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Best of the Best Things to Do

Below are the 2023 Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Top Experiences—the activities that travelers loved most.

The Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best title celebrates the highest level of excellence in travel. It’s awarded to those who receive a high volume of above-and-beyond reviews and opinions from the Tripadvisor community over a 12-month period. Out of our 8 million listings, fewer than 1% achieve this milestone.

Grand Circle Island and Haleiwa 9 Hour Tour

Half-Day Thai Cooking Class at Organic Farm in Chiang Mai

All-Inclusive Ubud Tour

Dubai Red Dunes ATV, Camels, Stargazing & 5* BBQ Al Khayma Camp

Best DMZ Tour Korea from Seoul (Red Suspension Bridge Optional)

Reykjavik Food Walk - Local Foodie Adventure in Iceland

Amsterdam Canal Cruise with Live Guide and Onboard Bar

Small-Group Explore Angkor Wat Sunrise Tour with Guide from Siem Reap

San Juan Guided Snorkel Tour

Hanoi Jeep Tours: Food+ Culture + Sight +Fun By Vietnam Army Jeep

Classic Inca Trail Trek 4D/3N to Machu Picchu (Group Service)

Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching

The Best tour in Florence: Renaissance & Medici Tales - guided by a STORYTELLER

Private Street Food Tour by Motorbike/Car with Local Students

Comuna 13 Graffiti Tour and Street Food

Lion City Bike Tour of Singapore

Niagara Falls in 1 Day: Tour of American and Canadian Sides

Dublin:Cliffs of Moher, The Burren, Wild Atlantic and Galway tour

Aruba Off-Road Jeep Safari: Natural Pool and Beach Tour

Cappadocia Balloon Ride and Champagne Breakfast

Small-Group Tour: Historical Pub Walking Tour of London

Best of Istanbul: 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour

History and Hauntings of Salem Guided Walking Tour

Dubai to Abu Dhabi Grand Mosque & Qasr Al Watan Palace

Taj Mahal Day Tour from Delhi by Superfast Train - TOP RATED TOUR

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TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

My 15 Favorite Travel Experiences Everyone Should Try Once

• Bucket List Trips
• Types of Travel

Travel opens you up to so many incredible experiences, and while there’s a whole lot more of the world I’d still like to see, and this is certainly not the definitive list of best travel experiences, I’d like to share with you some of my most amazing experiences and those I think deserve a spot on every traveler’s bucket list. 

1. Watch The Sunrise In A Really Special Place

One of my most memorable sunrises was on Mequfi Beach at the end of a trip through the Quirimbas Archipelago in the Indian Ocean off the north-eastern coast of Mozambique. My husband and I had traveled the 68 miles of the archipelago by plane, sailboat, traditional dhow (wooden boat), and helicopter. We’d spent 2 weeks on the journey and Diamonds Mequfi Beach Resort was the final stop on our itinerary. Keen to savor our last few hours of beach time before flying home, we were up early and down on the beach just as the sun’s first rays of light started to peek over the horizon.

2. Do Something That Terrifies You

After it takes a 360-foot tumble over Victoria Falls , the Zambezi River squeezes through a narrow gorge where it boils up into the biggest, and arguably best, white water rapids in the world. This is not for the faint-hearted, and an average level of fitness is required, but if you are feeling brave this really can be an adventure of a lifetime. I have done this trip numerous times and it’s definitely something I would recommend.

Pro Tip: The best time to raft the Zambezi is when the water levels are lower and more rapids are accessible, from August to mid-October. Go with a good operator like Bundu Adventures .

3. Laugh When You Get Caught In A Well-Known Tourist Scam!

Rome is an expensive city. Even a double room in a moderately priced hotel can be pricy. Traveling to Rome as a family with small children, we found the best value accommodation was one of the many convents that take in paying guests. Traveling on a budget and trying to economize wherever we could, we caught the train from the airport into the city. With our luggage and two small children in tow (one in a pushchair), we made the classic rookie mistake – we asked a local taxi driver how much he would charge to drive us to the convent. He named an exorbitant price. Some haggling ensued. Beating him down to a price that wasn’t quite so eye-watering, we climbed into the taxi. He drove for minutes, and around the corner pulled up outside our destination! An expensive lesson learned. All we could do was laugh!

4. Climb A Mountain

Climbing mountains is something I have been doing for years. I’ve climbed them, guided them, and taken my husband and my children up them. I’ve also taken clients on trips they tell me have been life-changing experiences.

If you are looking for an achievable, yet challenging, mountain to climb, let me steer you towards Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro , where I have been guiding regularly for years. Whether you’ll rate a climb up Africa’s highest mountain a great “travel experience” depends entirely on when you’re asked! Ask a climber making the final push to the summit and they’ll probably say no! At that moment it’s a tough, cold, nauseating, exhausting hell. But ask them 6 hours later, when they’re grinning from ear to ear, standing on the roof of Africa, and their answer will definitely be different.

5. Fly First Class

I’d love to say I have flown in first class, but that wouldn’t quite be true! Years ago, traveling from South Africa to Australia , I got as close to flying first class as I am probably ever going to get. Our travel agent made a mistake with our booking. When the plane touched down in Perth en route to Sydney , my husband and I got off with all the other passengers for a short layover before reboarding. We were surprised to see our boarding passes had us in new seats. In first class! We said nothing, grabbed a glass of champagne from the hostess, and sat down. The hostess, surprised to see us, asked to see our boarding passes. And that’s when the mistake was noticed. We were on the wrong plane; our travel agent had accidentally booked us on a later flight to Sydney! We were allowed to finish our champagne , and then quickly ushered to a pair of empty seats back in economy. Our time in first class was lovely while it lasted!

6. Take An Epic Road Trip, On A Road Less Traveled

The 800-mile, 8-day drive from Kathmandu in Nepal to Lhasa in Tibet , along the China-Nepal Friendship Highway is a seriously memorable road trip. It takes you past the highest peaks of the Himalayas, pristine alpine lakes, incredible Buddhist monasteries, and surreal landscapes.

Pro Tip: The China-Nepal Friendship Highway closed after the 2015 Nepal earthquake, and is now only open for goods transport. The route currently being used is along the Pasang Lhamu Highway, a rough route only advised for very intrepid travelers.

7. Spend Time With The Locals

I traveled with Indian friends to Kodenchery in southern India , where they were taking part in a white water kayaking competition. Not knowing the front end of a kayak from the back, I wasn’t actually taking part in the competition but was somehow persuaded to take on the role of commentator. Kodenchery is not on even the most adventurous traveler’s paths, and I was quite a novelty standing on the river bank, microphone in hand, doing my best to describe the action taking place in the river below. I learned a handful of useful phrases from friendly locals and when I was at a total loss for words, one of the local teachers stepped in as my translator. I somehow made it into the local newspaper and onto the local TV news! I’ve never forgotten my weekend of celebrity in the backwaters of south India.

8. Sleep In A Tent

I’ve slept in many tents in my time, and have many fond memories. My husband, on the other hand, is not a keen camper, only sleeping in a tent when absolutely necessary. Of all the tent experiences I have subjected him to, he tells me the most memorable is waking up one morning in a tiny, ice-covered tent in Ethiopia ’s remote Bale Mountains on a trek through to find the endangered Ethiopian wolf. 

9. Sleep On A Boat 

My husband and I were traveling to Tanzania ’s Mahale Mountains National Park, on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, to trek with chimpanzees. Most tourists coming to Mahale fly in by charter flight. We decided to travel by boat up the lake from Zambia , spending 3 nights on the MV Liemba , a WWI German gunboat that was converted into a passenger and cargo ferry. We’d managed to secure a “first-class cabin,” which consisted of a rickety bunk bed, a plastic garden chair, and a broken fan — I wouldn’t recommend the trip to any other than the most stoic of travelers. Most of the passengers didn’t have cabins, instead sleeping on the deck. The shared bathroom facilities left a lot to be desired – my husband caught typhoid on the journey home! 

You might not want to choose this boat, but find a boat that suits you, and spend a few nights aboard.

10. Eat Street Food

Street food comes in all shapes, sizes, colors, and flavors. My “sweetest” street food memory is piping hot, fresh jalebis in India. It was a chilly early morning and I was walking, with a friend, through the narrow back streets of a tiny town in the Indian Himalayas, when we came across a guy deep frying these delicious sweets at a makeshift stall on the side of the road. Jalebis are a distant cousin to the donut, with a flour batter, deep fried in circular shapes, and soaked in sugar syrup or honey – they are delicious.

11. Visit An Iconic Site And Appreciate Seeing It In Person

The Eiffel Tower , the leaning tower of Pisa , the Grand Canyon – there are so many iconic sites around the world that deserve a place on your travel list. For me, it’s the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Growing up in Sydney, I never appreciated “the bridge” and must have crossed it a thousand times in my youth, never giving it a second thought. What makes you appreciate it though is climbing to the top! Dressed in a camouflage climbing suit, you, and your trembling knees, climb 1,332 steps to reach the top (burning 504 calories on the way!). At the top, you are rewarded with astounding views over the city. The view is particularly magical at dawn, watching the bustling metropolis come to life far below.

Pro Tip: book your climb with Bridge Climb Sydney the climb will cost you around $128. 

12. Sip Cocktails In A Rooftop Bar With A View

There are a million places around the world to sip a cocktail from a rooftop bar with a view. My special place is the chic rooftop bar at Upendo House , in Stone Town, Zanzibar. It overlooks the azure ocean and the historic House of Wonders (built by the second Sultan of Zanzibar in 1883 with a door so wide he could enter the house riding on the back of an elephant!).

13. Swim In Infinity Pool With A View

Everyone loves an infinity pool . My most memorable is the pool at Africa Bush Camps, Bumi Hills , Zimbabwe, which hovers on the edge of a cliff, looking out over the vast and shimmering waters of Lake Kariba, the world’s largest man-made lake, below.

14. Visit Somewhere With A History So Deep You Will Never Truly Understand It

Lalibela in northern Ethiopia is a place where I’ve stood in awe at the history around me. Known for its distinctive subterranean churches, many of which are joined by tunnels carved out of rock during the 12th and 13th centuries, Lalibela is still a pilgrimage site for Coptic Christians today.

15. Take Local Transport 

My first encounter with public transport in India was taking a sleeper train from Delhi to Dehradun (the gateway to India’s famous hill stations). I was alone and had never been on an overnight train before, let alone one in a different country. I boarded the train just before midnight. Within minutes, my fellow passengers had taken me under their collective wings, finding my berth, teaching me how to fold down my bunk bed, and introducing me to their families. As the train pulled out of the station, in unison they opened their picnic containers full of home-cooked food and offered me all kinds of delicious treats. I’ve never felt so instantly and completely accepted by a bunch of total strangers.

Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, before moving to Africa at the age of 21, Sarah Kingdom is a mountain climber and guide, traveler, yoga teacher, trail runner, and mother of two. When she is not climbing or traveling she lives on a cattle ranch in central Zambia. She guides and runs trips regularly in India, Nepal, Tibet, Russia, and Ethiopia, taking climbers up Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro numerous times a year.

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21 Life-changing Trips Everyone Should Experience at Least Once

From African safaris to must-visit cities, these once-in-a-lifetime trips will make you want to plan your next great adventure.

Elizabeth Rhodes is a special projects editor at Travel + Leisure , covering everything from luxury hotels to theme parks to must-pack travel products. Originally from South Carolina, Elizabeth moved to New York City from London, where she started her career as a travel blogger and writer.

What's next on your travel list? With so many places worth traveling to, it can be hard to narrow down your top spots to visit.

Sometimes, it's the famous attractions, delicious food, and stunning hotels that draw us to a certain destination, and other times, it's the bragging rights that come with checking off every continent, country, or state. Whatever your motivation, we've rounded up 21 incredible trips, complete with once-in-a-lifetime experiences and iconic sights you won't find anywhere else in the world.

So, what makes a trip truly life-changing? That answer varies from traveler to traveler, but one thing is for sure: From African safaris to classic road trips, this list will make you want to plan your next great adventure.

Deciding between the historic cities of Rome, Venice, Naples, and Florence for the top destination to visit feels impossible, so the entire country of Italy deserves a spot on your list. Start in the Eternal City and head north through the rolling hills of Tuscany to visit Florence, followed by Milan or Venice, or go south to the beaches of the beautiful Amalfi Coast and Sicily.

New York, New York

Visiting the Statue of Liberty , standing at the top of the Empire State Building, walking across the Brooklyn Bridge: These are just a few of the things you can only do in New York City. Whether you dream of visiting all the places you've seen on screen, catching a Broadway show, or eating your way through the city's diverse neighborhoods, there's no doubt that NYC deserves a spot on your list.

Tokyo, Japan

Old and new come together in Japan's bustling capital city. Historic temples and shrines, busy shopping districts, delicious food, and some of the world's best theme parks and attractions — whatever your interests, there's something for you in Tokyo.

Paris, France

From watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle and viewing famous works of art at world-renowned museums to eating delicious French pastries, there are innumerable reasons that Paris deserves a spot on your list. Of course, other dreamy French destinations like Mont-Saint-Michel, Chamonix, and the Riviera are well worth a visit, too.

Busy medinas, intricate architecture, and a unique combination of cultural influences make Morocco unlike anywhere else on the planet. Whether you're traveling to bustling Marrakesh, pretty coastal cities, or remote desert towns (or hopefully, all three), a trip to Morocco is bound to be one to remember.

Monica Farber/Travel + Leisure

From the whitewashed homes of Santorini to the Ios party scene to the relaxing atmosphere of Milos, there's a perfect Greek Island for every type of traveler. Island hopping gives you the chance to experience more of what the country has to offer, but plan to spend a couple of days in Athens at the beginning and/or end of your trip.

T+L Backpack Quiz

Rory Fuller/Travel + Leisure

Machu Picchu

Seeing the historic ruins of the Incan Empire set among the breathtaking Andes at Machu Picchu is an undeniably life-changing experience. The stunning citadel ruins of Machu Picchu are worth the journey — and for some travelers, that trip, often taken by train or on foot as a multi-day trek , is a big part of the experience. Editor’s note: Machu Picchu is currently closed due to civil unrest in Peru. Visit the  official website  for the latest news and reopening details.

African Safari

Seeing majestic animals like lions, elephants, and rhinos in the wild is a dream best accomplished with an African safari . South Africa, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Kenya are among the most popular safari destinations — and in each of those countries, you'll find incredible lodges and tour operators who can help you spot these creatures in their natural habitat.

Whether you dream of cruising down the famed Nile River, seeing the Pyramids of Giza, or visiting the ancient Valley of the Kings, Egypt's historic wonders make the destination completely unique (and worthy of a spot on your travel list).

Unlike many of the action-packed trips on this list, the Maldives is synonymous with relaxation, luxury, and romance. A stay in an overwater bungalow set atop turquoise blue waters is the ultimate getaway that's worth the long-haul flight and oftentimes pricey accommodations.

Antarctica Cruise

Hoping to visit all seven continents? Cross Antarctica off your list with a cruise. Several major cruise lines have journeys to Antarctica, offering incredible views of the ice and wildlife from the comfort and safety of a ship. Travelers typically fly in and out of Buenos Aires en route to Ushuaia (where most cruises depart from); we recommend spending a few days in the fascinating Argentine city before your expedition.

Irjaliina Paavonpera/Travel + Leisure

Dubbed one of the natural wonders of the world, the Great Barrier Reef is a can't-miss for many wildlife lovers. Of course, Australia's gorgeous coastline, the iconic Sydney Opera House, and fuzzy creatures like kangaroos and koalas are also reasons to head to the destination. Fly into Sydney and spend a few days there before heading out to explore more of this expansive country teeming with natural beauty.

Galapagos Islands

Incredible and diverse plant and animal species make the Galapagos Islands another must-visit for nature-loving travelers. This stunning archipelago off the coast of Ecuador is best explored by cruise, so you can take in as many breathtaking landscapes and animals as possible during your trip.

Like the other countries on this list, India has countless destinations worth exploring, but one of the most famous attractions that travelers dream of seeing for themselves is the Taj Mahal. This 17th-century white marble mausoleum has drawn visitors to Agra for years. Luxury travelers might consider a train trip aboard the Maharajas' Express (with a stop at the Taj Mahal) as the ultimate experience. Travelers planning to visit the Taj Mahal or take the luxurious train ride will want to fly into Delhi, India's capital territory.

Petra, Jordan

The stunning ancient city of Petra is made up of several impressive structures carved into sandstone rock faces, including the famous Al-Khazneh. The city dates back thousands of years, making this UNESCO World Heritage site a must-visit for history buffs.

Passing through India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, China, Bhutan, and Nepal, the Himalayas are home to some of the world's highest peaks — and that means breathtaking mountain views, too. For adventurous and active travelers, climbing Mount Everest (or at least trekking to Everest Base Camp) is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

American National Park Road Trip

The classic American road trip is a mainstay on many travelers' lists — and for good reason. The country's incredible national parks , including Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Yosemite, are best explored on road trips with stops at charming small towns and kitschy roadside attractions.

Great Wall of China

Stretching across China for thousands of miles, with sections dating back nearly 2,000 years, the Great Wall is regarded as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Visitors can hike along parts of the wall — some areas are located within driving distance of Beijing, so it's a perfect day trip from the city.

Easter Island

The hundreds of monolithic moai statues have drawn curious visitors to Easter Island for years. This remote Polynesian island is worth the lengthy trip for travelers hoping to see these impressive human figures, while also soaking in some incredible coastal views.

Northern Lights Trip

Catching a glimpse of the elusive northern lights is possible in several destinations close to the Arctic Circle, including Alaska, Iceland, Canada, Greenland, Finland, Sweden, and Norway. All of these places have incredible viewpoints (and even hotels where you can see the phenomenon from your bed ), in addition to great, wintry scenery. (The lights are best viewed from late fall through early spring.)

Thailand and Vietnam

A trip through Southeast Asia is a must for any traveler, especially foodies who love street eats. While you could spend weeks in each of these countries, Thailand and Vietnam can easily be paired for an exciting trip packed with lush scenery, cultural experiences, and delicious food. Have a little extra time to spare? Add Cambodia to the mix and include a visit to expansive Angkor Wat.

Team Wanderlust | 06 October 2020

The 113 greatest travel experiences.

Over the years, you've told us your ultimate travel experiences – so here it is, the definitive travel wish list...

Marine iguanas, Galápagos Islands (Shutterstock)

1. Cruise the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

One day you’re watching giant tortoises mate in swirling mists, then you’re nose-to-nose with a seafaring marine iguana, or snorkelling with a group of penguins. As Darwin appreciated, neighbouring islands have sub-species that have developed differently, leading to one of the most important, world-changing discoveries ever known: evolution.

Make it happen: The best way to explore is by boat. Although three- or four-night cruises are available, try to go for a week at least.

More on the Galápagos Islands.

2. Meet turtles and sloths, Costa Rica

Tortuguero means place of turtles in Spanish, so head to Tortuguero NP on the north of the Caribbean coast. Visit a beach at night and you might spot hawksbill (Mar-Nov), two-metre leatherback (Mar-May), green sea turtles (Jul-Oct) and loggerhead (May-Aug). If you want to see olive ridley, visit Santa Rosa NP on the Pacific coast (Jul-Feb). Meanwhile, you can see Hoffman’s tow-toed sloth and brown-throated sloth on Osa Peninsula.

Make it happen: Fly to San José. Escape by bus from Gran Carib terminal downtown to Cariari, then on to La Pavona. From there, you can go by boat to Tortuguero NP. To see sloths, join a guided night hike, as they’re tricky to spot.

A sloth in Costa Rica (Shutterstock)

Mountain gorillas in Uganda (Dreamstime)

3. Meet mountain gorillas, Rwanda/Uganda

Alan Wood, one of our readers put it perfectly when he said, “Imagine our surprise when we came upon the family of gorillas all sleeping peacefully with only the silverback on watch. We sat enchanted at their feet and, after a while, they started to wake and stretch just like a human family in the morning. He was unperturbed by our presence and we felt privileged to be visiting."

Make it happen: fly to Rwanda or Uganda. For Rwanda, fly to Kigali, and for Uganda, fly to Entebbe, near Kampala. In both countries, gorilla-trekking permits start from US $500.

More on gorilla-watching.

4. Discover wildlife in Madagascar

Madagascar is the oldest island on earth, and its flora and fauna have evolved in isolation over tens of millions of years. Madagascar developed lemurs, a gentle primate. There are 86 different species recognised, ranging from mouse lemurs up to the indri, the size of a chimpanzee. A stunning 90% of Madagascar’s flora and fauna is endemic, and don't miss the chance to see spectacular baobab trees.

Make it happen: Fly to capital Antananarivo (known as Tana). Apr/May and Oct/Nov are the best times to visit.

More on Madagascar.

Baobab trees, Madagascar (Dreamstime)

Snorkelling in Bora Bora (Dreamstime)

5. Snorkel in Bora Bora, French Polynesia

There’s no need to don your diving gear - just bring a mask and snorkel, immerse yourself in the shallow lagoon and wait for a graceful giant to glide silently by. While you're exploring this underwater garden, don’t be surprised if you bump into a bat, leopard or eagle ray – the waters here host some of the most diverse marine life on earth.

Make it happen: Bora Bora is 250km north-west of Tahiti. Daily flights from Tahiti’s Faa’a airport take 45 minutes; some stop at the islands of Moorea, Huahine and Raiatea.

More on Bora Bora .

6. Iguazu Falls, Argentina/Brazil

A fine force of nature straddling the border between Argentina and Brazil, this chasm is one of the widest waterfalls in the world, consisting of 275 cascades spread in a horseshoe shape over 3km. Make the journey on foot and let your anticipation build with the growing roar before emerging to soak up the spray on a walkway or boat ride.

Make it happen: Puerto Iguazú, Argentina, is a 90-minute flight from Buenos Aires. Buses run to the visitor centre; from here, walk or take a quick train ride to the falls.

More on Iguazu Falls.

Iguazu Falls (Dreamstime)

Paradise Bay, Antarctica (Shutterstock)

7. Appreciate all that ice, Antarctica

The notorious sail to Antarctica across the Drake Passage can be a tough one, but that's swiftly forgotten as you start to see more and more ‘bergy bits’. Of course, the wildlife is a reason to go to Antarctica too: the various penguins steal your heart while sightings of whales, leopard seals and snowy shearwaters will make any trip memorable.

Make it happen: Expedition cruises leave from Ushuaia (Argentina), Christchurch (NZ) and Hobart (Tasmania).

More on Antarctica.

8. Sit on the summit of Stromboli, Italy

The climb up takes two to three hours, moving through fig trees, oleander and broom at the base to sparse shrubs further up and finally nothing but black volcanic rock. If you set off in the afternoon, you reach the summit at dusk. Hard-hat on, you spend an hour ooh-ing and ahh-ing as magma bubbles through the volcano’s vents.

Make it happen: Stromboli is a four-hour ferry or 1.5-hour hydrofoil journey from the Aeolian Island of Lipari. There is no airport.

More on Italy.

Stromboli, Italy (Shutterstock)

Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia (Shutterstock)

9. Salar de Uyuni salt flats, Bolivia

In the dry season these vast expanses appear as an endless patchwork of hexagonal shapes, white as the Arctic; in the rainy season (December to April) the area becomes a 9,000 sq km mirror, giving the sensation of travelling across the sky. Drive out over the plains in a jeep and stay in a hotel made out of salt – beds, chairs, tables, the lot.

Make it happen: The hub-town of Uyuni is a seven-hour bus ride from Potosí; 12-15 hours by bus from La Paz. The seven-hour train ride from Oruro is a scenic option.

More on Bolivia.

10. Attend Naadam Festival, Mongolia

Considered the Olympics of Mongolia, Naadam Festival celebrates Mongolia’s nomadic culture through displays of wrestling, horseracing and archery. The opening ceremony – a parade with singers and dancers in traditional dress, followed by fireworks – officially takes place on 11 July in Sukhbaatar Square in Ulaanbaatar. However, festivities take place across the country from June to August.

Make it happen: Fly to the capital, Ulaanbaatar. Book a Naadam tour well in advance though.

Naadam Festival, Mongolia (Shutterstock)

Bagan, Myanmar (Shutterstock)

11. Visit the temples of Bagan, Myanmar

It’s the sheer scale that astounds: the remains of 2,217 ancient stone temples, scattered across a vast, barren, copper-coloured plain. From the 11th to 13th centuries this 41 sq km complex was the biggest religious and cultural centre in the world. Now dusty and abandoned, what is left is best toured by bicycle or by horse and cart.

Make it happen: Bagan is 140km south-west of Mandalay.

More on Myanmar.

12. Watch the sun rise over Angkor Wat, Cambodia

It’s the combination of beauty and scale that provides the wow factor for this temple, the principal monument in a complex that includes Hindu and Buddhist temples in their hundreds. Arrive early to catch the sunrise and miss the crowds, and make the most of that famous view from across the moat, where Angkor Wat is reflected in the water.

Make it happen: Siem Reap is the hub town for Angkor, served by flights from cities including Bangkok and Hanoi.

More on Cambodia.

Angkor Wat, Cambodia (Dreamstime)

Petra, Jordan (Dreamstime)

13. Get a glimpse of ancient Petra, Jordan

Deep in the Jordanian desert, hemmed in by sandstone crags and approached along a slither of a canyon, suddenly an ancient facade looms out of the rock. And not a weathered outline: a crisply-defined colossus, six mighty pillars guarding the entrance as if the Nabateans (who built them two millennia ago) had just popped out for lunch.

Make it happen: Allow two days (or more). See our Petra travel guide for more information.

More on Jordan.

14. Take a mokoro through the Okavango Delta, Botswana

Traditionally carved from a tree trunk, the mokoro was the common means of transport of the Bavei tribe. Today, fibreglass is increasingly common, rather than wood, but these canoes are still the best ways to explore the channels and waterways of the largest delta in the world.

Make it happen: Maun is the gateway into the region. Pick up a safari there, or pre-book with a specialist.

More on Botswana.

Okavango Delta, Botswana (Shutterstock)

Karakoram Highway, Pakistan (Shutterstock)

15. Travel the Karakoram Highway, Pakistan

This is the stuff of travel legend. The route wriggles from north of Islamabad to Kashgar in China, and there are plenty of adventures on the way: you’ll drink tea with polo players, see peaks soaring over 7,000m and spot ancient rock art by the roadside. You’ll be whiplashed, bruised and exhausted. You’ll have the time of your life.

Make it happen: UK nationals require a visa to enter Pakistan.

More on Pakistan.

16. Trek to Machu Picchu, Peru

How did they do that? How did those 15th century Inca architects construct a city of mortarless stone, 2,500m up in the Andes? This is engineering of the tallest order, in the most dramatic of settings – one so remote even the conquistadores couldn’t find it. Today, access is a little easier – but the views and the achievement no less impressive.

Make it happen: The classic 43km Inca Trail hike from Km88 to Machu Picchu takes 3-4 days; permits are necessary – independent trekking is not allowed.

More on Machu Picchu.

Machu Picchu, Peru (Dreamstime)

Perito Morena Glacier, Argentina (Dreamstime)

17. Watch the Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina

Sail up to Perito Moreno's terminus to appreciate its scale: the white-blue cliff is up to 70m high, advancing into Lake Argentino. Keep a safe distance: every now and then the glacier heaves, and huge chunks calve off into the water below.

Make it happen: Los Glaciares NP is 78km from El Calafate, accessible by car or bus. Boat tours can be taken from Puerto Bandera;

More on Argentina.

18. Hike the Tongariro Crossing, New Zealand

It’s touted as New Zealand’s – if not the world’s – best day walk. It’s a manageable challenge – at six to eight hours it will test but not break you. Then there’s the variety: from the shrubby Mangatepopo Valley, to the lunar Red Crater, the sulphurous sparkles of Blue and Emerald Lakes and, finally, the descent into lush forest.

Make it happen: The Crossing starts from Mangatepopo Roadend, 6km off Highway 47; it finishes at Ketetahi Roadend. Local operators can arrange transfers.

More on New Zealand.

Tongariro Crossing, New Zealand (Dreamstime)

Easter Island, Chile (Dreamstime)

19. Meet moai in Easter Island, Chile

Polynesians first arrived on the isolated outcrop of Easter Island around AD 300. And here they stayed, unbothered by anyone, until Europeans arrived in the 18th century. In that time, they got creative, constructing nearly 900 stone moai. Believed to represent ancient ancestors, many of these spirits continue to watch over the island today.

Make it happen: Easter Island is 3,800km west of mainland Chile. Flights from Santiago take around five hours; onward flights to Tahiti are around five hours.

More on Easter Island.

20. Lounge on islands, Malaysia

These coral-fringed islands offer lush forest scenery, unspoiled white beaches and plentiful opportunities for scuba diving in their pristine turquoise waters. Get hands-on with turtle conservation projects or stretch your legs on a trek through inland jungle brimming with wildlife (including exotic birds, monkeys and giant monitor lizards).

Make it happen: The Perhentian Islands can be accessed by boat from Kuala Besut, 110km north of Kuala Terengganu. Ferries to Tioman run from Mersing.

More on Malaysia.

Perhentian Kecil, Malaysia (Shutterstock)

Tikal, Guatemala (Dreamstime)

21. Marvel at the Mayan ruins of Tikal, Guatemala

Today, deep in the tangled interior of the Petén Basin, it feels like time has stood still: climb the iconic Jaguar Temple and watch the sun set over the primordial jungle for an ancient overview. Just don’t leave your bag unattended: the local coatis, raccoon-type creatures, have light paws and a penchant for muesli bars.

Make it happen: Flores is the gateway town for Tikal, serviced by flights from Guatemala City. The Flores-Tikal minibus ride takes around 75 minutes. Tikal is open 6am-6pm; stay overnight so you can catch sunset and sunrise at the site.

More on Guatemala.

22. Delve into the dunes of Sossusvlei, Namibia

There are sand dunes, and there are sand dunes. And the Namib Desert’s offerings in this arena are the Himalaya of the granular world: the dunes here tower up to 300m, massive undulations that shape-shift with the wind. They’re not just big, they’re beautiful – gracefully curved, rippled, and apricot-orange under a perennial blue sky.

Make it happen: Sossusvlei is 590km west of Windhoek. It’s accessible by 2WD; a 4WD is necessary for the final 5km to Sossusvlei Pan (or walk from the car park).

More on Namibia.

Namib Desert, Namibia (Dreamstime)

Trans-Siberian Railway, Russia (Dreamstime)

23. Ride the Trans-Siberian Railway, Russia

Beginning in European Russia, the railway rolls eastwards, through the Ural mountains and the vastness of Siberia, finally ending in the Russian Far East, on the shores of the Pacific Ocean. Or maybe not. Veer off after Lake Baikal and make for Mongolia or the north of China on the railway’s Trans-Mongolian and Trans-Manchurian offshoots.

Make it happen: Most travellers begin in Moscow due to ease of access. Trans-Siberian high season runs May-September.

More on Russia.

24. Roam the remains at Hampi, India

In the state of Karnataka lies Hampi, capital of the once great Vijayanagara Empire. The city was destroyed in 1565, but even in its present state – a vast ruin among incongruously shaped boulders – the scale of the achievement still reverberates. Get here early, hire a bicycle, and marvel at a city that was said to rival Rome.

Make it happen: Bangalore (Bengaluru) is the closest major hub with direct flights from the UK. Take the Hampi Express night train to the ruins.

More on India.

Hampi, India (Shutterstock)

King penguins (iStock)

25. Sit among 100,000 king penguins, South Georgia

This spectacularly beautiful island is often summed up as being like Switzerland dropped into polar waters. You may have been told to keep 5m from the creatures, but they didn't attend the same briefing! Expect overload at Salisbury Plain, where 100,000 king penguins crowd the beach. At Gold Harbour, get close to the giant elephant seals.

Make it happen: Join an expedition cruise to Antarctica from Ushuaia (Argentina) that takes in South Georgia.

More on South Georgia.

26. See wild orang utans, Borneo

Waiting in anticipation on the forest floor, you scan the canopy above for a flash of orange. After listening to the guide’s orang utan calls, you suddenly lay eyes on these human-like creatures as they make their long-limbed way through the trees. Sanctuaries such as Sepilok and the Semenggoh Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre in Sarawak are the easiest places to get a good glimpse; in the forest you’ll need lots of luck.

Make it happen: Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary is 23km from Sandakan; public buses run to within 1.5km of the sanctuary, or you can take a tour. Sepilok is open 8am-5pm; orang utans are fed twice daily, at 10am and 3pm.

More on Borneo.

Wild orangutan (Dreamstime)

A safari in Botswana (Shutterstock)

27. Go on a bush safari, Botswana

Desert, delta, forest, big skies: Botswana is the safari destination par excellence. Here, you can gallop on horseback alongside herds of zebra, sway on elephant-back above feeding antelope, or canoe the Selinda Spillway, currently full of water after being dry for 30 years.

Make it happen: Fly to Maun and pick up a safari, or cross the border from Zambia (having visited Victoria Falls en route), South Africa, Zimbabwe or Namibia.

28. Get close to Mount Everest, Nepal

Given that it’s the world’s highest mountain – an 8,848m behemoth – Everest is surprisingly accessible. Not its summit perhaps: tough training, 70 days and £30,000 are needed for that. But you can get intimate in other ways: 32km from Kathmandu, Nagarkot offers non-trekkers a breathtaking panorama, while short flights from the capital take you within touching distance.

Make it happen: The dry season (October-May) is best for clear skies. This is also peak trekking season. October-November are best; nights are cold December-February.

More on Nepal.

Mount Everest viewed from Gokyo Ri, Nepal (Shutterstock)

Victoria Falls (Shutterstock)

29. Feel the spray, Victoria Falls, Zambia/Zimbabwe

As the Zambezi River encounters the 1,700m-wide edge of the Victoria Falls gorge on the Zambia/Zimbabwe border it tumbles 100m into the depths below. You'll fall head over heels for the world’s largest waterfall, as cascading torrents roar into deep pools, producing giant clouds of mist which glisten like diamonds in the African sun.

Make it happen: Victoria Falls’ water levels are highest April-June, but this is also the wet season; visit July-September for a good flow, but drier weather and better views.

More on Zambia and Zimbabwe.

30. Glimpse Torres del Paine, Chile

The sharp-shard peaks of Torres del Paine National Park, granite horns piercing the wilds of southern Chile, are fearsome. But there’s majesty and drama on a romantic scale in these mountains. Head to the lookout of Mirador Ferrier, via a winding beech-lined path from Lago Grey, for a panorama of the whole massif.

Make it happen: December to March are warmest; October to November are best for wildflowers. The Circuit hike takes 7-9 days, covering an average of 15-20km a day

More on Chile.

Torres del Paine, Chile (Dreamstime)

Alaska, USA (iStock)

31. Plunge into the wilderness, Alaska, USA

North America is renowned for dishing up huge portions, but it’s outdone itself with Alaska. The Last Frontier State is the USA’s biggest – but its least densely populated. It has 17 of the country’s 20 tallest mountains, topping out at the formidable 6,194m Mt McKinley, plus 70,000km of coastline, 300 rivers and around 100,000 glaciers.

Make it happen: May-August is the best time to visit; winters are long and cold, and snow can make some areas inaccessible.

More on Alaska.

32. Catch your first sight of the Taj Mahal, Agra, India

Yes, it's familiar, but the Taj – its graceful white curves, misty reflections, exquisite inlaid stone – does not disappoint. You’ll be fighting the crowds so make your first sight special: get to the gates for dawn, to be first in to watch as the mausoleum transforms from picture-on-a-poster to living, breathing 3D beauty under the rising sun.

Make it happen: The Taj is open daily from sunrise to sunset (closed Friday); entry costs Rs750 (£10).

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The 25 Travel Experiences You Must Have

A pair of internationally minded writers, a chef, an architect and a landscape photographer made a list of the most extraordinary adventures a person should seek out. Here are the results.

By Alwa Cooper ,  Ashlea Halpern ,  Debra Kamin ,  Aileen Kwun ,  Miguel Morales ,  Dan Piepenbring and Michael Snyder

One July morning, a five-person jury — including the writers Pico Iyer and Aatish Taseer , the architect Toshiko Mori , the chef and food scientist David Zilber and the landscape photographer Victoria Sambunaris — gathered over Zoom to debate what, exactly, constitutes a “travel experience” and how some might rise above the rest. To get the conversation started, each panelist had nominated at least 10 selections in advance of the call; their job now was to slash that list from 55 to 25.

The participants were all polite, often deferring to whomever they deemed an expert on a particular subject: Zilber, who worked at Noma and co-authored the Copenhagen restaurant’s 2018 book about fermentation, on outstanding restaurants; Sambunaris, who traverses the country several months a year by car to capture her images, on the spectacular topography of the American West. They were also quick to sacrifice their own darlings, particularly if they felt they were too familiar (Petra, Machu Picchu), too obscure (Alvar Aalto’s Muuratsalo Experimental summer house in Säynätsalo, Finland — a Mori selection), too personal (driving the Karakoram Highway connecting Pakistan and China — something Taseer heard about from his father) or too commodified (a Nile River cruise, most hotel stays ). As Iyer put it, “Hotels offer luxury and comfort, but they rarely touch my soul.”

Some panelists rescinded nominations for experiences they hadn’t had themselves, despite having dreamed for years about what it might be like to, say, hike through Japan’s remote Yakushima Island National Park , the inspiration for Hayao Miyazaki ’s “Princess Mononoke” (1997) . (“I feel like I don’t know if going there would destroy or enhance my fantasy,” Mori said.) Others opted to keep in the mix selections to which they couldn’t personally attest — proving how powerful our collective imagination can be. If something seemed too easy, they worried it might not be special enough. At the same time, not every experience chosen is rare or difficult to access: Sometimes it’s just a matter of opening your eyes (or mind) to whatever magic a place has to offer.

The panel considered safety, too, with some participants concluding that what might make a destination “dangerous” is largely, though not entirely, shaped by personal history and worldview. Others wanted to be sure readers were asked to conduct their own research before deciding whether or not to set out for a certain place, as situations on the ground can change rapidly. At the time of publication, the U.S. State Department had issued its strongest possible warning — Level 4: Do Not Travel — for four of the destinations on the following list; several others have been categorized as Level 3: Reconsider Travel. But most of the panelists agreed, time and again, to include politically, ethically and ideologically fraught locations . “War-torn countries and places in conflict right now haven’t always been and might not always be,” said Zilber. “I don’t think [their current status] should negate their inclusion.” (In the months between when this panel met — on July 20, 2022 — and the list’s publication, the world continued to shift: the Russian war with Ukraine deepened; Iran erupted in protests following the arrest and subsequent death of Mahsa Amini, a young woman accused by the country’s morality police of violating their hijab law; and Ethiopia and the Tigray Defense Forces, a paramilitary rebel group, agreed to a cease-fire after two years of ruinous civil war.)

The final lineup, which is grouped geographically but not ranked, includes experiences of art and architecture, food, history and religion. There’s something for every whim and every kind of traveler — even those who may never leave their armchairs. — Ashlea Halpern

This conversation has been edited and condensed.

Ashlea Halpern: I’m curious to hear how each of you defined the word “experience” when you sat down to make your list.

Pico Iyer: I asked myself, “Which are the moments that most stay with me 30 years on in my life? Which are the most moving and also the most unexpected?” I wouldn’t include seeing the Taj Mahal by moonlight, because most Times readers would be aware of that. So something slightly different, but something that still reverberates inside me half a lifetime later.

Victoria Sambunaris: I defined “experience” as a journey, because that’s what I do in my life: I’m on the road for months at a time, immersing myself in the landscape. I’m interacting with people and learning about the [local] culture, history, ecology and geography. No reservations anywhere, being spontaneous, camping under the stars — there’s a great sense of adventure.

Aatish Taseer: I veer toward man-made things — cultural and civilizational complications. When a natural experience leaves me with a sense of wonder that I didn’t expect, it breaks the mold. Everyone travels with a sense of what they’re going to see; no one is completely blank. Then, occasionally, there’s a real element of surprise. That’s what I looked for.

David Zilber: “Experience” is really broad; everything is an experience. Binge-watching Netflix while sick is an experience, though I can’t remember what I binge-watch when I’m bedridden at home. But I do remember my 45-minute drive through the mountains of Crete to eat at this man’s biodynamic farm with his kids running around — and I probably will when I’m 75.

Toshiko Mori: I thought of natural wonders, because we forget how small we are, and of being able to observe animal life in a habitat without interfering with it. With Instagram, everybody posts awesome images; [the depicted locations] become huge attractions and it’s destructive to the environment. Also, I thought of certain civilizations and places that have had challenging pasts — like Kurdistan after ISIS retreated. It’s essential for us to engage in experiences like this, because we are incredibly privileged and protected. I didn’t want to forget places that really need attention.

A.H.: Let’s start with Europe. Spain received four nominations from four different panelists — more than any other country on your initial longlists.

1. Taste Wood-Smoked Sorcery at Asador Etxebarri in Spain’s Basque Country

The chef Victor Arguinzoniz was raised amid the rolling green hills of Atxondo, a small village in Spain’s Basque country where, when he was a child, his family kitchen had neither electricity nor gas. Perhaps that’s why the open hearth can produce such magic for him. He has no professional training but for 30 years has overseen a temple to smoke and flame at the Michelin-starred Asador Etxebarri, a rustic restaurant minutes from his childhood home. Arriving there, with its view of cattle grazing in the foothills below, is like stopping time. But in the kitchen, the clock has inched slightly forward: The six custom-made grills, designed by Arguinzoniz and adjustable via pulleys, are tools of culinary alchemy. The chef prepares his own wood coals in special ovens that are cranked up to 750 degrees Fahrenheit. For each protein, he pairs a fuel with the precision of a sommelier, selecting holm oak for delicate shellfish and turning to heartier vine wood for red meats. There’s only one service — at 1:30 p.m. — and one menu per day. The meal, served in 15 courses, is a symphony that builds, plate by smoke-kissed plate, to a crescendo: first the smoked goat butter with Périgord truffle; then the salted, home-cured anchovies on grilled bread; then the beef chop with its crisp black sear and lustrous purple center; and finally a coda of smoky-milk ice cream with an infusion of sweet beets. This is fine dining in its purest, most unpretentious form. — Debra Kamin

D.Z.: Meals are some of the stickiest memories around, and this is definitely in the top three of my lifetime. It goes without saying that the Basque Country of Spain revolutionized food in the late 1990s and early 2000s, and the repercussions of that have been felt around the world. I started cooking in 2004, and all the techniques that I’ve learned came from that region. We can talk about Ferran Adrià and his El Bulli and all the progeny who are still cooking today in Barcelona and Madrid, but Etxebarri best encapsulates what this region is about and its deep connection to the land and its people. There’s no one who comes out of that restaurant who doesn’t leave deeply touched.

2. Search for Muslim Spain in Al-Andalus

From the eighth to the 11th centuries, the Iberian Peninsula, then under Muslim rule, was one of the world’s most important intellectual and artistic hubs. In the region of southern Spain known as Andalusia — the name a Hispanicization of Al-Andalus, as Islamic Spain was known — that heritage remains visible everywhere: in the crimped vocalizations of flamenco music; in the elaborate geometric friezes of Seville’s Alcázar Palace; in the infinite recess of the red-and-white archways of the Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba; and, above all, in Granada’s storied Alhambra, the last Moorish stronghold on the European continent, where it glitters in honeycomb muqarnas and moonlight-washed, waterway-threaded gardens. During the so-called Reconquista, as the centuries-long process through which Catholic kings gradually eroded territories accumulated by successive Muslim dynasties has been historically misnamed, the great cities of Andalusia became spectacular palimpsests of divergent faiths superimposed on top of each other. In Seville, the 15th-century cathedral — the largest Gothic-style building in Europe — stands on the footprint of an Almohad mosque whose graceful minaret was repurposed as a church tower, while in Córdoba, a Renaissance cathedral bursts from the austere, rhythmic heart of the mezquita , itself built atop the remains of a sixth-century Visigothic basilica. After experiencing these spaces, one finds that the influence of Islamic aesthetics throughout Spain — and, indeed, throughout the Americas, devastated and remade under Spanish colonial rule — reveals itself everywhere. Beyond its beauty, Andalusia is a tribute to the indelible marks that cultures and communities leave on one another across time and space. — Michael Snyder

A.T.: Nothing in the world prepares you for the strangeness of the Grand Mosque in Cordoba [Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba]. I’ve grown up in places where there are the mosques on the bones of temples on the bones of Buddhist viharas, but this business of church upon mosque upon church, where you walk in and see the remains of a Visigothic church but you’re in one of the most beautiful mosques in the world [and since the 13th century a church again], it’s like an act of reclamation — or historical revenge. Even the minaret is buried in the belfry of the church. It’s a theme that I love — layers upon layers of history — and just one of the reasons I thought it was absolutely marvelous.

P.I.: I was the one who suggested the Alhambra, so it comes down to whether we want a zoom lens or a wide angle. I chose the Alhambra for all the reasons that Aatish was mentioning: the overlapping of cultures, the historical significance and also the fact that the Alhambra is fairly well known. On nights when it’s open after dark, you’re getting a familiar place in a relatively unfamiliar context. So our question, really, is whether we want to introduce everyone to that entire region or just a microcosm of it.

A.T.: There’s a development I like in a broader trip, where you come to Seville, see the Giralda, which was originally built as the minaret of the old Almohad mosque, now part of this cathedral, and then you’ll journey a little farther and go to Córdoba and see this stunning mosque that has been turned into a church, and then finally it culminates in this last gasp of Islam in Spain, the Emirate of Granada, which then obviously results in the Catholic monarchs and the end of Muslim Spain. But Pico is absolutely right: The Alhambra is the epicenter — the Moors’ last sigh.

T.M.: I like this idea of a journey. This exposure to Muslim culture is so much more interesting than a single place.

3. Venture Into the Norwegian Night in Search of the Northern Lights

​​Spotting the aurora borealis, the elusive natural phenomenon colloquially known as the northern lights, involves careful coordination of time, place and, yes, luck. Like a digital rendering or laser beams projected above an after-hours rave, the unpredictable show illuminates the sky with dancing streaks of saturated yellow, pink, purple and green, a tangoing of solar gas and Earth’s magnetic field rendered in Technicolor. Locales roughly 66.5 degrees above the Equator, where the Arctic Circle begins, are considered prime viewing spots; cottage industries across Alaska, Canada and Scandinavia have sprung up to sell package tours and overnight accommodations to aurora hunters. Lofoten, an archipelago off Norway’s northwest coast, offers one of the most picturesque backdrops for witnessing this mercurial sight. There, a coastline framed by jagged peaks, sweeping fjords, sandy beaches and rorbu , old fishermen’s cabins painted cherry red and pine green, makes for a serene visit, day or night. Winters on the archipelago are long (November to April) and dark (for five weeks in December and January, the sun doesn’t even rise), so consider them a prime time to settle down on a north-facing beach (Unstad and Gimsøy are particularly beautiful) or sink into a hot tub at a heritage fishing lodge, neck craned skyward — and wait. The anticipation is half the fun. — Aileen Kwun

D.Z.: The northern lights are one of those earthly phenomena that don’t make sense — I don’t think that my brain could fully compute what it was like until I saw it in real life. And Lofoten is just extremely picturesque: It’s hard to get to but very rewarding once you’re there. But I don’t know. Maybe the northern lights are the Mona Lisa of the natural world?

A.H.: Anyone else seen the northern lights in Norway or elsewhere?

T.M.: Yeah, I have, because I’m in Maine and you can see it in northern Maine, but I don’t think it’s anything like what Dave is talking about. Lofoten is on my wish list.

A.T.: I saw them in Iceland but I’m 100 percent pinching David’s idea.

P.I.: I was really excited as soon as I saw this [on the list]. I’ve been up to Fairbanks, Alaska, to see the northern lights, and I know people go to Churchill in Manitoba. But the combination of the northern lights and this remote setting sounds irresistible.

4. Journey Across Two Continents and Eight Time Zones on the Trans-Siberian Railway

Traveling to Russia now, as its war with Ukraine continues, is virtually impossible: Nearly all international flights have been suspended, and the State Department has recommended that Americans steer clear of the country. How or whether Russia’s relationship with the rest of the world, not to mention its tourism industry — a frivolous concern compared to the immense suffering of the Ukrainian people — will recover remains to be seen. But in more peaceful times, riding the Trans-Siberian Railway and its shorter connecting lines is an unparalleled experience — a tour through the many and varied cultures that make up the largest country on Earth. The 5,772 miles of track from Moscow to Vladivostok, built at the turn of the 20th century at the behest of Emperor Alexander III, constitutes by itself the longest continuous railway in the world, and before the pandemic and then the war interrupted its international reach, sleeper cars could take you from most major Western European capitals to Moscow in two or three days. From there, you can make it to the other end nonstop in seven days, but arranging layovers along the way allows for a variety of side excursions: Hop off at Yekaterinburg to see the Soviet-era architecture of Russia’s fourth-largest city, for example, or Irkutsk to visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Lake Baikal, the world’s oldest and deepest freshwater lake. Better yet, switch at Ulan Ude to the Trans-Mongolian Railway, which extends through the capital of Ulaanbaatar and into the Gobi Desert, ideal for fossil hunting and camel riding, before arriving in Beijing. — Alwa Cooper

V.S.: OK, I know Russia is controversial right now. But this is the longest [direct] train journey in the world. You’re going through ancient cities, deep forests, breathtaking mountains and Siberian outposts. You’re seeing a lot.

A.H.: How does the panel feel about including Russia?

A.T.: I feel absolutely fine. Russia existed before Putin, and Russia is going to exist after Putin. I mean, how could I, with a straight face, eliminate traveling through Russia and then go scurrying down to my Dostoyevsky and Tolstoy? I have a firewall between this idea of Russia as a culturally rich nation and the political reality that one can speak critically of. Lots of nations that we love will come to be ruled by bad people.

P.I.: I agree with Aatish. Political complication, historical complexity and texture are really what make these places something more than sites.

5. Savor an Unforgettable Lunch at Ntounias in Western Crete

It takes a 45-minute drive from Chania, Crete, through the Greek island’s White Mountains to reach this mecca of homespun cooking in Drakona. Through scenic Therrisos Gorge, with occasional stops for sheep crossings, the journey is best made with the windows down, cooled by the hillside breeze and dazzled by the sun winking across limestone mountain caps. Expect a warm greeting upon arrival — the view from the terrace of the valley below will make up for any bumps in the rugged and twisty road — but don’t expect a menu. Along with his wife, Evmorfili, Stelios Trilyrakis, the chef, farmer, shepherd, butcher, owner and maître d’, takes care of all that. The daily bounty comes from an organic garden, part of the tavern Trilyrakis took over from his parents in 2004 after years of working as a chef in Chania. Guests are invited to tour the grounds and the nearby apiary as well as the wood stoves and ovens in the kitchen, though the meal rightfully remains the primary attraction. There might be a village salad (horiatiki), farm-baked bread and freshly churned butter, stuffed vegetables cooked in a traditional clay pot, potatoes fried in olive oil for close to an hour, goat sizzling in its own fat and house wine made on-site. In a country known for its cuisine, Ntounias stands apart. — Miguel Morales

D.Z.: This man used to be a chef in Chania and then seemed to think, as I did, that the world of restaurants is just not where it’s at. So he left and founded a little biodynamic farm. He has this plot of land that overlooks a verdant gorge, and he cooks everything on an open fire. You get snails, lamb stew, whatever is in season. It’s not complicated food; it’s never going to be in the Michelin Guide or on the “World’s 50 Best” list. But it’s the closest I’ve tasted to soul food.

T.M.: I love Crete. It’s a very beautiful place and it still has a certain authenticity about it. The roads sometimes dead-end, and when I was there, you needed at least three maps to figure out where you were. It’s a real physical landscape.

D.Z.: The island itself is one of the oldest continually inhabited civilizations in all of Europe. It has a crazy history, and just going there and eating this food, the way that he cooks it, it’s so honest.

6. Join the Faithful in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for a Different Kind of White Christmas

There is no Santa Claus in Ethiopia, no halls decked with holly. Christmas, which in so much of the Western world is a commercialized affair, is an intensely spiritual day here, observed not with gifts but with community, incantation and candlelight. The majority of Ethiopians are Christian and most worship freely, despite a history of extremist attacks on churches across the country. The nation follows a solar calendar, and Christmas, known as Genna, is observed on Jan. 7. The holiday begins with fasting on Jan. 6, when, at dusk, devotees head into the streets. In bustling Addis Ababa, a hush falls as thousands of men, women and children, all dressed in white and many wrapped in the traditional cotton robes called netelas , file to church like slow-moving snowdrifts. Many will worship all night, traveling by foot, lit candles in hand, from one church to the next until the small hours of morning. Ethiopia is home to some of the oldest and most beautiful churches in Africa, all of which are filled to capacity on Christmas Eve. (Visitors are welcome to observe.) In the capital, these include the Medhane Alem Cathedral, with its turquoise domes and columnar facade, and the Holy Trinity Cathedral, with its grand murals, jewel-toned stained glass windows and granite tombs in which Emperor Haile Selassie and his consort are interred. Some of the world’s oldest known human fossils have been unearthed from Ethiopian sands. On Christmas Eve, a nation that continues to endure famine and ethnic violence pauses for a prayer of peace. As worshipers pass one another and declare, “ Melkam Genna! ” — “Merry Christmas” in Amharic — the streets all but vibrate. — D.K.

P.I.: I seem to be haunted by places of spiritual intensity, from Lhasa to inner Australia. But I’ve seldom found anywhere to rival the power and magnetism of Ethiopia. It is, by some accounts, the oldest Christian country in the world, and when you drive through it, you feel like you’re going through the biblical books of Kings. But it comes to its culmination on Christmas Eve, when it seems like everyone in the capital is dressed in white, gathering around what look like mangers while these burning-eyed, bearded priests are rocking back and forth with little Bibles that fit in the palms of their hands. I’m not a Christian, but you look around and feel you could be in Bethlehem at the time of the birth of Jesus and that so little has changed in the past 2,000 years. Part of the poignancy is that life tends to be very difficult in Ethiopia, [teetering] between political uncertainty and impoverishment. So there’s this real sense that the religion and the moment mean even more than they might in Madrid or Paris. Although I was there 28 years ago, I’ll never forget walking through the night from church to church, seeing these people with tears in their eyes, gathered in the darkness, holding their candles and singing.

7. Traverse the Blossoming Oases and Ancient Desert Towns of Morocco’s Draa Valley

In precolonial Morocco, the imposing grandeur of the Atlas Mountains marked the boundary between the bilad el-makhzen — land under the rule of the Alaouite sultan — and the bilad el-siba , or “region of anarchy.” Today, to drive the circuitous route through the Atlases and into the Draa Valley is to exist on that line: It’s a liminal place where verdant gardens and soaring minarets open onto the vast barrens of the Sahara. Departing from Marrakesh, head southeast to Ouarzazate, or “the door of the desert,” and then onto M’Hamid, whose Dar Paru hotel exemplifies Berber architecture, with its rammed-earth walls and geometric parapets. From there, follow the N9 and N12 roads to hew close to the Draa, a river that runs along the Algerian border, nourishing a landscape of riotous color: The mountains’ ochers, umbers and emeralds cede to rippling oases of blue palms, olive groves, fields of golden barley and sun-baked adobe casbahs. Once home to a bustling trade route, the region bears the marks of Morocco’s imbricated faiths and folkways. Fragrant date palms, first grown by Arabs who arrived in the seventh century, freckle stretches of arable land hemmed in by sand dunes. Towns such as Tissint draw their influences from the Berbers, who have lived in North Africa for more than 4,000 years. (“Tissint” is the Berber word for salt, another early commodity.) Further southeast, in Akka, more than 300 miles from Marrakesh, are the remains of a community of Jewish merchants and silversmiths who plied their trade in the area as early as the second century. Their homes — made of mud brick and stucco, with walls now jagged or altogether missing — stand as monuments to the Draa’s rich, syncretic past and to the enthralling boundlessness of its present. — Dan Piepenbring

A.T.: I’d been to Marrakesh; I’d been to Tangier. Morocco, for me, was a known commodity. Then I did this journey south a couple of years ago. This is an Arabic place, and yet there’s this very profound other culture that’s always under the surface. The most startling moment came when I arrived in a town where there was an old Jewish quarter of silversmiths and we went into a house that felt like it had been abandoned yesterday. It was just one of those moments where suddenly all of the pieces fall into place and you get a window into another vein of culture or civilization and how it interacted with this Arabized Muslim state of Morocco. I also have to say, landscape-wise, it’s the only place other than Yemen where you’re driving through and you have these discrete, scarified mountains on either side, and every now and then there’ll be, like, a flowering tree against the desert. It’s stunning stuff.

8. Come Face to Face With a Rare Marine Mammal Off the Coast of Southern Mozambique

Sea pig, sea cow, sea camel — the dugong’s epithets aren’t particularly evocative, but its serene presence is the highlight of any dive trip. The 200 or so animals that scientists estimate live in the protected waters of Bazaruto Archipelago National Park constitute the largest remaining dugong population on the East African coast. To experience them, you must fly into the nearest international airport, in the town of Vilankulo, and then organize a helicopter or dhow ride to one of the archipelago’s many resorts and lodges. There are numerous diving and snorkeling spots along Bazaruto’s famed Two-Mile Reef, which offers unusually clear visibility and a thriving coral population. Found in the shallow coastal waters of as many as 40 countries, the large and placid dugong (imagine a manatee with a wider, shorter snout) is intensely shy, and its population is considered “vulnerable,” according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species. Its hearing is sharp but its vision is poor; moving in slowly, silently and respectfully is key. Even so, only the luckiest Bazaruto divers will ever spot a dugong — often from a distance of several meters — drifting alone or in pairs. — A.C.

A.T.: When I’m obliged to write about the natural world, I get kind of nervous because I think, “Oh, am I going to feel something? Am I going to know how to translate that feeling in my writing?” By April [2022], I had become very scared of travel: the pandemic, the restrictions, the fear that you were going to be stuck somewhere and not allowed back. All of this was weighing on my mind, and I’d almost lost that sense of wonder, that willingness to leave home. And in this place, which is the basin of the Indian Ocean in that part of the world, the plane tilted and I saw the sand flats push through this ancient archipelago and I thought to myself, “Of course, this is why one leaves home!” I hadn’t scuba-dived in 15 years, and here I was with blacktip reef sharks and sea turtles swimming into the raking light with plankton. Dugongs are incredibly rare, but as we came up from this dive, we saw one. It was a kind of emotional state brought on by the pandemic — a fear of leaving home running smack into that total excitement to be out in the world again.

A.H.: Many other lists like this would probably include an African safari; it’s refreshing not to promote a more traditional safari experience.

T.M.: The African safari has a checkered history because it’s related to hunting animals. There’s a balance now between conservation and infringement, but how those animals are really protected or may not be … there’s a lot we don’t know. So I’m definitely sensitive about not recommending a safari as an experience.

THE MIDDLE EAST

9. discover paradise on earth in the secret courtyard gardens of yazd, iran.

The very concept of paradise was born in Iran around 550 B.C., when Cyrus the Great, in the days of the Achaemenid Empire, oversaw the construction of a spectacular walled oasis called Pasargadae — a place of symmetry, flowering trees and calming waters — setting an example of how man might bend nature in pursuit of ultimate beauty. So deep do the Iranian roots of nirvana run that even the English word “paradise” comes from paridaida , the Old Persian term for walled garden. For those wishing to commune with Eden today, there’s perhaps no better place than Yazd, a 1,600-year-old Iranian desert town that was once a critical stop on the Silk Road. Here, the garden hotels of the city, which today is home to 530,000 people, pay homage to the Iranian legacy of paradise with their hidden courtyards. From the lush Kohan and the majestic Moshir Al Mamalek to the family-run Dad Hotel, the accommodations range from humble to luxurious. For guests who step through the door and out into the enclosed garden, hushed earthly delights of fountains and flowers — soft calla lilies, tulips and desert roses — await. — D.K.

P.I.: In all my traveling life, Iran is definitely the richest, most sophisticated, most surprising place I’ve been. And it’s the one I’m always urging my friends in California to go to — partly because I worry, as with Cuba or with other Middle Eastern places, that we’re reducing them to one-dimensional stereotypes from afar. And I’m so keen for people to experience the human reality firsthand. Sometimes friends will ask me, “Is it safe to go?” Well, I’m sitting here near Los Angeles, which for most of the planet is a really scary place.

Before I went to Iran, I was told by people who had been there that you only have to worry about two things: Everywhere you go, you’re going to be swamped with more friendliness than you know what to do with, and everyone’s going to invite you to dinner. The only reason that didn’t always happen to me was that people took me for Iranian, so they weren’t as excited as if they’d seen a more visible foreigner.

A.T.: I loved Yazd. I have to say that I did run afoul of the authorities in Iran and was turfed out with 48 hours to leave and probably couldn’t go back, but I completely second what Pico said. Up until that point, I had been met with nothing but hospitality and friendship, and Yazd was one of the highlights of that trip.

10. Swim in a Desert Oasis in Oman

Many of Oman’s wadis, or desert valleys, dry up in the scorching summer months, but at Wadi Bani Khalid, wide pools of water glisten year-round. You drive through the desert and suddenly there it is: a cliché of a gleaming desert mirage. But this is no illusion. Above the pristine pools, date palms sway in the breeze, and the rocky white cliff sides of the Hajar Mountains reveal canyons and caves; if you hike into them, you can see shimmering waterfalls. Thousands of tiny garra fish flash beneath the surface of these pools, ready to nibble at the dead skin on your toes. Wadi Bani Khalid is a three-hour drive from Muscat, making it an ideal day trip, although there are lots of budget hotels and desert camps in the area. Many visitors stop first at the sandy outpost of Al Wasil for camel rides and an overnight stay in a Bedouin-style tent. From there, the mountain road winds through fishing villages until the vast expanse of Wadi Bani Khalid, with its nearly 12-mile stretch of water, appears on the horizon. Its natural beauty is as intact today as it was when Oman’s Bedouin tribes relied on it, and a visit here offers an instant connection to the region’s deep history. The Oman government has helped develop the site in recent years, too, bringing with it a paved parking lot, bridges and public restrooms. — D.K.

T.M.: I share Pico’s notions that people should travel to the Middle East. The geographical diversity is incredible, and Oman is a peaceful and stable place. It’s absolutely gorgeous, the air is clear, the food is great and the climate is wonderful. It’s so easy for people to go here, yet Dubai takes all the tourists.

P.I.: I’m so happy to see Oman on the list. I think of it as the Bhutan of the Middle East because it’s so tastefully developed and preserved.

11. Delve Into 6,000-Plus Years of History at Erbil Citadel in Iraq

The longest continuously inhabited settlement in the world, Erbil Citadel lies at the heart of the modern-day capital of Iraqi Kurdistan. To the north, the Zagros Mountains beckon. The Kurdistan Regional Government has been developing trails there to promote hiking across a range that rivals the Alps in size — an impressive backdrop for one of the cradles of civilization. The 6,000-year-old fort sits atop a tell, a 100-foot-high mound the size of 19 football fields made by generations of Muslim, Christian and Jewish communities that built on top of one another. Courtyard homes constructed with oven-fired brick, said to be inspired by the ring of tents nomads once formed around their cattle, nestle inside the citadel walls. Their plain facades conceal branching floor plans that gave privacy to the extended families who once lived there. Visit the citadel with a guide in the late afternoon, when its brick walls turn the color of amber, and then drop by the bustling Qaysari Bazaar, one of the oldest covered markets in the world. Dating to the Ottoman era, it houses stalls of jewelry, textiles, crafts and sweets. Erbil and its citadel have withstood waves of conquest by Sumerians, Akkadians, Assyrians, Babylonians, Achaemenids, Greeks, Parthians, Romans, Sassanids, Muslims, Timurids, Mongols and Ottomans. To repair and preserve the settlement, the High Commission for Erbil Citadel Revitalization was formed in 2007; the Kurdistan Regional Government has allocated more than $30 million to the undertaking. But just as the citadel was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014, the rehab stalled temporarily owing to the rise of ISIS. Work has since resumed; the ancient tell remains open; and, despite centuries of conquest and long spells of neglect, the citadel stands: a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. — M.M.

T.M.: Kurds will say, “We have no friends but mountains.” This is one of the world’s largest stateless populaces and it’s constantly in danger, sandwiched between Turkey and Iran. The citadel is still going through reconstruction. I wouldn’t say it’s beautiful, but it gives you a real sense of place and what it’s like to live in a region that has had to defend against ISIS attacks. It’s not a safe choice, but Kurdistan is a strong and resilient community that has survived ongoing and periodic attacks. There are prominent politically progressive women in the government and there are many untouched archaeological sites.

12. Marvel at the Threatened Mud-Brick Skyscrapers of Yemen

In an ancient Semitic world as yet undivided by modern faiths, long before the rise of Christianity or Islam, the cities of what we now call Yemen emerged from the desert as their inhabitants made their fortunes on frankincense and myrrh. As trade between southern Arabia and the Mediterranean flourished, beginning around the third century B.C., these new urban centers sprouted along the so-called Incense Route , their occupants developing, over time, ingenious systems of irrigation and urban planning that are as remarkable today as they were a thousand years ago. In the 2,500-year-old historic center of Sana’a, the capital of modern Yemen, residents adorned the ocher walls of their multistory homes with garlands of gypsum plaster, while in the town of Shibam, which emerged in its current form in the 16th century, rammed-earth towers rose as high as seven stories from a cliff’s edge overlooking the Wadi Hadhramaut, a vertiginous landscape that blurs the boundary between the natural and the man-made. For decades now, these ancient settlements and the people who reside within them have suffered crisis upon crisis — floods and famines and a years-long civil war that, since its beginning in 2014, has precipitated mass starvation, even as historic neighborhoods are shredded by U.S.-backed Saudi bombings. Among the most extraordinary human settlements on earth, the tower cities of Yemen — and, more important, the communities that have for millenniums called them home — are in grave danger of disappearing for good. — M.S.

A.T.: Singularly, without a doubt, this was the most incredible trip I’ve done in my life. This is a rare, stuck-in-the-past kind of country: Like pre-Islamic Arabia, it felt Semitic in the deepest sense. Yemen, for me, was that one place where there was no creeping globalization; it was unbelievably pure. There were some dangers then, too, but not like there are now. I hesitate to recommend it because of the safety situation.

P.I.: I was thrilled to see it on the list. And if we have to single out one element in Yemen, those skyscrapers would be the place to start: Anyone who’s seen them is never going to forget them. I think we shouldn’t worry about safety. It is one of the great countries on Earth and, as Aatish was saying, not like anywhere else.

V.S.: Yes, I agree. We should keep it. Just Aatish’s description — I’m ready to go.

13. Follow the Silk Road Through the Caravan Cities of Uzbekistan

Step back in time with a visit to three of the most important stops on the Silk Road, each city a distinctive meld of Greek, Turkish, Mongol, Muslim and Russian cultures. In the tiled expanse of the Registan, ancient Samarkand’s public square framed by three madrasas (Islamic schools), stand transfixed beneath the grand portals, patterned minarets and ornate cupolas. A little down the road to the west lies Gur-e-Amir, the resting place of the Turco-Mongol conqueror Tamerlane. Resplendent with intricate tile work and crowned by a heavenly blue dome, the mausoleum inspired the Mughal master craftspeople of the Taj Mahal. A leisurely walk northeast, past new developments and century-old buildings, calls for a stopover at Siyob Bazaar, where you can wander the food stalls selling pomegranates, dates, halvah, naan and more. A few hundred paces away is Bibi-Khanym: One of the largest mosques built in the 15th century, the structure was restored to much of its former glory in the latter half of the 20th, its grand azure dome and four minarets suspended against the backdrop of the iwan. There are no direct flights from Samarkand to Bukhara, so take the scenic route by train, past rippling red sands, the oases that punctuate the bleached-out plains of the Kyzylkum Desert and Poi-Kalyan, the sprawling mosque complex, where the baked brick of minaret, madrasa and mosque glow pink at sunset. And though all three cities have centuries-old caravansaries — the famed inns where Silk Road merchants stayed — Ichan-Kala, a remnant of the ancient Khiva oasis, checkered with medieval Islamic buildings, appears completely untouched by time. Countless others have walked these walls before, and now you have joined your steps to theirs, grounded together in the richness of the past. — M.M.

A.T.: I mean, unparalleled, the most wonderful Silk Road trip you can do. Stunning monuments, red desert, old Persianate culture mixing with the culture of the steppe and then, obviously, the Soviet empire. I would recommend it very highly.

14. Tour the Lofty Potala Palace in Lhasa, a Sacred Repository of Tibetan Artifacts

Rising out of a cliff face more than 12,000 feet above sea level, Tibet’s Potala Palace feels like a lavish retreat, a religious sanctuary and an impregnable fortress all in one. The climb to the top of the 13-story building is breathtaking in every sense of the word; make sure you’ve acclimated to the altitude before you attempt it. And the palace’s sloped red-and-white facade — repainted annually with a mixture of honey, milk, brown sugar and saffron — is as inviting as it is magisterial. (Frank Lloyd Wright found it so inspiring that he kept a photo of it in his drafting room.) Completed in 1649, the palace’s two divisions, one red and one white, together comprise at least one thousand rooms that encapsulate the vibrant multiplicity of Tibetan history. Guided tours, lit by traditional butter lamps, take you through rooms crowded with hundreds of murals, works of porcelain and jade, intricate carpets and Buddhist scriptures; the world’s longest scroll of Tibetan calligraphy, measuring 676 feet in length, has been housed here since 2014. Also on display are astonishing gilded stupas — wooden towers of concentric rings inlaid with jewels, each crowned with a sun and moon — containing the remains of eight Dalai Lamas. The Potala is a tribute to Buddhism and an embattled people; located on a mountaintop in the Tibetan capital, Lhasa, or “place of gods,” it has survived numerous attempts at looting and destruction since Tibet was annexed by China in 1950. Its resilience is reason enough to go. — D.P.

P.I.: Tibet is a really important place for people to visit culturally and politically because it’s so imperiled. Ladakh is more beautiful and Bhutan is more protected. But Tibet, the center of this rich culture and religion, is being destroyed very quickly, and anyone who goes there suddenly feels deeply invested in its protection.

15. Explore the Architectural Syncretism in South India’s Deccan Plateau

The vast highlands stretching between the eastern and western coastal ranges of the peninsular subcontinent have seen the rise and fall of countless kingdoms, each of which has left behind architectural remains as proof of its former glory. Nowhere is that immense cultural wealth more evident than in the temple towns and former imperial capitals of northern Karnataka, near the Deccan Plateau’s semi-arid heart. Beginning in the sixth century, the Eastern Chalukya dynasty, a vast and culturally diverse empire, turned its successive capitals in the now-sleepy villages of Aihole and Badami and the ceremonial center of Pattadakal into hubs for experimentation in religious architecture, assembling free-standing temples from elaborately carved stone that drew influence from both North and South India and excavating and erecting sites of Hindu, Jain and Buddhist devotion. In the 14th century, the Muslim Bahmani kings introduced Persianate domes and crenellated walls at the fortress capital of Bidar, while in Bijapur, roughly six hours southwest, the skyline bristles with minarets and domes left behind by the Adil Shahi sultans, who ruled there in the 16th and 17th centuries. Farther south, the subcontinent’s last great Hindu empire blossomed in the city of Vijayanagar, built over the course of 200 years, then abandoned in 1565 after its defeat by the sultanates of the northern Deccan. Now known as Hampi, that great city marks the pinnacle of Dravidian architecture, with its soaring temple towers and colonnades. Taken together, these cities and towns, clustered in the northern districts of Karnataka state, represent a practically endless trove of architectural treasures at least as rich as the Mughal mosques and Rajput temples of North India’s well-trodden tourist circuit. More important, they speak to the long tradition of syncretism that has always defined India, a tradition that contemporary politics increasingly — and tragically — aims to erase. — M.S.

A.T.: I went to school in South India, and the Deccan is very far from the world of the Taj Mahal and North Indian Islamic architecture. It was this unbelievable trail with beautiful temples in Aihole and Badami. Then you come to Hampi, which was once the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, and it’s a site like Angkor Wat: absolutely stunning. Then you carry on to Bidar and Bijapur [Vijayapura] and you see mosques — it’s one of the most interesting, beautiful meeting points of Islam and Hinduism, but in the south of India as opposed to the north.

P.I.: I’ve been to India quite a few times and I’ve never heard about those wonders. It’s a fresh, eye-opening suggestion.

16. Hike Japan’s Lore-Steeped Kumano Kodo Trail

South of the ancient cities of Kyoto and Nara, Japan’s Kii Peninsula offers dramatic ocean vistas and dense old-growth cedar forests. Its flickering shadows, creeping mosses and shrouds of ethereal mist have enraptured pilgrims and seekers since antiquity, and the region’s awe-inspiring tranquillity has come to embody the long commingling of Shinto and Buddhist traditions. Every year, as many as 15 million people hike the Kumano Kodo, a network of trails more than a thousand years old and totaling more than 600 miles, whose cobblestone stairs and long wooden footbridges lead to three grand shrines: the Kumano Hongu Taisha, the Kumano Nachi Taisha and the Kumano Hayatama Taisha, all prized for their ability to heal and purify. (That last one is said to date to A.D. 128, when it was built for gods who’d descended to Earth.) Comprising seven routes around the peninsula or through the heart of the Kii Mountains, the Kumano Kodo is so sprawling that no two journeys will ever be alike, though all are formidable; its Kohechi trail, a four-day, 43-mile hike over three mountain passes, includes vertiginous ascents of more than 3,200 feet and is renowned for its difficulty. Those who make the strenuous climb will find weathered milestones, natural hot springs and a hand-operated cable car suspended over a riverbank. Visitors can seek shelter for the night at designated campsites or at minshuku, guesthouses scattered along the route. Further on, at the Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine, a stately three-tiered pagoda overlooks the 436-foot Nachi no Taki, Japan’s tallest single-drop waterfall, long considered a sacred entity, which has enveloped generations of travelers in its awesome roar. — D.P.

T.M.: I like the idea of Shinto mountain worship: It’s a challenging but incredibly cleansing experience — like the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia.

D.Z.: I know two people who’ve done it, both after their fathers died. They said it was transformative.

T.M.: It’s arduous, and that makes it a strange spiritual experience unlike anything else.

17. Spend the Day in the Womblike Emptiness of the Teshima Art Museum in Japan

Before the pandemic, hundreds of thousands of travelers visited the art islands of Japan, a collection of some 20 former fishing and industry isles turned art havens scattered across the Seto Inland Sea, just over an hourlong flight from Tokyo. They made the trek via a combination of train, ferry, car, bus and bicycle, some with visions of Yayoi Kusama’s “Pumpkin” (1994), a polka-dot yellow fiberglass pumpkin positioned at the end of a pier, in their heads. That sculpture was responsible for much of the foot traffic at the Benesse Art Site on Naoshima, a small island with several museums designed by Tadao Ando, until it was swept out to sea during a typhoon in 2021. (The work was eventually recovered, restored and, last month, put back on display.) As Japan slowly reopens, the Art Islands continue to attract pilgrims. Inujima, Shodoshima and Megijima host installations and art fairs in once-abandoned buildings, but it’s Teshima Island, home of the Teshima Art Museum, that travelers most need to experience. Designed by the Tokyo-based architect Ryue Nishizawa, the museum’s low-lying concrete shell is a feat of engineering and a work of art in itself. Inspired by the bulbous curve of a water droplet resting on a sheet of glass, it appears to emerge organically from a forested hillside overlooking the sea. Inside, two open-air oculi frame shifting scenes of water, sky and sunlight alongside the museum’s single permanent installation, 2010’s “Bokei” (Matrix), by the Hiroshima-based artist Rei Naito. The contemplative work features beads of water that emerge from, pool atop and are reabsorbed into pinholes perforating the floor. To enjoy a few hours in its engulfing silence, watching the light change with each passing hour, is to surrender to time itself. — A.K.

P.I.: I’ve been really impressed by the art project around Naoshima in the Seto Inland Sea and how it has developed over the past 30 years. Though I would recommend the entire Naoshima project, the most piercing place is Teshima. You take a bus across a quiet island, end up on a hill and step into this vast empty space, which is the museum. There’s nothing there except two openings in the roof and drops of water being made to emerge from the ground. And somehow it’s transfixing — like a James Turrell Skyspace doubled and taken in an almost feminine direction. So many people, from billionaires to meditation teachers, have told me this is the single most moving place they have ever been.

THE AMERICAS

18. take the ultimate road trip: drive the pan-american highway from argentina to alaska.

Roughly tracing the path that early man followed after crossing the land bridge over the Bering Strait, the Pan-American Highway runs at least 19,000 miles from Prudhoe Bay in Alaska to Ushuaia at the edge of Tierra del Fuego, a subantarctic territory split between Chile and Argentina. Crossing 14 countries and interrupted only by the ecologically fragile forests of the Darién Gap between Panama and Colombia, the highway — really a collection of interconnected freeways splintered across various routes — traverses the tundra of western Canada and the peaks of the Rockies, the deserts of northern Mexico and the pampas of Patagonia. Options for detours along the way are almost endless. You might weave through the national parks of the American West. In Mexico, depending on which route you take, you might feast on roasted goat in Monterrey or raw seafood in coastal Mazatlán. You could wander colonial cities like Antigua, Guatemala, or Granada, Nicaragua, and bird-watch in the rainforests of Costa Rica. In the valleys between Colombia’s triplicate Cordilleras, you could sip coffee among green hills in the department of Quindío and salsa dance in the lowland city of Cali. Following the Andes south, you’ll gaze upon the gilded extravagance of Ecuador’s whitewashed capital, Quito, or hike in the highland planes below the snow-dusted dome of Cotopaxi, that country’s highest active volcano. You could deviate from the main road to lose yourself in the endless white expanse of Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni, then follow the spine of South America through regions of Argentina and Chile punctuated by vineyards and lakes. To drive the Pan-American Highway is to glimpse the immensity of the Americas and the unthinkable marvels of a world both ancient and irrepressibly new. — M.S.

V.S.: You’re driving through at least 14 countries including the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina. There’s surfing, jungles, swimming, birding, colonial towns, the history, the culture, glaciers, caves, blue lakes, beaches, hot springs in Mexico — it gives you everything.

19. Behold the Natural Wonders of Chile’s Atacama Desert

Ranging from the Pacific Coast to the Andean Altiplano and locked in the rain shadow of the world’s longest mountain range, the Atacama Desert, located mostly within northern Chile, is among the most alien landscapes on the planet. Pink flamingos gather at the edges of salt lakes the color of lapis or topaz or garnet. Perfectly conical volcanoes loom over salt flats and desolate plains where guanacos, elegantly proportioned cousins of llamas, and viscachas, which resemble long-tailed rabbits, drift through prickly wisps of ground-hugging vegetation. Jets of steam slip through the arid turf in some of the highest geyser fields, and rocky hills drop into the frigid blue waters of the Pacific. Uncontaminated by light or clouds or moisture, the night sky explodes with stars, recorded and studied by some of the most advanced telescopes on Earth. Covering a swath of 70,000 square miles and contiguous with similar biomes in neighboring corners of Argentina, Peru and Bolivia, the Atacama is so extreme in its atmospheric conditions that NASA used it as a test site for its Mars rovers in 2017. Until civilian space travel becomes a reality, the Atacama, with its spectral beauty, will remain perhaps the closest one can get to an extraplanetary experience. — M.S.

V.S.: The Atacama is the driest nonpolar desert on Earth. And I love extremes, obviously. I felt that this would offer a remote and diverse experience with lunar landscapes, salt pools comparable to the Dead Sea, sand dunes, rock formations, hiking and incredible stargazing.

T.M.: You can have an amazing time looking at stars, and it’s incredibly dry, so the atmosphere is very different. A truly visceral experience.

20. Feast on the Cuisines of Oaxaca City, Mexico

The state of Oaxaca has long been a focal point of Mexican culinary identity. But in the past few years, the namesake capital’s limestone buildings and dazzling evening light have attracted unprecedented numbers of visitors, upending the equilibrium between its Indigenous identity and the constant demands of tourists for elegant restaurants and luxury hotels. Yet growing awareness of Oaxaca’s cultural wealth and diversity has also made it possible for chefs with local roots to open revelatory new businesses in spaces as simple as they are unforgettable. At Levadura de Olla, for instance, the chef Thalía Barrios García prepares food straight out of the remote hill country south of the city where she grew up. Bowls of black beans fragrant with wood smoke or, in season, tacos made with the brilliant crimson flowers of the pipe tree are the closest thing to country cooking you’re likely to find in any major city. Outside the center, the chef Jorge León has turned the tranquil garden of his family home into a restaurant called Alfonsina, where he serves an ambitious, adventurous tasting menu that draws on his experience as a cook at Pujol, the high-concept gastronomic temple in Mexico City, while his mother and aunts turn out a parallel menu of traditional dishes like a meticulously prepared hoja santa-scented mole amarillo. Every corner of this wondrous city and its surrounding countryside contains its own culinary jewels — from market stalls selling steamed tamales swaddled in banana leaves and crisp corn tlayudas folded like envelopes around sheets of chile-rubbed beef, to relaxed mezcalerías and market halls redolent of barbacoa cooked overnight in underground pits. The newer restaurants aim neither to replicate nor supplant these spaces but, rather, to honor them and, in their down-to-earth manner, expand their reach. — M.S.

A.T.: A lot of food scenes can be quite fussy. What was moving to me here were restaurants like Levadura de Olla, with a woman who’s come from the hills of Oaxaca to bring the cuisine of her home to this restaurant. Besides the food being wonderful, it seemed like a real break from the sort of fine dining you find elsewhere.

21. Dance Until You Drop at Carnival in Cuba

Cuba’s massive Carnival celebrations have been held in some form or another since the 17th century. As a series of winter events tied to the Catholic Church’s calendar, Carnival was largely reserved for Cubans of mostly Spanish ancestry, while its summer counterpart, the Mamarrachos, allowed laborers and the lower classes (mostly enslaved Africans and their descendants) a period of riotous release after the sugar cane harvest. Many other Carnivals across the Caribbean are still observed in February, before Lent, but Cuba’s Carnival has evolved into an exuberant summer event that is celebrated across the country. The most famous parties, held in Havana in August and in Santiago de Cuba at the end of July, have preserved the vibrant spirit and Afro-Caribbean influences of the original Mamarrachos. Spangled and feathered groups of dancers called comparsas perform in the streets between giant effigies of religious figures and celebrities, decorated floats and conga performers. The mainstreaming of festivals that originated from marginalized communities hasn’t been entirely seamless, with periodic attempts by conservative Cubans to sanitize them, but the omnipresent rhythm of the Carnival drums is a permanent reminder of their roots in resilience, triumph and pure joy. — A.C.

P.I.: Cuba is one of the most powerful places I’ve been and Carnival is a wild concentration of its energy, music and spirit.

A.T.: That’s a great way to do Cuba — because it’s atmospheric. Going there is one of those experiences that, 20 years on, I can’t stop thinking about.

22. Take In the Magnificent Scale and Immutable Geology of the Colorado Plateau

The high desert of the Colorado Plateau covers 150,000 square miles, stretching across the Four Corners region in an arid, empyrean expanse including not only its namesake state but parts of Utah, Arizona and New Mexico, as well as the whole of the Navajo Nation. From its massive sedimentary rocks rise gnarled, sweeping geological marvels that seem to defy gravity and dwarf the human concept of space: Here are the mesas, petrified forests, monoliths, pinnacles and hoodoos that define the rugged archetype of the American West. The Ancestral Pueblo people, who lived on the plateau until around A.D. 1300, left ruins in the form of kivas — circular subterranean chambers often used for ceremonies — adobe pueblos and intricate dwellings built into the sides of cliffs. These are enshrined among the plateau’s eight national parks and 18 national monuments, which together constitute some of the greatest, most diverse terrain in the United States. In addition to the Grand Canyon, there’s Bears Ears, a pair of burnt-sienna buttes revered by Indigenous groups; and Grand Staircase-Escalante, an imbricated series of ascending rock layers punctuated with canyons and cliffs. The plateau, in its vastness, offers many opportunities for hiking, cycling, rafting and birding, but the best way to experience it is to camp there, watching as its endless horizons become a vault of stars. — D.P.

V.S.: This area of the country is physically magnificent and encompasses so much of what I find engaging in the West: the Kodachrome red rock formations; the sweeping views; the canyons, mountains, valleys, deserts; the 600-million-year-old geologic history of the plateau and the culturally significant sites of Ancestral Puebloans, reminding us of what was here before. It’s an awe-inspiring trip that will remind you of our fleeting time here while you experience the grandeur where past and present converge.

23. Witness a Solar Eclipse in a Sleepy Fishing Village in Newfoundland, Canada

The next total solar eclipse in North America will occur on April 8, 2024. Among the many scenic vantage points on its path of totality is Bonavista, a town of some 3,000 people on a bucolic peninsula in Newfoundland. There are plenty of remote places here from which to take in the atavistic spectacle: a sublime, disquieting experience, full of renewal and destruction, that shatters one’s sense of magnitude. When you’re not watching the moon engulf the sun in a rite of astronomical passage, you can enjoy more earthly pleasures at the Bonavista lighthouse, which looks out onto a seascape of unsurpassed beauty, featuring calving icebergs, breaching humpback whales and ambling colonies of puffins. Nearby are the Dungeon, a collapsed sea cave warped by erosion into a natural archway, and the Ryan Premises, a set of white clapboard buildings from the 19th century, striking in their simplicity, and once the locus of the town’s thriving cod-fishing industry. (Their slogan: “Where cod is culture.”) Bonavista takes its name from the Italian explorer Giovanni Caboto, often Anglicized as John Cabot, who is said to have exclaimed, “O buona vista!” upon glimpsing its shores in 1497. A full-scale replica of Cabot’s ship, the Matthew , floats in a harbor near the village center, where visitors can rent kayaks for whale-watching excursions. — D.P.

D.Z.: The one experience where I’m like, “I will die on this hill for this,” is to observe the next [full] solar eclipse in North America from the path of totality. I’ve never had the chance to [do this] myself, but I will be traveling to Toronto with my son — he’ll be two then — and I want to “ Lion King”-style raise him into the eye of the moon when this happens. It’s something our ancestors have built entire mythologies around: a way of keeping track of celestial bodies and realizing there were powerful forces far beyond our own imagination. With the association eclipses have historically carried with the end of the world, it’d be fitting to witness it from what’s colloquially known as the end of the world: Newfoundland. The province [Newfoundland and Labrador] doesn’t get a lot of credit, but it has some of the most beautiful coastal wild nature in North America. April is also iceberg season, which will only compound the viewing experience.

24. Labor on an Organic Farm in New Zealand

Travel can be alienating, expensive and bad for the environment. WWOOF , or World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms, was started in England in 1971 by Susan Coppard as “a way of getting back into the countryside.” The first weekend she spent on a biodynamic farm spawned a global movement with a simple premise: Volunteers lend a hand on organic farms in exchange for food, lodging and an introduction to agriculture. WWOOFing in New Zealand, particularly in Northland, the milder, less-urbanized agrarian hub that spans much of the North Auckland Peninsula and is renowned for its white-sand beaches and giant Kauri forests, pairs this enterprise with a fairy-tale atmosphere. More than 100 farms here accept volunteer workers throughout the year, letting you experience nature and tend to it at the same time, living alongside New Zealanders, learning firsthand about their way of life and finding a way to give back to the picturesque landscape. Farm life often requires rising with the sun, but chores, whether pulling redroot weeds or tending sheep, usually conclude by lunch. Afterward, grander adventures can be had as well: backpacking Northland’s Great Walks, where you can rove through remote subtropical forests, or canoeing down the Whanganui River. But the most rewarding and memorable aspect of the trip comes from forging a bond with the earth and the resilient people who work it. — M.M.

D.Z.: Working on a farm is something everyone alive should do so that they understand where food comes from. WWOOFing is a great way to do that.

A.H.: It’s interesting in that it touches upon a recent trend toward voluntourism but in a less expected way.

T.M.: I have a miniature farm, but it takes all seasons and years to really understand a cycle. It depends on when you go, but you might see the planting, you might see harvesting; you might only get to do weeding.

D.Z.: It’s not a hotel; you can’t come and go as you please. But I don’t think the fact that you don’t get to completely embed yourself in agriculture over the course of multiple years or seasons negates the importance of learning what it’s like to farm.

A.H.: Why New Zealand specifically, David?

DZ: New Zealand, which is absolutely otherworldly for its natural landscape, is also an island nation that is super self-reliant thanks to the work of its farmers. If you chose to, say, help locals regenerate their surroundings by planting food forests, harvesting fruits in an organic orchard or rewilding land to create more habitat for native and endangered species, you would also get to reap the benefits of spending your off hours exploring Middle-earth, finding yourself a short drive from amazing landscapes like Spirits Bay [Piwhane] at the very tip of the North Island or the Te Paki sand dunes. Plus, I mean, who wouldn’t want to see a Kiwi bird in real life, crossing your path as you work in the field?

25. Float in a Zodiac to the Edge of Human Experience

The only continent with no permanent residents, Antarctica is synonymous with isolation. A two-day cruise through the notoriously rough Drake Passage (or a two-hour flight over it) from the tip of either Argentina or Chile brings you to the planet’s southernmost landmass. Once you’re there, the sights are simultaneously imposing and palpably ephemeral; the grandeur of miles-high glaciers in an exquisite spectrum of blues and greens is only heightened by the fragility of the climate that supports them. Antarctic sea ice is melting less quickly than that of the North Pole, but the vulnerability of the frozen sheet that contains more than half of the Earth’s freshwater supply has never been more difficult to ignore. Earlier this year, Antarctic ice was measured as at a record low (though it fluctuates from year to year, in contrast to Arctic ice, which has been consistently shrinking for decades). If the world’s governments fail to limit warming in the coming years to 1.5 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels, as seems increasingly likely, ice sheet collapses in the Antarctic could cause a catastrophic rise in sea levels over the next several centuries. Still, Antarctica’s sublime beauty persists. In addition to its penguin colonies, best encountered from November till January, the whale watching is revelatory. Go in February or March, when receding ice allows the dozen or so passengers in the inflatable Zodiac rafts of expedition cruises to get up-close views of blue whales, orcas, humpback whales and other cetaceans. Travel to Antarctica remains heavily regulated: Unguided landings are forbidden, and the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty, signed in 1991, instituted “leave no trace” guidelines designed to limit the human impact of tourism and scientific exploration alike. Before you go, do some research to identify the most sustainable way to explore . — A.C.

P.I.: I’m not very sensitive to nature, but this was beyond anything I’ve imagined or experienced, even in nearby Patagonia. It awakens you to the environmental concerns of the world, which are probably paramount in most travelers’ minds these days; being exposed to such majesty and beauty and also to the underlying frailty, you go home with important questions for your conscience as well as radiant memories.

At top: Footage of the World/Getty Images, Nick Ballon, Andrew Rowat, Iwan Baan, M’Hammed Kilito, Fernando Maquieira, Michael Turek (3), Nick Bondarev, Salvatore Di Gregorio, @SteMajourneys (2), Sjo/Getty Images, Luca Donninelli, Felix Odell, Stefan Ruiz (2), Grant Harder (2), Minasse Wondimu Hailu/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images, James Thompson, Kelly Cheng/Getty Images

Research Editors: Mario Mercado and Alexis Sottile

Copy Editors: Diego Hadis, James Camp and Polly Watson

Photo Editor: Katie Dunn

Ashlea Halpern is a Contributing Editor for T Magazine.

An earlier version of this article rendered incorrectly the name of a city in Cuba; it is Santiago de Cuba, not Santiago del Cuba.

An earlier version of this article misspelled the name of a city in the Achaemenid Empire; it was Pasargadae, not Parsargadae.

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These have been ranked the best experiences in the world

Tripadvisor has released its “best of the best” experiences and attractions around the world for 2022 – and there are plenty of options in the uk.

A boat trip in Amsterdam , a dune safari in Dubai and a foodie walk of Reykjavik have been voted the top experiences in the world in a new ranking by TripAdvisor.

The travel platform’s Travellers’ Choice “Best of the Best” Things to Do Awards for 2022 analysed more than one billion reviews from travellers over the past 12 months to determine the best things to do around the world.

An Amsterdam canal cruise, which takes visitors past some of the Dutch capital’s best sights with cheese and wine, was ranked as the best experience for 2022. It was followed by a quad bike and barbecue experience in Dubai; a sightseeing tour in Hawaii ; and a cave safari in Aruba.

TripAdvisor also ranked the best experiences in the UK , with the high-speed Thames River RIB cruise in London taking the top spot, followed by a Beatles tour in Liverpool and a chocolate tour of Edinburgh . The RIB cruise and the Beatles tour also appeared in the world’s best list.

Elsewhere, the platform ranked the world’s best attractions, with the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona coming in top, despite it being unfinished. In the UK, the Roman Baths in the Somerset town were ranked the best, followed by the Tower of London and the capital’s Sky Garden.

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Main photo: Statues of The Beatles in Liverpool (Getty Images)

The top 10 experiences around the world according to TripAdvisor users

1. Amsterdam Open Boat Canal Cruise* , Amsterdam, The Netherlands 2. Red Dunes Quad Bike, Sandsurf, Camels & BBQ* at Al Khayma Camp, Dubai, UAE 3. Tour of North Shore (70%) and Sightseeing (30%)* , Honolulu, Hawaii, US 4. Natural Pool & Indian Cave Jeep Safari* , Aruba 5. Clear Kayak Tour of Shell Key Preserve and Tampa Bay Area* , Tierra Verde, Florida , US 6. Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu* , Cusco, Peru 7. Reykjavik Food Walk* , Reykjavik, Iceland 8. High-Speed Thames River RIB Cruise in London* , London, United Kingdom 9. Rafting – Sprouts — Rio Jacaré Pepira by Wild Canoe Territory* , Brotas, Brazil 10. City & Beatles Tour — BLUE ROUTE* , Liverpool, United Kingdom

The top 10 experiences in the UK as ranked by TripAdvisor’s users

1. High-Speed Thames River RIB Cruise* , London 2. City & Beatles Tour — BLUE ROUTE* , Liverpool 3. The Chocolatarium Chocolate Tour Experience* , Edinburgh 4. Cab tours belfast famous black taxi tours* , Belfast 5. Historical Pub Walking Tour of London* , London 6. The Mountebank Comedy Walk of Edinburgh* , Edinburgh 7. Walking Tour of Bath with Blue Badge Tourist Guide* , Bath 8. The Cloak and Dagger Tour* , London 9. The Manchester City Stadium Tour* , Manchester 10. West End Musicals Silent Disco Tour* , London

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• BEST OF THE WORLD

20 of the coolest travel adventures for 2024

From a horseback safari in Kenya to river rafting in West Virginia, here’s our ranked list of the top travel experiences right now.

This page is a portal.   No, really, it is: Our annual Best of the World feature is a gateway to the streets of Paris , the snowy Caucasus Mountains of Georgia , the ancient rock art of Algeria . To help us engage with places more deeply and meaningfully, we drew on National Geographic’s global community of experts to create the following ranked list of 20 great adventures for 2024. Read on and you’ll discover that this page is also a celebration—of travel’s power to transform us and our connections with one another.

#1: Go on horseback safari in Kenya

A safari in Africa usually conjures an image of mud-spattered 4x4 vehicles bouncing through the bush. But there’s another way to travel: on horseback .  

Although horse safaris originated in Kenya in the 1970s, they’re a perfect fit for today’s growing number of travelers looking for more engaging, sustainable wildlife encounters. At the 32,000-acre Borana Conservancy , two stables house thoroughbreds and ex-polo ponies for riders of all skill levels. Visitors can book half-day, full-day, or overnight rides. July through September is the prime time to go.

Since wildlife perceive equines as just another animal, exploring the landscape atop a horse makes for an intimate experience. “To journey on horseback is to break down the walls—meant to protect but also to separate—between oneself and the natural world,” says Nichole Sobecki , a photographer and equestrian who’s ridden in Borana. “Your horse is a translator, responding to the low growl of the lion, the soft scent of a herd of elephants.” A horse’s ears are an advance warning system, she says, helping knowledgeable guides navigate routes.

#2: Run an Olympic marathon in Paris

For the first time, members of the public will be able to run their own marathon during the 2024 Summer Olympics , in Paris, France , just one initiative aimed at creating a more inclusive Games.  

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National Geographic’s top travel products for 2024 run the gamut from customizable bags and backpacks to a recyclable jacket

Slated to be held the evening of August 10, between the men’s and women’s official races, the Marathon for All will allow 20,024 qualifying lottery winners on the 26.2-mile route that links Paris and Versailles , a loop beginning at the Hôtel de Ville (City Hall) and passing through nine arrondissements before finishing at Les Invalides on the banks of the Seine. Before or after the big event, learn the route to follow in their tracks.  

#3: Ski tour UNESCO sites in Georgia

Long a means of transportation, exploration, and hunting, skiing is still a way of life in the mountainous republic of Georgia. Now visitors can enjoy some of the nation’s best backcountry skiing in the Caucasus with the help of outfitters such as Svaneti Ski and Georgia Ski Touring . In Svaneti, excursions may lead skiers through panoramic Gvibari Pass or to medieval Ushguli villages, among the highest continuously inhabited in Europe. The best times to experience this are December to April.

#4: Bear watch in Katmai National Park

Alaska ’s Katmai National Park is home to one of the highest concentrations of brown bears in the world. Far from the crowded viewing platforms of the Brooks Camp Visitor Center, a guided trip along the Katmai coast with outfitters like AK Adventures reveals a different side of the park.

Here, the bears feast on a diversity of foods: sedges, grasses, razor clams, salmon. “For me, seeing a single brown bear in the wild is meaningful because it is a sign that the landscape is healthy enough to support it,” says Alaska photographer Acacia Johnson , a frequent National Geographic contributor.

#5: Hear legendary live music in Kyoto

Guidebooks speak of Kyoto as frozen in time, with hushed temples and meditative gardens. But after hours, Japan ’s former imperial capital reveals a live music scene that can be loud and irreverent. At venues like Jittoku and Field , rock, swing, and even Irish music echo into the night. Whatever you’re into, from jazz to punk, there’s a community to share your jam. “This is what happens in Japan when the mask comes off,” says Kyoto guide Van Milton.

#6: Cruise an epic river in Colombia

About 80 percent of Colombia ’s population lives in the river basin of the Magdalena, which flows for nearly a thousand miles from the Andes to the Caribbean. AmaWaterways’ new cruises on the river—said to be the first by a major cruise operator—take seven-night trips from Cartagena via Mompós to Barranquilla. Stops at colonial towns, performances of vallenato   and cumbia music, and visits to a stilt-house village highlight the region’s culture along this mighty waterway.

#7:   Road trip Route 66 in New Mexico

For nearly a century, Route 66 has beckoned to travelers. A trip along the Mother Road through New Mexico hits timeless landmarks , such as quirky motels and curio shops in and around Tucumcari and symbolic etchings in Petroglyph National Monument . In Gallup—mentioned as one of the places to “get your kicks” in Nat King Cole’s 1946 hit song “Route 66”—you can take in performances featuring Zuni, Lakota, and Diné (Navajo) dancers.  

Some 18 miles of the highway traverse Albuquerque , the longest urban interlude of the route in the United States. And it’s getting a half-million-dollar glow-up with the ongoing restoration of vintage neon signs along Central Avenue.  

While cruising down the brightened strip, stop at the new West Central Route 66 Visitor Center , with its museum and outdoor amphitheater. The center will host events like lowrider car shows, drive-in movies, and artisan markets.

#8: Explore ancient art in Algeria

Algeria is home to Africa’s largest national park, which holds one of the world’s greatest concentrations of ancient rock art. Tassili n’Ajjer National Park is a geologic wonderland of sandstone towers, arches, and sculpted outcrops. But these rock forests are only half the story.  

Neolithic herders and hunter-gatherers carved 15,000 petroglyphs here, including images of elephants, giraffes, and rhinos. These animals are more commonly associated with sub-Saharan Africa—a hint that this arid wilderness was once a grassland crisscrossed by waterways. Five- to seven-day guided tours with Fancy Yellow take in the most spectacular works of Tassili’s art, like the “Crying Cows,” engraved at the base of a stone pinnacle 7,000 years ago.  

Travelers with more time might want to combine a trip to Tassili with a visit to the Algerian Sahara’s other great geologic marvel: the extraordinary mountain range of Ahaggar National Park .

#9: Dive with sharks in Western Australia

Stretching almost 700 miles along the Indian Ocean north of Perth, Western Australia’ s Coral Coast is studded with natural wonders. But Ningaloo Reef is the star. Here, you can dive with giants: Some 300 to 500 whale sharks ,   one of the largest congregations on Earth, gather along the reef each year between March and July. Ethical outfitters ensure divers give the sharks space and avoid feeding them or using flash photography.  

Even more megafauna abound from July to October, when about 40,000 humpback whales migrate along the Coral Coast. You can also commune with more than 10,000 dugongs in Shark Bay or swim with manta rays at Coral Bay.  

#10: Hike a volcano in Panama

A sustainability leader, Panama recently launched its “1,000 Kilometers of Trails” project , which seeks to bring outdoor recreation and green tourism to rural communities and protected areas.

First out of the gate is the Ruta de la Caldera , a system of five trails around the extinct Valle de Antón volcano . The treks take in waterfall-speckled landscapes, according to photographer Rose Marie Cromwell , who hiked sections of the Ruta de la Caldera over five days.

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“There were some spectacular views on top of the volcanic crater—interesting land formations covered in so much green,” she says.

#11: Catch the eclipse at Niagara Falls

Directly in the path of totality, Niagara Falls will offer views of a total solar eclipse, which won’t occur again in the contiguous U.S. until 2044. For about three and a half minutes, beginning at approximately 3:18 p.m. on April 8, the sky will darken over the thunderous cataract as the moon crosses between Earth and the sun.  

On the U.S. side of the falls , Terrapin Point, Prospect Point, and the Observation Tower will be prime viewing areas (if clouds stay away). From the Canadian side, an excellent vantage point is Table Rock. A side bonus: The sunny-day rainbow that hovers above the falls will become pink.  

#12: Trek a glacier in Chile

In Chilean Patagonia‘s Laguna San Rafael National Park , visitors can trek to glaciers, taking in a panorama of pale blue ice massifs and glacial waterways. Some 17,300 glaciers still cover the whole of Patagonia’s ice fields, but rising temperatures are rapidly melting them. Climate scientists say sustainable tourism , such as hikes with Chilean outfitters like Turismo Valle Leones , supports local communities and inspires travelers to learn more about how to protect glaciers.

#13: Step back in time on Menorca

Spain ’s Balearic Islands are best known for the jet-set beach destinations of Ibiza and Mallorca . But quiet, less developed Menorca has a unique mother lode: The archipelago’s greatest repository of ancient architecture.

In an area of just 270 square miles, Menorca has a total of 1,574 inventoried archaeological sites , ranging from the foundation blocks of small dwellings to well-preserved village centers that existed long before the Roman Empire. Most striking are the navetas,   megalithic tombs dating back to 1600 B.C.; talayots, watchtowers built from mortarless blocks of limestone; and   taulas,   shrines exclusive to Menorca that evoke Stonehenge pillars. These remnants of the Talayotic Menorcan culture, the first civilization to inhabit the island, have now been inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List .  

The open-air monuments are easy to visit; the island’s Me-1 road passes by some of the best-preserved sites, including the settlements of Talatí de Dalt, Naveta des Tudons, and Taula de Torretrencada.

Reenter the 21st century at the new Hauser & Wirth gallery in the picturesque town of Mahón. Housed in repurposed 18th-century hospital buildings, the cultural venue presents contemporary art exhibits and has an outdoor sculpture trail with works by Louise Bourgeois and Joan Miró.

#14: Ride classic rails in Scotland

Exploring Scotland ’s wild, scenic Highlands doesn’t have to mean roughing it. The Royal Scotsman train glides among the moody lochs and dramatic peaks in style. New suites debuting in May 2024 sport interiors that reflect the compelling landscapes through dark woods, wool tweeds , and richly patterned bespoke tartans crafted by Scottish brand Araminta Campbell . After a day spent hiking to waterfalls or playing rounds of golf (a sport inextricably tied to the nation), guests can wind down with a massage at the onboard spa.

Departing Edinburgh ’s Waverley Station, the two- to seven-night rail journeys cross the heart of the Highlands, from Perthshire to Inverness to the rugged west coast. During stops guests can tour castles, stargaze in Cairngorms National Park , sample whisky at revered distilleries, and even take a dip in a loch.

#15: Find authentic flavor in Thailand  

The Isaan region in northeastern Thailand is known for its distinctive cuisine that reflects influences from bordering Laos and Cambodia. “Isaan is a hidden gem of Thailand,” says Weerawat “Num” Triyasenawat, the chef at Samuay & Sons , a Michelin Guide -recommended restaurant in the Isaan city of Udon Thani.

One key ingredient of the region’s delicious food is pla ra, a fermented-fish seasoning that boosts umami flavor. Local dishes include laab   (minced meat salad), traditionally served during celebrations.

#16: Wander tea trails in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is virtually synonymous with tea. The island nation is one of the world’s top producers of tea leaves. British colonists introduced the first bushes about 200 years ago. Now visitors can trace the footsteps of historic planters on the new, nearly 200-mile Pekoe Trail , the country’s first long-distance walking route.  

Starting just outside Kandy, the trail follows the 19th-century tracks upon which workers and horse-drawn carts transported freshly plucked leaves. Hikers pass through hill towns and tea estates and can stop to take a cooking class or savor a cup of aromatic Ceylon tea.

#17: Gallery hop in São Paulo

São Paulo, Brazil ’s largest city, is an art lover’s paradise, home to numerous galleries, exhibitions, and street murals. The crowning jewel is the Museu de Arte de São Paulo (MASP), which is expanding to showcase more of its 11,000-plus artworks, from pre-Renaissance paintings to contemporary sculptures. Departing from the usual model of exhibiting works on walls, MASP hangs some pieces against clear panels, allowing visitors to view the art from all angles.

#18: Raft the rapids in West Virginia  

Despite its name, West Virginia ’s New River is actually one of the oldest on Earth, perhaps as old as 360 million years. The river falls 750 feet in only 50 miles between sandstone cliffs. It eventually merges with the Gauley River.   Outfitters such as ACE Adventure Resort can arrange whitewater rafting trips here on Class III to V rapids through the longest and deepest river gorge in the Appalachians.  

#19: Go antiquing in Hudson Valley

The bucolic Hudson Valley is booming, thanks to an influx of New York City residents during the pandemic. But it’s long been a mecca for creatives: Its landscapes inspired America’s first artistic fraternity, the Hudson River School. Antique collectors will be drawn to the hundreds of stores, boutiques, craft shops, and flea markets that sell everything from colonial furniture and rare books to mid-century modern decor. For vintage finds, head to the Antique Warehouse in Hudson, Sister Salvage in Catskill, and Opera House Co. in Athens.

“There’s a common denominator here—the charming historic villages,” says Sarah Gray Miller, owner of Coxsackie antique store UnQuiet . From Stuyvesant to Saugerties, these towns “share a strong commitment to preservation.”

#20: Sleep on the water in British Columbia

The newly reopened Tofino Wilderness Resort , owned by the Ahousaht First Nation, is an idyllic base from which to explore the western coast of British Columbia ’s Vancouver Island. In the heart of Clayoquot Sound, the luxury floating lodge was renovated with lumber cut from timber which fell on-site. Through guided whale-watching trips or visits to the Freedom Cove artists’ sanctuary, the Ahousaht share with guests their philosophy, hishuk ish tsawalk (“everything is one”), celebrating the interconnectedness of people and nature in a land they’ve occupied for thousands of years.

Editor's note

Related topics.

• HORSEBACK RIDING
• PETROGLYPHS
• WILDLIFE WATCHING
• WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY
• CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING
• SNOWMOBILING

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2 of the top 10 must-see travel experiences in the world are in the U.S., Google data says

Luxury travel company Kuoni recently released its list of the world's top must-see travel experiences.

To rank the experiences, Kuoni looked for events that occur no more than twice a year and had the most Google searches.

In the top 10 must-see travel experiences based on Google searches, only two are in the U.S., with two more U.S. experiences being a part of the top 20.

No.1 must-see travel experience: Manhattanhenge

New York City's Manhattanhenge is the most searched-for travel experience — the NYC event had over 1.3 million annual Google searches.

The rare event occurs when the Sun appears between the city's grid as it's low in the sky and setting, according to the American Museum of Natural History . The "Manhattanhenge Effect" will occur between May 29 and July 13 this year.

According to the museum, some of the best places to view the Manhattanhenge are from Manhattan's east/west thoroughfares and to get the best view, it recommends finding a spot as far east as possible.

The best streets to see the Manhattanhenge include 14th Street, 23rd Street, 34th Street, 42nd Street, and 57th Street.

Top 10 must-see travel experiences in the world

• Manhattanhenge, New York City
• Venice Carnival, Italy
• Rio Carnival, Brazil
• Day of the Dead, Mexico
• Chelsea Flower Show, U.K.
• Golden Week, Japan
• Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, USA
• Northern Lights in Lapland, Finland
• Oktoberfest, Munich, Germany
• Obon Festival, Japan

The No. 2 must-see travel experience in the world is the Venice Carnival in Italy, with over 1.2 million annual searches.

The Venice Carnival takes place every year just before the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday — this year the the carnival took place from January 27-February 13.

The annual event is known worldwide for its captivating masquerade masks and costumes.

The carnival began in the 1100s and lasted for several centuries before it was outlawed in the 1700s. Eventually, in 1979, the Italian government brought back the festivities, according to Venice Events .

In 2025, the carnival is set to take place from February 22 to March 4.

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• [ March 25, 2024 ] Top 10 best Aman Resorts & Hotels in the world Top 10 lists

My 10 best travel experiences of 2020

Monday  newsletters  always feature  top 10 travel lists  to inspire.

Today (December 21, 2020): My 10 best travel experiences of 2020.

As the year 2020 is coming to an end, it’s a good time to reflect on the headlines and stories that shaped the past year. 2020 is a year unlike any other; a year most of us want to forget but we will never forget; a year   defined by the worst pandemic the world has seen in more than a century, social justice movements, one of the most contentious elections in USA history, and an increasingly volatile climate change. But amid the struggle, as most of us need to redefine ourselves, there have been signs of hope for a better future with a new sense of purpose and solidarity.

2020 is also the year that international travel collapsed. This time last year, concepts such as “lockdowns,” “ quarantaines ” and “mask mandates” were unknown to most of us. Today they are part of our everyday language as the coronavirus pandemic continues to impact all aspects of our lives, including our travel plans and wanderlust. Since this is a travel blog that tries to give you a daily moment of travel inspiration with a focus on my personal stories, I hereby share with you my travel highlights of 2020 (and there were several highlights, despite the pandemic). Early 2021, I’ll share what to expect from me in the next year.

There is more information (with trip reports & YouTube clips) below the slideshow. You can share your own thoughts on 2020 or your own 2020 travel highlights in the comments section  below.

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10. FLYING BUSINESS CLASS ONBOARD A SWISS BOEING 777 

Early 2020, when the world was still a normal place, I flew Business Class in a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft of Switzerland’s flagship carrier, Swiss International Air Lines, more commonly known under its short name Swiss (often stylized as SWISS). Swiss was formed after the 2001 bankruptcy of Swissair, Switzerland’s former flag carrier. The airline is a member of Star Alliance and a subsidiary of the Lufthansa Group since 2005. Swiss recently acquired 11 Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, which replaced most of Swiss’ aging A340 planes although five A340s remain in service and are currently getting a refurbishment. The experience on this B777 trip was great and clearly a step up compared to flying on Swiss’ A340s (which I reviewed  here ). Although I liked the elegant cabin interior, I was not a fan of Swiss’ uncomfortable flat-bed seat and cramp cabin layout. That said, the service by the crew, the delicious food, and the excellent inflight entertainment more than made up for it.

• Review:  Swiss Boeing 777 Business Class from Zürich to Singapore

9. ENJOYING SUMMER VIBES ON GREECE’S LARGEST ISLAND, CRETE

Last summer, at a time when the pandemic was easing a little bit in Europe, I enjoyed a lovely holiday on Crete, Greece’s largest island. Due to its geographical position between Africa, Europe, and Asia, Crete has been a center of culture as early as Neolithic times. The island is also the birthplace of the first advanced society on European soil, the Minoans, who ruled some 4000 years ago, and you’ll find evocative vestiges all over, including the famous Palace of Knossos. Crete is a remarkable place to visit, packed with pristine beaches and spectacular sights, from desert island atolls to far-flung traditional villages, many of them way off the beaten path. Although Crete is also not as expensive compared to its more famous siblings Santorini and Mykonos, it still has plenty of resorts where one can indulge in luxurious settings. During my holiday, I stayed in 3 resorts, which rank among the very best on the island: Daios Cove, Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas, and Abaton Island Resort.

• Review:  Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas
• Review:  Abaton Island Resort & Spa
• Review: Daios Cove Luxury Hotel & Villas

8. TRYING OUT VIRGIN ATLANTIC’S NEW A350 BUSINESS CLASS PRODUCT

Last winter, I flew from London to New York onboard a brand-new Virgin Atlantic Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, which features an entirely new Upper Class cabin concept, including a new Business Class seat. Laid out in a 1-2-1 configuration, every suite faces towards the window and offers deployable privacy screens. All suites transition seamlessly from an upright seat, straight to a bed. The suite also boasts Virgin Atlantic’s largest ever in-flight entertainment screen, at 18.5”and features intuitive new system, controllable by passengers’ own personal device. The Virgin Atlantic A350 also features a new bar area known as The Loft. As the largest social space in the airline’s fleet, it’s designed for customers to gather, chat, enjoy a drink or dine with friends. Virgin Atlantic has ordered a total of 12 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, all scheduled to join the carrier’s fleet by the end of 2021. I will publish my video of this journey this Saturday on my YouTube channel, and my blog review next week, so stay tuned!

7. EXPLORING THE KINGDOM OF CAMBIODIA

The Kingdom of Cambodia is finally rebounding from its complex and war-torn past and is on its way to become the next big travel destination in Asia. The country’s landscapes are surprisingly diverse, with tropical beaches, remote jungles, rice paddies, and sugar palm plantations. Like most visitors, my prime reason to visit Cambodia was to explore the iconic ancient temple ruins of Angkor Wat. Vast, beautiful and beguiling, these temple complexes contain a magic that makes them stand out from the crowd. Cambodia also has a growing ultra-luxury hotel scene, which is luring discerning travelers to this fascinating Southeast Asian nation. During my visit, I stayed at three fabulous boutique properties located in three different parts of the country: Phum Baitang by Zannier Hotels (near Angor Wat), Alili Koh Russey (a private island beach resort in the Gulf of Thailand; currently closed), and Shinta Mani Wild (a fabulous rainforest camp designed by world-renowned architect Bill Bensley).

• Review:  Zannier Hotels Phum Baitang, Cambodia
• Review:  A visit to Angkor Wat, Cambodia
• Review:  Alila Villas Koh Russey, Cambodia
• Review:  Shinta Mani Wild by Bensley Collection, Cambodia

6. FLYING IN ETIHAD AIRWAYS’ FIRST CLASS APARTMENT

Early 2020, I flew First Class with Etihad Airways from Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport (France) to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (Thailand) via a stopover in Etihad’s hub in Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates). The flight from Paris to Abu Dhabi was operated by Etihad Airways’ flagship plane, the double-decker Airbus A380. The carrier has ten A380s in its fleet, deploying them on routes from Abu Dhabi to New York, London, Melbourne, Seoul and Sydney (prior to the pandemic). Etihad Airways pushed luxury to a sky-high new level and revolutionized First Class with the introduction of the ‘Apartment’ concept on its A380 superjumbos in 2014. More than just a seat, the Apartment has a large leather armchair and separate bed. There is even space to walk around after closing the privacy doors. As you can imagine, the experience was mind-blowing, and you can read my trip report or watch my YouTube video to get an idea of what it feels like to travel onboard Etihad’s A380 in First Class.

• Review: Etihad Airways Airbus A380 First Class Apartment from Paris to Abu Dhabi

5. ENJOYING LA DOLCE VITA IN ITALY

Due to the pandemic, I had to cancel many longhaul trips (such as Costa Rica, Namibia, and French Polynesia). Instead, I planned several last-minute holidays to some of Italy’s most beautiful areas, which wasn’t a bad alternative at all, because what’s not to love about this boot-shaped Mediterranean country? Italy offers a rich culture, world-class cuisine, passionate people, trendy fashion, ancient monuments, and picturesque villages. Besides its historic and cultural treasures, Italy also features magnificent landscapes, which include spectacular coastlines, Alpine lakes and breathtaking mountains. The country is also home to some of the word’s most exclusive and astronomically expensive hotels. My Italy trips brought me from the spectacular Dolomites, Lake Como and Lake Garda in the North to the breathtaking island of Sicily in the South, with some side trips to the Italian Riviera & Cinque Terre in the West and Venice’s Grand Canal in the East.

• Review:  Il Sereno, Lake Como
• Review:  Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Lake Como
• Review:  Grand Hotel Portovenere, Cinque Terre
• Review: Belmond Hotel Splendido, Portofino
• Review:  St Regis Hotel Venice
• Review:  Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo, Sicily
• Review: Belmond Villa Sant’Andrea, Sicily
• Review:  Lefay Resort & Spa, Lake Garda
• Review:  Bellevue Hotel & Spa, Aosta Valley (Alps)
• Review:  Forestis, Dolomites (Alps)

4. FLYING BUSINESS CLASS WITH EVA AIR

Last winter, I flew onboard an Eva Air Boeing 777-300ER from Bangkok (Thailand) to London (UK) in Business Class (or Royal Laurel Class, as Eva Air calls its premium product). The experience was brilliant and that shouldn’t come as surprise since Taiwan-based Eva Air offers one of the  world’s best (and most underrated) Business Class products . The seats in Royal Laurel Class onboard EVA’s B777s are configured in a reverse herringbone 1-2-1 layout that maximizes space, which is similar to what you find on other airlines such as Air France ,  Air Canada  or  Cathay Pacific . However, the carrier’s service, amenities and catering really stand out as extraordinary, and are on-par with most international First Class products (albeit at a Business Class price). To top it all, EVA Air is one of the few airlines to offer pajamas in Business Class; loose and comfortable, these garments are perfect for slumbering on long-haul flights. I’m already looking forward to fly with EVA Air again!

• Review: Eva Air Boeing 777 Business Class from Bangkok to London

3. AMAN JOURNEY IN MONTENEGRO

Montenegro is one of the world’s fastest-growing tourist destinations, with several high-end brands opening some ultraluxe resorts over the coming years (e.g. Ritz Carlton, One&Only, etc …). In 2020, I visited the country for the first time and stayed at Montenegro’s most famous property, Aman Sveti Stefan , managed by Aman, one  the word’s most exclusive hotel brands . Standing against pink-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters and rugged, pine-cloaked mountains, the hotel stretches across a causeway from a rustic island village in the Mediterranean Sea to a former royal residence on the mainland. The 80-acre estate features secret coves, a serene spa and a clifftop pool, scattered along Queen’s Beach, a scallop-shaped bay which is considered Montenegro’s finest and which is at the exclusive disposal of Aman guests. There are 58 unique luxury lodgings, all coming with a myriad of views ranging from sea and rooftops to quaint courtyards and piazzas.

• Review: Aman Sveti Stefan (Montenegro)

2. FLYING FIRST CLASS WITH CATHAY PACIFIC

Early March, I flew First Class with  Cathay Pacific onboard one of the carrier’s Boeing 777-300ERs from Hong Kong to Frankfurt. Unfortunately, the airline is struggling in the face of the coronavirus pandemic and the Hong Kong protests, although the company got a massive $5 billion USD state-backed bailout to survive the troubles. The flag carrier of Hong Kong still offers one of my favorite longhaul First Class products in the world . Not only is Cathay Pacific’s First Class product incredibly consistent, but it’s also one of the few airlines that scores nearly perfect in all premium inflight categories (think plush bedding and pillows, fine dining options, and sublime new amenity kits). It took me three First Class flights with Cathay Pacific to get this trip report & YouTube clip: my camera broke down during my first flight two years ago, and I was not allowed to film during my second flight with Cathay last year because of the presence of a high profile passenger in the cabin, but three times is the charm!

• Review:  Cathay Pacific First Class Boeing 777 from Hong Kong to Frankfurt

1. RE-VISITING MY FAVORITE HOTEL IN THE WORLD, SONEVA KIRI (THAILAND)

It’s no secret. Besides being an Aman junkie, I am a HUGE  Soneva  fan. The Soneva story started in 1995, when Sonu Shivdasani, an Indian-British hotelier, launched the now world-famous  Soneva Fushi  resort in the Maldives. He also built his house there, together with his wife Eva Malmstrom, a Swedish fashion model, who developed the design of the unique resort. They had no idea that their intensely personal vision of a locally crafted villa and environmentally responsible lifestyle would form the basis of a successful collection of world-class hotels, resorts and spas. But that’s exactly what happened. In 2017, Soneva Fushi got a sister resort in the Maldives, phenomenal  Soneva Jani , one of the most amazing resorts ever built.

Besides its Maldives properties, the Soneva group also operates another, and in my opinion even more spectacular hotel: Soneva Kiri . Remote yet accessible by a one hour flight from Bangkok on the resort’s private plane, Soneva Kiri sits on Thailand’s 4th largest but least populated island, Koh Kood. Soneva Kiri’s resort villas (including 11 private residences) are amongst the largest in the world. Located on the idyllic beach or sunny slopes in the rainforest, all have stunning infinity pools, impossibly chic furnishings, personal electric buggies, and impeccable service courtesy of private butlers. Highlights include the open air cinema Paradiso, Benz’ mangrove restaurant, the chocolate & ice cream parlor, the children’s den and the spectacular Treetop dining pod.

Tip: Contact me  to get  complimentary Soneva ambassador benefits  at Soneva Kiri (e.g. resort credit and two Soneva experiences).

• Review:  AMAZING Soneva Kiri (Thailand)
• Review:  Asia’s largest holiday villa at Soneva Kiri, Thailand

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A very exciting, detailed and helpful overview ! Dear The Great Expert ! You have summed up the results of this nightmare year , which brought down the entire world economy and changed our lives ! No matter how you slice it , but life goes on and we will all try to get out of this pandemic labyrinth. Using Your advice and recommendations , we will strive for the cherished shores of our dreams and the desired relax ! Let me also , as a devoted fan of Your fascinating Channel , take stock. I’m very inspired by the results of Your titanic work and the attention that You have shown us ! Your unique information will always be in demand and will always provide invaluable assistance in planning our relax ! It’s difficult to overestimate the contribution You have made to the best part of our life : our holidays and our travels ! Not always having enough financial resources, we can make the most of our vacation time : Your helping hand will always come on time ! Dear The Great Expert ! I sincerely thank You for Your unselfish and very important help ! I wish You only happy changes , strength and aspiration in the implementation of Your plans ! Let Your noble Mission bring joy to You and us ! Let the joy of life and the state of a happy traveler never leave Your heart ! We love , appreciate and always remember You , our dear The Luxury Travel Expert and our Wellbeing ! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year ! ✓ God bless You and Your family ✓ Friendly, Vlado Orlandich 21th Dec 2020

Love your reports! But Cathay First just does not compare to ANA First. The only thing Cathay has, is that huge seat. But the food, service and other amenities on ANA are far superior. Especially the service. Three times for me in Cathay First. Crowded cabin, average food, and indifferent FAs. Not worth all the miles it costs now. When AA awards were 67.5K miles for Cathay First, then it was worth it. But at 110K miles now, No way. If I have to use Cathay, then I will do business which is an ok value. When I need to get to SE Asia, I will be flying EVA. Whose business class is worth the miles/dollars.

Very different year we are almost done with and hope the light shine beautiful for the new year. Love your report and all have a lovely holiday as we are in lock down. Make the best of it to all.

I hope that once the border opens you might consider coming to New Zealand as we have a lot to offer the luxury traveler.

Thanks for writing this great article for us. I have gained good stuff from this website. Looking forward to your next article. I am happy to share this post to my friends. Keep it up.

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Passing Thru Travel

A Guide to the 10 Best Safari Experiences in Africa

Posted: February 20, 2024 | Last updated: February 20, 2024

Embarking on an African safari is an experience like no other. The continent’s vast and diverse landscapes, rich wildlife, and unique cultural heritage make it a dream destination for nature and adventure enthusiasts. From the savannas of the Serengeti to the deltas of Botswana, each safari destination offers a unique glimpse into the wild heart of Africa. This guide will take you through ten of the best safari experiences in Africa, providing insider tips to help you make the most of your adventure.

Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

In the Serengeti National Park, you’ll witness the quintessence of the African savanna. The vast open plains are home to the Great Migration, an awe-inspiring natural spectacle where millions of wildebeest and zebras journey in search of greener pastures. The park’s diverse habitats, including riverine forests and swamps, are teeming with wildlife, from lions and leopards to giraffes and elephants. For a unique experience, plan an early morning hot air balloon ride, providing a stunning aerial view of the plains at sunrise.

Insider’s Tip: Book a hot air balloon safari for an unforgettable aerial view of the migration.

When To Travel: June to October for the migration; January and February for the calving season.

How To Get There: Fly to Kilimanjaro International Airport, then a local flight to the Serengeti.

Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

In the Maasai Mara, you’ll experience one of Africa’s most abundant wildlife reserves. It is best known for the migration period when massive herds cross the Mara River. However, it’s also home to the Big Five and an excellent location for spotting predators in action. The Mara’s landscape of rolling grasslands and acacia woodlands adds to its charm. Consider visiting a local Maasai village for a cultural insight into the lives of the indigenous community.

Insider’s Tip: Visit a Maasai village for a cultural experience.

When To Travel: July to October for the migration.

How To Get There: Fly to Nairobi, followed by a local flight or drive to the reserve.

Kruger National Park, South Africa

Kruger National Park offers a more accessible safari experience without skimping on wildlife diversity. It’s one of the best places to self-drive, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace. The park is home to a vast array of animals, including the Big Five, and has a well-developed infrastructure, making it ideal for first-time safari-goers. Stay in one of the park’s private lodges for a more secluded experience and expert-led game drives.

Insider’s Tip: Stay in one of the park’s private lodges for exclusive game drives.

When To Travel: May to September for dry season game viewing.

How To Get There: Fly to Johannesburg, drive to Kruger, or take a local flight to nearby airports.

Chobe National Park, Botswana

Chobe National Park is renowned for its large elephant population and river safaris on the Chobe River. These unique water-based safaris offer a different perspective and the opportunity to see a variety of aquatic wildlife and birds. The park’s proximity to Victoria Falls makes it easy to combine your safari with one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders. The dry season brings large concentrations of wildlife to the riverbanks, making for exceptional game viewing.

Insider’s Tip: Combine your visit with a trip to Victoria Falls.

When To Travel: May to October for the dry season.

How To Get There: Fly to Kasane Airport or drive from Victoria Falls or Livingstone.

Okavango Delta, Botswana

The Okavango Delta is a unique wetland within a desert, offering an unparalleled safari experience. The annual flooding of the delta creates a lush habitat for a diverse array of wildlife. Exploring the delta by mokoro, a traditional dugout canoe, is a serene and intimate way to experience this unique ecosystem. Staying in a bush camp on one of the delta’s islands provides an immersive wilderness experience.

Insider’s Tip: Book a bush camp on one of the delta’s islands.

When To Travel: July to October for the flood season.

How To Get There: Fly to Maun Airport, then take a charter flight to the delta.

Etosha National Park, Namibia

Etosha National Park is centered around the vast Etosha Salt Pan, providing a unique backdrop for wildlife viewing. The park’s numerous waterholes attract a variety of animals, particularly during the dry season, making it an excellent location for photographers. Night-time game viewing at the waterholes offers a chance to see nocturnal species and unique animal behaviors not typically observed during the day.

Insider’s Tip: Stay inside the park for night-time waterhole viewing.

How To Get There: Fly to Windhoek, then drive or take a local flight to Etosha.

Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

The Ngorongoro Crater offers a once-in-a-lifetime safari experience. As you descend into the world’s largest inactive, intact, and unfilled volcanic caldera, you’ll find an abundance of wildlife in this natural amphitheater. The crater floor is home to over 25,000 animals, including the endangered black rhino. Early morning visits allow for fewer crowds and more active wildlife.

Insider’s Tip: Visit the crater early in the morning to avoid crowds.

When To Travel: June to September for cooler weather and optimal wildlife viewing.

How To Get There: Fly to Kilimanjaro Airport, then drive or take a local flight.

South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

South Luangwa National Park is a haven for those seeking a more adventurous safari. Known as the birthplace of the walking safari, it offers an intimate and immersive experience. The park is renowned for its high-quality guides and exceptional leopard sightings. Night drives here are especially rewarding, with chances to see nocturnal animals like genets, civets, and bush babies.

Insider’s Tip: Try a night drive for a chance to see nocturnal animals.

When To Travel: July to October for the dry season.

How To Get There: Fly to Lusaka, then take a local flight to Mfuwe Airport.

Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

Hwange National Park, the largest in Zimbabwe, is known for its vast elephant herds and diverse landscapes ranging from desert sands to forests. It’s also one of the best places to see African wild dogs. The park’s numerous waterholes are magnets for wildlife, especially during the dry season, offering superb game viewing opportunities.

Insider’s Tip: Visit the park’s waterholes for excellent game viewing.

How To Get There: Fly to Victoria Falls, then drive to Hwange.

Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda

Queen Elizabeth National Park offers a diverse safari experience, with landscapes including savannas, wetlands, and forests. It’s an excellent location for seeing tree-climbing lions and various primates, including chimpanzees. A boat trip on the Kazinga Channel is a must, providing close encounters with hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of water birds.

Insider’s Tip: Take a boat trip on the Kazinga Channel to see hippos and crocodiles.

When To Travel: January to February and June to July for dry weather.

How To Get There: Fly to Entebbe, then drive to the park or take a local flight.

The Bottom Line

Your African safari adventure awaits, with each destination offering a unique window into the continent’s incredible wildlife and landscapes. Whether you’re floating down the Okavango Delta, witnessing the Great Migration in the Serengeti, or walking among the wildlife in South Luangwa, these experiences will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. Choose your destination based on the wildlife you want to see and the type of safari experience you’re after. Get ready for an adventure that will bring you face-to-face with the wonders of the African wild.

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The post A Guide to the 10 Best Safari Experiences in Africa republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage .

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Thomas Retterath.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

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10 of the best new london restaurants for spring 2024.

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The bar at Chotto Matte, a Japanese Peruvian restaurant in Marylebone

Here are ten of the newest dining experiences that contribute to London’s well-deserved reputation as a global culinary destination, from hotels with big-name chefs to some must-visit independents.

Mauro Colagreco at Raffles London at The OWO

Mauro Colagreco at Raffles London at the OWO

Mauro Colagreco at Raffles London is the new fine dining restaurant and first London venture from the globally renowned chef of three Michelin-starred Mirazur in France. Offering seasonal tasting menus focused on the British country garden, the chef has hand-selected his suppliers, drawing on local farmers and producers. Recent highlights have included: jerusalem artichoke, with hazelnut and cornish monkfish; lettuce, with vermouth and cockle sauce and plum, served in a crispy ravioli shell, black lemon ice cream and yoghurt fontainebleau. Next door, Mauro’s Table is an intimate space featuring an impressive dining table for up to 23 guests. His third restaurant, Saison, in the former historic library of the Old War Office, is more relaxed but the food is equally superb, serving locally sourced cuisine (the London Burrata with blood orange, basil, pistachio is outstanding, as is the Cornish Red Chicken) throughout the day including breakfast, brunch, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner.

Nest , Shoreditch

Nest, Shoreditch

The Nest Food Group was started by three friends, Johnnie, Luke and Toby whose newest venture is Nest (Old Street). Executive chef Johnnie Crowe (formerly of The Harwood Arms) chooses the very best of British seasonal produce from small-scale farmers and trusted suppliers including Alternative Meats, Shrub Provisions, Flourish Produce, Bello Wild, Flying Fish and Keltic Seafare. Nest, along with Restaurant St. Barts (Farringdon) serves reasonably-priced, innovative tasting menus. Nest focuses on one hero ingredient in the kitchen at a time and an optional “one-region” wine pairing. Recent menus have featured seafood with seaweed doughnuts and Chalk stream trout tart with wines from the Loire Valley. The current tasting menu (until 13 April) focuses on vegetables.

Ine By Taku , Hampstead

Ine, Hampstead

The team behind Michelin-starred Taku Mayfair has opened a brilliant new restaurant on the cobbled streets of Hampstead. Ine, meaning rice in Japanese, offers premium sushi, a contemporary Japanese a la carte menu and a 15-course omakase ( I’ll leave it up to the chef) menu, with specialty sakes and wines. Highlights from the a la carte menu include: lobster with cauliflower and sudachi jelly; grilled Iberico pork; Wagyu beef katsu sando and grilled Yuan chicken. Available on both the omakase and a la carte menus is daily changing, fresh sashimi including Toro, Akami, Hamachi, Salmon and Saba. The chic, minimalist design complements the well-thought out menus.

Bebe Bob , Soho

Bebe Bob, Golden Square, London

If you love chicken, this chic new sibling to Bob Bob Ricard on Golden Square, is certain to please. The most tender, flavorful rotisserie chicken (Vendée chicken from Pays de la Loire or Landais chicken from Gascony) is served whole at the table with a chicken jus and carved in view of guests. Sides and sauces are equally delicious including: truffle french fries and winter leaf salad, truffle jus and Albufiera sauce. French desserts are divine with Paris-Brest and tarte tatin taking top marks. An express lunch at the bar is good value for £19 including succulent chicken nuggets, salad and fries.

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The most comfortable heels based on testing and a podiatrist s advice, the best window air conditioners to keep cool in the warmer months, mimosa , the langham hotel.

Mimosa at The Langham

The flavors and spirit of the French Riviera are beautifully showcased at the new Mimosa, now open in a lush circular high ceilinged dining room at The Langham hotel. No doubt the London restaurant will be as well-received as Mimosa, Paris was when it opened in 2021. Highlights of the Mediterranean-inspired menu by chef Jean-François Piège include sea bream carpaccio, niçoise salad and grilled parmesan taglioni and whole sea bass baked in a salt crust, with warm “Cote d’Azur” style potato salad to share. Desserts are creative and tasty, including a deconstructed tiramisu, reconstructed table side and a whole pineapple filled with ice cream.

Francatelli , St. James's Hotel, Mayfair

Lobster braised with winter truffle and potatoes at Francatelli

Francatelli is Chef William Drabble's new restaurant and bar inspired by one of William’s culinary idols, Charles Elmé Francatelli, the author of the 1846 cookbook The Modern Cook . William Drabble, formerly of Pied à Terre and Aubergine, brings a modern take to 19th-century dishes, with a focus on British ingredients. Highlights of the Modern British menu include: lobster perfectly braised with winter truffle and potatoes; seared scallops; south coast monkfish; saddle of Cumbrian venison with salt baked celeriac, and delicious cep risotto with with36 month aged parmesan. There’s also a good value two course lunch menu for £35.

Jamie Oliver Catherine Street , Covent Garden

Rack of lamb at Jamie Oliver, London

After a short hiatus, one of the UK’s best loved chefs has returned to the London restaurant scene with Jamie Oliver Catherine Street. Housed in a Grade I listed building in Covent Garden, his new restaurant is helmed by head chef Chris Shail, who worked alongside Jamie for eight years, along with pastry chef Emma Jackson, who has worked at Soho Farmhouse and Petersham Nurseries. The menu that is reflective of Jamie’s love of Britain’s rich and diverse food culture, and champions independent producers and suppliers like Flourish Produce, Westcombe Dairy, Cobble Lane Cured and Hill Street Chocolate. Menu winners include: seafood cocktail with British Crab, Brown Shrimp and Prawns; Scampi and chips; and chargrilled Devonshire lamb.

Chotto Matte , Marylebone

Sato Maki Sushi Roll at Chotto Matte, Marylebone

Opened about a year ago, Japan meets Peru in this innovative restaurant founded by Kurt Zdesar who had a key role in launching both Nobu and Hakkasan. The fusion menu features Nikkei Cuisine, a blend of Peruvian and Japanese flavors and techniques that started with a large Japanese migration to Peru in the late 19th-century. The result is a delightful range of dishes, some of which are served at Chotto Matte like Yellowtail Nikkei Sashimi; Black Cod Aji Miso: Pollo Picante and Sato Maki. Dessert is a joy too featuring Passion Fruit Crème Brûlée and Matcha Crêpe Cake.

Cafe Kitty , Soho

Cafe Kitty, Soho

Cafe Kitty is the third restaurant from Kitty Fisher’s Group, the team behind the acclaimed Kitty Fisher’s in Shepherd’s Market and Cora Pearl in Covent Garden. Located upstairs above the Soho theatre, Underbelly Boulevard, Cafe Kitty offers a modern British menu with tasty items like Welsh rarebit and fish stew, in a lively atmosphere. Interiors feature pale pink walls with vintage posters and mirrors, green velvet banquette seating with marble tables.

Bellazul , Marylebone

Bellazul, Marylebone

Chef Simone Serafini, previously Head Chef of Cecconi’s, Cacciari’s and Mayfair’s exclusive private members club 5 Hertford Street, has created a Mediterranean menu featuring Italian, Greek and Moroccan favorites. The starters are particularly strong with a deliciously smokey burrata, baba ganoush and red Sicilian prawns.

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10 uplifting things to do in London in April 2024

With spring in the air, discover the best things to do in the capital to put a spring in your step this month.

The clocks have officially sprung forward and lighter evenings are bringing a dose of dopamine to London this month. 

With the family off for Easter, the TCS London Marathon returning, and cherry blossom trees blooming across the city's beautiful Royal Parks this April, there is plenty to look forward to as we celebrate the start of British Summer Time. 

Here, discover the best things to do in London in April 2024, tried and tested by team HELLO! .  

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Best restaurants to visit in london in april 2024.

From Michelin-star delights to affordable jaunts, discover where HELLO! has been dining - and loving - this April.

Experience unrivalled glamour and good vibes at Louie

Tucked away on an unassuming street in Covent Garden, you'll find Louie , an impossibly glamorous French restaurant with a chic brasserie-style interior, a divinely indulgent menu and a secret jazz bar on its fourth floor. 

Inspired by the soulful jazz bars of New Orleans, this late-night dining spot infuses Parisian sophistication with the heady glamour of the Louisiana jazz scene. For foodies, like me, Louie's colourful menu is a delight for the senses. Expect elegant sharing plates, exceptional raw seafood, black truffle pappardelle, a melt-in-the-mouth New York strip steak doused in bernaise sauce and buttery lobster rolls from the best of the menu. 

When I dined on a quiet Thursday evening, the buzzy dining room was full by 8pm, soon transformed into a jovial live music venue as a four-man jazz band lit up the restaurant with a playful rendition of Oh When The Saints.  

Upstairs in The Alligator Bar , the atmosphere was even more electric as guests sipped on classic cocktails and malt whiskey to the sound of Georgia Cecile's spectacular voice. For me, it was a quick twirl on the dancefloor and a spicy margarita for the road. Joie de vivre!

Reviewed by Georgia Brown, Senior Lifestyle & Fashion Writer

Try UMU’s new menu

The moment you step through the doors of UMU Mayfair (if you can find the door – the James Bond movie-style mysterious entrance is the first excitement of a date at this Michelin-starred restaurant), you can tell it’s something special. 

Elegant and understated, the dining room oozes Japanese serenity , and although the kitchen is open, right in the centre of the room, there are no Ramsay-style histrionics going on here – just intense, silent concentration as attention to detail is painstakingly taken over every morsel making its way onto a plate.

It's all beautiful. From the sake cocktails with flowers floating in them (the dirty sake martini gets my thumbs up) to the sashimi platters laid out like a work of art. And the food is sensational. I’m a big fan of Japanese food, but I’d never tasted anything quite as delicious as the Cornish langoustine and halibut sashimi, not the mention the Spanish tuna, both back and belly, so delicious and so different.

I actually didn’t think the fish could be beaten, but the wagyu beef, cooked over charcoal and graded 11 (from a maximum of 12) for tenderness, was like nothing I’d ever tasted before. We all know steak that melts in the mouth, but it turns out it doesn’t really. Not when you’ve eaten chef Ryo Kamatsu’s waygu steak, still on the flame so the accompanying sauce caramelises as it continues to cook.

The restaurant has been running for 20 years now – March 2024 marked its birthday and the release of the new menu. Its traditional Kyoto cuisine has given it a reputation as one of the finest Japanese restaurants in London, and now I’m clear as to why.

Reviewed by Sophie Vokes-Dudgeon, Chief Content Officer

Spend your Saturday at Vibe Brunch at STK Steakhouse London

If you are on the lookout for a cool brunch in London, keep reading! I tried out STK Steakhouse Strand 's newest 'Vibe Brunch' and it was so fun! Every Saturday from 11:30am to 3pm, you can enjoy the ultimate brunch experience with a DJ on the decks and the afternoon turns into a lively and unforgettable event with amazing music, great service and delicious food.

It's reasonably priced, too! For just £49 per person, guests can enjoy a three-course menu that includes sharing starters, such as delectable Sushi and Lil’Burgers, a choice of main course, including the iconic STK California Cut Steak and a Roasted Salmon, full of flavour, and finally a show-stopping sharing party board for dessert. I would highly recommend upgrading to one of the bottomless beverage packages, starting from an additional £28 per person.

The Vibe Brunch is on at STK Steakhouse Strand and STK Rooftop Steakhouse & Bar in Stratford.

Reviewed by Leanne Bayley, Director of Lifestyle & Commerce

Taste the beauty of cherry blossom season at Marugame Udon

This season, Marugame Udon is inviting noodle lovers across the London to embrace the Japanese tradition of 'Hanami' and join them for a joyous feast of fresh noodles under the new pink blooms. 

Experience Hanami the Marugame way by dropping by to enjoy your udon whilst admiring the restaurant's co-created pink cherry blossom tree. Pick up your origami petal at the till, write your wish for the new season, fold your petal and add it to the tree and watch it blossom.

Marugame Udon is the perfect pit stop for a flying visit, thanks to their canteen-style dining that makes ordering go at lightning speed. When I dined, I devoured a hearty bowl of Chicken Katsu Curry (from £8.45) while my friend enjoyed Beef Nikutama (from £9.95), udon noodles with beef and caramelised onions in a sweet and smokey sauce. Don't miss the delicious Shima Yuzu & Elderflower Saké Spritz.

Best things to do in London in April 2024

Be it a live music event, family-friendly exhibitions or exciting new fitness classes, HELLO!'s team is always on the lookout for the best new things to try in London each month.

Spectate at the TCS London Marathon

This month, thousands of runners will be gearing up for the most popular marathon in the world - but the TCS London Marathon is nothing without its spectators. Join the crowds to support the elites, first-time runners and fancy dressed athletes taking on the 26.2 mile route across London's most iconic landmarks on 21 April. Who knows? You may just become inspired to sign up yourself next year… 

Don't miss the London Landmarks Half Marathon on 7 April, the only half marathon to go through both the City of London and City of Westminster.

Are you running the London Marathon?

Running the TCS London Marathon? Don't miss out on the post-run perks the city has to offer on 21 April 2024.

• Race-day travel is free for any runners travelling to and from the marathon. Simply show your race number or medal on the Underground, Overground, bus network, TfL Rail, and DLR to hitch a free ride. 
• Barry's - London's favourite bootcamp - will be hosting a London Marathon after party at its SW1 studio featuring live music and refreshments. Marathon runners can drop in for a free HERMOSA protein shake from the Barry's Fuel Bar by showing their medal. It's free to join by signing up here . 
• For years, Bill's has welcomed London marathon runners through its doors on race day with the promise of a free burger and drink - just show your medal at any of the 10 restaurants in London to claim your post-run carbs. 
• Urban's at-home wellness services deliver expert therapists straight to your door, making the service an ideal treat for post-marathon recovery. Book everything from physiotherapy to sports massages on the app, reducing the risk of injury and speeding up your recovery. 
• Treat yourself to a free Argentinian Rib Eye Steak at Heliot Steak House or a Claire Heliot Burger whilst taking in the wonderful views across Soho from The Hippodrome Rooftop on 21 and 22 April. Just show your race medal to claim. 

Indulge in a luxury post-marathon recovery package at Pan Pacific London

Calling all marathon runners! You're going to need some serious TLC after putting your body through 26.2 miles, and Pan Pacific London has a post-race recovery package you'll definitley want to indulge in. 

SENSORY, the hotel’s state-of-the-art wellbeing floor is designed to tackle muscle strain and mental exhaustion as well as optimise healing. Begin with a 30-minute leg recovery session to soothe tired muscles after a gruelling 26.2 miles of running, followed by a 30-minute express massage. The relaxation continues with full access to the sauna and steam room before soaking away any remaining fatigue with a dip in the 18.5m infinity pool. 

The Post-Marathon Treatment package is avaialble to book throughout April in tandem with the London Marathon. Prices start at £150.

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• London Marathon

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The 2024 total solar eclipse is 1 week away. Here's what you need to know.

We're ready, are you? The countdown to the total solar eclipse has begun!

Last minute preparations

Eclipse weather.

There's only one week left until the total solar eclipse 2024 is visible across North America! Are you ready? 

Memories will be made when the moon crosses in front of the sun and turns the daytime sky dark. The total solar eclipse will travel through Mexico, 15 U.S. States and Canada and will be one of the most-watched eclipses ever. You can view the entire path of totality including start and end times for different stages of the solar ellipse at each location in this helpful interactive map from NASA . 

If you cannot watch the eclipse in person you can watch the total solar eclipse live here on Space.com courtesy of NASA. Coverage will begin at 1 p.m. EDT (1700 GMT) . You can also keep up with all the actions with our total solar eclipse 2024 live updates blog.

And if you capture a great photo of the solar eclipse and would like to share it with us and our readers, please email it to [email protected] .  

Related: Solar eclipse viewing through history: A roundup of some of the best photos  

Our how to read and understand a solar eclipse map will help you get the most out of your eclipse viewing venture!

By now you've most likely decided on a viewing location and have all the supplies needed for a successful eclipse viewing experience (don't forget those eclipse glasses !). 

But if you're still scrambling for some solar-safe viewing equipment and haven't been able to get hold of a pair of eclipse glasses don't worry, we've got some alternative ways to view the eclipse with items from around the home . 

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Breaking space news, the latest updates on rocket launches, skywatching events and more!

If you're looking for a way to entertain the little ones before, during and after the eclipse we've got a great guide on how to organize an eclipse event for kids . 

As we get closer to April 8, more reliable meteorological weather forecasts will become available. NOAA's Weather Prediction Center is a great place to find increasingly reliable forecasts, which can help you decide on a viewing location where the probability of cloud cover is low. While we are all wishing for clear skies, we can't help but wonder how clouds could impact the viewing experience. It turns out a cloudy forecast might not be as bad as you would initially think, as it all depends on the type, thickness and extent of the cloud cover. You can read more about what happens if it's cloudy during the eclipse and how to give yourself the best chance of clear skies in our helpful guides 

With so many people flocking to watch the eclipse safety is the top priority. Here we've compiled a couple of guides on How to stay safe during the eclipse and also how to avoid getting stuck in traffic on the big day.

Everyone observing the partial phases of this eclipse — and for those outside the path of totality, that's the entire event — will need to wear solar eclipse glasses while cameras, telescopes and binoculars will need solar filters placed in front of their lenses. 

Only those in the path of totality will be able to remove them briefly to see the sun's corona with their naked eyes. Those not in the path of totality must keep them on the entire time. Our how to observe the sun safely guide tells you everything you need to know about safe solar observations.

Solar eclipse glasses are crucial for most to safely observe the eclipse, but with such high demand for the vital piece of kit, fake eclipse glasses are rife. The American Astronomical Society (AAS) is warning people about the risks of counterfeit and knock-off solar glasses so we have come up with a guide to how to check yours are safe . 

Join our Space Forums to keep talking space on the latest missions, night sky and more! And if you have a news tip, correction or comment, let us know at: [email protected].

Daisy Dobrijevic joined Space.com in February 2022 having previously worked for our sister publication All About Space magazine as a staff writer. Before joining us, Daisy completed an editorial internship with the BBC Sky at Night Magazine and worked at the National Space Centre in Leicester, U.K., where she enjoyed communicating space science to the public. In 2021, Daisy completed a PhD in plant physiology and also holds a Master's in Environmental Science, she is currently based in Nottingham, U.K. Daisy is passionate about all things space, with a penchant for solar activity and space weather. She has a strong interest in astrotourism and loves nothing more than a good northern lights chase! 

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Get away from the crowds in Iceland with these 10 alternative experiences

Mar 31, 2024 • 6 min read

From farming to festivals, here are Iceland's best alternative tourist experiences © Maridav / Shutterstock

The Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon, Glacier Lagoon… sure, Iceland 's  big hitters are absolutely worth the visit but can also become quite crowded.

Why not include something different in your itinerary, something that might surprise and delight? Here are some of Iceland's great off-the-radar experiences – many of which are summer-only activities – that will help you understand the people, culture and history of your host nation a little better.

1. Become a farmer of the past

In a Reykjavík suburb, you can visit an ancient turf farm. Árbær, the farm after which the suburb Árbær is named, is mentioned in sources dating as far back as 1464 but archaeological analysis has shown that people have lived there since the 10th or 11th centuries.  Árbær Open Air Museum comprises a cluster of old houses in addition to the turf farm, and in summer and at special occasions visitors can participate in old-fashioned farm work, such as haymaking.

Planning tip: If it fits your schedule better, other turf farms welcome visitors in the summer:  Glaumbær ,  Laufás and  Grenjaðarstaður in North Iceland,  Bustarfell in East Iceland and  Skógar museum in South Iceland.

These are the 12 best places to visit in Iceland

2. Boil an egg in a hot spring in Hveragerði

Iceland is bubbling with geothermal energy, so better put it to good use! At the  Geothermal Park in Hveragerði, about a 30-minute drive from Reykjavík, you can boil an egg in a hot spring, try delicious hot spring bread and cover your hands and feet in healing mud. Combine your visit with a walk along the warm river in  Reykjadalur valley and soak in a natural hot spring. It's a fairly easy route best done in the summer season. During rain and the spring thaw, the path can be too muddy, and when the valley is covered in snow, there's the added risk that you might accidentally step into hot springs and get burnt.

Planning tip: Up for the adrenaline kick of a lifetime? Soar down to Hveragerði, superman style, on Iceland’s  longest zipline .

3. Go for a run through Iceland's epic natural scenery

If you like to run, why not test your running skills in the wild Icelandic nature? Trail races are picking up speed in Iceland. Many come for Laugavegur Ultra, a 55km-race (35 miles) in the highlands from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk. But there are myriad possibilities, including the Mývatn Marathon , with the full-distance marathon and a 9.4km (5.8-mile)  Lava Run . Check the online list of races and pick one that's right for your level of challenge. Of course, you don’t have to participate in a race – just lace up your trainers, tap into the power of nature all around you as you jog through a forest, up a mountain or along the seaside.

Local tip: Want to go sightseeing while running in Reykjavík? Check out these two routes by  Running in Iceland , which take you past some of the capital’s main landmarks.

4. Catch your own food at sea

A visit to Iceland is not complete without a boat trip. Try out your sea legs and test your luck at sea angling with one of the tour providers from Reykjavík harbor (including Elding and Special Tours ). Afterwards, the catch is cooked on board – the freshest fish you’ve ever tasted! Further afield in the pristine Westfjords ,  Iceland Sea Angling and  Iceland Pro Travel offer sea angling, while  Fisherman has a seafood trail tour. In North Iceland, combine sea angling with a  whale watching tour .

Planning tip: Sea angling tours are available in summer, only.

5. Be immersed in slow travel with a stay at the Wilderness Center

Usually, you’re not allowed to touch objects in a museum, let alone sleep there! The  Wilderness Center is based at the innermost farm in Fljótsdalur valley, East Iceland , approximately an hour’s drive from Egilsstaðir. The farmhouse, built in 1940, has been meticulously renovated as a museum-cum-guesthouse. It’s located on the doorstep of the eastern highlands, the most expansive wilderness in Northern Europe. A beacon of slow travel, it’s a place to relax in all seasons, enjoy wholesome homemade food, join one of the many tours available and immerse yourself in the center’s unique exhibition about life on the edge of the world.

Detour: The 20-km (12-mile)  waterfall trail goes from the Wilderness Center to Laugarfell in the highlands along a glacial river, through spectacular landscapes and past 15 waterfalls. Afterwards, have a soak at the hot springs at Laugarfell.

Get to know more about Icelandic culture through its incredible music scene

6. Observe the birds in Borgarfjörður

Borgarfjörður Eystri is a wonderful little village in East Iceland, surrounded by colorful mountains, which once inspired one of Iceland’s most famous painters, Jóhannes Kjarval. Every summer, about  10,000 pairs of puffins nest there, favoring a little islet outside the village called Hafnarhólmi . There’s a birdwatching house on the islet, where you can sit and watch the puffins flying in and out of their burrows, as well as the puffins’ neighbors, the fulmars, kittiwakes and eider ducks.

Planning tip:  The popularity of Borgarfjörður Eystri has increased in recent years, so it’s better to book accommodation a long time in advance. For a good night's sleep with a twist, try  Blábjörg , where you can head to the spa to bathe in beer and seaweed.

7. Watch the sun not set in Grímsey

Grímsey island is the only place in Iceland which stretches across the Arctic Circle and so it’s the most natural place for watching the midnight sun. If you’re not sure where the Arctic Circle is exactly, look out for the artwork  Orbis at Globus by Kristinn E. Hrafnsson, a sphere which marks its location. A  Summer Solstice Festival is held in Grímsey in late June, around the longest day of the year. It’s a family festival with walks, bout tours and other happenings, and visitors are invited to celebrate with the locals.

Planning tip: To get to Grímsey, you can either  fly from Akureyri or take  the ferry from Dalvík .

8. Ski across Strandir

Strandir is the Westfjords’ easternmost region and it’s big on cross-country skiing.  Strandagangan is a cross-country race held in March with 5km (3-mile), 10km (6-mile) and 20km (12-mile) competitions, followed by a cake buffet. If you’d rather not compete but would still like to ski, you can join courses for beginners or tours for advanced cross-country skiers at  Laugarhóll . Nothing beats gliding through the snow, breathing in fresh, crisp air in stunning snow-covered landscapes.

Detour: Don’t miss the beachside  hot tubs at Drangsnes , which are the perfect place to relax after skiing all day.

9. Slide down a mountain on a toboggan

Do you like playing in the snow but prefer a trusty toboggan to skis and snowboards? Lucky for you,  Kaldbaksferðir in Grenivík have had toboggans specially made for adults. They will take you up Kaldbakur mountain on a snowcat and, after enjoying the spectacular view of Eyjafjörður fjord, you can slide back down the more than 1000-m (0.6-mile) slope. Skiers and snowboarders are welcome, too. And if you do get cold feet, you can take the snowcat back down.

Planning tip: The tour is usually available from January through May.

10. Party outside into the bright summer night

Throughout summer, festivals are held in all corners of the country, where people camp, party and listen to live music. Tap into the Icelandic festival spirit and celebrate with the locals, discover the joys and woes of camping just south of the Arctic Circle and find your new favorite Icelandic band .  Bræðslan in Borgarfjörður Eystri is very popular and quickly sells out. The festival summer culminates at Verslunarmannahelgi, Merchants’ Weekend, in early August. This is when  Þjóðhátíð in Vestmannaeyjar, the biggest and longest-running outdoor music festival, is held. Visit Iceland has a guide to festivals held through the year.

Local tip: Not a happy camper? Reykjavík has  a festival , too.

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