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Things You Should Know Before Renting A Car & Driving In Ireland
Tips For Renting A Car In Ireland
Ireland Driving Guide
Renting a car in Ireland and driving around the country yourself is a wonderful way to experience the Emerald Isle. But here’s some advice about the best way to do it.
When my family and I were planning our genealogy trip to Ireland to learn more about our ancestors, we were initially hesitant about renting a car to explore the country by ourselves.
Ireland has a bit of a reputation for narrow and scary winding roads!
Plus of course, they drive on the other side of the road, so there’s that. But the more we researched, the more we realized renting a car in Ireland would allow us to make our itinerary as imaginative as possible.
I love the freedom of road trips and planning my own travel itineraries. Ireland is such a diverse country that it made sense to rent a car so we could stop anywhere to discover small villages, castles, and ancient ruins at our own pace.
Here are some important tips we learned from our experience renting a car in Ireland, to help you save money and stay safe while driving around the country!
How To Rent A Car In Ireland
Driving in Ireland for Tourists
Should You Rent A Car In Ireland?
Hey, if you love those big group bus tours, by all means, go book one. It’s a decent way to see Ireland if you don’t have a lot of time.
No planning, no driving, just sit back and let someone else do all the work!
But if you’re like me, you prefer the adventure of independent travel.
No set schedule or timetable — driving around Ireland with the freedom to stop anyplace cool you find along the way.
If that’s the kind of traveler you are, renting a car in Ireland is the way to go!
Just keep in mind that some of the backroads in Ireland can be very narrow, and often feel like a single lane (but they’re not). With some practice, you’ll gain confidence on them!
Another nice thing we enjoyed about having a car was the ability to store things in the trunk, stopping off in Irish towns with small daypacks rather than hauling luggage everywhere.
Learning to Drive on the Opposite Side!
Where To Rent Your Car In Ireland
The best site to book your car is Discover Car Hire. They search both local and international car rental companies to help you find the best possible price. This is the easiest way to rent a car in Ireland.
We rented our car from Dublin Airport after spending a few days in the city. Our South West route brought us to Cork on the M8 before moving on to Killarney National Park and then Glengarriff, where my grandmother was born.
After tracking down our family history in this small coastal fishing village, we drove North on the Wild Atlantic Way up to Dingle and the famous Cliffs of Moher, then to Galway, and finally back to Dublin.
However there are many different road trip routes you can choose when driving in Ireland. Other major airports to consider picking up a car are Shannon in the Southwest and Cork in the Southeast.
Crazy Irish Winding Roads!
The Amazing Cliffs of Moher
Car Rental Insurance In Ireland
Some of the rumors about driving in Ireland are true, and the roads are VERY narrow in areas. Especially the backroads outside Ireland’s smaller towns. Don’t worry, I’ll share some tips for dealing with them below.
This is why I highly recommend getting full insurance coverage.
Typically, rental cars in Ireland come with a basic Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), but this isn’t exactly insurance, and only covers the car for up to €1000-3000 EUROS worth of damage.
This is the amount they hold on your credit card until you return the car in one piece. CDW typically does not include tire, cracked windshield, or undercarriage damage either.
While you can often save money booking your car with a credit card that includes car rental insurance, you REALLY must read the fine print, because many people wrongly assume their card covers them in Ireland.
If you get in a wreck driving in Ireland, declined full coverage, and you suddenly learn your credit card doesn’t actually cover the damage — you’re screwed. I can’t tell you how many travel horror stories I’ve heard like this…
It’s why I usually pre-book full coverage online. It’s cheaper than at the counter — and then you won’t have to worry about accidents at all!
The Stunning Cobh Cathedral
How Much Does It Cost To Rent A Car In Ireland?
Renting a car in Ireland is going to cost you around $25-$40 USD a day, depending on the type of car you get. Our 4 door sedan was about $30 per day.
I recommend renting a car with an actual trunk (no hatchbacks) to hide your luggage from prying eyes. It helps to prevent break-ins if thieves can’t see your stuff.
Gas Prices
Gas (petrol) prices in Ireland might seem cheap to Americans, but remember that the rest of the world quotes gas in Liters, not Gallons (1 Gallon = 3.78 Liters). Currently, gas costs about $5.90 per gallon (€1.40 per liter) in Ireland. Diesel cars will often save you some money on gas.
Automatic vs Manual
Automatic cars are more expensive to rent than manual cars (but manuals are more common in Ireland), and you must specify what type you want when booking.
One-Way Rentals
There’s also an additional fee for one-way car rentals, which can vary by company. For example, if you want to drop off the car in a different city than you started from.
Admin Fee
If you opt to use your own credit card insurance, companies will charge you an “admin fee” of about €30 EURO.
Credit Card Fee
I was charged an extra €5 EURO just for using a credit card. Which is strange to me, but typical in Ireland.
Irish Taxes
Car rentals in Ireland have a very high tax rate of 13.6%. Ouch!
Age Requirements For Renting A Car
The minimum age for driving in Ireland is 18 years old, however most car rental companies enforce their own age limit of 21 years old to rent a car. They also charge an additional fee if you’re under 24 years old.
Driving Through the Town of Killarney
Irish Driving Laws Tourists Should Know
The most confusing part of driving in Ireland for most tourists is driving on the left side of the road — with the driver’s seat on the right side of the car.
If you’ve never been to a country that drives on the left, it’s wise to practice a bit in a small town before you head onto the highways of Ireland.
For example, just North of Dublin Airport is the town of Swords. Maybe spend an hour or two getting the hang of driving there before you enter Dublin or onto the main highways.
While challenging at first, especially if driving a manual, you’ll get the hang of it quickly and will be ready to explore Ireland by car in no time!
The speed limit on local roads is generally around 80 km/h while on national highways it’s up to 100 km/h.
International Driver’s License
No, you do not need an international driver’s license to drive in Ireland or rent a car there. Just bring your passport, credit card, and your driver’s license from your home country.
Ross Castle at Sunrise
Helpful Tips For Driving In Ireland
Watch out for sheep! In many smaller towns, local shepherds move their sheep on the roads. You can easily round a sharp bend and find yourself stuck behind a huge flock walking down the road.
Narrow backroads in Ireland don’t have standard break-down lanes as we have in America. There’s often no room for error or pulling over.
Sometimes your side-view mirror will be inches away from stone walls or hedges while passing other cars! It can make driving here nerve-wracking.
Remember to carry some cash for road tolls on Ireland’s major highways. Irish tolls can cost between $1-$3 for a passenger car.
In the countryside, some roads are truly single lane, but with traffic in both directions. In these situations, there are pull-outs so one of you can pull over for the other to pass.
USEFUL TIP: Buy a cheap “learner” sticker (L) sold at gas stations so locals don’t get pissed off at your incompetence on their roads!
The Colorful Town of Glengarriff, Ireland
Advice For Renting A Car In Ireland
You don’t need a rental car for Dublin itself. Parking can be a pain and Dublin is very walkable with excellent public transportation too.
If you’re starting your trip in Dublin, maybe book a rental car when you’re ready to leave the city, for exploring the rest of the country.
Don’t book a car without reading the company reviews. You’ll find plenty of bad reviews for every company (people love to complain online), but try to pick one with the LEAST bad reviews.
You may not always get the make/model/type of car you booked. If they give you a smaller car, or a manual when you asked for an automatic, be pushy and ask for an upgrade.
Inspect your car thoroughly and record video on your smartphone pointing out damage before you leave. This is a backup if they attempt to charge you for damage that was already there.
Pay attention to if your car takes regular petrol or diesel fuel, so you fill up with the correct type at gas stations.
Use Google Maps on your smartphone for directions. Bring your own hands-free adapter and buy an Irish SIM card at the airport.
Enjoy Your Ireland Road Trip!
Exploring the small villages, ancient castles, green mountains, and coastal cliffs of Ireland in a rental car was definitely the right choice for us.
Self-drive road trips get off the beaten track to see things most people miss! ★
➜ Check Car Rental Prices & Availability In Ireland
Travel Planning Resources For Ireland
Packing Guide
Check out my travel gear guide to help you start packing for your trip. Pick up a travel backpack, camera gear, and other useful travel accessories.
Book Your Flight
Find cheap flights on Skyscanner. This is my favorite search engine to find deals on airlines. Also make sure to read how I find the cheapest flights.
Rent A Car
Discover Car Hire is a great site for comparing car prices to find a deal.
Book Accommodation
Booking.com is my favorite hotel search engine. Or rent apartments from locals on Airbnb. Read more about how I book cheap hotels online.
Protect Your Trip
Don’t forget travel insurance! I’m a big fan of World Nomads for short-term trips. Protect yourself from possible injury & theft abroad. Read more about why you should always carry travel insurance.
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READ MORE FROM IRELAND
How To Visit The Cliffs Of Moher The Best Of Dublin Travel Guide My Irish Genealogy Road Trip Claiming Irish Citizenship By Decent
Any questions about driving or renting a car in Ireland? Are you planning a road trip there? Drop me a message in the comments below!
This is a post from The Expert Vagabond adventure blog.
from Tips For Traveling https://expertvagabond.com/renting-car-in-ireland/
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Exploring The Best Of Granada On A Budget (Southern Spain)
Best Things To Do in Granada, Spain
Granada, Spain
Granada is a beautiful little city in the South of Spain where I lived for a month as a digital nomad. Here are some of the best things to do in Granada on your visit!
Located at the base of the snowy Sierra Madre mountains, the city of Granada is full of history and character.
Because it was once a Muslim kingdom, much of the city has been built in a style of Islamic architecture that remains today. Granda is part of Andalusia, a large autonomous region in Southern Spain.
Boasting a vibrant population of university students, free appetizers with every glass of wine, skiing in the mountains, and Mediterranean beaches only an hour away, Granada is the perfect town to visit for a weekend while traveling through Spain.
Sacromonte Cave Museum
The Sacromonte Caves
On the outskirts of Granada there’s a Roma (gypsy) neighborhood build into the side of a hill, where the inhabitants live in caves. Most of the caves are pretty modern these days. But you can also visit the Sacromonte Cave Museum to see what life was like here 100 years ago.
If you climb to the very top of the hill, you’ll find a less-than-legal community of hippies and immigrants squatting in older caves. Just be wary that these people aren’t always happy to see tourists gawking at them or their homes, and some can be aggressive.
Explore The Albayzín
The Albayzín is the historical Arab quarter of the city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This part of Granada has a lot of Moorish history, and this had a natural impact on the area’s architecture and decor.
For example, many of the walls are covered with gorgeous tiles that were hand-painted by the Moorish population.
Carrera Del Darro
Drink From The Fountain Of Youth
Fuente del Aceituno
Cured Ham for Tapas
Free Tapas & Spanish Wine
When in Granada, do as the locals do; go to a restaurant or bar during the afternoon or evening, typically between 1pm and 4pm or between 9pm and midnight, order an alcoholic beverage and dine for free on tapas (appetizers)!
It’s a Granada tradition to provide complimentary tapas with each glass of wine or beer, but you may find yourself paying for one of these delicious treats if you ask for a tapas menu instead of blending in with the crowd.
A popular snack is Black Iberian Ham, also known as Jamón ibérico, a common sight at these bars. The meat is cured with salt for up to 3 years, so it doesn’t need refrigeration.
Mirador San Nicolas
Welcome to the City of Granada
Watch A Flamenco Show
Flamenco is a form of festive gypsy (Gitano) folk music that originated in Southern Spain. It’s possible to visit one of the popular Sacromonte caves that feature full flamenco dance performances for about €22.
A less touristy and cheaper alternative is a small local bar called La Buleria which has excellent musical performances after 1am once most tourists go home for the night. Drinks run about €2-3 each.
Street Musicians in Granada
The Alhambra Palace
One of Spain’s most popular tourist attractions, Alhambra Palace sits on top of a hill surrounded by forest while overlooking the city below. It was built by Moorish king Mohammed ben Al-Ahmar in the 11th century when the area was ruled by Muslims from North Africa.
Filled with Arabic inscriptions, painted tiles, vaulted ceilings, and plentiful water fountains, the building is incredibly beautiful inside and out. Depending on the season, you may have to book tickets weeks in advance.
Generalife Gardens
People Watching At Plaza Nueva
Alcaiceria
If you’re looking for a unique souvenir in Granada, the best place to go is Alcaiceria. In the past, this area was a Great Bazaar. Although those days are long gone, you can still find earthenware that is reminiscent of the Moorish style of the Middle Ages.
I also enjoyed taking in the artistry of authentic Granada Taracea. Some of this furniture and the other wood touches would have made a nice addition to my place if I wasn’t living out of a backpack at the time!
Casa Del Chapiz
Sierra Nevada Mountains
These mountains are technically 30 minutes outside of Granada, but it’s a must-see for all travelers. The Sierra Nevada can be accessed via car, bus or taxi, meaning there’s no excuse not to check them out!
If you’re into skiing, this is by far the best spot in Spain. If you’re visiting in the summer there’s also mountain biking, hiking and music festivals. Make sure to check out the hanging suspension bridges of Los Cahorros!
Parque de las Ciencias (Science Park)
Granada is a wonderful place to learn about history and view ancient architecture. At the same time, there’s always a small part of me that stays rooted in the present. To take a break from Granada’s charming evidence of the past, check out the very modern Science Park.
Unlike many science museums, this interactive location was truly built with people of all ages in mind. I was able to participate in many hands-on activities, which were also popular with children. My favorite part of the Science Park was the planetarium.
Soak In A Hammam
Corral del Carbón
Corral del Carbón is an interesting place to visit if you’re interested in the history of the Nasrid dynasty because it’s the oldest remaining building in Granada from that era. Plus it’s free!
Built in the fourteenth century by Yusuf the First — it was used as a warehouse for goods and a shelter for merchants. Later it was also used for stage performances.
As an added bonus, if you visit Corral del Carbón in the summer there’s a chance of running into a flamenco or play performance in the courtyard. There’s also a bookstore inside the building.
Monasterio De San Jerónimo
The Granada Cathedral
Regardless of your cultural or religious views, you simply have to make some time to visit the Granada Cathedral. This stunning example of architecture was one of my favorite parts of the city.
The combination of Gothic and Renaissance style makes it pretty cool. Make sure you have plenty of room on your memory card for photographing the stunning exterior of this 16th-century masterpiece.
Royal Chapel Tombs & Crypt
The tombs of the Royal Chapel, better known locally as the tombs of Los Reyes Catolicos, were absolutely fascinating. The Royal Chapel itself is more than worth a visit if you like history, but I found the tombs and the crypt to be particularly compelling.
It’s interesting to get such a close look at the graves of royalty. When you combine this with the lifelike representations of historical figures such as Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon, it’s no wonder that the tombs are so popular.
Getting To Granada
Flying Within Spain
Granada has a small airport that runs daily flights from Madrid and Barcelona. Check for flight deals on Skyscanner and ready my guide to finding cheap flights.
Renting A Car In Spain
The best site to book your car is Discover Car Hire. They search both local and international car rental companies to help you find the best possible price. This is the easiest way to rent a car in Spain.
Traveling By Bus
Most people get to Granada traveling by bus from other large Spanish cities. Just be aware the bus station is slightly out of town and requires a taxi or local bus to reach the city center.
The bus from Madrid takes about 4-5 hours depending on the class. You can book tickets with ALSA.
Traveling By Train
Granada’s train station is at Avenida de Andaluces. However the trains are not high-speed, and the main routes are undergoing construction work until 2019. The train takes about 5.5 hours from Madrid, and 4 hours from Seville.
You can search for and book train tickets on Rail Europe.
Travel Planning Resources for Granada
Packing Guide
Check out my travel gear guide to help you start packing for your trip. Pick up a travel backpack, camera gear, and other useful travel accessories.
Book Your Flight
Book cheap flights on Skyscanner, my favorite airline search engine to find deals. Also read my tips for how I find the cheapest flights.
Rent A Car
Discover Car Hire is a great site for comparing car prices to find a deal.
Book Accommodation
Booking.com is my favorite hotel search engine. Or rent local apartments on Airbnb ($35 discount!). Read my post for tips on booking cheap hotels.
Protect Your Trip
Don’t forget travel insurance! I’m a big fan of World Nomads for short-term trips. Protect yourself from possible injury & theft abroad. Read more about why you should always carry travel insurance.
READ MORE FROM SPAIN
Hiking The Caminito Del Rey Squatting With Gypsies In Spain The Best Backpacks For Travel
Any questions about things to do in Granada? Do you have other suggestions? Drop me a message in the comments below!
This is a post from The Expert Vagabond adventure blog.
from Tips For Traveling https://expertvagabond.com/granada-spain-things-to-do/
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More Than Uluru: The Best Kept Secrets of Central Australia
You can’t visit Uluru without being caught up in the debate over whether to climb ‘the rock’. More on that topic later. A visit...
The post More Than Uluru: The Best Kept Secrets of Central Australia appeared first on Pretraveller.
from Tips For Traveling https://pretraveller.com/uluru-central-australia/
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19 Best Kid-Friendly Family Vacations In America
Family life. It can be wonderful and exhausting in equal measure. That’s why The Great Family Vacation is so important—a time to make memories and celebrate your loved ones away from the pressures of daily life. Whether you’ve got a family of ten or two, here are the best family vacation ideas your kids will love, where boredom is banned and fun is king.
Best Vacation Ideas For Families
With so many great family-friendly destinations in the USA, it’s hard to narrow down to the cream of the crop. While we’ve left out a few of the obvious big-hitters like Orlando, Virginia Beach, San Diego, and Myrtle Beach, we’re featuring equally amazing spots, where the amenities for children are just as great and the welcome just as warm.
An added benefit? These top family vacation spots boast plenty of local rentals from FlipKey. Choose an entire house or apartment where you can all be together (while still having your own space). Swap the hotel mini-bar for a fully stocked kitchen and the communal lobby for a family living area—and maybe even a garden. Imagine an evening barbecue on the outdoor patio, a family movie night in the theater room, or a morning swim in your own private pool.
Ready for a fun-fueled family trip? Pack your sunblock, swimwear, and those all-important traveling snacks. Here are 19 of the best family vacation ideas in America for happy kids and even happier grown-ups.
Anaheim, California
“This home was perfect for young and old. Very close to Disneyland and shopping. The pool was the favorite for relaxing and cooling off. Very friendly owners.” — FlipKey Reviewer
The most obvious pull for children in sunny Anaheim is the mighty Disneyland Park—and who could blame them for begging to come here? Rides for all ages, well-known characters to meet, and all the color and excitement you’d expect from a larger-than-life Disney experience. If you’re looking for something on a smaller scale, book a pass to Adventure City. With rides, shows, and a mini train, it’s especially suited to younger children.
See all FlipKey rentals in Anaheim!
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
“We came to Gettysburg to visit history and were not disappointed. The house just made things very simple for us. Everything we needed was there. Great literature to assist us on our history tour. The house was clean and well kept. It was located very conveniently for touring all of Gettysburg.” — FlipKey Reviewer
Steeped in Civil War history, the picturesque town of Gettysburg makes a pleasant and educational base for families. Tour the Gettysburg Battlefield, the National Military Park, and the Shriver House Museum at your leisure, or hop on a guided bus tour of the town to get the expert lowdown on all the key sights. From historical re-enactments to ghostly tours, there’s so much here to keep the whole family entertained.
See all FlipKey rentals in Gettysburg!
Boston, Massachusetts
“We regularly stay in rented accommodation rather than hotels when we go on holiday, and this is one of the best we’ve experienced. The house is very comfortable, and well furnished and equipped.” — FlipKey Reviewer
Boston has it all—the culture, the fantastic city parks, and a relaxed pace you might not expect in a city of its size. Baseball fanatics, young and not so young, will love Fenway Park, home of the Red Sox. You can take a guided tour, watch a game, and soak up some sporting history. Also check out the giant ocean tank at the New England Aquarium and board a Boston Duck Tour to be transported around this beautiful city on land and water.
See all FlipKey rentals in Boston!
Florida Space Coast
The vibe on the Florida Space Coast is, overall, beachy and relaxed, but a vacationer’s experience depends largely on the activity you choose. Of course, they don’t call it the “Space Coast” for nothing. The thrill of watching rockets launch from Cape Canaveral, whether up close or miles away, never gets old. In fact, launches still occur (SpaceX rockets are on the launch calendar for 2017). Kennedy Space Center unpacks space-centric surprises, from the earliest days of space exploration to the exciting Shuttle Launch Experience and behind-the-gates tours.
As for terra firma, beautiful Atlantic beaches await, along with wildlife at the Canaveral National Seashore, a beautiful barrier island National Park. And even if you’re not shipping out for a cruise, you and your family can marvel at large luxurious ships from Grills Seafood Deck, a family-friendly and casual venue.
Over in Cocoa Beach, you can sink your toes into the sand—but if you have teens, be sure to pop in for a ubiquitous (free!) sticker at Ron Jon’s massive surf shop. You may want to pick up a bikini or t-shirt while you’re at it, too.
Satellite Beach is a lesser-known but equally lovely section of the Atlantic coast. If you’re planning on visiting in June or July, you can enjoy sea turtle nesting season. Check in with the Sea Turtle Preservation Society for a guided tour. Once booked, you’ll be led out by expert guides equipped with the knowledge (and turtle-friendly lighting) to find mama turtles as they venture onshore to lay their eggs. Truly amazing!
See all FlipKey rentals on Florida’s Space Coast!
Long Beach, California
“This adorable house was very comfortable and had every amenity needed for a family vacation. Everything was close by, from amazing restaurants to cute shops, and of course the beach. I was impressed at how quickly we were able to get to Disneyland and down the coast to Newport Beach.” — FlipKey Reviewer
Locals refer to Long Beach as one giant playground, so families are certainly welcome here. And there’s one place you really can’t miss. More than 11,000 creatures await you at the Aquarium of the Pacific—you can even touch and feed some of them. Learn about who lives in and around the oceans and the importance of conserving their environment. Long Beach also has lots of family-oriented places to eat and plenty of fun watery activities, including boat tours.
See all FlipKey rentals in Long Beach!
Washington, DC
Washington, DC is a vibrant city with dozens of free attractions and events that make it an ideal destination for a family vacation. Once you’re near the Mall, major landmarks and iconic government buildings are everywhere you look: the Capitol, the White House, the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials, and many more. Have your kids pull out their coins and dollar bills to see replicas of the very buildings they’re standing in front of. Book a line-skipping VIP tour and check them all off your list.
The internationally-renowned collections of the Smithsonian range from a 65-million-year-old Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton to the original “Star-Spangled Banner” to the space shuttle Discovery. The Einstein Planetarium at the Air and Space Museum offers a constant flow of illuminating, family-friendly entertainment. The airplane buffs in your family will be happy they made the trek to Dulles Airport for the Udvar-Hazy Center, an annex of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. It’s so large that the actual planes dangling from its ceiling look like toys.
The riverfront Nationals Park is a wholesome itinerary option for families who like major league baseball. Its neighborhood goes by many names at this point—Navy Yard, Ballpark District and Capitol Riverfront—but is easy to reach from any area of the city.
See all FlipKey rentals in Washington, DC!
Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
Billed as the Waterpark Capital of the World, Wisconsin Dells is an obvious choice for fun-seeking families. It’s hard to experience all the great attractions and activities here. Take your pick of indoor and outdoor adventures, such as Mt. Olympus Water and Theme Park, Noah’s Ark Waterpark, Timber Falls Adventure Park, Circus World, Timbavati Wildlife Park…the list goes on and on.
See all FlipKey rentals in Wisconsin Dells!
Durham, New York
Set in the Northern Catskills, where there’s lots of fresh air and space to run around, Durham makes a top family vacation base. Show your brood the best of the rural life on a tour with Farmer Frank of Hull-O Farms, where you’ll meet all sorts of friendly animals, including bunnies, piglets, and chicks. For something completely different, try the Zoom Flume Water Park, where you can rent a cabana and spend the day crashing into the water via various high-speed slides.
See all FlipKey rentals in Durham!
Winter Haven, Florida
Your child may be on his or her way to being a master builder—or not—but either way, few Florida destinations are as child-friendly as Winter Haven. That’s because of the incredible LEGOLAND. This child-centric haven is practically overflowing with Lego bricks. What’s more, every ride in the elevator is a strobe-infused opportunity to do a happy dance, and every room is themed—from pirates to knights to adventurers.
Steps away are Legoland’s theme park and waterpark. The theme park’s coasters, rides and Lego-centric sites keep the entertainment going nonstop. The waterpark’s lazy rivers, wave pools, slides, and other cooling spots offer a fun respite from the Florida heat.
Parents should note that although the LEGOLAND attractions are decidedly for youngsters, the ease with which you’ll be able to move from one to the next make it appealing for parents looking for recreation that’s a little more self-contained. As a bonus, you can also enjoy a tropical cocktail by the pool while watching your kiddos.
See all Winter Haven rentals from FlipKey!
Indianapolis, Indiana
Indy’s a pretty hospitable place. And if you’re visiting with children, there’s no better starting point than the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, the largest of its kind in the world. We challenge anyone to be bored in this place, where kids are encouraged to explore arts and culture through exhibits, workshops, and live performances—there’s even a steam engine. You might also like to see the animals and plant life at Indianapolis Zoo.
See all FlipKey rentals in Indianapolis!
Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
This friendly place on the Atlantic Coast has a boardwalk packed with lively eateries. Families tend to favor Funland for its arcade games and vintage rides and Jungle Jim’s Water Park for water slides, go-karting and mini-golf. For a bit of calm before bedtime, you could head slightly north and take a Broadkill River cruise with Caper Water Tours and Taxi, taking in the peaceful views of the shoreline and its birdlife before the sun sets.
See all FlipKey rentals in Rehoboth Beach!
Williamsburg, Virginia
Colonial Williamsburg, the 301-acre, restored 18th-century capital city, is America’s largest interactive history museum. Its interpretive characters transport visiting families back in time, to the sound of beating drums and trilling fifes.
Virginia’s Historic Triangle extends to nearby Jamestown and Yorktown, where innovative exhibits and educational experiences depict America’s first permanent English colony and guide visitors through the battlefield where American independence was won. Merchants Square, an 18th-century-style village, includes more than 40 shops and restaurants ranging from family-style to fine dining.
The family-friendly Williamsburg area is also home to Busch Gardens, an action-packed, European-themed adventure park; Water Country USA, Virginia’s largest water park; and the York and James Rivers, where you can enjoy beautiful scenery and outdoor activities such as fishing, boating and swimming.
See all Williamsburg rentals from FlipKey!
Sandusky, Ohio
Located on the southern edge of Lake Erie is chilled-out Sandusky. This place is home to the Cedar Point amusement park, which draws rollercoaster-crazy visitors each year. It’s mostly for the thrill-seekers, but there are also gentler options available for younger children. Alternatively, you can take jet skis out on the lake or enjoy a stroll with stunning views along the Sandusky Bay Pathway.
See all FlipKey rentals in Sandusky!
Bloomington, Minnesota
Book a comfortable family rental as your base for exploring the child-friendly delights of Bloomington. We recommend starting with Nickelodeon Universe, a fun-packed indoor park in the Mall of America, with everything from the tamest of rides to zip-lining adventures. If your children are on the younger side, this is a great place to spend a day. The Mall of America also provides all the shopping and eating opportunities you could hope for, plus an aquarium and adventure golf.
See all FlipKey rentals in the Bloomington/Minneapolis area!
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Affordable and wholesome Pigeon Forge is adjacent to American’s favorite national park, Great Smoky Mountains. Most known for the Dollywood theme park, Pigeon Forge now also gets rave reviews for its Titanic Museum, an interactive walk through the doomed cruise ship. Teens will like assuming the persona of a historic passenger, only to find out their fate after visiting the eye-popping captain’s bridge.
Nighttime is perfect for The Island in Pigeon Forge, an entertainment hub with lighted water shows. Pleasant evenings also draw families to the area’s multiple mini-golf courses, including one in nearby Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg is also home to a surprisingly wonderful aquarium given its mountain location; penguins typically steal the show at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies.
Your most difficult task will be choosing which of the dozens of family attractions to try, from a wax museum to a world records hall to dinner theaters, roller coasters and even “Goats on the Roof.” Nature will also be luring you to Smoky Mountain trails and overlooks, so no matter how many days you can spend in Pigeon Forge, they will all be full.
See all Pigeon Forge cabin rentals from FlipKey!
Carolina Beach & Kure Beach, North Carolina
Carolina Beach offers an old-style boardwalk, a laid-back atmosphere and absolutely tons of activities for families to enjoy together. Take advantage of the water sports and seaside amusement rides (and grab some donuts from Britt’s). A few minutes down the coastline is Kure Beach, where you’ll find Ocean Front Park, with its boardwalk, gardens and beach—there’s even a giant pirate ship to play on. Continue down to the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, which has some interactive exhibits and even an albino alligator.
See all FlipKey rentals in Carolina Beach/Kure Beach!
St. Augustine, Florida
St. Augustine’s picturesque and historic center appeals to all sorts of visitors. Many families come here for the St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum, a fabulous swashbuckling resource offering interactive exhibits, treasure hunting, and more. For some outdoor fun, you could see the town on one of Ripley’s Red Trains, hit the play areas at Davenport Park or Project Swing Park, or turn towards the beach for a kids’ surf session.
See all FlipKey rentals in St. Augustine!
Charlotte, North Carolina
Charlotte’s Carowinds, a combination amusement park and waterpark, is a big hit with families. Weekdays offer shorter lines than weekends, and themed events are scheduled near year’s end. Young park-goers will discover mini-rides just for them, while teens will be thrilled with the likes of Intimidator and Fury 325. The park offers free water at multiple stations, but parents consistently recommend purchasing cups with free refills for the day. Count on $20 for parking, and budget extra for food, or consider at least one combo ticket, which includes food throughout the day.
Does your family thrive on challenges? Multiple escape rooms now pepper Charlotte, and near the intersection of the city’s two interstates, you’ll find Escape Kings. This family-friendly attraction lets those over 10 years of age test their collective wits by escaping from Aztec Ruins and Kings Quest rooms. The puzzle clues are for all ages, and escape is neither too hard for kids nor too easy for adults.
DefyGravity trampoline park is an appealing setting for energy-filled kids. Depending on their age, they can bounce their way through the KidJump, Ninja Obstacle Course, extreme dodgeball, foam pits, and even a trapeze.
Teens who like golf will love hanging out at Topgolf. Fun music adds to the excitement of golfing with a variety of provided clubs on a three-level driving range. Servers keep the food and drinks coming, while you rack up the points and have a few laughs. Charlotte—a major metroplex—has no shortage of other family-friendly restaurants at all price points.
See all Charlotte rentals from FlipKey!
Williams, Arizona
“We wanted to spend time at the Grand Canyon so I looked for a place that could accommodate all 9 of us (this included some children). Rather than rent numerous hotel rooms I decided it might be fun to all stay together in a house. The description of this house made it sound interesting and close to town so we chose it. Best decision ever!” — FlipKey Reviewer
Williams has all sorts of activities to make your vacation a memorable one. Watch a thrilling rodeo show, drive through graceful pine forests to spy on cute bear cubs and other fauna at Bearizona Wildlife Park, or take to the railroad and spend a day on the Grand Canyon Railway Adventure Package.
See all FlipKey rentals in Williams!
This post was originally published on the TripAdvisor rentals blog. FlipKey is a TripAdvisor company.
The post 19 Best Kid-Friendly Family Vacations In America appeared first on The FlipKey Blog.
from Tips For Traveling https://www.flipkey.com/blog/2019/04/15/19-best-kid-friendly-family-vacations-in-america/
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Things You Should Know Before Renting A Car & Driving In Morocco
Tips For Renting A Car In Morocco
Morocco Driving Guide
Renting a car in Morocco and driving yourself is a great way to experience this beautiful country. But there are a few things you should know before you embark on a road trip.
When Anna and I were planning our first trip to Morocco together, we were initially hesitant about renting a car to explore the country by ourselves.
Morocco has a bit of a reputation for crazy driving (and drivers!).
But the more we researched, the more we realized renting a car in Morocco wouldn’t be as difficult as we thought, plus it would save us a lot of money.
We love the freedom of road trips and planning our own travel itineraries. Morocco is such a diverse country that it made sense to rent a car so we could stop anywhere exploring local villages, mountains, and deserts at our own pace.
Here are some important tips we learned from our experience renting a car in Morocco, to help you save money and stay safe while driving around the country!
What To Know Before Renting A Car In Morocco
Driving in Morocco was Awesome!
Should You Rent A Car In Morocco?
Hey, if you’re a fan of bus tours, by all means, go book one. It’s a decent way to see Morocco if you don’t have a lot of time.
No planning, no driving, just sit back and let someone else do all the work!
But if you’re like me, you prefer the challenge of independent travel.
True adventure, with no set schedule or timetable. Driving around Morocco with the freedom to stop anywhere fun you happen to find along the way.
If that’s the kind of traveler you are, renting a car in Morocco is the way to go!
Just keep in mind that driving times in Morocco can be longer then Google tells you. It helps if you have someone else to split the driving with.
Another nice thing about having a car was the ability to store things in the trunk, so you can explore cities with small daypacks rather than lugging around a giant backpack or suitcase.
Where To Rent Your Car In Morocco
The best site to book your car is Discover Car Hire. They search both local and international car rental companies to help you find the best possible price. This is the easiest way to rent a car in Morocco.
We rented our car from the capital city of Marrakech, taking a Southern road trip route towards Ouarzazate before heading on to Merzouga and the Sahara desert.
From the desert we drove North to the blue city of Chefchaouen for a few days, finally ending in Fez where we dropped off the car and flew out of the country. However there are many different types of routes you can take.
Why Did the Camel Cross the Road?
Car Rental Insurance In Morocco
Some of the rumors about driving in Morocco are true, and people can drive crazy here. That’s why I highly recommend getting full insurance coverage.
Typically, rental cars in Morocco come with a basic Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), but this isn’t exactly insurance, and only covers the car for up to 10,000 dirhams ($1000 USD) worth of damage.
While you can often save money if you book your car with a credit card that includes car rental insurance, you REALLY need to read the fine print, because many people wrongly assume their card covers everything, in any country.
If you get in a wreck driving in Morocco, decided to decline full insurance coverage, and you suddenly learn your credit card doesn’t actually cover the damage — you’re screwed.
This is why I usually pre-book full coverage through Discover Car Hire for about $9 a day. It’s cheaper than at the counter.
Driving through the Moroccan Desert
How Much Does It Cost To Rent A Car In Morocco?
Renting a car in Morocco is going to cost you around $25-$40 USD a day, depending on the type of car you get. Our 4 door sedan was about $30 per day.
I recommend renting a car with an actual trunk (no hatchbacks) to hide your luggage from prying eyes. It helps prevent break-ins if thieves can’t see your stuff.
Gas (petrol) prices in Morocco might seem cheap to Americans, but remember that the rest of the world quotes gas in Liters, not Gallons (1 Gallon = 3.78 Liters).
Currently, gas costs about $4 per gallon in Morocco. Remember that diesel cars are often cheaper in gas consumption than regular gasoline too.
Age Requirements For Renting A Car
The minimum age for driving in Morocco is 18 years old, however most car rental companies enforce their own age limit of 21 years old to rent a car.
Stopping Anywhere is One of the Perks of Renting a Car
Moroccan Driving Laws Tourists Should Know
The speed limits in Morocco are generally 60 kph in urban areas and 120 kph on highways. Police speed traps are very common, so pay attention to your speed.
I was actually pulled over for speeding during our road trip outside Ouarzazate, but they let me go after paying a small “fine” (bribe?) of 150 dirhams (about $15 USD).
You might also encounter the occasional police roadblock, but often they just wave tourists through. Or they’ll simply ask you where you’re headed.
Moroccans drive on the right side of the road, just like in the United States. So you shouldn’t have any issues there (unless you’re British!).
International Driver’s License
No, you do not need an international driver’s license to drive in Morocco or rent a car there. Just bring your passport, credit card, and your driver’s license from your home country.
Switchbacks in the Atlas Mountains
Tips For Driving In Morocco
Learn how to navigate the roundabout! Morocco is full of roundabouts rather than stoplights, and if you’re new to them, you might piss off the locals or get in a fender-bender.
Road traffic in Morocco comes in all types, sizes, and species! Be prepared to dodge scooters, over-filled trucks, buses, bicycles, donkeys, sheep, camels, pedestrians, and more. It can be mayhem at times, especially in the cities.
Honking your horn in Morocco is a form of everyday communication. It means all sorts of things, not just “get out of my way!” Honk your horn to thank people for letting you pass, or to encourage a troupe of camels to hurry up. Don’t be afraid of your horn!
Try to avoid driving in Morocco at night. Street lighting is minimal, and road markings can be too. Not to mention people or animals suddenly appearing in the middle of the road.
Many Moroccans will use their turn signals to let you know when it’s safe to pass them. For example, a big slow moving truck going uphill. They’ll hit their blinkers when the road is clear ahead, so you don’t have to guess.
Advice For Renting A Car In Morocco
Don’t book a car without reading the company reviews. Obviously you’ll find plenty of bad reviews for every company (people love to complain online), but try to pick one with the LEAST bad reviews.
Remember that you may not always get the make/model/type of car you booked. If they give you a smaller car, or a manual when you asked for an automatic, be pushy and ask for an upgrade.
Beware of mysterious “cleaning fee” hidden charges. If it’s not in your contract, you don’t have to pay it.
English is not spoken widely. You’ll have an easier time if you speak some French or Arabic. Communication isn’t impossible, but be patient.
Inspect your car thoroughly and record video on your smartphone pointing out damage before you leave. This is a backup if they try to charge you for damage that was already there.
Pay special attention to the interior too. A common rental car scam is getting charged for “cigarette burns” on the seats — that they conveniently “forget” to mark on the original damage form.
Make sure your tank is full before you leave. Some car rental companies in Morocco will start you with an empty gas tank, forcing you to fill up immediately.
Enjoy Your Moroccan Road Trip!
Exploring the small villages, hidden canyons, colorful mountains, and vast deserts of Morocco in a rental car was definitely the right choice for us.
Road trips let you get off the beaten track to see things most people miss! ★
➜ Check Car Rental Prices & Availability In Morocco
Travel Planning Resources For Morocco
Packing Guide
Check out my travel gear guide to help you start packing for your trip. Pick up a travel backpack, camera gear, and other useful travel accessories.
Book Your Flight
Find cheap flights on Skyscanner. This is my favorite search engine to find deals on airlines. Also make sure to read how I find the cheapest flights.
Rent A Car
Discover Car Hire is a great site for comparing car prices to find a deal.
Book Accommodation
Booking.com is my favorite hotel search engine. Or rent apartments from locals on Airbnb. Read more about how I book cheap hotels online.
Protect Your Trip
Don’t forget travel insurance! I’m a big fan of World Nomads for short-term trips. Protect yourself from possible injury & theft abroad. Read more about why you should always carry travel insurance.
Recommended Guidebook: Lonely Planet Morocco Suggested Reading: In Arabian Nights
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READ MORE TRAVEL TIPS
Tips For Visiting Chefchaouen In Morocco My Favorite Travel Quotes Of All Time Travel Jobs That Let You Work Abroad How To Pick A Great Travel Backpack
Any questions about driving or renting a car in Morocco? Are you planning a road trip there? Drop me a message in the comments below!
This is a post from The Expert Vagabond adventure blog.
from Tips For Traveling https://expertvagabond.com/renting-car-in-morocco/
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Great Adult Getaways For Grown-Ups Avoiding The College Scene
Your college years might be behind you, but that doesn’t mean you can’t mark the start of spring with a memorable getaway. We’ve hand-picked some of the best adult getaways across America, featuring luxe spas, golf courses, and charming beaches where the vibe is a little more, shall we say, low-key.
Whether you’re traveling with a group of friends, family, or just your significant other, each of these destinations is home to amazing FlipKey rental properties that are a real step up from the party-hearty hotel rooms of your youth. Pour yourself a cocktail by the private pool and raise a glass to how far you’ve come.
Amelia Island, Florida
“While there are plenty of restaurants and rentals, the beach here is not a typical ‘teenager beach,’” one reviewer writes. “It’s more of a family-oriented place with a lot of history.” Take a trolley or carriage tour of the downtown district to see local landmarks and learn more about this barrier island’s backstory, then tee up for a round of golf along the Atlantic Ocean.
Find a great place to stay on Amelia Island!
Hilton Head, South Carolina
Enjoy spectacular views of the ocean from a condo or villa in Hilton Head, a destination known for its Lowcountry cuisine, coastal-chic resort vibe, and award-winning golf courses. With 12 miles of beautiful beaches and 60+ miles of pathways perfect for long walks and bike rides, this classic Southern destination is always worth a visit.
Find a great place to stay in Hilton Head!
Lafayette, Louisiana
Welcome to the heart of Louisiana’s Cajun and Creole Country, where bold art and big flavors are a nod to the city’s creative spirit. Visit Vermilionville to learn about the cultures that have shaped this vibrant destination, then rub shoulders with the locals at the Lafayette Farmers and Artisans Market or the monthly ArtWalk downtown.
Find a great place to stay in Lafayette!
Gulfport, Mississippi
If your version of an ideal vacation is dozing on the beach or casting a line at sunrise, book a roomy vacation home on the Mississippi Coast and fall in love with Gulfport. Whether you kick back on the wraparound porch or rent kayaks to paddle up and down the scenic shore, the Gulf Coast is a peaceful place for a getaway by the water.
Find a great place to stay in Gulfport!
Port Aransas, Texas
Tired of traditional party-hearty destinations? Steer clear of the party scene and book a rental nestled in the dunes of Mustang Island. As the only established town on the island, Port Aransas strikes a balance between natural beauty and a fun-filled beach escape. Fishing charters are easy to come by—this is the fishing capital of Texas, after all—and birdwatching, windsurfing, and kite sailing are popular pastimes.
Find a great place to stay in Port Aransas!
Branson, Missouri
Given its central location—within a day’s drive of a third of the population—this southwest Missouri town is one of the most accessible trips in the country. Take in a show at one of 50 theaters, enjoy some retail therapy at Branson Landing, or climb aboard the Showboat Branson Belle for a two-hour riverboat cruise on Table Rock Lake.
Find a great place to stay in Branson!
Kansas City, Missouri
Thanks in part to a revitalized downtown, dotted with galleries and performance venues, there’s never been a more exciting time to visit Kansas City. This buzzworthy destination is exactly where to go if you’re passionate about good food and great music. With 100+ barbecue joints and live jazz clubs across the city, you won’t be disappointed.
Find a great place to stay in Kansas City!
Henderson, Nevada
For small-town atmosphere and big outdoor adventures, escape to Henderson, located 20 minutes from Las Vegas. You’ll have easy access to the bright lights of Sin City—minus the “what-happens-here-stays-here” chaos that comes with staying on the Strip. Bike along the River Mountain Loop Trail or polish your swing at Rio Secco Golf Club.
Find a great place to stay in Henderson!
Savannah, Georgia
Romantic architecture, airy galleries, canopies of live oak—if any Southern city can charm its way into your heart, it’s Savannah. You’ll find a wealth of activities here, from walking tours in the dreamy historic district to shopping on River Street, fishing on Tybee Island, and teeing off at one of the area’s legendary golf courses.
Find a great place to stay in Savannah!
Charlottesville, Virginia
For wine lovers, history buffs, and anyone who appreciates stunning scenery, Charlottesville is the place to be. This classy mountain town offers a wealth of attractions, from the Monticello Wine Trail to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites (Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello and the University of Virginia).
Find a great place to stay in Charlottesville!
Nashville, Tennessee
With quirky shops, hidden gem restaurants, and exciting nightlife options cropping up all over the city, Nashville has so much to explore beyond the Honky Tonk Highway. Yes, you should see a show at Ryman Auditorium, but you should also eat at a few off-the-beaten-path restaurants and shop at the amazing vintage boutiques in East Nashville.
Find a great place to stay in Nashville!
Portland, Oregon
Whatever words you’ve heard used to describe Portland—trendy, creative, hipster, weird—flavorful is one adjective that definitely applies. March is Portland Dining Month, and that makes PDX one of the top adult getaways for foodies. While you’re in town, take the opportunity to grab a bite at one of 600 local food trucks.
Find a great place to stay in Portland!
Healdsburg, California
Located less than two hours from San Francisco, Healdsburg is surrounded by three winegrowing regions and more than 100 wineries. This charming small town makes the perfect home base for exploring Sonoma County, and the array of farm-to-table restaurants complement those incredible Zinfandels and Pinots. We’re all for ocean views and mountain vistas, but this adult-friendly destination is as scenic as they come.
Find a great place to stay in Healdsburg!
Mammoth Lakes, California
Rent a rustic mountain chalet on TripAdvisor and make Mammoth Lakes the headquarters for your next adult group trip. Home to postcard-worthy ridges, valleys, and sparkling lakes, this mountain town offers scenic hiking trails like McGee Pass, challenging terrain for road bikers, and paved trails in town for novice cyclists.
Find a great place to stay in Mammoth Lakes!
Houston, Texas
Why is Houston on our list of top adult getaways? Aside from having one of the largest museum districts in the country (featuring 20 museums within easy walking distance) and 10,000 local restaurants, there’s a packed calendar of exciting events happening here in March, from the Bassmaster Classic Expo to the Shell Houston Open.
Find a great place to stay in Houston!
Hollywood, Florida
What’s better than watching the sunset from your hotel balcony? Taking in the view from the covered veranda as you fire up the grill to make dinner. The waterfront rentals in Hollywood boast luxe amenities like heated pools and private docks, all within walking distance of the best bars, boutiques, and restaurants. Add in seven miles of designated Blue Wave beaches.
Find a great place to stay in Hollywood!
Jacksonville, Florida
“This is a great little beach town that has just gotten better over the years,” one reviewer writes. With 22 miles of white sand beaches, a top-notch urban park system, and ample opportunities to go fishing, surfing, and paddle boarding, we can’t help but agree.
Find a great place to stay in Jacksonville!
Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis is famous for barbecue and rock ‘n’ roll, but great ribs and Graceland aren’t the only reasons you should pack your bags for this top destination for adults. Memphis Black Restaurant Week, Memphis Comedy Fest, and the Midtown Opera Festival are just three of the exciting events happening here in March.
Find a great place to stay in Memphis!
This post was originally published on the TripAdvisor blog. FlipKey is a TripAdvisor company.
The post Great Adult Getaways For Grown-Ups Avoiding The College Scene appeared first on The FlipKey Blog.
from Tips For Traveling https://www.flipkey.com/blog/2019/04/08/great-adult-spring-break-trips-for-grown-ups-avoiding-the-college-scene/
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75 Best Travel Quotes To Inspire Your Wanderlust (Ultimate List)
Best Inspirational Travel Quotes Of All Time
Inspirational Travel Quotes
Are these the best travel quotes of all time? Feed your wanderlust with these inspirational travel quotes from famous travelers along with beautiful images you can share. Let the adventure begin!
I’m slightly embarrassed to say that I love inspirational travel quotes.
These memorable travel quotes accompanied by stunning photography have the ability to capture little moments of clarity that highlight truths about travel, adventure, and life.
Great traveling quotes like these remind me that emotions I’ve felt while traveling the world for the past 9 years have been experienced by many others.
We’re all beautifully connected with each other by a love for travel!
Enjoy these travel quotes? Feel free to share the quote photographs on Pinterest or Instagram! Also, check out my favorite motivational adventure quotes.
Enjoy these travel quotes? Feel free to share the quote photographs on Pinterest or Instagram! Also, check out my favorite motivational and best quotes about adventure.
Here are my favorite travel quotes of all time, paired with some photos from my personal adventures around the world. I often share them on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest.
You have permission to share these quote images on your own accounts too, all I ask in exchange is to please credit me when possible. Thanks!
I hope they inspire you to pack up everything and head out into the unknown, to explore the farthest reaches of our planet (and your soul) — to see the world for what it really is.
Browse these fun quotes when you need wanderlust motivation — to make travel a priority in your life!
Best Travel Quotes With Images
Traveling is one of the best ways to open your mind and heart to the world. As a result, I’ve experienced the full range of emotions during my travels.
Although this has sometimes meant having my lifestyle and point of view challenged, I wouldn’t give up a single second of it because it helped shape me into the person I am today. Travel can change your perspective.
Like a less-intense version of an astronaut’s overview effect.
Many of these travel quotes have inspired me to keep exploring. If you’re looking for inspiration to fuel your wanderlust, you’re certain to find the perfect quotation below!
Inspiring Travel Quotes
Adventure is always worth it!
Travel isn’t always pretty…
1: “Adventure is worthwhile.” – Aesop
It doesn’t get more simplistic than Aesop’s take on traveling, the ancient Greek fabulist and storyteller. But that’s exactly why this classic travel quote continues to inspire me. Any adventure provides my mind and soul with an important boost that makes the rest of life seem even more worthwhile.
2: “Travel isn’t always pretty. It isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart. But that’s okay. The journey changes you; it should change you. It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart, and on your body. You take something with you. Hopefully, you leave something good behind.” – Anthony Bourdain
The late, great Anthony Bourdain really hit the nail on the head here. Many think of traveling as a way to relax, and it absolutely can be. However, I’ve always found that traveling is also the perfect way to break free from my daily mold by learning about the good and bad parts of myself and the world.
3: “Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” – Ibn Battuta
I’ve seen awe-inspiring things that I thought I’d never be able to explain to another person. Somehow, these experiences have shaped me into a much better storyteller, and I absolutely love sharing my adventures with others.
4: “We travel, some of us forever, to seek other places, other lives, other souls.” – Anais Nin
Anais Nin’s words about our constant search for other things that will make us feel whole feels increasingly fitting as each year passes. For me, it also sums up the desire to keep learning through experiences.
A journey is best measured in friends…
5: “A journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles.” – Tim Cahill
I couldn’t agree more! I’ve made many friends around the world, and it’s the time I’ve spent with them that has made my travels so fulfilling. People are always more memorable than checking off a bucket list.
6: “The gladdest moment in human life, methinks, is a departure into unknown lands.” – Sir Richard Burton
Sir Richard Burton eloquently captured the spirit of wandering off into the unknown. The moment of anticipation is often sweeter than the final result. Before I arrive in each new place, I often daydream about what is soon to come.
7: “No place is ever as bad as they tell you it’s going to be.” – Chuck Thompson
Have you ever looked at your hometown through the eyes of a tourist? I understand how easy it is to get jaded, but the truth is that every single place in the world has something of interest to show you.
8: “I am not the same, having seen the moon shine on the other side of the world.” – Mary Anne Radmacher
I often gaze at the stars when I’m visiting a new destination. It’s amazing to consider how they’re the same, yet so very different, from my home. Seeing these changes helps you begin to understand your place in the universe.
9: “Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.” – Gustave Flaubert
Flaubert continued Radmacher’s wise observation in this insightful quote. I definitely used to think that my life, and my country, played a bigger role in the world until I strapped on my backpack and began traveling.
Famous Travel Quotes
We travel so life does not escape us.
10: “We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.” – Anonymous
I feel a heavy weight on my heart when I don’t travel for an extended amount of time. As soon as I set off for someplace new, the burden of stagnation falls away and I feel renewed. Traveling always restores my zest for life.
11: “The man who goes alone can start today; but he who travels with another must wait till that other is ready.” – Henry David Thoreau
I’ve heeded Henry David Thoreau’s advice on many occasions. In fact, of all the quotes about traveling I’ve collected here, this one has been the most influential. We can make excuses for not doing something, and in many cases, we blame others.
12: “To awaken alone in a strange town is one of the pleasantest sensations in the world.” – Freya Stark
A change of view always helps give me a new perspective on life. Traveling allows waking up to a different view on a regular basis. I know that I can always clear my mind by visiting new places. The perfect traveling quote.
13: “The life you have led doesn’t need to be the only life you have.” – Anna Quindlen
Anna Quindlen’s words have made a big difference in my life. It’s so easy to get stuck believing that what we’re doing right now is all we’ll ever do. It’s also way too easy to get sucked into identifying too strongly with the mistakes of our past.
14: “Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all of one’s lifetime.” – Mark Twain
I wish the entire world could understand Mark Twain’s insight into traveling. The only way to truly learn about the world and other people is by getting out there. We all have preconceived notions, but traveling has shown me that they’re usually false.
READ MORE: How To Work & Travel The World
Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has courage…
15: “Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.” – Andre Gide
I used to be so afraid to reach beyond my comfort zone. This travel quote about throwing off the so-called safety net of my comfortable surroundings let me discover parts of the world I’d long assumed I’d never see. More importantly, I’ve discovered things about myself that I never would have guessed.
16: “The use of traveling is to regulate imagination with reality, and instead of thinking of how things may be, see them as they are.” – Samuel Johnson
There’s so much wisdom in Samuel Johnson’s quote on travel. Take a second to visualize a place you’ve never been. If you make that your next vacation spot, I bet you’ll find out that it’s completely different from your internal image.
17: “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.” – Saint Augustine
We may feel safe in our little bubble, but it’s also boring. That’s the primary reason I started traveling several years ago, and I’ve fallen in love with the thrill of discovery. The world is a beautiful piece of literature that constantly surprises me. It doesn’t get any more real than this short travel quote.
18: “Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind.” – Seneca
When I travel, I’m able to give my mind something new and exciting to focus on. Studies say that we need to keep learning in order for our minds to thrive. Each time I travel, I learn hundreds of new things that I never would have encountered from the comfort of my living room.
19: “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.” – Mark Twain
Mark Twain proved once again to be an extremely wise man with this travel quote about the power of regret. I cannot imagine reaching the end of my life with a huge bucket list of things that were never crossed off.
Anonymous Quotes On Traveling
Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.
20: “Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.” – Anonymous
This simple travel quote says it all. My mind craves new experiences, and I quite simply cannot get them from my hometown anymore. By going somewhere new at least once a year, I continue to grow in numerous ways.
21: “Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.” – Anonymous
Money makes traveling a possibility, but it doesn’t enrich you like sharing experiences with new cultures. I’m not sure who coined this inspirational travel quote, but they hit the nail on the head!
22: “To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries.” – Aldous Huxley
In perhaps the timeliest travel quote of all, Huxley reminds us that countries themselves aren’t bad, nor are their residents. Governments can be corrupt, but the spirit of the people always lives on.
23: “Stuff your eyes with wonder, live as if you’d drop dead in ten seconds. See the world. It’s more fantastic than any dream made or paid for in factories.” – Ray Bradbury
Nothing can replace the thrill of travel for me. I’d rather see things in the real world than spend my time imagining them. None of the entertainment devices that humans have invented can come close to the joy I experience exploring the world.
24: “Traveling tends to magnify all human emotions.” — Peter Hoeg
I’ve been at my best, and at my absolute worst while traveling. Emotions are bigger during these trips because there’s so much new information to process. Peter’s travel quote reveals a truth that many travelers can relate to.
READ MORE: My Favorite Travel Books & Writers
You don’t have to be rich to travel well.
25: “You don’t have to be rich to travel well.” – Eugene Fodor
Creator of the famous Fodor Guides Eugene Fodor’s quote helps highlight that people of almost any budget can travel. For example, a few years ago I hitchhiked across the United States for 5 weeks, and it was one of my best travel experiences.
26: “If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay at home.” – James Michener
I completely agree with Michener. There’s really no point in traveling to a new country if you’re only interested in staying inside the walls of a resort. I believe that the point of traveling is to learn about new cultures and customs and truly open our minds.
27: “People don’t take trips, trips take people.” – John Steinbeck
Going on a trip may start with a lot planning, but the truth is that once you arrive somewhere new, the area instantly begins to change you. Traveling can truly be transformative if you allow the trip to take hold of you.
28: “When overseas you learn more about your own country, than you do the place you’re visiting.” – Clint Borgen
If you think your country does everything the right way and is revered by other nations, you’ll definitely have those notions put to the test when you enter another country. I’ve learned so much about the way my nation is viewed on the international stage. This is the perfect travel quote for Instagram or Pinterest.
29: “To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.” – Bill Bryson
Have you ever felt the rain on your skin in multiple countries? I have, and I’m here to tell you that it’s always a thrilling sensation each time it happens somewhere new. By traveling, I’ve learned to appreciate things that I would normally ignore.
Short Travel Quotes
Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.
30: “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.” – Helen Keller
Just like everyone else, I spend some of my days sitting on a couch watching television. Of course, these aren’t the moments that define me, nor are they what I think of when wandering through my favorite memories. It’s the adventurous side of life that makes living truly worthwhile to me.
31: “Travel is never a matter of money, but of courage.” — Paulo Coelho
Yes, travel does require some money. However you’ll also need to gather enough courage to temporarily cast off everything about your daily life that makes it so comfortable — and boring.
32: “Stop worrying about the potholes in the road and enjoy the trip.” – Babs Hoffman
I used to obsess over every single little thing that could go wrong during a trip. This caused me to overly plan everything. In some cases, it even convinced me to skip places that were less predictable. Little things can go wrong anywhere, so they’re not worth worrying about.
33: “He who would travel happily must travel light.” – Antoine de St. Exupery
This became one of my travel mottoes after an unfortunate experience trying to schlep a massive backpack from the airport to a hotel via public transportation. I know exactly what ol’ Antoine was talking about in this travel quote!
34: “Every man can transform the world from one of monotony and drabness to one of excitement and adventure.” – Irving Wallace
If we’re being honest with ourselves, the routines of daily life are monotonous. For me, all it takes is a trip to a new city or country to reignite my sense of adventure. Each new discovery is exciting, whether it’s trying a new meal or seeing an ancient castle.
READ MORE: How To Find The Cheapest Flights
Not all those who wander are lost…
35: “Not all those who wander are lost.” – J.R.R. Tolkien
Tolkien’s wisdom really shines through in this quote. I have applied it to several of my trips by allowing myself to simply wander through a new land as opposed to plotting everything out first. You can’t understand how freeing this is until you try it.
36: “The more I traveled the more I realized that fear makes strangers of people who should be friends.” – Shirley MacLaine
This quote is as relevant today as it was when it was first uttered. People have an unfortunate tendency to claim others as their enemy without even getting to know them first. This is an issue that’s propagated by fear of the unknown, and it has led to a lot of lost opportunities throughout history.
37: “I travel a lot; I hate having my life disrupted by routine.” – Caskie Stinnett
Staying in one place for too long definitely makes my wanderlust start itching for a new adventure. Routine has its place, but too much of it makes me feel stagnant. I love shaking up my daily life by visiting a new place and immersing myself inside a different culture.
38: “A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions.” – Oliver Wendell Holmes
Everything I’ve learned during my travels has forever expanded and changed my mind. This travel quote shows Holmes clearly grew in a similar way by visiting new lands.
39: “Remember that happiness is a way of travel – not a destination.” – Roy M. Goodman
Many chase the elusive dream of happiness when they should be embracing it inside of each little moment, as Roy alludes to in this inspiring quote. I learned long ago that happiness is found in the details.
More Fun Traveling Quotes
Life begins at the end of your comfort zone…
40: “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” – Neale Donald Walsch
What is your comfort zone? If I’d never learned to stretch mine, I’d still be sitting on the same couch after work every single day for the rest of my life. Instead, I challenged myself to tackle new challenges and to see areas of the world that had intimidated me.
41: “Once in a while it really hits people that they don’t have to experience the world in the way they have been told to.” – Alan Keightley
One of my favorite travel memories involves sitting on a sidewalk in Nicaragua eating some chicken & rice. I watched local people walk by for at least 30 minutes, going about their daily routines. This simple experience still defines Nicaragua for me in a way that visiting a famous tourist attraction never could.
42: “One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” – Henry Miller
I frequently remind myself of this quote about traveling from Henry Miller. After all, simply checking off travel locations means nothing if you don’t allow each trip to change you in some way. I love to soak up a new culture and learn more about the locals’ point of view.
43: “I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list.” – Susan Sontag
Every place on the planet has great potential to help us learn and grow. That’s the primary reason that there’s nowhere in the world I wouldn’t go if I had safe passage. Right now, there are some cities and countries that aren’t very welcoming, but I’d still love to see them someday.
44: “Nobody can discover the world for somebody else. Only when we discover it for ourselves does it become common ground and a common bond and we cease to be alone.” – Wendell Berry
You cannot possibly hope to learn the true nature of the world by doing nothing more than reading about it. As valuable as reading is, it always takes a backseat to discovering the world for yourself.
READ MORE: Money Saving Travel Resources
Take only memories, leave only footprints…
45: “Take only memories, leave only footprints.” – Chief Seattle
This is one of the classic travel quotes that everyone would be well-advised to remember. It breaks my heart to see historic areas filled with trash by careless travelers. We have a responsibility to preserve things as much as possible.
46: “Two roads diverged in a wood and I – I took the one less traveled by.” – Robert Frost
I took Frost’s words at face value in my teen years, but as an adult, I realize there’s much more to his sentiment. Seeing and doing the same things as everyone else can make it difficult to discover your own true identity.
47: “There is no moment of delight in any pilgrimage like the beginning of it.” – Charles Dudley Warner
The start of each new trip is an exciting time that’s characterized by a mixture of wonder and fear. You have no idea if the trip will go as planned, but the unknown is what makes everything so exciting.
48: “Oh the places you’ll go.” – Dr. Seuss
Dr. Seuss serves as a reminder that we can go anywhere if we stop putting restrictions on ourselves. The world is waiting; we just have to have the courage to answer the call. Doing this, again and again, has given my life meaning.
49: “It is not down in any map; true places never are.” – Herman Melville
Much like the hidden parts of our souls, we cannot hope to find something completely original and unspoiled without wandering off the map. I give myself the freedom to explore anything that catches my attention.
Investment in travel is an investment in yourself…
50: “Investment in travel is an investment in yourself.” – Matthew Karsten
Yup. I’m Matthew Karsten, and I totally just snuck in one of my own travel quotes. Haha! But I really mean this too. When I first quit my unfulfilling day job to go backpacking around the world, I didn’t know what I was doing, or where it would all take me. But traveling taught me a lot about life, as well as myself.
51: “For my part, I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel’s sake. The great affair is to move.” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Stevenson was much more than just a revered novelist; he was also a travel writer. This particular inspiring quote has always spoken to me. The urge to go somewhere new, no matter where it is, frequently grabs me.
52: “Our happiest moments as tourists always seem to come when we stumble upon one thing while in pursuit of something else.” — Lawrence Block
There is nothing more exciting than turning a corner while traveling and finding something riveting. I remember this happening when I stumbled onto a work of art by street artist Banksy. I don’t even remember my original destination, but I do remember the way I felt looking at Banksy’s art!
53: “Better to see something once than hear about it a thousand times.” – Asian Proverb
This is, by far, my favorite Asian proverb, and it’s truly one of the world’s most accurate travel quotes. I am always in awe when I find myself standing in front of an iconic landmark. Sometimes, they’re less impressive than the stories I’ve heard, but even that’s a worthwhile experience.
54: “Our battered suitcases were piled on the sidewalk again; we had longer ways to go. But no matter, the road is life.” – Jack Kerouac
Is there anyone more uniquely qualified to provide insightful quotes about traveling than the author of “On the Road?” Traveling doesn’t always go as smoothly as you’d expect. Despite this, I’ve discovered many times that the trip itself is every bit as exciting as the destination.
55: “Traveling is a brutality. It forces you to trust strangers and to lose sight of all that familiar comforts of home and friends. You are constantly off balance. Nothing is yours except the essential things — air, sleep, dreams, the sea, the sky. All things tending towards the eternal or what we imagine of it.” – Cesare Pavese
Pavese’s books often spoke about loneliness and the inability to connect to others in a meaningful way. Although his commentary on traveling does contain some truth, I’ve always taken it with a grain of salt. Yes, traveling can be brutal at times, but I believe it’s also one of the most freeing experiences a person can have.
56: “Your imagination is your preview of life’s coming attractions.” – Alber Einstein
57: “And then there is the most dangerous risk of all — the risk of spending your life not doing what you want on the bet you can buy yourself the freedom to do it later.” – Randy Komisar
Many people say inspiring things, but Komisar has lived them as a successful venture capitalist. I wasted a lot of time doing things that weren’t serving my higher calling because I fell into the trap of believing there would eventually be the perfect time to follow my dreams. Through traveling, I’ve learned the only perfect time is now.
58: “Life is short and the world is wide, the sooner you start exploring it, the better.” – Simon Raven
Controversial author Simon Raven said a lot of odd things in his time, but his travel quotes were typically spot on. This is a lesson I wish I’d heeded earlier in life. After all, the only way to see the entire world is to start taking travel-sized bites out it as early as possible.
59: “The journey not the arrival matters.” – T.S. Eliot
Eliot’s poetry inspired countless writers, but I’ve always been the most taken by this simplistic quote. When I first started traveling, I placed way too much focus on getting to my destination. By learning to let that go, I’ve developed some of my fondest travel memories on the road.
60: “What you’ve done becomes the judge of what you’re going to do — especially in other people’s minds. When you’re traveling, you are what you are right there and then. People don’t have your past to hold against you. No yesterdays on the road.” – William Least Heat Moon
Heat-Moon was so dedicated to writing unique travel books that he journeyed across the U.S. in a 1975 Econoline van. This is an adventure I long to duplicate. I also love the idea of getting a fresh start in every new town, and that’s exactly what happens if you’re willing to leave your past behind.
61: “To travel is to live.” – Hans Christian Andersen
I grew up reading Anderson’s fairy tales but didn’t know about his travel writing until adulthood. Now, I know that his many quotes about traveling truly captured the essence of why it’s so important to explore new areas. I feel myself growing stagnant when my feet touch the same ground for too long; through traveling, I’m able to learn and grow in exciting ways.
62: “To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.” – Bill Bryson
If you want to read humorous but insightful books about traveling, you should definitely check out Bill Bryson. He’s absolutely right about not taking things for granted when you’re on the road. Even something as simple as eating at a nationwide chain restaurant feels different when you do it in a new area.
63: “Travel makes a wise man better but a fool worse.” – Thomas Fuller
Fuller broke new ground with his literary skills, which allowed him to earn a living long before being an author was a viable full-time career for writers. Some say that everyone is changed for the better by traveling, but Fuller warned us that this wasn’t the case. I took his words to heart early on and always open myself to learning from the local experience.
64: “I have found out that there ain’t no surer way to find out whether you like people or hate them than to travel with them.” – Mark Twain
American treasure Mark Twain wasn’t one to mince words, but his humor made even the bitterest truths easier to swallow. Unfortunately, I found out the wisdom behind his words the hard way. I no longer go on long trips with people until we’ve tried a shorter excursion to test our compatibility as travel partners.
65: “The most beautiful in the world is, of course, the world itself.” – Wallace Stevens
Stevens had a love for the simple things in life, as evidenced by one of his titles: “The Emperor of Ice-Cream.” He’s also right; the entire world contains beauty. That’s why I long to travel to every country on earth.
66: “We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm, and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.” – Jawaharial Nehru
It’s unsurprising that someone who learned directly from Gandhi would have such an inspiring way of looking at the world. Open your eyes to the beauty of a sunrise, a child’s smile and waves rolling into the shore. No matter how many times you’ve seen them, they’re still full of beauty and charm.
67: “I’m in love with cities I’ve never been to and people I’ve never met.” – John Green
John Green is a best-selling author, but according to Green, the true author of this quote is Melody Truong. Either way, the words resonate with me because they’re so full of truth. The feeling of loving unexplored parts of the world is exactly what pushes me to keep traveling.
68: “When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money. Then take half the clothes and twice the money.” – Susan Heller
Heller’s widely quoted travel adage has influenced the way I travel. I used to pack way more than I needed, and this hindered my travels. Cutting my luggage in half has enhanced my trips, and it’s always wise to have extra money for emergencies.
69: “Live your life by a compass, not a clock.” – Stephen Covey
People have turned to Covey for business advice for years, but I’ve found the most value in this one simple quote. I used to meticulously plan each trip down to the minute. Letting go of the need to control everything has changed my travel adventures for the better.
70: “Travel far enough, you meet yourself.” – David Mitchell
David Mitchell’s best-selling novels typically involve traveling, as evidenced by this quote from “Cloud Atlas.” It’s difficult to get to know yourself when you’re stuck in the rut of normality. I always have the best self-awareness breakthroughs after a period of travel and inner reflection.
71: “I travel because it makes me realize how much I haven’t seen, how much I’m not going to see, and how much I still need to see.” – Carew Papritz
Being born in Yosemite National Park enabled the travel bug to bite Papritz at birth. His thought-provoking spin on the purpose of travel has greatly influenced me. I may never see it all, but that doesn’t mean I shouldn’t try.
72: “Wherever you go becomes a part of you somehow.” – Anita Desai
Indian novelist Anita Desai perfectly hits the nail on the head with her inspiring quote about traveling. We’re all shaped by each of our experiences. I love it that every new adventure helps shape me for the better.
73: “We travel for romance, we travel for architecture, and we travel to be lost.” – Ray Bradbury
Bradbury’s books often transport readers to another time or place. We cannot travel to other time periods in the real world, but we can take in the architecture of the past. Getting lost within these experiences is one of my favorite aspects of traveling.
74: “Happiness is letting go of what you think your life is supposed to look like and celebrate it for everything that it is.” – Mandy Hale
Author and blogger Mandy Hale embodies her viewpoint as the “single girl with a story to tell.” I try to remind myself of this quote whenever life seems to be spinning out of control. It has helped me stay calm during disastrous trips too.
75: “Wherever you go, go with all your heart!” – Confucius
Confucius was an early proponent of social equality who urged people to live a life of morality and sincerity. I’ve interpreted this quote to mean that it’s important to be fully committed to each new experience. By doing so, I believe we can gain new wisdom that would have otherwise eluded us.
Ready To Travel The World?
Congratulations on reading down this far! I know that was quite a list of inspiring travel quotes from famous writers. But if you’re still sick with wanderlust, and ready to travel more, you’re in luck.
The travel blog you’re reading right now is how I make a living while traveling. Interested in doing the same?
If you enjoy writing & photography like I do, check out my free guide to starting your own travel blog.
Travel Planning Resources
Packing Guide
Check out my travel gear guide to help you start packing for your trip. Pick up a travel backpack, camera gear, and other useful travel accessories.
Book Your Flight
Book cheap flights on Skyscanner, my favorite airline search engine to find deals. Also read my tips for how I find the cheapest flights.
Rent A Car
RentalCars.com is a great site for comparing car prices to find a deal.
Book Accommodation
Booking.com is my favorite hotel search engine. Or rent local apartments on Airbnb ($35 discount!). Read my post for tips on booking cheap hotels.
Protect Your Trip
Don’t forget travel insurance! I’m a big fan of World Nomads for short-term trips. Protect yourself from possible injury & theft abroad. Read more about why you should always carry travel insurance.
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Have any cool travel quotes I missed? Which is your favorite? Drop me a message in the comments below!
This is a post from The Expert Vagabond adventure blog.
from Tips For Traveling https://expertvagabond.com/best-travel-quotes/
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Best Japan Rail Pass in Australia for 2019
In the modern era there are a great range of global options to easily purchase a Japan Rail Pass in Australia. A JR Pass...
The post Best Japan Rail Pass in Australia for 2019 appeared first on Pretraveller.
from Tips For Traveling https://pretraveller.com/japan-rail-pass-australia/
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My Run-In With A Notorious Mexican Drug Cartel
My Craziest Travel Story
Somewhere In Mexico…
This is the story of how I accidentally wandered into an extremely remote Mexican village that was openly controlled by a ruthless drug cartel — and what happened next.
No, this is not an April fools post. Posted April 2nd!
The other week I was taking an Uber from the airport, chatting with the driver about traveling and working around the world as a nomad.
After asking the standard question everyone asks “what’s your favorite country”, he wanted to know if I’ve ever felt in any danger while traveling.
Sure, I’ve been scared before.
When I crossed the border into Afghanistan by myself on foot.
Balancing on rusty beams 300 feet over a canyon in Spain.
Attempting to wade across a crocodile-infested river in Costa Rica.
Scuba diving without a cage in Fiji face-to-face with bull sharks.
Spending the night on an erupting volcano in Guatemala.
Illegally hopping a freight train while hitchhiking across America.
Yes, looking back, I’ve done some stupid & risky stuff over the years…
But the most scared I’ve ever been — was on a journey through Northern Mexico about 7 years ago. And it’s a story I’ve NEVER shared on this blog.
I wrestled with writing about this experience for a long time.
It just didn’t feel appropriate to share publicly, or even very safe for that matter. I was worried about the possible consequences for myself and others.
Yet I think enough time has passed that I finally feel comfortable sharing my crazy (and pretty dumb) encounter with dangerous members of a notorious drug cartel in the lawless mountains deep within Mexico’s Copper Canyon.
Maybe the story will be entertaining, but I hope you’ll learn something too.
The Sierra Tarahumara Mountains
Once Upon A Time In Mexico…
My tale begins in the Mexican tourist town of Creel. A major stop for the popular Copper Canyon Train which runs from the cities of Chihuahua through the Sierra Tarahumara mountains to Los Mochis on the coast.
After a very scenic (but uneventful) train journey through the mountains, I planned to explore more of this mountainous area on my own. Hoping to spend time with the Tarahumara, a Mexican indigenous group.
While chatting with locals, I learned of small villages at the bottom of the canyon that would present a more “authentic” Northern Mexican experience. Off-the-beaten-path if you will.
These places were not easy to reach, and the drive would take hours on rough mountain roads. I mentioned my plan to a local guy (let’s call him Fede) who I’d worked with earlier, and he offered to take me in his vehicle.
Fede wasn’t just some random dude. I’d already spent a few days traveling with him. Even crashing overnight at his family’s house. He was a well-known tourism professional. I trusted him completely.
Rugged Dirt Roads in Mexico
Surprises Down In The Canyon
I’m not going to name the specific village I traveled to in this story. However, I’m sure if you dig deep enough, you’ll probably be able to figure it out.
Because it’s not like what goes on down there isn’t unknown within Mexico.
Over the course of our 4+ hour drive down winding dirt roads into the depths of the Copper Canyon, Fede starts to share some unsettling information with me.
“When we get there, you may see some stuff that’s alarming. But don’t worry. They know you’re coming.” – Fede
“Wait, what?! What kind of stuff? Who knows I’m coming?” – Me
“The Cartel. They control this town. But when the guesthouse has a tourist, the owner informs The Cartel. They won’t bother you as long as you don’t do anything stupid.” – Fede
“……….” – Me
The Cartel he was referring to is the Sinaloa Cartel. Aka Cártel de Sinaloa, aka the Guzmán-Loera Organization, aka The Blood Alliance.
The same cartel controlled by the notorious drug lord Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman, who was just on trial in the United States for drug trafficking, murder, and money laundering.
What the hell did I just get myself into?
The Golden Triangle – Drug Production Area in Mexico
Mexico’s Golden Triangle
The Golden Triangle is the nickname given to a remote and mountainous region in Northern Mexico that encompasses the states of Chihuahua, Sinaloa, and Durango.
It’s where Mexico’s powerful cartels have been growing billions of dollars worth of heroin & weed to supply an insatiable demand for drugs from the United States.
Cartels are able to produce drugs in the Golden Triangle because the area is so rugged & inaccessible that it can take hours to reach these small villages on unmarked dirt roads.
Mexico’s Copper Canyon, if you haven’t heard of it before, is a massive canyon that’s technically larger and deeper than the US Grand Canyon. It is the perfect hiding place for fields of illegally grown opium poppies & marijuana plants!
Combine this fact with a desperately poor workforce of indigenous people called the Tarahumara, and you’ve got a Mexican drug lord’s wet dream.
This is where I found myself.
On the edge of the Golden Triangle, in a village controlled by the Sinaloa Cartel.
The Only Bridge Into Town
A Surreal Travel Experience
As we pull into the village, over a narrow bridge, I see a kid talking into a military-style radio. He’s announcing our arrival to the cartel. My heart begins to race.
Further down the road, we pass a group of men dressed in black, armed with assault rifles. I begin to sweat.
Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea after all…
Fede notices my apprehension and assures me everything will be ok. I’m not the first tourist to visit this town.
Because the cartel doesn’t want to draw any attention to themselves, they’d never harm a tourist. That would force the military to intervene and ruin everything.
I check into my guesthouse, the only one in town, and we eat lunch at his friend’s place, which is basically a small restaurant run out of her home.
One of the Cartel’s Trucks
Keeping Tabs On Me…
Fede says his goodbyes and leaves town. He has to go back to work. So I’m on my own now. I walk around town. I visit some abandoned silver mines nearby.
I stop into the local museum and sign the guestbook (the last signature is over a month old).
I pass by the group of cartel members I saw earlier. We say hello to each other. While they certainly appear to fit the stereotype of hardened criminals, they seem friendly enough.
I still can’t quite believe this is happening.
My goal for the day is to visit an old Spanish Mission, located a few miles out of town. On the way, I run into a pickup truck with blacked-out windows on the side of the road. As I approach, the driver’s side window rolls down.
“¿A dónde vas?” says a large scary dude in a cowboy hat. There’s a beautiful woman half his age in the passenger seat.
“La misión Española” I reply. He nods, and the window slides back up. They’re keeping an eye on me. Making sure I don’t stumble into their fields of poppy or marijuana.
Friendly Mexican Drug Farmer
This Sack is Full of Weed…
Everyone Works For The Cartel
Over the next few days, I learn that basically the whole town is working for the cartel. They are the sole employer.
I’m not sure if it’s by choice, or by the threat of violence, but growing and trafficking drugs for the cartel is how this town survives.
And some of them are not afraid to talk about it. Growing marijuana is as normal as growing corn. It’s just another crop — only one that pays much better.
After chatting with one local farmer for a while, he takes me up to a small barn behind his house, pulls out a large sack, and offers me two giant handfuls of freshly picked marijuana buds!
I start laughing, thanking him for his generosity, but explain that there’s no way I can bring his gift back into the United States with me.
But because I’m a polite guy, I accept a few flowers so he isn’t offended.
This man isn’t some murderous cartel member, he’s just a friendly, impoverished farmer trying to make a living for his family with very limited opportunities.
Making Friends in Town
More & More Ridiculous
So while the whole cartel situation had me feeling pretty nervous, this next part was the scariest moment of the whole few days I was down there.
My comfort level had been improving. I was getting used to chatting with cartel members each day. Maybe too comfortable.
One evening, a young Mexican guy dressed like a rodeo cowboy walks into the home-based restaurant where I’m eating dinner.
He’s wearing a pair of beautiful, very fancy white-handled revolvers on his hip. Like right out of your typical Spaghetti Western movie.
A heavily armed bodyguard wearing a bullet-proof vest waits for him outside.
We happily chat for a minute in Spanish, asking how I like the food, before they both disappear into the darkness of night. This is seriously feeling like I’m caught in the middle of a movie.
On another occasion, I watch a team of five armed men loading blue 55-gallon drums of something from a truck into a guarded building.
Weed? Opium poppies? Human remains dissolving in acid? My imagination starts to run wild…
Sinaloa Cartel Members (Faces Censored for Safety)
Getting The Shot
I REALLY wanted a photo of one of these guys. No one would believe all this happened to me unless I had a photo!
So the next morning, I cut a small hole into the side of my backpack and tape a GoPro inside. My plan is to use “time-lapse” mode, quietly shooting photos automatically as I walk past them.
However as I approach, I decide to stop and chat. With my adrenaline pumping, I simply ask them directly. Pointing at the camera around my neck. What’s the worst that could happen?
“¿Puedo tomar tu retrato?” (Can I take your portrait?) – Me
“Jajaja… no.” – Cartel Dude #1
“Please? My American friends back home would love to see your big gun. I can leave your face out of it if you’d like.” – Me
“Jajaja… no. But you can get a photo of my amigo here.” – Cartel Dude #1
So, without thinking about the consequences, I aim my wide-angle lens at the truck driver sitting next to him. *CLICK*
Cartel Dude #1 is in the photo too, but just doesn’t realize it.
Immediately I start to panic — internally. What if he asks to see the photo? That was so dumb! I’m going to get myself killed. Maybe I can quickly use the zoom button before showing it to him…
Fortunatley he never asks — and just assumes the camera wasn’t aimed his way.
I try to act normal, end the conversation, and walk off down the road contemplating just how stupid that was.
I think it’s time for me to leave this town.
Patrolling the Village
Mexico’s Remote Golden Triangle
Cartel Wars In The Mountains
As someone who has spent almost 2 years of my life both living and traveling through Mexico, I’ll be the first to tell you it’s one of my favorite countries.
I certainly don’t want my story to scare you from visiting Mexico. This is NOT a typical Mexican vacation experience.
I specifically went out of my way to visit a remote area that isn’t very safe. Even for the Copper Canyon itself — if you stay on the normal tourist trail you’ll be fine.
However if you venture off-grid in this region, there’s a lot of sh*t going on.
Mexico is an amazing and beautiful destination, but like any country, it can also be a dangerous one if you go looking for danger.
Golden Triangle In Flames Again (Borderland Beat)
Extreme Race in the Shadow of Extreme Danger (New York Times)
Drug Gangs Delay Sierra Trail Riders (My San Antonio)
One particular story that shook me recently was the murder of North Carolina teacher Patrick Braxton-Andrew, who was visiting a similar remote village in the same region last year.
That one hit close to home. A curious traveler looking for adventure, trying to get off the beaten path, exploring a dangerous area on his own… mistaken for a DEA agent and shot.
When I first started traveling, I did many risky and stupid things seeking that addictive jolt of adrenaline. Hell, I haven’t completely cured myself of it even now!
Luckily everything has turned out ok so far, and I have some pretty incredible memories and stories to show for it.
But that isn’t always the case for everyone.
My Scariest Travel Story
I’m not sure if there is a lesson in this story. Maybe there are many.
Play stupid games, win stupid prizes? Young people traveling with no responsibilities often take unnecessary risks for fun? Don’t be an idiot like me?
I’m sure I’ll be judged and ridiculed a bit for writing about this. That’s ok. It happened, and I have to live with it. I’m probably lucky to be living at all…
Have you ever done anything stupid like this while traveling? Taken on too much risk? Gotten yourself into a sticky situation that you regret later?
Frequent travelers have this insufferable tendency to “one-up” each other’s travel stories — and this one is mine. The one I share at bars after a few drinks.
Now it’s your turn to share.
Take a minute to quickly describe your scariest/dumb travel story.
If only to make me feel like I’m not the only one out there who’s done something stupid on the road…
Maybe we can turn it into a guide on “what-not-to-do while traveling.” ★
READ MORE TRAVEL TIPS
My 50 Best Tips After 9 Years Traveling Is Instagram Ruining Travel? How To Take Better Travel Photos Why I Quit Being A Digital Nomad Tips For Starting A Travel Blog
What’s your scariest travel story? Have you ever done something dangerous or stupid while traveling? Drop me a message in the comments below!
This is a post from The Expert Vagabond adventure blog.
from Tips For Traveling https://expertvagabond.com/scary-travel-story-cartel/
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30 Fun Things To Do In Cancun: Mexico’s Gateway To The Yucatan
Best Things to Do in Cancun, Mexico!
Cancun, Mexico
Cancun is the official party capital of Mexico with great beachfront access to the Caribbean Sea. But there are so many more things to do in Cancun besides the beaches!
Known as the gateway to the Yucatan Peninsula, Cancun is often the first travel experience that most Americans have in Mexico. In fact up to 40% of American travelers are picking Mexico for their vacation.
I’ll be the first to tell you that Cancun is not my favorite place in Mexico.
It’s like a Mexican Las Vegas — crowded and full of obnoxious first-time tourists afraid of drinking the water or leaving their all-inclusive resorts…
There’s also the thousands of students who visit during Spring Break to party hard and get a tan — completely skipping any cultural experiences.
That said, the city does have some awesome nightlife and beautiful beaches. But there are many other fun things to do in Cancun that most people miss…
If you’re planning to spend some time in Cancun, I wanted to recommend some of my favorite fun and unusual things to do, no matter what time of year you visit.
Cancun Highlights Map
How To Use This Map
Above you’ll find a map of highlights in Cancun, Mexico. Click on the top left of the map to find separate layers marking the route and points of interest. You can hide and show different layers, or click icons on the map to see the names of places I mention in this travel guide. “Star” the map to save it to your own Google Maps, or open the map in a new window for a larger version. Enjoy!
Best Things To Do In Cancun
1: Explore Cancun’s Hotel Zone
The Hotel Zone at Night
Cancun is divided into two areas. Downtown, also known as Ciudad Cancun — and Cancun Island, also known as The Hotel Zone.
The Hotel Zone is the primary tourist area, synonymous with resorts, catamarans, wild nightlife and beaches. It’s a 15-mile strip of sand shaped like the number seven. This is where most people stay.
As the name implies, there are tons of hotels as well as most of the nightlife and beaches. Restaurants and bars line the only road, Kulkukan Boulevard, which runs from one side of the Hotel Zone to the other.
2: Visit Downtown Cancun
If you get sick of the tourist Disneyland that is the Hotel Zone, Downtown Cancun provides a taste of local culture, with delicious street food, ancient Maya ruins and even hidden swimming holes.
Downtown Cancun (aka Ciudad Cancun) is the main residential area for locals too. This is where all the people who work in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula tourist industry actually live.
Wander down to Avenida Tulum to see and experience the “real” Cancun. If you’re a foodie, make sure to stuff your face full of tacos from the vendors there. There’s a nice park too, called Parque Las Palapas.
3: Snorkeling Near Cancun
The MUSA Underwater Museum
Snorkeling turquoise blue Carribean waters is an ocean activity you can’t miss while visiting Cancun. One amazing underwater attraction is the Underwater Museum — or MUSA.
500 sculptures were created from materials which encourage coral reef development. Huge hands, statues of locals and VW Beetles, the exhibits are surrounded by ocean wildlife giving you a really unique experience.
MUSA continues to expand, as more sculptures are added, while the old ones are being eaten away by marine creatures. You can book a snorkeling tour directly starting at $30 USD.
4: Swimming In Cenotes
Check Out the Cenote Route near Cancun
Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is famous for its amazing cenotes, natural pools formed in limestone caves. The entire Riviera Maya is covered with thousands of cenotes, many of them you can swim in.
Cenotes are created when the limestone surface collapses, creating an opening into the Yucatan’s large underground river system. Most people visit them to go swimming, scuba diving or snorkeling.
Some of the best cenotes near Cancun are located along the Ruta De Cenotes (Cenote Route) near the city of Puerto Morelos, about a 30-minute drive away.
Here you’ll find Cenote La Noria, Verde Lucero, Cenote Mojarras, and Cenote Selvatica among many others. My favorite was Verde Lucero, which has its own zipline!
5: Temazcal Ceremony
Get Your Sweat On!
A Tezmacal ritual is a traditional Mayan ceremony of purification which takes place in a tiny hut. You strip down to your underwear (or swimsuit), then enter the seat lodge which is heated with hot rocks & water, turning it into a steamy sauna.
The ceremony is led by a local shaman, who conducts the ritual and takes care of participants. The tezmacal ceremony takes place in complete darkness, as the shaman pours water over the hot rocks, chanting and using different herbs to summon spirits.
Temazcal was performed since ancient times, is seen as a purification ceremony that cleans the body, mind, and soul. As your body is sweating in the tiny hut, you enter a deep state of meditation, enhanced by the shamanic chanting.
6: Cancun’s Best Beaches
My Favorite Beach in Cancun: Playa Delfines
The 13 miles of Cancun’s coast is lined with Instagram-worthy beaches featuring soft, white sand, teal-blue waters and a cool breeze.
The Hotel Zone has many beaches where you can relax and sip your margarita, but some of them really stand out, thanks to their beauty and atmosphere.
Playa Delfines is one of the largest beaches in Cancun. It is also known for the iconic Cancun sign and for being void of hotels or resorts, which makes it a local’s favorite. The currents are quite strong, so swimming is not advised.
Playa Tortugas is best for families with kids, because it has small waves that allow swimming. The only drawback is the fact it can get crowded. You can enjoy a drink or seafood at the oceanfront restaurant.
Playa Chac Mool is the perfect place to dive into the Caribbean waters. There are plenty of operators who rent water sports equipment, which makes this beautiful beach heaven for all water sports lovers.
Playa Forum is the perfect mix between a vibrant atmosphere and a tropical retreat. It is located behind the most popular nightclub of Cancun, the Coco Bongo, this beach is filled with restaurants and bars.
7: Zip Lining In The Jungle
Zip lining is one of the hallmark adventures to do in Cancun, so you can’t miss it, even if you think you’re afraid of heights. In fact, it’s even better if you are!
There are a couple of different theme parks near Cancun with zip lines. The closest theme park where you can enjoy zip lining is Selvatica. They offer multiple packages with 10 different zip lines.
Xplor Adventure Park also has two zip line circuits, each with 7 different routes, with the highest point at 45 m (147 ft). All these adventure parks usually have other activities too, like ATVs and cenotes.
8: Chichen Itza Maya Ruins
Visit the Beautiful Chichen Itza Ruins
The Maya city of Chichen Itza is a UNESCO world heritage site, famous for its amazing ancient pyramids. The oldest building in Chichen Itza dates from the 5th century.
The most impressive structure of the city is the 98-foot tall pyramid Temple Of Kukulkan (aka “El Castillo”). The nine terraces around it symbolize the belief in a heaven with nine levels.
Chichen Itza is well preserved so you can walk through history and get a glimpse of how the ancient Maya people lived. It’s located about 2.5 hours away from Cancun by car, or 3 hours by bus.
9: Cancun Scenic Tower
The Cancun Scenic Tower (aka Torre Escenica) offers amazing views of the Caribbean coast, and Cancun itself. It’s open every day from 9am – 9pm.
Hear about the history of Cancun as the tower slowly spins 360° for a spectacular birds-eye view of the entire Hotel Zone from the 100 m (300 ft) tall tower.
The ride up takes about 5 minutes, and you can spend another 15 minutes taking photos as the deck spins around giving you views in all directions.
10: Shopping At Mercado 28
Downtown Cancun’s Mercado 28
Mercado 28 (Market 28) is a huge shopping center in downtown Cancun. This isn’t your typical mall, instead, this giant flea-market boasts 600 vendors who sell pretty much everything.
From textiles to maracas and leather items, you can find some cool Mexican souvenirs at Mercado 28. Many items are handcrafted and unique, so they make great travel gifts.
Feel free to test your bargaining skills here. Resist the seller’s first price and you can walk away with a great deal. Stop by one of the local restaurants for food at a fraction of Hotel Zone prices too!
Mercado 28 is easy to reach by bus from the Hotel Zone, but make sure you look for the Super Aki store, as there are several other markets with a similar name which can fool tourists.
11: Best Cancun Nightlife & Nightclubs
Acrobats at Coco Bongo Nightclub
Ok, I can’t talk about Cancun without mentioning the nightlife. The city is known for its crazy nightlife, especially during Spring Break, when students travel to Mexico for a little fun.
After a day at the beach, when sun goes down you can unleash your energy and dance the night away. The best nightclubs in Cancun usually have long waiting lines, but it’s worth the wait.
Coco Bongo is the most popular club in Cancun. They have acrobats, cover bands and DJs who spice up the night. It’s kind of a mix between nightclub and Vegas show!
The City Nightclub features celebrity DJs like Tiesto, Fergie and Paul Van Dyk who perform on a regular basis. With three floors and nine bars, the club can hold up to 5000 people each night.
Mandala Beach Club is the place to go for a bikini party. This outdoor house music club opens daily at 9:30 PM, offering great music and delicious tropical cocktails.
Dady O is the place to go if you are looking for techno and house music, professional dancers, light shows and body painting. The club has five bars and two floors where you can party until sunrise.
12: Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP)
Stand up paddle boarding is the latest trend in Cancun, but it is also a pretty easy and friendly sport that everyone can enjoy. You can rent your own paddleboard from the beach, or join a group trip to explore a certain area.
If you are up for a challenge, join a long paddleboard tour that travels from Cancun all the way to Isla Mujeres! Other options are to paddle Nichupte Lagoon mangrove jungle or go on a sunrise wildlife tour.
13: Xoximilco
Looking to enjoy a traditional Mexico fiesta? Give Xoximilco a try! This is a Mexican party held on boats which travel on the canals near Cancun.
It’s a theme park designed after the original Xochimilco in Mexico City, where families and friends rent out boasts called trajinera and float down the water listening to live musicians.
There is music, tequila, and delicious food, which makes Xoximilco a great way to taste local culture. During Xoximilco there is live music and people dance a lot. There are also many social games which keep the party going.
The music and food come from different Mexico areas, which makes the party a colorful display of local culture.
14: Sunset Sailing Trip
Sunset Sailing Cruise in Cancun, Mexico
Mexico’s Riviera Maya and Isla Mujeres offer some of the most beautiful sunsets in the Caribbean and the best way to enjoy them is on a romantic sunset sailing trip off the coast.
Board a sailing catamaran and watch the colorful sunset as the breeze plays with your hair. Most sunset sailing trips out of Cancun also offer an open bar and snacks, so you can sit back and relax.
These journeys generally last about 2 hours, and companies offer a bad-weather refund if it gets too stormy or rough.
15: Scuba Diving Adventures
Scuba Diving Dos Ojos Cenote
Cancun is a haven for water sports enthusiasts and it’s the perfect place to learn scuba diving. There are many underwater attractions in the area.
Cancun is located close to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second largest reef in the world. Home to dolphins, many kinds of tropical fish, eels, lobsters, nurse sharks, and majestic eagle rays.
Isla Mujeres, the underwater MUSA museum, and nearby cenotes are favorite spots. There are several locations where newbies can learn scuba diving and get their PADI license.
16: Isla Mujeres Day Trip
Take the Ferry to Isla Mujeres
Isla Mujeres, which translates to The Island of Women, gets its name from the temple of Ixchel, the Maya goddess of fertility. This small island is only 20 minutes from Cancun by ferry from Hotel Zone.
Isla Mujeres offers stunning views thanks to its rocky coast and gorgeous bays. It is also the first spot where you can see the sunrise in Mexico. This sleepy fishing village offers a well-deserved pause from the crazy nightlife of Cancun.
Watch sea turtles hatching at the local turtle farm and conservation center. You can drive around the island in a rented golf-cart, visit Ixchel temple, check out Garrafon Reef Park, go kayaking, snorkeling, or visit the 19th-century ruins of Hacienda Mundaca.
17: Visit Las Coloradas
Alien Pink Lakes at Las Coloradas
Las Coloradas, or “the red ones” are pink lakes in a small fishing village with the same name. The lakes are part of a natural reserve which covers 150,000 acres and is home to a wide diversity of animals.
The amazing pink water is part of a salt processing facility, which is one of the main industries in the area, apart from fishing. The bright pink color of the lakes comes from red plankton and shrimp.
Las Coloradas is a three-hour drive from Cancun by rental car. Travelers who decide to spend the night in the area can look for accommodation in Rio Lagartos, located 30 minutes away. Flamingo tours can be booked from Rio Lagartos too.
18: Selfie With The Cancun Sign
The Famous Cancun Sign!
One of the most touristy things you can do in Cancun is to get a picture with the colorful Cancun sign. Located on Playa Delfines, which is easily accessible by bus, the sign is one of the local landmarks.
Once on Delfines, you can enjoy the local white sand beach, which remains one of the least developed beaches in the area.
Just pay attention to the tides and warnings, as Delfines is known for strong currents, so you might want to skip swimming and stick with sunbathing. The view is spectacular and it’s my favorite beach in Cancun.
19: Drinking At Señor Frogs
Señor Frogs is the stereotypical place to go drinking in Cancun. Here you will find a lively atmosphere, where everyone is singing and dancing, plus you can eat there too.
There’s sawdust on the floor and the walls are covered with funny signs. They serve drinks in massive “yard” glasses, and a Conga line could break out at any moment.
You can also bring kids if they are above 8 years old – but it’s not appropriate for smaller children, as there is a lot of noise and people who party hard.
20: ATVing At Xplore Park
One of the popular things to do in Cancun is riding All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) through a dirt road jungle route. There are many companies which offer ATV tours of the jungle, one of them being Xplor Park.
The ATV ride is included in the all-inclusive park entry fee of $120. You can spend a whole day there going cave swimming, rafting and zip lining, plus there is a lunch buffet and unlimited drinks.
Xplore is just one of Mexico’s many popular “adventure theme parks” located South of Cancun. Some of the others include Xcaret, Xel Ha, and Rio Secreto.
21: Swimming With Whale Sharks
Swimming with Whale Sharks near Cancun
The Whale Shark is on the endangered species list, so having the opportunity to swim with these magnificent creatures is going to leave a strong impression on you.
The Yucatan peninsula is one of the places where you can swim with these large harmless creatures – an adult can reach 12 m long and can weight up to 20 tons, making them the largest known fish.
Baby whale sharks are very playful and known to play with swimmers. The best time to swim with the sharks is between June and September. Tours leave from Cancun, Isla Mujeres, or Isla Holbox.
22: Catch A Lucha Libre Show
Watch some Crazy Mexican Wrestling!
Lucha Libre is a unique Mexican cultural experience in Cancun. There are two fighters, the good and the bad, who use a mix of wrestling, acrobatics and theatrical maneuvers in an attempt to win.
Fighters wear masks and are sometimes accompanied by little-people and drag-queens. Each fight lasts about three rounds and usually ends with someone thrown outside the ring.
Lucha Libre events are held in downtown Cancun at Arena Mexico every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday night. A front row seat costs about $12 USD with beer and snacks available for sale. It’s quite a show!
23: Visit The Sea Turtles
Meet Baby Sea Turtles in Mexico
Beaches near Cancun are some of the best places in the world to find sea turtles. Between May and October you can see the turtles lay their eggs on the beach. The little ones hatch and flop into the ocean from July – December.
The best place to visit sea turtles is Tortugranja, the turtle farm and conservation center on Isla Mujeres. Green turtles, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles are the most common species you can see around Cancun and Isla Mujeres.
At Tortugranja you can see turtles all year round, in every development stage, for a $3 fee. You can feed them and interact with them under the care of a guide as well as crabs, urchins, and conches.
24: Maya Museum & San Miguelito Ruins
Museo Maya Cancun and San Miguelito Ruins cover 80 hectares in Hotel Zone. The new museum opened in 2012 and all kinds of cool Mayan archeological relics to see.
You will be able to walk among ruins, see ancient skeletons, jade relics, and artifacts from Chichen Itza and other Mayan sites around the Yucatan peninsula.
There are three galleries where you can discover multiple elements from Mayan history and culture. The ticket costs about $5 and grants you entry to San Miguelito ruins, which is a spread of temples, pyramids and family homes of Mayans, set in the jungle.
25: Bird Watching At Isla Contoy
Isla Contoy National Park
Isla Contoy is a bird watcher’s paradise. The small protected National Park sanctuary North of Isla Mujeres is home to more than 100 species of birds and 4 species of sea turtles.
The tropical breeze and bird spotting complete this amazing tropical heaven. Once here you can relax and just take some pictures of the wildlife, before picking up your snorkeling gear and dive into the clear waters.
Isla Contoy can be reached via an all-inclusive cruise at the cost of about $100 per person. To keep the inhabited island in pristine condition, tourists have to follow very strict rules and pick up after themselves.
26: Kayaking Nichupte Lagoon
Nichupte Lagoon is an enormous body of water made up of 5 different lagoons called Nichupte’, Río Inglés, Rio del Amor, Caleta Nizuc y Bojórquez. You can go kayaking and paddleboarding here.
It’s the only natural ecosystem that remains after the construction of Cancun’s huge Hotel Zone. The waters are surrounded by jungle paradise, a heaven for bird watchers and biologists.
The fresh water coming from the rocks underneath mixes with the salt water from the sea offering a comfortable, prosperous and protective environment for all the spices of fish to reproduce.
27: Day Trip To Tulum
Visit the Ruins of Tulum
If you’re visiting Cancun, you probably shouldn’t leave without stopping by the town and Ruins of Tulum, one the largest cities built by the Mayans.
This former port city is home to some of the best beaches in Mexico, as well as beach clubs and yoga retreats. But the highlight is the ancient walled city perched on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Caribbean ocean.
Tulum was a major trading and religious center between the 11th and 16th centuries, and is one of the coolest Mayan archaeological sites in Mexico. Make sure to bring your swimsuit and visit the hidden beach!
28: Race An Exotic Car!
Race Fancy Cars in Cancun!
Need a jolt of adrenaline? What would you do if someone handed you the keys to a $200,000 exotic luxury car and told you to drive it as fast as you can around a race track?
Drive it like you stole it, of course! That’s just what you can do at the race track of Exotic Rides Cancun, where they rent out luxury and exotic cars and teach you how to drive them.
You have your choice between a few different models, including the Ferrari F430, Lamborghini Murcielago, Lamborghini Gallardo, Audi R8, and Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. Woooooo!
29: Tour Cancun’s Best Taco Joints
Stuff Your Face with Tacos!
No trip to Mexico is complete without a thorough vetting of Cancun’s tastiest taco stands. You’ll find all the best tacos away from the Hotel Zone in Downtown Cancun, on Avenidas Tulum and the Parque Las Palapas area.
Make sure to order some Tacos al Pastor, the classic Mexican-shawarma style pork meat taco featuring a pineapple slice on top. The pork is marinated in a combination of dried chilies, spices, and pineapple. My favorite!
This type of meat was actually created by Lebanese immigrants, but it’s since become the Mexican standard. You can also try tacos with beef, chicken, shrimp, and if you’re brave, even cow brains or udder.
30: El Meco Ruins
The Secret El Meco Ruins in Cancun
El Meco is a set of ancient Maya ruins that aren’t well known about, located North of Downtown Cancun. There’s even a 41 foot high pyramid!
These ruins were probably related to Isla Mujeres and an important port for the Maya in the Yucatan Peninsula.
To find them, head up Avenida Lopez Portillo (aka the Cancun-Puerto Juarez road) in a rental car, taxi, or collectivo bus. The site is located at KM 27. The ruins are just off the road on the left.
Best Time To Visit Cancun
High season for Cancun is during the winter from January to March, when all the snowbirds from Canada and the United States come down to escape the cold.
This is when you’ll find the best weather and the least amount of rain. But it’s also the most expensive and most crowded season. March is typically when Spring Break madness happens.
The best time to visit Cancun for families with kids is from April to November. If you are looking to travel on a budget, visit Cancun during the rainy season, from July to October.
Where To Stay In Cancun
Cancun has tens of thousands of rooms available for tourists, everything from backpacker hostels 5-star luxury hotels. Here are some suggestions for good places to stay during your trip to Cancun…
Best Accommodation In Cancun
Budget Coco Hostel
Mid-Range MayaFair Design Hotel
Luxury Ritz-Carlton Cancun
Transportation Around Cancun
Most people get to Cancun after flying into Cancun International Airport. From there, you can book a private shuttle or take the public ADO bus (much cheaper). Buses leave every 30 minutes and cost about 72 pesos ($4 USD).
Rental Car
RentalCars.com searches all the big car rental companies and finds the best price. This is probably the easiest way to rent a car in Mexico.
Public Bus
There are regular ADO buses that will take you all around the Yucatan Peninsula from the ADO Cancun Bus Station. Buses are comfortable and safe.
Collectivo
The cheapest way to get around Cancun is to take a collectivo (group taxi). These are what the locals use to get around the city, but routes can be confusing if you don’t speak Spanish.
Cancun Taxis
Taking a taxi is what most tourists do, but beware that the Yucatan has a “taxi mafia” that charges high prices whenever they think they can get away with it. Always settle on the price before getting in.
Cancun Travel Tips & Advice
How safe is Cancun? Well, I’m sure you know Mexico has some drug cartel problems. The gangs are active in Cancun, but tourists usually aren’t targeted. Avoid buying drugs and you won’t have any issues.
Stay up to date on all the most common travel scams and follow practical travel safety tips to avoid petty crime.
Mexico is cheap, but Cancun is relatively expensive. Save money by eating out at local taco stands, getting out of your resort, and renting a car to explore on your own.
Don’t worry about the water in Cancun, that’s an old myth. Drinking water is treated locally and then often treated again at hotels or restaurants.
For some culture, May 5th is the Cinco de Mayo festival, celebrating Mexico’s 1862 Battle of Puebla victory. Visit in September or October for the Cancun Jazz Festival.
Travel Planning Resources For Cancun
Packing Guide
Check out my travel gear guide to help you start packing for your trip. Pick up a travel backpack, camera gear, and other useful travel accessories.
Book Your Flight
Find cheap flights on Skyscanner. This is my favorite search engine to find deals on airlines. Also make sure to read how I find the cheapest flights.
Rent A Car
RentalCars.com is a great site for comparing car prices to find a deal.
Book Accommodation
Booking.com is my favorite hotel search engine. Or rent apartments from locals on Airbnb. Read more about how I book cheap hotels online.
Protect Your Trip
Don’t forget travel insurance! I’m a big fan of World Nomads for short-term trips. Protect yourself from possible injury & theft abroad. Read more about why you should always carry travel insurance.
Recommended Guidebook: Lonely Planet Cancun & The Yucatan Suggested Reading: The Jungle Of Stone
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READ MORE FROM MEXICO
Scuba Diving Dos Ojos Cenote Things To Do In Playa Del Carmen Running With The Tarahumara The Ultimate Mexico Travel Guide
Have any questions about things to do in Cancun? What about other suggestions? Drop me a message in the comments below!
This is a post from The Expert Vagabond adventure blog.
from Tips For Traveling https://expertvagabond.com/cancun-things-to-do/
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When Is The Best Time To Visit Iceland? Seasons & Weather
What’s the Best Time to Visit Iceland?
When To Visit Iceland
Learn the best time to visit Iceland this year with tips for traveling during the summer high season, the winter low season, and when to see the northern lights.
Iceland’s long days of sunlight and warm weather conditions convince most people to visit Iceland during the spring and summer months (May – September).
But the best time to go to Iceland really depends on what you want from your trip. Iceland is a popular vacation destination year-round for different reasons.
In this travel guide, I’ll help you to figure out when is the best time to visit Iceland for a Golden Circle road trip, to see the northern lights, when to see wildlife, how to experience Icelandic wildflowers, or when to avoid the crowds in the off-season.
I’ll also go over some of the best seasonal attractions, festivals, and highlights in Iceland depending on which months you’re planning to be there!
My Favorite Time To Visit Iceland
Personally, after multiple trips to the country, my favorite time to visit Iceland is during the shoulder season in autumn (fall).
The months of September and October are especially good times to visit.
Fall is a Wonderful Time to Visit!
Why Visit In The Fall?
By mid-September, many people’s “summer vacations” are over, and most of the tourists have gone home. Certainly not all, but a majority of them. It’s less crowded.
You’ll still find plenty of tourists at Iceland’s most popular attractions, but it’s more manageable in the autumn. Fall is also a great time to save money on hotels in Iceland (because they aren’t cheap!)
Iceland’s incredible Northern Lights (aurora borrelias) start to become more visible and frequent in late September and early October too.
You can also still drive around the Icelandic highlands via remote F-Roads, which usually get closed by October as the first snow storms hit.
Camping in September for Northern Lights Season in Iceland
Best Time For Northern Lights
Technically, the Northern Lights in Iceland can be seen from September through April. But September – October and February – March, particularly around the equinoxes – are the best months to see this spectacular natural light show. For a detailed guide on how to find and photograph the northern lights, click here.
Best Season For Photography
While I’m of the opinion that you’ll get great photos in Iceland no matter what season you visit, each has its own benefits. The autumn and winter light is particularly spectacular, as the sun stays low to the horizon throughout the day while sunsets and sunrises can last for hours. Plus, the northern lights of course.
Good Months For Whale Watching
Whale watching season in Iceland happens from April to October. But the peak season for whales is June, July, and August. Tours are available from Reykjavik, the Vestmannaeyjar Islands, and Akureyri.
When Is The Best Weather?
The best time to visit Iceland for great weather is during the summer high season. July and August have average highs around 13°C (55°F) however temperatures can be as high 20°C (68°F). Surprisingly, the spring months of May and June have the least amount of rain.
Best Season To Save Money
Hotels, airfare, tours, and car rentals in Iceland are cheapest during the winter months (November, December, January, February) — aside from the holidays. Everything is more expensive in the summer (July & August). For the best combination low prices and decent weather, go during the shoulder seasons: May – June or September – October.
Best Time To Avoid Crowds
Iceland has become incredibly popular over the last few years. If you’re trying to avoid the crowds, avoid visiting Iceland during the summer months of June – August. Winter has the fewest tourists, but also the coldest temperatures.
High & Low Seasons in Iceland
High & Low Seasons In Iceland
Visiting Iceland In The Summer: June – August (High Season)
Iceland’s warmest peak season sees hoards of tourists arrive in Reykjavik to take advantage of almost 24-hour sunlight. This is the warmest period to explore the country’s landscapes.
From late May to late July, Iceland’s famous midnight sun means there are almost 21 hours of daylight, from about 3am until midnight. The phenomenon peaks on June 21st, the summer solstice.
Most of the country’s popular attractions are open during the summer, and it also has the best driving conditions for a road trip. But it’s also the most crowded time to visit. Especially in July & August, the absolute peak of high season.
Summer Weather Conditions By Month
JUNE Average Low: 7ºC/44ºF Average High: 12ºC/53ºF
JULY Average Low: 8ºC/47ºF Average High: 13ºC/56ºF
AUGUST Average Low: 8ºC/47ºF Average High: 13ºC/56ºF
Pro’s Of Visiting In The Summer
All attractions are open
More daylight time to explore
Iceland’s best weather conditions
Con’s Of Visiting In The Summer
Overcrowded attractions
Higher prices for accommodation and car rentals
It can be hard to sleep with constant sunlight
USEFUL TIP: One way to avoid summer crowds is to sleep during the day and go sightseeing at night when everyone else is in bed, because the sun often doesn’t set until midnight and rises again at 3am!
Packing For Iceland In The Summer
Although many Icelandic locals will tell you that their summer season is nice and warm, they probably don’t have the same definition for ‘warm’ as you do!
Bring a hat, scarf and gloves just in case, it’s better to be over prepared than not being able to feel your fingers. You may also want to pack a sleep mask for the midnight sun. Especially if you’re camping in a tent!
Top Iceland Highlights In Summer
WHALE WATCHING – Animal lovers flock to Iceland during summer months to witness more than 20 different species of whales including humpbacks and orcas. Akureyri and Reykjavik are good places to go whale watching.
PUFFIN SPOTTING – Summer in Iceland is the best time of year to see some of the 8 million Puffin birds which nest in the sea cliffs. Many settle in Vestmannaeyjar and the Látrabjarg Cliffs in Westfjords from late April until mid-August.
MIDNIGHT SUN – To witness the Midnight Sun, aim to visit Iceland during the summer solstice on June 21st, the longest day of the year. In some parts of the country the sun never actually sets! It simply hits the horizon and starts to rise again.
HIKING & CAMPING – Some of Iceland’s best hiking is located in the highlands, the center part of the country. To access these remote areas, you need to drive on Iceland’s “F-Roads” which are only open from June to late September.
ROAD TRIPS – There’s nothing like a good road trip driving past geothermal areas, roaring waterfalls, or massive glaciers on Iceland’s Ring Road or the Golden Circle. Summer months provide the best driving conditions for these routes.
Fun Summer Festivals In Iceland
Iceland National Day
Secret Solstice Festival
International Viking Festival
Iceland in the Fall (My Favorite Time to Visit!)
Visiting Iceland In The Autumn: September – October (Shoulder Season)
The autumn season in Iceland begins in September and stays until late October, with colder weather creeping in more and more each day. You’ll find that accommodation and flight prices start to decline as the daylight hours get shorter too.
If you’re hoping to catch the first snowfall of the year, October is your best bet. If you’re really lucky, you might even spot the Northern Lights in late autumn too. The wind can start to get stronger, making it feel colder than it really is.
Iceland is covered in stunning autumn colors of oranges and reds, plus the rain brings a distinctive smell to the air. You’ll also spot migratory birds as they prepare to move elsewhere for the winter months.
Fall Weather Conditions By Month
SEPTEMBER Average Low: 5ºC/41ºF Average High: 10ºC/50ºF
OCTOBER Average Low: 2ºC/36ºF Average High: 7ºC/45ºF
Pro’s Of Visiting In Autumn
Attractions & hotels are often cheaper
Less tourists, overcrowding
Northern lights being to appear
Con’s Of Visiting In Autumn
Less daylight hours to explore
The weather gets colder
Packing For Iceland In The Autumn
Strong winds and rain is more frequent in the autumn, so be prepared for all weather conditions. From September to October, windproof and waterproof clothes are essential and wearing layers will help you stay on top of the ever-changing temperatures.
Freak snowstorms can also happen too, so wear comfortable footwear, pack a windproof & waterproof jacket, warm extra layers, and bring a winter hat and gloves just in case.
Top Iceland Highlights In The Autumn
FORAGING – This is the best time to go mushroom or berry-picking in the Icelandic countryside. During the autumn months, you can find and pick wild blueberries, strawberries, redcurrants and crowberries in Iceland.
EXPLORE F-ROADS – September is the last month you can still drive Iceland’s rugged & remote F-Roads that lead to the interior central highlands. Once the winter snows start in October (sometimes late September) they are no longer maintained, and only highly-modified super jeeps can attempt them.
GLACIER HIKING – Once you are kitted out by a tour company with crampons, a harness, ice ax, and a helmet — you can begin your glacier hiking adventure! Solheimajokull Glacier is one of Iceland’s most famous glaciers to hike, only about 2-hours from Reykjavik.
NATURAL HOT SPRINGS – Icelanders love to swim outside in all seasons, and fall is a great time to experience some of the many natural hot springs that dot the Icelandic landscape.
Fun Fall Festivals In Iceland
Reykjavik International Film Festival
Iceland Airwaves
Halloween
Visiting Iceland in the Winter
Visiting Iceland In The Winter: November – March (Low Season)
Even with the cold & snow, there are many advantages of traveling in Iceland during the winter. With fewer tourists visiting between October and April, you’ll find many hotels for a fraction of the high season cost.
If you’re visiting Iceland on a budget, winter is also the best time of year to find cheap flights, car rentals and tours. Although camping is a bit more complicated.
One of the downsides of visiting Iceland in the winter are icy driving conditions. The main roads are usually plowed quickly though.
There’s much less daylight too, only 4 – 6 hours depending on the month, with only 3 hours of sunlight during the winter solstice (around December 21st). Which can be great if you’re hunting Northern Lights though!
Winter Weather Conditions By Month
NOVEMBER Average Low: -1.5ºC/29ºF Average High: 3.5ºC/38ºF
DECEMBER Average Low: -3ºC/27ºF Average High: 2ºC/35ºF
JANUARY Average Low: -3ºC/27ºF Average High: 2ºC/35ºF
FEBRUARY Average Low: -2ºC/28ºF Average High: 3ºC/37ºF
MARCH Average Low: -2ºC/28ºF Average High: 3ºC/38ºF
Pro’s Of Visiting In Winter
Save money on hotels, flights, and rental cars
Fewer crowds, less tourists
Best time for the northern lights
Cons’s Of Visiting In Winter
Slippery winter driving conditions
Many attractions are closed
Less daylight hours to explore
Packing For Iceland In The Winter
We’ve all heard the saying “there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing”. Keep this in mind when packing for Iceland in winter. Although the temperature might not be as cold as you expect, the winter winds can make it feel a lot colder, so you’ll definitely need to dress warmly.
Iceland is famous for its thick handknitted wool sweaters – so pick one up if you plan to be out in the elements. On top of this, you should pack waterproof gloves, thermal socks, winter boots and the warmest hat you can find (furry ear-flaps are a plus!)
Everything in your suitcase should either be thermal, waterproof or windproof when traveling through Iceland in the winter.
Visit the Blue Lagoon in Winter!
Top Iceland Highlights In The Winter
Due to winter weather conditions and fewer visitors, you may find that some of Iceland’s attractions are closed during this time of year, but there are still plenty of things to do.
NORTHERN LIGHTS – Winter is the best time to see the northern lights in Iceland. While they’re visible for 8 months of the year, the shorter days of winter give you the best opportunities to witness this natural phenomenon.
CRYSTAL ICE CAVES – Iceland’s blue glacier ice caves can only be explored during the winter months, starting in November, when they become safe to enter. During the spring and summer many of these magical caves often collapse (when you don’t want to be inside!)
EPIC PHOTOGRAPHY – Even though it’s the darkest time of year, the sun doesn’t go down without a fight. Winter sunrises and sunsets can last for hours, featuring a beautiful golden glow over the country’s dramatic landscapes. Accentuated colors over the mountains provide the perfect backdrop for landscape photographers.
THE BLUE LAGOON – Winter is the perfect time to visit Iceland’s most famous attraction, The Blue Lagoon, located about 30 minutes away from Keflavik Airport. Along with fewer crowds, the steam rising from the warm mineral waters during the winter is very cool!
SUPER JEEP TOURS – Iceland has massive 4X4 vehicles called “super jeeps” with lifted suspensions and oversized tires to travel over deep snow and across glacier rivers. The only way to visit the remote central highlands during the winter is by traveling in one!
Exploring Eastern Iceland
Visiting Iceland In The Spring: April – June (Shoulder Season)
The spring season is short and sweet, arriving later than many people think. While your chances of catching the Northern Lights starts to diminish in early April, you’ll be arriving just in time to witness the blooming of some of Iceland’s most beautiful flowers.
The most famous of which is the violet Lupin flowers, which come to light in late May and spread across the Icelandic landscape, creating the perfect backdrop for the many travel photographers who visit every year.
This is also the best time to visit some of Iceland’s many waterfalls, as the melting snow and ice create new streams of water through the rocky landscapes.
Spring Weather Conditions By Month
APRIL Average Low: 0.5ºC/33ºF Average High: 5.5ºC/42ºF
MAY Average Low: 3.5ºC/39ºF Average High: 9.5ºC/49ºF
JUNE Average Low: 7ºC/44ºF Average High: 12ºC/53ºF
Pros Of Visiting In Spring
Affordable accommodation and rental cars
Daylight hours increase after the winter months
Wildflower season begins
Cons Of Visiting In Spring
Winter weather may not be over yet
Long days of sunlight mean no northern lights
Packing For Iceland In The Spring
Similar to the autumn months, you can expect to find all 4 seasons in one day during the spring, so you need to be prepared for whatever the weather throws at you.
Comfortable footwear and warm clothes are a must, and they should also be windproof and waterproof. No matter what time of the year, I always recommend packing layers for Iceland.
Top Iceland Highlights In The Spring
As the winter weather dies down and the evenings become brighter, many of Iceland’s most popular attractions reopen for spring and summer.
If you are a nature lover, this is also a fantastic time of year to visit as Iceland’s landscapes come into full bloom with wildflowers!
JOKULSARLON GLACIER LAGOON – The massive glacier at the top of this cold lake begins to melt as the temperature increases, resulting in huge icebergs breaking off into the water. Spring is the best time to see all the fresh icebergs floating out to sea.
PURPLE LUPINE FLOWERS – Nootka Lupine, also known as Alaskan Lupine, is an invasive species of purple wildflower that has taken over Iceland. Fields of purple lupine make for some amazing photos when they bloom in mid-June.
PUFFIN SPOTTING – Summer in Iceland is the best time of year to see some of the 8 million Puffin birds which nest in the sea cliffs. Many settle in Vestmannaeyjar and the Látrabjarg Cliffs in Westfjords from late April until mid-August.
SNORKELING BETWEEN CONTINENTS – Snorkeling this water-filled crack called Silfra between the North American and Eurasian continental plates during spring is a great time to avoid the larger summer crowds.
Fun Spring Festivals In Iceland
First Day Of Summer Festival
Reykjavik Art Festival
Festival Of The Sea
Enjoy Your Trip To Iceland In Any Season!
Well, I hope this guide to Iceland’s weather and seasons will help you better plan your trip to the land of fire and ice. However, I really think that no matter when you decide to visit Iceland, you’ll have an amazing experience! ★
Travel Planning Resources For Iceland
Packing Guide
Check out my travel gear guide to help you start packing for your trip. Pick up a travel backpack, camera gear, and other useful travel accessories.
Book Your Flight
Find cheap flights on Skyscanner. This is my favorite search engine to find deals on airlines. Also make sure to read how I find the cheapest flights.
Rent A Car
RentalCars.com is a great site for comparing car prices to find the best deal. Also read my tips for driving in Iceland.
Book Accommodation
Booking.com is my favorite hotel search engine. Or rent apartments from locals on Airbnb. Read more about how I book cheap hotels online.
Protect Your Trip
Don’t forget travel insurance! I’m a big fan of World Nomads for short-term trips. Protect yourself from possible injury & theft abroad. Read more about why you should always carry travel insurance.
Recommended Guidebook: Lonely Planet Iceland Suggested Reading: The Little Book Of Hidden People
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READ MORE FROM ICELAND
Where To Stay In Iceland Rental Car Driving Tips For Iceland How To Self-Drive The Ring Road 25 Strange Facts About Iceland!
Are you planning a trip to Iceland? Do you have any questions about when to visit? Drop me a message in the comments below!
This is a post from The Expert Vagabond adventure blog.
from Tips For Traveling https://expertvagabond.com/best-time-to-visit-iceland/
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10 Affordable Spring Vacation Spots You Don’t Have To Leave The Country To Visit
Whether your heart’s set on a dreamy beach vacay or an exciting urban getaway, you don’t have to break the bank—or leave the country—to enjoy an amazing spring vacation. We’re highlighting destinations across America that will fit within your budget. And when it comes to deciding on an affordable accommodation option, opt for a rental home or apartment from FlipKey. You’ll get more bang for your buck, with extra living space, full kitchen, laundry, or even an outdoor patio with BBQ grill!
From the shores of Cape Cod to the desert landscape of Palm Springs, here are some great places to celebrate the arrival of spring.
Boise, Idaho
With the majestic Rocky Mountains looming beyond the city limits and over 190 miles of trails to explore, Boise packs lots of punch for the nature-loving traveler. Climb the hill at Camel’s Back Park for great views of Southern Boise or take it easy on a stroll through the Idaho Botanical Garden. Had your fill of the outdoors? Boise’s varied museums and plentiful attractions will captivate all interests. However you choose to spend your time, Spring is the perfect season to enjoy all the city has to offer—before the dry summer heat sets in!
Find a great place to stay in Boise
Albuquerque, New Mexico
There are few places to experience the authentic Southwest quite like Albuquerque. With its fiery desert landscape, mouthwatering New Mexican cuisine, and unique multicultural heritage, this city is a magical escape for travelers of all ages. The city’s streets are lined with historic adobe homes and brick paths, while its clear, blue skies are dotted with colorful hot air balloons. Plentiful sunshine and mild temperatures add to this city’s appeal, making it one of the best affordable spring vacation spots on our list.
Find a great place to stay in New Mexico
Chincoteague Island, Virginia
Chincoteague Island’s resident wild ponies have helped put this small Virginia town on the map. During the summer, they can be seen thundering down the golden beaches. But horses aren’t the only wildlife to be admired—the unspoiled beaches and lack of high-rises on Chincoteague Island make it a great place for bird watching, too. Escape to this affordable spring vacation destination for a breath of fresh air and a slower pace of life.
Find a great place to stay in Chincoteague Island
Tacoma, Washington
Situated in the Puget Sound area and easily accessible from Seattle, Tacoma is ideal for travelers who like to have lots of options. Ready to explore? Hop in the car and head to Mount Rainier National Park just a short drive away. Want to see what the downtown area has to offer? Tacoma is home to a vibrant community of artists and boasts many world-renowned museums and exhibits. Still, you might prefer to take in the scenic landscape from the comfort of your FlipKey rental like one reviewer who raved “being able to sit on the decking while you watch the sunset over the Olympic Mountain was beautiful.”
Find a great place to stay in Tacoma
Tampa, Florida
Whether you decide to book a modern condo downtown or a beach home nearby, Tampa is a popular spring vacation spot that won’t break the bank. Traveling with the entire family? Busch Gardens and The Florida Aquarium in Tampa Bay offer something exciting for every person in your group. Sports enthusiasts can catch a Tampa Bay Rays baseball game at the start of the season, while art lovers will be impressed by the city’s world-class museums. No matter what you do though, soak up some sun and enjoy Tampa’s waterfront location.
Find a great place to stay in Tampa
Palm Springs, California
Thanks to its year-round pleasant climate and abundance of golf courses, a spring vacation in Palm Springs never disappoints. Soak up sun by the pool at your FlipKey rental, hop on a bike to explore, or discover the beauty of the surrounding desert on foot. Rather stay cool? Relax at one of the many award-winning spas in Palm Springs or hit some of the nearby museums. Whatever you decide to do, don’t miss out on the chance to spend a week here during the spring months.
Find a great place to stay in Palm Springs
Dennis Port, Massachusetts
Visit Dennis Port during the spring before tourists flock here for the peak summer season. This charming Cape Cod town oozes charm with its cozy cottages, wooden boardwalks, and photographic beach views. From skipping stones on the glassy waters to shopping at the local general store, Dennis Port has everything you need (and more!) for a delightful vacation, without the stress of going over-budget.
Find a great place to stay in Dennis Port
Lake Harmony, Pennsylvania
Tucked away in the Pocono Mountains, Lake Harmony is the perfect spot to welcome spring. The season brings the arrival of blooming daffodils and laurel blossoms, along with endless possibilities for outdoor recreation. Book a lakefront vacation home and wake up to sunrise over the water, or rent a cabin in the middle of the woods and truly escape it all. Whether you’re a hiker, biker, boater or botanist, we bet you’ll love this budget-friendly destination!
Find a great place to stay in Lake Harmony
Scottsdale, Arizona
In Scottsdale, you can be touring the beautiful desert one minute, and wrapped in a cozy bathrobe at one of the many spas the next. Explore the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, which offers trails for hikers of all skill levels. If it’s been a rainy spring, you might even get lucky and see the desert in bloom! Head to Old Town Scottsdale for shopping or skip straight to the downtown area where you’ll find a buzzing restaurant and party scene. This spirited Southwest city is full of possibilities, especially during the spring!
Find a great place to stay in Scottsdale
Lake Ozark, Missouri
Nestled in the heart of Missouri, Lake Ozark is a premier lake town offering world-class boating, fishing, and shopping. Cast your line from the shore and hook a fish, hike the surrounding landscape, or take the boat over to Party Cove during your stay. Whether you’re planning a family getaway or booking a couple’s retreat, choose a FlipKey rental for an affordable spring vacation you’ll always remember.
Find a great place to stay in Lake Ozark
The post 10 Affordable Spring Vacation Spots You Don’t Have To Leave The Country To Visit appeared first on The FlipKey Blog.
from Tips For Traveling https://www.flipkey.com/blog/2019/03/13/10-affordable-spring-vacation-spots-you-dont-have-to-leave-the-country-to-visit/
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Where To Stay In Iceland: Best Hotels In Reykjavik & Beyond
The Best Places to Stay in Iceland
Accommodation In Iceland
Iceland has become an incredibly popular travel destination over the last few years. Learn where to stay in Iceland for your vacation including the best hotels, budget hostels, and campgrounds.
As I’m sure you’re already aware by now, Iceland is an incredible holiday destination for all types of people, from families to adventurous solo travelers.
While flights have become increasingly cheap, food & lodging however are not.
There are tons of unique places to stay in Iceland due to its diverse scenery, and every time I visit I find something new to experience, which makes it one of my favorite countries.
Best Places To Stay In Iceland
When it comes to finding a place to stay in Iceland, hotels can be on the expensive side, and there aren’t a lot of options compared to other countries. Hotels can get booked up months in advance, especially during the high season.
It’s important to book your accommodation in Iceland early to get the best deals.
In this guide, I’ll cover everything from budget backpacker hostels to luxury Reykjavik hotels, family-owned farms, campgrounds, and even campervan rentals — you’ll learn exactly where to stay in Iceland to have a great time.
Reykjavik Iceland Hotel Guide
Where To Stay In Reykjavik
Reykjavik is the capital of Iceland, and where most travelers base themselves from initially. The city welcomes guests with a cosmopolitan mix of restaurants, cafes, street-art, museums and tour company headquarters.
The busy heart of Reykjavik is the Miðborg neighborhood, especially Laugavegur Street, where you’ll find shopping, restaurants, nightlife and all sorts of fun things to do.
If you want to be where all the action is, stay close to Laugavegur Street. But there are some other great neighborhoods in Reykjavik too, which I share below.
Here are my suggestions for the top hotels, hostels, and campgrounds in Reykjavik depending on your budget.
Also, if you prefer a local apartment, Airbnb is a great option for finding a cool place to stay in Iceland. Check out my Airbnb post for a $35 discount!
Cheap Hostels In Reykjavik
Loft Hostel – With two Best Hostel awards, Loft is one of the best places to stay in Reykjavik when you’re traveling on a budget. Located in the heart of the city, it features a large balcony to admire the city from above. They often organize music and activities, have good wifi, and friendly staff.
Reykjavik Downtown HI Hostel
Budget Hotels In Reykjavik
Rey Apartments – Rey Apartments is located in between the main shopping area and the trendy district of Skolavordustigur in Reykjavik. The modern, fresh looking apartments feature free wifi and fully equipped kitchens and living rooms. The geothermal Sunhollin swimming pool is just 10 minutes away!
Hotel Frón
Mid-Range Hotels In Reykjavik
Hotel Ódinsvé
Skuggi Hotel Reykjavík
Luxury Hotels In Reykjavik
Kvosin Downtown Hotel – When you want to be pampered, you can’t do much better than this Reykjavik hotel. Housed in a restored building from the 1900’s, this boutique hotel offers the largest rooms you can find in Reykjavik, decorated in modern Scandinavian style and featuring artworks by local artists.
Reykjavík Residence Suites
Good Campgrounds Near Reykjavik
Reykjavik Campsite
Hafnarfjörður Camping
Cool Neighborhoods in Reykjavik
Best Neighborhoods In Reykjavik
Miðborg
Midborg is where all the action is in Reykjavik, and where to stay for the best nightlife in the city. Full of quirky shops, museums, restaruants, and the main walking district.
Vesturbær
Located just west of the city center, Vesturbær is a mix of residential neighborhood and little cafes. It’s a bit queiter than downtown.
Hlíðar
A local working-class residential area east of the city, with plenty of parks & playgrounds. The name means “the hills” and places out here are much cheaper than the city center.
Laugardalur
Laugardalur is kind of the sports and recreation hub of Reykjavik. Known as “the hot spring valley,” this is where you’ll find the local sports stadium as well as a campground.
Golden Circle Hotel Guide
Where To Stay On The Golden Circle – Selfoss & Hveragerði
The Golden Circle is a circular 300km route that takes you from the capital city of Reykjavik towards the center of Iceland, and back again in a single day. It’s the perfect introduction to Iceland if you’re short on time or on a layover.
From ancient historical sites to beautiful natural landmarks, the Golden Circle has a bit of everything. You can join an organized tour of the Golden Circle or rent a car and self-drive at your own pace.
Most people base themselves from Reykjavik for this drive, however, you can also spend the night somewhere along the Golden Circle. The towns of Selfoss and Hveragerði are good options for this.
Here are my suggestions for the top hotels, hostels, and campgrounds on the Golden Circle depending on your budget.
Cheap Hostels On The Golden Circle
Selfoss Hostel – Everything you need to get a good night’s of sleep before you continue to explore Iceland. The clean, functional rooms have free wifi and a view over Ingolfsfjall mountain. There’s free parking, which is a big plus when you’re renting a car in Iceland. There’s a big common kitchen and a hot tub too.
Hot Springs Hostel
Budget Hotels On The Golden Circle
SKYR Guesthouse
Mid-Range Hotels On The Golden Circle
Eldhestar – Located only half an hour from the capital, this Iceland eco-hotel provides everything you need to relax. You can have a cup of hot tea in the lounge next to the fireplace or enjoy a cocktail at the bar. Each room has a private entrance with nature-inspired décor. Eldhestar has an outdoor wooden hot tub and is located next to an Icelandic horse farm.
Guesthouse Bjarney
Luxury Hotels On The Golden Circle
Frost & Fire Hotel – This unique luxury hotel in Iceland is near a geothermal area, giving you the feeling of being in the middle of nature. Thingvellir National Park is only a 40-minute drive away. Relax at the spa-like facilities including two hot tubs, an outdoor pool, hot spring powered Jacuzzi and sauna. You can even cook an egg over a natural hot spring for breakfast!
Ion Adventure Hotel
Where to Stay in Vik, South Iceland
Where To Stay On Iceland’s South Coast – Vik
Iceland’s South Coast is filled with natural wonders, making it perfect for an adventure outside the capital. If you’re driving around the entire Ring Road on Route 1, this is usually the next stop after a trip around the Golden Circle.
The South Coast is home to some of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls, like Seljalandfoss and Skogafoss. Reynisfjara Black Beach, Sólheimajökull Glacier, and the Eyjafjallajokull Volcano are other highlights.
One of the larger towns tourists stop at is called Vik [MAP], with many different lodging options, restaurants, and activities nearby. So it’s a great place to stay for a night or two.
Here are my suggestions for the top hotels, hostels, and campgrounds along Iceland’s South Coast depending on your budget.
Cheap Hostels On Iceland’s South Coast
Puffin Hostel – Located in the center of Vik, this hostel is only a 10-minute walk from the fabulous black beaches. It offers a fully equipped kitchen and a shared seating area. The functional rooms have shared facilities and bathrooms.
Budget Hotels On Iceland’s South Coast
Hotel Geirland
Mid-Range Hotels On Iceland’s South Coast
The Barn – Located near Vik and provides a great base for exploring the South Coast of Iceland. It features parking and free wifi, being great for travelers who tour the island by rental car. The rooms offer enough privacy, which makes this hostel a great option for couples. Some of the rooms have a view over the mountains and there are dormitory beds with drapes available.
Luxury Hotels On Iceland’s South Coast
Hotel Kria – For a luxurious stay near Vik this new hotel opened in 2018. The rooms have a modern design and all the facilities one can expect from a high-class hotel. During your stay at Kria you can enjoy amazing mountain views, a cocktail at their bar or a delicious meal at their restaurant, which serves Icelandic specialties. The breakfast buffet features food from local farms.
Best Iceland Hotels Near Hofn
Where To Stay Near The Glacier Lagoon – Hofn
Continuing your drive on Iceland’s Ring Road, you’ll eventually reach the fishing village of Höfn. Höfn means “harbor” because it sits on one of the few natural harbors found in Iceland. This is the next major town after Vik, about a 4-hour drive away.
While four hours doesn’t seem like much, there’s so much to do in between these two Icelandic towns on the South Coast that you can easily spend a full day on activities, and may want to spend a night here.
Hofn is the town closest to Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and Vatnajokull National Park. Watching the sunrise from Jökulsárlón was one of the highlights of my trip, so you might want to sleep nearby.
Here are my suggestions for the top hotels, hostels, and campgrounds near Hofn and the glacier lagoon depending on your budget.
Cheap Hostels Around Hofn
Lilja Guesthouse – This friendly guesthouse offers spacious rooms with a warm floor and private bathrooms. The quiet rooms are equipped with a coffee machine and free WiFi. The nearby mountains provide a great view for the guests, who can enjoy their coffee in the shared lounge.
Budget Hotels Around Hofn
Skyrhusid Guesthouse
Mid-Range Hotels Around Hofn
Hotel Hofn – Most rooms have views of the nearby glaciers and the sea. The hotel has private parking, a great bonus if you are traveling by rental car. You can dine on the restaurant’s terrace to admire the view as you enjoy Icelandic specialties. Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon is one hour away, while the Silfurnes Golf Club and Hofn Harbour are only a 10-minute walk.
Luxury Hotels Around Hofn
Aurora Cabins – If you’re lucky, you might catch the magnificent aurora borealis from the cabin porch at this awesome Iceland hotel. There’s a small hill nearby with a bench on top, another nice spot to admire the lights. The cabins are spacious and feature free wifi, a kitchen with microwave and toaster, terrace and a seating area. Great romantic place for couples!
Where To Stay In East Iceland – Egilsstaðir
East Iceland is often overlooked by tourists, being so far from the capital of Reykjavik. But it has a lot to offer. The picturesque fishing villages which line the rugged landscape are dotted with waterfalls and glaciers, making the area perfect for hiking.
The main city people base themselves in East Iceland is called Egilsstaðir, one of Iceland’s youngest towns. It was built on the banks of the Lagarfljot River in a wide valley. It has good access to the Eastern Fjords too.
East Iceland is also rich in legends about the elves and other mythical creatures which were believed to populate the area. It’s a good place for wildlife spotting, including herds of wild reindeer, arctic foxes, and puffins.
Here are my suggestions for the top hotels, hostels, and campgrounds near Egilsstaðir and the East Fjords depending on your budget.
Cheap Hostels In Egilsstaðir
Tehusid Hostel
Budget Hotels In Egilsstaðir
Laufás Guest House
Mid-Range Hotels In Egilsstaðir
Icelandair Hotel Herad
Luxury Hotels In Egilsstaðir
Hótel Valaskjálf
Where To Stay In North Iceland – Akureyri
Akureyri is the largest and most important town in Iceland, after its capital. It is an old trading city and important fishing hub, it’s also a wonderful base for whale watching trips. The city has heated swimming pools too.
Travelers to Iceland generally end up staying in the city of Akureyri, or near Lake Myvatn, depending on where you end up after a long drive on Route 1.
Lake Myvatn is located in an active volcano area and is surrounded by amazing lava formations. There is a rich population of water birds living around the lake, making it great for bird watching.
Here are my suggestions for the top hotels, hostels, and campgrounds around Akureyri depending on your budget.
Cheap Hostels In North Iceland
Town Square Guesthouse – At Town Square Guesthouse you will find all the essentials for a decent stay. Some rooms offer views over the sea or the mountains, while all of them include access to a shared bathroom and free WiFi. Guests also have access to a fully equipped shared kitchen and a nice terrace.
Budget Hotels In North Iceland
Lónsá Guesthouse
Mid-Range Hotels In North Iceland
Icelandair Hotel Akureyri – This Iceland hotel in Akureyri offers modern rooms with wooden floors and comfortable beds. They have a cozy bar with a fireplace, and the restaurant cooks delicious meals with Icelandic and Mediterranean influences. The Akureyri swimming pool and geothermal hot tubs are only a 2-minute walk away from the hotel.
Luxury Hotels In North Iceland
Hotel Kjarnalundur – Just 2km away from Akureyri Airport and 5km from the city center. The panoramic views of the surroundings and the amazing Aurora Borealis can be enjoyed from all over the property. There is a hot tub on the deck of the cottage, which also provides a great spot to admire the scenic landscapes Cozy, modern design with wooden finishes. You also get free access to their sauna!
Where To Stay On Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Snæfellsnes Peninsula is nicknamed “miniature Iceland”, thanks to its vast diversity of landscapes. This also makes it perfect for a quick weekend getaway, during which you can enjoy the best of Iceland.
Driving around this peninsula you’ll find waterfalls, hot-spring pools, lava tubes, black sand beaches, old churches, fields of wildflowers in the spring, and massive glaciers.
Driving around Snæfellsnes is another day-trip option if you don’t have a lot of time in Iceland, as it’s located only 2 hours north of Reykjavik city.
Here are my suggestions for the top hotels, hostels, and campgrounds on Snæfellsnes Peninsula depending on your budget.
Cheap Hostels On Snæfellsnes
North Star Guesthouse – North Star Guesthouse offers spacious rooms and free private parking on the main street of Olafsvik. There is a self check in/check out which makes everything easier for the traveler who wants to get some rest before heading to the restaurants in the area for a drink and a meal. Popular activities for guests are golfing, hiking and fishing.
Budget Hotels On Snæfellsnes
West Park Guesthouse
Mid-Range Hotels On Snæfellsnes
Arnarstapi Hotel – Located only 200m from the Gatklettur rocks and offers views over the sea, which makes it ideal when you just want to relax and enjoy nature after a long day. The rooms are modern and feature private bathrooms. This new hotel also has an on-site restaurant where you can enjoy some of the most delicious Icelandic specialties.
Luxury Hotels On Snæfellsnes
Fell Holiday Home – This place has 6 separate bedrooms with 2 bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen and a living room. The apartment also has a garden, which makes a great place to admire the Northern Lights and the Gatklettur rocks. There is free WiFi all over the modern property.
Keflavik Airport Hotels & The Blue Lagoon
Northern Light Inn
Stay in a Campervan!
Renting A Campervan In Iceland
There are many ways to explore Iceland. Most people rent a car while staying in hotels, or rent a campervan while sleeping in the vehicle. Convenience is one of the main reasons people choose to rent a campervan.
Once you’ve rented the vehicle, you can start driving and exploring the country on your own terms. It’s a lot easier to find a campground with space for your van than it is to book a last minute hotel in Iceland.
Renting a campervan in Iceland can save you a lot of time and money. You can prepare your own food on the go and save money on accommodation. It also gives you a lot of flexibility to change your plans anytime you want.
But life on the road might take its toll, especially if you have small kids. Not all campervans will have a toilet and you might definitely miss showering on a regular basis.
The weather depends on luck and what time of year you visit Iceland. A worst case scenario is that you might have to cook in the rain, snow, or deal with high winds and cold temperatures.
I’ve traveled around Iceland both ways, and if you’d like to rent a campervan in Iceland, I highly recommend Happy Campers.
Travel Planning Resources For Iceland
Packing Guide
Check out my travel gear guide to help you start packing for your trip. Pick up a travel backpack, camera gear, and other useful travel accessories.
Book Your Flight
Find cheap flights on Skyscanner. This is my favorite search engine to find deals on airlines. Also make sure to read how I find the cheapest flights.
Rent A Car
RentalCars.com is a great site for comparing car prices to find the best deal. Also read my tips for driving in Iceland.
Book Accommodation
Booking.com is my favorite hotel search engine. Or rent apartments from locals on Airbnb. Read more about how I book cheap hotels online.
Protect Your Trip
Don’t forget travel insurance! I’m a big fan of World Nomads for short-term trips. Protect yourself from possible injury & theft abroad. Read more about why you should always carry travel insurance.
Recommended Guidebook: Lonely Planet Iceland Suggested Reading: The Little Book Of Hidden People
Enjoy This Post? Pin It For Later!
READ MORE FROM ICELAND
Complete Guide To Iceland’s Ring Road Golden Circle Day Trip From Reykjavik Epic Iceland Photography Locations
Have any questions about where to stay in Iceland? Which hotels in Reykjavik have you stayed at? Drop me a message in the comments below!
This is a post from The Expert Vagabond adventure blog.
from Tips For Traveling https://expertvagabond.com/where-to-stay-iceland-hotels/
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How To Choose The Perfect Travel Backpack (Plus Win A Free One!)
How To Choose The Best Travel Backpack
Backpacking Gear
As a professional world-traveling backpacker, I get a lot of emails asking about the best backpacks for travel. There are so many to choose from! Here’s my advice, plus tips for how to find your own.
There’s something magical about traveling to new countries for the first time.
Getting lost in foreign cities, meeting cool people, breaking out of your comfort zone, discovering cultures different than your own, and having life-changing experiences.
Maybe you are planning your own backpacking adventure soon — South East Asia, Europe, or South America — and you need a good travel backpack to hold your stuff.
But what’s the best travel backpack to take on your next adventure?
There’s no easy answer to this question. Different types of travelers will have different requirements and budgets.
My goal with this backpack buyer’s guide is to help you narrow down the overwhelming choices that are out there — and pick the top travel backpack for traveling anywhere. Whether you’re traveling for 2 weeks or 2 months.
Here’s everything we’re going to cover (feel free to click to go to a specific section if you want to skip around). Make sure to read all the way to the end for a chance to win your own free travel backpack!
My Travel Backpack Review Guide 2019
We’ll get to the juicy stuff in a second (I promise!), but first, it’s important to understand what makes a backpack good for travel.
Why Listen To Me?
Experience! I’ve been backpacking around the world for the past 9 years as a professional travel blogger & photographer, visiting over 50 countries while living out of my bag. This guide is also completely independent, with no sponsored content.
Tips For Choosing a Travel Backpack
How To Choose A Travel Backpack
WEIGHT – Obviously you want the lightest travel backpack you can find, that’s also comfortable, because this will save your back from fatigue. The materials a backpack is made of can also affect its weight, and super light-weight fabrics can increase the price.
SIZE & CAPACITY – Backpack sizes are usually quoted in liters of volume they can hold. Generally, 15-30 liters is considered a daypack, 40-50 liters is big enough for a weekend trip or carry-on only travel, and 55-75 liters is for those who need extra clothing or gear.
FRONT LOADING – Hiking backpacks are usually top-loading, meaning you need to dig through them from the top to find your stuff. Travel-friendly backpacks are front-loading, so they zip open more like a suitcase and it’s easy to locate gear quickly.
STRAP TYPES – A padded waist strap distributes the weight of your backpack on your core, instead of just your shoulders. This helps avoid sore shoulders and back pain, especially when wearing it for long periods of time. Some travel backpacks also have padded grab-handles or a duffle-bag strap which is a nice feature.
GEAR POCKETS – This is subjective, and everyone is different, but I prefer a minimal amount of pockets on my travel backpack. Some important ones include a quick-access pocket for things like keys, passport, sunglasses, etc. I also love when there’s a laptop pocket, and one for my filtered water bottle.
ZIPPERS – I prefer large, easy to use zippers on a backpack. Bonus points if they’re lockable zippers, specifically designed to be secured with a small luggage lock.
PROPER FIT – You could have the best travel backpack available, but if it doesn’t fit right, you’ll be miserable. Your torso length is more important than your height. Here’s a great backpack fitting guide.
LOOKS – Some travel backpacks are built wider than they are tall, making them look kind of “boxy” compared to hiking backpacks. It isn’t always flattering. But it’s ultimately up to you how important looks are.
WEATHER RESISTANCE – The material a backpack is made of can determine how weather-resistant it is. Some backpacks need a special rain-cover, others have rain-resistance built right in. You don’t want your gear getting wet!
CARRY-ON FRIENDLY – Airlines are starting to get much more strict about the size and weight of your carry-on bag. As a general rule, I wouldn’t try to bring anything larger than a 45L travel backpack for carry-on luggage to be safe.
Different Types of Travel Backpacks
What Kind Of Traveler Are You?
When choosing a travel backpack, it’s important to have a general idea about how you plan to use it. Generally, I split backpackers up into three different categories.
If you’re a light packer, you can actually fit quite a bit of stuff into a 40L carry-on backpack. However, if you lug around a lot of camera gear, camping equipment, or clothing — you’ll want a larger backpack to check under the plane.
Carry-On Backpackers
Carry-on backpackers prefer to travel carry-on only and hate checking bags at airports. They primarily visit cities on the “backpacker trail” with decent travel infrastructure like hostels, hotels, transportation etc. They might embark on the occasional day hike, but don’t need their own camping gear.
GAP Year Travelers
Gap year backpackers are students taking a year off to travel before university, or maybe recent college graduates traveling through Southeast Asia or Europe before starting their professional careers. Many are first-time travelers — inexperienced with packing light. They often need to check a bag because they tend to overpack.
Adventure Travelers
Adventure travelers spend a lot of time in the mountains, deserts, and jungles. Maybe they like to hitchhike, and prefer visiting more remote destinations where they may not have a roof to sleep under. They pack their own multi-day trekking and camping equipment to survive outside in the backcountry.
The travel backpack you choose from the guide below will depend on what kind of traveler you are (or think you’re going to be).
Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks
Osprey Farpoint 40 – Most Popular Travel Backpack
Weight: 3.17 LBS (1.4 KG) Capacity: 40 Liters Load Range: 20-40 LBS Colors: Grey, Red, Blue Best For: Carry-On Travel Price: Click Here For Latest Price
Probably the most popular carry-on travel backpack right now for GAP year travelers and hostel enthusiasts. The Osprey Farpoint 40‘s front-loading design is super easy to use and holds a lot of gear. But the big draw is how comfortable it is due to a really good suspension system and straps.
The straps can be stowed-away with a zipper, turning this backpack into a streamlined travel bag with a padded carry-handle. The comfortable hip-belt makes it work well for day-hikes, and it’s not as “boxy” looking as other digital nomad backpacks. You can take it on a hike and not look out of place.
PROS
Front-Loading
Lockable Zippers
Stow-Away Straps
Dayhike Friendly
CONS
Laptop compartment isn’t against your back
Bright green interior may put some people off
I still own an Osprey Farpoint 40, even though I no longer use it as my main travel backpack. It’s a great weekend bag for me that holds all the essentials, or everything most carry-on only hostel backpackers would want on a longer-term trip.
Check Price On Amazon
Nomadic Travel Bag 40 – Digital Nomad Friendly
Weight: 4 LBS (1.8 KG) Capacity: 40 Liters Load Range: 20-40 LBS Colors: Black Best For: Carry-On Travel Price: Click Here For Latest Price
The Nomadic Travel Bag was created after a very successful Kickstarter aimed at minimalist digital nomad types who work while they travel. It’s full of design features that cater to this special demographic.
From a dedicated underwear pocket to power cord management, this carry-on backpack has thought of everything a millennial business traveler could ever want. It converts into a duffle bag and has a dedicated laptop pocket. It also easily attaches to a rolling suitcase.
PROS
Water-Resistant Material
Detachable Hip-Belt
Front-Loading
CONS
Some Gimmicky Features
Boxy Looking Design
Expensive
If you’re a hardcore digital nomad or minimalist traveler, you’ll absolutely love the borderline OCD attention to detail put into this travel backpack. Personally, I prefer a simpler design.
Check Price On Amazon
Kelty Redwing 44 – Adventure Travel Daypack
Weight: 2.6 LBS (1.2 KG) Capacity: 44 Liters Load Range: 20-40 LBS Colors: Green, Black, Blue Best For: Carry-On Travel Price: Click Here For Latest Price
If you want a carry-on travel backpack with a more sporty style, look no further than the Kelty Redwing 44. This is also the lightest backpack of the bunch because it was designed as a hiking daypack and overnight travel bag.
However you can cram a lot of travel gear inside, the perfect size for people who only travel with one bag. There are plenty of compartments for organizing your stuff. The hybrid U-zipper design is both top-loading and front-loading, allowing easy access inside.
Kelty also makes a 50-liter version as well as a women’s version.
PROS
Hybrid Front & Top Loading
Very Lightweight
Great For Dayhikes
Comfortable Hip-Belt
CONS
Casual Appearance
Too Big For Some Airlines
This is a great backpack for travelers who hike a lot, and want something with a more adventurous look. But fully loaded, it might not quite meet some airline carry-on size restrictions. Usually you can get away with it though.
Check Price On Amazon
Best Travel Backpacks For Hiking
Best Travel Backpacks For Hiking
Traveling carry-on only isn’t for everyone. Maybe you are not an expert traveler yet, and need more space for your clothing. Or you prefer more adventure travel, hiking, and camping than the average backpacker.
Then you may want to look at the best backpacks for both travel AND hiking.
These backpacks have enough space to accommodate a sleeping bag, tent, and cooking equipment needed for typical trekking and overnight camping adventures.
Gregory Mountain Zulu 65 – Hiking Travel Backpack
Weight: 4.4 LBS (2 KG) Capacity: 65 Liters Load Range: 40-50 LBS Colors: Grey, Green Best For: Hiking & Travel Price: Click Here For Latest Price
The Gregory Mountain Zulu is a cross between a travel backpack and a hiking pack. Its crossflow suspension system is wonderful at distributing your gear weight, with plenty of airflow to keep your back cool. Along with a traditional top-loading pull cord, the backpack also boasts a U-shaped front access zipper which is handy for travel.
Hidden inside the pack you’ll find a removable lightweight “summit bag” that can act as a daypack for shorter adventures, like going to the beach or walking around town. The hipbelt is well-padded with two easy access pockets. This is a backpack that can handle all kinds of different travel situations.
Gregory also makes a 55-liter version of this backpack.
PROS
Front-Loading Access
Sleepingbag Compartment
Extra Removable Daypack
Raincover Included
CONS
No Laptop Pocket
Not Carry-On Friendly
I own and travel occasionally with the 55-liter version of this pack. I use it for short overnight camping adventures that only last a few days. The front u-zip access is great to get at your gear quickly, and when empty it lays flat inside my rolling duffle bag.
Check Price On Amazon
Osprey Atmos 65 – Lightweight Backpacking
Weight: 3.6 LBS (1.6 KG) Capacity: 65 Liters Load Range: 40-50 LBS Colors: Grey, Red, Blue Best For: Hiking & Travel Price: Click Here For Latest Price
The Osprey Atmos 65 is the perfect travel backpack for people who prefer more traditional overnight trekking or camping trips. Its best feature is the super comfortable AntiGravity suspension system that helps distribute the load on your body.
Additional handy features include a large front stretch mesh pocket, integrated rain cover, and a very lightweight design compared to other hiking backpacks. If you’re going to be embarking on a lot of adventure travel with equipment like a sleeping bag, hammock, or tent, this is a great bag.
PROS
Great Suspension System
Integrated Raincover
Lightweight Design
CONS
Top-Loading Only
Too Big For Carry-On
Check Price On Amazon
Arc’teryx Bora 50 – Adventure Travel Backpack
Weight: 4.7 LBS (2.1 KG) Capacity: 65 Liters Load Range: 50-60 LBS Colors: Blue Best For: Trekking & Backpacking Price: Click Here For Latest Price
I’m a big fan of Arc’teryx outdoor gear. While it’s expensive, their attention to detail is unrivaled. The Arc’teryx Bora 50 is no exception. It’s a true adventure backpack for traveling in the backcountry. The coolest features are a composite frame and crazy comfortable hipbelt suspension system.
This backpack remains comfortable even with a lot of heavy gear. The pack itself isn’t very light, but the innovative floating hipbelt makes up for this in that it carries weight on your hips far better than others. Also, the fabric is so waterproof on its own that I usually don’t bring a rain cover with me.
PROS
Tough Rain Resistant Exterior
Crazy Comfortable Hip-Belt
Minimalist Design
CONS
Expensive
Not Many Pockets
Top-Loading Only
I also own the Bora, using it for longer backcountry adventures, or in winter weather situations, like summiting Mount Whitney solo via the mountaineer’s route last year. It’s extremely rugged and very comfortable. A technical hiking pack more than a travel one.
Check Price On Amazon
Top Travel Backpacks For Women
Osprey Fairview 40 – Women’s Carry-On Backpack
Weight: 3.17 LBS (1.4 KG) Capacity: 40 Liters Load Range: 30-40 LBS Colors: Grey, Olive Best For: Carry-On Travel Price: Click Here For Latest Price
The Osprey Fairview 40‘s is basically the women’s version of the Farpoint 40 travel backpack. Great for GAP year travelers and hostel enthusiasts. Its front-loading design is easy to use and holds a lot of gear, with a comfortable (and stow-away) suspension system.
The women’s version comes in a few different colors and a slightly different female-friendly fit.
PROS
Front-Loading
Lockable Zippers
Stow-Away Straps
Dayhike Friendly
CONS
Laptop compartment isn’t against your back
Bright green interior may put some people off
Check Price On Amazon
Gregory Mountain Deva 60 – Women’s Hiking Pack
Weight: 4.8 LBS (2.2 KG) Capacity: 60 Liters Load Range: 40-50 LBS Colors: Plum, Green, Blue Best For: Hiking Backpack Price: Click Here For Latest Price
The Gregory Mountain Deva is the female version of the Zulu. A cross between a travel backpack and a hiking pack. Its crossflow suspension system is great for distributing your gear, with plenty of airflow to keep your back cool. Plus that handy U-shaped front access zipper which is perfect for travel.
The women’s version comes in a few different colors and a slightly different female-friendly fit.
PROS
Front-Loading Access
Sleepingbag Compartment
Extra Removable Daypack
Raincover Included
CONS
No Laptop Pocket
Not Carry-On Friendly
Check Price On Amazon
Best Camera Backpacks For Traveling
Great Camera Backpacks for Travel
So, what if you travel with a ton of camera equipment like me? Multiple cameras, lenses, a drone, etc.
To pack all that expensive gear in a safe and secure way, I prefer traveling with a dedicated carry-on friendly camera backpack, and check a separate bag with all my clothing and adventure gear.
LowePro Whistler 350 – Extreme Camera Backpack
Weight: 5.6 LBS (2.5 KG) Capacity: 30 Liters Load Range: 30-40 LBS Colors: Grey Best For: Adventure Photographers Price: Click Here For Latest Price
The LowePro Whistler 350 has been my favorite travel camera backpack for years now! The special TPU coating can take a lot of abuse from the elements, and a large easy-to-use zipper allows you to open the camera compartment quickly, even with gloves on. The newer versions have a laptop pocket too.
It holds a deceptively large amount of gear, and I regularly carry it on airplanes loaded down with 30-40 lbs (don’t tell the airlines!). There’s a large front pocket to pack your lunch, a jacket, or even avalanche equipment. External gear straps can hold snowshoes, a snowboard, skis, your tripod, or anything you need.
LowePro makes a larger 450 model, but it’s too big for airline carry-on.
PROS
Great Water Resistance
Holds Adventure Gear
Carry-On Friendly
Quick & Easy Access
CONS
Side Pocket Is Small
Expensive
One Color Option
This thing is a beast. My complete camera kit fits in here including the main camera, a backup camera, multiple lenses, my drone, and all the accessories. Plus a laptop for flying. A wonderful camera backpack for day-long hikes too.
Check Price On Amazon
Peak Design Everyday 30 – Travel Camera Backpack
Weight: 3.4 LBS (1.5 KG) Capacity: 30 Liters Load Range: 30 LBS Colors: Black, Grey Best For: Travel Photographers Price: Click Here For Latest Price
The Peak Design Everyday Backpack is a popular walk-around camera bag that’s great for lugging your camera equipment around cities, for day hikes, or as a carry-on camera backpack. The material looks great but is pretty weather resistant too.
It has three points of entry into the bag. From the top, as well as two side flaps for easy access to your camera gear without needing to remove the backpack completely. The MagLatch system leaves part of the bag open on the sides, because there’s no drawstring closure.
PROS
Good Looking
Fast Camera Access
Lightweight
CONS
Hipbelt Is Minimal
Straps Are Thin
Top Doesn’t Close Fully
While Peak Design makes a very stylish camera bag, it’s not quite as versatile, rugged, and comfortable as the LowePro is for more adventurous outdoor activities.
Check Price On Amazon
What Kind Of Bag is Right For You?
Backpack, Suitcase, Or Rolling Duffle?
Traveling with a backpack allows you to get around hands-free using Google maps or buying train tickets, not to mention climbing stairs or tackling dirt roads is so much easier than with your typical rolling suitcase.
But it really depends on your travel style.
While I initially began my nomadic career with a backpack, as I’ve grown older, I now prefer a rolling duffel bag for most trips. It’s especially handy for traveling in cities and less tiring when walking on concrete.
I own a few travel backpacks but only use them for specific situations, like weekend-trips, or overnight trekking.
Now that I have a base in Italy, I store these other bags away. But if you’re a vagabond living out of your backpack full time, you don’t have that luxury.
My Personal Favorite Travel Bags
North Face Rolling Thunder – My current favorite travel bag with plenty of room, heavy-duty lockable zippers and a waterproof shell. A seperate compartment for hiking boots, and big wheels for dirt roads & cobblestones.
Gregory Zulu 55 Backpack – This lightweight, super comfortable overnight trekking & travel backpack includes full front-zipper access to all my gear. It can lie flat in my roller bag if I don’t need to check both.
Lowepro Whistler 350 – My amazing carry-on camera & laptop backpack. I use this for day hikes with my camera gear, but it has room for things like snacks, water, jacket, full-size tripod, snowboard, ice-axe, etc.
Arc’Teryx Granville 18 Tote – This is what I use as my airline approved “personal item”. It’s basically an overdesigned water resistant masculine tote bag that zips shut.
READ MORE: My Complete Travel Gear Guide
Win A Free Travel Backpack!
Congratulations! That was a long post, and to reward you for making it down this far, I’m giving one lucky reader a free travel backpack for their next trip.
Travel in style with one of the most popular backpacks for exploring the world these days, a carry-on friendly Osprey Farpoint 40L. This isn’t sponsored at all, I’ll purchase it for the winner myself.
OFFICIAL RULES
ELIGIBILITY: Ages 18+ The promotion is only open and offered to residents of the United States & Canada, due to strict laws regarding giveaways in different countries. I wish I could offer it to others, but legally speaking, it’s almost impossible to organize.
CHOOSING A WINNER: A winner will be selected at random from the list of entries and notified by email or social media on March 10th. If the winner does not respond within one week, an alternate winner will be chosen at random.
PRIZE: The winner will receive a new Osprey Farpoint (or Fairview) 40L Backpack. The prize is shipped to the winner’s chosen address in the US or Canada. Customs fees are not included with the prize.
How To Enter Contest
Enter your name and email address below and follow the instructions.
You’ll have the option to earn extra contest entries (and more chances to win!) by completing certain tasks, like leaving a comment.
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READ MORE TRAVEL TIPS
Photography Road Trip On Iceland’s Ring Road 10 Simple Steps To Starting A Blog Travel Quotes To Inspire You My Favorite Gifts For Travelers
Have any questions about good travel backpacks? What about other suggestions? Drop me a message in the comments below!
This is a post from The Expert Vagabond adventure blog.
from Tips For Traveling https://expertvagabond.com/best-travel-backpacks/
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20 Of The Top Places To Visit In The US In 2019
A new year means opportunities to make new, unforgettable travel memories. This year, consider a visit to a US destination you may not have thought of before (or alternatively, see if the hype for some of America’s up-and-coming hotspots is justified). Each location on our list of where to travel in 2019 is growing in popularity for its own unique reasons. Many have annual events and festivals well worth the trip, and some are experiencing (or have already experienced) a resurgence of culture and entertainment. Whether you’re seeking a new culinary adventure, thriving art scenes, historic architecture, or sandy beaches, this year is the perfect time to plan a visit to one of these trending destinations.
Your trip will be busy with plenty of fun activities, so you’ll want a comfortable place to relax and unwind during your downtime. Booking a vacation rental from FlipKey offers exactly that, along with many of the amenities you’re used to at home—total privacy, a full kitchen, laundry, and more.
It’s time to make a New Year’s resolution: get out and explore! Here’s our list of the top places to visit in the US in 2019.
Asheville, NC
Asheville’s vibrant art scene, unique food culture, historic architecture, and gorgeous mountain scenery have earned it a spot on our list of the best places to travel in 2019—that is, if you haven’t already been! Craft beer in Asheville isn’t hard to find, and this Small-Group Downtown Brewery Walking Tour will give you an inside look at three breweries. Visit the sprawling 250-room Biltmore chateau, once home of the Vanderbilt family, for a fascinating look at Asheville’s past. For a nighttime thrill,embark on an Asheville Ghost Walking Tour for a unique evening of haunted history followed by exclusive access to the Asheville Mystery Museum.
Find a great place to stay in Asheville!
Baltimore, MD
Baltimore makes our list of best US destinations for all the history lovers and foodies among you! Baltimore’s Fells Point neighborhood is a culinary utopia, and booking a Fells Point Food Tour will take all of the guesswork out of choosing where to eat. Check out some of Baltimore’s oldest and most historic sights, as well as several television show locations, on a History & Culture Tour. Embark on a Baltimore Inner Harbor Sightseeing Tour to see this impressive city from a whole new perspective.
Find a great place to stay in Baltimore!
Portland, ME
A quintessential New England city by the sea, Portland is chalk full of culture, cuisine, and natural beauty. New Englanders are serious about their beer, and Portland has no shortage of breweries. Try a Friday Evening Brewery Tour or a Portland Brewery Brunch Tour to sample some of the city’s local beer. Gorgeous natural gems are plentiful in Portland, like Diamond Cove or the Casco Bay Islands, just a brief ferry ride away. Restaurant Week runs during the first two weeks of March, so plan your visit then for awesome deals and special menus at the mouth-watering restaurants all over the city.
Find a great place to stay in Portland!
Santa Fe, NM
Boasting world-renowned cuisine, vibrant cultural attractions, and one of the country’s largest art scenes, Santa Fe has earned its title as one of the top places to travel in the US. From November through February, Santa Fe hosts “Artists in Residence,” where you can watch and interact with artists as they create jewelry, painting, and pottery. Eat and drink your way through the city on a Taste of Canyon Road Food Tour. Explore some of the stunning natural beauty of Santa Fe while hiking on Atalaya Mountain Trail or strolling through Hyde Memorial State Park.
Find a great place to stay in Santa Fe!
Kansas City, MO
Smooth sounds of jazz fill the air in Kansas City. In a city with such a musical legacy, it’s a great idea to visit during the annual Blues and Jazz Festival held every July. A visit to the famous jazz club the Blue Room is a must-do during your stay. Kansas City is equally famous for its world-renowned barbecue, which you can sample on an Original KC Barbecue Tour. Interestingly, Kansas City has been nicknamed “The City of Fountains,” boasting over 40 public fountains that will make for some awesome photo-ops during your visit.
Find a great place to stay in Kansas City!
Fort Lauderdale, FL
When looking for places to travel in 2019, consider a warm beach escape to sunny Fort Lauderdale. Spend a day lounging by the shore at Las Olas Beach or the larger Fort Lauderdale Beach, where thrill seekers can soak up the sun while soaring above the blue waters during a parasailing adventure. Consider booking a Walking Food Tour of Las Olas Boulevard to experience some of the city’s most popular cuisine. A memorable way to spend the afternoon is on a Venice of America Tour, a relaxing cruise along the riverfront past Fort Lauderdale’s beautiful marinas and piers.
Find a great place to stay in Fort Lauderdale!
Long Beach, CA
Another great 2019 destination for beach bums is Long Beach, a seaside city outside of Los Angeles with so much to see and do. Check out the Aquarium of the Pacific, an exciting destination full of diverse marine life that is fun for all ages. Stunning Catalina Island is just a short and scenic ferry ride away, and well worth the trip. Keep an eye out for dolphins and whales along the way! As far as cuisine goes, Long Beach is a seafood devotee’s paradise. Head out on a Beach City Food Tour to sample a variety of the city’s best cuisine. For true fanatics, the annual Long Beach Seafood Festival, held every May, is a can’t-miss.
Find a great place to stay in Long Beach!
Columbus, OH
Columbus is a trendy destination that earned a spot on our list of the best places to travel in 2019 for its vibrant downtown, lush gardens, and beautiful parks. Head to Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens or the Topiary Garden for a relaxing and beautiful stroll among flowers and lush plant life. Explore downtown with a local expert on a Columbus Short North Walking Tour, learning history, touring art galleries, and stopping by other local hotspots. If you can, catch a show at the historic and elegant Ohio Theater, where you can see anything from Broadway shows to live concerts.
Find a great place to stay in Columbus!
Healdsburg, CA
In the heart of Wine Country, Healdsburg is a destination for the ultimate foodie. This beautiful town full of sprawling vineyards and beautiful parks boasts more than a few Michelin star restaurants! There’s Single Thread, Madrona Manor, Chalkboard, and Bravas Bar de Tapas, and you can try them all during your stay. Experience some of Healdsburg’s premium wines paired with delectable cuisines on a Wine Tasting and Food Pairing Guided Walking Tour. There’s much to do when you’re not eating or drinking, too, like an afternoon spent at scenic Lake Sonoma. For a memorable outing, consider booking a Sonoma Horseback-Riding Tour, a relaxing ride complete with unforgettable views of Wine Country.
Find a great place to stay in Healdsburg!
Louisville, KY
Louisville, home of the world famous Kentucky Derby, is a colorful Southern city that’s only growing better with time, earning its place as one of the top places to travel in the US this year. If you can’t make it here to see the historic horse race in person, the Kentucky Derby Museum is the next best thing. Plan a visit to the Louisville Mega Cavern, the world’s only underground zipline tour, for a super fun and unique experience. This city’s booming craft beer scene is not to be missed, and you can sample a wide range of local beers from several breweries on a Derby City Beer Tour.
Find a great place to stay in Louisville!
Bend, OR
Beautiful Bend is the ideal destination for travelers looking to get outdoors and explore one of the US’s natural gems. Because there is so much beauty to behold here, photography tours are popular attractions. Explore and photograph some of the most stunning spots in the Oregon high desert by day or night with a local guide from the Cascade Center of Photography in tow. Visit Newberry National Volcanic Monument to gaze in awe at perfectly preserved volcanic material and an enormous lava cave you can trek through. If you can make it to Bend in mid-July, you’ll get to experience the annual Bend Summer Festival, a city-wide celebration with artists, live performers, craftsmen, and an enormous international marketplace.
Find a great place to stay in Bend!
Buffalo, NY
Buffalo is evolving into an exciting hotspot for art, cuisine, history, and culture. During your visit, try a Greatest Hits Bike Tour to see some of the city’s most fascinating architecture and learn some of Buffalo’s underground history. You’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back in time upon entering the Ellicott Square Building, another incredible architectural attraction. Buffalo is just under a half hour drive from Niagara Falls, and well worth the trip. On a Niagara Falls USA Fireworks Tour, you’ll get to experience the beauty of the falls at night and watch as a fireworks display explodes overhead.
Find a great place to stay in Buffalo!
Greenville, SC
A thriving city flanked by the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains, Greenville is a worthy addition to our list of the top places to visit in the US this year. It boasts a colorful art scene, diverse cuisine, great shopping, and dozens of museums and landmarks. The heart of the city was named one of America’s Best Downtowns by Forbes Magazine, and for good reason. Be sure to visit Liberty Bridge, an incredible pedestrian suspension bridge with an unparalleled view of the Reedy River Falls, a waterfall that flows right through the center of town. Visit Greenville in mid-July to experience the Hot Air Balloon Festival, just minutes from downtown!
Find a great place to stay in Greenville!
St. Petersburg, FL
Nicknamed the “Sunshine City,” St. Petersburg is a warm and pleasant beach town on Florida’s Gulf Coast with much to see and do. Springtime visitors won’t want to miss the St. Petersburg Mainsail Arts Festival, a joyful celebration with artists, food, live music, and entertainment. There’s a lot to do out on the water in St. Petersburg, like this Mangrove Kayak Tour, or a Stand up Pedalboard Tour where you’re likely to spot dolphins and manatees. On a St. Petersburg Speedboat Adventure, you’ll take the wheel of your very own speedboat, exploring the coastline in style.
Find a great place to stay in St. Petersburg!
Birmingham, AL
A staple of the South full of history, music, culture, and soul food, Birmingham is a charming Southern escape. Birmingham played a pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement and is home to several sites on the U.S. Civil Rights Trail including the 16th Street Baptist Church, Bethel Baptist Church, the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and Kelly Ingram Park. Regardless of when you visit, you won’t want to miss out on Birmingham’s incredible cuisine, and a Best of Bham Food and Drink Tour will take the guesswork out of finding the city’s greatest eats. On a Historical Highlights Tour, you’ll spend a memorable afternoon learning about Birmingham’s rich history, including local secrets you won’t find in the guidebooks.
Find a great place to stay in Birmingham!
Flagstaff, AZ
Flagstaff is the ideal getaway for those seeking stunning natural surroundings and fascinating cultural attractions. Visit the Wupatki National Monument, an ancient pueblo located near the San Francisco Peaks that is a must-see for history lovers. Embark on an unforgettable hike through Flagstaff’s Lava River Cave; just be sure to bring a flashlight! Book a Monument Valley Tour and spend the day marveling at stunning red rock formations like the Painted Desert Cliffs or the Elephant Feet rock pillars.
Find a great place to stay in Flagstaff!
Fort Collins, CO
Surrounded by picturesque mountain peaks, Fort Collins is a charming town full of local pubs and dining spots, boutiques, and endless natural beauty. Visit Cache La Poudre River for a simple photo-op, a hike, or even a whitewater rafting adventure! Fort Collins has been affectionately nicknamed “the Napa Valley of beer,” and for good reason. Head out on a Fort Collins Bike and Brewery Tour to explore the town as locals do and sample some of Colorado’s best beers at three breweries. Or, if you plan to visit in June, you could attend the Colorado Brewers’ Festival, AKA the craft beer lover’s paradise!
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Lancaster, PA
Much of the historic farm town of Lancaster looks like it may have been plucked right out of the 1800s. It’s the home of 15th President James Buchanan’s mansion, Wheatland, which you can explore during your visit. Attend the Lancaster Central Market for a colorful display of fresh fruits, vegetables, baked goods, and more from local farmers. Try to catch a show at the Fulton Theatre during your stay—this 165-year-old premier theater produces can’t-miss Broadway plays and musicals.
Find a great place to stay in Lancaster!
Albuquerque, NM
Albuquerque is a truly unique destination with a wide range of attractions, from its rich history and culture to its gorgeous red rock surroundings. Every October, the International Balloon Fiesta sees over 500 hot air balloons rising up at dawn, with spectators watching below and attending fun evening celebrations like the “glowdeo.” To get in on your own hot air balloon experience, book a Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Flight to watch the sun rise along the Rio Grande from high above, making for a special and totally unforgettable outing. Back on solid ground, don’t miss the mind-blowing Petroglyph National Monument, where you can view up to 15,000 prehistoric rock art images preserved along a canyon just outside the city.
Find a great place to stay in Albuquerque!
Madison, WI
Madison has earned its place on our list of the top places to visit in the US for its charming downtown full of cafes, bookstores, pubs, and restaurants. In fact, this college town has more restaurants per capita than anywhere else in the US! Visiting foodies will enjoy a Capital City Food Tour, where you’ll explore the city through its food while learning about its history and culture. One of Madison’s most popular attractions is the Olbrich Botanical Gardens, an oasis of lush plant life, herbs, perennials, and roses. During the summer months, you can join in a Historic Architecture Tour, a very popular attraction for locals and visitors alike, to learn some of the rich history of Madison’s neighborhoods.
Find a great place to stay near Madison!
This post was originally published on the TripAdvisor blog. FlipKey is a TripAdvisor company.
The post 20 Of The Top Places To Visit In The US In 2019 appeared first on The FlipKey Blog.
from Tips For Traveling https://www.flipkey.com/blog/2019/02/25/20-of-the-top-places-to-visit-in-the-us-in-2019/
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25 Best Family Beach Vacations To Take With Kids In The USA
When you hear the words “best family beach vacations,” what do you picture? For some families, it might be a tranquil spot of sand without any crowds. For others, it might be an action-packed destination with rides and never-ending entertainment. No matter what you decide, these 25 top family beach getaways will please everyone in your group, from the young to the young at heart.
When it comes to comfortably accommodating the whole family, a vacation rental is tough to beat. You’ll have extra space to fit everyone, plus handy amenities such as a full kitchen, laundry, and perhaps even a private pool! Whether you prefer a spacious luxury rental or a cozy beachfront cottage, you’ll find that the destinations below offer all types of properties available to book right on FlipKey.
From the rugged coast of Maine to the sandy shores of San Diego, here are the 25 best family beach vacations in America!
Wellfleet, MA
The peaceful and rugged seashore of Marconi Beach is a kid-friendly staple for a family beach vacation in Wellfleet. Bring your own entertainment, too—and no, that doesn’t include anything with a screen. Sand-castle building and shallow-water swimming will keep everyone happily occupied on this beautiful stretch of the Cape Cod National Seashore.
Find a place to stay in Wellfleet!
Ocean City, MD
Ocean City is an ideal spot for a family beach vacation. Famous for its salt water taffy, three-mile boardwalk, and seemingly endless opportunities for kid-friendly fun, Ocean City Beach is undoubtedly one of the best beaches to spend your time with the kids. The large, local beach and action-packed Jolly Roger Amusement Park give you and your family plenty to enjoy.
Find a place to stay in Ocean City!
Wildwood, NJ
Stretching for five miles across New Jersey’s calming shores is the city of Wildwood—and its great namesake: Wildwood Beach. This family-friendly seaside destination is one of the best spots to vacation with kids in the United States. With miles and miles of boardwalk fun, a huge stretch of sand, and a lively family-owned amusement park, you can never get bored! There really is something for everyone in Wildwood, no matter your age.
Find a place to stay in Wildwood!
Myrtle Beach, SC
Great beaches, family-friendly dining, and lots of oceanfront rentals make Myrtle Beach a hotspot for beach vacations with kids. When the little ones grow tired of playing in the sand, there are plenty of amusement parks and water sports to keep them entertained. Just don’t forget to make a stop on the promenade for an added dose of family fun!
Find a place to stay in Myrtle Beach!
Corolla, NC
If you’re looking for a slow-paced family beach vacation, look no further than the Outer Banks of North Carolina. This beautiful, charming stretch of peaceful sand is ideal for relaxing by the sea with the kids. Currituck Beach is one spot where the whole family will love to get some peace and quiet, and maybe even watch wild horses roaming. Of course, there are still plenty of other ways to keep busy with surfing, jet ski rentals, and other water sport activities readily available.
Find a place to stay in Corolla!
Barnstable, MA
If you like long walks on the beach, look no further than Sandy Neck Beach in Barnstable. At six miles long, it’s the longest beach on Cape Cod—and one of the most peaceful, too. As you pass by the shoreline, all you’ll see is a snack bar, sea birds, and tide pools, making it the perfect place for a tranquil beach vacation with the kids.
Find a place to stay in Barnstable!
Seaside, FL
Seaside Beach is an idyllic spot for a fun family beach vacation in Florida. It’s situated away from the crowds, with beautiful blue waters and plenty of shops and dining. Put the kids in surf school or lounge around together in the ocean all day for the perfect family vacation.
Find a place to stay in Seaside!
Old Orchard Beach, ME
Palace Playland is top kid-friendly draw on Old Orchard Beach, the only beach in all of New England with an oceanfront amusement park. While your kids aren’t laughing with delight on the merry-go-rounds and thrill rides, they can check out games and sample snacks on the 500-foot pier, take easy hikes through the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, or play in the gentle surf and sand that make Old Orchard Beach a long-standing family favorite.
Find a place to stay in Old Orchard Beach!
Virginia Beach, VA
Virginia Beach is an iconic and classic seaside getaway with stunning beaches, a vibrant boardwalk, and lots of amusement rides that will tire the kids out by sundown. If you want to get away from the crowds for a bit, head to the quaint Sandbridge Beach for some untouched sand. Or, you can try out some exciting water sports together as a family. Whatever it is that you choose, Virginia Beach is one of the best family beach vacations out there.
Find a place to stay in Virginia Beach!
Rockaway Beach, OR
At Rockaway Beach, crabbing is the name of the game. Come during peak crabbing season (starting in mid-December) to enjoy the full bounty of Dungeness crab that the area is known for—Kelly’s Brighton Marina is a top pick for freshly-prepared catch. If you’re not into crabbing, you can still enjoy long walks and beautiful views at Rockaway Beach Wayside.
Find a place to stay in Rockaway Beach!
Edmonds, WA
Located just 18 miles north of Seattle, Edmonds is the perfect family weekend getaway for a taste of coastal Washington charm. Stroll past locally-owned boutiques and scrumptious restaurants and cafes in the picturesque downtown—grown-ups will especially love the grain-to-glass pours at Scratch Distillery. Don’t miss the views at Stamm Overlook Park, or any of the half-dozen beaches lining the shores (Marina Beach Park is a favorite). If you’re visiting on a rainy day, the kids will love the small-but-mighty exhibits at the Cascadia Art Museum.
Find a place to stay in Edmonds!
Captiva Island, FL
Captiva Island is tiny and idyllic, and sometimes it seems too good to be true. It’s the perfect place for a family beach vacation—no stress, no worries, and plenty to do. Families with kids of all ages can take to the seas after attending Offshore Sailing School, then regain your land-legs while shelling on Captiva Pass.
Find a place to stay in Captiva Island!
Honolulu, HI
Honolulu has everything, from boogie boarding and surfing to swimming, sunbathing and diving. Bring the kids along for a walk down Waikiki Beach and dip your toes into the crystal clear waters after they have a taste of Oahu’s watersports—try snorkeling in Hanauma Bay. Between the perfect weather, beautiful views, and all that there is to experience, Honolulu makes for one dreamy family beach vacation.
Find a place to stay in Honolulu!
Hollywood, FL
Hollywood is regularly rated as one of the best family beach vacation destinations not just in Florida, but in the whole country. It makes the most of its prime real estate between Fort Lauderdale and Miami with its Broadwalk, a 2½-mile-long stretch of wide, brick-paved, multi-purpose path filled with cyclers, joggers, skaters, and even Segwayers. You and the kids can join in on the fun, or sit back and watch from one of the many restaurants, shops, and breweries lining the way. And don’t forget to visit Hollywood Beach, too!
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Coronado, CA
Drive down the iconic Coronado Bay Bridge from San Diego to reach this idyllic island, just minutes from downtown San Diego. Coronado makes a great San Diego day trip—or even a jumping off point for a more adventurous option such as a deep-sea fishing charter. When it comes to beaches, Coronado takes the crown. From dog-friendly North Beach to the views and picnic tables that make Silver Strand State Beach a popular option to hang out, Coronado Island has some of the best family beach spots in Southern California.
Find a place to stay in Coronado!
Hampton, VA
Hampton, Virginia—with its pint-sized-but-stunning Buckroe Beach—is an ideal location for a beach vacation with kids. At only ¾ of a mile long, the beach is small enough for you to easily keep an eye on the little ones while enjoying the waves. Look out for special events like live music and movie nights during warm months, or take advantage of its prime location in historic Hampton to enjoy all sorts of family-friendly attractions like the Virginia Air and Space Center and Fort Monroe National Monument.
Find a place to stay in Hampton!
Rehoboth Beach, DE
Rehoboth Beach can be summed up in one word: Funland. This iconic amusement park has been providing beachfront thrills for generations—head to the boardwalk to enjoy a wide variety of games, rides, and kid-friendly amusements that are fun for the whole family. Afterward, stroll down the boardwalk to pick up Dolle’s famous salt water taffy or jump into the waves.
Find a place to stay in Rehoboth Beach!
Tybee Island, GA
For families looking for a calming beachside retreat, Tybee Island has everything you could think of. The kids will have a blast, from paddleboarding and surf lessons to exploring along the pier that stretches out into the Atlantic. Wander around North Beach or swim along the beautiful South Beach, a local favorite. No matter what you choose to do, it’s one of the best family beach vacations to take with kids in all of the USA.
Find a place to stay in Tybee Island!
Santa Monica, CA
Santa Monica is a vibrant California hotspot for families in search of a kid-friendly beach. With more than three miles of white sand, a 26-mile bike path and the iconic Santa Monica Pier, there is endless fun to be had. Take the kids on an electric bike tour along the beach or spend the day sunbathing and snacking at one of the many beachside food shacks.
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Empire, MI
For a family beach vacation with a twist, try Empire. It’s the only spot on our list that sits on a lake—Lake Michigan—rather than an ocean. But that doesn’t mean it’s any less of a fun family destination. Be sure to check out Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Empire, where the kids can tire themselves out climbing over the dunes and you can take in the stunning natural beauty.. Take the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive for a quick overview of the area’s gorgeous sights and views, or bring your teens along for an overnight camping trip on the shores of the Great Lakes.
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Orange Beach, AL
If you want a family beach vacation on the Gulf of Mexico, look no further than Alabama’s Orange Beach. This picturesque destination has everything you’d expect of a gorgeous Gulf Shore destination, from sugary-white sand to sunset cruises and fishing charters. You might even see a gator in the wild if you brave the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail.
Find a place to stay in Orange Beach!
Port Saint Lucie, FL
For an unforgettable family beach vacation with the kids, Port Saint Lucie won’t disappoint. This thriving community on Florida’s Treasure Coast is not only a bona fide beach destination – it’s also a go-to destination for hiking (try Savanna Preserves State Park or Paleo Hammock Preserve), as well as catching professional-level baseball games at First Data Field. Nearby Jensen Beach is always a hit with families, especially when you go to check out the Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast.
Find a place to stay in Port Saint Lucie!
Surfside Beach, SC
South Carolina’s Surfside Beach is a beautiful, off-the-beaten-path beach destination that’s ideal for family vacations. Whether the kids want to spend the afternoon in the sparkling ocean, sliding around at the local waterpark, or walking along the beachside pier—there is something for every mood. They can even have some fun with their very own Mermaid Lesson! With the well-earned nickname of “Family Beach,” you and your tribe will adore how kid-friendly this vacation destination truly is.
Find a place to stay in Surfside Beach!
San Diego, CA
Laidback, full of sunshine, and home to beautiful spots like Pacific Beach and Mission Beach, San Diego is known for being one of the country’s best beach destinations—and especially great for a family getaway. Unwind and give yourself time to take in everything this California gem has to offer while the kids try out one of the areas many surf schools. Top attractions include the San Diego Zoo, USS Midway Museum, while this San Diego Seal Tour or Whale Watching Cruise are both kid-favorites.
Find a place to stay in San Diego!
Corpus Christi, TX
Lining the Gulf of Mexico, Corpus Christi is a terrific family beach vacation. Go camping on the beautiful Malaquite Beach, bike riding along White Beach, or bodysurfing at Whitecap Beach. There’s tons to do and plenty to keep everyone satisfied. It’s the ultimate kid-friendly spot, perfect for soaking up the sun and enjoying some old-fashioned family fun!
Find a place to stay in Corpus Christi!
This post was originally published on the TripAdvisor blog. FlipKey is a TripAdvisor company.
The post 25 Best Family Beach Vacations To Take With Kids In The USA appeared first on The FlipKey Blog.
from Tips For Traveling https://www.flipkey.com/blog/2019/02/15/25-best-family-beach-vacations-to-take-with-kids-in-the-usa/
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Best Hong Kong Sim Card for Tourists in 2019
Purchasing a SIM card in Hong Kong is a great option to enable easy and convenient access to the internet. Data access is now...
The post Best Hong Kong Sim Card for Tourists in 2019 appeared first on Pretraveller.
from Tips For Traveling https://pretraveller.com/hong-kong-sim-card-for-tourists/
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