraing to the spectacular sea cliffs of Neist Point, a photo opportunity awaits at almost every turn.

Skye is also one of the best places in Scotland to see golden eagles. And – if you can tear your eyes from the natural world – you’ll find convivial pubs and top seafood restaurants, too. Of course, all this tourist appeal makes Skye one of Scotland’s most popular destinations. Yet the crowds tend to stick to Portree, Dunvegan and Trotternish – and it’s almost always possible to find peace and quiet in the island’s further-flung corners.

Planning tip: Come prepared for changeable weather. When it’s fine, it’s very fine indeed. But all too often, it isn’t.

10. Perthshire

Best for enjoying nature’s bounty

In Perthshire, the heart of Scotland, picturesque towns bloom with flowers, distilleries emit tempting malty odors, and sheep graze in impossibly green meadows. There’s a feeling of the bounty of nature here that no other place in Scotland can replicate.

Blue-gray lochs shimmer, reflecting the changing moods of the weather; centuries-old trees tower amid riverside forests; majestic glens scythe their way into remote wildernesses; and salmon leap upriver to the place of their birth. Savor it all.

A rock performer in sunglasses and a leather jacket performing on stage, bathed in red light, as fans look on, Barrowlands, Glasgow, Scotland, UK — Legendary venues like Barrowlands make Glasgow one of the world’s best cities for live music. Roberto Ricciuti/Redferns via Getty Images

11. Glasgow

Best for live music and pub culture

Scotland’s biggest city lacks Edinburgh’s dramatic setting, it’s true – but its varied activities, warmth and energy leave every visitor impressed. Edgy and contemporary, this is a great city for browsing art galleries and museums and discovering the works of local design hero Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

Glasgow’s infectious vitality is best sampled via its lively pubs and clubs, which host one of the world’s great live music scenes.

Local tip: Check out upcoming (mostly alt-rock) acts at legendary former ballroom Barrowland (crowned the UK’s best music venue by Time Out in 2023). Or try the Sub Club for house and techno, the Clutha Bar for roots and rock, or Nice ‘n‘ Sleazy, a classic indie dive.

12. St Andrews

Best for golfers

Scotland invented the game of golf, and the city of St Andrews is still revered as its spiritual home by amateurs and champions alike. Links courses are the classic experience here – bumpy coastal affairs where the rough is heather and machair (coastal grass), and the main enemy is the wind off the sea, which can make a disaster of a promising round in an instant.

The historic Fife university town of St Andrews is the game of golf’s unofficial headquarters, and an irresistible destination for anyone who loves the sport. And if you’re not so keen…well, the city has impressive medieval ruins, stately university buildings, idyllic white sands and excellent guesthouses and restaurants.

The stone ruins of Skara Brae on the coast of Mainland Orkney — Skara Brae is the most intact and atmospheric of Scotland’s many neolithic settlements. Shutterstock

13. Skara Brae

Best for ancient history

Visitors to ancient sites often find it difficult to imagine them as they existed millennia ago, or to build a connection with the people that built them. Yet Scotland’s superb prehistoric remains have an immediate impact. Few places offer a better glimpse of everyday Stone Age life than Skara Brae in Orkney, with its carefully constructed fireplaces, beds, cupboards and water cisterns.

This Neolithic village – which, dating back 5000 years, is older than Stonehenge or the Pyramids of Giza – lay buried in coastal sand dunes for centuries. Even today, it can feel as though the inhabitants have just slipped out to go fishing and could return at any moment.

14. Glen Coe

Best for clan history

Scotland’s most famous glen combines two essential qualities of the Highlands: dramatic scenery and a deep sense of history. The peace and beauty of this valley today belie the fact that Glen Coe was the scene of a ruthless 17th-century massacre, when the local MacDonalds were murdered by warriors of the Campbell clan.

Some of the glen’s finest walks – to the Lost Valley, for example – follow the routes taken by fleeing clanspeople, many of whom perished in the snow.

Planning tip: Start at the Glencoe Visitor Centre for more information on this beautiful place and its tragic history.

Adventure Travel

The 19 best free things to do in Chattanooga

The city may be a part of musical history, but there’s more to Chattanooga than a catchy tune. Besides stunning scenery and outdoor activities, visitors will also find a city full of engaging cultural experiences.

While Chattanooga is best known for classic ticketed attractions like the Tennessee Aquarium and Rock City, affordable activities abound. From public sculpture gardens and city parks to historic sites and craft markets, there’s plenty to do in the Scenic City for free. Start with our roundup of the 20 best free things to do in Chattanooga.

Chattanooga Family Fun — Coolidge Park’s fountains are a popular summertime attraction for kids © Shutterstitch / Getty Images

1. Coolidge Park

Once an abandoned shipping yard, Coolidge Park is a family-favorite spot. It has a fountain with stone lions, a restored wooden carousel, a 50ft climbing wall and walking paths along the river’s edge.

One end of the park is anchored by the Chattanooga Theatre Centre, which has put on fun performances by adult and youth casts for decades. The other ends with the Market Street Bridge and connects to Renaissance Park.

A kayak and canoe launch will get you onto the Tennessee River, and many restaurants and shops have back entrances opening to the park. Grab a sandwich from River Street Deli, ice cream from Clumpies, or a gourmet weenie from Good Dog and start exploring.

The best day trips from Chattanooga

Walnut Street walking bridge, Chattanooga, TN — Built in 1890, the Walnut Street Bridge has been converted to pedestrian and bicycle traffic only © Getty Images / iStockphoto

2. Walnut Street Bridge

The Walnut Street Bridge has been part of the Chattanooga skyline for over a century. It became a symbol of racial divides in the Jim Crow South after two lynchings – one in 1893 and another in 1906.

The bridge was nearly demolished in 1978 due to disrepair. Concerned citizens rallied to save the bridge and got it added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Money was raised to retrofit the Walnut as one of the longest pedestrian bridges in the world. It quickly attracted tourists and locals, linking the revitalized downtown and North Shore neighborhoods.

Today, the Walnut Street Bridge hosts various events like the Wine Over Water Festival and Seven Bridges Marathon. It also provides a viewing spot for waterfront events like the Riverbend Festival, Iron Man competition or downtown fireworks displays.

3. First Street Sculpture Garden

Towards the Walnut Street Bridge’s south end at First and Market Streets is a sculpture garden that rotates its works every year or so. Stroll down the hill on your way up to the Bluff View or down towards the Aquarium. Enjoy pieces like Louise Peterson’s “High Four,” a beloved statue of a Great Dane offering a paw that took on a patina as visitors paused to shake it.

The Tennessee River Walk is a favorite of joggers, cyclists and everyone in between © Shutterstock / Nolichuckyjake

4. The Tennessee Riverwalk

The Tennessee Riverwalk is a 16-mile greenway running from Chickamauga Dam in Hixson to the old Wheeland Foundry in St Elmo. There are several restaurants and businesses to stop at along the way, from the Boathouse on Amnicola Highway (get the tableside-made guac and margaritas) and the Overboard Bar & Grille on an old riverboat downtown to The Tap House. You’ll also encounter plenty of picnic spots, playgrounds and kayak launches.

5. The Chattanooga Market

Half farmer’s market, half craft fair, The Chattanooga Market typically runs from April to December, thanks to the city’s mild climate. The solid roof on the First Tennessee Pavilion covers the market in case of rain, but its open-air sides bring pleasant breezes.

Live music acts perform at one end of the market, where food trucks cluster around first-come cafe seating. The rest showcases booths selling everything from fine art to jewelry, spices, produce and local gifts.

Montague Park is 33 acres of outdoor space dedicated to open-air art © Meghan O’Dea / Lonely Planet

6. Sculpture Fields at Montague Park

Home to huge sculptures, Montague Park is a 33-acre outdoor art space. There are 40 pieces of art here at any given time, sprinkled throughout a field punctuated by trees, picnic pavilions and walking paths.

The Sculpture Fields are dog-friendly and feature views of Lookout Mountain. Since opening in 2016, it’s become a popular place for joggers, photographers, kite enthusiasts and families.

The best city parks in Chattanooga

7. Chickamauga Battlefield

Once the site of one of the bloodiest fights of the Civil War and supposedly haunted by a cryptid called Old Green Eyes, Chickamauga Battlefield is mostly a maze of walking, cycling and driving routes spread across former farmland and tall pines.

It’s all within a National Military Park, and you can learn a lot about Civil War history here from the park rangers. Chickamauga Battlefield is also a great place to learn about local ecology, Indigenous history, monumental art and Reconstruction-era symbolism.

Expect to find parents teaching their kids to ride bicycles, out-of-town history buffs, locals out for a walk, sunset ghost hunters and families campingfor the weekend.

The Passage is a memorial to the Cherokee who were removed during the Trail of Tears © Meghan O’Dea / Lonely Planet

8. The Passage

Before Chattanooga was settled by European colonizers, it was a trading post for Indigenous nations, including the local Cherokee. In the 1800s, John Ross arrived via the Tennessee River and formed a long-standing relationship with the Cherokee. They even inducted him into their tribe.

Ross’s trading success directly led to Chattanooga’s founding, and the point of his arrival is still known as Ross’s Landing. The Tennessee Aquarium was built near that spot, and later the Passage was added to honor Indigenous history.

Tucked between the Tennessee Aquarium and the Tennessee River, the Passage is a gathering place, art installation and memorial to the Cherokee who were removed on the Trail of Tears. Ceramic sculptures inspired by Cherokee legends and history are blended with fountains that invite visitors to bear witness to the terrible impact wrought by the Indian Removal Act.

9. River Gallery Sculpture Garden

Located near the Hunter Museum of American Art and the Bluff View Art District’s Victorian Christmas village of bed-and-breakfasts and bakeries, the River Gallery Sculpture Garden is a perennial favorite for its mix of diverse art in an unbeatable setting.

The permanent collection debuted in 1993, though visiting workspop up from time to time, too. There are cast bronze skateboarders, kinetic sculpturesand abstract works that glitter in the sunshine. The Garden connects to the Tennessee Riverwalk, so it’s easy to take a longer stroll through downtown, by the water and up to the historic Fort Wood neighborhood.

Enjoy stunning views of Chattanooga on a hike up Lookout Mountain © Meghan O’Dea / Lonely Planet

10. Hiking to Sunset Rock

Partway up Lookout Mountain, hikers can find Sunset Rock. If you plan to use the small parking lot at 405 W Brow Rd, be aware it can fill up fast. Pack a thermos of coffee or a picnic lunch to make the most of your time at Sunset Rock. It’s less than half a mile from the parking lot, though you can continue along other trails. While attractions like Rock City on Lookout Mountain often cost money, this hike and scenic overlooks are free.

11. Forest Hills Cemetery

Learn more about Chattanooga’s early history at Forest Hills Cemetery in St Elmo. This garden-style graveyard has been in use since the 1880s. Its splendid tombstones and mausoleums pay tribute to some of the city’s founders and prominent families.

Civil War generals are buried here, plus industrialists who profited off Chattanooga’s old foundries and railroad empires, the founders of local private schools and a United States Postmaster General. With a canopy of spruce trees, winding paths and a quiet atmosphere, it’s a great place for a stroll near St Elmo’s main hub of shops and restaurants.

12. Disc Golf

There are several disc golf courses available free to use throughout Chattanooga. Carver Community Center has a nine-hole disc golf course perfect for kids and beginners.

The Sinks in DuPont Park is a well-regarded disc golf course with challenging wooded terrain that’s free to use as long as you already have your gear. Portland Park also features a free disc golf course. The nine-basket course challenges players to navigate trees and tunnel shots.

There’s even a disc golf course at Cloudland Canyon State Park (a 30-minute drive from Chattanooga), though you’ll need to pay a fee to use that one.

13. Hiking to Snooper’s Rock

Snooper’s Rock is another viewpoint that offers high returns for little effort. Head to Prentice Cooper State Forest near Signal Mountain, north of downtown.

You’ll have a winding drive down forest service roads that always feel like you’ve gone a little too far. Thankfully, the walk from the trailhead to Snooper’s Rock itself isn’t long at all, just a little steep.

The result is a view of the gorge between Signal and Raccoon Mountains where the Tennessee River carved its path. Hawks circle overhead and houses peek out of the mountainside’s dense green foliage. It’s one of Chattanooga’s best views.

Cloudland Canyon State Park in Rising Fawn, Georgia, USA — Cloudland Canyon State Park in Rising Fawn, Georgia is not far at all from Chattanooga but shows off the dramatic gorge scenery the region is known for © USA Alamy Stock Photo

14. Geocaching at Cloudland Canyon State Park

Cloudland Canyon State Park has many fun activities, from hiking to staying overnight in a yurt. But geocaching is a kind of scavenger hunt the whole family can get behind. Several themed geocache hunts at Cloudland Canyon include educational components on Indigenous history or the park’s geography.

You’ll need a phone or other GPS device to help solve clues leading to buried treasure. Cloudland Canyon has a $5 parking fee, but all other activities are free.

15. Enterprise South Nature Park

An old World War II munitions-manufacturing site is now a network of mountain biking courses, equestrian trails and walking paths. Since 2016, Enterprise South Nature Park has become popular with residents of the city’s northern suburbs and workers at the local Volkswagen plant. Bunkers #28 and #50 are open to the public for viewing if you’re curious about the place’s history, and leashed pets are allowed if you want to get outside with your furry friend.

16. Filling your photo reel at Umbrella Alley

Take eye-catching photos to remember your Chattanooga trip at free spots like Umbrella Alley. Find this whimsically decorated photo backdrop in one of the best neighborhoods in Chattanooga, the West Village. Colorful umbrellas suspended overhead make Umbrella Alley perfect for a photoshoot. For variations on the decorated alley theme, visit Cherry Street’s Urban Chandelier Alleyway and patio full of vibrant sculptures.

17. Touring the Bluff View Art District

Stretch your legs on a self-guided walking tour of Chattanooga’s Bluff View Art District. While the River Gallery Sculpture Garden alone is an excellent free attraction, it’s not the district’s only budget-friendly entertainment option. In the Bluff View Art District, travelers can also discover the historic Bluff View Inn, beloved restaurants like Tony’s Pasta Shop & Trattoria, and recreation areas like the Bocce Court Terrace.

18. Listening to live music during Nightfall

For 30 years, the Nightfall Free Music Series has livened up Chattanooga summers with Friday night musical performances. Visit Miller Plaza from May through August to catch one of the shows. Attendees are encouraged to arrive with the whole family, including pets. Featured musicians range from folk artists and soul singers to jazz bands and indie rock acts.

19. Foster Falls Recreation Area

Drive out to one of Chattanooga’s surrounding natural wonders and spend a day at Foster Falls Recreation Area. Located near South Cumberland State Park, this recreation area is named after its centerpiece waterfall. Take the short but steep hike down to Foster Falls, or pack your bouldering gear and go climbing. In the summer, visitors can cool off by swimming in the pool beneath the falls.

Keep planning your trip to Chattanooga:

Fall-ing for Tennessee: unforgettable outdoor autumn adventures
Get outside in Chattanooga, a little city that’s big on adventure
The best day trips from Chattanooga

Wildlife and Nature

The best day trips from Ho Chi Minh City

Vietnam’s largest city, Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) – also known as Saigon – is the gateway to the steamy southern reaches of this slender Southeast Asian nation. HCMC is celebrated for its vibrant nightlife, spectacular dining, rich history and French-era architecture. It’s easy to while away happy days slurping down amazing noodle soups and walking along century-old streets laid down during the Indochina era.

But Ho Chi Minh City is also the front door to southern Vietnam and the vast, waterlogged Mekong Delta, with its colorful markets, wartime relics and pristine nature reserves. Bus routes crisscross the countryside around Vietnam’s southern capital and tour agencies offer all sorts of itineraries, making for easy detours. Here’s our pick of the best day trips from Ho Chi Minh City.

The grounds of Vinh Tranh Pagoda in My Tho, Vietnam, dominated by a giant Buddha statue. Serenity-H / Shutterstock

1. Get a taste of the Vietnamese countryside at Ben Tre and My Tho

Travel time: 2 hours

If you don’t have time for an overnight trip to the Mekong Delta, these two sister cities just two hours south of Ho Chi Minh City provide a rewarding glimpse of southern country life. Ben Tre, the so-called Coconut Capital of Vietnam, lies across the Mekong River from the more developed city of My Tho. Both make for a quaint getaway based around fruit orchards, local pagodas, intriguing cottage industries and detours to surprisingly rural villages off the main highway.

The four inhabited river islands between Ben Tre and My Tho are home to bee farms, coconut candy factories and scenic orchards where you can sample tropical fruit while being serenaded by Vietnamese folk singers. Explore on boat tours with companies such as Mango Cruises or tourist boat operators at My Tho. The Vietnamese government has established several eco-resorts in the area, complete with horse-pulled carts that take visitors from attraction to attraction.

Ben Tre makes everything imaginable from the humble coconut, from coconut wood souvenirs to chewy coconut candy. You can watch as workers stretch and mold the sweet little squares and take some home as a memento. Also try the noodle soup known as hủ tiếu Mỹ Tho, a specialty of My Tho, with chewy rice noodles topped with shrimp, pork, pork offal and heaps of fresh vegetables. If you visit My Tho, don’t miss the striking Vinh Trang Pagoda, about 1km (0.6 miles) east of the center, with its looming Buddha statue.

15 best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City

How to get to Ben Tre and My Tho from HCMC:

If you’re confident on a motorcycle, head two hours due south from Ho Chi Minh City on the Quoc lo 1A. With your own wheels, you’ll be free to veer off onto the many small lanes leading to village markets and authentic countryside scenes completely devoid of tourists. Otherwise, join better-off locals and take one of the comfortable air-conditioned private buses and mini-vans for the two-hour road trip to Ben Tre (from VND90,000).

In both My Tho and Ben Tre, you can arrange a boat and guide to visit the islands. Easier still are organized day trips from HCMC, which can be booked through guesthouses and travel agencies for as little as US$20, including lunch.

Top view with beautiful sunset and boats. Panoramic view of Vung Tau coast from above with waves, beach, streets, coconut trees and Tao Phung mountain in Vietnam — View over the beachfront at sunset in Vung Tau, Vietnam. Scout901 / Shutterstock

2. Lie out in style at Vung Tau’s beaches and hotels

Travel time: 2 hours

Known as Cap Saint-Jacques when it was a beach playground frequented by French colonialists, modern-day Vung Tau has the closest ocean beaches to Saigon. While its long list of attractions includes a giant statue of Jesus (even larger than the one in Rio), a turn-of-the-century lighthouse and an amusement park accessed by cable car, the main reason to hit Vung Tau for the day is to laze around on its handful of respectable city beaches.

While most areas of beachfront are fronted by seafood restaurants with beach chairs for customers (double-check your bill as some have been known to overcharge), you can lay out in style at the Beach Club at the Imperial Hotel. Modeled after a Roman bathhouse, with an infinity pool and loads of sun loungers, the complex can be accessed via a reasonably priced day pass.

If you’re looking for quieter beaches, Ho Tram is an up-and-coming resort area about 40km (25 miles) east of Vung Tau, with a handful of resorts ranging from glitzy mega hotels with world-class golf courses and casinos to the very rustic River Ray Estates. At the latter, you can practically have the whole stretch of beach to yourself on a weekday or relax poolside for a modest entrance fee.

When you feel peckish, Ganh Hao on Front Beach in Vung Tau is a popular spot to enjoy fresh seafood cooked to order (we recommend ordering your seafood steamed with beer or wok-fried in tamarind sauce). It’s right next to the water and the decor is no-frills but it offers spacious covered seating and reliably good seafood, making it a popular stop for visiting Vietnamese and bus groups.

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How to get to Vung Tau from HCMC:

Whether you come via the fast Greenlines boat or the cheaper mini-van, the journey from HCMC to Vung Tau will take about two hours. Mini-vans will drop you off at a centrally-located Vung Tau hotel; once you reach the city, use taxis to explore the sights. Minivans also ply the route between Ho Chi Minh City and Ho Tram.

A bright image of a man wearing green in the Cu Chi tunnels. — The tunnels of Cu Chi are an immense network of connecting underground tunnels located in the Cu Chi District, north of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam, and are part of a much larger network of tunnels that underlie much of the country. Getty Images

3. Explore the wartime tunnels of Cu Chi

Travel time: 3 hours

Built over 25 years by North Vietnamese forces, the 250km (155 miles) of underground tunnels at Cu Chi are an engineering marvel and a wartime site of huge historical significance. If you’ve ever wondered how Vietnamese farmers were able to defeat one of the most powerful military powers in history, a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels will shed light on a remarkable campaign of guerilla warfare.

On arrival at the site – it looks fairly unremarkable above ground – visitors can descend steep steps down into dark, narrow passages leading to underground bunkers, living quarters and even a hospital. This underground warren allowed the North Vietnamese to mount surprise attacks against US and South Vietnamese forces, then seemingly vanish into thin air. Visiting is a claustrophobic, thought-provoking experience.

Perfect weekend in Ho Chi Minh City

How to get to Cu Chi from HCMC:

Two sections of the tunnel network are open to visitors. Ben Dinh is closer to HCMC and more visited, while Ben Duoc is where more of the locals go. Both are accessible via public bus #13, which leaves from September 23 Park near HCMC’s backpacker quarter. On arrival at the Cu Chi Bus Station, you can change to the #63 to Ben Dinh or #79 to Ben Duoc. You can also take a taxi from the Cu Chi bus stand; it’s more expensive, but easier than coming by public bus. An alternative is to book a half-day or full-day tour from HCMC.

4. Experience Vietnam’s homegrown religion in Tay Ninh

Travel time: 2 hours

An easy add-on to a trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels, the Cao Dai Holy See at Tay Ninh is an elaborate and colorful temple dedicated to Vietnam’s homegrown religion of Caodaisim. It was once described by Graham Greene as the “Walt Disney Fantasia of the East.” Founded in the 1920s, the Cao Dai faith fuses elements of Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism and Christianity, among other religions.

Fronted by pagoda-like towers, the main prayer hall of the Holy See shrine is adorned with dragon-wrapped columns, and a blue globe below the dome bears the symbol of the Divine Eye. Look out for the mural in the entry hall depicting Chinese revolutionary leader Dr Sun Yat-sen, Vietnamese poet Nguyen Binh Khiem and French poet and author Victor Hugo.

Prayers take place four times a day, attended by devotees dressed in white – the noon ceremony is a popular stop for groups from HCMC. Dress modestly to visit, and only photograph people if you have their permission; women enter via the door on the left, while men enter on the right.

Top free things to do in Ho Chi Minh City

How to get to Tay Ninh from HCMC:

Tay Ninh is on Hwy 22 (Quoc Lo 22), around 96km (60 miles) from HCMC. Getting here by public transport involves several changes. Take bus #65 from HCMC’s Ben Thanh Bus Station to An Suong Bus Station, then a second bus to Tay Ninh Bus Station, where you can arrange a taxi to the temple. The low-stress option is to take a tour from HCMC, either with or without a trip to Cu Chi

Woman boating on the waters around Can Gio, Vietnam. — A woman punts a boat on Can Gio; best day trips from Ho Chi Minh City. James Pham / Lonely Planet

5. Paddle through mangrove forests in Can Gio

Travel time: 2 hours

Exchange the urban jungle for a much greener version in the UNESCO-listed Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve, about 40km (25 miles) southeast of HCMC. Functioning as the “green lungs” of the region, this vast area of wetlands, salt marshes and mangrove forest is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including king cobras, saltwater crocodiles and fishing cats, along with some 130 bird species.

Visitors can cruise the lagoon in a rowboat or climb up a 25m-high observation tower to look for birds over the treetops. Species commonly seen here include plovers, godwits, curlews, various species of kingfishers and rare Nordmann’s greenshanks.

A guide to Ho Chi Minh City’s street food

How to get to Can Gio from HCMC:

From HCMC’s September 23 Park, take public bus #75 and hop off at the Vam Sat Ecopark, or arrange a transfer by taxi or a tour. There’s also the option to take a luxury speedboat trip right from the riverside in HCMC. The boat ride is almost as interesting as the destination, as you pass stilt houses, barges laden down with produce and rustic scenes of life on the river, with a stop to visit a small town wet market.

Romance

From Italian lakes to Irish castles: 11 top celebrity wedding destinations

When your wedding budget stretches into the millions, the possibilities are endless. So it’s no surprise that celebrities often choose to say their ‘I dos’ in exotic locales.

From romantic Italian villas to grand Irish castles, if you’re looking for some wedding inspiration from the stars, let us walk you down the aisle with these iconic celebrity destination weddings.

George and Amal Clooney arriving at their civil ceremony in Venice on a boat; she is wearing a cream trouser suit and wide-brimmed cream hat and he is wearing a dark grey suit. — George and Amal Clooney arriving at their civil ceremony in Venice © Robino Salvatore / Getty Images

1. George Clooney and Amal Alamuddin
Location: Venice, Italy

The 2014 nuptials of Hollywood’s most eligible bachelor and the renowned human rights lawyer were always going to be memorable. But Clooney and Alamuddin’s venue choice made this wedding an all-timer.

The pair tied the knot with a four-day celebration in Venice. First, they stopped off at the Palazzo Ca’ Farsetti for a 10-minute civil ceremony (Alamuddin wearing that famous cream trouser suit) before taking a water taxi to the luxurious Aman Canal Grande for their reception. Built in the 16th century, it had opened as the city’s only seven-star hotel the year before. It has two private gardens, spectacular views of the Grand Canal and ceiling frescoes by 18th-century painter Giovanni Battista Tiepolo.

An aerial view of the 15-century Luttrellstown Castle, Ireland in the morning sunshine in Dublin — Luttrellstown Castle, Ireland is where the Beckhams tied the knot © Shutterstock/4H4 PH

2. David Beckham and Victoria Adams
Location: Dublin, Ireland

As the recent Netflix docuseries Beckham reminded viewers, Beckham and Adams held an epic ceremony at a 15th-century Irish castle back in 1999. The wedding had a Robin Hood color scheme – shades of burgundy, forest green, and deep purple; plus violet his-and-hers outfits – and reportedly cost US$800,000.

With matching oversized thrones, a gold-and-diamond tiara, plus fireworks to close out the festivities, it was the ultimate of opulent celebrity destination weddings. It all took place at Luttrellstown Castle, in Castleknock on the outskirts of Dublin. Now a popular golf resort, the castle is still available to hire for weddings complete with ornate furniture, rolling countryside and views over the Wicklow Mountains.

Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas at their wedding reception; she is wearing an elaborately beaded sari and necklace and he is wearing a dark velvet tuxedo. — Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas at their wedding reception © Hindustan Times / Getty Images

3. Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas
Location: Jodhpur, India

With a flurry of pre-rituals, ceremonies and receptions from Jodhpur to North Carolina, Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas guaranteed their wedding was the most lavish celebrity do of 2018.

They held the main event at the Umaid Bhawan Palace, the primary residence of Jodhpur’s erstwhile royal family, which now includes a hotel. Spread across three days, the couple had both Christian and Hindu marriage ceremonies, and blended Indian and American culture.

The palace has 347 Art Deco-style rooms, including a throne chamber, a museum, a library, an indoor pool and a spa. Set on a hill above Jodhpur, guests get to look out over the historic Blue City and wander through its 26 acres of gardens.

The exterior of the entranceway to Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, France — The French hotel where Sofia Richie and Elliot Grainge exchanged vows © Shutterstock/Arthur R.

4. Sofia Richie and Elliot Grainge
Location: Antibes, France

When Sofia Richie – model, influencer and daughter of music legend Lionel Richie – married record executive Elliot Grainge at the oceanfront Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc in the south of France, TikTokers dubbed it “the Royal Wedding.” Their ultra-glamorous Antibes ceremony featured three Chanel bridal gowns, a fireworks display and a star-studded guestlist that included Cameron Diaz and Paris Hilton. No wonder it went viral — the glittering resort is pure old-world romance.

Originally a 19th-century artists’ retreat, the Hôtel du Cap has welcomed everyone from F. Scott Fitzgerald to Elizabeth Taylor to Beyoncé. It remains one of the world’s finest hotels and features a grand promenade – setting for Richie’s seven-minute walk down the aisle – Dior-run spa, five tennis courts, and a dazzling saltwater infinity pool.

Villa Pizzo in Cernobbio, beautiful village on Lake Como, Lombardy, Italy. — Villa Pizzo on Lake Como was the setting for John Legend and Chrissy Teigen’s wedding © e55evu / Getty Images

5. John Legend and Chrissy Teigen
Location: Lake Como, Italy

Celebrities love to choose Italy for their destination weddings. One of their favorite spots is Lake Como, where George Clooney, Madonna and Gianni Versace have all owned holiday homes. It’s no surprise, then, that John Legend and Chrissy Teigen were so smitten with the area that they opted for the lakefront Villa Pizzo for their big day in 2013.

As well as its gorgeous terrace, the sun-bleached pink facade is fabulously photogenic – as are the tree-lined avenues, lakeside gardens and baroque fountains. Inside, much of the 16th-century decor has been beautifully maintained, complete with magnificent frescoes and gilded interiors.

The birhgtly-colored houses dotted around the harbor at Portofino, Italy with boats lapping in the waves in the sun — The harbor at Portofino, Italy – ideal for a celebrity wedding © Shutterstock / Roman Sigaev

6. Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker
Location: Portofino, Italy

After low-key ceremonies in Las Vegas and Santa Barbara, the reality TV star and blink-182 drummer tied the knot for a third time during an extravagant weekend on the Italian Riviera

Hosted by Dolce & Gabbana at the brand’s private Portofino estate, the whole Kardashian-Jenner clan descended on Villa Olivetta. The party then made their way to Castello Brown, a scenic medieval castle overlooking the harbor.

Built in the 16th century as a military fortress, today it is open to the public as a museum and available for hire for private events. Surrounded by a lush Mediterranean garden full of cypress trees, roses and pergolas, the terrace offers panoramic views of the bay.

A quirkily shaped swimming pool with stylish pool furniture arranged around it, with trees and the Pacific Ocean beyond. — Anne Hathaway and Adam Shulman tied the knot amid Ventana Big Sur’s fabulous ocean views © Ventana Big Sur

7. Anne Hathaway and Adam Shulman
Location: Big Sur, USA

Hollywood couple Hathaway and Shulman exchanged their vows during an outdoor wedding at the picturesque Ventana in Big Sur. Surrounded by Californian redwoods, the sunset ceremony had a stunning backdrop of both the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Lucia mountains.

The resort has plenty for guests to do: gather around cozy fire pits; dine on coastal cuisine; and take in the ocean views. It also has Japanese hot baths and an infinity pool. Designed to reflect the area’s beauty, the rooms in this eco-friendly hotel have modern rustic furnishings alongside sustainable initiatives like water conservation and energy efficiency usage. They use native landscaping, too.

Spices shop in the medina of Marrakesh, Morocco — Idris and Dhowre had a “colors of the Souk”-themed dinner in Marrakesh as part of their wedding © Shutterstock / Diana Domingue

8. Idris Elba and Sabrina Dhowre
Location: Marrakesh, Morocco

The British actor and his Canadian model finance jetted off to Morocco for a secret ceremony in 2019, which included three days of celebrations in three luxury Marrakesh hotels. The night before the wedding, the couple held a “colors of the Souk”-themed dinner at the Amanjena Resort, a rose-hued idyll just outside the Red City. Mint green accents complement its pink clay walls with decorative arched ceilings and soaring pillars built around a dramatic central water bassin.

The official ceremony took place at the Ksar Char Bagh, a decadent retreat inspired by 14th-century Moorish architecture. Located in Marrakesh’s Palmeraie, only 30 guests at a time could enjoy its palm-lined pool, red marble hammam and intricately tiled courtyards. The Elba wedding culminated in an all-white party at the Mandarin Oriental whose magnificent gardens span 20 hectares and overflow with 100,000 multicolored roses.

A gravel driveway leading up to an imposing stone French chateau, which has bright turquoise shutters on its windows; the building is surrounded by verdant greenery. — Chateau de Tourreau was the stunning location for Sophie Turner and Joe Jonas’ nuptials © Chateau de Tourreau

9. Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner
Location: Provence, France

Their marriage may have ended in 2023, but the memories of their big day endure as dreamy wedding inspiration. In 2019, Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner celebrated their nuptials in Provence, at the majestic Chateau de Tourreau. The castle stands at the end of a long line of century-old plane trees, surrounded by 20 acres of lush parkland, and includes a consecrated chapel that dates back to the 17th century.

It also has an infinity pool, tennis courts, bubbling fountains and a sculpture garden, while inside, guests can relax in the carefully restored library or games room, before sitting down to meals prepared by a chef using ingredients from the on-site vegetable farm.

Two tango dancers performing at Plaza Serrano in San Telmo neighborhood of Buenos Aires — Buenos Aires, Argentina – where love is always in the air © Shutterstock / Alexandr Vorobev

10. Michael Buble and Luisana Lopilato
Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina

Following their civil ceremony, Michael Buble and Luisana Lopilato held a second wedding in 2011 in the actress’s native Argentina. For the venue, the couple chose Villa Maria, a secluded palace on the outskirts of Buenos Aires; attendees sipped cocktails by a lake lit up with 1000 candles before dancing the night away.

Built in 1927 and designed in a Norman-Tudor style, the three-story estate offers 11 elegant rooms decorated with antique furniture and four-poster beds. There’s also a wood-paneled billiards and cigar room, while outside, guests can meander through 180 acres of nature trails and serene greenery for an utterly charming rural retreat.

Looking up at Chiara Ferragni and Fedez standing on the wrought-iron balcony of an opulent stone palazzo; they are waving down at the camera and smiling. — Chiara Ferragni and Fedez at their pre-wedding party in Noto © Claudio Lavenia / Getty Images

11. Chiara Ferragni and Federico ‘Fedez’ Lucia
Location: Sicily, Italy

In what was described as “the Italian royal wedding”, fashion influencer Chiara Ferragni and rapper Fedez wed in a 19th-century estate in Noto in 2018. The couple flew friends to Sicily for the three-day festivities, which began with a rehearsal dinner at the Palazzo Nicolaci, a beautiful baroque building built in 1765 and now open to the public.

The following night, the two tied the knot in an outdoor ceremony at Dimora delle Balze, a lovingly refurbished palazzo brimming with rustic Italian charm. The venue blends old and new with contemporary design pieces, natural stone terraces, a saltwater pool and classical columns, while each of the 11 rooms is decorated in tribute to a Sicilian artist.

Beaches

8 of the best places to surf in Central America

Central America is one of the most wave-blessed parts of the globe.

Swells roll in from the Pacific and the Caribbean Sea throughout the region, offering up everything from barrels to beefy beach breaks all months of the year. Costa Rica is justly known for its hedonistic surf-party towns fringed by coconut-strewn sands, while Panama has archipelagos of reef-ringed tropical islands and tube waves that work in the wet season.

El Salvador, meanwhile, beckons with powerful A-frames right by hippie beer shacks. And those are just the best-known spots.

Our guide to the best surfing spots in Central America has all you need to find the top spots to catch waves for all levels, from beginner to pro.

1. Bocas del Toro, Panama

Best for barreling waves on brochure-worthy beaches

There are so many overwater bungalows in Panama’s Bocas del Toro these days that it can sometimes feel like the Maldives in the Caribbean. But it’s all that takes place on and under the water – boating, scuba diving and surfing – that makes this string of six populated islands, 50 coral cays and over 200 mini-islets so special.

The variety of breaks accessible within a short boat ride of Bocas town is truly impressive (A boat will really be the only way to get around).

Beginners can go 20 minutes to Wizard Beach to find glassy, 5ft swells with hardly a lineup. Experts can go 15 minutes to Bluff Beach for sucky tubes with the power to snap boards. The long Isla Bastimentos, meanwhile, is the intermediate surfer’s haven.

The downside of surfing in Bocas del Toro is the relatively short season. December to early April is the sweet spot, when consistent northerly offshore winds and SW swells combine. The rest of the year, this is a coconut-sipping, snorkel-blowing paradise with water as unrippled as a Panamanian hojaldre flatbread.

Getting to Bocas del Toro: Air Panama has direct flights from Panama City (Albrook Airport) into Bocas del Toro. There are also bus-boat connections from Panama City.

A surfer on a wave heading towards a sandy palm-lined beach — Costa Rica’s Tamarindo is great for beginners and intermediates; Playa Grande is for the experienced surfers © Ian McDonnell / Getty Images

2. Tamarindo, Costa Rica

Best for a combo of surfing and partying

Surf, eat, party, repeat: such is the routine in Tamarindo. The rise of this town has been nothing short of phenomenal ever since Bruce Brown and company passed through while filming Endless Summer II back in the early ’90s. Today, everyone wants a piece of the action – and it’s not hard to see why.

Tamarindo is anchored on Playa Tamarindo, a long arc of alabaster sand with peaks for all levels – think beginner whitewash meets lefts and rights perfect for intermediates to start ripping on.

Better surfers usually head over to Playa Grande for the faster, hollower, right-hand break that forms on the Estero estuary. Just be careful of crocs in the water should you join in.

High or incoming tides tend to work best because a few of the named breaks rely on submerged rock reefs to work. Get up early to surf here if you can, as morning crowds in Tamarindo are thinned out by hangovers acquired in throbbing bars like Sharky’s and Crazy Monkey the night before.

Getting to Tamarindo: A transfer or public bus from Liberia Airport takes no more than 2 hours. From San José Airport, a bus takes about 5 hours.

Green leaves catch the light of sunset, with surf-friendly waves pounding the sandy beach — Popoyo Beach packs in major waves along its short length © Eugene Voroniuk / Shutterstock

3. Popoyo, Nicaragua

Best for experienced surfers

Playa Popoyo in Nicaragua’s southwest is only 0.8km (0.5-mile) long, but it manages to pack in more waves than you can shake a plate of gallo pinto (rice and beans) at. It’s earned its reputation as one of Central America’s harder surf destinations because it handles good size and offers a mix of point breaks and reefs that each pose their own challenges.

The star is Popoyo Main Break, a nigh-on perfect A-frame that gives fast but fun rights and lefts on pretty much any tide. That’s nowhere near as heavy as the Outer Reef, which pounds triple overhead slabs for a lineup of proper Evel Knievels. Goofy riders, meanwhile, should be sure to check out Stoney’s, a lefty point that recalls Bali’s iconic Uluwatu.

A good way to tick off the lot is to go for a surf package with NicaWaves Surf Camp. It’s just a five-minute walk from Main Break, but trips include up to three surf boat expeditions a pop.

Getting to Popoyo: Private transfers from Managua take just over 2 hours. You can also get the public bus, though keep in mind it stops just outside of Popoyo itself, so you’ll need to walk the last couple of kilometers.

4. El Tunco, El Salvador

Best for surf and sunsets

El Tunco is the best place in El Salvador to get the salt in your hair and ride some waves. More than just a surf town, El Tunco is also a party-friendly hippie haven, complete with resident crowd of Willie Nelson lookalikes and surf-mad locals.

There are four fantastic breaks packed into a 3-km-stretch (2-miles) of coastline, with options for all levels of surfers.

Just starting? There are oodles of outfitters that will offer lessons at either El Sunzalito or nearby Playa San Blas, both of which have sandy bottoms and crumbly waves.

The western end of the beach has the El Sunzal point break, a right-hander tailored to improving intermediates. Then you get La Bocana, a fast and challenging left with hollow sections.

Monkey Lala is the place to gather at the golden hour. From there, you can watch the sun dip behind the crags of El Tunco’s famous rock stack (which is supposedly shaped like a pig) and watch the local crews ripping up La Bocana.

Getting to El Tunco: Direct buses from San Salvador to El Tunco take about an hour.

A surfer hits the top of a wave. The orange sun hangs low in the sky — The popularity of Santa Teresa in Costa Rica has soared © Krysia Campos / Getty Images

5. Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

Best for ultra-consistent waves

It seems like everybody and their dog (or at least their partner) is in Santa Teresa right now. A once-sleepy stretch of potholed road and fishing shacks at the end of the wonderful Nicoya Peninsula, it’s been transformed into one of the most stylish places to wax down the board in the land of Pura Vida – and Central America.

Don’t be too deterred by all the dressier visitors, though: Santa Teresa still has yoga camps clustered in along its hillsides, the vibes on the waves are nice and relaxed, and howler monkeys remain the morning alarm clock.

What’s more, the new interest has generated some pretty nifty surf camps and cafes – even Lapoint of Ericeira fame has set up shop, with a stylish surf hotel centered around a swimming pool.

Wave-wise, Playa Santa Teresa is a seemingly endless run of cocoa-tinged sand that’s beach peak after beach peak. The scene is at its biggest in summer on SW swells, but has a year-round consistency that would make Roger Federer blush.

To the north, Playa Hermosa offers mushier waves for learning on. Or go south to Mal País for some more hard-core reef breaks and points.

Getting to Santa Teresa: Direct public buses run from San José at least twice daily, taking 6 or 7 hours. Those in a hurry can catch a propeller plane to Tambor and make the 35-minute transfer from there.

6. Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Costa Rica

Best place to go when the Pacific is flat

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca on the Caribbean Sea comes into season when the waves die down on the Costa Rican Pacific. From December to March, powerful tropical storm systems sitting off the Colombian coast send regular southeast swells into the bays north and south of town.

The most famous spot of the lot here is surely Salsa Brava. It’s hailed as the Tico answer to Hawaii’s Pipeline, and offers heavy, hollow barrels onto shallow reefs bristling with urchins.

Something a little easier is on offer at Playa Cocles, which is where you’ll find the local surf schools plying their trade between the stooping coconut palms.

It’s ritual to retire to Tasty Waves Cantina on Playa Cocles once you’re done with a session. This wonderfully ramshackle reggae and dub bar serves up cold Imperial beers, pub grub and late-night parties.

Getting to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca: Autotransportes Mepe runs buses from San José about five times a day. There are also direct buses from Limón.

A surfer holding their board is silhouetted in the pink sunset light as they walk along a beach — The secret’s out: Nosara has some of the best surfing for beginners in Central America © Jonathan Gregson / Lonely Planet

7. Nosara, Costa Rica

Best waves for beginners

After years of living in the shadow of Tamarindo, Nosara is finally hitting the big time. Regulars will lament the fact that the secret is out – yet there’s no way that such a prime surf destination could remain under the radar in Costa Rica, especially with its epic offering for total beginners.

Playa Guiones is the jewel in the crown. A soft curve of a bay that angles ever so slightly due southwest into the Pacific, it’s a swell magnet with a kaleidoscope of breaks that form on the ever-shifting sandbanks.

Low tide can get crunchy and big, but the rising water turns on the goods for learners, bringing glassy green waves out back and plenty of whitewash.

The town? Think Tamarindo 20 years back. Big names like Selina are now in the mix, but you can also find jungle-shrouded B&Bs inhabited by howler monkeys a short walk from the waves of Guiones. The Sunset Shack and Ride On Beach House are especially well rated.

Getting to Nosara: Direct buses from San José take up to 5 hours, while buses from Liberia take about 3 hours. Transfers should be done in a 4WD as some of the roads into Nosara remain unpaved.

8. Playa Maderas, Nicaragua

Best A-frame for lots of levels

There are plenty of awesome surf bays running north and south from San Juan del Sur (SJDS) in southern Nica, but Playa Maderas, home to one of the most fantastic A-frames in the whole region, really stands out. A dream for intermediates and up, it’s rideable left and right, and sometimes even hollows out to give mini barrels.

Early risers and low-tide surfers will be rewarded with emptier lineups in a region that can get crowded with both day-tripping surf schools out of SJDS and the local crews.

Alternatively, you can do puppy eyes for a local guide to see if they’ll reveal the secret spots between the town and Playa Yankee, toward the Costa Rica border.

It’s tempting to stay in San Juan del Sur and travel up to Maderas whenever you want to surf. But that would mean missing out on some of the fantastic camps, like Buena Vista Surf Club and its yoga deck perched above the coastal jungles.

Getting to Playa Maderas: First, aim for San Juan del Sur by taking the direct bus from Managua via Rivas. Then head onward to Playa Maderas by taxi or – even more fun – water taxi.

Wildlife and Nature

A first-time guide to Telluride, Colorado

Tucked into a box canyon in the San Juan mountains of Colorado, Telluride, is an idyllic ski-resort town that might be one of the most naturally beautiful places in the USA.

Telluride has more to offer visitors than high-octane runs and dramatic views, though: it’s a year-round destination for outdoor recreation, with an impressive restaurant scene and interesting events throughout the year. (Mushroom Festival, anyone?)

Telluride rewards visitors who make the long journey with unbeatable outdoor experiences, Wild West vibes and 360 degrees of dramatic mountain views. Here’s what to you need to know as you plan your first trip to Telluride.

When should I go to Telluride?

It depends on the kind of experience you’re after. If that’s Colorado’s superb ski slopes, head to Telluride in winter for terrain that rivals that of bigger-name resorts. Just keep in mind that winter is generally the busiest and most expensive time of the year to be in town.

Summer is also becoming a popular season for travel to Telluride, with the promise of sunny weather and temperatures that hover around 23°C (75°F). It’s the perfect weather for activities like hiking, paddleboarding, fly fishing, mountain biking, rock climbing and more.

The best month for a first-time visit? October, when the aspen leaves on the hillsides turn a brilliant gold, the weather stays mild and the high-season crowds (and prices) ease. If you head to town from mid-October through mid-November or April through May, you’ll find (relatively) great value on accommodation and food. Just keep in mind that many businesses are closed for an off-season break during these times, and the weather can be unpleasant. In the spring especially, you’ll likely have cold wind, rain and mud to contend with.

How much time should I spend in Telluride?

Because it takes a lot of time and effort to get to Telluride (more on that below), you will want to stay at least three or four days once you’re there. That’s enough time to see the town, fit some outdoor adventure in and recover before you make the trek back to civilization again.

If you have a week or more to spend in Telluride…lucky you. Plan your trip around a festival and then stay a few extra days to explore the canyon or use that time for scenic drives to nearby mountain towns like Ouray and Silverton.

A gondola ascends a mountain slope from the town of Telluride to Mountain Village, Colorado, USA — The gondola connecting Telluride with Mountain Village is always free. Chip Kalback for Lonely Planet

Is it easy to get to and around Telluride?

Telluride is not easy to get to – the one downside to such an appealing place. The old mining town lies in a narrow box canyon, surrounded on three sides by mountains that tower over 13,000ft (3962m), with effectively only one road in and out. A small airport on the outskirts of town has just a few flights there each day, all on small planes that take a bumpy journey over the San Juan mountain range before swinging in to land on a short runway. If turbulence makes you nervous, this ride isn’t for you.

The nearest major airport is in Denver, at least a 6-hour drive away. If you have time to spare, consider renting a car in Denver and making the long drive in to enjoy the views; Telluride also makes a great stop on a Colorado road trip. Most locals choose to fly in and out of the small city of Montrose, a 1-hour flight from Denver. From there, you can rent a car or book a seat on the Telluride Express shuttle, which takes about 1½ hours to get to town.

Once you’re in Telluride, you won’t need a car to get around. The town is walkable and bike-friendly, and there’s a free gondola that runs between Telluride and Mountain Village, the ski-resort area in the mountains above town. There’s also a free bus called the Galloping Goose that runs a constant loop throughout downtown, plus shuttles between Telluride and Mountain Village that run more frequently during the off season when the gondola stops running.

Top things to do in Telluride

Front view shot of man stand-up paddleboarding with dog on Trout Lake, Telluride, Colorado, USA — The great outdoors are yours to discover in and around Telluride. Getty Images

Soak up the great outdoors

With mile after mile of trails, forests and untouched backcountry accessible directly from town, Telluride offers outdoor enthusiasts enough terrain to stay occupied no matter how long their trip. In the summer, that means hiking (the “easiest” hike is Bridal Veil Falls, but it’s still steep – nearby Hope Lake is a favorite of mine), mountain biking, paddleboarding on alpine lakes and fly fishing for trout on the impossibly blue San Miguel river.

More-accessible activities include adaptive skiing and snowboarding: the Telluride Adaptive Sports Program offers several different apparatuses to help people of different physical abilities enjoy the slopes as well as guided experiences for blind skiers. Visitors can also take jeep tours on mountain roads, and ride on the wheelchair-accessible gondola that runs between Telluride and Mountain Village.

Take a scenic drive

While any road in the Telluride area could be considered a “scenic route,” there are a few in particular worth exploring during your time in town. Though some are only open during the height of summer, others are accessible pretty much year-round.

Set out on Last Dollar Rd that cuts between Telluride and Dallas Divide just outside of Ridgway; check out the silver mining town of Rico on the way to Mesa Verde National Park; or drive the Million Dollar Hwy between Ouray and Silverton, which is accessible directly from Telluride via the harrowing Imogene Pass. (Don’t attempt Imogene without a jeep or similar vehicle – and confidence in your driving skills.)

Play in the snow

The ski season in Telluride runs from November to March, during which time the town sees about 200–300 inches of fresh powder and plenty of bluebird days. Telluride Ski Resort offers over 2000 acres of ski and snowboard terrain, with a mix of beginner-friendly slopes, intermediate ski runs, and steep bump runs or hike-to terrain for advanced or expert skiers. There are lifts both in Telluride and Mountain Village, with lines usually shorter for the lifts leaving directly from town.

Other cold-weather activities in Telluride include snowshoeing, cross-country skiing along the Valley Floor (the 3 miles of designated open space outside of town), snowmobiling in the backcountry and even horse-drawn sleigh rides. For a secondhand thrill, head to neighboring Ouray County to watch skijoring, an event in which skiers are pulled through a race course by horses.

People in quirky costumes participate in a parade during the Telluride Mushroom Festival, Telluride, Colorado — The Telluride Mushroom Festival is one of the town’s…quirkier annual events. Joseph Sohm/Shutterstock

Attend a festival

Telluride hosts 20 different festivals each year at both indoor and outdoor venues throughout town and Mountain Village. That includes music events like Blues and Brews and Jazz Festival; the Telluride Film Festival, when celebrity sightings are guaranteed; the never-ending party that is Telluride Gay Ski Week; Telluride Balloon Festival, when hot-air balloons dot the sky above the Valley Floor; and even the wacky Mushroom Festival, complete with a parade where attendees dress up like mushrooms and dance in the streets.

If you’re planning your visit to align with festival dates, keep in mind that accommodation prices will be higher than usual and everything from festival tickets to restaurant reservations will sell out quickly.

My favorite thing to do in Telluride

Some of my best memories from living in Telluride involve taking a picnic to the Last Dollar Road lookout. A few miles past the Telluride Regional Airport, there’s a spot where the dirt road becomes a 4×4-only track that zigzags through the mountains toward the Dallas Divide pass just before the town of Ridgway.

Where these branches of Last Dollar Road meet, there’s a small, quiet parking area that offers some of the best views in the whole area – and that’s saying something. I used to love to bring snacks and set up some camping chairs here so I could sit and watch the light and shadows dance on the mountains. This is one of the best locations to catch the fall foliage and admire Mt Wilson, the peak that graces Coors beer cans.

A skiier descends a slope with a view of the snow-covered Rockies in the distance, Telluride, Colorado, USA — Telluride is never a budget destination, and prices spike during peak ski season. Shutterstock

How much money do I need for Telluride?

Although more budget-friendly than other high-end ski resort towns like Vail or Aspen, Telluride is not a cheap destination. If you’re on a tight budget, you may want to stay outside of town in places like Norwood, Dolores or Cortez and come into Telluride as a day trip. When planning warm-weather travel far in advance, you can also book a campsite before they sell out to save money on accommodation. To avoid the high prices of Telluride’s few grocery stores, go shopping in Montrose on your way to town.

Keep in mind that prices in Telluride fluctuate depending on the season. Hotel rates in the middle of ski season or when there’s a festival taking place are significantly higher than during off season.

Motel room: $120 a night during off season; $180 a night during high season
4-star hotel room: $200+ a night during off season; $250+ a night during high season
Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): $175+ a night for a basic condo during high season; $100+ a night during off season
Public transport ticket: Free! Both the Galloping Goose bus that runs a constant loop through town and the gondola between Telluride and Mountain Village are gratis.
Coffee: $3.50
Sandwich: $20
Dinner for two: $100
Beer/pint at the bar: $8
Daily lift ticket: $245 (with discounts for longer durations)
Outdoor gear rental: $65 per day for skis in the winter and paddleboards in the summer

Two people hike through a valley covered with aspen trees in yellow fall foliage near Telluride, Colorado, USA — Savor Telluride’s natural beauty – and be careful to respect the environment. Getty Images

More tips for enjoying Telluride

Be prepared for the altitude

Telluride sits at 8750ft (2667m) and Mountain Village 9512ft (2900m), which may be a shock to your system, especially if you’re coming from sea level. Remember that it may take a few days to acclimate and that alcohol may impair you faster. Consider asking your primary-care physician for advice if you’re concerned about the altitude, and make sure to drink lots of water throughout your stay. Oxygen is available in town if needed.

Understand Telluride vs Mountain Village vs Lawson Hill

Telluride is really a few small towns in one. There’s the actual town of Telluride in the box canyon, Mountain Village up by the ski resort and Lawson Hill at the beginning of the Valley Floor a few miles from town. Downtown Telluride is the original mining town founded in 1878, while Mountain Village was established in 1983. Both offer hotels, restaurants and shops. Lawson Hill is a residential neighborhood that’s also home to the Telluride Brewing Company and tap room.

When you’re booking accommodation and planning your trip, it helps to understand that these are three distinct places, especially if you’re not planning on renting a car. Though public transportation runs between Telluride, Lawson Hill and Mountain Village, they’re not within comfortable walking distance of each other.

Be a conscious visitor

In order to preserve Telluride’s natural beauty for future generations, follow the locals’ lead and take care of the environment as you explore. Skip the geotag when you post pictures of your outdoor adventures (the town has dealt with erosion in natural areas because of their popularity on social media), follow posted rules like not bringing pets on the river trail through the Valley Floor, and observe the principles of “pack it in, pack it out” and “leave no trace.”

Romance

Inside Bangkok’s new red-light district museum: from ping pong balls to David Bowie

A new adults-only museum focused on Bangkok’s notorious Patpong red-light district has opened in the Thai capital. But is it as seedy as it sounds? Jamie Fullerton goes behind the curtain to investigate.

It only takes a few seconds after entering Bangkok’s Patpong Museum to realise this isn’t your run-of-the-mill heritage museum.

The realisation hits me like a ping pong ball, which has been fired in my direction from a hole in the wall situated between the legs of a silhouette of a naked woman.

A woman stands with a box waiting to catch a ping pong ball that will be shot from a hole, situated between the legs of a silhouette of a lady. — Exhibits in the Patpong Museum are likely to raise a few eyebrows © Patpong Museum

Nearby, a screen shows footage of the act that inspired the creation of the ball-shooting machine, filmed in the district of the Thai capital in which I currently stand. In it, a naked woman launches balls across a bar from her genitals, as an enthusiastic, fully-clothed western man gleefully bats away the projectiles with a table tennis paddle.

I glance around and find myself wondering, “Are these really exhibits that belong in a museum?”

A man and woman peruse various images of the history of Bangkok's Patpong district inside the Patpong Museum. The walls are adorned with images of the district from throughout the last fifty years. — Patpong has been associated with sex tourism since the 70s © Patpong Museum

A one-of-a-kind museum

Opened in October 2019 by Austrian Michael Messner, who previously ran bars in the area, Patpong Museum celebrates a place considered shamefully seedy by many people.

Since the now-defunct Grand Prix Lounge was opened in 1969 by an ex-US soldier called Rick Menard – becoming the first venue in Patpong to feature scantily clad female dancers – the area has been a stomping ground for sex workers, nude dancers, the famous ping pong markswomen and their clientele: mainly male expats and tourists.

Messner, 42, is a confirmed defender of those who ply their trade in Patpong – but even he squirms at some aspects of his adopted neighbourhood. He said that despite installing the aforementioned video in his museum, he found the ping pong antics “very degrading. But that’s part of our mission: to let people know what’s out there.”

The wall of fame in the Patpong Museum. A visitor holds up a mobile phone to uncover who the silhouette on the wall belongs to. In this instance it is Mick Jagger. — The museum’s ‘wall of fame’ showcases supposed celeb visitors to the district © Patpong Museum

A few famous faces

The museum certainly showcases what’s out there, but also shines a spotlight on those that come to enjoy it.

One regular Patpong visitor given much museum space is CIA officer Tony Poe, who died in 2003. Poe trained Laos tribespeople to fight against the North Vietnamese and was known for cutting ears off dead enemies. He allegedly inspired the character Colonel Kurtz in the 1979 Francis Ford Coppola film Apocalypse Now – trinkets from the film feature in the museum.

More recent notable Patpong visitors, including action movie stars Steven Seagal and Jean-Claude Van Damme, are depicted on a ‘wall of fame’. One museum guide confirms that the latter is a “very nice guy”, and is sometimes spotted near the venue.

David Bowie also visited Patpong in 1983 while on the Bangkok leg of a tour, and also appeared to have enjoyed himself. The video for his song ‘Ricochet’ plays on loop in the museum, featuring the singer surrounded by near-naked women in a go-go bar that still operates not far from the venue.

A room from the museum showcasing a number of posters and objects relating to Patpong's early history; including images of rural, farm scenes and an old-looking rickshaw. — The museum also focuses on Patpong’s less salacious history © Patpong Museum

The history of Patpong

Messner says that despite the jovial tone of many of the museum’s exhibits (which also includes an impressive scale model of the neighbourhood alongside the baht-stuffed thongs and objects being fired out of orifices), Patpong Museum was born of respect for the area he has worked in since the early 2000s, and aims to educate visitors about its rich heritage.

Patpong’s less salacious history is revealed to visitors via the story of Poon Pat: a Chinese immigrant who made his fortune selling cement before being given the title Luang Patpongpanich by Thailand’s King Prajadhipok in 1930. In 1946 Patpongpanich bought the land that would become Patpong, which at that time was a banana plantation site.

Patpong expanded into urbanity with Udom, Patpongpanich’s son, encouraging firms such as Shell and Air France to base offices there in the 1950s. In the 1960s CIA operations ran from the district and US soldiers on breaks from the Vietnam War relaxed there, creating the potential customer base for booze and female nudity-focused venues that the area is still synonymous with.

To reinforce the idea of the museum as a celebration of Patpong, Messner says that he gave free tours to local workers when the museum opened, including many in the sex trade.

“They were proud,” he says. “Everyone should have self-respect, but they often lack that because they can’t talk about where they work. Now they’ve become part of Patpong’s story.”

A view of the neon Patpong Museum sign, located on the street outside the museum. Next to it is a neon sign for the 'Black Pagoda'. — The Patpong Museum is located in the heart of the Patpong district of Bangkok, which is rapidly changing © Patpong Museum

The winds of change

As night fell after my visit to the museum, Patpong became illuminated by go-go bar signs, as whispering touts offered “lady massages” to passing gentlemen.

Messner notes that despite such scenes, many raunchy bars in the area have closed down as the soldier-fueled boom years become increasingly distant.

A family-friendly night market changed the vibe of the area when it opened in the early 1990s, perhaps leading those seeking exclusively X-rated thrills to visit other Bangkok red-light districts such as Nana Plaza and Soi Cowboy. More recently Bangkok’s nightclub and trendy cocktail bar scene has exploded, with more expats and tourists indulging in Sex on the Beach rather than sex in a brothel.

The museum, Messner admits, documents a scene increasingly out of step with Bangkok nightlife trends – arguably making its opening all the more timely and important. “Many visitors come to Patpong to see what a red-light district looks like,” he said. “But really, it’s a concept not of our time anymore.”

It seems such exhibits do belong in a museum after all.

Patpong Museum is located at 5 Patpong Soi 2, Bangkok, and is open 10am-11pm daily. Tickets cost 350 baht (check the museum’s website for potential discounts). Visitors must be aged 18 or over.

You might also like:
Best speakeasies in Bangkok
The world’s strangest museums
The 11 best free things to do in Bangkok

Adventure Travel

The best places to visit in October 2024

Just because the year is winding down doesn’t mean your travels need to peter out – particularly when October dazzles with an abundance of epic adventures. Whether you want to get active in Montenegro or wander a medina in Morocco, here are some ideas for where to go in October.

Where are the best places to travel to in October for relaxation?

Explore the waters of Menorca; luxuriate in Seychelles. — Explore the waters of Menorca in great October weather; luxuriate in Seychelles © tagstiles.com – S.Gruene/Shutterstock; Kaspars Grinvalds / Shutterstock

Menorca, Spain

Why now? Swim, cycle and stroll in “winter’s spring.”

After the heat of high summer abates, hardcore beach-loungers depart but the sun hasn’t quite finished with the easternmost Balearic. In the first weeks of autumn – sometimes dubbed primavera l’hivern, describing the bright, warm days of “winter’s spring” – tourist facilities are yet to close up shop and the Mediterranean lapping Menorca’s glorious beaches remain delightfully balmy, yet you’ll have many places to yourself. Despite the odd shower as October wears on, conditions are fine for discovering the Anglo-Spanish heritage of charismatic capital Maó (Mahón) and former chief settlement, Ciutadella, marveling at four-millennia-old megalithic monuments, and hiking or biking the undulating 185km (115=mile) Camí de Cavalls coastal circuit. Menorca as a whole is a Unesco Biosphere Reserve, centered on the bird-bustling wetlands of Parc Natural S’Albufera des Grau. Pack binoculars, load up with famed Menorcan pastries and explore in glorious peace.

Seychelles

Why now? Calm seas in paradise.

Seychelles is probably how Pixar would draw paradise: swaying palms, supernaturally blue seas, bling-white sand, artfully smoothed and scattered boulders, plus a few cute turtles wriggling ashore. Fantasy made real. Given these high levels of loveliness and the balmy 25–30°C (77–86°F) year-round temperatures, there’s no awful time to visit this Indian Ocean archipelago. However, October – the period between the brisker southeasterly trade winds switching to the lighter northwesterlies – brings especially calm conditions, so is an excellent month for swimming, snorkeling and diving. The water can be 29°C (84°F), visibility is around 30m (100ft) and migrating whale sharks have arrived. It’s also cheaper than the peak of June to August.

Where are the best places to travel to in October for wildlife and nature?

New Mexico combines culture and outdoors; hit the coast on an Australian road trip through New South Wales. — New Mexico combines culture and outdoors; hit the coast on an Australian road trip through New South Wales © Getty Images; Jack Pearce / Lonely Planet

New Mexico, USA

Why now? For cool weather and hot air.

New Mexico, officially the “Land of Enchantment,” is especially enchanting in sunny, mild October – the 20°C (68°F) days are ideal for discovering the historical riches and extraordinary outdoors. Sites such as 1000-year-old Taos Pueblo nod to the region’s Native American roots, while the capital Santa Fe (founded by Spanish missionaries in 1610) combines old adobe houses, Romanesque architecture and a slew of modern-art galleries. Then there’s the plentiful wilderness, from the Sangre de Cristos mountains of the north to the blinding-white dunes of the south. Scenic drives cut through these badlands, while there are opportunities for activities and ranch stays aplenty.

New South Wales, Australia

Why now? Drive between quiet national parks.

Sun, sand, surf, scuba, schooners – standard-issue fun awaits along the Pacific Highway, the justifiably well-trodden trail between Sydney and Brisbane. But a world of natural and cultural wonders awaits just a little inland, some well known – the cliffs, cascades, caves and trails of the Blue Mountains – others much less visited. Spring shoulder season brings warm sunshine, wildflowers and a furry of animal activity, but without the crowds and costs of high summer – even the trails around Katoomba are quieter. Take the road less traveled to discover canyons and caves, historic mines and glow-worm tunnels, Aboriginal rock art and dizzying rainforest biodiversity.

Where are the best places to travel to in October for culture?

Wander the streets of Fez; explore the Southwest of England. — Marvel the architecture of Fez; see the stately homes of Southwest England © Getty Images / iStockphoto; Difydave / Getty Images

Fez, Morocco

Why now? October is the area’s weather sweet spot.

Stepping through blue-tiled Bab Bou Jeloud is as close as most of us will get to time travel: a journey back 1200 years to a city without motorized traffic, into the most mesmerizing and extensive medieval city in the Islamic world. Visit in October, between sweltering summer and chilly, damp winter, to explore (or, more likely, get hopelessly lost in) the tangled skein of 9400 alleys in Fes el-Bali. This oldest section of the walled Medina is romantic and relentless in equal measure. You can admire glorious Moorish zellij tilework and ornately carved wood and alabaster adorning medersas (Islamic colleges); feast on pastilla (pigeon pie), tagines and a traditional glass of mint tea; and bed down in an Arabian Nights–worthy palace, riad or dar (courtyard mansion). But you’ll also be deafened by the hubbub of the souks (bazaars) and hit by the stench of the colorful but pungent tanneries.
Editor’s note: On September 8, 2023, a 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck central Morocco, centering around the Atlas Mountains and southwest of Marrakesh. Travel to other parts of the country, including Fez, is largely unaffected, but we encourage travelers to check bulletins and monitor reliable local news sources for the latest information.

Southwest England

Why now? Roam historic marvels and glorious countryside in serene autumn.

England’s shapely left leg is crowded with grand mansions and stately homes, castles and abbeys, megalithic henges and barrows. In summer they’re jammed with tourists; many then close, at least partly, from the end of October. This month’s ideal, then, for a road trip immersing yourself in centuries of history: playing lord or lady of the manor at Montacute or Cotehele, communing with ancestors among Avebury’s standing stones, or jousting with King Arthur at Tintagel. Now, too, the hiking routes – not least England’s longest, the South West Coast Path – are wonderfully quiet, and cozy country pubs more enticing than ever.

Where are the best places to travel to in October for food and drink?

A family eats at a table in Italy; a bowl of soup in Tohoku. — Sample the culinary delights of Le Marche, Italy; immerse yourself in a bowl of soup in Tohoku © Rolf Bruderer / Getty Images; Daisuke Kawai / 500px

Le Marche, Italy

Why now? Hunt truffles, wines and other tasty treats.

“It’s the next Tuscany!” declare the cognoscenti, vaunting their new favorite “hidden” corner of Italy with culinary and cultural cachet. Well, Le Marche, sandwiched between the Adriatic and the Apennines, has no pretensions to be the next anywhere. As yet largely uncrowded, its low-key historic gems, Verdicchio and Conero wines, fungi and other local flavors speak for themselves – and do so most persuasively in harvest season. Autumn brings pleasant temperatures for hopping between medieval hilltop towns and hiking in Monti Sibillini National Park, watching for chamois, wolves and bears. True, some aspects evoke a whiff of Tuscany: the walled historic centers of Urbino and Ascoli Piceno, packed with medieval and Renaissance architecture, and the vine-striped hillsides. But Le Marche has favors all its own, evident in beautiful villages such as Gradara and Offda, renowned for their wines, and Acqualagna and Apecchio, both hosting white-truffle fairs in autumn – toast your trip with fine Apecchio beers.

Tohoku, Japan

Why now? Make a gastronomic pilgrimage in a season of harvests and fall finery.

Most visitors to Japan head west from Tokyo towards Kyoto and Fuji, or bypass northern Honshū to reach Hokkaidō. Too bad for them: the six prefectures comprising Tōhoku encompass steaming onsens (try Nyuto), gleaming castles (Hirosaki), golden-halled temples (Chūson-ji in Hiraizumi), peaceful farming valleys and forest-clad mountains, now flaming red and gold. The clear days of harvest season are perfect for exploring the region’s culinary highlights: fabulous seafood and fish, of course – squid and mackerel are particular specialties – plus local takes on ramen, soba and udon noodles, apples and excellent sake. Fuel up for hikes among the cedars on Mt Haguro, through the virgin beech forests of mountainous Shirakami-Sanchi or along the 1000km-plus (621-mile) Michinoku Coastal Trail.

Where are the best places to travel to in October for adventure?

Montenegro

Why now? Hit the heights.

Don’t pack away the hiking boots just yet – thanks to their southerly latitude, the mountains of Montenegro remain open and awesome for ambling until November. And what mountains: the highest are within Unesco-listed Durmitor National Park, a cluster of dark, serrated summits (of which 48 soar to over 2000m/6065ft) scattered with pine forest, lush meadows and glittering glacial lakes, and home to all manner of wildlife, from birds to bears. There’s also good walking amid the peaks and primeval forests of Biogradska Gora National Park. Coastal high points such as Mts Orjen and Lovćen offer sweeping views of the Adriatic – mix hikes here with dips in the azure sea, which remains beautifully inviting throughout October, and is wonderfully crowd-free. A week’s walking could include an ascent of Rumija, on the south coast; hiking in the Kučka Krajina range near capital Podgorica; admiring the autumn colors around Mt Bjelasica in Biogradska Gora; and varied trekking in Durmitor, with the chance to stand atop Bobotov Kuk (2523m/8277ft), the country’s highest peak.

Cusco Region, Peru

Why now? Traverse alternative Inca trails.

“The” Inca Trail winds for around 42km (26 miles) over breath-snatching passes and past ancient remains to end with the big reveal framed by the Sun Gate: Machu Picchu. But it’s far from the only Inca trail. Those ingenious ancient Peruvians constructed a vast network of highways – the Qhapaq Ñan, spidering some 30,000km (18,641 miles) throughout the Andes – much of which remains more or less intact today, beckoning hikers keen to explore past glories and meet modern Quechua people. Visit in October, after peak season but before the rains set in, to roam these historic paths in peace. The Salkantay Trek traverses thrilling Andean wilderness: snow-clad peaks, glaciers and mesmerizing lakes. The Lares Trek, north of the Sacred Valley, boasts fewer Incan sites but ample interaction with local communities. And Choquequirao rewards with another ridge-top citadel – a mini-Machu Picchu, with tiny crowds to match.

Adventure Travel

A first-time guide to the Galápagos Islands

A paradise for anyone who loves wildlife and raw nature, the Galápagos Islands contain wonders you’ll find nowhere else on earth.

Plying the islands’ shores and coastal waters are Galápagos giant tortoises that weigh more than 500 pounds. Marine iguanas that swim and eat seaweed and algae.

Blue-footed boobies (seabirds), Galápagos penguins and many other incredible creatures. Such unique biodiversity has earned the archipelago a UNESCO World Heritage Site designation.

Many visitors see the islands on a multi-day small-boat cruise, while others explore on land, hopping on ferries to get between islands. Either way, you will need to be with a certified guide at visitor sites in the national park, which composes 97% of the islands’ landmass.

As you plan your first trip to this wondrous place, read on for more tips to keep in mind.

When should I go to the Galápagos Islands?

The most popular time to visit the Galápagos Islands is during the warm season, from December to May. This time of year sees only intermittent rainfall, while air temperatures stay in the high 80s to low 90s F (30–34°C) – making the water lovely for swimming and snorkeling.

The June-through-November cooler season brings stronger winds and cooler air temperatures, but it’s still a nice time to visit. Since the islands are located near the equator, you can expect around 12 hours of sunlight each day year-round.

A Galapágos marine iguana rests on the sand along a beach where the surf is crashing along rocky boulders — A full two weeks in the remote Galápagos will let you take in the scope of its wondrous ecosystem. Shutterstock

How much time should I spend in the Galápagos?

If you come all the way to the Galápagos, you’ll probably want to spend at least a week here – with four or five nights a bare minimum. Two weeks is a good length of time for more in-depth exploration. Many cruise companies split the islands into eastern and western itineraries.

Since the islands are both remote and fairly spread out, you should research in advance which ones you want to call at.

Keep in mind you will need to get between islands, which can take some time when traveling independently. If you join a multi-day cruise, you’ll likely be in transit between islands at night, allowing you to fully enjoy activities during the day.

Is it easy to get in and around the Galápagos Islands?

It takes some effort to get to the Galápagos Islands, which are 600 miles (956km) off the coast of mainland Ecuador. Most visitors fly from Quito or Guayaquil into one of the islands’ two main airports.

Keep in mind there are strict agricultural regulations in place, including a declaration and inspection. You’ll need to pay a park entrance fee of $200 for adult international visitors (this must be paid in cash upon arrival), as well as a $20 Transit Control Card.

Multi-day cruises are very popular, with vessels and amenities that range from budget to luxury; just about all cruise operators offer activities like snorkeling, hiking, kayaking or scuba diving.

Independent travelers can find accommodations on a few islands, including Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal and Isabela. To get between some islands, take an inter-island ferry (tickets are available at shops and ticket booths); there are also a few propeller-plane flights between select islands.

To see the sites, book half- or full-day excursions – but keep in mind you need a certified Galápagos National Park guide with you to visit most sites. To get around, take a taxi, rent a bike or just walk.

Top things to do in the Galápagos Islands

A blue-footed booby (sula nebouxii) brooding two eggs in nest by Punta Pitt, San Cristóbal Island, Galapagos islands National Park, Ecuador — The blue-footed booby is a signature species of the Galápagos – one you’ll find only here. Shutterstock

Spot blue-footed boobies on a hike

Join a guide to hike and explore the terrain on foot. North Seymour Island is just one of many locations with great places to walk, including a popular trail where a stroll among prickly pear cactus and palo santo trees will let you see species like like blue-footed boobies, great frigate birds, Galápagos sea lions and marine iguanas.

Snorkel with penguins off Bartolomé Island

While many species stick to land, many more are in the sea, and snorkeling provides an excellent vantage point for encountering them. (If you have your own mask, consider bringing it from home to ensure just the right fit).

Join a tour to go for a snorkel in locations like Bartolomé Island – a great place to see penguins.

Set out on bucket-list SCUBA opportunities

Experienced scuba divers place the Galápagos Islands on their bucket lists for good reason, for the Galápagos Marine Reserve teems with underwater wonders.

On a scuba trip, you’ll see spotted eagle rays, manta rays, Galápagos garden eels, bonitos, hammerhead sharks, Galápagos sharks, Pacific seahorses, Galápagos giant sea turtles and much more.

Keep in mind that the area’s strong currents and swells make it a challenging environment, one best suited to experienced divers.

A giant Galápagos tortoise walking along a dirt path cranes its long neck — At the Charles Darwin Research Station, you can get up close to the gentle giants that enthralled the 19th-century naturalist. Marc Shandro/Getty Images

Get a scientific take at the Charles Darwin Research Station

In Puerto Ayora, stop by the Charles Darwin Exhibition Hall at the Charles Darwin Research Station to take in exhibits about scientific research on the islands and see natural-history specimens, including whale skeletons.

Be sure to spend some time strolling around the native gardens, and grab a ticket for a tour of Ruta de la Tortuga (“Tortoise Route”), along which you’ll spot Galápagos giant tortoises.

My favorite thing to do in the Galapagos

Some places have their “Big 5.” The Galápagos are so wildlife-rich that they have a Big 15.

Every time I visit, I love to check off as many species as possible – penguins, iguanas, tortoises and blue-footed boobies, of course, as well as such other species as flightless cormorants, red-footed boobies, Galápagos hawks, Santa Fe iguanas, Nazca boobies, Galápagos flamingos, Galápagos albatrosses, Galápagos fur seals, land iguanas…have we gotten to 15 yet?

Tourists on a dinghy returning to a small cruise ship in a harbor in the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador — Many visit the Galápagos as part of a multi-day cruise. Be sure to check in advance what’s included in the fare – and what isn’t. Jess Kraft/Shutterstock

How much money do I need for the Galápagos Islands?

Ecuador uses the US dollar, but since there are a limited number of ATMs on the Galápagos, you should bring cash with you, especially smaller denominations. Tipping is customary for guides and boat staff.

The cost of a visit to the Galápagos Islands can vary widely, with a wide variety of multiday cruise ships and accommodations available, from basic rooms to luxurious ecolodges. If you book a cruise, be sure to find out what is and isn’t included – think meals, guides and activities.

Every visitor will need to budget for the park entrance fee and Transit Control Card, which may be included in the cost of some cruises.

Transit Control Card: $20
Park entrance fee: $200 (for adults from outside Ecuador, payable in cash)
Basic accommodations: $40–100+ per night
Luxury accommodations: $500–1000+ per night
Meals: $20-40 per day
Inter-island ferry: $30–60 one way
Liveaboard boat, basic to luxury: $2000–20,000
Tours: $60–250

Do your part to protect Galápagos National Park

Be sure to follow all the rules in Galápagos National Park, including sticking to trails and permitted areas, and giving wildlife plenty of distance. Never disturb, touch or feed any animals, and be sure not to use a flash when taking pictures.

Respect plants by leaving them be, and be sure not to transport anything – even sand –between the islands. Before you leave, read up on all the biosecurity rules of this unique ecosystem, and be sure not to bring any agricultural products to the islands.

You’ll need to complete a declaration and are subject to inspection.

A semi-submerged shot of a man snorkeling on the surface of the ocean, watching a sea lion descend deeper in the the water — The snorkeling and scuba-diving opportunities in the Galápagos are extraordinary. Just do your part to make sure you enjoy them responsibly. Andrew Peacock/Getty Images

Packing tips for the Galápagos Islands

Since the equatorial sun is always strong, be sure to bring sunglasses, reef-friendly sunscreen, SPF lip balm, a wide-brimmed hat and UPF clothing. Insect repellent and a water bottle to stay hydrated are also musts.

For clothing, you’ll want to bring a water-resistant day pack, rain jacket and rain pants, swimsuits and rash guards along with a dry bag or plastic bags to keep out the moisture.

You won’t need to dress up, but you’ll want comfortable walking shoes and sport sandals for water landings in the boat.

Pack sturdy sandals rather than flip-flops for this, since you don’t want to risk walking barefoot on sharp corals.

Most importantly, bring binoculars and camera gear to see and photograph the incredible scenery and wildlife you can count on spotting.

Adventure Travel

The 10 best US national parks for RV campers

Looking to get closer to nature and linger longer at a US national park? RV camping is the perfect way to experience the majestic wide-open spaces of the US national parks.

Camping in an RV within a national park provides a comfortable base to immerse yourself in a park’s beauty from sunrise to sunset (and beyond for great stargazing). National park campsites also create a fun sense of community between RV campers, who share everything from vehicle advice to travel tips, BBQ recipes and s’mores around the campfire.

The national parks listed below are top destinations not only for the quantity and quality of RV campsites within the parks but for the access that RVs have to tour the parks on wide, paved roadways with key park attractions within roadside viewing distance.

1. Acadia National Park, Maine

Number of RV campsites: 3 campsites with 160 total RV spots
Reserve your RV spot here: Acadia’s Recreation.gov website
The most scenic RV route through the park: The 27 miles of Park Loop Road unveils a spectacular vista of mountains, ocean, lakes and forests, with plenty of nearby trailheads for hiking. Acadia National Park does become quite crowded in summer, so consider a fall visit to avoid the heaviest traffic and also do some prime Maine leaf-peeping.

A motor home makes its way through a red arch in Bryce Canyon National Park, on its way to Arches National Park. Getty Images

2. Arches National Park, Utah

Number of RV campsites: 1 campground with 51 sites
Reserve your RV spot here: Arches’ Recreation.gov website
The most scenic RV route through the park: Arches National Park’s Main Park Road traces 18 miles from the entrance to Devils Garden Campground on a nicely paved roadway, with multiple pull-out stops with views of the park’s epic rock arches. After your visit here, you can add stops to southern Utah’s Bryce, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef and Zion for an epic Utah national parks RV roadtrip.

Bull Moose on the highway with tourist camper in the background, Denali National Park, Alaska — A bull moose crosses the road at Denali National Park, Alaska. S.J. Krasemann/Getty Images

3. Denali National Park, Alaska

Number of RV campsites: 3 campsites with 207 total spots
Reserve your RV spot here: Reserve Denali (NOT Recreation.gov)
The most scenic RV route through the park: The only RV route in Denali National Park is the first 15 miles of Denali Park Road, although RV campers at the Teklanika River Campground can continue another 14 miles to the campsite on a gravel road. Both segments of the road provide spectacular sweeping views of Denali’s mountainous landscape.

Two people canoe through a misty river in Everglades National Park — Two people canoe through Everglades National Park. Douglas Rissing/Getty Images

4. Everglades National Park, Florida

Number of RV campsites: 173 spots in 2 campgrounds
Reserve your RV spot here: Flamingo Adventures (Not Recreation.gov)
The most scenic RV route through the park: Take your time with plenty of pull-offs to appreciate the rich biodiversity inside Everglades National Park. The well-maintained 40-mile road from the Eastern Homestead Entrance to the Flamingo Visitor Center has vibrant birdlife (and lurking gators) in the lush green wetlands of the Everglades.

Looking out of van in Glacier National Park, Montana, USA — Stops with a view at Glacier National Park, Montana. Brent Doscher/Getty Images

5. Glacier National Park, Montana

Number of RV campsites: 5 campsites with 631 RV spots
Reserve your RV spot here: Glacier’s Recreation.gov page
The most scenic RV route through the park: Although Glacier National Park’s famed Going-to-the-Sun Road is closed to vehicles more than 20 feet long, RVers can still enjoy a great sightseeing route along Highway 2 at the edge of the park. Head to the park’s eastern side along Many Glacier Road to see (as you might guess) many glaciers.

RV making stop in the heights of the Grand Canyon, Arizona — Magnificent view of the Grand Canyon with RV making a stop in the mountain heights at sunset. Getty Images

6. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Number of RV campsites: 4 campsites with 519 spots available for RVs
Reserve your RV spot here: Grand Canyon’s Recreation.gov page and the Trailer Village concessionaire website
The most scenic RV route through the park: The 23 miles of Desert View Drive east of Grand Canyon Village offers stunning views of the canyon, multiple pull-out points for photos and short trails through Grand Canyon National Park itself. There’s even RV parking at the Desert View Services area at the East Entrance of the park.

Traveling the Linn Cove Viaduct on Grandfather Mountain along the Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina. Getty Images

7. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina & Tennessee

Number of RV campsites: 9 campsites with 924 RV spots
Reserve your RV spot here: Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s Recreation.gov page
The most scenic RV route through the park: Newfound Gap Road traverses across 31 miles of hilly terrain between Tennessee and North Carolina inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The thick forests change from southern hardwoods to northern pines so dramatically along the road, the park service says it’s “like a drive from Georgia to Maine.”

8. Joshua Tree National Park, California

Number of RV Campsites: 8 campsites with 495 spots open to RVs
Reserve your RV spot here: Joshua Tree’s Recreation.gov webpage
The most scenic RV route through the park: Driving the park north to south on Park Boulevard from the West Entrance Station of Joshua Tree National Park will give you roadside views not only of plenty of the park’s eponymous trees but notable landmarks like Skull Rock and the Jumbo Rock formations. As you continue south on Pinto Basin Road watch as the landscape and flora transform from the Mojave to the Colorado desert ecosystems.

Two American Bison walk in front of a motorhome in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming — Two American bison walk in front of a motorhome in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, United States. Getty Images

9. Yellowstone National Park, Montana & Wyoming

Number of RV campsites: 12 campsites with 2147 spots (and yes, they all regularly get booked up)
Reserve your RV spot here: Yellowstone’s Recreation.gov page and Yellowstone National Parks Lodges website
The most scenic RV route through the park: Grand Loop Road is Yellowstone National Park’s classic route passing key attractions like Mammoth Hot Springs, Old Faithful and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River. The 140-mile route can easily take a full day to drive, so its best to tackle in bite-size chunks, like the Lower Loop past Old Faithful and otherworldly hydrothermal highlights.

Back view of active family of two, father and son, enjoying valley and mountain view in Yosemite National Park, California — It’s not hard to escape the crowds in Yosemite National Park in summer, you just need to head out on a walking trail. Aleksei Potov/Shutterstock

10. Yosemite National Park, California

Number of RV campsites: 9 campsites with 1231 spaces welcome RVs
Reserve your RV spot here: Yosemite’s Recreation.gov website
The most scenic RV route through the park: Escape the traffic of Yosemite Valley to drive Tioga Road, which bisects Yosemite National Park from west to east. It offers 46 miles of Yosemite’s greatest hits, including mountains, streams, forests, lakes, meadows, and a view overlooking Half Dome, with plenty of turnoffs to stop for photos.

Top tips to consider when seeking out RV camping at US national parks

Most national parks use Recreation.gov as the website to make reservations for campsites. Each park has its own quirks regarding the timing and process for making reservations, so check out each park’s rules and regulations prior to booking.
Make reservations as far in advance as possible. National park RV campsites can become fully booked within minutes of dates being offered, particularly for the summer high season and holiday weekends.
For your RV campsite, research the length restrictions and available hookups for water, electricity, and sewage dumps. You don’t want an unpleasant surprise after a late-night arrival at a remote campground.
If you’re not able to secure an RV campsite within a national park, be aware that many commercial RV campsites operate just outside the boundaries of most National Parks. Reservations at commercial campgrounds will be easier to make, and these campgrounds often provide many more services than those within park limits.
Bringing bicycles or a towed car with your RV can greatly expand your options for exploration in a national park, particularly in areas with limited RV access. Also, consider leaving your RV in the campground and using park shuttle services when available.

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Archives October 2024

1. Stirling

2. Speyside

3. Shetland Islands

4. Loch Lomond

5. Edinburgh

6. The Scotland Borders

7. North Coast 500

8. West Highland Way

9. Isle of Skye

10. Perthshire

11. Glasgow

12. St Andrews

13. Skara Brae

14. Glen Coe

1. Coolidge Park

2. Walnut Street Bridge

3. First Street Sculpture Garden

4. The Tennessee Riverwalk

5. The Chattanooga Market

6. Sculpture Fields at Montague Park

7. Chickamauga Battlefield

8. The Passage

9. River Gallery Sculpture Garden

10. Hiking to Sunset Rock

11. Forest Hills Cemetery

12. Disc Golf

13. Hiking to Snooper’s Rock

14. Geocaching at Cloudland Canyon State Park

15. Enterprise South Nature Park

16. Filling your photo reel at Umbrella Alley

17. Touring the Bluff View Art District

18. Listening to live music during Nightfall

19. Foster Falls Recreation Area

Keep planning your trip to Chattanooga:

1. Get a taste of the Vietnamese countryside at Ben Tre and My Tho

Travel time: 2 hours

How to get to Ben Tre and My Tho from HCMC:

2. Lie out in style at Vung Tau’s beaches and hotels

Travel time: 2 hours

How to get to Vung Tau from HCMC:

3. Explore the wartime tunnels of Cu Chi

Travel time: 3 hours

How to get to Cu Chi from HCMC:

4. Experience Vietnam’s homegrown religion in Tay Ninh

Travel time: 2 hours

How to get to Tay Ninh from HCMC:

5. Paddle through mangrove forests in Can Gio

Travel time: 2 hours

How to get to Can Gio from HCMC:

1. George Clooney and Amal Alamuddin Location: Venice, Italy

2. David Beckham and Victoria Adams Location: Dublin, Ireland

3. Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas Location: Jodhpur, India

4. Sofia Richie and Elliot Grainge Location: Antibes, France

5. John Legend and Chrissy Teigen Location: Lake Como, Italy

6. Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker Location: Portofino, Italy

7. Anne Hathaway and Adam Shulman Location: Big Sur, USA

8. Idris Elba and Sabrina Dhowre Location: Marrakesh, Morocco

9. Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner Location: Provence, France

10. Michael Buble and Luisana Lopilato Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina

11. Chiara Ferragni and Federico ‘Fedez’ Lucia Location: Sicily, Italy

1. Bocas del Toro, Panama

2. Tamarindo, Costa Rica

3. Popoyo, Nicaragua

4. El Tunco, El Salvador

5. Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

6. Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Costa Rica

7. Nosara, Costa Rica

8. Playa Maderas, Nicaragua

When should I go to Telluride?

How much time should I spend in Telluride?

Is it easy to get to and around Telluride?

Top things to do in Telluride

Soak up the great outdoors

Take a scenic drive

Play in the snow

Attend a festival

My favorite thing to do in Telluride

1. George Clooney and Amal Alamuddin
Location: Venice, Italy

2. David Beckham and Victoria Adams
Location: Dublin, Ireland

3. Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas
Location: Jodhpur, India

4. Sofia Richie and Elliot Grainge
Location: Antibes, France

5. John Legend and Chrissy Teigen
Location: Lake Como, Italy

6. Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker
Location: Portofino, Italy

7. Anne Hathaway and Adam Shulman
Location: Big Sur, USA

8. Idris Elba and Sabrina Dhowre
Location: Marrakesh, Morocco

9. Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner
Location: Provence, France

10. Michael Buble and Luisana Lopilato
Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina

11. Chiara Ferragni and Federico ‘Fedez’ Lucia
Location: Sicily, Italy