Don’t want to be bored on your next vacation? Skip these ten spots (recently deemed the country’s least fun destinations) in favor of the most entertaining cities in the United States. 

Finance site WalletHub ranked the 182 most populated cities in the US to determine the list of the most fun cities. Each city earned points in three categories: entertainment and recreation, nightlife and parties, and costs.

The entertainment category evaluated a diverse group of attractions, including hiking trails per capita, the amount of parkland as a share of the city area, and sports-fan friendliness.

The nightlife category considered factors such as the time of last call, the legality of public drinking, and the presence of music festivals. 

The cost factor was determined by analyzing financial markers such as the average price of beer, the price of a three-star hotel room, and the prevalence of affordable restaurants rated 4.5 stars or higher.

The 10 Least Fun Cities in America

Poor Pearl City, Hawaii, ranked a low 17.17 for overall fun compared to the top score of 73.78 for the most fun city on the list. 

1. Pearl City, Hawaii
2. South Burlington, Vermont
3. Yonkers, New York
4. Lewiston, Maine
5. Oxnard, California
6. Fremont, California
7. Santa Rosa, California
8. Bridgeport, Connecticut
9. Nashua, New Hampshire
10. Chula Vista, California

The 10 Most Fun Cities in America

With a reputation as Sin City and casinos and bars on every corner, it’s unsurprising that Las Vegas came out on the top of the list for the most fun cities in America. 

1. Las Vegas, Nevada
2. Orlando, Florida
3. Miami, Florida
4. Atlanta, Georgia
5. New Orleans, Louisiana
6. Austin, Texas
7. San Francisco, California
8. Chicago, Illinois
9. Houston, Texas
10. New York, New York

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Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, clothing is exempt from sales tax (unless the item costs more than $175, which then is taxed 6.25 percent on the amount over the basic exemption). So, unless you’re planning on buying a lot of luxury goods, you won’t encounter a sales tax on clothing.

Boston itself has great shopping areas—like Newbury Street in Back Bay, Assembly Row in Somerville, Harvard Square in Cambridge, Coolidge Corner in Brookline, and Charles Street in Beacon Hill.

Outside of the city you’ll find plenty of malls and outlet shopping too. Wrentham Village Premium Outlets are the most well-known, but there are other shopping areas like Lee Outlets in Western Mass., Cape Cod Mall in Hyannis, Legacy Place in Dedham, Patriot Place in Foxboro, and The Natick Mall in Natick.

New Hampshire

New Hampshire is just one of five states that has no sales tax. Combine zero sales tax with the state’s extensive outlet offerings, and you’ll find some of the most inexpensive clothing in the country here.

Because of the sales tax exemption, there are tons of outlet stores in the state—Settler’s Green Outlet Village in North Conway (where you’ll also find the L.L. Bean Outlet), Tanger Outlets in Tilton, and Merrimack Premium Outlets in Merrimack, just to name a few.

Portsmouth, a waterfront area located right on the state’s border with Maine, has great boutique shops as well.

Oregon

Located in another state that has no sales tax, Oregon’s chic capital Portland (and the surrounding areas), is a great shopping destination.

From the indie boutiques in Hawthorne to Pioneer Place’s big-brand stores, you can easily spend a weekend in Portland just shopping. Check out their neighborhood shopping guides to map out your trip accordingly.

Bend also offers a great mix of boutiques and larger brand stores. Start out downtown in the historic district and Old Mill District. There is also the Bend River Promenade, Cascade Village Shopping Center, and Bend Factory Stores which have the latest deals.

New Jersey

In New Jersey clothing is exempt from sales tax, however; it’s one of the largest shopping areas in the world, with close to 20 malls that are over 1 million square feet.

For a small state, New Jersey sure does pack a lot of shopping areas. Paramus, or “the land of many malls”, has four major shopping malls in its zip code, including the Outlets at Bergen Town Center and Westfield Garden State Plaza, just keep in mind that they are closed on Sundays. Other destination-worthy malls include The Mills at Jersey Gardens in Elizabeth, Short Hills Mall in Short Hills, and Cherry Hill Mall in Cherry Hill.

Rhode Island

The Ocean State offers no sales tax on clothes under $250, and has a great mix of boutique districts and big-brand malls to explore.

In Providence you’ll find Thayer Street, offering unique stores and boutiques as well as Arcade Providence, with stores exclusive to Rhode Island. Providence Place, located right off the highway is the the city’s large shopping mall.

Newport is also a great shopping city, located on the waterfront with historic charm and boutiques. And, Garden City Center in Cranston also offers outdoor shopping, with large retail chains.

New York

New York’s sales tax law is a little confusing, but if you shop smart you can avoid it all together. There is no state sales tax on any item of clothing or footwear that is under $110, however local county sales tax rates will vary. So for example, in Syracuse, you’ll only be charged their local tax (4 percent) for an item under $110. But, for anything over $110, local and state taxes will be charged. For New York City, that’s a total of 8.5 percent, which can add up.

So, while you do have to shop smart in New York to avoid the sales tax, there is no denying that NYC is the fashion capital of the U.S. From Soho to Brooklyn, the shopping in NYC is among the best in the world—just keep your purchases under $110.

Pennsylvania

Clothing is exempt from sales tax in Pennsylvania, making the state and its major cities an ideal shopping destination.

Philadelphia offers unique shopping districts, from the Shops at Liberty Place to Midtown Village— you can fill a weekend just shopping in Philly. Up-and-coming Pittsburgh also offers boutique shopping and malls in its downtown area.

Outside of Philly you will also find the King of Prussia Mall in King of Prussia, which rivals the Mall of America in rankings every year. At 2.9 million square feet, it ranks in the top three largest malls in the United States.

Virginia

While Virginia does have sales tax on clothing, the general sales tax rate for the state is 4.3 percent, with Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads localities at six percent, which is relatively low compared to other states.

Despite the fact that it does have sales tax, Northern Virginia is home to one of the East Coast’s largest shopping areas, Tysons Corner, also known as the “Rodeo Drive of the East Coast.” There are two different areas, Tysons Corner Center which has over 300 stores, and Tysons Galleria, an upscale luxury mall, which even has a Ritz-Carlton connected to it. And, the mall even has its own metro stop.

If Tysons is too luxurious for you, there are also outlet malls, boutique shops, and urban village centers like Reston Town Center and Mosaic District also in the area. Washington D.C. (with a general 6 percent sales tax) is also easily accessible by public transportation from Northern Virginia.

Minnesota

Another state where clothing is tax exempt, Minnesota’s shopping does not disappoint. From the urban areas of the Twin Cities to the famous Mall of America, it’s one of the best states for shopping.

Mall of America obviously comes to mind when you think of shopping destinations–between its size and attractions, it’s the ultimate trip for shoppers. If you’re planning a trip, stay at the Radisson Blu Mall of America for even more savings and amenities, like complimentary bag pickup and delivery, so you don’t have to lug around your purchases. And while the mall and its attractions make for a one-stop trip, the Twin Cities also offer boutiques, outlets, and downtown shopping districts.

Delaware

Delaware has no sales tax, and the small state has really capitalized on this exemption, with huge malls and seaside and riverside town centers.

From Christiana Mall near Wilmington to Rehoboth’s Tanger Outlets to the charming Main Streets of suburban towns filled with boutiques, Delaware has it all. The state is very popular for back-to-school shopping, as southern beach towns like Rehoboth make for a great end of summer getaway.

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Bar Harbor, Maine

The East Coast is an autumnal classic for leaf-peepers and Maine offers the best of the best. While there is plenty to do in the town itself, from museums to ghost tours, it’s the adjacent Acadia National Park where the season truly shines. Hike, drive, or bike the meandering paths and roads criss-crossing the park or take a kayak out on Jordan Pond to take in the foliage reflected on the water. 

Where to Stay: Holiday Inn Resort Bar Harbor

The Holiday Inn Resort Bar Harbor is pet-friendly, perfect for hikers looking to have an adventure with their furry friend on one of Acadia’s many pet-friendly hiking trails. The cozy atmosphere of La Bella Vita, the hotel’s in-house Italian eatery and wine bar, will warm you right up after a day of exploration as you enjoy stunning views of Frenchman’s Bay. 

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Napa, California

Did you know that grape vines change color too? Wine country in autumn is a sight to see, when not only the leaves on the trees but also the sprawling vineyards become drenched in oranges and golds. Take a Napa Valley wine tour to enjoy the foliage (drink in hand), or take to the skies in a hot air balloon to see the seasonal colors from a new perspective.

Where to Stay: Hotel Napa Valley

This Victorian-era boutique hotel exudes the quintessential vibes you want from a foliage excursion. Indulge in a complimentary breakfast served in the property’s wine cellar each morning and then hop in the car to head to one of several scenic wineries less than 20 minutes from the property.

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Duluth, Minnesota

Experience lakeside foliage in Duluth, Minnesota, a city situated on the coast of Lake Superior. With 129 city parks and over 300 cumulative miles of trails for everything from hiking and biking to horseback riding and cross-country skiing, there are plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in nature. Visit Duluth suggests setting aside time to go birding, as migratory species can be seen in spades just off Skyline Parkway during the fall season.

Where to Stay: Lift Bridge Lodge

Located just off Lake Superior, this property features a number of beautiful outdoor spaces, private balconies, and lakeview rooms, ensuring that you’ll have plenty of opportunity to enjoy the autumn scenery even after returning to your hotel. 

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New York City, New York

Generations of singers have been crooning about autumn in New York and for good reason. Every year, the notoriously fast-paced city comes alive with fall color. Grab a latte and stroll around Central Park to enjoy the crisp air and changing leaves. Make a day trip out to one of the city’s many botanical gardens, located anywhere from Staten Island to the Bronx to Brooklyn.

Where to Stay: The Park West Hotel

Located on the edge of Central Park, a room at the Park West Hotel will have you waking up to a vibrant show of colors just outside your window. It’s conveniently located on the Upper West Side just a short drive to many famous attractions, including the Museum of Modern Art and the iconic Rockefeller Center.

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Charlottesville, Virginia

Charlottesville provides access to some spectacular foliage spreads in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the town is also an attractive regional destination in itself. Go shopping and grab a meal at the Downtown Mall to enjoy some historic architecture coupled with the fall colors. A drive down the Blueridge Parkway or a day trip to Shenandoah National Park will get you out of the city and into the heart of some of the best foliage in the state. 

Where to Stay: The Draftsman Charlottesville

The Draftsman is located right in downtown Charlottesville, just five minutes from the Downtown Mall. They offer room types ranging from Premiere Queens to Luxury Suites and all are pet-friendly. Make sure to book a mountain view room to watch the fall colors break over the nearby Blueridge Mountains.

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Seattle, Washington

If you’re looking to elevate your seasonal beverage tastes beyond pumpkin spice, this is the city for you. Known for its coffee culture, you can’t go wrong ducking into any of the cafes that dot the city for an autumn pick-me-up while taking in the sites. The Washington Park Arboretum offers visitors the full color palette of the season with a wide range of deciduous trees, from dogwoods to Japanese Maples to towering oaks. Just two hours outside the city you’ll find a riot of fall color at Mount Rainier National Park, where you can leaf peep on horseback on a guided trail ride with Echo River Ranch.

Where to Stay: Hotel Sorrento

Hotel Sorrento is located in the heart of the city with easy access to its most famous attractions and, in line with the often spooky spirit of the season, its own resident ghost. But don’t worry— while most haunted hotels are chilling, you’ll find that this one is pretty chill. Alice Toklas, the inventor of the modern day “special” brownie, is said to roam the fourth floor.

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Aspen, Colorado

Aspen’s namesake trees put on quite a different show than those in the Northeast and Midwest, washing the town in hues of yellow and gold. The area’s many hiking trails become windows to a new world, surrounding visitors on all sides with towering white trunks and a golden canopy. Don’t miss a photo op with the Maroon Bells—some of the most photographed mountains in the United States—while they’re decked out in their autumn leaves.

Where to Stay: The Little Nell

The Little Nell is a luxury ski resort nestled in the mountains of Aspen. Guests take advantage of the stunning foliage by joining one of many seasonal activities offered, from off-roading to fly-fishing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When did the term leaf peeping start?
A: “Leaf peeping” refers to tourists, also called leaf peepers, who travel to destinations in search of beautiful fall foliage. A surprisingly divisive term, many people think “leaf peeping” is a product of the social media era, but the phrase can be found in print as early as 1966 in a Vermont newspaper.

Q: When should I go leaf peeping?
A: Leaves tend to change earlier in the season the further north and higher above sea level you travel. Peak foliage times can vary even within a single state, especially with inland versus coastal destinations. Many states keep up-to-date foliage maps (predictive maps that show when foliage should be at its peak in different areas), that you can check when planning your fall vacation.

Q: What major US city is the best to see fall foliage?
A: There is no one best US city to see fall foliage. The best city for leaf peeping depends on the timing of your trip, the type of foliage you’d like to see, and the activities you enjoy. If you’re a city-explorer, plan a trip for mid-October to Manhattan. If you’re all about the outdoors, Aspen in September will be a good fit. 

Q: What are the different kinds of foliage?
A: Only deciduous trees—your classic oaks and maples, etc.—change color and lose their leaves in the autumn. Coniferous trees—spruce, pine, and other needle-leaved trees—will remain, as their common name implies, evergreen. 

Q: How to pronounce foliage?
A: According to Webster’s dictionary: fō-lē-ij (listen below)

Q: Is there still foliage in November?
A: Many places in the United States are past peak by the time November comes around, but you can still catch fall colors in the southernmost areas of the country.

Ed Perkins contributed to this article.

The post The 7 Best U.S. Cities and Towns to See Fall Foliage appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Florence, Italy, emerged as the world’s most walkable city in the study, thanks in part to its compact and pedestrian-friendly historic center. Narrow stone lanes and picturesque piazzas guide visitors from one iconic sight to the next—the Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria, Piazza del Duomo, and Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore are all within a 10-minute walk fo each other.

Florence also scores well for walkability due to its clean, well-maintained public spaces and moderate air quality. With a safety score of 60.24, visitors can still feel comfortable walking around alone, even after dark. 

The world’s eight most walkable cities are all in Europe, with Riga, Hamburg, Porto, Madrid, Edinburgh, Tallinn, and Stockholm earning high marks. Just one American city makes it into the top ten most walkable cities—Boston. With a smaller city size and higher safety score than New York City, Boston is the most walkable city in the U.S. 

The 30 Most Walkable Cities in the World

1. Florence, Italy
2. Riga, Latvia
3. Hamburg, Germany
4. Porto, Portugal
5. Madrid, Spain
6. Edinburgh, Scotland
7. Tallinn, Estonia
8. Stockholm, Sweden
9. Syndey, Australia
10. Boston, United States
11. Amsterdam, Netherlands
12. Liverpool, England
13. Bordeaux, France
14. Copenhagen, Denmark
15. Istanbul, Turkey
16. Melbourne, Australia
17. Prague, Czech Republic
18. Budapest, Hungary
19. Vancouver, Canada
20. Bristol, United Kingdom
21. Reykjavik, Iceland
22. Munich, Germany
23. Jersey City, United States
24. Lisbon, Portugal
25. New York City, United States
26. Shanghai, China
27. Vienna, Austria
28. Toronto, Canada
29. Montreal, Canada
30. Dubai, UAE

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2017. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

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And then there are the cities that simply aren’t so interesting.

In this list of the most boring cities in the world, we’ve identified urban centers that lack character, charm, or show-stopping tourist attractions, especially in comparison to other cities nearby. Of course, “boring” is a matter of taste, and we’re not suggesting that the places in this list aren’t worth visiting at all—merely that you might not want to spend too many of your precious vacation days there. (That said, an open-minded traveler can find the fun in any boring place.)

Read on to discover the world’s most boring cities.

Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A.

Atlanta has several appealing attractions, such as the birthplace of Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Georgia Aquarium, one of the world’s largest. But this sprawling metropolis lacks the compact historic charm of many other Southern cities, and you’ll need a car to get to the interesting neighborhoods outside of the unremarkable downtown.

Where to Go Instead: New Orleans, Charleston, Miami

Nagoya, Japan

In October 2016, a headline in the Japan Times declared Nagoya “the most boring city in Japan.” While that might be a little harsh, Nagoya is an industrial center that was largely destroyed during World War II. The rebuilt city has little historic appeal for tourists, though there are a few museums worth a visit. If your time in Japan is limited, it’s best spent elsewhere.

Where to Go Instead: Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara

Casablanca, Morocco

If you’ve seen the movie Casablanca, you probably picture this Moroccan city as an exotic, romantic place, but the reality is a little less interesting. While most Moroccan cities have a historic medina (walled old town) full of colorful markets and narrow alleys, Casablanca’s is small and run-down, with vendors selling mostly cheap modern items instead of traditional goods. You’ll want to visit Casablanca for a day so you can tour the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, but then move on to Morocco’s more beautiful imperial cities.

Where to Go Instead: Marrakech, Fes

Ottawa, Canada

A local columnist once skewered Ottawa as “Coma City” and “the city that fun forgot.” While the Canadian capital has plenty of fine museums and leafy parks, this civil servant-filled city can feel a little quiet and dull, especially when compared to charismatic Montreal or dynamic, diverse Toronto.

Where to Go Instead: Toronto, Montreal, Quebec City

Frankfurt, Germany

Thanks to heavy World War II bombing that destroyed most of its medieval buildings, Frankfurt is a mostly modern metropolis with only a small Altstadt (Old City) for travelers to explore. The main art and natural history museums are worth a visit, as is Palmengarten (a large botanical garden), but most travelers don’t linger long in this financial hub.

Where to Go Instead: Munich, Berlin

Nassau, Bahamas

Swarmed by cruise passengers and built up with duty-free shops and mega-resorts, Nassau offers plenty of attractions—beaches, gardens, historic forts—but you’ll have to contend with the crowds to enjoy them. While it can be fun your first time, people who cruise regularly often find themselves skipping Nassau port calls after a visit or two.

Where to Go Instead: San Juan, Key West

Canberra, Australia

Australia’s capital city suffers in comparison to its more famous East Coast neighbors, lacking Sydney’s spectacular natural beauty and Melbourne’s cutting-edge cultural scene. Canberra is a quiet, pleasant place with several interesting museums, but its somewhat remote inland location, lack of walkability, and subdued nightlife make it feel rather bland.

Where to Go Instead: Sydney, Melbourne

Zurich, Switzerland

Safe, affluent Zurich offers a beautiful Old Town and refreshing views of the Alps—so why did it make this list? Many tourists find it almost too clean and tidy, to the point of feeling sterile. The high cost of living and somewhat conservative locals (Zurich has a large population of bankers) further knock this Swiss city into the “boring” column.

Where to Go Instead: Lucerne, Basel

Guayaquil, Ecuador

Sprawling Guayaquil is Ecuador’s largest city and most important commercial center, but it’s not particularly enticing to tourists. Its key sights—the riverfront Malecon area, the historic hilltop Las Penas neighborhood, a quirky park filled with iguanas—are pleasant but not particularly memorable, and can easily be explored in a day.

Where to Go Instead: Quito, Cuenca

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

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Note that all trips and single supplement discounts were available at the time of publication, but they could sell out at any time. If you’re interested in these solo vacations, it’s best to book early.

Explore Madeira, Portugal, on Foot

Sweeping coastal views, sleepy fishing villages, and sheltered forests await on one of Exodus Travels’ Madeira walking tour itinerary. The eight-night trip includes leisurely walks of up to nine miles a day along some of Madeira’s most breathtaking hiking trails. The trip ends with free time to explore Funchal, the island’s historic capital. Exodus will match you with a roommate, or you can pay a modest single supplement for your own room. Departures are available every month throughout 2024.

See Morocco from the Mountains to the Desert

Overseas Adventure Travel is one of the best tour operators for solo vacations, thanks to free single supplements on most trips. That includes one of its most popular tours, the 15-night Morocco Sahara Odyssey, which takes you through the narrow streets of ancient medinas, over the sand dunes of the Sahara Desert, and through the dramatic peaks of the High Atlas Mountains. Unique experiences include lunch in a Berber home and a couple of nights under the desert sky in a private tented camp. This trip has available departures in May and between August and December 2024.

Camp in Utah’s National Parks

Join REI on a stunning eight-day journey through the national parks of Utah. Hike and camp in Canyonlands, Arches, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, and Zion National Parks as you learn about the nature, geology, and cultural history of the region from REI’s experienced guides. The package includes access to group cooking gear and first aid kits, a tent, and a sleeping pad. Check out their gear list for more information on what to pack.

Explore Northern India’s Icons

See the Taj Mahal and much more on this dedicated solo trip to India from Intrepid Travel. The seven-night itinerary starts and ends in bustling Delhi, where you’ll discover the city’s oldest mosque and have free time to explore on your own. Then you’ll head to Jaipur to visit royal palaces and soar above the city in a hot air balloon before visiting the 14th-century village of Karauli and touring the magnificent Taj Mahal. Intrepid will match you with a same-gender roommate so you can avoid paying a single supplement. This trip departs on select dates between May and December 2024.

Summit Mount Kilimanjaro

A bucket list trip for many avid hikers, summiting Mount Kilimanjaro can seem like a hefty task to undertake by oneself. However travelers partaking in World Expedition’s Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route will feel anything but alone. With dozens of experienced guides, porters, and chefs to support you on the trek and a group of like-minded adventurers by your side, travelers are sure to come out of the 10-day experience with new friends and once-in-a-lifetime memories.

Discover Ireland Your Way

Not big on group tours? Consider Great Value Vacations’ Irish B&B Getaway package, which includes airfare, a rental car, and accommodations at bed and breakfasts around Ireland, allowing you to wend your way through the countryside at your own pace. Highlights include dramatic coastal roads, lively villages, and historic castles. The itinerary can be customized for six to twelve nights, and you may depart any month of the year.

See Japan by Train

Hop on a bullet train to speed between destinations around the country on G Adventures’ Japan Express: Osaka to Tokyo tour. Travelers can visit shrines in Kyoto, explore the Harajuku district of Tokyo, and enjoy a boat ride on Lake Ashino-ko where, weather-dependent, you may be able to catch a glimpse of the famous Mount Fuji. Some G Adventures tours offers a single supplement option, however on most tours travelers will be paired with a roommate of the same gender.

Spot Rare Wildlife in Madagascar

Keep an eye out for lemurs, chameleons, boa constrictors, and numerous rare birds as you travel with Explore! through Madagascar: The Lost Continent.  In addition to wildlife-watching treks through the island’s national parks, this itinerary also features a walk along a spectacular canyon, a visit to Madagascar’s oldest palace, and a stay in a local community guesthouse. Explore! will match you with a same-gender roommate if you don’t wish to pay a single supplement. This trip has departures between May and November 2024.

Enjoy Nature in Costa Rica

Discover the beauty and biodiversity of Costa Rica with Road Scholar’s nine-night Taste of Costa Rica package. Highlights include river rafting in the Sarapiquí River, Latin dance lessons, a walk through a cloud forest, and a visit to the Monteverde Butterfly Garden. Road Scholar is currently offering single rooms at no added cost on this itinerary. This trip has several departures between May and December 2024.

Discover the Best of Tuscany and Umbria, Italy

There’s a reason Tuscany and neighboring Umbria are two of Italy’s most beloved regions. Discover them for yourself on Insight Vacations’ Country Roads of Umbria & Tuscany tour, an eight-night voyage to destinations such as Florence, Assisi, Siena, and San Gimignano. You’ll enjoy a pasta-making demonstration in Baschi, then learn about traditional textile weaving in Perugia and visit a family-run olive mill in Assisi. If you do not opt for a single supplement, you will be matched with a roommate of the same gender. Departure dates are available in April, May, June, August, and September 2024.

Have an Adventure with Fellow Women

If you, like many female travelers, feel safer and more comfortable in the company of other women, consider booking a trip with Adventure Women, which offers active, women-only tours to destinations around the world. Most of the company’s clients come alone, so you’re sure to find common ground with your fellow travelers. Solo vacations for 2024 with availability at press time include a biking and boating tour through Vietnam, an active adventure in Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon, a Serengeti wildlife safari, and more. You can choose to be matched with a roommate or pay a little extra for your own room.

Sarah Schlichter wants to take every one of these solo vacations. Follow her on Twitter @TravelEditor for more travel tips and inspiration. Carol McPherson contributed to this story.

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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The Best Mother-Daughter Trips

By the time your mom or her mom reaches her golden years, you really start to appreciate the chance to travel together, because it’s easier to recognize the moments passing. Though there may be some comical generational differences in travel style, there’s no better way for women young and old to bond than traveling together on a mother-daughter trip.

Here are some of the best mother-daughter vacations to delight moms and daughters of all ages, no matter when you travel together.

Jolly Trolleys and Golden Gates: San Francisco, California

Everyone should see the magnificent Golden Gate Bridge at least once, and a mother-daughter trip to San Francisco is the perfect excuse for doing so. Bike or walk across the bridge to get out of the fog, and have lunch with a view in the whimsical town of Sausalito.

Pair a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with a CityPASS, which includes admission to some of the most popular Bay Area attractions, like the California Academy of Sciences and the Aquarium of the Bay, and the option to add on a cable car pass.

While roaming around Pier 39, have a bread bowl of clam chowder at Boudin Bakery, made with San Francisco’s famous sourdough bread—you won’t regret it. Nor will you regret the decadent chocolate sundae you’ll have at Ghirardelli Square after.

Where to stay: Book a room at Hotel Zoe Fisherman’s Wharf for a memorable stay central to the city’s most famous attractions.

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Vinos and Velos: Cycling from Dijon to Beaune, France

For an active vacation paired with exquisite wine and a whole lot of grandeur, try a mother-daughter bicycle tour through the Burgundy region. Explore the French countryside at your own pace while stopping along the way to taste a sampling of France’s finest fermented grapes.

Start in the historical town of Dijon at the Place de la Liberation. Pedal past rolling vineyard hills and storybook chateaus on your way to the charming town of Nuit-Saint-Georges. Take a break while you’re there to appreciate a taste (or two) of the region’s Premier Cru red wines, made from Pinot Noir grapes, and go truffle hunting at one of the local farms.

End your bike tour in the fairy tale town of Beaune. Its main square has been hosting an unmissable Saturday market since the early 13th century.

Where to Stay: Kick off your stay at La Cour Berbisey, a hotel built inside a 17th-century building in the heart of Dijon. After you’ve had your fill of biking, end your journey at Abbaye De Maizieres, a 12th-century cistercian Abbey converted into a boutique hotel.

Sipping, Sampling, and Shopping: Denver, Colorado

With so much to offer, it’s no wonder Denver is becoming such a popular destination for mother-daughter trips. If you want to shop, dine, partake in a libations tour, take in the arts, or do all of the above, you can do it in Denver.

The city’s most popular area for strolling and shopping is the neighborhood around 16th Street Mall and Larimer Square. You can dine your way around Denver with stops at Rioja, Tamayo, Avanti, and North Italia, and then drink your way around on a boozy tour. There are plenty of guided tasting tours that will take you to places like Laws Whiskey, The Infinite Monkey Theorem Urban Winery, Colorado Cider Company, and Denver Beer Company.

Where to stay: At the MOXY Denver Cherry Creek, you’ll enjoy a fun and modern stay. The space encourages guest interaction with a full bar and an impressive assortment of lobby games, from shuffleboard to Hungry Hungry Hippos.

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Relax and Rosé All Day: Calistoga, California

While Napa may get all of the shout-outs, the best place to stay in California wine country is Calistoga. It sits at the base of Mount Saint Helena, about 25 miles northwest of the town of Napa. In Calistoga, you can do all of the iconic things mothers and daughters daydream of doing on a mother-daughter trip, like getting daily spa treatments and drinking Rosé all day.

Volcanic ash, mud, and mineral baths are the specialty spa treatment of this town. What better way to celebrate the unique bond between a mother and daughter than taking a mud bath? You can also get a proper massage treatment at Calistoga Spa and Hot Springs and the recently renovated Calistoga Motor Lodge and Spa. Basically, you can walk from one end of town to the other in spa flip-flops, getting one treatment after another, and no one would blink an eye.

Take off your shoes and get stomping at Grgich Hills Estate, which offers daily grape stomping during the harvest season. Go for a royal tour and wine tasting at the Castello di Amorosa, a medieval-inspired Tuscan castle that features barrel-tasting and a torture chamber. No trip to Napa would be complete without taking a ride on the famous Napa Valley Wine Train. Book the Vista Dome for one of the most memorable meals you’ll ever have. The three-hour journey includes a gourmet meal and wine, of course.

Where to stay: You’ll find a stay at Dr. Wilkinson’s Hot Springs Resort to be reasonably priced and wonderfully retro.

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Shamrocks and Smiles: Road Tripping Around Ireland

Haven’t you always wanted to take a mother-daughter trip to Ireland? Want to kiss the Blarney Stone, drive the Ring of Kerry, or perhaps behold some sheep roaming lush green hills of the countryside? Take a road trip from Dublin that passes through Cork, Killarney, Dingle, and Galway, and you’ll delight in exploring these sights.

Visit the nearby town of Kinsale and take the easy hike to Charles Fort. Spend a day in Killarney National Park, and make time to visit the historic sites of Dingle before heading to the Cliffs of Moher and Galway, which is known for its traditional pubs and live Irish folk music.

Where to stay: Stop by the Hayfield Manor in Cork for a quintessentially Irish stay, complete with gourmet dining and afternoon tea service.

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All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Melissa McGibbon’s travel accomplishments include circumnavigating the globe on a ship, having dinner at Fidel Castro’s house in Havana, skiing steep chutes in Canada, and downhill mountain biking in Peru. Follow her on Twitter @mcmliss.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2018. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

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Rideshare Safety Tips for Travelers

Make these 11 rideshare safety tips part of your routine, whether you’re traveling around your hometown or in a new and unfamiliar destination.

Share Your Trip

When traveling alone, especially at night, always share your trip with others. It’s the easiest and quickest way to let someone track your whereabouts in case something happens during your ride. The person you share your trip with will get a notification to their phone and be able to follow along via GPS. To do so, hit the “Share trip status” option with Uber and “Share ride details” with Lyft.

Give Feedback

This is an often overlooked part of rideshare safety, but an important step to take once your ride is complete. Post-trip, make sure to rate your driver and leave helpful feedback so you can keep good drivers on the road and bad ones off.

Keep Your Personal Info Confidential

There’s no harm in exchanging pleasantries with your driver, but avoid giving them any personal information, like how long you’re traveling for, where you live, your phone number, or any other contact information.

Request Your Ride While Inside

If you can, request your ride while indoors to avoid lingering outside too long with your phone out, which may attract thieves or pickpockets.

Confirm Your Driver and Car Before Getting In

There are some reported cases of scammers posing as rideshare drivers, so always confirm the license plate and name of your driver before getting in, and check their appearance against the photo in the app. And, if you’re getting picked up in a popular area, like an airport, this will also avoid accidentally taking someone else’s ride. 

Pro tip: Always ask a driver for the name of the passenger before you get in the car instead of saying your name first. This way, you can be 100 percent sure that person is your driver.

Wear Your Seatbelt

Just because you’re in someone else’s car or riding in the back seat doesn’t mean you’re at less of a risk of being in an accident. Always buckle up—drivers appreciate it. Under Uber’s description of “Your Rating” you’ll find that wearing your seatbelt is listed as an item that helps your passenger rating. 

Sit in the Back Seat

If you’re traveling alone, always choose the back seat. According to Dave Sutton, spokesperson for Who’s Driving You?, a public safety campaign from the Taxicab, Limousine & Paratransit Association that promotes for-hire vehicle safety, “Many of the incidents that we’ve seen … have happened to passengers riding up front.”

Check Your Driver’s Rating

Both Uber and Lyft allow passengers to rate drivers on a scale of one to five. Always double-check that your driver has prior experience and a rating as close to 5.0 as possible (over 4.8 is generally pretty good). Uber and Lyft may deactivate drivers whose ratings fall below a certain standard.

Never Pay Cash

A driver should never ask you to pay cash for your ride. Both Uber and Lyft give you an option to tip through the app after your trip, so there’s no need to have your wallet out during a rideshare.

Know Your Surroundings

If you’re in an unfamiliar city or area, make sure to track your route on your own maps app to ensure the driver is following the correct route. If you’re getting picked up from the airport, be sure to follow the prompted instructions when you open the rideshare app.

This also goes for the neighborhood and time of day you’re requesting a ride. Be smart and aware of open businesses around you and avoid calling rideshares alone late at night. If you’re getting picked up from a bar or restaurant, pay extra attention to these tips.

Call for Help

Both Uber and Lyft have emergency buttons that let you call 911 directly from the app if something goes wrong. The apps will display your current whereabouts so you can share them with the dispatcher during your call.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2017. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

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Stonehenge, England

This group of mystery stones has been described as mystical and magical. But what you rarely see in the postcards is that Stonehenge is wedged between two very busy roads—and that you’re not even allowed to get close to the stones. You’ll pay an admission fee, of course, but you’ll only be able to view the site from afar. (Tourists used to chip off pieces of the ancient rocks as souvenirs. This is why we can’t have nice things, people.)

Instead: Check out Avebury, about 25 miles away from Stonehenge, where an entire town is set inside a stone circle.

Blarney Stone, Ireland

Legend has it that kissing this rock will give you the gift of gab, but judging by how many people smooch the stone every day, we think you’re more likely to come away with a communicable disease. You’ll also have to brave long lines and a vertigo-inducing climb, and you’ll be unceremoniously tipped backwards and headfirst over a ledge by a worker in order to get your peck.

Instead: Skip the long lines and spend your saved time exploring the Blarney Castle grounds, which are definitely worth the visit … and (probably) won’t infect you with anything.

Mona Lisa, France

Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic Mona Lisa painting is quite possibly the most recognizable piece of art in the world. So upon seeing it in person, you might be surprised that your first impression is… “wow, it’s small.” Measuring just 2′ 6″ x 1′ 9″, the Mona Lisa seems even tinier when it’s surrounded by the usual hordes of tourists, all fighting for a glimpse.

Instead: The Mona Lisa may be overrated, but the museum that houses it, the Louvre, is definitely not. Spend your time admiring the other lesser-known art rather than fighting the crowds at the Mona Lisa.

Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy

After you’ve taken the obligatory photos “pushing over” the tower (and accidentally photo-bombed the background of many strangers’ photos), there’s not much to do here except be hounded by the many hawkers who patrol the area. It’s a long journey, especially if you’re coming all the way from Rome, just to see that the tower does, in fact, live up to its name.

Instead: The Duomo di Pisa, a Romanesque cathedral full of artwork, will give you something else to do besides stare at the tower, waiting for it to tip over.

Prague Astronomical Clock, Czech Republic

Sure, it’s the oldest working astronomical clock in the world. But unless your idea of a good time is staring at a giant glorified cuckoo clock while being jostled by fellow tourists, there’s not much else to recommend it. If you must see it, be sure to time it so that you arrive right as the show is starting (every hour on the hour), so you don’t have to waste 50 minutes standing around staring at the clock, waiting for it to perform.

Instead: Catch the time at Paris’ Musée d’Orsay, which houses multiple beautiful clocks inside a beaux-arts railway station that’s been converted into a museum.

Times Square, New York

Flashing advertisements, obnoxious peddlers selling knockoff DVDs, chain restaurants, and hordes of lost tourists looking at maps await you in the five famed blocks of Times Square. Residents of the city go out of their way to avoid this area where personal space goes to die. We’ll never understand why visitors travel all the way to New York City to buy grocery-store candy at the M&M’s World store, dine at an Olive Garden, and gawk at billboards.

Instead: Check out New York’s Museum Mile, a stretch of eight museums along Fifth Avenue. Less crowds, more unique things to gawk at—and there will still be hot-dog carts for you to buy from.

Hollywood Walk of Fame, California

If you’re reading this, you clearly have access to the Internet. So why not just Google famous people’s names instead of traveling to see those names etched into a sidewalk?

Instead: Visit Madame Tussauds Wax Museum‘s Hollywood location. There, at least you’ll be able to take pictures with inanimate celebrities and briefly fool people on Facebook with your star-studded vacation.

Manneken Pis, Belgium

Yes, the name of this statue in Brussels pretty much translates to “Little Man Pee.” No, we don’t know why tourists flock to look at a statue of a naked child peeing. If you insist on going, time your visit for when the statue has been dressed up by a city employee—you’ll feel a little less like a creep. (Or come during one of the occasions when the fountain’s water is replaced with a keg of beer, so you can at least get a free drink out of it.)

Instead: Visit the Zinneke Pis, a lesser-known sculpture in Brussels of a dog doing the same thing as the Manneken Pis. At least that one is cuter.

Equator, Ecuador

Don’t bother visiting this house of lies. Tourists snap photos at the Ciudad Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World City), a park featuring a monument and a painted line that claims to be the middle of the world—0 degrees latitude. Too bad it’s all a deception, and the actual equator is hundreds of feet away in a pretty inaccessible spot. In the park’s defense, it was built before the advent of GPS.

Instead: If you enjoy posing for pictures while straddling lines, head to England and stand on the Greenwich Meridian Line, which is at least in the right place. (You’ll be marking a longitude, not latitude, of 0 degrees, however.)

The Little Mermaid, Denmark

This famous sculpture in Copenhagen, based on The Little Mermaid fairy tale, is actually a copy. The real statue is kept at an undisclosed location, which is probably for the best since the replica has been defaced, vandalized, decapitated, and blasted with explosives. You may feel the same destructive urges if you seek out this site, as visitors on TripAdvisor call it “hard to see, given it’s so small,” “a discredit to Hans Christian Andersen,” and “not a must-see” and say it is “in the middle of nowhere.”

Instead: Pay a better tribute to the author by visiting the Hans Christian Andersen statue in New York’s Central Park, where you can climb on the sculpture for photos.

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Stopping in the Middle of Sidewalks

Being in the big city is magical for you, the tourist. For the locals rushing by trying to get to work on time, not so much. Treat sidewalks like streets—don’t stop abruptly in the middle to check your directions or snap a photo. Instead, pull over to the side where you won’t be in the way.

Taking a Cab During Rush Hour

Hailing a cab or calling a rideshare might be easier than walking to your destination or trying to navigate the subway system. But during rush hour, it will likely take you much longer to cross the city in a car than it would via public transportation.

Standing on the Wrong Side of the Escalator

Despite having different rules of the road, the escalator rules are the same from London to New York: stand on one side, walk on the other. This allows people who are in a hurry to climb the escalator quickly, while those who need a rest can ride up (usually on the right-hand side). Recently, some cities like Hong Kong and London have tried to convince riders to stand on both sides of the escalators based on the theory that it actually moves people more quickly, but these campaigns have been largely unsuccessful.

Wearing Uncomfortable Shoes

Walking is by far the best way to explore a large city. You’ll get to stroll through new neighborhoods and discover gems you won’t find in any guidebook. So don’t let your wanders be cut short by foot pain. Make sure you pack shoes that you can walk for multiple miles in—and don’t worry, there are plenty of stylish options out there that won’t mark you as a tourist.

Pushing Your Way Onto Public Transportation

People can’t get off the train or bus if you’re pushing your way on before they have a chance to exit. Be polite and stand to the side of the door until everyone who needs to exit can get off before you get on.

Feeding the Pigeons

Feeding the flocks of pigeons that live in cities is so popular that places like Venice have imposed fines (of hundreds of euros) on the tourists who engage in the behavior. Although it may seem like a fun activity, it’s actually bad for both the birds and the city. When pigeons are fed human food, they lose their ability to scavenge on their own and start eating food that’s not in their natural diet. It’s also bad for the city: Pigeons carry diseases that can infect humans, and the leftover food also attracts rats.

Caroline Morse Teel is the Managing Editor at SmarterTravel. Follow her on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline for photos from around the world.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2019. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

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