There’s no shortage of romantic destinations in the US. America is a country that’s full of charming towns and cities, no matter how big or small.
So if you’re considering a romantic trip in the United States with your sweetheart, we’ve put together the best city breaks the country has to offer, plus several nature-focused destinations for good measure.
Scottsdale in Arizona is one of the best romantic getaways in the United States. If you are planning for a romantic getaway Scottsdale should be on your list. Here you can check out this Scottsdale visitors guide to know the more interesting things about this city.
Scottsdale is a small city with great restaurants and reasonable housing where you can walk between. Scottsdale has luxurious homes and condos from walking a short distance to Old Town/downtown and of course a very good wine manufacturing region.
The first choice to plan a romantic getaway in Scottsdale is deciding where you should stay. Scottsdale
has a range of options. If you like to stay in a resort with a spa facility, you will absolutely love everything
at the Hyatt Regency-Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch.
You will get a full resort experience in the Hyatt. It’s just only a drive of 15 minutes from downtown. The
other resorts you can find by driving 30-45 minutes from downtown. You can also explore local
attractions at the same time.
Boston is one of the country’s coziest cities. This European-looking city holds a unique charm of its own. One of the top places to visit here is a nice and charming park in the city center, the Boston Common, a perfect place to go to on afternoons.
Another gorgeous area is Beacon Hill, which used to be the historical center of the city, and one of the oldest parts of Boston. The name comes from the area’s purpose – because it’s a hill, it’s an ideal place for a signal beacon. Other famous attractions include Trinity church, its public library, and the Quincy market.
There are a lot of other things to do together while you’re in the area. Stroll along the Freedom Trail, which starts from Boston Commons, and has an extensive park to relax before hiking the remainder of the trail.
Don’t miss out on the Skywalk Observatory, as well. Enjoy the panoramic views from the top, as you witness the spectacular views of the sunset.
It’s hard to find a more charming city than San Francisco. It’s indeed beautiful, serving as a perfect backdrop for couples who want to celebrate their anniversary or go on a honeymoon.
The Golden Bridge is probably one of its most iconic landmarks. But if you want to discover more of the city’s charm, head off to Lombard Street, also known as the crooked street. It’s named that way because of the street’s unique shape, and flower setting, making it a popular tourist spot for visitors. Afterward, ride on a cable car and marvel at the city views.
From strolling the Golden Gate Park, exploring the Castro area, and the Fisherman’s Wharf, getting up close with the sea lions on Pier 39, or even tying the knot at the Presidio - you’ll never run out of things to do in San Francisco.
Key West might initially come off as a tourist destination, but it’s actually one of the most exotic destinations that you can go to with your partner. The island itself has no shortage of tourist attractions and interesting history.
Make sure to check out key places like Duval Street, the Ernest Hemingway Museum, and Key West Lighthouse. Also, don’t forget to take a classic photo op on the lighthouse with your sweetheart!
Afterward, you can catch the beautiful sunset with Key West Sunset Cruise. The place also has regular street performances. Also, don’t leave without tasting a classic slice of Key Lime Pie!
Walla Walla is a quaint, small, charming town in the US. The area is nestled in a rural valley oasis found in between vineyards and farmlands and surrounded by the Blue Mountains, and Palouse Hills. There’s no doubt about it, the place is charming.
Going to the town proper, you’ll pass by numerous wineries, with award-winning flavors for tasting. Once you reach the town, you’d be surrounded by charming streets filled with boutiques, cafes, art galleries, and vintage shops. Because of its lovely houses, heritage building, and historical areas, it’s quite easy for one to wistfully wish of living here.
If you and your significant other are avid wine lovers, then you’ve come to the right place. Since Washington is known to be a wine country, you’d never run out of local wineries to visit in the area, with lovely patios and breathtaking views to offer.
Skagway is an ideal location for couples with adventurous spirits. This two-mile-long city is found between two giant mountains on top of Lynne Canal. Spend lovely afternoons at Yakutania Point, or hike your way up to Lower Dewey Lake if you want to revel in nature and camp in the Alaskan wilderness.
There are several hiking trails in the area, and a lot of salmon specialties to try if you both are foodies. Known to be the “Garden City of Alaska,” it celebrates its summer solstice with about 20 hours of sunlight, as well as a rhubarb festival. While you’re here, you’ll feel as if you’re a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Experience Santa Fe’s magic as you marvel in its breathtaking architecture, as well as its little streets that lead to 17th-century trails.
Enjoy relaxing spa treatments at the La Posada of Santa Fe or at 10,000 Waves. Both of these facilities offer couples massages and other treatments.
Afterward, enjoy a romantic dinner at the Anasazi Restaurant and Bar where they serve delectably innovative dishes, set in a rustic setting. Make sure to cap the night off at Secreto Lounge, one of Santa Fe’s best-kept secrets.
Honolulu is the capital of Oahu, as well as the entire state of Hawaii. It serves as the biggest commercial center of the island and is home to Waikiki beach, which offers one of the most spectacular orange, and pink sunsets on the island.
Honolulu has waves that are ideal for beginners, so it’s perfect if you want to try out a new skill like surfing with your beloved.
While you’re there, go on a day trip to the North Shore, which houses some of the best surf spots in Hawaii, as well as one of the most magnificent waves in the world.
Drop by the sleepy village of Haleiwa where you can have a lovely lunch Haleiwa Joe’s before you look for a great sunset spot afterward.
Whether you’re looking for an ideal travel getaway for your next anniversary trip, the perfect honeymoon spot, or just finding a place to connect, these places are perfect for a little inspiration! If you have any suggestions of your own to share with the travel community, be sure to mention them in the comments below.
Honeymoons are all about relaxation, a good time, and romance but how about making your honeymoon adventurous? If you and your partner are very adventurous and active individuals, you might want to take a look at some of the best adventure honeymoon destinations we have specifically picked for you on this list.
However, if you are still in search of that special someone, check out DoULike – a website made to connect people and help you find a friend, maybe even a possible partner in the future! Who knows, maybe it can even help you find the chosen one too!
There is nothing better than being in the place of your dreams, with a person of your dreams. Look no further for the best adventure honeymoons and have the best time of your life with that special someone who you plan to spend the rest of your life with. Here are six breathtaking destinations for all of you who enjoy a good view, unique adventures, and a fun time!
Marrakech in Morocco is a rather mysterious, yet very charming city. If you love to see snake charmers, roam around the bazaars or see a city surrounded by 12th-century walls, Marrakech will be a place to remember. This mysterious place is also an imperial city, which means you can find outstandingly beautiful palaces here, tour and learn more about their history.
However, if you like to shop and buy some great souvenirs, check out souks. Souks are usually shops featuring no price tags or fixed prices, here you will have to haggle. Jewelry, silver, ceramics, clothing, rugs, and other hand-made crafts are just a few of the many things you can find by shopping at souks.
Another place you should visit if you end up having an adventurous honeymoon here is Majorelle Garden. Majorelle Garden is an art deco-influenced villa, it was built by Jacques Majorelle and it is filled with rare plants and beautiful scents from all the parts of the world.
Tuscany located in Italy is an often-picked honeymoon destination. This place is all about romance, beautiful landscapes, and a great atmosphere. As soon as you arrive here, make sure your significant other knows how great this location is – take them on a luxurious wine tour! Wine tours are a great way of understanding Tuscany as a place, but also meeting some great people on the way.
Now that you have tried out some of the famous wines, head towards Florence, a home of outstandingly beautiful art, architecture, and great food. Enjoy the slow, romantic meals with your significant other and learn everything about Tuscan cuisine as you do. And to complete your honeymoon adventure, enjoy the beautiful Tuscan scenery by booking one of the luxurious villas for rent in Tuscany Italy.
Nihiwatu is a paradise for all of you who enjoy surfing, natural beauty, and great adventures. On your first day here, you will notice how beautiful the sunsets are, you will see the transforming sky and many colors of candy hues all over it.
However, you are not coming here just for the sunsets, right? Nihiwatu is a combination of rustic and luxury, there are bamboo showers, open-air bathrooms, and great Indonesian crafts and art found everywhere.
To make things even better, Nihiwatu also offers the Spa Safari. The Spa Safari is one of the things most honeymooners simply have to try out. While it is a little bit pricey ($595 per couple), it is surely something to remember.
Cappadocia, Turkey is a little bit different from what most people expect from a honeymoon. Here you can enjoy the famous wineries, hot-air balloons, spa treatments, and hiking.
Cappadocia is a world away from all of the problems, it is much different than what you are used to. Did you know Cappadocia has been making wine for over 7,000 years now? This location features great red wine as well as amazing food. Try out testy kebab, pide, and maybe even get a recipe or two from the local people?
Ever thought of staying in the world’s largest hotel made out of ice and snow? Not only one of the most amazing hotels in the world, but it is also another good reason for giving your significant other a good tight hug and warm them up!
Ice Hotel located in Sweden is an icy chamber for all of you who wish to explore Europe and enjoy the beautiful Northern Lights as these are frequently seen by guests here. Who would not like looking at the Northern Lights and combining them with a great romantic dinner in a place made out of ice? Sounds rather unreal, but it is possible!
Here you can do ice-sculpting, do overnight wilderness tours, enjoy cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing – it just does not get any more adventurous than that!
Taj Exotica is somewhere anyone who has seen, wishes to be right away. This is a perfect honeymoon destination, a place where you can escape the fast pace of everyday life. Enjoy speedboat rides and the azure waters of the Indian Ocean, go on a wildlife-spotting walk and lounge at your private beach.
Aside from relaxation and true peace, Taj Exotica offers the freshest seafood at the Deep End, a place where you will get to taste the theatrical Teppanyaki kitchen! Taj Exotica found in the Maldives is a great place to create lifelong memories and enjoy the haven of tranquility with the most important person in your life.
Pick the best honeymoon destination by knowing what you two enjoy the most. There is something for everyone to enjoy, sit back and think of all the things you would like to do and see. Make your honeymoon a memorable experience, an experience you will talk about for the rest of your life.
If you are planning a trip to Africa – or are merely an avid hiker – you may have wondered what the best mountain ranges on this expansive continent might be.
Home to some of the most fascinating geological features and gorgeous plant and wildlife species in the world, these five mountains in Africa should be on any outdoor enthusiast’s hiking bucket list.
Height: 14,927 feet (4,550 meters)
Location: Ethiopia
As Ethiopia’s tallest mountain and the highest mountain in the Horn of Africa, this peak goes by several names, including Ras Dashen, Ras Dejen, and Ras Dashan. Located in the Simien Mountain Range, which is known for its steep ravines, rugged mountains as well as rare flora & fauna, this hike is a must for any avid enthusiast.
This mountain can be hard to get to, as Ethiopia has strained relationships with several of its bordering countries, like Eritrea. Therefore, the easiest way to get there is to fly. Once there, you must arrange your hike through a local park office. The hikes themselves are challenging, but not impossible. The park receives a lot of visitors, so as a result trails are relatively well-trafficked and easy to navigate, with only small scrambles requiring minimal technical skill.
Height: 16,762 feet (5,109 meters)
Location: Democratic Republic of Congo/Uganda
Formerly referred to as the Ruwenzori Range, the Rwenzori Mountains are often affectionately called the “Mountains of the Moon.” Located on the border between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, the mountain tops out at 16,762 feet above sea level and offers permanently snow-capped peaks. The mountain range is inside both the Rwenzori National Park and Virunga National Park and is comprised nearly entirely of crystalline rocks like granite and quartzite.
This mountain range offers multiple mountains and different hikes, each of which is separated by a deep gorge. Popular hikes include treks up Mount Emin, Mount Baker, Mount Gessi, and Mount Stanley. While these mountains are prolific among hiking groups, they are also popular for those interested in mountaineering and safaris. You can climb to the top of the highest peak in less than two weeks, allowing you plenty of time to visit the neighboring Bakonzo villages for cultural experiences and nature walks.
To get to Rwenzori Mountain National Park, you can use either road or air transport. The drive from the nearest town can take several hours, while it only takes about half an hour to land via charter plane. You can access the park from the Democratic Republic of Congo or from Rwanda. This hike allows you to see all the surrounding peaks and glaciers, and it’s possible to reach all of the major peaks in less than two weeks of travel time.
Height: 19,341 feet (5,895 meters)
Location: Tanzania
Mount Kilimanjaro is the quintessential African mountain. Located in the Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania, this mountain is also part of a national park system of the same name. It is one of the major hiking destinations in East Africa, offering views of three volcanic cones (Mawenzi, Shira, and Kibo). It is also a dominant volcano. Kilimanjaro is the tallest mountain in Africa, rising 16,000 feet from its base above sea level.
Each year, nearly 17,000 hikers visit this peak, traversing over well-traveled routes like Machame, Mweka, Lemosho, Rongai, and Umbwe, among others. Machame is one of the most popular routes, allowing hikers to both summit and return in about a week. It is scenic but incredibly steep. Rongai, on the other hand, is easier but offers less scenery.
Regardless of the trail you select, all routes are about the same in length. There is a lot of accommodation available along the way or you can bring your own 4-season tent if you want to camp. The hike is marked by challenges that include high winds, cold temperatures, and, of course, a high elevation. Whilst you don’t need technical climbing skills, you do need to be physically and mentally prepared for the journey and be aware that altitude sickness commonly affects hikers.
Luckily, Kilimanjaro is easy to get to, offering travelers its own airport. Multiple African airlines travel to and from this airport, and there are nearby hotels that your trekking company will likely partner with. You can also connect by bus to the mountain town of Arusha by way of Kampala, Nairobi, or Dar es Salaam.
Height: 13,671 feet (4,167 meters)
Location: Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria
Bridging the border between Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia, this mountain range spans nearly 1600 miles through the three nations. Hikes in this area offer a unique look at where multiple geographical zones intersect: here you see where the Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines meet, as well as where the Sahara Desert begins to emerge. Hikes allow you to check out dozens of endangered species and diverse flora and fauna, including animals such as the Atlas Bear the Barbary Stag, the North African Elephant, and many more.
This mountain range is not commonly frequented by tourists and can be reached by road from Casablanca, Rabat, or Marrakech. Imlil is one of the main starting points for hiking in the Atlas Mountains and is a village that will offer you an exceptional experience in interacting with the local Berber culture. Most hikes can be completed in about four days and are of moderate difficulty.
Height: 11,400 feet (3,475 meters)
Location: South Africa
The Drakensberg spans the eastern portion of the Great Escarpments on the southern African plateau. Stretching from the Eastern Cape province toward the Kwazulu Natal province, this main mountain range of South Africa is one of the most historic and gorgeous of those in Southern Africa. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this mountain range is home to thousands of rock and cave art and paintings, allowing you to experience the culture and heritage of the region as well as its natural beauty.
The range is also home to multiple parks and game reserves, serving as the main watershed of South Africa. The highest peak in this range is Thabana Ntlenyana, topping out at over 11,000 feet, with lesser but still impressive peaks including Mafadi, Giant’s Castle, and Ben Macdhui.
Another popular hiking destination in this region is cathedral peak. This zone is located in north Lesotho, where the range begins to level out and be less rugged. Here, there are multiple day hikes available, allowing you to choose from long overnight treks or quick jaunts into the wilderness. The hikes include impressive views of the area, as well as access to swimming areas, forests, waterfalls, and even wildlife viewing. The range is home to unique spices like the eland, baboons, reedbuck, duikers, and more.
Edinburgh is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Medieval architecture gives the city a magical atmosphere, especially around Christmas. But this lively city is popular with tourists year-round.
Luckily, a trip to Edinburgh doesn’t have to break the bank as there are plenty of free activities you can do here.
There is no better introduction to Edinburgh than through a Free Walking Tour. There are lots of different ones offered every day; you can find them all on the Royal Mile.
On a Free Walking Tour, a local guide will lead you around the highlights of Edinburgh for a few hours, telling you all about the history. Instead of a fee upfront, Free Walking Tours depend on tips. So you tip the guide whatever you thought the tour was worth at the end.
Kirk is an old word for church, and the Greyfriars Kirk is one of the oldest buildings in Edinburgh, dating back to 1602. Beautiful as the church is, it is especially famous for its graveyard. The graveyard is essentially a mass grave for victims of the plague, but also the resting place of many well-known and rich citizens of Edinburgh.
It’s free to visit and both beautiful and eerie. It is a quiet green place, tucked away in Old Town. The big tourist draw to Greyfriars Kirk is the story of the Greyfriars Bobby, once a dog of one of the monks, and because some of the headstones have names from Harry Potter characters.
Speaking of Harry Potter, Greyfriars Graveyard is not the only source of inspiration for the famous book series. J.K. Rowling lived in Edinburgh when she came up with the story of ‘The Boy Who Lived.’ Walking through the city, it is easy to see how she might have felt inspired by Edinburgh’s magical atmosphere.
She was directly influenced by several sights in the city, not just the Graveyard, and you can visit them all on a self-guided Harry Potter tour of Edinburgh.
If you want to learn more about the history of Scotland, the National Museum of Scotland is the place to be. This natural history museum is worth a visit alone for the beautiful main hall, but also the great exhibitions. It’s a fun, free day out for both kids and adults where you can learn about the fascinating history of Scotland and Scottish culture.
The Royal Mile is the famous road that runs from Holyrood Palace to Edinburgh Castle. Officially it is made up of the streets Castle Hill, Lawnmarket, High Street, Canongate, and Abbey Strand, but more commonly known by its nickname.
The Royal Mile is the touristic heart of the city, and the whole street is lined with shops, restaurants, and historical landmarks. Strolling up and down the Royal Mile is free and a fun way to explore the city.
If you want a truly sensational view of Edinburgh and you don’t mind breaking a sweat, you have to climb Arthurs Seat. The hill is a remnant of Scotland's volcanic past and lies right outside the city center next to Holyrood Palace. It’s a popular place for tourists and locals, but don’t expect an easy stroll. Arthurs Seat is a serious hike, but the view is worth it.
The Scottish National Gallery may be small in size, but not in beauty. The atmosphere in the Gallery is cozy and intimate and allows you to get up close and personal with the art. Here you can see paintings by famous Scottish artists, such as Turner and McTaggart for free.
If you thought Edinburgh was beautiful and charming, you should see Deans Village. Just northwest of the city center lies arguably the most picturesque part of town. Although it was once built to house mill workers, the current residents are much richer. Luckily, you don’t need to pay anything to stroll around the lovely little streets and historical buildings.
Sure, you will have to actually pay for your drink. But you get the atmosphere for free. Sandy Bell’s is one of Edinburgh's oldest pubs, and it has retained its authentic charm. It’s a popular pub among locals, and you often find musicians playing traditional Scottish music here. Order a pint or a glass of whiskey from their excellent drink menu and enjoy a real Scottish night out.
The Royal Botanical Gardens in Edinburgh are almost 350 years old and one of the most famous in the world. The beautiful 70-acre gardens house a large variety of plants in different landscapes, such a Chinese garden, Alpine house, woodlands, and rock gardens.
The Gardens are easy to reach by bus and the perfect place for a stroll if the weather allows. Entry to the Botanical Gardens is free, except during their Christmas light show in December, which is actually worth paying for.
No travel crew is complete without the thrill seeker. The adrenaline junky who leads the search for the next big dare or hit of danger. So often though, thrill-seeking becomes synonymous with sky diving or hang gliding, with adrenaline lovers from all over the world flocking to the most Instagram-worthy peaks they can find while overlooking countless other hidden gems.
The following list includes some of the world’s most underrated and less frequented thrill-seeking activities. Each is guaranteed to pique the interest of moderate and hard-core daredevils alike!
You read that correctly. Our childhood dreams have come true and you can actually race the streets of Tokyo and Osaka dressed as your favorite beloved Mario Kart character! No, you can’t throw shells or banana peels at your friends, but you can breeze past them en route to a first-place finish!
Close enough, and considering the fact that you will be driving down the street alongside actual cars and buses, there will be enough inherent danger to satisfy even the bravest of daredevils in the crew. The most popular tour is offered by a company called MariCar Shinagawa, which vehemently insists that they are in no way shape or form affiliated with Nintendo or the Mario Kart franchise. No scamming intended here, just a nostalgic and thrilling ride down memory lane! They offer modified go-karts and of course awesome costumes so you can look the part and blaze the trail.
Somewhere in between “let’s do it!” and “absolutely not” lies the daunting Nevis Swing in Queenstown, New Zealand. Those who have the nerve can take the 70 meters (230 ft) plunge before swinging in a 300 meter (984 ft) arc sure to get your juices flowing. Needless to say, the Nevis Swing is the largest swing in the world and subsequently probably the scariest.
It is a part of the AJ Hackett Bungy adventure collection which also includes the Nevis Bungy, New Zealand’s largest bungee jump at 134 meters (roughly 439 feet). Hackett himself is responsible for popularizing the bungee jump after his 1987 leap from the Eiffel Tower and founded the world’s first commercial bungee site a year later. Fear is the most probable reason this attraction isn’t more widely visited (understandably so), but for those who aren’t afraid and may have overlooked it, I would implore you to take a leap of faith. Pun intended.
High in the hills of Banos, Ecuador sits a small tree house and observatory called Casa Del Arbol. Attached is a sensational little swing that overlooks a daunting cliffside, leaving visitors dangling tens of feet from the edge! Though not nearly as large or high as the Nevis Swing, it is the story of the Casa Del Arbol swing and the treehouse that is more compelling and lesser-known and perhaps, therefore, underrated. Carlos Sanchez of the Ecuadorian Geophysical Institute built the observatory (and the swing) in the early 2000s to monitor the active Volcán Tungurahua (Volcano) nearby.
The swing, Sanchez says, was built simply to pass the time and unwind after hours of observation but its significance would change in 2014. A group of American exchange students stumbled upon the treehouse while hiking and took turns enjoying the swing. Suddenly, Volcán Tungurahua erupted in the distance, and the group quickly fled but not before Sean Hacker Teper snapped the above picture that soon went viral on social media.
The photo won 1st prize in National Geographic’s Photo Contest that year and has since inspired hundreds of thousands of visitors to make the trip, myself included. Ecuador in itself is a less frequented tourism destination let alone the swing, and I would highly recommend both. To be fair, safety measures have been taken since the rise in tourism, with a seat belt and iron support beam being implemented. But the swing still offers quite the rush.
Three words: What. A. Rush. Despite ranking #2 on CNN’s list of 50 most thrilling things to do on vacation in 2014, there doesn’t seem to be as many people flocking to the hills as one might think. It takes place at Cerro Negro Volcano, just outside of the town of Leon, and is considered an active volcano since it has erupted as recently as 1999. The day starts with an hour-long hike to its 728 m (2,388 ft) high summit before sitting and boarding down its surface at blistering speeds!
In principle, there isn’t much difference between boarding and sledding per se, but somehow “volcano sledding” doesn’t quite do it. Plus volcano boarding comes with the added inherent risk of an eruption which to some thrill-seekers is important (the added risk, not the eruption necessarily). And since I’ve never seen or heard about anyone sledding down anything other than a snowy hill, I think a slight distinction makes sense.
Speaking from experience, the views at the top of Cerro Negro are breathtaking and the ride itself is exhilarating. It is not excessively dangerous, but you can pick up some serious speed and the wrong body position can send you tumbling down the volcano with your board either right behind or way ahead of you! Don’t worry, you are given a protective jumpsuit to protect your skin during a fall, and your guide is always on standby should you need assistance. Fun doesn’t even begin to describe the experience.
Of all the ways to propel yourself down a high and steep surface, mountain carting takes the cake for me. There is nothing like the wind in your hair and the jaw-dropping views over the mountainside that really gets your engine running. Speaking of engines, there aren’t any in the carts.
Nor are there pedals, just hand breaks on both sides and good old-fashioned gravity and momentum! That’s what makes this activity so unique for me and absolutely worthy of a spot on your list.
You can find this hidden gem in the hills of Grindelwald, and high is the optimal word. It requires a 45-minute cable car ride to reach the starting point, and the incline is fairly steep hence the lack of engine and pedals. Picking up speed won’t be a problem, and neither will satisfying your thirst for adrenaline! An absolute blast of a time and experience of a lifetime.
You probably heard about Romania before. It is an Eastern European country located near Bulgaria, Serbia, Ukraine, Moldova, and Hungary which you probably know better. This country has it all: seaside, mountains, hills, plains, rivers, volcanoes, abundant wildlife, and many cultural attractions. To help you save time, we narrowed the information to the 10 best things to see during your time in this unknown fantastic country.
Romania has no less than 15 seaside resorts at the Black Sea where you can spend a spectacular vacation. You will find various types of accommodation fitting every budget so you can enjoy the sandy beaches and clear blue water. The two most famous black sea resorts are Mamaia, the most expensive one and Vama Veche, this is the perfect place for your more alternative travelers, where hipsters and hippies mingle.
The Carpathian Mountains, are spectacular, and you can enjoy the scenery by hiking. There are many hiking trails available for both beginners and experts, and you can enjoy the view of glacial lakes, waterfalls, and cloudy mountain tops.
According to EU standards, this country offers the most significant biodiversity in the bloc, so if you love birds and animals in general, this is where you have to spend a week. Brown bears, wolves, deer, chamois, amazing birds, this is what Romania has for you in several reservations.
Have you heard about Salina Turda? Well, it is a hidden salt lake where you can ride a Ferris wheel underground and enjoy the fresh, salty air. This place is a half-hour drive away from Cluj-Napoca and has a depth of 250 meters, not to talk about the amusement park that features 1,200 meters of thick salt layers.
Romania has 8 UNESCO world heritage sites where you can see the painted monasteries of Moldova, the fortified churches of Transylvania, the Dacian fortresses of the Orastie mountains, and the historical city of Sighisoara, and not forget about the spectacular water world in Danube Delta.
Romania has a large variety of architectural styles, and if you’re a fan, then you will be delighted to see them all while discovering ancient history and its fascinating past. Every city has an old town place where you can see the antique architectural style. You can explore mountain cities like Busteni, Brasov, Sibiu, or even Sighisoara, Cluj, Oradea, or Constanta where you can see a grand old casino situated on the cliff edge.
Romanian history is abundant in heroic fights, and war stories, so the castles were necessary. This is why they have so many. You can start with Peles Castle – one of the most beautiful architectural styles, Bran Castle – if Dracula’s story appeals to you, Corvin Castle – a Gothic structure that seems taken out from Game of Thrones episodes.
If you want to experience genuine hospitality – the most critical value for Romanians, you should go to Romanian villages and enter in contact with its people. The traditional food will make you crave more, and the customs and traditions will fascinate you.
During the festivals, Romania looks different and the party atmosphere is there. You can discover a new place and also meet like-minded people. You can go to Cluj-Napoca for music festivals like Untold and Electric Castle. In Bucharest, you can listen to classical music through the George Enescu Music Festival.
If you want to have a taste of lively nightlife, Bucharest is the place to visit. With plenty of bars, cafes, terraces, and nightclubs, the capital has everything for everyone.
Romania is a country of contrasts: old and new, citizen and foreigner, classical and modern. Here people are friendly and hospitable to everyone, especially foreigners, and the things you can see or do here don’t stop at this list. Come and see for yourself!
You’ve all seen the Instagram photos of bronzed celebrities frolicking on the white sand beaches of the Maldives. And you’ve probably heard that it costs anywhere between $300 per night and $50,000 per night (underwater suite at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island) to stay there. But have you heard that the number of guesthouses and boutique hotels has been multiplying in the Maldives, and now they outnumber resorts by 5 to 1!
There are now 560 guesthouses in the Maldives, with rates starting as low as $50 per night. That’s right, $50 to access the turquoise lagoons and year-round sunshine this tropical archipelago is renowned for. The accommodations in this new category (made legal in 2009) vary from simple rooms right up to boutique hotels, but even the flashiest ones still only cost around $150 per night. Some of them even have hot tubs, pools, and spas – for half the price of the cheapest Maldives resort! Often they are better valued because they’re so new.
The 1,190 tiny islands that constitute the Maldives are categorized into three main groups; 130 “resort islands” (with just one resort per island), 200 “inhabited islands” (islands with local communities and guesthouses on them) and the remaining islands are empty and classed as “uninhabited islands”.
Different laws apply on the islands that guesthouses/boutique hotels are located on that are very important for budget travelers/backpackers to know about. But no matter where you stay, and whether you’re a millionaire or a backpacker, the thing to remember is everyone in the Maldives gets the same white sand, azure sea, and brilliant sunshine.
Guesthouses give tourists the opportunity to live amongst Maldivian communities, but different laws apply to these islands than to the islands that resorts are built on. Everyone visiting a Maldivian community should be aware that alcohol, pork, and swimwear (bikinis and one-piece bathing suits) are illegal on ‘inhabited islands’, even for foreigners. This is because as a moderate Sunni Muslim nation the culture is fairly conservative – Maldivians aren’t allowed to drink and the women bathe in the sea fully clothed.
The good news is, guesthouse owners, realized many of their guests wanted to have a beer or two and wear Western-style swimwear so they have come up with some ingenious solutions. Take Maafushi for example, the guesthouse owners have negotiated with the island council to provide a private stretch of beach where bikinis are permitted, and available for all tourists to share.
With Maafushi as something of a model (being the first inhabited island to develop large-scale guesthouse tourism), many guesthouses on other islands have followed suit with private beach areas, such as the stunning beach at Rasdhoo. Most guesthouses also offer day trips to resorts for discounted rates (such as $25-50 for a day pass) so that travelers can sunbathe in bikinis and purchase cocktails and beer. Maafushi also has a ‘floating bar’ moored outside the lagoon that guests can visit.
However, if you’re quite happy to ‘survive’ a holiday in the Maldives without those things, then there’s no pressure to do so. In fact, many guesthouse owners report a significant percentage of backpackers to say they don’t feel the urge to drink in the Maldives. After all, the reason travelers travel is to experience a different culture, environment and way of life outside of our normal range of experience (as well as to find the sunshine).
The chain of Indian Ocean islands that make up the country lie to the southwest of India and Sri Lanka, straddling the equator. The proximity to the equator means that the climate is hot and humid; the temperature hovers around 30c all year round and it never gets cooler than 25c.
The wet season is from April to November but there’s still an average of 8 hours of sunshine per day and showers are sporadic (often only at night). Bargain hunters will find the best accommodation deals during this period.
An important expense for budget travelers to consider is transportation. The Maldives can be quite tricky and expensive to navigate because the 1,190 islands are scattered far and wide. Private charters are pricey but taking public ferries can save hundreds of dollars and the network has expanded in response to demand from budget travelers.
For example, the ferry to Maafushi runs daily (except Fridays) for $3 each way, compared to a speedboat charter which costs around $200. Maafushi is one of the most popular islands amongst backpackers due to its location and choice of guesthouses. There are about 20 guesthouses on Maafushi which is remarkable considering the island is 1.2km by 0.2km in size.
Many travelers use the tiny 2.2sq km capital city of Male’ as a jumping-off point as most of the public ferries to surrounding islands and some overnight ferries to the further-flung atolls depart from Male’. The majority opt for accommodation within Male’ Atoll or neighboring Ari Atoll (which reduces costs and traveling time) such as on the islands of Maafushi, Guiradhoo, Himmafushi, and Thulusdhoo. Male’ itself isn’t so great for backpackers because it’s very urban and pretty much the antithesis of what you picture when you imagine the Maldives (I’d know, I used to live there!).
Getting between one island and another without going back to Male’ is harder because the network is Male’-centric (and there aren’t any ‘taxi boats’ unlike in Southeast Asia). But travelers can sometimes hitch a ride on a fishing boat or cargo boat if they inquire locally – Maldivians are usually more than happy to try to help travelers but do take due care and consideration as this is just another form of hitchhiking.
While for the past few decades, the Maldives has only been accessible to affluent travelers (the majority being honeymooners) the arrival of guesthouses has changed the demographic. Singles in their 20s and 30s, surfing enthusiasts, scuba divers, and groups of friends are discovering guesthouse accommodations so you won’t struggle with making friends on these islands. Couples and families are also starting to see guesthouses as a more colorful alternative to resorts, so you’ll meet a pretty broad mix of people.
Dhangethi is one of the most popular backpacking destinations in the Maldives. The island is home to 1,200 Maldivians and is located 87km from Male’, in Alif Dhaal Atoll. Other than tourism; fishing, handicrafts, carpentry, and boat-building are the main sources of employment. At Holiday House Dhangethi, for example, you can have a picnic on a sandbank or go windsurfing for $20 compared to at least $70 at a resort, or hop on a boat for an all-day diving trip for around $60 compared to $90-$250 at a resort.
Many inhabited islands also have independent water sports and diving centers for travelers to choose from, such as Maafushi Dive Centre on Maafushi, where it’s $50-$55 for a 3-dive day trip including equipment rental. Whale sharks the size of double-decker buses, alien-looking manta rays, moray eels, countless reef sharks, and crystal-clear water are just some of the reasons why the Maldives is considered one of the world’s best diving destinations. There are more than 2,000 species of tropical fish and the sheer quantity of sea life is barely matched in any other location. Divers can choose between shore dives to see the island’s ‘house reef’ or hopping on a boat to track whale sharks and mantas (the Maldives is the only place on the planet with a year-round population of whale sharks). There are also countless opportunities to do wreck dives, drift dives, night dives, walls, and caves.
Those who prefer to stay above the waves can opt for a host of exciting water sports including surfing, windsurfing, paddle-boarding, kite-boarding, and fishing.
Cultural activities are also available at some guesthouses and they’re also a major bonus of staying in a guesthouse versus staying in a resort. Resorts are segregated from the local island communities so guests miss out on a massive part of the Maldivian culture.
Guesthouses typically provide an array of cultural activities for guests including Maldivian cookery classes, watching craftsmen at work using traditional skills handed down for generations or sunset fishing with local fishermen.
A trip to a local cafe is a fun way of getting to know the country through the local cuisine. The delicious traditional breakfast of mas’huni roshi is always popular with travelers. It consists of tuna, coconut, lime, and chili wrapped up in thin tortillas known as roshi and costs around $1-$2 a pop, including tea or coffee. Fish curries and Maldivian tapas, known as hedika, form the backbone of Maldivian cuisine. Most of the fish curries are fairly mild and are served with roshi. ‘Hedika’ consists of small deep-fried squares, spheres, or triangles made from fish and coconut with a handful of other local ingredients such as curry leaves, eggs, and onion. All of these dishes can be found in cafes on local islands alongside international classics such as spaghetti bolognese, pizza, pasta, fried rice, and sandwiches.
The boom in guesthouse tourism has been good news for the local economy because it allows small business owners to make a living and also supports a host of associated local enterprises such as cafes, diving, and souvenir shops.
Currency: Maldivian Rufiyaa (US$ also widely accepted).
Guesthouses: $50-150/night
Lunch: $3-$10
Water: $1
Excursions: $20+
Taxi: $2 flat rate
Atoll ferry: $1-$5 (inter-atoll ferries cost more)
For public ferry schedules visit www.mtcc.com.mv/
On the East Coast of the USA is where North Carolina is located. This state really shines! From the mountains to the sea North Carolina has something for everyone. We know your travel time is precious, so we’ve narrowed it down to the 10 best things to see during your time in the tar heel state.
With 322 miles of ocean shoreline, there are many beaches to unwind on, from Atlantic Beach to Surf City. Plus, with much of the coastline being protected, these are great beaches to see many kinds of wildlife. The North Carolina coast is also home to seven historic lighthouses all of which are worth a visit. All you need is a bathing suit and towel.
With a population of over 750,000, Charlotte is the largest city in North Carolina. It is a booming area with lots of neat eats, bars, and museums to tour. The city is also home to the NASCAR Hall of Fame and the U.S Nation Whitewater Center. There is something to entertain everyone.
Do you love the idea of flight? Well, North Carolina is where it was born! In Kill Devil Hills, NC located on the coast, you can see the memorial of the first successful sustained flight. Walk the path this craft took and check out the museum. The memorial seems to touch the sky and when you get to the very top you can see the ocean.
In the mountains of North Carolina, you can drive the scenic byway or get out and hike the wondrous Blue Ridge Parkway. See mountains, waterfalls, and multitudes of wildlife. With more than 100 varied trails, there is something for all levels of outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy.
Want to touch the sky? Well, then we recommend a visit to Grandfather Mountain. Located at an astonishing elevation of 5,945 feet it is the highest peak in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Walk trails, enjoy the nature center, or take in the sights on the mile-high swinging bridge. The sights will take your breath away in all seasons of the year.
In New Bern, NC take a stroll back in time to see royal hospitality at its finest. The original capital of North Carolina is preserved today as a historical museum for visitors to enjoy. Stroll the gardens, see the quarters and the blacksmith shop, and learn about life in another time.
Visit the state’s capital and see the best it has to offer! As the second-largest city in the state, there is something for everyone. This is the proud home of the Research Triangle Park, PNC Arena, and so much more. The culture is so fun! You can find people from all walks of life here. With tons of museums, restaurants, breweries, city parks, and some of the nation’s best universities Raleigh, NC will NOT disappoint.
Located in Danbury, NC this 7,869-acre park is a playground for outdoor adventurers. It has 20 miles of hiking trails, scenic outlooks, waterfalls, and so much more. Whether you only have a day or an entire weekend you will not run out of exciting things to explore.
In the very west of the state lies a small town. Don’t let the size fool you there are gems to be found; literally, you can gem mine here! Cherokee, NC has a rich Native American history and you will feel connected to the people and the culture of this area. There are many outdoor activities to enjoy accompanied by cultural exhibits.
In New Bern, NC you can tour the quaint corner store where Pepsi was born. Did you know the founder started it in a pharmacy back in 1898? Along with the museum tour you can purchase soda pop; let me tell you you’ve never tasted Pepsi until you have had a glass here.
North Carolina is an adventurer’s playground. From the mountains to the sea and everywhere in between a visit to North Carolina will be something that stays with you for a lifetime. What are some of your best North Carolina adventures?
Uganda is famously referred to as the ‘Pearl of Africa’ for its breathtaking scenic beauty, rich culture, and ability to create great amazing experiences for its tourists. If you are planning to visit Uganda here are a few things you should schedule for your trip.
This activity involves trekking up the Ugandan mountains to see gorillas. Mountain gorillas are a rare species with only 800 or so of them still alive today. In fact, gorillas can only be seen in the DRC, Rwanda, and Uganda. Uganda is the best place to do so owing to its stability and relatively cheaper costs of up to $500 (gorilla trekking is naturally a costly affair).
The Ugandan government has built protected parks for the gorillas to freely and naturally roam within; Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the most popular for gorilla trekking. A permit is required beforehand to see and interact with the mountain gorillas for an hour a day. Being nomadic animals, a hefty deal of trekking is required to find mountain gorillas. However, there are experienced guides assigned to assist in tracking these magnificent creatures through the jungle. Additionally, there are porters for hire at a small fee for those who cannot withstand the trek.
Gorilla trekking is simply a fun surreal activity that one must indulge in while in Uganda. Seeing our distant cousins up close is worth every penny, pain or effort incurred during the trip. What’s more? The proceeds from gorilla trekking also go into the protection and conservation of the last remaining mountain gorillas.
Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda is definitely something worth checking out. The unpredictable and swift movement of these primates can make the experience challenging but also very rewarding. Incredibly, tourists are allowed up to a day in the forest to view chimpanzees in their natural habitat.
Kibale forest in South West Uganda is arguably the top destination when it comes to chimpanzee trekking. Catching up with the primates means a lot of trekking up and down the mountain depending on their movements. It is interesting to peek into a day in the life of chimpanzees which are extremely nomadic animals. Other animals can also be seen during the hike; elephants, baboons, birds, and buffaloes. Chimpanzee trekking is a worthwhile and cheap thrill for any visitor of Uganda.
Uganda is arguably one of the most attractive destinations in the world for bird watchers. This is due to the country’s richness and variety of avian species hard to find in any other place. Uganda’s climate ranges from lowland savannas to arid/ semi-arid and, mountain rain forests, offering various habitats for birds of all kinds.
Uganda offers bird watchers a unique opportunity to view birds that would not be found anywhere else in the East Africa region. Indeed Ugandan rain forests host birds that are naturally found in Congo and West African regions which do not have the necessary tourism infrastructure. Bird species to be seen in Uganda include herons, pigeons, kingfishers, weavers, cuckoos, honeyguides, warblers, ostriches, and nightjars among many others.
Top bird watching destinations include (but are not limited to) Semliki, Bwindi Forest, Kibale forest, Kidepo, Entebbe, and, Murchison Falls. For bird watchers, Uganda is a country that offers the chance to view birds of all kinds in their natural habitats.
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Uganda boasts a sizeable number of primates in its diverse ecosystem. However, the stand-out species in that regard is the rare and endangered Golden Monkey. The Golden Monkey is a descendant of the old-world monkey and resides in bamboo highland forests.
In Uganda, Golden Monkeys can be found in Mgahinga National Forest. These primates are rare and largely elusive so tracking them is adventurous and highly interesting. Golden Monkey tracking is offered at a good rate of up to $100. Golden Monkeys are beautiful animals with striking colors and playful tendencies that vindicate the tracking efforts. However, they are slick and fast movers making it difficult to take pictures of or with them. They are used to human presence and will not scare away at the sight of people.
Golden Monkey tracking in Uganda is a standout experience that can be so fulfilling. Furthermore, Golden Monkey tracking can be intertwined with other amazing activities in Uganda like water rafting, mountain climbing, and gorilla trekking.
A visit to the Murchison Falls is sure to carry away any individual. Located along the Nile River, Murchison Falls is characterized by a massive fall (about 43 meters) of water that results in an almost musical sound.
The fall of water is due to the small rock space of about seven meters coupled with the immense pressure of the White Nile from Lake Victoria. Apart from scenic viewing, Murchison Falls offers other activities managed by the Murchison Falls National Park. These activities include boat rides to the bottom of the falls, game rides, and sports fishing.
A wealth of wildlife can be found in Murchison Falls including crocodiles, hippos, and various bird types. Additionally, Murchison Falls National Park offers hiking experiences and mountain treks to find chimpanzees. Other game like elephants can also be spotted in their full glory during the game ride. A safari to Uganda is incomplete if one fails to visit the great Murchison Falls.
There are few experiences more fulfilling than white water rafting in the River Nile in Uganda. White water rafting takes place in Jinja, a city 100 km east of Kampala, the Ugandan capital. Jinja is popular for water rafting due to it being the start of the River Nile from Lake Victoria.
The rafting is an exhilarating experience even for seasoned rafters. At Jinja, the Nile is fast and wide but altogether scenic making it perfect for white water rafting. There are countless rapids both big and small that allow for a fluctuating and even scary experience. Some sections are quite calm but others are rough as can be. The kayaks provided are safe and extremely competent guides will accompany you during the trip. As such, the whole Jinja rafting activity is relatively safe.
White water rafting is also pretty cheap at just over $100 per person. Other activities like fishing and kayaking can be included to make for a more wholesome experience. The experience of white water rafting on the Nile is certainly an unforgettable one.
Kampala is the capital city of Uganda in more ways than one. The nightlife is epic in this city and it can be argued that it is one of the wildest in the region. During the day Kampala gives off a serene and quiet vibe that could not be more misleading. Kampala is a different proposition in the nighttime with bustling activity and large youthful masses looking to party.
Popular party sites in Kampala include The Industrial Avenue, Acacia Avenue, Ntinda, and Centenary Park. Glitzy and glamorous clubs include Casablanca, Big Mike’s, Cayenne, Koko bar, and Club Silk among others. The good thing with Kampala is that there is something for everyone; from laid-back relaxing spots, and vibrant joints with great parties to musical and dance-themed spots.
In addition, Ugandan people are super friendly and sociable to foreigners, so safety is not a major concern. Nonetheless, it is important to stay in one’s lane and avoid any kind of confrontations. Kampala is definitely the best when it comes to partying and nightlife but there is only one way to find out.
The majestic Nile river begins its long meandering journey into the Mediterranean from Lake Victoria in Uganda. Specifically, the White Nile begins at Jinja, a popular tourist destination. Most people visit Jinja to witness the start of this historic river and to learn more about its history and impact.
The Nile is a source of livelihood for Ugandans and many other countries providing power, water, and food on a daily basis. It is also a tourist destination with activities such as rafting, bungee jumping and kayaking providing a thrill to visitors. Taking a Nile cruise is the best way to learn about the river and its story.
The Nile is truly a thing of beauty that cannot be experienced elsewhere; scenic sites and various flora and fauna are guaranteed rewards. Hydroelectric dams have been constructed in Uganda along the Nile to take advantage of its waters and to regulate its flow. Therefore, a visit to the Nile is not much influenced by seasons.
The Batwa Pygmies are an endangered human species found in Uganda. Also known as Echuya Batwa, they are located in South Western Uganda in the forest reserve of Echuya in Kisoro and Kibale.
The Batwa are one of the indigenous people in Uganda but were pushed out of their land by the government in the 1990s. The Batwa are the original inhabitants of the rain forests in Uganda and Rwanda which they considered to be their livelihoods. In the forests they once called home, the Batwa have been replaced by conservation parks with little or no compensation forthcoming. This has reduced the community to a shadow of its former self with the Batwa people segregated, shunned and cut off both from the rain forests and the outside modern world.
Visiting the Batwa pygmies contributes to their preservation and survival. Extinction is a real possibility with only around 3000 of them remaining today. A visit to the Batwa people entails a foray into the rain forest where they guide and illustrate their ways of life and cultures visitors.
Ndere cultural center in Kampala is a spot filled with nightlife and activities. Music, drama, festivals, and poetry are headline features at the center. The activities are aimed to promote and showcase African culture which is exactly what they do.
Ndere Center is highly popular with tourists who seek to have a taste of true African culture. The nine-acre center is located in Kisasi area with well-kept botanical gardens filled with monkeys, birds, and small animals. Unique and wondrous are some of the words that would best describe the Ndere Centre. African colors, themes, and cultures have been artistically blended to produce a superb experience.
A variety of African dances, cuisines, and languages are offered at Ndere Centre. Oral literature is a common activity at the center that wows and often takes away the breath of visitors. Colorful costumes, great food, and vigorous dance moves are just some of the treats to be found at Ndere. Ndere Centre represents all that is good about Uganda and Africa in general; it is a must-see for any tourist visiting Uganda.
Atlanta is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. Warm weather throughout the year and a variety of fun activities to explore, make Atlanta a great place to get outside and stoke your sense of adventure. Here are five of the top outdoor activities to consider in this vibrant and eclectic city!
Outdoor lovers will delight in all of the vast offerings of this city park. This sprawling green space is a haven in the middle of the city, featuring sweeping views of the stunning Midtown Atlanta skyline. The park features walking and cycling paths, tennis courts, a public swimming pool, dog park, and much more.
Piedmont Park is home to some of Atlanta’s most beloved festivals and special events, including the Atlanta Jazz Festival and the Atlanta Dogwood Festival. You can make a day out of it by visiting the adjacent Atlanta Botanical Garden, featuring some of the city’s most extravagant blooms and displays. The best time to visit Piedmont Park is during a special event, allowing you to get a true taste of the city’s vibe.
This urban oasis boasts a myriad of special events and festivals and serves as a gathering spot for the community. The park opened in 1996 in celebration of the city’s hosting of the Summer Olympic Games. The 21-acre park is a lasting legacy of the city’s involvement in the games. Centennial Olympic Park plays host to Atlanta’s popular summer concert series and is also the home to Atlanta’s 4th of July concert and fireworks display. Independence Day is a great time of year to visit this park.
Located just outside of Atlanta, this family-friendly destination is the perfect day trip. This gem features a treetop adventure course, a scenic train ride, and a historic collection of buildings. A laser show and fireworks display run on selected nights, delivering the perfect nightcap to your day of adventure. Atlanta’s public transportation system, MARTA, services the city of Stone Mountain. Although the park is open all year round, not all of the attractions run every day of the year. It is advised to check the park’s calendar prior to your visit. While it does not cost anything to enter the 3,200-acre natural park, there is a fee for certain attractions.
History buffs will appreciate the significance of this national tribute to the most important Civil Rights leader in the history of the country. The Atlanta Streetcar provides direct transportation to this park, making it easy to spend time here exploring the park and learning about King, and the legacy he offered to the country. Be sure to stop by the visitor’s center when you arrive so that you can plan your itinerary.
You will not want to miss touring King’s birth home, the historic Ebenezer Church, and King’s gravesite. The park also offers a myriad of films and exhibits that help visitors to gain a better understanding of the man and leader. The entirety of the park is free to visit.
When you want to work up a sweat, do as the locals do and head to the beltline. This sustainable redevelopment project is working up to create 33 miles of multi-use trails spanning through 1,300 acres of public parks. Although the entire network is not yet complete, there are many areas already open for use. A comprehensive mobile app makes navigating the beltline a breeze. Run, walk, or bike to your heart’s content in this innovative system of trails!
Whatever your outdoor fancy, Atlanta can help scratch your itch for adventure and fun! For more general info on A-Town, take a look at this Atlanta moving guide by Suddath. It helped me figure out the basics before diving deeper.
