Category Adventure Travel

Since 1933, drive-in cinemas have turned the automobile into a private theater box, allowing moviegoers to catch a film under the stars. At the height of the drive-in craze, there were more than 4,000 drive-ins across the US. Although there are fewer than 300 left, their nostalgia factor continues to draw crowds.

Are you heading to a drive-in for the first time? There are a few things you should know beforehand. 

• Check the theater’s website for current rules on parking and concessions, and stay close to your car. 

• Turn off your lights to avoid distractions, and arrive early if you want a prime spot. 

• Support the theater by buying concessions rather than bringing your own, as outside food isn’t usually allowed (although some theaters offer permits). 

• Drive-ins operate rain or shine, so prepare for any weather and you might want to bring a battery-powered radio to avoid draining your car battery.

• Carry cash, as many family-run theaters don’t take credit cards. 

With those tips in mind, you’re ready to plan your trip to one of these twelve best drive-in theaters in the US.

1. Big Sky Drive-in, Wisconsin

Wisconsin Dells is best known for its water parks, but Big Sky Drive-in on Route 16 is a worthy addition to the lineup of local attractions – it’s open daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Their homemade sloppy joes are a unique and delicious concession offering. 

Planning tip: This drive-in is cash only, so bring enough to cover admission ($10 for adults, $5 for 11 and under and free for babies under 2) and food with you.

2. Stardust Drive-in, Tennessee

Middle Tennessee residents love this theater in sleepy Watertown, an easy 20-30 minute drive from Nashville. Two screens show dual double features nightly during the summer, but you must choose one screen and stay there. Come early and spend the afternoon browsing the shops in Watertown’s small but lovely square, or visit on Labor Day weekend for a themed triple feature.

3. Hull’s Drive-in, Virginia

Many drive-ins are family-owned, but Hull’s is the first community-owned drive-in in the USA. Run by volunteers called “Hull’s Angels,” the theater is open from March to October and is an entertainment highlight of the quirky Shenandoah Valley. Old-fashioned speakers on poles still mark each spot, although you can also listen to the films via your FM radio.

4. Finger Lakes Drive-in, New York

The oldest drive-in in New York state, located near Auburn, has entertained Finger Lakes-area residents since 1947. A charming retro marquee welcomes visitors to the single screen, which plays double features nightly during the summer. Concession stand prices start at $3 for small popcorn and candy items. 

5. 66 Drive-in, Missouri

One of the few drive-ins remaining on the US’s storied Route 66, the 66 Drive-In in Carthage, Missouri, is open from April to September. This theater is even more kid-friendly than most drive-ins: children under five are free, and they only book family-friendly double features. Admission must be paid in cash, but debit/credit cards are accepted at concessions.

6. Coyote Drive-in, Texas

It’s rare for a drive-in to be within the city limits – that’s just one of the standout features of Coyote Drive-in in Fort Worth, Texas. In addition to showing double features on four separate screens, the venue hosts special events and has a full canteen-style menu with wine and beer that can be delivered to your vehicle. While you wait for the show to start, let your kids run around the playground, play arcade games or listen to live music. 

7. 99W Drive-in, Oregon

Outside Portland in Newberg, this family-run drive-in has drawn crowds since 1953. Watch for the vintage concession reel that plays between the double feature. Even though 300 cars can fit in front of the single screen, shows at 99W frequently sell out during the season, especially at the height of summer.

Planning tip: go on Sunday night for a smaller crowd.

8. Silver Moon Drive-in, Florida

This double-screen drive-in has been operating for over 75 years and is conveniently located about halfway between Tampa and Orlando in Lakeland, Florida. Unlike other theaters, Silver Moon offers double features seven nights a week. The snack bar features homemade pizza and Budweiser beer. 

Planning tip: if you’re going on a Saturday or Sunday night, don’t miss the flea market that fills the theater venue during the day.

9. Highway 21 Drive-in, South Carolina

The balmy, humid summer nights in the Lowcountry might be the perfect drive-in theater weather. Highway 21 Drive-in in Beaufort, South Carolina, is open Thursdays-Sundays year-round and shows double features on three screens, one of which was new as of 2022. The concession stand serves root beer floats, funnel cakes, sno-cones and the usual pizza/hot dog fare. The theater shows the occasional repertory film as well as new releases.

10. Bengie’s Drive-In, Maryland 

If you’re looking for drive-in bragging rights, go to Bengie’s in Maryland, which claims the largest drive-in screen in the USA. About 30 minutes from Baltimore, this theater is in a quiet spot near the shore, not far from Dundee Creek (tie in your movie night with a visit to Marshy Point Nature Center).

Planning tip: When you purchase tickets, you must know the height of your vehicle. You must have at least two people per vehicle and pay an extra $20 to bring your own food and drink. 

11. Shankweiler’s Drive-In, Pennsylvania

As the oldest drive-in theater in America, Shankweiler’s in Orefield, Pennsylvania, has been charming moviegoers since 1934. This single-screen theater shows double features every night and is open spring through fall. It’s accompanied by a concession stand offering the usuals, like popcorn, soft pretzels and chili cheese dogs. Admission is $12 for adults and $8 for children under 12. 

12. The Wellfleet Drive-In, Massachusetts

The last drive-in open on Cape Cod in Massachusetts, the Wellfleet Drive-In combines coastal charm with classic drive-in appeal. Open from May through September, the complex also hosts a mini-golf course and a dairy bar with ice cream. A bit pricier than other drive-ins, the Wellfleet charges $15 per adult and $10 for kids 4-11. 

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Isla Holbox (pronounced “holl-bosh”) still retains the feel of the Yucatán Peninsula’s coastline before the arrival of mass tourism in the 1970s.

Until a couple of decades ago, only a handful of local fishing families inhabited the island. And while there has been a noticeable rash of development in recent years, it remains a sand-streets, palm-trees-and-golf-carts kind of place.

Sure, you can now find yoga studios, vegan-friendly restaurants and trendy bars here. But the town’s proximity to wilderness and laid-back aesthetic set it apart from other destinations in the region. The star attractions are natural setting and gently shelving beach, lined with chaise-filled bars.

Perched at the tip of a promontory of forest-covered, fractured islands in the northeast corner of Yucatán, Holbox is still only accessible by boat. It’s this relative isolation that has preserved much of the settlement’s charm, and which makes it stand out.

When should I go to Isla Holbox?

November through March are cooler, less humid months to visit Isla Holbox. During this time, the region sees little rain and calmer seas, although accommodation prices peak during the Christmas and spring-break seasons.

Lower prices attract visitors to resorts along the Quintana Roo coastline during the hurricane season, between June and November. During this time, there’s often more rainfall, and temperatures climb to a balmy 86°F (30°C).

Yet Holbox is a riskier destination at this time since buildings on the island lack the sturdiness of the bigger resort hotels, and there’s a genuine risk of getting stranded during a hurricane, given that the only way to and from the town is by boat.

Nonetheless, nature is at its best during this time. The bioluminescence is resplendent during the summer months on either side of a new moon, and the tiny organisms responsible for the phenomenon are what attract whale sharks to the region between May and September.

How much time should I spend in Isla Holbox?

It depends on your desired pace – for Isla Holbox a place to slow down and mellow out. The ideal spell is a two- or three-night break, which factors in the travel time to get to get here, allowing room to fit in a spot of snorkeling, a boat tour around Punta Mosquito and plenty of lounging on the beach.

Is it easy to get in and around Isla Holbox?

It takes a bit of planning to get to and from this isolated spot. The ADO bus company runs multiple daily services between the main bus stations in downtown Cancún and Mérida to the dusty town of Chiquilá, on the mainland.

From there, you’ll take either the Holbox Express or the 9Hermanos ferry from the pier one block north of Chiquilá bus station to Isla Holbox (ticket booths for both are located right outside the bus station). Holbox Express runs hourly departures on the half-hour between 6:30am and 9:30pm, while 9Hermanos runs hourly on the hour.

Once on the island, it’s only a half-mile’s walk from the ferry terminal to the main beach, passing through the heart of Holbox town on the way. If you’re staying in accommodation away from the center, the main way to get around is by golf cart, which comes in taxi or rental form.

Top things to do in Isla Holbox

Discover wildlife in mangroves and lagoons

While you might not realize it in Holbox town, the island is still one of the wildest stretches of Quintana Roo’s coastline. To discover why, join a wildlife boat tour.

Trips to Tres Islas balance nature and snorkeling, with stops at a cenote, a remote island beach lapped by clear water and a mangrove forest fringing the Yalahau Lagoon.

An alternative tour to Punta Mosquito focuses on seeking out wildlife in the nearby channels and lagoons, such as snakes, crocodiles and flamingos.

Swim with whale sharks

Sharing this slice of the Gulf of Mexico with the world’s biggest fish is one of the most memorable experiences you can have in all of Mexico.

Whale sharks return to these shores every year between May and September to feed on the plentiful plankton, hoovering up and filtering vast quantities through their gaping mouths.

But don’t let their name put you off: these are true gentle marine giants, some reaching lengths of 32ft (10m) (the largest on record topped a whopping 61ft / 18.6m) yet posing no danger whatsoever.

On your excursion, it’s important to avoid wearing sunscreen in the water, and to keep a respectful distance (be sure to seek out tour operators who uphold this rule). Follow these rules, and you’ll find that snorkeling in the waters where whale sharks feed provides one of travel’s finest interactions with nature.

Bask on the beach

Looking out over the Gulf of Mexico, the north shore of Isla Holbox is fringed with sugar-fine sand, which gives way to a gently shelving, azure Caribbean Sea.

This is all the enticement needed for a lazy day soaking up the natural beauty of it all. Like the whale sharks in the water, hundreds of seabirds flock here to feast: lie back on a chaise lounge with a cocktail to watch the pelicans dive-bombing for fish.

Take a golf cart as far east as you can go for quieter stretches of sand – just watch out for crocodiles in the brackish lagoons nearby.

Take in the night lights

Nights on Isla Holbox are as laid back as the days. Although you’re not going to find the pulsating club nights and rowdy bars common to places like Cancún, Tulum and Playa del Carmen, there is still a fun nightlife scene on the island.

The beach clubs usually stay open until late, while there’s live music at bars around town and occasionally in Parque Central, two blocks south of the main beach. Places to check out include Tribu Bar and Capitán Capitán Beach Lounge.

My favorite thing to do in Isla Holbox

If you’re like me, you might occasionally be looking for a calmer activity in the evening – so this time is when I’ll head to the shoreline in the hopes of seeing a very different light show.

One of nature’s most beguiling spectacles, bioluminescence is the ghostly glow of phytoplankton when disturbed by fish or waves along the shoreline, and it happens regularly off the shores of Holbox.

The best time to experience it is when the moon is in the dimmest phases of its cycle, particularly from June to August.

How much money do I need for Isla Holbox?

When budgeting, costs really depend on the time of year you plan to visit. In general, prices on Isla Holbox are lower than major resort cities such as Cancún and Tulum, but increasing popularity means bargain accommodation is getting harder to find.

After factoring in all costs, including transportation and one boat tour over a three-night stay, you can expect to budget anywhere from US$90–120 per person, per day during peak season.

• Transportation: M$1800 (US$89) per person, including M$600 (US$30) for a bus ticket to Chiquilá, M$600 (US$30) for a round-trip ferry ticket and M$600 (US$30) for an onward bus ticket

• Hotel double room: M$1000–3000 (US$49–147)

• Dorm bed in a hostel: M$550 (US$27)

• Boat tour to Punta Mosquito or similar: M$1050 (US$52)

• A full-day tour to swim with whale sharks: M$3500 (US$180)

• Coffee: M$70 (US$3.50)

• Dinner for two: M$700 (US$35)

• Beer/pint at a bar: M$60 (US$3)

Can I use US dollars in Isla Holbox?

Yes, US dollars are accepted almost everywhere. Yet it’s worth considering that when you pay using dollars, you’re unlikely to be getting a favorable exchange rate. Wherever possible, pay in cash, with Mexican pesos.

How safe is Isla Holbox?

Like the rest of the Yucatán Peninsula, Isla Holbox’ crime rate is significantly lower than the rest of Mexico. Since the community is primarily devoted to and dependent upon tourism, and given its calmer nightlife environment, crime rates are low. Nevertheless, you should apply the usual traveler’s caution – especially when drinking alcohol.

What else should I consider when visiting Isla Holbox?

When traveling during hurricane season (June to November), keep a close eye on hurricane trackers ahead of and during your stay, to keep apprised of inclement weather systems. (The Zoom Earth website is particularly helpful and accurate.)

English is widely spoken on Isla Holbox, but learning and using a couple of friendly words of Spanish is a great way to show respect for local residents.

Founded a little over a century ago, the largest city in Alaska is composed of neighborhoods with a newness and spaciousness you won’t find in denser, older places.

Urban districts this far north are spread out and subtly influenced by the yawning wilderness that surrounds them. And you might be surprised at just how cosmopolitan some of them are: Anchorage is home to the single most statistically diverse neighborhood in the USA.

In these six neighborhoods, you’ll be able to sample some of the city’s unique flavors, many of them low-cost or even free.

1. Downtown

Best for history and museums

Since many come to Anchorage as a stopping-off point for excursions elsewhere in the state, Downtown is only neighborhood many visitors will see. Here is where you’ll find the bulk of the city’s nice hotels, the state’s best museum, and all the requisite shops and restaurants. While on the low-rise, low-key side, the area has its quirks, such as the world’s only urban king salmon fishery at Ship Creek.

Ship Creek is where Anchorage began as a tent camp, in 1915; the settlement soon relocated to more-stable bluffs south of the river. These bluffs are home to some of the oldest buildings still standing in town, including the Oscar Anderson house (now a museum), one of the first solid structures to grace the urban grid. Nearby, another historic property, the Copper Whale Inn, offers one of Downtown’s more atypical accommodation options.

Until the 1920s, forest flourished right up to the edge of 10th Ave, and what is now Delaney Park between present-day 9th and 10th Aves served as a firebreak. The more spread-out residential neighborhood that lies to the south – the so-called South Addition – was built in the 1930s and ’40s.

2. Midtown

Best for reasonably priced accommodation

South of Downtown, Midtown is a symmetrical grid of shopping malls, chain hotels and modern bar-grills serving craft beer and burgers. What it lacks in dashing good looks, it makes up for in convenience.

With a growing number of affordable, mid-range hotels, this neighborhood can offer better value than Downtown, as long as you’re up for a bit of urban walking. And you won’t have to roam far to eat well. Midtown and its adjacent neighborhoods of North Star and Taku-Campbell offer several decent breakfast spots, a good stash of Korean restaurants (an Anchorage specialty) and one of the city’s favorite destination breweries: Moose’s Tooth, a made-in-heaven marriage of gourmet pizzas and custom-brewed beer.

The neighborhood’s only real green spot is 15-acre Cuddy Family Midtown Park, which boasts a giant kids’ playground and waterfowl-filled lagoon. The southeastern corner of the district is brushed by the 7-mile Campbell Creek Trail, the western gateway to the rawer realm of Far North Bicentennial Park.

3. Hillside

Best for trailheads into the wilderness

Spending time in Hillside in southeastern Anchorage feels like having one foot in the wilderness and one foot in an Alaskan version of Bel-Air. Flush up against the valleys and peaks of Chugach State Park and filled with some of the city’s most sought-after homes, this is a neighborhood of sweeping views and sprawling lots where you’re just as likely to find a bear rifling through your garbage as a raccoon.

Set apart from the city’s main retail and commercial districts, Hillside is more suited to activity-focused day trips than random wandering. Far North Bicentennial Park, Anchorage’s largest, contains a wildlife preserve and a small nonprofit ski area inside its 4000 acres. Densely forested and rich in fauna, it seems way too wild to be within the city limits.

The vast majority of visitors and locals gravitate a little further south to the Glen Alps Trailhead to tackle the craggy face of Flattop Mountain. Considered Anchorage’s ultimate fitness test, Flattop is a short, rough climb to a wide, rocky summit from which paragliders launch into the sky. It’s eternally popular with intrepid hikers in summer, when there’s a daily shuttle to and from Downtown.

4. Spenard

Best for nightlife

One of the metro area’s more independently minded neighborhoods, Spenard has a quirky character that stems from its status as a separate city until the mid-1970s. While Anchorage began life as a tent city, Spenard, 3 miles to the south, grew up as a lumber camp: the area takes its name from a Canadian businessman named Joe Spenard, who built the area’s original logging road (now Spenard Rd) in the 1910s.

By Alaskan standards, its personality is positively bohemian. At the Bear Tooth Theatrepub, you can eat chicken-chipotle tacos and drink craft beer while watching the latest action movie. Nearby, the Yak & Yeti Cafe introduces diners to the delights of Tibetan cuisine, while establishments like Middle Way Cafe counter Alaska’s subsistence-hunting image with a menu filled with vegetarian and vegan options.

Then there’s the nightlife. Spenard might be the best place in Anchorage to blow your vacation budget, courtesy of places like Chilkoot Charlie’s, an eccentric emporium of drinking, dancing and live music that has been loosening collars since 1970.

5. Mountain View

Best for diverse cuisine

A neighborhood 2 miles from Downtown rarely visited by outsiders, Mountain View is more intriguing than first impressions would suggest: a study in the 2010s concluded it was the most diverse neighborhood in the US. Native Alaskans, Asians and Pacific Islanders are well established in the community, with Ethiopians, Peruvians and Somalis among more-recent arrivals.

While not really set up for tourists, the neighborhood can be shoehorned into a short afternoon trip from Downtown. Cycle the Ship Creek Trail to its eastern terminus and then wobble along Mountain View Dr, with its ethnic grocery stores and small restaurants, until you find a place that looks appetizing. Hawaiian-themed Hula Hands concocts authentic pulehu (wood-fire grilled) chicken, while the fresh-baked pretzel buns at West Berlin pair well with a German pint.

6. Turnagain

Best for coastal vistas

Though airport-adjacent districts are mostly ignored by travelers unless they’re on the lookout for an affordable layover hotel or nurture a secret fascination for plane-spotting, Anchorage’s Turnagain neighborhood is different. Inhabiting the western tip of the Anchorage peninsula at the point it juts into Cook Inlet, the area is circumscribed by the beautiful Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, which offers the quintessential Anchorage bike ride.

What’s more, the area showcases a tragic chapter of the city’s past. In 1964, the second-biggest earthquake in recorded human history destroyed 75 houses in the vicinity of Turnagain Heights, sending part of a waterside bluff sliding into the sea. The event is memorialized in Earthquake Park, which overlooks the mudflats of Knik Arm. Turnagain has rebounded since the seismically unstable ’60s and today is one of the city’s more expensive zip codes.

Closer to the airport, the Alaska Aviation Museum sits on the south shore of Lake Hood, the world’s busiest seaplane base; nearby, a strip of comfortable mid-range hotels (all with free airport shuttles) line the southern end of Spenard Rd. The Lakefront Anchorage Hotel backs onto Lake Spenard, the eastern extension of Lake Hood, allowing guests to watch the comings and goings of the ubiquitous floatplanes from their rooms.

At the foot of the Rocky Mountains in eastern Colorado, beautiful Colorado Springs retains many of its small-town charms.

Natural attractions in the shape of dramatic Pikes Peak and the vertical sandstone towers of the Garden of the Gods are the main draw here – yet Colorado Springs’ charming neighborhoods make it feel like the cozy mountain outpost it has always been. And after time in town, you’ll surely want to head into the foothills to find amazing hiking, mountain biking and outdoor adventures.

Both in the city and out in nature, here are the best things to do in Colorado Springs.

1. Admire the divine rock formations at the Garden of the Gods

The Garden of the Gods public park is an absolute must-see for Colorado Springs visitors. Designated a National Natural Landmark in 1971, the gorgeous vein of red sandstone at the park is about 290 million years old, with its mountain backdrop particularly striking. Explore the network of paved and unpaved trails, enjoy a picnic and watch climbers test their nerve on the sometimes flaky rock. Bear in mind that scrambling up the rocks is prohibited, and a permit is required for climbing and bouldering.

Those interested in the lives of Native Americans and 19th-century homesteaders in the region will enjoy Rock Ledge Ranch, a living history museum near the park entrance.

2. Do any (or every) kind of outdoor activity at Red Rock Canyon Open Space

Located along Hwy 24, Red Rock Canyon Open Space is a great place for hiking, running, mountain biking, rock climbing, cycling and horseback riding. Rock climbers have access to over 80 bolted climbing routes; if you fancy a bird’s-eye view, you may be tempted by paragliding. A family picnic area includes wheelchair-accessible picnic sites, and the 789-acre park also has also a free-ride area for bicycles. It also contains many miles of trails of varying difficulty, including the Section 16 trail, which leads out of the southwestern corner of the park on a nice 6-mile loop.

3. Watch the balloons ascend at the Labor Day Lift Off

The skyline around Memorial Park fills with hot-air balloons of wonderful colors and shapes every Labor Day weekend at the Labor Day Lift Off, a festive and free three-day event complete with musical entertainment. Running for some 40 years, the event sees amateurs and professionals launching technicolor hot-air balloons into the sky — and you won’t want to miss the early-morning balloon launches and the Saturday-evening “balloon glows.” Adventurous visitors can also pre-book balloon rides from one of the launch sites within town.

4. Channel a frontier vibe in Old Colorado City

History aficionados will love the neighborhood known as Old Colorado City, where the town was founded in 1859. The historic district was the first capital of the Territory of Colorado – and its former Wild West dens of vice now host restaurants, art galleries and souvenir shops. The area has a friendly vibe and maintains its 19th-century ambiance.

You may want to download the Old Colorado City app to add context to your walking tour. Those who prefer physical artifacts should check out the Old Colorado City History Center museum and bookstore, located in a former Baptist church; there’s also a small historical display in leafy Bancroft Park in the center of the area.

5. Score some finds at the Colorado Springs Flea Market

The Colorado Springs Flea Market is a good place for a family outing, particularly for those who enjoy the thrill of bargaining. It runs every weekend year-round on a 30-acre site, hosting up to 500 vendors hawking almost anything you can think of, as well as a variety of food trucks. The market has been running for over 30 years and is completely accessible. It also features an inflatable slide, a Ferris wheel and canoe rides for families and children, and live music and entertainment to add to the vibrant atmosphere.

6. Meet the Mavericks of tomorrow at the US Air Force Academy

Visit one of the highest-profile military academies in the country for a glimpse into the lives of an elite group of cadets. The US Air Force Academy visitor center provides a general background on the academy and allows access to the dramatic Cadet Chapel, with its beautiful high-modernist architecture.

Visitors can embark on a driving tour of the expansive grounds, checking out the Honor Court and Falcon Stadium. During football season, we highly recommend attending a game: cadets do push-ups for every point scored. Tickets can also be reserved for the graduation ceremony in May, famous for its spectacular airborne spectacles.

7. Try a triple axel (or at least watch a clip of one) at the World Figure Skating Museum & Hall of Fame

Fans of the graceful sport of figure skating should stop by the World Figure Skating Museum & Hall of Fame. The only institution of its kind in the world, this attraction celebrates the greatest names in skating. If you’ve ever wondered how they perform those gravity-defying jumps, you can learn about the intricacies of blades and edges.

The Hall of Fame includes such distinguished skaters as Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean, Dick Button, Ekaterina Gordeeva and Sergei Grinkov, and Scott Hamilton. Visitors can check out their skates and outfits while looking at stills and video footage of some of the greatest short and long programs ever performed.

8. Zoom indoors at Overdrive Raceway

Kids and big kids alike will have a ball at Overdrive Raceway, the first two-story indoor racetrack in the US. Its zippy electric go-karts make circuits of the downstairs “arrive and drive” track, with a more intensive “speed” track catering to experienced drivers. The track also has go-karts with hand controls for the mobility impaired. An onsite sports bar offers a selection of Colorado craft beer and whiskey and a food menu, helping visitors unwind after the thrill of racing.

9. Feed the giraffes at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Children will love seeing the largest collection of Somali giraffes in the world at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, located high up on Cheyenne Mountain. The large private sanctuary is serious about conservation and proud of its comprehensive giraffe-breeding program, as well as its educational programming. Visitors will also find play areas for children, while a chairlift-style ride will give you a bird’s-eye view of the entire enclosure.

10. Celebrate the spirit of the Wild West at Territory Days

The popular three-day Territory Days street festival is held every Memorial Day weekend in historic Old Colorado City, and celebrates the spirit of the Old West. Admission is free to the event, which has evolved from its humble beginnings four decades ago as a small neighborhood craft fair into a vibrant event with over 180 food and craft booths and a children’s play area.

Visitors will delight in educational displays, patriot tributes and live music on four stages, as well as performances by Native American dancers, Wild West gunfight re-enactments and incredible blacksmith demonstrations.

11. Enjoy the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center’s superb collection

This expansive museum and 400-seat theater at Colorado College originally opened in 1936 and has a strong focus on Native American, Latin American and Spanish Colonial art. Great rotating exhibits draw on the 20,000 pieces in its permanent collection.

The most famous work here is Richard Diebenkorn’s stunning abstract painting Urbana #4. Keep an eye out as well for the collection’s Mexican clay figures, woodcut prints from social-justice artist Leopoldo Mendez and Native American basketry and quilts, as well as abstract works by local artists such as Vance Kirkland and Floyd Tunson.

12. Cross a fourteener off your list by climbing Pikes Peak

Pikes Peak is the most famous of Colorado’s 54 “fourteeners” – peaks that rise more than 14,000ft (4267m) above sea level – and more than half a million visitors reach the summit of what the Ute call “Mountain of the Sun” every year. You can make the demanding 13.5-mile hike straight up the mountain – or, if you’re less ambitious, take the scenic, curvy drive to the top along the 19-mile Pikes Peak Hwy. For more than a century, the Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway has whisked passengers up the slope, letting them join the ever-expanding vistas along the way. At the top, you’ll also find the Summit Visitor Center, with an elevated pathway and overlook.

13. Prepare future astronauts for liftoff at the Space Foundation Discovery Center

This interactive and immersive science-and-technology center is a great place for families to while away a couple of hours. Astro-enthusiasts will love exploring the space artifacts and interactive exhibits as they absorb all sorts of fascinating information on the universe, technology and space exploration. You can also explore the history of humans in space, program robotic rovers to complete mission objectives on simulated Martian terrain and check out scale model rockets and space suits worn by astronauts to protect them from extreme temperatures, micrometeoroids and the nearly pure vacuum of space.

14. Get inspired at the United States Olympic & Paralympic Museum

The United States Olympic & Paralympic Museum brings to the forefront stories and experiences to inspire the next generation of Olympic and Paralympic athletes and fans. Here, Team USA athletes are at the center of the action, and the 12 galleries in the 60,000 sq ft building follow a narrative arc taking you through the teams’ journeys using technology that prioritizes accessibility and inclusivity. You can customize your sport preferences and accessibility needs for a tour that is uniquely your own, then chill out afterward at the Flame Café.

15. Enjoy the fruits of Colorado’s renowned craft-beer culture

Colorado Springs offers plenty of choice for fans of craft beers. Centrally located Phantom Canyon Brewing occupies a former warehouse building saved from the wrecking ball in 1993, and today serves pints in a casual atmosphere. Although it’s a bit out of the way, Bristol Brewing Co is worth seeking out for its Laughing Lab Scottish ale and pub-grub menu. Then there’s the eco-friendly Trinity Brewing Co: with a focus on artisan beers, it serves its creations in a taproom repurposed from two barns with a recycled glass bar top, book-arch entry and industrial wheel tables.

16. Take your pick of wonderful parks

Colorado Springs has a wide variety of parks, including Austin Bluffs Open Space, a beautiful reserve strewn with distinctive rock formations dating back to the Eocene period. Walking and hiking trails crisscross the park and the adjacent Pulpit Rock Park, which features a 4.4-mile (7km) loop trail is suitable for adults and kids of good general fitness.

Families will enjoy the wide green lawns and ball fields of Memorial Park, the city’s biggest. Then there’s Acacia Park, home to the much-loved Uncle Wilbur’s Fountain. It has over 200 water jets, 52 of which are part of a play area for kids over which a lifeguard keeps watch.

17. Teach the kids some history at Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum

The small, free-to-enter Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum is a great place to learn about the city’s history. Housed in what was once the El Paso County Courthouse, the collection and exhibition of some 60,000 pieces sums up the region’s history through old photographs and artifacts.

The Native American collection is particularly strong, featuring hundreds of items from the Ute, Cheyenne and Arapaho nations. While history lovers will enjoy tracing Colorado Springs’ evolution from its first incarnation as a mining town, the museum is also a great place for young visitors thanks to its child-friendly exhibits and activities.

Florida’s Emerald Coast, stretching 100 miles along the Panhandle, comprises a few of the Sunshine State’s best-kept secrets. Distinctly separate from Orlando’s theme parks or Miami’s thumping nightlife, this is where quiet stretches of sandy beaches line calm, turquoise waters; hidden state parks shelter shorebirds that are counted by the flock; and where local fishers gather over a few cold beers to talk of the one (or several) that got away.

Dubbed the ‘Emerald Coast’ by a local junior high school student in 1983 (he won $50 for his efforts), the thin stretch of coastline along the Florida Panhandle between Pensacola and Panama City has long been featured on the itineraries of motoring families and spring breakers. 

Home to many of Florida’s best beaches, choosing the best time to visit the Emerald Coast depends on your preferences for weather, crowds and activities. Spring breakers flock to the coasts of Destin and Panama City Beach in March and April, while summer tourism reaches its peak from June through August. The crowds begin to thin at the height of hurricane season (from the end of August until November) as the weather becomes more temperamental. With an ideal blend of good weather, fewer crowds and plenty of outdoor activities and festivals to enjoy, savvy travelers find May to be an ideal time to visit. 

Most visitors have mostly stuck to the main sights off Florida State Road 30A, the region’s main drag. Here, we shed some light on the top nine things to do on the Emerald Coast.

1. Escape to secret beaches

Florida’s breezy Gulf Coast beaches are some of the quickest ways to fend off sweltering weather and take a few deep gulps of fresh, salty air. Popular beaches are plentiful near main resort areas like Panama City Beach and Destin, but the area still has a few hidden treasures worth seeking out.

Not far from Panama City Beach, Shell Island is a favorite among locals and a few in-the-know visitors for outdoor activities like swimming and snorkeling. An uninhabited island separating St Andrews Bay from the gulf, this pristine stretch of sand features none of the usual amenities – no concessions, restrooms, picnic tables or trash cans (remember to pack out what you bring in). Wander along sugar-sand beaches and through mangroves where the only other visitor might be a nesting shorebird. Bring a pair of binoculars to spot bottlenose dolphins, which are frequently seen off the coast of this slice of paradise.

A bit further afield, Grayton Beach State Park exemplifies the region’s precious moniker, providing secluded beaches with azure waters, as well as biking and hiking trails and two rare coastal dune lakes that are made for exploring via kayak. Plus, thirty onsite cabins make for the perfect quiet getaway.

2. Explore under-visited state parks

Far away from Florida’s theme parks, the Emerald Coast offers a more feral alternative to the manicured entertainment found in the center of the state. Archaeological evidence suggests the area around Topsail Hill Preserve State Park was once used by Native Americans for hunting and fishing, and little has changed since. The park still features a stunning array of ecosystems, including cypress domes, marshes, pine flatwoods, scrub and wet prairies.

Just north of the pastel-colored planned community of Seaside, Eden Gardens State Park provides a glimpse of Florida as it was in the 19th century. Set on 163 acres of historic land, the park’s central focus is the restored Wesley House, a two-story mansion encircled by columned verandas. Elsewhere in the Spanish moss–shaded park there are ornamental gardens, a few hiking trails and boat access to the nearby Tucker Bayou.

3. Wind down at local haunts and hangouts

Once the sun sets or a thunderstorm roars overhead, head indoors to a warm and friendly spot for a bite to eat. With a squad of affable bartenders and budget-friendly food and drinks, Destin’s Red Door Saloon is the stay-until-last-call hangout where locals can be found after hours. Pizzas and bratwursts are available to soak up the booze.

Straying from Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach’s main commercialized artery, you’ll find local favorites like FINNS Island Style Grub on Thomas Dr. The street food shack is the perfect spot to pick up a coffee on the way to the beach or a light lunch. For an upscale bite a bit further inland, Hunt & Gather Raw Bar & Pub offers a sophisticated, yet approachable take on coastal Floridian cuisine with a cozy atmosphere ideal for a date or winding down after a day on the strand.

4. Dive into undersea adventures

With twenty diving sites along the Florida Panhandle Shipwreck Trail, this area of the Gulf of Mexico has been dubbed the ‘Wreck Capital of the South.’ Diving the Emerald Coast is a sure way to explore something secret to most. Fortunately, with several dive charters along the coast, exploring this area has never been easier.

Panama City’s newest wreck dive, the Red Sea, was a 125ft tugboat that was intentionally sunk in 2009. Now she sits just 40ft below the surface, and several species of marine life have already taken up residence. The Emerald Coast also features several submerged bridge spans, including sections of the Hathaway Bridge, which was originally built in 1929 and connected Panama City to Panama City Beach, but is now home to angel fish, grouper and the occasional barracuda.

For landlubbers who still want to get a glimpse of life several fathoms underwater, head to Man in the Sea Museum, which showcases the variety of gear and undersea habitats used to explore the mysteries of the ocean.

5. Celebrate local history and culture at annual festivals

The Florida Panhandle’s identity is inextricably linked to the history and landscapes of the area, which is peppered with the stories of pirates, vagrants and artists who found refuge in the palmetto-lined coast. Annual events like the Billy Bowlegs Festival and the 30A Songwriters Festival celebrate the region’s storied past and creative spirit. 

The coves and bays of the Emerald Coast were the perfect hiding spots for pirates who plied the waters for unsuspecting merchant vessels. The Billy Bowlegs Festival, held in May at Fort Walton Beach, memorializes one such pirate, William Augustus Bowles, who operated a flotilla of marauders around the Florida Panhandle. Each year, pirate reenactors “invade” the city and hold siege for three days of peg-legged merriment, music, food and local arts and crafts.

In January, musicians and songwriters from around the world come to intimate venues just a guitar-pick’s throw away from idyllic beaches for the 30A Songwriters Festival. Bringing 125+ acts to the Emerald Coast, the festival is a chance for songwriters to share their tales and tunes in dozens of venues around South Walton including intimate spots as small as 75 seats and outdoor stages that can accommodate thousands of fans.

6. Hit the boardwalk for family-friendly fun

When you need a break from the sand and sun, head to Destin’s Harbor Boardwalk or the nearby Village of Baytowne Wharf for a day of family-friendly entertainment.

The Harbor is a hub for outdoor activities like parasailing, jet ski rentals, boat charters, sightseeing cruises and tours. You’ll also find dozens of shops and restaurants to peruse along the harbor. During the summer, you can catch fireworks displays on select nights with excellent views from the William T. Marler Bridge (aka Destin Bridge). The launch point is right across from Margaritaville, so it’s a great place for dinner and a show. Head upstairs to Landshark Landing for even better views, but be sure to get there early if you want to snag a good seat. 

In nearby Sandestin, the playground, adventure zone, carousel and arcade at Baytowne Wharf delight young visitors. Home to shopping, restaurants and a tranquil beachy atmosphere, the Village also hosts live entertainment and seasonal events throughout the year. Located about 30 mins east of Destin, Baytowne Wharf sees somewhat fewer crowds than the Harbor and is a great destination for families with younger kids. 

7. Don’t miss out on local seafood

From fresh grouper to steamed shrimp and fried baskets of coastal delights, the Emerald Coast is one of the best places to sample seafood straight from the Gulf. Tucked among the kitschy tourist stops, the hidden gems beloved by locals serve up spectacular seafood along with hometown hospitality. 

Home of the Destin Seafood Festival held in September, it’s no surprise that the city has plenty of excellent seafood restaurants. Dewey Destin’s is a must-visit with multiple locations to choose from. Residents tend to prefer the Harbourside spot for its laid-back atmosphere. Choose your fish (snapper and grouper are always great choices) as a meal or a sandwich fried, grilled, blackened or bronzed. 

In nearby Santa Rosa Beach, Goatfeathers is a local favorite for steamed shrimp and seafood platters while Stinky’s Fish Camp is a lively destination for oysters – their grilled oysters are some of the best!

8. Hike or bike the coastal countryside

Beyond the beautiful beaches and towering hotels of Destin or Panama City Beach, you’ll find charming seaside towns and serene natural landscapes waiting to be explored along Florida’s 30A. In Henderson Beach State Park, just east of Destin, visitors can splash in the surf, then wander among the dunes, observing the plants and wildlife that make up the delicate ecosystems along the .75 mile nature trail. 

One of the best ways to experience the charm along the 30A is by bike. The 18.6 mile Timpoochee Trail takes cyclists past coastal landmarks along the way. Stretching between Dune Allen and Inlet Beach, the mostly flat, paved trail winds past rare dune lakes, filming locations of The Truman Show in the town of Seaside, the shimmering white buildings of Alys and plenty of neighborhood shops and restaurants. 

9. Experience authentic Old Florida

It’s in places like Apalachicola that you will discover the true spirit of Old Florida. Beyond the glossy theme parks and manicured beaches, you’ll find the nostalgic reminders of simpler times: trees draped with Spanish moss, faded pastel beach houses, roadside fruit stands or a dockside shack with the best seafood in town. 

Known as “Oystertown” for its namesake specialty, Apalachicola’s cultural and economic connection to the sea makes it the perfect place for fishing and boating adventures. The tranquil waters of the Apalachicola River and nearby waterways welcome beginner kayakers and paddlers. Remote parks surround the area and preserves, like St George Island State Park and the St Vincent National Wildlife Refuge, where visitors can bask in the pristine waters and undeveloped beaches. 

Although oyster harvesting has been paused until the end of 2025 due to environmental conditions and over-harvesting, Apalachicola is still a great place to enjoy fresh seafood and Florida staples. Hole In The Wall and Owl Café are favorites for local seafood paired with a cold pint and a relaxing atmosphere.

Crisscrossed by glacial rivers and streams, alternately covered in scrubland and ancient woodlands, and dotted with myriad ice-melt lakes whose surfaces range from pale blue to navy, Patagonia offers an extraordinary way to encounter nature at its rawest.

Covering a massive chunk of southern Chile and Argentina, the region is almost synonymous with adventure. Whether you’re looking to rough it on multi-day treks through pristine wilderness, hike from hut to hut in epic national parks, exert yourself on varied day treks before returning to the comfort of your boutique guesthouse, or just stretch your legs beneath the shade of Chile’s and Argentina’s oldest trees while road-tripping along Chile’s Carretera Austral, Patagonia has a great deal to offer.

Keep in mind that trekking in Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego is largely confined to the peak and shoulder seasons of November to late March. If you want to hike off the beaten track, make sure you’ve left word with someone about proposed route, take a tent sturdy enough to withstand the famous Patagonian wind (called La Escoba de Dios, or God’s Broom) and all the supplies you’ll need. During any hike, all-weather gear is a must (in Patagonia, it’s normal to experience four seasons in one day – or even one hour). Accommodations must be booked many weeks in advance for the December-to-February high season.

With those details out of the way, let’s get to the 12 best hikes in Patagonia.

1. Laguna de Los Tres, Parque Nacional Los Glaciares (Argentina)

Best for scenery and a sense of accomplishment

15.5 miles (25km) round trip, 8–10 hours, moderate

Only accessible on less windy days, this is the most scenic and challenging of all the day hikes around southern Argentina’s compact trekking capital of El Chaltén. The well-marked trail ascends through ñire (small southern beech) woodlands from the north end of El Chaltén’s main street, past turquoise Laguna Capri and across boggy terrain to Camapamento Poincenot, popular with climbers. A steep, exposed trail zigzags up the mountain side to the glacial lagoon, where you get excellent bonus views of Cerro Fitz Roy (11171ft/3405m), the mountain resembling a jagged tooth. Dip your feet in the water – but don’t keep them there, as you’ll quickly lose feeling.

2. The W Trek, Torres del Paine National Park (Chile)

Best overnight option in Torres del Paine

46 miles (74km) one way, 3–5 days, moderate

The shorter of the two multi-day treks that Chile’s iconic Torres del Paine National Park is known for, this route is shaped like the letter that gives it its name. To start off, you’ll take a boat across Lake Pehoé, then hike through woodland along the banks of Lake Grey to the icy monolith of Glacier Grey before retracing your steps. You then pass along the shores of glacial Lake Nordenskjöld, and climb steeply up the French Valley for an up-close look at Los Cuernos, the park’s bell-shaped mountain range. A final stint through scrubland, across hills and up the Ascencio River valley brings you to the trident peaks of Las Torres.

You can either camp en route at designated campsites, go from refugio (bunk hut) to refugio, or even glamp along the way. Due to Torres del Paine’s immense popularity, all accommodations and camping spots have to be prebooked months in advance. The W is best hiked west to east if you’re camping, so that you’ll have used up most supplies before tackling the steep ascent to the granite towers.

3. Lagunas Altas Trail, Parque Nacional Patagonia (Chile)

Best for easy access

14.2 miles (23km) loop, 8 hours, moderate

Near the entrance to the park, the most easily accessible trail in Parque Nacional Patagonia is an invigorating leg-stretcher that’s stupendously scenic. Climbing a forested ridge from the Westwind Campsite near the visitors center, the trail passes several tiny glacial meltwater lakes across open terrain. You’ll find that your jaw drops open more than once during the hike at the all-encompassing views of the northern Patagonian ice field, Chacabuco Valley and the Jeinimeni Mountains en route.

4. Volcan Chaitén Crater Trail, Parque Nacional Pumalín Douglas R. Tompkins (Chile)

Best for an all-encompassing view

2.7 miles (4.4km) round trip, 5 hours, moderate

In 2008, the eponymous volcano in northern Patagonia staged a surprise eruption and buried half the town of Chaitén under mud and ash. This relatively steep 5-hour round-trip trek starts near Puente Los Gigos, off the Carretera Austral, north of the now-rebuilt town. Following the eruption path of the volcano, the trail gets progressively more barren the higher you get. Your reward at the top is the all-encompassing view of the still-smoking crater and the surrounding forest.

5. Laguna Torre, Parque Nacional Los Glaciares (Argentina)

Best for seeing icebergs and glaciers

13.6 miles (22km) roundtrip, 6–8 hours, moderate

Another excellent day hike from El Chaltén, this trail takes you from the south of town through the Fitz Roy river valley. Passing a small hydroelectric station, you’ll climb through lenga and ñire woods to reach the Mirador Laguna Torre, with views of glaciers beneath the Adela mountain range, Cerro Torre, Mt Fitz Roy and the granite “needles” popular with rock climbers. Crossing an alluvial plain bisected by the glacial Fitz Roy river, you’ll pass the partially sheltered De Agostini campsite before skirting the iceberg-filled Laguna Torre to reach Mirador Maestri, overlooking Glacier Grande.

6. The Circuit, Torres del Paine National Park (Chile)

Best for a long-distance trek

68 miles (110km) loop, 6–10 days, moderate

If you have more time to spare, tackle the longest trek in Torres del Paine in a clockwise direction. Incorporating the W, this spectacular loop gives you unique views of the backs of Los Cuernos and Las Torres – the park’s two mountain ranges – from remote backcountry. As you climb partially forested hills en route from the Serón campsite to the Dickson campsite and refugio, you’ll enjoy views of Lake Paine and Lake Dickson along the way, and take boardwalks across boggy sections. This first half of the hike is where you’re most likely to come face to face with one of the park’s many mountain lions.

From Refugio Dickson, you’ll enter dense southern forest, with thickets of giant wild rhubarb and ferns and glimpses of waterfalls through the trees. The highest and most challenging part of the trek is the weather-dependent crossing of the John Gardner Pass (4002ft/1220m) between the Los Perros Campsite and Refugio Grey. Once you reach the top, the Glacier Grey ice field opens up below you like a vast, frozen river. As with the W, you can either camp all the way, or go from refugio to refugio.

7. Los Alerces Trail, Parque Nacional Pumalín Douglas R. Tompkins (Chile)

Best for an easy hike

0.5 mile (700m) loop, 30 minutes, easy

Alerce trees are the giants of Patagonia. Growing up to 148ft (45m) in height and living for up to 3000 years, they were cut down to near extinction by colonists in the late 19th and early 20th centuries (their wood was used for southern Chile’s unique shingled roof tiles) – and now enjoy protected status. Off the Carretera Austral, some 7.7 miles (12.5km) south of the Caleta Gonzalo car-ferry landing, this wonderful interpretive trail passes through a particularly impressive grove of these millennia-old skyscrapers of the forest.

8. Dientes de Navarino Circuit, Navarino Island (Chile)

Best for a demanding trek

33.2 mile (53.5km) loop, 4–5 days, difficult

On Chile’s southernmost permanently inhabited territory (across the Beagle Channel from Tierra del Fuego), this demanding trail loops around the jagged pinnacles of the Dientes de Navarino mountain range. Requiring wild camping and excellent navigation skills, it’s best done in a clockwise direction with at least one other companion. The trail cuts across bare stony plateaux, skirts glacial lakes, traverses boggy lowlands and crosses exposed mountain passes. Highlights include expansive views of the Beagle Channel from Cerro Bandera and Paso Virginia (near the beginning and end of the trek, respectively). Be sure to watch your footing on the steep, rapid descent from the latter pass.

9. Laguna de Los Témpanos, Parque Nacional Queulat (Chile)

Best for exploring Parque Nacional Queulat

1.2 miles (2km) return, 1 hour, easy

If you do just one hike in Parque Nacional Queulat (off Chile’s Carretera Austral in northern Patagonia), make it this one. From the main parking area, after crossing the hanging bridge high above the raging Ventisquero River, you may have to brave the perpetual rain. Expect to be slapped in the face with moisture-laden ferns as you make your way through dense forest and damp undergrowth along this straightforward trail to a splendid glacial lagoon.

It’s all well worth it. From the banks of the lagoon, you’ll get uninterrupted views of the Ventisquero Colgante – a hanging glacier across the lagoon, filled with car-sized chunks of calved ice. The frequently inclement weather, and the park’s remoteness, means you’re likely to have it all to yourself.

10. Lago del Desierto, Chile trail (Argentina/Chile)

Best for crossing an international border

12.4 miles (20km) one way, 6–8 hours, moderate

In recent years, this cross-border trail connecting tiny El Chaltén in southern Argentina to Chile’s equally tiny Villa O’Higgins has gained in popularity with adventurous hikers (and even cyclists). Best done from Argentina into Chile to avoid a relentless uphill slog, the trip starts with a boat ride across the pristine Lago del Desierto, some 23 miles (37km) north of El Chaltén; getting stamped out at the Argentine border post; then trekking through hilly, dense woodland until you reach the sign welcoming you to Chile, where the narrow trail becomes a broad, forest-fringed gravel road. It then winds its way down to Lago O’Higgins and the tiny border post of Candelario Mancilla. From here, you have to catch another ferry across Lake O’Higgins/San Martín. During high season, when ferries across both lakes are more frequent, you can time the hike so that it’s doable in a day; otherwise you may have to camp at one or both border posts.

11. Avilés Trail, Parque Nacional Patagonia (Chile)

Best for camping wild

29 miles (47km) one way, 3–4 days, difficult

Connecting the eponymous forest lake in the Reserva Nacional Lago Jeinimeni (accessed from Chile Chico) with the Casa Piedra campsite in the scenic Avilés Valley in Parque Nacional Patagonia further south, this is a serious, off-the-beaten-track endeavor that requires organizing transfers to and from the trailheads in advance and ample wilderness-trekking experience. While the terrain is only moderately demanding, the trail through the valley is rudimentary and minimally marked, there are multiple river crossings, and you have to camp wild, bringing all your supplies with you. It’s worth the effort.

12. Cabo Froward (Chile)

Best for utter remoteness

45.3 miles (73km) round trip, 4 days, difficult

The goal of this adventurous hike is to reach Cape Froward – the southernmost mainland point on the continent of South America. Starting at the trailhead some 56 miles (90km) south of Punta Arenas, the trail mostly hugs the coast, meandering along wind-battered cliffs, traversing boggy undergrowth and passing the San Isidro lighthouse. Unless you’re an experienced wayfarer, it’s best to join a guided hike with Erratic Rock from Puerto Natales, as the trek involves fording narrow, deep rivers at low tide and camping wild. Be aware that the trail isn’t well-marked in places.

Europe has some of the world’s most stunning mountains, whether it’s the ones that form the Mont Blanc Massif, straddling the border between Italy and France, or the often overlooked peaks in Spain’s Sierra Nevada region.

As someone who’s conquered many of the continent’s steepest peaks, whether it’s with former Olympians or friends teaching their kids to ski for the first time, I’ve developed a knack for knowing how to get the most bang for your buck from a ski holiday.

It’s a myth that resorts offering brilliant value are only found in ultra-remote destinations with a handful of ski lifts built 50 years ago. After all, skiing on a budget isn’t simply about paying as little as possible (if it was, we’d all just stay at home), but getting the best ski holiday for your hard-earned cash.

I’ve gathered together the best of Europe’s top budget ski resorts and also included a couple of big hitters – larger resorts that might cost slightly more than the region’s cheapest, but which are still fantastic options for skiers on a budget.

1. Sestriere, Italy

Best overall value for money

Average daily price of a lift pass: €28

This is a resort that offers brilliant bang for your buck, thanks in part to its location at the heart of Italy’s Via Lattea – a ski area that encompasses eight interconnected ski resorts in the Piedmont region and has 248 miles of slopes, some of which connect to France’s Montgenèvre ski resort. Sestriere tops out at 9186 feet, which means it’s wonderfully snow-sure. Additionally, the resort recently purchased 117 shiny new snowmakers, so even if the white stuff fails to appear (which is unlikely), you can still hit the slopes. As a bonus, it’s famous for its Italian cuisine, and the fabulous slope-side restaurants offer brilliant value for money ⁠– try Ristorante Pizzeria Da Costa for amazing pizza at a low price.

2. Grand Tourmalet, France

Best for a wide range of terrain

Average daily price of a lift pass: €50

Let’s face it. The French Alps are never going to be Europe’s cheapest ski destination, but it will always be one of the finest. And those who dream of cruising down its powder-blanketed slopes without remortgaging their home should head to Grand Tourmalet, a resort in the famously wallet-friendly Pyrenees mountains, where a week-long lift pass costs from around €300 per adult.

This gorgeous resort has 62 miles of slopes and a thrilling network of off-piste descents in the shadow of the 9438-ft Pic du Midi de Bigorre. It’s also perfect for families, with a fantastic range of activities to enjoy once the lifts have stopped. Highlights include snowmobile excursions (there are electric versions for kids as young as six), a visit to Pic du Midi’s observatory (France’s highest) and free guided winter hikes.

3. Vogel, Slovenia

Best for beginners

Average daily price of a lift pass: €42

Prepare to be amazed: a six-day-ski pass for Vogel in Slovenia costs just €197. This is one of Slovenia’s most popular ski resorts – a winter wonderland located just above Bohinj Valley, in Triglav National Park. The seasons are famously long (you can typically ski here from November until May) and its 13 miles of slopes cater to everyone from beginners taking it slowly to experts who can fling themselves off jumps in the resort’s beautifully maintained snow park. Taking to the slopes for the first time? The nursery slopes in the beginners’ area don’t need a lift pass – the only ticket they’ll need is a single cable car fare if you’re staying in accommodation below the main resort.

4. Jasná Nízke Tatry, Slovakia

Best for cheap lift passes

Average daily price of a lift pass: €41

Say hello to Central Europe’s largest ski area, where a six-day adult’s lift pass costs roughly €275. So what do you get for your hard-earned cash? To start with, 31 miles of Slovakian pistes served by 20 lifts (including a hi-tech A6 Doppelmayr 15-MGD cable car which whisks skiers to the top of the resort’s Mount Chopok in just 11 minutes). Adrenaline lovers can catch some big air in the resort’s freestyle zones but if après-ski is your priority, you’re in luck – the resort has several slope-side bars and clubs at which you can bust out your best dance moves (the Happy End club is a great spot to toast a day on the hill).

5. Orelle, France

Best for cheap accommodation

Average daily price of a lift pass: €40

Full disclosure – Orelle, which comprises 10 tiny hamlets, is part of France’s Les 3 Vallees ski area, home to swanky resorts such as Courchevel and Val Thorens. But Orelle, which has 93 miles of slopes and 29 ski lifts, is also proof that staying in a smaller resort that offers easy access to the area’s 372 miles of slopes can reap huge rewards. Take its newest hotel, The Hob. The accommodation will include double rooms, family rooms and six-person dormitories, and rates start from just €99 per night. The best bit? You simply need to hop on the Orelle gondola to be whisked into the heart of the world’s largest ski area in just 13 minutes.

6. Bardonecchia, Italy

Best for easy access

Average daily price of a lift pass: €46

Bardonecchia hosted the Winter Olympics in 2006 but – unlike in other resorts that hosted the games – prices have remained surprisingly low. The northwest-facing slopes are seriously snow-sure, and the resort’s impressive snowmaking tech means there’s always plenty of powder. It’s also easily accessible – it takes just 90 minutes to drive to the resort from Turin, but visitors can also hop on the Turin-Bardonecchia-Modane train. The terrain starts at 4260ft and tops out at 9180ft, and it’s a great resort for multi-destination trips due to the proximity of other brilliant Italian resorts such as Sauze d’Oulx.

7. Serre Chevalier, France

Best for guaranteed snow

Average daily price of a lift pass: €60

Serre Chevalier, the largest ski area in the (decidedly cheaper) southern Alps might not have the nightlife you’ll find in Tignes or the ski butlers you’ll find in swanky Courchevel, but that’s precisely we why love it. Decidedly unpretentious and free from the crowds that clog lift lines in other resorts, it’s a ski destination that offers brilliant value for money and a fantastic selection of runs for beginners through to experts (although intermediates are especially well catered for here). It’s also northeast-facing, which means its 80 slopes hold snow incredibly well.

8. Alpbach, Austria

Best for alpine charm

Average daily price of a lift pass: €63

This Austrian winter wonderland, in the heart of the Tyrol region, is one of the prettiest places to ski. When it was founded in 1953, locals laid down firm laws relating to buildings – none could be higher than three stories – and all must have first and second stories made from wood. Its 70 miles of trails are all easily accessible, and it’s incredibly family-friendly – there are four nursery slope areas, and the cost of a lift pass covers rides on a bus that whisks visitors around the resort.

One aspect that sets this resort apart is the accommodation, which consists mostly of chalet hotels – try the family-run Hotel Iris, where double rooms start from just €50 per night. Make sure you try one of the region’s delicious specialties, like Brandenburg Prügeltorte, a delicious cake found throughout Austria’s Tyrol region.

With its turquoise lagoon, blonde beaches and towering mountain backdrop, Bora Bora is the living definition of a tropical island paradise. Usually pictured under clear, blue skies or bathed by fiery sunsets, this is the luxury island escape that people dream of – and thanks to warm temperatures year-round, there’s no such thing as a bad time to visit.

From snorkeling alongside rays and reef sharks to hikes to mountain viewpoints and ancient ceremonial sites, passing time on Bora Bora is truly a balm to the soul. However, those cloudless blue skies that you’ve seen on social media don’t paint the whole picture – Bora Bora is buffeted by the moisture-laded winds of the South Pacific and the island has a warm, humid rainy season from December to March.

But don’t let a few raindrops put you off – even a visit in the rainy season has its advantages! Here’s what you need to know about the best times to visit Bora Bora.

May to October is the best time for blue skies and sunshine

Bora Bora’s dry season takes place during the southern hemisphere winter from May to October. The dry months see low levels of rainfall, so you can be confident of clear blue skies with plenty of sunshine for much of your stay. Temperatures during the winter are also less intense than during the summer months, with daytime highs of around 28°C (82°F).

Ideal weather for basking in the sun makes the dry season the most popular time to visit Bora Bora. Unfortunately, this means higher prices at resorts, and bigger crowds across the island. If this is your dream time to visit, start looking at flights well in advance as seats get snapped up quickly.

Though the high season kicks off in May, the main crowds won’t arrive for a few more weeks. Water conditions are ideal for scuba diving and the Tahiti Pearl Regatta sailing race draws teams from across the globe.

By June, you’ll notice a drop in temperatures at night and the humidity decreases too, making this a perfect month to visit. This is also when school holidays start in North America and Europe, bringing lots of vacationing families to the resorts. The wind tends to pick up in June, creating prime conditions for sailing and kiteboarding, but decreasing the visibility for scuba diving.

Bora Bora’s biggest cultural festival, Heive i Bora Bora takes place in July; expect plenty of carnival-like performances, singing, boat racing and all-round revelry across the island. August tends to be the busiest month and this is when most European visitors head to the island. The trade winds make the heat less intense and long hours of sunshine make for blissful times on the beach.

Things start to quiet down a bit in September as families visiting from the northern hemisphere head home, but this is the height of humpback whale season in Bora Bora, which runs from mid-July to the end of October. Whales with calves gather in the waters surrounding the island; you can’t swim with them here as you can in Mo’orea, but there are plenty of excellent whale-watching tours.

October marks the end of the high season. Towards the end of the month, you’ll notice more humidity and rain but there’s still a lot of sunshine to enjoy. Local school holidays during this month bring island families to the beaches and scuba divers return to the water as it tends to be calm, meaning great visibility.

Come in April and November for diving, mild weather and fair prices

The months of April and November fall between the wet and dry seasons, offering some of the advantages of both. During these months, you’ll see fewer crowds and you can find some generous deals from resorts, but the weather still brings plenty of sunshine.

There will be some rain and humidity, though the rain showers tend to pass quite quickly. April brings the start of the main scuba diving season and the absence of strong winds makes for calm, clear waters – perfect for spotting sharks, manta rays, barracudas and more out in the deep blue.

Excellent underwater visibility also draws divers and snorkelers in November, another popular time for underwater adventures. In late October and early November, the Hawaiki Nui Va’a festival is a wonderfully fun and hectic time to visit, with canoe races around the island and islets; join the locals and cheer on your favorite towards victory!

December to March is the best time to visit on a budget

As Bora Bora’s dry season comes to an end, the days start to get cloudier and there’s an increased chance of rain. The temperatures creep up a little higher and the humidity starts to kick in. This change in the weather ushers in the low season for tourism, but this can be advantageous to travelers who have a limited budget and don’t mind a few clouds in the sky. Cyclones (hurricanes) are rare but they can blow through at this time of year.

During the rainy season, many of the island’s top resorts drop their rates as demand falls. This makes a plush stay at an overwater bungalow resort, such as the luxurious Four Seasons Bora Bora, much more affordable. Another advantage to the low season is the lack of crowds. As most visitors plan their trips to maximize those iconic blue skies, you can end up with an entire beach to yourself when the weather is more unpredictable.

December is the most humid month in Bora Bora but the cloudy skies don’t put a dampener on Christmas. Enthusiastic celebrations happen across the island as locals throw themselves into the holiday spirit; tourists are made to feel very welcome at local events.

Visitor numbers are at their lowest in January. If you decide to snap up an off-season hotel deal, time your trip to coincide with the Taurua Varua festival – one of the most important religious occasions in the islands, celebrated with traditional singing.

February sees less rain than January, though this month has the highest chance of a cyclone. As French Polynesia lies off the main cyclone belt, these are quite rare but the chance is still there (the last major cyclone was in 2010). Humidity remains high, which can be uncomfortable during the day, but it also brings some of the most incredible sunsets you’ll ever see. Again, tourism is slow during this month so prices tend to be lower at resorts.

As March rolls in, the rain decreases further, though you’ll likely experience some showers and high humidity. Tourists are still scarce but locals join competitions to find Bora Bora’s best orero (guardian of spoken history).

The southern rim of the Caribbean offers the perfect conditions for taking the plunge.

In and around the Dutch-speaking islands of Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao (the ABC Islands), the water temperatures are warm year-round, averaging 85°F (29°C). And since the islands sit south of the hurricane belt, you’ll find less extreme weather than in alternative islands to the east and north.

All tiny in size – Curaçao is the largest, at just 171 sq miles (443 sq km) – each one features exciting underwater landscapes off their dreamy coastlines and beneath their turquoise waters. 

Whether you’re a lifelong diving aficionado or a total newbie, knowing the differences between each island’s unique diving offerings can make or break a trip. 

So let’s dive in.

Scuba diving in Aruba

Best for exploring shipwrecks, then lying out on the beach

The best time to go to Aruba

The April-through-November window is ideal, thanks to steady water conditions, sunny days and calm winds.

Why Aruba is perfect for diving

If your vision of scuba diving conjures swimming through shipwrecks, this is your place. Aruba’s southwestern and western shores have more than 10 diveable shipwreck sites. 

Additionally, if lengthy white-sand beaches are your vibe, the A of the ABC islands is for you. After you’ve finished your dives, Aruba – as the most developed of the trio – offers everything from a dozen-plus casinos to an ostrich farm.

The best and most popular spots for diving in Aruba

Lying off Aruba’s northern coast, the SS Antilla is the largest shipwreck dive in the entire Caribbean. The remains of the 400-ft(134m)-long vessel contains a maze of sea sponges, neon fish and lobsters – not to mention the lurking pelicans above the waterline.

Also off the northwest coast lies the wreck of the SS California. Appropriate for advanced divers due to strong currents, this 100-plus-year-old site is loaded with stunning coral reefs and coral fish. 

Diving companies to book with in Aruba

For diving at your own pace, Pure Diving Aruba offers free drop-off and pick-up island wide, with no fixed daily schedule. Happy Divers Aruba offers the gamut from free-dive trips to snorkeling adventures. At its headquarters in Noord, you will also find a number of diving courses to try. 

What you’ll see diving in Aruba

Off the runway at Queen Beatrix International Airport, you can see an Air Aruba YS-11 that was purposely sunk to create an artificial reef. Today, it’s a favorite spot for spotting giant barracuda.

Beyond planes, ships and other man-made marvels, divers and snorkelers will find plenty of natural reefs aplenty, too. Off the island’s southern tip at Punta Basora, a long, narrow reef draws stingrays, eagles, loggerhead turtles and tuna along with divers.

Tips before heading out on your dive in Aruba

Boat access is vital for most Aruba dives. Geographically, the eastern and northern coasts are for the more advanced, given their general rockiness and stronger currents. Water visibility typically hovers in the 50-to-100-ft (15-to-30m) range.

Advice for first-time travelers to Aruba

An Embarkation and Disembarkation (ED) card is required to enter the country. As of 2024, the card costs $20 and is best purchased in advance to avoid an added step at the airport. The fee, in part, covers islandwide sustainability efforts and helps preserve the diving landscape.

Can you get a Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) license in Aruba?

Yes.

Scuba diving in Bonaire

Best for shore diving and reef-conservation efforts

The best time to go to Bonaire

For swimming and spotting loggerhead turtles, the summer months of May through July are best. May and June are the less busy options within this timeframe.

Why Bonaire is perfect for diving 

Since Bonaire proudly calls itself the “shore diving capital of the world,” you won’t need a pricey boat rental or day-long group outing to be dazzled by the waters here.

Bonaire’s western coast is shielded from strong currents, making for an optimal setting for beginners. There is one principal road that runs north-south along the island’s western edge – EEG Blvd – making hopping between beaches and reefs easy.

The best and most popular spots for diving in Bonaire

Nearly three quarters of Bonaire’s 85 dive sites are accessible from the shore. Indeed, the entire perimeter of the island is designated the Bonaire National Marine Park, meaning options abound. Lac Bay is loaded with mangroves, sea turtles and the endangered queen conch. 

Angel City is truly angelic, boasting a double reef that’s suitable for beginners, pros and snorkelers. Its sandy floor is stingray central. 

Shipwrecks aren’t nearly as abundant here – though the Hilma Hooker is a former drug-smuggling vessel that pops below water with vibrant coral.

Diving companies to book with in Bonaire 

Dive Friends Bonaire has seven dive shops along Bonaire’s western edge, between Hamlet Oasis Resort to the north down to Delfins Beach Resort in the south. In addition to guided shore dives, it’s one of the few places in the region to rent an Avelo scuba system.

Beyond the Corals is a full-fledged diving resort, with PADI-certification courses, continuing dive-education classes and regular excursions.

What you’ll see diving in Bonaire

The waters surrounding Bonaire are home to nearly 60 species of coral and 350 species of fish. Among the more-prized sightings are bottlenose dolphins, stocky yellow frogfish and spot-filled whale sharks. The beachscapes here are diverse, too, many fringed with cliffs and covered with rocks.

Tips before heading out on your dive in Bonaire

As of 2022, non-residents of Bonaire must pay a $75 entry tax, whether you arrive via air or sea. Additionally, be prepared to pay a $40 “nature tag” fee – essentially an entrance fee – to access Bonaire National Marine Park. The fee may be purchased online and covers entrance to the par,  as well as Washington Slagbaai National Park, for one year.

Advice for first-time travelers to Bonaire

Bonaire is a friendly destination for beginning divers. Most, if not all, resorts offer unlimited shore diving, which you may also do at night. True beginners should stick to daylight hours for maximum visibility and safety. 

Can you get a PADI license in Bonaire?

Yes.

Scuba diving in Curaçao

Best for underwater topography and limestone cliff landscapes

The best time to go to Curaçao

June through September are the best months to avoid crowds. Within this period, September and October are the best months for seeing the coral spawning.

Why Curaçao is perfect for diving

Diving is as possible all over the island of Curaçao. Resorts are in on the action near and far, including Willemstad’s Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort, which has on-site shore excursions, a PADI-certification class and boat trips to Sweet Bottom and Beacon Point; and Sandals Royal Curaçao, which includes PADI-certified scuba diving as part of its amenities. 

The best and most popular spots for diving in Curaçao

The buzziest Curaçao diving spot is Double Reef on the south-central coast. You can opt for a boat or shore dive to explore this (yes) pair of reefs, whose landscapes include a shallow reef, sandy area and massive reef mesa.

You’ll be visually delighted by small crabs, puffers, angelfish and other brightly colored creatures. Mushroom Forest near Playa Santa Cruz is loaded with mushroom-shaped coral expanses that resemble an underwater forest.

Diving companies to book with in Curaçao 

Jan Thiel Diving offers advanced open-water packages, guided night dives and the chance to swim with dolphins. The Dive Bus, just south of Willemstad, is a feel-good operation, with “fun dives” for groups, cold beer and wi-fi at its shop.

If you’ve ever dreamed of turning into a mermaid, Scubacao has a diving lesson where you learn to navigate while wearing a mermaid-esque tail.

What you’ll see diving in Curaçao

To catch the coral spawning, target an excursion seven days after the full moon in September or October. During this magnificent underwater display, it will feel as if the coral is generating stars around you.

Creole wrasses, cornet fish and spotted eagle rays are among the more unique creatures you’ll see during a dive here. 

Tips before heading out on your dive in Curaçao

The west side of the island is generally better-protected from stronger waves, currents and wind. With that, make sure to double-check the weather for any looming storms, which may make shore dives in particular more difficult.

Advice for first-time travelers to Curaçao

If don’t want to plan a dive trip yourself, know that there are plenty of resorts island-wide that cover meals, trips and customizable packages. As their names might suggest, LionsDive Beach Resort and Scuba Lodge offer diving-focused amenities aplenty.

Can you get a PADI license in Curaçao?

Yes.

Tips and best practices for being a sustainable diver

• Lather up with biodegradable, reef-friendly sunscreen.

• Stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD) is affecting and hurting reefs throughout the region. Consult with a trusted dive shop on which reefs may be affected at the moment and the precautions to take.

• Leave no trace – including limiting plastic waste – and never take any coral with you.

• Keep a safe distance from marine life and resist the temptation to touch it.

It’s a wonder Île de Ré exists. For starters, this French island is crêpe-flat (and its beaches are the same color as pancake batter). When the swell comes rolling in along the west and south coasts – this is the Atlantic Ocean after all – it’s difficult to comprehend how the sea doesn’t swallow the island whole. 

This isn’t your simple fly-and-flop island – the architecture here tells the stories of wealthy merchants that traded Île de Ré’s salt and wine for stones to build their homes. Cycle into the heart of the island, and you’ll either find yourself surrounded by vineyards or on the curious criss-cross of paths raised above the salt flats, where oyster dredgers’ huts look over party hat-shaped piles of salt. 

Extremely accessible, with a bridge linking it to La Rochelle on the mainland, it’s not surprising that it’s a favorite with bucket-and-spade waving French families as soon as the holidays hit. There’s a beach for everyone, be your style windsurfing, paddleboarding, or hiding from the wind among the sand dunes with a good book. 

When should I go to Île de Ré? 

The island is highly seasonal and often awash with Parisians during the summer holidays. But visit in winter and it will feel pretty empty; the year-round population of the whole island is under 18,000. There’s something oddly magical about winter when the Atlantic storms sweep in, and since the island is linked to the mainland by a bridge, you don’t need to worry about getting marooned in inclement weather. Summer visitors are in the millions, and the vast majority arrive in July and August. The weather is reliably warm and sunny, but accommodation is at a premium, and you’ll need to book well in advance. 

June and September are lovely months to visit. Accommodation and activities are open for high season, and salt harvesting season (June to September) is underway.

Most of the island’s festivals take place in the summer. Jazz au Phare (Jazz at the Lighthouse) runs for five days in early August at the Phare des Baleines, the lighthouse at the westernmost tip of the island. You’ll have to pay to attend the main events of the festival but it runs alongside a programme of free events, including café concerts.

How much time should I spend in Île de Ré? 

How long is a piece of string, or rather, how much do you love the beach? If you want to holiday French-style, camp out here for a whole month, spending long, lazy days at the beach, or pedaling languidly from oyster shack to oyster shack. If you don’t benefit from the same generous holiday allowance, you could easily see the whole island in three or four days, and that’s exploring by bike: the cycle trails are all flat.

When I was a child we’d go for a week. That worked well, but I’d never have said no to longer. Factor in travel time to La Rochelle, the mainland city from which you access Ile de Ré. There are direct flights from the UK; from the United States you’ll likely arrive in Paris or Bordeaux, each 2 ½ hours from La Rochelle by train.

Is it easy to get in and around Île de Ré? 

Cycling isn’t just a mode of transport here, it’s a religion. Île de Ré isn’t car-free but driving isn’t the most efficient way of getting from A to B; partly since parking is limited and often very expensive, and partly because all of the roads are pockmarked with dozens of crossings for pedestrians and cyclists, who have priority. Many of the historic little towns, such as Saint-Martin-de-Ré, have narrow little cobbled streets, making squeezing through in an SUV stressful and unpleasant. There’s also a fantastic network of electric shuttle buses on the island, which are completely free for visitors. 

Upon arrival (by road, via the bridge), there’s a compulsory entry toll of between €8-16 Euros (US$8.45-16.90), depending on the season. This fee goes towards preserving the island’s nature and funding fantastic projects like the free shuttle buses. There’s no fee for leaving. It’s also possible to arrive by sailing boat, and you can bring your bike on board.

Top things to do in Île de Ré 

Kayak the marshes at Loix 

Kayaking around Loix is a little like parkour on water. Not because it’s extreme – far from it in fact, it’s the perfect day out for families – but because the constantly changing tides mean that you can paddle up little creeks where you’ll often need to slide your kayak down mudbanks, or wade through the mud, to get out again. Canoë Salé runs guided tours which are invaluable in such a labyrinth. From above the warren of marshes and salt flats looks like a patchwork quilt.

Off the water, Loix looks like one of the more uninspiring towns on the island, but it’s one of the most lived in, with heaps of character. It’s home to the island’s best bookshop, Atelier Quillet, which has an on-site café serving coffees made with locally roasted beans. There’s also a workshop specializing in the restoration of old documents and for a guided visit costing just €5 (US$5.30), you can see how they do it.

Explore the pretty streets of Saint-Martin-de-Ré 

A fishing town with a strategic location, Saint-Martin-de-Ré came into its own in the Middle Ages, when it was used for trade and as a military base. In the 17th century, the famous military engineer Vauban fortified the town to resist Dutch and English invasions, and much of the ramparts and imposing entrance arch are still standing today.

The streets look as though they’ve been plucked from the imagination of an interior designer. Most of the houses are whitewashed or pastel-coloured, with brightly painted shutters and an abundance of creeping plants and bulging window boxes. Along the old harbor are heaps of restaurants, most specializing in seafood and some are very upmarket. Locals head to no-frills attached Le Bistrot du Marin.  

Learn to surf at Le Bois Plage

Particularly during the summer, the surf on Île de Ré tends to be pretty gentle, with consistent waves perfect for beginners. Surf’in Ré has their surf school on Gros Joncs Beach, a golden sand beach framed by dunes and a long, raised wooden boardwalk. 

Eat oysters in the salt flats 

The only thing there’s more of than oyster fields on Île de Ré is vineyards, and wine and oysters make for a heady combination. In London, the saying goes that you’re never more than a few feet from a rat. On Ile de Ré, the same could be said for oyster shacks. Particularly worth visiting is La Cabane Océane, where you can eat oysters al fresco with a view over the sea.

Flop on the sand

There’s a beach for everyone here, whether your style is sunbathing, relaxing with a chilled glass of wine in hand, or filling your day with surfing, kite surfing, windsurfing, paddleboarding. Among the prettiest is Trousse Chemise Beach, which rather oddly translates as “Shirt Bag Beach.” Just offshore is a sandbank known as Le Banc du Bûcheron, only visible at low tide. Arrive at the right moment and you can walk out and picnic on the sandbar. Many of the beaches have rocks in the water; pack appropriate shoes.

My favorite thing to do in Île de Ré 

It has to be seeing the donkeys wearing pajamas in Saint-Martin-de-Ré. This is pure nostalgia, but as a kid I was absolutely fascinated by the sight of donkeys dressed in striped trousers. 

How much money do I need for Île de Ré? 

While restaurants and activities tend to cost roughly the same as on the mainland, accommodation can be significantly higher, particularly in the summer holidays. Cards are widely accepted, but it’s a good idea to have some cash, particularly for the little oyster shacks. The following prices are based on the high season (July-August).

• Campsite: From €30 (US$31.65) for two people with their own tent

• Basic room for two: From €150 (US$158.30)

• Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): From €100 (US$105.50)

• Bike rental: From €14/day (US$14.80)

• Shuttle bus ticket: free!

• Coffee: From €1.50 for an espresso (US$1.60)

• Sandwich: €6-12 (US$6.35-12.65)

• Dinner for two: €50+ (US$52.75)

• Beer/pint at the bar: €8 (US$8.45)