Category Wildlife and Nature

If it’s your first time in Scotland, you’ll most likely choose to land in Edinburgh and work your way north to the Highlands, maybe over to St Andrews, then perhaps up to otherworldly northern isles like Skye. Southern Scotland literally lives in the Scottish Highlands’ shadow.

But the dramatic sea cliffs, rolling countryside and star-speckled skies this country is known for also reign supreme in the south – not to mention the region’s accessibility to Scotland’s two biggest cities, Glasgow and Edinburgh. If your arrow is pulling you in the opposite direction from most tourists, follow this five-day road trip itinerary exploring the underdog half’s highlights.

When to arrive: Fly into Glasgow the night (or day, if you need more time like me) before you want your Scottish adventure to officially begin, giving yourself a jet lag adjustment period depending on where you’re coming from.

How to get into Glasgow from the airport: It takes 20-30 minutes to get into Glasgow from Glasgow Airport. You can board the Glasgow Airport Express at the main terminal – a shuttle (£10.50 per adult) that will take you directly to Buchanan St Station in the city center. There are also taxis waiting outside, which will set you back £30-40.

Getting around: In Glasgow, you can rely on public transportation. If you’re basing yourself in the city center, most major sites are very walkable or bus-friendly. Take the Subway (nicknamed “the Clockwork Orange” due to its color and circular route shape) to get between the center and the West End. For the rest of this trip, your own set of wheels is a must (it is a road trip, after all!). If you are traveling with a group, Rabbie’s organizes fabulous tours, including custom itineraries.

What to pack: Just like onions and ogres, an appropriate outfit in Scotland has layers. Sweaters, a jacket, a warm hat and shoes that work for indoor and outdoor activities are musts. Also, bring sunglasses and sunscreen – yes, even in Scotland! The south typically gets more pleasant weather, especially in the high and shoulder seasons.

Day 1: Get to know Glasgow

Vibes: Scotland’s biggest, grittiest and most underrated city. 

Do: Start your day at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and explore its extensive galleries, with works ranging from Rembrandts to Viking-era carved stones. Then take a stroll around the adjacent Kelvingrove Park, wandering over to the University of Glasgow – its Gothic architecture bears a striking resemblance to Hogwarts. Once you’ve finished lunch (see below), head east to Glasgow Cathedral and wander the hilly Necropolis behind it. From the top, you’ll discover fantastic views of the entire city.

Eat: Mackintosh at the Willow is the last remaining tea room in Glasgow designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, serving tea to all classes of folks since 1903. You can book a guided tour and visit the museum next door to learn its story before sitting down for afternoon tea with all the trimmings. There are other Willow tea rooms across the city, but you’ll find the original real deal on Sauchiehall St. For dinner, Mharsanta’s modern Scottish menu is a cozy choice.

Stay: Since you’re only here for one day, maximize your time getting from place to place and stay in the city center. The Address just opened in 2024 and is a stylish, ideally located and relatively affordable option.

Day 2: Go castle-hopping around Fife

Vibes: Travel back to the height of Scottish clan history.

The drive: This day trip follows a loop that starts and ends in Glasgow (though you could technically wrap up the day in Edinburgh if you prefer). Head out early, as you’ll want to linger at each stop, getting lost in the many rooms and stories (literal and figurative)of every castle. It’s around a 30 to 50-minute drive between stops.

Do: Today’s adventure is not only historic but also cinematic – each stop also features filming locations from popular movies and shows like Outlander, Outlaw King, Monty Python and more. Note that you will need to pay for a ticket at each castle, around £5-10 each.

First, head to Doune Castle, whose exterior you may recognize from that Trojan Rabbit scene in Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Opt into the listening guide, as you’ll gain far more insight as you wander the property. Next, head to the adorable village of Falkland, featured in the opening scene of Outlander and also where you’ll find Falkland Castle, a country residence of the Stuart monarchs. 

Grab lunch in Falkland (see below), and continue to Midhope Castle (Outlander fans, you’ll recognize this one). While the structure is not currently stable enough to enter, guests may roam around outside. Exciting plans are also in place to build a distillery on the property.

Next up, Blackness Castle, which for much of its history served as a prison (a posh prison at that – the views from the top are extraordinary). Wrap up the day in Culross, a former royal burgh with peaceful, cobblestone streets, colorful homes with red-tile roofs and romantic passageways to get lost in. Pop into Culross Palace for a tour to keep up the royal theme.

Eat: Stay for lunch in Falkland at Campbell’s House. After a day of driving, snag a reservation at The Gannet for a much-deserved meal of fine Scottish dining.

Stay: Head back to your Glasgow accommodation to rest up before your journey to Loch Lomond tomorrow.

Day 3: Frolic around Loch Lomond

Vibes: Glorious nature and freshwater adventures.

The drive: It’s a 45-minute to Loch Lomond from Glasgow’s center, but don’t forget to factor in more time if you’re staying on the northern end of the lake.

Do: Kayak, paddleboard, hike – revel in the lake’s natural beauty! Then look for lake monsters on a boat ride – either a fancy champagne cruise, or take the ferry to Inchmurrin, which has a singular bar and inn. 

Eat: Enjoy an Italian lunch while you watch the marina traffic on the water at La Vista at Cameron House. For dinner, head to Clachan Inn, the country’s oldest licensed pub, for classically hearty Scottish dishes.

Stay: Cameron House is peak lakeside luxury, through which you can also book plenty of fabulous experiences, like seaplane excursions, lake cruises, 4×4 adventures and more. Nearby, Duck Bay Hotel is a great mid-range waterfront option. And if you really want to embrace the lake culture, camp shoreside at Sallochy Campsite.

Day 4: Explore Ayrshire and stargaze in Galloway Forest Park

Vibes: Lovely seaside drives, emerald golf courses and quiet, magical skies.

The drive: Hug the coast of Ayrshire (A77) on this seaside drive. Stop in Troon for lunch (see below), and then head southeast to Dumfries and Galloway.

Do: After a teary farewell to Loch Lomond, drive an hour south to Dean Castle Country Park, which is completely free to enter, including its gorgeous namesake castle. Stretch your legs on one of the marked trails before hitting the road again for one of the most scenic views of the entire trip along A77, where you can look out across the Firth of Clyde. Take a break in Troon, famous among golf lovers and a frequent host of the British Open (most recently in 2024).

Continue driving and stop in the seaside village of Dunure, where you can walk to its clifftop medieval castle, stroll the pebbly beach beneath and admire the pretty harbor. After you’ve gotten your fill of sea breezes and sunshine, head to Galloway Forest Park, the first Dark Sky Park in the UK, for some epic stargazing – thousands upon thousands of stars! Better yet, book an excursion with a Freelance Dark Sky Ranger, like Elizabeth Tindal, for further insight on constellations, planets and anything else you might catch whizzing across the night sky.

Eat: In Dunure, grab a bite to eat at Harbourside… and eat it harborside. Or stop at Marine Troon for a superb meal at one of the hotel’s restaurants: The Rabbit or The Seal Bar (the latter is more casual).

Stay: We are in a national forest, so it only seems fitting to go glamping just outside the park at the Dumfries & Galloway Conifer Lodges – hot tub and modern kitchen appliances included.

Day 5: Meander through the Scottish Borders and end in North Berwick

Vibes: Unfurling mountains, stately manors and a peaceful seaside town.

The drive: This is the longest driving stretch of the trip – about 2.5 hours via ultra-scenic A708 – but the destination, Traquair House, is well worth the drive. After that, it’s a little over an hour’s journey to North Berwick.

Do: Drive through the Scottish Borders, with some incredible sightseeing outside your window; if you came to Scotland wanting to see sheep, get ready. Grazing sheep, sleeping sheep, playing sheep, climbing sheep who have scrambled so high up you can hardly make them out – they’re truly everywhere along this stretch, which is often described as one of the most scenic places in Scotland. If you need a driving break, stop off to hike to the dramatic 60-ft Grey Mare’s Tale Waterfall. The full hike is about 3 miles, but the first viewpoint is a short walk from the parking lot.

Spend a couple of hours exploring the grounds of Traquair House, Scotland’s oldest inhabited house. Here, you’ll also find actual items that belonged to Mary Queen of Scots, as well as a Saltburn-esque maze in the backyard. After lunch on the property, hop back into the car for the final leg of your trip to East Lothian in North Berwick. Take a slight detour to Seacliff Beach to watch the sunset before heading to dinner.

Eat: Have a traditional Scottish breakfast sandwich on a traditional Scottish “bap” (or roll) from The Riverbank, conveniently located a few minutes from the Conifer Lodges. At lunchtime, enjoy a sandwich or soup of the day from the Old Walled Garden Café at Traquair House before embarking on the final leg of your drive. Cap off the day with a fine Italian dinner at The Lawn, the restaurant at Marine North Berwick.

Stay: Table to bed, anyone? Rest your head on your final night at Marine North Berwick, perched on the sea and easily accessible to East Lothian’s 21 golf courses, including the smaller seaside Wee Course in the hotel’s backyard. The rooms are decorated with cozy and nautical details, like velvet beds, woodland-inspired wallpaper and bedside tables resembling beach lockers.

With its unique Hindu culture, dramatic tropical landscapes and long tradition of delightful hospitality, Bali is one of the most exciting places for activities on the planet.

Whether you like to surf, practice yoga, trek on volcanoes, dive pristine reefs or go white-water rafting, Bali offers all sorts of dynamic and fascinating experiences. On the “island of the gods,” you’ll find an opportunity for relaxation and pampering, too – it’s not all about adventure and adrenaline.

To get you started, here’s our pick of the best things to do on a trip to Bali.

3. Go on “safari” in Bali’s wild west

It’s different in West Bali. Away from the crowds, you can watch in awe as critically endangered Bali starlings flit overhead while wild ebony leaf monkeys loop through the canopy and giant monitor lizards flick their tongues to taste the air. Herds of Menjangan (deer) even come right up to the beach bungalows – they’re famous for coming to cool their heels in the shallows.

You can only visit West Bali National Park with a guide, but even if you’re traveling independently outside the reserve, it’s impossible to shake the impression that West Bali has something fundamentally wild about it. To catch the mood, try trekking in the surprisingly arid hills of the cactus country or along the vineyard-filled north coast, or watch macaques run free at the many temples in the area.

Just east of the national park boundary, The Menjangan is an unexpectedly “wild” resort. Even if you’re not staying here, you can rent cycles and book guided walks and horse-riding and birdwatching tours.

5. Dive Bali’s tropical waters surrounded by splendor

Lying at the center of the Coral Triangle, Indonesia boasts some of the richest marine habitats on the planet, and Bali has its share of top diving and snorkeling spots. The entire north coast, which is spared the waves of the south, is a watery wonderland for diving and snorkeling aficionados. The island of Nusa Lembongan is a good place to start; Bali Hai runs diving day trips to “Manta Alley” and other local sites, as well as full PADI certification courses.

Menjangan Island off Bali’s northwest tip also offers world-class diving without the crowds. You’ll see the entire spectrum of reef fish alongside turtles, reef sharks and, if you’re lucky, dolphins and whale sharks. Note: The Menjangan also rents kayaks and can arrange guided diving and snorkeling trips to the island.

7. Pamper yourself in a holistic Bali spa

Whether you choose to bliss out with an après-surf massage on the beach or have a marathon all-day pampering session in a five-star spa, Bali takes vacation relaxation to the next level. Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan and Fivelements Retreat near Ubud are open to non-guests and rank among the best spa and wellness retreats I’ve been to.

The Sacred River Spa at the Four Seasons has it all: spa treatments, traditional healers and chakra ceremonies in spellbinding surroundings overlooking the Ayung Valley. Fivelements specializes in holistic treatments inspired by Balinese traditions, with a focus on plant-based cuisine, sacred arts and romantic day experiences that are perfect for couples. Both spots also offer yoga and other wellness packages.

Glo is also highly recommended for its massages and beauty treatments, which attract plenty of repeat visitors. If you’re traveling on a budget, head to one of the Yes Spa Bali establishments in Kuta or Legian, where you can enjoy excellent traditional Balinese massages for less than US$8.

9. Climb up Batur volcano at sunrise

The 1717m (5633ft) summit of the Batur volcano is perhaps the best place to take in the sunrise on an island that Indian statesman Jawaharlal Nehru called the “morning of the world.” From the crater rim, the view takes in Mt. Agung – the island’s highest peak and the spiritual abode of the gods in Balinese culture – and Mt. Rinjani on distant Lombok.

You’ll have to set your alarm incredibly early to witness the splendor. Most tours start with a hotel pickup between 1am and 2am so hikers can complete the 3.5km (2.2mi) trek and be up at the summit by sunrise.

11. Stroll across the emerald expanses of Jatiluwih Paddies

Lying just 15km (9.3mi) north of Ubud, the pretty rice terraces of Tegallalang are a prime tourist destination. But with each passing year, more development comes to Tegallalang, and at sunset especially, it’s hard to soak up the beauty of the valley with all the noise from honking tour buses.

For a better introduction to the great paddy landscapes that cover less-visited parts of Bali, head for the immense Jatiluwih terraces, around 40km (25 miles) northwest. This idyllic stretch of countryside is perfect for wandering alone, but consider hiring a local guide if you want to understand the intricacies of the 1000-year-old subak (irrigation) system, which is inscribed on UNESCO’s cultural heritage list.

For some countries, the summer solstice marks the official start of summer, when the longest day – and shortest night – of the year is a time for revelry, steeped in local culture and history.

In 2024, the official solstice falls on June 20, but these celebrations in the northern hemisphere run from June 20 to June 23. Here are some of the unique ways this event is marked.

1. Stonehenge – Wiltshire, England

The purpose of the impressive boulder formations of Stonehenge may still be cloaked in mystery, but they serve as the perfect backdrop of a phenomenal – and arguably the most famous – observation of sunrise and sunset. Believed to be the site of ancient Druid solstice celebrations, visitors have flocked to the site for years.

One-day access to the inner prehistoric stone circle allows travelers to face what’s known as the Heel Stone to catch the sunrise over the giant boulder.

As the popularity of the free event grew, thousands of people have been known to camp out nearby (no camping is permitted at the site) days in advance while donning traditional Celtic attire. English Heritage live streams the event on its YouTube channel, so you can tune in from wherever you are in the world. It will start with sunset on the evening of Thursday, June 20, and sunrise on Friday, June 21.

2. Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival – Ottawa, Canada

A diversity of cultures is represented in Ottawa’s three-day Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival, which runs June 21 to 23 this year, fusing the longest day of the year with National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21. The area was the traditional territory of the Algonquin people before Queen Victoria declared Ottawa Canada’s capital.

During the festival, there’s food by celebrated Indigenous chefs, traditional costumes and cultural events. A visually captivating Pow Wow that brings out the best talent in the surrounding areas, all vying for $75,000 in prizes. Admission is free, but there is a fee for events and workshops.

3. Fairbanks and Anchorage – Alaska, US

About one-third of the state of Alaska lies north of the Arctic Circle, therefore a solstice celebration can be found pretty much wherever you land. Up north, Fairbanks goes for good old Americana with the Alaska Goldpanners hosting the Midnight Sun Baseball Game, a tradition since the town’s beginnings in 1906. The game kicks off at 10pm and pauses close to midnight for the singing of the Alaska Flag Song.

A little further south, Anchorage gets 22 hours of daylight, and they use all of them with the Anchorage Mayor’s Marathon and Half Marathon on June 22, with the event in 2024 marking the marathon’s 50th year.

4. Midsummer – Stockholm, Sweden

Midsummer in Sweden is sweet with romance, with traditional maypole dancing and gathering wildflowers for floral crowns. Tradition states that if you place seven types of flowers under your pillow at Midsummer, you will dream of your spouse. But who has time to sleep?

For the weekend surrounding the solstice, people have traditionally filled the streets for a never-ending party, washing down pickled herring and dill-laced new potatoes with spiced schnapps and plenty of drinking songs; the dirtier, the better. Celebrations are family-oriented and usually happen out in the countryside. For those unable to snag an invite to someone’s home, the open-air Skansen Museum in Stockholm serves as a good alternative with three days of activities from June 21 to 23.

5. Mountaintop bonfires – Tyrol, Austria

When the summer solstice comes around, Austrians play with fire. Their tradition of lighting bonfires on mountaintops not only looks spectacular but is also rooted in the Middle Ages, when flames were used to ward off evil spirits.

In the 1700s, the fires were re-cast to fight against the imminent threat of invasion by Napoleon, and after the victory, Austrians pledged themselves to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Since then, the mountains of the Tyrol have been set ablaze annually in dramatic form, save for a brief time when they were outlawed by the Nazis. Today, Austrians still honor the shortest night of the year but have incorporated religious symbols like crosses into the festivities.

From misty cloud forests and steamy rainforests to beautiful beaches and volcanic peaks, Costa Rica is dazzling in its diversity. This Central American hotspot is home to an astonishing array of wildlife, including sea turtles, macaws, sloths and four species of monkeys.

Accommodations are as varied as the landscapes, from tree houses and forest campsites to an airplane reimagined as an apartment, and the emphasis is on minimizing guests’ impact on Costa Rica’s fragile ecosystems.

Hiking, mountain biking, whitewater rafting and ziplining are just some of the adrenaline-inducing adventures on offer, or you can just slow down, reconnect with nature and embrace the pura vida lifestyle.

Whether your budget is big or small, here are some of the most unique places to stay in Costa Rica for a vacation that won’t cost the planet.

1. Wet and wild adventures at Pacuare Lodge

Who needs a 4WD when you can reach this out-of-the-way rainforest escape by white-water raft, navigating Class III and IV rapids along the world-famous Río Pacuare?

Built along the riverbank amid spectacular jungle scenery, Pacuare Lodge is the epitome of rustic luxury, with 20 sumptuous suites decorated with Indigenous artwork, a serene spa and a multi-level restaurant overlooking the river.

Located two and a half hours from San José, this family-run lodge focuses on sustainability, working closely with the indigenous Cabécar community on cultural and nature tours.

After braving the rapids to get here, adrenaline junkies can indulge in more high-octane adventures, from challenging hikes to ziplining and canyoning, and conservation fees help to fund numerous local projects.

2. Try regenerative living at Rancho Margot

Twenty years ago, a Chilean scientist bought 400 acres of former cattle ranch land near Lake Arenal and began to restore the decimated landscape with endemic flora and fauna.

Today, Rancho Margot is part off-the-grid ecolodge, part self-sufficient organic farm and part living laboratory, where the owners grow crops, produce electricity and build furniture using timber harvested from reforestation projects.

Guests can sleep in the bunkhouse or a spacious bungalow, spending days exploring the sprawling ranch, hiking the trails around the Arenal Volcano, kayaking on the lake, horseback riding, mountain biking and rappeling down waterfalls. Afterward, ease weary muscles in spring-fed rock pools before a fabulous farm-to-table feast.

3. A room with a caffeine fix at Finca Rosa Blanca

Wake up and smell the coffee at Finca Rosa Blanca, a carbon-neutral organic coffee farm and art-filled boutique hotel. Inside, 14 one-of-a-kind suites and villas pop with color, courtesy of local artists.

The property is surrounded by gorgeous tropical gardens where everything is supersized, from jumbo Swiss cheese plants to giant blue morpho butterflies.

Finca Rosa Blanca is set in the lush Central Valley, close to historic Heredia and San José, and guests can discover how the coffee beans are plucked, dried and roasted before a tasting session. Alongside adventure tours, visits to local artisans and cacao farms are also on the menu.

4. A canopy getaway at Topo’s Tree House

Instead of cutting down trees to construct his ecolodge, Slavko “Topo” Topolovsek built around them.

The result is a multi-level, two-bedroom tree house snuggled in the outstretched branches of a rubber tree, with massive aerial roots incorporated into the design. It’s the perfect height for spying on monkeys, sloths and toucans.

The treehouse is a pebble’s throw from the black sand beach of Playa Negra in Cahuita, a village settled by West Indian immigrants on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast.

Check out the beachfront Reggae Bar for live music and typical Caribbean fare, such as coconut chicken or grilled red snapper. Don’t miss a guided snorkeling tour over the coral reefs of nearby Cahuita National Park.

5. A picture-perfect stay at La Caravana

The retro-chic Airstream trailers that make up the accommodation at La Caravana are as Instagrammable as the stellar sunsets that can be seen from the doorstep, framed by the palm-fringed golden sweep of Playa Carillo.

Choose from a cleverly remodeled and beautifully furnished Overlander, Argosy or Avion Imperial caravan for your stay near one of Costa Rica’s best beaches.

All come with air-conditioning and fully-equipped kitchenettes, workspaces for digital nomads and private gardens for eating and lounging, and there are local restaurants within strolling distance.

Playa Carillo is a place to slow down and indulge in life’s simple pleasures, connecting with the local community, and your helpful hosts can arrange everything from surfing lessons to boat tours and horseback rides.

6. Fly high at 727 Fuselage Home

With its red nose jutting out of the rainforest, this vintage Boeing 727 jet is arguably Costa Rica’s quirkiest place to sleep.

Rescued from San José airport and turned into a one-of-a-kind, two-bedroom apartment, this former passenger plane is surprisingly spacious, and lined with hand-carved Indonesian teak, with a bathroom in the cockpit. The engines are gone, but staying here still feels like flying across the treetops.

The plane sits in the expansive grounds of the Hotel Costa Verde, surrounded by tropical foliage.

You’re just a short walk from Playa Espadilla, bordering the hugely popular Manual Antonio National Park – don’t be surprised if you see squirrel monkeys scampering across the fuselage! Continue the plane theme at El Avion, a C-123 Fairchild cargo plane reinvented as a bar and restaurant in Manuel Antonio.

7. Jungle Camping at La Leona Ecolodge

On the fringes of the wild and wonderful Corcovado National Park on the isolated Osa Peninsula, La Leona Ecolodge is a family-owned glamping site set in a private reserve. Simple, safari-style tents sit on wooden decks, offering views over a deserted beach or a tangle of rainforest.

Hike along jungle trails – the park is home to Costa Rica’s four native species of monkeys and magnificent macaws that know no boundaries – or just lounge in a hammock and wait for the wildlife to come to you.

Then shower under the sun or stars, dine at the al fresco restaurant and be lulled to sleep by the sound of Pacific rollers.

8. Cuddle up in the cloud forest at Chira Glamping Monteverde

Get close to the wildlife-rich cloud forests around Monteverde at Chira Glamping. No sleeping bags are needed here; round pods come with marshmallow-soft beds, air-conditioning, Wi-Fi and minibars, and there are outdoor showers and hot tubs.

Monteverde’s mist-wreathed reserve is home to evocatively named hummingbirds, sloths, howler monkeys and more. Hike through primary, secondary and open forest then splurge at San Lucas, a treetop restaurant with tables set in glass cubes perched high on a mountainside.

The surprise nine-course tasting menu of contemporary Costa Rican cuisine will take you on a tour around the country, with thrilling views and a forest noises soundtrack.

9. Stargaze from your bed at Green Moon Lodge

A dome house with a difference, Green Moon Lodge was a labor of love. Designed by its owner, Katrin Heintschel, this emerald-green lodge was constructed using a mix of concrete blocks and dishwasher detergent.

With a little help from her artist friends, Katrin then decorated the lodge with plant and marine motifs, adding ornate welded iron doors and windows.

This private rental sits in the hills of Montezuma on the chilled-out Nicoya Peninsula, one of the five world Blue Zones associated with long life, and one of the best places to visit in Costa Rica.

Head to the coast for surfing, sunning and spying on nesting sea turtles. When not spotting monkeys and butterflies in the tropical garden, you can open the roof and stargaze from your bed.

Good news for everyone hoping to book the ultimate Galápagos Islands trip. You don’t need to book a cruise to discover the wonders of this destination. There are a number of different options for visiting the Galápagos. Regis St Louis, who has journeyed extensively across the archipelago for multiple editions of Lonely Planet Ecuador, explains how to visit the Galápagos Islands, create an independent itinerary, and even save some money while doing it.

Question: I’ve been dreaming about taking a trip to the Galápagos archipelago, but it seems like the only way to visit is on an all-inclusive cruise. Are there any other ways to visit the islands?

Regis St Louis: The majority of visitors to the Galápagos travel around the islands on a cruise, which costs somewhere between US$400 and US$1000 per person per day. However, there is a far more economical way to explore different facets of the archipelago. By traveling independently, using inter-island boats and basing yourself at onshore hotels and guesthouses, you can easily cut your costs significantly, to $200 a day or less. 

What to know about the fees and etiquette

Government Fees for visitors

In August 2024, the Ecuadorian government raised the Galápagos visitor fee to US$200 per person for most international visitors (including US nationals) and to $100 per person for visitors from the MERCOSUR countries of Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay. This visitor fee is mandatory and goes toward protecting Galápagos National Park from the dangers of overtourism. You will also need to pay US$20 for a transit card before you board your flight to the island.  

Etiquette

When you visit, it’s important to follow some rules to respect and protect nature in the Galápagos. Littering, for starters, is a big no. It’s also important to maintain a respectful distance of six feet (or 2m) from wild animals, and to avoid feeding them. Stay on the designated trails, and avoid flash photography. That said, you also want to focus on supporting businesses that go the distance to protect their local environment. Finally, don’t buy products made from sensitive natural materials like black coral, marine tortoise shells, or sea lion teeth. 

When to go

Wet vs. dry season

When you visit the Galapágos depends on what you want to do, what weather you prefer, and which animals you want to see.

The weather defines the islands’ dry and wet seasons. Calmer ocean conditions coincide with warmer, wetter weather from December to May, when water temperatures average a super pleasant 24°C. Though waters are rougher and temps cooler from June to December, wildlife is more abundant. Shoulder season from August to October tends to see fewer crowds.

If you’re hoping to spot animals like hammerhead sharks, manta rays, marine iguanas, sea turtles, penguins, and sea lions, you probably want to go during the warm and wet season. But if you’re aiming to see whales and dolphins, whale sharks, giant tortoises, and a wider variety of birds (including the famed blue-footed boobies), you probably want to go during the cool and dry season. If you’re hoping to do some diving or snorkeling to view more of the native marine wildlife, you’ll probably want to go during the warm and wet season. But if you prefer exploring more on dry land, you may prefer the hiking conditions during the cool and dry season.

El Niño and La Niña

Another thing to remember while planning a Galápagos trip is the global climate phenomena known as El Niño and La Niña. During El Niño years, warm ocean currents and storm systems drift north to North America’s Pacific Coast during the winter months, and the sudden loss of trade winds and nutrient-rich cool water can harm local Galápagos wildlife like penguins, seals, and iguanas. Whereas during La Niña years, cold ocean currents keep winters extra dry for much of North America’s west coast, and the abundance of nutrient-rich cool water in the Galápagos tends to benefit local wildlife. 

How to reach the Galápagos Islands

The Galápagos Islands lie 1000km west of mainland Ecuador. If you’re not setting sail on a cruise, getting there means taking a flight from Quito or Guayaquil. Most flights depart in the morning, so if you are flying from your home country, your Galápagos flight will likely depart the day after you arrive in Ecuador.

Flights serve both Santa Cruz Island (Baltra airport; GPS) and San Cristóbal Island (SCY). If you have more than a few days to spend on the archipelago, it’s easy to fly into one island and back to the mainland from the other.

Before checking in to your Galápagos flight at Quito or Guayaquil, you will need to pay a US$20 fee for a mandatory tourist transit card and have all your luggage inspected by the Galápagos Biosecurity Agency. Once you arrive at Baltra or San Cristóbal, you must pay the above-mentioned US$200 Galápagos National Park visitor fee in cash. Keep in mind that non-residents are not allowed to purchase one-way tickets to the Galápagos. You will also probably need to plan an overnight stay in Quito or Guayaquil before catching your flight home.

Inter-island travel in the Galápagos

There are quite a few misconceptions about this famous archipelago. Some people imagine a wilderness full of exotic plant and animal life scattered across rugged, entirely uninhabited islands. Plenty of unique species exist here, from massive tortoises to ocean-going lizards. Meanwhile, the terrain resembles few other places on Earth with its otherworldly lava tunnels, misty highland forests and pink-sand lagoons.

Some 32,000 people are scattered across four main islands in this remote corner of Ecuador, while the fifth island of Baltra just has an airport.  When residents move between the islands, they don’t travel by cruise ship.

Private speed boats (called lanchas) offer an affordable way to hop between these main islands. Isla Santa Cruz is the hub, with daily departures west to the island of Isabela, east to San Cristóbal and south to Floreana. These boats leave in the morning and afternoon and take around two hours each way. The current one-way fare is around $35 (Ecuador uses the US dollar, making for easy, conversion-less travel for American visitors).

Using these small, fast boats to get around, you can base yourself at the main town on each inhabited island, then take day trips to see many of the natural wonders of the Galápagos. 

You can splash out for a few day tours (or skip them altogether), then supplement your island experience with DIY adventures. Puerto Ayora, the archipelago’s largest town, is home to the Charles Darwin Research Station, which offers fascinating insights into an important breeding program for giant tortoises. (This tortoise tour only costs $10.) North of town, at El Chato Tortoise Reserve, you can see the lumbering giants in the wild. At nearby Los Gemelos, vermilion flycatchers flit through the air amid rare scalesia forest. Over on Isla San Cristóbal, you can hire a bike for a spin out to La Lobería, where marine iguanas bask in great piles on the rocky beach. Isabela, the biggest island, makes a great base for memorable adventures, including a full-day trip up to Sierra Negra, with its simmering fumaroles and otherworldly views across a volcanic landscape. A short boat ride from Puerto Villamil (Isabela’s principal town), Las Tintoreras is one of the archipelago’s best places for snorkeling in the midst of Galápagos penguins.

The pros and cons of DIY Galápagos travel 

It’s important to keep in mind that many places in the Galápagos are simply not accessible by day trip. If you’re dying to see the waved albatross, for instance, you’ll need to go to Isla Española, the only place in the archipelago where you’ll find a huge colony of the birds (from April to December). Yet you can’t get there unless you’re traveling on a live-aboard boat that includes the island in its itinerary (not all cruises do). Likewise, Isla Genovesa, Isla Marchena and Isla Wolf (famous for its scuba diving) are all too remote to reach on a day trip. 

On the other hand, traveling exclusively by cruise ship gives you only the briefest of glimpses of another fascinating side of life: the islands’ human dimension. Puerto Ayora’s seaside market features fishmongers dexterously preparing the day’s catch under the watchful gaze of sea lions and pelicans. While in town, you can try restaurants like Isla Grill, Almar and Garrapata to taste local flavors and enjoy authentic Ecuadorian cuisine. A short boat ride followed by an easy hike takes you to Las Grietas, which draws locals and the odd tourist for a swim through sun-dappled waters while daredevils launch themselves from the overhanging cliffs. At Playa Mann, there’s the curious spectacle of families relaxing on the sands besides basking sea lions. And with no ship-based itinerary to follow, you won’t have to miss out on beautiful beaches like Tortuga Bay, reachable via a forest-lined path from town. Staying onshore also gives you ample opportunities to hear stories from locals – people like Elena Albarado, a resident of the Galápagos since 1983, and owner of the eco-friendly Casa del Lago.

Speaking of lodging, you’ll find plenty of options, both budget-friendly and more luxurious, on all of the inhabited islands. Higher-end places, like Pikaia Lodge and Galapagos Safari Camp, also offer land-based tour packages. And if you’re interested in pick-and-mix tours, local operators offer a full gamut of half- and full-day excursions like those offered by Galapagos BK Tours, with departures from Santa Cruz, Isabela and San Cristóbal.

More ideas for saving money on your Galápagos trip

As we discuss how to visit the Galápagos Islands, you might still be wondering when to book your trip to score the best deals. As mentioned earlier, the Galápagos has no official high or low season. That said, October usually marks the tail end of the islands’ cool and dry season, so this might be your best time to find lower prices and fewer crowds. 

While you can score some last-minute deals on flights, accommodations, tours, and cruises, this is always risky. Again, it’s important to remember how popular the Galápagos is with tourists year-round. You’re almost always better off booking everything as far in advance as possible to avoid those last-minute markups that tend to occur much more frequently than last-minute sales.

Technically, there are hardly any free attractions since you have to pay for your tourist transit card and for entry into Galápagos National Park. Nonetheless, you can find places like the Charles Darwin Research Station with many free activities, such as offering free access to the beautiful La Ratonera and Station beaches. Even better, the Galápagos has plenty more beaches that don’t cost any extra money, such as Playa Mann and Punta Carola on San Cristóbal Island and Tortuga Bay and Playa el Bazan on Santa Cruz Island. And if you come with your own equipment, you can enjoy epic surf sessions at many of these beaches. (Even if you don’t, you can find affordable surfboard rentals at local shops.)

For most wilderness areas, you need to pay for a guided tour. However, a few trails, such as the one to Playa Baquerizo on Isla San Cristóbal and the hike to Media Luna and Cerro Crocker on Isla Santa Cruz, are free to access. And if you’re more of an urban explorer, you can have some fun wandering around town at Puerto Ayora (on Isla Santa Cruz) and Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (on Isla San Cristóbal).

Electric-green palms stretching above glinting backwaters that empty into rippling lakes. Honey-colored beaches washed by the tropical surf dotted along an almost 600km(370-mile)-long coastline. Fragrant coconut-laced stews mopped up with fluffy appam (rice-flour pancakes). 

This is just a taste of what awaits discovery on a trip around India’s magical, laid-back southwesternmost state. 

Kerala is defined by its vast network of canals, lakes and rivers, which together make up those fabled backwaters. All along the coast, relaxed beach towns deliver palm-fringed sands, seafood shacks and ayurveda centers, while inland waterways thread past spice-growing farms and palm trees heavy with cococuts. Heading into the cooler hills, the mist-wrapped mountainscapes of the richly biodiverse, UNESCO-protected Western Ghats stop everyone in their tracks.

Then there’s Kerala’s rich arts scene, from centuries-old Kathakali dance-drama to a flourishing wave of contemporary art in evocative Kochi (Cochin). Like most of India’s other southern states, Kerala has its own official language, Malayalam, along with a packed calendar of colorful regional festivals. 

I’ve been spending time in Kerala regularly for over a decade (often on Lonely Planet assignments), and have explored all the way from the beaches of southern Kovalam and northern Kasaragod to the jade-green tea gardens of the lofty Western Ghats.

Tempted yet? Here’s how to get started. 

When should I go to Kerala? 

Kerala’s main tourism season is November to April, when the weather is tropically pleasant all along the coast, with highs of around 31°C (88°F) in Kochi. Things feel busiest (and priciest) during the peak months of December to February, when it pays to book well ahead for accommodation, trains and houseboats. There’s also an array of wonderful cultural events around this time, including the vibrant Kochi–Muziris Biennale and the International Film Festival of Kerala, held in the state capital of Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum). 

The Western Ghats make for a cool retreat any time of year, especially around tea-growing Munnar, which sits at an elevation of 1500m (4921ft), with daytime temperatures only climbing to the mid-20s°C (70s°F) during high season. 

The July and August monsoon months have long been the traditional time for ayurveda in Kerala, though many centers offer retreats and therapies year-round. If you’re here in August/September, you’ll catch the fabulous festivities for Onam – with traditional arts on show and onam sadhya feasts served on banana leaves – and the famous snakeboat races in Alappuzha (Alleppey) (expect things to be busy around both events). It’s worth keeping in mind that landslides and flooding have occurred during rainy months in recent years. 

How much time should I spend in Kerala? 

You could spend months traveling around Kerala and still be discovering new corners. For India-based travelers, places like culture-packed Kochi and beachy Varkala make for ideal short-break escapes, with handy transport, great food scenes, inspired accommodation and plenty to explore in the immediate vicinity. 

A trip of around two weeks should thoroughly immerse you in Kerala’s palm-studded beauty. Perhaps combine a few days of history, food and monuments in Kochi with south-coast hubs like Varkala, Kovalam and Alleppey, then add on a spin up into the Western Ghats for hiking in Munnar and wildlife-spotting in Periyar Tiger Reserve. An alternative itinerary could take in the joys of Kerala’s less-touristed north coast (more on this below) and the ethereal Wayanad region of the Ghats. Or combine Kerala’s north and south in a multi-week adventure at a more relaxed pace.

Is it easy to get to and around Kerala? 

Kerala has excellent transport links, starting with well-connected international airports in both Kochi and Trivandrum. Smaller airports at Kannur, Kozhikode (Calicut) and Mangaluru (Mangalore; in southern Karnataka) now make reaching northern Kerala a breeze, too.

Trains conveniently connect most lowland destinations, letting passengers soak in all those lush landscapes along the way. Since 2023, fast new Vande Bharat trains run from Trivandrum to Kerala’s far north in just 8 hours. (Check out this guide for tips on booking train tickets in India.) For day excursions and longer trips, many travelers hire a car with a driver, which works particularly well if splitting the cost between a few passengers. Budget travelers can take advantage of frequent local buses. Bus and car are the only way to reach the mountainous Western Ghats. (Though a train does trundle up their eastern side, from Tamil Nadu.)

Local ferries are a great, budget-friendly way to travel around the backwaters – especially state-run ferries across vast Vembanad Lake, such as the popular Alleppey–Kottayam route. Or jump on the Kochi Water Metro for quick ferry hops between the city’s islands and mainland Ernakulam. 

Top things to do in Kerala 

Cruise through the palm-fringed backwaters 

An unforgettable, low-impact way to explore the famous backwaters is on an expert-led kayak or canoe trip, which typically travel along small offbeat canals and visit secluded villages for lunch. The main hub for backwaters adventures is lively Alleppey (Alappuzha), but for a quieter experience it’s well worth the journey north to the lesser-known Valiyaparamba backwaters near Kannur. 

Backwaters trips aboard pretty “rice barge” houseboats can also be spectacular (with a little planning), though in recent years concerns have emerged about their impact on this fragile environment. To find a responsible houseboat operator, it pays to research and book well ahead. 

For a truly special backwaters experience, conservation-driven The Blue Yonder runs fabulous sunset canoe tours, culminating in a dinner on a repurposed fishing-net platform just outside Kochi. Or stay a few nights at a waterfront property and catch pink-woven sunrises over the quiet waterways: we recommend the boutique feel of Kayal Island Retreat near Kochi, or a spice-growing homestay at Philipkutty’s Farm on Vembanad Lake. 

Soak up arts, architecture and gastronomy in Kochi

Set on a meandering estuary, Kochi is Kerala’s cultural capital and one of South India’s loveliest cities to wander. It was colonized by the Portuguese in the 16th century, then by the Dutch and British, and has recently emerged as one of India’s creative hubs. Leafy Fort Kochi – Kochi’s flat main historical district – is a joy to explore on foot or by bike, as you weave past landmarks such as the Portuguese-built St Francis Church and timeworn streets now adorned with bright murals. Many heritage buildings here have been reborn as arty cafes, creative galleries and soulful hotels. Kashi Art Cafe is a pioneer of the scene, going strong since the 1990s. 

In neighboring Mattancherry, explore relics such as the 16th-century Mattancherry Palace (decorated with exquisite Hindu murals from the 17th to 19th centuries) and the tile-filled Pardesi Synagogue, which give you a taste of this richly multicultural district’s past. Kochi Heritage Project runs amazing food walks through Mattancherry, allowing you a (literal) taste of its many different communities. 

Spot rare wildlife in the misty Western Ghats

The serene Western Ghats provide a refuge for all kinds of wild creatures, with many of its untrammeled areas protected as national parks, tiger reserves and wildlife sanctuaries. Catching a glimpse of a wild elephant hidden in the greenery, a langur whirling through the forest canopy or perhaps a great hornbill whooshing high above could well be your most memorable Kerala moment. A few very lucky visitors might even spy an elusive tiger. Chances for wildlife-spotting are fairly good from November to April, with the best months March and April, when animals congregate at watering holes. 

Periyar Tiger Reserve, a 777-sq-km (300-sq-mile) wonderland in Kerala’s southern Ghats, is the state’s most-loved wildlife haven. Its game-changing ecotourism program offers overnight wildlife-watching excursions led by retrained poachers, in addition to day walks within the park itself as well as family-friendly lake cruises. In northern Kerala, the beautiful Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is part of a sprawling network of biodiverse, interconnecting nature reserves that also includes Bandipur and Nagarhole in neighboring Karnataka. You can easily visit a couple of these over a few days in Wayanad. There’s also great hiking through the region’s spice-producing hills and across its lush tea plantations.

Catch the south-coast surf waves

India’s now-flourishing surf scene revolves around its southern coast, and several beach towns in Kerala have grown into wave-riding hubs. Laid-back Varkala, just north of Trivandrum, is leading the way, with a string of surf schools catering to both beginners and more-advanced surfers. Soul & Surf helped kick things off here and now runs small-group surf sessions at locations up and down the surrounding coast, as well as a boutique-flavored guesthouse and yoga classes in a breezy rooftop shala. Varkala’s setting – with rust-red cliffs rising from honey-coloured beaches and a revered ancient temple just inland – only adds to the appeal. 

Stay at a family-run homestay

Kerala is India’s homestay capital, and spending a few days based in the home of a local family will hugely enrich your understanding of this region while also supporting local communities. The best hosts will welcome guests with freshly cooked breakfasts, cups of steaming South Indian filter coffee, local stories shared over communal meals and the chance to learn classic Kerala recipes in the family kitchen. A few favorites? Rosegardens, a green-powered heritage home near Munnar; organic spice farm Varnam Homestay in Wayanad; and The Bungalow (a two-room 1930s house with popular cooking classes); and Reds Residency (a contemporary-style family home) in Kochi. 

My favorite thing to do in Kerala 

On every visit, I find time to wander around Kerala’s quiet northern Malabar Coast, which has miles of often-empty gold-sand beaches backed by endless palms and some of the most delicious food I’ve tried anywhere in India. I love staying at the rustic seafront homestays in Kannur (perhaps Kannur Beach House) and starting days with walks along Thottada Beach. This is also the best place to see Kerala’s ancient theyyam ritual at local temples during the December-to-February season. 

For a treat, I add on a few days at the heavenly Neeleshwar Hermitage near Bekal, a responsibly run beach-and-ayurveda retreat that lets guests enjoy early morning yoga, wonderful Malabar cooking and stylish thatch-roof cottages. 

How much money do I need for Kerala? 

• Hostel dorm bed: ₹400 (US$5) 

• Kochi food tour: ₹2000 (US$24) 

• Homestay room for two: ₹3500 (US$42) 

• Masala dosa: ₹50 (US$0.60) 

• Car with driver per day: ₹3000 (US$36) 

• Filter coffee: ₹10 (US$0.12) 

• Backwaters canoe or kayak tour: ₹1000 (US$12) 

More tips for enjoying Kerala 

Follow local dress etiquette

We always recommend following locals’ example in terms of what to wear. You’ll see bikinis on the beach in some places, like Kovalam, though many people in Kerala wear a t-shirt and long shorts when in the sea. Light, breathable fabrics are most comfortable for Kerala’s tropical climate. Dressing conservatively is appropriate for visiting places of worship; some of these welcome respectful visitors, while others may only be open to devotees. It’s best to ask before you enter. 

Take care with the tides 

Strong, dangerous currents can occur all along Kerala’s coast, including in popular beach towns like Varkala and Kovalam. Be careful if you’re swimming in the sea, and heed local guidance about potentially risky currents.

Check about hiking and trekking practicalities

Taking in the Western Ghats’ landscape on a hike is a unique thrill, though organizing walks can feel slightly complicated as regulations on which areas are open for trekking change often, particularly if there are wildlife-related concerns in a particular region. Many walks also require a permit of some kind, which you usually have to arrange only once you’ve arrived. It’s best to enquire locally, or join a guided trek with a reputable operator, such as the well-established Muddy Boots.

Considering the fact that the Bahamas is comprised of over 700 islands, it should be no surprise that the country is one of the Caribbean’s leading beach destinations. The striking contrast between the dark deep blue Atlantic waters and the hypnotizing hues of the country’s shallow turquoise seas have even become a treat for astronauts to behold from space.

Although the clear waters that the Bahamas has become famous for are visible from space, you won’t have to travel that far to enjoy them. With multiple islands to choose from, each with its own attractive quirks and qualities, the beaches here are varied and can cater to the wants of any traveler.

1. Surfer’s Beach

When thinking of surfing destinations, the Bahamas probably wouldn’t come to mind in the same way as California or Hawaii. However, with many of the Bahamas’ islands featuring a shoreline directly bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, surfing in the Bahamas is possible and often ideal. Surfer’s Beach, found on Eleuthera, offers a unique surfing experience not typically enjoyed in the Bahamas.

This beach is about two miles south of Gregory Town and is furnished with a charming beach shack that’s been built out of driftwood. Additionally, it features a stretch of powdery white sand shoreline that Caribbean islands are renowned for.

Planning tip: The optimum surfing conditions at Surfer’s Beach are during the months of September through February. The trade winds bring increased gusts during this time of year and increase surf action on the island’s windward coast. Due to the high surf action, usual beach activities like snorkeling aren’t recommended unless it’s done in the protected cove at the northern end of the beach.

2. Junkanoo Beach

What Junkanoo Beach doesn’t offer in privacy and seclusion, it makes up for in convenience and excitement. This stretch of sand is found in the heart of the bustling (at least by Caribbean standards) city of Nassau on the island of New Providence. It’s the Bahamas’ largest island in terms of population and it welcomes more visitors every year than the other Bahamian islands.

The beach itself is just a short five-minute walk west of the city’s cruise port, which is the country’s busiest, and it’s very popular with spring breakers. As you’d expect, this beach can get a little crowded. If isolation is what you’re after, this may not be the beach for you. However, as it attracts more visitors than other beaches, there are more beach activities and amenities available. Junkanoo Beach is also in close proximity to popular bars like Pirate Republic Brewing and Señor Frogs.

Despite the crowds, the clear blue waters at this beach remain a delight to the eyes.

Planning tip: Because this beach is easily accessible to cruise passengers, early arrival can help you snag your ideal spot before it gets too busy. You can bring your own towels or rent chairs and umbrellas from a local vendor.

3. Tropic of Cancer Beach

The Exumas are a chain of islands within the Bahamas numbering over 300 – seemingly an island for each day of the year. The largest of these emerald isles are Great and Little Exuma, which are connected by a short bridge. The Tropic of Cancer beach is located on Little Exuma and is actually the island’s longest beach.

This beach, named after the line of latitude that crosses the island at this point, is a spectacular stretch of bleached white sand and brilliant turquoise waters that the Bahamas is famed for. It is easily one of the most attractive beaches within the entire archipelago. The temptation of swimming at the northern border of the earth’s tropical region can’t be avoided.

The short stairway leading to the sand is an ideal spot for photos. While the beach does not offer any amenities, that also has an upside – you’re unlikely to encounter large crowds and the expansive stretch offers a level of peace and privacy that cannot be beaten.

Planning tip: Since Tropic of Cancer Beach is secluded, you must pack your beach day essentials. Bring food, drinks, and snorkeling equipment with you. 

4. Dean’s Blue Hole Beach

Dean’s Blue Hole is a large marine cavern system found off the shores of Long Island in The Central Bahamas. As the islands are composed of porous limestone rock, many of these sinkholes have formed over the years and the archipelago is now home to a large concentration of blue holes.

Dean’s Blue Hole is the world’s second deepest blue hole and is almost completely surrounded by a naturally occurring limestone rock amphitheater on three sides. Its depths attract free divers from across the earth. However, on one side, it is surrounded by a shallow lagoon and beach which is one of Long Island’s more attractive beaches and one of the best beaches in the Bahamas. The sickle-shaped beach itself is north of Clarence Town, the island’s capital and, like most of the beaches found on the Bahamas’ family islands, does not offer much in the way of amenities.

The allure of being able to sit on the edge of the world’s second deepest blue hole while feet away from the shore is this beach’s true attraction. True thrill seekers can climb to one of the three jump spots along the amphitheater’s cliff and dive into the depths below.

Planning tip: The road leading to Dean’s Blue Hole Beach is just off Queen’s Highway, which stretches for almost the complete length of the island. It is unpaved, so traveling along it would be best done in a 4WD. Additionally, unless visitors are strong swimmers, it’s not advised to swim near the edge of the blue hole itself – stick to the southern portion of the beach’s cove where the water remains shallow.

5. Fortune Beach

A quiet tract of white sandy beach, Fortune Beach is found in the city of Freeport on Grand Bahama. It’s rumored that a million-dollar shipwreck was found off the island’s coast near this beach – hence the name. Its location between two channels makes it ideal for beach activities like kite surfing.

This true appeal of this beach is found at low tide when a sand bar appears just feet from the shore and allows visitors to sunbathe on their own small private island, if only for a short while.

Planning tip: Many visitors regard this beach as a fan favorite, and while it’s typically on the quieter side, it can occasionally get crowded during peak season.

6. Pink Sands Beach

While powdery white sand beaches are ubiquitous in the Bahamas, a less common, but even more enticing, phenomena are pink sand beaches. The most renowned of them is Pink Sands Beach on Harbour Island’s Atlantic coast. One of the best beaches in the Bahamas, it captivatingly stretches for about three uninterrupted miles and offers visitors a unique experience that is, without a doubt, exceptional.

The turquoise Bahamian seas meet the speckled-pink sand to create a distinctive occurrence that arguably makes it one of the country’s most iconic beaches. Horseback riding along the shores of the beach is available, which enhances its unique appeal.

Planning tip: Harbour Island is a five-minute ferry ride from North Eleuthera at the Three Island Dock. During the months of November through March, Harbour Island can be quite busy. If you’d prefer to dodge the crowds, it’s best to avoid Pink Sands Beach during this time.

7. Gordon’s Beach

Another one of the best beaches in the Bahamas is found at the southern end of Long Island. Gordon’s Beach is located at the end of Queen’s Highway and is a short trek through salt pans – reminders of the island’s once prosperous natural salt production industry.

The way the sky gracefully kisses the ocean on the horizon at this beach is mesmerizing. While it is far from most resorts, the drive south along Queen’s Highway to Gordon’s Beach is the ultimate reward. This remote and breathtaking stretch of sand offers a true feeling of heaven on earth.

Planning tip: Most hotels and resorts are hours away. When visiting Gordon’s Beach, factor in several hours that includes driving to the beach, spending a decent amount of time there, and returning to accommodations. Fill your gas tank before you go and, while an SUV is not required, walking shoes are recommended to traverse the short dirt road which connects the highway to the beach.

8. Gaulding Cay Beach

A stroll along this beach, no matter the time of day, offers peace of mind that is peerless. Remote and quaint, along the shores of the Bight of Eleuthera, it is a calm alternative to any beach found on Eleuthera’s rugged Atlantic coast.

Just south of Eleuthera’s Glass Window Bridge in Gregory Town, the beach is divine and offers some of the Bahamas’ bluest waters. The best time to visit is at low tide when visitors can walk to the small island that gave the beach its name.

Typical of beaches found on the family islands of the Bahamas, there are no amenities, but the popular beach bar Daddy Joe’s is found nearby.

Planning tip: Because Gaulding Cay is off the beaten path, there aren’t any public facilities on the beach, so plan your day accordingly.

9. Long Bay Beach

San Salvador Island’s Long Bay Beach is the perfect marriage of picturesque enchantment and historical significance. This beach is found in the town of Long Bay – both the town and the beach are named after the long boats that Christopher Columbus and his crew came ashore in. Historians believe that Long Bay Beach was the site of Columbus’ first landing in the “New World.”

The beach site, also called Landfall Park, is furnished with numerous monuments to commemorate the Columbus landing. Offshore, snorkelers can also treat themselves to an undersea monument which is believed to be the exact spot where Columbus’ ship dropped anchor. Also featured on the beach is a monument erected by the International Olympic Committee that housed the Olympic torch on its way from Greece to Mexico for the 1968 Summer Olympic Games.

Planning tip: Consider the weather before you go.  Long Bay Beach’s conditions are more unpredictable than other popular Bahamian beaches.

10. Cable Beach

A standout beach experience in the Bahamas, Cable Beach stuns with its white sand coastline, clear waters and proximity to downtown Nassau. Stretching more than two miles, this beach is one of the most popular throughout the Bahamas’s inhabited islands. Like many beaches in the Bahamas, Cable Beach is reliably a year-round sensational day on the Caribbean Sea. 

Aside from delivering the perfect setting for a relaxing beach day, local vendors entice travelers with water sports rental equipment. Beach umbrellas and chairs are also available for shoreside lounging, and several bars and restaurants are within walking distance for food and drink needs.

Planning tip: Although it won’t be hard to find your spot in the sand, some beachgoers note the noise from nearby resorts and jet skis. If you don’t mind, the views and vibe of the beach are well worth the visit.

When it comes to natural beauty in the USA, Montana sets the gold standard.

The Treasure State’s rugged mountains, endless forests and rich wildlife remain largely pristine thanks to wilderness preservation programs, low population density and the state’s sheer size, which allows outdoorsy types to enjoy all that Montana has to offer. Given Montana’s unparalleled natural attractions, it’s no surprise that the first national park in the United States was established here.

While it’s true that Yellowstone National Park is shared with neighboring Wyoming and Idaho, Montana is the primary gateway to this slice of America’s natural history, with thermal features and wild animals you’ll find nowhere else in the country (or the world). While Yellowstone showcases the wild landscapes as they’ve always been, Glacier National Park – entirely within Montana, even if its geologic features extend into Canada – offers some of the state’s best hikes, with endless trails, towering cliffs and sparkling lakes galore to explore.

Read on to learn why both of Montana’s iconic national parks should be part of any itinerary to the Rocky Mountains and the American West.

Glacier National Park

Montana’s best national park for hiking

In Glacier National Park, towering mountain peaks overlook crystal blue lakes surrounded by dense pine forest, all home to the largest concentration of grizzly bears in the world.

While hiking trails are the star attractions here, there is a lot to see even for non-hikers. A kayak ride across Lake McDonald immerses you in the scenery, and photographing the multicolored river stones beneath the shockingly clear (and cold) water provides a closer-in view. Driving Going-to-the-Sun Rd, an east-west drive transecting the park, is so in demand that it can lead to traffic jams during busier times (generally July and August).

If you want to hike, you’ll be spoiled for choice: more than 700 miles of trails are accessible, most leading to stunning views you’ll find nowhere else in the country. The most popular routes include the hike to Avalanche Lake, a relatively flat and easy trek. A 10-mile out-and-back with 2000ft of elevation gain, the Grinnell Glacier hike leads to a stunning glacier and its lake on the eastern side of the park. Along the way, you’ll enjoy expansive views of the park’s characteristic cliffs and the green valleys below them. Reachable from the parking lot at Logan Pass, the Highline Trail is another must, as is the Hidden Lake Trail.

Visiting Glacier National Park

Visiting Glacier National Park requires serious advance planning. Its roads, hotels and trails are all seasonal, and the park’s popularity has skyrocketed in recent years as the frenzy for road trips and #VanLife has swept the country.

Glacier National Park has seven entrances in total, three of which connect to Going-to-the-Sun Rd. The most used entrances are at West Glacier on the western side of the park and the east entrance at St Mary. Both of these are open year-round but may have closures due to snow; the east entrance, on tribal land, is sometimes closed by decree of the Blackfeet Nation.

Several hotel options lie within the park’s boundaries, including the historic Many Glacier Hotel and Lake McDonald Lodge. There are plenty of campgrounds, too, some of which take reservations, others being first come, first served. You can also apply for a backcountry permit if wilderness camping is your thing.

Outside the park, several gateway towns with hotels and campgrounds cluster by the park’s west side. West Glacier is the closest town to the park’s border, with West Glacier Village offering cozy cabins and an RV park that are perfect starting points for a Glacier adventure. Thirty miles west is the ski resort town of Whitefish, south of which is Kalispell, a (relatively) larger city that hosts Glacier Park International Airport (FCA). On the east side, the Tiny Homes at St Mary Village offer a unique option for accommodations.

As with Yellowstone, booking far in advance is recommended for trips from June to September. Under The Big Sky Festival takes place in Whitefish in mid-July, causing serious competition for even the least desirable campsites.

Entering Glacier in a standard vehicle costs $35 (except on fee-free days), unless you have the $80 annual National Park Pass or are a military veteran or 4th grader with the respective annual pass. In 2021, a $2-per-vehicle ticket was implemented to access Going-to-the-Sun Rd between 6am and 5pm during the summer months. Getting the permit was competitive and not always guaranteed, and while it’s possible to see parts of the park while avoiding GTTSR, it’s not easy or recommended.

Yellowstone National Park

Montana’s best national park for natural history

It’s easy to see how Yellowstone National Park helped lead officials in the expanding United States to conserve huge swathes of the American wilderness. In 1872, at a time when westward expansion was on a tear, it was Yellowstone’s iconic, unique and now world-famous features that inspired forward-thinking planners to designate this treasure as a federally protected area.

Today, the park is not just one of the best places to visit in Montana – it regularly tops the list of attractions across the 50 states. Visitors today are captivated by the same sights that amazed in the 1800s, in particular dazzling hydrothermal features and unparalleled wildlife.

The 3471-sq-mile park is packed with bubbling hot pots and more than 500 bursting geysers; the best known is Old Faithful, a relatively predictable spewer. Scattered among the waterworks are herds and packs of some of America’s most recognizable animals, including bison, gray wolves, grizzly bears, elk and bald eagles. All-but-guaranteed sightings of such abundant wildlife is a main reason more than 4 million visitors come here annually, predominantly during the summer.

Yellowstone’s most memorable attractions begin outside the park in Gardiner, the gateway to the park’s north entrance and the site of the famous Roosevelt Arch. (A line of cars winding beneath the gate is standard any time of day in the summer, so getting a photo isn’t too hard.) Just inside the west entrance is the town of Mammoth, including the spires of Mammoth Hot Springs, another popular photo spot. Elk frequently wander around Mammoth – but be sure not to approach, feed or touch them. Also, take care never to walk between a bull and any of his cows, as he’ll take that as an act of aggression.

Other popular attractions include the multicolored Grand Prismatic Spring, the largest hot spring in the United States. (Note that the best view of its otherworldly orange-blue colors is not from the boardwalk winding through the spring, but from a nearby elevated platform along the Fairy Falls Trail.) Yellowstone Canyon (also called the “Grand Canyon of Yellowstone”) is another photo op most visitors won’t want to miss. Park at Artist Point to view the canyon and Lower Falls in all their glory.

In addition to geological features, the park is also known for Old Faithful Inn, a historic wood-and-stone landmark next to the geyser of the same name. It’s a great place to stop for lunch or just poke in to admire the antique architecture (if you want to spend the night, count on reserving 12 to 24 months in advance). Hayden and Lamar Valleys are the most reliable spots to find Yellowstone’s wildlife, particularly the predator species. Bison are fairly difficult to miss anywhere in the park.

Visiting Yellowstone National Park

As at Glacier, taking a trip to Yellowstone will require some planning, especially during July and August when it’s busiest. Old Faithful Inn and Roosevelt Lodge offer in-park accommodation, and there are also 12 campgrounds with over 500 sites within the park. The gateway towns of Gardiner at the north entrance and West Yellowstone at the west entrance offer abundant accommodations just outside the park’s borders; Bozeman, with the nearest airport, is equidistant from both entrances. Livingston, Big Sky and Paradise Valley also offer accommodations with relatively close access to the park. In every case, booking ahead will be essential during the high season.

In winter, only the road from the north entrance in Gardiner to Cooke City stays open. Some accommodations may be closed during this time, but there are enough available rooms to sustain the minimal crowds. This is the best time to see wolves and other wildlife that have congregated in the Lamar Valley for the winter. Cooke City is also a very common spot to find snowmobilers, though winter travelers are unlikely to encounter them within the vast park. In any case, come prepared for freezing temperatures and suboptimal driving conditions.

Entering Yellowstone is not free (except on fee-free days): each standard vehicle must pay $35 at the gate – which we highly recommend so you can explore the park on your own schedule. Alternatively, consider a National Park Pass for $80, which provides a year’s access to every national park in the country. Military personnel (including veterans) and 4th graders may acquire annual passes for free. Once in the park, no site is fee-restricted.

A gem of Southeast Asia, Laos attracts visitors who love natural beauty, intriguing culture and off-the-beaten-track experiences – without the throngs.

The country’s low population density means that many of the landscapes here are untouched by humans, which means exciting adventures for outdoor lovers. Yet in Laos’ cities and towns, visitors find historical treasures, alluring temples and a warm welcome from Lao locals.

Here are 10 places where anyone can discover the treasures – and pleasures – of Laos.

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

1. Luang Namtha

Best for trekking and jungle exploration

Luang Namtha in the North is Laos’ unabashed adventure capital, with trekking, kayaking, rafting, bicycling or other jungle activities within easy reach. The town’s main drag is lined with trekking agencies that offer everything from daily group tours to custom-made options.

The showpiece here is the nearby Nam Ha National Protected Area, a zone of forest, rivers and mountains spread over 220,000 hectares (543,000 acres) – some 10% of the country’s total land. Home to a diverse array of ethnic minorities, it’s a fascinating melange of nature and traditions, and well worth making the effort to get to. (Laos’ new high-speed rail has made this easier: Luang Namtha is about a 90-minute drive from the station at Boten, at the border with China.)

Trips here range from 7-day jungle survival courses – where you’ll learn how to use native bamboo to make everything from your shelter to your dinner plates and utensils, as well as foraging for food from the forest – to more culturally immersing homestays in the traditional ethnic villages of Akha or Khmu, which you’ll reach by bicycle of boat.

Planning tip: It’s best to trek between November and February, when it’s dry and temperatures actually get cool at night. March, April and May get very hot and hazy from agricultural burning. Trekking in the rainy season (June to October) means slippery trails, mud and leeches.

2. Vang Vieng

Best for enjoying a magnificent world of karst

Vang Vieng is one of Southeast Asia’s most stunning natural wonderlands. Hundreds of soaring limestone karst peaks rise above the gorgeous Nam Song River – all yours to admire as you float by on an inner tube. The scenic backcountry here has endless dirt roads to bicycle, viewpoints to clamber up to, hidden caves to explore and freshwater swimming holes to plunge into.

Other enticements in Vang Vieng include challenging rock-climbing routes on the karst towers, as well as chance to float above the magical landscape in hot air balloons – and even paramotor above it. While Vang Vieng used to be a backpacker haunt accessible only by a bumpy road from Vientiane, the new high-speed train has made it newly accessible. Indeed, new boutique hotels make the area a potential weekend getaway spot from Vientiane or Luang Prabang.

Planning tip: Rent a bicycle or motorbike to be able to get away from the core and explore the sights further across the river.

3. Plain of Jars

Best for archaeology buffs

Set on the 1100m (3610ft) plateau next to Phonsavan town, this intriguing UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-visit. Across the perpetually misty landscape are strewn hundreds of megalithic cylindrical stone jars dating back to 600–1200 BCE, whose origins and purpose remain a mystery. Recent archaeological research indicates they were used for some sort of funerary rites, either as storage for dead bodies during the decomposition process or else as urns after cremations. Local tradition still has it, though, that they served as giant storage vessels for rice wine. Some of the jars are made of limestone, some of sandstone – and each site is vastly different.

Most visitors stick with visiting Sites 1, 2 and 3, due to their easy access from Phonsavan. The intrepid might consider Site 52, which has almost 400 jars and is reached by an adventurous trek on foot, usually overnighting in a Hmong village.

The Plain of Jars area was heavily bombed in the 20th century, and only recently have some of the sites been declared completely free of UXO (unexploded ordnance). Many tours here also include visits to the Provincial Museum and MAG (Mines Advisory Group) UXO center, where you can learn about both the jars and the consequences of the destruction experienced here – and make visits to Ban Napia village, where locals have started turning scrap aluminum from munitions into spoons on other practical utensils.

Planning tip: While you can rent a motorbike and cover Jar Sites 1, 2 and 3 on your own in a day, you’ll need to use a tour agency to go further afield. Plan for extra time here as well as getting in and out due to the bad condition of the roads. We’d recommend taking a flight at least one way, as the routes from Vientiane and Luang Prabang can take 10 hours or more by bus.

4. Phongsali

Best for getting off the beaten path

Forget about the high speed-train and the well-traveled Banana Pancake Trail: you’re going to have to work to get to Phongsali, one of Laos’ more difficult-to-reach spots. But the rewards are ample.

At the top of a ridge at 1500m (4920ft), temperatures here actually get cold in the winter. Any time of year, you can expect to be treated to a mesmerizing “sea of clouds,” formed by fog banks that come up from the valleys far below.

Phongsali is an epic spot for trekking, offering the chance to encounter some of Laos’ traditional ethnic hill tribes. Some 10 different types of Akha live here, along with Phu Noi, Lolo and Tai Dam, many of whom still wear traditional dress and keep their long-standing customs. Many of the Akha women here still wear their signature caps, adorned with glittering coins.

You can also check out Phongsali’s abundant tea plantations. What’s more, since the Chinese Yunnan dialect is spoken here more than Lao, you’ll find delicious Yunnanese cuisine in the restaurants. After all, China is just up the road.

Planning tip: To get here, you’ll need to take a bus from Udomxai to Boun Neua, the new provincial capital. From there, you’ll board another minibus for the 2-hour drive up the mountain. Count on a 9-hour trip in total.

5. Luang Prabang

Best for anyone who loves temples, architecture and boutique stays

Laos’ most revered town, Luang Prabang is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a fascinating blend of traditional Buddhist and French-Lao architecture. Its charming historical core lies on a tiny peninsula hemmed in by the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers, surrounded by picturesque jungle-clad hills.

Make sure to check out the riveting Wat Xieng Thong monastery, which features a gilded ordination hall (or sim), as well as a unique reclining Buddha. Also make a stop at Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham, the largest monastery in town, which has an exquisite four-tiered roof.

Other highlights include the bustling night market, where you can feast on local specialties like jaew bong (a chili paste made with garlic, shallots and water-buffalo skin) and kai phaen (roasted Mekong weed made with tamarind and sesame seeds dried in the sun).

You’ll never be uncomfortable in Luang Prabang, thanks to Laos’ best selection of boutique stays. Many properties here are repurposed French villas, governors’ residences or princes’ mansions, and feature poster beds, antique furnishings and other vestiges of antique charm.

Spend at least a day exploring the nearby surroundings, too, making a visit to the multi-tiered Kuang Si waterfall, where you can swim in natural turquoise pools. Or go explore the Pak Ou Caves, set above the Mekong and home to hundreds of small Buddhist statues.

Planning tip: If you can come here during the second week of April, you’ll get to experience Pi Mai, the Lao New Year – which is essentially one big water fight. Everyone gets in the action, buying water guns and balloons, and setting up outside their homes and shops with buckets ready to drench anyone passing by. It’s all in good fun and helps everyone cool off at the hottest time of year. Make sure to book your accommodations well in advance if coming at this time.

6. The Mekong River

Best for slow river journeys

The mighty Mekong winds its way through much of Laos on its way to the South China Sea, and the best way to appreciate its languid bends is by slow boat, traveling from either Luang Prabang or Huay Xai. The journey takes two days, breaking for the night in sleepy Pak Beng, where you might want to linger an extra day to check out Lao elephants in a natural habitat at Mekong Elephant Park.

The slow boats are very…local, stopping in dozens of small hamlets along the way. And they offer a simply fantastic way of experiencing a way of travel in Laos that hasn’t changed for decades, as you snake past verdant hills shrouded in mist and drift past fishermen in their wooden dugout boats casting nets. Each leg of the trip takes 7 to 9 hours (depending on the time of year and whether you’re going up or down river), and as there is minimal food available aboard, you’ll want to stock up on baguette sandwiches and grilled chicken from vendors who set up before departure each morning.

Planning tip: Make sure to arrive at the pier an hour early to ensure you’ll snag a seat toward the front of the boat (the rear area near the engine can be noisy and far less comfortable). If you’re traveling during high tourist season (November to February) and want a ride that’s a bit fancier, Shompoo Cruises operates a boat with a capped number of passengers and lunch service, with a stop at the beautiful Pak Ou Caves included in the price of a ticket.

7. Si Phan Don (4000 Islands)

Best for lazing in a hammock

While there aren’t actually thousands of islands in Si Phan Don (which means “4000 islands”), it sure seems like it in the dry season, when submerged islets, lily pads and floating vines take over the surface of the Mekong. This area of Southern Laos is a great place to experience rural life and unwind – and many travelers end up staying far longer than planned.

The main islands to visit here are Don Det and Don Khone, with Don Det being the top choice for plopping down in a hammock and settling into a bamboo bungalow for a week (or three). It’s the closest thing you’ll find to a beach vacation in Southeast Asia’s only landlocked country.

While idling with a book or going for a swim are the pursuits of choice for most travelers here, you can get a bit more active if you wish. Go kayaking on the Mekong. Or rent a bicycle and ride across an atmospheric old French railway bridge to Don Khone, home to the beautiful Li Phi waterfall. Don Khone’s abundant rice fields are spectacular to cycle through during the planting season in June or harvest season in late fall.

Planning tip: The best time to visit is in the cooler dry season, from November to February. March to May brings suffocating heat. The rainy season (June to October) submerges most of the islands, though the landscape is at its most verdant then.

8. Elephant Conservation Center (Sainyabuli)

Best for supporting wildlife conservation

One of Laos’ most powerful ancient kingdoms was called Lan Xang, which means “Land of One Million Elephants.” These days, unfortunately, that number has dwindled to under 800, with only half of them still in the wild. To see these amazing creatures in a more natural setting, pay a visit to the beautiful Nam Tien lake, home to the Elephant Conservation Center. This organization is dedicated to saving the Lao elephant and returning them to the wild.

This isn’t a place for simply dropping in. After taking a boat across the lake and checking in at a rustic bungalow overlooking the water, you’ll get to walk with the elephants and their mahouts in the jungle; watch them coming down to bathe; visit the onsite elephant hospital; and learn about the challenges of keeping, feeding and preserving Southeast Asia’s most iconic symbol. The center has about 25 elephants in its care, with a staff of wildlife biologists, veterinarians, guides and personal mahouts you’ll get to meet.

A visit here also allows you to discover a part of Laos few visitors get to. Sainyabuli Province is home to the majority of the Lao elephants, and the immense, beautiful Nam Pouy Protected Area is a center of efforts to return elephants to the wild.

Planning tip: You’ll need to arrange your visit to the EEC in advance, as day visits are not allowed. Overnight packages include round-trip transportation from Luang Prabang. A recent new bridge and road upgrade in Sainyabuli means you can now get here in around 2.5 hours.

9. Nong Khiaw

Best for day hiking, river experiences and rural Lao charm

Surrounded by jungle-clad mountains on the banks of the languid Nam Ou River, sleepy Nong Khiaw offers something for everyone. It’s one of the few places in Laos where you can find ample do-it-yourself options, ranging from day hikes up one of the town’s seven viewpoints to exploring wartime caves to kayaking on the peaceful Nam Ou.

Plenty of affordable tours are on offer here, too, with agencies banding together travelers for trips out to hidden waterfalls, visits to remote weaving villages, camping excursions atop Pha Daeng Peak or even extended kayak rides all the way to Luang Prabang.

Numerous lodging choices and restaurants overlook the river and karst peaks. If the high-season crowds aren’t your thing, consider taking the boat upriver an hour to Muang Ngoi Neua, an even tinier hamlet full of similar adventure options that recalls what Nong Khiaw was like 15 years ago.

Planning tip: Since Nong Khiaw is a small town easily reached from Luang Prabang, it can be swamped during the November-to-February high season. It’s best to book at least your first night’s accommodation prior to arriving.

10. Vieng Xai

Best for learning about Laos’ wartime history

The fascinating Vieng Xai Caves pack a punch in more ways than one. In Laos’ remote northeast on the border with Vietnam, Houaphanh Province had some 2 million tons of explosives dropped on it by the US during the so-called “Secret War” in Laos from 1964–73. During this time, the Pathet Lao revolutionary movement discovered 480 caves hidden in the jungle around Vieng Xai, which their leaders, as well as 20,000 followers, turned into a hidden city, complete with hospitals, communications and meeting rooms. A large theater cave hosted rallies, weddings and even movie screenings.

The caves have been preserved and are open to the public. Traveling around by bicycle, accompanied by both an English-speaking guide and an audio device, you’ll get a living history lesson as well as a sense of the extraordinary effort it took to be able to survive here. The surrounding area looks a bit like Vang Vieng or Krabi in Thailand, with beautiful limestone mountains covered in jungle foliage. It’s one of the most out-of-the-way places in Laos, with few visitors making it to this far-flung spot.

Planning tip: Sam Neua, an hour west of Vieng Xai, is the regional transport hub (it has a good selection of hotels as well as an airport) – but you might want to consider staying in Vieng Xai itself. The town has a handful of guesthouses and restaurants, allowing you to catch the 9am guided tour each morning (the other daily tour is at 1pm). Otherwise, hire a driver in Sam Neua.

The iconic mountains that lend their name to Slovakia’s most striking national park, the High Tatras (Tatranský národný park) have been baiting outdoor lovers for over 75 years. Still, surprisingly few overseas visitors arrive in this accessible and beautiful range.

The flurry of peaks and the ease with which you can be up among them – whether getting your adrenaline fix on their serrated, snowy slopes, or spying many of the continent’s most phenomenal animals who call them home – mean it’s high time more people turned their heads in the direction of this unique, upland adventure playground.

Here are the best things to do in the High Tatras.

Experience alluring alpine landscapes

The High Tatras are unique among Europe’s myriad mountain ranges. They don’t just constitute highest terrain in Slovakia, but in the entire 1500km(932-mile)-long Carpathian range and, indeed, in Eastern Europe. Despite these superlatives, the compactness of the area makes it the smallest mountain chain of this altitude in the world. One of the standout features here is the sheer abundance of peaks cresting 2500m (8200ft), at 25 in total. Outside of the Alps themselves, this is one of the rare pockets of Europe with alpine characteristics, offering a vivid topographical palette across five contrasting ecological zones.

At around 700m (2300ft) you’ll find lush valleys, while inky forests of Carpathian beech or spruce ascend to the 1500m (4920ft) mark. Pale green expanses of kosodreviny (dwarf pine) sprawl at the 1500–1700m (5580ft) mark. High-altitude grasslands known as luky rise to 2000m (6560ft); from there on up to the peaks, it’s swathes of tarn-spattered tatry – barren, stony ground from which the word “Tatras” is thought to derive. Because of the close proximity of these zones, any one panorama here can encompass the jagged grays, whites and blacks of the tatry, the deep blue of the tarns, and the lusher hues of luky, kosodreviny and forest underneath. A single hike can whisk you through all five ecosystems in just a few hours.

Happily, a longstanding commitment to preservation has kept the environment pristine: authorities on both the Slovak and Polish sides of the mountains collaborated to form the world’s first cross-border protected region here in the early 1950s.

Sleep in a mountain hut

Sleeping up in the mountains rather than being compelled to return to a lower-level base overnight is a special prospect – and one that’s easy in the High Tatras due to an excellent array of mountain huts. Considering their middle-of-nowhere location, many of these shacks are surprisingly sophisticated. While some more-remote ones are just basic shelters, the majority offer a mix of accommodations in dorms or private rooms, and also serve traditional meals. More than mere lodgings, the huts are a huge part of Slovak mountain culture, with colorful histories. A great introduction to Slovak mountain huts is Chata pri Zelenom Plese on the edge of one of the loveliest High Tatras lakes, Zelené pleso, near the start of the Tatranská Magistrala. It’s been in use for over 125 years.

Spot some special animals

The diversity of landscapes that lures humans to explore also entices a bonanza of beasts, including three of Europe’s Big Five – and the brown bear, wolf and Eurasian lynx might all spice up a day’s adventure. You may be lucky enough to have a chance encounter with one (or more!) of Europe’s last great carnivores, who roam wild here, but it is safer – and the likelihood of spotting beasts is far higher – if you take a guided adventure. Adventoura provide bear-watching trips between June and October, as well as a host of other activities, including dog-sledding from December to March, where you get to mush your own team of huskies.

Other intriguing creatures in the vicinity include the Tatra chamois, a goat antelope with distinctive curly horns; and alpine marmots, cuddly mountain squirrels whose chatter ricochets around the rocks.

Journey down under

Should you tire of the vertiginous, snow-laden uplands, the region offers lower-level diversions, too. Enjoy subterranean thrills in the stalactite-laden shape of Belianska jaskyňa, a cave near Tatranská Kotlina. A 1.5km (1-mile) tour takes you through its formations and underground lakes.

From the eastern edge of the High Tatras, it’s a 30km (18.5-mile) journey to the heart of another national park immediately to the east, Pieniny, home to perhaps the most unique activity in the region. In a chocolate-box-pretty gorge at Červený Klášto, you can take to the waters aboard a traditionally built wooden raft ferried by characters clad in folkloric dress who navigate the waters using poles in a manner similar to Oxbridge’s punting – only with rapids featuring at regular intervals.

Discover cultural idiosyncrasies

The likes of Franz Kafka have sojourned in these mountains – but the most interesting residents in the High Tatras today are the Goral people. Gorals stick closely to their traditional pastoral roots, and communities such as those at Ždiar are renowned for their vibrantly painted wooden houses, musical heritage and richly-embroidered folk costumes.