Most people come to Pokhara for the fantastic nearby trekking, and after a week of bucket washes and wet wipes, you might just be ready for a splash of well-deserved luxury. The good news is that the charming countryside around Pokhara offers some of the Himalaya's most stylish and relaxing top-end places to stay. Budget a day or two to recover from your trek in style at one of these fabulous resorts.
Easily one of the most beautiful cities in Ecuador, compact Cuenca is crisscrossed by rivers and surrounded by Andean slopes. Crammed with gorgeous colonial cathedrals, a relatively cosmopolitan variety of eateries, and lovely boutique accommodations for all budgets, the city makes an appealing place to linger for a few days.
Peru's rich history of the Inca entwined with influences from the Spanish colonial era have combined to create amazing festivals. Some of the festivals are religious and to be respected but are open for the enjoyment of everyone who visits Peru. This article includes some of the best festivals and where to find them.
Chile's Lake and Volcano District offer some of the best downhill and backcountry skiing in Chile. The powdery conditions, challenging terrain, and awesome views provide a unique adventure, especially for visitors from the Northern Hemisphere looking to ski in June to September. This exciting journey is topped off with spas, thermal baths, and luxury resort accommodations.
Cruising around the Galapagos Islands — viewing extraordinary wildlife and natural sights by day while motoring between islands at night — is one of the best ways to experience these magical islands. On this tour, you'll visit 11 islands in the famed archipelago, observing birdlife, sea lions, marine iguanas, sharks, giant tortoises and an array of other creatures.
In 10 days, you'll have enough time to see many of Jordan's highlights, and even combine your trip with a few days in Israel or Egypt. Travelers who want to follow in the footsteps of ancient Christians can try a Biblical tour of Jordan, and ancient history buffs might want to stop in Cairo to visit the Great Pyramids of Giza, as well as spending a full day the Lost City of Petra. Choose your favorite option from these five unique itineraries.
A magnet for nature lovers, Chile has a little of everything, from ice-capped volcanoes to lush rain forests. The diversity of its landscapes and vast size offer limitless adventures: trekking past glaciers and soaring Patagonian peaks, watching sunsets over otherworldly desert valleys, and basking in mountain hot springs or on a white-sand beach after long days of exploring. The following is a list of the country’s top 10 regions to visit when traveling one of the world’s longest countries.
Kathmandu's shopkeepers have been expertly catering to foreign tastes since the first hippy stumbled into town looking for a tie-dye shirt. Fast forward a half-century and Kathmandu now offers some of the best shopping in Asia, showcasing a huge array of unique products whose quality and value make them almost impossible to pass up. From bargain-priced down jackets to buttery-soft pashminas, most visitors leave the city with considerably more baggage than when they arrived. If shopping is your thing, budget an extra day.
Trek through an area adorned with a multitude of pristine, crystal clear lakes, and Bhutanese villages. As you walk, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the entire Himalayan mountain range and some of the world’s highest peaks - including Mt. Everest, Jomolhari, Masang Gang, and many more.
Take in the best Bhutan has to offer, from culture to mountain scenery. Visit the impressive fortresses and monasteries of Thimphu and Punakha, see the tranquil Bhutanese countryside, and enjoy day hikes before embarking on the famed trek to Mount Jomolhari. It's an adventure that takes you to the stunning snow-capped mountains and lakeside campsites, with the chance to see Himalayan vultures and the elusive snow leopard along the way.
See the beautiful Canal de Garonne by bike, via a stunning route through several wine-growing regions - including the world famous St Emilion. Continue through southwest France (Aquitane and the Midi-Pyrenees) as you ride by vineyards, chateaux, and so much more.
With flora and fauna unlike anywhere else in the world, the Borneo rainforest offers a thrilling experience to anyone willing to venture this far. During this 5-day journey, you will explore the jungle by both river and land in search of elusive wildlife, as well as encounter endangered species through the local conservation and rehabilitation centers.
Jordan's varied terrains, ancient ruins, and lunar-like landscapes are a hiker's heaven. From oak forests in the north, to warm water wadis near the Dead Sea and secret trails to the Lost City of Petra, here are five of the best trekking treasures to discover on your Jordan journey.
Slovenia is quickly emerging as a European gem with fun activities and cultural excursions for every season. Ljubljana and Lake Bled are worth a visit any time of year - but there's so much more to see and do in this small yet versatile country, and much is weather dependent. Whether you're craving sun and sea, powdery snow, or a peaceful, crowd-free getaway, each traveler will find their own perfect time to visit Slovenia.
Whales, wineries, waterfalls: need we say more? Argentina is paradise for travelers who appreciate the great outdoors, from glaciers to penguin colonies to windswept vistas from the hiking trail. Spend a week or two and you'll only wish you had more time to explore. Read on for our top picks on the best things to do in Argentina.
Santa Cruz De Mompox has passed the centuries in relative obscurity, changing little since its days as an important inland port on Colombia's Magdalena River. Today this sleepy town will delight you with its colorful churches, bayou setting and laid-back culture of rocking chairs, card playing and story swapping. Plan a visit and prepare to be fascinated with a past of revolutionaries and artisans.
What Slovenia lacks in size, it makes up for in natural beauty and must-see attractions. Whether you've just got the weekend or as much as a couple of weeks, you'll have plenty to see and do—read on to find out which itinerary is best for you.
While most people visiting Jordan are familiar with Petra, there's much more in Jordan to see and do—from hiking oak forests in the north to enjoying a sunset dinner at a rooftop restaurant in Amman to snorkeling in the Red Sea in the south. Traveling to a new destination raises a lot of questions. Here are some answers to help you properly prepare for your Jordan journey.
Even from behind windows and on four wheels, Norway is already jaw-dropping. But from two wheels, feeling the warm sunlight on your skin and rush of cool air? Unbelievable. Cycling across Norway is slowly catching on, and there are routes to be conquered and explored all across the country - read on for some of the best.
Stunning vistas, monumental peaks, pristine coastline: for outdoorsy couples who want a week of post-nuptial bliss involving more than lying on a beach, Norway is the perfect honeymoon destination. Here are a few suggestions for you and your soulmate to explore this truly magical country.
Vibrant and fascinating, Cuba was once the forbidden fruit for U.S. tourists. As of 2011, every citizen is once again legally permitted to visit - but there are still a few hoops to jump through before hopping on a plane. From getting a tourist visa to booking accommodations, here's what you need to know before planning your safe and legal trip to Cuba.
This itinerary combines wild adventure with Bhutan's unique culture. The trek, though challenging, is highly rewarding and one of Bhutan's best. En route, catch glimpses of the spectacular Mount Jhomolhari, which straddles the border between China (Tibet) and Bhutan. In Thimphu and other small towns, learn about Bhutan's unique form of Tibetan Buddhism and the culture that was cut off from the rest of the world for so long. In short, this trip has it all!
This trip introduces visitors to Bulgaria's many beautiful faces: traditional villages, pristine nature, and lively cities. Drive and hike through three of Bulgaria's mountain ranges, and visit the country's many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including ancient monasteries and beautiful architecture. In nine days you'll discover Bulgaria as a welcoming and memorable destination.
One of the best ways to experience the culture, people, and beauty of Vietnam is on a nature hike. That's exactly what you'll do over eight days on a long-distance trek in the countryside along the Vietnam-China border. On this adventure, you'll pass terraced rice paddies and soaring mountains while enjoying the renowned hospitality of the ethnic tribespeople who reside in the villages you stop at along the way.
This 10-day tour offers a wide range of activities and experiences in both northern and southern Thailand. Starting in Chiang Mai, you'll hike to Buddhist temples, observe wild elephants, and cook meals with a hill tribe. Then head south to Phuket where you'll spend several days swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying some of the best scenery in Thailand. Stay overnight in a mix of rural homestays and top-notch resorts for an unforgettable adventure.
With customs and traditions still going strong after centuries and an environment rich with diversity, Bhutan is a country that is completely unique. On this journey you will explore the wonders of Western Bhutan from the ancient capital of Thimphu to the spectacular Dochu La Pass and semi-tropical valley of Punakha. Take in the great Himalayan views and experience Bhutanese family life before hiking to the famous Taktsang, a hike light of any Bhutanese adventure.
This four-day tour will take you into the heart of the jungle to search for pygmy elephants, orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and Bornean gibbons. Spend your days scanning the shores as you cruise along the river and your nights wandering the jungle trails, always in search of the next wild, elusive jungle creature.
Nature-lovers, grab your cameras! This four-day trip features wild rivers, mangroves, and a rich variety of wildlife as you make your way to Borneo's off-the-beaten-track gems for an immersive jungle experience.
Explore the beautiful Mulu Show Caves and the dramatic, razor-sharp limestone peaks known as the Pinnacles on this immersive Bornean itinerary, made with nature-lovers in mind. Come prepared for challenging hikes and stunning views at every turn.
Get up close and personal with fascinating jungle wildlife on this six-day tour of Borneo’s rainforests. Staying on the Malaysian side of this multinational island, you’ll spot a mind-blowing array of tropical birds, species of monkey, and lush vegetation. You’ll encounter indigenous wildlife like orangutans and pygmy elephants, get a glimpse into the local culture, and enjoy some jungle eco-luxury along the way.
Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego—the names alone spark intrigue and adventure. This 17-day itinerary takes you to some of the most jaw-dropping locations in both areas as you trek into the backcountry along the spine of Chile and Argentina. Hikes in this region are challenging but rewarding and will test your body and lungs. In between treks you'll see massive glaciers, exotic wildlife, and unique cities located on the edge of the world.
While Northern Argentina is among the least explored areas of the country, it is undoubtedly one of the most rewarding areas to visit. Sitting at the foot of the Andes, it offers spectacular scenery of snow-capped volcanoes, vast salt flats, and otherworldly rock formations. This 15-day trip takes you to the area’s most dramatic sights, giving you a great taster of what the area offers.
Colombia's Department of Santander is the perfect destination for thrill-seekers, history buffs and lovers of nature. In one day you can paraglide over canyons, climb through water-filled caverns, visit a traditional coffee farm, and relax in historic towns that time seems to have forgotten. This exciting 12-day itinerary weaves through cities, villages and nature reserves to bring you the best activities that this off-the-beaten-path destination can offer.
With pounding monsoons, piping hot summers, and (in certain places) snowy winters, India is a country of extremes. Spring and fall tend to be the mildest and most temperate, but each region has its own high season and weather patterns—making India an ideal destination no matter when you want to go.
This 13-day self-guided trip will take you to some of Chile’s most spectacular sights. You’ll visit lush biosphere reserves, thundering waterfalls, lava-lined canyons, and forest-covered islands. The region is also known for its lakes and volcanos, and the views along the drive are simply jaw-dropping. Designed for active travelers, this trip takes you along some amazing trails, with ample opportunities for wildlife watching.
One of the best ways to explore Argentina is on four wheels, giving you the chance to explore the country at your own pace while soaking in the country's spectacular natural scenery. This eight-day road trip takes you from the lively city of Mendoza to the polychromatic mountains of the north.
Gritty and glamorous at once, Buenos Aires is a thrill for tango enthusiasts and carnivores — and for fútbol fans, wine drinkers, literary types, urban cyclists, and architecture aficionados, to name just a few. There’s so much to see and do in the Argentinian capital, but you can’t go wrong with this classic list of cultural and gastronomic highlights.
The mountains, forests, glacial lakes and pampas of Patagonia offer tremendous long-distance trekking opportunities. Both Chile and Argentina are represented here, as the treks sometimes meander over the border of these two countries. In addition, a number of trails in Chile’s national parks are part of the Sendero de Chile, a network of trails that spans the length of the country. Below are the best treks in both Chilean and Argentinian Patagonia.
Animal lovers and ocean enthusiasts, get ready: this five-day trip is bursting with sea and wildlife. Make your way through the five distinct habitats of the Kinabatangan River to a chalet on the beach, keeping an eye out for proboscis monkeys, crocodiles, and Pygmy elephants along the way.
Head off to East Malaysia and the island of Borneo for a week of off-the-beaten-path adventures and wildlife excursions. On this unforgettable holiday, you'll trek through virgin rainforest, go on a riverboat safari, tour local villages, and go hiking in Kinabalu National Park.
Following the trail of the White Rajahs in their late-1800s conquest to suppress the rebellious headhunters, cycle into the Iban heartland—a land of authentic longhouses, interior waterways, and rustic forts. This tour is perfect for those seeking a truly off-the-beaten-track experience of dining in longhouses with locals, listening to stories by village chiefs, and immersing themselves in the Bornean jungle.
The Dalmatia region of Croatia is often called a nautical paradise, and you'll see why on this 7-day sailing trip. Choose a boat that best suits your group's needs, from simple to luxurious. Whichever type you decide upon, you'll enjoy the natural luxury of this stunning region, from secluded beaches to ancient towns.
This 10-day tour highlights the southern Dalmatian coast from the Roman port city of Split to the medieval fortressed walls of Dubrovnik, with your first stop in Croatia's capital, Zagreb. Experience stunning landscapes and rich, ancient culture on this adventurous route as you visit breathtaking national parks, Roman ruins and kayak off the mainland to nearby islands.
Argentina is ripe for exploration. After you've seen the big cities and major highlights, get off the beaten path and explore its lesser-known yet equally interesting sights — from wildlife-rich wetlands and penguin colonies to giant salt flats and the remains of dinosaurs. Here are some suggestions on where to go when avoiding the crowds.
While Peru is well-known for its archaeological wonders, the country is also an up-and-coming destination for spotting birds and wildlife in pristine ecosystems. At luxury lakeside lodges, cloud forest escapes, and rustic rainforest retreats, you can look for everything from poison dart frogs and spectacled bears to magnificent birds such as the Andean cock-of-the-rock. This article covers the best places to stay for an up close and personal experience of Peru's phenomenally diverse nature.
Covering destinations from Buenos Aires all the way to Southern Patagonia, this tour is a great way to discover both Argentina's natural splendor and unique culture while driving at your own pace. In just over two weeks, you will be able to experience some of the country's most iconic destinations through various excursions ranging from quiet retreats and scenic drives to wildlife watching and exhilarating hikes.
So, you came to Norway to see the fjords, ski the snowy peaks, and gaze over the edges of cliffs at the stunning vistas below? Sure you did, but let’s be honest: you're really here to take photos of it all. Read on for tips on when, where, and how to take swoon-worthy snapshots of your next trip to Norway.
The beautiful ancient city of Kyoto is the spiritual home of Japan and the perfect base for this week-long cycling adventure. Explore the streets of Kyoto by bike and venture further afield as you delve into Japanese culture and cuisine. Take an exhilarating ride from the city to sacred Mount Koya and around the region's stunning landscape for an unforgettable vacation.
Jo and Jens are no strangers to the Himalaya. With plenty of trekking experience in Bhutan and Tibet, this ambitious couple set their sights on the Three Passes Circuit in Nepal. But that only piqued their appetite for adventure - after sixteen days of trekking, they headed to Myanmar for a totally different kind of fun, complete with a hot air balloon ride over the floating gardens of Inle Lake. Read on to hear more of Jo's travel reflections.
This 10-day trip takes you through some of Chile's most dramatic high desert landscapes. Arrive in Santiago, then head to San Pedro de Atacama. Go stargazing in Cuchabrache, visit a traditional Indigenous village, explore the Atacama Salt Flat, and go hiking at Punta del Inca. Trek to Río Grande Village and explore the Altiplanic Lagoons, then hike through the Rainbow Valley and visit the Tatio Geysers before heading home.
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