Thanks to all of that biodiversity, each one of those glorious stretches of sand has its own distinct attraction, suited for just about any adventure that tickles your fancy. That might mean surfing sand dunes along a wind-whipped coast, watching a leatherback turtle make its way through azure waters or peacefully soaking up the sun on a patch of sugary white sand. There’s really no wrong answer – just not enough bathing suits. 

These are eight of the best beaches in the Dominican Republic.

1. Bahía de las Águilas

Best beach for quiet reflection

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Bahía de Las Águilas is a strong contender for the “Most Beautiful Beach” superlative category. It’s tucked into the Jaragua Nature Preserve and requires a boat from Cabo Rojo to reach its five-mile-long shore. But it’s well worth the effort as being tucked inside the preserve makes this beach blissfully quiet and stunningly pristine, the sand untouched by waste and the waters crystal clear. 

Planning tip: The boat ride from Cabo Rojo to Bahía de Las Águilas is US$50 and departs at regular intervals. You can also opt for a tour that includes the cost of the boat ride to the site. 

2. Cayo Levantado

Best beach for paddleboarding

Over on the eastern coast of the Dominican Republic is the small island retreat of Cayo Levantado. This picturesque paradise sits amidst the whale-watching waters off the coast of Samaná, although two-thirds of the island is owned by a luxury resort. The other third, though, is open to the public and visitors flock here to swim, sunbathe and listen to bachata rhythms in between sips of piña coladas from the colorful bars dotting the beach. 

Planning tip: Boat taxis to Cayo Levantado depart regularly from Samaná port on Avenida Marina. If you’re lucky, you might spot a leatherback turtle making its way through the turquoise waters.

3. Playa Encuentro

Best beach for surfers

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Surf’s up at this bohemian little beach spot between the northern towns of Cabarate and Sosúa. To get to the shore, you’ll have to pass through a tropical woodland where colorful shacks sell souvenirs and snacks. Once you make it past the treeline, the Atlantic Ocean unfolds before you with its rollicking waters. Rows of surfers bob along on the water, waiting for the next wave to take them to shore. The water can be rough, so stick to the shallows unless you’re an experienced surfer or taking a lesson with a guide.

Local tip: There are plenty of shacks along the shore offering surfing lessons to novices. It’s one of the better ways to get a taste of what Encuentro has to offer. 

4. Kite Beach

Best beach for kiteboarding

Near Encuentro, you’ll find a beach dedicated to a different kind of adventure sport. Kiteboarders from around the world flock to Kite Beach so they can catch powerful gusts of wind that propel them into the air. Watching their aerial acrobatics is a good time in and of itself, but if you get the itch to try your hand at kiteboarding, lessons are offered by various companies around Cabarete. 

5. Dunas de Bani

Best beach for sandboarding

The sand dunes in Bani feel like a desolate Saharan oasis – it’s unlike any beach you’ll ever encounter, which is what makes it worth a stop. The sloping sand dunes crest up to 35m (115ft) high and are dotted with olive trees, goats and the occasional visitor surfing the dunes. Once you make it past the 10-minute trek through the sandy hills, you’ll find the rough currents of Bahia de Las Calderas. Desolate and wild, the beach here feels private and untamed. Swimming isn’t advised, but collecting the glossy pieces of quartz tumbling around the shore is.

Local tip: People often leave their wooden planks and boards on the dunes for others to surf on, but you can also pick up a board from one of the shops in the town of Bani. 

6. Playa Bávaro

Best beach for families

Clocking in at 48km (30 miles) of coastline, Playa Bávaro is one of the longest stretches of shore in the Caribbean and provides beach access for most of the resorts of Punta Cana. That means quite a few pockets of the sand are off-limits to non-guests, but you can still find publicly accessible entrances filled with families building sand castles, dancing to bachata rhythms, and enjoying picnics in the sand. The calm, turquoise waters are ideal for swimming and splashing about. 

Planning tip: Cortecito and Los Corales beaches offer public access to the Bávaro shores. 

7. Playa San Rafael

Best natural pools with a view

It’s hard to believe, but taking a dip in San Rafael feels more akin to an ice plunge than a warm bath. Here, the Caribbean Sea meets the crisp waters of the San Rafael River, which thunder down in a series of waterfalls from the chilly Sierra de Bahoruco mountain tops. The actual waters of the beach are too rough to swim in, but the natural pools that form just as the river meets the sea are perfect for casually sitting around and cooling off on a warm day.

Local tip: Try some of the coastal Dominican fare from the various shacks situated around the natural pools. You’ll find fresh-caught fish, fried plantains and rice available for lunch.  

8. Playa Frontón

Best beach for snorkeling and scuba diving 

A 20-minute boat trip from the sleepy coastal town of Las Galeras, Playa Frontón feels like an unspoiled paradise. Emerald-green waters lap against a 91m (300ft) black granite rock formation while towering coconut palms sway in the breeze. The labyrinth-like reefs beneath the surface are teeming with fish and sting rays – the perfect spot to bring your mask and spend a few hours snorkeling (or scuba diving) in Playa Frontón’s warm waters. 

Planning tip: Las Galerias is about a two-hour drive from Las Terrenas, a vibrant ex-pat hang with cafes and restaurants dishing up a variety of international cuisines and some of the best food on the island. 

The post The 8 best beaches in the Dominican Republic appeared first on Deal Price Travel.

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Each neighborhood in Medellín offers its own unique flavors and experiences. In total, travelers have 16 communes (locally, comunas) to explore, many with distinct neighborhoods within. Some give an unhindered glimpse of frills-free Colombian life, others are glamorous nightlife and shopping utopias, and so many – within a city that was once written off as one of the most dangerous in the world – put Medellín’s incredible comeback on full display. While you may not be able to explore them all in one trip, load your itinerary with as many of these neighborhoods as possible to feel its magical energy.

1. El Poblado/Provenza

Best neighborhood to be pampered (and party)

El Poblado is an upscale and sensory experience all on its own. The upper-class neighborhood is home to some of the city’s best malls (such as Santafé and Oviedo along the Golden Mile or Milla de Oro), trendiest hotels – The Charlee and Click Clack – and celebrated restaurants, including Carmen and Elcielo. For nightlife, this is among the city’s elite destinations, with an abundance of rooftop bars, clubs and, yes, even a bar with a ball pit in the middle for you to jump into.

Parque Lleras is the nightlife epicenter, with oodles of raucous options lining it that stay open until the wee hours of the morning. If you decide to stay in El Poblado, you don’t have to stay right in Parque Lleras to make the most of your experience either. Spots along the Milla de Oro, such as Hotel Poblado Plaza or Sites Hotel on the western edge of the barrio, provide a quieter night’s sleep, upscale amenities and still seamless access to the El Poblado good life.

2. Laureles

Best neighborhood to experience an upscale, residential side of Medellín

A bit less glitzy and in your face than El Poblado is the middle to upper-class Laureles neighborhood. Here you can enjoy several beloved restaurants and cafes – examples include Rituales, Bárbaro Cocina Primitiva and Crepes y Waffles – as well as upper-scale lodging offerings like Factory Lofts and Inntu Hotel.

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There are two quintessential Medellín experiences to be had in Laureles. The first is a trip to Estadio Atanasio Girardot, the home stadium of Colombia’s most beloved soccer team, Atlético Nacional, and its bitter rival, Deportivo Independiente Medellín. If no soccer is happening, this is still a stellar people-watching spot, with a skateboard park, outdoor gym, beach volleyball courts, and food stalls scattered about. The second must is a stroll down La 70 (La Setenta) just south of the stadium. This big-time party street is loaded with bars, mom-and-pop restaurants, and street vendors galore. If you want to party like a local, grab a bottle of aguardiente at a liquor shop along La 70 on any Friday or Saturday night, cozy up at a table out on the street and make some friends.

3. El Centro

Best neighborhood for the daytime hustle and bustle

El Centro embodies the hecticness you’d expect in any major South American city. The buzzing neighborhood (translating to “The Center”) very much lives up to its name and is a primary economic artery for locals and tourists alike. Here you’ll find the heart of the city – the Fernando Botero statue-clad Plaza Botero in front of the Antioquia Museum – which is a quick stroll from the Parque Berrio metro station. From there, walk down Calle Bolivar to experience merchants urging you to buy some homemade tinto (coffee) from stalls, cheap clothes, and souvenirs.

Along Avenida San Juan, you can snag photos at Plaza Cisneros – which features 300 light poles reaching up to the sky – as well as the Alcaldía de Medellín complex (Medellín’s town hall) that has a handful of public art displays. There is so much to explore in El Centro – do so during the day, stay vigilant, and don’t wander around it at night.

4. Ciudad del Río/Barrio Colombia

Best neighborhood for a local nightlife experience

Wedged just east of the Industriales and Poblado metro stations, Barrio Colombia and Ciudad del Río have quickly become places to visit. By day, Barrio Colombia is very much a graffiti art-draped warehouse district – primarily colored with automotive shops as well as one of the best malls and coffee shops in town (Premium Plaza and Distrito Cafetero, respectively). By night, you’ll find some of the city’s most bumping clubs, including the LGBTIQ+-friendly Industry Club and Discoteca Amarna.

Tucked south of the massive, river-adjacent Bancolombia building (you can’t miss it) is a handful of cultural musts in the Ciudad del Río area. These include Mercado del Río, Medellín’s biggest food hall, and the Medellín Modern Art Museum. Ciudad del Río has a handful of hotels – for its metro accessibility and central location, this is a nice base for getting to all Medellín has to offer.

5. San Javier

Best neighborhood for a tour (and Instagram-worthy pics)

Getting to San Javier is half the fun. The Metrocable – Medellín’s gondola lift system that reaches its mountainous neighborhoods – has a stop in the heart of San Javier (also known as Comuna 13). During the reign of Medellín’s most notorious drug lord, San Javier was arguably its most dangerous neighborhood. Today, it is a major tourist and tour destination for its omnipresence of graffiti art and escaleras electricas, outdoor escalators that weave through its hills to help locals with their commute. While walkable by day, you’ll want to hire a tour guide to help you navigate San Javier’s network of tight streets and ensure you get the full backstory of its transformation.

6. Manrique

Best neighborhood to see Medellín’s transformation in progress

It will take a steep, hilly taxi ride to venture to this Eastern barrio, but it’s worth it. Once regarded as a crime-ridden neighborhood to avoid, you can see new life being breathed into this lower-income neighborhood with community playgrounds and public paintings of local icons.

At Manrique’s core is the spirit of tango. Along its main drag, Carrera 45, is a statue of famed French-Argentinian singer and tango extraordinaire Carlos Gardel, who loved Medellín and tragically died in a plane crash in 1935. The statue, which is adjacent to a colorful, flower-clad staircase, is just the beginning of the barrio’s love for tango and colorful murals. To fully grasp the barrio’s history as well as Gardel’s, hit the Casa Gardeliana history museum. Within Manrique, you’ll also find El Balcón de Los Artistas, a homegrown dance school with regular community performances that is churning out world-class talent who have gone on to perform with the likes of Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony. As with so many other areas of Medellín, you’ll leave Manrique totally inspired.

The post The best neighborhoods to visit in Medellín, Colombia appeared first on Deal Price Travel.

Whether you want to salute the sun surrounded by a rugged mountain range or feel the warmth of the sand between your toes as you strike a warrior pose, there’s a retreat for everyone.

It doesn’t matter if you are a novice or a hardcore yogi, these ten European breaks will bring out total calm.

1. Dolce Vitality, Italy

Ranked one of the world’s finest hotels, Le Sirenuse in Positano hosts a six-day retreat each spring. From March 10–16 – the week before the hotel opens for the season – Dolce Vitality welcomes 30 guests, who have the place to themselves for the duration of their stay. After a session of sunrise yoga, guests get rewarded with a challenging mountain trek and sweeping views of the Amalfi Coast.

There are 45-minute restorative massages each day and plenty of free time to take advantage of the pool, Turkish bath, sauna, and ice room. It costs €8500, which covers transfers from Naples, spa treatments, accommodation, and pescatarian meals prepared by the hotel’s executive chef.

2. Akasha, Romania

When you think of wellness holidays, Romania doesn’t usually spring to mind. Yet this intimate resort in the Transylvanian village of Peştera stands out thanks to the raw beauty of its surrounding natural landscape.

Launching in April, Akasha offers four- or five-day all-inclusive programs for up to 20 guests. Rates start from €188 per night. Following twice-daily yoga classes (suitable for all levels), guests can admire the mountain view from the infrared sauna or gaze at the stars from its outdoor hot tub. Outings include hikes in Piatra Craiului National Park, a visit to a bear sanctuary and guided tours of Bran Castle, possible inspiration for Count Dracula’s castle in Bram Stoker’s novel.

3. Silver Island, Greece

Get away from it all at this exclusive island retreat in the dazzling Aegean Sea. Far from the usual tourist hotspots in Greece, private Silver Island only has space for 11 guests during its week-long sessions. Stays run from April to October with prices from €1705.

Catering to both beginners and advanced yogis, guests choose a style that suits them – from Ashtanga to Kundalini – and will take part in four hours of open-air practice a day. The resort also offers therapeutic treatments, hikes across the island, relaxing beaches and stand-up paddle boards. After digging into the vegetarian Mediterranean-inspired menu, unwind with a glass of wine around the fire pit.

4. Macalla Farm, Ireland

Located on tiny Clare Island, off the west coast of Ireland, Macalla Farm focuses on sustainable practices in yoga and agriculture. The team produces its own yogurt, cheese, bread and honey, as well as almost all of its vegetables. It offers four-day programs dedicated to Sati yoga and meditation (€580), or you can challenge yourself with a seven-day silent retreat (pay what you can above €600). Practitioners of all levels participate in twice-daily yoga and meditation sessions, and there’s a menu of organic vegetarian food, prepared with vegetables straight from the farm’s gardens.

5. Casa Fuzetta, Portugal

In the heart of Olhão, a seaside town along Portugal’s Algarve, the gorgeous butter-yellow Casa Fuzetta runs more than 30 retreats a year. Schedules and prices vary, but on the whole, guests can look forward to sun-drenched yoga on the terrace, soundtracked by clanging church bells. This can be followed by swims in the rooftop pool, island hopping, or strolls along the old town’s cobbled streets to the beach. There is a wide range of activities on offer too, such as digging for clams, horseback riding, dolphin watching, and olive-oil tasting.

6. Wylder, Ibiza

Yoga teacher Charlotte Townend runs a series of Wylder retreats across the Balearic islands. There are ten scheduled for 2024 in Menorca, Formentera and Ibiza, with the latter taking place at Can Terra, a classic whitewashed villa on the hillside of San Miguel. Townend mixes things up by collaborating with local chefs, artisans and specialists. As well as her own yoga classes, expect Pilates, breathwork, a jewelry-making workshop, and an open-air movie night. Alongside plant-based dishes, stays include a visit to a Mexican street food pop-up and an immersive cooking lesson at a nearby farm. The four-night stay costs £1700.

7. Shambala Gatherings, Sweden

Tucked away in the lush forest of Bergslagen, two hours from Stockholm,this retreat center offers programs all year round, including atmospheric winter sessions amid the snow-dusted pines (from £525).

On top of daily yoga classes, guests can keep warm in the floating wood-fired sauna on the lake, brave a dip in the cool waters, or discover local wildlife on a nature walk, before sitting down to one of the center’s nutritious vegan, gluten-free meals. Retreats are in English or Swedish. Prices and schedules vary from week to week.

8. Tofte Manor, England

Step back in time at this unique Bedfordshire hideaway, a 90-minute drive from London. The Domesday Book first listed the property in 1086, and builders constructed the current house in the 17th century. Expertly restored, it boasts 50 acres (20.2 hectares) of beautifully landscaped gardens, complete with a fire pit and striking crystal ball water feature. 

The English manor plays host to a variety of retreats throughout the year, with several dreamy spots for restorative asanas: a luxury yurt, a crystal room anchored with amethyst geodes, or, on fine days, the snaking paths of an enchanting open-air labyrinth. After yoga, stay active at the tennis court and outdoor pool, or indulge in a soothing massage or some crystal energy healing.

9. Kea Retreat, Greece

An hour’s ferry ride from Athens, the secluded island of Kea is home to a retreat center that prizes its Mediterranean cuisine as much as its yoga practice. House chef Uri Eshet, formerly of Copenhagen’s Michelin-starred foodie mecca Noma, prepares three meals a day, as guests try to reconnect with nature.

After rising early for a beachfront yoga session, Kea Retreat guests can enjoy shell diving, hiking, foraging, or kayaking to hidden caves. Wake up to the sound of the waves in the center’s carefully preserved Kathikies (traditional Greek stone farmhouses) which accommodate up to 14 guests. Decorated with whitewashed interiors and works by local artisans, each room has a private balcony and outdoor shower.

10. Suncokret, Croatia

Named after the Croatian word for sunflower, the Suncokret retreat is perched on the verdant hills overlooking the peaceful island of Stari Grad. There are three-, five- and seven-day stays available between April and November (from €400), which welcome up to nine guests. 

The holistic programs combine yoga, meditation, and journaling sessions with daily excursions such as cycling tours, visits to historic Hvar town or nature walks on the pristine nearby islands, just a short boat trip away. As well as practicing on the rustic stone cottage’s rooftop terrace and in its airy loft, the group is whisked away twice a week for outdoor yoga by the sea, on the forest edge, or next to a baroque church.

The post Drop in: Nine transformative European yoga retreats for 2025 appeared first on Deal Price Travel.

An “onsen” refers to the hot spring and its attached facilities. These might be within a hotel or ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) or grouped with other onsen in a mineral-rich town. Onsen can range from luxurious modern baths to steaming outdoor pools carved into an exquisite Japanese garden.

There are strict rules of etiquette surrounding a visit to these relaxing springs, which might be daunting for first-time visitors. This guide walks you through each stage of your visit and all the required etiquette to help you experience an onsen like a local.

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Arriving at an onsen in Japan

When you enter an onsen, leave your shoes in a locker or on a designated shelf. Pay the entrance fee (usually between ¥400-800/US$2.67-5.34 Japanese yen but up to ¥2000/US$13.35) to a person at a counter or a vending machine for tokens. Large and small towel rental is either included or costs extra (about ¥300/US$2). Then head to the changing area. Men and women bathe separately, so look for the characters 男 for male and 女 for female on door curtains to avoid embarrassment. Men’s curtains are usually blue; women’s are red. 

In the changing rooms, you’ll find baskets or coin lockers in which to store all your belongings, a large towel and, after undressing, your clothes – even your underwear. Yes, it’s routine to get completely naked. Jewelry can get stained by the bath’s minerals, so leave that behind too. All you should be left wearing is an optional small towel and a waterproof locker bracelet. If you have bathing toiletries, you can bring them along. Changing rooms usually provide a hairdryer and other basic amenities such as razors, lotions, perfumes and colognes.

Scrub up before soaking

Once in the buff, move into the onsen bathing area. Facing the baths cloaked in rising steam you’ll find open shower cubicles or wash troughs lining the walls. Sit on a stool facing the wall and use the small bucket, soap and shampoo provided to wash yourself thoroughly from head to toe. The onsen is not for washing yourself in, so make sure you are sparkling clean and soap-free before getting in. Find the toilets first, if you need to go. This all keeps the bathwater pristine and inviting for everyone. Watch your step, the floors are wet and can be slippery.

How to soak in a hot spring bath

Public onsen have at least one main bath with steps to enter or sit on. Some have various baths, each fed by natural spring water. Choose yours carefully. Maybe not the one with the lightning bolt symbol above it, unless a mild electric shock thrills you – the theory is that electricity contracts the muscles, which leads to relaxation once you jump out. Be careful also of the scalding bath – you’ll know it the moment you dip your pinkie in.

Start instead with one of the regular hot baths (34-42°C/93-107°F), entering slowly to test the temperature. Steps can be hidden under milky water too. If there are other bathers, there’s no need to say a word or make eye contact, just enjoy. Stay in the soothing warmth for as long as you like. Leave after a minute or soak for hours. Some people will get out, take five on a rock or the bath edge, and then get in again. Relax and forget the stresses of the modern world outside for a blissful period. 

After soaking away your tension in the hot waters, you might feel daring enough to dip into the icy cold bath to snap you out of drowsiness. Some onsen also have an extra mineral-rich bath with a water color that varies depending on the minerals it contains. Iron-rich onsen water can appear dark reddish-brown, while iodine onsen water has a straw color and a distinct smell.

Now step out and repeat the process, washing yourself again on a stool, then sinking into another bath – this is the centuries-old ritual of onsen.

Finishing up at an onsen

When you’re ready to leave, go Japanese style – don’t wash off the minerals of your last dip. Pat down with the small towel before going to the changing room to keep the floor splash-free. Then dry off completely with your large towel and get changed into your clothes or pajamas.

Some onsen offer amenities such as massage services for an additional fee and relaxation lounges where you can rest before or after your bath.

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Naked and free

Everybody bathes completely in the buff at an onsen. It’s just you and the water – no swimsuits or underwear are allowed. For newbies, it can help to know that Japanese people feel completely at ease with this nudity and won’t pay (overt) attention to you, foreigner or not. Bathers keep to themselves the same way they do alongside strangers on public transport in Japan.

With this knowledge, and doing as the Japanese do, the experience can feel liberating and natural amongst the shrouding steam. Communal bathing in Japan is viewed as a great social leveler for its power of hadaka no tsukiai (naked friendship).

You can try to use your tiny scarf-like towel to cover yourself as you move between pools, but don’t let it touch the water. To keep it from contaminating the baths, fold it and balance it on your head like the pros do. 

Not interested in getting naked with strangers? In onsen ryokan, there is usually the choice of an intimate kashikiri onsen room (a private space but the pre-cleansing routine still applies) or rotemburo (outdoor bath) with scenic views just for you and your special somebody.

Onsen etiquette

Onsen are peaceful retreats. Speak softly and avoid making loud noises or splashing about to maintain the serene ambiance. Swimming and submerging your head will earn you dirty looks. People with long hair should tie it up before stepping into the bath.

Some onsen do not allow entry to bathers with visible tattoos due to associations with organized gangs in Japan. Check the policy or cover your tattoos with waterproof tattoo-covering stickers (sometimes provided by hotel onsen), if needed.

When should I visit an onsen?

Each season offers its own unique onsen charm. Spring (March to May) cherry blossoms and fall leaves are popular for bathing in outdoor baths with picturesque backdrops. Winter (December to February) is a dramatic time to visit an onsen, especially where there is heavy snowfall – the hot springs create a dramatic contrast against a snowy wonderland.

It’s no wonder that winter is when many onsen festivals take place. For budget travelers, the least crowded and most affordable times are typically in late winter (January to early March) and early autumn (late September to early October). The busiest and most expensive periods are the holidays of Golden Week (late April to early May), Obon (mid-August), and the New Year (late December to early January). 

How much time should I spend at an onsen?

A visit to an onsen can be as brief as five minutes or as leisurely as a whole afternoon. For a day trip to an onsen town, plan to spend at least a few hours to fully enjoy the experience. Add extra time for lounging in on-site saunas and relaxation areas. If you have a weekend to spare, consider staying at a ryokan with its own onsen facilities. This allows you to experience the onsen at different times of the day, for serene early morning bathing and tranquil evening hours. Onsen towns are often set in nature with hiking and temple visits for a deeper immersion into the cultural and relaxation experience.

The best onsen in Japan

This is our pick of the best onsen across the country.

Rendai-ji’s Kanaya Ryokan, Hakone: The wooden onsen bath on the Izu Peninsula is enormous, atmospheric and offers mixed bathing. 

Nakabusa Onsen, The Japan Alps: Amazing and remote onsen with 29 natural hot springs.

Kurama Onsen, Kyoto: An ideal spot to soak away city pressures or to relax after a hike in the nearby hills.

Kinosaki, Kansai: The ultimate onsen town, featuring seven public baths and numerous onsen ryokan.

Lamp no yado Aoni Onsen: Cradled in a remote valley, this ryokan and onsen are illuminated solely by oil lamps, creating a serene soaking experience. 

Tsurunoyu Onsen, Nyūtō: Dip into the milky, mineral-rich baths of on onsen that has been operating for four centuries.

Fukiage Roten-no-yu, Central Hokkaidō: Way off the beaten track, the forest-surrounded konyoku (mixed bathing) onsen is wonderfully natural – as a bonus, it’s free.

Dōgo Onsen, Matsuyama: Since the castle-like building’s construction in 1894, this onsen has been featured in ample literary classics, most notably in Natsume Sōseki’s Botchan.

Ibusuki, Kyūshū: Beppu attracts onsen tourists, but for a unique experience, visit the renowned sand baths of Ibusuki where onsen steam rises through the sand, enveloping bathers buried up to their necks.

Hirauchi Kaichū Onsen, Yakushima: For the adventurous, this outdoor, seaside pool offers minimal privacy unless you get lucky and snag it to yourself. But at under ¥300 (US$2), the stunning setting is unbeatable.

The post Everything you need to know about visiting an onsen in Japan appeared first on Deal Price Travel.

So catch some waves, twist around driftwood-strewn sand, and either soak up some history or soak in the (relatively) warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean at these nearby getaways. 

1. Tybee Island, Georgia

Best beach for day-trippers 

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Located only 30 minutes from downtown Savannah, Tybee Island is a local favorite. Beachgoers have plenty of choices for where to park their umbrellas. Back River Beach, set away from the traffic and restaurants, tends to be quieter. Paddle out to Little Tybee Island in a kayak, then sift through the soft sand, looking for shells. The Tybee Island Pavilion and Pier is the best spot to watch surfers or try your luck at fishing, or climb to the top of the Tybee Island lighthouse, built in 1866, and see as far as the horizon. 

For a true Tybee experience, grab a meal at one of the island’s seafood joints. The Crab Trap is an island classic, with patio seating among the oaks. Sea Wolf is another great option; its quirky menu combines hot dogs, oysters and craft cocktails. 

Local tip: During spring and summer weekends, and especially spring break, parking is a hot commodity. Instead of circling endlessly, book a ride on one of the shuttle buses between Savannah and the beach, like the Tybee Beach Bus. Taxis and rideshare services are also available. 

2. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Best for multigenerational groups

Hilton Head Island actually shares access with the Savannah airport. Just across the state line and around a 45-minute drive, you’ll find a mix of public beaches, like Fish Haul Beach Park and Islanders Beach Park, and those within resorts and gated communities, like Sea Pines. 

Families love the miles of paved bike paths and activities like mini golf and museums. The world-class golf courses are another draw. Stop by the Gullah Museum of Hilton Head Island and Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park to learn about the traditional residents, and settle in at Skull Creek Boathouse for some seafood (it is known for its massive crab legs) and a killer sunset. 

Detour: Join a tour of Daufuskie Island, another place only accessible by boat, where you can learn about the local Gullah history and locales depicted in the work of Pat Conroy.

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3. Jekyll Island, Georgia

Best for Gilded Age history

Some 90 minutes from Savannah, this island was one of the first settlements in colonial Georgia. It’s best known for the Gilded Age Jekyll Island Club, an exclusive resort whose members included the wealthiest families of the day. Today, its historic rooms and cottages are open to all comers. You can also take a tour if you’re not staying there. 

Jekyll’s beaches include the appropriately named Driftwood Beach – large pieces are strewn across the beach, making it a popular photo op. The beach itself isn’t the best for relaxing but can’t be missed for its beauty. St Andrews Beach is home to a memorial for the enslaved people aboard the ship Wanderer, which illegally came ashore at the island almost two centuries ago. It’s a smaller but quiet beach with a wildlife-viewing platform. For the occasional rainy day, check out Mosaic, the local history museum, and the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, which rehabilitates the injured majestic critters.

4. Hunting Island, South Carolina 

Best for beach camping

Tucked between Fripp and Harbor islands, Hunting Island State Park is a South Carolina gem, welcoming over 1 million visitors every year. Situated 90 minutes from Savannah and 25 minutes from Beaufort, SC, the island has 5 miles of beaches, including the namesake Hunting Island Beach and Little Hunting Island Boneyard Beach, with its skeletonlike collection of dried driftwood. 

Explore the nature trails and climb the 1859 cast-iron lighthouse, the only publicly accessible one in the state, before spending the night at one of 100 tent campsites or one cabin. The park is US$8 for adults. There are no restaurants on the island, so pack your own food, or cross the bridge to Johnson Creek Tavern, a homey favorite with walls covered in dollar bills. 

5. Sapelo Island, Georgia

Best for Gullah-Geechee history

It’s an hour from Savannah to Darien, the fishing town where you can catch the 30-minute ferry to Sapelo Island’s landmarks and the community of Hog Hammock, settled after the Civil War by formerly enslaved people. Visit the Reynolds Mansion, the home of auto magnate Howard Coffin and later tobacco baron RJ Reynolds, Jr, or even spend the night if you’re traveling with a group. 

Sapelo counts two lighthouses and endless beaches, like Nanny Goat Beach and Cabretta Island Beach. The island has a handful of restaurants and rental homes, but you’ll need to bring your own supplies. 

6. Cumberland Island, Georgia

Best for wildlife spotting

Cumberland Island is reachable by ferry from St Marys, a 1 hour 45 minute drive from Savannah. You can visit several notable landmarks on a history tour, including the First African Baptist Church, a significant house of worship for the island’s Black community (not to mention the site of John F Kennedy Jr’s 1996 wedding). Don’t miss Plum Orchard and the ruins of Dungeness, historic homes where members of the Carnegie family lived.

You can almost always find an almost empty stretch of sand along the 17 miles of coastline. Two standouts are Stafford, in the middle of the island, and Dungeness, named for the aforementioned ruins, where you’re likely to see one of the famous wild horses. 

Local tip: While it is possible to do Cumberland as a day trip, there’s no experience quite like staying overnight at one of its five campgrounds. Bring everything you need for camping and meals – and please take it back when you leave. 

7. St Simon’s Island, Georgia

Best for beach town eats

Charming St Simon’s Island sets its small-town feel on island time, only 1 hour and 40 minutes away from Savannah. You’re never far from a good meal, especially at Southern Soul Barbeque and Palmer’s Village Cafe. The pier is a popular spot for fishing, but keep an eye on the seagulls, which love to snatch any food you’re holding. Allow enough time to learn about the island’s history. Start at Fort Frederica, built as a buffer between the British colony of Georgia and the Spanish Florida, and climb the historic lighthouse. 

The best thing about Myrtle Street Beach is that you can get all of the essentials like chairs and umbrellas set up for you. The King and Prince Resort sits in front of a public beach, so you can go inside to eat instead of hauling an entire picnic. 

East Beach is another option, located near the historic coast guard station, now the World War II Home Front Museum, which documents the history of the wartime period when German U-boats patrolled the coast. The beach is also dog-friendly and has public restrooms and showers, plus a wheelchair mat. During the warmer months, you can take advantage of paddleboard and kayak rentals. 

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The southern Carpathian Mountain range is where much of the hiking action takes place, but the Tatra Mountains, the Baltic Coast, the Great Masurian Lakes and the forests of the east also have a lot to offer. And these diverse landscapes are steeped in history, spanning centuries of European empire-building and diverse local cultures. 

Poland’s mountains are a joy to explore on foot, attracting thousands of hikers in every season. Many of the best hiking areas are protected by national parks that are crisscrossed by walking trails, most of which are clearly marked and dotted with shelters.

From the Baltic Coast to the Carpathian Mountains, here is our guide to the ten best hikes in Poland.

1. Hike to the iconic summit of Mt Giewont in the Tatra Mountains

Best for a classic Polish mountain experience

9km (5.6 miles) round trip, 3½ hours, moderate to challenging

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No other area of Poland boasts quite such a diversity of landscapes as the Tatra Mountains. The most popular area for hiking is 212 sq km (82 sq mile) Tatra National Park, which begins just south of the mountain resort of Zakopane, with a total of 275 colour-coded trails and tracks. 

The most rewarding trail in the Tatras climbs to the top of 1894m (6214ft) Mt Giewont. You can reach the summit by following the red trail from Zakopane in about 3½ hours. A reasonable level of fitness is required to attempt this climb – the hike involves more than 1000m (3281ft) of elevation gain.

As you climb, the landscape unfolds dramatically, offering sweeping views of the Tatras, taking in rugged ridgelines, jagged peaks and valleys dotted with small alpine lakes. From the top, you’ll be rewarded with one of the most spectacular panoramas in the country – it’s a stunning spot for photos or simply taking in the beauty of the surrounding wilderness.

Detour: Combine the climb up Mt Geiwont with a short walk into one of the densely forested valleys to the south of Zakopane. Dolina Strążyska is the most attractive – it takes around 40 minutes to reach this charming valley and another hour to go all the way down to Zakopane via the yellow trail.

2. Experience the historic Beskid Niski region in the Carpathian Mountains

Best for hikers seeking an off-the-beaten-path, multi-day adventure

150 km (93 miles), 5-7 days (depending on pace), moderate

Krosno is one of the best starting points for hikes in the Beskid Niski (Low Beskids) mountains, a section of the Carpathians, with two popular trails covering the entire length of the range. The Blue Tourist Trail (Niebieski Szlak Turystyczny) runs from Rzeszów through Grybów to the Slovakian border and then eastwards along the frontier, eventually bringing you to Nowy Łupków near Komańcza.

Along the way, you’ll pass historic sites and traditional wooden churches and huts that reflect the region’s rich cultural heritage. The trail also provides stunning views of the rolling hills and wide, open valleys of the Lower Carpathians.

The Main Beskid Trail (Główny Szlak Beskidzki, marked in red) crosses the Blue Trail near Hańczowa and continues east along the northern slopes of the Beskid Niski range, dropping you at Komańcza. On either trail, you can continue east into the Bieszczady region.

Planning tip: It’s a good idea to check ahead to make sure there is space in local hostels and guesthouses in the villages along the way. Alternatively, consider camping. Since the trail passes through remote areas with few amenities, be sure to bring a good map and compass and supplies. It’s also possible to sample the area on shorter hikes from Krosno, Rzeszów or Komańcza.

3. Explore the remote wilderness of Mt Tarnica in Bieszczady National Park

Best for nature lovers seeking solitude

11km (6.8 miles) round trip, 4-5 hours, moderate

The Bieszczady mountain range in the far southeast of Poland is one of the best places in the country to go hiking. Bieszczady National Park offers around a dozen well-marked hiking trails, with a combined length of 130km (81 miles). 

The park is dotted with Polskie Towarzystwo Turystyczno Krajoznawcze (PTTK) hostels with helpful staff who can provide information, and boards giving information on the trails, complete with walking times, both uphill and downhill. 

For a taste of this peaceful wilderness, the ascent of Mt Tarnica – the region’s highest peak at 1346m (4416ft) – will take two to three hours from the trailhead at Wołosate. Trails here touch (but do not cross) the Ukrainian border, so be sure to carry your passport when hiking in this area.

Planning tip: The park’s mountain hostels do their best to put hikers up for the night and provide food, regardless of how crowded they get, but bear in mind that in July and August, your bed will most likely be a space on the floor, as these places are pretty small. Be sure to carry a sleeping bag and sleeping mat, and get a copy of ExpressMap’s laminated 1:65,000 Bieszczady map, which covers the entire region.

4. Conquer the challenging summits of Mt Śnieżka and Mt Szrenica in the Karkonosze Mountains

Best for hikers looking for an exhilarating challenge

16km (9.9 miles) round trip, 6-7 hours, difficult

The Sudetes run for more than 250km (155 miles) along the border with Czechia, and the highest part of this old and eroded chain of mountains is the Karkonosze range, climbing to 1602m (5256ft) at Mt Śnieżka. These rugged peaks and valleys are protected as part of the Sudety Wałbrzyskie Landscape Park. 

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The range is divided by the 1198m (3930ft) Karkonosze Pass (Przełęcz Karkonoska), which separates Mt Śnieżka to the east from 1362m (4469ft) Mt Szrenica, the highest point in the western portion of the range. The park is predominantly spruce forest at lower elevations, providing wonderfully serene country for walking.

This is the most popular hiking area in the Sudetes and the park includes some 33 trails covering 100km (62 miles). The villages of Szklarska Poręba and Karpacz are the starting points for ascents of Mt Szrenica and Mt Śnieżka, respectively. 

For longer walks, a popular trail (marked in red) runs right along the ridge between the two peaks, with excellent views on both sides; you can walk the whole stretch in six to seven hours. If you start early enough, it’s possible to complete the trip between Karpacz and Szklarska Poręba in a single day, using the chairlift to Mt Szrenica or Mt Kopa to speed up the initial ascent. 

Planning tip: The Karkonosze range is known for its harsh climate, with heavy rainfall (or snow in winter) and strong winds and disorientating mists at any time of year. The best chances of good weather are in January, February, May and September. Several companies produce 1:25,000 “Karkonosze i Góry Izerskie” maps that also include the Izera Mountains of the Western Sudetes, to the northeast of Szklarska Poręba. 

5. Uncover medieval castles and dramatic rock formations in Ojców National Park

Best for history buffs seeking dramatic landscapes

14 km (8.7 miles) round trip, 4-5 hours, easy to moderate

Ojców National Park is a worthwhile detour between Kielce and Kraków. The park’s best walk is the 14km (8.7-mile) return hike along part of the long-distance Trail of the Eagles’ Nests. The route follows the Prądnik River north through a deep valley, framed by limestone cliffs and dense forests, to the base of Pieskowa Skała Castle, a Renaissance-era reconstruction of a formidable 14th-century redoubt. 

The castle has been beautifully restored and a fascinating museum contains art from the 15th to 19th centuries, including Flemish tapestries and intricate ivory-inlaid furniture. The trail also passes the picturesque Chapel on the Water, a unique structure that was originally a bathhouse in the 19th century when this was a popular health resort. 

Further along, you’ll reach the ruins of Ojców Castle, where you can explore the remains of a 14th-century gate and octagonal tower, while enjoying panoramic views of the valley below. 

Planning tip: For the best experience, visit in late spring when wildflowers are in bloom or early autumn for stunning fall foliage. Buy a 1:22,500 Ojcówski Park Narodowy map in Ojców village to explore the park’s walking and cycling trails.

6. Admire alpine lakes and panoramic views on Mt Jaworzyna Krynicka in Beskid Sądecki

Best for hikers seeking a challenging day hike with Tatra views

6km (3.7 miles) round trip, around 3 hours to the summit, moderate

Sitting serenely amid the wooded hills of the Beskid Sądecki range, Krynica – also known as Krynica-Zdrój (Krynica Spa) – is Poland’s largest spa and mountain health resort, and also a popular ski area in winter. From spring to fall, it’s an excellent springboard for hikes to nearby lakes and viewpoints.

Two trails, marked in green and red, head westwards up to the top of Mt Jaworzyna Krynicka (1114m/3655ft). It takes three hours to walk to the summit on either trail, and both routes wind through beautiful forest landscapes, with a calm atmosphere that feels markedly different from the bustle on popular trails in other parts of Poland. 

At the summit, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of the surrounding hills and valleys, and the distant peaks of the Tatra Mountains on clear days. The area is also known for its serene alpine lakes, perfect places to pause for a quiet moment of reflection before continuing your journey.

Planning tip: On either the ascent or descent, you can save time (and effort) by taking the Mt Jaworzyna cable car from Czarny Potok, about an hour’s walk west of Krynica-Zdrój. 

7. Spot wild bison while hiking the ancient Tsar’s Trail in Białowieża Forest

Best for spotting European bison in their natural habitat

4.5 km (2.8 miles), 1½-2 hours, easy

Accessible from the town of Narewka, about 21km (13 miles) to the north, Białowieża National Park is densely forested and home to more than 800 European bison – the continent’s largest land mammal.   

Hikers can follow three marked trails in the park’s buffer zone, known as the Hwoźna Protective Area, without a guide and without paying an entrance fee. The best is the 4.5km-long (2.8-mile) Tsar’s Trail (Carska Tropina), which passes an observation tower and viewing point that offers a sweeping panorama of the Narewka River valley.

This relatively easy route starts from Narewka and winds along the Prądnik River, passing through a mixture of lush forests and wetlands. The terrain is varied, with sections of the trail crossing small wooden footbridges over marshy areas that are alive with birdlife.

Climb the observation tower for a perfect vantage point for spotting wildlife, particularly the wild bison that inhabit the forest. It’s a great spot to pause and soak in the tranquil surroundings, and bison are most easily spotted from October to April. 

Planning tip: To enter the Strict Nature Preserve (Orłówka) section of Białowieża National Park, you’ll need to pay an entrance fee and be accompanied by a registered guide. A 4km (2.5-mile) walking trail threads through dense forests of lime, oak, hornbeam and spruce, taking you deep into the oldest and least disturbed-by-humans areas of the park. 

8. Marvel at unique rock formations while hiking in the Góry Stołowe mountains

Best for hiking through surreal rock formations

6km (3.7 miles), 2-3 hours, moderate

Spilling around a high plateau studded with fantastic rock formations, the Góry Stołowe (“Table Mountains”) are one of the most spectacular sub-ranges of the Sudetes, and the area is protected by Stołowe Mountains National Park. One of the highlights of this 63 sq km (24 sq mile) national park is Szczeliniec Wielki, a plateau edged by rocky, sentinel-like pinnacles, set at 921m (3022ft). 

Starting from Karłów, a small village accessible from Kudowa-Zdrój by minibus (20 minutes), you’ll ascend 728 stone steps to reach the plateau (allow 40 minutes to an hour). From here, a circles the summit, providing excellent views of the rock formations and mountain scenery. 

Detour: There are more rocky outcrops to explore in the area. About 3.4km (2.1 miles) west of Szczeliniec Wielki, Błędne Skały consists of hundreds of “Errant Rocks,” some up to 11m (36ft) in diameter. This maze of outcrops forms a natural labyrinth with narrow passageways weaving between the rock formations. It’s an excellent addition to a Szczeliniec Wielki hike.

9. Soak in views of dunes and the Baltic Sea from Słowiński National Park 

Best for sea air and uplifting coastal views

12.6km (7.8 miles), 2½ hours, moderate

The lively city of Gdańsk is the gateway to the Baltic Coast, which is lined with shorefront trails that form part of the international E9 hiking route linking Spain to Estonia. Walking the whole of Poland’s Baltic Coast is an ambitious undertaking, but the seaside hiking paths of Słowiński National Park are an easy excursion from Gdańsk.

Covering 186 sq km (72 sq miles), this coastal reserve is famed for its “shifting” sand dunes, which move up to 10m (33ft) per year, dividing the Baltic Sea from lakes Łebsko and Gardno. Around 260 bird species call the park home, and landscapes here cover everything from dunes, lakes and marshlands to broad Baltic beaches. 

Numerous walking routes meander across the park, with access from the town of Słupsk, two hours west of Gdańsk by road or train. A good starting point is the 12.6km (7.8-mile) trail from Rąbka village to the Łącka dune, the tallest of the park’s moving dunes. En route, you’ll take in soul-restoring views of coastal forests, cobalt-blue seas and vast areas of beaches and dunes. 

10. Enjoy a peaceful day hiking through the pine forests of Wielkopolska National Park

Best for a tranquil day in nature

13.7 km (8.5 miles), 3-4 hours, moderate

If you’re craving a peaceful escape without too much elevation gain, a hike through Wielkopolska National Park is perfect. Starting and ending in the charming town of Puszczykowo, this 13.7km (8.5-mile) loop trail takes you through quiet pine and oak forests. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in nature while staying close to creature comforts in town.

From the train station in Mosina, just south of Puszczykowo, follow the blue-marked trail leading northwest towards Osowa Góra for 3km (1.9 miles). Once you reach small Lake Kociołek, switch to the red trail, which winds southwest. 

After passing another limpid pool, you’ll reach scenic Lake Góreckie, the most beautiful body of water in the park and a lovely spot for a picnic lunch. The trail then skirts the eastern part of the lake and turns northeast to return to Puszczykowo. 

Planning tip: This hike is easy to start and finish in Puszczykowo, where you can catch a bus or train to the city of Poznań to continue your travels around Poland. The loop trail is well-marked and easy to follow in a day or even an afternoon (bring a picnic to eat by the lake).

This article was adapted from Lonely Planet’s Poland guidebook, published in July 2024.

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The same is true of wine country. The sober curious in the group – and, among millennials, that number is steadily increasing – who aren’t inclined to start sipping big, bold reds at 11am on a Saturday (or at all) can rest assured that these beautiful places welcome them too. 

From hiking, biking and discovering the nuances of a winery’s new no-ABV vintage to eating fresh seasonally prepared dishes and checking out the local art, a sober trip to wine country is not just possible but also a terrific idea. 

What to think about when looking for sober experiences

Make sure that you pick a destination that has more than just sprawling wineries around town. In addition to delicious food and drink, take a look at what other extracurriculars and excursions are available during the time of year you plan to visit. 

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Best wine regions for sober-curious wine lovers

Willamette Valley

Naturally beautiful, this Western Oregon wine region is an easy add-on if you’re visiting Portland. But it’s also very much a destination worth checking out in and of itself. Although wine is a big deal here (the region known for making Pinot Noir has a whopping 500 wineries), the mild climate has been good to hazelnut and blackberry crops, so expect to see these ingredients popping up in locavore dishes. The hiking in this part of the state is magnificent with the Cascade Mountain Range and its plentiful waterfalls being a large draw in summer especially.

Wineries with non-alcoholic options: Raptor Ridge Winery offers yoga classes, after which you can enjoy a spirit-free Honeybee Lemonade flight. Live music is a regular occurrence at this picturesque winery, and chef-prepared food events are another reason to check the website’s event calendar. Bird lovers won’t want to miss Winter’s Hill Estate, which sits along the Willamette Valley Birding Trail.

Non-winery activities: The Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum is located in inviting McMinnville, in the heart of the valley, and is worthy of an afternoon. Art lovers will find plenty of options at art galleries around the towns of Yamhill County.

Fancy some fresh air? Consider a hot air balloon ride over Willamette Valley. Exploring the region on foot is another way to experience the great outdoors, and hiking trails (for every level) are plentiful here. 

Where to stay: To enhance the sober experience, a stay at the luxurious Allison Inn & Spa will win your heart. The Valley’s only full-service resort, The Allison Inn is surrounded by gorgeous wine country and rolling farmland, and its sublime setting helps set the relaxing pace. The Bar Manager, Susan Markuson, has developed a zero-proof drinks menu with the goal of making the beverages both look and taste fantastic. 

Where to eat: By now, you know the drill – farm-to-table fare is the star of many a restaurant in Willamette Valley’s McMinnville and one of the spots dedicated to this mission is Humble Spirit. The restaurant’s culinary director, Chef Sarah Schafer, is a 2025 James Beard Award semifinalist, and there’s no question her handmade pastas with seasonal produce have something to do with it.

Getting there and away: Fly into Portland and rent a car to make the drive to Willamette Valley (a little over an hour) or take the Amtrak to Eugene, the Valley’s southernmost city. Although there are Uber and Lyft options, it’s best to have your own set of wheels to really explore the region and its cute towns.

Charlottesville and the Monticello AVA

Although there are nearly 50 wineries in the heart of Virginia’s Monticello AVA, where the Blue Ridge Mountains inspire postcard worthy art (literally!), visiting them is hardly the main event – or, at least, drinking wine at them certainly isn’t the only option. Charlottesville’s small-town charm delivers Southern hospitality in spades. Because it’s a college town (home of UVA), there’s always plenty of arts and cultural events, theater and talks if you’re looking to round out your itinerary.

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Wineries with non-alcoholic options: Hark Vineyards recently started making a non-alcoholic wine varietal called Ené. This zero-proof wine is made from 100% vidal blanc and can soon be enjoyed in the winery’s brand new tasting room. Listen to live music at Jefferson Vineyards, which also has food trucks on site, and when you’re ready for dessert, make your way over to Glass House Winery. A member of the Fine Chocolate Industry Association, the winery employs a chocolatier who makes innovative flavored candy bars such as cherry chili and mango mania.

Non-winery activities: Darling Charlottesville is full of historical sites. It’s where you can visit Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello and James Monroe’s Highland, where you can hike through Shenandoah National Park or (in-season) pick apples at Carter Mountain Orchard. Those who love to shop on vacation can have a spree at the boutiques in The Downtown Mall.

Where to stay: The ideal spot for those who adore a thoughtfully decorated boutique hotel conveniently located near shops and restaurants, The Draftsman is also pet-friendly. Its on-site restaurant, The Ridley, one of Charlottesville’s Black-owned restaurants, does a killer weekend brunch (gumbo! shrimp and grits!), and has bicycles for guests to use free of charge.

Where to eat: The West Main Street corridor (Charlottesville’s Midtown) has lots of exciting things happening in the culinary world. Bizou’s deep commitment to locally sourcing sustainable food isn’t just lip service – it’s truly the restaurant’s mission; the menu changes often but might include a brie and pear tart or confit duck ravioli.

Getting there and away: Two hours south of Washington, DC and a very pretty ride on the Blue Ridge Parkway gets you to your destination. You can also take the train from the DC area.

Grand Valley AVA, Colorado

One of North America’s highest-altitude AVAs, Grand Valley’s terroir is similar to that of Mendoza in Argentina. It’s no surprise then that the region is starting to become more widely recognized for its delicious wine tastings and the gorgeous backdrop of this stretch of The Centennial State. Since it’s got a long way to go to catch up with the Napa and Sonoma Valleys of the wine world, Grand Valley is a great option for travelers in search of a wine country getaway that won’t break the bank.

Wineries with non-alcoholic options: There are roughly 30 wineries in Grand Junction and Palisade, but you don’t have to be a wine drinker to enjoy them. Peachfork Orchards & Vineyard lets visitors pick their own fruit and if you’ve never had a Colorado peach, you are in for a serious treat. Over at Shiras Winery and The Zesty Moose, there’s good eating in the form of charcuterie boards piled with locally sourced and seasoned cured meats, cheeses, fruits and marinated olives. 

Non-winery activities: Mountain biking is really big in these parts, with Palisade Plunge being a serious contender for the best trail in the whole state. Experienced cyclists will revel in the 32 miles of single track, but the Lunch Loops Trail has some more approachable options. Other outdoor activities include golfing (several courses in Grand Junction) and white water rafting down the Colorado River.

Where to stay: The Hotel Maverick, a 60-room boutique hotel located right in Grand Junction, comes with spectacular views of the area’s sprawling red rock canyons. Depending on the season, you might see wild horses crossing the landscape (fall and spring); try ice fishing on the nearby lake (winter); or check out one of the many nearby hiking trails (spring, summer and fall). Back at the hotel, hearty fare comes out of Devil’s Kitchen, the hotel’s main restaurant that also showcases the excellent Western Colorado vistas.

Where to eat: The farm-to-table movement is picking up momentum in this part of the country; it’s especially notable at Bin 707 Foodbar. The kitchen, helmed by James Beard “Outstanding Chef” nominee Chef Josh Niernberg, is fairly extensive with creative pizzas and salads and the hard-to-resist Bin Burger. 

Getting there and away: The Grand Valley AVA/Palisade is about three hours from Denver. But you can also fly directly to Grand Junction too.

Healdsburg

This charming city, nestled in the heart of wine country in Sonoma County, is centered around a historic 19th-century plaza. The small-town vibes make Healdsburg a great escape for urban dwellers, eager for an opportunity to chill out for a few days. This being California, the emphasis on local and seasonal ingredients also make it an excellent weekend getaway for food obsessives, and there’s plenty of outdoor activities to satisfy even the most active visitor. 

Wineries with non-alcoholic options: Three esteemed wine valleys are easily accessible from Healdsburg: Alexander, Dry Creek, and Russian River and they offer much more than wine flights. Garrod Farms Estate Winery and Stables, a family owned and operated estate, does trail rides through the mountain on horseback. But if you want a wine tasting experience without the booze, check out Hamel Family Wines “dry tastings,” a fun sensory experience involving healthy flavored waters where guests are encouraged to guess what they’re drinking, or Meadowcraft Wines’ original zero-proof mocktails.

Non-winery activities: For a dose of arts and culture, head to Bob Johnson Art Gallery or the Healdsburg Center for the Arts, a nonprofit that sometimes features emerging artists. Guests of Montage Healdsburg can opt for a wine-free excursion on the Seaweed Adventure led by Heidi Herrmann of Strong Arm Farm or journey through the hotel’s thriving bee sanctuary.  

Where to stay: For a stylish yet unpretentious stay with all the bells and whistles of a true luxury hotel, look no further than Montage Healdsburg, where warm hospitality and a stunning location in rolling vineyards make it hard to leave. From Yoga Among the Vines to a couples’ massage and al fresco dining at Hazel Hill, you could a wonderful visit to the region without ever leaving this stylish property.

Where to eat: You can eat very well at Barndiva, a chic and delicious spot hyper-focused on fresh produce. A recent menu (it changes monthly) features a winter salad composed of blood orange, pomegranate, pecans, goat cheese, and dressed in an orange vinaigrette; follow it with the crispy chicken served with green chermoula, tahini, and garlic dressing. Prices are reasonable and the vibe is just right – as is the homemade carrot cake with cream cheese frosting. 

Getting there and away: Santa Rosa is the closest airport to Healdsburg, but you’ll more flight options if you choose Sacramento, Oakland or San Francisco, all of which are about a two-hour drive to town. If you don’t want to rent a car, you can pony up for an Uber or Lyft (these are also plentiful in town so you can explore the region) or look into an airport bus service that takes travelers from SFO to Sonoma County’s Airport.

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With a revitalization story like no other, thumping nightlife and incredible Andes Mountains vistas greeting you at every turn, this Colombian city is anything but typical. Let this month-by-month guide help you plan your trip Medellín.

High season: December through March

Best time for a day trip

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Ending and/or beginning your year in Medellín has its advantages. December is a light-filled extravaganza throughout the city, when its Christmas light spectacles – known as Alumbrados Navideños – are on full display typically through to the first or second week of January. As Colombia is a predominantly Catholic country, the Christmas spirit spills into every facet of life, whether it’s decorated public parks or massive, central displays in the city’s malls. December through March also presents the driest season of the year, with only five to 10 days of rain per month.

Shoulder season: June through August

Best time for festivals

If you’re going to book your Medellín trip around one festival, let it be the globally unique and wildly colorful Feria de Las Flores (Flower Festival). Lasting upwards of 10 days, this festival puts Colombia’s orchid and flower growers on full display. Fun fact: Colombia is home to more than 4000 species of orchids! Amid concerts, flower shows and parties galore, the Desfile de Silleteros is the can’t-miss moment, in which locals carry floats on their backs – composed of flowers – from the small town of Santa Elena in a parade through Medellín. In addition to the Flower Festival, catch the International Tango Festival, Poetry Festival and Colombiamoda fashion spectacle during the summer season.

Rainy seasons: April through May; September through November

Best time for a bargain

If you’re looking at a weather app during these months, you’ll likely see a thundercloud as the forecast for most, if not all, days. Count on rain upwards of 15 to 20 days out of the month during Medellín’s two rainy seasons. That said, this doesn’t mean every day is a total washout. In fact, most “rainy days” tend to consist of, at most, a two-hour shower in the late afternoon. Pack an umbrella or a raincoat, but if you forget, plenty of poncho vendors sell them on the streets. The periodic shower may be worth the noticeable dough you can save on airfare and hotels.

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January

The city hangs on to the Christmas spirit as long as possible, but the lights come down by mid-month. Be aware of the Epiphany holiday – on or around January 6 – as many businesses will shut down. In total, Colombia has 18 public holidays throughout the year, so certainly look into them ahead of time.
Key events: New Year’s Day

February

The pleasant temperatures keep rolling as bullfighting season (Temporada Taurina) starts. Events are held in the Plaza de Toros La Macarena, which hosts a number of big-time concerts throughout the year, too.
Key events: Bullfighting season

March

A comparatively quiet month in Medellín, unless it’s the rare occasion when Easter falls in March.
Key events: St. Joseph’s Day

April

In line with many major cities in South America and beyond, the city noticeably shuts down for Semana Santa (Holy Week). Many in Medellín leave the city to spend time with their families out of the hustle and bustle.
Key events: Expoartesano (the most famous artisan crafts fair in Latin America), Semana Santa (Holy Week)

May

This is Medellín’s rainiest month. Before any outdoor adventure, pack your poncho and look toward the hills for dark clouds. They can be the most reliable weather forecast around.
Key events: ColomBIOdiversity Festival

June

Colombia has two soccer seasons each year, with the first ending in June. Grab a bottle of aguardiente (an anise-flavored liqueur) or a bucket of Aguila (a local beer) and catch the playoffs on virtually any television in town. If Atlético Nacional or Deportivo Independiente Medellín are playing, head to Estadio Atanasio Girardot and catch the game in person!
Key events: International Tango Festival

July

While the temperatures remain warm, the festival season really starts to heat up in July. From fashion to salsa to poetry, Medellín takes center stage.
Key events: International Poetry Festival, Colombiamoda, Colombia Salsa Festival, Pride

August

Orchids and flowers are the talk of the town. Flower Festival events color the city at the beginning of the month with many local businesses showcasing flower displays of their own throughout August.
Key events: Flower Festival and Desfile de Silleteros, International Music Festival.

September

Love is in the air. Colombia’s version of Valentine’s Day (Día de Amor y Amistad) falls on September 18, so shower your boo accordingly.
Key events: Medellín International Jazz Festival, Día de Amor y Amistad.

October

In what’s typically Medellín’s second rainiest month, plan for a museum or a shopping day or two. Regardless of the weather, get out and about for Halloween. It’s taken very seriously throughout the city.
Key events: Maridaje (a food and wine trade show), Flamenco Festival, Bird Festival, Altavoz (a free international music festival), Hip Hop al Parque, Halloween

November

The city’s second rainy season starts to wind down. While you may be in Medellín, the Cartagena Independence Day celebration is always a big one for the entire country, falling on November 11 or the first Monday after. The day recognizes Cartagena becoming the first city in Colombia to declare independence from Spain.
Key events: Festival De Las Salsa Romántica, Colombian Women’s Day

December

Medellín is a global Christmas light destination. Take a stroll along the Río Medellín or virtually any city park – you’ll see why and fall in love with this place that much more.
Key events: Festival de las Luces y Alumbrados Navideños, Christmas Day of Candles, Antioquia Movie Festival

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But the seasons have a major impact on a trip to this Balkan gem. Choosing the best time to visit depends on your attitude to the weather and big crowds. High summer ushers in festivals and sunshine-soaked streets and beaches, while winter can seem like you have the city to yourself and is a gift to those traveling on a budget. This is how to choose best time to visit Dubrovnik for you.

What’s the weather like in Dubrovnik?

Dubrovnik is in southern Dalmatia, near Croatia’s southern tip. The Adriatic offers swimming and water sports and gives this port city a maritime climate. Summers are warm and sunny, and winters are damp and fairly mild. It’s a compact place, with under 50,000 residents – making it significantly smaller than Split and Zadar further up the coast. That means the picturesque Old Town can get crowded during peak times, so plan your trip carefully.

July and August bring high temps, great festivals…and crowds

In July and August (the high season), the sea is warm, and there’s an average of 11 hours of sunshine each day. Temperatures frequently exceed 95°F (35°C) as a constant stream of festivals – which focus on classical music, theater, folk and opera – arrive in town. Croatia’s many dance music festivals are further up the coast near Zadar, but buses and ferries make getting around a breeze.

This all means Dubrovnik gets busy, so book your accommodations as early as possible. Overnight visitors are joined by cruise ship passengers several times a day, which can make the Old Town hectic. Things are quietest before 9.30am or after 3pm, and day trips and visits to nearby islands mean you won’t struggle to fill your day.

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By August, the water is at its warmest, though you may need to look for longer to find a quiet spot – try hopping on a sea kayak or getting a boat to the car-free Elaphite Islands. Dubrovnik’s cultural blitz continues with concerts and theater (usually including 16th-century playwright Marin Držić’s exuberant comedies). The heat and high visitor numbers mean it’s not worth rushing – instead, go with the flow and soak up the atmosphere.

May, June, September and October offer sunshine and breathing space

In May, June, September and October, temperatures of 77°F (25°C) or higher are common, and while the sea can be cool, this is still a good time for a beach-focused holiday. The Old Town can sometimes get crowded but without the intensity of July and August. Conditions are good for touring the islands, hiking or rafting.

May is a great time to visit as almost everything is open without being too busy. You can enjoy the spring sunshine from pavement cafes, and it’s a good month for walking (try the Way of the Cross, hilly Šipan, or wooded Mljet). June offers warm sun and an early summer buzz, plus you’ll find less congestion on the city’s famous walls, giving you more time to appreciate Dubrovnik’s proud trading history and glittering sea views.

By September, Dubrovnik slips gently into the shoulder season. At the start of the month, classical festivals are still in full swing, the weather can be baking, and the Old Town is full of eager visitors. But as September moves on, things become cooler and less feverish. It’s a fine time to visit, with plenty of sunshine but space to breathe at popular attractions.

October is another of Dubrovnik’s most pleasant months and your last chance for beach time. Some restaurants and hotels shut, but there’s enough going on for the city to still feel vibrant, including food festivals and sporting events. Hiking and kayaking are appealing, accommodations are relatively affordable, and the cool waters off beaches such as Sveti Jakov and Bellevue are yours to explore.

November to April is great for visitors on a budget

If you’re visiting between November and April, it’ll be too cold to stretch out on the beach. But if you’re looking to explore the city’s architectural and cultural delights in peace, you’re in luck. The Old Town feels less like a busy museum and more like a living city, quite a few bars and restaurants stay open right through the winter, and hotel prices drop substantially.

November can be lovely, with average temperatures reaching a high of around 62°F (17°C). You’ll rarely wait in line anywhere, so you can pack in museums, galleries, churches and nearby destinations such as Split before heading inside to fill up on a hearty meal of stuffed peppers and fažol (spicy bean soup). December is usually cold and often wet, but celebrations bring a spark to its dark evenings. The Winter Festival has twinkling lights, a Christmas Fair and plenty of cod dishes.

Most visitors stay away for January, the city’s coldest month. But come February, the festivals begin again. The Feast of St Blaise celebrates Dubrovnik’s patron saint with concerts and theater, while the Carnival packs in a costume parade, wine, street food and kids’ activities. Visitor numbers are still low in March, but it’s good for exploring the city walls or day trips to fishing villages or Trsteno Arboretum. Accommodations are still inexpensive.

April sees a distinct uptick in sunshine and a shift in the city’s energy too. Easter is the traditional start of the tourist season, and the festival features street events and pinca sirnica, a sweet Easter bread.

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But this tiny country wasn’t always so packed with tourists, and there are many important things to be aware of ahead of your visit. Sensible travelers will want to minimize their impact on the pristine environment and be considerate of local etiquette.

In these wild landscapes, small errors can lead to life-threatening situations for both the visitor and the search and rescue operations mounted to save them. This handy guide can help first-time visitors avoid social embarrassment, travel responsibly and have a safe and informed trip.

1. Understand the impact of tourism on Iceland

Iceland has a population of around 366,000. Before travelers started arriving in droves (with numbers that topped 2 million per year pre-pandemic), most Icelandic sights, from thundering waterfall Skógafoss and basalt beach Reynisfjara to the wild interiors at Landmannalaugar & Þórsmörk, had no need for big car parks, safety placards or hordes of park rangers. Developing an infrastructure that can cope with its appreciative new visitors while maintaining the untouched feeling of one of the world’s most unique landscapes has been a major challenge for Iceland.

2. Use common sense to stay safe in the wild

Some tourists have been a little foolish in Iceland’s incredible landscapes. We’ve seen visitors stroll onto the Sólheimajökull glacier in sneakers and light jackets and a family attempting to drive across Langjökull glacier in a small SUV. We’ve watched a teenager jump into 2°C (35°F) waters at Þingvellir National Park for a dare and witnessed tourists being sucked into the waves at black-sand Djúpalónssandur beach, one of Iceland’s best.

Though Iceland’s dramatic terrain is perilous, you may find no safety rails beside cliff edges and no ropes alongside plummeting waterfalls. Icelanders prefer not to mar their beauty with obvious signs or railings and count on people to be smart. And if there are signs or barriers, heed them.

3. Dress appropriately for hikes and pack proper outdoor gear

Bring good maps and appropriate gear, plus (you’ve heard it before): common sense. Consult a proper hiking or cold-weather packing list. Consider: if you have no access to a car or building, would you be warm and dry enough in what you are wearing? No hiking in jeans, no climbing on glaciers without proper guidance, no fording rivers in subcompact cars and no camping without hardcore waterproof tents. Then just relax and enjoy all that beauty, no fear required.

Being prepared can open up great wilderness areas such as the Westfjords’ beautiful Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, known for its Arctic foxes, spectacular birding cliffs and unspoiled hiking and camping.

If you need additional equipment once in Iceland, Reykjavík has a bevy of suppliers for gear purchase or rental, including Fjallakofinn.

4. Plan ahead when hitting the road or the hiking trails

Having your own wheels in Iceland is a wonderful treat: it allows you to roam the grand countryside at your leisure. Always prepare before setting out: investigate driving times and road conditions (via the Icelandic Road Administration), weather forecasts, safety issues and, if you’re hiking, trail conditions and requirements. Ask locals, who will know the tricks and troubles of each place. Then listen. Plan an itinerary that’s realistic for you. You don’t want to be caught on a hillside in fog or sleet (whether on foot or in your car) with no food and water and no idea how to get back to humankind.

Safe Travel is a site run by ICE-SAR (Icelandic Search & Rescue), with travel and weather alerts and information, a smartphone app (useful in emergencies) and procedures for filing a travel plan. Another good information source is Ferðafélag Íslands (the Icelandic Touring Association) which runs many huts, campgrounds and hiking trails.

5. Do not drive off-road

Never drive off-road. It’s illegal and incredibly damaging to the fragile environment. Cavalier tourists leave tracks where they’ve flouted the rule, and those tracks entice others to do the same. Even with a 4WD, stick to marked roads.

6. Always shower with soap before taking a dip in hot springs

Part of the unique gift of Iceland’s volcanic landscape is the excellent natural hot springs you’ll find from the town center to the fjord side. It’s practically a national pastime to hit the local hotpot, soak and gossip. It is, however, an absolute mandatory hygiene and etiquette rule to wash thoroughly with soap before donning your swimsuit to enter the hot springs and pools. Most pools are untreated with chemicals, so cleanliness is a real factor. Whether you’re at the famous Blue Lagoon or the remote Krossneslaug, there’s no quicker way to disgust an Icelander than to jump in dirty. You should also take your shoes off and put them on the rack provided as you enter the changing room.

7. Take a tour of the more remote or dangerous landscapes

Iceland’s tour operators are a professional and knowledgeable bunch and can get you out into rugged country via super-Jeep, amphibious bus, snowmobile, helicopter and more. Going on a tour can offer insights and guidance through dangerous landscapes you shouldn’t tackle alone.

8. When driving, stick to appropriate roads

Know which roads are accessible in the type of vehicle you’re driving. Beyond Iceland’s main Ring Road (Route 1), fingers of sealed road or gravel stretch out to most communities until you reach the F Roads, bumpy tracks only passable by 4WD. F roads are truly unsafe for small cars. If you travel on them in a hired 2WD, you invalidate your insurance. Steer clear, hire a 4WD or take a 4WD bus or super-Jeep tour. Similarly, trying to ford a river in a 2WD vehicle or low-slung 4WD is asking for trouble.

9. Travel responsibly and sustainably

Remember the basics of responsible travel: don’t litter, reduce your footprint, leave places better than you found them and protect wild animals and natural flora. This applies to popular sights like the Golden Circle as well as the wild interior where it’s just you, the glaciers and volcanoes. Check out Nature.is for tips on sustainable travel in Iceland.

10. Appreciate the open-minded creativity of Icelanders

Icelanders are a generally hardy and open-minded group with a dry but vibrant sense of humor. They tend to speak impeccable English and are game for a chat, or to tell you about their favorite places to go. Respecting local etiquette and laws (along with not whingeing about the weather, or how hard it is to get to the natural wonders) will go a long way in endearing you to them and open opportunities for local connections.

They are also broad in their curiosities – it seems like half of Icelanders are in a band or making some sort of art or craft. They’re used to thinking big and having fun. Get out there and join them.

11. Take the weather seriously

You may encounter bus tours and droves of visitors in popular places, but Icelandic weather is highly volatile, no matter where you are. A sunny day can quickly turn to snow flurries, and the stakes get even higher as you head into the true wilds. Never underestimate the weather – plan ahead with forecasts from the Icelandic Met Office.

12. Remove your shoes indoors

Icelanders often remove their shoes when they head inside. Pack flip-flops or slippers for indoors.

13. Drink the tap water

It’s pure and wonderful; Icelanders will look at you askance if you ask for bottled water.

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