Northern Treasures: Tohoku Region

Yamagata Prefecture

Located about three hours from Tokyo by Japan’s shinkansen (bullet train), Yamagata Prefecture is bordered by the Sea of Japan to the west and mountains to the east. It is one of Japan’s premier fruit-growing regions, is known for its hot springs, and is one of the snowiest areas of Japan. Check out the historic temple of Yamader, which dates back to 860, and is where haiku writer Basho wrote one of his most famous haikus. Climb the 1015 steps through cedar forests for panoramic views of Yamagata Valley. Check out Ginzan Onsen, a hot spring town with gas-lit streets. Famous for cherries in June, grapes in September, as well as producing sake, foodies will love visiting as well. 

Best Time to Visit: Late June to early October

Recommended Hotel: Fujiya Inn

Balancing modern conveniences with traditional hospitality, this hotel features private hot tub baths and kaiseki meals (traditional multi-course meal featuring local ingredients). Centrally located in Ginzan Onsen.  

Akita Prefecture

Located in the northern Tohoku region, Akita Prefecture is known for its quality rice and traditional folk cultures. In southeastern Akita, you’ll find the Kakunodate samurai district, home to six original samurai residences from the Edo Period (1603-1868). Nyuto Onsen is home to remote hot springs, many dating to the 17th century. Michinoku’s Namahage Sedo Festival in February has been named a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage event, and you can watch Namahage demons dancing under bush lanterns. The main event is held at the Mayama Shrine on the Oga peninsula. 

Recommended Hotel: Route Inn Grantia Akita Spa Resort

This hotel has an indoor mineral hot spring for guests to use, an on-site spa, and modern conveniences. It’s located on the West Coast, yet it will provide an excellent base for your Akita vacation. 

Best Time to Visit: February for festivals, July-August for summer events

Central Japan’s Secret Spots

Toyama Prefecture

Located about 2 hours by train from Tokyo, Toyama Prefecture is located on the coast of the Sea of Japan and offers some of the most fantastic train rides in the country thanks to the Kurobe Gorge Railway. Take a ride and see sites like the Unazuki Dam, Shin-Yanagawara Power Plant, and Shin-Yamabiko Bridge. Toyama is also home to a UNESCO-listed gassho-zukuri house village,  Gokayama. Gasso-zukuri translates to “hands in prayer,” given to them thanks to their pointed roofs, looking like two hands in prayer. Over two hundred years old, these buildings have thatched roofs, sliding doors, and an attic space explicitly designed for silkworm cultivation. The seafood in Toyama is exceptional, as the coastal fishing villages serve fresh fish caught in Toyama Bay. 

Best Time to Visit: April-November (avoiding winter snow)

Recommended Hotel: Hotel Morinokaze Tateyama

With stunning mountain views and proximity to the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, this hotel provides excellent accommodation for your Toyama stay. It offers a shuttle to local attractions, hot spring facilities, complimentary breakfast, and an on-site restaurant. 

Fukui Prefecture

About three hours from Kyoto by train, Kukui Prefecture is known for its dinosaur fossils, Buddhist temples, and traditional paper-making villages. The Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum is one of the world’s three largest dinosaur museums and is built near the location where Japan’s first dinosaur fossils were found. Visitors can visit Field Station to learn how fossils are excavated and studied, view the exhibition with fossils, life-sized models, and more. Visit Eihei-ji, an 800-year-old Buddhist temple. Keep in mind that tourists are frowned upon at the temple, and since 1244, “its halls have been filled with the sincere atmosphere of Zen practitioners unceasingly carrying out the Buddha’s teaching.” They do offer programs to those wishing to practice. Echizen is home to sixty-seven paper mills, and its streets are filled with artisans selling their paper products. 

Best Time to Visit: March-May or October-November

Recommended Hotel: Hakujukan

Located on the grounds of the Eihei-ji Temple, this hotel allows guests to experience the temple firsthand, offering early morning meditation sessions, the use of a “Zen Concierge” to allow for a full zen experience, includes a complimentary breakfast, and all of the modern conveniences combined with a truly relaxing experience. 

Southern Comfort: Kyushu’s Hidden Corners

Miyazaki Prefecture

Seven hours from Tokyo by train, Miyazaki has a tropical climate, with surfing and beaches alongside mythological and historic sites. Visit the Ancient Takachiho Gorge, where (according to legend) sun goddess Amaterasu hid in a cave and plunged the world into darkness. The gorge was formed by volcanic activity by Mount Aso. Head to Udo Shrine, said to be the birthplace of Emperor Jimmu’s father. For adventure, head to Kisakihama Beach for some surfing. 

Best time to visit: October-April (avoiding summer humidity)

Recommended Hotel: Takachiho RyokanShinsen

Overlooking the Takachiho Gorge, this hotel offers rooms with private open-air baths and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Arrange a private viewing of a Kagura dance performance with the staff, and enjoy a bite to eat at the on-site cafe. 

Saga Prefecture

Located 40 minutes by train from Fukuoka, Saga Prefecture is known for its pottery towns, hot springs, and historical Dutch trading. Arita is known as the birthplace of Japanese porcelain, and is home to the Kyushu Ceramic Museum, where you can learn about the history of the art. Porcelain shops dot the streets, and villages like Okawachiyama are also brimming with pottery history beyond Arita. Visit the Yutoku Inari Shrine,  one of Japan’s three Inari shrines, built into the steep hillside of a valley.

Best Time to Visit: Year-round, avoiding June (rainy season)

Recommended Hotel: Wataya Besso

Combining modern necessities with Japanese tradition, this hotel features an indoor hot spring, Japanese garden, on-site spa, and two on-site restaurants. 

Island Life: Beyond Okinawa

Goto Islands

Off the west coast of Nagasaki, the Goto Islands are accessible via ferry or flight from Nagasaki. High-speed ferries take about an hour and a half and operate throughout the day. Serving as a refuge for Christians during Japan’s period of religious prohibition. Visit churches like the Dozaki Church and Imochiura Church on Fukue Island. What are islands without a beach? The Goto Islands have plenty and Takahama Beach is one of the best in Japan. Foodies will want to try Goto Udon, made from local ingredients and typically thinner than traditional udon. 

Best Time to Visit: Anytime except June, their rainiest month. 

Recommended Hotel: GOTO RETREAT by Onko Chishin

Located on Fukue Island, this hotel is true to its name- offering a retreat for guests to relax at during their Goto stay. The hotel offers a daily manager’s reception, a terrace, on-site spa, on-site bar, and modern amenities. 

The post <strong>Japan’s Hidden Gems: Where to Go to Avoid The Crowds</strong> appeared first on SmarterTravel.

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

Additional Reporting by Megan Johnson

1. Northern Lights Experience in Northwest Territories

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

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

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

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

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

3. Asian Night Markets in Vancouver 

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

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

4. Learn Indigenous Traditions on Manitoulin Island

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

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

5. Cycle Through the Laurentians in Quebec

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

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

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

6. Learn the Fisherman’s Life in Nova Scotia

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

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

7. Hike a Snowy Canyon Under the Stars in Banff

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

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

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

8. Live the Cowboy Life on a Ranch in Saskatchewan

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

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

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

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

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

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

10. Swim with Beluga Whales in Manitoba

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

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

11. Have a Foodie Adventure

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

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

12. Experience Ice Hockey in Toronto

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

13. Go Whale Watching in Victoria

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

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

14. Go to the Winter Carnival in Quebec City

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

The Carnival lasts for ten days in January and February. 

15. See Polar Bears in Manitoba

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

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

16. Northwest Passage Arctic Cruise

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

Best Time to Go to Canada

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

Canada on a Budget

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

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

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

Driving

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

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

Safety

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

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

Hate Speech Laws

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

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

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

Berlin Shell Game Scams

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

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

Note: How to Be a Good Tourist

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

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

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

Be Strategic When Booking Flights

A budget trip to any destination starts when you pull up the booking site. Ensure you’re getting the best flight deals by setting fare alerts early in your search. You can do this by simply toggling the “Track Prices” switch on Google Flights or signing up for email notifications from route tracking services like sister site, Airfarewatchdog. Having some flexibility in your travel dates could save you even more, as it allows you to search for the cheapest trips in a given time frame, usually over a span of a few months. 

Travel During the Shoulder Season

Weather-wise, Bora Bora experiences a tropical climate and minimal rainfall year-round. Temperature remains in the mid-70s to high 80s Fahrenheit (between 21 and 31 degrees Celsius). Traveling during the low season will save you the most money, but the trade-off is the intense rains that buffet the beaches during the rainy season, especially in December and January. Savvy travelers can maintain some off-season savings and benefit from better weather by aiming to book during the island’s shoulder season, around November in the autumn and April in the spring, 

Skip the Major Resorts

Resort fees and high nightly rates are the true budget-breakers when it comes to Bora Bora (the Four Seasons Bora Bora can run guests a cool $1k per night). Seeking out alternative accommodation goes a long way toward stretching your spending.

For outdoor enthusiasts, try out eco-camping at Bora Bora Motu Camping. Tucked away from the buzz of the main island on Motu Tupe, guests at this campsite can connect directly with the nature of Bora Bora and benefits from their hosts deep local and ecological knowledge.

For adult travelers under 40 years old, Alaroots Bora Bora Camp is a no-frills option that is nonetheless highly-rated. Check-in and check-out are self-serve and the property has a mix of permanent structures and room for tents. Despite the minimal amenities, Alaroots does offer a manta ray encounter, leopard ray encounter, and snorkeling package for interested guests—just inquire with their online reception.

Another popular option in Bora Bora and the surrounding islands is a stay at a guesthouse, small hotels typically run by families. These accommodations are usually in convenient areas with easy access to island attractions. Guests also benefit from the hosts’ local expertise and insight into the area.

Curate Your Itinerary Carefully

The key to sticking to budget is to plan your itinerary ahead of time. When crafting your trip, consider the following:

Choose your investments wisely. Choose where you want to invest your money ahead of time. For example, if engaging with marine wildlife is a can’t-miss experience for you, splurge a little on a tour of the Coral Gardens or the Bora Bora Lagoonarium. Knowing your priorities ahead of time and sticking to them can limit spur-of-the-moment spending.

Know what’s included in your vacation package. If you do plan to spring for a resort stay, make sure you’re aware of all inclusions in your nightly rate. There may be free or discounted excursions included in your package.

Luckily, Bora Bora offers plenty to explore, even for travelers working with a limited budget. When creating your itinerary, think about: 

Hitting the beach. Plage de Matira, located on the island’s southernmost point, is Bora Bora’s only free public beach. Snorkel, rent a jet ski, or go kiteboarding off its sunny coast. 

Timing your trip around local events and festivals. To truly immerse yourself in local culture, plan your trip around Heiva i Bora Bora, an annual multi-week Polynesian cultural festival beginning in July. This festival welcomes residents and tourists alike with music, dance, and sports events. Water sports enthusiasts may want to plan their trip for September to welcome the outrigger canoes as they pull up on the shores of Plage de Matira, the finish line of the world-renowned Hawaiki Nui Va’a race. 

Going for a hike. See the island from a different perspective with a hike up the 2,400-foot-tall Mount Otemanu, which ends with stunning views of the island, or up the Point Fitiuu Cannons trail, which gives hikers the best views of Mount Otemanu dominating the skyline.  Here is where you’ll want to invest a bit of your budget for a guided hike, as many of the island’s trails are difficult to follow for those unfamiliar with the landscape.

Get a Resort Day Pass

If you want a taste of resort life without the multi-night commitment, go for a resort day pass. Many resorts will charge non-guests an entry fee to use their amenities for a single day. For example, the St. Regis Bora Bora offers a day pass for its spa. These deals are often not well-advertised, so reach out to the hotel about a week or two ahead of time to see what they offer.

The post How to Do Bora Bora on a Budget appeared first on SmarterTravel.

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

Additional reporting by Megan Johnson

Essential Planning Information

Best Time to Visit Iceland

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

Key things to consider for each season: 

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

Budget Considerations

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

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

Natural Wonders

Glaciers and Ice Formations

Vatnajökull and Jökulsárlón

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

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

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

Waterfalls

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

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

Volcanic Experiences

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

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

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

Cultural Experiences

Traditional Cuisine

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

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

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

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

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

Literary Heritage

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

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

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

Music Scene

Festivals

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

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

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

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

Authentic Local Experiences

Thermal Pools and Hot Springs

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

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

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

Farm Stays

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

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

Seasonal Traditions

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

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

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

Basic Travel Tips for Iceland

Getting Around

Renting a Car

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

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

Public Transportation

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

Accommodation Options

Budget-Friendly Choices

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

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

Our recommendation: Kex Hostel

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

Book Now!

Mid-Range Options

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

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

Our Mid-range Recommendation: Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon

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

Book Now!

Luxury Accommodations

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

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

Our Luxury Recommendation: The Retreat at Blue Lagoon

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

Book Now!

Language in Iceland

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

The post Iceland Travel Guide: Best Activities, Tips & Budget Advice appeared first on SmarterTravel.

If you get bored lying on the beach for your entire vacation, St. Lucia is the Caribbean island for you. Sure, there are plenty of romantic St. Lucia hotels and picture-perfect sandy beaches with shady palm trees for you to lounge under, but when you tire of that, there are plenty of other things to do in St. Lucia —including rainforests to explore waterfalls to swim in, and mountains to climb.

Go Jungle Biking

When you think of mountain biking, you probably don’t think of the Caribbean—which would be a mistake. Thanks to St. Lucia’s diverse terrain, it’s actually become a destination for serious bikers, who come to test their skills on Bike St. Lucia’s 12 miles of private trails.

Located on the grounds of Anse Mamin, a former plantation, Bike St. Lucia has trails for literally everyone—including people like myself, who have never mountain biked before, or for professionals like Tinker Juarez, a champion bike racer who trained here. This is one of the best ways to get off the beaten path in St. Lucia and get deep into the rainforest.

Explore Historic Pigeon Island

Pigeon Island National Landmark used to be an island, but it was connected to the mainland with a causeway in 1972. A former military base and rumored hiding place of pirate treasure, the island’s rich history is best explored with a knowledgeable guide who can take you through the park’s fascinating ruins and the twists and turns of trails scaling the park’s two peaks, Ford Rodney and Signal Peak.

Don’t skip out on the more challenging trek up to Signal Peak—hikers who push through will be rewarded with crystal clear, 360-degree views of the surrounding Rodney Bay. If visiting Saint Lucia in May, make a stop at Pigeon Island as it turns into a mainstage for the annual Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival. 

Taste Authentic Cuisine at the Beacon Restaurant

You’ll be drawn into the Beacon Restaurant by the amazing views (the restaurant’s patio has a sweeping panorama of the Pitons that’s hard to beat from anywhere on the island), but you’ll stay for the authentic St. Lucian cuisine. This locally run restaurant serves up a hearty lunch buffet that will give you a chance to try all the famous foods that you’ve heard about—from the national dish of green fig and salt fish to St. Lucian-style macaroni and cheese. Complimentary fresh juice accompanies the buffet and is a great opportunity to taste tamarind juice.

Hike Gros Piton

The Pitons, two volcanic formations that rise over the Caribbean Sea, are St. Lucia’s most iconic landmarks (they’re even part of the country’s flag). Once you’ve stared at them long enough, you’ll likely be inspired to climb at least one of them, especially once you hear that it only takes an average of two hours to climb up and another two hours to descend the taller Gros Piton.

You’ll need to hire a guide and purchase a permit to hike Gros Piton, both of which you can do without a reservation at the base of the mountain. The earlier you start your summit, the better, as the heat and humidity only get worse as the day goes on. This is a moderate hike that most people with a good level of fitness can do with minimal gear—the most important thing to bring is plenty of water.

Walk the Tet Paul Nature Trail

Bring your camera to the Tet Paul Nature Trail, which is one of the best things to do in St. Lucia if you’re looking for great photo opportunities. This is a very easy walk on a well-kept trail that can be completed in about half an hour—the most challenging part is the “stairway to heaven,” a set of steep stairs that reveal one of the best views of the Pitons at the top.

The trail winds through a working organic farm, through a historic traditional house, and past many native plants, which your guide will point out to you. (If you’ve never seen how a pineapple grows, you might be surprised!)

Swim in Toraille Waterfall

The Toraille Waterfall is easy to get to—just a quick two-minute walk from the road—which is why I was surprised to find hardly anyone there when I visited. If swimming under a waterfall is on your bucket list, this is the place to do it—it’s easy to wade into the cool waters, and you can stand up under the pounding falls for an impromptu back or shoulder massage if you like. I stopped in here just after completing a very sweaty hike up Gros Piton, and it was like diving into heaven.

Discover Anse Mamin Beach

Anse Mamin feels like a well-kept secret. Most visitors flock to Anse Chastanet resort’s bigger, more developed beach, but if you follow the somewhat hidden path from there, you’ll emerge onto a second, quieter beach—Anse Mamin. Although the beach huts and lounge chairs are only for resort guests, all beaches in St. Lucia are public, so you can bring your own towel and chair and relax here for the day, even if you’re not staying at the hotel.

A secluded sandy beach in St. Lucia might not be where you’d expect to have an amazing burger, but the one served up for lunch at the Jungle Beach Bar & Grill is famous on the island (and for a good reason).

Attend an Island “Jump-Up”

The Gros Islet Street Party is one of the most popular jump-ups on the island, an all-night celebration that has packed the streets of Gros Islet every Friday for the past fifty years. The theme of the evening is music, dance, socialization, and food, with vendors selling everything from the freshest seafood to classic Saint Lucian barbeque. The party is usually a mix of locals and tourists, and local guides are available to take you to the hottest spots. 

Take a Lushan Country Life Tour

Interested in learning about St. Lucia’s rich cultural history? If so, a stop at Lushan Country Life is a must. This family-run tour is one of the best educational things to do in St. Lucia, taking you through the island’s past before offering up samples of the local fruit growing on the farm, as well as other homemade dishes.

Take a Volcanic Mud Bath

You’ve heard of a drive-in movie theater, but how about a drive-in volcano? The sulphuric mud baths in Soufriere are touted as the world’s only drive-in volcano, as visitors can drive their cars right up to the sulfur springs in the heart of the mountain. The volcanic mud is said to ease skin conditions and help detoxify the body. And if you’re worried about an explosion, don’t be—the Soufriere Volcano is officially dormant. 

Carol McPherson contributed to this article.

The post The 10 Best Things to Do in St. Lucia appeared first on SmarterTravel.

The approved categories of travel are:

1. Family visits

2. Official business of the U.S. government, foreign governments, and certain intergovernmental organizations

3. Journalistic activity

4. Professional research and professional meetings

5. Educational activities

6. Religious activities

7. Public performances, clinics, workshops, athletic and other competitions, and exhibitions

8. Support for the Cuban people

9. Humanitarian projects

10. Activities of private foundations or research or educational institutes

11. Exportation, importation, or transmission of information or informational materials

12. Certain authorized export transactions

American travelers to Cuba may not stay at certain government-owned hotels that can be found on the U.S. State Department’s restricted list. Financial transactions are particularly complicated, as U.S. credit and debit cards typically don’t work in Cuba, requiring careful advance planning for expenses.

Breaking these travel regulations can result in significant penalties, including fines of up to $7,500.

Weather

If you’re planning on traveling to Cuba, be extra cautious during hurricane season, which is from early June to the end of November. “American citizens who are planning to be in Cuba during hurricane season should consider the potential dangers and inconveniences associated with hurricanes and should devise an emergency plan before a storm’s arrival,” warns the U.S. Embassy in Cuba. “Regions affected by hurricanes and tropical storms may experience widespread damage to infrastructure and serious shortages of habitable accommodations, food, water, and medical facilities.”

November through April is the best time to visit Cuba. You may want to avoid visiting from May to around the end of September when temperatures can be very high. Sun exposure is also a concern. Be sure to pack lots of sunscreen when visiting, as it is not readily available to purchase in Cuba. 

Crime

As in any country, crime is a concern in Cuba. “Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, purse snatchings, and car break-ins, is a threat for tourists in Cuba,” advises the U.S. State Department.  “Also, violent crime, including armed robbery and homicide, sometimes occurs in Cuba.” Keep your cameras, wallets, purses, passports, and other valuables close to your body when on the beach or walking through Havana. 

Driving

Driving in Cuba is an experience. You can rent a car, but it’s expensive and can be hazardous. Most rental car agencies are government-owned, which can be a problem for American citizens. 

Driving in Cuba can be dangerous and difficult. Road signs are rare, as are lights. The drivers don’t always have headlights, and potholes are everywhere. Unless you’re an experienced driver with nerves of steel, renting a car may not be the best option. It’s easy to instead hire a car and driver, even for multi-day trips, so you don’t have to worry about driving yourself. 

Supplies

Due to ongoing sanctions and trade restrictions, it can be difficult to find basic medications, supplies, and food to purchase in Cuba. Be sure to pack everything you will need during your trip, and don’t count on being able to buy anything you forgot. Bringing extra essentials to donate will be greatly appreciated by locals. 

Payment

Travelers will not be able to use American debit or credit cards in Cuba, so bring plenty of US Dollars to exchange. 

Power Outages

Power outages, both planned rolling blackouts and unplanned outages, are common occurrences in Cuba. Pack a flashlight with plenty of batteries, along with portable chargers for your phones and electronic devices. 

The post Cuba Warnings and Dangers: Can U.S. Citizens Visit Cuba? appeared first on SmarterTravel.

What are the Northern Lights?

The northern lights are caused by energized particles from the sun entering the Earth’s upper atmosphere at high speeds. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) offers a more scientific explanation of the northern lights, saying, “When a solar storm comes toward us, some of the energy and small particles can travel down the magnetic field lines at the north and south poles into Earth’s atmosphere. There, the particles interact with gases in our atmosphere resulting in beautiful displays of light in the sky. Oxygen gives off green and red light.”

The Best Places to See the Northern Lights

The best places to see the northern lights are northern destinations with minimal light pollution, clear skies, and dry weather. 

Iceland

You don’t have to venture too far outside the brightly-lit downtown area of Iceland’s capital city, Reykjavik, to see the northern lights. Within the city itself, you’ll find Perlan, a famous Icelandic observatory rising 61 meters above Reykjavik. The glass-domed top structure offers a warm indoor spot to wait for the light show.

If you weren’t lucky enough to spot the Aurora at Perlan, the planetarium has an immersive northern lights video show that’s the next best thing.

Alaska

Alaska is by far the best place in the United States to see the northern lights. Although the northern lights can be seen statewide, the best places to see them in Alaska are the Interior, Arctic, and Southcentral regions due to their locations under the auroral oval. 

If you’re based in Fairbanks, we recommend booking a northern lights guided tour, which will take you away from city lights. These tour operators monitor weather conditions and aurora forecasts and take groups to spots where there’s the best chance to see the lights. Choose one of the tours that allow you to book a multi-day window instead of a specific date—that way, you’re not locked into a tour on a night that ends up being rainy or cloudy.  

Canada

If you want to see the northern lights in summer, you can actually view them during all four seasons in Canada (but you’ll have the best luck from December to March). Destination Canada recommends the Northwest Territories as the best place in Canada to see the northern lights. In the Northwest Territories, the aurora is visible on an average of 240 nights per year. 

Hoping to spot the lights in the Edmonton area? Sign up for this free email alert that will let you know if there might be an aurora that night.

The Faroe Islands

Some of the most spectacular auroras in the world can be spotted on the Faroe Islands. These far-flung islands, located between Iceland and Norway, are difficult to reach, but their remote location helps with the northern lights viewing, thanks to minimal light pollution.

The peak season for aurora viewing on the Faroe Islands runs from late October to early March.

Sweden

You can see the northern lights from anywhere in Sweden, but for the most brilliant auroras, go north to Swedish Lapland. This isolated swatch of land offers pitch-dark nights and crisp conditions that are optimal for the lights. 

The best time to see the northern lights in Sweden is between 6 pm and 2 am, and the colors are generally most vivid between 10 and 11 pm. 

Norway

Statistically, the best time to see the northern lights in Norway is during March, April, September, or October. Visitors in the winter months will also have a good chance of seeing some aurora activity. 

One of the best methods for hunting the northern lights is by boat, as you’re away from land (and light pollution). In Norway, plenty of companies offer overnight northern light cruises that cross the Arctic Circle, guaranteeing stunning scenery during the day (even if the aurora spotting is not guaranteed). 

Greenland

Want to see the northern lights on your summer vacation? Head to Greenland, where the Aurora Borealis can be seen as early as the end of August. (However, late September is when the northern light season really kicks off.)

Greenland’s position as the northernmost country, along with minimal light pollution and hundreds of clear sky days each year, make it one of the best places in the world to see the northern lights. 

Scotland 

If you’re hoping to see the northern lights in the United Kingdom, it makes sense to head north to Scotland. Northern Scotland lies at the same latitude as parts of Norway and Alaska, making it one of the best spots to see the lights. 

For a magical experience and the best chance to witness the ‘Mirrie Dancer’ as the northern lights are nicknamed in Scotland, go to the Trotternish Peninsula on Skye, which is home to nine Dark Sky Discovery Sites.

The Best Time to See the Northern Lights

Since the northern lights can only be seen after dark, September through April are the best times to see them. The northern lights occur year-round but are not visible to the human eye when the sun is out—In many northern destinations, the days are too long in the summer to create dark enough conditions to see the phenomenon.

The best time of night to see the northern lights varies by destination but is generally between 10 pm and 2 am. 

Northern Lights Tracker

Find out where you’ll have the best chance of seeing the northern lights by using a northern lights tracker like this one from the National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The tracker shows a short-term forecast for auroras around the world.

5 Tips for Seeing the Northern Lights

1. Find a viewing spot with an unobstructed view toward the north
2. Time your trip for when the moon is least visible (a full moon will diminish your ability to see the northern lights)
3. Avoid light pollution
4. Plan a multi-night trip so you have better odds of seeing an aurora 
5. Ask your hotel reception to call your room and wake you up if the northern lights occur

The post Where Can You See the Northern Lights? appeared first on SmarterTravel.

These eight destinations seem pricey at first glance, but this year are more budget-friendly than ever.  Whether it’s thanks to new air routes, favorable exchange rates, or affordable tours, here are the budget travel places you didn’t know you could afford in 2025.

Sicily

Slow down and enjoy a taste of the Italian lifestyle with a surprisingly affordable Sicilian getaway. This island off the southern tip of Italy ranks eighth on Dollar Flight Club’s list of the cheapest destinations to fly to in 2025. Cruise into Catania or Palermo for only $500 roundtrip from East Coast airports or just $630 from the West Coast. Although the current exchange rate favors the euro, the difference it slight—the 1:1.05 (EU:USD)—with most reasonable daily expenses only impacted by a margin of $5 USD. Save even more by traveling during off season, late autumn through late winter, for cheaper rates on hotels and fewer crowds.

New Orleans

As affordable U.S. getaways go, New Orleans itself packs plenty of culture and value—as long as you avoid booking during the city’s big festivals like Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest. Flights to the Big Easy start at under $150 roundtrip from the East Coast, with fares from Boston and New York as low as $70 and $100 respectively. Flights from the West Coast are comparable, with fares from major airports like Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Portland all between $100 and $170 roundtrip. If you are set on experiencing Mardi Gras in the city, budget carrier Spirit is adding four temporary routes to meet the demand of the 2025 season, departing from Columbus (OH), Indianapolis (IN), Memphis (TN), and San Antonio (TX).

China

China seems to be on everyone’s bucket list—as it should be—for its big wonders like the Great Wall and its smaller pleasures like Shanghai street food carts. Flights to China from the West Coast U.S. for around $750 aren’t uncommon, and booking with tour operators can lower the price of a lengthy stay even further, all while letting you get the lay of the land from a seasoned local guide. For example, G Adventures’s China Express Tour will ferry you from from Beijing to Shanghai over eight nights for just $1,199—covering lodging, transportation, and activities for roughly $150 per day. 

Costa Rica

Flights to San Jose, Costa Rica’s capital city, can be found for under $300 roundtrip departing from the East Coast U.S., with West Coast prices remaining below $400. San Jose is centrally located, making it the main starting point for travelers looking to visit iconic spots like Tortuguero National Park, Manuel Antonio National Park, and Arenal Volcano National Park. Flights to Costa Rica’s other international airport, Liberia, are available from both the East and West Coasts for under $400. This airport lands you in close proximity to Guanacaste Province, home to the laidback surf town of Tamarindo and black sand beach Playa Carbon.

With G Adventures’ Costa Rica Quest, adventure seekers can spend nine days in Costa Rica riding rapids, sampling coffee, and exploring the rainforest, all for an average of around $116 per night.

Iceland

After WOW Air faded from the scene in 2019, Iceland’s new budget carrier PLAY swooped in to fill the void by offering super affordable fares to Reykjavik. Flights to Iceland’s glaciers and hot springs on PLAY air are especially cheap, with prices as low as $70 one-way. While PLAY only operates out of East Coast airports, West Coasters wanting to get in on the deals can book with Icelandair, which offers fares as low as $430 roundtrip. While not as much of a steal as East Coast departures, even Icelandair’s higher fares like L.A. to Reykjavik for $460 round-trip are a deal considering the value. Subscribe to airfare deal sites like our sister site Airfarewatchdog to be notified when fares are cheapest.

Saint Lucia

According to Skyscanner, flights to Saint Lucia’s capital city Castries fell by 25% over the past year. Flights are cheapest January through March of 2025, with one way fares from the East Coast U.S. as low as $127. While flights from the West Coast are more expensive, those with flexible dates can find fares as low as $200 one way. Saint Lucia is a relatively small island—travelers can drive from Vieux Fort at one end to Gros Islet at the other in under two hours. Savvy planners can easily fit in volcanic mud baths in Soufriere ($10 USD), a visit to Pigeon Island National Park ($10 USD), and a quick jaunt to the Pitons with plenty of time to spare to lounge on the island’s free public beaches.

Galapagos

Like many of the world’s most biodiverse places, the Galapagos archipelago islands are protected and allow only trained nature guides to take visitors to experience the wildlife. But seeing plant and animal species found nowhere else on Earth doesn’t have to cost a fortune, thanks to Ecuador’s official use of the U.S. dollar and on-sale tour offerings.

Intrepid Travel’s Galapagos Experience is just  $1,500 for a seven-day Galapagos itinerary including accommodations, transport, and nature activities including bird watching, snorkeling, a visit to a volcano, and more. Flights to Quito for under $400 from the East Coast, and around $500 from the West Coast aren’t uncommon. Darwin’s outdoor laboratory packs plenty of value for devoted adventure travelers.

South Africa

Our summer (i.e. the Southern Hemisphere’s winter) is the best time to indulge in a South African escape—and it’s probably more affordable than you’d think. Not only is the weather still mild in winter, but you’ll get a break from all the high-season summer flight prices of the Northern Hemisphere. It’ll still be an investment, but during summer you can easily find South Africa flights from East Coast cities like Boston for as low as $850 round-trip in July and August. In fact, South Africa also snagged a spot on Dollar Flight Club’s cheap flights list for the new year.

South Africa’s exchange rate is also now in Americans’ favor, with luxury hotel prices sitting around the average price of a standard hotel in the States. If a guide-led safari isn’t in your budget after airfare, don’t sweat it: Cape Town also has affordable arts and culture experiences like artisan shops and local wineries, and hiking spots like Table Mountain and Helderberg Nature Reserve.

Fares are accurate as of time of publication.

The post 8 Places You Didn’t Know You Could Afford appeared first on SmarterTravel.

But rest assured: “There’s no such thing as a scary or dangerous airport. Each airport has its own idiosyncrasies,” emphasizes pilot Patrick Smith, author of the Ask the Pilot blog. So buckle your seatbelt, and prepare for an adrenaline-filled ride. We’ve asked a couple of pilots, along with SmarterTravel readers, for their insights and experiences with difficult takeoffs and landings.

Toncontin International Airport, Tegucigalpa, Honduras

Getting through the mountains is only one hurdle to overcome for a safe landing in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. During descent, planes need to make a 45-degree bank to effectively reach the 7,000-foot runway located in a valley. Due to the surrounding mountainous terrain, passengers will experience a quick drop in altitude in order for the plane to line up with the runway. Frequent winds complicate matters, as pilots are forced to make several last-second adjustments.

Gibraltar Airport, Gibraltar

As if having the Mediterranean Sea to the east and the Bay of Gibraltar to the west of the airport weren’t enough to complicate a landing, the main road to Spain also intersects the runway. You may be thankful if your plane gets diverted to a nearby airport due to weather, though you’ll still have to brave the runway when you walk over it to get from Spain to the British overseas territory. Because of this, traffic must be stopped when planes are using the airport, and pilots must take care when landing to quickly engage the brakes, as the 6,000-foot runway doesn’t leave much room for error.

Nantucket Memorial Airport, Nantucket, Massachusetts

The U.S. Army Air Corps specifically chose Nantucket, or the Grey Lady, as a training base in World War II because of the frequent fog and low ceilings that make navigation a challenge, forcing pilots to rely solely on instruments to fly. “In a matter of minutes, fog can roll in and turn clear, blue skies gray,” says pilot Andrew Sitarz. “Sometimes you can’t see anything until the last second; you break out of the fog, and the plane is landing.” According to Smith, “[Nantucket] has more low-visibility instrument approaches than the average airport.” Nevertheless, both pilots cite parameters, such as minimum visibility and ceiling regulations, that prevent planes from landing in poor conditions.

Paro International Airport, Paro, Bhutan

If you want to visit Bhutan, chances are you’ll have to fly into Paro, the only international airport in the country. “Anywhere where there’s mountainous terrain there’s a challenge,” says Captain Sitarz. And Paro is no exception. Soaring through 16,000-foot Himalayan Mountains with whipping winds gets your adrenaline pumping as you approach the roughly 7,400-foot runway, located in a deep, tree-lined valley. According to the website of Drukair, one of the only two airlines serving Paro, “each flight is a mesmerizing aeronautical feat and offers an exciting descent into the kingdom.” But fear not: Pilots are specially trained to fly into Bhutan, and accessing the airport is entirely dependent on good weather conditions.

Yeager Airport, Charleston, West Virginia

Located on Coonskin Ridge in Charleston, West Virginia, Yeager Airport’s cliff face, at an elevation of 982 feet, can be intimidating, especially when you only have 6,715 feet of runway (the closed secondary runway is a mere 4,750 feet). When we asked our Facebook followers about their scariest airport experiences, Chris Randall noted Yeager, saying, “It’s a flattened mountaintop, so if they overshoot the runway there’s nowhere to go but down.” Of course, a takeoff or landing is the same whether you’re on a mountaintop or on the ground, but for those flying into Yeager for the first time, it can be a nervous landing until you’ve come to a complete stop.

Barra Airport, Barra, Scotland

Touching down without a paved strip may seem like a crash landing for unsuspecting passengers, but in Barra, Scotland, it’s a normal experience. When the airport isn’t in service, the beach is a popular spot for locals to hunt for cockles, but when the wind sock is flying, you’ll do well to observe from afar. On Loganair, the only airline that flies there, passengers can expect to arrive safely on one of the three runways (marked by concrete poles) formed when the tide goes out. As one of the only airports in the world where beach landings still occur, you shouldn’t miss this unique experience.

La Aurora International Airport, Guatemala City, Guatemala

Surrounding mountains, a high altitude, and a steep drop at the end of the runway make flying into La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City a fun ride, even from a pilot’s point of view. According to Smith, “Passengers find [landing here] startling because you weave your way through a series of volcanoes,” including the active Pacaya Volcano that has been a cause of airport closures in the past, before flying low over the city and approaching a runway situated at the edge of a valley. But despite the unusual landing, Smith notes that based on weight and weather, the types of aircraft that can attempt a landing must be guaranteed to stop within a certain amount of time.

LaGuardia Airport, New York City, New York

The main, 7,000-foot runways at New York’s LaGuardia Airport were extended back in 1967 over water. In case gliding over Flushing and Bowery bays isn’t enough of a thrill, pilots have to avoid interfering with flights from two other extremely busy airports nearby: JFK and Newark. Plus, the airport is located a mere eight miles from Midtown Manhattan, sometimes creating the illusion that the plane is skimming rooftops. Smith cites LaGuardia’s shared airspace, climbs, and twists and turns as reasons why it is a more challenging airport. “On one approach to runway 31, the plane makes a steep, continuous low-altitude turn around what was Shea Stadium, now Citi Field, from south to northwest; it’s very low to the ground and a short final approach.”

Wellington International Airport, Wellington, New Zealand

With a single, short, 6,351-foot runway that appears to begin and end in crystal blue waters, it’s easy to see why flying into Wellington may make you uneasy. Plus, as SmarterTravel Twitter follower @trickericke says, “They don’t call it ‘windy Wellington’ for nothing,” noting the strong crosswinds that seem to attack landing planes. Plus, the northern approach descends between hills and over trolley lines.

John Wayne Airport, Santa Ana, California

Strict noise reduction requirements may not seem scary at first, but if you’re not expecting engine cutbacks during takeoff you might be spooked. According to Jenny Wedge, former public relations manager at John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana, “Due to its close proximity to nearby communities, JWA has one of the most stringent aircraft access and noise monitoring programs in the United States, if not the world.” Pilots begin their takeoffs at close to full power, then “incline quickly and steeply” before reducing engine power.

“It’s like a space shuttle liftoff,” says Facebook follower Elizabeth Conrad. Smith notes that passengers contact him about this airport all the time, some even claiming the pilots turn off the engines after take off. But although the procedure seems unusual, he says “there’s nothing that the plane does that is not within its capabilities.”

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2010. It has been updated and verified for accuracy.

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