Costa Rica certainly lives up to its name (literally 'Rich Coast'), blessed as it is with miles of beaches on both its Pacific and Caribbean coasts. The country has long recognized the value of preserving its stunning environmental assets, making this relatively diminutive nation a leader in conservation. As one of the happy consequences, Costa Rica's rivers, lakes, and seas provide abundant opportunity for endless outdoor adventures.
This 12-day Costa Rica adventure takes you to the nation’s top biodiversity hotspots. Along the way, you’ll dip your feet in cold rivers, track resplendent quetzals at dawn, and listen for the calls of howler monkeys set to a backdrop of smoking volcanoes, thick jungle and sandy beaches.
Japan is roughly the size of California, with thousands of islands offering a huge variety of things to see and do. You can experience some of the world's best powder skiing in the north of the country or bask on tropical beaches in southern Okinawa. Top it off with its unique traditional culture and fabulous transportation system, and you're sure to have the trip of a lifetime.
Many of Sicily's highlights — volcanoes, ancient ruins, beautiful beaches and great cuisine — are found along the region's east coast. This 8-day tour will guide you through these stunning coastal towns at a comfortable pace and set you up at comfortable boutique hotels each night. You'll visit the natural wonders of Mt. Etna and Ciclopi Riviera, as well as enjoy some of the more refined aspects of Sicily, such as its great wine!
This 10-day adventure provides an intimate glimpse into the wild heart of Colombia. You'll explore the bustling metropolis of Medellín, experience the traditional farm life of Manizales, relax in the tropical beauty of the Pacific coast, and go whale watching off the shores of the Tribugá Gulf. While this is an active trip, the schedule allows for plenty of downtime to relax or explore on your own.
Do you love travel? Are you ambitious & entrepreneurial? Do you have experience as a travel planner & organizer? Are you ready to have the year of your life? If the answer to the above questions is yes, then read on, because this may very well be the job you’ve waited for all your life.
This 8-day itinerary provides a local perspective on the main highlights of Myanmar — Yangon, Bagan, and Inle Lake. You'll dine with a local family, visit lively markets and places of pilgrimage, and enjoy the company of knowledgeable local guides who will share their stories and insights.
If you can't get enough mountain biking, hiking, and rafting in exotic locales, then come to Costa Rica, where you can do all three. This physically demanding 12-day itinerary involves traveling from the Pacific to the Caribbean coast by foot, bicycle, and raft/kayak. It will test the limits of your endurance, but by the end, you'll have seen and experienced some of the most beautiful locales in the Americas.
Considering its well-earned reputation for dramatic fjords and steep mountains, it probably comes as no shock that hiking is pretty much a national pastime in Norway. With hundreds if not thousands of options to choose from, we’ve put together a list of the most spectacular day hikes, from north to south and everywhere in between.
Whether your ideal vacation consists of hiking, surfing, or even dogsledding, Norway has you covered. From Svalbard to Stavanger, this country's unique regional offerings are endless. Start planning your journey with this detailed round-up of the best regions in Norway.
Volcanos define the landscape of Costa Rica, these volcanos created the fertile valleys and diverse ecosystems of the country. If you want to truly experience Costa Rica's nature at its core, visiting these stunning volcanoes is a great way to start.
Jordan may be best known for its remnants of ancient civilization, but the vibrant scene you'll find in the modern-day capital city of Amman should not be overlooked. With incredible food, a legitimate arts scene, and a number of time-worn ruins of its own, Amman provides a perfect snapshot of Jordanian culture and hospitality.
The best times to visit Japan are spring (March to May) for cherry blossoms and fall (September to November) for vibrant fall foliage, both offering pleasant weather and stunning scenery. Spring's sakura season is iconic, but autumn often feels less crowded and just as striking, with fiery colors across temples, mountains, and gardens. Winter (December to February) appeals to skiers and onsen lovers, while summer (June to August) brings lively festivals and hiking opportunities despite the heat.
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 experience a variety of landscapes 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 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 a fantastic destination any time of year. Summer brings the endless daylight of the midnight sun and warmer temperatures, making June through August the busiest season. However, wintertime (October to March) is equally stunning, offering the opportunity to view the northern lights. And for those looking to avoid other foreign travelers, 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.
Soaking in a hot spring is a must-do in Iceland, where bathing in geothermal waters has been a beloved tradition since the days of the sagas. From natural rock pools to man-made spas and geothermal-heated swimming pools, you'll find unique spots to relax across the country. While the Blue Lagoon is the most famous (and can be a bit crowded for some), this guide will show you plenty of other hidden gems worth seeking out. Just 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 country. 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.
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.
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.
To have the best experience when visiting Morocco, particularly for first-timers, plan a trip in the spring or fall, with May and September being the most optimal months. The weather is consistently pleasant, not too cold in the mountains nor too hot in the deserts, and the crowds along the coasts and in the cities are more manageable. Stick to the mountains and the beaches during the heat of the summer months, and the Sahara Desert and imperial cities in the winter.
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 just over 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 in 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 island's many highlights. Below is 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 Mount 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 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.
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