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Travel Guides

My travel guides aim to give you the best and most up-to-date information on the major travel destinations around the world. (I know how bad it is to get outdated information from a print guidebook so I keep all these pages updated constantly!)

Here you will find things to see and do, information about costs, my best money-saving advice, recommendations on places to stay, suggested restaurants, transportation tips, and safety advice. I give you everything I know about each destination.

No matter what type of vacation you are going on — a cruise, backpacking trip, island getaway, two-week holiday, round-the-world trip, or family vacation — these destination guides will give you all the information you need so you can travel better, longer, and cheaper.

I update this section twice a year to keep the content fresh!

Select a country on the map below or search for your destination.

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Regional Travel Guides

General Travel Tips and Resources

Travel is more than just getting up and going. It’s about being knowledgeable so you can travel better, cheaper, and longer. So besides the destination guides above, below you will find links to articles I’ve written that deal with planning your trip and other general advice, so your total vacation is as amazing as it can be. These articles are relevant for any trip, no matter how long!

• How to Find Cheap Flights
• How to Find Cheap Places to Stay
• How to Choose a Backpack
• My Best 61 Travel Tips
• 16 Steps for Planning a Trip
• My Ultimate Packing Guide
• How to Buy Travel Insurance
• 12 Tips for New Travelers
• My Favorite Hostels
• Solo Female Travel Tips
• How to Pick a Travel Credit Card
• Common Travel Scams to Avoid
• 15 Ways to Work Overseas
• 10 Best Places to Travel on a Budget
• Points and Miles 101
• How to Travel with a Theme
• Stay in Europe More Than 90 Days
• The Best Gear for Travelers

My Budget City Guides

Book Your Trip Now!

Below are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They are always my starting point when I need to book a flight, hotel, tour, or train, or for meeting people!

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. It searches small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. It is hands-down the number one place to start.
• Going – Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) finds incredible flight deals and sends them directly to your inbox. If you’re flexible with your dates and destinations, you can score some amazing deals and save hundreds of dollars in the process!
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there, with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all-around booking site. It constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates and has the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, it’s always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Intrepid Travel – If you want to do group tours, go with Intrepid. They offer good small-group tours that use local operators and leave a minimal environmental footprint. And, as a reader of this site, you’ll get exclusive discounts too!
• Get Your Guide – This is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. It has tons of tour options in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes and walking tours to street art lessons!
• SafetyWing – This site offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. It has cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• Discover Cars – Discover Cars is a car rental aggregator that can help you find the best deals for your next road trip. It pulls data from over 8,000 car rental locations to ensure you always find a great deal!
• Trusted Housesitters – Trusted Housesitters is a platform that connects you with people in need of pet and house sitters. In exchange for looking after their pets or home, you’ll get access to free accommodation.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

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Worldwide Travel Guides

All Travel Guides

• Acadia National Park
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• Arches National Park
• Asheville, NC
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• Baton Rouge
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• Bryce Canyon National Park
• Burlington, VT
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• Charlottesville
• Chattanooga
• Clearwater Beach
• Colorado Springs
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• Corpus Christi
• Daytona Beach
• Fort Collins
• Fort Lauderdale
• Glacier National Park
• Grand Canyon National Park
• Grand Rapids
• Grand Teton National Park
• Great Smoky Mountains National Park
• Greenville, SC
• Gulf Shores
• Hawaii - The Big Island
• Hilton Head
• Honolulu - Oahu
• Hot Springs, AR
• Huntington Beach
• Indianapolis
• Jackson Hole
• Jacksonville
• Joshua Tree National Park
• Kansas City
• Kaua'i
• Kennebunkport
• Laguna Beach
• Lake George
• Little Rock
• Long Beach, CA
• Los Angeles
• Madison, WI
• Martha's Vineyard
• Miami Beach
• Minneapolis - St. Paul
• Mount Rainier National Park
• Myrtle Beach
• Napa Valley
• New Orleans
• New York City
• Newport Beach
• Newport, RI
• Ocean City, MD
• Ocean City, NJ
• Oklahoma City
• Olympic National Park
• Outer Banks
• Palm Springs
• Panama City Beach
• Philadelphia
• Pigeon Forge
• Pismo Beach
• Portland, ME
• Portland, OR
• Rehoboth Beach
• Rocky Mountain National Park
• Salt Lake City
• San Antonio
• San Francisco
• Sanibel Island
• Santa Barbara
• Santa Monica
• Sequoia National Park
• Shenandoah National Park
• South Padre Island
• St. Augustine
• St. Petersburg, FL
• Steamboat Springs
• Tallahassee
• The Berkshires
• The Finger Lakes
• The Poconos
• Traverse City
• Virginia Beach
• Washington, D.C.
• West Palm Beach
• Williamsburg
• Wilmington, NC
• Yellowstone National Park
• Yosemite National Park
• Zion National Park
• British Virgin Islands
• Cayman Islands
• Havana, Cuba
• Puerto Plata
• Puerto Rico
• Santo Domingo
• St. Kitts & Nevis
• St. Martin - St. Maarten
• St. Vincent & The Grenadines
• Trinidad & Tobago
• Turks & Caicos
• U.S. Virgin Islands
• Jasper National Park
• Niagara Falls
• Quebec City
• Saint John, New Brunswick
• Vancouver, Canada
• Victoria & Vancouver Island
• Cabo San Lucas
• Guadalajara
• Mexico City
• Playa del Carmen
• Puerto Vallarta
• San Miguel de Allende

Central & South America

• Argentine Patagonia
• Buenos Aires
• Chilean Patagonia
• Galapagos Islands
• Rio de Janeiro
• Aix-en-Provence
• Amalfi Coast
• Canary Islands
• Cinque Terre
• London, England
• Naples, Italy
• San Sebastian
• Scottish Highlands
• St. Petersburg
• Tuscany, Italy

Africa & The Middle East

• Johannesburg
• Kruger National Park
• Serengeti National Park

Australia & The Pacific

• Great Barrier Reef
• South Island, New Zealand

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The World Travel Guide (WTG) is the flagship digital consumer brand within the Columbus Travel Media portfolio . Available in English, German, and Spanish versions, the WTG provides detailed and accurate travel content designed to inspire global travellers. It covers all aspects, from cities to airports, cruise ports to ski and beach resorts, attractions to events, and it also includes offbeat travel news, stories, quizzes and guides for adventurous travellers.

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Food and Drink

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Bulgaria is not yet a well-known wine country, but that is about to change as Bulgarian wineries are carving an admirable niche

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City Guides

Bustling and energetic, Osaka is a thriving metropolis with a distinct commercial culture and with a regional identity that sets it apart from elsewhere in Japan.

Paris rarely disappoints. Home to beautiful architecture, arresting art and the world’s finest restaurants, only the hard–hearted will leave the City of Light without falling in love.

Sandwiched between the Red Sea and the mighty Negev desert, Eilat is a water sport and desert adventure paradise. The southernmost city of Israel has all the hallmarks of a fantastic sun and fun holiday.

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The Islands of Tahiti are known for their laid-back vibes. Expect romantic sunsets and giant curls of turquoise breaking over reefs. Remote and pristine, the islands give you a glimpse of paradise on Earth.

Mongolia is far-flung and little visited yet has much to offer, from the stunning scenery and wildlife of mountains and deserts to the emerging luxury hotels and restaurants of capital Ulaanbaatar.

Much like the varying conditions of classic cars, Havana appears to be in a constant state of restoration. A mishmash of beautifully restored colonial buildings rubs shoulders with dilapidated tenements of regular Cubans.

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These active river cruises in the Pacific Northwest, Africa, Europe, and South America will appeal to younger and adventurous passengers. 

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I'm David Leiter , the guy behind this website. I'm an American who's been traveling the world full time for 8 years now.

I started this travel blog in 2019 to document my own international trips, share my photos, and help others learn how to travel the world and find some really good spots off the beaten path.

I'm currently based in Bali , Indonesia , where I met my wife Intan, who’s a Bali local. Now she joins me on these wild and crazy adventures too.

Together, we've done some bucket list hikes , climbed active volcanoes , seen exotic wildlife , and visited some spectacular castles , temples , and monuments around the world.

I've worked with and been featured by BBC Travel , NBC News , Time , and other companies.

I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list. I hope this world travel blog can help and inspire you in your own journeys as well!

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How to Plan an Unforgettable Trip to Rome, According to Local Experts

Whether your tastes swing towards art and architecture, high-end shopping and dining, or browsing markets and munching on street food, it’s an exciting time to visit Rome.

Elizabeth Heath is a writer and editor living on a hill in Umbria, from where she writes about travel in Italy, the rest of Europe, and farther afield.

Best Hotels and Resorts

Best things to do, best shopping, best nightlife, best restaurants, best time to visit, how to get there, how to get around.

Alexander Spatari/Getty Images

For me, the Eternal City is eternally fabulous. No matter how crowded it gets, how dysfunctional its current government is, or how many bad pizzas there are in ratio to good ones, Rome remains. It’s persisted and resisted for more than 2,775 years, and even at this ripe old age, Rome is still evolving. 

It’s an exciting time to visit Rome, and even for people who live there, the flurry of post-pandemic activity in the travel sector has been dizzying. “Archaeological sites that have been fenced-off for years are now accessible to visitors, there’s a host of innovative new tour options, and I can barely keep up with the number of absolutely stunning luxury hotels that have opened ,” says Travel + Leisure contributor and Rome resident Laura Itzkowitz, who also writes about Rome in her newsletter, The New Roman Times . “It’s a delight to see so much investment in the city and so many new ways to experience it.” 

No matter how you decide to see the city or whether your tastes swing towards art and architecture, high-end shopping and dining, or browsing markets and munching on street food, Rome gives you options. We asked Itzkowitz and some other Rome travel experts to weigh in on their favorite places and experiences to recommend in eternal Rome.

Top 5 Can’t Miss

• Swoon over the cityscape. Few things are as romantic as Rome at night from a vantage point like the Fontana dell'Acqua Paola or the Capitoline Hill.
• See marble turn to flesh. At the Galleria Borghese, Bernini’s lifelike sculptures are a gazillion times more impressive than what you remember from art history class. 
• Do the Full Monty of Italian dining. Bring your appetite and go big, with antipasto, pasta, main course, and dessert at a homey trat like Da Enzo da 29.  
• Get up early. At least once during your stay, request an early wake-up call to discover a deserted city. ArcheoRoma can lead the way. 
• Shop at a market. If you don’t buy produce, trinkets, or street food at a real Roman market like Testaccio or Campo de’ Fiore, have you been to Rome? 

Courtesy of Bettoja Hotels

Palazzo Vilòn

If there’s one thing our experts agree on, it’s that Palazzo Vilòn luxury apartment is the most sumptuous new address in Rome. Nicole Bono, luxury travel and events planner with Bono Events International says, “When they open the doors for you, your jaw will drop.” Gary Portuesi, a T+L Top Travel Advisor with Authentic Explorations , says that at Vilòn, “you get to live like a Roman aristocrat in an intimate palazzo in the best neighborhood.”

Singer Palace

“I'm in love with the Singer Palace these days,” says Bono of this 19th-century beauty in the former Singer sewing machine headquarters. “It's family-owned, and that is felt with every single detail in this property. You're truly cuddled from the moment you walk in the door till your last Spritz before you leave.”

Hotel de Russie, a Rocco Forte Hotel

T+L readers’ favorite hotel in Rome is also a hit with Portuesi, who raves about its “with its unique and secluded Mediterranean tiered secret garden walking distance from the Spanish Steps, Fontana di Trevi and Piazza del Popolo.” The hotel’s Stravinskij Bar remains one of Rome’s most elegant locales for a cocktail.  

Hotel Mediterraneo

Every time I exit Termini Station, I sigh with comfort at the sight of this trusty four-star in a fascist-era Art Deco building. Stepping through the doors feels like stepping back in time, in a good way, with old-school service, a delightful lobby bar, and humongous suites, some with skyline views of Rome.

Christopher Larson/Travel + Leisure

Basilica di San Clemente

For a real sense of how Rome’s history is layered like a lasagna, head to this church near the Colosseum — or rather, underneath it. An atmospheric archaeological area beneath the not-too-shabby 12th-century church holds an even earlier Christian church, which lies on top of a pagan altar and an ancient Roman apartment building.  

ArcheoRunning

If you’re a runner, join archaeologist, guide, and running enthusiast Isabella Calidonna on an early morning jogging tour through Rome's truly magical empty streets. (Trust me, it’s okay if you run slowly.) If you’re not a runner, don’t sweat it — she’ll be happy to do the same informative tour at a walking pace. 

Via del Governo Vecchio

Spend a late afternoon vintage shopping on my favorite street in Rome , then stick around for an aperitivo, followed by pizza and gelato. If that trifecta of Roman drinking and eating isn’t enough, this splendid street near Piazza Navona has a buzzy but manageable bar-hopping scene. 

Largo Argentina

Want to stand at the very site (or very near it, anyway) where Julius Caesar lost his life? Long visible only from street level and best known as a cat sanctuary among picturesque ruins, the archaeological area at Largo Argentina site is now open to the public, thanks to funding from Bulgari . The Curia of Pompeo, where Caesar got shivved, stands near the ruins of four ancient temples.

Galleria Borghese

Reserve your tickets in advance and prepare to be overwhelmed by the beauty here, both of the ornate salons of this noble palace turned art museum, and the amazing works inside, including Bernini’s spellbinding "Rape of Proserpine" and several Caravaggio paintings.

Testaccio Market

This sprawling covered market in the working-class Testaccio neighborhood offers an authentic slice of Roman daily life. Even if you’re not shopping for clothing, produce or fresh fish, stop for some of Rome’s best street food, especially a suppli at Food Box or a drippy panino at Modri e Vai. 

Itzkowitz is a fan of this artisan jeweler in Monti and even had owner Antonio design a pair of custom earrings for her wedding. If you don’t have time for a made-to-order bauble, the shop has many original designs, many of which feature colorful gemstones.

Essenzialmente Laura

For a real only-in-Rome gift or souvenir, Portuesi refers friends and clients to the perfumery of Laura Bosetti Tonatto, who’s made custom scents for celebrities, royals, and aristocrats, including Queen Elizabeth II. “You can create your own perfect perfume or find the scent you love,” he says. 

La Bottega del Marmoraro

It’s hard to imagine a store like this anywhere else — a tiny workshop on pretty Via Margutta where stone carver Sandro Fiorentino tinks away at marble plaques by hand. “I love to bring out-of-town visitors here,” says Itzkowitz. “Prices start at around 15 euros, which means you can find an affordable, handmade souvenir.”

Courtesy of Hassler Hotel

Fontana dell'Acqua Paola

Some of the best things in Rome are free, including the views from this monumental fountain high on the Janiculum hill. It’s one of T+L’s top underrated things to do in Rome . Fans of the Oscar-winning film “Rome, the Great Beauty” will recognize this majestic spot.

This classy bar offers great cocktails and light bites with a sublime view. “A table there in the stunning Piazza di Pietra,” says Bono, “with the incredible Roman columns all lit up is truly magical, and it feels like it's just there for you."

Hassler Hotel 7th Floor Terrace

The recipe for an unforgettable Roman evening: Start with panoramic city views from atop the Spanish Steps, stir in a specialty cocktail, garnish with some elevated aperitivo fare, and drink it all in at one of our favorite family-run hotels in Italy and one of the absolute best in Rome.

Da Enzo da 29

Despite its near-legendary status and the long lines for a table (Enzo doesn’t take reservations), Itzkowitz says a meal here is “worth the wait and lives up to the hype — every time.” She’s a fan of the handmade tonarelli cacio e pepe but says that the food here is consistently good across the menu. 

Trattoria Da Cesare Al Pellegrino

This new-in-2023 sister property of a neighborhood favorite in residential Monteverde brings hearty, traditional Roman pasta and meat dishes to the centro storico. “Run, don't walk,” says Bono, “because this city location is super charming, and tourists haven't found it yet.”

Pro Loco Pinciano

Portuesi says you’ll feel like a local at this super-casual pizza and pasta joint just outside the city walls, where the emphasis is on ingredients and wines sourced from the surrounding region on Lazio. Charcuterie platters are delicious and abundant here. 

L'Antica Pesa

Regularly named one of the best restaurants in Rome, this Trastevere culinary landmark is, per Portuesi, “a standard and consistent classic” and worth crossing the river for. Head here for a special dinner or when you’re ready to go big (before going home, maybe?) and order an appetizer, pasta (primo), meat, and dessert for the full Italian dining experience.

You’ve heard all the warnings about visiting in high summer, but if that’s the only time you have to visit, Itzkowitz says to do as the Romans do: rest in your cool hotel room in the afternoon and venture out again in the early evening. Bono agrees that summer can be...sticky but adds, “Those summer sunsets on a rooftop with an Aperol spritz certainly make for that 'Dolce Vita moment' we all crave.”

Portuesi recommends November, as it’s still relatively warm and the crowds have thinned out; January, when sale season starts; or April and October. “Tourists might still be there, but the colors of spring and autumn are amazing, and temperatures are on the warm side.” I love visiting in January or February when the crowds are much more manageable, and if you’re lucky, you can catch some lovely, crisp, sunny days.

Most visitors fly into Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci/Fiumicino Airport (FCO). From there, you can take a 30-minute non-stop train to Termini, the central station, and take a taxi, Metro, bus, or tram to your accommodation. A cab from FCO to anywhere inside the Aurelian Walls costs 50 euros. Ride-sharing services other than Uber Black are not available in Rome. 

Rome’s historic center is primarily flat and highly walkable. Many visitors take the Metro to reach the Vatican Museums, then walk back into the city from there (or take a cab from St. Peter’s Square). 

Buses and Metro, both run by ATAC , are also reliable ways to get around, though depending on the distance, walking may be faster. Note that taxis in Rome cannot be hailed on the street. Instead, they wait at taxi stands or ranks generally located near tourist areas. 

I strongly recommend against renting a car in Rome, as traffic and parking are a mess and the centro is a maze of one-way streets, many of which are pedestrian-only. If you pick up a car in Rome for a more extended tour in Italy, make sure you have your route mapped out in advance — and nerves of steel. 

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Solo Traveler

Solo travel tips, destinations, stories... the source for those who travel alone.

The Ultimate Solo Travel Guide: Travel Alone & Love It

January 4, 2024 by Janice Waugh

What is solo travel? After 15 years of traveling solo, I've concluded that it is two things. Solo travel can be done independently or on a group tour. Essentially, solo travel is when you leave behind everyone you know and embark on a trip. Independent solo travel is when you plan and navigate the travel yourself. Group solo travel is when you join a tour or cruise alone. Both provide the unique experience of exploring the world without family and friends who have expectations of you. It's about discovering who you are when no one (that you know) is looking.

Traveling alone delivers access to the world in ways that other forms of travel don't. It is an essential mode of travel, at least some of the time.

However, not everyone takes to it naturally. Some worry about traveling solo. There are concerns around loneliness, safety, and more.

While we have hundreds of articles on the site that get into the details of how to travel solo, here, in one place, is the ultimate guide for those who want to travel alone. The tips in this post will help you have the best experience possible. They will help you travel alone and love it.

If you are traveling independently, read on.

If you plan to go on an organized tour, don't miss our page of tours with no or low single supplement . It's updated at least once a month and if you'd like to receive it via email you can sign up here .

Table of Contents

Why You Will Love Solo Travel

When you travel alone, you travel on your terms. You get to do what you want, when you want. You can connect with people if you wish or avoid them completely. Those are the obvious benefits for going solo as a traveler.

But there are many benefits of solo travel that affect your whole life. The experience encourages you to stretch and grow as a person. You gain confidence and get better at problem solving. You understand yourself better, become more independent, and become a more interesting person.

For more, read Why Travel Solo? 15 Reasons Going Alone Makes Travel Better . Now, let's get on to the ultimate solo travel guide.

Your Guide for Planning to Travel Alone

Planning a solo trip takes a bit of time and thought. To cover everything, this would be an extremely long article. Instead, I'm pointing you to some of the basic planning posts on Solo Traveler. There over 600 posts on Solo Traveler. This just takes you to the ones that cover the fundamentals.

• Solo Travel Planning Guide with Trends, a Checklist, and Insider Tips
• Solo Travel Safety: 50+ Proven Tips to Keep You Safe
• Carry-On Packing List That Makes Sense: Traveler Tested
• Best Accommodation for Solo Travelers
• A Complete Guide to Travel Insurance for Solo Travelers
• Eating Alone Is Easy When You Know How

Ultimate Tips to Travel Alone and Love It!

Let's get into the experience of traveling alone.

For some people, enjoying a solo trip comes naturally. Others have to work at how to travel alone. Most who do, fall in love with it. Here are a few things you can do to ensure a great solo adventure.

1. Visualize the trip you want. It's all about you.

Start thinking about the opportunities that are present when you travel alone long before you leave. Is it down time you really want? Build that into the plan. Are you after a creative travel experience ? Research the opportunities before you go and then dream on them until you get there.

2. Gather firsthand knowledge before you go. Personal stories tell you more.

Talk to people who have already traveled to your destination. Doing this was so incredibly helpful when planning my trip to Patagonia. At the time, no amount of research helped me plan the logistics. Talking to people who had made a similar trip gave me insight into the travel options and tips on how to avoid the mistakes they had made. Use your social network to find people. Join online meetup groups based in your destination. Find expat groups at your destination. By talking to people you will learn more about things to do as well as things that are not really for you.

3. Learn to chat with strangers.

Starting conversations with strangers can be a challenge, especially when you're an introvert like I am. However, these conversations can be trip-changing, if not life-changing. There are many skills that can be developed for this and one is never too old to learn them. In fact, it was only when traveling alone after my husband passed away that I learned how much I had grown and taken on the techniques of an extrovert. I learned that I could talk to strangers easily.

4. Tap the experience of the people you meet. Get current information.

As a solo traveler, you'll meet more travelers and locals than those who travel with a partner. Ask a traveler about the best thing they've done so far or a local for the best hidden gem restaurant in the area. The people you meet and the advice they offer will greatly enrich your trip.

5. Be flexible with your plans. Opportunities arise!

When suggestions or opportunities arise from these chance encounters, be flexible enough to act on them. There are times when flexibility must reign and the schedule should be thrown away. I do this most often on road or rail trips.

6. Don't over-plan. You will absolutely need relaxing time.

Managing your travels yourself takes more energy than if you are with someone else. It is important to have extra time in your itinerary to wander a market leisurely, linger over a coffee at an outdoor café, or take that trip into the mountains you hadn't considered.

7. Be patient. Take time to settle in and learn how the city works.

It can be difficult arriving in a new city alone. Take your time. Take a day to relax, watch the city function, and settle in. Read Solo Travel Confidence: How to Be Strong, Capable, and Safe .

8. Explore your destination at different levels. Gain different perspectives.

In London, it's natural to take the Tube. However, riding on the top of a double-decker bus gives you another perspective on the city. But you still wouldn't want to miss the Tube as it's an experience unto itself. My point is, explore the city in as many ways as possible: on foot, by bicycle, via public transit. Take a taxi and talk to the driver. Rent a car and learn what it's like to park or drive on the opposite side of the road. Every mode of movement offers new perspectives.

9. Take in local events. Get to know the daily life of a culture.

Whether it's a street festival or a sporting event, these are opportunities to rub shoulders with locals, offering insight into the culture and, potentially, fun conversations. Events made for tourism will not be as successful for this as events created by and for locals.

10. Be proactive if you’re unsure of yourself.

Ask for help. Standing around looking dazed will not get you where you want to go and it may get you noticed by the wrong people. Go ahead, smile, and ask for help. It's one of the fundamentals of staying safe as you travel solo .

11. Eat locally! Discover the culture through food.

There is nothing like exploring the local cuisine. It gives you a new path into your destination's culture, history, and geography. There is always a reason, historical or geographic, for a specific cuisine that can be explored through your tastebuds and your mind.

12. Shop where the locals shop.

Are you into home renovations? Then a hardware store in another country could be quite interesting. Are you a foodie? Go to the grocery store or the street where all the specialty vendors are located. Are you into fashion or interior decorating? Again, explore (you don't have to buy) where the locals shop.

13. Know which way is up. An old-school map is your friend.

Study a map of your destination. Get to know it. Get a sense of direction using major landmarks like Central Park in New York City or the CN Tower in Toronto. This will help you explore cities happily, with greater confidence. Read How to Navigate a New City Solo .

13. Find people who share your passion.

Whether it's chess or poetry or badminton or books, there will be hubs or groups that share your passion at your destination. Many destinations have an English bookstore which is typically a great resource for events you will want to attend. Google search or find them on meetup.com. What a great way to combine your love of travel with your love of other things.

14. Take day tours and classes.

There are many benefits to punctuating your independent trip with local tours such as cooking classes . You have new ways to better experience your destination, enjoy some social time (after all, solo travelers are not necessarily loners), and you get to take a break and let the tour company run the logistics and planning of the experience.

15. Have great evenings out.

Just because you're traveling solo doesn't mean you have to stay in at night with a book. There are many options for things to do in the evening. If you're in a country where you don't speak the language, music is a good bet. Read What to Do at Night When Traveling Alone and How to Enjoy Going to a Bar Alone When You Travel .

What If You Don't Love Solo Travel?

Let's face it, not everyone likes the same thing. Some people will travel alone and, for one reason or another, not enjoy it.

The first thing I suggest is that you be patient. You're not going to find your solo travel groove on the first day of your first trip. You need to give yourself some time to settle into your destination and apply some of the many travel alone tips above.

If, then, you're still not loving it, read  What If You Travel and You Don’t Love It ? and the advice of other solo travelers in Feeling Overwhelmed? How to Conquer First-Day Solo Travel Anxiety .

Round Out Your Guide to Solo Travel with These Resources

Here are a few posts to explore to help you plan your best solo trip.

• How to Save Money for Travel
• How to Plan Your Travel Budget: Luxury or Frugal
• Best Solo Travel Destinations: Real Solo Travelers Love These
• Feeling the Pinch? Solo Travelers Save Money at The Airport
• How to Get Through an Airport by Yourself with Ease
• Carry On Packing List That Makes Sense: Traveler Tested
• Checked Baggage: Top Planning and Packing Tips.
• Best VPN for Travel: What, Why, How & New Recommendations
• Road Trip Alone with Confidence: 10 Tips for a Great Trip

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A Snob's Guide to Summer Travel With Kids

We know your standards for the ultimate family vacation are high. Lucky for you, ours are too.

The Educational Trip

It sounds boring, until you tell them they're going to see giraffes in their natural habitat—and will get to brag about it to all their friends.

*Perfect for: little kids

Unlike the vast Serengeti, the Maasai Mara is small enough that you are practically guaranteed to snap all the top sightings in a few nights’ stay. Unpack into an interconnected tented suite specially configured for families at Angama Mara , then learn the art of keeping quiet as animals parade below in the Great Rift Valley. Days can begin with a hot air balloon ride or a game drive through the savannah to spy the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo) and end with parents at a sundowner and the littles in the Beading Studio. Maasai naturalists take everyone out on walking safaris, where they teach about medicinal plants on the escarpment and explain the relationship between the Maasai people and the wildlife that surrounds them. Come in July during the Great Migration, the largest land-based movement of animals (in this case, wildebeest and zebra) on the planet. Your kids will never see The Lion King with the same eyes again.

*Perfect for: big kids

Fly from the country’s capital of Lima to the Sacred Valley’s capital of Cusco, where you can ride on Paso horses through the Andean valley’s lush pathways. Dine at a working farm, called Hacienda Huayoccari , which has been run by the same family for 100 years, then spend the night at Belmond Palacio Nazarenas , the 17 th -century monastery-turned-hotel. Lazy tweens can take the luxe Hiram Bingham train all the way up to nearly 8,000 feet, or test their strength by disembarking at Km 104 and hiking up to enter Machu Picchu through the Gate of the Sun, just as the Incas did. Marvel at the citadel built into the steep slopes of the Andes, to this day their techniques and origin unknown. Then sleep above the clouds at Sanctuary Lodge , the Belmond property up there, and enter the 15 th -century UNESCO World Heritage Site before the crowds, with mostly only llamas in your company. Back in Cusco, tour the baroque churches and stay warm with hot chicha drinks, made from local corn. Can’t be bothered to book this all yourself? Blue Parallel can orchestrate the whole shebang, from flights to park permits.

The Adventure Trip

Adrenaline-pumping thrills to test their boundaries and spike their dopamine (in a good way).

Tossed into the North Atlantic just one degree below the Arctic Circle, this volcanic island of just 387,000 inhabitants feels like the best of far-flung New Zealand and the most exciting of snow-swept British Columbia. It’s also Scotland, Norway, Yellowstone, and Alaska, and all just a five-hour flight from the East Coast. The capital has been experiencing volcanic activity lately, so you may have to skip the best red-eye cure: A dip in the Blue Lagoon , a natural geothermal hot spring set conveniently between Reykjavik’s two airports and open at 8am. Either way, hop a flight to Akureyri, the second-most populous city in the country, and prepare to be awed by the vast mountain landscape of Deplar Farm . The grass-roofed wooden structure belies the luxury you’ll find within, including meals of local lamb and just-caught salmon prepared by Michelin-trained chefs. Included in every stay in summer is surfing, whale watching, fat-tire bike riding, hiking glaciers, lake fishing, and a peek at the single geothermal borehole that gives power to all 2700 residents of the Fljót Valley. Headed back toward the international airport, take the kids on a drive around the Golden Circle, a 190-mile loop of road that connects the geyser that literally gave all others their name (yes, it’s called Geysir) with Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the location of the Mid-Atlantic Rift (in which you can snorkel in dry suits), and the stunningly beautiful, 100-foot-tall Gullfoss waterfall.

You couldn’t possibly hit all the high-octane attractions in Costa Rica — the howler monkeys barking from the treetops of Tortuguero National Park, white-water rafting down the Pacuare River, zip-lining or horseback riding near the Arenal volcano, tapir- and ocelot-spotting on the Osa Peninsula—but if you pick two destinations in this bicoastal isthmus country, you’ll sneak a lot in. Park yourself first on the Osa Peninsula’s Cielo Lodge , a six-suite eco-lodge spread across 380 acres where guides will take you hiking through the rainforest to rushing waterfalls ripe for the jumping, get you catching waves on the second-longest left-hand break in the world, and frog-walking by moonlight. Then head up to Nayara Gardens , where the newly built Arenal Casitas come with private walled gardens and plunge pools surrounded by rain forest. From there, it’s an easy trek to go horseback riding at Arenal, ziplining in the cloud forest, and testing fate on an inflatable that takes you down class IV rapids. No kid comes home from Costa Rica without scheming a plan to return.

*Perfect for: all ages

Haters will hate, but there’s honestly no better way to tour the highlights of the largest state in the union than via cruise. To see it all, sign up for one of Oceania ’s Seattle-to-Seattle routes, each of which comes with an Alaska Explorer Youth Program that lets kids ages 5-12 head out with high-energy counselors and learn a little more about the 49 th state. But kids of all ages will start and end in Seattle, then cruise to ports like Ketchikan (ziplining!), Juneau (Mendenhall Glacier canoeing!), Sitka (sea kayaking and wave running!), and Victoria, British Columbia (bike tours!), but you can expand on this excursion by adding a pre- or post-cruise stay in Denali National Park, all stress-free and orchestrated by Oceania and including a four-hour scenic train ride into the interior and a hike to Denali’s Primrose Ridge with a naturalist who will explore the 10,000-years-long history of this Native American landscape. This is Alaska done right, trust us.

The Beach Trip

Heading out on a beach holiday doesn’t have to mean dumping the children in camp and working your way through the latest Plum Sykes novel.

West coasters have a straight shot to the Big Island, which offers about as far-flung a culture as you can find without needing to update your passport. There are tons to do outdoors—from surfing to exploring Volcanoes National Park to hiking through a lava tube—that will introduce your kids to the outer limits of Mother Nature’s wild imagination. The challenge will be picking a home base. There’s Mauna Kea Beach Hotel , which was originally built in 1965 by Laurance S. Rockefeller, and is the property that really put this destination on the map. Set on the Kohala Coast, the resort offers activities like lawn games and lei-making, an authentic luau with hula dancers, plus direct access to white-sand Kauna'oa Bay, where you can swim with the manta rays. Alternatively, snag a suite at the grand Mauna Lani , now part of the Auberge Resorts Collection, set in the middle of King Kamehameha’s royal fish ponds. Whichever you choose, carve out some time to learn to surf in Kona, visit a black sand beach like Punaluʻu, indulge in some shave ice at Ululani's , and just soak in all that untouched beauty. Now that's aloha.

It may be one of the most visited islands of Spain, but Americans typically never make it to this Balearic Island (though that’s changing with United Airlines’ new direct flights to Palma de Mallorca from JFK). There are plenty of family-friendly hotels on the sparkling beaches, but come summer they will likely be flooded with tourists. So instead book one of the new Garden Suites at Castell Son Claret , a 19th-century castle-turned-hotel with just 43 rooms, all set on 326 acres. Awaken to unimpeded views of the UNESCO-protected Tramuntana mountain range and a soundtrack of the braying sheep who will be neighbors for your stay. The Moorish architecture and glam jet-set design (not to mention the restaurant, Sa Clastra , run by native son Jordí Canto) will dazzle parents, while the pool (and those sheep) will keep the kids busy. Because the retreat is located in the middle of the island, it's an easy trek to one of the 20 hiking routes that wind through the terraced hills of the Tramuntanas (don't skip the adorable town of Valldemossa, ideal for that holiday card photo!), or down to beloved beaches like sandy Palmanova and the hidden cove of Cala Portals Vells. Don't miss that 13 th -century cathedral in Palma, or the chance to indulge in chef Santi Taura's prix fixe menu at Dins (we suggest hiring a sitter for this one).

This tiny islet in the Caribbean was first colonized by the Huguenots, and it still retains a très sophisticated French vibe. Little kids will love the gentle white-sand beaches, but this is a place for dining and shopping, too, so families with tweens and older are the best audience for this refined destination. Pack the D'Ascoli caftans and Vilebrequin trunks and book a villa through Le Barth Villa Rental , which gives you access to all the facilities—including the new kids club and the spa—at Le Barthelemy Hotel & Spa . (Our pick: the 10-bedroom Villa Unik , designed by Philippe Starck.) Or go traditional and stay at the casual-chic Le Sereno , whose beachfront villas overlook the pristine Grand Cul de Sac sands. Book ahead for classic dining spots like the upscale Bonito and Hotel Eden Rock ’s Jean-Georges restaurant, but don’t skip local favorites either, like the laid-back Ti' Corail . Indulge in life’s simple pleasures, like perusing the fresh produce at Marché or the Gustavia fish market. Then splurge on mother-daughter outfits at Clic and swimsuits at Delfina for your journey to Anse du Gouverneur beach. The shells (and the memories) are gratis.

The Nature Trip

Two foolproof ways to inspire genuine awe in even the most jaded tween.

SWITZERLAND

Words can barely capture the magic of summertime in the Swiss Alps. There’s the chocolate and cheese, of course, but the infinite shades of green that blanket the mountains and pines, the jagged edges of the mountains that scrape the sky, and the intimate connection to the environment that locals have (and happily share) will turn even the most jaded outdoors adventurer into a Swissophile. Experience it all at Tschuggen Grand Hotel , an exceedingly modern retreat on the edges of the mountains that’s accessed by a private train only a child could dream up. (Seriously.) Summer is a season for biking and hiking, and even small limbs can make the trek to the Bergkirchli, a church from 1492, or make the sunrise climb to spot bears and birds. Imagine long, leisurely days that begin with a frigid mountain-lake swim and end with a delicious hot tub and—for Mom and Dad—a muscle-melting massage at the 54,000-square-foot Bergoase Spa, set beneath glass-and-steel “sails” that twinkle in the mountain light. A south-facing Junior Suite with a sun loggia is the ultimate spot for that much-deserved cup of hot cocoa.

Horseback riding, fly fishing, archery, oh my! Montana’s state tagline is “Get Lost,” and it’s possible to actually lose yourself in one of the nation's largest—and least populated—states, but it can be hard to narrow down precisely how. So park yourself for a week at the Resort at Paws Up , just outside the town of Greenough, and you’ll gain access to 37,000 acres and all the amenities of a traditional dude ranch, but at a seriously luxe level. Choose a kitted out two-bedroom glamping tent on the banks of the Blackfoot River or one of the mountain homes, and have the concierge orchestrate the Wild West week of your dreams, with activities ranging from survival training and pony rides for little kids to cattle herding and chuck wagon dinners for the older ones. Confident kids can also pave their own path on an ATV adventure or take aim at the shooting range, or just learn the patience it takes to catch trout with an expert. Don’t be surprised if your city rats long to be country mice once they’ve trotted on a trail in the shadow of those spectacular Bitterroot Mountains. This just may become the start of an annual tradition.

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A Snob's Guide to the French Riviera

A Snob's Guide to the World's Best Kids Clubs

How Eating in Beverly Hills Got Hip

A Snob's Guide to Palm Beach

A Snob's Guide to Cruising

A Snob's Guide to Cruising the Islands

A Snob's Guide to Mediterranean Cruises

A Snob's Guide to the River Cruise

A Snob's Guide to the White Glove Cruise

A Snob's Guide to Polar Cruises

A Snob’s Guide to Chicago

In the Neighborhood: Your ultimate guide to London’s Mayfair

Brimming with opulent shops, restaurants and centuries-old buildings, the mayfair district is london at its most glamorous..

By Joanna Tweedy | May 17, 2024

Just north of Westminster and bordering Hyde Park, Mayfair has long been one of London’s most exclusive districts. Soak up the decadence at a Michelin-starred restaurant , shop at haute couture boutiques or simply wander – these streets are home to some of the city’s grandest architecture.

Mayfair loves design-led restaurants, but its historical taverns are a joy, too. Try:

- Scott’s: A neighborhood institution, Scott’s has been serving up the finest British seafood dishes on Mount Street since 1851. Treat yourself to an order of oysters.

- Mercato Mayfair: Located inside a former church, this hip gastronomic emporium has two floors of food stands, including delights such as gelato from Badiani, bao buns from Steamy & Co and craft beer by German Kraft.

- The Coach and Horses: Established in 1744, this Grade II-listed tavern on Bruton Street is the oldest pub in Mayfair. A cozy spot for pie, mash and a pint, this establishment prides itself on being one of the only truly traditional pubs left in Mayfair.

Find must-do London attractions and lesser-known sights amongst Mayfair’s maze of elegant streets. Check out:

- Handel Hendrix House: A quirky museum dedicated to the former residents of 23 and 25 Brook Street: guitarist Jimi Hendrix and baroque composer George Frideric Handel. You’ll see the former homes of both musicians, hear their music and learn about their time in London, centuries apart.

- Allies sculpture: Take a seat on a bench between bronzed versions of Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt. Celebrating British-American relations, this iconic sculpture is on the corner of New Bond Street and Clifford Street.

- Royal Academy of Arts: Founded by a group of artists and architects in 1768, this impressive building on Piccadilly is home to nearly 32,000 pieces that represent over 250 years of British art.

The quarter’s retail landscape puts Victorian family businesses next to minimalist designer stores. Browse:

- Savile Row: Don’t miss a stroll down this famous fashion street, a shrine to bespoke gentlemen’s tailoring since the late 18th century. Shop renowned luxury brands or have one of the expert tailers make a custom suit with your exact measurements.

- Burlington Arcade: One of the oldest – and prettiest – covered shopping malls in London, you’ll find jewelers, perfumers and tailors selling their wares. The seasonal displays, especially around the holidays, are worth a visit alone.

- Mount Street Printers: Take some unique stationery home from this fine printer that sells everything from leather notebooks to birthday cards and personalized writing paper.

Few London districts are as sophisticated as Mayfair, with the greenery of Hyde Park adding to the charm. Here, visitors can taste the high life, indulge in a delicious lunch, shop for something that will last a lifetime or experience the area’s fascinating tributes to music and art.

Joanna Tweedy is an award-winning travel writer and editor who lives in London. A former UK national newspaper travel editor, she now contributes across many titles, and specializes in writing about family travel, wellness breaks and luxury vacations.

Discover the best of London

London's westminster neighborhood.

Home to some of London’s most fascinating buildings, Westminster offers historical places to eat, see and shop like a local in the city’s buzzing epicenter.

London dining guide

A traveling insider's guide on what and where to eat in London.

London's Shoreditch neighborhood

Head to one of London’s trendiest neighborhoods to discover vintage shopping, street art, history-themed walking tours and the most delicious bagels outside of New York.

Solar eclipse 2024: A traveller’s guide to the best places to be when the light goes out

O n 8 April 2024, a total solar eclipse will sweep across North America , providing an astronomical experience in many alluring locations.

Only a tiny proportion of humanity has ever witnessed a total eclipse – but tens of millions of people will be able to experience one as the “path of totality” sweeps from the Pacific to the Atlantic during the course of that magical Monday.

Here’s what you need to know about why you should see it and where to be.

What happens during a total solar eclipse?

The greatest show on earth comes courtesy of the lifeless moon. Normally the orbiting lunar lump merely provides earth with tides, moonlight and somewhere to aim space rockets. But roughly once a year the natural satellite aligns with the sun and, thanks to a geometric miracle, blots out the hub of the solar system to create a total eclipse.

“Even though the moon is 400 times smaller than the sun, it’s also about 400 times closer to earth than the sun is,” says Nasa. “This means that from earth, the moon and the sun appear to be roughly the same size in the sky.”

A narrow band marking the “path of totality” carves an arc of darkness across the surface of our planet. If you are somewhere on that line at the predicted time, and you have clear skies, then the experience will become a lifelong memory.

The closer you are to the centre of the path of totality, the longer the total eclipse will last. The astronomer Dr John Mason, who has guided dozens of eclipse trips (and will be doing so again in 2024), says: “People down in southwest Texas will get about four minutes 20 seconds, and that reduces to about three minutes 20 seconds up in the northeast. That’s a pretty good, long total eclipse.”

What’s so good about seeing an eclipse?

In the days leading up to the eclipse, locations in the path of totality acquire something of a carnival atmosphere as astronomical tourists converge in excited anticipation.

On the day, the cosmological performance begins with a warm-up lasting more than an hour, during which the moon steadily nibbles away at the surface of the sun.

Suddenly, you experience totality. The stars and planets appear in the middle of the day. The air chills.

To testify to the heavenly fit between our two most familiar heavenly bodies, faint diamonds known as Baily’s beads peek out from behind the moon. They actually comprise light from the sun slipping through lunar valleys.

A sight to behold – so long as you can see the moon blotting out the sun and appreciate the mathematical perfection of nature in our corner of the galaxy.

Eclipses are entirely predictable: we know the stripes that the next few dozen will paint upon the surface of the Earth. But the weather is not. Cloud cover, which blighted the Cornwall eclipse in 1999, downgrades a cosmological marvel to an eerie daytime gloom.

Almost as predictable as the eclipse is that traffic towards the path of totality will be heavy on the morning of 8 April 2024.

Accommodation rates are astronomical: even humdrum motel rooms in Niagara, central in the path of totality, are selling for C$600 (£350) for the night of 7-8 April 2024.

Where will the great American eclipse 2024 be visible?

The path of totality makes landfall from the Pacific at Mazatlan on Mexico’s Pacific Coast and sweeps northeastwards to reach the US-Mexican border at Piedras Negras.

In the US, three big Texan cities – San Antonio, Austin and Dallas – are on the extremes of the path of totality; many citizens are likely to drive to locations near the centre of the line.

Arkansas will be an attractive place to see the eclipse , with both Texarkana (on the border with Texas) and Little Rock within the path of totality.

In the Midwest, Indianapolis and Cleveland share the distinction of being fairly central in the path of totality. In upstate New York, Buffalo and nearby Niagara Falls (shared with Canada) could be extremely attractive – though prone in early April to cloudy skies.

In Canada , Montreal is just touched by the path of totality. The line then reverts to the US, passing across northern Maine – which promises to be a superb with clear skies. Then back to Canada’s Maritime Provinces, with New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland all in the line of darkness.

Will I be able to see a partial eclipse from the UK?

Yes. The eclipse ends with the sunset in the eastern Atlantic, about 600 miles off the coast of Cornwall , before it reaches the UK and Ireland . But on the island of Ireland and western parts of Great Britain, a partial eclipse may be visible with the sun low in the sky.

If skies are clear and you have an open view to the west, it will start at around 7.55pm in Cardiff, Liverpool , Manchester, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

BBC Weather presenter Simon King said: “With the partial solar eclipse occurring late in the day UK time, the Sun will be low to the horizon and will actually set before the spectacle is over.”

Can I combine an exciting city with a partial eclipse?

Boston, New York and Chicago are among the big cities that will see a sizeable chunk of the sun blotted out. Viewer as far apart as Alaska and the far north of Colombia and the Caribbean will, if skies are clear and they use the correct eye protection, see a partial eclipse. But there is nothing to compare with a total eclipse.

Eclipse guru Dr Mason sums up the difference between a 99 per cent partial eclipse and a total eclipse as far apart as “a peck on the cheek and a night of passion”.

“There will be people who will look at the map and say, ‘I live in Cincinnati or I live in Columbus [Ohio] and I’m just outside the zone of totality. But I’m going to get a 99 per cent-plus eclipse, so maybe I won’t bother to travel’.

“What they don’t realise is there an enormous difference between 99 per cent and 100 per cent. And there’s a range of phenomena that they won’t see if they put up with 99 per cent.”

You must use special eclipse safety glasses or viewers when viewing a partial eclipse or during the partial phases of a total solar eclipse.

Where should I be for the total experience?

There are no guarantees of clear skies: all you can do is play the odds based on the record of cloud cover for the corresponding date in previous years.

Dr Mason says the average expected cloud cover amounts increase from around 40-45 per cent on the Mexico/Texas border to over 80 per cent in Maine, New Brunswick and Newfoundland.

Three particularly tempting locations:

• Southern Texas , close to San Antonio or Austin. Besides clear skies being more likely than not, access is easy with direct flights to Austin. Importantly there is much to explore in the region before and after the eclipse, from Big Bend National Park on the Rio Grande to Space Center Houston – an excellent place to continue the cosmological theme.
• Northern Arkansas , a picturesque part of the state, with the added attraction of Memphis just a couple of hours away.
• Niagara Falls : the dramatic border between the US and Canada could be an eclipse washout due to clouds. But the natural surroundings are impeccable – and there is plenty of accommodation, which will avoid the risk of being caught in severe traffic congestion on the freeways from Toronto and locations in New York State.

However, the most recent forecasts for cloud cover suggest that the Midwest around Indianapolis and the northeastern state of Maine could have the best prospects.

When are the next total solar eclipses?

Summer 2026 – Wednesday 12 August, to be precise – should bring a spectacular eclipse visible in northern Spain at the height of the European holiday season. The path of totality begins in the Arctic and crosses Greenland and Iceland before arriving in the northern half of Spain. The stripe of darkness will traverse the great cities of Bilbao, Zaragoza and Valencia in mainland Spain before arriving in Palma de Mallorca.

The following summer (2 August 2027), the southern tip of mainland Spain is in the path of totality for an eclipse that will sweep across North Africa and the Arabian peninsula : going east from the Strait of Gibraltar, it will encompass Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, the northeasternmost corner of Sudan, Saudi Arabia and Yemen.

Just under 12 months later, on 22 July 2028, Outback Australia will be the place to be. A total eclipse will make landfall in northern Western Australia, sweep across the Northern Territory and part of southwest Queensland – then clean across New South Wales, with Sydney in the middle of the path of totality.

Winter cloud cover could disrupt the experience in Australia’s largest city – and is very likely in the southern portion of New Zealand’s South Island where the eclipse reaches a finale.

Australia also features in the cosmological plans on 25 November 2030. This is early summer in the southern hemisphere, and likely to be good conditions for viewing in Namibia, Botswana and South Africa (Durban is on the path of totality) as well as South Australia.

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Tokyo’s a traveler’s dream. It’s clean. It’s fly. It’s overflowing with modern conveniences. And over the past few years, the city’s rising global popularity has intensified, making the destination—that was once closed off to the rest of the world—a top pick for Black and Brown travelers . In October 2022, Japan lifted a majority of its strict entry requirements. Americans can finally visit the country without a visa, which is likely why our social feeds have been drizzled with our favorite creatives stepping through Tokyo and neighboring Kyoto, Osaka, and Shizuoka, home to Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest and most iconic mountain.

Made up of 23 districts, each distinctively unique, no matter your travel style, there’s a vibe for you in Tokyo.

I visited with my partner for the first time in October 2023. He’s basically a local. He’s been over a dozen times and was the perfect person to uncover and indulge in next-level, off-the-beaten-path experiences in the largest and one of the most populated cities in the world. We moved from ward to ward easily by e-bike , a fun and efficient way to take the town. But more on that later.

From narrow neon alleyways flaunting the best hole-in-the-wall eateries and cozy jazz kissas spinning Curtis Mayfield and Rufus on vinyl to underground whiskey bars and an evolved art, food, and hotel scene designed with rooftop pools hidden in plain sight, Tokyo is smooth. It’s one of those destinations where if you know, you know. Yes, the language is a barrier, and the voyage from the U.S. is long , but the spirit of Japan and the warmth of its people make it worth it. 

Travelers of color need to go to Japan. Explore the landscape. Experience the culture—one of the oldest and most revered in the world—with honor, family, and tradition at its core. Interact with the people. My most memorable moments during our trip were random and unrehearsed and involved connecting with natives in an authentic way. We learned slang among locals and ate homemade carrot cake at Paddlers Coffee in Shibuya. We got fitted for Grillz by Japanese jeweler Tetsuya Akiyama. The man responsible for ASAP Rocky’s custom mouth bling has been running Grillz Jewelz in the Okachimachi district for 17 years. We sat with expats-turned-Japanese citizens in the backstreets of Harajuku for what felt like hours, dissecting what it’s like to be Black in Japan. 

Get lost in Tokyo. And when you’re done, board the bullet train to Kyoto for Imperial Palaces, Geisha culture, and 500-year-old Kaiseki cuisine. Thank me later.

Trunk Hotel Yoyogi Park

When we return to Tokyo, Trunk Hotel in Yoyogi Park will be our base. The latest outpost of the chic Trunk trilogy is the largest, with 20 guest rooms, five suites, and a heated rooftop infinity pool that offers panoramic views of Yoyogi Park—one of the most enchanting parks in Tokyo. Trunk’s ethos is deeply rooted in local culture, which means the atmosphere is intimate with an elevated edge, the design is minimal and peaceful, and the call to action to unwind and indulge is undoubtedly understood. 

Hoshinoya Tokyo

Located in Otemachi, one of the city’s financial centers, Hoshinoya Tokyo feels like a traditional Japanese ryokan with the fixings of a contemporary luxury hotel. If you’re looking for an enriching experience with next-level hospitality, this is it. Every tatami-lined floor functions as a private ryokan with six rooms and an ochanoma—a central lounge with tea and sweets readily on deck. Don’t miss the rooftop Onsen, traditional tea ceremony, Nippon Cuisine, and 4-course Japanese breakfast.

Serving up Japanese-style and Indian-style curry, Curr y Up, Nigo’s hole-in-the-wall eatery named by Pharrell, is a no-frills comfort food haven. Try a two-in-one combo plate with butter chicken, beef, keema, or go straight veg.

Uogashi Nihon-Ichi

Experiencing a standing sushi bar is essential while you’re in Tokyo and Uogashi Nihon-Ichi is the one. If there’s a line outside, join it. The chefs are quick, the fish is fresh, and there’s an English menu on deck, so you can order with speed and confidence.

The atmosphere is cozy and chill. The dishes are tasty and creative. The owner/chef is humble and incredibly kind. Go for the food and drink, but stick around for the music. The Internet, Erykah Badu , and ASAP Ferg were in rotation while we dined.

Confession: I first tried jollof rice at Palava Hut , a West African joint in Minato City. Believe the hype, because the rice is right. As is the chicken, fish and plantain. It was all made-to-order in a curtained-off kitchen by the sweet chef, Nora, a kind soul with an even kinder smile.

Grillz Jewelz

Even if you have zero interest in owning custom bottoms, tops, or fangs, pull up on Tetsuya Akiyama, owner and creator of Grillz Jewelz. The gallery wall, case of mouthpieces, and stack of books showcasing the breadth and depth of his work make it tough not to tap in. Plus, Akiyama is mad cool.

I walked into his shop skeptical about getting grillz and left two hours later with an order placed. It’s worth noting that it takes at least three months for your bling to be ready. And yes, he ships internationally, so don’t stress.

Luup Electric Bikes

If you’re looking for a fun and efficient way to move from ward to ward with ease, look to Luup . The popular micromobility company has delegated parking spots set up around the city, with electric scooters and bikes up for grabs. Luup’s app allows riders to check ports in real time to reserve an available bike or scooter in a location closest and most convenient for them. I highly recommend downloading the app before you depart for Japan.

With centuries-old temples and imperial palaces, quaint cobblestone streets, Zen gardens, vibrant markets, and hip shopping complexes, Kyoto preserves Old Japan while openly embracing the new. Geisha are one of the most sought-after sights in Kyoto. Spotting one around town is rare but not impossible; however, experiencing Kaiseki Cuisine is equally as neat. The traditional multi-course dinner, consisting of small dishes with different tastes and textures, dates back to the 16 th century.

Eat at Toki and Honke Owariya . Experience Nishiki Market, Fushimi Inari-Taisha and Kinkau-ji—Kyoto’s famed Golden Pavilion. Rest at Hotel The Mitsui and spend a full day indulging in their award-winning spa. Reserve a private Onsen and enjoy natural spring bathing in complete privacy.

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An unexpected gem: What travelers will find at Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Many people are surprised by Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota. 

“First of all, they're surprised there's a national park,” said the park’s Deputy Superintendent Maureen McGee-Ballinger. 

“They'll be on their way to Glacier National Park or Yellowstone , and they're driving down the highway and they see the Park Service arrowhead. ‘There’s a national park!’” she said. “When they get to the park, they're surprised that this has to do with Theodore Roosevelt – ‘Theodore Roosevelt? That should be New York. What's he doing in North Dakota?’ Then they're also surprised about just how beautiful and how varied the park is. I think everything surprises them. It's a gem that they just didn't expect.”

Here’s what travelers should expect at Theodore Roosevelt, the latest national park in USA TODAY’s yearlong series .

What is the story behind Theodore Roosevelt National Park?

“This is where Theodore Roosevelt first came out for a bison hunt. It spoke to him,” McGee-Ballinger said. “After he lost his wife and mother, he came out for healing and in that healing process, when he built his ranch, kind of formed his conservation ethic that would continue throughout his presidency.”

​​What is special about Theodore Roosevelt National Park?

“It is the cradle of conservation,” McGee-Ballinger said. “That alone is an amazing reason to come to Theodore Roosevelt National Park. But there's also bison and the Little Missouri River and geology and fossils and vegetation, so it's got everything.”

One warning about those bison: “While they look big and lumbering and cumbersome, they're also very fast … Give them plenty of room. They can be very unpredictable,” she said.

Are there bears in Theodore Roosevelt National Park?

No. Although many people associate Teddy Roosevelt with bears, McGee-Ballinger said, “We don’t really have a good habitat for them.” 

What city is closest to Theodore Roosevelt National Park?

The South Unit is right beside Medora, North Dakota. The North Unit is about 15 minutes from Watford City, North Dakota. Bismarck Airport is the nearest airport served by multiple airlines. 

“But most people are driving in, they're not flying in,” McGee-Ballinger said. 

How long does it take to see Theodore Roosevelt National Park?

“Ten or 15 years to get a really good feel,” McGee-Ballinger said with a laugh.

She recommends a minimum of two to three hours in the park’s South Unit, one-and-a-half to two hours in the North Unit, and an hour of travel between the two since they aren’t congruous. But ideally, she suggested spending a few days in the park.

Can you just drive through Theodore Roosevelt National Park?

Yes. Each unit has a scenic drive. “The majority of people will drive through,” McGee-Ballinger said. “They can see wildlife from their vehicle. They might stop and do a short hike or stop at an overlook.”

But she adds, “It's so much more than that, and you want to allow yourself the time to enjoy it.”

When to visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park

McGee-Ballinger said every season can be incredible, but if she had to pick one, it would be fall.

“The reason for that is the weather is usually kind of mild, and I'm talking September, October,” she said. “The predominant tree along the river, the cottonwoods, turn this golden yellow, and to see that strip of the Little Missouri River bound on both sides by these golden yellow trees, it's pretty spectacular.”

What not to miss at Theodore Roosevelt National Park

McGee-Ballinger highly recommends visiting Elkhorn Ranch .

 “That is where Theodore Roosevelt actually built his ranch and lived,” she said. But be aware the ranch itself is long gone and the property is not easy to get to. “You have to drive back roads that are rock roads. If it's really rainy, the roads can get pretty muddy, but it's right on the Little Missouri River. There are beautiful cottonwood trees, the rolling hills that are found throughout the Badlands and hopefully, it gives people a feeling of that peace and healing that Theodore Roosevelt found when he came to the Dakota territory.”

Who are the Native people of the land?

“Lands within the park are a part of the traditional bison hunting and eagle trapping grounds of the Hidatsa and Mandan tribes,” according to the National Parks Conservation Association. “The Arikara, Crow, Blackfeet, Gros Ventre, Chippewa, Cree, Sioux and Rocky Boy tribes are all associated with lands within the park.”

What else should people know about Theodore Roosevelt National Park?

“It's a place of change,” McGee-Ballinger said. “ You look at it and you see these hills and buttes, and people kind of think of that as rock, but a lot of it is actually clay soil and so this is a very dynamic place. We get heavy rain, stuff shifts around. Hillsides will slide. It'll be different. So don't assume ‘I've seen it once that I've seen everything.’”

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Bangkok Travel Guide

It isn't conventional charm that keeps us coming back to Bangkok. The Thai capital doesn't have an Old Town like Hanoi, the modernity of Hong Kong, or the density of temples like Siem Reap (though few places in Southeast Asia are as spectacular as Wat Arun at sunrise). But in a region filled with metropolises worth the long haul, Bangkok's point of difference is found in the thrills of the unexpected. It's in the fiery display of wok-manship on Yarowat Road, which is absolutely the better place to do dinner than any restaurant (though the oxtail stew at Namh is beyond spectacular). Or in the unassuming Chinese mansions found down nondescript alleys of car parts and old lanterns in central Talat Noi. It's even found in the quiet, calming oases that is this city's epic hotel scene, a wonderful contrast to the heaving and exhilarating urban energy beyond its grand doors. Which is exactly what draws you back out and keeps you exploring.

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