Skellig Michael, County Kerry, Ireland

No one goes to Skellig Michael by accident. I certainly didn’t. My first encounter with this ancient monastic settlement about eight miles off the coast of County Kerry was a virtual one—I saw a picture of its craggy, windswept stone steps corkscrewing up from the white-capped Atlantic, and I immediately wanted to know more. Who carved them? Why? And where did the steps lead?

Getting the answers about Skellig Michael in person requires persistence and good luck. You’ll need to sign up for a tour and do it far in advance since only 180 visitors are allowed on the island daily. That’s a great thing and one of the reasons why it’s one of the top attractions in Ireland that nobody knows about. If you go, you’ll feel like you have it all to yourself.

Once on Skellig Michael, climbing those stone steps brings you to the main attraction: a cluster of beehive-shaped stone huts dating back to the sixth century. That’s right—early Christian monks lived on this windswept outpost in the middle of nowhere.

Torc Waterfall, Killarney National Park, Ireland

If the words “free admission,” “easily accessible,” and “beautiful waterfall” get you excited, you’ll love Torc Waterfall in Killarney National Park. This 60-foot stunner drops in from the Torc Mountains via the Devil’s Punch Bowl river, only about four miles outside Killarney. It’s a scenic spot thick with natural beauty, just a short walk on a wide path from the parking lot.

The adventurous and physically fit can continue from the waterfall and climb the 220 steps up the hill to a trail that (eventually) loops back to the parking lot. The two- to three-hour walk delivers views of the area’s lakes and includes a series of carved steps that require the assistance of a provided rope to navigate.

Aran Islands, County Galway, Ireland

Gaelic is still spoken on the Aran Islands—40 minutes by ferry from Rossaveel, just outside of Galway—and many residents still get around the old-fashioned way: by foot, bike, or horse and buggy. The largest and most visited of the Islands is Inis Mor (or Inishmore), which isn’t exactly touristy but does offer many of the conveniences travelers appreciate, such as bike rentals, B&Bs, and a trendy youth hostel. Rent a bike to see the island on a day trip and stop to explore the ruins of Dun Aengus, an impressive Iron Age fortress walled on three sides and open on the fourth, with nothing but a 300-foot drop separating the ruins from the open sea.

Inis Meain and Inis Oirr, the other two islands in the group, receive far fewer visitors and are truly unspoiled Ireland at its finest. If you visit on a clear day, you can see one of the top attractions in Ireland (the Cliffs of Moher) from the shores of Inis Oirr.

Glendalough, County Wicklow, Ireland

Glendalough, Ireland’s “Valley of Two Lakes,” rests in a glacial valley in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains. Much like Skellig Michael, this “city of seven churches” was founded in the sixth century as a monastic settlement by hermits whose love of isolation appears to have been matched only by their love of fine scenery. These days, you can explore a cathedral, a distinctive round tower, decorated stone crosses, medieval churches, and other ancient stone structures.

Beara Peninsula, Counties Cork and Kerry, Ireland

Everyone’s heard of the Ring of Kerry, and for good reason. It’s a lovely and scenic area, but it’s also chock-full of buses and tourists year-round. And while I’m not suggesting you skip the Ring of Kerry altogether, why not supplement it with a detour to the Ring of Beara on the wild and rocky Beara Peninsula in the far southwest of Ireland? The scenery is great, and if you’re a walker, so are the rambling footpaths. There’s no better way to experience Ireland’s wild natural landscape than with a drive or a stroll through this under-visited coastal peninsula.

​​Mourne Mountains, County Down, Northern Ireland

Whether you prefer your epic fantasy stories wholesome and value-oriented (like The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis) or with a dash of brutal realism (like A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin), you may find the inspiration to craft your own tales in the Mourne Mountains of Northern Ireland. This wild and romantic terrain is so rife with forests, rivers, grottos, caves, and follies that it’s said to have stoked the imagination of Lewis as he was writing The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. HBO shot on location in the Mourne Mountains while filming its Game of Thrones adaptation, making it one of the top attractions in Ireland for fans of A Song and Ice and Fire.

Hore Abbey, County Tipperary, Ireland

I’m a big fan of the Rock of Cashel, an undeniably spectacular collection of medieval buildings (including a 12th-century round tower, a Gothic cathedral, and a 15th-century castle) set atop a limestone outcropping. For lovers of history and medieval architecture, of which I’m both, there may be no better tourist attraction in all of Ireland.

But the crowds—oh, the crowds! If your idea of “intimate” doesn’t include a guided tour with 50 of your closest friends, then top off your visit to the Rock of Cashel with a trip to nearby Hore Abbey. This gorgeous deserted ruin has no tour guides, crowds, or entrance fees. Most days, it’s just you, the ghosts, and maybe a stray dog or two. Very much worth the visit.

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, County Antrim, Northern Ireland

Nearly a million people visit the Giant’s Causeway every year. Only a quarter of that number makes it to the nearby Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, which connects the tiny island of Carrickarede (“Rock of the Casting”) to the mainland. It’s a tourist attraction, no doubt, and it’s maintained by the National Trust. 

But because this 66-foot bridge sees only a fraction of the area’s visitors, I still consider it something of a secret. The Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is open year-round, weather permitting (this is Northern Ireland, after all), and the National Trust charges a small fee to cross it. Book your tickets to cross the bridge in advance, as it can sell out.

Dunmore East, County Waterford, Ireland

Packed with all the traditional charm you’d expect of a small Irish fishing village—thatched roofs, seaside cliffs, and sheltered coves—Dunmore East harbors another secret: It’s a sweet spot for scuba divers and snorkelers in search of World War I-era wrecks. If you prefer hiking boots to scuba gear, Dunmore East’s moody clifftop rambles don’t disappoint.

Irish Seisiuns

Not so much a place as a way of life, a seisiun (“session”) is an informal gathering in which people sing and play traditional Irish music. So much Irish culture, history, and heritage shines through in the music, and experiencing it with a pint in hand at a pub or a small-town festival is one way to encounter the hidden beauty of Ireland without advance planning. Still an integral part of Irish rural life, you can usually find a session on Sunday afternoons or midweek evenings, typically on Tuesday and Wednesday. Ask around, and you’ll be sure to find one during your stay.

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Besides the obvious (wine tasting, skiing, hiking), Chile offers isolated beaches, gorgeous hot springs, wildly distinct architecture, a diverse food scene, and much more. These are the best things to do in Chile.

Follow the W Circuit in Torres del Paine National Park

Located toward the bottom of Chile, the wild and remote Torres del Paine National Park feels like the end of the world. This park is packed with stunning scenery, from the iconic jagged peaks surrounding the brilliantly colored Mirador Las Torres to the sprawling Grey Glacier. 

Fortunately, there’s a simple way to see the highlights of Torres del Paine—all you have to do is follow the well-trodden W Circuit, a popular hike that starts at the east end of the park and traces its way through the mountain valleys before finishing in the west. Opt to camp along the way or retreat to luxury hotel rooms at night. 

Chase Down the Churches of Chiloe

If you’ve seen one old cathedral, seen them all, right? The extraordinary wooden churches of Chiloe Island (16 of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites) will topple your preconceptions with their unorthodox constructions, bright colors, nontraditional symbolism, and intricate interior woodwork. Most of the churches are readily accessible, others far more remote, but the journey to each of them is part of the fun.

Some of our favorites (Tenaun, Castro, Chemchi) shake up the status quo with blue, yellow, and purple facades—an abrupt and beautiful clash of color with the deep-green countryside of the island—and each one offers its own unique architecture and interiors. Chiloetnico, based in the island capital of Castro, offers several eco-sensitive church excursions, including by bike, but it’s fun to drive around to many of them as well.

Meet Chile’s Renegade Winemakers

Chile produces some of the New World’s best (and most affordable!) wine, so it’s unsurprising that tasting is on most folks’ itineraries. But while the majority of oenophiles head toward some of the country’s most well-known wine regions—the Maipo, Colchagua, and Casablanca Valleys—you should head a few more hours south to the up-and-coming Maule Valley, about 224 miles below Santiago, where a group of renegade winemakers is producing extraordinary wine while bucking traditions around every turn.

What’s great about tasting here (besides the lack of lines) is that a lot of these independent-minded boutique winemakers run the show every step of the way, from hand-harvesting the grapes right down to pouring the wines for you (and, in our case, even running down to the cellar and labeling a few purchased bottles themselves). There are No tasting rooms, wine clubs, or winery-branded backscratchers—just fabulous face-to-face experiences with the winemakers. Get Your Guide offers a variety of tours to the area, so you don’t have to worry about driving.

Meet Penguins in Southern Patagonia

There are plenty of places to spot adorable penguins in Chile, so narrow it down by deciding which type of penguin you want to see. If you’re hoping to visit the King Penguin (the second largest penguin species after the Emperor), head to the aptly named King Penguin Park, the only place in South America where these majestic creatures live. 

If you prefer more pocket-sized penguins, head to Punta Tombo, home to South America’s largest Magellanic penguin colony. 

Kayak Through Misty Fjords

One of Chile’s best private parks is Pumalín Douglas Tompkins National Park, founded by American conservationist (and co-founder of The North Face) Douglas Tompkins and his wife, Kristine McDivitt Tompkins. It protects a more than 994,000-acre patch of pristine Patagonian landscape along the Pacific coastline. Multi-day sea kayaking expeditions are a major attraction in the park, which is full of steep green fjords, waterfalls, sea lion colonies, natural hot springs, and gorgeous snow-capped scenery.

Take a Cooking and Wine Course

Chilean cuisine isn’t as famous worldwide as some of its neighboring countries’ food. Once you land, you’ll discover what you’ve been missing out on—and there’s nobody better to introduce you to the delicacies found here than chef Pilar Rodriguez, who runs her namesake Food & Wine Studio in Chile’s Colchagua wine valley.

Neither a full-blown cooking course nor a wine course, Rodriguez’s offering concentrates on the marriage between the two. Her ceviche alone is worth the 2.5-hour trip south from Santiago, but it doesn’t get much better for foodies than a day with Pilar surrounded by the gorgeous vineyards of the Colchagua.

Channel Your Inner Robinson Crusoe

Way out there, more than 400 miles off the coast of central Chile, the volcanic Juan Fernández Archipelago remains a new frontier. The group of three islands, a national park, was made famous as the spot where castaway Scotsman Alexander Selkirk toiled away for years in Daniel Dafoe’s “Robinson Crusoe.”

The sleepy fishing village of San Juan Baptista is the only town and is located on Robinson Crusoe Island. From here, you can set out for the island’s main attractions: world-class scuba diving and excursions to observe the Juan Fernandez fur seal, the only native mammal in the vicinity. Diving, trekking, kayaking, and fishing trips can be arranged in San Juan Baptista.

Follow the Pablo Neruda Trail

Fans of Chile’s most beloved poet, Pablo Neruda, can retrace his steps from one home to the next. Start with his Santiago property, La Chascona, a hideaway he had built in Barrio Bellavista to escape to with his mistress, Matilde Urrutia (who later became his third wife). In Valparaiso, 75 miles northwest of the capital, there’s the five-story La Sebastiana, where Neruda enjoyed stunning ocean views complemented by the city’s colorful houses dotting the hillside. The poet’s largest home was a seaside getaway in Isla Negra, 53 miles south of Valpo, which houses the majority of his treasured possessions.

Today, all three homes function as living museums. For fans of the poet’s romantic prose, it’s total Neruda immersion. 

Best Time to Go to Chile

With its vast north-to-south expanse, Chile has no single climate. Still, October and November are springtime and tend to be the most pleasant time of year in many parts of the country. High season in the Lake District is November through March, the Southern Hemisphere’s spring and summer. 

Winter here can be cold and overcast, but the skiing is excellent in the mountains. The weather is variable year-round in Patagonia and generally best from September through April. Some places, such as national parks, may be closed in the winter. It is sunny and warm year-round in the Atacama Desert to the north. Easter Island enjoys tropical warmth all year.

Chile on a Budget

You’ll be unlikely to find a bargain from mid-December through February or in the middle of July. The exception is Santiago, as locals leave the city in the summer, making for better hotel rates. Rural hospedajes rent out rooms for cheap. City residenciales, or boardinghouses, offer a room, shared bath, and communal kitchen. (Beware: Many lack central heating.) More comfortable accommodations range from remote hiking lodges to sleek urban hotels. Restaurant meals are pricey, as is fresh food in the market, but beer and wine are bargain-priced. Public transportation is also a deal, including buses and the subway in Santiago.

Original reporting by Kevin Raub

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Go Stargazing on Mt. John

New Zealand’s South Island is home to one of the largest International Dark Sky Reserve on the planet, covering more than 1,600 square miles. Hunt for shooting stars and take in the constellations of the southern sky through the powerful telescopes at the Mt. John Observatory in Tekapo. Dark Sky Projects offers a two-hour tour that brings stargazers in a bus up the mountain to take in some of the world’s clearest sky views. It can be chilly up there, so warm coats and hot chocolate are provided. On cloudy nights when visibility is poor, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes tour of the observatory.

Big Sky Stargazing in Mount Cook and Skyline Stargazing in Queenstown are two additional options on other parts of the South Island.

Visit the Wildlife Capital

Tucked away in the southeastern part of New Zealand, just outside the city of Dunedin, is the windswept Otago Peninsula, where royal albatrosses wheel overhead and penguins waddle up the beach after a day spent fishing in the ocean. Walk down to Sandfly Bay and you just might find yourself sharing a beach with seals or sea lions basking in the sun. It’s not hard to see why this peninsula bills itself as the “Wildlife Capital of New Zealand.”

Don’t miss a stop at the Royal Albatross Centre at Taiaroa Head, one of the few places in the world where you can see this majestic bird — with a wingspan of nearly 10 feet — in its natural habitat. Nearby is The Opera, a reserve for endangered yellow-eyed penguins. A walking tour takes visitors into a system of trenches and hides where they can view the penguins from afar without disturbing them (bring your binoculars).

Take a Food Tour in the Bush

Adventurous eaters can join a Maori chef for an overnight foraging excursion in the Taumarunui bush. You’ll fish for trout and eel, hunt for huhu grubs, and hike through the rain forest to gather pikopiko (fiddlehead ferns) and wood mushrooms. Back at the cabin where you’ll spend the night, chef Charles Royal explains how to transform these ingredients into a traditional Maori meal, cooked either over an open fire or in a hangi (earth oven). After dinner, gather around the fire for music and storytelling as night falls.

The Taumarunui bush tour runs between November and April. The two-day, one-night tour includes cabin accommodations, four-wheel-drive transportation to the cabin, food, beverages, cooking classes and all outdoor activities. See MaoriFood.com.

Drive the Surf Highway

Without stops, it only takes about an hour and a half to drive New Zealand’s Surf Highway 45 from New Plymouth to Hawera — but this laid-back and remarkably scenic coastal road is worth lingering over. It’s famous first and foremost for its waves; spots like Fitzroy Beach and Kumara Patch draw surfers from all over New Zealand and beyond.

Beyond the breaks, Highway 45 offers relaxed beach towns, memorable views of the Tasman Sea and the looming peak of Mt. Taranaki, and a number of intriguing detours. Art enthusiasts can check out the avant-garde offerings at the Govett-Brewster gallery in New Plymouth, while hikers can wander the trails in Egmont National Park. The Cape Egmont Lighthouse and historic Maori fortress of Koru Pa are also worth a visit. See Taranaki.info for more ideas.

Experience Art in Queenstown

Often called the Adventure Capital of the World, Queenstown is best known for heart-pumping outdoor activities like bungee jumping, paragliding, jetboating, skiing and mountain biking. But Queenstown has plenty to offer even travelers who are more art lovers than adrenaline junkies.

You can wander independently through the city’s art galleries, including Artbay Gallery, which features contemporary art from around New Zealand, and Toi o Tahuna Gallery, which hosts changing exhibitions in a downtown location. If you want a more personalized experience, Black ZQN can organize an art tour in the Otago region that’s customized for your interests.

Stay on a Working Farm

Though New Zealanders are no longer outnumbered 20 to one by their sheep (the ratio is more like five to one these days), New Zealand is still sprinkled liberally with farms — and many of them welcome overnight guests. Your farmstay might include a sheep-shearing demonstration, a chance to feed a baby goat, a walk around the pasture or a home-cooked meal in the farmers’ kitchen. Accommodations range from rustic, budget-friendly cottages to ultra-lavish lodges.

Farmstays are available in nearly every region of New Zealand. To find them, visit TrueNZ.co.nz, RuralHolidays.co.nz or the accommodation section of NewZealand.com.

Search for Kiwi Birds on Stewart Island

The flightless, nocturnal kiwi bird is an icon of New Zealand — and yet it’s almost impossible to spot one in person. Sure, you can see them in captivity at places like Queenstown’s Kiwi Park, but if you want to catch sight of one in the wild, your best bet is to visit remote Stewart Island. Located off the southern coast of the South Island, with a population of just 400 hardy souls, Stewart Island offers a glimpse of New Zealand’s wild side. About 85 percent of the island is covered by Rakiura National Park, which makes a welcoming home for some 20,000 kiwi birds (as well as numerous other rare bird species).

Stewart Island offers an excursion that takes visitors on a twilight boat ride to an area where the birds often gather to feed; the excursion lasts four hours. For a longer and more active trip, try a one- or two-night package from Ruggedy Range™ Wilderness Experience. These trips involve 10 to 15 miles of easy walking per day through wetlands, beaches and manuka scrub, with accommodations at backcountry huts.

Climb a Dormant Volcano in Auckland

Many first-time visitors to Auckland don’t realize that New Zealand’s largest city is built on an active volcanic field, encompassing some 48 volcanoes. Fortunately for the locals, they’re all dormant — at least for now. The one that erupted most recently (between 500 and 600 years ago) is Rangitoto, one of Auckland’s most iconic landmarks. Its 850-foot cone rises from the sea to create an island just off the coast, visible from many parts of the city.

Hop aboard a Fullers ferry for a 25-minute ride to the island, where a hiking path through trees and lava fields brings you to the summit in about an hour. Once at the top, you can walk around the crater rim or simply enjoy the views of downtown Auckland.

Experience Maori Life in Kaikoura

No visit to New Zealand would be complete without time spent learning about the Maori culture. And while the Auckland Museum and Wellington’s Te Papa are good starting places, the best way to learn about the Maori is from the Maori themselves. Spend part of your day with a Maori guide who will take you on a journey through the stories and places that have shaped Maori life. For instance, TIME Unlimited Tours offers a few Maori-led excursions in the Auckland area, with a couple including a traditional cultural performance. You can also find Maori owned and operated businesses and experiences throughout New Zealand via the New Zealand Maori Tourism website. 

Bike the Otago Central Rail Trail

Bike through old train tunnels and across wooden bridges, explore old mining towns, and enjoy expansive mountain views along the Otago Central Rail Trail. This 93-mile track was once a 19th-century rail line between Clyde and Middlemarch, but today it’s a popular path for biking, walking and even horseback riding. To complete the whole trail by bike typically takes three to five days, depending on how fast you ride and how many detours you make. Travel during the summer months (December through February) for the warmest weather and longest days, or during autumn (March and April) to see the region’s spectacular foliage.

While a reasonable level of fitness is required, the trail doesn’t have any major hills and is suitable for most bikers. If you’re not up for the whole route, you can sample part of it in a half- or full-day ride; the Poolburn Gorge area is one popular choice. Shebikeshebikes can arrange bike rentals, day trips, accommodations and full-route packages.

Go Behind the Scenes in Wellywood

Move over, Hollywood and Bollywood — Wellington has its own claim to fame following the towering success of the “Lord of the Rings” and “Hobbit” franchises. Director Peter Jackson drew on landscapes across New Zealand to create his epic vision of Middle-earth, but Wellington, Jackson’s home town, was the center of the action. The first stop for any movie buff should be the Weta Cave, where you can get a behind-the-scenes tour of the workshop of Jackson’s special effects company. Weta Workshop produced props, costumes, sets and more for the “Lord of the Rings” movies, as well as other films.

For true LOTR fans, the Weta Cave is just the beginning. Several tours in the Wellington area explore the movie’s various filming locations, with several including Weta Cave on the itinerary.

Swim with Rare Dolphins in Akaroa

Found only in New Zealand, the Hector’s dolphin is the world’s smallest dolphin species. The average adult is just 4 – 4.5 feet long and weighs about 100 pounds. You can meet one up close and in person in Akaroa, on the coast of the South Island. Black Cat Cruises offers a 3.5-hour Dolphin Experience that gives animal lovers the chance to jump in the water and swim with these friendly creatures. You’ll put on a wetsuit and set off into Akaroa Harbour in a heated, covered catamaran; hot showers and drinks are offered after you get out of the water.

The company has successful swims on more than 80 percent of its cruises, but if the dolphins are calving, feeding or otherwise uninterested in interacting, you’ll get a re-cruise voucher to try again another time. Cruises run all year and carry just 12 people per sailing, so advance booking is recommended.

Uncover a Buried Village in Rotorua

It’s one thing to join the throngs visiting the bubbly hot springs that sour the air of Rotorua on New Zealand’s North Island; it’s quite another to see evidence of the power that thermal activity can have. At the 12-acre Te Wairoa village, visitors can see firsthand the destruction left behind by the 1886 eruption of Mt. Tarawera. Buried by volcanic ash, many of the village’s structures have been well preserved, offering a unique look at how Maori and European New Zealanders lived together in the 19th century.

Visitors can tour the museum, which houses a large collection of excavated objects, and trace a walking path dotted by excavated buildings and Maori whares (dwellings), all while guides tell of the night the volcano rained fire, killing 150 people.

Best Time to Go to New Zealand

New Zealand’s seasons are opposite those in the Northern Hemisphere, so for summer sunshine and the warmest possible temperatures, you’ll want to travel from December through February. Note that many New Zealanders travel then as well, so be prepared for crowds in the most popular tourist areas. Spring and fall are the less crowded shoulder seasons; you’ll find cooler temperatures, lower prices and a greater chance of rain. Winter may be chilly for sightseers, but it’s paradise for skiers, especially on the mountainous South Island; you can hit the slopes from mid-June through mid-October.

New Zealand on a Budget

Airfare to New Zealand will take a big chomp out of your vacation budget, and the outdoor adventures the country is known for — like whale watching, glacier hiking, kayaking and bungee jumping — can be pricey. Fortunately, you can save a few coins on accommodations. There’s a network of motels, campgrounds, holiday parks and hostels (known as “backpackers”) throughout the country, offering basic lodging at affordable prices. To reduce your food budget, get a place with a kitchen and cook for yourself.

–written by Sarah Schlichter and Dori Saltzman

The post New Zealand Travel Guide: What to Do in New Zealand appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Planning a Trip to the Grand Canyon

When should you travel to avoid the heaviest crowds and the most intense heat? Should you visit the North Rim or the South Rim? Where’s the best place to stay? For answers to these questions and more, read the following tips for planning a trip to the Grand Canyon.

South Rim vs. North Rim vs. Grand Canyon West

Grand Canyon National Park is split into two sections: the South Rim and the North Rim, located more than four hours apart by car. Then there’s Grand Canyon West, located on the Hualapai Native American Reservation, four hours from the South Rim and nearly seven hours from the North Rim. Where should you go if you’re planning a trip to the Grand Canyon and your time is limited?

The South Rim is the most visited part of the Grand Canyon for a reason. It has more viewpoints than the North Rim, with more expansive views of the canyon’s depth and a broader range of lodging options and other visitor services. It also has plenty of hiking trails and activities like river rafting and mule rides. This is the place to go if you’re looking for classic Grand Canyon views.

Popular with hikers and photographers, the North Rim is the South Rim’s quieter, more heavily forested cousin. While the views may be less spectacular, many travelers prefer the North Rim for its undisturbed wildlife and pristine trails. Since the North Rim is at a higher elevation, it gets significantly more snow in winter than the South Rim and is closed seasonally to all vehicles between December 1 and May 14. No visitor services are available during this time.

The key draw at Grand Canyon West is the Skywalk, a glass bridge that extends 70 feet over the canyon for dizzying views on all sides—including right under your feet. (Important note: The Skywalk does not permit cameras or phones. Professional photos are available for sale.) This isn’t the best bet for avid hikers, as there are only two (relatively easy) trails here. Still, other activities include zip-lining, pontoon boat rides, and whitewater rafting. Grand Canyon West is the closest part of the canyon to Las Vegas, making it a convenient, though long, day trip.

Note that because Grand Canyon West is located on Native American land, it requires a separate entry fee from the North and South Rims, which are administered by the National Park Service.

When to Visit the Grand Canyon

When planning a trip to the Grand Canyon, consider visiting the South Rim any time other than summer—especially if you’re hoping to hike down to the bottom of the canyon, where temperatures can soar above 100 degrees Fahrenheit in July and August. Summer is also the busiest time of year; lodging in the park is expensive and sells out quickly, and viewpoints along the rim can be jammed with crowds.

The South Rim is open all year round, and you’ll find pleasant temperatures and smaller crowds in the shoulder seasons (spring and fall). Even a winter visit can be rewarding; bundle up and enjoy the sight of the canyon dusted with snow.

Thanks to its higher altitude, the North Rim has a cooler climate and is closed between mid-October and mid-May. Fortunately, this part of the park sees fewer visitors and isn’t usually crowded, even during the summer high season. Consider visiting in the fall, when the Kaibab National Forest erupts in vibrant colors.

Grand Canyon West is open year-round and less crowded outside the summer months.

Getting to the Grand Canyon

Most visitors to the Grand Canyon fly into Las Vegas or Phoenix. There’s also a small airport in Flagstaff, just an hour from the South Rim, and some North Rim travelers fly into Salt Lake City. No matter where you land, you’ll need to rent a car, as public transit is extremely limited in this part of the U.S.

Once you arrive at the Grand Canyon, you might need to park your car and take a shuttle bus to get around. Grand Canyon West is closed to private vehicles and operates a hop-on, hop-off shuttle around the park, while certain parts of the South Rim are only accessible by bus. A shuttle service makes the 4.5-hour trip between the North and South Rims; it’s convenient for rim-to-rim hikers. The North Rim is fully open to private vehicles except during the winter.

One fun alternative way to arrive at the South Rim is via the Grand Canyon Railway, which runs from Williams, Arizona, into the heart of the park, allowing for a half-day of exploring before returning in the afternoon.

Grand Canyon Lodging

The most convenient Grand Canyon lodging options are within the national park or Grand Canyon West rather than in nearby towns, but these options tend to book up quickly—sometimes almost a year in advance. When planning a trip to the Canyon, reserve your accommodations first. Staying within the national park will save you valuable time waiting to get in the entrance gates each day.

The South Rim section of Grand Canyon National Park is home to half a dozen lodges, including the venerable El Tovar, which dates back to 1905 and has hosted former presidents Theodore Roosevelt and Bill Clinton. Another option is the Bright Angel Lodge, situated at the top of the park’s most popular trail. There’s also an RV park near the main visitor center and two campgrounds.

If you can’t find lodging within the South Rim section of the park, there’s a handful of options in nearby Tusayan, as well as dozens of hotels (mostly chain motels) in Williams and Flagstaff, each a little more than an hour from the park entrance gates.

The North Rim has just two places to stay inside the park: the Grand Canyon Lodge, which offers motel rooms and cabins, and the North Rim Campground. If these are booked, consider the Jacob Lake Inn, 45 miles away, or head farther afield to Kanab, Utah, or Page, Arizona.

The most unique place to stay at Grand Canyon National Park is Phantom Ranch, a group of cabins located on the canyon floor. The only ways to get there are to hike or ride a mule down, and you’ll need to win a lottery in order to reserve a room. 

If you want to stay overnight within Grand Canyon West, you can book a cabin at Hualapai Ranch; each one features a front porch where you can relax and enjoy the desert views.

Grand Canyon Hikes

The simplest walk at Grand Canyon National Park is the Rim Trail, which stretches for 13—mostly flat—miles along the top of the South Rim. Much of it is paved and wheelchair-accessible, and you can enter and leave the path at any viewpoint.

If your fitness allows, try to hike at least part of the way into the Grand Canyon; you’ll get a completely different perspective than you do from the top.

The most popular South Rim trail into the canyon is the Bright Angel Trail, which is well-maintained and offers some shade along the way. Another good option is the South Kaibab Trail—it is a little steeper and has less shade but boasts slightly more dramatic views if you’re only doing part of the trail. While both of these trails go all the way to the bottom, you can easily transform each of them into a day hike by turning around at one of the mile markers and going back the way you came.

The North Rim offers a variety of day hikes ranging from less than a mile to about 10 miles round-trip. It’s possible to hike into the canyon from the North Rim on the North Kaibab Trail and back out via one of the trails on the South Rim (or vice versa); this is recommended only for fit, experienced hikers.

For information on all the trails listed above, see the day hiking information page on NPS.gov.

The National Park Service strongly recommends against hiking down to the river and back in a single day, even if you’re a veteran hiker. Instead, plan to overnight at Phantom Ranch or one of several backcountry campgrounds within the canyon, but know that reservations are required in advance.

Keep in mind that it usually takes twice as long to come back up the trail as it does to go down and temperatures at the bottom of the canyon can be up to 20 degrees higher than those at the top. Hundreds of hikers are rescued each year from the canyon due to dehydration, heat exhaustion, or injury.

Grand Canyon West offers just two hiking trails, one easy and one moderate, and neither goes into the canyon.

One intriguing Grand Canyon hike to consider is the 10-mile (each way) track to Havasu Falls, the famous turquoise cascade you’ve probably seen on your Instagram feed. It’s located on Native American land between the South Rim and Grand Canyon West. Reservations are required (and limited). To learn more, see the NPS website.

Mule Rides, Rafting Trips, and Helicopter Tours

When planning a trip to the Grand Canyon, don’t forget about other activities besides hiking, like riding a mule into the canyon. (Why a mule? They’re more sure-footed than horses.)

From the South Rim, you can ride a mule to the Colorado River and spend a night or two at Phantom Ranch or take a shorter two-hour ride along the rim. You can take one- or three-hour rides from the North Rim along the rim or part of the way into the canyon—book as far in advance as possible to guarantee yourself a spot.

Dreaming of rafting the Colorado River? You can take a guided trip in the national park with options from a half-day to more than two weeks, or plan your own trip with a permit from the National Park Service. To plan a one- or two-day rafting trip at Grand Canyon West, visit GrandCanyonWest.com.

Finally, one of the most incredible ways to view the Grand Canyon is from the air. Numerous companies operate helicopter tours over the canyon, including Grand Canyon Helicopters and Papillon.

General Grand Canyon Travel Tips

Stop by the visitor center as soon as you arrive—especially if you have limited time. Park rangers can help design an itinerary to maximize your visit, suggest hikes to suit your fitness level, and recommend the best sunrise and/or sunset viewpoints.

The desert heat can be deadly, so hikers should pack plenty of water and salty snacks. Bring a reusable bottle that you can fill up at water stations located throughout the national park. Start hiking early in the morning to avoid the midday sun. If you get a headache or start to feel dizzy or sick to your stomach, stop to rest and rehydrate.

The South Rim is located at 7,000 feet above sea level, and the North Rim is at nearly 8,300 feet. Some travelers may experience fatigue, headaches, or other symptoms of altitude sickness.

Stick to the trail. Not only does this protect the landscape, but it also protects you. Numerous tourists have died after falling from the rim of the canyon.

The most crowded viewpoints at the South Rim are those nearest the parking lots and bus stops. To avoid getting a hundred other people in every photo, walk along the Rim Trail in either direction. Often, you can snap great shots along the trail or find your way to a less congested viewpoint.

Follow Sarah Schlichter on Twitter @TravelEditor for more travel tips and inspiration.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2017. It has been updated to reflect the most current information. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them.

The post Planning a Trip to the Grand Canyon appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Having established itself in the 1990s as the “it” destination for ecotourists—think ziplining, whitewater rafting, and trekking—you’d imagine that tourists have discovered every inch of Costa Rica. Fortunately, it’s still possible to stray off the beaten path in Costa Rica and discover hidden gems on your trip. 

These are the best things to do in Costa Rica. 

Stay in a Jungle Ecolodge

The term “ecolodge” was practically born in Costa Rica, and some of the best rainforest-based accommodations in the world can be found here. The most authentic ecolodges take sustainability seriously—they’re built of local materials, employ Costa Ricans from nearby towns, recycle and reuse, and give back to their communities.

One of the best is the Pacuare Jungle Lodge, accessible via a 1.5-hour whitewater rafting trip (a bus ride and gondola trip can get you there too, but that option is less exciting). 

See Wild Animals

Although Costa Rica is full of animals, it can be hard to spot them in the wild. For a guaranteed viewing, visit the Jaguar Rescue Center in the Caribbean coastal town of Puerto Viejo (on Playa Chiquita). The center is a permanent or temporary home for sick, injured, or orphaned animals who cannot survive on their own in the wild. 

Guided tours are available where you can see animals, including monkeys, toucans, and more. Despite the name, there are currently no jaguars at the rescue center. 

Rappel Down a Waterfall

Imagine taking the thrill of rappelling and adding the rush of cascading water. In Costa Rica, a popular activity for adventure seekers is a twist on traditional rock climbing: waterfall rappelling. 

As you descend through crystal-clear falls in La Fortuna, you’ll experience an exhilarating blend of adventure and natural beauty. Don’t let the dramatic setting intimidate you—this activity welcomes anyone in reasonably good physical condition who can handle heights. No need for prior experience; just bring your sense of adventure and prepare to get soaked.

Sample Chocolate

The same conditions that make coffee such a strong-growing crop in Costa Rica allow cacao to thrive. And where there’s cacao, there’s chocolate!

See how organic cacao is harvested on Don Olivo’s Chocolate Tour, where you’ll see the farm’s 1,600 cacao trees, sample chocolates, and learn how the magic happens to transform cacao into chocolate. 

Soak in a Hot Spring

Given its volcanic landscape, Costa Rica has quite a few natural hot springs and mud pools. Most are open to the public, but will generally have an entrance fee.

One of the best places to indulge is the Rio Negro in Rincon de la Vieja. To reach the hot springs, drive across an unpaved road, walk 10 minutes down a dirt path, and cross a canopy bridge before arriving at the buttery smooth mud pool. The mud is super hot — most people paint it on with brushes and then let it harden. After a quick rinse, plunge into a nearby hot spring.

Take a Night Hike

To fully appreciate Costa Rica’s wildlife population, you’ll have to head out after dark. Nocturnal animals such as armadillos, sloths, caimans, frogs, and bats are among the critters you might see on a night hike in the Arenal area.

Fortunately, you don’t have to be out until dawn; most excursions begin at twilight and last two to three hours. Jacamar Naturalist Tours offers a night walk in which a guide will help you spot nocturnal animals and birds and teach you about medicinal plants in a family-owned garden. 

Study the Mystery of the Stone Spheres

The island of Yap has stone money. Easter Island is known for its moai. And Costa Rica, few people know, has its own mysterious stone carvings too: petrospheres, or stone spheres. Ranging in size from less than an inch to nearly seven feet in diameter, the stones are believed to have been carved between 200 B.C. and 1500 A.D. and were discovered by workers clearing jungles for banana plantations.

The spheres were originally found on Diquis Delta and Isla del Cano, just northwest of Corcovado National Park. You can see them at the National Museum of Costa Rica in San Jose or head to Finca 6 in Palomar Norte, where a visitor center helps explain the history of the spheres.

Be a Surf Bum

The Pacific coast of Costa Rica has some of the best surfing in all of Central America, with zones ideal for beginner, intermediate, and advanced surfers. Costa Rica is known as a surfing hot spot because the water is often warm enough to forgo wetsuits, waves break cleanly, and the sea is surf-worthy nearly year-round. (September and October can be rough because of hurricane season.)

Beginners usually head to the touristy beaches of Tamarindo for basic instructions and easy-to-manage waves. Jaco is another chill spot that’s considered one of the Caribbean’s ultimate surf destinations. But we like the prospect of learning to surf in a laid-back village like Dominical. Sunset Surf Dominical is a family-run surf school that offers surf package deal, including accommodations, transfers, breakfast, surfing instructions almost every day, and your choice of additional activities, such as ziplining.

Go in Search of the Resplendent Quetzal

Costa Rica’s most famous bird, the resplendent quetzal (pronounced “ket-saal”), has jewel-toned green plumage with long tail feathers twice the length of its body, making for quite the show when it takes flight.

The bird lives in moist mountain forests, such as the popular Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and less-visited San Gerardo de Dota Valley. Quetzals are a bit shy; you often hear their deep, melodious calls before seeing them. 

But even for non-birders, spotting one is a special treat. Head out in the early mornings between December and April for the best viewing chances, and use a local guide with knowledge of the bird’s favorite hangouts.

Buy Pottery — or Make Your Own

Costa Rica has a long history of artisanal crafts. Archeologists have discovered pottery dating back more than 2,500 years. In the towns of San Vicente de Nicoya and Guaitil in Guanacaste, you can observe artisans, who are descendants of Chorotega Indians, creating earthenware using the same techniques as their ancestors.

Observe the ancient art and buy pieces from the artists at Guaitil Artisan Village in the Carrillo community in Guanacaste. Or, take a lesson and craft your own souvenir to take home. 

Help Protect Sea Turtle Hatchlings

The beaches of Costa Rica provide one of the most important nesting grounds for four species of sea turtles. Visit between March and November for your best chance of spotting a turtle hatching. 

Dozens of tour operators offer trips to see them. But why not do one better and volunteer to protect them? Book a stay at Pacuare Nature Reserve, and you can sign up to patrol the beach for nesting sea turtles and help tag the turtles for data collection. 

Learn How Coffee Is Made

Costa Rica is well known for its coffee, which revolutionized the small country’s economy (that’s why it’s known locally as grano de oro, or the “golden grain”). Heck, coffee has revolutionized the world—you try going to work without chugging a cup in the morning. Seeing how the ruby-colored coffee berry is converted into the most important of all beverages is quite remarkable.

Several working farms offer tours. The original coffee roaster in Costa Rica is Cafe Britt, which welcomes 500,000 travelers a year to tour its plantation. For a more unique coffee farm experience, head into the mountains where Cafe Monteverde runs tours of its sustainable operation. 

Best Time to Go to Costa Rica

Costa Rica has two main seasons: the dry and rainy or “green” seasons. Dry season equals high season. From late November through late April, Costa Rican rains are mild, and tourists flock to the country. May through mid-November is Costa Rica’s green season; sure, it rains a good amount, but you will find a surplus of travel deals in the country during this time. Just keep in mind that it can be difficult to drive over muddy roads during the green season in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica on a Budget

Costa Rica is a fantastic destination for travelers watching their wallets. Budget-friendly offerings abound, from affordable but delicious local meals to economical lodging. 

Generally, the more remote and eco-friendly your lodging, the more expensive it will be. Isolated ecolodges in the thick of the jungle offer an unparalleled experience, but rates, which are often all-inclusive, tend to be high. In the more popular tourist destinations, well-priced resorts abound, and a traveler can likely find a room with an ocean view for an affordable price—especially during the rainy season.

The post Costa Rica Travel Guide: What to Do in Costa Rica appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Crime & Safety

The State Department notes that violent crime, assault, and robbery are not uncommon in cities and recommends exercising increased caution, particularly at night and on public transportation. 

Follow common sense travel safety rules: stick with your group, avoid deserted areas, and keep an eye on drinks and personal items in crowded nightlife settings. Travelers are most commonly victims of petty theft. Leave valuables safely in your hotel room and use cell phones discreetly. 

According to the State Department, certain areas within Brazilian cities have a higher rate of gun violence. The Onde Tem Tiroteio App (OTT App) lets travelers and residents know in real time where instances of gun violence are occurring so they can avoid getting caught in potential crossfire.

Driving

Like the United States, cars drive on the right side of the road and the driver is situated on the left side of the car. According to Sixt car rental service, the average speed limit is 30km/hour (roughly 19mph) for residential areas, 80km/hour (roughly 50mph) for urban highways, and 110km/hour (roughly 68mph) for rural highways. 

Brazil has the fifth highest rate of traffic fatalities in the world, with traffic patterns and road conditions that can be difficult to navigate for the uninitiated tourist. Opt for a registered taxi service or Uber and leave the local driving to the experts.  

Weather

Brazil experiences a tropical climate year-round, so there is no need to pack winter gear. The year is split into a wet season—from December to April—and a dry season—roughly May through November. During the wet season, extreme rainfall can cause flooding and landslides, especially in rural areas and torrential rains can cause the Amazon River to rise over thirty feet. The wet season lasts about a month longer in the Amazon region than the rest of the country, so plan accordingly.  

It’s not uncommon for Brazil to experience wildfires, particularly when conditions are exacerbated by drought as they have been the past two years. According to the World Resources Index, “Unlike other countries, where fires are a natural part of the forest ecosystem, almost all fires in the Amazon and Pantanal regions of Brazil are human-caused.”  Starting fires, including campfires, in the Amazon poses an extreme risk to people and nature and is prohibited.

Nature and Wildlife

Sixty percent of the Amazon Rainforest is located in Brazil. While there are endless opportunities to explore the incredible wildlife therein, there are potential dangers that should be considered with reasonable caution when planning an excursion. 

This jungle habitat is home to jaguars, cougars, green anacondas, and the golden poison dart frog—one of the most poisonous animals in the world. A few rules: always travel with a professional guide, stay with your tour group, don’t wander off the designated path, and pay attention to your surroundings and where you’re stepping at all times. Similarly, the Amazon River is home to jagged-toothed piranhas and alligators, so resist the temptation to cool down with a swim. If you plan to spend the majority of your trip in the Amazon, make sure to come prepared with a filtered water bottle and water purification tablets. 

Nature’s tiniest creatures also pose a risk while trekking through the rain forest. Mosquitos are highly active in the Amazon, so make sure to wear long pants and sleeves and to use DEET bug repellent. A sturdy pair of boots will also keep away other biting insects like the bullet ant, whose bit is notoriously painful. While most imminent wildlife danger will be found within the rainforest, travelers should keep an eye out for the Brazilian wandering spider or brown recluse spider, both of which can be spotted in nature as well as in the city.

Visa Requirements

Tourist visas will be required for US travelers visiting Brazil beginning in April 2025. All you need for the visa is the $80.90 fee, a valid passport, the completed passport application, and a passport photo. The application can be completed online and your visa will be emailed to you shortly after. 

Vaccinations and Medication

In addition to routine vaccines recommended for all travelers, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that travelers consider:

• The Chikungunya vaccine for travlers over 65 of planning a long stay
• Preventative malaria medication
• Rabies pre-exposure treatment if you will be exposed to animals
• Typhoid vaccine, if staying in rural areas
• Yellow Fever vaccine, if traveling to certain areas including Rio de Janiero

There is also the possibility for bug-borne illnesses like Zika and Dengue. Practice good habits when venturing outside like covering the skin and wearing bug repellent. 

Traveler Resources

Emergency Number: 911 or 112 will both redirect to the national emergency line

The post Safe Travel Tips for Brazil appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Dive into our slideshow to sample these unique experiences plus many more, spanning the country from the wide-open cattle ranches out west to the friendly fishing villages in the Maritimes.

Additional Reporting by Megan Johnson

1. Northern Lights Experience in Northwest Territories

You can see the northern lights in Canada’s remote Northwest Territories in several unique ways. Beck’s Kennels, based in Yellowknife, offers a five-hour excursion that starts with an exhilarating dog sled ride over the snow to a heated cabin where you can warm up and watch the colors streaking across the dark sky.

For an even more remote experience, head to the Blachford Lodge. Accessible only by bush plane (it’s a half-hour ride from Yellowknife), the lodge offers the chance to see the northern lights from an igloo you build yourself.

2. Walk on the Earth’s Mantle at Gros Morne National Park

Gros Morne National Park isn’t just a spectacularly scenic place to go hiking or camping; it’s also a geological landmark that helped scientists prove the theory of plate tectonics. The barren red rocks in the Tablelands section of the park were once part of the earth’s mantle (the thick layer beneath the crust), but they were pushed upward by a plate tectonic collision some 500 million years ago. Gros Morne is one of the few places in the world where you can walk on a rock that was once this deep inside the earth.

While it’s easy enough to hike the Tablelands independently, a Parks Canada guide can offer insight into the area’s complex geology. Two- and three-hour guided hikes are available.

3. Asian Night Markets in Vancouver 

As you stroll among bustling stalls, sampling fragrant street food like dim sum, stir-fried octopus and tteokbokki (a spicy Korean rice and fish cake), you could be forgiven for imagining that you’re in Hong Kong or Taiwan. But you can also savor a traditional Asian night market much closer to home in the Vancouver metro area.

About 30 minutes outside of downtown Vancouver, near the international airport, the city of Richmond offers two different night markets during the warmer months. The Richmond Night Market, located near the Bridgeport SkyLink station, offers live entertainment and hundreds of food stalls on weekends between mid-May and early October. 

4. Learn Indigenous Traditions on Manitoulin Island

For an intimate and authentic look into the cultural heritage of some of Canada’s indigenous peoples, head to Manitoulin Island, located on Lake Huron in northeastern Ontario. Here, the Great Circle Spirit Trail offers a selection of workshops and experiences celebrating the traditions of the Anishnawbek people (which includes the Ojibwe, Odawa and Pottawatomi tribes).

Visitors learn native drumming techniques, taste local teas, craft your own traditional torch or go on a hike in search of medicinal herbs and plants. 

5. Cycle Through the Laurentians in Quebec

For an exhilarating fresh-air journey through Quebec’s forested Laurentian Mountains, rent a bike and hit the P’tit Train du Nord trail. Once a rail line, this 144-mile, mildly graded path offers a taste of the region’s pristine rivers, lakes and mountain views. Many of the former railroad stations along the way have been converted into cafes, shops and other facilities where bikers can take a break.

The trail runs between Saint-Jerome, about 30 minutes outside Montreal, and Mont-Laurier. Operators such as Cyclo-Gites offer packages that include overnight lodging, breakfast, luggage transfers and transportation from one end of the trail to the other (so you don’t have to bike all the way back to get back to your car).

The full ride can be completed in three to five days, depending on your fitness level and how much time you want to spend exploring. For the most spectacular scenery, go in the fall when the leaves are turning.

6. Learn the Fisherman’s Life in Nova Scotia

During your stay in Nova Scotia, you’ll likely dig into a seafood dinner at least once or twice, whether your dish of choice is fresh lobster, grilled fish or buttery scallops. But did you know you can meet the fishermen responsible for bringing all that delicious, locally caught seafood to your plate?

The Living Wharves program in the Yarmouth and Acadian Shores area has brought together active and retired workers from the fishing industry to meet with visitors and share their experiences. You can listen to stories of storms at sea, find out what a typical day is like and even learn to tie a knot or band a lobster. Daily talks and demonstrations are given at various wharves in and around Yarmouth.

7. Hike a Snowy Canyon Under the Stars in Banff

Imagine strapping on a pair of cleats and walking along the bottom of a deep, quiet canyon at night, with moonlight glittering off the frozen waterfalls and otherworldly ice formations around you. While most visitors explore Banff and Jasper National Parks during the warmer summer months, a nighttime “ice walk” is an unforgettable experience you can only have during the winter off season. (Just remember to bundle up!)

Discover Banff Tours offers a 2.5-hour ice walk in Johnston Canyon, where you’ll hike along catwalks built onto the canyon walls. At Maligne Canyon in Jasper, you’ll be right on the canyon floor during a three-hour tour led by Jasper Adventure Centre or Maligne Adventures.

You can even take a dip in the year-round outdoor hot spring bathing experiences. 

8. Live the Cowboy Life on a Ranch in Saskatchewan

The wide-open spaces in the Canadian West are the perfect setting to hop on a horse and live out that cowboy or cowgirl fantasy you’ve had since you were a kid.

At Saskatchewan’s Historic Reesor Ranch, which dates back to 1904, guests can join a cattle drive during the day and then sit around the campfire at night, exchanging “cowboy poetry” with the hosts. In British Columbia, Echo Valley Ranch & Spa offers a more indulgent experience, with Thai massages or yoga classes available in between horseback riding and panning for gold. Guests at La Reata Ranch in Saskatchewan can learn cowboy skills such as lariat handling and roping a dummy steer, then wind down their day in the hot tub under the stars.

9. Meet the Other French-Speaking Canada in the Maritimes

Mention francophone Canada, and Quebec is the region that most likely springs to mind. But what most visitors don’t know is that Canada has several other pockets of French culture, including the Acadian population of the Maritimes (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island). Descendants of French colonists, the Acadian people have developed their own culture unique to this part of the world.

Get a taste of Acadian culture in New Brunswick at the Village Historique Acadien, which offers a collection of historical buildings — including farmhouses, a lobster hatchery and a grist mill — dating back as far as 1770. At the Theriault General Store, you can buy period items such as porcelain dolls and cast-iron frying pans.

Le Pays de la Sagouine, in Bouctouche, is a recreated Prohibition-era fishing village where visitors can tour the buildings, dine on traditional dishes, and enjoy musical and theatrical performances from a cast of Acadian characters. You may even learn to play the wooden spoons! (Note that performances run throughout the warmer months, and most are in French.)

10. Swim with Beluga Whales in Manitoba

Churchill, Manitoba, is famous for polar bear sightings, but if you’re looking for a truly up-close-and-personal animal encounter, why not jump into the water and swim with the bears’ Arctic neighbor, the beluga whale?

Tour operators such as Sea North Tours and Lazy Bear Lodge will take you out on a boat to search for a pod of these gentle giants, which measure about 18 feet and weigh up to 3,500 pounds. Then, wearing a thick Arctic wetsuit and snorkeling gear, you’ll lower yourself into the water where you can swim beside the whales and even hear the sounds they make as they call to each other.

11. Have a Foodie Adventure

Love to eat? On Prince Edward Island, you can get your hands dirty with a variety of experiences in sourcing local goodies. Local Jim Conohan offers an excursion in which visitors walk with him to find and dig for clams; afterward, they bring their haul back to his gazebo for good conversation and a good meal, which includes steamed clams — of course! — as well as bread, potato salad, cold drinks and dessert.  Vegetarian and turf options are available as well. 

The Table Culinary Studio offers cooking classes in which visitors can learn to prepare island favorites such as mussels, sheep’s milk cheese and artisan bread. Some workshops involve visiting local farms to harvest ingredients or learn how they’re grown.

12. Experience Ice Hockey in Toronto

We’d be remiss to not mention ice hockey when talking about Canada. For a true Canadian experience, head to Toronto, where you can catch the Maple Leafs play a game. Then, head to the Hockey Hall of Fame, where you can see the Stanley Cup, and learn about the history, and the best players. If you are feeling really daring, you can join a pick up game and see how the amateurs play. 

13. Go Whale Watching in Victoria

Victoria, situated on Vancouver Island’s southern tip, is one of the best places in the world for whale watching. Peak time for spotting a whale is May through October, where you should be able to easily spot Orcas. From June to September, the humpback whales are out, some measuring a whopping 50-feet in length! There are several different tours to choose from, from the classic catamaran, to getting up close and personal in a Zodiac Boat. 

You’ll want to book a morning tour, when waters are calmer and marine life is booming. Most tours last 3-4 hours and depart from Victoria’s Inner Harbor or Fisherman’s Wharf. 

14. Go to the Winter Carnival in Quebec City

If it’s going to be freezing cold with a lot of snow, you might as well make the best of it, and that is exactly what Quebec City has done by creating the world’s largest winter carnival. Be awed by the ice sculptures, enjoy music by Canadian artists, be dazzled by a night parade, and  play laser tag within the city’s citadel. Want to see something really different? Check out the ice canoe race! 

The Carnival lasts for ten days in January and February. 

15. See Polar Bears in Manitoba

In October and November, you can take a 6-7 day  polar bear expedition tour out to Churchill, Manitoba. Natural Habitat Adventures has a packed itinerary that includes a chartered flight to Churchill from Winnipeg, heavy parkas, transportation i their custom Polar Rovers, and dog sledding. They also offer a special women-only departure. 

Churchill Wild offers walking tours to see the polar bears, and you’ll stay in a remote luxury ecolodge. Be warned, these trips start at $16,000 CAD per person! 

16. Northwest Passage Arctic Cruise

Take an adventure on the northwest passage with an arctic cruise. Adventure Canada offers a 17-day cruise that starts in Nunavut, the Canadian territory that takes up most of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. This small expedition cruise navigates through the northwest passage, stopping for wildlife views, a historical expedition site, archeological sites, immersive experiences with Inuit, and hiking. You’ll view the northern lights like never before, so make sure your camera is ready! It ends in Greeland, where you can fly nonstop to Toronto and connect to your home airport. 

Best Time to Go to Canada

Canada’s prime tourism season is summer, when temperatures are warm enough for outdoor adventures in the rugged countryside (this means the more popular destinations will be bustling with tourists). Canadian winters can be long and arduous, but skiers, of course, will want to head to the mountains when local temperatures drop and snow blankets the slopes. Fall in Canada is leaf-peeping time. Cruises along the Canadian coast, mountain hikes and train trips through the countryside are excellent ways to catch autumn colors. Spring rains often bring tons of mud to Canadian national parks, but this season is a great time to find local travel deals.

Canada on a Budget

Overall, Canada is a budget-friendly destination for the U.S. traveler due to proximity and a generally favorable exchange rate. Snag the best prices on hotel stays, tours ,and transportation — while avoiding frigid winter temperatures — by traveling during the spring or fall shoulder seasons (spring prices are likely to drop a bit lower than fall ones). To save money on restaurant meals, rent a house or apartment where you can cook for yourself. Traveling in the spring or fall will help save money, but keep in mind, everything may not be open, as many attractions and events operate seasonally, especially outside of major cities.

The post Canada Travel Guide: What to Do in Canada appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Beyond these security concerns, there are a few additional safety factors to consider when visiting Germany.

Driving

Although Germany is famous for its Autobahn highway system, which has no speed limits in many stretches, it’s still possible to get a ticket while driving in the country. Germany has thousands of speeding cameras positioned throughout the country, and if you’re clocked exceeding the speed limit, you’ll receive a ticket in the mail. Red light cameras are also common.

Germany’s drunk driving laws are also stricter than those in America, and having a blood alcohol level of over 0.05 percent can land you in legal trouble.

Safety

While serious violent incidents are uncommon in Germany, petty theft remains an ongoing concern, particularly in urban areas. The most vulnerable times tend to be late at night and early morning hours, especially around public transit hubs. Train stations, subway systems, and busy tourist spots create perfect opportunities for pickpockets and opportunistic thieves looking for unattended belongings. Large events like festivals, concerts, and Christmas markets can also attract criminals hoping to take advantage of distracted visitors.

Maintain awareness of your surroundings and closely monitor your belongings, especially in crowded spaces. Consider using a money belt or keeping valuables in inside pockets rather than external bags or backpacks that are easier targets.

Hate Speech Laws

Germany takes its historical responsibility seriously through strict laws governing Nazi-related content and hate speech. The nation’s legal code explicitly prohibits Holocaust denial and the spread of Nazi ideology in any form—whether in person or online. This includes displaying Nazi symbols like the swastika, wearing SS uniforms, making pro-Hitler statements, or possessing Third Reich memorabilia.

In recent years, Germany has further strengthened its stance against extremism, particularly in the digital realm. Social media companies operating in Germany must now actively monitor, remove, and report instances of hate speech and threats on their platforms. These enhanced regulations came in response to several far-right attacks that highlighted ongoing concerns about extremist ideologies.

The laws reflect Germany’s commitment to preventing history from repeating itself. Visitors should be aware that actions that might be protected speech in other countries—like giving the Nazi salute or questioning Holocaust facts—are serious criminal offenses in Germany that can result in fines or imprisonment.

Berlin Shell Game Scams

Among Berlin’s street scams, the classic shell game remains a persistent trap for unwary tourists. This age-old con features a seemingly simple setup: three cups, one ball, and what appears to be an easy chance to win money by tracking the ball’s location. However, the scam has a calculated twist—the operator works with an accomplice who poses as a fellow tourist, creating an elaborate performance to draw in real visitors.

The scene typically unfolds like this: The fake tourist plays the game and wins, making it look effortless and enticing to onlookers. When genuine tourists try their luck, they invariably lose their money, as the entire setup is carefully orchestrated by the scammer and their partner. Despite being illegal, these shell game operations continue to operate throughout the city, with teams of con artists constantly seeking their next target. Even if you think you’ve spotted how the trick works, remember—the only way to win this game is not to play.

Note: How to Be a Good Tourist

Many Germans speak English, and many Europeans speak several languages. However, Germans will appreciate it if you learn a few phrases in German. Learning a few basic phrases like “thank you,” “hello,” and “please” will go a long way. 

Editor’s note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about warnings and dangers in Germany.

The post Tips on Germany Warnings or Dangers appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Berlenga Islands

Located about ten miles off the west coast of Peniche, the Berlenga Islands are Portugal’s only marine reserve with crystal waters and an ancient fortress perfect for exploring. In 2011, UNESCO made it a World Biosphere Reserve, and it has been protected since 1465 when King Afonso V prohibited any action against nature there. Adventurers will love exploring the area, whether on a boat ride, snorkeling or diving, hiking or kayaking. Check out the Duque de Branganç Lighthouse, built in 1758, or the Fort of São João Baptista das Berlengas, dating to the late 17th century. The fort also is one of only three accommodation options when visiting the islands – and it is basic. You’ll need to bring your own bedding and hit as a shared kitchen. Your other option is camping, you can email campismo.berlenga@cm-peniche.pt to book your spot, fees are dependent on tent capacity. The only hotel on the islands is the Berlenga B&B, which houses the only restaurant on the island as well. 

Costa Vicentina 

It’s hard to find an untouched coastline anywhere in the world, but Costa Vicentina features wild beaches and fishing villages that are not as touristy as the other coastal areas of Portugal. Treat yourself to the stunning landscape of limestone cliffs or hit beaches that are only accessible on foot- all protected as part of the Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina. You’ll be able to snap photos of white storks, as it is one of the few remaining habitats for the birds; see what traditional Portuguese fishing villages look like when you visit Zambujeira do Mar and Porto Covo, and see the fishermen practice ancient fish-catching methods off of the cliffs. There are over 250 miles of hiking trails, surfing, and umpteen opportunities for cycling, photographs, and birdwatching. You’ll love the fresh seafood and quaint, smaller accommodations the area offers – no big-name hotels in site here! 

Recommended Hotel: Herdad Do Touril 

A restored farmhouse, Herdad Do Touril offers standalone houses and rooms, offers a breakfast featuring local ingredients, has a saltwater swimming pool with stunning views, and has both beach and countryside accessibility. 

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Comporta 

Located only an hour from Lisbon, Comporta offers pristine beaches and rice paddies, making for a unique landscape. Like Costa Vicentina, Comporta is minimally developed, and although is sometimes referred to as the “Portuguese Hamptons” – it has a laid-back atmosphere. The traditional cabanas de colmo (thatched-roof houses) dot the streets, creating a quaint, idyllic panorama. Creative types are drawn to Comporta, as evidenced in the artsy types it attracts. You can find locally made arts and crafts at the stores in the village, like Casa De Cultura, an old cinema-turned gallery and shops. Summer is peak season, but shoulder seasons offer spectacular weather without the crowds. 

Recommended Hotel: Sublime Comporta

This luxurious, secluded hotel built on a former rice farm is set within 17 acres of gorgeous landscape, with pine and cork trees creating a stunning umbrella effect. The hotel offers standard rooms or private villas has an organic garden, an on-site spa, and a rice restaurant featuring local ingredients. 

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Serra da Estrela

You’d miss out if you skipped Portugal’s highest mountain range with glacial valleys and unique cheese production. It’s the only place in Portugal where you can ski in the winter, too. There are plenty of opportunities for horseback riding, hiking, rock climbing and mountain biking. And, did somebody say cheese? Here, you’ll find the Manor House of cheese, where you can see how the famous Serra da Estrela cheese is made. Cheese not your thing? Head over to Museu do Pão, the museum of bread. (And, if you’re like me and love both of these products, you are in luck!) While in the area, try goat stew and wash it down with local wines. 

Recommended Hotel: Casa das Penhas Douradas

You’ll enjoy mountain views from the indoor pool at this hotel, which offers direct access to hiking trails, has an on-site spa, and an on-site restaurant. Choose from standard rooms and suites, many with balconies and mountain views. 

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Aldeias do Xisto

You may recognize the quintessential schist stone buildings that make up the twenty-seven villages in Aldeias do Xisto. These ancient villages not only provide quaint views, but also come with culture, art, and more. While exploring these villages, you may come upon communal fountains and bread ovens and observe the traditional, unique building techniques passed down for generations. While the buildings provide awe-inspiring views, the area is an astronomical destination thanks to its impeccable dark skies. Visit the Geoscope of Fajão, an astronomical observatory “for observing the dark sky and for teaching and pedagogy about astronomy.” Standout villages not to be missed include Talasnal, Piódão, Foz do Cobrão and Janeiro de Cima. 

Gerês National Park

From ancient oak trees to waterfalls and even wild horses, Gerês National Park is not to be missed. Portugal’s only national park, Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês, has natural beauty and a Roman road with original mile markers, medieval bridges and castles, and traditional stone villages like Campo de Gerês and Celtic ruins. Swim in a natural swimming hole, get lost in the ancient oak forest Mata da Albergaria, and hike one of the many trails. If you are there during a drought, you may get a glimpse of Vilarinho da Furna, a village completely submerged in 1972 after an electric company built a dam. You’ll even get a glimpse of traditional mountain communities. 

Recommended Hotel: Gerês Inn

This historic inn has stunning views of the mountains and will serve as the perfect basecamp for your Geres National Park stay.  There is an onsite restaurant. 

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Guimarães

Guimarães was the first capital of Portugal and has a preserved medieval center, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. The cobblestone streets and fifteenth-century buildings will make you feel like you have gone back in time. History buffs will love exploring the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança, or Guimarães Castle, considered Portugal’s birthplace. Guimarães perfectly combines the old and the new, as not only are there medieval buildings, but you’ll also find venues like Platform of Arts and Creativity, a modern art space in a converted market, and Centro Cultural Vila Flor, where you can take in a music or dance performance. Guimarães is truly unique, and since it is lesser-known to tourists, you will be able to really immerse yourself with the locals. 

Recommended Hotel: Pousada Mosteiro de Guimarães

When visiting somewhere historic, you might as well stay somewhere historic, too, right?  Pousada Mosteiro de Guimarães is  located in a 12th-century Augustinian monastery, perched on Monte de Santa Catarina offering views of the city. There is an on-site restaurant, gardens, and pool.

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The post Hidden Gems in Portugal appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Be sure, before you visit Iceland to take the Icelandic Pledge. 

Additional reporting by Megan Johnson

Essential Planning Information

Best Time to Visit Iceland

Iceland is a year-round destination, with something to offer visitors every season: from endless days and balmy weather during summer to the northern lights and winter sports in the coldest months. Summer is Iceland’s most popular tourism season — that’s when the crowds descend. But budget travelers and winter-sports enthusiasts should consider an off-season trip to the country, as accommodations and airfare to Iceland are generally less expensive during the winter. 

Key things to consider for each season: 

• Summer (June-August): Peak season with endless daylight and mild weather
• Winter (November-February): Northern lights viewing and winter sports
• Shoulder Seasons (March-May, September-October): Fewer crowds and moderate weather

Budget Considerations

It can be tough to tour Iceland on a budget, but the best strategy for finding great deals is to travel outside the summer high season. To save on accommodations, look for guesthouses and farm stays, which offer low-priced lodging and a unique way to experience local culture. (You can find a list of farm accommodations in Iceland at FarmHolidays.is). Icelandair regularly offers affordable vacation packages, which bundle hotel and airfare for a reasonable price.

• High Season: Expect premium prices for accommodations and activities in the summer
• Budget-Friendly Options:
  • Travel during off-season (October-April)
  • Stay in guesthouses and farm stays
  • Look for Icelandair vacation packages
  • Consider self-catering accommodations

Natural Wonders

Glaciers and Ice Formations

Vatnajökull and Jökulsárlón

If you look at a map of Iceland, you’ll notice a large white blob in the island’s southeast corner. The icecap Vatnajokull is enormous; at more than 3,100 square miles, this glacial expanse covers more than 8 percent of the island.

Iceland’s cloudy weather means it’s often difficult to get more than a glimpse of the upper reaches of Vatnajokull, which is mainly encompassed by a national park. The best way to explore is by heading to one of its 30 glaciers that flow down from the mountains.

One of the most accessible is Jokulsarlon, located off the Ring Road between Vik and Hofn. You can ride a boat through a lagoon laden with icebergs until you reach the glacier face. If you’re lucky, you’ll see a chunk fall off the face — or the even more stunning sight of watching a new iceberg emerge from the deep with a resounding crack.

Waterfalls

The consonant-heavy Icelandic language has been called one of the most difficult to learn. While that’s true, one word came up so many times as we traversed the Ring Road that we couldn’t help learning it: foss, meaning “waterfall.”

For such a small island, Iceland goes big with its waterfalls: tourists flock to some of the best, including Godafoss, Skogafoss, Gullfoss and Seljalandsfoss. But it’s remote Dettifoss, located down a bumpy gravel road in Iceland’s north, that wins the title “awe-inspiring.” At 147 feet high and spanning nearly 330 feet, the falls thunder into the canyon below with a force that’s supposedly the most powerful in Europe.

Volcanic Experiences

You can’t visit Iceland without picking up a healthy respect for the country’s volcanoes. Eyjafjallajokull disrupted air travel for weeks in 2010 with a massive ash cloud, and Bardarbunga has been burning for much of autumn 2014. Parts of the country’s landscape have been rendered lunar-like from constant lava flows, and the beaches all have black sand.

Flightseeing is one way to see volcanoes in action. But a far less expensive choice is to go underneath the earth to explore the lava “tubes,” caves left by volcanoes long dormant. Guided tours provide you with necessary equipment, including hard hats and flashlights; bring your own gloves and dress warm, as it gets chilly down below.

In his 1864 novel “Journey to the Center of the Earth,” author Jules Verne used a lava tube on Iceland’s Snaefellsnes Peninsula as the gateway for his characters’ tunneling through to Italy. Follow in their footsteps at Vatnshellir, an 8,000-year-old lava tube now run by Iceland’s park service. A steep circular staircase brings you nearly 115 feet underground, where you’ll see rare and delicate lava stalagmites and stalactites, as well as evidence of a one-time river of fire.

Cultural Experiences

Traditional Cuisine

Iceland’s famed geothermal resources, visible around the country in explosive geysers and bubbling hot springs, are used for everything from producing electricity to heating water (yes, that’s why hot showers here always smell like rotten eggs — it’s the sulfur). But did you know that you could also use geothermal energy to bake bread?

At the Fontana thermal baths in Laugarvatn, you can take a walk to a geothermal “bakery” where rye loaves are slow-baked for 24 hours, just a few inches under the surface of the sand near the lake. After the bread is dug out, visitors can try a fresh, warm slice or two topped with butter.

As you might expect from an island nation, Iceland’s native cuisine has been limited by what can be grown, raised or caught in such a northern environment. That means a lot of lamb, served in various guises; hothouse vegetables such as tomatoes and cucumbers (greenhouses in the country are powered by geothermal energy); and seafood.

Perhaps the most notorious local fish dish is Hikari, fermented rotten shark. Served with a shot of Brennivin, a strong spirit flavored like licorice, the dish is served in small cubes and is not for the faint of heart. 

Shark is available on numerous menus around the country. We sampled ours at Narfeyrarstofa, a homey bistro in Stykkisholmur on the Snaelfellsnes Peninsula. In Reykavik, you can try it at Islenski Barinn (the Icelandic Bar), which also serves whale and puffin.

Literary Heritage

Iceland’s most significant contributions to world literature are its 13th- and 14th-century sagas, which recount the adventures of the country’s earliest Viking settlers between about 870 and 1000 A.D. Modern-day Icelanders are carrying on the story-telling tradition; the country’s adult literacy rate is a sky-high 99 percent, and the BBC reported last year that one in 10 Icelanders will publish a book in their lifetime.

If you want to delve into Iceland’s rich literary history, you can take a Dark Deeds walking tour that begins at the Reykjavik City Library and wends through the city, stopping in relevant places for readings of Icelandic ghost stories and contemporary crime fiction. Tours, organized by the library, run on Thursdays throughout the summer months.

Also fun is the Bedtime Stories experience at the Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Natura. Guests gather in a small auditorium on Thursday evenings to hear a local actor read selections from Icelandic literature, which could be anything from tales of elves and spirits to the work of novelist Halldor Laxness, who won Iceland’s only Nobel Prize in Literature in 1955. Speaking of Laxness, his home-turned-museum, Gljufrasteinn, makes for another intriguing literary experience. It’s about 20 minutes outside Reykjavik.

Music Scene

Festivals

Iceland has a relatively big music scene for such a small country. Acts from a few decades ago — like the Sugarcubes and Bjork — have paved the way for contemporary names like Sigur Ros and Of Monsters and Men. Who will be the next big thing? Find out at one of the country’s many music festivals.

The most famous is Iceland Airwaves, which started in 1999 in an airplane hanger and has since become a five-day celebration of new music from bands worldwide (including plenty of homegrown favorites and up-and-comers). It runs each autumn in venues around Reykjavik.

Another alternative for music lovers is Aldrei for eg sudur (“I never went south”), which runs for a few days around Easter on the Westfjords peninsula. Focused mainly on lesser-known Icelandic acts, this small but growing festival is free and well-attended by locals.

Secret Solstice is a relatively new festival in Reykjavik that happens around the summer solstice in June when the skies are light 24 hours a day. It features acts from around the world.

Authentic Local Experiences

Thermal Pools and Hot Springs

Want to meet Icelanders in their favorite relaxation spots? Don your bathing suit. Nearly every city or town in Iceland has at least one swimming pool, and because they’re warmed by geothermal energy, the pools — even the outdoor ones — are used year-round.

The most famous (and expensive) is the Blue Lagoon near the international airport in Keflavik, with its milky-blue waters and otherworldly setting amidst volcanic rocks. It’s an absolute must-do, but tourists visit it almost exclusively. If you’re looking for a more local experience, consider Laugardalslaug in Reykjavik, which has various indoor and outdoor pools, a water slide, hot pots, a steam bath, and even massage therapists. (It’s one of many public pools in the city.)

Pools and hot pots offer beautiful views and a soothing soak in the countryside. Hellulaug, near the Hotel Flokalundur, is a natural rocky pool overlooking a bay in the Westfjords. The fishing village of Drangsnes, also in the Westfjords, is home to three small hot tubs on the shoreline — a sweet spot to hang out and watch for northern lights.

Farm Stays

Whether you’re looking to help herd sheep, ride a friendly Icelandic horse, or simply sleep in a quiet rural setting, visiting a local farm can make an unforgettable addition to your itinerary. Iceland has dozens of farms that open themselves to visitors; come in September and you could take part in rettir, when sheep and horses are brought back to the farm from their summer grazing grounds in the highlands. Nupshestar, near Selfoss, offers a three-night rettir experience in which guests herd sheep on horseback.

On the west coast, Bjarteyjarsandur invites visitors to learn about lambing, sheep shearing and other aspects of farm life, with overnight accommodations in two cottages. Efsti-Dalur II hosts travelers in clean wooden cabins on a farm with horses and cows; there’s a restaurant and ice cream shop featuring products sourced directly from the farm.

Seasonal Traditions

What do you get when you combine Viking history with a landscape so extreme only mythical creatures could live there? In eastern Iceland, tales of trolls, elves, and fairies are still told to this day (and people in Egilsstadir still give the Lagarfljot Lake a wide berth due to a large worm monster that allegedly dwells there).

Far more benign are the Yule Lads, folkloric figures who cause mischief around Christmastime. Bearing whimsical names such as Spoon Licker and Pot Scraper, the 13 trolls are generally good-natured and will leave presents for good girls and boys in their shoes during the nights leading up to Christmas (naughty children receive rotten potatoes instead).

The eerie lava formations of Dimmuborgir, on the shores of Lake Myvatn, are considered the traditional home of the Yule Lads. The lads appear at local festivals and events every December and even hold an annual soaking bash at Myvatn Nature Baths. If winter weather isn’t your thing, cute ornaments illustrating Yule Lad antics are sold year-round.

Basic Travel Tips for Iceland

Getting Around

Renting a Car

A great way to see Iceland is by renting a car and taking the Ring Road. The Complete circuit takes 7-10 days for a comfortable pace, and connects major attractions and towns. It is mostly paved, but some sections are gravel. A pro tip: it’s best driven clockwise to maximize daylight for major attractions. 

When renting a car, book early during peak season (June-August). If you are planning on exploring the highlands, consider renting a 4×4 vehicle. Be sure to get comprehensive insurance coverage, including sand and ash damage. Also, ensure you acquire the required permits for driving on F-roads (mountain roads). 

Public Transportation

Strætó operates long-distance buses between major towns. If staying in Reykjavik for an extended time, consider the Reykjavik  City Card. It not only will give you free rides on public transportation but also gives you free entry to select museums and galleries. 

Accommodation Options

Budget-Friendly Choices

If you are looking for budget-friendly accommodations, there are several options available. The cheapest options include: 

• Hostels (average 4,000-6,000 ISK/night)
• Guesthouses with shared facilities
• Camping (summer only, 1,000-2,000 ISK/night)

Our recommendation: Kex Hostel

You’ll get hotel-like accommodations at hostel prices at Kex Hostel. Located in a former biscuit factory, this hotel has chic decor, free wifi, communal kitchen facilities, and an on-site gastro pub. Centrally located in Reykjavik. 

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Mid-Range Options

There are several mid-range options when you have a little extra to spend on accommodations. These include: 

• Farm stays with breakfast
• Boutique guesthouses
• Airbnb apartments
• Mountain huts (book well in advance)

Our Mid-range Recommendation: Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon

Get four-star accommodations at a mid-range price at Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon. This 125-room hotel boasts stunning views, an on-site spa, and an on-site restaurant in the secluded countryside. 

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Luxury Accommodations

When you want to spend more on accommodations, Iceland has a number of luxury options, including: 

• High-end hotels in Reykjavik
• Luxury lodges with northern lights views
• Private cottages with hot tubs
• Exclusive farm retreats

Our Luxury Recommendation: The Retreat at Blue Lagoon

Imagine an underground spa, private lagoon, world-class restaurant, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Blue Lagoon. You’ll find all of that and more at the Retreat. 

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Language in Iceland

English is widely spoken throughout the country, but basic Icelandic phrases are appreciated when used. These include Góðan daginn (Good day), Takk (Thank you), Já (Yes), Nei (No).

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