Category Wildlife and Nature

Home to eight of the tallest peaks in the world, Nepal is most famous for its enormous mountains.

Which is to say that whatever else you’re interested in, the Himalaya is sure to be a major focal point of any trip to this wonderful country. Trekking in, climbing and admiring the views of Everest, Annapurna and their high-altitude friends are highlights of traveling to Nepal.

Yet that doesn’t mean mountains are all there are to see and experience in Nepal – far from it. Nepal’s special attractions include its ancient cultures, wildlife-filled jungles and long, navigable rivers.

From the mountains and beyond, here are eight of the best things to do in Nepal, a list with something for every traveler.

1. Trek among the highest mountains in the world…

Let’s get one thing out of the way: trekking and mountain climbing are two very different things. You don’t have to climb a mountain to hike along rural paths, through villages, valleys and forests. Nepal is famous for its mountain trekking. With modern-day routes taking advantage of trails used for centuries, there are plenty of simple places to stay and eat along the way. Indeed, much of Nepal lies beyond road access, so the only way to reach many mountain communities is on foot.

From leisurely day walks at lower altitudes to multi-week expeditions, camping and teahouse treks to those that lead you to upmarket lodges, there’s an itinerary to suit just about any energy level, budget and time constraint. While the Everest Base Camp trek is justifiably well loved, it’s also very easy to get off the beaten track and walk paths that you’ll only share with villagers and their donkeys and yaks.

Planning tip: Beware asking locals how long it will take to walk to your destination. Many hill- and mountain-dwelling Nepalis are used to walking these high-altitude paths, so they can seriously underestimate how long it will take an outsider to walk the same. Unless you’re very fit and fast, take local estimates with a grain of (Himalayan) salt.

2. …or climb those mountains, if you’re up for a challenge

Some ambitious people come to Nepal to climb Mt Everest (Sagarmatha in Nepali, Chomolongma in Sherpa), but with so many other mountains in the country, serious mountaineers don’t have to go to such great lengths to conquer a majestic peak. If you have European or North American mountaineering experience, the mountains of the Nepal Himalaya are a natural next challenge. As well as the giants, other popular mountains to tackle are Yala Peak (18,110ft/5520m), Lobuche (20,075ft/6119m), and Imja Tse (20,305ft/6189m). Local mountaineering guides will make sure you’re well prepared and supported to climb.

3. Catch the sunrise from mountain lookouts

You don’t need to reach the top of the mountains to admire gorgeous views. In southwestern Kathmandu, ride the cable car up to Chandragiri Hills Resort for views of the Langtang Range, the snowy giants that rise on the northern horizon, behind the forest-covered hills of the Kathmandu Valley. For an overnight trip from the capital, head to nearby Nagarkot or Namo Buddha, hill towns with good mountain-facing accommodation. Between Kathmandu and Pokhara, the four-tiered pagoda of Manakamana Temple (reached by cable car from Kurintar) offers great views of Mt Manaslu, the eighth-highest mountain in the world, while the old Newari merchant town of Bandipur is a lovely place to spend the night in traditional farmhouse-style accommodation, and also has views of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and others.

In Pokhara, the Annapurna Cable Car ascends Sarangkot Hill (a top paragliding spot) for views of the fishtail helix of Mt Macchapucchre, while the gleaming white dome of the Shanti Stupa (World Peace Pagoda), south of Pokhara’s central Lake Phewa, presents a panorama of the city, lake, surrounding hills and mountains beyond.

Planning tip: Sunrise is a particularly good time to take in views since – in addition to the attractive golden glow – skies are often clear.

4. Go on safari on the Terai

A region of plains bordering India, the Terai presents a completely different experience to mountain Nepal. The jungle national parks here are home to a large population of one-horned rhinoceros, smaller numbers of endangered Bengal tigers and gharial crocodiles, and other animals and birds, including mugger crocodiles and many deer species.

Chitwan National Park is the most popular of the Terai’s parks due to its easy accessibility, about equal distance from Kathmandu and Pokhara; the town of Sauraha in particular is a convenient hub for lodging and arranging safari tours. If you have more time and want a less touristy experience, remote Bardia National Park in Nepal’s far west offers less-than-luxurious accommodations – but a good chance of spotting wildlife undisturbed.

Detour: Even further west than Bardia, Shuklaphanta National Park occupies Nepal’s southwestern corner. This remote area of forests and grasslands is home to many mammals and birds, most notably a good population of critically endangered Bengal floricans (or Bengal bustards, magnificent birds that are among the heaviest flying species).

5. Splash down rivers on a white-water-rafting trip

The gradient of rivers as they tumble from the high Himalaya to the plains makes for exciting white-water rafting and kayaking in Nepal. One-day rafting trips on the Bhote Kosi, Trisuli and Seti Rivers are offered from Kathmandu and Pokhara, and provide a good taste of the sport if you’re a beginner or short on time. Multi-day rafting tours (with kayaking options for the experienced) are the watery equivalent of a long trek. Spend days paddling and floating down sparkling channels surrounded by forest-covered hills and mountains, and nights camped out on white-sand river beaches. Guides will probably treat you to a-cappella renditions of Nepali folk songs like “Resham Firiri” around the campfire after they’ve whipped up a meal for you. The Sun Kosi (meaning “river of gold”), Karnali and Tamur Rivers are especially popular long trips. GRG Adventure Kayaking, Ultimate Descents and Rafting Star can help plan your adventure.

6. Fling yourself off mountains or down waterfalls

Thrill seekers can also satisfy their urge to leap off high places while being surrounded by beautiful nature. Thanks to its stable thermals, Pokhara’s Sarangkot Hill is a beloved paragliding spot; you’ll see the colorful sails floating above the lake even if you don’t partake yourself. From Pokhara, you can also try zip-lining, bungee jumping, ATV touring or even flying in an ultralight aircraft. From Kathmandu, The Last Resort, 62 miles (100 km) away, has a canyon swing and a bungee platform high above the Bhote Kosi River, and also offers canyoning adventures.

Local tip: Between Mugling and Narayanghat, off the Prithvi Hwy, Jalbire is a canyoning spot rated as the best place in Nepal to go canyoning by in-the-know Nepali river guides. The high waterfalls and slick rock slides here are worth the detour.

7. Experience centuries of history at Kathmandu’s historic sites

Inhabited for thousands of years, Nepal has a culture that’s been influenced by both India to the south and Tibet to the north. While Hinduism is the dominant religion, there’s also a significant Buddhist minority, most visible in Kathmandu and the mountain areas bordering Tibet. You don’t need to be a believer yourself to appreciate Nepal’s many Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage sites, because these – and other temples, palaces and stupas – provide a fascinating insight into Nepali culture and history.

Among the concrete sprawl of Kathmandu, be sure to seek out the city’s beautiful and significant architecture. The Kathmandu Valley contains seven monument zones that together form a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you’re looking for things to do in Kathmandu, these heritage sites should top your agenda.

Planning tip: Make sense of the religious and vernacular architecture of the Kathmandu Valley by visiting the excellent Patan Museum, within the brick and carved wood old palace building at Patan Durbar Square.

8. Try your hand at (and buy) local handicrafts

Some Kathmandu Valley neighborhoods – particularly Patan and Bhaktapur – are like living museums of local arts and crafts. What sometimes passes as “Nepali” carving, painting or metalwork is more specifically Newari, crafted by artisans from the ethnic group that first inhabited the Kathmandu Valley. Wandering around the backstreets of Patan or Bhaktapur, you’ll see many craftspeople at work in small workshops behind their shop fronts. This is one of the best things to do in Kathmandu if you’re into arts, crafts and generally beautiful things.

These aren’t just put on for tourists: traditional crafts remain an integral part of local life and worship here. People still use brass ornaments in their daily lives and decor, and furnish their homes with hand-carved window frames and doors. If you’d like to learn more and try making something yourself in a visitor-friendly setting, you can take a craft workshop. Forge a kukri knife, paint a thangka Buddhist devotional painting or create your own mala bead necklace with an expert instructor.

Detour: Off the main road between Kathmandu and Bhaktapur in the eastern Kathmandu Valley, the lesser-known town of Madhyapur is famous for its pottery. Yet many travelers bypass it or just don’t know it’s there. If pottery’s your jam, take a detour to wander among the terracotta pots laid out to dry in public places on a sunny day.

Keep planning your trip to Nepal:

• How to get around Nepal by bus, plane and bicycle

• 6 must-visit day-trip destinations from Kathmandu

• Pick your peak: discovering Nepal’s best trekking regions

When the lazy days of summer are over, and the air starts to have a distinct chill, there’s no need to be downhearted. Fall is the most spectacular season, the last hurrah before the bitter winds of winter take hold.

Here are the most beautiful places to witness glorious fall colors all around the world.

1. Nara, Japan

Fall in Japan is every bit as stunning as the short-lived cherry blossom season in spring. Kouyou (fall leaves) can be seen across the country, starting in the northern island of Hokkaidō and spreading quickly south from the end of September. The ancient capital of Nara, a short train ride from Kyoto, makes a wonderful viewing spot. Its vast park is awash with color, with sensational views of red, gold and yellow leaves along the paths up to Tamukeyama shrine in its northeast corner.

2. Forest of Dean, England

This ancient woodland in Gloucestershire was once used as a royal hunting ground, and its trees were also used to make Tudor warships. Today, it’s the perfect spot for the more prosaic sport of leaf peeping. The mix of oak, beech and sweet chestnut provides a rusty riot of yellow and gold. The Forest of Dean can be easily covered on foot or bicycle. Just keep an eye out for the wild boar that have called this place home since 2006. Alternatively, head for one of England’s best national reserves or city parks for more autumn color.

3. White Mountains, New Hampshire, USA

New England is synonymous with fall, and picking one must-see spot isn’t easy. But New Hampshire’s White Mountains are surely one of the best places to see autumn at its most colorful – not just in New England but the world. Hike through the hills at the start of October, and you’ll be treated to brilliant red maple leaves, or drive to Silver Cascade Falls in Carroll County to see the trees glow next to the 250-foot waterfall.

4. Loire Valley, France

With the leaves on the vines turning and the summer hordes heading home, there’s not a better time than fall to visit France’s Loire Valley. The rolling vineyards look radiant as they shed the greens of warmer months for the yellows, browns and burnt oranges of autumn. It’s also harvest time, so you can see the grapes being picked in the fields before retiring to a cozy spot to take in the view with a glass of the local tipple.

5. Bishop Creek Canyon, California

Just because the northeastern USA gets amazing fall colors doesn’t mean you should discount the west coast. California’s inland forests offer a great alternative, with the reds and yellows of fall holding on longer in the Golden State thanks to its hugely varied elevation. Bishop Creek Canyon is one of a number of great viewing points. Nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the golden leaves here look amazing with the rocky hills as a backdrop.

6. Pitlochry, Scotland

Scotland’s pine forests might not change color, but its deciduous trees offer some of the finest fall hues in Europe. Walk out of town to the dam and fish ladder, which separates the Tummel River and Loch Faskally, to get the perfect view of waterside trees as they shed their leaves. Each October, Pitlochry also plays host to the Enchanted Forest, a nightly event that sees the trees lit up to soaring music in the woods just outside town.

7. Lombardy, Italy

Still mild even as the leaves fall, Lombardy in northern Italy is an ideal place to see mainland Europe burst into color. The native Lombardy poplars, which can be seen across the landscape, turn a bright yellow before their leaves fall to the floor. If you can’t make it to the countryside, Milan’s public gardens offer a great city view of autumn.

8. Dandenong Ranges, Australia

Aussie autumn doesn’t kick off in earnest until March (yes, we’re talking springtime for the northern hemisphere). While you wouldn’t usually associate the land of beaches, surfing and summer heat with glorious fall color, the Dandenong Ranges near Melbourne don’t disappoint. As well as being a national park of breathtaking beauty, the area is also dotted with manicured gardens. The Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens are definitely worth a visit when the lawns are carpeted with fallen leaves and the trees are aglow.

9. Agawa Canyon, Canada

Hop on board the Agawa Canyon Tour Train this autumn, and you’ll be treated to some of the most beautiful fall foliage on the planet. The ride sets off from Sault Ste Marie, covering 114 miles of unspoiled country that looks its best as the days begin to close in. These views inspired Tom Thomson and the Group of Seven, Canada’s most prominent landscape artists, throughout the early 20th century. You’ll need to be quick: the leaves peak for a brief period around the end of September and beginning of October.

10. Tatra Mountains, Slovakia

Together with the national park of the same name in Poland, Slovakia’s High Tatra National Park is a UNESCO-protected biosphere reserve. Here, 740 sq km of beech and spruce forests turn radiant colors in autumn, while deep-blue glacier lakes and alpine meadows are spangled with wildflowers. Outdoors enthusiasts may want to tackle one of the many hiking trails, spotting native fauna like marmots and chamois (mountain goat-antelopes) while soaking up the fall vibe. Alternatively, you unwind in the lake and spa getaway, Štrbské Pleso, after a day of leaf-peeping in the mountains.

New England positively bursts with color in fall, drawing leaf-peepers from around the world. As the leaves change, crowds gather to appreciate Mother Nature’s vibrant display of fiery reds, rich golds and bright oranges draped over the region’s vast forests and gorgeous mountains. 

Having grown up in the Northeast, I’ve taken many road trips to absorb the fiesta of foliage and photograph the seasonal splendor across New England. A few years ago, I put together this route from my current home base in Upstate New York State – beyond the boundaries of New England, but a bonus leaf-peeping state – to take in some of my favorite celebrated and lesser-known fall foliage spots. 

I can confirm that it did not disappoint. It’s a route I’d take again and again, and you should, too. Here’s how to go about it.

Road Trip Practicalities

• Trip length: 6-9 days, 743 miles as a loop; 5-7 days, 482 miles one-way.

• When to arrive: Mid-September to mid-October is the best window for peak foliage. 

• Where to start and end: I’ve designed this trip as a loop so it’s easy for those flying into the Northeast. It starts and ends in Upstate New York, flying into Albany’s International Airport. Take in the fall scenery on either a 743-mile loop, or a 482-mile one-way trip ending in Bethel, Maine, with the option to exit by air from Portland, Maine, 74 miles (1 hour 30 minutes) to the south. 

• Things to know: Be alert for wildlife, particularly at dusk and dawn. On this route, deer, bears and moose can be a hazard. If you’re driving at night, expect rural routes to be very dark. The only area where you’ll need to avoid rush-hour traffic is around Concord in New Hampshire. When driving the Kancamagus Highway (Route 112), leave earlier in the morning or later in the evening (before dark) to avoid congestion, busy overlooks and crowded points of interest. Only pull off at designated parking areas where it’s safe to stop.

• What to pack: In the fall, layers are key. The weather can range from so-crisp-you-can-see-your-breath mornings to T-shirt temperatures around midday to bouts of rain, heavy wind, and even snow. Be prepared for everything with hiking boots, long underwear, short and long-sleeved tops, a fleece layer, a waterproof and windproof jacket, and a winter hat. And it’s not a New England fall without a cozy sweater, so bring one of those too. Finally, bring a good quality camera…those photos aren’t going to take themselves!

Stop 1: Saratoga Springs, New York 

Vibes: Somewhat upscale, yet relaxed.

Do: Your first stop after leaving Albany, Saratoga Springs is as pretty as a fall postcard, offering great food and a plethora of outdoor activities in the nearby hills and mountains. I grew up here, and it’s a beautiful little city with lots of history, art and culture. In the fall, the area is decorated with gorgeous colors. Take a stroll on Broadway, or through Congress Park, and grab a bite at one of the city’s amazing eateries – try sushi from Morrissey’s Lounge & Bistro, tapas from Boca Bistro, or pizza and salad from 9 Miles East Farm – before hitting the road to Vermont. 

The drive: 31 miles (37 minutes) from Albany International Airport to Saratoga Springs, NY; 45 miles (1 hour 15 minutes) from Saratoga Springs to Manchester, Vermont. You’ll get an uplifting taste of Northeast scenery on the stage from Saratoga to Manchester, with endless hills, multicolored forests and quaint towns.

Stop 2: Manchester, Vermont

Vibes: Storybook fall views and farms.

Do: Arriving in Manchester, you’ll find that the mood is much the same as in Saratoga, so eat, drink, walk and be merry! Stroll the fairly easy path from the Red Gate Trail trailhead to Equinox Pond for autumnal views.

Eat: Make a reservation at the chef’s table at the Restaurant at Hill Farm, just outside town, and arrive hungry – you will not be disappointed. In town, sandwiches from Zoey’s Deli & Bakery are perfect for a picnic, and The Copper Grouse is a go-to for cocktails and elevated pub food.

Stay: Break for a night at Hill Farm Inn, just outside central Manchester, with its sprawling porch, onsite alpacas, foliage-filled views of the Equinox Valley and Green Mountains, and pet-friendly cottages for guests. Common areas include a cozy breakfast dining room (the scones are ridiculously good), a farmhouse-style porch for happy hour drinks, and a large, enticing hang-out area with a fireplace and tiny bar. 

The drive: 111 miles (2 hours 30 minutes) from Manchester, Vermont, to Stowe, Vermont. If the first leg was a taste of fall splendor, consider the drive to Stowe along Vermont’s scenic Route 100 to be the main course. Take in views of farmland, mountains, friendly general stores, roadside waterfalls and a rustic patchwork of foliage hues.

Notable stops along the way include tumbling Moss Glen Falls and the small riverside town of Warren, with its own collection of idyllic falls, accessed just before you get to town. Drive along the short Main Street to see the covered bridge before grabbing a delicious sandwich and some maple syrup to bring home from the Warren Store.

Stop 3: Stowe, Vermont

Vibes: Warm and snuggly, straight out of a Hallmark movie. 

Do: Drive the 15-mile Smuggler’s Notch Road (Vermont Route 108). This world-famous mountain pass draws eager visitors, who meander wide-eyed through a landscape of foliage and giant boulders. Waterfalls, abundant hiking trails, and downright stunning scenery are guaranteed. For an easy walk and views of a perfect trifecta of road, mountains and leaf color, park up and follow the start of the Barnes Camp Trail. Alternative routes include the 3-mile Sterling Pond Trail and the Gondola Skyride (open until October 20th) up to the tippy top of Mount Mansfield for a bird’s eye perspective over a sea of woodland. 

Eat: Dine downtown in a historic home at The Butler’s Pantry. They serve a fantastic breakfast, with quality dinner fare off a seasonally-inspired menu. Grab an aprés-adventure drink like a local at The Matterhorn – it’s always a happening spot to be.

Stay: Stop for one or two nights at The Field Guide Lodge, with modern amenities and a boutique feel, set in a great location between the heart of downtown and the start of The Notch drive. 

The drive: 74 miles (1 hour 35 minutes) from Stowe, Vermont to Littleton, New Hampshire, via Cabot, Vermont. This portion of the route isn’t a long stretch, but the scenery packs a punch, and the day involves cheese. About halfway, take a detour to stretch your legs on the quick but steep Nichols Ledge Trail, where the fall panorama will leave you more breathless than the uphill trek. A bonus reward comes in the form of cheese as you pass through the tiny town of Cabot, famed for its tasty cheddar. Pop into the Cabot Village Store to pick up some cheese and other snacks for a picnic lunch at nearby Molly’s Falls Pond State Park. Afterward, you can cross the border into New Hampshire and then head to Littleton via Route 2 and Highway 93, or add about 10 minutes for the more scenic route along backroads through pretty Peacham.

Stop 4: Littleton, New Hampshire

Vibes: Quaint and big on hearty breakfasts and brunches.

Do: Walk the riverside trail in downtown Littleton, wave to the statue of Pollyanna – the beloved children’s character created by local author Eleanor H Porter – and peruse the local farmer’s market if you’re here on a Sunday. Littleton is a convenient base for exploring New Hampshire’s White Mountain National Forest, with a sweep of hiking trails around landmark Mount Washington. You’re also very close to Franconia Notch State Park, where you can marvel at the colorful leaves along the Flume Gorge trail. It’s worth getting up early for sunrise at Artist’s Bluff; reached via a 1.5-mile-long loop trail with sweeping views that truly shine at first light. 

Eat: Grab wood-cooked bites and some fresh brews at Schilling Beer Co. After a good night’s sleep, enjoy a satisfying breakfast – this town’s favorite meal – at The Coffee Pot Restaurant or pick up some pastries at Crumb Bum Bakery.  

Stay: Stay one or two nights at the historic Thayers Inn, within walking distance of everywhere in town. You can say you slept in the same hotel as a slew of former US Presidents and famous actors and actresses. 

The drive: 173 miles (4 hours) from Littleton, New Hampshire, to Lake Francis State Park, New Hampshire. Be ready for an early morning and a long day, but one jam-packed with scenery and remote wandering. Get a jump on the other road-trippers and be one of the first to hit the epic Kancamagus Scenic Highway (Route 112), a 34.5-mile-long stunner of a drive, loaded with overlooks and trailheads.

You’ll venture east from Lincoln to Conway, before heading north on Route 16 towards Dixville Notch State Park. Here, the 1.5-mile round-trip Table Rock trail offers a top-notch fall vista. Less than an hour to the north, you’ll land at Lake Francis State Park near the town of Pittsburg, your home base within New Hampshire’s “Moose Alley.”

Stop 5: Moose Alley and Lake Francis State Park, New Hampshire

Vibes: Remote, remote, remote – a place to be one with nature.

Do: Look out for moose! This area (and adjacent Route 3) is known as “Moose Alley” for a reason. Loaded with wetlands, ponds, and lakes, it’s a great place to try to spot these enormous deer (though keep a safe distance). If big herbivores aren’t your thing, drift along back roads, go kayaking or canoeing, hang out by the campfire or stargaze. 

Eat: If you plan to camp, stop for provisions in nearby Colebrook. Alternatively, pop into one of the local pubs, or treat yourself to a meal at Murphy’s Steakhouse.

Stay: Stop for a night, camping at Lake Francis State Park. Or, if you prefer an actual bed, book a room or a cabin At Bear Tree, just up the road.

The drive: 64 miles (1 hour 30 minutes) from Lake Francis State Park to Grafton Notch State Park. Keep an eye out, as you might see moose on this stretch, too. Be sure to stop at Beaver Brook Falls, a roadside wonder accessible from Route 145 just north of Colebrook. You’ll be doubling back along a portion of Route 26 that you followed earlier, but it’s a good time to fit in extra hikes or scenic views that you skipped, particularly around Dixville Notch State Park.

Then, you’ll continue over the border into Maine for more foliage goodness within Grafton Notch State Park. The drive itself is positively gorgeous, with numerous places where you can pull over to take it all in or enhance the experience with a hike or a picnic. Popular natural attractions here include Moose Cave, Mother Walker Falls and the Spruce Meadow Picnic Area.

After, take a short drive down to your accommodations in Bethel, Maine. You can choose to end your road trip here, or continue on the loop back to Upstate NY. 

Stop 6: Grafton Notch State Park and Bethel, Maine

Vibes: Chilled – think post-hike brews in a ski-resort-style setting.

Do: After spending most of the afternoon exploring Grafton Notch State Park, it’s time to kick back and relax. Start by grabbing some freshly baked goods (you’ve earned them) from the cutest little pie stand, Puzzle Mountain Bakery on Route 26. Their blueberry pie and strawberry-rhubarb jam comes recommended, too. Then head to the Sunday River Brewing Company and saddle up by the bar for pub grub and cold brews. If thirst lingers, grab an extra brew at Steam Mill Brewing.

Eat: If you’re craving Italian, book in for dinner at Watershed Wood-Fired Kitchen in downtown Bethel.

Stay: Break for the night at the historic, Queen Anne-style Elizabeth Guesthouse and Restaurant.

The drive: 181 miles (3 hours 30 minutes) from Bethel, Maine to Brattleboro, Vermont. Hopefully, you’re well-rested – today’s drive is quite lengthy. Venture back into New Hampshire on Route 2, then connect to Route 10 via Route 3, and take Highway 91 going south. Make a pit stop in scenic Woodstock, Vermont, a 15-minute detour from the highway. The town is a little charmer, with historic buildings, covered bridges, and a beautiful town square called The Green. Before you reach Woodstock, stop at Quechee Gorge for a great photo opportunity. 

Stop 7: Brattleboro, Vermont

Vibes: Artsy and laid-back.

Do: Sneak into neighboring Massachusetts and check out Royalston Falls before pausing for some art appreciation in the walkable downtown of Brattleboro, Vermont. Crammed with myriad galleries and shops, this is a great place to purchase a souvenir from your New England road trip. Sniffing around local antique shops and visiting the local farmer’s market are more quintessential Brattleboro experiences. Just across the Connecticut River, you can stand at the westernmost point of New Hampshire.

Eat: Do yourself a favor and enjoy a cozy meal at Plated.

Stay: Stop for one night at The Inn on Putney Road, a bed and breakfast in a historic building that was formerly an asylum, set in a beautiful garden. 

The drive: 81 miles (2 hours) from Brattleboro, Vermont to Albany International Airport; 85 miles (2 hours 15 minutes) from Brattleboro, Vermont to Saratoga Springs, New York. It’s time to complete the loop! Whether you’re heading back to the airport in Albany or finishing up back in Saratoga Springs, Vermont’s Route 9 will cap off your trip with a scenic bang. This route is dotted with inviting small towns such as Wilmington, and there’s a beaut of a backdrop, with plenty of overlooks where you can take photos and absorb a last dose of seasonal color before heading home.

Tips for electric vehicle drivers

If you’re planning to tackle this trip in an EV, you’ll find abundant charging stations on some stretches but very few on others. In more remote regions, such as in northern New Hampshire and western Maine, you’ll have to plan ahead and charge when the opportunity arises. There’s a charging station in Colebrook, so it’s wise to top up there when spending time around Lake Francis State Park. On the leg from Bethel, Maine to Brattleboro, Vermont, charge up in Gorham and Bradford in New Hampshire, or White River Junction and Woodstock in Vermont. This map is a stellar resource for finding charging points.

Practically a country unto itself, Bavaria packs in more than most independent states of its size.

Think peaks over 2000m (6560ft) and sweeping plains. Medieval cities and 21st-century museums. Roman ruins and Alpine lakes.

You could spend a lifetime exploring it all. If you need a place to start, here are 10 experiences that will introduce you to the pleasures of this special corner of Germany.

Bavaria is one of the best regions to visit next year. See our full list of Best in Travel 2025 winners.

1. Take the high road to the Alps

Geography may have granted Germany’s south just a mere sliver of the Alps, but the region certainly makes the most of its mountains, many of which are but a short train ride from central Munich. The ski resort of Garmisch-Partenkirchen is the place to head for the best fun in the snow, as it sits under Germany’s highest mountain, the Zugspitze, the top of which can be reached by a special train. Surrounded by Austria on three sides, the Berchtesgadener Land in Bavaria’s far southeast delivers all the best Alpine pleasures, providing dramatic mountain scenery, great hiking and splendid lake vistas.

Local tip: Skiing is a big deal in the German Alps, with countless pistes scoring their snowy slopes. The skiing season here runs from around mid-December until sometime in April, depending on weather conditions. When the white stuff fails to fall, artificial snow made by special canons means the fun doesn’t stop.

2. Lose yourself in world-class museums

You could devote many months to Bavaria’s exceptional museums, some of which rank as the best of their kind in Europe. It would be easy to while away a week “doing” Munich’s art museums alone, including the world-class Pinakotheken (Alte Pinakothek, Neue Pinakothek and Pinakothek der Moderne). The Deutsches Museum is a highly enjoyable repository of the country’s storied technical past, while Nuremberg boasts the Deutsche Bahn Museum, Germany’s top railway museum, and the Nationalmuseum, the country’s most comprehensive exhibition of Germanic culture. Of course, Bavaria witnessed one of the most sinister chapters in European history – the rise of the Nazis – and regional sites don’t sugarcoat this story. Berchtesgaden’s Dokumentation Obersalzberg and Nuremberg’s Reichsparteitagsgelände – where the largest Nazi rallies were held in the 1930s – memorably relate elements of this unfortunate past.

Planning tip: Many of Munich’s museums and galleries charge only €1 on Sundays, which could save you a considerable amount of your travel budget if you intend on visiting a few.

3. Sample Bavaria’s hop-infused traditions

Munich has often been called “the city of art and beer,” and after you’ve taken in art by day (see above), the evenings belong to the one-liter steins of frothy brews in typical beer halls such as the Hofbräuhaus, the Augustiner Bräustuben and the Weisses Brauhaus. Of course, the best time for disciples of the hop to make a pilgrimage to the Bavarian capital is during Oktoberfest (annually late September to the first weekend in October), during which over 6 million liters of beer are downed.

Outside Munich, the beer is just as good – better in fact, according to the drinkers of Franconia (Bavaria’s northern region), where countless village breweries pump out an astonishing variety of Landbier (small-scale regional beers) not available anywhere else. The best place to sample these is the Kellerwald near Forchheim, literally a huge beer garden in the middle of a forest.

Local tip: A Bavarian phenomenon is the beer garden, with its tables and chairs set out under horse chestnut trees and garlands of fairy lights. Some of the best to seek out in Munich are the Biergarten am Chinesischen Turm in the Englischer Garten; the Hirschgarten, which has almost 9000 seats; and the Hofbräukeller am Wiener Platz, said to be the original Munich beer garden.

4. Discover Ludwig II’s castles

Every Bavarian town and hilltop seems to host a medieval pile or two, but it’s to three 19th-century follies commissioned by Bavaria’s King Ludwig II that most outsiders flock. Rising out of Alpine forest near the town of Füssen, Schloss Neuschwanstein is Germany’s most popular tourist attraction, its dreamy turrets and dramatic location having inspired Walt Disney. Ludwig’s other two sugary creations are the Herrenchiemsee, a Versailles-inspired palace on an island in the Chiemsee, Bavaria’s biggest lake; and compact Linderhof, in a remote Alpine location near Oberammergau.

Local tip: Linderhof occupies a lonely spot amid the peaks of the Ammergau Alps. A great way to reach it is to take a gentle 12km (7.5-mile) hike from Oberammergau, itself a major tourist attraction.

5. Feel the speed at BMW

Bavaria is home to two of the highest-octane names of the motoring world: BMW in Munich and Audi in Ingolstadt. The space-age BMW Welt (BMW World) is a car fanatic’s dream come true, a huge, free exhibition of the company’s latest models, which can be sat in, fiddled with and admired from the driver’s seat. Next door is the excellent BMW Museum, and technically intriguing tours of the nearby factory can be easily arranged.

6. Admire Bavaria’s deep-rooted traditions

The world-famous Oktoberfest and Christmas markets. Oberammergau’s once-a-decade Passion Play. The glass-blowing traditions of the Bavarian Forest, the beer-brewing monks of Andechs, the folk-costumed bashes in Alpine taverns and the veneration of Wagner at Bayreuth: Bavaria is a place where culture and traditions form an easily accessible link with a colorful, folksy past. And unlike other countries in Central Europe, you don’t have to look far to find them, for every local keeps lederhosen or a dirndl in their closet for wearing to weddings, church services or simply the local beer festival.

7. Buy Bavarian

There’s shopping for every budget in Munich, from top-end boutiques to secondhand bookstores. And there sure are a lot of items unique to the Free State that will weigh down suitcases on departing planes and trains. Traditional Bavarian folk costume makes for a truly unique souvenir. Central Munich’s Loden-Frey sells the real deal; those on a budget should head for Holareidulijö, which offers secondhand items. Just before Oktoberfest, many pop-up shops appear in central Munich offering cheap versions of traditional garb.

Nymphenburg porcelain is another popular take-home item, best sourced at the Porzellan Manufaktur Nymphenburg factory shops. Glassware from the Bavarian Forest area, Nuremberg gingerbread, and new and antique beer steins are other mementoes to take home from any Bavaria trip. More-unusual shopping experiences are provided by Käthe Wohlfahrt shops, where you can source your Christmas decorations all year long – a surreal experience in July when the mercury is pushing 30ºC (86°F).

8. Make a splash in Bavaria’s gorgeous lakes

Between Munich and the Alps, many picturesque foothill lakes reflect quaint villages and onion-domed churches in their glassy waters. Easily accessible by S-Bahn from Munich, the Fünfseenland is (as its name implies) an area of five lakes. Perhaps the most popular is the pretty Starnberger See, a retreat for stressed-out city folk and the place King Ludwig II mysteriously drowned in 1886. Southeast of Munich, the Chiemsee is a great place to mess around in boats. Yet top marks must go to the Königssee, Germany’s most spectacularly beautiful body of water, cupped by Alpine slopes and walls of granite. Take an electric boat along its length or hike the high peaks around its shores.

9. Chow down like a local

Bavaria’s heavy, carnivore-friendly menus are the perfect accompaniment to its tasty beer. Eating out is not all about soaking up the lager, however. Munich has a thriving culinary scene, with vegetarian, vegan, Asian and Michelin-starred gourmet restaurants, and boasts more Italian eateries than most cities in Italy. In the countryside, things stay on the traditional side, though there’s still a lot of variety, especially where tourists congregate in numbers.

A must-try Bavarian specialty is Weisswurst. Essentially sausages of minced veal and bacon, flavored with various herbs and spices, these off-white links are served with sweet mustard, a pretzel and a mug of wheat beer…for breakfast. Sample a plate in any city-center tavern until 11:59am – after which locals will push a plate of them away, declaring them stale.

10. Set out on the Romantic Road

Running along the western edge of Bavaria, the Romantic Road is Germany’s most popular tourist route, extending for 350km (217 miles) from Würzburg in the north to the Alps in the south. This ribbon of quaintness is punctuated by perfectly preserved walled towns such as Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Dinkelsbühl and Nördlingen. You could spend a week visiting all of the towns and villages on the route – more if you decide to attempt the trip by public transport.

Planning tip: The Romantic Road is traveled by millions of visitors over the summer, so consider setting out in winter, when a blanket of snow adds extra romance to these special places.

Vail’s world-class skiing and snowboarding terrain draws visitors from around the world, it’s true. Yet there’s much more to this Colorado mountain town than snow sports.

Whether you crave a bold outdoor adventure in the Rockies or favor an afternoon of posh pampering, the Vail Valley offers vacationers a wide range of recreation options.

From hiking with llamas to sampling tasty craft beers, here are 15 ways to get the most out of your next visit to Vail.

1. Sip a flight of craft beers 

Craft beer is huge in Colorado, and the Vail Valley is no exception. Head to one of Vail Brewing Co’s two locations – Eagle Vail or Vail Village – and order a flight to sample a rotating selection of their brews. Founded in 2014, the veteran-owned brewery makes beers inspired by the valley’s active lifestyle, each one perfect for sipping after a day of hiking or skiing.

Drinks aside, you can get a sense of Vail’s local flavor by bellying up to the bar at any of the restaurants in the valley and chatting with the bartender and fellow patrons.

2. Drive bumper cars on ice 

Remember playfully ramming into your friends and siblings in bumper cars at the local carnival as a kid? Now picture doing it on an ice rink, as a grown-up.

You can relive this fun piece of your childhood in a slightly chillier setting at Vail’s John A Dobson Ice Arena. The arena has 12 colorful ice bumper cars available for kids and adults to rent at a cost of $10 for 15 minutes.

Planning tip: Remember to preregister before you get to the arena. Then bump away.

3. Go trekking with llamas

Backpacking by yourself requires a lot of planning and gear that seems to get heavier as the day goes on. So consider hiring a very special (and very cute) team to help bear your load. The llamas at Paragon Guides in the Vail Valley can shoulder your gear on multi-day trekking trips between Colorado backcountry huts.

Planning tip: If you’re strapped for time, the llamas are also available for shorter “take a llama to lunch” excursions.

4. Zoom around the slopes on a snowmobile

You can go pretty darn fast while skiing downhill – but you can really let rip on a snowmobile. These speedy machines are a great way to explore the Vail Valley’s expansive terrain in the winter while also getting your adrenaline pumping. Numerous local companies offer tours and rentals, including Vail Backcountry Tours, Nova Guides, Sage Outdoor Adventures and Vail Extreme Rentals. 

5. Get out on the water on a stand-up paddle board

Vail’s weather is downright glorious during the summer – think mild mid-70-degree highs, lots of sun and light breezes. While you won’t find many beaches in these mountains, the Vail Valley offers plenty of ways to get out on the water, including on a stand-up paddle board (SUP).

If you’re new to the sport, head out on the flat waters of Nottingham Lake (where you can also rent paddle boards and pedal boats) or book a stay at Piney River Ranch, which offers its guests access to Piney Lake.

Detour: Fancy a more adrenaline-fueled adventure on the water? Try white-water rafting with Timberline Tours to get up close and personal with Colorado’s rivers.

6. Glide around on ice skates

Lace up your skates and aspire to the grace of an Olympic figure skater or the strength of an NHL hockey pro. Ice skating is a fun, family-friendly activity, and the Vail Valley is home to several indoor and outdoor rinks that are perfect for spending an afternoon gliding around on the ice (and warming up with hot chocolate after).

Check out the John A Dobson Ice Arena, the Alderhof Ice Rink and the Solaris Plaza Ice Rink in town, as well as the rink at Beaver Creek Village, just a 15-minute drive west of Vail.

7. Hit the links at one of Vail’s golf courses

Since the Rockies are the ever-present backdrop here, it’s no surprise that Vail is home to some seriously stunning golf courses. Whether you’re a semi-pro or a beginner, there’s a course for everyone here.

Vail Golf Club is a popular 18-hole public course with views of the Gore Range, while Red Sky Ranch & Golf Club is a premier private club with courses designed by esteemed architects Tom Fazio and Greg Norman. Though membership is required, guests can enjoy the course if they’re staying at one of the club’s partner properties.

Other golf courses to bookmark include EagleVail Golf Club, Beaver Creek Golf Club, and Gypsum Creek Golf Course. Many Vail courses also offer lessons and have a clubhouse that serves food, so that you can make a day of it with the whole family.

8. Go cross-country skiing at the Vail Nordic Center

Vail is famous for its downhill runs – but the valley is also a great place to work up a sweat while cross-country skiing. The Vail Nordic Center offers more than 10 miles of groomed trails reserved for classic or skate skiing, plus 6 miles for snowshoeing and 8 miles for fat biking (a winter-friendly style of biking with big, cushiony tires). Managed by the Vail Recreation District, the center also offers daily lessons, on-site rentals, and a cafe for warming up after a day in the snow.

Detour: EagleVail also has 5 miles of groomed trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, plus terrain designed specifically for kids. 

9. Have a fancy picnic

Instead of packing a dull trail mix to eat during your hike, why not dine in style among the aspens and evergreens? Local purveyor Picnic Vail specializes in planning picture-perfect picnics that range from simple meat-and-cheese plates to elaborate spreads set up by a “picnic concierge.” Seating, tableware and everything else you’ll need is provided – you just need to show up and enjoy the views while you dine.

10 Learn about the environment at the Vail Nature Center

Run by the nonprofit Walking Mountains Science Center, the Vail Nature Center is a tranquil place to learn about sustainability, the environment, plants, animals, birds and other nature-focused topics. Situated on a seven-acre plot once occupied by a 1940s homestead, the free center has interactive walking trails, exhibits and tours about everything from birds to beaver ponds.

Detour: If you have time, also check out Walking Mountains’ other locations: the Avon Tang Campus and the Nature Discovery Center, accessed via the Eagle Bahn gondola at the ski resort.

11. Zoom across the snow on a dog sled

Watch the snowy winter landscape fly by as excited pups pull your sled through the snow. Mountain Musher, Alpine Adventures and other operators offer guided dog-sledding excursions and tour. The experience typically includes meeting the dogs and learning about their unique job before they get to work, and your snowy ride begins.

12. Dash through the snow in a horse-drawn sleigh

Even if you don’t visit over the peak holiday season, there’s no better way to enjoy the Vail Valley’s serene, snow-covered landscape than from the comfort of a horse-drawn sleigh.Located 20 miles west of Vail, 4 Eagle Ranch offers sleigh rides that start with a warm drink and a bowl of chili, then end with a full-blown, ranch-style dinner and s’mores around the campfire. Sleigh rides are also on offer through Bearcat Stables and Beano’s Cabin.

13. Tap a guide and go fly-fishing

Whether you’re a fly-fishing pro or just starting to (ahem) dip your toes into the water, the Vail Valley’s rivers and creeks are ideal for pursuing this slow-paced and stress-relieving pastime. Head out on your own, or find a guide to show you the best spots on the Gold Medal waters of Gore Creek, the Eagle River or the Colorado River. Gore Creek Fly Fisherman, Vail Valley Anglers, Minturn Anglers, Colorado Angling Company and other operators offer turnkey guided trips throughout the valley and beyond.

14. Enjoy open-air concerts and performances at Gerald R Ford Amphitheater

On a warm summer evening, there’s nothing like unfolding a blanket on the lawn of Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, kicking back and listening to an orchestra or watching a ballet performance.

With intriguing architecture and a gorgeous mountain backdrop, the outdoor amphitheater was named after the country’s 38th president, who regularly visited Vail during and after his presidency. (He had a house near Beaver Creek.) The Amp, as it’s known locally, is one of the most scenic performance venues around and regularly hosts big-name musicians, live theater, dance performances and several festivals.

15. Indulge yourself with a spa treatment

After playing in Vail’s mountains all day, give your body (and mind) a break with a spa treatment. Vail has so many great spas it can be hard to pick just one, but your hotel can be a great place to start. The Sonnenalp, the Four Seasons, the Grand Hyatt and The Arrabelle are among several Vail hotels that have world-class spas. Services range from deep-tissue massages to body scrubs, facials, salon services…everything in between. 

Most beaches in Aruba are the very definition of paradise: palm trees, soft white sand and turquoise waters. But there are also some others that are exciting for water sports enthusiasts, perfect for families, great for marine life, and those that are far from a typical beach.

So get ready to discover the best beaches Aruba has to offer. Let’s dive into the most breathtaking and must-visit spots that will make your island getaway unforgettable. 

1. Eagle Beach

Best for beach for a day out

Having been named the best beach in the Caribbean several times, Eagle Beach is renowned for its wide stretch of pristine white sand and crystal-clear waters. There are shady spots, beach huts and all sorts of activities, such as yoga, snorkeling and beach tennis, which is a favorite among the locals, especially on the weekends. The sand is super soft and it’s a lot of fun, so feel free to watch or join in.

The iconic, photogenic Fofoti trees are often featured in advertising and social media – you’ve probably seen an image of Eagle Beach and its trees whilst researching for your trip to Aruba.

Eagle Beach is a key nesting site for four species of sea turtles, adding to its natural charm. Some parts of the beach might be closed off to keep the nests safe.

Planning tip: If you plan to spend the day, bring enough cash. Some places charge US$50 and more for two simple beach chairs.

2. Hadicurari Beach (Fisherman’s Huts)

Best beach for windsurfing and kitesurfing

If you are an adventure seeker or water sports lover, Hadicurari Beach is for you. It is the best place on the island for windsurfing and kitesurfing thanks to its steady winds and calm, shallow waters. Both beginners and experienced surfers come here to have a good time. Sign up for a class and try the sport out for yourself.

Aruba Hi-Winds is a windsurfing competition taking place every summer. It’s the largest of its kind in the Caribbean. Sarah-Quita Offringa is an Arubian 24-time world champion windsurfer who often trains here when she isn’t competing internationally.

Whether you surf or not, make Hadicurari Beach part of your Aruba itinerary and enjoy the show of colorful kites in the sky.

3. Baby Beach

Best beach for families

Near San Nicolas in the southern part of Aruba, you’ll find Baby Beach. It’s a wonderful place for families with young children. Thanks to its unique shape, the beach is quite protected, with shallow areas and only small waves. Make sure to stay in the designated areas as the bay opens up to the ocean.

With refreshment stands offering drinks, snacks and serving up BBQ and seafood, you’ll be well fed. Rent beach chairs, windbreaks and snorkel gear, or simply relax in the shade of one of the free huts.

Planning tip: Baby Beach is about a 40-minute drive from Oranjestad.

4. Mangel Halto Beach

Best beach for snorkeling, kayaking and SUP

Mangel Halto Beach is a great place for adventurers who enjoy snorkeling, kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). And once you’re done, spend the evening watching the sunset over a delicious seafood dinner.

The beach is located right next to the road, so it’s not super quiet, but the mangroves and the trillion shades of blue in the water make up for it. There are wooden decks and stairs in some parts of the beach and its surrounding area. Some of it is a sandy beach, some of it is rocky cliffs that aren’t too steep, but as the water is generally pretty shallow, you shouldn’t try to jump in.

Planning tip: Certified scuba divers will enjoy the reef that drops to approximately 30m (100ft) and is home to colorful fish, octopuses and barracudas.

5. Tres Trapi

Best beach for marine life

You’ll find Tres Trapi Beach – which translates to Three Steps in Papiamento – almost at the very northern tip of Aruba. Malmok Beach, Boca Catalina Beach and Arashi Beach are its neighbors, and they are all beautiful, but if you are looking for a special treat, then Tres Trapi is the spot for you.

Thanks to its clear waters, chances seeing turtles in the wild here are high. In fact, they’re almost guaranteed, so bring your fins, mask and snorkel and enjoy the show. Note: keep a good distance from the marine wildlife and never attempt to touch them.

Planning tip: You can drive right up, park and hop in the water at Tres Trapi. You probably won’t be spending an entire day here, though, as there is hardly any shade and the rocks aren’t very comfortable.

Detour: Drive up to California Lighthouse at sunset and enjoy the magical colorful show as the sun disappears on the horizon.

6. Arashi Beach

Best beach for relaxing

Arashi Beach is especially popular with families because it is great for snorkeling, swimming and sunbathing. Palapas (sunshades) and sunbeds are available for rent, but feel free to bring one from your apartment or hotel, as many offer them free of charge. Beach huts, a lively bar and showers are also available. Occasional live music adds to its charm. The waves and currents are gentle and usually safe for swimmers.

Planning tip: If you enjoy snorkeling, head to the left side of the beach to find marine life.

7. Natural Pool (Conchi)

Best for a unique Aruba experience

While not technically a beach, the Natural Pool aka Conchi had to make this list of top beaches. Located inside Arikok National Park and only reachable by 4WD, horseback or hiking, it’s a unique spot on the island. The desert landscape and rough rocks make this dip one of a kind. Bring water shoes so you don’t hurt yourself when going in. 

Planning tip: To get to Conchi, you need to be an experienced off-road driver. If you have little to no experience, consider joining a 4WD tour with a driver.

If your first port of arrival in Thailand is Bangkok, the notion of taking to the road might seem nuts.

In the Thai capital, cars are stacked bumper to bumper, motorcycles vie for space with pedestrians and seemingly anything goes when it comes to road rules.

But Bangkok is not all of Thailand. Far from it.

Once you escape the capital, traffic conditions calm considerably – though you’ll always need to be cautious of speeding trucks and buses and a steady throng of motorcyclists. The good news is that Thailand’s roads are mostly well maintained, car- and motorcycle-rental costs are moderate, and there’s so much to see in this fabulous country that you’ll discover something exciting on even a short jaunt.

The smart way to road trip in Thailand is to start outside Bangkok, renting a vehicle in one of Thailand’s smaller towns. The further you veer from the tourist trail, the quieter the roads and the more there is to encounter in the towns and villages you pass through on the way.

Excited yet? Read on for more about our favorite road trips in Thailand.

1. Mae Sa Valley

Best road trip for first-timers

Chiang Mai–Chiang Mai; 80km (50 miles); allow 1 day

A great taster trip to get you used to driving or riding in Thailand, this circuit through the forested mountains north of Chiang Mai will introduce you to village life and the jade-green rainforest landscapes of Northern Thailand. After leaving Chiang Mai, the crowds drop away as you get closer to Nam Tok Mae Sa, a natural swimming pool that makes a lovely picnic spot.

Continue to the Queen Sikrit Botanical Gardens, a collection of plantations, walking trails and greenhouses plus a family-friendly natural-history museum. From here, you enter a part of the country that was once used to grow opium poppies before the Thai royal family persuaded hill tribe farmers to switch to fruit and flowers.

Experience village life with a detour north to the Hmong community of Nong Hoi, where the local restaurants at Mon Cham serve tasty village food and Thai fruit liqueurs in pavilions overlooking the valley. The loop back to Chiang Mai on the 1269 passes Samoeng village and a series of spectacular viewpoints where you can pause for photos before arriving back to town.

Planning tip: Get an early start to make the most of this day-long road trip, grabbing a portable breakfast at the Talat Thanin food market before you set off.

2. Bangkok to Chiang Mai

Best road trip for history

Bangkok–Chiang Mai; 583 km (362 miles); 3 to 4 days

If you’re brave enough to start in Bangkok, the drive from the capital to Chiang Mai packs in a lot of history and some of Thailand’s most spectacular ancient sites. The hardest part is the beginning, as you escape Bangkok’s gravitational pull on Route 347. Fortunately, it’s only 90 minutes to Ayutthaya, the first stop on the route.

Explore the ruins of the imperial city that was Siam’s capital from 1350 to 1767, then continue north on Route 32, making a detour east to view Lopburi’s monkey-thronged Prang Sam Yot temple. Back on the highway, it’s a sustained slog north to Phitsanulok, where you can pay your respects to one of Thailand’s most revered Buddha images at Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat.

The next stop is stunning Sukhothai, whose ruined stupas and temples were the hub of a powerful Thai kingdom from the 13th to the 14th century. Break the journey north with a homestay at Ban Na Ton Cham or an overnight (or longer) stop in hip Lampang, where more local movers and shakers throng cool cafes. Lamphun makes for another worthy stop before you roll into Chiang Mai and head straight for the night markets to feast.

Detour: To add some contemporary history to the trip, tack on a detour to Kanchanaburi, between Bangkok and Ayutthaya. Made infamous by the Burma–Siam Railway, this town on the Mae Nam Khwae Yai River is today a hub for encounters with history and day trips to splash in the waterfalls of Erawan National Park.

3. An Isan loop

Best off-the-beaten-track road trip

Nakhon Ratchasima–Nakhon Ratchasima; 830km (515 miles); one week

Travelers gush about Thailand’s Isan region – the tract of land that runs northeast from Bangkok up to the Lao and Cambodian borders. In this gently slumbering corner of the country, the cuisine is spectacular, the pace of life unhurried and crowds are rare. In other words, conditions are perfect for a slow road trip by motorcycle. Spare yourself the drive out of Bangkok by taking a bus or train to Nakhon Ratchasima (Khorat) and pick up some wheels there.

Hit the trail and meander east through Phanom Rung Historical Park, a striking Khmer temple complex atop an extinct volcano. Track the Cambodian border eastward to reach Ubon Ratchathani, an off-the-tourist-track town studded with handsome monasteries and balanced beside the Mae Nam Mun river. Loop through Yasothon (worth a stop during the rocket festival in mid-May) and lake-centered Roi Et to reach Prasat Puay Noi, a fine Khmer Hindu temple complex from the 12th century. Keep the Khmer theme going at Phimai, a grand temple ruin that fuses Hindu and Buddhist motifs, then close the loop back in Nakhon Ratchasima, grazing on Isan delicacies at RN Yard.

Planning tip: A big part of traveling in Isan is sampling the food. Essential Isan dishes to try include larb (a zesty ground meal salad with lime, mint, chili and toasted rice), som tam (a pounded salad of green papaya, green beans, peanuts and shrimp) and sai krok isan (a sour, smoky, fermented pork sausage).

4. Hua Hin to Surat Thani

Best road trip for low-key beaches

Hua Hin–Surat Thani; 580km (360 miles) one way; 3 to 4 days

Southern Thailand’s long, slender profile doesn’t lend itself to looping road trips, but there’s plenty to see here by sticking to the coast. Start in Hua Hin, Thailand’s original beach resort, where one-way car rentals can be arranged through Thai Rent a Car. Slide south through the low-key, locals-oriented beach towns of Prachaup Khiri Khan, Ban Krut and Bang Saphan Yai to Chumphon, where the Muslim culture of southern Thailand will start to be visible. Before ending the trip at Surat Thani, duck inland to Khao Sok National Park, one of the world’s oldest rainforests, one that provides shelter for bears, tapirs, gibbons, elephants and tigers, myriad birds and the enormous Rafflesia kerrii (the world’s largest flower). The fun doesn’t have to stop at Surat Thani: the town is a jumping-off point for the Gulf Islands of Ko Samui, Ko Pha-Ngan and Ko Tao, where you can bask, party and enjoy some of the world’s best-priced scuba diving.

5. Phuket to Satun and back

Best road trip for island adventures

Phuket–Satun–Phuket; 1100km (690 miles) round trip; one week

Because of political unrest in Thailand’s far south, the Andaman Coast is best explored as an out-and-back road trip starting from Phuket, avoiding the troubled east coast. With hundreds of idyllic islands offshore, you’ll want to stop regularly for overnight sojourns on tropical islands along the way.

Starting with a seafood feast in Phuket, follow the Andaman Coast around Phang-Nga Bay, stopping for a boat trip around the otherworldly karst islands of Ao Phang-Nga Marine National Park. Keep following the bay south to Krabi and the epic rock-climbing cliffs around Railay, one of the world’s most enjoyable adventure-sports hubs.

Hug the south to Ko Lanta to enjoy more time on the sand, then return to the mainland to reach Trang, gateway to its own collection of idyllic karst islands. (Do we see a pattern here?) The final leg south passes through townships that feel almost Malaysian in character. Turn around at Satun and take a couple of days to snorkel and hike on the unspoiled islands of Ko Tarutao Marine National Park before you retrace your steps to Phuket.

Planning tip: Since the seas off the Andaman Coast can get very choppy from May to October and many ferry routes and some national parks close for the season, it’s best to avoid this time of year.

6. Mae Hong Son Loop

Best road trip for traveler vibes

Chiang Mai–Chiang Mai; 604km (375 miles); 4 days

A more ambitious road trip from Chiang Mai meanders through the green hills to the southwest, following Routes 108 and 1095 through the lively traveler town of Mae Hong Son. This twisting loop is famous for having 1864 curves; the Chamber of Commerce in Mae Hong Son even issues souvenir certificates for drivers who complete the circuit. On the way, you can swing into some of the most interesting townships in northwest Thailand.

Leaving Chiang Mai on the 108, the first stop is Doi Inthanon National Park, a lush, green mountaintop that’s one of the few places in Thailand where temperatures can dip below freezing. You’ll want to pause for a day or two at Mae Sariang, a relaxing riverside town that’s a great base for hiking and sustainable adventures in the hills.

There’s time for another stop at Khun Yuam to explore wartime history before you roll into Mae Hong Son, one of Northern Thailand’s best hubs for monastery-hopping and treks to hill-tribe villages. On the loop back to Chiang Mai on Route 1095, make stops at the Su Tong Pae bamboo bridge, the “Little Switzerland” of Pang Oung and the bustling traveler hub of Pai, where you can kick back for a while, enjoying everything from treks to yoga classes and cooking schools.

Planning tip: Be ready for cold temperatures at Doi Inthanon National Park; chilly fog can swirl around the summit year-round, so bring a warm layer.

7. Chiang Rai to Phayao

Best road trip for dramatic vistas

Chiang Rai–Phayao; 250km (155 miles); 3 days

Crammed with temples and cultural sites like Chiang Mai but with less of a backpacker vibe, Chiang Rai is Northern Thailand’s second great city. A stop at the “white wat” of Wat Rong Khun is almost obligatory – if only to view the pop culture murals showing such diverse subjects as the 9/11 attacks and Keanu Reeves in The Matrix.

To reach the Lao border town of Chiang Khong, follow back roads through a region that was once notorious as the heart of the opium-growing Golden Triangle. Take your time drifting through villages tucked along forest-cloaked ridges, then stop for a day or two in Chiang Khong to soak up the Lao influences seeping in from Huay Xai, just across the Mekong River.

Divert south on the 1020 and follow Routes 1093 and 1155 through dramatic emerald hills to epic viewpoints such as Pratu Siam and Phu Chi Fa. Pause to enjoy the hot waterfall at Nam Tok Phu Sang before you roll onward to finish up in leafy Phayao, an overlooked Northern Thai town with pretty wooden houses, wetland scenery and a lost-in-time mood that will give you a sense of what all of the region was like before the arrival of mass tourism.

Planning tip: This route follows many back roads off the main highways; turnoffs are usually signposted; if not, ask at roadside cafes and gas stations.

Tips for driving in Thailand

Thailand officially drives on the left – though be wary of locals flouting the rules, particularly motorcycles, which often ride against the traffic flow on the hard shoulder. Always give way to larger vehicles such as buses and trucks, and watch out for pedestrians. Driving slowly is always sensible.

You can rent cars, motorcycles and scooters with your own (presumably foreign) driver’s license. We recommend taking out as much insurance as is available and keeping your license and passport (or copies of the identity pages) handy for police checks.

No matter where you stay in the Florida Keys, you’ll feel a bit outside of normal USA time.

Throughout this chain of coral islands drifting south from the tip of Florida, you’ll find incredible things to do: lost-in-time dive bars and weather-worn marinas are interwoven with oceanfront views from five-star resorts and Michelin-star-worthy dining experiences.

While all of the Keys share a relaxed, easy energy – and an appealing blend of beauty and laid-back inelegance – each island maintains its own distinct character, and it’s easy to hop between them. From the scuba paradise of Key Largo to the unapologetic eccentricity of Key West, whatever kind of vacation you’re looking for, you’ll find it here. Here’s a guide to the best islands in the Florida Keys.

1. Key Largo

Best for adventures on land and sea

Key Largo, the biggest island in the Upper Keys, acts as a bridge between the mainland and the rest of the archipelago. Water and land-based thrills here will meet the demands of even the most intrepid explorer; start the adventure at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, a 70-sq-mile tract of protected seaspace, teeming with marine life. Pennekamp is a scuba and snorkeler’s dream, boasting stunning coral reefs that can also be viewed on glass-bottomed boat tours. There’s even an undersea statue of Jesus known as Christ of the Abyss, a 9ft-tall replica of the famous statue in Genoa, Italy.

Take a kayak out along the shores of Blackwater Sound and scan the swampy forests for birdlife and American crocodiles at Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge, a 6600-acre nature preserve in the northern part of Key Largo.

Activities abound on land, too, starting with the Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park. This patch of wilderness was saved from developers, and now, instead of condominiums, it’s home to one of America’s largest West Indian tropical hardwood hammocks (the local term for areas of forest that form an ecological island, distinct from surrounding types of vegetation). Visitors can walk along nature trails surrounded by land that still feels wild and untamed, and the area is also open to cyclists.

Planning tip: If you want to beat the heat on the trail, March to May might be the best time to visit.

2. Islamorada

Best for a bit of everything

Islamorada is widely known as the sportfishing capital of the world, and with the abundance of marinas and plentiful stocks of billfish and other desirable catches, it’s hard to argue with this moniker. The island has a well-developed scene for both backcountry and deep-sea fishing, but there are plenty of other unique draws, too.

For rest and relaxation, head to the white sands of Anne’s Beach, book a massage at Blu Bamboo Salon Spa or just perch at the poolside in a luxury resort such as Cheeca Lodge or the Moorings Village.

Just offshore, Lignumvitae Key, a haven for native plants, provides a chance to experience the natural beauty of the islands. Bougainvillea, lignum vitae and hardwood hammock forests thrive in this undeveloped landscape, giving a hint at what the whole archipelago might have looked like hundreds of years ago.

Planning tip: Time your visit for the third Thursday of the month, when the Morada Way Arts and Cultural District hosts an evening arts walk (6 to 9pm) with live music over a six-block stretch of downtown studded with studio spaces and galleries.

3. Marathon

Best for beaches

Marathon’s main beach, known to locals as Sombrero Beach, is one of the best in the Keys. Open to the public year-round, it’s sprinkled with some of the archipelago’s finest sand and is also a protected nesting ground for turtles. Sun-worshippers will find more fine sand at Coco Plum Beach, a smaller and more natural beach popular with windsurfers.

Planning tip: As the halfway point of the Keys, Marathon is also a great place to stay for travelers looking to explore more widely. Head north to Long Key State Park – one of the quieter preserves in the Keys – or drive south across the famed Seven Mile Bridge to adventures in Bahia Honda State Park or Key West.

4. Big Pine Key

Best for nature lovers

Nature nuts will not be disappointed by a trip to Big Pine Key. This sparsely populated island is mostly devoid of luxury and nightlife, especially as you move further away from US Route 1. But what Big Pine Key lacks in action, it makes up for in tropical beauty.

The most famous wild space in the Lower Keys is Bahia Honda State Park, just east of Big Pine along the highway. You can swim, snorkel or kayak in the park’s turquoise waters before hiking up to one of the highest points in the Keys. Watch the sky burst into color as the sun sets, then stick around to gawk at the sparkling stars. The best view of all, though, is of the landmark Saddleback Bridge, a rusty remnant of Henry Flagler’s ill-fated Overseas Railway.

Big Pine Key is also home to the rare Key deer, a small, endangered subspecies of white-tailed deer found only in the archipelago. Wander the rambling trails of National Key Deer Refuge and stop at Blue Hole, the only freshwater lake in the entire Florida Keys – an unmatched place to see the diversity of local wildlife.

5. Key West

Best for art, culture and nights out

Key West, perhaps the most famous island in the Keys, is a sun-filled carnival and the closest thing to a proper city in the archipelago. For vacationers seeking parties that spill out into the streets, late-night wining and dining and epic drag shows, Key West is your best bet.

While its wild child reputation is well earned, there are many reasons to visit the southernmost Key beyond the rowdiness of Duval St. Literary pilgrims flock to the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, where the famed writer lived from 1931 to 1939 (the cats that wander the grounds are descendants of Papa’s six-toed kitten, Snow White).

Other worthy stops include Audubon House, where ornithologist John James Audubon produced some of his famous bird illustrations in the 1830s, and the Key West Historical Society, showcasing the rich history of the island. Take time for a stop at the Key West Pottery and Key West Island Books, a new and used bookstore with a great assortment of local titles.

There’s plenty to keep you busy in the town of Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Yet most visitors use the valley as a home base to explore the staggeringly wild and beautiful wider area, too.

Two of America’s most famous national parks are within 60 miles (97km) of Jackson Hole, and the history of the American West feels omnipresent in the region. These four day trips show you just how.

1. Follow the bison to Mormon Row and Lower Slide Lake

Travel time: 20 minutes by car (15 miles)

Follow the Gros Ventre River northeast from Jackson through the lush Antelope Flats to reach Lower Slide Lake in the Bridger-Teton National Forest. A short detour north takes you to Mormon Row, a historic site within the bounds of Grand Teton National Park that was once the settlement of Grovont. Today, all that remains are a handful of homesteads featuring picturesque barns whose rugged loneliness against the backdrop of the mountains makes them sought-after by photographers. A herd of more than 700 bison calls this valley home, so your chances of a good photograph of the beasts are high.

Another 30 minutes in the car takes you to Lower Slide Lake, where a boat ramp offers easy access for kayaks, canoes, paddle boards and row boats. Stocked with trout for those eager to fish, the lake is stunning in the fall when the cottonwoods and aspens ring the shore with gold. A short interpretive trail explains local geology, in particular the massive landslide that formed the lake. Continue along and past the lake to find several pretty campgrounds and numerous trailheads providing access to the surrounding Bridger-Teton National Forest.

2. Get close to nature at its wildest at Yellowstone National Park

Travel time: 75 minutes by car to South Entrance (57 miles)

Rainbow-hued mineral springs, boiling mud pots, spouting geysers and spitting fumaroles: these geothermal mysteries lured 19th-century explorers to document a mysterious and dramatic landscape they described as a “hell.” These naturalists subsequently urged the government to preserve the area as Yellowstone National Park, establishing the national park system in the process.

Also designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Yellowstone preserves 10,000 hydrothermal features – more than half of all the geysers in the world. Among these is the world’s most famous: Old Faithful, which erupts every one to two hours and sends water as high as 180ft (55m) into the air. Underneath all of this, the geothermal forces that created Yellowstone continue to exert their power: scientists now believe Yellowstone sits atop one of the largest supervolcanoes in the world – and one that might be more active than previously thought.

While mud pots and geysers like Grand Prismatic Spring and Artist Paint Pots may provide you with your most spectacular photographs, there’s much more to the 2.2-million-acre park than these water features. See the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone with its Upper and Lower Falls; marvel over the travertine terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs; and leave plenty of time to spot wolves in the meadows, admire moose in the forests and stop your car to yield to bison slowly crossing the road. 

3. Explore the jagged peaks of Grand Teton National Park

Travel time: 7 minutes by car (5 miles)

Almost contiguous with Yellowstone to the south, Grand Teton National Park is all about the Teton peaks and the best places to view and explore their jagged, snow-capped splendor. With most of the park’s must-see attractions strung along the north-south artery of Teton Park Rd (open May through October only), many visitors make the mistake of stopping at a few viewpoints, then checking the park off the list. While you’ll certainly want to pull over at Albright View, Glacier View, Snake River Overlook and Willow Flats Overlook – all of which provide a different silhouette of white-capped Teton spires against the sky – the park has much more to offer.

Take a pause to picnic at Colter Bay on Jackson Lake and watch the fly fishers throw in a line along Oxbow Bend, but save your longest stop for Jenny Lake, where a ferry waits to whisk you across the water for the one-mile trail to Hidden Lake and Inspiration Point. If you’ve got enough time, skip the ferry trip back and return via the trail around the lake. Detour very slightly to Moose Pond and you just might catch the marshy waterway’s namesake foraging along the shore or even watching over a baby among the reeds.

A hike to a pristine mountain lake is among Grand Teton’s National Park’s great pleasures. An easy one for all ages is the 1.8-mile round trip to String and Leigh Lakes, which are peacefully off the radar of most park visitors. You’ll see more crowds on the five-mile trek to Bradley and Taggart Lakes, both popular with photographers thanks to their mirror reflections of Grand and Middle Teton.

4. Visit the Wild West town of Cody

Travel time: 4 hours by car (177 miles)

Founded in 1896 by William F Cody – better known to millions of 19th-century Americans as “Buffalo Bill” of the popular traveling Wild West show – this eponymous town is essentially a Western film set come to life. Cody is surrounded on three sides by mountain ranges – the Absarokas, the Bighorns and the Owl Creeks – and lies just 53 miles (85km) east of Yellowstone (practically next door in this part of the world). The town was developed to salute the lives of cowboys and mountain men; today, that Wild West fantasy feel still prevails.

Featuring five museums in one, the Buffalo Bill Center of the West introduces visitors to the life and times of the larger-than-life showman and offers an overview of life on the frontier. One of the most enlightening and enlivening museums within the complex is the Plains Indian Museum, which houses a nationally recognized collection of art and objects created by the Crow, Blackfeet, Cree and other peoples whose land this region belonged to prior to colonization. 

A livelier introduction to life on the frontier comes with a visit to Old Trail Town and the Museum of the Old West, a collection of 26 log buildings brought together from various settlements, including blacksmith and woodworking shops; the cabin hideouts used by Butch Cassidy, the Sundance Kid and their outlaw Hole-in-the-Wall Gang; and a barn full of pioneer wagons.

Cody Calls itself the Rodeo Capital of the World, and the culture of bull riding and calf roping is still alive and kicking here. The Cody Nite Rodeo, celebrating more than 80 years of operation, runs every night from June 1 through Labor Day weekend. Sheridan Ave, Cody’s main street, continues the cowboy vibe with old-timey saloons and restaurants, along with shops selling handmade saddles, cowboy boots, and silver jewelry.

Nestled in the heart of the Sierra Nevada, Lake Tahoe shimmers like a cobalt moon.

The gorgeous 190-square-mile lake, protected by peaks soaring up to 10,000 feet, is perhaps best on display when viewed from its southern shore, where tapestries of wildflowers fling across meadows, sandy beaches glimmer with gold, and mountains send their reflection tumbling into sapphire waters.

The lake’s color isn’t an accident. Lake Tahoe owes its beguiling blue hue to clean, fresh air and water – gifts not taken for granted. Sustainability and conservation initiatives like South Lake Tahoe’s 2020 Climate Action Plan and Visit Lake Tahoe’s ‘Rules to Lake By’ ensure the lake remains as clean, pure, and blue as ever, preserving Lake Tahoe’s magic for future generations.

Proof that these kinds of initiatives are working is already here. In 2023 a research team determined that Lake Tahoe was the clearest it has been in more than 40 years – that’s clear enough to peer up to 75 feet below the surface. And these efforts don’t just lock down the region; they also empower visitors to take part while participating in the activities that drew them to Lake Tahoe in the first place. Here’s how you can enjoy all the lake has to offer, while supporting the sustainability initiatives keeping it beautiful.

A kingdom of sustainable outdoor adventure

The South Shore of Lake Tahoe is more than a body of water – it’s a region of lakes, creeks, meadows, mountains, and forests. In other words, there’s a lot to explore. Meander through jaw-dropping scenescapes on Lake Tahoe trails; there’s something here for every ability. Paved, wheelchair-accessible trails include the Pope-Baldwin Bike Path which winds through the timber past historic buildings near the lakeshore, and the South Lake Tahoe Bike Path, which offers access to El Dorado Beach. At Taylor Creek Visitor Center the Rainbow Trail, the Stream Profile Chamber, and the amphitheater are wheelchair-accessible, and the audio tours are available to assist visually impaired visitors.

If backpacking, hiking, and horseback riding are more your speed, head to the nearly 64,000 pristine acres in Desolation Wilderness. The ten-mile climb to Mount Tallac, the park’s highest point, rises 9,740 feet into the clouds to seize panoramic views of Lake Tahoe and the world unspooling below. Stay on dedicated trails and pack out what you pack in. Bring plenty of water in a reusable water bottle to remain safely hydrated while ensuring this spellbinding natural playground remains as captivating and litter-free each time you return.

Although Lake Tahoe trails are seductive all year round, recreational activities are the most peaceful in spring, fall, and midweek when the lake receives fewer visitors. Late spring and fall also bring ideal conditions for mountain biking in Van Sickle Bi-State Park or the adrenaline-pounding drops and curves carved into the granite of the Flume Trail.

In winter, the snow provides a postcard-perfect contrast with the blue of the lake, when the trail system transforms into a playground for snowshoers and cross-country skiers. Nearby Heavenly Mountain Resort, Sierra at Tahoe, Kirkwood, and other ski areas provide thousands of skiable acres saturated with views of the lake. Hansen’s Resort and Tubing Hill is a favorite for families who come to the lake for tubing and sledding.

It’s one thing to look out at Lake Tahoe’s legendary clarity while you’re standing on shore. It’s quite another to gaze into a watery universe as you glide across the lake in a SUP or kayak. Whether you pull into a quiet cove or paddle to Fannette Island in Emerald Bay, watersports are rewarding day and night. Clearly Tahoe plays host to guided tours and rentals, including nocturnal LED-lit experiences under the stars. If you brought your kayak, protect the ecosystem by checking the bottom for plants or invasive species that could harm the lake’s delicate balance.

Savor locally grown food

Days of outdoor recreation lead to healthy appetites. Fortunately, dining in Lake Tahoe is a tantalizing adventure of its own. The South Shore of Lake Tahoe is brimming with restaurants that support local farmers and serve the freshest food while minimizing their environmental imprint.

Sprouts Natural Cafe focuses on healthy, organic ingredients. Smoothies, salads, burritos, and tall sandwiches piled with veggies or tuna are perfect grab-and-go lunches for a day of hiking or mountain biking. If you prefer to travel lighter, stop by when you get off the trail – it’s open until 8 pm.

Freshies Ohana Restaurant and Bar offers a wide choice, with gluten-free, vegan, and seafood options on the menu. Ahi poke, chilled gazpacho, and homemade soups make this eatery a local favorite. Ohana means family, and it’s a fitting way to describe the restaurant’s friendly, casual atmosphere.

Waterfront dining options include Riva Grill, where the food is as appealing as the views. The Lobster deviled eggs, zucchini sticks, and Miso Terriyaki Salmon Salad are excellent. Still, the restaurant is especially known for the Wet Woody, a colorful, boozy frozen drink practically made for days on the lake.

If a cold beer is calling after a day of skiing or kayaking, head to Cold Water Brewery and Grill. Order a flight to sample this craft brewery’s take on sours, IPAs, ales, and seltzers. They have a full cocktail menu, too. The beverages are best enjoyed with menu items like grilled steak, Miso ramen, and artichoke chips.

Green transportation options in Lake Tahoe

It’s easy to get around without a car in South Lake Tahoe. South Shore Bikes rents electric and person-powered bikes for exploring Lake Tahoe’s trails, bike paths, and sidewalks. Lime scooters are also available.

Lake Link Microtransit Shuttle offers personalized, on demand, point to point transit service. It’s like a free, community Uber or Lyft service. The service is available from 9am to 7pm during the week and extends to 11pm on Friday and Saturday nights during peak tourist season. ADA-accessible vans, and ski and bike racks make it easy to get around Lake Tahoe without a car 365 days a year. The service is easy to use – just download the free app so you can explore one of the most beautiful destinations in the world.

From our partners: Head the official tourism website of Visit Lake Tahoe to start planning your trip today, and learn about sustainable places to stay.