Explore

Explorehttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/exploreExplorehttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/europe/albania/hiking-valbone-theth-trailHiking Albania’s Valbonë-Theth Trail: A Wild Alternative to Europe’s Crowded Classics 2026-04-01T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/europe/albania/hiking-valbone-theth-trailhttps://www.worldnomads.com<h2>Why the Valbonë-Theth Hike is Europe’s Hidden Gem</h2> Everyone has heard of the Tour du Mont Blanc; your friend who went to Italy won’t stop raving about the Dolomites. But few know about Europe’s best-kept secret. Nestled in Albania’s Alps (known as the Accursed Mountains) is a hike that will leave you breathless. Although most complete it in a single day, the route can also be extended into a multi-day trek, using either Valbone or Theth as a base to explore deeper into the mountains. Much less busy than its more famous counterparts, the Valbonë-Theth trail offers a rare sense of solitude and serenity with nature. Crossing the Valbonë Pass suits all types of hikers - novices, families, or even experienced hikers who want to avoid overtourism. Every second on this hike spoiled my eyes. From the ferry through the Koman Valley to the Valbonë Pass with its view into the valley, and a (freezing) swim in Theth’s Grunas Waterfall, every moment is visually, physically and mentally rewarding. Of all the places on Earth where you wouldn’t want to be without a camera, this tops them all. I carried my trusty 35mm film camera loaded with a roll of <a href="https://www.rolleianalog.com/rollei-infrared/?lang=en">Rollei black-and-white film</a>. I hope you enjoy these photographs throughout the article. The best time to hike is during the European summer months, between June and September, when the weather is most reliable. This article is a one-stop shop for everything you need to know regarding this alpine adventure. It will cover: <a href="#how-to-get-to-valbone">How to get to Valbone</a> <a href="#experiencing-the-trail">Different Ways of Experiencing the Trail</a> <a href="#what-to-expect">What to Expect from the Hike</a> <a href="#get-the-most">How to Get the Most from the Trail</a> <a href="#hike-safely">And Finally, How to Hike it Safely.</a> <figure><img style="width: 400px; height: 600px; object-fit: cover;" src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/albania/albania-hike-one.jpeg" alt="Mountains in the distance" /> <figcaption>The ferry cuts through the Koman valley, and every second you’re spoiled by views like this of the Albanian alps. Photo credit: Gabriel Mungarrieta </figcaption></figure> <h2 id="how-to-get-to-valbone">How to Get to Valbonë: Ferry, Bus & Scenic Routes</h2> Although it involves two minibuses and a 2-hour ferry, getting to Valbonë can be simple and inexpensive with some planning. Many hikers purchase tour packages through hostels in Tirana or Shkodër, covering transport and accommodation. But if you're like me, and you want a bit more adventure and spontaneity, camping is also a great option. I stayed in a cheap campsite in Shkodër (6 euros) within walking distance of the 6:30 a.m. bus. Booking through the official <a href="https://komaniferry.com">Komani Ferry website </a>for 26 euros covers a minibus to Koman, the ferry to Fierze, and another minibus to Valbonë. Each minibus is about an hour, and the ferry takes roughly 2.5 hours. The journey is stunning, careful when you blink, because you don’t want to miss a second of this trip, from lakeside roads to the fjord-like ferry ride, and then getting your first glimpse of the Albanian Alps; it’s a view that will stay with you forever. <figure><img style="width: 400px; height: 600px; object-fit: cover;" src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/albania/albania-hike-two.jpeg" alt="A boat driivng through water with a mountain visible in the background" /> <figcaption>Views like this from the ferry make the journey just as memorable as the hike itself. Photo credit: Gabriel Mungarrieta </figcaption></figure> <h2 id="experiencing-the-trail">Camping vs Guesthouses: How to Experience the Trail</h2> Wild camping in Albania is legal, which made carrying a tent and food an exciting option. I stocked up on supplies in Shkodër since Valbonë has limited grocery access. I used <a href="https://park4night.com/en">Park4Night</a> and <a href="http://maps.me">Maps.me</a> to scout potential camping spots offline. If camping isn’t your style, there are many great accommodation options for different budget levels. Most of these spots will also provide food (extra payment), with some even offering packed lunches for you to purchase and take on the hike. The price of accommodation can vary, with some starting at 10 euros. Once you arrive at Fierza and get off the ferry, the bus driver will drop you off at your chosen accommodation. I recommend staying furthest into Valbonë as the trailhead begins about 3 km (roughly 1.5 hours) up the dry riverbed at Rragam. This section is less scenic than the main hike, so I decided to get this out of the way as soon as I got dropped off in Valbonë. In Rragam, accommodation and food options are minimal but affordable; I camped for free at one spot. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/albania/albania-hike.gif" alt="A short video of a person setting up a tent in front of Albanian mountains" /> <figcaption>This free camping spot in Rragam made for a perfect base. A breathtaking view to unzip your tent to in the morning. Photo credit: Gabriel Mungarrieta </figcaption></figure> <h2 id="what-to-expect">The Valbonë-Theth Hike: What to Expect</h2> The trail itself is pretty easy and can be done by people of all ages and skill levels. At around 15 km, it takes 6-8 hours to complete, with a 1000 m ascent to the Valbonë Pass at 1800 m. The view into the valley and on the other side into Montenegro feels like standing on top of the earth. Once at the pass, a short extra climb of 5 minutes leads to a rock offering even more dramatic scenery, daunting, but worth it. The descent is about 800 m, mostly through forest, which is perfect for avoiding the midday sun. Start early and pace yourself, and by the time the sun is high in the sky, you are already on the way down, protected by the forest. Water is essential; cafés at the trailhead and 2 hours in provide refill options, though streams are available if you carry purification tablets. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/albania/albania-hike-four.jpeg" alt="A person leading pack horses on a mountainside trail" /> <figcaption>Sharing the path with locals, pack animals, and the quiet rhythm of the mountains. Photo credit: Gabriel Mungarrieta </figcaption></figure> <h2 id="get-the-most">Life Along the Way: Guesthouses, Food & Culture</h2> This adventure is as much about the people as it is the scenery. Albanian people in general are very hospitable, but the locals I encountered on this hike go above and beyond. One night, at the free campsite in Rragam, I shared a meal with the family running it and some fellow hikers. All of us from different backgrounds laughing over a warm meal and some shots of homemade raki, as the sun set on the Albanian Alps behind us. The family offered great advice for exploring before and after the hike. In Rragam, the 45-minute hike to Rragami Waterfall is simple and scenic. Truth be told, when I went, the waterfall I found was nothing more than a little stream, but it offered a nice view of the valley. In Theth, the Grunas Waterfall was very impressive to see, and quite a popular spot. After a moderately tough hike to get there, a swim in the freezing mountain water was welcomed. The Blue Eye of Theth is another highly recommended spot, accessible by a short hike or minibuses. <figure><img style="width: 400px; height: 600px; object-fit: cover;" src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/albania/albania-hike-five.jpeg" alt="A tall waterfall coming off the side of a mountain" /> <figcaption>Hikers cool off at Grunas waterfall, a powerful cascade just outside Theth and one of the most rewarding side trips after the Valbona–Theth hike. Photo credit: Gabriel Mungarrieta </figcaption></figure> <h2 id="hike-safely">Hiking the Albanian Alps Safely</h2> While the Valbonë-Theth hike isn’t technical, it is still a full mountain day in a remote part of Albania. A bit of preparation goes a long way in making the experience safe, comfortable, and enjoyable. Start early to avoid the midday heat and give yourself flexibility if the hike takes longer than expected. Carry enough water and refill at cafés along the route; drink from mountain streams as a last resort. Pack warm layers, even in summer. Nights in the mountains can be cold, especially if you’re camping. Consider travel insurance that includes emergency medical cover and 24/7 assistance for remote hiking routes. You may never need it, but knowing help is one call away may add confidence on a trail where villages and clinics are hours apart. *Travel insurance coverage may not be the same or available for residents of all countries, states or provinces. Please carefully read your policy wording for a full description of coverage <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/albania/albania-hike-seven.jpg" alt="A og walking past a tent at the peak of a mountain" /> <figcaption>A wild camping spot at the very peak of the Valbonë pass. Even during summer, temperatures get very low, good quality cold gear is definitely recommended for this altitude. Photo credit: Gabriel Mungarrieta </figcaption></figure> The Valbonë-Theth hike is wild without being intimidating, remote without feeling isolating, and still refreshingly untouched, the kind of place that reminds you why walking through mountains will always beat watching them on a screen.Gabriel Mungarrieta 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/middle-east/turkey/turkey-on-a-budgetHow to experience Turkey on a budget, with travel writer Gabriel Mungarrieta.2026-03-30T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/middle-east/turkey/turkey-on-a-budgethttps://www.worldnomads.comHot air balloons drifting over Cappadocia at sunrise. Cave hotels carved into rock. Long coastline lunches that roll lazily into the afternoon. Turkey looks like the kind of place where your budget quietly disappears. I’m here to tell you it doesn’t have to be. Turkey is textured, theatrical, and at first glance, expensive. But Turkey moves to a different rhythm if you pay attention. Between overnight buses, worker-run lokantas, and a few strategic choices, I realized I wasn’t sacrificing experience—I was spending smarter by moving with Turkey’s rhythm. Turkey doesn’t have to be “cheap” in the backpacker cliché sense. It rewards awareness. It rewards confidence. And if you understand how things work on the ground, you can experience the balloons, the bazaars, the bathhouses, and the coastline without feeling like you’re constantly bleeding money. Here’s exactly how I made it work. <h2>Volunteer Your Way In (And Cut Accommodation to Zero)</h2> One of the most transformative things I did in Turkey wasn’t sightseeing, it was staying put. Using <a href="https://www.worldpackers.com">Worldpackers</a>, an international work-exchange platform, I was able to stay in Termal, Cappadocia, and Kas for free. In exchange for a few hours of help per day, I had a bed (most of them comfortable), and often three meals included, though this varies by host. And if that wasn’t enough, there were always after-work conversations, shared dinners with hosts, and the kind of insider knowledge you don’t find in guidebooks. Most hosts require a minimum stay, often around two weeks, so this only works if you have time. That said, many hosts look for last-minute help, especially during busy or shoulder seasons, which makes it more flexible than people assume. Financially, the savings speak for themselves, but the real surprise was access. Because I was working at the hotel in <a href="https://www.discovercappadocia.com">Cappadocia</a>, I was offered a heavily discounted (around 70%) hot air balloon ride, something I likely would have skipped at full price to fit within my ‘backpacker budget’. The savings from that ride alone equalled several nights of accommodation. Volunteering didn’t feel like budget travel. It felt like temporarily belonging somewhere. If you try this: <ul> <li>Check host reviews carefully</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Be clear about hours and expectations</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Make sure it fits within visa regulations</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Only commit if you genuinely have the time</li> </ul> If you can stay longer, Turkey rewards you. <figure><img style="width: 400px; height: 600px; object-fit: cover;" src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/turkey/turkey-budget-one.jpeg" alt="A close up of a hot air balloon basket in flight, at dawn" /> <figcaption> Looking down on a hot air balloon carriage. Sometimes smart choices and longer stays turn a once-unaffordable adventure into reality. Photo credit: Gabriel Mungarrieta </figcaption></figure> <h2>Follow Turkish Holiday Patterns, Not International Ones</h2> They always say, “go where the locals go.” Usually, that advice is about where to eat. In Turkey, it applies to where you stay. I started noticing something: prices felt steadier in places where Turkish families vacationed, not where international tourism clusters. For example, near Istanbul, many locals head to Yalova, a lively coastal city reachable by ferry, or smaller towns nearby like Termal. Largely unknown to international travellers but well loved by Turkish families, Termal is a relaxed getaway hidden in a valley, famous for its healing hot springs dating back to Roman times. With prices noticeably lower than major cities across the board, you not only get a more traditional experience, but you also spend less doing it. You don’t lose scenery or culture. You lose inflated prices and tourist crowds. Turkey becomes dramatically more affordable when you shift slightly sideways. <figure><img style="width: 400px; height: 600px; object-fit: cover;" src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/turkey/turkey-budget-two.jpeg" alt="A hidden lake in Termal" /> <figcaption> A hidden lake discovered on a stroll in Termal, part of the slower, local rhythm I followed before unwinding in the volunteer hotel’s thermal pools. Photo credit: Gabriel Mungarrieta </figcaption></figure> <h2>Understand Bazaar Culture</h2> Turkey’s bazaars are part theatre, part commerce, part social ritual. The first time I asked the price of something in a market, I paid too quickly. I didn’t yet understand that in many bazaars, the first price is rarely the real price; it’s simply the opening move in the game of negotiating. Bargaining isn’t rude there. It’s expected. Over time, I developed a quiet rule for myself: Before asking the price, I’d decide what I was actually willing to pay. Not the absolute lowest possible number, just a price that felt fair to me. When the first price came in, I wouldn’t react defensively. I’d smile, sometimes laugh lightly, and politely decline if it was above what I’d set in my head. More often than not, the vendor would immediately lower it. I’d set a fair price in my head, politely negotiate, and walk away if needed—usually, the vendor lowered it. The key wasn’t pushing aggressively. It was staying calm and respectful. When done respectfully, it can make shopping both more affordable and more enjoyable. <h2>Let Transport Replace Accommodation</h2> Turkey’s long-distance buses are one of the most practical ways to cross the country. They’re organised, reliable, and often far more comfortable than you’d expect. On routes longer than eight hours, taking an overnight bus became my go-to strategy. Instead of paying for both transport and a hostel night, I combined them. I’d board in the evening, settle in with earplugs and an eye mask, and wake up in a new city just as the streets were opening. I used <a href="https://www.obilet.com/en">Obilet</a>, a booking platform that compares operators in one place. My favourite ended up being <a href="https://www.flixbus.com.tr">Kamil Koç</a>, consistently offering more legroom, working air-con, and better onboard service. Most operators offer complimentary snacks on longer trips. Don’t expect a cultural feast, but a hot Turkish tea and a pack of chocolate biscuits go a long way at 2 am. And never pass up the chance to stretch during rest stops, just make sure you make it back to the bus before it leaves! You save a night’s lodging and a full day of travel, sleep through transit and wake ready to explore. How to make it work: <ul> <li>Choose routes 8+ hours to make sleep worthwhile (popular overnight legs include Istanbul → Cappadocia or Istanbul → Fethiye)</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Plan arrival times so you’re not stranded before sunrise</li> </ul> It’s not glamorous, but it’s efficient, and surprisingly restful. <figure><img style="width: 400px; height: 600px; object-fit: cover;" src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/turkey/turkey-budget-three.jpeg" alt="A person resting on a bench at a bus depot in Turkey" /> <figcaption> Arriving in Antalya at 7am, from here, it was a quick minibus ride to Kaş, where I was welcomed with blue skies and crystal clear water. Photo credit: Gabriel Mungarrieta </figcaption></figure> <h2>Bonus Tip: Late Night Accommodation Deals - Only for the Brave</h2> If you’re travelling outside peak holidays and you’re comfortable with some uncertainty, booking accommodation later in the evening can sometimes score you surprisingly good deals. An empty room at 8 pm will likely stay that way, and hotel owners know it. In smaller towns especially, I found that conversations about price were more relaxed later in the day. It’s not guaranteed. And it’s not wise during festivals or high season. Pushing this trick to the limits, on one specific occasion, after a couple of polite “no’s”, it was 10 pm, and I still didn’t have a bed. Then, as if it had been reserved for me, I found a family-run accommodation with a free room at a fraction of the original cost. After a warm, homemade Turkish meal, I tucked into bed with a smile on my face. I wouldn’t recommend relying on this strategy constantly, but it works well if you’re just passing through a town or planning a single night’s stay. If you try it: <ul> <li>Stay calm and polite</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Accept that “no” is a valid answer</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Avoid peak months</li> </ul> In Turkey, hospitality is relational. Sometimes timing matters. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/turkey/turkey-budget-four.jpeg" alt="Red flowers growing above a wrought iron gate, a man is walking through the gate" /> <figcaption> Sometimes the best rooms and the warmest welcomes come when you arrive late. Timing (and a friendly smile) can pay off. Photo credit: Gabriel Mungarrieta </figcaption></figure> <h2>Final Thought</h2> Turkey doesn’t require extreme budgeting. It asks for participation. When you follow local systems, overnight buses, worker lunch spots, and domestic holiday towns, your costs drop naturally. When you stay longer, volunteer, or move slightly outside obvious centres, you’re rewarded with depth. For me, affordability in Turkey didn’t feel like holding back. It felt like alignment. Tea in the afternoon, steam in a marble hammam, a ferry crossing open water, and a discounted sunrise balloon ride. Turkey didn’t feel cheap. It felt generous. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/turkey/turkey-budget-five.jpeg" alt="Hot air balloons at sunrise in Turkey" /> <figcaption> Hot air balloons at sunrise, Turkey felt generous, not cheap, when I aligned with its pace and local ways. Photo credit: Gabriel Mungarrieta </figcaption></figure>Gabriel Mungarrieta 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/north-america/united-states/winter-skillcationsHow travelers can use their winter getaways to level up 2026-01-12T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/north-america/united-states/winter-skillcationshttps://www.worldnomads.com<div class="callout light"> This article features activities covered by World Nomads Travel Insurance for US residents. Coverage may differ for residents in other regions. For non US residents, please refer to the policy documents relevant to your location. </div> All that flipping, racing, double axel-ing, and sledding have you amped up for winter sports this year? Sure, the Olympics are fun to watch but imagine getting out there and doing it yourself! The good news is that you don’t have to be a professional to dabble in some of the most popular Olympic sports. You just need a weekend lesson. ‘Skillcations’ - a combination between a vacation and personal development - are on the rise across the globe, and especially in the US. According to <a href="https://www.sdxcentral.com/press-releases/rvshares-2025-travel-trend-report-finds-that-quality-experiences-passion-driven-travel-and-splurgecations-take-center-stage">2025 travel trend report</a>, more than half of respondents said they wanted to take a trip centered around a passion (hobbies, learning, adventure). So why not get out there and learn a new winter sport? You’ll be in good company. While there are countless places to take a ski lesson or play ice hockey in the United States, we’ve put together some recommendations for where trying that new sport will be extra special. Make a trip out of it and experience a little Olympic magic for yourself. <h2>1. Bobsledding</h2> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/italy/skillcation-bobsledding.jpeg" alt="Four men bobsled racing down track, view from above (blurred motion)" /> <figcaption>Photo credit: Getty images / Nicholas Reid</figcaption></figure> Sport: Bobsled Bobsledding is one of winter’s purest adrenaline hits. You load into a streamlined sled, grip tight, and launch down an icy track that twists and drops at speeds that feel wildly unreal. Even with a pro pilot at the controls, every turn delivers a jolt of G-force that reminds you why this sport is an Olympic classic. Where: Park City, Utah. Just 35–45 minutes from Salt Lake City International Airport, Park City’s <a href="https://utaholympiclegacy.org/location/utah-olympic-park/">Utah Olympic Park</a> makes it easy to try bobsledding for yourself. Direct flights into SLC from across the U.S. keep travel simple, and shuttles run regularly up to the resort town. Once you’re there, the Olympic Park sits right on the edge of town—close enough to fold into any winter adventure. How: At Utah Olympic Park, beginners don’t need any experience to take a ride. The <a href="https://utaholympiclegacy.org/activity/winter-bobsled-experience/">Comet Bobsled</a> experience pairs you with a trained pilot and a professional brakeman, so you can focus on the ride while they handle the skill. After a quick safety briefing and gear check, you’ll load into a four-person sled and fly down the Olympic track at speeds that may reach 60–70 mph in winter. It's fast, safe, and one of the most accessible ways for a novice to experience a real bobsled run in the U.S. Why Here: This track isn’t a replica—it’s the real deal from the <a href="https://www.olympics.com/en/olympic-games/salt-lake-city-2002/results/bobsleigh">2002 Winter Olympics</a>. Today it still trains world-class athletes, so when you climb into a sled, you’re experiencing the same ice that Olympians push off on. Between the training facilities, the stories told in the on-site museums, and the sheer sense of history, it’s one of the most iconic places in the U.S. to give bobsledding a go. Make a trip out of it: Park City is built for winter explorers. Spend a day skiing legendary terrain at <a href="https://www.parkcitymountain.com/">Park City Mountain</a> or <a href="https://www.deervalley.com/">Deer Valley</a>, take a snowshoe trail deep into the pines, or wander Main Street’s cafés and indie shops. At the Olympic Park, you can keep the adrenaline going with tubing, zip lines, or freestyle ski demos. When you’re ready to slow down, warm up with a local whiskey or settle into a fireside lounge with mountain views. <h2>2. Ice Hockey</h2> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/italy/skillcation-hockey.jpeg" alt="Ice hockey players facing off." /> <figcaption>Photo credit: Getty images / Ryan McVay</figcaption></figure> Sport: Ice Hockey Ice hockey blends speed, precision, and just enough chaos to make it addictive from the moment you step on the ice. Players glide, pivot, and chase pucks across a slick sheet where every move demands balance and quick reflexes. Even at a beginner level, there’s something electric about hearing your skates cut into the ice inside a real Olympic arena. Where: <a href="https://lakeplacidolympiccenter.com/visit/#tab+directions">Lake Placid, New York</a>. Tucked in the Adirondacks, it’s about a two-hour drive from Albany International Airport or roughly three hours from Burlington or Montreal. Once you reach the village, the Olympic Center sits right in town, surrounded by mountain views and an easy walk from cafés, shops, and lodging. How: Lake Placid makes it surprisingly easy for first-timers to learn the basics. The <a href="https://lakeplacidolympiccenter.com/">1932 & 1980 Olympic Center</a> offers beginner-friendly skating and hockey clinics, stick-and-puck sessions, and public skate times where you can ease into the sport at your own pace. Instructors can walk you through fundamental skills like skating strides, passing, and basic stick handling so you get a feel for the game—even if you’ve never held a hockey stick before. Why Here: Lake Placid is one of the most storied places in winter sports history. This is where the U.S. pulled off the “<a href="https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/february-22/u-s-hockey-team-makes-miracle-on-ice">Miracle on Ice</a>” in 1980, defeating the Soviet team in one of the most legendary hockey games ever played. Training still happens here today, which gives the rinks a sense of living history. Skating on the same ice where Olympic athletes competed adds an unmistakable thrill to even the most basic practice session. Make a trip out of it: Beyond the rink, Lake Placid is a winter playground. Try cross-country skiing at <a href="https://mtvanhoevenberg.com/">Mount Van Hoevenberg</a>, ride the Skyride gondola for panoramic mountain views, or lace up your boots for snowy lakeside hikes. Wander the village for hot chocolate, local brews, and cozy Adirondack restaurants. If you want more Olympic vibes, tour the ski jumps or visit the museum that brings decades of winter-sports stories to life. <h2>3. Cross-Country Skiing</h2> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/italy/skillcation-cross-country.jpg" alt="Cross-Country Skiing" /> <figcaption>Photo credit: Getty images / Henrik Trygg</figcaption></figure> Sport: Cross-Country Skiing Cross-country skiing is a full-body workout that blends endurance, rhythm, and a sense of quiet exploration through snow-covered landscapes. Unlike downhill skiing, it moves at your pace, letting you glide across groomed trails while soaking in the surrounding mountains. Even beginners quickly feel a sense of flow as skis carve through powder and the crisp winter air fills your lungs. Where: <a href="https://www.sunvalley.com/">Sun Valley, Idaho</a>. Flights into Friedman Memorial Airport in Hailey connect from major U.S. hubs, and the scenic drive into Sun Valley takes about 20 minutes. The Nordic Center sits conveniently near town, making it easy to pair skiing with shopping, dining, or spa stops in the charming mountain village. How: At <a href="https://www.sunvalley.com/things-to-do/nordic-skiing/">Sun Valley Nordic Center</a>, novices can take lessons tailored to first-timers or intermediate skiers. Instructors guide you through basic strides, turning techniques, and how to navigate flat and rolling terrain. Rentals are available on-site, so you can just show up and start exploring miles of well-maintained trails without needing your own gear. Why Here: Sun Valley has been a hub for <a href="https://www.bontraveler.com/sun-valley-guide/">winter sports since the 1930s</a> and is known for its world-class Nordic skiing terrain. The trails here are groomed to Olympic standards and have trained elite skiers for decades, so even as a beginner, you’re skiing on legendary snow. Combine that with the iconic old-Hollywood ski town vibe and pristine mountain scenery, and it’s easy to see why Sun Valley is a cross-country skier’s dream. Make a trip out of it: After skiing, explore Sun Valley’s Main Street for cozy cafés, art galleries, and boutique shops. Try snowshoeing in the surrounding trails, or take a scenic <a href="https://www.sunvalley.com/things-to-do/scenic-gondola-rides/">gondola ride at Bald Mountain</a> for panoramic winter views. Evenings are perfect for warming up by a lodge fire, enjoying local craft cocktails, or planning your next day of mountain adventure. <h2>4. Speed Skating</h2> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/italy/skillcation-speed.jpeg" alt="Cross-Country Skiing" /> <figcaption>Photo credit: Getty images / Ryan McVay</figcaption></figure> Sport: Long-Track or Short-Track Speed Skating Speed skating is all about power, precision, and rhythm as you glide around an oval at speeds that feel exhilarating even for first-timers. Whether you’re on a long-track or short-track course, every push of the blade propels you forward with a rush of adrenaline. Beginners quickly get hooked by the thrill of moving fast on ice while learning to control your balance and stride. Where: <a href="https://www.visitmilwaukee.org/">Milwaukee, Wisconsin</a>. The Pettit National Ice Center sits about 15–20 minutes from downtown Milwaukee and is accessible from Mitchell International Airport. Its location on the city’s south side makes it easy to pair skating with urban winter exploration, dining, and local culture. How: At the <a href="https://www.thepettit.com/">Pettit National Ice Center,</a> public lessons make it easy for novices to try speed skating. Coaches guide you through proper technique, cornering, and stride mechanics so you can safely build speed and confidence. Skate rentals are available on-site, meaning you can show up ready to experience the same ice where Olympians train. Why Here: The Pettit National Ice Center is one of only a handful of <a href="https://www.thepettit.com/public-skating/">indoor long-track ovals</a> in the world, and it’s a training ground for Olympic athletes year-round. Skating here gives beginners the chance to experience world-class facilities while feeling the energy of elite-level ice beneath their feet. The venue’s combination of history, training excellence, and public accessibility makes it uniquely inspiring. Make a trip out of it: After your session, explore <a href="https://www.visitmilwaukee.org/food-drink/">Milwaukee’s vibrant beer scene, food culture, and lakefront architecture</a>. Take a stroll along the shores of Lake Michigan or check out seasonal winter events downtown. Whether you’re warming up with a craft brew or exploring quirky local neighborhoods, there’s plenty of fun to be had. <h2>5. Snowboardcross or Alpine Racing</h2> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/italy/skillcation-cross.jpeg" alt="A professional snowboarder performing a backside air off the slopes against the deep blue sky with powder snow spraying." /> <figcaption>Photo credit: Getty images / 4FR</figcaption></figure> Sport: Snowboardcross or Ski Racing Snowboardcross and alpine racing are all about speed, strategy, and precision as you navigate gates, rollers, and banked turns down a snowy course. Whether on skis or a snowboard, it’s a rush of adrenaline that challenges your balance, reflexes, and focus. Even as a beginner, learning to carve clean lines and manage terrain changes gives a real taste of what competitive racers experience. Where: <a href="https://www.travelportland.com/region/mount-hood/">Mt. Hood, Oregon</a>. Just over an hour from Portland, the mountain is accessible via car or shuttle from the city, which makes it an easy winter getaway. Both Meadows and Timberline are located on the slopes of Mt. Hood itself, offering immediate access to world-class terrain and training facilities. How: At <a href="https://www.skihood.com/">Mt. Hood Meadows</a> or <a href="https://timberlinelodge.com/">Timberline Lodge</a>, lessons and race programs are designed for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Professional instructors guide you through gate technique, course reading, and progression drills so you can safely gain confidence at your own pace. Rentals are available on-site, making it easy to step into the sport without owning specialized racing gear. Why Here: Mt. Hood’s <a href="https://www.skihood.com/explore/Schedule">long season</a> and varied terrain make it a training ground for elite athletes while still welcoming beginners. The mountain has respected race programs and progressive terrain, meaning you’re learning on slopes designed to build skill safely. Add in the glacier views and iconic volcanic scenery, and it’s one of the most memorable places in the U.S. to practice competitive winter sports. Make a trip out of it: Beyond racing, explore <a href="https://traveloregon.com/places-to-go/portland/?utm_actcampaign=22736005361&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22736005361&gbraid=0AAAAADMn03uVVmWcR7vRBRJCgmFBAarQJ&gclid=CjwKCAiAlfvIBhA6EiwAcErpydcWSi_kOzxwoEoSdQLNphvvbp2KZzOtTKXcUi870ck1fh8JwXoqXRoCjHYQAvD_BwE">Portland</a>’s food scene, craft breweries, and beautiful parks before heading up the mountain. Take scenic hikes, try snowshoeing, or simply soak in the glacier-backed vistas from Timberline Lodge. Evenings can be spent by the fire in a mountain lodge, planning your next day of high-speed winter fun. <h2>6. Ice Skating</h2> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/italy/skillcation-ice-skating.jpeg" alt="An semi professional ice skater's blades cutting curves and spirals into a frozen lake." /> <figcaption>Photo credit: Getty images / Tom Werner</figcaption></figure> Sport: Figure Skating Figure skating blends grace, strength, and technique on ice, whether you’re gliding across the rink or learning your first spins and jumps. Even as a beginner, there’s a thrill in moving with precision while imagining the champions who once trained on the same ice. The sport challenges balance, focus, and rhythm which makes every lesson a small victory. Where: <a href="https://www.visitcos.com/">Colorado Springs, Colorado</a>. The arena is just a short drive from downtown and about 90 minutes from Denver International Airport. If you wanted to combine figure skating with other winter sports, like skiing, there are a number of resorts, including <a href="https://www.breckenridge.com/">Breckenridge</a>, within three hours driving distance. How: The <a href="https://www.broadmoorworldarena.com/icehall/figureskating">Broadmoor World Arena</a> offers programs for skaters of all levels, from absolute beginners to more advanced students. Adult and youth Learn to Skate USA sessions give step-by-step instruction in skating basics, spins, and footwork. Skates are available for rental, so you can arrive ready to experience figure skating in a legendary environment. Why Here: This rink is considered the <a href="https://www.broadmoorworldarena.com/icehall/about">birthplace of U.S. figure skating excellence</a> and is a rare opportunity to skate where American legends trained. From 1930 to 1994, the original Broadmoor rink produced dozens of champions, and today the arena continues that legacy. Colorado Springs is also home to the <a href="https://www.usfigureskating.org/about/who-we-are/us-figure-skating-hall-of-fame">U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame.</a> Make a trip out of it: Beyond the rink, explore Colorado Springs’ outdoor beauty with a hike in <a href="https://gardenofgods.com/">Garden of the Gods</a> or a scenic drive up Pikes Peak. Wander the city’s charming streets, enjoy local dining, or check out winter events and ice festivals. Be sure to get a tour at the <a href="https://www.teamusa.com/visit">US Olympic and Paralympic Training Center</a>, too. <h2>Why Travel Insurance Matters for a Winter Skillcation</h2> Trying a new winter sport is exhilarating, but it also comes with a few more moving parts—icy trails, fast-paced activities, and gear that doesn’t always behave. A travel insurance plan may help if an unexpected fall leads to a medical issue, if weather delays your trip, or if an airline loses your bags along the way. It’s a simple way to stay focused on learning something new while knowing you’re covered if the unexpected happens. Travel insurance doesn't cover everything, and coverage may differ depending on the country of residence, state or province. Carefully read the policy wording for a full description of coverage, including the terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions of the plans described.Milo Zanecchia / Ascent Xmedia 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/europe/italy/northern-italys-olympic-regionA Traveller’s Guide to the Landscapes Behind the Winter Games2026-01-08T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/europe/italy/northern-italys-olympic-regionhttps://www.worldnomads.comYou may tune in to the Winter Olympics to see your favorite skier or ice skater, but the scenery has a way of sharing the spotlight. Between medal runs and record-breaking moments, each broadcast doubles as a visual tour of mountains, lakes, and villages that linger in your mind long after the competition ends. Northern Italy has that effect: while athletes fly down slopes and glide across the ice with remarkable precision, the camera also captures pink-glowing peaks, frozen lakes, and quiet alpine towns nestled beneath the ridgelines, making it hard not to imagine seeing it all in person. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/italy/olympic-regions-one.jpg" alt="Alpine wilderness at its most dramatic" /> <figcaption> Alpine wilderness at its most dramatic. Photo credit: Gabriel Mungarrieta</figcaption></figure> This guide isn’t about the sports. It’s about the places you’ll see in the background, and how to experience them once the cameras stop rolling. These five Italian regions sit in or around the <a href="https://www.olympics.com/en/milano-cortina-2026">Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic</a> zones. They’re wildly different from one another: some dramatic, some peaceful, some built for adventure, others made for slow mornings and long meals. What they share is that unmistakable northern Italy blend of alpine scenery, culture, and food. <ul> <li><a href="#livigno">Livigno, Lombardy</a></li> <li><a href="#bormio">Bormio & Stelvio National Park</a></li> <li><a href="#cortina">Cortina d’Ampezzo</a></li> <li><a href="#val-di-fiemme">Val di Fiemme</a></li> <li><a href="#milan">Milan & Lake Como</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="livigno">Livigno: Italian Alpine Wilderness</h2> If you’re watching freestyle skiing or snowboarding clips during the Olympics, there’s a good chance the dramatic white bowl behind the athlete is somewhere near <a href="https://www.livigno.eu/en/">Livigno</a>. The whole valley sits at 1,816m, which gives it one of Italy’s longest and snowiest winters. Locals nickname it “Little Tibet” because the wide, open landscapes feel almost otherworldly. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/italy/olympics-two.jpeg" alt="Livigno’s broad, sun-lit slopes — the kind of alpine calm that keeps skiers coming back." /> <figcaption>Livigno’s broad, sun-lit slopes — the kind of alpine calm that keeps skiers coming back. Photo credit: <a href="https://unsplash.com/@madmartigand?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Dario Morandotti</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/a-person-standing-on-a-snow-covered-slope-9ZHkE1BLT88?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a> </figcaption></figure> But Livigno is more than just a snow-sports hub. It’s one of Italy’s best places for high-altitude hiking, especially in late spring when the snow melts, and the peaks open up. Trails into the <a href="https://www.nationalpark-stelvio.it/en/stelvio-national-park.html">Stelvio National Park</a> begin right in the village, and the views extend across Lombardy to the Swiss border. Other things to do in Livigno: <ul> <li>Explore the valley on <a href="https://www.livigno.eu/en/bike-tours#cat=Bicycle%20Ride,Mountainbiking,MTB%20Transalp,Road%20biking,Long%20distance%20cycling,E-Bike&filter=r-fullyTranslatedLangus-,r-openState-,sb-sortedBy-0&zc=13.,10.13652,46.53289">fat bikes</a> (winter) or mountain bikes (summer); there are hundreds of kilometres of trails.</li> <li>Visit the frozen <a href="https://www.livigno.eu/en/lake">Lake Livigno</a>, which becomes a mirror on calm winter days.</li> <li>Try <a href="https://www.livigno.eu/en/livigno-food">Italian alpine food</a> that’s completely different from what you find in the south: pizzoccheri, sciatt, polenta taragna.</li> </ul> Livigno feels remote, raw, and peaceful, the opposite of Milan’s pace. If you want a taste of Italy shaped by altitude and cold air, this is it. <h2 id="bormio">Bormio & Stelvio National Park: Thermal Waters & Peak Italian Alpine Culture</h2> Just across the mountains from Livigno is <a href="https://www.bormio.eu/en">Bormio</a>, a town that looks like it was carved perfectly into a valley between three huge ridgelines. It’s famous for steep ski slopes, but it has something else: <a href="https://pirovano.it/en/activities/bormio-thermal-waters/#:~:text=Since%20Roman%20times%20Bormio%20is,Bagni%20Nuovi%20(New%20Baths).">natural thermal waters</a> that have been flowing here since Roman times. When you see downhill skiing on TV, you might not know it, but just below those cliffs are hot springs steaming in the cold. This region is ideal for travellers who want a mix of adventure and relaxation. <a href="https://www.bormio.eu/en/activities-and-attractions/ski-winter-outdoor">Ski</a> in the morning, wander the medieval old town in the afternoon, and sit in <a href="https://www.bormio.eu/en/activities-and-attractions/wellness">thermal pools</a> at night while snow falls around you. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/italy/olympics-three.jpeg" alt="Stelvio pass, one of italy’s most iconic mountain roads, twists its way toward the sky." /> <figcaption>Stelvio pass, one of italy’s most iconic mountain roads, twists its way toward the sky. Photo credit: <a href="https://unsplash.com/@michaelarimakova?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Michaela Římáková</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/a-view-of-a-winding-road-in-the-mountains-9PsXR802VEA?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a></figcaption></figure> Things to do in Bormio: <ul> <li>Drive or hike part of the <a href="https://www.stelvio.net/english/">Stelvio Pass</a>, one of Italy’s most iconic alpine roads with 48 hairpin turns.</li> <li>Explore Stelvio National Park, the largest protected area in the Italian Alps, home to ibex, eagles, and some incredible glacier viewpoints.</li> <li>Discover Bormio’s small but atmospheric historic centre, with stone buildings and quiet piazzas.</li> </ul> If Livigno feels wild and remote, Bormio feels rooted, a place where Italian alpine culture has been lived for centuries. <h2 id="cortina">Cortina d’Ampezzo: The Dolomites’ Crown Jewel</h2> <a href="https://www.italia.it/en/veneto/cortina-dampezzo">Cortina</a> is the postcard everyone knows, the town cradled by jagged, pale peaks that turn pink every sunrise. The Dolomites’ <a href="https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20250331-italy-dolomites-the-magic-of-the-legendary-enrosadira">Enrosadira</a> phenomenon (the alpenglow caused by the mineral dolomite) is one of Italy’s most photographed moments, and you’ll definitely spot it during Olympic broadcasts. But what makes Cortina special isn’t just the scenery; it’s how accessible the <a href="https://cortina.dolomiti.org/en/winter/">wildness</a> is. Five minutes from town, you’re already in landscapes that feel untouched. Even people who don’t ski end up falling in love with this place. Things to do in Cortina: <ul> <li>Ride <a href="https://cortina.dolomiti.org/en/pagina-altri-servizi/cortina-skyline-en/">cable cars </a>into the heart of the Dolomites for easy-access panoramas.</li> <li>Snowshoe or hike around the <a href="https://auronzo.info/en/tre-cime-di-lavaredo-dolomites/">Tre Cime di Lavaredo</a>, one of Italy’s most iconic mountain formations.</li> <li>Wander the town’s pedestrian streets for a dose of Italian alpine charm.</li> <li>Explore WWI tunnels and open-air museums hidden in the cliffs, with history carved directly into the rock.</li> </ul> Cortina is glamorous but still rugged. It’s where Italian elegance and mountain drama collide. <h2 id="val-di-fiemme">Val di Fiemme: Slower Italian Mountain Life</h2> Unlike the sharp Dolomite peaks, <a href="https://www.visitfiemme.it/en/area/val-di-fiemme/explore-the-valley">Val di Fiemme</a> offers a softer, greener style of mountain landscape. It’s known internationally for Nordic skiing, but what makes this region fascinating is its connection to music. For centuries, the valley’s forests have produced the highly <a href="https://www.visittrentino.info/en/guide/nature/beautiful-places/the-violins-forest_md_2248">resonant spruce wood</a> used for Italy’s finest violins. Craftspeople (luthiers) still come here to select wood by hand, a quiet tradition woven into the culture. This valley is quieter than Cortina and less remote than Livigno, making it ideal for slower travel. Things to do in Val di Fiemme: <ul> <li>Walk through the Paneveggio Forest, also called the “Forest of Violins.”</li> <li>Try winter or summer family-friendly trails near <a href="https://throneandvine.com/lago-di-carezza-karersee-guide/">Lago di Carezza</a>.</li> <li>Explore small alpine villages like <a href="https://www.trentino.com/en/trentino/val-di-fiemme/cavalese/">Cavalese</a> and <a href="https://www.trentino.com/en/trentino/val-di-fiemme/tesero/">Tesero</a>.</li> <li>Visit the Latemar mountain range, which has some of northern Italy’s most unique rock formations.</li> </ul> In summer, this region transforms into a massive hiking playground; in winter, it becomes a cross-country skiing paradise with world-class tracks. <h2 id="milan">Milan & Lake Como: Italy’s Fastest City to Its Quietest Lake</h2> Milan might host several Olympic events, but it’s much more than a sports backdrop. It’s Italy’s creative engine, fashion, design, galleries, and a modern skyline that feels totally different from the mountain towns. Even in winter, the city buzzes with life. But the real magic of Northern Italy is how quickly the atmosphere changes. One hour north of Milan, everything softens. Lake Como appears, still, deep, and surrounded by snow-tipped mountains. The lake reaches a depth of 410m, making it one of the deepest in Italy, and winter gives it a calm, reflective quality you rarely see in summer. Things to do around Milan & Lake Como: <ul> <li>Explore Milan’s museums and winter exhibitions, from the world-class <a href="https://pinacotecabrera.org/en/">Pinacoteca di Brera</a> to the futuristic halls of the <a href="https://www.italia.it/en/lombardy/milan/museo-del-novecento">Museo del Novecento</a>.</li> <li>Take the train north for day trips to lakeside towns like <a href="https://lakecomotravel.com/varenna/">Varenna</a> or <a href="https://www.bellagiolakecomo.com/en">Bellagio</a>, where narrow stone laneways climb between pastel houses and every corner looks like a postcard. The regional trains run often and make the lakes surprisingly easy to reach.</li> <li>Ride the <a href="https://www.italia.it/en/lombardy/como/funicolare-como-brunate">funicular above Como</a> for panoramic views of Italy’s winter lakescape. At the top, you can follow short walking trails leading to scenic overlooks, forested ridges, and classic alpine viewpoints without needing any special gear.</li> </ul> This combination, fast-paced Milan and peaceful Como, gives you a full picture of Northern Italy beyond the mountains. <h2>Before You Go: Quick Italy Travel Notes</h2> <ul> <li>Northern Italy is extremely well connected by <a href="https://www.italia.it/en/italy/rail-transport">trains</a>, and Milan makes a perfect base.</li> <li>Winter is one of the quietest and most beautiful seasons for the Alps and lakes.</li> <li>The Dolomites’ Enrosadira glow is best around sunrise or sunset.</li> <li>Many of these regions are just as enjoyable in summer, when the snow melts into hiking trails and turquoise lakes.</li> <li>Each area has its own version of Italian cuisine, and Alpine dishes might surprise you if you’re used to southern Italian food.</li> </ul> The Winter Olympics will spotlight some of the most beautiful corners of Italy, but they’re worth exploring long after the closing ceremony. Whether it’s the wild altitude of Livigno, the ancient hot springs of Bormio, the pink light of the Dolomites, the quiet forests of Trentino, or the lakes and modern streets near Milan, Northern Italy is filled with landscapes you’ll see once on TV and then spend years dreaming about. If you ever catch yourself watching the Games and thinking, “I wish I could go there,” you can. And it’s even better in person.Gabriel Mungarrieta 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/north-america/canada/three-night-adventure-québecA Three-Night Adventure Through Québec: Farms, Falls, Whales, and Cobblestones2025-11-25T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/north-america/canada/three-night-adventure-qu%C3%A9bechttps://www.worldnomads.comThere’s a certain magic about Québec—a blend of old-world charm and wild, untamed nature. My husband and I spent three nights exploring Québec City and beyond, balancing farm visits, scenic drives, and cultural walks through cobblestone streets that made us feel like we’d crossed the Atlantic. <h2>Day One: Rainy Farms and Fancy Cocktails</h2> Our first full day in Québec began under pouring rain—the kind that soaks you through your raincoat and makes even short walks feel like endurance tests. But we refused to let the weather stop us. We started at <a href="https://www.quebec-cite.com/en/businesses/parc-de-la-chute-montmorency">Montmorency Falls</a>, just a short drive from Québec City. Even through the mist, the 272-foot cascade—taller than Niagara—was beautiful. We had umbrellas and the view could still be enjoyed through the rain. Next, we headed to Île d’Orléans, an agricultural island known for its orchards, vineyards, and local producers. Our first stop: <a href="https://www.cidreriebilodeau.com/en/">Cidrerie Verger Bilodeau</a>, where we sampled their famous ice cider and sparkling cider—sweet, crisp, and perfectly suited for a gray day. Then we continued to <a href="https://vs-p.ca/">Vignoble Ste-Pétronille</a>, a boutique winery that has beautiful views. Their wines are small-batch and interesting (meaning, they are different than what you’d find in the US), and sipping them while looking out over the misty river felt like we’d beaten the weather. By afternoon, the rain and driving had caught up to us, so we called the farm adventures off and headed into Old Québec. Determined to dry off in style, we stopped at <a href="https://www.vieux-carre.ca/">Vieux Carré</a>, a sophisticated cocktail bar where we indulged in some (very expensive) drinks that made us feel instantly more dignified. Dinner was a quick slice of pizza nearby before calling it a night. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/canada/quebec-content-one.jpeg" alt="A winding staircase in a room filled with old books." /> <figcaption>The Morrin Centre, a hidden gem for book lovers. Image credit: Sarah Roman</figcaption></figure> <h2>Day Two: Whales and Bears in Tadoussac</h2> The next morning, the sun came out and so did our sense of adventure. We left early for Tadoussac, about a four-hour drive northeast, including a short ferry crossing. The ferry runs every 20 minutes or so, but the line can get long, so plan extra time. Tadoussac is famous for whale watching, as several species—including belugas, minkes, and blue whales—migrate through the St. Lawrence River. We joined a <a href="https://www.tourisme-charlevoix.com/en/themes/scenic-routes-excursions/whale-watching">whale-watching cruise</a> from Baie-Sainte-Catherine, choosing a covered boat since open-air ones can be chilly even on sunny days. The guides were excellent, mostly speaking French but always translating for English speakers. We spotted one whale that surfaced several times before disappearing into the blue depths. For those who get seasick easily (me, included) know that the river is calm and you should be okay if it’s not too stormy. Afterward, we grabbed a drink and snack in Baie-Sainte-Catherine, a small, peaceful town overlooking the river. If we’d known how beautiful it was, we would have stayed overnight. Locals told us that it’s sometimes possible to see whales right from the shore and we would have loved to try had we had the time. At sunset, we joined a <a href="https://www.getyourguide.com/saguenay-l109902/15-min-tadoussac-black-bear-observation-with-expert-guide-t753264/?ranking_uuid=284e2adc-56d5-401f-bd2b-0e9a0bab84b6">black bear viewing tour</a> nearby. The company provides an elevated platform overlooking the forest, where the bears wander in to forage for food. Watching them felt like being in a live nature documentary. Over the course of an hour, we saw two or three bears, each one emerging from the shadows as the forest fell silent. We returned to Baie-Sainte-Catherine for dinner, which turned out to be a smart move. The restaurants are few and far between on the long drive back to Québec City, and this town offers a handful of cozy spots with hearty food and river views. Pro tip: fill up your gas tank before leaving, as stations are scarce along the route back. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/canada/quebec-content-two.jpeg" alt="A bear standing on its hind legs" /> <figcaption>Image credit: Sarah Roman</figcaption></figure> <h2>Day Three: Cobblestones, Castles, and Culture</h2> Our final day was devoted to Old Québec, a UNESCO World Heritage site that feels like a slice of Europe perched on the cliffs of North America. The old town’s cobblestone streets, stone buildings, and sidewalk cafés make it easy to see why this is one of Canada’s most photographed cities. We strolled along the Dufferin Terrace, taking the obligatory photo with the iconic <a href="https://www.fairmont.com/en/hotels/quebec-city/fairmont-le-chateau-frontenac.html">Fairmont Le Château Frontenac</a>, which is often called the most photographed hotel in the world. From there, we wandered through the <a href="https://www.plainsofabraham.ca/">Plains of Abraham</a>, a vast park that was once the site of the pivotal 1759 battle between the British and the French. Today, it’s a serene green space perfect for picnics and long walks. Next, we stopped at the <a href="https://www.morrin.org/en/">Morrin Centre</a>, a hidden gem for book lovers. Once a notorious prison, it’s now home to one of the most beautiful libraries in Canada. The English-language shelves, spiral staircases, and sunlit reading rooms are straight out of a period film and worth the small admission fee. After giving our feet a break (and sampling more local cider at a nearby pub), we walked to <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g155033-d3620603-Reviews-Le_Parc_du_Bois_de_Coulonge-Quebec_City_Quebec.html">Bois-de-Coulonge Park</a>, another scenic spot filled with gardens, fountains, and walking trails that overlook the river. We capped off our trip with dinner at <a href="https://chezboulay.com/en/">Chez Boulay</a>, a celebrated Québec City restaurant inspired by the boreal forest. Every dish felt rooted in the region’s wild ingredients—think spruce tips, berries, and freshwater fish. The trout carpaccio was a highlight, beautifully presented and full of delicate, woodsy flavors. <h2>Final Thoughts</h2> We crossed into Canada from Maine, and the border crossing was simple—no lines at all, though we did go at night. During our stay, we found Canadians to be incredibly warm and welcoming, often switching to English without hesitation and going out of their way to make us feel at home. In hindsight, three days in Québec City felt like the bare minimum. You could easily spend a week exploring the city’s museums, historic sites, and nearby countryside. But our itinerary—a mix of rural adventures and urban exploration—gave us a satisfying taste of both sides of Québec’s personality. Between sipping cider on a rainy farm day, spotting whales on the St. Lawrence, and strolling centuries-old streets, we left feeling that Québec isn’t just a destination; it’s an experience that lingers. Travel Tip: For future visitors, bring layers, book rural experiences in advance, and leave time for spontaneous detours—you never know when you’ll stumble upon a hidden vineyard, a library that steals your heart, or a bear wandering through the trees.Sarah Roman 0

Where the Wild Things Teachhttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/stories/discovery/where-the-wild-things-teachWhere the Wild Things TeachThu, 07 Aug 2025 05:37:58 GMThttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/stories/discovery/where-the-wild-things-teachhttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/worldwide/10-places-to-go-in-2025-without-crowdsBelieve it or not, there are still parts of the world that are relatively undiscovered. From underrated cities and overlooked countries to hidden pockets of popular destinations, these 10 less-touristy alternatives offer a more tranquil and genuine experience.2025-01-02T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/worldwide/10-places-to-go-in-2025-without-crowdshttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#bratislava">Bratislava, Slovakia </a></li> <li><a href="#ang-thong">Ang Thong National Marine Park, Thailand </a></li> <li><a href="#zambia">Zambia</a></li> <li><a href="#bolivia">Bolivia</a></li> <li><a href="#vietnam">Ha Giang Province, Vietnam</a></li> <li><a href="#calabria">Calabria, Italy</a></li> <li><a href="#nicaragua">Nicaragua’s Pacific coast</a></li> <li><a href="#slovenia">Slovenia </a></li> <li><a href="#costalegre">Costalegre, Mexico </a></li> <li><a href="#froward">Cape Froward, Chilean Patagonia</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="bratislava">1. Bratislava, Slovakia</h2> Overshadowed by the larger nearby cities of Prague, Vienna, and Budapest, this European capital has been experiencing a quiet renaissance. With its compact, walkable old town, its imposing Baroque castle on a hill above the river, and its variety of museums and galleries, Bratislava is well worth a day trip but could easily fill several days. You’ll want time to sample Slovak food like bryndzové halu&scaron;ky (potato and cheese dumplings), seek out the quirky street sculptures dotted around the city, and <a href="https://www.u-f-o.sk/en/ufo-vstup-na-vyhliadku.html" target="_blank">enjoy the views from the “UFO Tower”</a> above Most SNP, the iconic bridge crossing the Danube. And if you want more castles, 1,000-year-old Devin Castle, just a few miles outside Bratislava, is an important archaeological site. Bratislava is easily accessible from Vienna, an hour by train or <a href="https://twincityliner.com/en" target="_blank">1.5 hours by ferry</a>. Public transit within the city is easy, too. And it’s one of the least expensive major European cities that use the Euro as currency. <h2 id="ang-thong">2. Ang Thong National Marine Park, Thailand</h2> While Koh Samui is one of the most-visited places in Thailand, there’s a quiet paradise just to the east – <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/explore/southeast-asia/thailand/off-the-beaten-path-thailand#beaches">Ang Thong National Marine Park</a>. Lying between Ko Samui and the mainland, this archipelago of 42 uninhabited islands is so stunning, it was the inspiration for Alex Garland’s novel The Beach. The islands can only be reached by boat from Koh Samui or Koh Pha Ngan. To avoid the crowds on the larger boats, hire a speed boat (or even better, a private charter) which will allow you access to hidden coves and beaches. For even more seclusion, stay overnight in a tent or bungalow on Ko Wua Talap, the main island. Once the day-trippers leave, you’ll have the place almost to yourself. Download our free <a href="/explore/guides/thailand-itinerary">14-day Thailand itinerary</a> to discover the best of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, the Golden Triangle, and more. <h2 id="zambia">3. Zambia</h2> Zambia is known as the birthplace of the walking <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/safari">safari</a>. Conservationist <a href="https://legendsandlegaciesofafrica.org/normancarr.php" target="_blank">Norman Carr</a> began offering this experience to guests at Chibembe Safari Camp in the late 1960s. Tracking animals on foot and exploring the bush and its wildlife up close is very different than sitting in a vehicle. While Zambia is far from the only place to offer walking safaris these days, there are other advantages. Even though it’s teeming with wildlife, including the “Big Five”, Zambia is less well-known and less crowded than destinations such as Kenya, Tanzania, or Zimbabwe. For the ultimate walking safari, head to South Luangwa National Park, one of Southern Africa’s most renowned game reserves. Or go on a water-based safari in the Lower Zambezi and spot wildlife from a canoe or boat. And no trip to Zambia is complete without a stop at spectacular Victoria Falls. Safaris can be pricey. Learn how <a href="/travel-insurance/destinations/africa">travel insurance for Africa</a> could protect your trip. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/uncrowdedplaces2025/zambia-canoe-safari.jpg" alt="Travelers on a canoe safari in Zambia." /> <figcaption>A canoe safari in Zambia. Image credit: Getty Images / Michael Greenberg</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="bolivia">4. Bolivia</h2> Bolivia shares many famous attractions with its neighbors, such as Lake Titicaca (which it shares with Peru), the Pantanal (which it shares with Brazil), and the <a href="/explore/south-america/peru/guide-to-the-peruvian-amazon">Amazon rainforest</a> (which it shares with both). Its Uyuni salt flat is just as surreal as Chile’s Atacama. And yet, Bolivia is one of the least-visited countries in Latin America. It’s also one of the most affordable. While the tourism infrastructure is less robust than its neighbors, Bolivia’s bus network is well-developed (though with such varied terrain, flying is more efficient). And where else can you visit the world’s highest lake, the world’s highest capital city, the world’s biggest salt flat, and the world’s biggest tropical wetlands all in one country? Whether you're headed for the Andes or the Amazon, learn about <a href="/travel-insurance/destinations/south-america">travel insurance for South America</a>. <h2 id="vietnam">5. Ha Giang Province, Vietnam</h2> Vietnam’s hill tribes are well known for their traditional handicrafts and colorful costumes. Travelers flock to regions like Sapa to <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/hiking-travel-insurance">hike between villages</a> and learn about the local culture. But this popularity has meant a loss of authenticity, with some “villages” being created just to cater to tourists. For a more genuine experience, head to Ha Giang Province in Vietnam’s far north. There’s still an untouched quality to these villages, home to ethnic groups such as Hmong, Tay, and Dao. Says World Nomads’ own Meghan Nelson, “The Ha Giang Loop was the highlight of our trip to Northern Vietnam. I can’t overstate how unique and diverse this province is. We spent four days winding through lush mountains and rice fields, swimming in caves and under waterfalls, and getting a glimpse of how remote ethnic minorities live. No two days were the same, as the scenery and people seemed to change around every turn.” To get there, take a bus from Hanoi to Ha Giang City. From there, hire a licensed local driver to take you around by motorbike (be sure to wear a helmet). It’s also possible to do a jeep tour. If a trip to Vietnam is in your future, here's how travel insurance <a href="/travel-insurance/destinations/Cambodia-laos-vietnam-">could help if something goes wrong</a>. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/vietnam-karst-crop.jpg" alt="Dramatic karst hills and lush valleys in Vietnam's Ha Giang Province." /> <figcaption>Dramatic landscapes along the Ha Giang Loop. Image credit: Meghan Nelson</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="calabria">6. Calabria, Italy</h2> Occupying the toe of Italy’s boot, Calabria may be one of the only places along the country’s southern coastline where you can still find gorgeous beaches without crowds. The scenic “Coast of the Gods” along the Tyrrhenian Sea lives up to its lofty nickname, while the town of Tropea, perched on a cliff above the sea, was named Italy’s most beautiful village in 2021 – no small achievement. And that’s just one of its coastlines – there’s also the Ionian Sea on the other side. But there’s <a href="/explore/europe/italy/calabria-destinations-discover-the-wild-italy">more to Calabria than beaches</a>. The region is also home to three national parks, filled with rugged mountains, canyons, and lakes. Calabrian culture is a rich blend of Greek and Byzantine influences and strong folkloric traditions. Yet, despite these charms, Calabria remains relatively undiscovered – for now. Before you set out for Calabria (or any other part of the boot), consider <a href="/travel-insurance/destinations/italy">travel insurance for your Italian holiday</a>. <h2 id="nicaragua">7. Nicaragua’s Pacific coast</h2> With sandy beaches, world-class surf breaks, and rainforests filled with tropical birds, monkeys, and other wildlife, Nicaragua offers many of the same draws as Costa Rica, its more popular neighbor to the south. In 2025, these little-known Nicaraguan treasures will be easier to discover and enjoy. A new coastal highway, the Carratera Costanera, is currently being built along the Pacific shoreline – it will help improve access to excellent surfing in spots like San Juan del Sur, Playa Remanso, and Popoyo. Near Popopyo is Wildlife Reserve Río Escalante-Chacocente, one of the world’s most important beaches for sea turtle nesting (events known as arribadas, where huge numbers of Olive Ridley turtles arrive at once to lay their eggs, take place between July and December). Get ready to hang ten with World Nomads<a href="/travel-insurance/activities/surfing"> travel insurance for surfing</a>. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/uncrowdedplaces2025/nicaragua-surfing.jpg" alt="A surfer carries a surfboard along a secluded beach in Nicaragua." /> <figcaption>Surfing in Nicaragua. Image credit: Getty Images / adamdodd</figcaption><figcaption></figcaption></figure> <h2 id="slovenia">8. Slovenia</h2> Sandwiched between Italy, Croatia, and Austria, Slovenia has many of the same things to offer – majestic alpine scenery, charming, red-roofed coastal towns, excellent food and wine. But somehow, Slovenia has stayed off the radar. For adventure lovers, the Soča Valley offers <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/kayaking-or-rafting">rafting on ice-blue rivers</a>, canyoning, and hiking. I had my first-ever paragliding adventure here, soaring above Kobarid (the adventure capital) and the Julian Alps. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/uncrowdedplaces2025/slovenia-rafting.jpg" alt="White-water rafting on the ice-blue Soca River in Slovenia." /> <figcaption>White-water rafting on the Soča River. Image credit: Getty Images / vm</figcaption></figure> The picturesque, car-free coastal town of Piran has been likened to Venice without the crowds. (This region was ruled by Venice for centuries, and it shows.) Lake Bled, with its iconic island chapel, has been featured in many an Instagram post, but <a href="/explore/europe/slovenia/food-wine-outdoor-adventures-slovenia">Lake Bohinj, a few miles further on</a>, offers a more tranquil experience. And as long as you avoid the summer high season, Ljubljana, the capital, is refreshingly crowd-free despite its lovely Baroque buildings and lively culture. Find out <a href="/travel-insurance/whats-covered">how travel insurance could cover</a> lost or stolen baggage, medical emergencies, trip cancellation, or other mishaps. <h2 id="costalegre">9. Costalegre, Mexico</h2> Mexico’s “Happy Coast,” which stretches along the Pacific from <a href="/travel-safety/north-america/mexico/puerto-vallarta-safety-guide">Puerto Vallarta</a> to Manzanillo, is a place of abundant natural beauty, home to pristine beaches, dense jungle, and vast nature preserves. It has remained untouched due largely to its inaccessibility (the closest airports are a 4-hour drive away). That will change with the new Chalacatepec Airport in Jalisco. Inaugurated in late 2024, the airport will initially cater to chartered flights, though there are plans to open it to international commercial flights. Will this mean the Costalegre will be unspoiled no more? Fortunately, development here has happened with an eye to sustainability, with resorts and communities working together to protect the local biodiversity. If you go, you can do your part by <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/how-to-choose-an-ethical-tour-operator">choosing eco-friendly, low-impact resorts and operators</a>. Even a trip to the "Happy Coast" can have its risks – here's how <a href="/travel-insurance/destinations/mexico">travel insurance for Mexico</a> could help. <h2 id="froward">10. Cape Froward, Chilean Patagonia</h2> Chilean Patagonia is best known for the cathedral-like peaks of Torres del Paine and for the iconic W Trek that circles its base. But this epic national park has gotten overrun in recent years. Fortunately, there are a multitude of other parks to choose from. <a href="/explore/south-america/chile/exploring-chiles-route-of-parks">Chile’s “Route of Parks”</a> features 17 parks along its 1,700 miles, all strung like pearls between the mountains and coast. Crowds are fewer here, but the landscapes are no less spectacular. The next park to join the route will be <a href="https://www.rewildingchile.org/en/projects/cape-froward-national-park-project/" target="_blank">Cape Froward</a>, the southernmost point of mainland South America. This is Chile’s newest national park, a sub-Antarctic region housing a number of endangered species, including huemel deer and sei whales. It’s also the ancestral territory of the indigenous Kawésqar people. Travelers who make the journey will be surrounded by raw, rugged nature and ancient culture. What they won’t be surrounded by is tourists. If you're headed for Patagonia, learn about our <a href="/travel-insurance/destinations/argentina-and-chile">travel insurance for Argentina and Chile</a>.Getty Images / benedek 11192927508 Getty Images Pastel buildings and iconic Michael's Tower in the Old Town center of Bratislava, Slovakia.

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/southeast-asia/indonesia/discover-west-baliWhile crowds flock to southern Bali’s beaches and sea temples, the west is still off the tourist radar – despite being rich in culture, wildlife, and natural beauty. Find out the best things to do and places to explore in West Bali.2024-06-20T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/southeast-asia/indonesia/discover-west-balihttps://www.worldnomads.comBali these days has a reputation for being overdeveloped and overcrowded. Yet, few people realize the majority of that development is packed into a very tiny area – most of it within a radius of less than 1.5 hours’ drive from the airport. To claim that Bali is overdeveloped is like flying into JFK, spending a long weekend in Manhattan and then complaining that there’s no greenery left in the USA. Canggu – the western extreme of Bali’s heavily developed zone – lies an hour’s drive along the coast from Bali’s international airport. The traffic within this tiny area can be atrocious, it’s true, but explore just a few miles west of Canggu and you very quickly find yourself among paddy fields and rural communities where foreign faces are rarely seen. The world-famous, UNESCO-protected rice paddies at Jatiluwih attract logjams of tour buses but there are mind-boggling expanses of paddies in West Bali (Soka, for example, or the terraces surrounding Negara city) that are almost unknown to the outside world. Keep heading west for an hour and you’ll find yourself swooping past plantations of coconut palms that thin in places to reveal deserted beaches and unsurfed waves. Less than 30mi (50km) from Canggu you’ll be astounded by the vast range of uninhabited jungle hills that, even today, cover about a tenth of the island’s total area. Welcome to Bali’s Wild West. Here just five of the many unique experiences that can only be found in Bali’s least-known region. <ul> <li><a href="#buffalo">Walk with pink buffalo in Pekutatan</a></li> <li><a href="#park">Trek or dive at West Bali National Park</a></li> <li><a href="#fleet">See the world’s most vibrant fishing fleet at Perancak</a></li> <li><a href="#temples">Visit secluded Balinese temples and churches</a></li> <li><a href="#drive">Take one of the world’s most beautiful road trips</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="buffalo">Walk with pink buffalo in Pekutatan</h2> Wherever you go in West Bali you’ll be charmed by a warm welcome. The little town of Pekutatan, in Jembrana Regency, is one of the best places to experience traditional Hindu culture and one of the few places on the planet where you’ll still see (almost extinct) pink buffalo – yes, completely pink! – plowing the rice fields. When Pekutatan rice-farmer Pak Sudana invites visitors on a unique beach-walk with his small herd of pink buffalo the star of the show is always the unbelievably cute calf Pinkko. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/west-bali/pinkko-2.jpg" alt="A pink water buffalo and calf in West Bali." /> <figcaption>Pinkko and mama. Image credit: Komang Adi </figcaption></figure> Pak Sudana has found a sustainable way to conserve his small herd without selling them either for sacrifices (a common occurrence in rural Bali) or for exploitation in the brutal mekepung (buffalo chariot-racing) events that take place early most Sunday mornings in the paddies south of Negara city. <h2 id="park">Trek or dive at West Bali National Park</h2> Lying less than mile off West Bali’s extreme northern tip, Menjangan Island is certainly West Bali’s best-known tourism drawcard, luring <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/scuba-diving-travel-insurance">snorkelers and divers</a> with diverse marine life that includes turtles, reef sharks, barracuda, dolphins and even, at times, whale sharks. Most visitors tend to arrive (often with tours run from the nearby dive-town of Pemuteran) for a quick half-day snorkeling session and then move on without ever realizing that West Bali National Park also has wonderful potential for land-based activities. You can go <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/hiking-travel-insurance">jungle trekking</a>, <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/mountain-biking">explore by mountain bike</a>, by car, or even on <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/horse-riding">horseback</a> and, if you’re in the company of a knowledgeable and experienced guide, you have an excellent chance of seeing some unique wildlife. Large herds of sambar deer (known in Balinese as menjangan) – including majestic stags with towering antlers – are commonly seen browsing at the edge of the mangrove forests. They’re surprisingly tame and if you take a chance to stay at the lovely Menjangan Resort (one of only three properties within the park boundaries) you’re sure to come face-to-face with them. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/west-bali/sanbar-deer.jpg " alt="A small herd of wild sanbar deer rest on the beach in West Bali National Park." /> <figcaption>Wild sambar deer on the beach at West Bali National Park. Image credit: Getty Images / Bicho_raro</figcaption></figure> Along with the ubiquitous macaques there are also endemic Balinese ebony leaf monkeys (looking a lot like black gibbons), huge monitor lizards, civets, and giant black squirrels (big as domestic cats). You’re almost certain to see Bali starling, one of the world’s rarest birds and the island’s own ‘bird of paradise’ among the park’s still-growing list of 205 species. <h2 id="fleet">See the world’s most vibrant fishing fleet at Perancak</h2> The little low-key surf town of Medewi is the hub of West Bali’s southern coast. Few surfers heading to <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/surfing">the main surf spot</a> (known for its viciously jagged rocks) even take time to glance at the unique jukung fishing outriggers that tackle the pounding waves – sometimes even launching completely airborne. But even these colorful boats, with their animistic carved deer-head effigies (known as menjangan) pale into insignificance next to the traditional fishing fleet at Perancak. With their ornately gaudy paintwork and ranks of propellers (often eight to a boat), these majestic 65ft (20m) vessels seem like brightly painted, day-glo Viking longboats. It seems incredible that ‘the world’s most spectacular traditional fishing fleet’ (according to the Australian National Maritime Museum) lies at anchor just 40mi (64km) from Bali’s tourist heartland and yet you’ll rarely ever see a visitor here. More than 100 of these selerek – all moored in pairs since they operate in what are described as ‘husband and wife’ teams – are often found at anchor the river inlet at Perancak and at the nearby Pengambengan harbor. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/west-bali/fishing-boats.jpg" alt="A fleet of brighly colored selerek fishing boats in Perancak, West Bali." /> <figcaption>Pairs of brightly colored selerek in Perancak. Image credit: Mark Eveleigh</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="temples">Visit secluded Balinese temples and churches</h2> The great ‘Sea Temples’ of Bali are among the most iconic sights on the island. Uluwatu and Tanah Lot are instantly recognizable thanks to a million dramatic sunset selfies, but West Bali’s Rambut Siwi commands even more spectacular views along more than 10mi (16km) of deserted beach. The best thing is that (unless there’s a typically vibrant and exciting odalan ceremony) you’re likely to enjoy sunset here in complete solitude. Legend has it that the Javanese high priest Danghyang Nirartha passed this way sometime in the 16th century and cured a terrible epidemic. When local inhabitants begged him to stay the priest left them a lock of his hair as protection. The hair (rambut) is considered sacred (siwi) and remains locked in a special shrine at Rambut Siwi Temple to this day. While the region is predominantly Hindu, large Muslim communities (specifically around Medewi, for example) add their own culture, cuisine, and traditions to the fascination of a trip through West Bali. There’s also the Brahma Vihara Arama Buddhist monastery (like a miniature Balinese Borobudur) and, in the predominantly Catholic community of Palasari (a hour’s drive west of Rambut Siwi), you find The Sacred Heart of Jesus Church. Built in 1958,a this unexpectedly immense church (with a congregation that’s said to number 1,300) is a curious mix of Dutch and Balinese architectural influences. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/west-bali/sacred-heart-church.jpg" alt="The Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in West Bali." /> <figcaption>The Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, with its eclectic mix of styles. Image credit: Mark Eveleigh</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="drive">Take one of the world’s most beautiful road trips</h2> Only one road cuts north to south through the West Bali jungle. Connecting Pekutatan on the south coast with Seririt on the north, it is surely one of Asia’s most beautiful roads. It’s best to start the drive at dawn to enjoy views of sunrise over Batukaru Mountain. On the western side of the road, mist rises out of jungle valleys that are still home to herds of wild pigs, flying foxes, wreathed hornbills (Bali’s biggest bird) and occasional rumors of (officially long extinct) Bali tigers. The road climbs steeply from the south through forest of cacao (chocolate), rubber, and cloves. You’ll notice strange towers where domesticated swiftlets are farmed (harmlessly) for their edible nests. The sacred tree known as Bunut Bolong forms a tunnel right over the road that’s big enough for cars, and even lorries, to pass through. Just to be on the safe side, you might want to copy local drivers and salute the spirits with a polite toot-toot on the horn as you pass through. From here you climb onward through fruit orchards (rambutan and durian) and coffee plantations until the road starts to descend towards the unexpectedly arid north coast where you’ll see cactus, dragonfruit, cashew plantations, sugarcane, and even vineyards. You’ll realize that on this northern coast, too, West Bali has a lot of surprises in store. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/west-bali/sunrise-over-paddies.jpg" alt="Sun rises over a mountain and rice paddies in West Bali." /> <figcaption>Sunrise over the rice paddies. Image credit: Mark Eveleigh</figcaption></figure> <h2>Trip notes</h2> <h3>How to get there/get around</h3> The journey out to West Bali is short but Java-bound traffic on the main road can be intense. Hiring a scooter is cheap and convenient but don’t underestimate the journey. Unless you have a lot of experience it’s wisest to find a reliable local driver and rent a scooter upon arrival. <h3>Where to stay</h3> Tourism is in its relative infancy in West Bali but you can still find excellent accommodation to suit all budgets, from dorms and simple cold-water backpacker rooms to high-end resorts and designer hideaways. For ideas see <a href="http://www.westbali.net/" target="_blank">www.WestBali.net</a>. <h3>Best time of year to go</h3> Rainy season typically runs from November to March but there’s really no bad time to be in West Bali. Even at the height of the rains, showers tend to be short, sharp, and dramatic and are typically interspersed with blissful spells of tropical sunshine. <h3>Permits for West Bali National Park</h3> You need to pay conservation fees for all activities in the park (currently US$12 / Rp200,000) and guides are necessary for all activities. Mohamed Idriss (WhatsApp +62 823 4018 5768) is the best point of contact to arrange activities – whether land- or water-based – in the park.Getty Images / Bicho_raro 11181543490 Getty Images A family sits on an elevated deck overlooking West Bali National Park.

The Moon Men of Mexico’s Sonoran Deserthttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/stories/discovery/moon-men-of-the-sonoran-desertThe Moon Men of Mexico’s Sonoran DesertFri, 01 Dec 2023 18:13:42 GMThttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/stories/discovery/moon-men-of-the-sonoran-deserthttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/south-america/peru/ausangate-trek-5-magic-days-in-the-peruvian-andesFar less traveled than the Inca Trail, this trek around sacred Ausangate mountain offers spectacular scenery, comfortable lodging, and opportunities to visit local communities. 2023-11-27T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/south-america/peru/ausangate-trek-5-magic-days-in-the-peruvian-andeshttps://www.worldnomads.comIt’s a blustery afternoon in Ocefina, Peru, and we are trudging through its rugged green valley, eyed warily by the thousands of llamas and alpacas that litter the mountainsides. Our guides are Jesús, a permanent grin beneath a heavy cap, and Josef, younger and more reserved, who both bounce alongside our group, merrily informing us about the flora and fauna of the area, its customs and history, its people and their lives. My spirits are high as I take it all in but I’m still nervous for what lies ahead. Ausangate, Peru’s 5th highest peak, sits approximately 62mi (100km) southeast of Cusco in the south of <a href="/explore/south-america/peru">Peru</a>. Looming at 20,905ft (6,372m) above sea level, this mountain dominates the Vilcanota mountain range, an imposing, icy figure standing well above its neighbors. But despite its intimidating aura, Ausangate has an undeniable beauty to it, and right now travelers can enjoy a truly unique experience within its domain. <ul> <li><a href="#ausangate">Hiking Ausangate Mountain</a></li> <li><a href="#eco">Comfortable eco lodges</a></li> <li><a href="#pass">Tackling Palomani Pass</a></li> <li><a href="#rainbow">A visit to Rainbow Mountain</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="ausangate">Hiking Ausangate Mountain</h2> Beginning and ending in the rural community of Ocefina, we’ll be <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/hiking-travel-insurance">hikin</a>g 34mi (55km) over five days on a looping route that passes the base of the giant peak, visiting the local Andean communities that have called this area home for generations on the way. Although most travelers come to Peru for Machu Picchu or the Inca Trail, this Ausangate trail lets you dive deep into the nooks and crannies of rural Cusco, while retaining some home comforts: we’re staying in traditional, community-run Andean lodges, heated by open fires and served delicious food prepared by a talented local team – perfect for the traveler who wants to challenge themselves by day but sleep in a comfy bed at night. It might sound dreamy, but it’s not going to be a walk in the park. The entire trek never drops below 13,120ft (4,000m) and we’ll be scaling multiple steep passes; I’m no natural-born hiker, but this would be challenging for almost anyone. Thankfully, our first day begins relatively easily: after a three-hour drive from Cusco, we jump out into the crisp air and are immediately greeted by the local ladies of Ocefina for a short masterclass into their native textile weavings, creating stunning handmade crafts found only in this area. It’s the perfect chance to buy anything we might’ve forgotten for the journey, as well as <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/the-ethical-traveler-s-guide-to-souvenir-shopping">supporting the ladies’ local economy.</a> <h2 id="eco">Comfortable eco lodges</h2> After an hours’ walk through the lush, green community of Chillca, we arrive at our first lodge and meet the team we’ll be traveling with. We have a small army of horsemen carrying our food supplies and acting as <a href="/travel-insurance/whats-covered/overseas-medical">potential “ambulances”</a>, llamamen with our possessions strapped to their flock, chefs producing lunches and dinners of fresh salads, quinoa soups, and local trout, and housekeeping ladies all working together to look after us on our journey. All of this has been arranged by Cusco-based Andean Lodges in partnership with Tropic, a company that works behind the scenes to craft thoughtful itineraries for travelers mostly in Peru and Ecuador. I take a warm shower in a private bathroom, then fall into a dead sleep, surrounded by candlelight and hot water bottles, while the outside temperatures plummet. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/peru/ausangate/guides-and-staff.jpg" alt="Local trekking guides and porters for the Ausangate trek in Peru." /> <figcaption>Some members of our trekking team. Image credit: Megan FitzGerald</figcaption></figure> After a hearty breakfast of coca tea, eggs, and fresh bread (cheered on by hand-carved fruit animals) the real work begins on our second day as we move onto Machuracay. Jesús is invaluable as our guide, pointing out hidden secrets in the land: a cave where a native owl perches, or a Giant Hummingbird skirting the high rocks. Though it’s an unforgiving landscape, more than 110 species of bird and 25 species of mammals frequent this region, so we crane our necks as we move along on this unexpected safari. Planning a trip to Peru? Find out <a href="/travel-insurance/whats-covered">how travel insurance can cover</a> adventure activities, lost or stolen baggage, sudden illness and more. <h2 id="pass">Tackling Palomani Pass</h2> We ascend higher and the air cools. We navigate glaciers and turquoise bodies of water that appear as the grass fades into rocky terrain, and I have to admit it's exhausting. Watching our local companions skip past gives me motivation to continue, even just out of embarrassment, and I manage to climb further, until I find myself clinging to the sharp incline of the ochre-colored Palomani Pass at 16,730ft (5,100m). The twin bowls of nothingness on either side of me are so vast I can’t help but envision myself floating off into the stratosphere like some sort of rogue astronaut, and this fleeting feeling of gravity-based confusion keeps recurring. Every now and then, as I take in exactly where I am, gazing down at the vast basin of Lake Ausangate, or hearing the cannon-fire echoes of glaciers cracking, the feeling of being in the normal world leaves me. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/peru/ausangate/red-hills-and-lake.jpg" alt="Dramatic hills and lakes along the Asangate trek in the Peruvian Andes.." /> <figcaption>Dramatic hills and lakes along the trek. Image credit: Megan FitzGerald</figcaption></figure> Perhaps that’s the point – Ausangate is intensely sacred, not seen just as a mountain but as a god – and revered by the locals that call the area home. Julio, one of our llamamen, blesses us before we enter its region, asking for our protection as we navigate its rocky terrain. We each place three coca leaves on a small cloth along with some other offerings (thread, corn kernels, cookies), which Julio folds into a bundle and sets alight, sending smoke plumes skyward. I’m not a spiritual person at all, but I find myself unexpectedly emotional being given the chance to pray to Ausangate for assistance. Maybe I’m still nervous. A certain energy permeates the air as we continue. It’s not lost on me how lucky we are to be in such a special place. <h2 id="rainbow">A visit to Rainbow Mountain</h2> Our fourth day brings us to <a href="/explore/south-america/peru/alternatives-to-the-inca-trail">Rainbow Mountain</a>, a kaleidoscopic landscape of reds, greens, and blues, formed by rich natural iron and magnesium deposits, and is, somewhat inevitably, hugely popular with tourists – around 1,500 a day. We’re all slightly perplexed: after days of having only each other and the landscape for company, to suddenly hear ATVs roaring up the hillside from Cusco and see swarms of people on the mountaintops is slightly jarring. “I have nothing against people,” Jesús chirps from next to me as we pause, “but I love places without them.” I can’t help but agree. Our previous days' trekking have spoiled us, and as gorgeous as Rainbow Mountain is, it’s just one part of a huge amalgamation of color and landscape in this stunning area; the joy of this journey is that we get to see so much more of it. We spend some time navigating the crowds before scurrying through a distant archway and on to Red Valley, where the faces of the sleeping Pururauca are etched into the mountainside. It’s as if we plunge back into the secret world we were in before, and the shift in environment is extreme – it’s a prehistoric-feeling land, where the mountains are the backs of giant, dark monsters, sharp and jagged in comparison to the woozy green vistas of before. After a final night sleeping under a thundering sky, we spend our last day climbing the final Anta Pass, then running (literally) entirely downhill, before we say goodbye to our hosts back in Ocefina. It feels strange to be such a small group again, and as we rumble back to Cusco to the sound of car horns and revving engines, I find myself already missing the mountains. My new friends drive away and I step onto the cobbled street I stood on five days before and gaze at the mountain-line in the distance, wondering where I’ll trek next.Megan FitzGerald 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/europe/albania/exploring-albanias-new-vjosa-wild-river-national-parkThe newly designated Vjosa Wild River National Park is the first in Europe. Find out why it’s so special, and what to see and do here.2023-09-07T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/europe/albania/exploring-albanias-new-vjosa-wild-river-national-parkhttps://www.worldnomads.comThe Vjosa River has something of a split personality. It emerges from the Pindus mountain range of northern Greece and flows, rude and robust, sparkling and spirited, through the gorges and canyons of southeastern <a href="/explore/europe/albania/hiking-in-albania">Albania</a> before finally slipping quietly through a flat, marshy delta and into the waters of the Adriatic Sea in the west. Or maybe it’s just exhaustion. It’s been quite a journey, after all – and one that collected Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio on the way. It was in 2021, on Instagram, that DiCaprio joined a chorus of voices calling for the protection of the Vjosa River as one of the only remaining free-flowing river systems in Europe. Humanity, in general, cannot seem to see a stretch of water without wanting to shove a dam, weir, or ford across it – a tendency that has made Europe one of the most obstructed river landscapes in the world, and one from which Albania was not immune. At one point, dozens of hydropower plants were planned across the Vjosa region. Luckily, sane heads prevailed, and in March 2023, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama stood in the grounds of Ottoman-era Tepelene Castle, perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Vjosa, and announced the formation of the Vjosa Wild River National Park, the first in Europe. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/albania/vjosa/view-from-tepelene.jpg" alt="View of Albania's Vjosa River from the ramparts of Tepelene Castle." /> <figcaption>View of the Vjosa River from Tepelene Castle. Image credit: Keith Austin</figcaption></figure> What this means is that all 170mi (270km) of the Vjosa will be preserved as a free-flowing wild river, never to be dammed, mined, dredged, or otherwise fiddled with. The new park covers 31,500 acres and the river system, if you count its tributaries, includes more than 248mi (400km) of waterways. It’s also a biodiversity hotspot with more than 1,100 species of wildlife, including 257 species of birds, 70 species of mammals, the endangered Egyptian vulture, and the critically endangered Balkan lynx. <h2>Permet and the thermal pools</h2> There are air-conditioned buses between all the major towns in Albania, and furgons (private minibuses) plying the smaller routes, but to get to the more remote areas you need a car. So, I drive to the <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/kayaking-or-rafting">rafting</a>, kayaking, <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/camping-travel-insurance">camping</a>, <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/cycling-travel-insurance">cycling</a>, and <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/hiking-travel-insurance">hiking</a> region around Permet, which perches right on the edge of the Vjosa, from Saranda in the country’s south. It’s a journey of about two hours on well-signposted and well-maintained roads. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/albania/vjosa/rafting-the-vjosa.jpg" alt="A group of people rafting on the Vjosa River in Albania." /> <figcaption>Rafting on the Vjosa River. Image credit: Getty Images / Wirestock</figcaption></figure> A few miles before Tepelene, where the national park announcement was made, I turn off the highway where the river flows down out of the east and executes a sharp right-hand turn to head north. Going, as it were, against the flow I start criss-crossing the Vjosa via the sort of single-lane bridges that the Allies are always trying to blow up in WWII movies. The road here dips and turns, sometimes hugging the edge of steep, forested mountainsides and at others crossing open plains where the river flattens out and performs wide, languid arcs that look like some giant, mythological snake has rested there in the past. Passing the occasional group of cyclists, I am reminded that UNESCO’s new 675mi (1,086km) official Cycle Route, from Tirana to Saranda and back, crosses the Vjosa both here (on the way down) and by Tepelene (on the way back up). Permet, where many such cyclists overnight, is a pleasant town with an expansive main square, ample, flower-bedecked roads, and wide, bicycle-friendly streets. After coffee and a lunchtime burek (filo pastry pie filled with cheese and spinach, and a popular Albanian snack) I buy a map from the tourist information office and head back out of the city to follow the river east. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/albania/vjosa/permet-river-bank.jpg " alt="The town of Permet, Albania, on the banks of the Vjosa River." /> <figcaption>The town of Permet. Image credit: Keith Austin</figcaption></figure> The road, still well maintained even this far out, is dotted with companies offering the gamut of outdoor pursuits. Business, say the ones I talk to, is booming thanks to the wild river declaration and the ensuing publicity. I follow the road along the river for another 10 or so miles before stopping for a local Korça beer at a riverside diner and watching a clutch of happy rafters in red dinghies drift past on the waters below. I could go on and follow the river all the way to the Greek border, some 17 zigzagging miles away, but there are only so many hairpin turns a chap can execute in one day and I am won over by the pull of the natural thermal pools and humpbacked Ottoman-era bridge at Benje-Novosele, just four miles away up the Lengarica River. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/albania/vjosa/ottoman-bridge-and-hotsprings.jpg" alt="An Ottoman-era bridge at Benje-Novoselet, Albania." /> <figcaption>The Ottoman-era bridge at Benje-Novosele. Image credit: Keith Austin</figcaption></figure> Eventually, I head back and rejoin the main freeway where the river worms its way past Tepelene and then saunters north and west through vast white, pebble-strewn valleys overlooked by angular, hostile-looking mountains. The views from the ramparts of Tepelene Castle are, by the way, worth the slight detour. Just beyond here, though, the river and the road part company and it’s time to head home. <h2>Vlore and the Delta</h2> The next day, I drive north from Saranda (taking the longer, slower but prettier and more panoramic coastal road) to explore the other end of the Vjosa – the mouth of the river where it flows into the Adriatic. From where I abandoned it the previous day, the river turns away from civilization for many miles, flowing through a landscape with little human habitation. Eventually, it wends its way to the outskirts of Vlore, Albania’s third largest city and a popular seaside destination, where it forms the northern edge of the 48,000-acre Vjosa-Narte Delta Protected Area. After an idiot driver-driven detour through the traffic-snarled but pretty-in-pastel streets of Vlore old town, I finally follow the SH8 freeway past the little towns of Skrofotine and Novosele before fetching up at an abandoned bridge just before Ferras. It is here that the Vjosa trundles gently under the freeway, wide and deep and a stark contrast to the vertiginous drama and excitement of its southern reaches. Locals fish from the old bridge and my map shows that there’s no point in going any further north. Instead, I follow a gravel road into the northern reaches of the delta in the hope of accompanying the river to its end. Instead, I find a maze of remote, rickety communities (Fitore, Bishan, Poro, Delisuf) surrounded by corn fields and conjoined by roads that lead, quite literally, nowhere. It is here, at the end of one such road, that I accept that the Vjosa, thankfully unmolested for its entire length, must flow to the sea without any further help from me. <h2>Trip notes</h2> <h3>Getting to and around the Vjosa</h3> As befits a wilderness area, the Vjosa Wild River National Park isn’t easy to get to. Coming from the north it’s best to fly into the capital, <a href="/stories/discovery/riding-the-pyramid">Tirana</a>, and drive from there. Alternatively, you can fly to Corfu and take the ferry across to Saranda, on the Albanian riviera. Ferries from Italy also call in at Vlore. There is no train network to speak of and while there is a bus system, and the informal, privately-run furgons for short trips, it’s best to explore the Vjosa by car. Be aware that Albanians drive like lunatics. Let them. I have concluded that ‘double white lines’ translates as ‘go on, I dare you’ in Albanian. The new UNESCO Cycle Route does cross the Vjosa at various points but the whole 675-mile trip, given Albania’s geography, is for experienced riders only. <h3>When to go</h3> Albania tends to start gearing up for tourist season in May, with July and August the busiest months. April-June and September-October are ideal as July and August can get very hot. If you’re visiting the Vjosa, avoid the winter unless you are Wim Hof.Getty Images / Mathias Calabotta 01458041145 Getty Images View of the Vjosa River near Kanikol, Albania, with snowcapped mountains in the background.

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/northern-europe/united-kingdom/top-pubs-to-visit-in-manchester-ukThere are few better places to get to know the culture of an English city than its pubs. Manchester, famous for football and rock bands, is also known for its northern hospitality. Here are a few of the best pubs to check out in this historic city2023-09-06T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/northern-europe/united-kingdom/top-pubs-to-visit-in-manchester-ukhttps://www.worldnomads.comThe English city of <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/planet/destinations-combating-overtourism">Manchester</a> sits about 200mi (320km) northwest of London, and is home to red-bricked buildings, a bustling city center, the Premier League football clubs Manchester United and Manchester City, and the ever-quarreling brothers of rock band Oasis. However, Manchester is also known for its northern hospitality, and where better to experience this than in a local pub? We’ve rounded up just a few of the pubs that this historic city has to offer. <ul> <li><a href="#pev">Peveril of the Peak, Central </a></li> <li><a href="#beech">The Beech Inn, Chorlton-cum-Hardy </a></li> <li><a href="#courtyard">The Courtyard, Central </a></li> <li><a href="#gaslamp">The Gas Lamp, Spinningfields</a></li> <li><a href="#hands">Big Hands, Rusholme </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="pev">Peveril of the Peak, Central</h2> Appearing seemingly out of nowhere along the curve of Great Bridgewater Street in central Manchester, The Peveril of the Peak is a deeply beloved time-warp. The building dates back to the early 19th century and has remained virtually untouched, with its distinctive jade-green exterior clashing wonderfully against the comparatively grey, modernized cityscape surrounding it. As well as being known for serving great pints of Guinness, it is also home to Nancy, one of the oldest and longest-serving landladies in the UK. Now in her mid-90s, Nancy has been running the Pev since 1971, and is something of a local legend. It’s the Pev’s character and refusal to change that makes it so popular with visitors, and one of the most authentic pubs in Manchester. <h2 id="beech">The Beech Inn, Chorlton-cum-Hardy</h2> The Stones Roses frontman Ian Brown once quipped, “Manchester has everything except a beach”. For the residents living in this hipster suburb in the southwest of the city, The Beech Inn might offer a solution. Always busy – and usually with some form of sport being shown, making it perfect for football fans – The Beech is warm and inviting, and perfect to drop into while wandering this increasingly popular area. It’s no frills, but it’s this unostentatious atmosphere that makes it so popular with sports fans; this, combined with surprisingly nice pizzas (the Buffalo Blue is a personal favorite), and a large outdoor sun-trap area, means it’s not uncommon to accidentally stay until last orders. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/uk/manchester/the-beech-inn.jpg" alt="Exterior of the Beech Inn pub in Manchester, UK." /> <figcaption>The Beech Inn. Image credit: Megan FitzGerald</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="courtyard">The Courtyard, Central</h2> Close enough to Manchester Metropolitan University to entice the students with the promise of affordable lager and pool tables, but with a large, heated garden to house the local football fans, The Courtyard appeals to more than just those studying; anyone looking for affordable beer and a lively atmosphere is welcome here. During sports events you can expect to see the place packed, with its £8 pitchers of beer practically flying from the bar, and a barbecue sparked on extra special occasions (don’t come here for food on a normal day – you’ll go hungry). Open until 1am most evenings, its cheap, cheerful, and down to earth – and very easy to spend your whole night here. <h2 id="gaslamp">The Gas Lamp, Spinningfields</h2> If you’re keen for a history lesson with your pint, The Gas Lamp just off Spinningfields is the perfect, albeit slightly secluded, spot to drop into. Open as a pub since 2010 and hidden away down some inconspicuous steps on Bridge Street, the Victorian space used to serve as a mission’s kitchen for street children and the homeless. Now a cozy drinking den specializing in fabulous craft beer, its rich history is preserved in photographs and artefacts adorning its walls – it even displays an oven similar to that used in the space’s original function. You can take a seat in the main bar area, or if you’re looking for somewhere quieter (it can get busy during evenings and weekends), you can take a wander through its tiled interior into the back parlor. Immensely popular with the locals, The Gas Lamp is not one to miss. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/uk/manchester/the-gaslamp.jpg" alt="The tiled back parlor of the Gas Lamp pub in Manchester, UK." /> <figcaption>The back parlor of the Gas Lamp pub. Image credit: Megan FitzGerald</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="hands">Big Hands, Rusholme</h2> Although less of a pub and more of a bar, Big Hands is known across the city as a bohemian staple in its iconic music scene. Its well-missed late owner, Scott Alexander, was not only good friends with Elbow’s Guy Garvey, but also the lead singer of his own band, Indigo Jones, and from the moment you enter it’s clear he made this a music haven. Inside you’ll find candlelit tables, scarlet walls smothered from floor to ceiling with gig posters and stickers from around the world, and a fabulous music playlist. Located just outside the student district of Fallowfield, and nearby to the Manchester Academies at the Student Union, it’s not unusual for playing artists to be spotted here after a gig. A rooftop terrace is what makes Big Hands a cut above the rest, and on a warm summer evening you can sit and view the city skyline with a cool beer or cocktail – perfect.Anton Vierietin 11306680900 Getty Images https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/uk/manchester/manchester-pubs-thumbnail.jpg

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/north-america/united-states/why-you-should-visit-charleston-nowThere’s more to this historic Southern city than antebellum charm. Get to know the other sides of Charleston: visit the brand new International African American Museum, paddle a kayak through a blackwater estuary, or check out the vibrant food and art scenes.2023-08-22T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/north-america/united-states/why-you-should-visit-charleston-nowhttps://www.worldnomads.comFounded in 1670, Charleston, South Carolina, is America’s 11th oldest city – it has seen the nation take shape, tear itself apart, rebuild and reckon with its history. It offers a window into the United States’ tumultuous past, but it has gone to great pains to ensure that its future is happier. The charms of “Chucktown” are well documented – horse-drawn carriages clip-clopping across downtown cobbles; live oaks draped with Spanish moss; blonde beaches and championship golf courses – so I figured I’d take a look at those lesser-known aspects of the city that will help strangers really understand it, and illustrate how it’s found a way to move forward by going back. <ul> <li><a href="#museum">Fort Moultrie and the International African American Museum</a></li> <li><a href="#food">Charleston’s food scene and dishes to try</a></li> <li><a href="#nature">Mother nature, father history</a></li> <li><a href="#art">Charleston’s art scene</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="museum">Fort Moultrie and the International African American Museum</h2> At Fort Moultrie, on Sullivan’s Island at the mouth of Charleston harbor (where the first shots of the Civil War were fired), a memorial bench donated by the Toni Morrison Society remembers the 14 million Africans who were sold into slavery in the Americas and the Caribbean (about a million of whom were shipped to North America) and the two million who died during the Middle Passage, the brutal trans-Atlantic journey from West Africa. Charleston was the first point of entry to North America for about 40 percent of the Africans who were enslaved there. Frankly, it’s an outrage that Sullivan’s Island isn’t as well-known as Ellis Island in New York. I attended Toni Morrison’s unveiling of the bench in 2008. The writer gave a speech, saying, “It’s never too late to honor the dead, and it’s never too late to applaud the living who do them honor.” So, I’m delighted that, after 20 years of planning and $100 million in fundraising, the <a href="https://iaamuseum.org/" target="_blank">International African American Museum</a> (IAAM) opened in June 2023. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/usa/charleston/IAAM-charleston.jpg" alt="Exterior of the International African American Museum in Charleston, SC." /> <figcaption>The African Ancestors Memorial Garden at the IAAM. Image credit: Joe Furey</figcaption></figure> Built on the site of Gadsden’s Wharf, a former disembarkation point for slave ships, the museum, a long horizontal block raised on pilings, manages to look like both a boat in dry dock and a Wakandan UFO about to land. It’s set in a public park, the African Ancestors Memorial Garden, planted with palm trees and sweetgrass broken up by sculptures, and has paving that’s etched with the ghostly imprints of bodies packed shoulder to shoulder. The IAAM’s nine galleries show how enslaved Africans and free blacks shaped economic, political, and cultural development across the nation and beyond, while presenting a granular look at the South Carolina Lowcountry and the <a href="/explore/north-america/united-states/travels-with-the-gullah-geechee">Gullah-Geechee</a> who settled there – the descendants of Africans who were put to work on the rice, indigo, and cotton plantations of the lower Atlantic coast. And it provides a genealogical resource, too: The Center for Family History, which holds a wealth of research materials, including the largest collection of United States Colored Troop records outside of the National Archives. The story it tells is one of struggle and trauma, yes, but also of resilience and victory and, looking forward, of inclusion and equity. You can’t even begin to understand Charleston, which made its fortune on slave labor, without visiting the IAAM. <h2 id="food">Charleston’s food scene and dishes to try</h2> It would be unthinkable to leave food off this list. If it’s true that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, it’s fair to say that I have more than a crush on Charleston. In the past 25 years, it’s become an internationally lauded dining destination, and that success owes much to its best restaurants’ elevated takes on <a href="/explore/north-america/united-states/a-vegetarian-on-the-barbecue-trail">Southern cooking</a>, and their promotion of the kitchen practices, heirloom ingredients and social eating principles of the Lowcountry. These foodways and traditions are rooted in Gullah-Geechee culture. Slaves did all the cooking in the planters’ grand homes, adapting the incredible larder of the Atlantic coast – as well as the ingredients they brought with them – to European culinary techniques. You could call Lowcountry cuisine the Tamla Motown of soul food, but unlike soul food, its focus is on seafood and seasonality. Signature dishes include Frogmore stew, a concoction of shrimp, sausage, corn and potatoes; roasted Bulls Bay oysters (they’re wild-harvested, but the fishermen lay down fresh cultch for new oysters to set on); deviled crab and she-crab soup (a bisque with Atlantic blue crab meat, roe, and a ladle of cream); Carolina gold rice pilau (pronounced “purloo” and more like paella); hopping john (a kind of sea island red bean pilau); and whiting and tomato rice (a century ago, the “mosquito fleet” would leave the Charleston docks before dawn each day to catch whiting, black bass and porgy). And Charleston is producing long-aged madeira wine again, the proper capper to a Lowcountry feast, which should always be around a large table, the better to accommodate multiple parties. <h2 id="nature">Mother nature, father history</h2> A rod’s cast southwest of Charleston, the 350,000-acre ACE Basin is one the largest undeveloped wetland ecosystems on the Atlantic Coast, its name coming from its three rivers: the Ashepoo, Combahee, and Edisto. Home to several wildlife refuges, protected areas and historic rice fields, it provides invaluable habitat for such endangered and threatened species as the bald eagle, wood stork, osprey, anhinga, loggerhead sea turtle, and shortnose sturgeon. In late spring, rare white spider lilies line the banks, and spikes of purple pondeteria break the water. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/usa/charleston/blackwater.jpg" alt="Paddling along the Combahee River near Charleston, SC." /> <figcaption>Paddling along the Combahee River in the ACE Basin. Image credit: Joe Furey</figcaption></figure> The best way to see this miraculously preserved blackwater estuary is <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/kayaking-or-rafting">by kayak</a>, your own or on a tour, with guides narrating the history of the area, giving plenty of coverage to the Combahee Ferry Raid in 1863, when Harriet Tubman, a legendary conductor on the Underground Railroad, became the first woman to mount a major military operation in the United States. Using field intelligence from scouts she’d recruited – boatman who knew every ripple of the surrounding waterways – Tubman, under the command of Union Colonel James Montgomery, co-led an expedition of 300 soldiers of the Second South Carolina Volunteers up the Combahee River, aboard two paddle steamers converted into gunships. Coming five months after the Emancipation Proclamation, it was a liberation raid first and foremost, and it succeeded to that end – some 750 men, women and children clambered onto those boats to freedom – though plantations, mills, and mansions were plundered and torched. It was still war, after all. <h2 id="art">Charleston’s art scene</h2> Shepard Fairey – the “American Banksy” who made the “Hope” image for Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign – was born in Charleston, so perhaps the amount of street art in this venerable city is less surprising than it first appears. In fact, the city vigorously supports artistic endeavor of every kind. The <a href="https://halsey.cofc.edu/" target="_blank">Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art</a>, at the School of the Arts at the College of Charleston, hosts exhibitions of emerging artists and runs an artist-in-residence program, whose guests have included such luminaries as Lonnie Holley, whose work spans sandstone carvings, painting, assemblages of found objects, and improvised music. The <a href="https://www.gibbesmuseum.org/" target="_blank">Gibbes Museum of Art</a> launched the annual Art Charleston festival just last year, with lectures, live performances, and a street party. This year, digital artist Mike Winkelmann, aka Beeple, got in on the act, having just moved into a huge studio in town, after a collage of his work was sold as an NFT at a Christie’s auction for $69 million. More traditional, but no less satisfying, is the <a href="https://spoletousa.org/" target="_blank">Spoleto Festival USA</a>. Founded in 1977 by the composer Gian Carlo Menotti – who saw in Charleston a “twin” of Spoleto, Italy, where a similar festival had been held since 1958 – this showcase of the best in opera, dance, theater, classical music, and jazz takes place over 17 days in May and June, across nine venues and sees more than 100 performances.Joe Furey 1 Joe Furey An elegant historic house and live oak tree in Charleston, SC.

Mangoes and Machu Picchu | Peru Travel Storyhttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/stories/connection/mangoes-and-machu-picchuMangoes and Machu Picchu | Peru Travel StoryWed, 09 Aug 2023 23:59:52 GMThttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/stories/connection/mangoes-and-machu-picchuhttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/europe/france/lille-and-lyon-france-gorgeous-alternatives-to-parisWe all love Paris – but if you enjoy French food, history, and culture and aren’t fond of crowds, make room in your heart for Lyon and Lille. Here’s why they’re worth a visit (or two).2023-06-08T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/europe/france/lille-and-lyon-france-gorgeous-alternatives-to-parishttps://www.worldnomads.comWhen people think of France, their minds usually go to the Eiffel Tower in Paris or the lavender fields of Provence. But there’s much more to see and experience throughout the country. I've fallen in love with two French cities that we hear very little of outside France: Lyon and Lille. These second cities are both filled with art, culture, architecture, and French charm without the crowds (or the price tags) of Paris. They are also easily accessible from <a href="/explore/europe/france/cycling-la-seine-a-velo-from-paris-to-the-sea">Paris</a> if you want to take an impromptu escape during your travels. Here's a mini guide to both cities. <ul> <li><a href="#lyon">How to explore Lyon, the food capital of France </a></li> <li><a href="#lille">Lille, a lively French city with small-town charm</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="lyon">How to explore Lyon, the food capital of France</h2> France's third largest city, Lyon, in southeastern France, is known as the country's gastronomic capital. You can't deny it when you see murals across the city dedicated to the centuries-old culinary traditions of the region, especially of the beloved chef Paul Bocuse who amplified French cooking to the world. Start your trip with a <a href="https://www.lyonexplorer.com/">free walking tour</a> to get acquainted with Lyon. Volunteers host the walking tours, and love sharing the city’s monuments and history. Make sure you pack comfortable walking shoes and a fully charged phone or camera to take tons of pictures. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, dig into Lyon’s culinary side. Begin your experience at Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, the city's premiere food hall. The atmosphere is lively, with stalls dedicated to Lyonnaise specialties lining the market. Cheese lovers will rejoice at booths filled with French varieties such as Comté, brie, and goat cheeses. Or satisfy your sweet tooth at the patisserie stalls with perfectly crafted tortes topped with colorful berries or decadent chocolate. Or take a leisurely lunch break at one of the many restaurants offering freshly shucked oysters and wines from the neighboring Cote du Rhone wine region. Lyon is home to a special style of restaurant called Bouchon Lyonnais. The government recognizes bouchons as keepers of the traditional Lyonnaise gastronomy, such as quenelle Lyonnaise, a mix of seafood and eggs shaped like an egg and doused in a creamy sauce, or saucisson brioché, a buttery brioche stuffed with handmade sausage. One of our most memorable meals was at the widely known <a href="https://danieletdenise.fr/bons-cadeaux/">Daniel & Denise</a>, where we feasted on one of my favorite Lyonnaise treats, the pate covered with a flaky crust. Beyond French cuisine, Lyon also has a thriving immigrant community offering many global dining options. We loved the Peruvian fare at <a href="https://barraceviche.fr/">Barracevich</a>e, probably the best Peruvian food I've had in Europe, with fresh ceviches, arroz chaufa, and delectable pisco sours. Another fun stop is Kafé Stockholm, a Swedish-owned café with freshly baked Swedish cinnamon buns and open-faced sandwiches. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/france/lille-and-lyon/lyon-riverfront.jpg" alt="Historic buildings along the Rhone River in Lyon, France." /> <figcaption>The Rhone River waterfront in Lyon. Image credit: Jessica van Dop deJesus</figcaption></figure> Lyon is a very walkable city and has excellent public transport options. Aside from the well-known museums such as Musée des Beaux-Arts, there’s plenty to explore just walking around the city. Head to the Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourvière church for spectacular views of Lyon. Work your way down to the Rhône River, where you can catch locals sipping wine at the many cafes along the walkway. There are <a href="/stories/Love/providence">secret paths throughout the city</a> that you can learn more about on your walking tour of Lyon. During the summer, boat tours on the Rhône River are also available. Or acquaint yourself with the neighborhoods beyond Vieux Lyon for a taste of local life. We stayed in the Croix-Rousse neighborhood on the city's west side, filled with cozy wine bars, trendy restaurants, and a lively Sunday market. <h2 id="lille">Lille, a lively French city with small-town charm</h2> Less than an hour by train from Paris, Lille is a beautiful city with an interesting cultural mix. It’s located French Flanders, less than 12 miles from the Belgian border, and the Flemish influence is evident throughout the city, with quays reminiscent of Ghent and Bruges. The Grand Place, a picturesque town square with well-preserved buildings dating back to the Middle Ages, is a prime example of jagged-edged Flemish Renaissance Revival. Like any French destination, Lille has a robust culinary identity with a wide selection of restaurants in every price range. We started our trip to Lille with a Michelin-Guide tasting menu at <a href="https://lestoquees.com/restaurant-gastronomique-lille/">Les Touquees by Benoit Bernard</a>, served in the inn's dining room. We indulged in a five-course menu with wine pairing, followed by a short walk around the charming neighborhood, and then stayed at the inn by the same name. Although Les Touquees is not in the city center, we enjoyed being in a residential neighborhood adjacent to the Citadel of Lille, a former military fortress built during the mid-17th century. As you walk along the quays, there’s a sense of serenity with all the green spaces and quaint ivy-covered stone homes. Bring your walking shoes since the best way to get to know the city is on foot. There are plenty of independent shops along Rue de la Monnaie in Vieux Lille, where you can find handmade art, perfumes, and chocolates. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/france/lille-and-lyon/vielle-bourse.jpg" alt="The old stock exchange on the Grand Place in Lille, France." /> <figcaption>The Vielle Bourse (old stock exchange) in Lille. Image credit: Jessica van Dop deJesus</figcaption></figure> Take your time strolling around the Grand Place, especially early in the morning or late at night, to capture the perfect shot of Hotel de Ville de Lille (Lille’s town hall), as its belfry is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the summer, a second-hand bookstore comes to life at the courtyard of the Vielle Bourse (old stock exchange), along with chess tables and dance performances. Fans of art will love the <a href="https://pba.lille.fr/">Palais de Beaux Arts</a>, whose architecture and interior design are as captivating as its art collection. Across from the museum is Place de la Republique, an ideal place for a little break from walking around the city. During the summer, you can also get to know Lille by water with <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/kayaking-or-rafting">kayak</a> or boat tours along the quays. Lille has become a popular quick getaway from Paris, Brussels, and Luxembourg City. If you're traveling during a busy weekend, make restaurant reservations to ensure you can get into the local hot spots. Due to its proximity to the northern coast of France, seafood is widely available, and seafood towers of freshly shucked oysters and langoustines rule at most restaurants. One of the regional specialties is waterzooï, a hearty Flemish seafood stew made with cream, carrots, leeks, potatoes, and chunks of fish. Lille is also known as the “beer capital of France,” with more than 50 craft breweries plus plenty of selections from its Belgian neighbors offered on tap. Wine lovers will be happy with the comprehensive wine lists offered even at simple restaurants. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/france/lille-and-lyon/seafood-tower-lille.jpg" alt="A platter of assorted seafood in Lille, France." /> <figcaption>A seafood tower in Lille. Image credit: Jessica van Dop deJesus</figcaption></figure> Jessica van Dop DeJesus 0 Jessica van Dop DeJesus A charming square in Lille, France.

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/worldwide/3-epic-pilgrimage-routesJoin our nomads as they walk the Kumano Kodo in Japan, Via Francigena in western Europe, and Adam’s Peak in Sri Lanka, basking in tranquility and history, and meditating on the power of nature.2023-04-24T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/worldwide/3-epic-pilgrimage-routeshttps://www.worldnomads.comYou don’t have to belong to a particular religion (or any religion at all) to benefit from a walk along a pilgrim route. Some do it for the physical challenge, some to reconnect with nature and themselves, some to learn about ancient history and cultures, and many for all the above. Here are three of the world’s most extraordinary pilgrim trails, scattered across the globe and associated with religions as diverse as Hinduism, Christianity, and Shintōism. <ul> <li><a href="#adams">Adam’s Peak, Sri Lanka</a></li> <li><a href="#francigena">Via Francigena Pilgrimage Trail</a></li> <li><a href="#kumano">Kumano Kodo, Japan</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="adams">Adam’s Peak, Sri Lanka</h2> I’ve always been interested in places that sit at a physical crossroads – major ports, often islands, which for hundreds of years have been settled by waves of people of diverse creeds and cultures. The histories of such places teach us a great deal about the things that unite human beings as well as separate them. My visit to <a href="/explore/southern-asia/sri-lanka/5-things-to-know-before-visiting">Sri Lanka</a> grew out of that fascination. Sinhalese Buddhists, Tamil Hindus and the indigenous Vedda, whose belief system is animistic, share the island with Chinese Buddhists, Muslim Moors, Sunni Muslim Malays and Burghers (Christian descendants of Portuguese, Dutch and English colonists). And each of these groups hold a particular part of Sri Lanka sacred. The pyramidal Adam’s Peak rises 7,358ft (2,243m) from the lush jungle of southwestern Sri Lanka. Reflecting its status, it goes by many names and the legends attached to it are legion. Deriving the name from Sanskrit, the Sinhalese call it Sri Pada, “sacred footprint”, after what’s said to be the impression of the Buddha’s left foot in a rock that crowns the summit. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/worldwide/pilgrimage/adams-peak.jpg" alt="Adam's Peak, a sacred mountain in Sri Lanka." /> <figcaption>Adam's Peak, seen through the forest. Image credit: Joe Furey</figcaption></figure> The mountain has the unique distinction of being holy to four faiths – Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism and Christianity – and Shiva, Adam (after his exile from Eden) and St. Thomas are also believed to have left their mark there. It was March when I traveled by <a href="/explore/southern-asia/sri-lanka/exploring-haputale-and-sri-lankas-hill-country-by-train">lazy train</a> through tea plantations from Kandy to Hatton, and then took a bus to Dalhousie, where my pilgrimage began. The route I took is the quickest, but relatively taxing. Over three miles and some change, it climbs 3,280ft (1,000m) up 5,500 steps, and takes even the moderately fit about three hours. I started my journey at 2:30 am, to see dawn break from the top. More an aesthetic mission than a religious one, but no less devoted for that, and my climb, according to tradition, was conducted barefoot, by lantern light and conversation was sporadic and muted. About halfway up, feeling the chill and seeing a small group gathered around a primus stove, I bought a chai and made talk of whatever size I could. There were monks in maroon robes and beanies, and a Tamil family of two children, the youngest of whom, a seven-year-old, was making his first ascent. Translating for him, his father said he most wanted to see some butterflies (Adam’s Peak attracts huge numbers of migrating swallowtails during March and April – they are said, of course, to want to kiss the toes of Buddha). Despite the hour, the shrine at the summit was crowded, but I was less interested in paying my respects to a particular god than in watching a very human desire for meaning at play. And as first light began to lend form to our faces and to the forests, with their <a href="/explore/southern-asia/sri-lanka/5-national-parks-to-visit">elephants and leopards</a>, below, I realized that belief may be a beautiful thing, but Heaven’s got nothing on Planet Earth. – <a href="/about/contributors/joseph-furey">Joe Furey</a> <h2 id="francigena">Via Francigena Pilgrimage Trail</h2> All roads lead to Rome, but the Via Francigena has stood out since the Middle Ages not only for its length – about 2,000mi (3,200km) – but also for the lush nature, the rich diversity of landscapes, the UNESCO Heritage Sites, and the Borghi più Belli d’Italia (Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages) it passes through. The pilgrimage trail runs from Canterbury in England across France’s forests and vineyards, the <a href="/explore/europe/switzerland/3-epic-summer-adventures-in-switzerland">Swiss Alps</a>, the Aosta Valley in northwest Italy, and Tuscany to Rome, and onwards along the Adriatic coast to <a href="/explore/europe/italy/secrets-of-puglia">Puglia</a>’s southernmost village Santa Maria di Leuca. On a quest for connection with nature and spirituality that I was missing, I followed my Roman friends’ advice of discovering 'the wonders beyond the Eternal City' and traveled last fall to the Lazio region, an Eden hidden in plain sight amidst the dazzling splendor of Rome. My journey started in the province of Viterbo with a detour to neighboring Rieti to walk in the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi in the fertile Holy Valley. I communed with the living world at Santa Susana Spring, contemplating a colony of swans sheltering under a weeping willow and birdwatching in the unspoiled Lungo and Ripasottile Lakes Nature Reserve. Around the rock-hung Sanctuary of Greccio – where St. Francis is credited with creating the first Nativity Scene on Christmas Eve of 1223, setting up an empty manger flanked by a live ox and donkey – I wandered in the woods where the saint meditated. Surrounded by the chirping of birds and the pine scent blended with rosemary and sage carried by the breeze, it was an experience of inner peace that gave me the courage to packraft the Velino River back to Rieti, my base for exploring the city’s underground archaeological network and surroundings. I joined Via Francigena’s Southern way in the enchanting town of Castel Gandolfo, guided through a dense chestnut forest by a local family picking chestnuts for jam and porcini mushrooms for fettuccine and risotto, a pleasant route of 6mi (10km) to Nemi along the volcanic Albano and Nemi Lakes with the Tyrrhenian Sea on the horizon. I continued towards the art- and history-filled towns of Sermoneta and Priverno and ancient Fossanova Abbey, determined to reach the medieval fishing village of Gaeta, the final stage of my soul-restoring itinerary. – <a href="/about/contributors/emerson-mendoza-ayala">Emerson Mendoza Ayala</a> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/worldwide/pilgrimage/gaeta-south-vf.jpg" alt="The picturesque fishing village of Gaeta, Italy." /> <figcaption>The fishing village of Gaeta. Image credit: Emerson Mendoza Ayala</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="kumano">Kumano Kodo, Japan</h2> I was born a nomad. Restless from the cradle, I had a list of places to visit as long as my arm as soon as I could point at a map. Japan was my first crush. I was about six when I gave a talk on it as part of a school assembly. But I didn’t visit it for myself, other than for work, until I was 38. Before then, brash and self-indulgent, I worried I’d be an awkward fit for a culture I admired for qualities – composure, reflectiveness – that were so unlike mine. Wanting to make up for lost time, I decided to hit the ground… walking, into a part of the country where those qualities are made explicit: Kumano, its spiritual heartland. Following in the footsteps of emperors a thousand years before, I took to the Kumano Kodō, a tangle of pilgrimage routes that traverse the mountainous core and old-growth forests of the Kii peninsula, in the south of Honshu Island. In this place of legend and living gods, Shintō, Japan’s native religion, and Buddhism have co-existed harmoniously for centuries, with the former dealing with life and the latter handling what comes after. And it’s where the practice of Shugendō – a belief in enlightenment through mountain asceticism - took root and is still active today. In 2004, the Kodō (“the old ways”) and its sacred sites were given World Heritage status, one of only two pilgrimage routes recognized by UNESCO (the other being the <a href="/stories/transformation/baggage-on-el-camino-de-santiago">Camino de Santiago</a>). I chose to tackle the 50mi (80km) Nagahechi route, whose trailhead in Takijiri-oji is near Tanabe, two hours by train from Osaka’s Kansai International Airport. It was early April when I set out. Spring had brought more blooms – azaleas and rhododendrons – than pilgrims to the trail. As I was hiking for just four days, dividing the route equally between them – and staying in modest ryokans – I traveled light, my backpack holding only a change of clothes, notebook, camera, water and onigiri. Those rice balls stuffed with dried fish, kelp and pickled plum kept me going, just as they served the samurai as battlefield bracers, though no wife of mine had imbued them with hopes for my safe return. The Nagahechi took me to the three Grand Shrines of Kumano that are its reason for being: Hongū, Nachi, and Hayatama. Dedicated to an incarnation of Buddha as a Shintō kami (an earthly deity), the first is close to the 1,000-year-old <a href="/explore/eastern-asia/japan/onsen-etiquette">onsen</a> village of Yunomine, where I soaked my limbs and boiled eggs for dinner in the same steaming, sulfurous spring water. A day’s hike away, there are few sights that suggest a divine hand at work like the Nachi shrine, the Buddhist Seigantoji Temple, and the 436ft (133m) Nachi waterfall – the tallest in Japan. The trail ends with Hayatama, in Shingu, on the Pacific coast, at the mouth of the Kumano River. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/worldwide/pilgrimage/kumano-hayatama-taisha.jpg" alt="Kumano Hayatama Taisha shrine on the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail, Honshu, Japan." /> <figcaption>Kumano Hayatama Taisha shrine. Image credit: Joe Furey</figcaption></figure> I’ve covered Kodō’s putative highlights somewhat briskly here, but in truth the hike was one long highlight, a meditation on the almighty power of Mother Nature. Walking fuels my thinking. There’s no problem so knotty or inspiration so resistant that it can’t be walked out. Perambulation is as close to prayer as I can manage, and every step provides an answer. Hiking the Kodō intensified those feelings a hundredfold, till they felt like wisdom. To pass through a landscape where nature has always been revered, where stands of trees older than Japan preside benignly over our struggles to find a place in their world, was a revelation. I spoke to a yamabushi, a 10th-generation Shugendō monk, at the end of my journey. Master Hoshino told me that the monks train to become one with nature, which is holy, that “we just have to make space for the enlightenment that is already within us – we do not exist outside of nature, though often act as if we do”. The training – such as meditating for an hour under a waterfall in winter – can be extreme, but the yamabushi consider their rites simple acts of gratitude. While I don’t have a particularly sharp appetite for physical suffering, the Kodō left me wanting more. I intend to try the Kōhechi, a rough, isolated route that connects the Shingon Buddhist temple settlement of Mount Kōya to the trio of Grand Shrines; or the 105-mile Omine-Okugake Michi, established by En no Gyōja, the founder of Shugendō. – <a href="/about/contributors/joseph-furey">Joe Furey</a>Joe Furey 0 The Buddhist Seigantoji Temple alongside Japan's highest waterfall, Nachi Falls, Honshu, Japan.

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/southeast-asia/indonesia/travelers-guide-to-ubud-baliAvoid the crowds and delve into Balinese culture. Join Mwende Mutuli Musau (aka Tuli) as she discovers serene temples, learns about the Hindu religion, and explores Bali's gorgeous landscapes.2023-04-18T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/southeast-asia/indonesia/travelers-guide-to-ubud-balihttps://www.worldnomads.comAs a winner of the World Nomads Travel Content Creator Scholarship 2022, I received a paid travel opportunity to a country of my choice. I chose the island of Bali in Indonesia for its alluring charm, rich culture, and ancient traditions. I spent five days in the town of Ubud – known as Bali’s spiritual and cultural center – venturing off the tourist trail in search of the truth behind the Balinese way of life. On my odyssey, I interacted with a Hindu priest named Gede who taught me about the gods and goddesses. I learned about the Hindu religion and how it entwines with Balinese culture, language, and its outlook of life. Spirituality is entrenched in its society and is shown by individuals in the way they talk and act. The most important truth that I discovered was to live in harmony with all around me and see spiritual meanings in everything. <ul> <li><a href="#culture">Balinese culture and society</a></li> <li><a href="#temples">Crowd-free temples to visit in Ubud</a></li> <li><a href="#healer">Searching for a spiritual healer</a></li> <li><a href="#yoga">Unwind at Yoga Barn</a></li> <li><a href="#ridge">Campuhan Ridge Walk</a></li> <li><a href="#village">Eco-tour at the Green Village</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="culture">Balinese culture and society</h2> Indonesia is a predominantly Muslim country, however, 85% of Balinese people are Hindus. The entire country once practiced Hinduism until Islam began to spread in the 15th century. Bali is known as the 'Island of the Gods' and Balinese is both the language spoken and the name of the people. Today, there are more than 20,000 temples on the island. People live by the philosophy of Tri Hita Karana which translates to 'three causes of wellbeing' – it means having harmony with God, nature, and the community. Balinese people make daily offerings called canang sari which are tiny woven baskets full of food, flowers. Families and businesses also burn incense to pay tribute and respect to the gods. <h2 id="temples">Crowd-free temples to visit in Ubud</h2> <h3>Pura Gunung Kawi</h3> A collection of ancient shrines chiseled into a rock cliff about 9mi (14km) northeast of Ubud, this striking temple complex is largely ignored by tourists who are missing out on its authentic and aesthetic architecture. Set deep in a ravine, the temple overlooks the Pakerisian River which also flows past the busy Titra Empul water temple about 2.5mi (4km) away. I watched pandits (Hindu priests) make offerings to the gods and meditate for long periods of time, which fascinated me. I asked a pandit named Gede about his practices. He shared with me that although Pura Gunung Kawi is less popular than Titra Empul, because there are no baths, it is regarded as a better meditation location. If you’d like to learn about Balinese Hinduism and virtually have the whole site to yourself, Gunung Kawi is the best place to go. Entrance fee 50,000 IDR (USD $3.48). <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/bali/ubud/gunung-kawi.jpg" alt="Ancient shrines carved into a rock cliff at Pura Gunung Kawi near Ubud, Bali." /> <figcaption>Ancient shrines at Pura Gunung Kawi. Image credit: Getty Images / primeimages</figcaption></figure> <h3>Saraswati Temple</h3> Most visitors rush to see Ubud Palace but, to avoid the crowds, visit the Saraswati Temple instead, also known as Pura Taman Saraswati or the Lotus Temple. This fascinating temple is hidden in plain sight and easy to overlook, located next door to the Starbucks on Ubud’s main street, Jalan Raya Ubud. The surroundings are stunning: a tranquil, age-old lotus pond leads you to an orange and gold building covered with ornate details. Admission is free. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/bali/ubud/lotus-temple.jpg " alt="A woman sits on the steps in front of Saraswati Temple in Ubud, Bali." /> <figcaption>The author at Saraswati Temple. Image credit: Mwende Mutuli Musau</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="healer">Searching for a spiritual healer</h2> If you’re looking for spiritual guidance, Bali is one of the most sought out places in the world for spiritual tourism. In the book (and later the film) Eat, Pray, Love, Elizabeth Gilbert famously traveled to Ubud to find a spiritual healer. However, be wary of scams – many people have been swindled out of thousands of dollars seeking spiritual healing. Ask a local where to find genuine healers – suggestions will vary depending on what kind of healer you want. My advice is to trust your gut when deciding on a healer to work with. The experiences are very personal, and the price varies based on your intention with the healer. They range from a meditation session, cleansing of the sacral chakras with incense, to offering gifts to the gods. <h2 id="yoga">Unwind at Yoga Barn</h2> If you’re into yoga, <a href="https://www.theyogabarn.com/" target="_blank">Yoga Barn</a> is the perfect place to practice in the heart of Ubud, and has classes for beginners and pros, plus offers week-long retreats. If you like acupuncture, chiropractic medicine and naturopathy, you can rejuvenate and relax your body and mind at its Holistic Healing Centre. There’s also <a href="https://www.theyogabarn.com/healingfoods">Garden Kafe</a>, a delicious organic restaurant where you can nourish your body with wholesome meals. <h2 id="ridge">Campuhan Ridge Walk</h2> This is a beautiful 2.5 mi (4km) <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/hiking-travel-insurance">hike</a> through lush, rolling hills in Ubud’s outskirts. You can get here by car or scooter. Depending on your aptitude, the trail will take about two hours to complete – and chances are you’ll have this beautiful landscape to yourself. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/bali/ubud/ridge-walk.jpg" alt="A woman overlooks terraced hills on the Campuhan Ridge Walk near Ubud, Bali." /> <figcaption>The author on the Campuhan Ridge Walk. Image credit: Mwende Mutuli Musau</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="village">Eco-tour at the Green Village</h2> Pre-COVID-19, Balinese people lived by a local philosophy of the 3 Ss – sun, sea, and sand. Since the pandemic, the island’s focus has shifted to sustainability, spirituality, and serenity. For a luxury <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/planet/off-the-grid-travel-stays-zero-emissions-maximum-fun">off-the-grid</a> experience, rent a villa at the extraordinary <a href="https://greenvillagebali.com/">Green Village</a>. This eco-conscious community is made up of houses, workshops, and design spaces, beautifully designed and sustainably built from bamboo. You’ll soon be thinking of selling all your belongings and permanently relocating to Bali. If you’d just like to take photos, learn about the community, and explore your surroundings, you can go for a half-day tour for 250,000 IDR ($17), as I did, or sign up for an artisan workshop. Mwende Mutuli Musau, aka Tuli, is a Brisbane-based freelance writer from Kenya. She covers travel, food, and culture for an array of international publications and blogs. phruetthiphong pawarachan 1637027598 Getty Images Lotus ponds line the walkway of Saraswati Temple in Ubud, Bali.

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/central-america/costa-rica/ideal-costa-rica-itineraryThis suggested itinerary from frequent visitor Sunny lets you sample all of Costa Rica’s best: volcano hikes, cooking and salsa classes, wildlife viewing, and cultural immersion.2023-04-12T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/central-america/costa-rica/ideal-costa-rica-itineraryhttps://www.worldnomads.comSince my first visit to Costa Rica in 2009, I’ve found myself repeatedly returning – more than 20 times. In addition to the pura vida vibes and tropical climate, every trip is an opportunity to experience a balance of nature, culture, and adventure. Despite its small size, Costa Rica is big on variety. It covers just a tiny sliver of the Earth’s surface (0.03% – comparable to Denmark), yet is home to more than 10 climate zones, diverse landscapes, half a million species, 4% of the world’s biodiversity, and an abundance of activities. Here are some of my favorite recommendations for your Costa Rica itinerary. <ul> <li><a href="#coffee">Day 1: Coffee 'cupping' at an organic farm</a></li> <li><a href="#forest">Day 2: Forest bathing in San José </a></li> <li><a href="#sarapiqui">Days 3-6: Salsa dancing, chocolate tasting, and night hiking in Sarapiqui</a></li> <li><a href="#tortuguero">Days 7-8: Turtle watching in Tortuguero National Park</a></li> <li><a href="#arenal">Days 9-12: Hot springs, volcano hiking, and Indigenous culture in Arenal</a></li> <li><a href="#time">If you have more time...</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="coffee">Day 1: Coffee 'cupping' at an organic farm</h2> Fend off travel fatigue and become a Costa Rica coffee connoisseur on a guided coffee cupping at <a href="https://fincarosablanca.com/en/" target="_blank">Finca Rosa Blanca</a>. A local expert will lead you through the organic farm, trekking along forested trails and pointing out butterflies, birds (more than 130 species have been spotted here), and other inhabitants en route to the coffee processing area. You’ll learn about each step – from seed to bean to brew – before sitting down to a coffee cupping, a guided tasting that could, perhaps, more accurately be called a coffee sniff-and-slurp. To identify the various flavors and aromas in the coffee, you’ll be encouraged to put your table manners aside and get up close and personal with each cup. Overnighting at the property is the ideal way to ease into your trip. Distance: 6mi (9.5km), approximately 20 minutes, from Juan Santamaría International Airport. Getting there: Rental car, taxi, or rideshare (such as Uber), or contact Finca Rosa Blanca to arrange a transfer. <h2 id="forest">Day 2: Forest bathing in San José</h2> Some might tell you to skip San José, but I think that’s a mistake. The city has a lot to offer, including historic sites, artisan markets, a wide range of restaurants, events, and more. Save some time for a walking tour with <a href="https://linktr.ee/sanjosecitystriders" target="_blank">San José City Striders</a> and at least one culinary experience (try Indigenous cuisine at <a href="https://en.sikwacostarica.com/" target="_blank">Sikwa</a>, go on a food tour of the Central Market, have brunch at a farmers’ market, join a craft beer crawl, or visit open-air food court, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lolitacostarica/">Jardín de Lolita</a>, for example). Then ground yourself on a meditative “forest bathing” journey with Manuela Siegfried of <a href="https://www.terapiadebosqueynaturaleza.com/us/index.html" target="_blank">Sentir Natural</a> in one of the city’s green spaces. Don’t worry; you can keep your clothes on for this. The term 'forest bathing' comes from the Japanese practice of shinrinyoku which focuses on immersing in the forest atmosphere. Siegfried, the first certified forest therapy guide in Costa Rica, will lead you through a series of prompts designed to help you connect with the natural environment and yourself. You’ll notice the scents, sounds, and sights around you with renewed clarity. This activity is ideal at the beginning of your trip; you’ll carry a deeper appreciation with you – for the present moment and the environment – as you travel through Costa Rica. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/costa-rica/itinerary/note-from-manuela.jpg" alt="An inspirational note left by a forest bathing instructor." /> <figcaption>Note from Manuela after forest bathing. Image credit: Sunny Fitzgerald</figcaption></figure> Distance: Forest bathing is possible in a variety of places in and around San José. Getting there: Rental car, taxi, rideshare, or contact Manuela to arrange a transfer. <h2 id="sarapiqui">Days 3-6: Salsa dancing, chocolate tasting, and night hiking in Sarapiqui</h2> Sarapiqui is one of my favorite places on the planet, and it’s the perfect base for community-led experiences. Join the playful guides at <a href="http://www.crbestchocolate.com/en/" target="_blank">Costa Rica Best Chocolate</a>, a family-run farm, to learn about the process of chocolate-making and sample the sweet treats. Visit a local home for a cooking class and salsa lesson and leave with a belly full of comida tipica (traditional or typical food), sore cheeks from so many smiles, new skills, and new friends. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/costa-rica/itinerary/local-chef-sarapiqui.jpg" alt="A Costa Rican chef teaching a cooking class in Sarapiqui, Costa Rico." /> <figcaption>A local chef teaching us to cook Costa Rican food in Sarapiqui. Image credit: Sunny Fitzgerald</figcaption></figure> Then, experience the thrill of <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/hiking-travel-insurance">trekking</a> into the forest after dark (accompanied by a guide) in search of red-eyed tree frogs, snakes, and other nocturnal wildlife. Standing under the stars, surrounded by lush vegetation while listening to the layered symphony of sounds is one of my most treasured moments, and it’s bound to be one of yours too. This region is also a birdwatching paradise, thanks to conservation efforts by local projects, such as family-run <a href="https://www.chilamaterainforest.com/" target="_blank">Chilamate Rainforest Eco-Retreat</a>, where you can wake to the sound of howler monkeys, spot frogs and lizards on your way to breakfast, and observe toucans and Great Green Macaws while sipping your morning coffee (for a chance to see more of the 520 species of birds here, you can also walk along some of the <a href="http://www.costaricanbirdroute.com/" target="_blank">Costa Rican Bird Route</a>). Distance from San José: 56mi (90km), approximately two hours Getting there: Rental car, bus, or contact Chilamate Rainforest Eco-Retreat to arrange a transfer Where to stay: Chilamate Rainforest Eco-Retreat is one of my personal favorites, not just in Costa Rica, but in all of my travels. It always strives to do <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/how-to-choose-an-ethical-tour-operator">what’s best for the community and environment</a>. It provides eco-friendly accommodations, knowledgeable guides, and engaging activities. And its food is fresh, <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/eat-like-a-local-when-you-travel">locally sourced</a>, and muy delicioso – I still crave those empanadas! <h2 id="tortuguero">Days 7-8: Turtle watching in Tortuguero National Park</h2> After making the long journey from Sarapiqui to Tortuguero by boat and trekking through muddy trails in the dark, I squealed like a small child when I saw giant sea turtles for the first time. The sight of these gentle, endangered giants reduced me to an awe-struck puddle, so if you’re a wildlife enthusiast too, I suggest including Tortuguero on your itinerary. The best time for turtle watching is July to October for Green Sea Turtles and Loggerhead Turtles, March-October for Hawksbill, and April-November for Leatherback. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/costa-rica/itinerary/sea-turtle-tortuguero.jpg" alt="A baby green sea turtle scurries towards the ocean in Tortuguero, Costa Rica." /> <figcaption>A baby green sea turtle scurries towards the ocean in Tortuguero. Image credit: Getty Images / KenCanning</figcaption></figure> Distance from Sarapiqui: 65mi (105km), approximately 4-5 hours by boat or 2-3 hours by car/shuttle and boat. Getting there: Rental car, private transfer, or shuttle to the La Pavona docks where you catch a boat to Tortuguero. You can also fly to Tortuguero from San Jose (and Arenal in the high season). Or take the adventurous route – a boat from Sarapiqui to Tortuguero (arrange in advance). Moving at a slower pace gives you the chance to scan for sloths, crocodiles, toucans, monkeys, and more along the waterways. <h2 id="arenal">Days 9-12: Hot springs, volcano hiking, and Indigenous culture in Arenal</h2> The Arenal area is known for <a href="/explore/central-america/costa-rica/outdoor-adventures-in-costa-rica">outdoor adventures</a>, and it’s the first place in the world where I tried ziplining and rappelling down a 200-foot waterfall. But my favorite activities here are less about adrenaline and more about immersion. Hike the 1968 Trail with a guide and gain insight into the formation of the lava fields. Connect with members of the Maleku tribe through cultural discussions, medicinal plant tours, and tribal ceremonies at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HiquiMalekuLaHijaDelJaguarTafaUrijif" target="_blank">Rancho Maleku Tafa Uríjif</a>, and get a deeper understanding of the often overlooked cultural and spiritual aspects of this region. Make the tastiest tortillas and gallo pinto (a rice and beans dish) alongside Doña Mara, a local chef who welcomes visitors into her kitchen for cooking lessons and a lot of laughs (arrange through <a href="https://www.greenspot.travel/destinations/costa-rica/" target="_blank">GreenSpot Travel</a> – Doña Mara is the mother of GreenSpot’s founder). Then cap off your Costa Rica adventure with some stargazing and a celebratory soak in the mineral-rich hot springs. Distance: 43mi (69km), approximately one hour from Sarapiqui. Or arrange a boat and shuttle transfer for the 111mi (179km), 5-hour trip from Tortuguero to Arenal. Direct 30-minute flights from Tortuguero to Arenal are also an option during the high season (December-April). Connecting flights through San José are available year-round. Getting there: Rental car, private transfer, or shuttle. Alternatively, you can book a half-day rafting tour from Sarapiqui that includes <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/kayaking-or-rafting">white-water rafting</a>, lunch, and a shuttle to La Fortuna. <h2 id="time">If you’ve got more time…</h2> Consider extending your itinerary to include additional activities. Depending on your interests, you can go birdwatching in the cloud forests of Monteverde (the brilliantly-colored Resplendent Quetzal lives here), help track marine life in Gulfo Dulce or explore the jungles of the Osa Peninsula with <a href="https://www.osawild.travel/" target="_blank">Osa Wild</a>, or head for the Pacific coast for some sunbathing and surfing. And if you can’t fit it all in on your first trip, do as I do: build a running list of activities for your next trip. I have a feeling you’ll want to return.Sunny Fitzgerald 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/south-america/ecuador/why-you-will-love-cuencaCuenca, Ecuador’s third-largest city, is friendly, walkable, and filled with historic charm. Discover the top attractions, what to eat, and the best day trip for getting out into the nearby mountains.2023-04-05T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/south-america/ecuador/why-you-will-love-cuencahttps://www.worldnomads.comAs a daughter of Ecuadorian parents, I have often visited <a href="/explore/south-america/ecuador">Ecuador</a>’s coastal regions – but it wasn’t until adulthood that I experienced Cuenca, a vibrant city perched 8,400 ft (2,560m) above sea level in the Andes Mountains. I was excited about the opportunity. Santa Ana de los Cuatro Ríos de Cuenca, as it was called by the Spanish colonizers (named after Cuenca, Spain), is a city full of history and surrounded by nature. It’s no surprise that UNESCO named Cuenca a World Heritage site in 1999. I’d also heard Cuenca welcomes people from all over the world and had been named one of the best places to retire because of its pleasant weather and affordability. Cuenca is a city that will awaken your senses. You’ll witness the old and new worlds converging in the street, where people dressed in modern clothing mix with those in traditional outfits (thick velvet skirts, patterned woven tops, and black hats) and musicians play modern songs with traditional instruments. Through Cuenca’s architecture, people, and food you’ll be reminded of its rich history and the peoples that have inhabited this land – there was vibrant life and culture before the Spaniards arrived, and the presence of the indigenous Cañari and Incan people can be seen and felt. <ul> <li><a href="#center">Highlights of Cuenca’s Historical Center</a></li> <li><a href="#views">Rivers and views</a></li> <li><a href="#eat">What to eat in Cuenca </a></li> <li><a href="#cajas">El Cajas National Park</a></li> <li><a href="#trip-notes">Trip notes</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="center">Highlights of Cuenca’s Historical Center</h2> The Parque Abdón Calderon is in the heart of the city center. On one side is a church dating back to the 16th century, La Iglesia del Sagrario, commonly called the “Old Cathedral”. This church now appears tiny next to the majestic Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepción, (The Immaculate Conception Cathedral), aka the “New Cathedral”, which is right next door. During the Spanish occupation, La Iglesia del Sagrario was reserved only for Spaniards. So, as you can imagine, the inside is grand, with an ornate roof and woodwork. Today, it’s a museum for religious art. The New Cathedral, built over 85 years from 1885, has beautiful domes which have become symbolic of Cuenca and elaborate stained-glass windows. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/ecuador/cuenca/new-cathedral.jpg" alt="The iconic blue domes of the New Cathedral in Cuenca, Ecuador." /> <figcaption>The iconic blue domes of the New Cathedral. Image credit: Getty Images / pxhidalgo.</figcaption></figure> Surrounding the Church are street vendors selling everything from flowers (Ecuador is a major flower exporter, and some of the world’s most beautiful roses come from Ecuador) to silver jewelry. Cuenca is known as a hub for <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/mindful-souvenir-shopping">traditional handicrafts</a>, some made in workshops in town, and others in the nearby villages. Around the city center you’ll find artisan shops selling brightly colored, woven tapestries, hats, and other handmade items such as hamacas (hammocks) and warm alpaca-wool ponchos and scarves; hand-painted ceramic tiles, vases, and dinnerware; leather goods such as gloves, sandals, and purses; and the famous “Panama” hats which actually originated in Ecuador – the more intricate and tightly woven the hat, the higher the cost. <h2 id="views">Rivers and views</h2> One of the things I love about Cuenca is the crisp mountain air – definitely a change from NYC, where I live. It feels like you experience four seasons in one day, starting off fresh, like spring, and moving to summer warmth and then to a fall breeze and finally, a chilly night. Four rivers converge in Cuenca. The Tomebamba River divides the city in two – historic on one side, modern on the other. If you like to walk in nature, the Tomebamba River is a great place for a stroll, a run, or a <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/mountain-biking">bike ride</a>. (A number of local tour operators offer bike tours, or you can use the city’s shared bike program, <a href="https://www.bicicuenca.com/" target="_blank">Bici Pública Cuenca</a>). Sitting at 8,858 ft (2,700 m), and only 10 minutes from the city center by bus, El Mirador de Turi offers a spectacular view of the city. Once there, you can visit the small church, and if you’re adventurous, try the swing (el columpio del Turi) that gives you the impression you’re flying out into the void thousands of feet above the city. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/ecuador/cuenca/mirador-swing-new.jpg" alt="A visitor on a high swing overlooking the city of Cuenca, Ecuador." /> <figcaption>The swing at El Mirador de Turi (we recommend holding on with both hands). Image credit: Getty Images / Andi Navarez/EyeEm</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="eat">What to eat in Cuenca</h2> Despite its small size, Ecuador has been blessed with fertile soil and a range of climates making it ideal for producing a rich variety of foods. In the highlands, many dishes are based on corn and potato, unlike the coastal regions where there is a lot of fish and citrus-based food. The main meal of the day is the midday meal, el almuerzo. It usually consists of two plates: a soup and meat dish. I may be biased because I grew up eating Ecuadorian dishes, but Ecuadorian food is hearty and flavorful. Ecuadorians show their love with food, so if a local wants to share a meal with you, that means they like you. <h3>Don’t leave until you’ve tasted these specialties:</h3> Locro de papa: this is a creamy potato soup served with a side of avocado. Fritada: chunks of pork cooked in pork drippings and served with toasted corn or mote (similar to hominy). Some places serve it with homemade ají (hot sauce) and pickled red onions. Cuy: I can’t not mention that cuy, or guinea pig, is a delicacy in this part of Ecuador. I’ve heard it’s delicious, but I confess I haven’t been adventurous enough to try it. All the fresh fruit! There is so much available in Cuenca – check out the markets and try them all. Some you’ve seen before, like pineapples, clementines, and passion fruit (called maracuyá in Spanish) and some you’ve probably never seen or tried: chirimoya, taxo, pitaya, granadilla, guanábana, and my absolute personal favorites tomate de árbol and naranjilla, which I recommend you try in fresh fruit juices. <h2 id="cajas">Visiting El Cajas National Park</h2> About 45 minutes from Cuenca, El Cajas National Park is an Ecuadorian treasure. Bird watchers can spot up to 157 bird species (look for the Andean condor – which is featured on the Ecuadorian flag – and the giant hummingbird). There is a network of 786 lakes, lagoons and ponds and 11 <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/hiking-travel-insurance">hiking trails</a>, with opportunties for trout fishing, horseback riding, and more. Public buses are the cheapest way to get there. It makes a great self-guided day trip, or you can arrange to camp, stay at the refuge or hire a tour guide for a day tour. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/ecuador/cuenca/el-cajas.jpg" alt="A llama stands beside an alpine lake in El Cajas National Park, Ecuador." /> <figcaption>Lake and llama at El Cajas National Park. Image credit: Getty Images / SL_Photography</figcaption></figure> The Mirador Tres Cruces is the highest lookout in the park, standing 12,467ft (3,800m) above sea level. It’s a great place to take photos and admire the local llamas and alpacas. <h2 id="trip-notes">Trip notes</h2> Getting to Cuenca: you can fly or take a private or public bus from Quito or Guayaquil. If you have the time, I recommend driving. On the journey from Guayaquil, you’ll see how the climate changes from tropical to mountainous – the transformation is kind of breathtaking. The hot and humid coast with its banana and sugarcane crops turns into a foggy, chilly cloud forest. There are fruit stands along the road, and near the end of the three-hour drive you’ll reach spectacular El Cajas National Park. Where to stay and how to get around: Cuenca offers plenty of accommodation options in all price ranges. I recommend staying in the Historical Center to be close to everything. Being from New York, one of the things I love most about Cuenca is its walkability. You won’t need to rent a car, as trams, buses, and taxis are readily available and affordable. What to pack: Pack layers that you can add or remove depending on the time of the day. Bring comfortable shoes for walking. Sunscreen is a must as although it may get chilly, the sun can be very strong. You can visit year-round, as the climate is pleasant throughout the year. Cuencanos are very friendly and eager to help you, and the city is accustomed to receiving international visitors.Getty Images / ampueroleonardo 01450733014 Getty Images An Andean woman in traditional clothing sells flowers at a market in Cuenca, Ecuador.

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/southern-africa/south-africa/3-road-trips-near-cape-townYou don’t have to venture far from Cape Town to discover rugged peaks, world-class wines, and dramatic expanses of desert. 2023-03-16T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/southern-africa/south-africa/3-road-trips-near-cape-townhttps://www.worldnomads.comAfter a long day of driving, we relished the blissfully sunny afternoon. We devoured a spread of freshly baked goods at an unassuming farm stop overlooking the rolling plains of Cederberg. “So far, so good,” we thought, proud of how smoothly our <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/road-trip">road trip</a> from Cape Town to Tankwa Karoo National Park had gone so far. Until about 15 minutes later when we realized the road we wanted to follow the next day would not, in fact, lead us to the Karoo. While the charms of Cape Town, with its commanding views from Lion’s Head and Table Mountain and its world-class food scene, are undeniable, what lies beyond the Mother City is arguably even more rewarding. The promise of wild coastline, rugged mountains, sprawling desert, and rolling vineyards lured us out onto the open road. And despite the occasional wrong turn, it didn’t disappoint. <ul> <li><a href="#winelands">Western Cape winelands </a></li> <li><a href="#cederberg">Cederberg Nature Reserve</a></li> <li><a href="#karoo">The Karoo </a></li> <li><a href="#trip-notes">Trip notes</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="winelands">Western Cape winelands</h2> With the windows rolled down, I wound through sloped hills lined with rows of grapevines tinted burnt orange and red, hinting at the onset of autumn. Grand, white buildings with thatched roofs and a distinctive “H” shape, characteristic of the classic Cape Dutch style architecture of the late 17th-early 19th centuries, sit on road’s edge. Upon entering the grand wine estates, the landscapes are even more striking. Flowering trees, petite ponds, and elaborate gardens line the entrances while vineyards slope into the distance. The winelands in the Western Cape sprawl across many subregions that range from approximately 45 minutes to two-hours’ drive from Cape Town, ranging from more heralded names like Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, to the lesser-known regions such as Durbanville and Swartland. The extensive nature of winelands is a bit intimidating at first glance. And with over 500 wineries in the Cape, they certainly can’t all be tackled in one trip. On numerous visits to <a href="/explore/southern-africa/south-africa/things-to-do-in-south-africa">South Africa</a>, I’ve visited these stunning vineyards on many occasions. As impressive as the elegant, high-end estates are, I tend to veer towards the smaller, family-run vineyards that prioritize growing organic or biodynamic grapes and embrace the spirit of minimal intervention. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/south-africa/road-trips/winelands-in-autumn.jpg" alt="Vineyards showing autumn colors in the Cape Winelands, South Africa." /> <figcaption>Autumn in the Western Cape Winelands. Image credit: Getty Images / wilpunt</figcaption></figure> Stellenbosch blends the best of everything: centuries-old history, estates set atop hills overlooking the valley, and a sprinkling of smaller wineries among the big names. <a href="https://www.reynekewines.co.za/">Reyneke</a> is one of a few fully biodynamic vineyards in South Africa and is a small, family-run business. During the private tasting (advanced booking required), I was able to try about a dozen wines while comparing the same grapes of different years side-by-side to understand the impact of the season and the aging process by year. Just down the road and atop the valley is <a href="https://karibib.co.za/">Karibib</a>, which is an innovative, architecturally striking space that serves wines from small-batch, sustainably minded winemakers. Or unwind with a picnic in the lush gardens at <a href="https://demorgenzon.com/">DeMorgenzon</a>, a vineyard known for their stunning Chenin Blanc varietals and playing music to their grapes. Durbanville has some fantastic family vineyards that specialize in niche experiences. Sip on wines named after family members in private wine caves at <a href="https://kleinroosboom.co.za/">Klein Roosboom</a>, or try invariably delicious vintages on picnic tables at <a href="https://diemersdal.co.za/">Diemersdal</a> while sampling some of the innovative small plates from their kitchen. Swartland is a wine region north of Cape Town and offers an adventure in the wild throws of wine country with more experimental wineries – and a few olive-oil farms. What it lacks in fancy wine estates it makes up for in family-run, innovative wineries leading the way in sustainable and natural wines. <a href="https://aabadenhorst.com/">A. A. Badenhorst</a> is an unmissable stop. This family-run establishment is a pioneer of natural wines in the region, hosts tastings and events, and offers funky farm accommodation on the property. <h2 id="cederberg">Cederberg Nature Reserve</h2> The further north we drove from Stellenbosch, the narrower the roads became while the increasingly immense peaks loomed ahead. The car climbed up steep passes and dipped back down ago across uninhabited terrain dotted with mountain fynbos (shrubland plants specific to the region). Traces of civilization are scarce here aside from the occasional farm stands that emerge after a long stretch of deserted road. Cederberg Nature Reserve is a long, mountainous area about 110mi/177km (or just over a 2-hour drive) northeast of Cape Town. The reserve spans over 71,000 hectares of rugged land with rocky escarpment, arid low-lying mountains, carved sandstone formations, serene swimming holes, and ancient rock art. <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/hiking-travel-insurance">Hiking</a> and <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/rock-climbing">rock-climbing</a> opportunities are aplenty, as are campsites, which can be reserved in advance. In late April, though, there wasn’t a need as the empty campsites were almost eerily quiet. We stayed at the more southerly Cederberg Kliphuis on the first night and Cederberg Algeria on the second night. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/south-africa/road-trips/cederberg-with-fynbos.jpg" alt="A landscape covered with mountain fynbos in Cederberg Nature Reserve, South Africa." /> <figcaption>Mountain fynbos in Cederberg Nature Reserve. Image credit: Alicia Erickson</figcaption></figure> With little advance planning, we showed up at our campsites and took off hiking along nearby trails. We meandered down paths paralleling a river and scrambled over boulders and through thick brush that opened up to small pools surrounded by rocky slopes. A perfect place to take a quiet dip on a sun-soaked morning. Warm days gave way to crisp sunsets, best enjoyed with a bottle of wine beneath acorn trees while admiring the surrounding mountains cast in golden shadows. Temperatures plummeted come nightfall and after a sleepless night in unexpectedly freezing temperatures, we were delighted to discover a winery just a short drive down the road. <a href="https://www.cederbergwine.com/">Cederberg Wine</a> ended up being one of my favorite wineries in South Africa. A morning tasting of their delicious wines, ranging from experimental styles to elegant vintages, was the perfect antidote to our frigid night, as we prepared to head into the Karoo. <h2 id="karoo">The Karoo</h2> The Karoo is South Africa’s equivalent of the wild west. If Cederberg seemed sparsely populated, the Karoo is dramatically more remote. This region of vast semi-desert and flat-topped mountains is perfect road trip country. The Karoo is technically divided between Klein Karoo (Little Karoo) and Groot Karoo (Great Karoo). Over the years, it has become something of a mecca for sculptors, novelists, painters, farmers, brewers, and other creative types eager to leave city life behind and let the inspiration of unhindered landscapes wash over them. Driving to and through the Karoo requires a bit of planning. As we discovered, Google Maps GPS is not necessarily reliable for navigating here. After an afternoon of intensely studying the map and chatting with some locals, we were able to salvage our road trip without too much of a detour. Towns, gas stations, and food are scarce in this region. However, when the odd farm stand does rise from the otherwise deserted horizon, you can rest assured there is a story to accompany it. <a href="https://tankwapadstal-tourism.co.za/">Tankwa Padstal</a>, a roadside farmstall between Ceres and Calvinia is a particularly storied stop. This padstal is a favorite on the drive from Cape Town to Tankwa Town for AfrikaBurn and every year between late April and early May, you’re sure to meet some colorful characters. The Karoo is also rather famous for its festivals. Celebrations around food, dancing, and culture take place throughout the year. <a href="https://www.afrikaburn.org/">AfrikaBurn</a> is the best known, drawing attendees from around South Africa and the world. Elaborate themed camps and psychedelic art structures are set up in the sweeping sands of Tankwa Karoo National Park. People from all walks of life dressed in imaginative costumes leave behind the constructs of the real world to gather, create, connect, release, dance, and celebrate for a week. There’s no place more suited for AfrikaBurn than the Karoo and perhaps no event more reflective of the soul of the Karoo than AfrikaBurn. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/south-africa/road-trips/afrikaburn-sunset.jpg" alt="A fanciful sculpture on a desert plain at AfrikaBurn festival in South Africa." /> <figcaption>AfrikaBurn at sunset. Image credit: Alicia Erickson</figcaption></figure> Perhaps the biggest draw of the Karoo? The open road with no particular destination in mind. Take in the thrill of winding dirt roads that rise to about 5,000ft (1,524m) in elevation. Drive through the staggering, rocky formations of Swartberg Pass, bringing you from the Klein Karoo to the Groot Karoo into a vast world of unexplored wonders. The wild reaches of this desert region can be rediscovered on countless occasions, bringing you to new corners on each visit. Allow yourself the time to get a bit lost among the wide-open terrain, where sunrises are as dramatic as sunsets, night skies are heavy with the glow of stars, and the silence echoes for miles. <h2 id="trip-notes">Trip notes</h2> The shoulder seasons of autumn (March-May) and spring (September-November) are the best times to embark on these road trips. Summer weather tends to be relatively mild in Cape Town, although temperatures are typically higher the further inland you go, including the winelands, Cederberg, and the Karoo. Wintertime (June-August) will be cool and wet – not so ideal for outdoor adventures. Car rentals are abundant and inexpensive in South Africa, with both international and local companies to choose from with offices around Cape Town. If you’re planning to camp, come prepared with food, drinks, fire makings, and warm clothes, as well as all necessary camping gear. A car with 4WD is recommended if you’re adventuring beyond the winelands. Gear rentals are abundant in Cape Town if you don’t have your own supplies.Alicia Erickson 0