Japan is famous for its Spring cherry blossoms and its changing colors in Autumn, but there are beautiful places to see in every season. Japan stretches from subtropical southern extremes to the northern reaches just across from Siberia, so with a little planning, you can find the right place to explore any time of year.
Explore Costa Rica's amazing natural scenery through a thrilling series of activities including whitewater rafting, kayaking, zip-lining, and more. This tour will take you to a wide range of coasts, jungles, and rivers, all while keeping your adrenaline pumping.
The Ring Road is the most popular way to see and experience a variety of landscapes and sights all over Iceland. Route 1 starts from Reykjavik and circles to Akureyri in the North, to the small fishing villages in the East Fjords, passing Vatnajökull National Park and the South Coast. From this highway, you can also get to all the main detours like Snaefellsnes Peninsula, the remote Westfjords, Thorsmork, and the Highlands.
The Hornstrandir Nature Reserve is a remote wilderness in the northwest claw of Iceland’s West Fjords. A wild gem of green slopes, snow-capped glacier peninsulas, and slate-blue bays, Hornstrandir is largely uninhabited and accessible only in during summer by daily ferry. It’s precisely these features that make it one of the best-preserved parts of Iceland--nothing for miles except green valleys, tufts of dandelions and Angelica, and pebbled shores. If you’re lucky, you may just spot a flying goose or an Arctic fox.
Thorsmork is a mountain range nestled between major glaciers Tindfjallajökull, Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull. The ridge, named “Thor’s Valley” in Icelandic, is a dramatic landscape of towering peaks, glacier rivers, and black deserts. Craggy mountains and ice-topped peaks slope down to lush birch forests and mossy gulches. Luckily for visitors, it’s also home to some Iceland’s most beautiful hiking routes.
In Iceland’s East Fjords, you’ll find many peaceful fjords, small fishing villages, and scenic trails tucked away in the hollow of towering mountains. Often overshadowed by more hyped, nearby attractions like the Glacier Lagoon and Myvatn Lake, make no mistake--the East Fjords are definitely worth a few days' trip. Day excursions will take you hiking past waterfalls, kayaking through the fjords, or exploring emerald ponds.
Despite its northerly location, Norway is an amazing destination any time of year. Summer months bring the endless daylight of the Midnight Sun as well as warmer temperatures, making June-August the busiest season. However, winter time (Oct - Mar) is equally stunning offering the opportunity to view the Northern Lights. And for those looking to avoid other tourists, spring and fall are by far the quietest months with a more temperate climate.
In a wilderness as wild and dramatic as Iceland’s, you’re sure to find countless opportunities for long day hikes. Here's a list of the best day hikes, ideal for a day’s adventure from your road trip around the Ring Road, or from a base camp in the highlands.
The sun always shines on the Dalmatian Coast — one of the most scenic coastal drives in Europe. In 12 days, you'll have the freedom to explore on your own, starting from historic Zagreb and ending at the walls of mighty Dubrovnik with a wide selection of national parks and beautiful coastal towns to stop at along the way.
If you do one activity in Iceland, make sure it’s a hot spring. Swimming in hot springs or geothermal pools are a time-honored tradition among Icelanders, ever since the days of the sagas. Families, couples, and friends get together regularly to soak, play, and share the latest gossip or news in hot waters. Depending on where you are, hot springs range from natural hot pools carved from the rock, to man-made pools with carbonated thermic waters, to more typical swimming pools, heated with geothermal energy. While the Blue Lagoon can be a bit crowded for some people, this guide will show you the best-kept secrets awaiting you all over Iceland. So don’t forget to pack your swimsuit.
One of Nepal’s most rewarding treks, Mt. Kanchenjunga lies on the eastern border of Nepal and is perfect for those adventurous enough — and who have the time — to travel here. Previously camping only, there are now more affordable teahouse routes that take you past stunning Himalayan vistas, ancient forests, prime wildlife habitat, and into the heart of traditional cultures and communities.
In this two-week tour, you can experience Costa Rica's main attractions as well as its lesser-known marvels. Drive along coasts, rainforest roads, and hills to discover the natural sights that make Costa Rica the most visited country in Central America.
As Iceland’s popularity grows, tourists have discovered what locals have always known: the sparsely populated country is a nirvana for hikers. With miles of trails dotted with geological wonders—flowing waterfalls, sawtooth mountains, massive glaciers, steaming fumaroles, and lupine-studded valleys, to name a few—its surreal landscape is best explored on foot. Here are some of the best areas for hiking in Iceland.
Iceland offers plenty of hikes of any length. Curious hikers who venture just 15 minutes from the highway are often generously rewarded with emerald-green hills, mountain streams, dramatic cliffs and--best yet--no noisy crowds or gargantuan tour buses. Here's a list of the best short hikes ranging from 1-8 miles, ideal for stops along road trips, and to leave the tour bus crowds behind even if you have limited time.
Explore Patagonia in style. This tour includes all the highlights of Chile's famous Torres del Paine National Park. You'll have a local experienced guide, comfortable accommodation (including a stay in the cozy domes of EcoCamp Patagonia), and some of the best views of Patagonia's natural highlights.
Arrive in the Argentinian Patagonia and experience the wildest landscapes of South America. Journey to Los Glaciares and encounter the impressive and monumental glacier, Perito Moreno. Delight in an expedition with good quality accommodation and appreciate some of the most natural environments on planet earth.
With a mix of rugged jungles, active volcanoes and world-class beaches, Costa Rica offers some of the best natural sights and experiences in the world, all conveniently packed into one territory. Almost a quarter of the land is preserved within national parks, allowing a wide range of animals and plants to flourish, making Costa Rica an ideal destination for ecotourism. With this itinerary, you'll discover the best attractions Costa Rica has to offer in just a week.
Taking a road trip through Costa Rica gives you the freedom and flexibility to explore where you want. You'll pass through stunning natural scenery — from lush cloud forests to picturesque beaches — in seven days of scenic driving. This tour can be extended or shortened depending on how much time you have.
Mongolia’s geographic location in the heart of the Asian landmass - with no ocean to regulate its climate - results in long and frigid winters and a short, blustery spring. By contrast, Mongolia’s three-month summer bursts with activity - with Naadam sports festivals and opportunities to explore the countryside by Jeep, horseback or on foot. Autumn is the time to visit western Mongolia and experience the thrilling eagle festivals of Bayan Ölgii.
Eight hundred years ago the Mongols won an empire on horseback. Follow their path from their ancient capital, Karakorum, up the stunning Orkhon Valley, past waterfalls, hot springs and ancient Buddhist retreats. This nine-day itinerary is perfect for travelers looking for a moderately difficult horse trek that combines history, culture and natural beauty.
A week exploring the unique cultures of North Coast of Peru, with a visit to Trujillo, Chiclayo, and Chimbote for some of the finest cultural spots in the North of Peru. A great 7-day trip for seeing the ancient cultures of this unique and vast region.
Mongolia ranks high on the bucket list for adventurous travelers in search of Earth’s last untouched landscapes. The following is a list of top destinations to tick off while visiting the stomping grounds of Ghengis Khan.
Experience the remarkable culture of Myanmar on a 10-day journey through the 'Golden Land'. From Mandalay to Bagan and on to Yangon, each day you'll connect with the country's friendly people and rich traditions. This tour focuses on unique experiences that go beyond the classic sightseeing holiday.
Experience the best hotels and fine dining in Cusco and the Sacred Valley. You'll visit the important cultural sites of Cusco and the region, explore trails, and experience some great outdoor activities.
An intact flora and fauna collection is one of Sri Lanka’s greatest assets and a couple of park visits are a great way to break up your tour. Horton Plains, Yala, and Udawalawe National Parks are often the highlights, but each park has its own unique way to avoid the crowds and have an amazing experience.
Extending from the Mediterranean Shores and Rif mountains in the north to the Atlantic Shores to the west to the hot desert lands of the Sahara in the south, Morocco is a vast country with a huge range of landscape regions. Cutting across its midline are the Atlas mountains, with the Sahara on one side and the more lush, coastal regions on the other.
The choices are endless. Morocco offers a lifetime of places to explore, but for most of us with a limited amount of time it's best to pick a few key places. We have put together a list of places and regions to consider as you go about the process of putting together the perfect itinerary.
Morocco is a vast country, stretching from its Mediterranean shores in the north, its Atlantic coastline to the west, to the Sahara in the south. As a result, Morocco’s climate and weather vary greatly and this influences the best times to visit particular areas of the country.
Explore Southern Peru's most famous region through a uniquely immersive local experience. This tour will allow you to experience the trails, traditions, and daily lives of subsistence farmers while still making time for the more well-known highlights of the Sacred Valley.
In the span of a week, bike across Peru's most famous region and see the Sacred Valley from a different perspective. This itinerary uncovers both the natural beauty of Southern Peru as well as the historical legacy of the Incas.
In Sri Lanka, warmth and good weather can be found year-round on the different parts of the island. Thanks to the country’s relatively small size, a getaway spent chasing pockets of favorable weather can be a great way to see the entire island’s many highlights. Below, we've put together a guide for planning when to visit each region of Sri Lanka.
Discover the best of Myanmar at a relaxed pace on this two-week itinerary. You'll start and end in Yangon, stopping along the way to wander through the ancient temples of Bagan, explore the former royal capital of Mandalay, and gaze upon the spectacular waters of Inle Lake. We've also included a few local neighborhoods and hidden corners not featured in most ordinary Myanmar journeys.
Climb the imposing Mt. Trusmadi while still covering the natural and cultural highlights of the Sabah region. You'll encounter stunning wildlife, interact with the locals, and explore deep into the rainforests while trekking the second highest mountain in all of Malaysia.
Experience the cultural heritage and natural beauty of Ecuador over the course of two weeks. From the urban sprawl of Quito to the serene shores of the Galapagos and everything in between, this tour will span several diverse regions and truly open your eyes to one of South America's most fascinating countries.
While the majority of travelers head straight for Machu Picchu in southern Peru, the North remains a hidden gem for those willing to venture off-the-beaten-path. You'll have amazing ruins to yourself, discover unique landscapes, and learn about ancient cultures that pre-date the Inca civilization.
Off-the-radar for most tourists, Northern Peru has its own set of amazing highlights. You can experience Peru's cultural diversity and numerous archaeological sites, given many pre-Inca civilizations settled in the northern regions. Besides culture, you can also enjoy the amazing wildlife, the beautiful flora and fauna, enjoy a hike in the Andes or relax along long stretches of white sandy beach.
Cachicata is a relatively new and less-crowded trek in Peru's Sacred Valley. You'll pass beneath beautiful snow-capped mountains, cross over a high pass, and descend down into the Sacred Valley, arriving at the village of Ollantaytambo. From Ollantaytambo, it's a short train journey to Machu Picchu where you can enjoy a private tour of the ruins.
If you’re after the adventure of a lifetime, have weeks (or even months) at your disposal, and are ready to leave civilization behind for a while, undertaking one of the world’s longest treks might be just what you’re looking for.
Jordan has it all: vibrant cities, otherworldly landscapes, perfectly zen seaside resorts, and ancient ruins around every corner. You could spend a lifetime exploring everything this country has to offer, so we've compiled a definitive list of highlights that no traveler should miss.
Planning a trip to Israel? Get the most out of your time in the region by paying a visit to neighboring Jordan as well. Both countries are packed with things to do and see, and crossing the border is simple as long as you know what to expect. Read on to learn all about how to travel from Israel to Jordan.
The ancient city of Petra is a sprawling wonderland of ancient architecture. With so many things to see, planning your trip can become overwhelming - so use our expert tips to craft your perfect experience.
An adventurer's paradise, Wadi Rum is a crown jewel of Jordan's ancient desert. Explore the rugged landscape from the back of a Jeep, ride a camel, or take a hike: no matter how you go, you won't be disappointed by this remote wonderland.
In recent years, Ethiopia has become one of Africa’s leading birding destinations. Its bird life represents an interesting mixture of East and West African, migrant and some unusual endemic components.
Iceland is a world-class hiking destination. Its colored mountains, green valleys, and windswept cliffs provide the perfect setting for epic multi-day hikes. Since most Icelanders live in and around Reykjavik, and most travelers stay close to the roads, the rest of the sparsely populated country offers plenty of room to roam. These multi-day treks cover some of the most beautiful places in Iceland.
From the bustling streets of Bangkok to the colorful colonial buildings of Yangon, this fifteen-day tour of Thailand and Myanmar allows you to explore the best of these two neighboring countries. Best of all is each country's unique diversity, from sparkling gold temples to serene lakes and nature. These two countries are a perfect introduction to Southeast Asia and offer plenty of surprises and delights for both new and seasoned travelers.
This tour is all about the hidden places of Myanmar. From stunning nature to rural village life to sunrise at the famous Golden Rock pagoda, in five days you'll experience some of the best local sites that Myanmar as to offer.
If the idea of combining stunning mountains and white sandy beaches into one trip sounds good to you, then this is your trip. The narrow southern region of Myanmar is a fascinating, largely uncharted place that combines farming villages, colonial history, and pristine islands.
Myanmar is an amazing place to witness some of the most unique festivals in the world. There is always something taking place somewhere in the country. Most festivals are cultural and religious, offering intriguing and colorful experiences for visitors. Dates change each year, so check which will be on while you're traveling through the country. It's a particularly good idea to look out for the lively pagoda festivals, which happen regularly and throughout Myanmar.
Discover the eastern part of Myanmar, with its numerous breathtaking historical sites and gorgeous nature. Wander through magical Buddhist monuments at Indein and Pindaya, visit Inle Lake, and explore untouched places by boat. You'll enjoy the stunning nature while getting a taste of local life among the villages and markets of Myanmar.
Ngapali Beach is a great place to relax and recover after a busy tour of Myanmar's cities and cultural heritage sites. Its palm-fringed sandy beaches and crystal clear waters are as good as (if not better than!) any of its more famous Thai counterparts. This is definitely paradise!