Category Wildlife and Nature

If you’re looking for a deep dive into historical, cultural and ecological diversity, New Mexico has earned its nickname – the Land of Enchantment.

From the northern tip of the Chihuahuan Desert to 9000ft above sea level at the Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico has diverse climates – and all the sites and activities to go with it.

1. Santa Fe

Best for art-lovers

Santa Fe is a colorful tapestry of living history and progressive vision. It is home to one of the oldest churches and houses in the United States, just to give an example of how deep its roots go.

Over the 400 or so years it has existed as a non-Indigenous settlement, the state’s capital – called Oghá P’o’oge in the Tewa language – has gone through many transformations. The layers of each period can be seen throughout the historic Plaza, from Spanish colonial and pueblo architecture to galleries and museums filled with traditional and contemporary art to a counterculture vibe leftover from the 1960s.

Santa Fe is also home to everyone’s favorite interactive art adventure, Meow Wolf, and some of the most celebrated cuisine in the state.

2. White Sands National Park

Best for stunning views

If you think of towering mountains and sweeping canyons when you think of national parks in the Southwest, this park will surprise you. One of the prettiest places in New Mexico, White Sands National Park is home to striking white sand dunes that are especially breathtaking to see on sunny days. Located in southern New Mexico, the park preserves 275 sq miles of ice-white gypsum dune fields. Hike through the bright and barren landscape, or buy a sled at the gift shop and take a run at the loop portion of Dunes Drive. 

You can book a reservation and permit for camping as well. It’s worth the extra legwork to spend a night under the stars and even experience a full moon. As one of the darkest places in the US, you’ll enjoy great views at night. Sunsets on the dunes are also unforgettable. 

The park has a $35 entrance fee that allows you to enter as much as you’d like for seven consecutive days – just don’t lose your receipt. Check the weather forecast before you set out. In the summer, the dunes get very hot, while winter can make for frigid conditions. If you want to maximize your time in the park, consider visiting in the spring or fall when conditions are milder.

3. Taos 

Best for photo ops

Take a drive from Santa Fe to Taos for even more art and culture. Stroll the historic plaza, which is lined by galleries and museums aplenty, or head out to Taos Ski Valley for skiing in winter and hiking in the summer.

The Rio Grande Gorge is a breathtaking site and makes for a scenic photo op on your way to the Mesa for a tour of the EarthShips community – a collection of sci-fi-looking dwellings that are 100% self-sustaining and off the grid. You can also take a tour of one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the world at Taos Pueblo, though be sure to read up on proper etiquette and cultural expectations when visiting this sacred place.

4. Albuquerque

Best for hot air balloons

The state’s “big city,” Albuquerque is known around the world as the site of the annual International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta in October. Albuquerque’s location between the Rio Grande and the Sandia Mountains creates an ideal climate for hot-air ballooning, and visitors can enjoy this magical experience all year long.

A late-afternoon trip up the Sandia Peak Tramway is the perfect way to take in a world-famous sunset. Plan to have dinner and a drink at the top of the peak, but remember to plan for the extra-high elevation and drink plenty of water. 

For the best shopping, check out Old Town, Los Ranchos and the Nob Hill areas for locally-owned businesses, quality vintage shops and mid-century modern stores.

5. Rio Grande

Best for white water rafting

The section of the Rio Grande between Taos and Española is an excellent place for a little white-water rafting – you’ll find many companies along the river offering the experience. But if you’re not interested in a wild ride, head south. Between Albuquerque and Socorro the river gets lazy and becomes the perfect place to float or kayak. You’ll also find several wineries along the river that are open to the public.

6. Madrid

Best for going off-grid

A great day-trip destination between Santa Fe and Albuquerque, Madrid is an old mining town turned art village. Book a horseback ride at Broken Saddle Ranch, just north of Madrid, or spend some time driving along the scenic Turquoise Trail, which runs from Cedar Crest to Cerrillos. Just plan to be off the grid – there’s still no cell service in Madrid.

7. Ghost Ranch

Best for hikers and horseback riders

Located in Abiquiu, which is a beautiful red-rock-filled wonder of its own, Ghost Ranch was the home of painter Georgia O’Keeffe. Here you’ll find workshops, retreats, hiking rails, museums and 21,000 acres of wild space, including landscapes that change with the daylight, making it clear why so many artists have made northern New Mexico their home.

8. Truth or Consequences 

Best for relaxation

Yes, that’s actually the city’s name! If you’re a fan of hot springs, Truth or Consequences – aka T or C – has some of the best in the state. While you can find hot springs in various other places, the spas in T or C are the least crowded and most budget-friendly, so you can truly relax and let the minerals work their magic.

9. Sky City

Best for experiencing Indigenous culture

Another of the 19 pueblos found throughout New Mexico – and another of the longest-inhabited communities in the world – Acoma is called Sky City because of its location atop a sheer-walled, 367ft sandstone bluff. It has museums, a cultural center and guided tours. As with visiting any Indigenous nation, be sure to dress and act respectfully and follow local protocol. 

10. Tent Rocks

Best for geology fans

There are simply too many amazing national parks in New Mexico to list them all, but in addition to White Sands, be sure to make time for Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument. Located at Cochiti Pueblo, between Santa Fe and Albuquerque, this park features incredible cone-shaped rock formations created by volcanic eruptions, which occurred six to seven million years ago and left pumice, ash and tuff deposits more than 1000 feet thick.

11. Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Best for cave enthusiasts

The state’s multiple national parks are one of many reasons why outdoor enthusiasts flock to New Mexico. Like White Sands, Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a must-see natural attraction, but instead of shifting dunes, this park’s primarily underground.

The park’s namesake, Carlsbad Cavern, is a show cave and the park’s primary attraction. Hike through the natural entrance or take a shortcut on the elevator located in the visitor center. Big Room, one of the cave’s largest caverns, is a natural limestone chamber that is the third-largest such chamber in North America and the seventh-largest in the world. Make sure to pack out your trash. As rangers recently shared, leaving behind even a single piece of trash can have a big impact on the cave’s ecosystems.

The park is home to 119 caves, but just three are open for tours. Vehicle passes to enter the park cost $15. If you want to tour Carlsbad Cavern itself, you’ll need a timed entry ticket, which can be purchased online.

12. Bandelier National Monument

Best for aspiring archaeologists

This lesser-known national monument might not have the name recognition of other sites in the state, but it’s home to an incredible piece of human history. With over 33,000 acres of rugged desert and canyons that have been perfectly preserved, Bandelier National Monument is the place to imagine what life was like for the over 20 tribal nations who settled here thousands of years ago – especially with the park’s primary attractions being excavated archeological sites. See the cliff dwellings carved into the rockface, as well as ancient petroglyphs left behind by inhabitants sometime between 1150 and 1600 AD.

The monument is also home to more than 70 miles of hiking trails. You can even spend a night on the trail after picking up a free Bandelier Wilderness permit. The Western National Parks Association (WNPA), which runs the park’s bookstore, is part-cultural center and part-gift shop. It’s a great spot to grab a souvenir or partake in a free 14-minute movie to jumpstart your exploration of Bandelier. This bookstore is located just across the parking lot from the visitor center.

13. Chaco Culture National Historical Park

Best for viewing ancient ruins

Experience how New Mexico’s earliest residents once lived at the Chaco Culture National Historical Park. The site was once a thriving civilization built by the Pueblo people sometime between 850 and 1250 CE. 

A 9-mile driving loop takes visitors through the park and past the six ancient sites that have been excavated and preserved. Most of the six sites are “great houses,” which were multistory complexes built from mud mortar, timber, and sandstone. While only ruins remain, evidence shows that these houses once had hundreds of rooms and were likely not residential, though their purpose isn’t known. The most famous site in the park is called Pueblo Bonito. It’s the largest of the great houses and has been excavated more than any other site in the park. There are even several rooms where the ceilings remain intact.

In addition to the driving loop, Chaco has several hiking trails that let you get closer to some of the park’s many ruins, and makes it easy to enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the park.

14. Roswell

Best for sci-fi fans

Located in Southeastern New Mexico, Roswell is a small town that’s best known for its alleged alien sightings. The city’s reputation can be traced back to 1947 when a high-altitude balloon crashed nearby. A rancher discovered the debris in his sheep pasture. Eventually, the government stated that it was a weather balloon from the local Air Force base, but rumors quickly spread that it was extraterrestrial. Around 50 years after the debris was found, the government admitted that the debris was actually part of a top-secret atomic espionage project. But the city’s otherworldly reputation was already firmly in place.

Today, people travel from around the world to visit the original crash site and watch for alien life. There’s even an International UFO Museum & Research Center. Here, you can learn more about the 1947 incident, read firsthand accounts of encounters and pick up souvenirs.

Rock-stacking is one of humanity’s most ancient art forms. But it is also contentious.

Hike far enough on just about any trail in the world, and you’ll likely spot a collection of stones placed atop each other that form impromptu sculptures. Some call them cairns. Others favor more colorful terms like “stone balancing” or “prayer stone stacks.” Whatever the name, the act of stacking rocks atop each other is ubiquitous.

Over the past decade or so, for better or worse, rock-stacking has become even more popular. What many don’t know, though, is that the practice is controversial, particularly in national parks and other protected areas. Depending on who you ask, it can be a crucial navigational device, a rewarding mindfulness practice or an environmental menace.

So, is rock stacking as harmless as it seems? Let’s dig in.

Rock stacking: from tradition to trend

Cairns were our ancestors’ first foray into building structures – pile some rocks on top of each other, and they would have the beginnings of a shelter or a food cache, for example. In Mongolia, cairns marked burial sites in cemeteries. In Tibet, Buddhists used them in ceremonies to call in good fortune and balance out conflicting energies. Before the invention of lighthouses, cairns warned sailors away from Norway’s jagged fjords.

Rock stacks became landmarks on hilltops in Scotland and trade route markers for sled dogs plowing through the Alaskan wilderness. For a time, they were a key tool in a strategy for hunting bison, used by a variety of Indigenous communities from the Rocky Mountain foothills to deep in the Dakota plains.

Today, the popularity of rock cairns has less to do with utility and tradition and more to do with social media. At least that’s the opinion of the Colorado-based rock-stacking artist, Michael Grab, who goes by the moniker Gravity Glue.

“It really started to blow up between 2014 and 2015,” he said, speaking about the trend of stacking rocks in gravity-defying formations and then posting the photos onto social media. “Then it exploded into this international art form, and what was maybe a handful of practitioners became hundreds.” Others followed, stacking rocks on beaches, on hiking trails, and, much to the chagrin of conservationists, in places where visitors are specifically asked to “leave no trace.”

When a pile of rocks points the way home

Some stackers do it to mark a trail, especially in less frequently navigated backcountry, and a well-placed cairn can indeed save lives. For that reason, Michael Larson, a public information officer with the US National Park Service doesn’t recommend kicking them over when you come across them, despite what you see on TikTok or online hiking forums. He points to certain locations where cairns are part of official policy.

“Carlsbad Caverns National Park uses cairns for safety to assist visitors with finding trails in remote areas of the park’s backcountry,” he said. Along volcanic landscapes in the jagged terrain of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, where cairns are still known by their traditional name, ahu, they’re also sometimes set up by park rangers, particularly in the most remote sections.

So, before you start kicking cairns over, consider why they were set up in the first place. There’s a good chance a park ranger stacked the rocks for safety reasons.

The arguments against cairns

Besides potentially confusing lost hikers, critics say rock-stacking can be culturally insensitive to past and present residents of the area. They also point to the cumulative effects disruptions can have on ecosystems underfoot.

On mountain trails, critics have said that when even a few stacked rocks fall, it can trigger cascades that could hurt unsuspecting hikers below. Even when they’re arranged to be completely safe, many nature photographers and other lovers of the outdoors simply say they’re an eyesore, distracting from the untouched environment.

Read the rules

While the National Park Service at times employs rock-stacking as part of its route-marking system, in most parks, the agency prohibits people from adding their own cairns. Like carving initials into a tree, leaving trash at a campground or spray-painting your name on a boulder, rock-stacking in most (but not all) national parks is punishable under the same laws that protect these places against vandalism and littering.

To differentiate official markers from impromptu ones, the National Park Service recommends that visitors check with park rangers for information about the design and materials used in the creation of any cairns along trails.

“We always encourage visitors to have a plan to find their way in park wilderness,” said Jonathan Shafer, the public affairs specialist for Zion National Park. He also emphasized that cairns should never be your only navigation tool. “Especially in remote areas, it’s important to have wayfinding tools like maps and a compass or GPS to navigate.”

So, is rock stacking bad?

On its own, rock stacking isn’t always a harmful practice, though it can be. For many people, it can also be therapeutic or even an artistic outlet. In the most remote locations on Earth, cairns can literally save lives. Always follow local regulations and don’t do it in national parks or other protected lands.

If you do feel the urge to sit on the side of a trail or a riverbank and build something, when you’re done, be like Grab and follow a leave-no-trace policy.

“I take it down when I’m finished to close the loop,” he said, even when he’s built an improbably stacked rock tower.

Where Europe and Asia grind up against each other, magical Georgia sits on the southern slope of the Great Caucasus mountain range, whose snowcapped peaks run from the Black Sea to the Caspian.

Though relatively small in terms of area, Georgia offers a huge variety of scenery and activities, and its mountainous landscape and limited transport infrastructure combine to make getting about more time-consuming than you might imagine. While there’s no need to limit yourself to just one region, you’re best off deciding what kind of trip you want to have, and then choosing a few parts of the country to focus on.

To help you do that, here are some of the very best places to consider including in any itinerary.

1. Tbilisi

Best place for urban pursuits

Quickly beguiling anyone who visits, the Georgian capital offers up a fascinating Old Town, a wealth of avant-garde Soviet architecture, traditional sulfur baths, and an extraordinary array of medieval churches. Spread out along the narrow valley of the Mtkvari River, Tbilisi is the kind of place you have to get up high to really appreciate – try taking the cable car to the Sololaki ridge where you’ll find the Narikala Fortress and iconic Mother Georgia (aka Kartlis Deda). You can also take the funicular to the city’s highest point, Mtatsminda, where, on top of stellar city views, you also get a campy fairground and a huge Ferris wheel.

Tbilisi is also the best place in Georgia to eat out, drink wine and go partying, with dozens of innovative menus available at establishments such as Barbarestan, Azarphesha, Alubali and Keto & Kote. This is also one of the best places in the country to sample a range of Georgia’s famous wines and take part in its thumping nightlife. Tbilisi offers you plenty to keep you entertained for days, but can also serve as a base from which to do day trips to various other parts of central Georgia.

Planning tip: Book at least a week ahead for the best Tbilisi restaurants in the summer months.

2. Batumi

Best city on the Black Sea

Batumi, Georgia’s second city, is the subtropical yin to Tbilisi’s yang, with its beachfront location, charming Old Town, seemingly endless seaside esplanade and an ever-growing number of glitzy skyscrapers – Georgia’s answer to Dubai, locals will tell you with a grin.

The city is built for pleasure, and functions as Georgia’s unofficial temporary capital during the height of summer, when most of Tbilisi’s locals decamp en masse to the Black Sea’s beaches for sunshine, cocktails and partying on the seafront. Georgia’s best beaches can be found to the south of the city, between Batumi and the Turkish border. Inland, the autonomous Adjaran region offers wonderful rafting and hiking, as well as the famously rickety cable car in Khulo.

3. Kutaisi

Best base for exploring nature

Sleepy Kutaisi has found itself relegated to Georgia’s third-largest city in recent years as coastal Batumi booms. But this ancient town, which may once have been home to the golden fleece of Greek legend, has nonetheless managed to establish itself as the center of Georgia’s burgeoning tourist industry.

The nearby David the Builder Airport brings dozens of low-cost airline flights to Kutaisi from all over Europe each week, and there are dozens of hostels and a competitive short-term apartment rental market. Not only is Kutaisi bang in the center of the country (making it a more obvious base than either Tbilisi or Batumi), but it’s also surrounded by a wealth of sights, natural wonders and diverse attractions including the Martvili Canyon, Okatse Canyon, the Gelati Monastery and two astonishing relics of communism, the towns of Tskaltubo and Chiatura.

4. Stepantsminda

Best for easy access to the High Caucasus

The extraordinary Georgian Military Highway takes you to the town of Stepantsminda (still commonly referred to by its Soviet-era name, Kazbegi), on the border with northern neighbor Russia. Though the epic journey here has lost some of its charm in recent years (it’s become a busy truck route for imports to Russia), there is no denying the incredible setting of the town, not least the iconic silhouette of the hilltop church Tsminda Sameba against the glacier of Mt Kazbek. It’s truly a sight that never ceases to amaze, despite its reproduction on a million postcards.

Planning tip: Head to Tsminda Sameba Church first thing in the morning or late in the afternoon when the light is better, and – crucially – when you’ll not have to share this magical spot with the crowds.

5. Svaneti

Best mountain scenery

Georgia’s mountains are extraordinary and jaw-dropping wherever you encounter them. But if you want to see the best scenery in the country, there’s nowhere that can compete with the ancient and mysterious region of Svaneti. As well as Georgia’s highest peak, Shkhara (5068m; 16,627ft), which towers over the wonderful highland village of Ushguli, there is almost limitless potential for hiking here, not least the now well-known Mestia to Ushguli four-day hike, which allows you to sleep each night in a different village.

Planning tip: You can skip the taxing eight-hour drive to Svaneti from Tbilisi and get there in under an hour by taking one of the affordable daily flights to Mestia with Vanilla Sky.

6. Vardzia

Best monastery

In a country with more than its fair share of staggering monasteries and churches in perilously remote places, Vardzia is unquestionably the most magnificent of the lot. Its 13 floors are hewn into a cliffside and boast no fewer than 13 churches among its 400-plus rooms. The monastery’s jaw-dropping setting in a dramatic river valley makes it a real showstopper, and the undulating drive to get here from Akhaltsikhe is a wonderful treat to boot.

7. Sighnaghi

Best place to enjoy Georgian wine

There’s magic in the air in Sighnaghi, and that’s not just down to its high altitude and the vertiginous views it affords into the vast valley below. This hilltop delight has more than a hint of Tuscany about it, with its terracotta roofs, cobbled streets and enviably slow pace of life.

Take a walk along the incredibly well-preserved city walls and visit the town museum, which has one of the best collections of paintings by Georgia’s most famous artist, Niko Pirosmani. Then settle in at one of Sighnaghi’s many wine bars to sample the result of the grape harvest in the country’s premier wine-producing region.

Planning tip: Call ahead to enjoy a delicious, organic lunch at the Lost Ridge Inn, just a few kilometers outside Sighnaghi.

8. Mtskheta

Best place for a spiritual experience

So close to Tbilisi that the sprawling capital’s suburbs threaten to engulf it, Mtskheta enjoys a magical setting at the picturesque confluence of two rivers. It was also the location of one of Georgia’s most important historical events – its conversion to Christianity at the hands of St Nino in the 4th century. That vital event, which still forms a huge part of Georgian national identity, is memorialized in the Jvari Church, Georgia’s holy of holies, which commands terrific views over the town from its soaring hilltop location. Meanwhile, down in the town itself is the stunning 11th-century Svetiskhoveli Cathedral, an architectural gem of Georgia’s early Golden Age.

Planning tip: You only need a couple of hours to see Mtskheta, and its location just northwest of Tbilisi makes it an obvious pit stop on any journey up to Stepantsminda or west towards Kutaisi.

9. Borjomi

Best spa town

There’s more than a little touch of the Russian empire about this glorious 19th-century spa town tucked away amid the thickly wooded hills of the Lesser Caucasus. Borjomi’s salty-sour mineral water is Georgia’s most famous export and is instantly familiar to almost anyone from the former Soviet Union. However, the elegant resort town that produces it is worth a visit even if you’ve never heard of its eponymous sulfurous water.

As well as visiting the sprawling Borjomi Central Park ⁠(once you get past the tacky rides and children’s entertainments it opens up into a gorgeous riverside walk that brings you to a trio of delightful thermal pools), you can use the town as an excellent base for hiking in the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park, and take the small gauge railway line to the nearby alpine resort of Bakuriani.

On either of its beautiful halves, Malaysia beckons with exciting – even thrilling – adventures in nature.

On its peninsular side, a sprinkle of forest-clad tropical islands spills off the 2989 miles (4810km) of beach and mangrove-studded coasts that cut this eel-like strip of land out of the sea. Forming the spine of the peninsula, the little-visited Titiwangsa Mountains offer visitors relatively easy nature treks – as well as a range of offbeat trails to delight the most daring hikers.

Across the South China Sea on Borneo, the East Malaysia states of Sarawak and Sabah boast some of the world’s largest caves, extraordinary dive sites and Mt Kinabalu, the country’s tallest peak and a sacred place to the indigenous Kadazan-Dusun people.

Got your attention yet? Read on for some of the best ways to get up close to Malaysia’s natural wonders.

1. Hike to the heart of the rainforest

Off the peninsula’s northwestern coast, UNESCO-listed Penang Island attracts plenty of foodies and culture vultures – yet relatively few know about its more than 30 excellent hiking trails. Treks of all difficulties crisscross both 2733ft (833m) Penang Hill – a protected UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since late 2021­ – and Seberang Perai, the slice of the province on Malaysia’s mainland.

Only 3 hours from the futuristic capital Kuala Lumpur, the 1677-square-mile Taman Negara in Pahang state is the peninsula’s best-protected virgin rainforest. Indeed, at 130 million years old, the tropical forest is one of the oldest in the world – and a principal habitat for elusive and highly endangered Malayan tigers. You can get an easy orientation to this pristine ecosystem on the trail that gently climbs up to Bukit Teresek, or the one down toward the Tahan River and the Lata Berkoh waterfalls.

You need a guide for the two-day Keniam Trail, which includes an overnight stay in a cave and hops between settlements of Orang Asli (Peninsular Malaysia’s 18 aboriginal groups) in a long-tail boat on your return. Yet the park’s most challenging and soul-changing trek is the guided week-long, completely self-supported traverse from Kuala Tahan to 7175ft-high (2187m-high) Gunung Tahan – which aptly translates to “Mount Endurance” and is the highest in Peninsular Malaysia. With loads of luck, you may meet wild elephants, tapirs, sun bears…or at least their fresh footprints.

If a week of camping in the wild is too much, head for the treetop walkway at Sungai Relau near Merapoh, one of Taman Negara’s two other access points (and a caving paradise). It’s a wonderful way to admire Gunung Tahan from afar.

Off the peninsula’s northwestern coast, UNESCO-listed Penang Island attracts plenty of foodies and culture vultures – yet relatively few know about its more than 30 excellent hiking trails. Treks of all difficulties crisscross both 2733ft (833m) Penang Hill – a protected UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since late 2021­ – and Seberang Perai, the slice of the province on Malaysia’s mainland.

Don’t miss the Cherok Tokun Forest Reserve near Bukit Mertajam, where you can hike to abandoned dams built during the colonial British era and take in a century-old mengkundor tree (Tetrameles nudiflora) whose extraordinary buttressed roots are taller than the average human.

For a scenic peek over the limestone karst separating Malaysia from the border with Thailand, drive up to the village of Kaki Bukit in often-overlooked Perlis state, and try the easy hike to the 997ft (304m) Wang Kelian Viewpoint. At sunset or sunrise, this vantage point offers a bird’s-eye view above rice fields, green mountains and a dazzling sea of clouds.

2. Explore caves galore

Malaysia is a veritable spelunker’s paradise – and Sarawak is the place to get going underground. With a chamber that could fit 40 Boeing 747 airplanes, the Deer Cave in UNESCO-listed Gunung Mulu National Park in eastern Sarawak is the second-largest cave opening in the world. (The largest is Hang Son Doong in neighboring Vietnam.)

The Niah Caves in nearby Miri are where archeologists unearthed some of the oldest human remains ever found in Southeast Asia, including a Paleolithic human skull at least 40,000 years old (not to mention cave art and wooden boat-shaped coffins, too). In the town of Bau near the state capital of Kuching, two other caves, called Wind and Fairy, are smaller but no less beguiling thanks to their intricate boxwork: thin calcite fins that resemble honeycombs.

Back on the peninsula, the offbeat town of Gua Musang in southern Kelantan offers an adventurous climb up to a large cave nestled inside the limestone massif that towers above the old train station. And in the south of Pahang, the less-visited Gunung Senyum limestone massif near Temerloh is pierced by 19 caves, Gua Terang Bulan, with its tall ceiling and large chamber, being the most impressive.

Don’t forget that the Bukit Kepala Gajah massif – a central attraction in the cluster of historical sites scattered across Perak state’s Lenggong Valley, Malaysia’s fourth UNESCO Heritage Site – has plenty of caves such as Gua Kajang, Gua Teluk Kelawar and Gua Gunung Runtuh. The last is where archaeologists found the remains of 10,000-year-old “Perak Man”: the oldest, most complete human skeleton ever found in Southeast Asia.

Another easy and exciting cave is the 1213ft-long (370m-long) Gua Kelam in Perlis, in the northern reaches of the peninsula. Piercing the bottom of a hill, it’s equipped with a suspension bridge and atmospheric lights, and evokes the era when miners scoured its reaches for iron ore. Once in Perlis, check out the village of Kodiang and the challenging rock climbing on the pinnacles and craggy limestone rock face of Bukit Mok Cun. The formation lies on the border with Kedah state, near the Kodiang station on the main railway line.

3. Dive into Malaysia’s turquoise waters

No less an authority than legendary French oceanographer Jacques Cousteau ranked the marine life of Sipadan, a small volcanic island off Semporna in the southeast of Sabah, among the best in the world. Its surrounding islets of Mabul, Kapalai and Bohey Dulang all have equally gin-clear water, white beaches and endless schools of tropical fish.

Snorkeling and diving are permitted at Sarawak’s first marine park, which was established in 1999 to protect four species of endangered turtle. The park consists of the coastline and waters around four islands: the two Pulau Satang, known as besar (big) and kecil (small); and the two Pulau Talang-Talang, also besar and kecil. Advanced divers can explore four wrecks off Kuching, two of them Japanese World War II warships sunk by the Dutch in the days after the attacks on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii.

The peninsula might be less known for its underwater wonders than Sabah and Sarawak. Yet off its East Coast, beautiful islands like diving-focused Pulau Tenggol are ripe with sites and a corridor for whale-shark passage. Further north, the two Perhentian Islands are more touristy but also one of the least expensive places in the world to get a scuba certification.

From the port at mainland Mersing, ferries depart for some of the other 64 lesser-known and idyllic islands.  The eastern side of Tioman Island, off Juara Beach, faces the open ocean and is best for encounters with big fish. Pulau Besar has several resorts, and has been seen regularly on the reality TV program Robinson. Tiny Pulau Rawa has just one resort and a perfect white-powder beach, while Pulau Sibu, closest to the mainland, is a cluster of four islets ringed by walls of offshore coral. Further away, the gorgeous lagoons and offshore pools of secluded Pulau Aur beckon keen swimmers, while the hat-shaped Pulau Tinggi, with the archipelago’s tallest hill, offers even more hours of blissful hiking and snorkeling.

4. Get your adrenaline pumping by rafting or surfing on the water

Beyond diving, Malaysia is excellent for rafting and other water sports. Just south of Perak’s capital Ipoh, you can set out on Grade-1, -2, or -3 white-water rafting excursions on the Kampar River, near the tiny village of Gopeng. You can also abseil off waterfalls, and explore even more caves. Don’t miss the 2-mile-long Gua Tempurung, one of the peninsula’s longest caverns.

Not far away in neighboring Kedah state, the Sedim River offers more sloshing fun, camping and a treetop walk. In Sabah, beginners can start on the Kiulu River and then take on the much more challenging Grade-3 and Grade-4 waters of the Padas River.

With so much coastline, it would be odd not to find at least one suitable spot for surfing – which Malaysians do best at Cherating Bay just north of Kuantan, on the peninsula’s central East Coast. Yet there are surfable waves all along this coast, from Johor to Kelantan states. The best time to catch them is during the northeast monsoon season from October to March.

Intrepid surfers can keep driving further north along the largely empty coast of Terengganu state to such lesser-known beach breaks as Teluk Kalong, near Kijal, and Batu Buruk beach, in state capital Kuala Terengganu.

5. After all that exertion, relax on a perfect beach

Ever-popular Langkawi is not just a geopark featuring stunning, millennial rock formations: it’s also one of the country’s top beach destinations. And with more than 10 different coves and a choice of accommodation ranging from some of Asia’s best resorts to backpacker hostels, Langkawi satisfies every taste and budget.

Further down the peninsula’s West Coast, offbeat Pangkor Island blends soft, curvy beaches with chances to experience the local Malay and Chinese fishing village culture, including visits to boat-making workshops.

For a final dose of pure tuck-your-toes-in-the-sand bliss, head back to the East Coast resort islands of Lang Tengah and Redang, which feel like you stepped onto some of the best atolls in the Maldives.

Driven by vampire lore and mystery appeal, Transylvania has become Romania’s most popular region for travelers. But legends aside, this magical land of castles, medieval bastions and old-world villages packs in a lot of charm.

A paradise for nature and adventure seekers, the vast wilderness of the Carpathian Mountains preserves some of the last virgin forests in Europe and a simpler way of life. Here are the things you need to know before you explore “the land beyond the forest” – the literal translation of Transylvania’s medieval name.

1. Dracula is just a myth, or is it?

Transylvania is famous for its vampire legends and bloodthirsty Count Dracula, popularised by Bram Stoker’s 1897 fantasy novel. But the Vlad Ţepeş that inspired the book was very real – referred to throughout history as “Vlad the Impaler” for his agonizing method of empaling his enemies on long spikes.

In fact, the 15th-century prince of Wallachia never actually lived at clifftop Bran Castle – popularly known as Dracula’s Castle and attracting close to one million visitors per year. Nor did Stoker himself ever set foot in Transylvania.

But the castle is still a must-visit on any Transylvania trip. Try to come during the off-season, to avoid long lines. Better yet, arrange a private tour at night without the crowds, when the atmosphere is more suitably eerie for a fortress famed for spooky mystery.

2. Transylvania has castles in abundance

If you find Bran Castle too crowded, there are many more castles to keep you busy in Transylvania. Just 50km (31 miles) south of Bran, the mountain resort of Sinaia has the country’s most resplendent castle – Peleș Castle, picked by King Carol I of Romania as a summer residence in 1875 due to its magnificent Bucegi Mountains backdrop. The flamboyant neo-Renaissance architecture honors the family’s German heritage.

A 20-minute train ride to Bușteni will take you to Cantacuzino Castle, a neo-Romanian castle built on the orders of Prince Gheorghe Grigore Cantacuzino, prime minister of Romania in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Set on the premises of a former hunting lodge, this was the filming location for the Nevermore Academy in Tim Burton’s ultra-popular Addams Family spin-off, Wednesday, on Netflix.

3. Medieval towns are everywhere

Romania’s medieval past bursts to life across Transylvania. Start by exploring the Siebenbürgen, the “seven citadels” built by Saxon merchants brought in to protect the region from invading Turks and Tatars in the 12th and 13th centuries.

One of the best-preserved fortress towns, Brașov is picture-perfect with its tall Gothic spires and orange-hued rooftops. Conveniently close to the Poiana Brașov ski resort, it’s the most visited destination in Romania, and a brand-new international airport was inaugurated in 2023, providing easy access. Just outside Brașov at the foot of Mount Tâmpa – accessible on foot or by cable car – a Hollywood-like white-lettered sign glistens on the horizon.

Head to storybook Sighișoara to explore the last inhabited medieval fortress in Europe and its 14th-century clock tower, as well as the rainbow-colored buildings of Sighișoara’s UNESCO-listed old town. A former European Capital of Culture, nearby Sibiu charms with its peculiar “houses with eyes” – buildings of Saxon heritage, graced with eyelid-shaped windows on their rooftops.

4. Transylvania is a multi-ethnic, multi-faith region

Set in a verdant landscape, small towns and villages settled hundreds of years ago preserve a form of multiculturalism specific to Transylvania. Alongside Saxon settlers with their Germanic influences, Transylvania has a large Hungarian community dating back to the time of the Kingdom of Hungary and the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Big cities such as Cluj-Napoca and Târgu Mureș stand testament to an enduring convergence of cultures. Similarly, while most of Romania is Christian-Orthodox, churches of other denominations abound, hosting congregations speaking multiple languages.

5. Authentic Transylvania endures in the villages

To get a real feel for the Transylvanian idyll, head to the villages and enjoy some slow travel. Seven Transylvanian villages are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list because of their fortified churches – six of them Saxon and one Székely – and traditional crafts are still practiced, with authentic Saxon houses wonderfully restored in bright colors.

While the German-speaking population of Romania has declined since the collapse of Communism in 1989, conservation efforts and ecotourism have flourished in this former Saxon heartland. Plan a stay in a traditional guesthouse in Biertan or Viscri, to wake up to the sound of bird song and the smell of wood smoke wafting through the crisp morning air. Staying at Casa Eva Wagner in Biertan, the Fortified Church of Biertan, the largest of its kind, is in full view as you soak in an alfresco hot tub.

6. Beware Transylvania’s ever-present bears

The Carpathian Mountains are home to a huge variety of wildlife, from wolves and lynxes to chamois antelopes. The mountains also provide a home for Europe’s largest population of brown bears – some 8000 of them, a number that has significantly increased.

Bear-spotting is exciting and sightings are almost guaranteed when traveling on mountain roads, but staying alert is key. In recent years, bears have started migrating out of their natural habitats, descending into mountain resorts and attacking farm livestock. It’s not uncommon to receive warning R0-ALERT text messages or see posters at hotels warning about the presence of bears while traveling in the region.

Many tourists make the mistake of feeding bears, which raises the risk of dangerous encounters. After a fatal bear attack, Romania introduced a bear control law in 2024 to reduce the growing bear population. Stay safe by making noise when moving through woodland areas, and stay clear of bears with cubs.

To see bears safely, visit the Libearty Bear Sanctuary in Zărnești, where 100 brown bears have been rescued from harsh living conditions in captivity, and now roam free in 69 hectares (170.5 acres) of coniferous forests.

7. Romania offers some amazing road trips

Dubbed the best drive in the world by the motor show Top Gear, the Transfăgărășan road is a thrilling bucket list experience. Connecting Transylvania with historic Wallachia, and winding up and over the highest peaks of the Făgăraş Mountains, the journey peaks at 2034m (6673ft) near the glacier lake of Bâlea with its cascading waterfall. En route, you can spot the rugged ruins of Poienari Citadel, the real residence of Vlad the Impaler.

This lofty highway was constructed in the 1970s as a response to the 1968 invasion of Czechoslovakia by the Soviet Union. Nicolae Ceaușescu wanted a safe route across the mountains for his troops should the same happen in Romania, but the road is only usable by traffic in summer. Come from mid-June to the end of October, and check the road is open before you head into the mountains, as sporting events and bad weather can close the route temporarily.

8. Be ready to be stuffed with grub by locals

You wouldn’t be in Romania if you didn’t feel open to eating more than you planned. Rural hospitality generally works on the premise that ‘more is more’, and in Transylvania, the food and drinks are particularly enticing.

Local specialties include rose hip jam and the rich tarragon soups that are a specialty of the area, typically served with a shot of pungent pălincă – a plum brandy containing between 40 and 50% alcohol – to start things off. To experience Transylvanian hospitality at its finest, set aside a few days to stay at a family guesthouse that grows its own food, where you can enjoy wholesome country fare in abundance.

9. Transylvania is a great place to hike

For active immersion into bucolic village life, the bedrock of the Romanian experience, try trekking the new long-distance Via Transilvanica trail, crossing seven of Romania’s historical regions. Inaugurated in October 2022, the route is already a Europa Nostra award winner for its pioneering role in promoting sustainable local development and heritage protection. Following this 1420km-long hiking, cycling and horseback riding trail is like stepping back in time into rural communities that have barely changed in generations.

Passing by a string of fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the “path that unites” is the most complete journey you can take into the forests and lush meadows of Transylvania and beyond. Along the way, you’ll meet and lodge with villagers who grow their own food, travel in horse-drawn carts and harvest hay to dry in the sunshine, as they have for centuries.

10. You can stay in a king’s retreat

Unexpectedly, Transylvania is a favorite destination for King Charles III. The English monarch has been making regular visits to Transylvania since 1998. As most European royal families are distantly related, it turns out Vlad The Impaler is also his ancestor!

Fascinated by the region’s unaltered beauty, King Charles is heavily involved in the conservation of Transylvania’s rural heritage, restoring a number of Saxon farmhouses that visitors can book for overnight stays, including a private nature retreat in the Zalán Valley just north of Brașov, built in the 17th century and restored in authentic Transylvanian style.

The King’s House in Viscri is a testament to the monarch’s passion for traditional architecture, sustainable agriculture and conserving biodiversity. Open to the public between April and October, it hosts exhibits and training sessions promoting local craftsmanship.

Just as Spain has the Camino and the United States has the Appalachian Trail, so too Jordan has the Jordan Trail.

This epic long-distance path that threads its way through the country’s most sublime landscapes, and in some way, also works as a journey into the national soul.

Its very existence is remarkable. The Jordan Trail is in a part of the world sadly beset by conflict: where borders are shut and the land is divided by concrete and checkpoints – where roaming freely might seem like an impossibility under the surveillance of so many watchtowers. Jordan itself, however, endures as a pocket of peace. Those travelers who tread its greatest trail earn a perspective on the Middle East you would never get just by watching the news.

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

You can find deep tranquillity in sandstone canyons silent but for the gurgle of springs. You might take a midday nap in the shade of olive groves – or amble along Roman cobbles and beneath the ramparts of Crusader castles and feel the ancient past close at hand. Hiking Jordan’s wide open spaces you get a precious sense of liberty – on foot, you meet locals more readily than any passenger aboard an air-conditioned coach.

There is also an ethos behind this trail. It was conceived 10 years ago as a social enterprise where communities help accommodate and feed hikers along the way. Part of the appeal is being guided by locals: stopping by Bedouin tents, pausing for cups of tea boiled on campfires. Another part is in sharing the path with others – shepherds or nomads on the move – as it winds its way from the waves of the Red Sea to the orchards along the Syrian border.

Step 1: Which part should I hike?

The Jordan Trail is a serious undertaking – to hike its total 675km (420 mile) extent you should allow around 40 days (just like another famous wanderer of the Middle Eastern desert). Every so often the Jordan Trail organization runs guided “thru-hikes” for anyone looking to complete its length in one go – check the official website to see if any are planned.

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Many choose to take on shorter stages. If you’re sensitive to the heat, the northernmost stretch is the coolest, running 80km (50 miles) from the colonnades of ancient Gadara through shadowy forests of oak and pistacchio to reach the mediaeval castle at Ajloun. For adventurers, the section parallel to the Dead Sea is probably the craggiest, crossing the deep-gouged canyon of Wadi Mujib. The 80 km (50 miles) between the Dana Biosphere Reserve and Petra is one of the most dramatic and most popular parts of the Jordan Trail, with the path burrowing through remote gorges before approaching the ancient rock-hewn city of the Nabateans.

What marks out the Jordan Trail is the diversity of landscapes and historical sites encountered along the way – on two feet you can watch world-famous sites, such as Petra and Wadi Rum, slowly emerge from the heat haze.

Step 2: When should I go?

It’s wise to avoid the northern hemisphere summer on the Jordan Trail – furnace-like heat means walking in desert environments like Wadi Rum can be dangerous. November to February is a good time to embark on the southern end of the trail, while the window stretches a little longer the further north you go: March and April see wildflowers and blossoms brighten the rolling northern hills.

Step 3: Should I go it alone, or go with a guide?

The Jordan Trail comes with caveats. It is, in large part, not waymarked or signposted in any form. For significant sections it is also distant from food, accommodation, help and – most critically – water. Some easier bits, such as the 13km-stretch (8 mile) from Little Petra to Petra can be tackled independently by confident hikers. For the rest, going solo entails significant backcountry experience, employing expedition-level planning and navigating using GPS files sourced from the Jordan Trail website. Be conscious that the route often strays from touristic centers – so basic Arabic is helpful as English may not be spoken.

For most people, the most sensible way to embark on a Jordan Trail hike is to join one of the licensed tour operators currently running itineraries, or else to contact one of the registered guides – directories of both can be found on the official website. As well as blazing the trail, guides should be able to organize food and wild camps in remote spots (often as simple as a barbeque dinner and a mattress pitched under the stars). They’ll also be able to advise on the level of fitness required (for the most part, you’ll need to be of a moderate to high level). It’s very likely they’ll be able to unlock the stories of the land underfoot, providing insight as well as company over the many parched miles.

Step 4: What should I pack?

You’ll need the obvious essentials – strong boots and sun cream – plus warm layers for surprisingly cold desert nights. Rainfall (and even snowfall) is not unknown in winter in certain spots, so you may also need a waterproof shell. Above all else you will need water – allow as much as 5L per person per day for drinking, ideally kept in a large bladder. Be aware that this, combined with water needed for cooking, can sometimes make for a very heavy pack. Never set out without knowing where you can top up your water supply.

Step 5: Safety precautions

Jordan has been a safe and popular holiday destination for decades and – with the exception of a thin strip along the Syrian border – there is no part of the country to which entities like the British Foreign Office or US Department of State currently advise against travel. A 2024 drone attack on US troops took place at a remote base close to the Iraqi border – this location was far from tourist centers and indeed far from the Jordan Trail. Crime levels are low in Jordan, and locals are, as a rule, extraordinarily friendly and welcoming.

Take some safety precautions on the trail: be cautious of wadis that can quickly become dangerous during flash floods, especially in winter, and always carry a phone with the telephone number of Jordan’s Tourist Police should you run into any trouble (117777).

Above all, remember this is a path on which to forget your worries, and enjoy the freedom of roaming across wadi and desert, forest and plain.

Beyond the headline cities of Warsaw and Kraków, Poland offers abundant and memorable travel experiences.

Into history and culture? This European gem delivers with more castles, churches, palaces and museums than you could imagine. The great outdoors more your bag? Take your pick from Baltic beaches, snowcapped mountains, meandering rivers, thousands of lakes and 23 national parks.

And if you thought that Polish food and drink was all pickles, potatoes and vodka, think again. That culinary trio is the amuse-bouche for a gastronomic buffet ranging from blueberry-filled dumplings to gold-leaf-flaked liquors.

Read on for our selection of the very best experiences in Poland.

Get a bird’s eye view of Warsaw

Warsaw is one of Europe’s most dynamic capitals, and its current economic boom is symbolised by the Varso Tower which, at 310m (1017ft), is the EU’s tallest skyscraper. The Varso’s 240m-high (787ft) observation deck is slated to open in 2025. In the meantime, enjoy the retro vibes of the observation terrace of the 1955 Palace of Culture & Science; the amazing panorama of Warsaw’s reconstructed Old Town from the bell tower of St Anne’s Church; and vistas over the Vistula from the rooftop garden of Warsaw University Library.

Detour: Fabryka Norblina once produced metal goods. It’s now the biggest of Warsaw’s spate of industrial transformations and includes the city’s biggest food hall and lots of other fun places to eat and drink.

Tour Malbork Castle, the world’s biggest brick building

This UNESCO-listed complex is Europe’s largest castle. Begun by the Teutonic Knights in the 13th century, Malbork Castle was the order’s headquarters for almost 150 years. Despite sustaining serious damage during WWII, almost the entire complex has been preserved, and the castle today looks much as it did six centuries ago. Highlights include the Grand Masters’ Palace with its splendid interiors such as the Great Refectory (look out for its remarkable palm-vaulted ceiling), and the Amber Museum.

Planning tips: Avoid queues by purchasing tickets online. Pack a picnic as the dining options at the castle are limited.

Learn about Jewish Poland at POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews

Another in Poland’s exceptional collection of museums is POLIN, which charts over 1000 years of Jewish history across the nation’s historic territories. The highlight is a dazzling reconstruction of the painted ceiling and bimah (raised central platform for reading the Torah) of the synagogue that once stood in Gwoździec (now part of Ukraine). The section on the Holocaust (1939–45) is appropriately dark and claustrophobic. The exhibition ends with videos of local Jews talking about the continuing specter of anti-Semitism in Poland.

Detour: Warsaw’s Jewish Historical Institute houses the UNESCO-listed Ringelblum Archive, a precious collection of 6000-plus documents, including diaries, drawings, photographs and posters, that provide first-hand accounts about Nazi Germany’s extermination of Jewish communities in Poland.

Encounter Łódź’s abundant street art

The city of Łódź, which grew fabulously wealthy in the late 19th and early 20th centuries through manufacturing, has embraced street art unlike anywhere else in Poland. There are well over 200 public works of art to discover as you walk around, including Pasaż Róży by Joanna Rajkowska, a magical courtyard that’s completely covered with mirror fragments arranged in swirling rose patterns; and Wiedźmin (Witcher), designed by Jakub Rebelka, which is Poland’s tallest piece of street art and covers the 70m-high (230ft) sides of an apartment block.

Detour: Marco Italian Food and Street Art, the cafe at Łódź’s Central Museum of Textiles includes a gallery of images from Urban Forms, the foundation that organises the creation of some of the city’s most impressive pieces of street art.

Taste gingerbread in Toruń

They’ve been baking and perfecting gingerbread in World Heritage–listed Toruń for centuries. To learn more about this sweet and spicy treat, visit one of town’s two museums devoted to gingerbread. The bigger and better of the two is the Museum of Toruń Gingerbread, housed in the world’s oldest gingerbread bakery. Sign up for one of the museum’s workshops to learn how to make your own gingerbread.

Detour: Gateway to the Great Masurian Lakes, Olsztyn offers an attractive, spruced-up old town and plenty of new hotels, restaurants and bars. Never overwhelmed with tourists, it’s a refreshing slow down before moving on to the usually busier lakeside towns.

On Europe’s far eastern flank, Armenia is one of the few remaining countries on the continent where you can truly get off the beaten track. (Think: Albania five years ago.)

Rich in history and culture, this captivating country in the Caucasus is dotted with enchanting stone monasteries, many dating back more than eight centuries. Its growing capital, Yerevan, is packed from (tuff-volcanic-stone) wall to wall with galleries, performance venues and feast-worthy restaurants. And – appropriately for such a mountainous country – there’s ample hiking, too, with plenty of cozy mountain resorts and homestays to spend a few nights.

But the best part about traveling to Armenia is having the opportunity to chat with locals. Their pride and passion for their homeland is fascinating, and they might make you feel like an Armenian yourself.

Here’s everything you need to know before you visit.

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

When should I go to Armenia?

Armenia is hopping in summer – though it’s also very hot, with July and August temperatures in Yerevan hovering around 30°C (86°F). Summer is also time for fun festivals like Vardavar (during which locals run around tossing buckets of water at each other – and likely you), and for cooling off in Lake Sevan.

You can avoid the heat by visiting in in May or June, when it’s usually between 10°C (50°F) and 30°C (86°F) in Yerevan. Springtime is also wonderful for hiking across Armenian hilltops and valleys, which are speckled with millions of wildflowers. (Locals brew the flowers into tea or make them into jewelry.) Fall is another wise time to visit since there are fewer crowds and usually pleasant temperatures.

The long winter (November to March) isn’t ideal as many tourist amenities shut down and the temperatures can drop below freezing. If you do find yourself in Armenia at that time, stick to Yerevan, where there are plenty of ways to warm up with a glass of wine. Some great spots include In Vino wine bar and Ulikhanyan Jazz Club.

How much time should I spend in Armenia?

Many people pop over to Armenia after visiting Georgia – it’s a quick and easy trip over the land border to Armenia’s UNESCO-listed monasteries Sanahin and Haghpat. If you’re short on time, fly directly into Yerevan’s Zvartnots Airport, which has lately been welcoming more and more flights from Europe and the Middle East.

If you have time, spend a week or two circling Armenia in a car – the country is slightly smaller than Belgium, so it won’t take too much time.

Is it easy to get in and around Armenia?

Armenia is still connected by Soviet-era minibuses called marshrutky, which can be a frustrating mode of travel as they don’t have fixed schedules. Trains, which run between Yerevan and Batumi in Georgia with a few stops along the way, are extremely slow, so aren’t recommended if unless you have ample time.

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The easiest option to get around Armenia is via car or van tours. You’ll find plenty of operators with reasonable prices around Republic Square in Yerevan.

Yerevan itself is very walkable, and ride-hailing apps GG and Yandex are a common and affordable way to get around (Armenia doesn’t have Uber). Yerevan also has spiffy new city buses and a one-line subway, though you won’t likely need them if you stick to exploring the city center.

If you have time, the best way to explore Armenia is by renting a car from the airport or through an agency in Yerevan. Having your own vehicle will give you the freedom to stop when you want and hike to remote monasteries. There are also a few cool campgrounds for road trippers on a budget, including Crossway Camping, where you can stay in a hippie bus, or Camping 3 Gs, which has epic views.

Top things to do in Armenia

A visit to Armenia will undoubtedly include a visit to one of its marvelous stone monasteries – after all, Armenia is the world’s first Christian nation. Some of the finest are within a couple of hours from Yerevan, including Noravank, which shines gold at sunset, and Khor Virap, where Surp Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned before convincing King Tiridates III to declare Armenia Christian in 301. Most monasteries are located in canyons or on mountaintops; explore them on foot with the help of local hiking app HIKEArmenia.

A trip to Armenia’s cities is wonderful if you’re into art and high culture. Yerevan is filled with art galleries dedicated to notable Armenian artists like Sergei Parajanov – one of the world’s great film directors – and performance venues like the grand National Opera and Ballet Theatre. In Armenia’s second city, Gyumri, you can wander around tuff-black-stone buildings and visit the Aslamazyan Museum, which is dedicated to two artist sisters, one of whom many consider Armenia’s Frida Kahlo.

Armenia is a burgeoning wine destination and home to the world’s oldest winery, inside the Areni-1 Cave. You can sip Armenia’s unique areni grape wine among vineyards at Momik Wine Cube.

Or hit the trails. Surrounded by forested paths, Dilijan is a great mountaintop base; you can also hike up Mt Aragats, Armenia’s tallest mountain. If you’re up for a (much) bigger challenge, you can through-hike the Armenian section of the epic Transcaucasian Trail.

My favorite thing to do in Armenia

For those who lived through the Soviet days, decaying brutalist stone architecture might be considered a painful reminder of the USSR’s collapse. For me, as a Canadian, exploring abandoned Soviet structures is my favorite thing to do in Armenia.

Yerevan’s Children’s Railway still runs and is fantastic, as is the pyramid-like Cafesjian Center for the Arts (aka the Cascade), which has been reimagined as an amazing art gallery and sculpture garden. Outside the capital, check out the telescopes around Byurakan. There are sometimes tours of the Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory and – depending on the guard’s mood – you have a good shot of visiting the abandoned Radio Optical Observatory 54.

How much money do I need for Armenia?

Armenia has its own currency, the dram, easily exchanged at money changers in Yerevan or withdrawn from ATM with little or no fees. Credit cards are widely accepted in Yerevan, but not outside the capital.

While Armenia might be cheap by European standards, prices are still higher than many nearby Central Asian countries. The most expensive place is Yerevan, and there are several high-priced resort areas like Dilijan in the north, as well as along the western beaches of Lake Sevan.

If you’re on a budget, try a homestay or B&B – these allow you to connect with locals and often feature the option of learning to make Armenian dishes like gata (cake).

• Hostel room: Around 7500AMD (around US$20)

• Basic room for two: Starting at 30,000AMD ($80)

• Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): Starting at 20,000AMD ($50)

• Public-transport ticket: 300AMD ($1)

• Soorch (Armenian coffee): 500–800AMD ($2)

• Lahmajun (Armenian flatbread): 500–1500AMD ($2–3)

• Dinner for two: Around 7500AMD ($20) and up

• Local beer at the bar: 800AMD ($2)

Is Armenia safe?

Tensions have been rumbling with neighboring Azerbaijan since the fall of the Soviet Union, leading to multiple wars and frequent fire across Armenia’s eastern border. In 2023, Azerbaijan seized the disputed territory of Nagorno-Karabakh; discussions of a permanent peace deal remain ongoing. Whether a peace deal is reached or not, Armenia is generally safe to visit, though it’s a good idea to avoid the border areas with Azerbaijan.

Can you travel between Armenia, Azerbaijan and Türkiye?

You cannot travel by land or air between Armenia and Azerbaijan directly, though you may connect through a third country like Georgia. Flights are available to and from Türkiye; the land border is only open to those who aren’t traveling on Armenian or Turkish passports.

Land borders are open with Georgia and Iran, but be sure to carefully research visa requirements if thinking about a trip to the latter.

How much English is spoken in Armenia?

Since the principal languages spoken are Armenian and Russian, fluent English is rare in Armenia, Yet don’t be discouraged. You should be fine with English in Yerevan, and Armenians are famous for making themselves understood using any means possible, including their hands.

Do I have to cover up?

Due to their Christian Orthodox faith, Armenians tend to dress more conservatively and show less skin than in Western Europe. But things are starting to change, due in large part to the influx of liberal Russians fleeing the war with Ukraine. Nevertheless, it’s still a good idea to dress respectfully, especially when entering a church.

Green Spain’s wild coastline, gastronomic delights, charming historic towns and unique cultural identity are incomparable. Nature and tradition have blessed these four provinces (Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria and Basque Country) with something for everyone, from hardcore adventurers to laid-back beachgoers.

In fact, there’s so much this northern region of Spain offers – for so many different types of travelers – that the best way to start planning is to talk to a local, passionate and expert guide.

We spoke with Estefanía Gonzalez, an Official Tourist Guide of Galicia and a cultural mediator at Parque Arqueolóxico da Cultura Castrexa – an archaeological park and interpretive center. We also talked to David Iglesias Pérez of Mil Positivos, an adventure travel planning service that runs mountain tours throughout northern Spain. With suggestions from the two of them, here are our favorite highlights of gorgeous Green Spain, and some insight on how a guide can help you create a unique, personalized experience – no matter what kind of adventure you’re looking for:

Galicia

Galicia is known for the incomparable atmosphere of Santiago de Compostela – the end point of the Camino de Santiago pilgrim trails – as well as its stunning coastal landscape, and perhaps the most delicious seafood in Europe. Its unique brand of Celtic and Spanish culture, rich history and charming traditions make it an authentic destination for culture aficionados, nature lovers and gastronomy enthusiasts alike.

• Santiago de Compostela: This unique city is imbued with the aura of a millennium’s worth of journeys.

• Costa da Morte: This is the eerily beautiful ‘Coast of Death,’ the westernmost outpost of mainland Spain, where mysteries and legends abound.

• O Courel: Its mountains, forests, waterfalls, rivers, fortified villages and medieval remains make it a place of unparalleled beauty that leaves no one indifferent.

• Islas Cíes: These three spectacular islands are home to some of Galicia’s most splendid beaches. Camping there is a unique experience in a dreamlike and highly protected environment.

• Riás Altas: The wild, rugged coastline and southern Europe’s highest ocean cliffs are awe-inspiring from the Garita de Herbeira viewpoint.

• Fragas do Eume: This natural park is one of the best-preserved Atlantic forests in Europe and a peaceful retreat with waterfalls, swinging bridges and endless views.

• Seafood: The fruits of the ocean and coastline, from tender seabass, turbot or hake to octopus, squid, crabs, cockles, scallops, mussels and countless other crustaceans, are sublime. Try the pulpo á feira (octopus Galician style).

What the guides say: “A tour of the Ribeira Sacra is a perfect, complete experience that captures all the diversity and beauty of northern Spain. Here you can combine hiking trails, a riverboat ride in Sil Canyon, visits to wineries, Romanesque art at the monasteries, gastronomy and history – including archaeological sites and charming villages.” – Estefanía

Don’t miss: Percebes

Galicia is one of the finest spots on the planet to sample those tender, unusual crustaceans known as percebes. In a death-defying tradition, percebes (also known as goose barnacles), are harvested by skilled divers from the jagged cliffs on the Costa da Morte using methods passed down through generations. The barnacles cling strongly below the waterline, and the best come from the most dangerous places, where the waves crash hardest against the rocks: that’s where the muscle you’ll eventually eat is particularly strong and developed.

All that dangerous work is worth it. The flavor of percebes is justifiably celebrated – the juicy snap, creamy taste and faintly salty finish is like a kiss from the sea. They’re usually served with just a quick boil or steam in sea or salt water, but some places add a garlic-and-parsley sauce. The first person to try percebes sure was one adventurous individual, but we’re glad they did.

Asturias

Talk about something for everyone! Asturias is a land full of contrasts – colorful fishing ports and more than 200 beaches; soaring mountains and deep valleys; pre-Romanesque architecture and cultured cities; fizzy cider and pungent cheeses.

• Oviedo: A fun, sophisticated city with a stash of intriguing sights, some excellent restaurants and a lively population.Architecture fans will love the cathedral and pre-Romanesque buildings.

• Cider: Asturians have been pouring cider since as far back as the 8th century, and the province’s sidrerías (cider bars) – especially in Gijón – are always a lively scene

• Cueva de Tito Bustillo: This UNESCO-listed cave contains some of Spain’s finest cave art, including superb horse paintings probably done around 15,000 to 10,000 BCE.

• Senda del Oso: For a fun outing with kids, rent bikes for a leisurely ride down this former mine railway and see if you can spot the (enclosed) Cantabrian brown bears.

• Parque Natural de Somiedo and Saliencia Lakes: Need more bears? You can find them here too. Five verdant valleys descend from beautiful mountain country that few foreigners reach. The view of Lago del Valle and Salienca from Picos Albos is stunning.

• Cudillero: Pastel-painted fishing port houses cascade down to a tiny port on a narrow inlet. Is it the most picturesque fishing village in Spain? Who are we to argue?

What the guides say: The Natural Park of the Ubiñas and the Mesa is the perfect place to visit if you like trekking and mountaineering. You’ll climb the highest mountains of this Natural Park, Ubiña (Grande and Pequeña), Los Fontanes (North and South) and the Picu Fariñentu (Around 8,000 feet) and stay overnight at Refugio de la Vega del Meicín in the heart of the Ubiñas massif.– David Iglesias

The Picos de Europa

Limestone peaks, lush valleys and crystal-clear rivers make the Parque Nacional de los Picos de Europa a paradise for hikers, climbers and nature lovers. Among the breathtaking views and unique wildlife, there is a diverse range of outdoor activities.

• Fuente Dé: The ridiculously popular Teleférico de Fuente Dé cable car whisks people to the superb heights of the southeastern Picos.

• Ruta del Cares: A trail is carved high into and through the rugged walls of a magnificent and dramatic gorge, with limestone peaks soaring far above.

• Sunset from the Collado Jermoso: This mountain refuge in the central massif is located more than 3,280 feet above the Valdéon valley. It’s the perfect place to end a day of mountaineering.

• Lagos de Covadonga: These two beautiful little lakes are set between absurdly picturesque peaks. Some stunning walks follow marked and looped trails.

• Paddling the Río Sella: Several agencies in Arriondas, Cangas de Onis and other nearby towns rent canoes, kayaks, paddles and everything else you need for a rapids-run.

• Casadielles: A flaky Asturian pastry filled with walnuts and anise. It comes from traditional Sephardic cooking and is a delicious way to end a day of outdoor exertion.

What the guides say: “More and more visitors are choosing to spread their stay over several days and points of interest. This allows them to explore the area in depth and enjoy the experience in a more authentic way. (Green Spain) should be enjoyed leisurely, allowing ample time to appreciate its beauty from all possible perspectives.” – Estefanía

Cantabria

Sharing the Picos de Europa with Asturias, Cantabria draws in outdoor adventurers and nature lovers with its rugged coastline, mysterious ancient cave art, cliff-backed beaches and lush green valleys. Sturdy stone houses with red-tile roofs make road tripping here a joy, and the capital city Santander buzzes with energy and culinary experimentation.

• Altamira: Spain’s most renowned cave paintings date back thousands of years, showcasing intricate depictions of animals and human hands.

• Santander: The belle-époque elegance of El Sardinero’s sandy beach area, an array of bewitching pintxos (elaborate tapas) bars, and the splashy Centro Botin arts center give Santander its unique character.

• Santillana del Mar: This medieval jewel is in a perfect state of preservation, with its bright cobbled streets, flower-filled balconies and huddle of tanned stone and brick buildings.

• Comillas: Check out the funky buildings in this small hilltop village. Its medieval center is built around cobbled plazas, and Modernista architects have found creative outlet in designing the surrounding houses.

• Sardines: A Cantabrian specialty pulled from the cold water, sardines here are typically grilled over open flames and seasoned with just a touch of salt. Delicious!.

What the guides say: Our favorite places in the Cantabrian Mountains are its forests, beautiful, green and full of life, and its magnificent mountains, which rise abruptly from the bottom of the valleys to almost touching the sky. Local culture and traditions here have endured since ancient times… The Sephardic lifestyle, harvesting, crafts, popular knowledge, the use of the environment and the adaptation to the environment. There are many stories to tell … legends included.– David Iglesias

Basque Country

Furthest east among Green Spain’s four provinces, the Basque Country demands exploration beyond the delightful and cosmopolitan main cities of Bilbao, Vitoria and San Sebastián. Its renowned culinary scene, distinct language and traditions, and mix of mountain and coastal landscapes mean your travels here are always curious and frequently rewarded.

• Bilbao: The Guggenheim, one of Spain’s architectural treasures, is just the jewel in this city’s crown. You can find artistic inspiration down nearly every street of the Old Town.

• San Sebastián: Elegant art nouveau buildings look out over perfect La Concha Bay, green Mount Urgull rises from its edge, and fabulous pintxos are down every cobbled lane.

• The Basque Coast: The cultural and natural richness is on full display in coastal towns like Bermeo. At low tide, you can walk to a scenic island just off-shore from picture-perfect Lekeitio.

• Surfing Zarautz or Mundaka: Wave riding comes with the territory on these pretty – if chilly – waterfront spots. Mundaka’s break is particularly legendary.

• San Juan de Gaztelugatxe: This jaw-dropping clifftop hermitage has only grown in popularity since it was used to represent Dragonstone in the HBO shows Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon.

What the guides say: “(Using a local guide) to incorporate local culture, traditions and hidden gems as much as possible is the key to a visit you’ll always remember. Passing through magical places full of secrets or curiosities, experiencing traditions firsthand and allowing yourself to feel, experience and see it with your own eyes will ensure your experience remains in your mind and heart.” – Estefanía

Undoubtedly one of Australia’s biggest draws is its wildlife, which you’re almost guaranteed to see amidst the nation’s incredible landscapes (or in an animal sanctuary if you’re short on time). And despite the horror stories you may have heard, it’s not all deadly spiders, sharks and snakes (although you may see all three if you stay long enough). The roll call of unique animals – from super cute mammals to colorful birds and fish plus lizards and geckos you won’t see anywhere else – is long.

Australia offers many different wildlife-spotting experiences, depending on where you visit. However, some of even its most famous species are critically endangered, which means sightings are rare and conservation efforts are vital.

We’ve created the ultimate beginner’s guide that gives you the best chance of getting up close (but not so close that you put these wild creatures at risk) with Australia’s unique native animals.

Where are the best places for wildlife watching in Australia?

Your best chance of spying some Australian fauna will be in one of the 500+ national parks scattered across the country.

Some national parks are better set up for overseas visitors, with accommodation nearby and guides available for a wildlife-spotting tour. In the north, head to The Daintree (Queensland), Kakadu National Park (Northern Territory) or Cape Range National Park (Western Australia). In the southern states, put the Blue Mountains (New South Wales), Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park in Victoria and Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park in Tasmania on your must-visit list.

Many rural accommodations in Australia are embedded in nature, which means you may have emus, echidnas or wallabies wandering past your room.

But even a city-based trip Down Under offers opportunities for close-up wildlife encounters. Kangaroos inhabit the capital city of Canberra, koalas live in the Adelaide Hills, and the one-of-a-kind quokka is found on Wadjemup/Rottnest Island near Perth – and where do we begin with the birdlife in Sydney? If you want to see unique animals, you’ve come to the right place.

Where are the best places in Australia to see koalas, kangaroos and other iconic species?

Koalas

Koalas need no introduction. The poster child for “super cute Australian animals,” koalas spend around 20 hours a day fast asleep. If you’re going to see a koala on the move, clumsily crabbing along the ground from one tree to the next, it’s most likely at night. Otherwise, they’re usually perched in the crook of a tree munching on eucalyptus leaves alone or with a joey clinging on. You can spot these adorable tufty-eared marsupials in forests close to the coast in southeastern Australia. However, human encroachment has put koalas on the endangered list in NSW, the Australian Capital Territory and Queensland.

Where to find them: Stands of trees along the Great Ocean Road (Victoria), on Magnetic Island and Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah (Queensland), and on Kangaroo Island (South Australia) are known by locals to house koalas – you’ll have to ask around. Some wildlife parks allow visitors to take a photo with a koala, but cuddling one is a controversial practice that’s illegal in most states because it causes stress to the animals.

Tips for spotting them: Koalas are noise-sensitive – a quiet approach through the forest is required. If you look carefully at higher branches (binoculars may help), you may spot one attached to a tree limb. You’ll find it easier to spot one if they’re munching or moving around so try early in the morning or at dusk when it’s cooler.

Kangaroos and wallabies

First, how do you know which is which? Both kangaroos and wallabies are marsupials that belong to a small group of animals called macropods (yes, that’s Latin for “big feet”). Kangaroos are larger; they’re usually one color; they use their tails like a fifth foot (which also means they jump further); and are often bounding through open grasslands. Wallabies, on the other hand, are smaller (25kg compared to a 90kg kangaroo) and their color can vary, like the black-footed rock wallaby, which helps them camouflage in forests or on rocky escarpments where they typically live.

Where to find them: Kangaroos live in many parts of Australia, they’re even been spotted on suburban streets and golf courses at dusk. One of the most iconic places to see kangaroos is on the white-sand beaches of Lucky Bay in Cape Le Grand National Park (Western Australia). Wallabies can be shier and they stick to smaller groups, but different species are found in national parks such as Narawntapu National Park (Tasmania) and Cape Hillsborough National Park (Queensland).

Tips for spotting them: Dawn and dusk are the best times to see kangaroos and wallabies. Don’t make any sudden moves, as they spook easily. And if you do get close, definitely don’t feed them.

Wombats

Perhaps not as well known outside Australia, wombats are beloved by locals. They feature in Aboriginal Dreaming stories, as well as classic Australian children’s literature. The word “wombat” is believed to come from the Dharug language of the Aboriginal people, the Traditional Custodians of the Sydney area (as does koala and wallaby). These gentle furry marsupials are around as big as a medium-sized dog – but with smaller legs and a stout body – and they hide out in burrows by day, foraging for food by night. A classic piece of pub quiz trivia is the fact wombat poo is cube-shaped. If you see some, you know one is close.

Where to find them: The best places to spot wombats include the Bay of Fires, Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, and Flinders or Maria islands (Tasmania); Wilsons Promontory National Park (Victoria) and the Blue Mountains (NSW). Unfortunately, the northern hairy-nosed wombat is critically endangered – only a small population of around 300 remains in a protected area of Queensland.

Tips for spotting them: Dawn and dusk are your best times to spot wombats, as they hibernate during the heat of the day, but if you’re camping at a national park you may see (or hear) them out overnight.

Echidnas

You’ll bump into these short-beaked spiny creatures in national parks but even in bushland areas close to the city. Those sharp-looking spines, which protect echidnas from predators like birds of prey and larger mammals, are actually hairs with extra keratin. When frightened, an echidna will tuck its snout and legs under and curl into a spiky ball. Even though they look similar, echidnas have more in common with the platypus (another egg-laying mammal in Australia, read on!) than the common hedgehog. And here’s another cute fact: a baby echidna is called a “puggle”.

Where to find them: You’ve got a good chance of seeing an echidna in southern states like Victoria, NSW, South Australia, ACT, Tasmania and southwest WA, where there’s plenty of forests, shrubland and insects for them to live on.

Tips for spotting them: In summer echidnas are out foraging around dawn and dusk, but in cooler seasons you may spot one in the day. They’re shy, slow-moving creatures so keep still if one waddles into your path – it will change course if it hears you. Small holes in the ground are often a sign an echidna has been foraging for ants and termites nearby.

Crocodiles

Two types of crocodiles live in tropical Australia: saltwater and freshwater crocs. “Salties,” as Australians call them, are found in estuaries and rivers by the coast as well as in the sea. Male saltwater crocodiles can grow to 6-7 meters (20ft to 23ft) although most are closer to 4 meters (13ft). “Freshies” are smaller (2m/6.5ft) and less aggressive, but if they’re feeling threatened, their bite is dangerous.

Crocodiles were hunted in Australia until the 1970s when they became a protected species. A direct encounter with a crocodile will likely kill you, so follow all instructions from your guide. Never – ever – enter a body of water in northern Australia unless you are absolutely sure it is crocodile-free, and read up on staying safe in crocodile regions.

Where to find them: Crocodiles live in the northern parts of Australia. To see saltwater crocodiles in the wild head to Adelaide River and Kakadu National Park (Northern Territory) and the Daintree River (Queensland). Freshwater crocodiles can be seen at Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) and Litchfield national parks (Northern Territory), plus Lake Argyle and Bandilngan (Windjana Gorge) National Park in Western Australia.

Tips for spotting them: The dry season (May to October) is the best time to see crocs as they’ll be concentrated near water sources or basking in the sun on a river bank. They can be hard to spot in water as they usually float with only their eyes and snout breaching the surface. Look for slide marks on river banks or a distinctive V-shaped wake in water.

Emus

These large flightless birds (second only to the ostrich) live in various spots across Australia except in Tasmania. They are often running along wide open plains in search of food and water, and avoiding predators (they can reach speeds of 50kph/30mph). For many Aboriginal Australians, the emu has an important role in mythologies and is a key creator spirit. Look up and you will see the Emu in the Sky, a constellation made of the dark areas of the Milky Way.

Where to find them: You’ll find emus on grassy plains in Kosciuszko National Park (NSW), on open savanna in Murray Sunset National Park (Victoria) and in many outback regions. As they are not aggressive animals, they also often inhabit city-based wildlife parks.

Tips for spotting them: Emus can be seen in groups if there’s a water source nearby, but you may spot one on its own. In areas where there are lots of tourists they may have been hand-fed which can make them more aggressive, particularly about getting food – always keep your distance. As a child, this animal lover was nipped by one at Healesville Sanctuary (which was more of a shock than anything else).

Tasmanian Devils

You know the Looney Tunes cartoon character Taz, the Tasmanian Devil? Well, these cute carnivorous marsupials are also endangered, due to the fatal and transmissible Devil Facial Tumor Disease (DFTD) that has killed 80% of the population. A disease-free colony has been established on Maria Island (off the Tasmanian mainland) and scientists have been testing a vaccine inspired by the way the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine works.

Where to find them: Tasmanian Devils have been spotted at Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, Narawntapu National Park and Mount William National Park, but you’re more likely to see one in a wildlife park in a special nocturnal exhibit where you will also learn more about Tasmania’s conservation efforts.

Tips for spotting them: Tasmanian Devils are nocturnal scavengers (they will munch through carrion from the side of a road, with a bite as strong as a hyena) so be careful driving after dark. Going on a guided nighttime tour will increase your chances of seeing one in the wild.

Platypus

Their reputation for the unexpected precedes them. In the 19th century, naturalists back in England thought a platypus specimen must be a hoax with its duck-like bill, otter-like body, beaver-like tail, webbed feet, sharp claws and venomous spurs. This egg-laying mammal is unique to Australia, and while seeing one in the wild will take patience and luck, they are real. Apart from admiring their representation on Australia’s 20c coin, many zoos and wildlife parks have nocturnal platypus enclosures where you can view them burrowing and swimming underwater.

Where to find them: The Atherton Tablelands is the most iconic spot for platypus sightings – ask at a local tourist office for recommended spots. In Eungella National Park, special viewing platforms have been integrated into the forest around Broken River, one of this elusive monotreme’s favorite habitats.

Tips for spotting them: Patience is the key – set yourself up quietly and comfortably and look for telltale trails of bubbles on the water’s surface. Chances are the bubbles will be followed by a surfacing platypus. Don’t startle them – platypuses are notoriously shy and will dive back underwater in the twinkling of an eye and take refuge in a riverside burrow if they sense danger.

Quokkas

These marsupials are so photogenic that the “quokka selfie” became an online trend – until animal welfare experts spoke up. These small wallaby-like marsupials may look like they’re happy but that smile is really a quirk of the quokka’s facial structure, not permission to put a camera in their face. Quokkas are non-aggressive – docile even – which adds to the anthropomorphizing by humans. They also climb trees, hop like rabbits and sleep in the daytime. Quokkas are listed as “vulnerable” due to habitat loss as well as the arrival of predators (humans shamefully were on that list).

Where to find them: Quokkas are found on Wadjemup/Rottnest Island in Western Australia, a 30-minute ferry journey from Fremantle south of Perth.

Tips for spotting them: Quokkas are nocturnal, although in the winter months, they can be active during daylight hours. Get away from other tourists by foot or bike to increase your opportunity for a chance encounter, or book a guided walking tour. The Rottnest Voluntary Guides Association runs a “Meet the Quokkas” walking tour daily, where visitors are asked to observe from a respectful distance.

For visitors short on time, consider visiting a wildlife sanctuary

Sightings are never guaranteed when you’re dealing with wildlife, so if your trip Down Under won’t be complete without a koala, there are myriad wildlife reserves and zoos in Australia where native (and non-native) animals are in residence.

Yes, there’s a strong animal welfare case for never visiting animals in captivity, but many in Australia do adhere to strict animal welfare protocols and contribute to education and conservation efforts (do your research and you can be the judge).