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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.

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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)

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Is It Safe to Travel to Mexico? I Think: Yes. Here鈥檚 What to Know. /adventure-travel/advice/safe-travel-mexico/ Fri, 21 Mar 2025 09:00:50 +0000 /?p=2698999 Is It Safe to Travel to Mexico? I Think: Yes. Here鈥檚 What to Know.

We researched the seven most-touristed towns and what kinds of risks you should be aware of in each

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Is It Safe to Travel to Mexico? I Think: Yes. Here鈥檚 What to Know.

I could spend a lifetime exploring Mexico and probably still not scratch the surface of all the country has to offer. It鈥檚 long been one of my favorite getaways when I need a quick surf and sun fix or a dose of culture. A few years ago, my friend Val and I plotted a road trip around Baja California Sur. We flew into San Jos茅 del Cabo and drove a big loop stopping to surf in Todos Santos, swim with whale sharks in La Paz, and hike to waterfalls and ATV around Santiago. When friends and family learned of our plans they immediately raised concerns: Two single women driving around Baja alone? Is it safe to travel to Mexico?

Not once did we feel unsafe. We made a point not to drive at night. We stayed at hotels staffed with security and located in main tourists hubs rather than remote Airbnbs. The most alarming incident of the week was a run in with a rowdy seal pup that wouldn鈥檛 stop tugging on my flipper while we were snorkeling.

Jen Murphy and a friend in Cabo
The author and a pal on a trip to Cabo, Mexico, to catch waves, rays, and of course, boat as much as possible. (Photo: Courtesy of Jen Murphy)

If you are a news junky, I understand why travel to Mexico might raise flags. Drinking the water is no longer the biggest worry. Headlines of kidnappings, shootings, and gang violence are common. Last summer, I was chilled to learn two Australians and their American friend were while on a surf trip in Ensenada. But incidents like the one in Ensenada are rare.

One hotel owner in Cabo, who asked to remain anonymous, pointed out that the drug cartels realize that the tourist towns fuel local economies and tend to leave them be.

鈥淢exico is not that much different from many other places in the world,鈥 says Jack Ezon, founder of New York City-based travel agency . 鈥淚 cannot believe how many people from New York, Chicago, or Los Angeles ask if Mexico is safe, as bullets fly on corners from those cities every day.”

The country is also massive鈥攖hree times the size of Texas鈥攁nd can’t or shouldn’t be generalized. When you look at the (Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions; Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution; Level 3: Reconsider Travel; Level 4: Do Not Travel), read the fine print of which areas have risks and restrictions. And here is a from Journey Mexico to help you plan your visit to certain areas.

Spring Break and other holiday periods typically see a rise of American tourists. If you鈥檙e considering a south of the border holiday, these are seven of the most popular getaways. We鈥檝e dug into what鈥檚 to love about each, where to stay, and safety precautions to ease your mind.

Destinations Newsletter

Want more of 国产吃瓜黑料鈥檚 Travel stories?


How Safe Is It to Visit These Top Mexico Tourist Destinations?

Puerto Vallarta

Playa Los Muertos beach and pier in Puerto Vallarta
Playa Los Muertos beach and pier in Puerto Vallarta鈥攁n ideal bay for snorkeling, or Humpback watching right from your chair (Photo: Westend61/Getty)

Why It’s a Popular Destination: Tucked between the rugged Sierra Madre Mountains and beautiful Banderas Bay on Mexico鈥檚 Pacific coast, Puerto Vallarta is a perennial favorite getaway for American travelers thanks to its year-round warm weather and easy access from major U.S. cities. Look past the manicured gated communities and luxury all-inclusive resorts and you鈥檒l discover the destination has a wild side. Humpbacks migrate here from December through March, and from July through December Puerto Vallarta鈥檚 beaches turn into hatching grounds for sea turtles. 国产吃瓜黑料rs can explore the mountains by ATV, bike, or horseback.

Safety Precautions: Puerto Vallarta is located in the state of Jalisco, which the U.S. government deems a security due to crime and kidnapping and cautions Americans to reconsider travel. Major tourist hotspots, like Puerto Vallarta, however, are subject to more petty crimes such as theft and vacation-home break ins. The Puerto Vallarta Citizen Security Police Station ramps up efforts during peak tourist seasons, dispatching daytime patrols across the city鈥檚 main avenues and near ATMS and banks.

Where to Stay: Spread across 85 acres of jungle and beach, includes dozens of activities within the price of a stay, such as kayak tours to Los Arcos and tequila tastings. (Rooms start at $430, all-inclusive)

San Miguel de Allende

Narrow street in the old town of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Peruse the narrow streets in the old town of San Miguel de Allende (Photo: Marco Bottigelli/Getty)

Why It’s a Popular Destination: The first time I visited this UNESCO World Heritage City in the state of Guanajuato I was charmed, as most travelers are, by its impressive Spanish colonial architecture, pink neo-Gothic cathedral, mariachi bands, art galleries, and vibrant food scene. I devoted an entire day to wandering its cobbled stone streets and alleyways, and was rewarded with serendipitous finds like the insanely addictive churros at Chocolates y Churros San Agust铆n.

Just beyond the city, you can horseback ride through scenic countryside, sip wines at Cava Garambullo 鈥 one of 30-some wineries along the Ruta del Vino听鈥 and soak in .

Safety Precautions: The State Department lists Guanajuato as and recommends Americans reconsider travel due to crime. However, most of the gang violence in the area occurs in the south and central areas of the state and the guidance is to avoid the area south of and including Federal Highway 45D, Celaya, Salamanca, and Irapuato. San Miguel de Allende experienced some last year, but none of the incidents were directed at tourists. Amanda Keidan, the American expat owner of Casa Delphine, cautions that you need to be aware while walking at night, as petty crimes can occur, but the biggest risk for visitors is eating street meat.

Where to Stay: Tucked down a cobbled stone street, Keidan鈥檚 five-suite feels like a stylish homestay. She arranges immersive experiences such as cooking classes and tarot card dinners. (Rooms start at $285)

Riviera Maya

Float in Rivera Maya’s nearby cenotes鈥攏atural sinkholes formed by the collapse of limestone bedrock that fill with water (Photo: Marianna Massey/Getty)

Why It’s a Popular Destination: This 100-mile slice of Caribbean coast on Mexico鈥檚 northeastern Yucat谩n Peninsula is home to some of the prettiest white sand beaches I鈥檝e ever stuck my toes in. Colorful coral reefs glow electric in the crystal clear waters鈥攖he visibility is so good it鈥檚 possible to dive here year round.

Spectacular archeological sites, such as Chichen Itza and Ek鈥 Balam, lie inland in Indiana Jones-worthy jungles. And you can swim in many of the area鈥檚 dazzling blue cenotes鈥攏atural sinkholes of freshwater carved into limestone rocks. The area鈥檚 two main tourist towns, Playa del Carmen and Tulum, have some seriously great restaurants. The former is known for its all-inclusive resorts and laid back vibes. The latter has become a destination for yogis and the Burning Man crowd.

Safety Precautions: When I last visited Riviera Maya in 2022, the region had experienced a in which tourists were killed or injured. The police and government have cracked down on the violence, but tourist zones still occasionally see shootings. Last February, an American tourist in Tulum was killed in the between rival drug dealers. Alcohol and drugs fuel the parties and music festivals in Tulum and crimes are almost always related to drug consumption or sales, says Alexis Sch盲rer, a hotelier in Playa del Carmen. In other words, stay away from drugs and you鈥檙e likely to stay clear of trouble. The U.S. State Department ranks the areas in the state of Quintana Roo a and advises travelers to exercise increased situational awareness after dark in downtown areas of Tulum and Playa del Carmen, remain in well-lit pedestrian streets and tourist zones, and use authorized taxis instead of ride share apps.

Where to Stay: Just two blocks from Calle 38, a public beach in Playa del Carmen, adult-only is a nine-room oasis in a sea of mega resorts. Each of the nine rooms is decorated with vintage flea-market finds and I loved all of the complimentary amenities, including cruiser bikes, beach bags, and cold beers that can be enjoyed in the garden or rooftop terrace. (Rooms start at $173)

Mexico City

women looking at vegetables in the Mercado de Jamaica, Mexico City
Mexico City is the cuisine capital of the country for foodies. Don’t miss the many markets, pop-up food carts, culinary festivals, and more. (Photo: Linka A Odom/Getty)

Why It’s a Popular Destination: One of the planet鈥檚 greatest cities, this sprawling megalopolis is a wild mishmash of historic and modern neighborhoods, public parks and verdant boulevards, and grand museums and intimate galleries. It鈥檚 also, in my opinion, the world鈥檚 most exciting food city, home to incredible markets, like Mercado de Coyoac谩n, cheap and tasty hole-in-the-wall taco and tostada joints, and pilgrimage-worthy gastronomic temples such as Pujol and Contramar.

Safety Precautions: The U.S. State Department ranks Mexico City , warning travelers to exercise increased caution due to both violent and non-violent crime. As with any large city, petty crime, like pickpocketing, occurs frequently, so be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded markets and on public transportation. Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection has ranked Mexico City among the for several years in a row and noted that sticking to neighborhoods closer to the city center and in the north, such as Centro Historico, Roma Sur, and Noche Buena, tend to be safer for visitors. The team at Journey Mexico recommends being extra vigilant in the neighborhoods of Tepito and Guerrero at night. Rafael Micha, managing partner in boutique Mexican hotel brand Grupo Habita, advises to avoid wearing flashy jewelry or watches and waving around expensive cameras.

Where to Stay: Located in the city鈥檚 historic center, is a 17th-century manor turned boutique hotel with a rare rooftop pool. (Rooms start at $230)

Cancun

Cancun, Mexico ariel view of the beach and hotels
Thanks to the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea, Cancun’s swimming, snorkeling, diving, and off-beach adventures make this a worthy stop for visitors (Photo: Atlantide Phototravel/Getty)

Why It’s a Popular Destination: I鈥檒l admit, my first passport stamp from Mexico was en route to a cliche high school spring break that included the water slide experience at Se帽or Frogs. This classic spring break destination lives up to the hype for its wild nightlife, but it also boasts some of the Caribbean鈥檚 finest beaches as well as unique attractions like the , which can be experienced by scuba divers or snorkelers. Cancun is also a convenient base for exploring Mayan archeological sites, like the step-pyramid Temple of Kukulcan, and the underground world of , a mind blowing cave system.

Safety Precautions: Cancun is considered the gateway to Riviera Maya. Located in the state of Quintana Roo, it is deemed by the U.S. State Department and has the following safety precautions: be alert after dark in downtown areas and remain in well-lit pedestrian streets and tourist zones. Transportation is the biggest cause for concern. Taxi drivers are notorious for being aggressive and overcharging tourists, but using a ride share also comes with risks. Last December, just south of Cancun for threatening a tourist for using a ride share app. Try to have your hotel arrange transportation in advance to avoid harassment and scams.

Where to Stay: If you want a grown-up experience away from the party scene, splurge on . The secluded, 274-room oceanfront resort has two dreamy beaches, three massive infinity pools, and six restaurants. (Rooms start at $600)

Oaxaca City

Woman admiring Monte Alban archaeological site, Oaxaca, Mexico
Monte Alban is a large pre-Columbian archaeological site near Oaxaca, famous for its unique carvings called Danzantes (Photo: Marco Bottigelli/Getty)

Why It’s a Popular Destination: Culture abounds in every corner of Oaxaca, a city where pre-Columbian culture and Spanish colonial and contemporary Mexican influences coexist. The city鈥檚 UNESCO-listed historic center is surrounded by spectacular mountains and important Zapotec archeological sites, such as Monte Alb谩n. And some will argue that its food scene, which includes a thrilling mix of tortilla artisans, mole masters, and small-batch mezcal distillers, rivals CDMX.

Safety Precautions: The U.S. government ranks Oaxaca a travel risk and has no restrictions on visiting Oaxaca City. Like most major cities, travelers are warned to be aware of pickpocketing and other petty crimes. The most recent reported occurred in 2023 in the surf town of Puerto Escondido, located over three hour鈥檚 drive south. Micha, of Grupo Habita hotels, says it鈥檚 not polite to negotiate prices down at markets and to keep in mind that small vendors only take cash.

Where to Stay:听 Set in the heart of the historic center, has spacious, high-ceiling rooms adorned with textiles and art from local artisans and a seriously delicious in-house restaurant that sources almost exclusively from Oaxaca markets and its own gardens. (Rooms start at $472)

Baja California Sur

Jen Murphy ATVing in Baja California Sur, Mexico
The author on an ATV excursion, exploring the gorgeous coastline around Baja California Sur (Photo: Courtesy of Jen Murphy)

Why It’s a Popular Destination: I have been making two to three trips a year to this region for more than a decade and still can鈥檛 get enough of its surf-swept beaches, desert oases, exceptional dining options, ranging from humble ceviche stands to multi-course meals prepared by star chefs, and out-of-this-world marine experiences. Between November and April you can watch Humpbacks breach straight from shore and swim with whale sharks. Hundreds of Olive Ridley turtles hatch during the summer. And the sea lions are always out near Land鈥檚 End and Pelican Rock. Of all my travels throughout Mexico, I鈥檝e never met more hospitable locals.

Safety Precautions: Don鈥檛 confuse Baja California, which includes the border town of Tijuana and has a Level 3 risk, with Baja California Sur, which is a and has no travel restrictions. Matt Lindsay, founder of LUXSurf Travel, a San Jos茅 del Cabo鈥揵ased surf guiding company, cautions that local police are known for pulling over tourists for small infractions, like using a cell phone, and threatening them with big fines. 鈥淭hey may threaten to take you to the station, but you stay calm and say, 鈥業鈥檇 like to pay the ticket now,鈥 and hand them $30 to $50,鈥 he says. 鈥淏e insistent.鈥 He also warns if you鈥檙e out partying and decide to skip the bathroom line and whizz in an alleyway, the cops won鈥檛 hesitate to throw you in jail.

Where to Stay: has an unbeatable location on Monuments Beach, with views of the famous Arch across the bay, plus a restaurant from star Mexican chef Enrique Olvera. (Rooms start at $685)

Know Before You Go: Five Tips to Staying Safe as a Tourist in Mexico

  • No matter where I鈥檓 traveling, I download and use safety apps such as , which sends first responders your exact location, and , which gives safety scores to neighborhoods.
  • Zach Rabinor, founder of Journey Mexico, recommends only withdrawing money from bank ATMs. 鈥淜eep your eyes out for anyone that may be watching or targeting you while you make a transaction,鈥 he says.
  • Only use official taxis that are ordered through your hotel, restaurant, or other trusted source, says Rabinor. Typically they should have taxi-meters and negotiating a price before getting in is alternately customary, he notes. Ride share apps are unreliable and face some restrictions in airports and other places.
  • Don鈥檛 buy drugs. 鈥淢arijuana is still illegal in Mexico,鈥 says Rabinor. 鈥淭his seems like a no-brainer, but many people still don鈥檛 follow and getting involved with drug dealers, at any level, in any capacity is never a good idea.鈥
  • Don鈥檛 drive at night. 鈥淩isks include animals in the road, poorly lit and signed roads, and more,鈥 says Rabinor.
Author Jen Murphy on the beach
The author surfing near her part-time home in Maui, Hawaii听 (Photo: Courtesy of Jen Murphy)

Jen Murphy is a frequent 国产吃瓜黑料 contributor. She鈥檚 visited Mexico nearly 50 times, more often than not, solo. Her biggest concerns have been rogue donkeys on the roads around Baja California Sur and getting a bad sunburn. She’s also recently written about her favorite beaches in Costa Rica, why more hikers are getting rescued in Hawaii, and the coolest cave Airbnb you’ll ever stay at.听听

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The 50 Best 国产吃瓜黑料s in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada /adventure-travel/destinations/north-america/best-adventures-u-s-mexico-canada/ Wed, 12 Mar 2025 09:49:57 +0000 /?p=2697750 The 50 Best 国产吃瓜黑料s in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada

We鈥檝e redefined the modern adventurer鈥檚 bucket list.

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The 50 Best 国产吃瓜黑料s in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada

Behold! Classic trips have been reconsidered鈥攜ou鈥檝e gawked at the Grand Canyon, but have you run it from rim to rim?鈥攚hile new destinations have caught our eye. This year we鈥檙e joining the revelers at Colorado鈥檚 Red Rocks Amphitheater, trekking up Mexico鈥檚 tallest volcano, paddling through the world鈥檚 brightest bioluminescence off Puerto Rico, hiking Canada鈥檚 wildest coastal way, and much more. What do these trips have in common? They鈥檙e incredible experiences, all.

hut at sunset
A New Hampshire hut at sunset (Photo: Mardi Fuller)

1. Hut-Hop in New Hampshire

The best way to experience the White Mountains鈥 Presidential Range is hiking between the Appalachian Mountain Club鈥檚 eight historic high-mountain huts. Connecting distances aren鈥檛 ridiculous鈥攖he shortest leg is 4.5 miles, the longest 13.4. From late spring to early fall, on-site staff make guests hot breakfasts and dinners, but I prefer to visit during shoulder season, when rates are cheaper and I can cook my own meals. My favorite hut is Zealand, because the wood-burning stove keeps the bunks toasty on chilly nights. Intent on a summer stay? Book on the AMC site three months in advance. From $74 Mardi Fuller

orange hill covered in flowers
Landscape in Walker Canyon during the superbloom, California poppies covering the mountain valleys and ridges, Lake Elsinore, south California (Photo: Sundry Photography/Getty)

2. See a California Superbloom

As I cruised through Anza-Borrego Desert State Park one April afternoon, the road curved to reveal a seemingly infinite carpet of purple and yellow. Caught unawares, I felt like I鈥檇 entered Oz. A superbloom! The rare phenomenon occurs when consistent above-average rainfall follows a drought, nurturing a floral explosion so vast and vibrant that it鈥檚 visible from space. I鈥檝e since seen superblooms in Death Valley National Park and Mojave National Preserve. They鈥檙e not limited to Southern California, though; for more info on possible places these awesome, ephemeral displays might appear in 2025, check out the nonprofit Theodore Payne Foundation. 鈥擲hawnt茅 Salabert

3. Backpack the West Coast Trail in British Columbia

A six-day trek along this 47-mile Vancouver Island trail exceeded my wildest expectations. The route ambles between mossy rainforest and sandy stretches, where black bears forage and orcas and gray whales breach offshore. Wooden ladders and boardwalks keep the hike engaging, and a dozen established campgrounds mean tent sites are plentiful (but also popular鈥 prepare to get cozy with your neighbors at Tsusiat Falls especially). I found solitude at Cullite Cove and Carmanah Creek. Download the West Coast Trail app to stay abreast of camping options, conditions, and tide info. And pack motion-sickness meds for the bumpy shuttle back from the far trailhead. Permits and mandatory ferry reservations, which do not include Pacific Rim National Park Reserve entry, go on sale each January and sell out within hours (from $154). 鈥擹oe Gates

on



group riding on horseback through canyon
Canyon de Chelly (Photo: Chloe Ross)

4. Ride Horseback in Canyon de Chelly, Arizona

One May day, saddled atop two small horses perfect for our short frames, my teenage daughter and I followed a Din茅 woman and her preteen son up the low, brown waters of Chinle Creek and into the deep ochre Canyon de Chelly (pronounced de-shay). Indigenous people have lived here for 5,000 years, and the only way to explore the canyon today is with a Native guide. As ours narrated her tribe鈥檚 history, she pointed out petroglyphs鈥攐f hunters, snakes, the god Kokopelli鈥攐n the sheer thousandfoot-high walls and fielded queries about modern life in the Navajo Nation. On the return, the boy spotted a herd of wild horses and broke away from our equine train, chasing them through an open field surrounded by cottonwoods. The whole outing felt timeless. Justin’s Horse Rental is the canyon鈥檚 only authorized horseback outfitter. From $30 鈥擳asha Zemke

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16 New Outdoor-国产吃瓜黑料 Hotels We Can鈥檛 Wait to Visit /adventure-travel/destinations/north-america/best-new-hotels-2025/ Thu, 30 Jan 2025 10:30:22 +0000 /?p=2694957 16 New Outdoor-国产吃瓜黑料 Hotels We Can鈥檛 Wait to Visit

From a Denver getaway resembling an aspen grove to national-parks-adjacent stays with hot tubs, mountain-bike rentals, or even train access into the Grand Canyon, these hip hotels rock

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16 New Outdoor-国产吃瓜黑料 Hotels We Can鈥檛 Wait to Visit

Don鈥檛 get me wrong, I love a good campsite. But sometimes after a big day of adventure, I crave the comfort and ease of a great hotel with a friendly staff, farm-to-table meals, gear rentals, and maybe even a sauna and cold plunge. Both in the U.S. and abroad, a plethora of brands are catering to guests who love the outdoors, such as glamping masters Under Canvas and community-centric LOGE camps.

But we all have limited vacation time and need to pick our getaway stays thoughtfully. As someone who’s on the road half the year, I can assure you that these are worth traveling for.

Looking for more great travel intel? Sign up for 国产吃瓜黑料鈥檚 .

The newest outposts that excite me most are popping up in perfect locations, from the doorsteps of popular national parks听 to some urban gems bringing nature indoors with innovative biophilic design. Here鈥檚 my hotel hot list for 2025.

Snow Peak Campfield Long Beach

Long Beach, Washington

The main lodge of Snow Peaks Campfield, in Washington, is home to a store, cafe, outdoor grills and games like corn hole
The main lodge at Snow Peak Campfield is a central gathering space with a caf茅, outdoor grills and games like cornhole, and a store with provisions. (Photo: Courtesy Snow Peaks Campfield)

I鈥檝e long been a fan of the Japanese gear company , not only for its design-minded outdoor equipment, but also the creative ways it brings its brand to life. For example, the company flagship in Portland, Oregon, features an excellent, wood-fire-focused Japanese restaurant, Tabiki.

Across Japan you can stay overnight at 13 Snow Peak campgrounds, but last summer the company debuted its on Washington鈥檚 rugged Long Beach Peninsula, 110 miles west of Portland near the mouth of the Columbia River. The 25-acre site鈥攏o surprise鈥攆eels like an outdoor concept store, showcasing Snow Peak products like folding chairs and fire pits. Book one of 48 campsites and bring your own gear (or rent theirs), or glamp it up in spacious tent suites or minimalist wooden Jyubako cabins (the latter for up to two adults and two kids) designed by Japanese starchitect Kengo Kuma.

An innovative wooden Jyubako cabin at Snow Peak Campfield in Washington
The 14 warm-wood Jyubako cabins at Snow Peak are well-lit and feature a queen bed with linens, bathroom, and kitchenette with a mini fridge. One of these cabins is ADA accessible. (Photo: Courtesy Snow Peaks Campfield)

The area is full of adventure options, like kayaking Willapa Bay and hiking in Cape Disappointment State Park. My plan is to visit this winter specifically to enjoy long soaking sessions in the camp鈥檚 onsen-inspired .

Price:听Campsites from $77, tent suites from $119, and Jyubako cabins from $219

Populus

Denver

Two men walk in Denver's green Civic Center Park; behind them is the white facade of the Populus hotel
The hottest new hotel in Denver is Populus, adjacent to downtown鈥檚 Civic Center Park, where the 国产吃瓜黑料 Festival will be held again in late May. (Photo: Courtesy Jason O鈥橰ear)

may be downtown, but the property鈥檚 biophilic design is meant to make guests feel as if they鈥檝e entered a large grove of aspens (Populus tremuloides), with 365 eye-shaped windows that allow light to filter in. The nature immersion continues at every step: the front desk is crafted from fallen cottonwood trees, the soundtrack of birdsong recorded in nearby Estes Park plays in the elevators, and the lobby bar is adorned with hanging reishi mushroom skins.

The rooftop terrace at the Populus hotel in downtown Denver has views west to the Front Range.
The rooftop terrace offers views of the capital and west to the Front Range. This level of Populus is also home to the restaurant Stellar Jay. (Photo: Courtesy Yoshihiro Makino)

The hotel opened in October as the nation鈥檚 first carbon-positive hotel. It boasts 100 percent renewable-energy, eco-friendly materials, like low-carbon concrete and leather made from reishi mushrooms, and a biodigester that composts all of its food waste, which is then returned to local farmers. Moreover, the property plants a spruce tree in Colorado for every night booked.

Its sustainable initiatives convinced me to stay, and the friendly service, stellar farm-focused food, outpost of Little Owl Coffee, and welcoming coworking space and gym have given me many reasons to return. The Populus also overlooks Civic Center Park, where the 国产吃瓜黑料 Festival and Summit will take place from May 30 to June 1, and ticket holders get special deals on rooms booked here through .

Price:听From $299

Under Canvas Yosemite

Near Groveland, California

One of the glamping tents at Under Canvas Yosemite in California
The newest member of the Under Canvas family includes its well-loved glamping tents set amid nature. Here, a tent for two. (Photo: Courtesy Under Canvas)

Scoring camping reservations in Yosemite can feel like winning the lottery. Don鈥檛 want to gamble? Treat yourself to a cushy stay at the new , slated to debut May 15 with 71 tents just ten minutes from the park鈥檚 west entrance on Route 120.

The upscale glamping brand is known for hotel-worthy touches like West Elm furnishings in its spacious safari tents and daily programming that might include yoga classes or nightly s鈥檓ores sessions. This 85-acre site is no exception.

You don鈥檛 even have to deal with the stress of taking your car into the park itself鈥攖his Under Canvas location is across from a Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS) stop with regular park service to three major destinations.

Return at day鈥檚 end to a menu of California cuisine served beneath soaring black oaks and live music by the campfire. Families will love the El Capitan Suite鈥 two connecting tents, each with ensuite bathrooms; it can sleep up to six people.

Price: From $319

Firefall Ranch at Yosemite

Near Groveland, California

The new Firefall Ranch west of Yosemite National Park has a large outdoor pool with lounge chairs and tables with orange umbrellas.
The heated pool at Firefall is surrounded by pines, served by the adjacent tavern, and open year-round. Not pictured: two hot tubs. (Photo: Courtesy Alpenglo Productions)

The Yosemite area has never had more choice for boutique accommodations, and this is another property on Route 120 I鈥檓 eager to recommend. The 300-acre opened last summer and is made for the active crowd. You can look forward to a spacious saltwater pool (complete with shave-ice service), forest disc golf, bouldering, and beach volleyball.

Pick up picnic supplies at the on-site general store or dine at the casual tavern or more ambitious restaurant, YOVA, which features dishes like salmon and caviar and boar chops, complimented by an impressive wine list.

For families, roomy accommodations include 55 standalone one- and two-bedroom cottages or three-bedroom villas with private decks and indoor-outdoor gas fireplaces.

The exterior of one of the cottages at Firefall Ranch outside Yosemite
Each one-bedroom cottage, seen here, has a king bed, queen sofa bed, heated bathroom floors, and air-conditioning. Not to mention a tranquil setting.听(Photo: Courtesy Tracy Barbutes)

Fun fact: this property was a stop on the original stagecoach route to Yosemite in the 1870s.

Price: From $650

Yellowstone Peaks Hotel

Island Park, Idaho

A man wearing a ball cap and sunglasses sits on a square-shaped hot tub outdoors, with some of the cabins of the Yellowstone Peaks hotel in the background
Wood-fired outdoor hot tubs are a great perk of this new hotel. (Photo: Courtesy Yellowstone Peaks Hotel)

Wyoming and Montana are most often associated with America鈥檚 first national park. But 1 percent of Yellowstone鈥檚 2.2 million acres lies within Idaho (an underrated state for adventure, in my humble opinion). The park鈥檚 west entrance is just 30 minutes away from the small town of Island Park, which听 recently welcomed the family-owned .

The property鈥檚 19 Scandi-inspired accommodations are the epitome of cabin porn. Each A-frame cabin can accommodate up to six guests and has its own cedar-wood-fired soaking tub. There鈥檚 also a communal area with saunas and cold plunges.

While proximity to the park may lure you here, its location across the street from the fly-fishing mecca that is Henry鈥檚 Fork River will appeal to anglers. Nearby but off-the-radar attractions include the Caribbean-esque Wade Lake and the 114-foot-tall cascades of Mesa Falls.

Price: From $440 per night, two-night minimum

Cascada

Portland, Oregon

The sunlit indoor conservatory at Cascada, a new hotel in Portland, Oregon, has a rectangular-shaped pool, several trees, a windowed ceiling and chase-like chairs.
The well-lit Conservatory at Cascada (Photo: Courtesy Cascada)

Portland is home to plenty of nature fixes, but the newest is the underground thermal-springs experience at the recently opened, 100-room (pronounced cascade) hotel in the Alberta Arts District. The Conservatory, the heart of the thermal-springs area, was designed by landscape experts, including members of the Portland Botanical Garden, and features a with a 25-foot-tall living wall and rare flora planted throughout the space.

Soak and socialize in the mineral-infused vitality pool, or complete a sauna, steam, and ice-bath hydrotherapy circuit in the silent sanctuary space. If you鈥檙e passing through the city en route to a wilderness adventure, you can still enjoy a soak, but you鈥檒l need a reservation ($100 for two and a half hours). You can feel good about knowing that Cascada is committed to using ethically sourced spa products.听Rounding things out are an excellent restaurant, Terra Mae, that fuses the flavors of Portugal and Japan (think: tonkatsu and linguica croquettes), as well as zero-waste kitchen practices.

The restaurant at the new Cascada hotel in Portland, Oregon, has a back-wall mural of a woman near the ocean with flowers in her hair.
Terra Mae is brightened by 鈥淢y Mother, Your Mother,鈥 a painting by local artist Blaine Fontana.听(Photo: Courtesy Cascada)

Guest rooms feature kitchenettes, balconies, and floor-to-ceiling windows.

Price: From $299

Edgecamp Pamlico Station

Outer Banks, North Carolina

A living room of one of the rooms of Pamlico Station, a new hotel in North Carolina's Outer Banks; in the room is an orange corner woodstock, a couch, a window with a view of greenery, and a print of a girl parasailing.
Colorful rooms, like this corner fireplace suite, at Pamlico Station exude a beach vibe with a nod to the local wind-sports scene.听 (Photo: Courtesy Edgecamp Pamlico Station)

One of my goals this year is to improve my kiteboarding skills, and I can鈥檛 imagine a better place to get back on the water than the Outer Banks. With steady winds, an abundance of sandy beaches, and calm, shallow sounds, it lives up to its nickname as the kiteboarding capital of the East Coast.

Professional kiteboarder Rita Arnaus takes off in Pamlico Sound. (Video: Courtesy Edgecamp Pamlico Station)

Thanks to the recent debut of , a 14-suite boutique hotel at Edgecamp Sporting Club on windswept Hatteras Island, travelers finally have a stylish base that offers everything from an on-site kiteboarding school with equipment rentals and lessons to a wellness deck boasting a sauna, cold plunge, and hot tub.

Two kiteboarders harness the wind on North Carolina's Pamlico Sound near sunrise.
Kiteboarders harnessing the wind in Pamlico Sound (Photo: Design Pics Editorial/Getty)

I love that the suites feel like residences, each with a full kitchen, washer and dryer, living room, wood-burning fireplace, and work desk. And after a day of kiting, you鈥檒l appreciate having in-room amenities like a Therabody massage gun and foam roller at your disposal.

Price: From $189

Trailborn Grand Canyon

Williams, Arizona

A room at the Trailborn Grand Canyon, with two double beds, a lamp between them, and 8 cute small frames with artwork on the back wall.
One of the warm, modern rooms at the newest Trailborn outpost (Photo: Courtesy Brian Ferry)

I鈥檓 embarrassed to admit that, for as much traveling as I do, I still haven鈥檛 visited the Grand Canyon. I really have no excuse now that , a new outdoorsy-focused hotel brand, is opening its fourth location in the town of Williams. The 96-room hotel is just down the road from the Grand Canyon Railway, the train that deposits visitors at the South Rim entrance of the national park.

The Grand Canyon Railway train curves along the tracks en route through a pine-and scrub-covered landscape.
The Grand Canyon Railway has been in operation since 1901. The ride from Williams to the South Rim takes two hours fifteen minutes. (Photo: Emily Esther McDonald/Getty)

Trailborn has partnered with hiking outfitter to run guided excursions in the park, like a private day hike along the challenging, eight-mile round-trip听 ($600) or a group excursion that takes in the South Rim鈥檚 greatest hits, like the ($340).

On property, a saloon-style Camp Hall hosts free concerts, movies, and bingo nights, and for $35 families can have their room transformed into a camping-inspired slumber party. This spring the property will open Miss Kitty鈥檚 steakhouse and bar.

Price: From $175

The Wildbirch Hotel

Anchorage, Alaska

A king room at the Wildbirch Hotel
One of the king rooms at Wildbirch, designed to be a mix of camp style and sophistication听(Photo: Courtesy the Wildbirch Hotel)

For years I viewed Anchorage as nothing more than a gateway to epic wilderness adventures. When a cancelled flight stranded me in the city for 24 hours, I discovered that, actually, Anchorage was a destination in its own right, home to seriously great restaurants, a cool urban-arts scene, and a 500-plus-mile trail network that connects some 200 green spaces.

In听 April, the city will get its first true boutique hotel when the opens in the Mushing District. The 252-room property will showcase works by local craftspeople, such as carved topographic maps that double as headboards, and an art collection curated by the nearby Anchorage Museum. An on-site brewery, outdoor decks with fire pits, and sweeping views of Mount Susitna and Knik Arm are sure to attract just as many locals as visitors.

With the world-class salmon fishing of Ship Creek steps away and guest rooms that overlook the ceremonial starting line of the Iditarod sled-dog race, held each March, you can鈥檛 ask for a better address.

An Iditarod competitor drives his sled-dog team during the ceremonial start of the race in Anchorage, Alaska.
The ceremonial start of the Iditarod draws a throng of spectators. Last year 38 mushers and 608 sled dogs participated in the annual race. (Photo: Lance King/Getty)

Price: From $199

LOGE

St. George, Utah

A rendition of a king room at the upcoming LOGE hotel in St. Gear, Utah, shows a bed with a hammock strung above it, a mountain bike mounted on the opposite wall, and a balcony with views over the desert.
LOGE rooms are stocked with all kinds of outdoor gear you’re encouraged to use during your stay. (Rendering: Courtesy bkvdesign/LOGE)

During the height of the pandemic, I rooted for a few fledgling brands. , which is pronounced 鈥渓odge鈥 and stands for Live 国产吃瓜黑料, Go Explore, is one of them. The original LOGE Camp launched in 2017 in coastal Westport, Washington, and I loved its adult-summer-camp vibes and affordability.

There are camp or RV sites, or choose from a variety of room configurations. All the gear and amenities you could wish for are available to rent, from Traeger grills to Wave Bandit and Lib Tech surfboards. The brand launched similar concepts in mountain towns in the Pacific Northwest, and I鈥檓 stoked to see it expanding into the Southwest in 2025. I鈥檝e marked my calendar for early February, when LOGE St. George starts taking bookings for its April opening.

The hotel will be a sweet base camp less than two miles southwest from the heart of the city. Perks include a hot tub, pool, and mountain-bike rentals, and the trails of nearby Zion National Park and Snow Canyon State Park are a short drive away.

Later this year, LOGE will open a handful of East Coast properties. Host towns include Asheville, North Carolina; the Catskills of New York; Mount Snow, Vermont; and Southport, Maine.

Price: From $137

Foreign Properties I Have My Eye On

The Caribbean and Mexico

A view of the palm-circled pools and bay at the new South Caicos Resort Salterra
The pool is perfect for relaxation but active pursuits in the area await and the two-mile-long Salterra Beach fronts a protected sound. (Rendering: Courtesy Salterra Resort and Spa)

Salterra Resort and Spa

On February 15, American Airlines will introduce direct flights twice a week from Miami to South Caicos in the Turks and Caicos. Around the same time, this up-and-coming island will welcome , a sustainably minded hotel that will offer adventures like kiteboarding, bonefishing, kayaking, and diving. But it doesn鈥檛 come cheap.

Price: From $1,300

Hotel Humano

I鈥檝e been plotting a surf mission to Puerto Escondido and am hoping to base myself at the new , located steps from famous Zicatela Beach (a.k.a. the Mexican Pipeline).

Price: From $190

Amet

On a recent trip to Cabo San Lucas, a guide clued me in to , an intimate new nature retreat in the town of Santiago on Baja鈥檚 Central Cape. You can choose between suites or glamping tents, and excursions range from hikes to nearby hot springs to ATV drives to waterfalls.

Price: From $315

Argentina

Glamping Los Palmares

El Impenetrable National Park in northern Argentina is a wilderness mecca, home to giant anteaters and jaguars, as well as a swath of Gran Chaco, one of the world鈥檚 fastest disappearing forests.听 recently opened on the park鈥檚 northern border with just four tents overlooking the Bermejo River.

Price: From $359, all-inclusive

Finland

Kotona Manor

An aerial view of the O-shaped Kotona Manor hotel amid a landscape of trees and lakes in Finland
Kotona Manor is located about 160 miles northeast of Helsinki. Stay includes full board听 (Photo: Courtesy Sisko Hirvonen)

If you鈥檝e jumped on the cool-cation travel trend, you should have Finland on your travel list and in particular. The family-owned, 11-suite waterfront property will听 debut in the Lakeland region this summer. Seasonal activities range from bear watching to snowmobiling and sailing.

Price: From $1,530

Madagascar

Voaara

One of my favorite far-flung places is Madagascar, and not just for the mind-boggling amount of biodiversity but also for the amazing, crowd-free adventures, like kiteboarding, freediving, snorkeling, and hiking. I visited last December and got a sneak peek at the newly opened , a barefoot luxe hotel on idyllic Isle St. Marie, just off the country鈥檚 northeast coast. Guests can snorkel the vibrant house reefs, whale-watch with the resident marine biologist from June to September, and learn to wing foil with pro surfer Willow Hardy.

Price: $1,230

A woman dressed in cold-weather gear, posing with a big dog outside Denver's Populus hotel entrance while it snows
The author and a friend outside Populus this winter (Photo: Courtesy Jan Otavsky)

Jen Murphy is an 国产吃瓜黑料 magazine correspondent and frequent contributor to 国产吃瓜黑料 Online. (Most recently, she wrote a guide to maximizing winter fun in Colorado鈥檚 mountain towns and reviewed the best compression socks for long-haul flights.) Murphy has been lucky enough to stay in some of the world鈥檚 best hotels, both rustic and luxe, and believes that warm service truly makes a stay.

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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

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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

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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.

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You Deserve Your Vacation. What if It Also Made You Live Longer? /adventure-travel/destinations/north-america/best-wellness-retreats-north-america/ Mon, 13 Jan 2025 10:30:03 +0000 /?p=2693311 You Deserve Your Vacation. What if It Also Made You Live Longer?

From a desert hot-springs lodge to an island farm stay, these getaways across North America double as longevity retreats.

The post You Deserve Your Vacation. What if It Also Made You Live Longer? appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

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You Deserve Your Vacation. What if It Also Made You Live Longer?

Traveling itself is believed to help boost longevity, but what if your next getaway had even more long-term benefits?

Picture a reboot that鈥檚 good for you. We鈥檙e not talking about rigid health camps鈥攚e all deserve to enjoy our hard-earned vacations, after all鈥攂ut rather, trips to beautiful places where mindfulness, wellness, community, and longevity are top priorities.

Looking for more great travel intel? Sign up for 国产吃瓜黑料鈥檚 .

Wellness travel is booming. Between 2020 and 2022, wellness trips grew by 30 percent annually, according to research by the Global Wellness Institute, which also reported that in 2022, 819.4 billion wellness trips were taken in the U.S. and internationally, making up about 7.8 percent of all tourism.

Clearly, these types of vacations are resonating, with good reason. These are my 10 favorite wellness trips in North America.

1. Soak in Natural Hot Springs

Ojo Caliente in New Mexico

Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort and Spa
The historic adobe buildings sit amidst hiking and biking trails, some along the banks of the Rio Ojo Caliente. (Photo: Courtesy Ojo Spa Resorts)

Soaking in natural hot springs makes for easy relaxation and rejuvenation. Mineral baths have been shown to reduce stress, lessen joint pain, improve circulation, and naturally detoxify. At , a spa resort in northern New Mexico, you can soak in any of nine communal pools (with minerals like lithia and iron), which include a mud bath and a silent pool, or book a private tub. Access to the steam room and sauna come with your stay, and you can add on yoga classes or spa treatments like sound healing or anti-inflammatory massage.

Dating back to 1868 and located amid desert cliffs near the banks of the cottonwood-lined Rio Ojo Caliente, the place is one of the country鈥檚 oldest health resorts, and open for both overnight and day use. Lodging options include adobe suites with hammocks on the patios or restored vintage trailers. (Day passes for the pools start at $45; rooms from $239 a night.)

听2. Check Into a Wellness Resort

YO1 in Monticello, New York

YO1, New York
Aerial shot of YO1, in the Catskills, New York (Photo: Courtesy YO1)

You鈥檒l get personalized treatments and a custom therapeutic plan when you book at , an Ayurvedic longevity resort that opened in the Catskills in 2018 with a focus on Eastern medicine and holistic therapies. This place is for dedicated self-care travelers looking for a total reboot, a concentrated wellness plan, or programs designed to treat specific issues like stress, depression, diabetes, infertility, or insomnia. Visit for the day or stay for a week.

yoga at YO1
Yoga practice in an airy space at YO1 (Photo: Courtesy YO1)

Not sure where to start? Try the three-night wellness program, which includes individual consultations, mud baths, and acupuncture. You鈥檒l stay at a 131-room lodge overlooking Baileys Lake on a 1,300-acre property in pine forests and surrounded by hiking and biking trails鈥攁ll just two hours from New York City. Access to an infrared sauna, hot tub, group meditation, a reflexology walkway, fitness room, and Olympic-sized swimming pool are included. (Day pass, which includes meals and all-day programming, for $500; overnight accommodations start at $185.)

3. Stay In a Communal 国产吃瓜黑料 Lodge

Campfire Ranch Little Sugar in Bella Vista, Arkansas

Campfire Ranch Little Sugar, Bella Vista, Arkansas, is surrounded by forest
The Campfire Ranch Little Sugar, Bella Vista, Arkansas, is slated to open this spring. (Photo: Garrett Hubbard)

If community is what you鈥檙e after, consider , a new adventure lodge opening in or around May 2025 with out-the-door access to 40 miles of world-class mountain-bike trails surrounding Bentonville, Arkansas, with singletrack loops over rolling hills and through stands of redbud, dogwood, and mulberry trees. The eight-room lodge comes with access to a communal fire pit, outdoor cooking space, gear storage, bike-wash stations, and breakfast service. Campfire Ranch鈥檚 adventure concierge can help plan your outings and connect you with local bike rentals and guides. Rent a single room or, if you鈥檙e with a group, book out the whole place. (Rates from $250.)

mountain biking by a cliff in Bella Vista, near Bentonville, Arkansas
Biking in the area surrounding Campfire Ranch in Bella Vista, 10 miles from the bike hub of Bentonville, Arkansas (Photo: Garrett Hubbard)

4. Run In Another Country

Aire Libre in Mexico City

Runners pass through a green park in Mexico City
Runners in an Aire Libre retreat cover ground across the arts-rich and leafy Mexico City. (Photo: Jes煤s Ricardo Guadarrama Mej铆a)

, cofounded by Mauricio D铆az, a world-class ultrarunner from Mexico, specializes in transformational running and hiking retreats all over the world, from Costa Rica to Japan. These retreats focus on the intersection of movement, mindfulness, culture, and sustainability, enabling participants to connect with themselves and the landscapes and cultures they鈥檙e exploring.

The company鈥檚 ($1,800, including meals, lodging, and guiding) is a four-day running adventure where you鈥檒l jog through Mexico City along the gravel trails of Viveros de Coyoac谩n park and the plazas of the National Autonomous University of Mexico campus. You鈥檒l also leave the city to run trails across the volcanic landscape of the Continental Divide, then experience a guided indigenous temazcal ceremony in a sweat lodge. By night, enjoy communal meals and lodging in boutique hotels.

听5. Spend Four Days Doing Yoga

Esalen in Big Sur, California

Esalen Institute as shown along the Big Sur coast
Esalen, in oceanside Big Sur, California, is a nonprofit formed to explore consciousness in a beautiful setting that is also near outstanding recreational sites. (Photo: Kodiak Greenwood)

Even if you鈥檙e not a dedicated yogi or a holistic-retreat kind of person, you鈥檒l love being on the jagged cliffs of Big Sur at , a nonprofit retreat center and educational institute with a heavy yoga focus. You can do a self-guided exploration (read: stay on your own with limited formal instruction) or sign up for the center鈥檚 two- or four-night workshops on topics like hypnotherapy, storytelling, or astrology. This is the kind of place where your cell phone doesn鈥檛 work, so you might as well stash it away and focus on movement, nature, and real-life connection.

baths and hot springs at Esalen Institute above Pacific
Water on water: Esalen offers transformative education, yoga, and hot springs above the Pacific Ocean. (Photo: Kodiak Greenwood)

When you鈥檙e not learning about your conscious intentions, you can hike the trails within Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park amid 300-foot redwood trees, oak, and chaparral, and see an 80-foot waterfall plummet into the sea. You can also wander the beaches of Big Sur, or bathe in Esalen鈥檚 famously clothing-optional hot springs above the roiling Pacific Ocean. Accommodations range from bunks in communal rooms to private yurts overlooking the Pacific. (Rates from around $950 for multi-day workshops, including lodging, meals, and programming. Scholarships available.)

6. Sit in a Sweat Lodge Under a Full Moon

The Horse Shoe Farm in Hendersonville, North Carolina

Horseshoe Farm, North Carolina
A trip to the Horse Shoe Farm, near Asheville, North Carolina, can be a broad-based wellness and recreational foray. (Photo: Courtesy Horseshoe Farm)

You could come to the to stay in a well-appointed cottage and eat farm-to-table meals with ingredients sourced on site. Or you could make a trip here into a more broad-based wellness excursion. Just under 40 minutes from Asheville and situated between the verdant Blue Ridge Mountains and the Great Smoky Mountains with a view of Mount Pisgah, this health sanctuary has five energy vortexes (places believed to be centers of energy currents with spiritual effects), holistic spa treatments, an outdoor labyrinth for walking meditation, and a meditation tower.

looking out from inside the meditation tower at the Horse Shoe Farm
Windows and words as seen from within the meditation tower at the Horse Shoe Farm (Photo: Courtesy Horseshoe Farm)

The resort recently partnered with, a Cherokee wisdom keeper and ceremonialist from the Qualla Indian Boundary in the Great Smoky Mountains, to build a sweat lodge on the 85-acre property, where he hosts ceremonies on each full and new moon. Overnight accommodations include one-room lofts or three-bedroom homes, depending on your group size. (Rates from $399.)

听7. Go Forest Bathing

Southall Farm and Inn in Franklin, Tennessee

mists over lake and lodge at Southall Farm and Inn, in Franklin, Tennessee
Southall Farm and Inn, in Franklin, Tennessee, is a mindfulness center and a working farm. (Photo: Patrik Argast/Argast Photography)

Not all spas are created equal. 鈥檚 spa goes above and beyond, incorporating botanical ingredients and mindfulness in sessions like energy healing and detoxifying treatments to develop a deeper connection to self and nature. This working farm on a 425-acre plot in Tennessee has a 62-room lodge plus 16 private cottages that opened for guests in 2022. You can add treatments like sound-bath meditation, forest bathing, or a wellness consultation, depending on what you鈥檙e looking for. More than seven miles of hiking and biking trails surround the farm, and there鈥檚 canoeing and fishing on the private Lake at Southall. Or take guided tours of the orchard and apiaries that are home to some 8 million bees. (Rates from $695.)

8. Build Something With Your Hands

Yestermorrow in Waitsfield, Vermont

Yestermorrow, Waitsfield, Vermont
Yestermorrow, in Waitsfield, Vermont, is a green design-and-build school in the Mad River Valley of the Green Mountains, Vermont. (Photo: Drew Vetere)

This place isn鈥檛 a spa resort in the standard sense, but for people who find learning new skills and using their hands to build things are perfect ways to unlock a deep sense of fulfillment. is a green design-and-build school in Vermont鈥檚 Mad River Valley, with a small campus offering day classes and overnight lodging in the Green Mountain National Forest with its lakes and mountain hikes. You can take courses on building a coffee table, sustainable treehouse design, harvesting your own lumber, or basic carpentry. Classes last from two days to two weeks (with certification programs that go longer). Healthy-meal plans plus lodging鈥攄orms, cabins, or camping鈥攃an be added to your tuition. (Lodging from $10 to $55 a night; courses from $260, scholarships and sliding-scale tuition available.)

woman builds tiny house at Yestermorrow
Building a tiny house at Yestermorrow, located in Waitsfield, in the heart of the Mad River Valley (Photo: Drew Vetere)

9. Surround Yourself with the Ocean

Pebble Cove Farm in Orcas Island, Washington

sunset at Pebble Cove
Pebble Cove is on Orcas Island, part of the San Juan Islands in upper Puget Sound, Washington. (Photo: Courtesy Pebble Cove)

Getting to is the first step: You鈥檒l need to take a ferry to reach Orcas Island, part of the dreamy San Juan Islands in upper Puget Sound, 100 miles north of Seattle. Once you鈥檙e here, you鈥檒l settle into a cozy cottage overlooking a quiet bay at this farm and animal sanctuary that hosts guests and offers wellness retreats. The inn rents out kayaks and paddleboards and has a garden and apple orchard you鈥檙e welcome to wander through. Rescued farm animals like horses, chickens, pigs, and goats, adopted from elsewhere, reside here. The garden and farm animals are closed off from November through April, but the cottages are open year-round. (Rates from $300.)

10. Ski With New Friends

The Ski Retreat in Palisades Tahoe, California; Sun Valley, Idaho; Breckenridge, Colorado

exuberant women at ski and snowboard retreat
Having some snow-sports fun at The Ski Retreat, held at different times in Palisades Tahoe, California; Sun Valley, Idaho; and Breckenridge, Colorado (Photo: Courtesy The Ski Retreat)

You want to spend a weekend playing outside in snow-covered mountains, but not to deal with figuring out logistics or finding a group of friends to go with. We get that. Enter , a women鈥檚 getaway in places like Lake Tahoe, Sun Valley, or Breckenridge for groups of six to 12. These trips, numbering five this winter, are about connection, friendship, relaxation, and play鈥攚ithout having to plan a thing. Your three-night retreat includes lodging at a slopeside cabin, morning yoga, gear demos, chef-prepared group dinners, fireside chats, art classes, and ski and snowboard adventures for a wide range of abilities. (Rates from $550 for local residents not including lodging; from $1,190, including lodging.)

Megan Michelson, an 国产吃瓜黑料 contributing editor, lives in northern California. She鈥檚 hoping her occasional habits of drinking tea, practicing yoga, and sleeping 10 hours a night will lead to a long and healthy life. She recently wrote for us about buying a 1 Euro (yes, as in one dollar) home in Italy; how to travel to ski, hike, and bike in Jackson, Wyoming, on the cheap (hard to believe, but she knows of great deals); and why she and her family traded traditional Thanksgiving options for Campsgiving. Her list of great outdoor festivals extends into May 2025.

Megan Michelson, author, outdoors in northern California
Megan Michelson hopes that going places where your cell phone doesn’t work, like this remote river in the Trinity Alps Wilderness of northern California, will help lead to a longer life. (Photo: Megan Michelson Collection)

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Butterflies on the Wall鈥擯art 2 /podcast/butterflies-on-the-wall-part-2/ Wed, 16 Oct 2024 11:00:28 +0000 /?post_type=podcast&p=2685409 Butterflies on the Wall鈥擯art 2

The border wall had an all star cast of political operatives trying to get it built. The butterflies had Marianna Trevino Wright.

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Butterflies on the Wall鈥擯art 2

The border wall had an all star cast of political operatives trying to get it built. The butterflies had Marianna Trevino Wright. With the spotlight on The National Butterfly Center, Marianna finds herself absorbing the full weight of an online campaign to discredit her. Then people start showing up in person.

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Butterflies on the Wall鈥擯art 1 /podcast/butterflies-on-the-wall-part-1/ Wed, 09 Oct 2024 11:00:49 +0000 /?post_type=podcast&p=2684675 Butterflies on the Wall鈥擯art 1

How did a US congressional candidate and the director of the National Butterfly Center end up in a physical altercation on the US border with Mexico?

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Butterflies on the Wall鈥擯art 1

How did a US congressional candidate and the director of the National Butterfly Center end up in a physical altercation on the US border with Mexico? When contractors showed up in Mission, Texas to break ground on President Trump鈥檚 border wall, they didn鈥檛 think there would be much resistance. But when people found out the wall would go straight through critical butterfly habitat, everything changed.

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The Disappearance of the Monarch King鈥擯art 2 /podcast/monarch-butterfly-conservationist-disappearance-part-2/ Wed, 02 Oct 2024 11:00:09 +0000 /?post_type=podcast&p=2683626 The Disappearance of the Monarch King鈥擯art 2

Was Homero鈥檚 death an accident? Or murder? And who would want Homero dead?

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The Disappearance of the Monarch King鈥擯art 2

Was Homero鈥檚 death an accident? Or murder? And who would want Homero dead? Reporters Michael May and Zach Goldbaum head to Mexico to investigate the death of conservationist Homero Gomez Gonzalez, who was supposedly killed for defending the butterflies. But new information complicates the official story, leaving them with even more questions.

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The Disappearance of the Monarch King鈥擯art 1 /podcast/monarch-butterfly-conservationist-disappearance/ Wed, 25 Sep 2024 11:00:18 +0000 /?post_type=podcast&p=2682846 The Disappearance of the Monarch King鈥擯art 1

Monarchs are considered the king of the butterflies. In Michoacan, Mexico conservationist Homero Gomez Gonzalez was considered the king of the Monarchs. Until one day in 2020, when he disappeared without a trace.

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The Disappearance of the Monarch King鈥擯art 1

Monarchs are considered the king of the butterflies. In Michoacan, Mexico conservationist Homero Gomez Gonzalez was considered the king of the Monarchs. Until one day in 2020, when he disappeared without a trace. In this series, reporters Zach Goldbaum and Michael May examine the intersection of conservation, politics, power, and crime at the world’s most popular butterfly reserve.

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