Costa Rica Archives - 国产吃瓜黑料 Online /tag/costa-rica/ Live Bravely Fri, 11 Apr 2025 18:16:38 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 https://cdn.outsideonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/favicon-194x194-1.png Costa Rica Archives - 国产吃瓜黑料 Online /tag/costa-rica/ 32 32 The Best Surf Schools in North America /adventure-travel/destinations/north-america/best-surf-schools/ Tue, 15 Apr 2025 09:00:37 +0000 /?p=2700581 The Best Surf Schools in North America

Whether it鈥檚 your first time paddling out or you鈥檙e looking to fine-tune your bottom turn, surf lessons can take your skills to the next level.

The post The Best Surf Schools in North America appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

]]>
The Best Surf Schools in North America

Surfing has an undeniable allure. The ancient Polynesian practice combines both power and grace and forges an intimate connection between a surfer and the ocean. The pros, like John John Florence and , make wave riding look effortless. But even experienced surfers are regularly humbled by the ocean. First-timers often get pummeled just trying to paddle out.

I still recall my first surf experience as a kid on the Jersey Shore. I had borrowed a friend鈥檚 shortboard and couldn鈥檛 make it past the relentlessly pounding breakers. Exhausted from being clobbered by the incoming waves, I gave up and tried to ride the whitewater. I ended up with a bathing suit full of sand and water leaking from my nose for what seemed like days.

Drone photo of surfers
Surf Simply, an all-inclusive surf coaching resort in Nosara, Costa Rica, is widely considered the top dog of surf schools. (Photo: Courtesy of Surf Simply)

After a few more failed solo sessions, I booked a lesson and my frustration instantly turned into enjoyment thanks to some basic pointers. Even one hour under the tutelage of an instructor can be a gamechanger, especially if you鈥檙e a total novice. Intel such as where to paddle out at a break, how to read the incoming sets, and knowing which size board is right for you, can transform your surf experience. Most newbies consider standing up on the board a success. But here鈥檚 a little secret. Learning to read the ocean and being able to paddle into a wave on your own, without a push from an instructor, is the real beginner鈥檚 success.

Now in my 40s, I consider myself an intermediate surfer. But I still try to take a lesson at least once a year, particularly when I travel to a new destination. Surfing is a lifelong practice, and the ocean is an ever-changing arena. You can always be learning and improving. And you鈥檙e never too old to hop on a board. One surf instructor I know says he regularly teaches students in their 60s and 70s.

Whether it鈥檚 your first time paddling out or you鈥檙e looking to fine-tune your bottom turn, the following surf schools can help get you up and riding and take your skills to the next level.

Hammer Surf School, Jersey Shore

Big wave New Jersey surf
If you can surf in Jersey, you can surf just about anywhere. (Photo: Courtesy of Hammer Surf School)

Pro surfer Sam Hammer has chased waves around the world from the tropical beaches of Costa Rica to the frozen shores of Iceland to star in Chris Burkhard鈥檚 hit film, Under An Arctic Sky. But he hasn鈥檛 forgotten his Jersey Shore roots. His namesake surf school hosts private 75-minute lessons throughout the summer in several Shore towns, including his hometown of Lavallette. And most locales, like Spring Lake and Bay Head, can be accessed by train from New York City via New Jersey Transit. Hammer personally teaches the Sunday sessions in Spring Lake and you can book him for private coaching. I grew up on the Jersey Shore and know first-hand that if you can surf in Jersey, you can surf just about anywhere. The waves tend to be weak, yet steep, so they鈥檙e harder to paddle into, and, once you鈥檙e in, tougher to navigate. Summer conditions tend to be more mellow, but still, if you earn your surfing chops on the Shore, you鈥檒l feel like a pro on the slow, peeling waves in other destinations.

Beginner Tip: “Don’t overthink your movements on a surfboard,鈥 says Hammer. 鈥淟ike with any sport, you learn mechanics slowly and will instinctually move faster through repetition.”

Details: $99 for a 2.5-hour adult group surf class; $113 for a 75-minute, one-on-one private lesson;

Mario Surf School, Todos Santos, Mexico

Beginner surfer on a mushy wave
Mario Surf School, in Todos Los Santos, makes surfing accessible and mellow. (Photo: Courtesy of Mario Surf School)

Over the years, Los Cerritos beach has been discovered, but even with the crowds, it remains one of my favorite surf spots. Located just 10 minutes south of the hip town of Todos Santos and 45 minutes north of Cabo San Lucas, it鈥檚 incredibly accessible to reach and its mellow, smooth waves and a sandy bottom make it a friendly place for beginners. But those aren鈥檛 the only reasons Mario Becerril, a Baja native and former pro, chose to base his surf school there nearly 20 years ago. 鈥淚t鈥檚 also one of the few beaches in Mexico that has gradual wave zones suitable for all levels,鈥 he explains. This helps ease the congestion and is great for progression. Becerril鈥檚 school is known for its three-step, beginner-focused pop-up technique and also for offering more advanced learning options, such as multi-day clinics, and its surf excursions, which showcase the region鈥檚 best waves, like premier point break Punta Conejo.

Beginner Tip: 鈥淒on鈥檛 be afraid to surf on a bigger board when you are learning and work your way down to smaller boards progressively,鈥 says Becerril, 鈥渁nd remember the best surfer out there is the one that has the most fun.鈥

Details: $67 for a 60-minute group lesson; $80 for a 60-minute private lesson; $180 for a three-day clinic; $350 for a private eight-hour surf excursion

Mary Osborne Surf Academy, Ventura, California

Women walking on beach to go surf
Ventura-based Mary Osborne Surf Academy offers lessons year-round. (Photo: Courtesy of Mary Osborne Surf Academy)

Champion longboarder Mary Osborne has over 25 years of teaching experience and excels at tailoring lessons to match her clients鈥 goals. Her Ventura-based camp offers lessons year-round, but she suggests clients book between late August through December to score magical weather and epic right-hand point breaks. The area has a variety of surf breaks, making it ideal for progression. She starts beginners at Mondos Beach. 鈥淚 call it the Waikiki of California, because it is very easy, slow, safe, and great for learning,鈥 she says. And she coaches experienced riders how to cross step toes to nose on a longboard. Most adults book her 90-minute private lessons, however she also offers two-hour group adult classes on Saturdays, lessons with apr猫s surf brunch, music, yoga, and massages, and she can customize beachfront rental homes, dining reservations, and activities for visiting clients who book multi-day lessons.

Beginner Tip: 鈥淎 lot of times people will want to book a lesson everyday for a week, which sounds incredible,鈥 says Osborne. 鈥淗owever, the reality is the body gets tired and you may need a break every other day.鈥

Details: 90-minute private lesson from $150;

Pro Surf School Hawaii, Waikiki, Oahu

Because of its gentle, forgiving waves, Waikiki is one of the best spots to learn to surf. (Photo: Courtesy of Pro Surf School Hawaii)

In my opinion, Waikiki is one of the best spots to learn to surf. Legendary two-mile Honolulu beach has gentle, forgiving waves, plus it鈥檚 the birthplace of modern surfing, which makes it all the more special. Kai Sallas, the reigning International Surf Association longboard champion, was born and raised in Waikiki and operates his surf school from the stylish on the quieter, eastern edge of the bustling neighborhood. You don鈥檛 need to be a hotel guest to book a lesson (though if you鈥檙e visiting from out of town, it鈥檚 a relatively affordable, super convenient base, with the best brunch in town). Sallas and his team cater to both beginner and intermediate riders, educating on everything from surf etiquette and wave knowledge to performing more advanced maneuvers like cutbacks and snaps. He鈥檚 also a shaper and can suggest the perfect board for your riding abilities.

Beginner Tip: 鈥淎lways keep your eyes on the ocean,鈥 says Sallas. 鈥淪tudy it before you go out. Watch it as you paddle out and sit in the lineup. And keep examining the wave as you鈥檙e paddling into it.鈥

Details: From $99 for a two-hour beginner group lesson, $199 for a private one-on-one; .

Skudin Surf, Long Beach and Rockaway Beach, New York

Beginner surfer foam board
Take the subway to Skudin Surf, at Long Beach and Rockaway Beach, in New York. (Photo: Courtesy of Skudin Surf)

Over the last two decades, brothers Will and Cliff Skudin have helped put New York surfing on the map with their global big wave pursuits and their community-driven, namesake surf school. Throughout summer, they offer adult lessons at surf spots in Long Beach and Rockaway Beach. Both can be reached from New York City by train (the former via the Metropolitan Transit Authority and the latter on the subway). Summer is typically the best time for beginners, because the ocean is a bit warmer and the waves are more manageable. Dealing with Mother Nature鈥檚 whims is part of surfing, but riders who want to finesse their pop ups in a more controlled environment can book lessons year-round at America鈥檚 largest indoor wave pool in East Rutherford, New Jersey, a 10-minute drive from Manhattan. The brothers also run a nonprofit, , which helps make surfing accessible to the economically disadvantaged and people with disabilities.

Beginner Tip: 鈥淎lways check the conditions before you go out to surf, so you鈥檙e set up for success,鈥 says Will Skudin. 鈥淭here鈥檚 nothing worse than gathering all your gear, being stoked to get out there, and showing up to flat or dangerous conditions.鈥

Details: $125 for a 75-minute private lesson at Long Beach or Rockaway Beach; $99 for an hour-long wave pool session;

Surf Happens, Santa Barbara, California

Beginner surfing wave
Surf Happens鈥 methodology builds on the fundamentals. (Photo: Courtesy of Surf Happens)

Surf Happens has helped groom pros like Lakey Peterson and brothers Parker and Conner Coffin. The school鈥檚 successful teaching formula鈥攔efined over 25 years鈥攊s rooted in founder Chris Keet鈥檚 experience as a competitive surfer and lifelong waterman.

鈥淲hat sets our curriculum apart is its focus on levels of evolution, principles, and techniques that build upon one another. It resembles a martial art in its progression,鈥 he says. 鈥淩egardless of skill level or ability, from beginning to elite, there are cheat codes to get to the next level within the phases we teach.鈥

Surf Happens鈥 methodology builds on fundamentals, like evaluating the ocean conditions for hazards, finding line-up markers, reading the winds, waves, tides, and currents, and understanding techniques like paddling and duck diving. The school鈥檚 home beach is Santa Claus Lane, which offers a sand bottom break with idyllic learning waves year round. But Keet and his team take students to various point, reef, and beach breaks in the area, from Campus and Leadbetter Point, to other secret spots. Adults have their choice of private or group lessons, coaching series, surfaris, and week-long custom packages that explore the best waves for your ability.

Beginner Tip: 鈥淭reat surfing like a life skill and be patient, humble, and hungry to learn,鈥 says Keet. 鈥淟earn how the ocean works, be respectful of her power, and the people who you share it with, know your limits and never give up.鈥

Details: 90-minute private lesson from $150; three-day coaching series from $750; half-day surf safari from $250; week-long surf experience from $1,250;

Surf Simply, Nosara, Costa Rica

Cut back wave long board
Surf Simply has earned a cult following for its unique, analytical style. (Photo: Courtesy of Surf Simply)

This week-long, all-inclusive surf coaching resort in Nosara is widely considered the top dog of surf schools and typically books up six to 12 months in advance, so plan ahead. The sleek, 10-room lodge is just 200 meters from Playa Guiones, a long, wide beach that delivers over 350 surfable days each year, with wave conditions for all abilities. Surf Simply鈥檚 earned a cult following for its unique, analytical style, which provides students a road map of skills and drills. 鈥淲e don鈥檛 teach you how to surf, we teach you how to teach yourself how to surf, or surf better through a combination of video feedback, theory lessons, and in-water coaching,鈥 says Robin Bass, the school鈥檚 logistics manager. This holistic approach includes classroom sessions on swell forecasting and board design, fine-tuning board agility and turtle rolling in the pool, plus mobility work and post-surf massages. Surf Simply鈥檚 team of nine coaches work with just 12 guests per week, ensuring personalized attention. And every guest is sent home with photos of their sessions and a video from the week.

Beginner Tip: 鈥淐ontrary to what a lot of people believe, I don鈥檛 think you need great balance to surf,鈥 says owner Harry Knight. 鈥淲hat you do need to be able to do is to relax your body in this unusual situation, so that your core stability muscles can do their job. The more you rush, the more tense you are likely to be and the harder it will be to find and keep your balance. Good surfing should be slow and smooth, not fast and jerky.鈥

Details: $8,716 solo and $15,646 per couple for one-week, all-inclusive;

Surf Sister, Tofino, Canada

Walking through surf in Tofino
Tofino is the surf capital of Canada. (Photo: Courtesy of Surf Sister)

With more than 20 miles of rugged shoreline, the tiny coastal town of Tofino on Vancouver Island is considered Canada鈥檚 surf capital. The area鈥檚 wild backdrop of snow-capped peaks and old-growth forest are well worth donning a wetsuit to brave the brisk waters (you鈥檒l want a 4/3mm in summer and at least a 5/4mm, plus a hood and booties in winter). Surf Sisters set up shop here in the late 1990s with the mission to introduce more women to the sport. Mission accomplished. They now aim to make the sport accessible to all genders, races, and ages (their oldest client to date was 76).

Beginner lessons start with a briefing on ocean safety and surf etiquette, before moving into waist deep water where students can familiarize themselves with their longboards. A second lesson goes out past the breakers and gets into how to choose and catch a wave and how to begin to maneuver and turn once you鈥檙e up and riding. 鈥淥ur goal is to create a good foundation of knowledge so students can continue practicing and learning on their own,鈥 says Surf Sister staff member, Alyssa Teremy. Experienced riders looking to uplevel their skills can book private coaching with Shannon Brown, the head coach of the Canadian National Surfing Team, who can help with everything from surf psychology to improving stance and style. Conditions determine where you鈥檒l surf, but Surf Sisters typically teaches at South and North Chesterman and Cox Bay. The school also operates a surf shack at on Cox Bay, which caters exclusively to guests.

Beginner Tip: 鈥淭ake your time,鈥 says Teremy. 鈥淕etting into your wetsuit is hard enough when you first begin, so pace yourself with all things surfing and your entire surfing career will be all the better for it.鈥

Details: 2.5-hour group lesson $99; private $199; $350 for a half-day of private coaching;

South Beach Surf School, Newport, Oregon

Big slash turn wave Newport
South Beach Surf School helps you hone in on essential techniques. (Photo: Courtesy of South Beach Surf)

After running a surf school in Virginia Beach, Russell McClanan, a former competitive surfer and captain of the USA surf team, relocated to the Oregon Coast and was wowed by the lack of crowds and consistency of the surf. 鈥淚 got tired of teaching in flat conditions,鈥 he says. 鈥淚n Newport, there鈥檚 knee- to waist-high waves nearly every day of summer. The air is 65 to 70 and the water hovers in the mid 50s. A five millimeter wetsuit keeps everyone warm.鈥 His one-on-one lessons are geared to serious wannabe surfers who care more about learning to read the currents and understanding etiquette than popping up on day one. 鈥淓ach surf break is like a different football team that wants to beat you up,鈥 he says. 鈥淵ou need to study it and do your research and have a strategy before you paddle out.鈥 Every session starts with 20 minutes of balance exercises and some stretches before entering the water. Once out past the breakers, he hones in on essential techniques, like how to use your legs to spin your board while sitting on it in the lineup. He also offers big wave training and tow-in lessons for seasoned riders looking to up their game.

Beginner Tip: 鈥淧ractice the surf burpee on land so you get used to the mechanics of jumping to your feet,鈥 says McClanan. 鈥淵ou might be able to surf the whitewash crawling to your knees, but you can鈥檛 ride a real wave if you can鈥檛 get to your feet.鈥

Pricing: $160 for a two-hour private lesson; $300 for two hours with video analysis;


Jen Murphy is a regular 国产吃瓜黑料 contributor and considers herself a lifelong student of the ocean. She tries to take a surf lesson at least once a year and regularly hires a coach or guide when visiting a new destination. She鈥檚 surfed around the world, from the remote shores of Easter Island to the rugged coast of Scotland.

Author Jen Murphy on the beach
For the author, surfing is a lifelong practice.听 (Photo: Courtesy of Jen Murphy)

The post The Best Surf Schools in North America appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

]]>
The Ultimate Guide to the Best Beaches in Costa Rica /adventure-travel/destinations/central-america/best-beaches-costa-rica/ Fri, 14 Mar 2025 09:00:20 +0000 /?p=2698453 The Ultimate Guide to the Best Beaches in Costa Rica

With 800 miles of coastline, you could spend a lifetime exploring Costa Rica's best beaches. Here's where to discover the coolest wildlife, sunsets, surf, and snorkeling.

The post The Ultimate Guide to the Best Beaches in Costa Rica appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

]]>
The Ultimate Guide to the Best Beaches in Costa Rica

Costa Rica鈥檚 wildlife-rich rainforests and soaring volcanoes can sometimes distract from the fact that this country has some of the prettiest beaches on the planet. The coastline is just as diverse as its flora and fauna; you鈥檒l find it all here, from volcanic black sand to sugary white shores. With 800 miles of coastline and more than 300 beaches along the Pacific and the Caribbean, you could easily spend a lifetime exploring every patch of sand.

I鈥檝e visited Costa Rica more than 20 times. When I first started traveling there鈥攎ore than two decades ago鈥擨 gravitated to surf towns on the Pacific Coast, like Tamarindo, Santa Teresa, Malpais, and Nosara. Even though these spots are now on every tourist鈥檚 radar, they are still some of my favorite beaches for surfing. That鈥檚 because you鈥檒l find every type of wave鈥攆rom powerful barrels to endless peeling lefts and rights. And it鈥檚 easy to fly into Liberia Guanacaste Airport (LIR), rent a car, and string together a surf safari. Each town has surf schools and rental shops, and I always recommend hiring a guide so you can escape the crowds and go to some secret local breaks.

Some of my most memorable wildlife encounters have also occurred on this coast. From the main beach of , I鈥檝e spotted competition pods of male humpbacks putting on a show of breaches and tail slaps. At Playa Ostional, I鈥檝e witnessed thousands of turtles crawling ashore to nest, like a marine version of the great migration. And the snorkeling can be second to none, especially in the crystal clear waters throughout the Caribbean Coast.

With so much to explore, this list covers just a handful of my favorite spots. I鈥檝e included a mix of less-trodden gems that take some effort to reach and impossible-to-ignore destinations that are no longer secrets. Trust me, each one embodies Costa Rica鈥檚 pure vida spirit.

Destinations Newsletter

Want more of 翱耻迟蝉颈诲别鈥檚 Travel stories?


1. Playa Espadilla, Costa Rica

Playa Espadilla sunset Costa Rica
Because it鈥檚 west facing, Playa Espadilla delivers some of the prettiest sunsets in Costa Rica. (Photo: Jen Murphy)

Location

Nestled along the Central Pacific Coast bordering Manuel Antonio Park. The main town, Quepos, is a 15-minute drive away.

Why We Love It

This wide, mile-long stretch of sand actually comprises two beaches. The northern half is public, while the southern half is accessible through Manuel Antonio National Park. There鈥檚 something magical about hiking through lush rainforest, filled with sloths, squirrel monkeys, and iguana, and emerging onto golden shores fronting the Pacific. From July to October, you might even spot humpback whales breaching. The forest-crowned cliffs of Cathedral Point mark the southern end of the beach. I like to hunker down on the quieter, southern section and walk down to buy a coconut or order tacos from the vendors who set up on busier Playa Espadilla Norte. Because it鈥檚 west facing, the entire beach delivers some of the prettiest sunsets I鈥檝e ever seen.

Know Before You Go

To access the beach from the south, you must online for $18. May through November typically has short but daily rainfall. This is also when the surf鈥檚 up, so bring your board or rent one from the beachfront .

2. Playa Uvita

Playa Uvita waves Costa Rica
Between May and September, Playa Uvita, in Costa Rica, gets consistent waves that are perfect for beginners. (Photo: Getty Images/DEA/G. Cozzi)

Location

One hour south of Manuel Antonio Park in the town of Uvita, which is considered the gateway to the Osa Peninsula. The beach is located within Ballena National Marine Park.

Why We Love It

Ballena National Marine Park spans nearly 250 acres of pristine beach and rainforest. Of its four beaches, Playa Uvita, located at the main entrance of the park, stands out for its iconic whale-tail shaped sandbar, which can only be accessed during low tide. When the water is at its lowest, the walk is about a 1.25-miles to the tip of the 鈥渢ail.鈥 A reef protects this unique formation from strong currents and waves, making it a fantastic spot for tide-pooling and snorkeling. And from mid-July to October, humpback whales put on a show that can be observed from shore or up-close on boat tours that launch from this beach.

Know Before You Go

Because the beach is located within the park, an entrance fee costs $8. offers fantastic whale and dolphin boat tours (from $90) as well as kayak excursions along the whale鈥檚 tail formation and into a small mangrove forest (from $85). Between May and September, Playa Uvita gets consistent waves that are perfect for beginners. Take a lesson or sign up for a camp with (group lessons from $65).

3. Playa Conchal

Playa Conchal Costa Rica empty beach
Playa Conchal is set between two rocky points in a private cove. The little oasis has calm, turquoise water that’s ideal for swimming and paddleboarding. (Photo: Getty Images/Federico Meneghetti)

Location

About a 30-minute drive north of the popular beach town Tamarindo, on the northern end of Guanacaste province within Reserva Conchal Community Resort.

Why We Love It

A walk along Playa Conchal doubles as a foot massage as its shores are made up of millions of smooth, pulverized seashells that glimmer in the lapping waves. Set between two rocky points in a private cove, this beach feels like a little oasis with calm, turquoise water ideal for swimming and paddleboarding. Vendors along the beach rent water sports equipment, including snorkels and fins; the rocks near the northern end are the best spot to see colorful fish. One of the most magical ways to enjoy the beauty of the beach is on a sunset horseback tour with ($50 for one hour).

Know Before You Go

If you splurge on a room at the (from $828 per night) or the all-inclusive (from $807 per night), you only need to walk out your door to access the beach. Non-guests can park in the neighboring town of Brasalito and walk about 20-minutes south along Playa Brasalito to reach Playa Conchal (bring flip flops as the sand can heat up mid-day). Plan to stop at no-frills Soda Brasilito for traditional tico fare, pre- or post visit.

4. Playa Chiquita听

Playa Chiquita Costa Rica Palm Trees
At Playa Chiquita, a small reef just offshore is home to electric hued anemone, bright blue parrotfish, and schools of zebrafish. (Photo: Jen Murphy)

Location

On the Caribbean Coast in the province of Lim贸n, less than four miles from the surf town of Puerto Viejo.

Why We Love It

Tucked away from the bustling beaches of Puerto Viejo, this serene swath of pearly, forest-fringed sand fronts a series of tranquil coves that beckon swimmers and snorkelers with crystal clear, bathtub warm waters. A small reef just offshore is home to electric hued anemone, bright blue parrotfish, and schools of zebrafish. When I visited last year, I鈥檇 walk the beach at low-tide each day and almost always spotted horses grazing beneath palm trees and howler monkeys playing in the canopies on the far ends of the beach.

Know Before You Go

The Caribbean Coast doesn鈥檛 experience Costa Rica鈥檚 typical weather patterns. From May through November, when much of the country is wet and green, this area is dry and sunny. A handful of unmarked trails lead from the street to dirt paths that access various points of the beach. has a direct path and its shady beach club is open to the public and serves delicious dishes, like spicy ceviche and rondon seafood soup (from $365 per night).

5. Playa Guiones

Playa Guiones Costa Rica, tourists on the beach, sunset
At Playa Guiones, the sandy bottom, varying conditions from beginner-friendly whitewater to long, peeling lefts and rights, and dozens of local surf schools, make it an ideal place to improve your surfing. (Photo: Jen Murphy)

Location

The main beach in Nosara, a surf-and-yoga hub on the Nicoya Peninsula.

Why We Love It

This is one of my favorite surfing beaches on the planet, particularly for longboarding. Playa Guiones is blessed with swell nearly all year. Mornings and later afternoons usually deliver glassy wave perfection. And when the waves aren鈥檛 breaking, I love running the 4.3-mile crescent-shaped stretch of firm-packed sand. When I first started taking surf trips here in the early aughts, it still felt a bit undiscovered. Since the pandemic, the laidback beach town has become a favorite base for remote workers. You鈥檒l definitely be sharing waves, but the pura vida ethos keeps the vibe mellow, and the line-up offers a variety of peaks, so you can spread out in the water and find the perfect spot to suit your abilities. The sandy bottom, varying conditions from beginner-friendly whitewater to long, peeling lefts and rights, and dozens of local surf schools, make it an ideal place to improve your surfing.

Know Before You Go

December through mid-April brings smaller, beginner-friendly waves; the swell picks up May through November. I鈥檝e always felt safe in Nosara, but petty theft has been a concern of late. On my last trip, someone snatched my flip flops off the beach, so be aware of your belongings. Family-friendly is a five-minute walk to Playa Guiones and has its own surf club (from $168 per night).

6. Playa Avellanas

Wave greets the sunshine at Avellanas beach, Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica.
Playa Avellanas has a wave for every type of surfer. (Photo: Getty Images/Aaron McCoy)

Location

In Guanacaste Province on the Pacific Coast, about 12 miles, or a 30-minute drive south of the buzzy beach town of Tamarindo.

Why We Love It

Less trodden than Playa Tamarindo to the north, Playa Avellenas is considered a surfing paradise with a largely undeveloped sandy beach and waves that can reach up to 18 feet. Experienced surfers test their mettle on La Purruja, a lefthand reef break in front of the main parking lot, and Little Hawaii, a barreling reef break on the very north side of the beach. Intermediate surfers should paddle out to El Estero, a more forgiving sand and reef break in front of a river mouth that produces A-frame waves that break left and right. True beginners can hone their pop-up at El Parqueo, a mellow beach break.

Know Before You Go

If you鈥檙e going to surf, December to April features smaller waves; the larger swells roll through between May and November. Even if you鈥檙e an experienced surfer, it鈥檚 helpful to hire a guide who knows the local currents and tides. offers one-on-one guiding as well as lessons (from $60). Lola鈥檚, a beachfront cafe, has been fueling surfers since 1998. Stop by for a pre-surf smoothie or post-surf Imperial lager. Beach loungers and umbrellas can be reserved (from $17 for the day) with full food and beverage service.

7. Playa Ostional听

Turtles nesting Costa Rica Playa Ostional
Playa Ostional is one of the world鈥檚 most important nesting grounds, with as many as 90,000-plus turtles arriving in a single day. (Photo: Getty Images/Mayela Lopez)

Location

Within Ostional Wildlife Refuge, a 20-minute drive north of Nosara on the Nicoya Peninsula.

Why We Love It

This 4.3-mile black sand beach is all the more impressive due to the monthly phenomenon known as arribada (Spanish for arrival by sea), when thousands of olive ridley turtles come ashore to lay eggs. One of the world鈥檚 most important nesting grounds, as many as 90,000-plus turtles have been counted arriving in a single day. It鈥檚 also possible to see nesting leatherback and Pacific green turtles at this beach.

Know Before You Go

The refuge is open to visitors all year, but August through October is the high season for nesting. Arribadas take place around four to 10 times during this period and last three to 10 days each. Visitors must pay an entry fee, around $10, and a local guide is required to tour the refuge. Asociacion de Guias Locales de Ostional (AGLO) runs tours multiple times a day during arribadas and posts announcements about tour dates and times on the .


Jen Murphy grew up on the Jersey Shore and considers herself a beach connoisseur. Some of her favorite patches of sand are in Costa Rica. She recently wrote the Beginners Guide to 国产吃瓜黑料 Travel in Costa Rica and the 15 Most Beautiful Beaches in the World for 国产吃瓜黑料.

Author Jen Murphy on the beach
The author, who spends much of the year in Maui. (Photo: Courtesy of Jen Murphy)

The post The Ultimate Guide to the Best Beaches in Costa Rica appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

]]>
This Costa Rican Treehouse Hotel Elevated My Jungle-国产吃瓜黑料 Expectations /adventure-travel/destinations/central-america/treehouse-hotel-costa-rica/ Fri, 14 Feb 2025 10:33:01 +0000 /?p=2694516 This Costa Rican Treehouse Hotel Elevated My Jungle-国产吃瓜黑料 Expectations

I wanted off the tourist track, and these unique bungalows, set amid a canopy home to butterflies, iridescent birds, and monkeys, delivered

The post This Costa Rican Treehouse Hotel Elevated My Jungle-国产吃瓜黑料 Expectations appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

]]>
This Costa Rican Treehouse Hotel Elevated My Jungle-国产吃瓜黑料 Expectations

Ever come across an incredible hotel that stops you mid-scroll and makes you think, Wow, wouldn鈥檛 it be something to stay there? We do, too鈥攁ll the time. Welcome to Friday Fantasy, where we highlight amazing hotels, lodges, cabins, tents, campsites, and other places perched in perfect outdoor settings. Read on for the intel you need to book an upcoming adventure here. Or at least dream about it.

Why My Family and I Love the Suitree Experience Hotel

A teenage boy stands, and his mom lays back, on an outdoor deck at the Suitree Experience Hotel in Costa Rica, with views of the green jungle.
Jungle hooked, jungle booked: the author and her family were enticed in large part by the property鈥檚 incredible views; here, from its outdoor lookout platform. (Photo: Courtesy Lisa Jhung)

It was my 13-year-old son who first became obsessed with the idea of staying at a treehouse in Costa Rica. So, when I found online, I quickly called him over. We stared, mesmerized, at the website鈥檚 drone footage of the treehouses鈥 disc-like rooftops set in a verdant rainforest on a hillside amid the clouds.

These aren鈥檛 your typical treehouses. Suitree鈥檚 four individual podlike dwellings are propped up on 30-foot-high steel stilts to better survey the scenery, with winding staircases leading to 110-square-foot 鈥渞ooms.鈥 Additionally, two ground-level bungalows can accommodate two, while their elevated counterparts can sleep up to four. On-site common areas include a lookout platform (offering views of the surrounding tree-covered hills), four pools (one with a swim-up bar), and an open-air restaurant.

Looking for more great travel intel? Sign up for 翱耻迟蝉颈诲别鈥檚 .

Suitree opened in 2018 in the northwestern province of Guanacaste, just six miles from the closest Pacific beach. Its Italian owner enlisted an architecture firm in the capital city of San Jos茅 for help in developing his idea: an immersive, canopied modern treehouse. (A note from the firm: Not a single tree was harmed in the making of this hotel.)

Fairly unfamiliar with Costa Rica, I asked a friend who lives in the province about Suitree and Sardinal, the closest town. 鈥淚t鈥檚 where?鈥 He balked. 鈥淭here鈥檚 nothing out there.鈥

I booked it for a night anyway. Although Sardinal is roughly eight miles from Playa Hermosa, winding dirt roads make travel slow鈥攁nd confusing. Apple Maps suggested we drive through a private horse pasture. Fortunately, we found another way without trespassing.

鈥淭hat鈥檚 part of the experience,鈥 says Nidia Bravo, a Costa Rican travel specialist who represents Suitree. While the property provides transfers from Liberia Guanacaste Airport, roughly 45 minutes away, guests with their own vehicle can make an adventure of their time here, just as we opted to.

We spent the morning playing in the ocean and trekking the trails in the shorefront town of Las Catalinas before heading toward Suitree. En route, we pulled off to enjoy a zip-lining adventure and monkey sanctuary. Had we foregone these detours, our drive from the coast would鈥檝e taken about 30 minutes.

Upon our arrival, a golf cart transported us and our luggage up a steep, narrow cobblestone path to the base of our magical treehouse, which struck me as a modern Ewok village. At ground level was a private swing sofa. Our winding staircase led to what seemed like a trap door in the center of the elevated pod. Once through the hatch, we stepped into a gorgeous teak interior. There was a king-size bed, a bunk-bed nook, a writing desk, and a seemingly hidden鈥攂ut spacious鈥攂athroom. Nearly the entire space was encased by floor-to-ceiling windows.

We made the most of our wraparound deck, which afforded 360-degree views of the valley, mountains, and treetops. I did my there. And one of us was usually perched on the deck with the room鈥檚 pair of high-powered binoculars, scanning the surrounding canopy in search of wildlife. I could鈥檝e stared out at the surrounding hills, listening to birdcalls and monkey howls for hours, but we had four bright blue pools to explore before dinner.

国产吃瓜黑料 Intel

A woman swims in the middle of three connected pools, surrounded by lush foliage.
This trio of pools were designed to evoke a sense of the region’s naturally formed river pools, or pozas.听 (Photo: Courtesy Suitree Experience Hotel)

While Guanacaste is known for surfing鈥攊ts 400-mile Gold Coast is home to popular beach breaks like Tamarindo and Playa Grande鈥攖he interior is where you鈥檒l find monkeys and sloths and birds (oh my!).

For an additional fee, Suitree staff will book all sorts of guided tours, from a horseback ride through a savannah, to a rainforest hike at the base of the Arenal volcano, to an all-day excursion of the colonial city of Grenada, Nicaragua, about a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Suitree. If we鈥檇 had more time, I would鈥檝e loved to try one of the many self-guided adventures available, including mountain biking and e-biking, hiking, and buggy rides into the jungle.

Destinations Newsletter

Looking for more great travel intel?

Instead, we floated in Suitree鈥檚 connected stone pools (at one point next to a resident iguana) and walked among hundreds of white and yellow butterflies. We laid out on the netting at the lookout while listening to the screeches of howler monkeys, and peered through binoculars in search of them and the other area residents: white-faced capuchin and squirrel monkeys, sloths, , , and 948 species of birds, many of them wonderfully colorful.

Various butterflies wing from bush to bush at Suitree Experience. Costa Rica is home to 1,500-plus butterfly species, and the rainier months between May and November are when more tend to be spotted. (Video: Courtesy Lisa Jhung)

My husband rose early and spotted red and blue tanagers in the adjacent tree canopy, along with an iridescent purple and green fellow that he identified as a spectacular motmot. Over coffee, I spent a solid 20 minutes staring through the binoculars at a brown spot on a faraway hillside to see if it moved鈥擨 was desperate to see a sloth. While I鈥檒l never know if I accomplished my mission that morning, I did see a variety of birds and fell in love with the fluttering butterflies who hovered so close that they seemed to be wanting to tell me something.

Each night, bright stars speckled the sky. I regret heading straight to bed instead of out on the deck to stargaze, but fell asleep happily to the jungle鈥檚 nocturnal noises.

Choice Treehouse

A woman stands on the porch of her Suitree room, looking at the jungle surrounds. We also see the floor-to-ceiling windows and some of the room's interior.
The treehouse suites afford singular views that puts you at eye level with the surrounding treetops. (Photo: Courtesy Suitree Experience Hotel)

While the hotel accommodates various wants and needs, including a wheelchair-friendly bungalow, its four treehouses are the main attractions. Do you choose the one with a private jacuzzi? Or the one that overlooks the stone pools? Or the one with a newly installed private pool?

We picked the one with the pool view. (The treehouse with its own pool was completed after our stay, and, because I鈥檓 obsessed with water, that’s where we would have wound up.)

An aerial view of Suitree Experience鈥檚 treetop suite with private pool
The treetop suite with private pool can accommodate up to four people and offers plenty of solitude (Photo: Courtesy Suitree Experience Hotel)

Eat and Drink

With no restaurants within easy walking distance, guests will inevitably gather for a meal at Suitree鈥檚 on-site restaurant, Taru. Its menu features fresh, locally sourced ingredients and dishes inspired by regional traditions.

A group of six people sit at a table at Suitree鈥檚 restaurant, Taru, at dusk; you can see an adjacent pool and deck with tables and chairs
Dinner at Taru is a laid-back environment. The adjacent deck often hosts live music in the evenings. (Photo: Courtesy Suitree Experience Hotel)

We started dinner with fresh guacamole prepared tableside, followed by our entrees: a mahi-mahi with seasonal vegetables for my husband and myself, and osso buco with spaghetti al bronzo (a tomato jus) for the boys.

A plated dish of risotto with vegetables, topped b a grilled fish with greens, from the Suitree Experience Hotel in Costa Rica
Also on the menu: rice with vegetables topped with fish and greens, one of the many healthy, locally sourced dishes. (Photo: Courtesy Suitree Experience Hotel)

Breakfast is included with your stay, and my sons and I were thrilled when the friendly staff offered to serve us at the swim-up bar. (My husband, less obsessed with water, dined at a regular table.) We swam over to stone stools submerged in cool water and my sons ordered pancakes, while I indulged in incredibly fresh fruit, yogurt, and honey foam.

Two teenage boys sit on underwater stools at Suitree Experience鈥檚 swim-up bar, enjoying breakfast
Swim right up and enjoy the most important meal of the day鈥攂reakfast鈥攑oolside. (Photo: Courtesy Lisa Jhung)

When to Go

An aerial view of Costa Rica鈥檚 calm Playa Hermosa, on the Pacific coast, with people swimming and beach-going.
Playa Hermosa, which means 鈥渂eautiful beach,鈥 is known for its calm, clear waters, and visitors are often seen boating, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. (Photo: Kryssia Campos/Getty)

Suitree closes for renovations each October, toward the end of the rainy, less-touristed months (typically May through November). Rain can make outdoor activities more challenging and travel along this area鈥檚 numerous dirt roads difficult, but it also keeps this country green and doesn鈥檛 often last all day, every day.

The dry season is December through April, when prices are highest and temperatures hottest.

We visited in June and experienced torrential rains for less than 3 days of our 12-day trip, mostly at night. High temperatures were in the eighties, with more than 80 percent humidity.

How to Get There

San Jos茅 International Airport is a four-hour drive from Suitree, but the closer option is the region鈥檚 Liberia airport. The hotel offers luxury transport to and from Liberia for $120 each way for up to four people. Alternatively, you can book a shuttle or a taxi.

Don鈥檛 Miss

Selfie of man extreme-zip-lining in Costa Rica
Extreme zip lining dives you into the Costa Rican canopy headfirst. (Photo: F.J. Jimenez/Getty)

There鈥檚 zip lining in Costa Rica, and then there鈥檚 extreme zip lining in Costa Rica. Sign up for the latter. My family and I had our extreme experience at in Artola, less than 30 minutes from Suitree, halfway to the Pacific coast (from $45). We also tacked on a walk through its monkey sanctuary (from $54).

Strapped into a full-body harness, each of us in a completely horizontal, prone position, we whirred through the jungle canopy on five different zip lines, the longest of which was a quarter-mile. I stretched my arms out to enhance the feeling of flying above the gorgeous landscape.

Details

An aerial view of Suitree Experience Hotel鈥檚 treehouse bungalows perched amid the rolling hills of Costa Rica's interior at dusk.
Night falls in the jungle. Suitree鈥檚 remote location means you鈥檙e surrounded by the sounds of nature throughout your stay. (Photo: Courtesy Suitree Experience Hotel)

Price: From $294

Address: Guanacaste, Sardinal de Carrillo
Obandito, 50503, Costa Rica

To Book:

Author Lisa Jhung takes a photo of the jungle with her phone while standing on the deck at Suitree Experience Hotel in Costa Rica.
Just can鈥檛 get enough: the author snaps more shots of the scenery during her summer visit. (Photo: Courtesy Lisa Jhung)

Raised near the coast of San Diego, but living a mountain life in Boulder, Colorado, Lisa Jhung finds every excuse to travel to a beach. That said, she found herself drawn to Costa Rica鈥檚 interior on this trip, wowed by its jungles, wildlife, and adventures. Jhung鈥檚 most recent articles for 国产吃瓜黑料 Online include a story on ways to make a family ski trips easier and the best winter running shoes.听

The post This Costa Rican Treehouse Hotel Elevated My Jungle-国产吃瓜黑料 Expectations appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

]]>
The 13 Most Magical Long Walks In the World /adventure-travel/destinations/long-walks-world/ Mon, 27 Jan 2025 10:30:25 +0000 /?p=2694715 The 13 Most Magical Long Walks In the World

We鈥檙e not talking about big thru-hikes, but extended pathways through glorious landscapes in some of the most stunning places in the world

The post The 13 Most Magical Long Walks In the World appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

]]>
The 13 Most Magical Long Walks In the World

I鈥檝e tackled sections of the Pacific Crest Trail鈥攂ackpacking, day hiking, and trail running鈥攂ut to think of taking months off to complete all 2,650 miles of this trail, which climbs mountain passes and traverses remote California, Oregon, and Washington, feels overwhelming. A long-distance walk, on the other hand, feels more manageable, like something any of us could pull off, given some time. They mostly involve days and weeks rather than many months, and are at more consistent elevations.

Looking for more great travel intel? Sign up for 翱耻迟蝉颈诲别鈥檚 .

I鈥檓 not talking about a mountainous thru-hike where you plan out food caches and sleep on the ground. I鈥檓 talking about a meandering or purposeful walk that goes on for days, weeks, or maybe months. A big commitment, yes. A physical feat for sure. A mental and emotional pilgrimage of sorts. But not so strenuous that most people couldn鈥檛 do it, building up their mileage.

These long walks, on byways and moderate terrain, are more like scenic tours of spectacular landscapes, or adventurous journeys through cities and forests. They are not so much to be completed as experienced.

And I think they’re the most beautiful in the world.

1. Best Urban Trail

Empire State Trail, New York

Empire State Trail, New York, passes George Washington Bridge over the Hudson River
The Manhattan Greenway section of the New York State Empire Trail. This stretch runs under the George Washington Bridge, passing the Little Red Lighthouse. (Photo: Courtesy NYSDED)听

It took four years to link up and complete the entire , one of the longest multi-sport pathways in the United States, officially finished in late 2020. The route runs 750 miles across the state of New York, from New York City north to the Canadian border and from Albany west to Buffalo. Three quarters of the trail is on off-road pathways. You can walk on converted rail trails through the Hudson River Valley, stroll beside the historic Erie Canal, or move through wetlands and fields along Adirondack Park and Lake Champlain. Eventually the trail will include a 200-mile greenway across Long Island; construction of the first 25 miles of that section begins this year.

Empire State Trail starts in downtown New York
One end of the New York Empire State Trail is, of course, in Manhattan. (Photo: Courtesy NYSDED)

Pick a section of this largely urban route, which is also popular with bicyclists, and walk it one direction, then hop on a train back to where you started鈥擜mtrak stations are located in 20 towns and cities along the way. Find community with others traveling the trail or seek tips on good trailside lodging or camping from .


Don鈥檛 Miss:听 听More than 200 craft breweries dot the Empire State Trail, in an aggregate known as the . Get a brewery passport and pick up stamps at the places along the way to earn rewards like a T-shirt or cooler bag. In the Hudson Valley, spend a night at (from $195), which has cabins, canvas tents, and a cedar sauna just a short walk from the trail.

2. Best Pilgrimage

El Camino de Santiago, Spain

El Camino de Santiago
A walker on El Camino de Santiago encounters miles of green, interspersed with fields of red poppies, on the way to Santo Domingo de la听Calzada, Spain. (Photo: Pam Ranger Roberts)

Each year, over 300,000 people embark upon sections of this legendary pilgrimage, on a network of trails dating back to pre-medieval times and roadways that vary from cobbled to paved. The most popular route is the Camino Frances, a 500-mile pathway that starts in St. Jean Pied de Port, France, and takes travelers about four to five weeks to walk, passing through the Pyrenees mountains and La Rioja wine region, La Meseta arid range, and through eucalyptus forests into Galicia and Santiago itself. The Camino Portugues, heading up the northern coast of Portugal is another top choice, stretching between 140 and 380 miles depending on your starting point, and crossing through fishing villages such as the UNESCO Heritage Listed cities of Lisbon and Porto. No matter which route you choose, all roads听on the Camino lead to the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in northern Spain, where the remains of the Apostle Saint James the Great are allegedly buried.

12th century bridge of Ponte Maceira, on the Camino Finisterre, Spain
Between Santiago de Compostela and Finisterre (from Latin terms for 鈥渢he end of the earth鈥) on the Camino de Finisterre, which takes pilgrims to the Galician Coast of Spain, is the medieval bridge of Ponte Maceira. Legend holds that the bridge collapsed behind the followers of St. James as they fled Roman soldiers. (Photo: Pam Ranger Roberts)

You can walk the Camino year-round鈥攖he most popular season is mid-summer鈥攂ut aim for spring or fall for mild temperatures and fewer crowds, and be aware that many lodges and albergues close in winter ). offers guided walks on the Camino through Portugal and Spain lasting from a week up to 22 days (from $1,436), or, if you鈥檇 rather go on your own, has self-guided options (from $718).

Don鈥檛 Miss: Once you reach Santiago de Compostela, head to the Pilgrim鈥檚 Office for your official stamp of completion, having received a pilgrim鈥檚 passport from your entry point to be stamped along the way. Bagpipes will be playing nearby as you enter the gates of the holy Santiago de Compostela.听The cathedral has a Pilgrim鈥檚 Mass at noon and 7:30 p.m. daily; go early if you want a seat. On , await the ancient ritual of the swinging brass Botafumeiro, or cauldron, which is filled with incense and coal and so heavy eight men are required to move it.

3. Best Waterfront Route

Stockholm Archipelago Trail, Sweden

Stockholm Archipelago Trail, Sweden
The Stockholm Archipelago Trail only opened this past autumn. While traditionally visitors have stayed close to the beautiful capital city of Stockholm and the islands near it, the trail invites them into the outer archipelago. (Photo: Courtesy Henrik Trygg/Visit Sweden)听

Opening in October 2023, the 167-mile connects new and existing pathways across 20 islands in the Stockholm Archipelago, the largest archipelago in Sweden and home to over 30,000 islands. To walk the whole thing, you鈥檒l need to use a series of public ferries and private boat taxis. You can also pick a section and just walk a few islands at a time; each has an average of about nine miles of trails. You鈥檒l travel along gravel roads, forest paths, and beaches, and through remote fishing and farming communities.

Along the way, camp or stay in hotels or B&Bs. offers a seven-day, self-guided journey on the trail (from $1,095) in spring, summer, or fall that includes lodging in locally owned hotels, luggage transfer, and daily routes that max out at about nine miles.

Stockholm Archipelago Trail with island, inlet and lighthouse
Sweden is known for its lighthouses, the oldest dating back to 1689 and originally lit with a real fire. (Photo: Courtesy Roger Borgelid/Visit Sweden)

Don鈥檛 Miss: On the island of Tranholmen, a celebrated chef named David Enmark opens up his home to diners every Friday night鈥. Or visit the island of Furusund, which contains about five miles of trail and is site of a famed 19th-century summer resort, now a 16-room boutique hotel: the (rooms from $121), which welcomes guests who arrive by boat or on foot.

4. Best for History Buffs

Lycian Way, Turkey

aerial view of Lycian Way, coast of Lycia, southern Turkey
The Lycian Way is a signed footpath curving around the coast of Lycia in southern Turkey. Parts of it date back to the time of the invading Alexander the Great and the Persians, with their Greek influence. Later, Lycia became part of the Roman Empire, as seen in its many ancient Roman ruins. (Photo: Courtesy Montis)

Traversing the rocky Mediterranean coast of southwestern Turkey, the 472-mile Lycian Way winds through the ancient maritime republic known as Lycia. Mountains rise from the turquoise sea as the route follows old roads, footpaths, and mule trails through long-gone civilizations. You鈥檒l pass by lighthouses, beaches, historic sites like Roman amphitheaters and rock tombs, and lagoons over underwater ruins of sunken cities that can be toured by boat.

Most people take on just a section of the Lycian Way. has five- to 14-day guided tours (from $1,187) that include lodging and luggage transfer, or leads seven-day treks (from $995) with an English-speaking guide. Best to do this historical walk in spring or fall, from February to May or from September to November to avoid the high heat of summer.

Lycian Way over the Mediterranean
The Lycian Way takes mainly old Roman roads and mule trails on the southern Mediterranean coast of Turkey. (Photo: Courtesy Montis)听

Don鈥檛 Miss: 罢耻谤办别测鈥檚 illuminates Lycia鈥檚 ancient capital city of Patara after dusk, making it a magical place to explore by night. Best lodging on the trail: the (from $240), built in 2005 on a hillside, has glass windows, viewing hammocks, and saunas overlooking the Aegean Sea.

5. Best for Conservationists

John Muir Way, Scotland

John Muir Way across Scotland
The John Muir Way, a coast-to-coast trail across central Scotland and up into the Highlands, is named for the American wilderness preservationist and author, who was born here. (Photo: Courtesy John Muir Trust)

Not to be confused with California鈥檚 more demanding John Muir Trail, the is a relatively new route (established around 10 years ago) that stretches coast to coast across Muir鈥檚 home country of Scotland. This 134-mile walk begins in the western waterfront town of Helensburgh, where quotes from the famed Scottish-American environmentalist mark a commemorative stone bench. The trek ends around 10 days later in the eastern seaside town of Dunbar, where Muir was born in 1838.

Dirleton Castle, East Lothian, Scotland.
The route passes the ruins of the medieval Dirleton Castle, in the village of Dirleton, East Lothian. The castle welcomes trekkers and is a stamping point for the John Muir Way passport. (Photo: Courtesy John Muir Trust)

On the way, you鈥檒l walk through the cobbled streets of the capital city of Edinburgh, along the shores of , and by the Falkirk Wheel, a rotating boat lift in central Scotland. has self-guided itineraries (from $1,827) for the entire route, including accommodations.


Don鈥檛 Miss: Stay in (from $417), a restored 16th-century castle听just off the trail 20 miles east of Edinburgh. The trail鈥檚 eastern terminus is at Muir鈥檚 birthplace, a humble three-story home in Dunbar that鈥檚 now a historic and free to visit.

6. Best for Self-Reflection

Shikoku Pilgrimage, Japan

pilgrimage island of Shikoku
The Shikoku Temple Pilgrimage is one of the world’s few circular pilgrimages, visiting 88 temples and other sacred sites associated with the venerated Buddhist monk K奴kai, who founded the Shingon school of Japanese Buddhism. (Photo: Courtesy Shikoku Tourism)

This circular walk across the Japanese island of Shikoku visits 88 temples and sacred sites where the Buddhist saint known as K奴kai is thought to have trained in the 9th century. The entire route is about 745 miles鈥攎ostly using roads, but also on select mountain trails鈥攁nd takes around six weeks to walk. Or you can choose just a section.

The traditional approach starts at the first temple, Ry艒zenji, in Tokushima prefecture and proceeds clockwise until you reach the last temple, 艑kuboji, in Kagawa prefecture. Many pilgrims dress in traditional attire, including a white cotton robe, scarf, and straw hat, and carrying a walking stick; they also carry pilgrims鈥 books, to be stamped after worshipping at each temple. leads an eight-day tour of the pilgrimage (from $2,303), where you鈥檒l walk up to eight miles daily with an English-speaking guide, staying at guesthouses and temple lodging.

Don鈥檛 Miss: One of the hardest temples to reach is number 21, Tairyuji, or Temple of the Great Dragon. You can ride the tram to reach this mountaintop temple or hike to the site on a steep three-mile trail through limestone rocks and an ancient cedar forest. There you鈥檒l climb a marble staircase leading into the temple gates and visit a bronze statue of K奴kai meditating.

7. Best for Wildlife Spotting

Yuraygir Coastal Walk, Australia

Yuraygir Coastal Walk, Australia
This 40-mile, point-to-point coastal walk traces the old game trails of Australia’s emus. (Photo: Courtesy Life’s An 国产吃瓜黑料)

The 42-mile point-to-point leads through the beaches and bluffs of Yuraygir National Park in New South Wales. You鈥檒l start in the village of Angourie and follow the sign-posted track, as trails are called in Australia and New Zealand, south to the red-tinted cliffs of Red Rock. Most people take four to five days to do the whole route. Along the way, you鈥檒l spot turtles and whales, swim in the Pacific Ocean, and walk through coastal headlands and the biodiverse Solitary Islands Marine Park.

Spend your first night on the trail camping at the , which is only accessible on foot. Or if you鈥檇 prefer sleeping in a bed, book a guided walk that includes shuttles to trailside properties like (from $234) or (from $125). leads a guided five-day walk of the trail (prices vary according to group size and season) for private groups from November to April that includes luggage delivery, boat and bus transfers, national-park fees, and accommodations. If you鈥檇 rather go it on your own, you can base out of the family-owned in Wooli, and the owners will arrange for lifts to the trail each day (from $499, including lodging and hiker shuttles).

Don鈥檛 Miss: Stop into the beachfront , about halfway through your route, for a sausage roll or pizza. Spend some time at the and estuary, a breeding site for endangered shorebirds including the pied oystercatcher and beach stone-curlew. The trail along the Station Creek estuary is lined with scribbly gum and corkwood trees, and if you鈥檙e lucky, you鈥檒l spot an Australian crane or coastal emu.

8. Most Adventurous

Te Araroa, New Zealand

New-Zealand-Te-Araroa
Te Araroa, opened in 2011, traverses New Zealand’s two main islands, connecting old and new tracks and walkways. Some people chose to cover one island rather than both. (Photo: Courtesy Miles Holden)

New Zealand is known for its stellar tracks, and , also called the Long Pathway, is the country鈥檚 most ambitious trail project yet. It鈥檚 a 1,900-mile journey crossing the length of New Zealand鈥檚 North and South Islands, from Cape Reinga at the north end to Bluff at the southern tip. The trail itself climbs mountain passes, crosses verdant plains, and travels through small cities and remote villages. Roughly 2,000 people walk the whole trail each year, taking between three and six months. Most hikers go north to south, starting around October, which is springtime in New Zealand. If you don鈥檛 have that kind of time, pick a section or a single island; the South Island is considered the more challenging of the two due to its more mountainous terrain.

While this video shows a Te Araroa thru-hike, some choose a section or decide to hike either the North Island or South Island. The South Island is more remote and considered more difficult, the North Island route longer but with more road walking. (Video: 国产吃瓜黑料 TV)

Before you go, ($34) to receive the latest maps and a Te Araroa walker-information packet. Buy a (from $110) for access to over 70 Department of Conservation-managed backcountry huts and campsites along Te Araroa. The trail also has 听to help you plan and navigate, and the trail notes for each section give details on the route and where to stay and resupply. Or you can book a guided 12-day trip with (from $8,595) and let the outfit take care of the logistics, including hotel bookings.

Don鈥檛 Miss: On the North Island, you鈥檒l climb the extinct volcano of Mount Pirongia and descend to the valley below, where you鈥檒l walk by the glowworm-studded , which are worth a stop; you can see the illuminating glowworms in their grottos by boat. On the South Island, spend a night at the 12-bunk, first-come, first-served near Wanaka, which has stunning views from the porch overlooking the Motatapu Valley and a nice swimming hole in the adjacent creek.

9. Best Way to Explore Indigenous Cultures

Vancouver Island Trail, Canada

hiker and misty lake in Strathcona Provincial Park, British Columbia
Moving through Strathcona Provincial Park, the oldest provincial park in British Columbia, Canada, with a furry friend (Photo: Courtesy Ben Giesbrech/Destination BC)

Vancouver Island, British Columbia, is a rugged and densely forested place, and the 500-mile is among the most challenging routes on this list. The trail goes from the capital city of Victoria on the southern end of the island to Cape Scott on the northern tip, crossing rocky beaches and through lush rainforests and territories sacred to First Nations tribes, including the Songhees in the south and the Tlatlasikwala to the north. The trail is broken up into seven distinct sections, from paved pathways through urban areas to logging roads, hiking trails, and rail trails. Each section takes around five to 10 days to walk鈥攐r you can spend two months doing a complete thru-hike. Some sections of the trail are still being completed and not well marked, so plan on some skilled route finding or that鈥檚 better delineated. If you鈥檙e walking the trail northbound, you鈥檒l end in , where the Cape Scott Lighthouse has been shining light for mariners since 1960.听

beach on Vancouver Island Trail, British Columbia, Canada
Exploring the beaches of San Josef Bay in Cape Scott Provincial Park, Vancouver Island Trail, British Columbia, Canada (Photo: Courtesy Shayd Johnson/Destination BC)

Don鈥檛 Miss: Book a cabin or pitch a tent at the First Nations-owned , between the northern towns of Port McNeill and Port Hardy. At the center of Vancouver Island, you鈥檒l walk through Strathcona Provincial Park, British Columbia鈥檚 oldest park, dotted with high-alpine lakes and jagged snow-capped peaks. The , on the outskirts of the park, has eight seasonal campsites and a sauna.

10. Best New Trail

Camino de Costa Rica, Costa Rica

dirt track on E Camino-de Costa Rica
El Camino de Costa Rica, inspired by El Camino de Santiago, goes from the Carribean Coast of Costa Rica on the Atlantic Ocean to the shores of the Pacific. (Photo: Courtesy Asociaci贸n Mar a Mar)

You鈥檒l walk from the shores of the Atlantic Ocean to the beaches of the Pacific Ocean on the 174-mile-long , or the Costa Rican Way, which was inspired by Spain鈥檚 El Camino de Santiago. This relatively new trail鈥攅stablished in 2018 by the nonprofit Asociaci贸n Mar a Mar鈥攖ravels through coffee plantations and rainforests, over the Continental Divide, and among tiny villages that rarely see tourists. Plan on around 16 days to hike the whole thing.

The trip starts on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, in the town of Barra de Parismina, at the base of Tortuguero National Park, known as a nesting ground for leatherback turtles. It ends in Quepos near Manuel Antonio National Park, filled with coral reefs and white-sand beaches. Stay in guesthouses, campsites, and hotels along the way. You will want to hire a guide, as much of the trail is sparsely marked. leads guided hikes ranging from eight to 16 days (from $1,675) that include meals and stays at local homes and guesthouses.

Don鈥檛 Miss: In the Orosi Valley, stay at the (from $59), which has private casitas and rooms close to the trail. In the town of Orosi, you can visit Iglesia de San Jos茅 Orosi, the oldest church in Costa Rica, dating back to 1743, and its Religious Art Museum, and the .

11. Best Paved Trail

Paul Bunyan State Trail, Minnesota

the tree-lined Paul Bunyan and Blue Ox bike trail, Bemidji, Minnesota
The Paul Bunyan and Blue Ox bike trail, ending in Bemidji, Minnesota, is also great for walking. The route connects the Heartland Trail, the Blue Ox Trail, and the Cuyuna State Trail. (Photo: Courtesy Explore Minnesota)

Most popular with cyclists, the Paul Bunyan State Trail is still a great long walk for those who want a paved, accessible pathway. The route begins at in Brainerd and ends 115 miles later at in Bemidji, home to a famous giant statue of Paul Bunyan and his Blue Ox, Babe. This is the longest continuously paved rail-trail in the country, moderate in grade throughout as it follows the former Burlington Northern Railroad, abandoned in 1983. You can camp at and Lake , or stay in hotels in the various trail towns along the way.

Don鈥檛 Miss: You鈥檒l walk through the town of Hackensack, where every September chainsaw carvers turn hunks of wood into art in the annual Chainsaw Event. The (from $89) in the town of Nisswa has rooms and lakefront cottages steps from the trail on Lower Cullen Lake. In Pequot Lakes, stop into the trailside for a scoop of ice cream.

12. Best for Foodies

Cinque Terra, Italy

the five seaside villages of the Cinque Terre, Italy
Ancient trails connect the five seaside villages of the Cinque Terre on the Italian Riviera, known for fresh seafood dishes, fine wine, and more. (Photo: Courtesy Visit Cinque Terre)

Cinque Terre or 鈥淔ive Lands鈥 refers to five coastal towns鈥擬onterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore鈥攐ver the the Ligurian Sea, all linked by about 75 miles of hiking trails. The most popular route is the Sentiero Azzurro, known as the Blue Trail, which is less than 10 miles and can be done in a day. You can start in Monterosso or Riomaggiore and work your way in either direction, passing through lemon groves and walking staircases directly down to the sea.

For a more expanded tour, consider five- or eight-day self-guided hiking trips in Cinque Terre, where you鈥檒l stay in curated hotels, dine on pizza and gelato from locals鈥 favorite spots, and ride trains to reach new trails each day. If you鈥檙e hiking on your own, be sure to check the for updates on closures (landslides have closed sections of the trail), and grab a (from $7 a day) for access to the two paid hiking trails鈥攆rom Monterosso to Vernazza and from Vernazza to Corniglia鈥攁nd for use of the bus lines within Cinque Terre National Park.

Don鈥檛 Miss: Climb the stairs to Doria Castle, a medieval fortress near the village of Vernazza, to see the remains of one of the oldest surviving towers on the Liguria coast. The five-room guesthouse (from $208) in the Unesco World Heritage Site of Vernazza makes for a good midway stop on your hike.

13. Most Accessible

Cotswold Way, England

The St. James Church, as seen across a meadow in Chipping Campden, a market village established in the 7th century (Photo: Courtesy Cotswolds Tourism)

The is a quintessentially English experience, where you鈥檒l walk from the historic market town of Chipping Campden, once a busy center for traders, to the steps of the Late Medieval church of Bath Abbey, crossing through farmlands, country parks, and beech woodlands. Stop and admire fields full of sculptures or study English Civil War sites. This well-marked 102-mile trail can be traveled in either direction, taking between seven and 10 days. has both guided and self-guided walks (from $1,154) ranging from between seven and 12 nights, where you鈥檒l sleep in limestone cottages and guesthouses.

Don鈥檛 Miss: Climb the hill to the Broadway Tower, an 18th century tower within a 200-acre estate of parkland offering expansive views across the valley; enjoy afternoon tea at the Tower Barn Caf茅 afterward. The trail also passes by , home to some 30 species of endangered butterflies, and , a historic garden filled with seasonal flowers and a lavish mix of Classical, Gothic, and other architecture.

Megan Michelson is an 国产吃瓜黑料 contributing editor and avid traveler who once lived in England for a year and went on a lot of long rambles through the countryside. She recently wrote about trips that may help you live longer and her favorite new backcountry hut in Colorado.

Megan Michelson author
The author, Megan Michelson, out for a walk听 (Photo: Megan Michelson Collection)

The post The 13 Most Magical Long Walks In the World appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

]]>
The 14 Best Vacation Spots in the U.S. and Abroad for 2025 /adventure-travel/destinations/north-america/where-should-i-go-on-vacation/ Fri, 24 Jan 2025 19:20:06 +0000 /?p=2694698 The 14 Best Vacation Spots in the U.S. and Abroad for 2025

Whether you like to camp, paddle, take long walks, or bike flowy singletrack, these are the coolest ways to spend your precious time off, both here and internationally

The post The 14 Best Vacation Spots in the U.S. and Abroad for 2025 appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

]]>
The 14 Best Vacation Spots in the U.S. and Abroad for 2025

If you’re asking yourself where you should go on vacation this year, you’re not alone. And there鈥檚 no shortage of 鈥渨here to go鈥 lists this time of year鈥攃ompeting compendiums of new hotels and resorts, trendy neighborhoods, and cultural hotspots to check out in the year ahead.

This is not that list. Not exactly, anyways.

As adventure addicts, we wanted to craft a roster of amazing destinations where you can get outdoors, camp, paddle, surf, hike, and crush some dynamic singletrack. Our overriding parameters determining what made the cut was simple: what鈥檚 cool and fresh in the world outside?

The answer? Plenty.

Here鈥檚 Where to Go on Vacation in 2025, If You’re Into These Outdoor Pursuits

woman on a boating adventure in playa viva, mexico
Struggling to figure out where to go on vacation this year? Beachside plunges like this might speak to you, and if not, read on for lots of other adventurous ideas below. (Photo: Ben Ono, Courtesy of Playa Viva)

Every one of these destinations promises an amazing adventure, whether that鈥檚 carving down a fresh-cut ski run, tackling a section of a new thru-hiking terrain, or releasing turtles on the beaches of Mexico. These trips all come with good food, great vistas, and unforgettable cultural experiences. And yes, a few even have luxe places to crash at night, too.

Many of these destinations are in the beginning phases of executing ambitious goals, and we included them to offer a glimpse of what鈥檚 to come. Others are perennial favorites that have simply been overlooked by online-influencer culture and thus remain indelibly cool in real life. In other words, we鈥檙e offering up some new options and some classic standbys. We also included both domestic and international destinations for each type of adventure, in case you鈥檙e feeling particularly wanderlusty (or a staycation).

Together, they prove, once again, that there鈥檚 no shortage of fun to have outside. Here鈥檚 where to travel in 2025 if you鈥檙e up for it.

Destinations Newsletter

Want more of 翱耻迟蝉颈诲别鈥檚 Travel stories?

1. Long Walks (or Runs)

Stay Domestic: Cross Texas Trail, Texas

Big Bend Ranch State Park in the morning at sunrise
The brand new and under construction Cross Texas Trail thru-hike will run through Big Bend Ranch State Park, among many other state highlights. (Photo: LeongKokWeng/Getty)

馃ゾ 馃帓 Beginning this year, Texas will get its own thru-hiking epic, the new Cross Texas Trail, a proposed 1,500-mile-long haul that stretches from the Louisiana border in the east, near the town of Orange, to El Paso in the west. Among the many highlights of the planned xTx, as it is known: panoramic views of Hill Country, the rugged peaks of Big Bend Ranch State Park, East Texas barbecue joints, the crystal-clear Devil鈥檚 River, and the highest point in Texas, Guadalupe Peak, at 8,751 feet.

The trail, designed for hikers, bikers, and equestrians, is a work in progress, but the route features a mix of singletrack and paved and gravel backcountry public roads. You can ride much of the route now, but the nonprofit behind the xTx鈥攍ed by bike advocate, former community design consultant, and state representative Charlie Gandy鈥攊s currently working on access to some private ranch land so that riders can more easily enter some sections of state and national parks. In the future, there could even be trailheads equipped with picnic areas, water stations, and campsites, but for now, it鈥檚 all a self-supported, DIY affair. The trail has a long way to go to match the history of the Appalachian Trail or the sheer beauty of the Pacific Crest Trail, but it could be one of the best, if longest, ways to experience the hardscrabble charm of the Lone Star State.

Go Abroad: Palmilhar Portugal, Portugal

A young woman walking toward Pico do Arieiro from Ninho da Manta viewpoint in Portugal
The Palmilhar Portugal trail, soon to be the world’s longest circular walking route, will take hikers through various regions of the country, including the Alenquer area near Lisbon, the southern coastal region of Alentejo, and the mountainous Tr谩s-os-Montes in the north. (Photo: Unaihuiziphotography/Getty)

馃ゾ 馃帓 Portugal is about to get its own version of Spain鈥檚 Camino de Santiago, a new 3,000-kilometer (1,850 miles) loop trail that is being billed as the world鈥檚 longest circular hiking route. The trail, called (or 鈥淲alking Portugal鈥, in English), will eventually pass through over 100 off-the-beaten-path attractions around the country, from windmills and vineyards outside Lisbon to mountain peaks in the north. Most of the trail is still under construction, but initial sections opened last summer, and new routes are being added regularly throughout 2025. While mostly a hiking trail, Palmilhar Portugal will have some sections open to cyclists, too. The team behind Palmihar Portugal plans to launch an app later this year, , that will help visitors look up information about the route and the services along the way, including places to stay, restaurants, and points of interest.

2. Fat-Tire and Mountain-Biking Fun

Stay Domestic: Killington Bike Park, Vermont

Autumn vista in Killington Vermont with gorgeous bright red and orange foliage
If you’re big into mountain riding, you can shred trails at Killington, Vermont’s expanding bike park alongside vistas of fall foliage or summer greenery. (Photo: Morgan Somers/Getty)

馃毚 鉀 In the fall of 2024, , in Vermont’s Green Mountains, was purchased by a passionate group of local investors who promised big changes to New England鈥檚 iconic ski area, including a in capital improvements over the next two seasons. Those upgrades include an expansion to its already impressive bike park, with 30 miles of lift-accessed mountain-biking trails.

Beginning in 2025, the park will get a new trail, accessed by the Ramshead Express Quad, and other improvements are in the works. The new trail (dubbed Ramshead, construction on which starts this spring) will start at the top of the lift and snake down the mountain for more than two miles. Even without the new upgrades, the bike park is one of the best in the East, with features like berms, tabletops, and bridges that cater to intermediate and advanced riders alike. Its signature trail, 鈥,鈥 is a steep, technical descent with rock gardens and big jumps, but there are plenty of smoother trails for beginner downhillers, too. (One-day passes begin at $65.) Off the trails, Killington鈥檚 base area is buzzing with its new enhancements on the horizon, and everything points to this year being the start of upgraded riding to come for Killington.

Go Abroad: Mogo Trails Project, Australia

man Mountain Biking in Mount Kosciuszko National Park, Australia
Australia’s state of New South Wales is turning into a mountain-biking haven, including destinations even further inland along the coast, like Mount Kosciuszko National Park, pictured here. (Photo: Cassandra Hannagan/Getty)

馃毚 鉀 Like many areas rich in adventure bona fides鈥擝ritish Columbia, South Africa, New Zealand鈥擜ustralia is investing heavily in new trails for mountain bike aficionados, and one the largest ongoing projects is , in New South Wales.

The expansive trail network, roughly four hours south of Sydney, is being developed near the town of Mogo, a tiny outpost adjacent to the area鈥檚 temperate rainforests.听 Mogo Trails is being designed for various skill levels, from beginners to advanced riders, with a mix of park-style gravity trails with jumps and cross-country trails.

Currently, there are about 70km of singletrack ready for riders, with a total of 130km planned to be completed in 2025 and beyond. Finished trails are listed on, along with descriptions of each one. If you鈥檙e coming from Sydney, you鈥檒l need to book lodging nearby. Batemans Bay, a version of an Oregon beach town Down Under, has excellent options, including , an upscale motel that also offers easy access to surf breaks just down the beach. (From $140 per night.) The much larger town of Canberra, the capital of Australia, is two hours away. Other nearby mountain bike trails, like the new Narooma Trails, which opened in 2023, are making the area a legitimate international destination for MTB enthusiasts.

3. Fresh Piste

Stay Domestic: Deer Valley Resort, Utah

Skiers and Lift at Deer Valley Ski Resort in Utah
Deer Valley Ski Resort in Utah is en route to doubling in size by adding dozens of new trails and 10 lifts for even better access to fresh, skiable terrain. (Photo: Karl Weatherly/Getty)

馃幙 鉂 Over the next few years, Park City鈥檚 Deer Valley Resort is undergoing a , with a new base village, 100 new trails on 2,600 acres of fresh terrain, and more than 10 new lifts to access it all, including a 10-passenger gondola. When it鈥檚 all said and done, the resort will double in size to over 5,700 acres, making it one of the ten largest ski resorts in the United States.

The transformation is already under way. Debuting for the 2024鈥2025 season are three new chairlifts, 300 acres of terrain, and freshly cut trails leading to the new East Village. When it鈥檚 complete, the East Village will offer the same level of premium service that Deer Valley has become known for, with restaurants, retail shops, and an ice-skating facility, among other facilities. Of course, for day skiers, perhaps the biggest draw of the new East Village is that it鈥檚 located on U.S. Route 40, which allows you to avoid driving through the heart of Park City itself, often crowded with traffic.

For now, the brand-new , with 381 guest rooms and suites, anchors the East Village, and it鈥檚 the only place to stay on that side of the resort. (From $270 per night.) But the hotel has more than enough amenities to keep you comfortable, including a restaurant and bar, a downstairs speakeasy-style lounge, a coffeeshop, a heated outdoor pool, three hot tubs, and a partnership with Ski Butlers to offer white-glove ski valet service when suiting up for the day. There鈥檚 even a , a High Tea service but instead of tea and hand sandwiches, you get hot chocolate paired with s鈥檓ores cookies, chocolate snowballs, and other baked goods.

Go Abroad: Andermatt Ski Area, Switzerland

skier on hike-to terrain at Andermatt Ski Area, Switzerland
A skier hikes along a ridgeline to access to stellar hike-to terrain with intense drops at Andermatt Ski Area in Switzerland. (Photo: coberschneider/Getty)

馃幙 鉂 Unknown to most Americans, the combined ski resorts of , an hour and a half south of Zurich, is poised to become one of Europe鈥檚 premier ski destinations. Over the last handful of years, more than $2 billion has been invested in upgrades, with ten new lifts that allowed you to ski all three by accessing any one of them. Combined, the resorts have more than 100 miles of trails.

The historic village of Andermatt, with cobblestone streets and a very Swiss vibe, has also been undergoing a series of renovations to accommodate the influx of skiers. This winter, for example, it unveiled a brand-new shopping and dining district featuring 35 stores and 10 restaurants. The resort is also on track to become carbon neutral by 2030, a hugely ambitious goal for such a large operation.

For American skiers, it鈥檚 also become easier to shred: In 2022, Vail acquired majority ownership in the resort, which means that it鈥檚 now . With over 12 feet of average annual snowfall, a range of terrain鈥攆rom blue and yellow runs to steep couloirs and powder-filled bowls鈥擜ndermatt is one of the best resorts in all of Europe. And with a master plan mapped out for the next 30 years, now is the time to go, before the hordes descend.

4. Beach Vibes

Stay Domestic: Cape Hatteras, North Carolina

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse in North Carolina
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is perhaps one of the most iconic along the East Coast’s beaches. And this national seashore is a year-round mecca for surfing, fishing, and paddleboarding鈥攁 perfect place to go on vacation this year. (Photo: Jens_Lambert_Photography/Getty)

馃彇 馃寠 As part of North Carolina鈥檚 Outer Banks, Cape Hatteras is known for its expansive East-Coast beaches, world-class kiteboarding, and laid-back charm. It鈥檚 also now home to one of the more exciting Atlantic Coast lodging conversions in years: , a 14-room wellness-oriented hotel that faces Pamlico Sound, a vast expanse of shallow water good for both paddling and kiting. The hotel opened last year after owners bought a failed, two-story strip mall and transformed it into a chic hotel with suites designed by world-famous interior designer Jonathan Adler.

If that turns you off, don鈥檛 let it. The result is a quirky mashup of coastal kitsch and beach sophistication with a focus on outdoor recreation. There鈥檚 even an outdoor deck featuring cold plunges, a sauna, and a hot tub for relaxing in after a long day on the saltwater. (From $179 per night.) And its location, adjacent to the entire length of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore鈥攚here windswept dunes and unspoiled stretches of sand offer endless opportunities for surfing, fishing, and paddleboarding鈥攍eads to a perfect blend adventure and tranquility in one of the most celebrated beach destinations in the U.S.

Go Abroad: Nicaragua鈥檚 Pacific Coast

bay of san juan del sur in nicaragua along the emerald coast highway鈥攁n ideal place to go on vacation
When you drive Nicaragua’s Emerald Coast Highway, you’ll be greeted with panoramic views like this Pacific Eutopia on the bay of San Juan del Sur. (Photo: IherPhoto/Getty)

馃彇 馃寠听 Nicaragua鈥檚 Pacific Coastline has long been considered one of the best stretches of remote coastline in Central America, with excellent surf breaks framed by undeveloped sand beaches and tropical forest. Now, thanks to an ongoing , it鈥檚 about to get much easier to access much of the coastline.

The country鈥檚 new Carratera Costanera Highway, or Emerald Coast Highway, will stretch more than 350 kilometers (217 miles) from the Gulf of Fonseca in the north to Playa El Naranjo in the south, making it smoother and safer to travel along the coastline. Construction has already , near San Juan del Sur, which is known as the country鈥檚 surf capital, because of its proximity to some of Nicaragua鈥檚 . Up and down the coastline, you鈥檒l find a variety of waves, from mellow beach breaks to beefy points, with consistent year-round swell (although the summer months remain the best).

The promise of easy access is already drawing development interest to the coastline and new tourist offerings, like the newly refreshed and reopened , which was the country鈥檚 first true luxury eco-resort when it opened in 2013. (From $776 per night.) The resort has direct walking access to a world-class surf break just off of its private beach. While funding is secured for the road construction, the pace of progress is nearly impossible to predict, so don鈥檛 expect to be driving down a long stretch of empty, freshly paved highway this year. (Also, the U.S. State Department has a for the country, in part because of the government’s arbitrary enforcement of laws, although like Costa Rica or Panama, Nicaragua is generally safe for tourists if you exercise caution). But if you want to experience the surf breaks before the rush on the rapidly developing coastline, now is the time to go.

5. Paddling Pristine Backcountry

Stay Domestic: Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Minnesota

man paddling a canoe in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Minnesota鈥攁 perfect place to go on vacation this year
Enjoying backcountry bliss on Kekekabic Lake in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in northern Minnesota (Photo: Wildnerdpix/Getty)

馃浂 馃挧 In January 2023, the Biden administration helped ban mining and geothermal exploration on over 225,000 acres of land in the Superior National Forest, preserving the integrity of the Rainy River watershed and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in the process.

With President Trump in power again, however, advocates are once again worried that the BWCAW, one of the most pristine landscapes in the Lower 48, could return to becoming a political football. If so, it could be tossed back into the hands of the Chilean-owned mining conglomerate that has been seeking to open a copper-sulfide mine in the area for years. All of which is a good reason to explore the area now, to see firsthand just how special this landscape is.

Spanning over a million acres of North Woods forest dotted with thousands of lakes, this is a paddler鈥檚 paradise, with more than 1,200 miles of canoe routes and 2,000 campsites, most of which are paddle-in only. If you want a break from modern life and all its real-time annoyances and aggravations, the BWCAW has always been one of the best places to do it, and now you can show your tacit political support for the area simply by enjoying a weekend paddle through it.

Go Abroad: Pacuare River, Costa Rica

Rafting the Pacuare River, Costa Rica
Pals raft the Pacuare River, in Costa Rica, paddling a calm stretch of water before hitting the next slew of class 11-V rapids. (Photo: Kevin Schafer/Getty)

馃浂 馃挧 The Pacuare River, roughly 60 miles east of San Jos茅, is not only one of the best tropical rafting trips on the planet鈥攁nd by extension one of the best ways to experience Costa Rica鈥檚 wild side鈥攊t鈥檚 also 鈥渉ome鈥 to the perennial favorite . With 20 suites, a restaurant, and a spa set along the riverbank, the lodge has set an impossibly high standard for eco-luxury in the heart of the rainforest. (From $949 per night.)

The best part, however, is that arriving at Picuare requires getting on the water first. With no road into the property, guests float down the Pacuare鈥檚 class II鈥揤 rapids, through canyons and untouched jungle, and arrive via boat on the lodge’s front steps. Despite its remoteness, it鈥檚 full of amenities. Each suite has a range of luxuries like outdoor showers, spring-fed fountains, and plunge pools. The restaurant serves exceptionally high-quality, fresh ingredients and the spa has wellness programs that include open-air yoga sessions and treatments inspired by indigenous traditions. The surrounding forest is home to toucans, sloths, and howler monkeys, and non-river activities include guided rainforest hikes to see the wildlife, zip-lining, and visiting local Cab茅car communities. The lodge itself is worthy of a visit alone, but combined with its entrance theatrics鈥攁 float down the whitewater of Pacuare River鈥攖he experience may just offer the perfect balance of adventure and indulgences for a weekend jungle-induced rejuvenation. Pura vida indeed.

6. Camping (with Creature Comforts)

Stay Domestic: Yosemite, California

yosemite national park, california, with gorgeous dark-sky views of evening stars
Under Canvas Yosemite will launch in May, featuring safari-inspired tents鈥攚ith king-size beds, a private deck, and ensuite bathrooms鈥攁ll overlooking majestic national park views like this. (Photo: Worapat Maitriwong/Getty)

鉀 馃敟 Outdoor-oriented hospitality group is expanding once again, this time to an 80-acre camp near Yosemite National Park. Ever since it started with a single glamping resort in West Yellowstone in 2012, the company has grown year over year to offer overnight access to some of America鈥檚 most iconic destinations, including Great Smoky Mountains, the Grand Canyon, and Moab (thanks to its luxury offshoot ULUM Moab).

is the company鈥檚 first foray into California, and it will feature the same safari-inspired tents鈥攚ith king-size beds, a private deck, and ensuite bathrooms鈥攖hat have made its 13 other locations so popular. There will also be regular activities in the camp, such as live music, morning yoga, and nightly fires with s鈥檓ores. (The seasonal camp runs from May 15 to October 27 in 2025, and rates start at $349 per night, meals not included.)

But perhaps the best reason to book a stay here while visiting Yosemite National Park is the easy access it affords. The camp is located just ten minutes from the west entrance to the park and, more importantly, across from a bus stop for the Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS). Without a reservation in summer, you are no longer allowed to enter the park by car. So staying at Under Canvas Yosemite means you not only get all the amenities, but you also get easy, car-free access to the park.

Go Abroad: Playa Viva, Mexico

if you want to know where should I go on vacation this year, we'd highly recommend the playa viva treehouses in mexico, like on this beautiful, sunny day
Stay in one of these incredible treehouses at Playa Viva, which also hosts a turtle sanctuary, a regenerative farm, a mangrove forest, and some of the most beautiful beach panoramas around. (Photo: Courtesy of Playa Viva)

鉀 馃敟 On a remote beach 35 miles south of Zihuatanejo lies one of the most ecologically sensitive, off-grid, wellness-focused resorts on the planet: . This is far from camping, but the 19 open-air treehouses and casitas, designed with bamboo and other sustainable woods, will make it feel as if you鈥檙e poaching a nap on the last stretch of perfect sand in all of Mexico.

Each room has unobstructed views of the beach, with nothing to be seen either direction besides palm trees, Pacific waves, and the occasional breaching whale. Set on 200 coastal acres, Playa Viva is home to a vibrant turtle sanctuary, a regenerative farm, and mangrove forest. The resort supports local communities through various initiatives and actively works to help restore surrounding ecosystems. Guests can even participate in activities like helping release baby sea turtles (during the fall hatching season).

The on-site restaurant even serves farm-to-table dishes that celebrate the region鈥檚 culinary heritage. Think fresh-caught seafood, handmade tortillas, and tropical fruits picked just steps from your casita. Daily beachside yoga classes and a variety of massage services round out the offerings. Again, you鈥檙e not exactly roughing it, but the resort is a world away in a wild, pristine corner of Mexico. (Summer low-season rates begin at $240 per night.)

7. Wildlife Encounters

Stay Domestic: American Prairie Reserve, Montana

A herd of grazing bison on American Prairie Reserve in Montana
A herd of grazing bison roams the protected flatland at the American Prairie Reserve in Montana鈥攁 place where you can truly embrace the humbling silence of the great outdoors. (Photo: Rhys Morgan/Getty)

馃Μ 馃 When it was established in 2004, 鈥攁 private, nonprofit effort to create the largest wildlife reserve in the continental U.S. at three million acres鈥攕eemed like nothing more than a pipe dream. But the group has steadily managed to acquire an impressive amount of land on Montana鈥檚 Northern Great Plains in their effort to reestablish a functioning ecosystem that supports free-roaming wildlife.

In December, APR , which brings their total to over half a million acres of deeded land and leased public property. Thanks to all the efforts over the years, the reserve is now home to a wealth of iconic wildlife, including herds of bison, elk, and pronghorn. It also contains some of the most remote areas of the lower-48 states, with a diverse landscape鈥攆rom sagebrush plains to riparian areas to the steep hills of the Missouri Breaks鈥攖hat offers visitors the chance to see wildlife in their natural habitat.

The APR鈥檚 National Discovery Center has excellent exhibits about the prairie ecosystem, and is the best place to learn about the reserve鈥檚 hiking, biking, and camping opportunities, especially considering that it continues to expand its offerings, which includes interpretive programs. But as a quick-start option, one of the best ways to experience the wildlife is by camping at , located four miles north of the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge on the rolling shortgrass prairie. (RV sites are $19 per night and tent sites are $13.) Here, you鈥檙e almost certain to see plains bison and pronghorn roaming past prairie dog towns and get a much deeper connection to one of the most overlooked landscapes in the U.S. The American Prairie Reserve isn鈥檛 just a trip, it鈥檚 a chance to witness (and participate in) conservation history in the making.

Go Abroad: Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge, British Columbia

Humpback Whale Tail on the British Columbia coastline in Clayoquot Sound, Canada. if you're wondering where should I go on vacation this year鈥攖his place is pretty surpreme.
If you’re lucky, you’ll catch occasional Humpback whales breaching, diving, and frolicking in the Clayoquot Sound on Vancouver Island in British Columbia. (Photo: Francesco Riccardo Lacomino/Getty)

馃惓 馃 Tucked into a Pacific Ocean inlet on Vancouver Island鈥檚 wild west coast, is perhaps the most luxurious gateway to British Columbia鈥檚 wildlife-rich temperate rainforest. It may also be the best way to see the area’s charismatic, iconic species, from black bears and eagles to whales and otters.

The lodge鈥檚 25 canvas tents, which are lavishly appointed with specially made furnishings, king-sized beds, and wood-burning stoves, offer guests the perfect blend of off-grid seclusion and high-end comfort. (From $3,300 per night.)

Meals focus on hyper-local, foraged ingredients crafted into exquisite dishes. Committed to sustainability, the seasonal lodge operates with an extremely light footprint, relying on renewable energy to power the camp. It also supports local First Nations communities through cultural exchange programs and eco-tourism partnerships. All of which makes staying here feeling as if you鈥檙e part of a very lucky family.

But the real reason to come are the wildlife excursions, which includes hiking or horseback rides in the forest to see and sea kayaking outings on the inlet, where it鈥檚 common to spot whales, porpoises, seals, and sea lions. And this is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg when it comes to the lodge鈥檚 eco-adventure program. For those seeking a communion with nature that has more than a dash of indulgence, Clayoquot offers an unforgettable escape into the wild heart of British Columbia.

travel writer Ryan Krogh enjoying the weather at Iceland's Fri冒heimar tomato farm and wondering where he should go on vacation in 2025
The author enjoying the weather at Iceland’s Fri冒heimar tomato farm on his recent trip. (Photo: Courtesy of Ryan Krogh)

Ryan Krogh is a writer and editor who lives in Austin, Texas. Among the dozens of destinations that he traveled to in 2024, including Iceland, England, and a road trip through Mexico鈥檚 highlands, his favorite was a weekend fly-fishing trip to the Texas Coast. In 2025, he鈥檚 hoping to see Nicaragua and Portugal for the first time, which is why they鈥檙e included here, but he also has plans to explore the new 鈥淕ulf of America鈥 coast, whatever that is. He has recently written about the world’s best airports with cool outdoor spaces, the beginner’s guide to carry-on luggage, and the most dog-friendly beaches in the U.S.

The post The 14 Best Vacation Spots in the U.S. and Abroad for 2025 appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

]]>
I鈥檝e Been Traveling Solo for Decades. Here Are My Pro Tips and Favorite Countries to Visit. /adventure-travel/advice/solo-travel/ Sun, 15 Dec 2024 10:00:41 +0000 /?p=2691667 I鈥檝e Been Traveling Solo for Decades. Here Are My Pro Tips and Favorite Countries to Visit.

More people are catching onto the freedom and rewards of taking trips alone. Here鈥檚 what I've learned in two decades of wandering on my own.

The post I鈥檝e Been Traveling Solo for Decades. Here Are My Pro Tips and Favorite Countries to Visit. appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

]]>
I鈥檝e Been Traveling Solo for Decades. Here Are My Pro Tips and Favorite Countries to Visit.

In traveling, I鈥檝e always chosen to go it alone rather than not go at all. Over the years, friends have called me fearless. Don鈥檛 you get scared? they ask. Very rarely. Lonely? Honestly, never, even before the days of social media. And isn鈥檛 it more expensive to travel by yourself than with others? Traditionally, yes. Solo travelers often got slapped with single-supplement, or premium, hotel and tour fees, but since the pandemic, companies have started courting solo travelers. Priceline even held its first-ever .

, safety, loneliness, and expense are the three biggest reasons people hate to travel solo. But I鈥檝e been adventuring on my own for more than two decades, and I find it freeing. I can travel at my own pace and on my own budget. I can easily score a table for one鈥攅ven at top restaurants that often require bookings weeks in advance. And I connect more with locals.

Looking for more great travel intel? Sign up for 翱耻迟蝉颈诲别鈥檚 .

More people are catching on to the appeal of solo travel, however, especially Gen Zers and Millennials. Google searches for solo travel have increased 223 percent over the past decade, and according to a , 50 percent of Americans planned to travel alone in 2024. And while women have led the indie trip trend in recent years, men are joining the ranks. A from the travel booking site Omio found that 30 percent of men, compared to 23 percent of women, have solo journeys planned for 2025.

Jen Murphy on a solo-travel trip in the Omo Valley in Ethiopia
On a weeklong trip, the author camped alongside the people of the Omo River Valley, in Ethiopia, and learned their history, culture, and the effects of drought. (Photo: Jen Murphy Collection)

If you鈥檝e hesitated to give solo travel a go, let me alleviate your concerns and suggest some of my favorite places for awesome adventuring on your own.

Always Consider Safety First

Certain destinations lend themselves to solo travel more than others. Certainly, safety is top of mind.

Cliffs of Moher, coast of Ireland
The famous Cliffs of Moher line the coast in County Clare, Ireland, which is considered one of the safest countries in the world to visit. The 220-foot Branaunmore sea stack was once part of the cliffs, which rise to nearly 800 feet. (Photo: Ted Benge)

I scan the U.S. State Department鈥檚 and avoid countries of conflict. I also browse the (GPI), an annual ranking of nations based on factors like the absence of violence or fear of violence, a nation鈥檚 level of harmony or discord, and its degree of militarization. Coming into 2025, Iceland, Ireland, and Austria are the safest three countries in the world, according to the overall GPI score.

, which also researches and ranks the safest places to visit each year, is another great resource. Rankings are based on an average of 鈥渁ll measures from [BHTP鈥檚] State of Travel Insurance research,鈥 and factor in other indices including the Global Peace Index and information from sources like , a destination database that scores living conditions. Berkshire Hathaway puts Iceland, Australia, and Canada as top three for safety, with Ireland close behind.

graphic showing safest countries
Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection ranks the safest places to visit each year. (Illustration: Tim Schamber)

In addition to its list, Berkshire Hathaway provides write-ups that touch on smart considerations to take into account in each of the high-ranking nations, from dangerous wildlife like box jellyfish in Australia to driving on the left-hand side of the road in Ireland to expensive emergency-evacuation costs in remote destinations of northern Norway.

My 6 Favorite Solo-Travel Destinations

Some of my picks are at the top of the Berkshire Hathaway and Global Peace Index lists, but I cast a wider lens to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations. In particular, such places have satisfied my craving for big doses of nature and adventure.

Portugal

the author traveling alone and surfing in Portugal with two friends she met on her trip
The author with friends she met at Noah Surf House in Portugal, which she has visited solo four times听(Photo: Jen Murphy Collection)

The GPI ranked Portugal the seventh-safest country in the world in 2024. It鈥檚 also a bargain compared to most Western European countries (a draft of craft beer cost me $3 in Lisbon compared to $8 in Paris), and the effortlessly connects the northern and southern regions.

I鈥檝e visited this country solo four times and have always found the locals extremely hospitable. On my first trip, I checked out the beach town of Sagres in the southern region of Algarve and met two couples from Lisbon who offered to drive me back to the city. One of the women took off work the next day to be my tour guide, and that evening she and her husband threw a dinner party for me at their home.

I love making solo surf trips up and down Portugal鈥檚 coast. Hotels like (from $200) in Santa Cruz and (from $73), just north in the town of Peniche, have a clubhouse vibe and offer activities and events鈥攍ike rooftop music sessions鈥攖hat make it easy to meet new friends. Both places can arrange board rentals, lessons, and English-speaking guides.

If you, too, fall hard for the country, Portugal鈥檚 recently introduced makes it easy to pursue residency while working remotely.

Costa Rica

Pura vida vibes have always made me feel welcome in Costa Rica. The State Department鈥檚 Level 2 advisory recommends that trip-goers use increased caution here, due to petty crime risks and natural hazards like earthquakes (which are common-ish here, with events of magnitude 7 about every decade). For 2025, Berkshire Hathaway Costa Rica the sixth-safest place in the world for female, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ travelers.

Surf towns such as Nosara and Santa Teresa along the Pacific Coast attract a lot of Americans and have small expat communities. , a hotel brand catering to digital nomads with coworking spaces as well as rooms, has eight outposts in Costa Rica, including in Nosara, Santa Teresa, and Monteverde (shared dorms from $24). These properties host music events and arrange local experiences for guests.

On the Caribbean Coast, I鈥檓 a big fan of the boutique hotel (from $365), which is part of the sustainability-focused Cayuga Collection. The hotel works with local guides and outfitters to arrange snorkeling excursions and hiking day trips in Cahuita National Park, including for solo guests. The place also offers free bike use, which I love for exploring the nearby town on my own.

Canada

Jen Murphy prepares for a polar plunge in British Columbia
The author gamely readies for a polar plunge in Whistler, British Columbia, Canada (Photo: Jen Murphy Collection)

Canadians have a reputation for being incredibly friendly, and that as well as proximity to the U.S. and our shared language are bonuses. highlighted the country鈥檚 low crime rate and noted that wildlife like bears and moose posed some of the biggest dangers to visitors.

Vancouver and Montreal, great jumping-off points for the wilderness, ranked two and three, respectively, on a that see the most solo-travel searches on the travel site Kayak and the most solo-dining reservations on OpenTable.

Canada has 37 national parks and 11 national park reserves, as well as two beautiful coasts. I鈥檝e made friends while soaking in the swimming-pool-sized hot tub at (from $250) in Alberta鈥檚 Banff National Park. I鈥檝e also plotted solo snowboard trips to , British Columbia, to coincide with the Natural Selection Tour freestyle competition, knowing I鈥檇 meet like-minded travelers.

If you鈥檙e wary of wandering the wilderness alone, sign up for a guided trek with a local outfitter. I like the .

Another low-stress option is crisscrossing the country via rail. The Rocky Mountaineer鈥檚 from Vancouver to Banff takes just two days and is staffed with storytellers who can shed light on indigenous sites and wildlife. It offers single-berth accommodations from $1,752.

Australia

Jen Murphy in Wineglass Bay, Tasmania, Australia
The author above Wineglass Bay, Tasmania, Australia, during a long walk with a local guide (Photo: Jen Murphy Collection)

Australia has long been a magnet for backpackers. I spent nearly a year in my twenties backpacking mostly solo around the country鈥檚 east coast, and the biggest dangers were crocodiles, snakes, and jellyfish. Despite its resident poisonous critters, Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection scored Australia听 the second-safest place in the world to travel for 2025.

Affordable and clean hostels, like (from $140) in Queensland鈥檚 Daintree Rainforest, abound and are filled with other solo travelers. is a beach-club-vibe hostel brand with Queensland locations in Noosa, Cairns, and Airlie Beach (from $32 for a spot in a mixed dorm).

Australia is a fantastic destination for hiking. is a collection of 13 treks that you can do yourself or with a guide. I spent four days traversing the wildlife-filled in Tasmania, opting for a guide via the local outfitter the because I wanted to learn more about the flora, fauna, and culture on the island (from $1,900, all-inclusive). The first two nights we stayed in secluded, simple bush camps near the beach ($7), and the final night we were pampered in the recently renovated historic-home-turned-hotel, Bernacchi House.

If you鈥檙e sticking to the mainland, the in the state of Victoria is a very doable 27 miles over four days along the Great Ocean Road, with campsites en route. The walk is suitable for hikers of any experience and takes in the shipwreck-dotted coastline, wild beaches, and Great Otway and Port Campbell National Parks.

Austria

Jen Murphy ski touring in St. Anton, Austria
An off-piste adventure in St. Anton, Austria (Photo: Jen Murphy Collection)

Austria is a fantastic option for solo alpine adventures. The country is ranked third on the Global Peace Index and fifth worldwide in terms of safety by the . Most locals speak English, and a great public transportation network makes it easy to travel car-free. If you鈥檙e deciding between alpine destinations, consider that the cost of living in Switzerland is higher than in Austria, and that affects tourism; in general, expect lodging and meals in Austria to cost half of what you鈥檇 pay in Switzerland.

The runs a network of more than 170 huts, where it鈥檚 easy to engage with other hikers. Most mountain resorts, such as or or have guided hiking, biking, and paddling tours that allow you to mingle with others. And many villages offer special . I met some friends on a solo trip to the , held each September.

Bhutan

Jen Murphy, author, in Bhutan on a hike with her guide
The author with one of her guides in the kingdom of Bhutan, a mecca for trekking and biking and one of the most soulful places she has ever been (Photo: Jen Murphy Collection)

Solo travel, for me, has been the perfect way to do some soul searching when I鈥檓 making big decisions or going through a transition. And one of the most soulful places I鈥檝e ever visited is the Kingdom of Bhutan. It is a place of beauty and spirituality, and travelers here are required to have a guide, which is an exceptional way to become familiar with the culture.

Six years ago, I went on assignment on a solo ten-day guided trip of this Southeast Asia nation and learned so much, including the proper way to throw a dart (this is a traditional sport in Bhutan) and about dating habits here (yes, there鈥檚 Tinder in Bhutan). I still keep in touch with my guide, who was a woman, on WhatsApp.

Bhutan is ranked 21 on the Global Peace Index, and it鈥檚 a mecca for hiking and mountain biking鈥攖he king is an avid mountain biker, and my guide and I spotted him one day on the trail. While getting there from the U.S. isn鈥檛 cheap, nor are costs within the country, visits are slightly more affordable since the kingdom halved its daily tourist fee from $200 to $100 last year.

Phil Bowen of should be your go-to logistician to find a guide, driver, and accommodations, which can range from homestays to splurge-worthy hotels. (from $550, half-board, meaning room, breakfast, and one other meal) is one of the most memorable places I鈥檝e stayed in throughout my global travels.

5 Tips for Solo Travelers, From a Pro

lone hiker Lake Ediza, the Sierra
Rita Keil quietly contemplates the view at Lake Ediza, near Mammoth Lakes, California. (Photo: Jake Stern)

Here are some tips and tricks for making the most of a solo trip.

Share Your Plans

I always email my mom my rough itinerary. It includes the contact information for any hotels I鈥檝e already booked or the names of campsites where I plan to stay. I also regularly check in with her or a good friend via What鈥檚 App or email to let them know I鈥檝e reached a destination safely and when I鈥檓 moving on to my next stop.

Eat at the Restaurant’s Bar

I absolutely love dining alone at the bar. It鈥檚 usually easy to score a single seat, and before long I鈥檓 chatting with some fascinating local characters. Bartenders are often fantastic sources of local intel and can direct you to good restaurants and the best hiking and mountain-biking trails. Finally, happy-hour specials are a great way to save a few bucks.

Watch and Post on Message Boards

If you鈥檙e craving companionship, you might post on social-media channels like Facebook and Instagram鈥攜ou never know who in your circles, or your friends鈥 circles, is headed to the same place as you鈥攐r use the Friends setting on apps like Bumble. Many hotels and hostels, and often the local grocery store, still have bulletin boards with postings for local activities, like free yoga sessions or group hikes.

Pack Meds

Being alone isn鈥檛 so great when you fall ill in a far-flung place. In many countries it鈥檚 manageable: you can walk into a pharmacy, explain your symptoms, and get what you need. But I recently suffered through a debilitating urinary-tract infection in Morocco, and now I never travel without the broad-spectrum antibiotic I needed. I convinced my doctor to prescribe one in case I get that sick on the road again.

Don鈥檛 Second-Guess Yourself

Trust your gut. If something feels unsafe, it probably is. The very few times I鈥檝e gotten food poisoning have been when actions went against my instinct. Don鈥檛 be afraid to be impolite. Once, in Varanasi, India, an elderly woman offered me a glass of sketchy looking lassi. I felt rude saying no, and all it took was one sip to give me Delhi Belly. I knew better.

You should also follow your intuition. When I meet strangers and feel genuine good vibes, I will accept an invitation to share a ride or join for a meal in someone鈥檚 home. These chance encounters have rewarded me with some wonderful friends and experiences over the years.

The author stops her bike ride in Romania to pose in front of a house where a muster of storks has constructed a large nest atop a building.
The author on a bike ride in Romania听(Photo: Courtesy Jen Murphy)

Jen Murphy is 翱耻迟蝉颈诲别鈥檚 online travel-advice columnist. She has had some of her most memorable adventures while traveling solo, from dancing with a local tribe in the Omo Valley of Ethiopia to joining members of the Indian army on a run in Delhi. Her journal and a good book have always served as great companions. She has also recently written an ultimate guide to winter fun in a choice selection of mountain towns in Colorado, a guide for anyone new to adventure travel in Costa Rica, and the funniest things travelers ask their adventure guides. There are doozies.

The post I鈥檝e Been Traveling Solo for Decades. Here Are My Pro Tips and Favorite Countries to Visit. appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

]]>
Costa Rica: The Beginner鈥檚 Guide to 国产吃瓜黑料 Travel /adventure-travel/destinations/central-america/costa-rica-travel/ Mon, 07 Oct 2024 10:00:03 +0000 /?p=2682821 Costa Rica: The Beginner鈥檚 Guide to 国产吃瓜黑料 Travel

This eco-destination boasts wildlife-rich rainforests, gorgeous coasts, active volcanoes, natural hot springs, and stellar surf culture

The post Costa Rica: The Beginner鈥檚 Guide to 国产吃瓜黑料 Travel appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

]]>
Costa Rica: The Beginner鈥檚 Guide to 国产吃瓜黑料 Travel

One of the most biodiverse places on the planet, Costa Rica is a carefully preserved paradise for adventure travelers. The country鈥檚 government has protected one quarter of its land by designating parks, refuges, and reserves, and safeguarded approximately 30 percent of its marine area, too.

I first started traveling to Costa Rica nearly two decades ago, drawn to its then sleepy, surf-swept Pacific coast. As more people started to discover the pura vida vibes of laid-back beach towns like Malpais and Nosara, I ventured further inland and visited the wildlife-packed natural parks and cloud forests in the north. More recently, I scoped out the Caribbean coast, home to stellar waves, snorkel spots, and hiking trails, and a totally distinct culture鈥攆ood, music, architecture鈥攖hat made me feel like I was rediscovering a country I thought I knew.

On my latest trip last year, I hiked the country鈥檚 174-mile, coast-to-coast with outfitter (from $565). This cross-country trail is the ultimate showcase for Costa Rica鈥檚 cultural and natural diversity, crossing four provinces and seven microclimates. (If you don鈥檛 have time to complete the entire 16-day hike, you can piece together an itinerary that delivers just as much variety in a shorter time frame.)

Bottom line: I don鈥檛 think I鈥檒l ever tire of traveling to Costa Rica. From kayaking freshwater canals and surfing barrel waves to zip lining through clouded forests and scuba diving colorful reefs, Costa Rica offers the best adventure travel options. Here鈥檚 a cheat sheet to experiencing the country鈥檚 highlights, including six must-know tips from a local expert if you鈥檝e never been before.

If you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside. Learn more.

Map of Costa Rica: Regions and National Parks to Visit

This interactive map of Costa Rica highlights the country’s diverse regions, and pinpoints each national park I mention below鈥攁ll musts for first-time visitors. (Map: Erin McKnight)

Costa Rica Travel: A Word on Getting Around

Newbies should know that most of the country鈥檚 coolest spots require a car to get there. You can rent one at airports for a DIY road trip, or hire a driver to take you from region to region. Below, I share both flight and car options to reach each of destination. Plus, how renting the right rig and interpreting weather forecasts can dramatically impact your experience. Now, to the good stuff.

Costa Rica鈥檚 Pacific Coast

Surfer jumping with his board at sunset on the beach Playa Carmen in Santa Teresa
Surfing sunset waves at Playa Carmen, located on the border between Malpais and Santa Teresa in the Nicoya Peninsula (Photo: Kryssia Campos/Getty)

Surf swept coastline, laid back beach towns, and intensely biodiverse protected areas鈥攂oth on land and at sea鈥攎ake this one of the most popular areas for adventure.

Where to Go in the Nicoya Peninsula

woman walking on Playa Guiones with a surfboard in Nosara
Playa Guiones, one of the author鈥檚 favorite beaches in Nosara. (Photo: Jen Murphy)

Nosara

One of five official Blue Zones, geographically designated areas people statistically live longer, the Nicoya Peninsula offers an endless choice of dreamy beach towns including Santa Teresa, Malpais, and Manzanillo. But, Nosara stands out for its long, wide, golden sand beach, Playa Guiones, which has perfect waves for longboarding. You鈥檒l find countless surf schools, including ($8,300 per week including room and meals), (lessons from $125; board rentals from $25 for a half-day) and (lessons from $120; week-long retreats from $5,642), where you can finesse your pop up or have a guide take you wave hunting up the coast. And there are plenty of delicious restaurants to refuel you, like (its fish tacos are a must).

鉁 馃殫 How to Get There: Guanacaste鈥檚 Daniel Oduber Quir贸s International Airport, also known as Liberia International Airport (LIR) is roughly 2.5 hours by car. Juan Santamar铆a International Airport (SJO) in San Jos茅 is a five to six hour drive.

馃尨 馃洀 Where to Stay: Family-friendly is a five-minute walk to Playa Guiones and has its own surf club and school and offers mountain bike rentals and tours (from $168 per night).

Where to Go in the Osa Peninsula

an arial view of Corcovado National Park in the Osa Peninsula
An aerial view of an unspoiled beach in Corcovado National Park. With hundreds of species of trees, animals, birds, fish, and insects, this slice of protected land is one of the most biologically diverse on earth.听(Photo: Eisenlohr/Getty)

Corcovado National Park

Located in the southernmost region on the Pacific coast, Corcovado National Park packs 2.5 percent of the world鈥檚 biodiversity into .001 percent of its surface area. The country鈥檚 largest park covers more than 30 percent of the Osa Peninsula and protects mammals like the two and three-toed sloths, cougar, and giant anteaters, birds like the endangered Baird鈥檚 tapir, several types of hummingbirds, and one of the largest populations of scarlet macaws, and some 220 species of butterflies. Trails range from the mellow .8-mile out-and-back Quebrada San Pedro that leads to a view of a waterfall to the day-long, 6.3-mile out-and-back La Leona Madrigal, a bird watcher鈥檚 dream with epic sea views.

鉁 馃殫 How to Get There: Sansa Airlines has daily 50-minute flights from San Jos茅 to Puerto Jim茅nez airstrip (PJM). The drive from San Jos茅 is around seven hours.

馃尨 馃洀 Where to Stay: Founded in 1993, is often called Costa Rica鈥檚 original eco-lodge. Rooms are nestled amidst the treetops of a 1,000-acre private reserve of Central America鈥檚 last remaining tropical lowland rainforest that skirts the park boundary (from $823 per night).

Where to Go in the Central Pacific

Sunset at Espadilla Beach in Costa Rica
Sunset at Espadilla Beach, nestled in Manuel Antonio National Park and accessible by a short hike. (Photo: Jen Murphy)

Manuel Antonio National Park

This seven-square-mile protected area combines beautiful beaches, rainforests, and wildlife. The resort town of the same name has all the amenities you鈥檇 want from an access point to such pristine nature. Wide, golden beaches including Escondido Beach, Manuel Antonio Beach, and Espadilla Sur can be reached via the main, 1.3-mile flat trail. The government recently capped daily visitors at 1,200 people and you must . The park is closed Tuesdays.

鉁 馃殫 How to Get There: From San Jos茅 it鈥檚 a three-hour drive or a 20-minute flight on Sansa to the gateway town of Quepos (XQP).

馃尨 馃洀 Where to Stay: Splurge on a stay at , a sustainable, community-minded resort set on an 11-acre, trail-laced, private nature reserve. After a ten-minute walk from the property, a short trail unfurls to the north end of the beach, and the resort鈥檚 team of naturalists took me on nature walks to point out sloths and fiery-billed aracari (from $610 per night).

Marino Ballena National Park

One of the country鈥檚 newest national parks has a distinctive whale鈥檚 tail shape and is committed to conserving the marine systems within its boundaries. Twice a year (mid-July to October and December to March) humpback whales migrate to these waters. Book a whale-watching tour with (from $78). The local outfitter also offers snorkeling tours to Isla de Ca帽o, which lies just outside of the protected area but promises sightings of dolphins, turtles, and colorful fish. hosts camps (one week from $1,795) and one-off surf lessons (from $65) at beach breaks in the park. The park has four entrance points, but head to Uvita鈥攖he main gateway to Whale Tail Beach where boat tours depart.

鉁 馃殫 How to Get There: From San Jos茅 it鈥檚 around a four-hour drive or connect via a 20-minute flight on Sansa to Quepos, then drive one hour.

馃尨 馃洀 Where to Stay: Perched high atop a steep hill, has unparalleled views of Uvita town and the national park from its eight suites, open-air restaurant, and infinity pool (from $788 per night). And the more affordable in Uvita has just 12 rooms, each with terraces from which guests can spot hummingbirds and toucans (from $155 per night).

Costa Rica鈥檚 Caribbean Coast

Playa Chiquita beach with turquoise water and palm trees near Puerto Viejo
Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast is home to a plethora of wild beaches, like Playa Chiquito, near Puerto Viejo. (Photo: Simon Dannhauer/Getty)

The less trodden east coast offers all of the natural beauty鈥攚ildlife-filled rainforests, virgin beaches鈥攐f the west, but has fewer crowds and a distinct Afro-Caribbean culture. Expect to hear Patois spoken alongside Spanish, dance to Calypso music, and dine on Jamaican-influenced cuisine like saltfish fritters and rondon, a rich coconut stew.

Where to Go in the Northern Caribbean

a sloth hanging on a power line on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast
It’s commonplace to encounter sloth and other animals and birds in the quaint towns along Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. The author spotted this fella hanging from a power line watching passersby below. (Photo: Jen Murphy)

Tortuguero National Park

This nearly 50,000-acre patchwork of canals, lagoons, dense jungle, thick mangrove forest, and beaches on the northern Caribbean Coast often draws comparisons to the Amazon. The name is a nod to the thousands of turtles that nest on its shores, mainly from July through October. In addition to leatherback, loggerhead, hawksbill, and green sea turtles, you can see around 400 species of birds, including toucans and spoonbills, 60 some species of mammals, and over 100 reptiles. Within hours of a recent visit, I ticked off sightings of capuchin monkeys, a sloth, red dart frogs, howler monkeys, and the emerald basilisk. A night boat tour along the canals revealed the glowing eyes of crocodiles, a coiled boa in a tree, and my eagle-eyed guide spotted a common potoo camouflaged in a cluster of broken branches.

鉁 馃殫 How to Get There: The park can only be accessed by boat or plane. From San Jos茅, you can drive two hours to the La Pavona Dock and catch a two-hour scenic boat transfer. Sansa has a daily 40-minute flight to Tortuguero Airport (TTQ). Most lodges in the parks can arrange van and boat transfers from San Jos茅.

馃尨 馃洀 Where to Stay: is a collection of 11 humble, off-grid bungalows immersed in jungle and perched in front of the Madre de Dios lagoon. Guests have free use of kayaks and canoes and can join day and evening boat tours guided by wildlife experts (minimum two-night stay from $700).

Where to Go in the Southern Caribbean

boat tour in Cahuita National Park in Limon Province
You can catch boat tours to explore the waters of Cahuita National Park, and if you’re lucky, you might spot shark and stingray in the clear, turquoise water beneath you. (Photo: Gonzalo Azumendi/Getty)

Note: These three destinations below are accessible day trips from Lim贸n, so you can pack each hot spot into a span of a few days鈥攐r better yet, take more time and relish the diverse nature of each. Our tips below on how to get there and where to stay apply across the board here.

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

In fall, expert surfers flock to this lively beach town to test their mettle riding Salsa Brava, arguably Costa Rica鈥檚 biggest barreling wave. The black sands of Playa Negra are ideal for lounging beneath palm fronds and an excursion to the nearby , which rehabilitates and rewilds the cats, is a must. You can get a taste of the region鈥檚 signature Afro-Caribbean flavors and sign up for Afro-Latin dance classes at locally loved . The town is also a jumping off point for Cahuita National Park and Gandoca-Manzanillo National WIldlife Refuge.

Cahuita National Park

Set aside one day to explore the coastal wildlife trails that reveal sloth, monkeys, keel-billed toucan, and paca, a rodent that resembles a big guinea pig. The other should be devoted to chilling on the unspoiled beaches or snorkeling and diving the largest system of reefs in Costa Rica. In autumn the waters are calm and clear, making it easy to view stingrays, reef sharks, and 35 types of coral. guides boat trips to snorkel the reef of Cahuita National Park ($90).

Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge

Stretching south nearly to the border of Panama, this collection of unique habitats includes a six-mile swath of golden sand, two swamps, a vibrant coral reef, and 740 acres of trail-laced rainforest. The reef teems with brain coral, Venus sea fans, neon anemones, electric blue parrot fish, and along the coastline you鈥檒l find rare mangrove oyster beds. On land, you may spot endangered ocelot, the elusive harpy eagle, and from March to May four species of turtles come to nest here.

鉁 馃殫 How to Get There: From San Jos茅, you can drive five and a half hours, or Sansa offers multiple daily 35-minute flights to Lim贸n International Airport (LIO).

馃尨 馃洀 Where to Stay: has 15 boho-chic rooms nestled on a forest-fringed beach in Puerto Viejo. I鈥檓 a fan of the complimentary bikes and snorkel gear, and applaud the hotel鈥檚 commitment to hiring employees and sourcing ingredients locally. The national park is just 25 minutes away and the wildlife refuge, ten minutes; the hotel can arrange tours of both. (Rooms from $365 per night.)

Costa Rica鈥檚 Northern Region

Girl walking on hanging bridge in cloud forest in Monteverde Biological Reserve
You can walk along hanging bridges through Monteverde’s cloud forest, which contains nearly half of Costa Rica’s vibrant flora and fauna (Photo: Simon Dannhauer/Getty)

You could spend a lifetime park hopping in the north. First timers won鈥檛 want to skip Costa Rica鈥檚 crown jewels: Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve and Arenal Volcano. Miravalles Volcano National Park, Tenorio Volcano Park, and waterfall mecca Juan Castro Blanco National Park are less known but equally spectacular.

Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve

The cloud forests of Monte Verde, a more than 35,000-acre reserve in the Cordillera de Tilar谩n mountain range, contain approximately 50 percent of the country鈥檚 flora and fauna, including over 420 types of orchids, 200 species of ferns, rare birds like the three-wattled bellbird and iconic resplendent quetzal, and charismatic mammals like the sloth. You can get a bird鈥檚 eye view of the wildlife from walkways suspended in the canopies or on a zip line tour. leads night walks in nearby Monteverde Wildlife Refuge where you can observe nocturnal animals like ocelot, sloth, and armadillos (tickets from $25).

鉁 馃殫 How to Get There: It鈥檚 about a 2.5-hour drive from either San Jos茅 or Guanacaste airports.

馃尨 馃洀 Where to Stay: A hanging bridge connects (from $265 per night) to Aguti Wildlife Reserve and guests get free admission. The reserve is minutes away and the hotel鈥檚 in-house naturalists take guests on tours of the adjacent expanse.

Arenal Volcano National Park

The park鈥檚 namesake stratovolcano soars 5,357 feet towards the clouds and is one of the northern region鈥檚 most popular attractions. But there鈥檚 plenty else to see and do in the 30,000-acre protected area including zip lining, river rafting, horseback riding, and hiking. The Heliconias, Coladas, Tucanes, and Los Miradores trails provide views of flora and fauna as well as the remains of volcanic lava tracts. Outfitter offers a trip that combines a hike through the park with a scenic boat ride on Lake Arenal (tickets from $88).

鉁 馃殫 How to Get There: The gateway town of La Fortuna is around a 2.5 to 3-hour drive from either San Jos茅 or Guanacaste airports.

馃尨 馃洀 Where to Stay: Adults-only is a luxe option in the heart of the park; villas come with private hot spring-fed soaking pools (from $396 per night). And carbon neutral is nestled at the base of the volcano, so you get the up-close experience (from $375 per night). Day passes to Tabac贸n鈥檚 massive hydrotherapy circuit are also available for non-guests.

Costa Rica Travel: 6 Expert Tips for First-Time Visitors

areans del mar happiness comes in waves made for the sea sign on palm tree
The author captured this adage that was nailed to a palm tree on Arenas del Mar in Manuel Antonio鈥攏othing could be more true of Costa Rica’s pura vida vibes. (Photo: Jen Murphy)

Even though I鈥檝e been to the country over 20 times, I know I鈥檝e barely scratched the surface. So I called Javier Echecopar, co-founder of travel company , to share his top tips for smart travel, to get that extra local鈥檚 intel Here鈥檚 what he says every Costa Rica first-timer should be aware of to make the most of your trip.

1. Know Your Seasons

Despite the size, Costa Rica has two distinct weather patterns. December through April is hot and dry in most of the country, but rainy on the Caribbean side. May through November is wet and green across the country, but dry on the Caribbean side.

2. Ignore the Daily Weather Forecast

Ask any Tico (a colloquial term for native inhabitants of Costa Rica) and they鈥檒l tell you normal day-by-day weather forecasts are pretty much useless. For example, the forecast might show rain every day for a week but those tropical showers will only last one hour each afternoon.

3. Consider Using a Driver

Costa Rica is one of the safest places to travel but the roads can be challenging. While driving along the coast is easy, you might consider hiring a driver to explore the mountains and rainforest, which can be more challenging with tight roads, sudden rainfall, and early nightfall.

4. If You Do Drive, Choose Your Rig Wisely

Try to rent a high-clearance SUV with all-wheel drive, and if you need extras like a car seat for kids or roof rack for surfboards, book with . It鈥檚 the only company that offers all of the above for no fee. Locals avoid Google maps which has been known to confuse rivers for roads. Instead, follow instructions on Waze.

5. Don鈥檛 Expect Late Nights

Costa Ricans are early risers. Sunrise is usually around 5:30AM, year-round. And it will be dark by 6PM as well. Expect to shift your day a little earlier to make the most of your time here. If you want nightlife, head to the capital, San Jos茅.

6. Carry Small Bills for Tips

American dollars are widely accepted. 鈥淚 haven鈥檛 touched a col贸n in a long time,鈥 says Echecopar, referring to the local currency. You can pay almost everything with a card, but keep some smaller bills in either currency for gratuities.

Jen Murphy treating herself to a foot bath in the Rio Naranjo in the foothills of the San Marcos de Tarraz煤 mountain range of Costa Rica
The author treating herself to a foot bath in the Rio Naranjo in the foothills of the San Marcos de Tarraz煤 mountain range during her camino trek. (Photo: Juan Chavarria)

Jen Murphy has visited Costa Rica more than 20 times and feels like she has still barely scratched the surface of all the country offers. Last year she trekked the Camino de Costa Rica from the Caribbean to the Pacific Coast and encountered fewer than five other tourists on the trail.

The post Costa Rica: The Beginner鈥檚 Guide to 国产吃瓜黑料 Travel appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

]]>
13 Travel Mistakes Our Writers Will Never Make Again /adventure-travel/advice/worst-travel-mistakes/ Tue, 20 Aug 2024 18:14:17 +0000 /?p=2679031 13 Travel Mistakes Our Writers Will Never Make Again

From pricey foreign driving fines to late-night ant attacks, our travel correspondents reveal trip snafus they don鈥檛 want to relive

The post 13 Travel Mistakes Our Writers Will Never Make Again appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

]]>
13 Travel Mistakes Our Writers Will Never Make Again

There’s no perfect trip. Despite the best planning, the unexpected happens, like the ferry service doesn’t run the only day you need it, or you didn’t know that there are two German towns named Frankfurt.

We asked our longtime travel writers and editors to tell us about their most memorable travel mistakes, the ones that taught them a significant lesson or two. Some of their stories made us chuckle, and most were relatable. If you’ve ever been seriously sick while abroad, frustrated with others on a group trip, or ignorant of the rules of the road in some foreign locale, you’ll appreciate these sticky situations.

1. Desperately Seeking Arctic Apparel

While on my first and only small-ship cruise along the southeast Alaskan coastline one September, I was so excited for the adventures ahead that I mistakenly left my luggage on the airport conveyor belt. The shuttle picking me up transported my group directly to the Mendenhall Glacier for an initial hike before dropping us off at the dock for departure. The boat had set sail before I realized that I had nothing more than the clothes on my back for a chilly seven-day itinerary. I was mortified.

Thankfully, the ship captain and company owner raided the vessel鈥檚 supply closet and were able to deck me out with a staff T-shirt and sweatshirt. An angel fellow passenger loaned me an extra puffy and a few essential layers. Disaster averted, with the help of a few kind people. Stephanie Pearson

2. Double-Check That Google Maps Route

Low sun illuminates the French Alps near Chamonix.
An endless evening drive around the Alps after a long day on the slopes was not what the writer had in mind. (Photo: DurkTalsma/Getty)

After skiing powder all day in the Alpine mecca of Chamonix, France, my husband and I grabbed a baguette and a hunk of cheese and hit the road in our rental Peugeot bound for Tignes, France, the next stop on our winter European road trip.

Still giddy from our time at the iconic resort, we didn鈥檛 consult Google Maps as closely as we should have. It navigated us east through the Mont Blanc Tunnel鈥攁 seven-mile-long feat of engineering that cuts through the massif and connects Chamonix to the neighboring ski town of Courmayeur on the Italian side. The one-way toll costs about $55. Baffled but believing in Google Maps, we continued to follow the directions and enjoyed the finest of scenic drives for another 30 minutes. Then the cobbled streets turned into a one-lane dirt road that soon dead-ended at a snowbank, with skiers cruising atop it.

There was nothing to do but turn around and try a different route, which, of course, directed us back through the tunnel (forcing us to pay again) and added several hours to a long day. But it made for a good story afterward. Megan Michelson

3. Pack Back-Up Meds in Case You Get Sick

The author on a hike in the backcountry while she's sick with scarlet fever
Having to hike to your pick-up point in the backcountry while you鈥檙e sick with scarlet fever鈥攁s our writer is here鈥攊s horrible to endure. (Photo: Courtesy Emily Pennington)

I habitually get sick in foreign countries. I鈥檝e suffered numerous bouts of strep throat while visiting family in Sweden, food poisoning on a rural train in northern India, and came down with scarlet fever on a five-day backpacking trip in the remote Alaskan bush. That last trip was a turning point for me. I now always carry antibiotics with me when I travel. Emily Pennington

4. Why Overpreparing Isn鈥檛 a Bad Idea

Tim Neville rappels himself down a sheer icy face of . It was preferable to the alternative.
The author rappels himself down a sheer icy slope in the Himalayas. It was preferable to another cold nigh at 17,000 feet. (Photo: Courtesy Tim Neville)

I was invited to Nepal in 2003 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first ascent of Mount Everest. I signed up for a 30-day trip with an outfitter that took the scenic route from the steamy jungle up over a series of very high passes, including 19,100-foot Amphu Labtsa La, and back down into Tengboche, the original base camp for the 1953 climb, which was hosting a big celebration.

The trek was absolutely stunning and supremely remote. It was also nerve-wracking. Every day we had reports that Maoists were going to intercept us. That never happened, but incompetence among some in our own group proved to be far more dangerous.

The crux of the trip was an almost impossible ask: we had to summit a 鈥渕inor鈥 17,000-foot pass, cross an ice field, and then get both up and down Amphu Labsta La鈥 all in a day.

I was toward the front of the group when I reached the top of Amphu Labsta La in the afternoon and took a gander at the descent. What I saw terrified me: a 50-degree slope of solid blue ice running at least 400 feet. Getting everyone down was going to be a huge ordeal, since not everyone could rappel on their own.

We ended up having to sleep atop the pass for two nights. Because much of the clients鈥 gear had been lowered with the porters after the initial night (everyone thought the full group would have rappelled down that day), we found ourselves stranded atop the peak with insufficient equipment. A quick tally revealed we had just three tents, three sleeping bags, and two sleeping pads for 11 people. Four of us piled into my three-person tent, and I spread my sleeping bag as best as I could over us. I didn鈥檛 sleep at all, just shivered and prayed a storm wouldn鈥檛 roll in. At first light, exhausted and pissed off at how miserable I鈥檇 been, I packed up, clipped into the rope down the pass, and rappelled myself, not waiting for anyone to lower me. You can bet I partied my ass off when we finally got to Tengboche. Tim Neville

6. Bugged Out

Failing to zip my backpack after sleeping outside in the jungle of Panama had me toting not one, not two, but three massive (and I mean massive) cockroaches with me back to the Panama City hotel where I stayed the night at before my flight home. Between the surprise discovery and the aftermath of dealing with them, I got zero sleep and am still haunted to this day. Stephanie Vermillion

7. Renting a Car in a Foreign Country Can Come with Pricey Curveballs

A car drives toward a town on the coast of Italy
If you’re road-tripping in Italy but don’t know where to park legally, you could literally pay for it for years to come. (Photo: Roman Babakin/Getty)

In 2019, my wife and I bought cheap tickets to Milan, rented a Fiat, and road-tripped through northern Italy. It was thrilling to speed on the mountainous highways and cruise through quaint villages via winding roads that topped out on ridgelines with views of the Mediterranean below. Because it was spring, there were few tourists, so we鈥檇 simply park, walk around visiting a plaza or ancient buildings and churches, and continue on. It was all perfect鈥攗ntil we got home.

On a monthly basis, I started getting fines in the mail鈥攆or improper parking, speeding, and driving in restricted residential areas without the requisite permit. At first I thought this was a mistake. Then I realized that every fine was in the place we鈥檇 visited that day.

After paying hundreds of Euros in penalties, I swore off ever traveling to Italy again. I took to retelling the story of my travails to any Italian who would listen, only to discover this is a common occurrence. One Italian told me that when he returns home, he borrows his mom鈥檚 car, breaks countless rules, and racks up ticket after ticket.

My stance on Italy has since softened, but I still get occasional fines in the mail. I refuse to pay them and try to view them as mementos of one of the best trips of my life. Ryan Krogh

8. Start Earlier than You Think You Need To

A backcountry skier follows a trail through a grove of aspens from a cabin at night. They are wearing a headlamp.
By the purple twilight of dusk, you hope to be settled in to your backcountry cabin鈥攏ot still slogging to reach it. (Photo: Courtesy 国产吃瓜黑料_Photo)

Lesson one: Don鈥檛 underestimate the approach to a backcountry cabin. My friends and I had booked the Eiseman, a popular Tenth Mountain Division hut in the Gore Range outside Vail, Colorado, and getting there required a six-mile ski tour with nearly 3,000 feet of elevation gain. No problem, we thought. We were a hardy crew of experienced backcountry skiers.

What we didn鈥檛 consider was that April鈥檚 warming temperatures had turned the snowpack to mush. Combined with a later than expected afternoon departure, the soft, sticky snow glommed to our skins, making travel considerably slow and challenging.

Lesson two: Less is more in the backcountry. We naively stuffed our packs with margarita fixings, avocados, jars of salsa, a foam roller. Needless to say, the ski in took twice as long as expected鈥攚e didn鈥檛 get to the hut until after dark鈥攁nd half our crew ended up dropping gear there and returning to lighten the load of the slower folks. We were a total junk show. That said, the taco party sure was fun. 鈥拟.惭.

9. The Pitfalls of an Undocumented Pilgrim

When I thru-hiked Spain鈥檚 Camino de Santiago, I carried the obligatory pilgrim鈥檚 passport鈥攁 thin leaflet littered with official stamps, tucked in a protective plastic bag. It proved I鈥檇 walked what amounted to nearly a marathon a day, and it was also my ticket into cheap albergues: glorified hostels reserved solely for pilgrims, where I could soak my feet, thread blisters, rinse my clothes, and crash hard before rising to repeat it all again.

But one day near the end of the trek, in Galicia, a massive storm rolled in while I was eating a sandwich on the side of the road. I hastily repacked my gear and booked the remaining four miles to the nearest town. When I arrived at the albergue that evening, soaking wet and exhausted, I couldn鈥檛 find my pilgrim鈥檚 passport, and no pleading with the check-in lady in Spanish would persuade her to give me a bunk without it.

So I retraced my steps, blisters bursting, leg muscles screaming, my head hammered by hail, until I found it blown up against a fence near where I鈥檇 stopped for lunch. I never misplaced that passport again. Patty Hodapp

10. A Different Kind of Wildlife-Watching

A filled bear can and a ziplock bag, both filled with snacks, set on a field in the Alaskan backcountry, with a tent on the horizon.
Bear cans are designed to prevent the animals from getting into the container, but that doesn’t mean they won’t run off with it. (Photo: Courtesy Emily Pennington)

Last year on an off-trail backpacking trip to Wrangell鈥揝t. Elias National Park, I learned the importance of carrying two to three days of extra food in Alaska. My group was dropped off by a bush plane for a five-day expedition and halfway through the trip, an adolescent grizzly bear ran off with one of our bear cans packed with food. We had to ration supplies for our remaining time, but fortunately, our resourceful guide cobbled together some pretty creative and delicious meals for the final two days. 鈥抬.笔.

11. A Case for the Carry-on

At the check-in counter for my flight to Germany, where I鈥檇 be joining friends to climb in the , I noticed that airline personnel were chatting as they tagged bags. A fleeting thought crossed my mind: Always look at the tag before your bag sails away. But I didn鈥檛.

I arrived in Nuremberg to watch an unfamiliar duffle bag circle around on the carousel, while someone in Newfoundland was looking at mine. I was in northern Bavaria in late autumn, with no sleeping bag, tent, or puffy jacket. I did have my climbing shoes and harness in my carry-on, so I went on to a house in nearby Erlangen owned by extremely generous German climbers, who were letting some of our group occupy their basement.

When I explained my dilemma to the leading free climber (RIP and bless him forever), he shrugged, waved me toward his closet, and told me to take any of his clothes. There was only one problem: I鈥檓 five foot seven, while he was easily six foot one. I wore his stuff for two days. Alison Osius

12. Frostbite Has Never Felt So Imminent

Two people wearing red jackets, on their hands and knees amid a snowstorm in Greenland, trying to set up their tent.
The storm that tested the writers鈥 gloves (Photo: Courtesy Stephanie Vermillion)

When I camped on the Greenland Ice Sheet two years ago, I learned the hard way to test my gear before bringing it on a trip. I brought 鈥渨aterproof gloves鈥 that actually weren鈥檛 waterproof at all. My hands were soaked and freezing within minutes of pitching my tent in a very wet, cold snowstorm. It was 14 degrees out. The next morning I had to thaw the gloves over the mess-tent cookstove. 鈥擲.V.

13. Tetotaling at Elevation

Four people looking out at the mountains, each with a glass of wine in hand
Take care of how much you tipple at high altitudes. (Photo: Kobus Louw/Getty)

Alcohol and altitude don鈥檛 mix, a rule of thumb that took me two notable times in my life to learn. Once I flew from New York City (sea level) to Vail, Colorado, (8,239 feet) for a fun trip with a friend who was writing a story about a professional skier. The skier was going to take us all around the mountain to his favorite spots. The night before, I enjoyed two large glasses of red wine at dinner but had failed to drink much water that day. I woke up nauseous at 2 A.M., threw up for the next three hours, and missed the ski tour.

The second time I was in Chile鈥檚 Atacama Desert, located at 8,200 feet. I was staying at a gorgeous lodge with fantastic food and wine. This was a few years after Vail, and I had long forgotten that incident. So when the beautiful Chilean cabernet was served at dinner, I drank it, but I was hugging the porcelain again early the next morning. I missed an amazing hike up a volcano. Suffice it to say I now don鈥檛 drink at altitude and focus on hydrating instead. Mary Turner

14. Tiny Things That Bite When You Least Expect It

A thick line of army ants in Costa Rica wends across the rainforest floor.
Army ants are something you might not see if you’re not paying attention. But they’re aggressive and quickly swarm when disturbed. (Photo: Education Images/Getty)

I was working for the student newspaper at Montana State University when I got a fax announcing ridiculously low airfare to Costa Rica for spring break, so my brother, girlfriend, and I all went down there to dirtbag it for a week. We were poor, so we packed hammocks, intending to string them between trees on the beach and sleep there.

We made our way to Montezuma, on the Nicoya Peninsula, which back then had one restaurant and a few houses on sandy 鈥渟treets.鈥 It was pitch-black when we arrived at the beach, and none of us had a headlamp. My feet felt wet as we crossed what must have been a small stream slipping out of the jungle through leaves. But then the sensation changed and my legs and feet exploded in what felt like fire.

鈥淎nts!鈥 my brother yelled. We鈥檇 stumbled right into either a nest or a train of fire ants that proceeded to bite the piss out of our legs. There was nothing to do but strip down and race for the ocean, which we also couldn鈥檛 see. Waking up to howler monkeys and swimming the next morning made everything right. 鈥擳.狈.

The post 13 Travel Mistakes Our Writers Will Never Make Again appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

]]>
Finland Tops Happiest Countries List for the Seventh Time /adventure-travel/news-analysis/happiest-countries-2024/ Wed, 20 Mar 2024 10:30:03 +0000 /?p=2662345 Finland Tops Happiest Countries List for the Seventh Time

Scandinavia dominates the 2024 World Happiness Report, while the U.S. drops out of the top 20. Plus, how to sign up to qualify for Finland's free Happiness Hacks vacation.

The post Finland Tops Happiest Countries List for the Seventh Time appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

]]>
Finland Tops Happiest Countries List for the Seventh Time

For the seventh year running, Finland has been named the happiest country in the world by the United Nations鈥 World Happiness Report.听The Nordic nation has long been known for its sauna culture, but the Finns鈥 enduring well-being goes beyond warm rooms and cold plunges. Some Finns have told the press that their citizens aren鈥檛 exactly happy so much as content with what they have, and that work-life balance and state-funded education, childcare, and health care are crucial to the population鈥檚 overall positive frame of mind.

Finland isn鈥檛 trying to keep their keys to happiness a secret, however. 鈥淭here is an old Finnish proverb that states, 鈥楾he one who has happiness should hide it.鈥欌 said Heli Jimenez, a marketing director at Finland鈥檚 tourism department in a statement. 鈥淎s the world鈥檚 happiest country since 2018, we have decided to take the old phrase and update it, making our modern motto: 鈥楾he one who has happiness should share it.鈥欌

In that spirit, anyone curious to try out the Finnish lifestyle for themselves is invited through April 4 to to visit its capital city for five days in June for 鈥淗elsinki Happiness Hacks鈥 and learn from locals about the daily habits that underpin the Finnish lifestyle. Visit Finland is covering travel expenses for those selected, and trip highlights include restaurant tours, a walk in the woods, and a sauna rave. Winners will be announced on May 2.

Of course, Finland isn鈥檛 the only country in the high ranks of the World Happiness Report this year. Eight of the top ten happiest countries in the world are in Europe, perhaps unsurprisingly, given the region鈥檚 notable health care, stable governments, and wealth: Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, the Netherlands, Norway, Luxembourg, and Switzerland. New to the top ten is Australia, and Israel dropped one spot since 2023 (the bulk of data, collected over three years, happened largely before the conflict between Israel and Gaza began on October 7, 2023).

A list of the top 25 countries in the world in 2024
Ratings听are based on a three-year average of each population鈥檚 assessment of their quality of life. For the full list of 143 countries, check out the most recent听.

The United States, on the other hand, fell from 15th happiest country in 2022 to 23rd in 2023, not so much because Americans are less happy鈥攁ccording to the report,听our country鈥檚 overall score only decreased by one-tenth of a point from last year鈥攂ut because a surge in life satisfaction in other nations vaulted them above us on the list.听(To check out 国产吃瓜黑料鈥檚 recent research on the happiest places to live in the U.S., read our report.) Afghanistan, once again, was the world鈥檚 unhappiest nation.

The UN project uses data from the Gallup World Poll, and considers six key components to overall life satisfaction: wealth, health, personal freedoms, generosity, freedom from corruption, and strength of social ties. The highly anticipated report, which has been released annually on March 20 for more than a decade, marks the International Day of Happiness.

For me and my colleagues at 国产吃瓜黑料, access to the outdoors is a critical piece of the happiness puzzle. Which is why the top six countries I鈥檇 be most excited to visit don’t perfectly align with the UN鈥檚 findings. Sorry, Denmark鈥攜our artificial ski hill is cool, but the slightly less elated people of New Zealand have world-class heli-skiing.

Here are six of the top fifteen happiest countries in the world that I鈥檇 be absolutely overjoyed to visit, along with intel that will spark some ideas for adventure travel there.

Finland (No. 1)

A man and woman on bicycles ride next to a sunflower field in Finland, with a red house in the background.
According to , in 2022, approximately two-thirds of households in Finland owned and used a bicycle. (Photo: Courtesy Juho Kuva/Visit Finland)

If this video of mountain biker Erkki Punttila sailing over to ride the trails of Lemmenjoki National Park doesn鈥檛 make you want to drop everything to travel through Finland鈥檚 northern Lapland, we don鈥檛 know what to tell you.听Actually, we do鈥攃onsider a winter visit to explore its wilderness on skis (or even traverse the entire country), take a stroll through the forested countryside, and snack on some rye bread and fish.

Iceland (No. 3)

Feeling physically and spiritually depleted by long COVID, author and 国产吃瓜黑料 contributor Pam Houston visited Iceland and its eponymous breed of horses for rejuvenation. I won鈥檛 spoil her whole uplifting story of enlightenment, but her trip听did offer Houston joy and a whole lot more.

This little island often makes headlines for volcanic (and seismic) activity, but it鈥檚 also a nature-loving traveler鈥檚 dream. Beaches, mountains, glaciers, hot springs鈥擨celand has a bit of everything. You听 can go full Wim Hof and enjoy scenic (and frigid) cold plunges, opt for a warmer route at beautiful hot springs like the Instagram-famous Blue Lagoon, as well as take in the northern lights, surf Arctic waves, and hike its incredible landscape.

Switzerland (No. 9)

A man with a backpack admires Switzerland鈥檚 Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau peaks at sunset.
According to the report, Switzerland has the 13th-happiest young population in the world (those 30 years old and younger) and the 14th-happiest old populace (those 60 and older). Lithuania and Denmark topped those two categories, respectively. (Photo: Getty Images/Roberto Moiola/Sysaworld)

The Alps are home to mountain towns America and the rest of Europe still aspire to. In the winter, outdoor enthusiasts flock to Zermatt, one of the most iconic ski resorts in the world, while summertime treks are straight out of The Sound of Music.

国产吃瓜黑料 contributor Christopher Solomon recently completed the听Via Valais, a 150-mile trail-running-oriented route in southwest Switzerland that was as spectacular as it was demanding. Travelers who prefer to set a slower pace can take their pick of hut-to-hut routes (don鈥檛 be fooled the nomenclature鈥攖hese so-called huts often resemble alpine chalets and are fully stocked with showers, home-cooked meals and cold beer) that allow you to traverse the gorgeous peaks unencumbered by tents and camping supplies.

New Zealand (No. 11)

New Zealand鈥檚 South Island recently made our list of most exciting travel destinations in 2024, thanks in large part to its many biking and hiking trails through stunning scenery, and an uptick in new accommodations and exciting restaurants. United Airlines鈥 new direct flight from San Francisco to Christchurch is a major perk, too.

I鈥檇 head to Queenstown during the austral winter to get in some skiing, but a summer trek along one of the Great Walks wouldn鈥檛 exactly be a chore, either.

Costa Rica (No. 12)

A woman walks her dog on a Costa Rican beach.
Tourism is one of Costa Rica鈥檚 main sources of income, so both visitors and locals profit from the happiness it brings. (Photo: Getty Images/Westend61)

Costa Rica jumped into the top 15 happiest countries this year from 23rd place in 2023. With all of its outdoor adventures, it鈥檚 certainly a happy place for travelers. Take a surf lesson, hike the Camino de Costa Rica, do some yoga on the beach, see a sloth at a wildlife sanctuary, or just read in the sun for a few hours鈥攖here are plenty of ways to rest and restore in Costa Rica.

Although it鈥檚 one of the most , 国产吃瓜黑料 contributor Jeff Garmire and his partner managed a two-week visit in 2020 for less than $500.

Canada (No. 15)

America鈥檚 northern neighbor has a lot going for it, in terms of life satisfaction generally and outdoor recreation opportunities specifically. I鈥檓 biased toward British Columbia, which has a lot in common with my beloved childhood home of Western Washington. Rocky beaches, rugged mountains, and lush temperate rainforests are abundant, and Vancouver鈥檚 superb dining and arts scene make it the perfect spot to refuel between all the hiking, skiing, surfing, and boating nearby. There鈥檚 enough singletrack to keep even the hardest-charging mountain biker satisfied for years. Here’s the perfect itinerary to take in the scenery along the Sea-to-Sky Highway from Vancouver to Whistler.

If the Canadian Rockies are more your speed, Banff lives up to the hype and is a great spot to adventure with your kiddos. Farther east, Quebec is forecast to have incredible views of the aurora borealis this year (as are the Northwest Territories, if you鈥檙e looking for an even more remote adventure).

The author outside some colorful buildings in Valpara铆so, Chile, holding on to her suitcase handle.
The author in Valpara铆so, Chile; the nation was ranked 38th on this year鈥檚 list.听(Photo: Courtesy Miyo McGinn)

Miyo McGinn is an assistant editor at 国产吃瓜黑料, and tends to be pretty happy whenever she gets the chance to travel, regardless of the destination. Her next international trip will probably be to Canada, just a few hours鈥 drive from her home in Bozeman, Montana.听

The post Finland Tops Happiest Countries List for the Seventh Time appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

]]>
Why Your Next Trip Should Be to a Blue Zone /adventure-travel/destinations/blue-zone-trips/ Wed, 24 Jan 2024 11:45:22 +0000 /?p=2658148 Why Your Next Trip Should Be to a Blue Zone

This year, travel to one of the healthiest places on earth. We asked Blue Zones expert Dan Buettner for tips on visiting these five destinations, and ways to incorporate longevity habits into your own life.

The post Why Your Next Trip Should Be to a Blue Zone appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

]]>
Why Your Next Trip Should Be to a Blue Zone

For the past two decades, Dan Buettnerhas traveled the world gathering the wisdom of the world鈥檚 longest-living centenarians. The result is seven books for National Geographic on longevity and happiness, the most recent, The Blue Zones Secrets for Living Longer, published in 2023; the Netflix documentary Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones, which claimed the number three spot shortly after its debut in August; and the Blue Zones diet, whose guidelines have inspired millions of people to eat more beans.

鈥楲ive to 100鈥 Netflix special with Dan Buettner promotional image
The four-part Live to 100 docuseries has been popular since it debuted on Netflix on August 30, 2023, but Dan Buettner’s research on longevity has spanned decades.听(Photo: Courtesy Netflix)

Before he became an oracle, Buettner, who is 63, rode his bike from Alaska to Argentina, around the planet, and across Africa, setting three Guinness World Records. Then he became my boss. In September 2000, Buettner convinced eight of us, including archaeologists, biologists, photographers, videographers, and writers, to cross the Australian outback on bicycles while on a mission to solve the mystery behind the听, which Australia鈥檚 Indigenous people believe are routes, or land markers, to their ancestors. We interviewed knowledgeable experts and tasted staple foods like witchetty grubs, and beamed our discoveries via satellite to schoolkids following our adventure in real time.

During that six-week quest, however, our lifestyle was the antithesis of one that would ensure a long life. We ate gas station junk food, stayed up until dawn squinting at computer screens, and downed shots of tequila to soothe frayed nerves and celebrate milestones. Months later our team drove through Mexico and Guatemala for another six weeks, this time trying to solve the mystery behind the collapse of the Maya civilization. Had Buettner not shifted his focus to finding the world鈥檚 longest-living people, our hard-charging life might have killed us all. But it sure was fun.

In 2009, I wrote a story for 国产吃瓜黑料 as his Blue Zones project started gathering steam worldwide. Buettner is on an ever-evolving quest, but today his lifestyle habits are comparatively monk-like, aligning more closely with his Blue Zones findings. 鈥淲hen you marinate in this stuff, you start to taste like it,鈥 he joked when I spoke with him recently, adding that he abides by 90 percent of what he鈥檚 learned (although the Blue Zones diet frowns upon over-imbibing, he did confess to ringing in the New Year with one shot of very fine tequila).

As the result of the Blue Zones and books like , by Peter Attia with Bill Gifford, and , by David Sinclair, more and more travelers are seeking the fountain of youth. Wellness tourism reached $651 billion in 2022, according to the , and international wellness tourists spent $1,746 per trip that same year鈥41 percent more than a typical international tourist.

For those who want to travel to the original Blue Zones instead of couching it through the Netflix series, we tapped Buettner鈥檚 experience on how to soak up the centuries of health and wellness wisdom found in these five places. Then听we added our own adventurous 国产吃瓜黑料 twist for each destination.

Why Are the Blue Zones So Healthy?

Dan Buettner sits down to a family lunch in Ikaria, Greece
Dan Buettner (center left) sits down to a family lunch in Ikaria, Greece.听Plant-based meals and keeping family close both play into Blue Zones principles. (Photo: David McLain)

In the early 2000s, the awarded Buettner a grant to identify the world鈥檚 longest-living populations and learn their lessons. Independent from Buettner鈥檚 work, demographer Michel Poulain and medical statistician Gianni Pes identified Sardinia, Italy, as the region with the highest concentrations of male centenarians. In 2004,听they published in the Journal of Experimental Gerontology听identifying the region as a 鈥渂lue zone.鈥 (Pes used blue ink to denote villages of exceptional longevity, hence the name.)听 Buettner eventually partnered with Poulain and Pes, and extended the Blue Zones attribution to four additional longevity epicenters around the globe, eventually identifying nine common lifestyle habits found in every one.听 He calls these lessons the (outlined below).

鈥淧eople in the Blue Zones don鈥檛 do any of the stuff that is relentlessly marketed to Americans,鈥 such as eating junk food and going to a gym or a spa, says Buettner. It鈥檚 not that people in Blue Zones have better genes, he adds, 鈥渋t鈥檚 that their day-to-day unconscious decisions are appreciably better.鈥 And that adds up over decades to more than eight years of additional life expectancy. 鈥淏lue Zones has become a movement to change our environment, so we mindlessly make better decisions about our health, and that鈥檚 what works,鈥 says Buettner.

Blue Zones Map: Where in the World Are They?

Blue Zones map of the five healthiest locations in the world
This Blue Zones map outlines where each of the world鈥檚 healthiest five locations exist. Notice any similarities? (Illustration: Tim Schamber)

As you can see from the Blue Zones on this map, all five fall in middle latitudes with temperate climates. Additionally, says Buettner, 鈥淏lue Zones are always hill people. They are not coastal. These cultures 鈥済rew beans and grains and garden greens and tubers, and brilliant women over the course of 100 generations got really good at making this food taste gorgeously delicious.鈥

The Five Blue Zones are:

The Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica: The residents of some of the mountainous villages of this Pacific coastal peninsula are twice as likely as Americans to reach a healthy age of 90.
Okinawa, Japan: Located 400 miles south of the Kyushu (the country鈥檚 southwesternmost main island), this 463-sqare-mile destination is home to the oldest women in the world.
Ikaria, Greece: Less than 100 square miles, residents of this tiny north Aegean island live eight years longer than Americans, have half the rate of heart disease of Americans, and almost no dementia.
Loma Linda, California: This bedroom community of Los Angeles is a bedrock for many Seventh Day Adventists who view their health as an integral part of their faith.
Sardinia, Italy: The island鈥檚 eastern Ogliastra and Nuoro provinces have the greatest concentration of male centenarians in the world.

The 9 Healthy-Living Principles of the Blue Zones

Blue Zones expert Dan Buettner with his arm around an elderly resident of a village in Costa Rica
Buettner with one of the elderly residents of a Nicoya Peninsula village. According to Blue Zones research, centenarians here have a high sense of purpose.听(Photo: David McLain)

鈥淥nly 25 percent of how long you live is dictated by genes. The other 75 percent is something else,鈥 says Buettner. Given that information, Buettner reasoned that if he could isolate the places where people lived the longest without disease, and then find common denominators between each place, that 鈥渙ught to be something to pay attention to.鈥 The following are the commonalities he鈥檚 coined the Power 9.

  • Move Naturally: The world鈥檚 longest-living people don鈥檛 pump iron or go to a gym. They live in environments that constantly nudge them to move naturally, as in working in a garden or walking uphill to visit a neighbor.
  • Purpose: Whether it鈥檚 called ikigai in Okinawa or plan de vida in Nicoya, Blue Zones residents have a reason to wake up every morning.
  • Downshift: Each Blue Zone has a daily routine that diminishes stress; in Sardinia, one such option is happy hour, and in Ikaria that may mean an afternoon nap.
  • 80 Percent Rule: Okinawans recite a 2,500-year-old Confucian mantra before mealtimes, 鈥淗ara hachi bu,鈥 reminding them to stop eating when their stomach feels 80 percent full. Also, in the Blue Zones, people eat their smallest meal in the early evening and then stop eating until the next day.
  • Plant Slant: Beans are the foundation of most centenarian diets. Meat鈥攎ostly pork in the Blue Zones鈥攊s eaten only five times per month on average, and one portion is three to four ounces, about the size of a deck of cards.
  • Wine at Five: People in every Blue Zone except Loma Linda drink alcohol moderately and regularly, which means one to two glasses per day, consumed with friends and food. Sardinian Cannonnau (known elsewhere as grenache), a robust regional red varietal, has three to four times the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory flavonoids of other wines.
  • Belong: All but five of the 263 centenarians Buettner and his team interviewed belonged to a faith-based community. Denomination doesn鈥檛 seem to matter.
  • Loved Ones First: Successful centenarians in Blue Zones put their families first. They keep their aging parents or grandparents nearby or at home, commit to a life partner, and invest in their children with time and love.
  • Right Tribe: Blue Zones centenarians were born into or choose social circles that support healthy behaviors. In Okinawa, they create moais, a group of five friends committed to each other for life.

国产吃瓜黑料鈥檚 Ultimate TravelGuide to the Blue Zones

Some Blue Zones are more amenable to mainstream travelers than others, says Buettner. In the two decades since he began to research these five destinations, some have changed dramatically. In Okinawa, for example, U.S. military bases have brought increasing numbers of fast-food restaurants to the island, and many of the original centenarians Buettner interviewed have died. But there are still idyllic pockets in each place where travelers can glean the wisdom and lifestyle of its residents.

Before you book plane tickets, heed Buettner鈥檚 advice: 鈥淚f you鈥檙e the type of traveler who likes to meet the locals, are not in a hurry, are intellectually curious, and don鈥檛 mind staying in a rustic place to really absorb the culture, the Blue Zones are nice places to go. But if you鈥檇 rather party, get a massage, and order room service, go elsewhere.鈥

Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica

sandy shoreline of Guiones Beach with palm trees and lush vegetation
A misty morning at Playa Guiones in Nosara, Costa Rica听(Photo: Getty/Lightphoto)

鈥淭he gateway destination for the Blue Zones is the Nicoya Peninsula,鈥 says Buettner. 鈥淚t鈥檚 an easy place to start, because you can book a nice hotel, do a yoga class, eat good food, and meet health-minded people.鈥

Although it鈥檚 an hour away from the nearest official Blue Zone, Buettner recommends staying in Nosara.听 The resort town is lined with five idyllic beaches and outdoor activities听that spiral out in every direction. The real Blue Zones, where the centenarians live, however, are the small villages in the mountains above the ocean, like Hojancha and Nicoya, less than 40 miles northeast by road.

girl walking the shore of Nosara with her surfboard nearby
The coastal town of Nosara, with its warm water and gentle swells, is a renowned destination for surfers. (Photo: Jen Murphy)

Where to 国产吃瓜黑料: Nosara is the perfect oasis for beginner and intermediate surfers, thanks to consistent year-round waves with clean breaks. You can also enjoy mountain biking and hiking in the tropical forest, Pacific fishing charters, and yoga everywhere.

Where to Stay: Buettner recommends the brand-new , which opened January 25 steps from four-mile-long Playa Guiones, one of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica. Each of its nine plush private residences has a fully equipped kitchen and other amenities like private barrel saunas. Above is a rooftop bar lining an infinity pool. Buettner will be speaking at the hotel on February 2, but if you miss him, there are plenty of other distractions. Silvestre also offers a studio with a range of wellness classes including yoga, boxing, breath work, tai chi, and movement options for kids and teens.听 Three-night minimum stay, from $960 per night

rectangular rooftop pool at Silvestre with soft lounge chairs and a palm tree
The rooftop infinity pool at Silvestre is a good place to unplug. (Photo: Courtesy Silvestre/Sergio Pucci)

The has been a family-run community hub for the past 40 years. More recently it added a surf school, guided hiking and mountain-biking outings. Additionally, the hotel can arrange a custom tour of the nearby Blue Zones with local Spanish-speaking guides鈥攂ecause the centenarians don鈥檛 speak English. Airy rooms accommodate two to six people. From $276 per night in the low season (May, and September through October) and from $480 per night in the high season (November 1 to December 19, and January 6 to March 31)

gorgeous room at the Gilded Iguana with an outdoor patio
One of the airy, sunny rooms at the Gilded Iguana (Photo: Courtesy the Gilded Iguana/Andres Garcia Lachner)

Where to Eat: Buettner recommends heading to one of the original Blue Zone villages to eat a casado breakfast, a word that translates to a 鈥渕arriage,鈥 in this case between fresh corn tortillas and beans. 鈥淯ntil the year 2000 or so, that was 80 percent of these villages鈥 caloric intake,鈥 says Buettner. He also recommends stopping at a roadside fruit stand to stock up on mangoes, papayas, guavas, 鈥渁nd all these wonderful fruits that grow in their gardens like weeds.鈥 In Nosara, Soda Rosie鈥檚 also serves casados. Expats hang out at the Destiny Caf茅, known for its smoothie bowls, avocado toast, and organic roasted 鈥渃loud鈥 coffee with fresh coconut milk.

Ikaria, Greece

Buettner hiking up a trail in Ikaria with green hillsides tumbling down to the sea
Buettner treads a hillside trail in Ikaria. Islanders incorporate movement into their daily lives, sometimes just walking over to their neighbors for a visit. (Photo: David McLain)

鈥淚karia is my personal favorite, because I know and love the people,鈥 Buettner told me, adding that rooms in the guest house where he always stays are still affordable, there鈥檚 great hiking on the island, and you鈥檙e still likely to meet a longevity all-star. 鈥淲hen I started coming here, it wasn鈥檛 known, but today you will sit down with people from Israel, Australia, Italy鈥攁ll over the world.鈥

Where to 国产吃瓜黑料: This听 island in the Aegean Sea has been off the beaten path since it was first inhabited in the sixth century B.C. There are rugged mountain paths for hiking鈥攜ou鈥檒l be sharing them with goat and sheep herders鈥攁 growing sport-climbing and bouldering scene, and incredible beaches that require not insignificant descents. On Messakti Beach, which beckons with a sandy-bottom break and gentle waves, is a one-stop shop offering daily surf and SUP lessons, as well as听 rentals and yoga on the beach. For an insiders鈥 view of the interior, sign up for a trek with , whose local guides who know the inland paths like the back of their hand.

beach-goers wade into an impossibly turquoise inlet on the island of Ikaria
Not a bad inlet in Ikaria for enjoying a swim and soaking up some vitamin D. (Photo: Getty/Gatsi)

Where to Stay: Buettner always boards at , in the northwestern village of Nas. The owners, Thea and Ilias Parikos, are dear friends of his. The inn 鈥渉as a gorgeous deck overlooking the Aegean, and the family gets most of their food from an enormous garden right next door.鈥 Plus, notes Buettner, 鈥淭hea herself will always sit down and talk to you.鈥 Beyond the familial vibe and incredible food (some of her recipes can be found in the Blue Zone Solution cookbook), the property is directly above one of the island鈥檚 best beaches. Choose from one of five rustic rooms, each with personal bathrooms and French doors that open to a private balcony overlooking the sea, plus a small refrigerator for storing fresh herbs foraged on a hike. Time your visit for Thea鈥檚 cultural-immersion retreat, designed to teach guests how to incorporate the Blue Zones鈥 Power 9 habits into their daily lives. From $33

Where to Eat: It will be difficult to find better meals and views than the restaurant terrace of Thea鈥檚 Inn. She and her staff serve Ikarian specialties like soufiko and bean stew, a version of ratatouille, the vegetables of which 鈥渨ill likely have been in the garden five hours earlier,鈥 says Buettner. Another beautiful spot Buettner recommends is , run by George and Eleni Karimalis, who work with grapes from a revived 500-year-old vineyard. 鈥淭hey have great cooking classes and make a very satisfactory wine,鈥 says Buettner.

Sardinia, Italy

girl in a red kayak paddles the clear turquoise waters toward a sandy beach on Sardinia鈥檚 Ogliastra coast
Sardinia鈥檚 Ogliastra coast is both wild and beautiful, with numerous inlets for swimming. Hikers can head inland, where the Blue Zone鈥檚 villages are located, for some serious trekking. (Photo: Getty/REDA&CO)

Sardinia鈥檚 Ogliastra and Nuoro provinces are worth the travel time. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a road trip to get there,鈥 says Buettner, but the cluster of five villages鈥擜rzana, Talana, Baunei, Urzulei, and Triei are the most picturesque. Seulo, farther south, is home to the highest concentration of centenarians.

Where to 国产吃瓜黑料: Test yourself on the 33-mile Selvaggio Blu route, seen in the video below. It starts near the coastal town of Santa Maria Navaresse, involves sketchy scrambling and via ferratas, has jaw-dropping views of the cliffs and Tyrrhenian Sea, and is dubbed the toughest trek in Italy. offers a less extreme option with its seven-day Wild Blue Zone Trek (not affiliated with Buettner鈥檚 Blue Zones), where you鈥檒l explore the 25-mile-long Orosei coastline, hiking to unexplored beaches, on narrow rocky trails along white sea cliffs, and spending two nights on a private boat anchored in cerulean waters. The tough limestone in Nuoro also makes it one of the premier sport-climbing destinations in Italy, with slabs, steep walls, and wicked overhangs.

Where to Stay: Santa Maria Navaresse, while not in the official Blue Zone, is a 鈥渘ice seaside town with decent restaurants,鈥 says Buettner. Base yourself there and you鈥檙e less than 20 miles from the nearest Blue Zone of Arzana. , a family-run, 12-room hotel, sits 150 feet from the beach and near an 11th-century church next to a thousand-year-old grove of olive trees. With free beach towels and umbrellas and sunbeds available, the beach of Santa Maria Navarrese is an extension of the hotel. From $178

Where to Eat: According to Buettner, to experience a true Blue Zones meal, you鈥檒l need to be invited into the home of a local, because restaurants in these villages cater to special events like birthday parties and, as a result, 鈥渢he menu looks like a roasted petting zoo, with goat and piglet鈥濃攎ore celebratory foods than staples. The Nascar hotel鈥檚 restaurant menu is more seafood heavy than a traditional Blue Zones diet, but the red prawns are freshly caught.

Okinawa, Japan

narrow pathway between tropical foliage leads to a white-sand beach with a turquoise bay and a view of Okinawa's Kerama Islands
More than 150 islands make up the Okinawa prefecture. The Kerama Islands are home to pristine scenery like this, as well as a national park.听(Photo: Getty/Pete鈥檚 Photography)

鈥淥kinawa as a Blue Zone is gone. The only vestiges of it are the oldest people. You have to be a committed traveler to find them and also need to hire a guide, because nobody speaks English,鈥 says Buettner. Sadly, the island now has the highest rate of obesity in Japan, largely due to the fast food introduced with the creation of the U.S. military bases. It may be lost as a Blue Zone, but Okinawa still has pockets of beauty, with stunning waterfalls, white-sand beaches, and dreamy resorts on the outer islands.

Where to 国产吃瓜黑料: The Yanbaru region, which includes on the main island of Okinawa, was designated a Unesco World Natural Heritage site in 2021. Its name translates to 鈥渄ensely forested mountains,鈥 and听 its lush forests and limestone peaks make for incredible sightseeing. Hike to 75-foot-high Hiji waterfall, the highest on the island, paddle the Gesashi Bay Mango Forest, and camp near off-the-beaten-path beaches. There鈥檚 also an incredible undersea world off some of Okinawa鈥檚 satellite islands, like Ishigaki, where you can snorkel among healthy coral reefs, dive with manta rays, and soak up some vitamin D.

A man stands in a pool at the base of the short but powerful Arawaka Falls, surrounded by lush green foliage and palm trees
On Osaka’s far-flung Ishigaki Island, a ramble through the rainforest to reach Arawaka Falls rewards hikers with a pool where they can take a dip. (Photo: Getty/Ippei Naoi)听

Where to Stay: In Yanbaru, the whimsical accommodations at the boast 360-degree views of the sub-tropical evergreens, and offer a symphony of bird sounds along with a sauna for increased relaxation. (From $826 per night for up to six people.) On Ishigaki, the lines a half-mile long, sugar-sand beach. With 17 room and villa types surrounded by subtropical gardens, and activities on offer from resort diving courses to swimming off remote islands, there鈥檚 plenty of space to find privacy. From $147听

Where to Eat: Buettner recommends in the seaside village of Ogimi, which relies on the same seasonal vegetables that have been harvested from nearby fields for centuries. Because of its popularity and authenticity, reservations are required.

Loma Linda, California

mountain biker wearing a helmet arrives at a ridgetop in Loma Linda, California
Loma Linda鈥檚听eastern playground of Palm Springs is just an hour’s drive away. Mountain biking, hiking, and horseback riding there are all popular outdoor activities for adventure enthusiasts. (Photo: Getty/Michael Svoboda)

鈥淟oma Linda is a very hard Blue Zone to see, because it鈥檚 about residents鈥 Adventist lifestyle鈥攏o drinking, no smoking, a 24-hour Sabbath, and church on Saturday morning,鈥 says Buettner of the 9,000 Seventh Day Adventists who live here. But it鈥檚 possible to live the Loma Linda lifestyle for at least a day, then retire to nearby Palm Springs, 50 miles southeast on I-10, for further adventure.

Where to 国产吃瓜黑料: Do as the Loma Lindans do and spend a day at the University of Loma Linda鈥檚 , a one-stop shop for fitness classes, aquatics, nutrition classes, and, of course, a wicked game of pickleball.

Where to Stay: , in Palm Springs, offers a respite from the world. Set on 1.5 acres, two historic villas were combined to create a lush Mediterranean-and-Moroccan-themed oasis of bungalows, guesthouses, gardens and pools. Wake up with a yoga class, head to the Tahquitz Canyon for a short, rigorous, sweaty hike to a 60-foot waterfall, then return to lounge poolsidethe rest of the day. From $220

Where to Eat: Being in one of the world鈥檚 five Blue Zones, claims to have the largest vegan and vegetarian meat selections in Southern California. It also has treats like gluten-free, vegan, chocolate peanut butter cupcakes.

Stephanie Pearson walking her mountain bike across a shallow streamed on Utah鈥檚 Great Western Trail
The author on Utah鈥檚 Great Western Trail during an听国产吃瓜黑料 assignment to cover the new听Aquarius Trail听bikepacking hut system听(Photo: Courtesy Jen Judge)

国产吃瓜黑料 contributing editor and 2023 National Geographic Explorer Stephanie Pearson lives in northern Minnesota and gives herself a solid B average when it comes to maintaining the Power 9.

The post Why Your Next Trip Should Be to a Blue Zone appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

]]>