Hip hotels and buzzworthy restaurants are staking claim across Asheville, but a communal sense of fun is keeping this mountain town grounded – at least for now. This collegial spirit is maintained in part by the many free activities offered across town, from public art and live concerts to trail-filled parks and brewery tours.

The list below is a good jumping-off point for experiencing the best free things to do.

Asheville Urban Trail

Art, history and exercise collide on the 1.7-mile Urban Trail in downtown Asheville. Similar to a self-guided scavenger hunt, this city-sponsored trail stops by 30 official stations. At each station you’ll find an informational plaque and whimsical public art. Listen to the audio commentary at each stop – find it on the Urban Trail website – and enjoy learning about the city and its most interesting characters. The trail starts at Pack Square Park, but you can jump in anywhere.

Folk Art Center

The region’s rich Appalachian heritage is on display at the Folk Art Center, which borders the Blue Ridge Parkway six miles north of the city. The Allanstand Craft Shop here is the oldest craft shop in the country, and it sells artisan-made pieces – jewelry, pottery, glassworks, apparel and more – by members of the Southern Highland Craft Guild. Exhibits in the gallery spotlight the history and craftsmanship behind various high-quality works from the Guild’s permanent collection. Stop by for craft demonstrations daily from March through December.

Brewery Tours

For an introduction to the city’s craft beer scene and to learn the basics of the brewing process, step behind the taps on a guided tour. Popular Wicked Weed Brewing offers free tours daily of its brewpub downtown, with samples and a commemorative glass thrown in for guests. Free tours at Highland Brewing, New Belgium and Sierra Nevada at Mills River are temporarily on pause due to Covid-19 precautions, so confirm they have resumed before making a special trip.

Mount Mitchell State Park

An easy thirty-mile drive takes you from the bustling streets of downtown Asheville to the parking lot beside the summit of 6684ft-high Mount Mitchell, the highest point east of the Mississippi River. A short walk leads to the observation deck and 360° views of the soaring Black Mountains, a sub-range within the Blue Ridge Mountains. Bring a jacket – the climate and ecosystems of the Black Mountains resemble those of Canada. Numerous hiking trails crisscross the park.

Shindig on the Green

For an enthusiastic introduction to mountain music, make your way to Pack Square Park for Shindig on the Green. This outdoor concert series celebrates the homegrown sounds of the Southern Appalachians with fiddles, dancing and a communal sense of fun. Mountain music – which includes old-time and bluegrass – originated in the hills and hollers of the nearby mountains, but young performers keep the sounds fresh with their own innovations – which you might just hear during an impromptu jam. Concerts are held most Saturday nights from late June through early September.

Driving the Blue Ridge Parkway

Asheville sits just west of a graceful bend in the Blue Ridge Parkway, a national scenic drive that ribbons along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Overlooks, trailheads and historic sites are scattered along the 469-mile roadway, but you won't find stoplights or any commercial distractions. Parkway highlights near Asheville include the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center, the Folk Art Center, the swimming hole at Skinny Dip Falls and wildflowers at Craggy Gardens

Foliage along the parkway typically changes color from late September through October, depending on elevation. Check the fall color report for the latest updates.

Montford Park Players

Puck, Hamlet, Falstaff and other Shakespearean favorites take the stage every summer at the outdoor Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre in the historic Montford neighborhood just north of downtown. The longest-running Shakespearean Company in North Carolina, the Montford Park Players attract 18,000 theater-goers annually. Players pass the hat for donations at intermission.

Farmers Markets

For locally sourced produce, cheese, honey, baked goods and crafts, visit one of the city’s many farmers markets. Check the ASAP (Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project) website for a list of the weekly markets, also known as tailgate markets. You can also drive to the Western North Carolina Farmers Market, which is open daily and fills several sheds on a 36-acre site six miles southwest of downtown. The popular Asheville City Market is in temporary digs on the campus of A-B Tech (340 Victoria Rd) during COVID-19, but should return to downtown in 2022. The River Arts District Farmers Market is Wednesdays from 3pm to 6pm (May-Nov).

Mountain biking in Bent Creek Experimental Forest

Got your bike? For a quick ride only 20 miles from downtown, drive to the Bent Creek Experimental Forest, which sprawls across nearly 6,000 acres of woodlands in Pisgah National Forest. Research about forest management is the primary goal here, but local bikers know it's home to a network of almost 30 miles of trails. Difficulty levels vary. A few trails flow across the North Carolina Arboretum, which is within the Experimental Forest. There are also hiking trails here. Download a trail map from the forest service website.

Hiking

Hikers are spoiled for choice in Asheville, which sits within a short drive of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Pisgah National Forest, several state parks and Great Smoky Mountains National Park – all filled with trails. For meadows, waterfalls and a swimming hole, drive to Graveyard Fields along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Big views of mountains are the reward on the Craggy Gardens Pinnacle Trail, which is also on the Parkway. The Appalachian Trail climbs to expansive views at Max Patch, Charlie’s Bunion and Roan Mountain, all within a 75-mile drive.

Gallery hopping

Come for the craft beer and music, get distracted by the art – an unexpected treasure in this overgrown mountain town. More than 30 art galleries cluster downtown, many of them along busy Biltmore Ave. Public art is also plentiful, with bright murals and quirky sculptures keeping the vibe offbeat. The River Arts District plays host to the largest collection of galleries in the city. You’ll find another handful of galleries in Biltmore Village just outside the entrance to the Biltmore Estate.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

A lush wonderland of thick forests, mossy streams, tumbling cascades and abundant wildlife, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the U.S. Admission is free, thanks to the Tennessee legislature, which insisted in the early 1930s that the deed transferring ownership of the land to the federal government include the restriction that “no toll or license fee shall ever be imposed” upon Newfound Gap Rd. Newfound Gap is the lowest mountain pass over the Smoky Mountains and its namesake road is the primary artery across the park, linking North Carolina and Tennessee.

Splasheville

Who needs a pricey waterpark when the kids can get soaked for free in the heart of downtown? After a complete rebuild in the spring of 2021, the Splasheville splash pad in Pack Square Park has reopened – complete with synchronized water jets and colorful lighting. Splasheville is open in summer – and into September – from 10am to 8pm daily, unless there is an event in Pack Square. Check the Asheville Parks & Recreation Facebook page for Splasheville updates.

Friday Night Drum Circle & Live Music

On weekends, downtown Asheville doubles as one enormous performance stage, with the Blue Ridge Mountains as the backdrop. Birthed in the Appalachian Mountains, old-time music and bluegrass are the musical forebears here, but the music scene today is incredibly diverse. Buskers are welcome, and jazz, zydeco and the sounds of a didgeridoo might complement your wanderings. On Friday nights from April through October, the Drum Circle kicks off around 6pm in Pritchard Park. South Slope breweries and festivals often have live music too.

Grovewood Village

On a multi-acre site beside the Omni Grove Park Inn, the historic Grovewood Village celebrates Appalachian history and handmade arts and crafts in a handful of galleries and museums. The Grovewood Gallery sells high-quality crafts, including jewelry, pottery, glassworks and furniture. The Biltmore Industries Homespun Museum spotlights Biltmore Industries, which encouraged and promoted local craftsmanship in the early 1900s. Grovewood Village once housed the weaving and woodworking operations for this Edith Vanderbilt-backed enterprise. Also on-site is the Estes-Winn Antique Car Museum – check out that Ford Model T!

Basilica of St Lawrence

Your first reaction after stepping into the Basilica of St Lawrence downtown? Whoa, I wasn't expecting this! Designed by the architects behind the Biltmore House, the Basilica was completed in 1909. The granite foundation and the solid-brick walls are topped by the largest freestanding dome in the US – you won’t find wooden or steel beams anywhere inside the structure. The grand interior is marked by ornate stained glass windows and striking tile work.

Murals

The city’s colorful murals are an unexpected treasure in this busy mountain town, where craft beers, James Beard nominees and the Blue Ridge Parkway tend to hog the spotlight.  Breweries, alleys, the Lexington Avenue Bridge and the River Arts District are your best bets for mural-spotting. For maps and more details, check out the listings in the South Slope Mural Trail. Dolly Parton and Chicken Alley await!

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From hiking trails to brewery tours, the 17 best free things to do in Asheville

Plenty of resort towns claim to be year-round destinations, but Gatlinburg, Tennessee, the gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is truly a place you can visit no matter what date is showing on the calendar. With lively festivals, fall colors, summer hiking and more, there’s always something to do in Gatlinburg (and the neighboring towns of Pigeon Forge and Sevierville) every month of the year.

First, pick your motivation for heading to this mountain getaway. Do you want to hang out with crowds and feel the energy of a first-in-the-nation parade? Are you seeking an off-season oasis with fewer fellow vacationers (and low prices)? Do you want to take in the majesty of nature, watching synchronous fireflies light up the night sky, or look on as the trees change from green to red to gold against a curtain of mist?

We’ve rounded up the top festivals, annual events, and activities to help you choose the best time of year to visit Gatlinburg. Consider this a season-by-season, month-by-month guide to year-round fun.

High Season: June to August and October

Best time for hiking and fall colors

Thanks to the riotous color show provided by the annual changing of the leaves, fall is one of Gatlinburg’s most glorious seasons. You certainly won’t be alone if you come to watch the Smoky Mountains erupt into a fireglow of fall colors in October–crowds gather and prices peak–but you’ll be rewarded by one of Mother Nature's best displays. Be patient as you drive along snaking mountain roads; traffic backs up regularly as locals and outsiders stop to appreciate the fall foliage.

The height of summer is the other busy time for Gatlinburg. Warm days and cool nights make for great outdoor adventures. School is out of session, and plenty of family-friendly fairs and attractions pop up to keep kids entertained. Youngsters will also be wowed by the sight of synchronous fireflies ( Photinus carolinus). For a few weeks each June, the woods fill with light-emitting insects flashing perfectly in time, in an evocative natural ballet. While there are classes year-round at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, summer is also peak season at this hub for creative learning.

Low Season: January to March

Best time for low prices

Winter isn’t particularly long or harsh in this part of the country, all things considered, but this is still the quiet season in Gatlinburg. Days are chilly, nights close in early, and light snow dusts the forests like icing sugar. On the plus side, Gatlinburg is home to Tennessee’s only ski resort, and there are lots of Christmas and New Year’s celebrations. You'll also find plenty of warm places to curl up next to a fireplace after a frosty day of snowshoeing and winter hiking.

Shoulder Season: April to June, September, November to December

Best time for low stress travel

When the thaw comes, it's a welcome sight. Melting snow and longer days bring a burst of wildflowers, repainting the mountain ranges in bright spring colors. Dress appropriately—that means plenty of layers and all-weather boots that can take you through muddy terrain—so you can get outdoors and see the blooms.

September is another great month to get outdoors, before the autumn colors start to burn and leaf-peepers descend on the mountain trails. By November, the show is mostly over. The leaf-peepers get in their cars and drive off, and a gentle calm slowly descends over the mountains.

January

Winter can be cold and grey in East Tennessee but there is something uplifting about a little frost on the ground and getting all bundled up against the cold. With fewer crowds, it's a great time to enjoy the hills on your own. Ring in the new with a New Year’s Eve Ball Drop and Fireworks Show from the Gatlinburg Space Needle, just off the Parkway downtown.
Key events: New Year’s Eve Ball Drop

February

February is still cold and grey and less crowded than other times of the year. A roaring fire in a log cabin is the way to keep out the cold and add a romantic glow. Couples can cozy up under 180,000 red and white lights as the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park builds its annual tunnel of love for Valentine's Day.
Key events: Valentine's Day

March

The weather starts to warm a little, but there is still a chance of rain all through the spring, so be prepared for any kind of weather. Because there are fewer leaves on the trees, this is an optimal time to take in some of Gatlinburg’s great views. A popular starting point is 407 feet (124m) up in the air at the Gatlinburg Space Needle.
Key events: St Patrick's Day Fireworks

April

The rain can make its presence felt in Gatlinburg in April, so bring your umbrella and raincoat. Nice days still crop up though, and those that do are really wonderful. For two days in early April, more than 20 miles of streams are stocked with more than 10,000 trout for the Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament, the region's biggest fishing extravaganza. If you’d rather admire nature than cast a line, Blooms and Tunes is a several-month-long celebration of flowers and music at Anakeesta, the high-ropes course and leisure park above downtown Gatlinburg.
Key events: Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament, Blooms and Tunes

May

In Tennessee, April showers really do mean May flowers, and the forest wildflowers are amazing. May has warm sunny days, crisp mornings and temperatures are pretty much just right. Take in floral displays and scenic overlooks while you dance around during MayFest, a traditional German celebration at the Ober Gatlinburg aerial tramway and mountaintop park.
Key events: MayFest

June

This is the prime time of year in East Tennessee. It's not too hot, but the spring rains have mostly moved on and the forests start to come alive. Enter the annual national park lottery to secure a slot to see the synchronous fireflies during their multi-week stay near the Elkmont campground.
Key events: Firefly watching

July

High season is really kicking into gear. The crowds start to build and so does the heat, but there's fun to be had by all in July. Almost everywhere has an Independence Day parade, but Gatlinburg wanted to have the first one in the country, so its Fourth of Midnight July Parade starts at one minute after midnight at the very start of July 4. Streets are lined with late-night revelers and the party continues well into the day.
Key events: Fourth of Midnight July Parade, Craftsman's Fair (first date)

August

August in Tennessee is hot with a side serving of hot, and the humidity can be super thick. When temperatures are high, there’s no better way to cool down than going whitewater rafting down the Pigeon River. There are plenty of professional outfitters who can sort out all the gear you need and keep you safe on the white water.
Key events: Smoky Mountain Film Festival

September

Christmas lights are great and all, but the Dollywood Harvest Festival brings sparkle to the fall. Glittering festive lights fill Dolly Parton's famous amusement park at Pigeon Forge, as the tree leaves begin their own color display. It's a great time for walking, with temperatures that are not too hot and not too cold. As a time to visit Gatlinburg, it's just about perfect.
Key events: Dollywood Harvest Festival

October

Those raging fall colors continue through October, and temperatures start to drop a little. With a pair of jeans and a sweater, you’ll be well equipped for hiking and exploring the hills. This is your second chance to head to the Craftsmen’s Fair, which fills Gatlinburg Convention Center with traditional arts and crafts. For unrestrained fun, head up to Ober’s Oktoberfest, a German-themed festival of food and fun with a mountain backdrop.
Key events: Craftsman’s Fair (second date), Ober’s Oktoberfest

November

Evenings can get very cold in November, but day times are still just right for hiking. Every November since 1973, the Gatlinburg Festival of Trees has pulled in a crowd with its seasonally bedecked trees and wreaths. The four-day event raises funds for the Boys & Girls Club of the Smoky Mountains and kicks off the Christmas season.
Key events: Gatlinburg Festival of Trees

December

Bring on the cold and the lights! Holiday season in Gatlinburg is full of holiday cheer. The first weekend of December brings the Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade, an LED-lit display of bright lights, floats, and festivities down the main Parkway.
Key events: Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade

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From sweeping coastal shorelines to craggy floating icebergs, glistening glacial lakes to the climbing canopy of ancient forests, Canada ’s enthralling landscapes continue to beckon wonder-seekers from around the globe.

The people spread across the world’s second-largest country are equally as diverse – a complex Indigenous history and growing immigrant population make for increasingly cosmopolitan cities, cutting-edge art and architecture, and creative cuisine.

These 21 bucket-list-worthy experiences will ensure you leave no ground uncovered on your next trip to Canada and return renewed by the experience.

Embark on an Arctic safari in Churchill, Manitoba

During a brief window from October to early November, upwards of 1200 polar bears converge in the enchanting town of Churchill on their annual migration to the shores of the Hudson Bay. A polar bear tour is a must to make sure you don’t miss this quintessential Arctic experience. But even if you do, the “polar bear capital of the world” offers no shortage of wildlife year-round – from dog-sledding in the winter to bird-watching in the spring to kayaking with beluga whales in the summer. While you’re there, don’t sleep on the Northern Lights and hearty local fare, like elk meatloaf and bison stew.

Aurora hunt in the Yukon

Seeing the northern lights is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for Canadians and non-Canadians alike. While the celestial spectacle can be spotted as far south as Banff, the most epic display is undoubtedly found in the “Great White North.” On clear nights between mid-August to mid-April, you can catch the light show all over the Yukon, with the most optimal viewing found outside the capital city of Whitehorse. Whether by foot, plane, canoe, snowshoe or even dog-sled, you’re best off aurora hunting with a local tour operator who adds ease to the experience by providing their expertise on viewing conditions and a toasty beverage to temper the arctic chill.

Dine on the ocean floor in Nova Scotia’s Bay of Fundy

Twice each day, 160 billion tons of water empty the Bay of Fundy, creating a rare window of opportunity to dine on the ocean floor. Chef-led lessons on the wild edibles of Nova Scotia are followed by a multi-course lunch or dinner topped off with a cozy campfire – all with the staggering Cliffs of Fundy as your backdrop.

Designated a Unesco Global Geopark in the summer of 2020, the 300ft cliffs overlook the world’s highest tides – cresting taller than a five-story building – which invite 12 species of whales to feast on plankton each year. For a deep dive into the region’s history, head to the nearby Fundy Geological Museum and stay tuned for the Indigenous Mi’kmaq cultural center under development.

Eat Montreal poutine and an iconic smoked meat sandwich

It’s not hard to find poutine – gravy-smothered thick-cut fries sprinkled with squeaky cheese curds – all over the country, but it’s in the chef’s town of Montreal where you’ll find the most creative interpretations of Canada’s signature dish. Head to the 24-hour, poutine-worshipping restaurant La Banquise for creative toppings, like guacamole and pulled pork, in an energetic space; or Montreal Pool Room (locally known as the “the Main”) for the greasy-spoon dish without the fuss.

Across the street from the Main, you’ll find another Montreal institution: Schwartz’s. For over 90 years, the famous deli has been sandwiching messy mountains of 10-day-marinated smoked meat between two slices of rye bread for the Montreal masses. The take-out counter will tempt you to skip the line, but dining-in is worth the wait to eat your sandwich shoulder-to-shoulder with strangers and the veteran staff. Don’t forget the pickle and cherry coke.

Surf the misty shores of Tofino

Canada might be known for its winter sports, but its rugged coastlines and placid waterways make for equally as thrilling summer recreation too. With 22 miles of surfable beach, Vancouver Island’s Tofino is undoubtedly the country’s surf capital. Beginners will appreciate the gentle waves along Chesterman Beach and Cox Bay, while seasoned pros will want to hit the intense swells at Long Beach, the longest beach on the island. Not into surfing? The 10-mile beach is still worth visiting for whale-watching in the spring and autumn, and the surrounding Pacific Rim National Park, home to some of the oldest trees in Canada.

No longer a remote fishing village, Tofino’s laid-back surfer vibe attracts a large crowd in the summer. An off-season trip between November and February is best for fewer crowds and more nature, plus storm watching – an increasingly popular activity among photographers.

Camp in Saskatchewan’s prairie desert

Stretching over 60 miles along the southern shore of Lake Athabasca, Athabasca Sand Dunes Provincial Park beckons seasoned hikers and environmentalists alike for its endemic flora and towering sand dunes – a rare sight in a province known for its flat, prairie landscape. Reaching nearly 100ft high, the world’s most northerly sand dunes are also the largest active sand surface in the country. As a result, the fragile ecosystem is seriously safeguarded – each of the park’s three management zones has its own visitor guidelines, and you’ll need to take a floatplane or boat to get there. With few on-site services and guided tours, camping in this remote landscape is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for hardcore wilderness enthusiasts.

Wander the cobblestone streets of Old Québec

Church bells ring from regal cathedrals while contemporary takes on traditional Québecois fare – think, tourtière (meat pie) and maple syrup-infused brunch – are served in former factories and historic homes. It’s hard not to get lost in Old Québec’s charm. Designated a Unesco World Heritage Site in 1985 for its 400-year-old history, it’s the only fortified city you’ll find north of Mexico and a playground for history buffs. They won’t want to miss Le Château Frontenac. Since opening in 1893, the famous Fairmont hotel has hosted countless celebrities and notable political events, like the Québec Conferences of World War II.

While most visitors frequent the upper section of Old Town, the real “Old Town” is found closer to the water. With buildings dating back to the 17th century, locals will tell you Lower Old Town is the real birthplace of the city.

Immerse yourself in Indigenous culture on Manitoulin Island

Set on the shores of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay in Northern Ontario, Manitoulin Island is the largest freshwater island in the world. It’s also home to the Odawa, Ojibwe and Pottawatomi peoples that make up the Anishinabek Nation. While the island’s seven reserves carry a heavy legacy of residential schools, today, First Nations culture is celebrated with a proud embrace of Indigenous foods, music and storytelling. It’s best experienced on the Great Spirit Circle Trail, where a local guide will walk you through the island’s history and surrounding nature and provide a taste of Anishinebek culture, with Indigenous eats and a traditional Powwow ceremony.

Taste tour Toronto

With more than half of the residents that make up Toronto ’s 158 neighborhoods hailing from other countries – the city’s 7500 restaurants are arguably the most diverse in the world. In the absence of a clearly identifiable Canadian cuisine, collaboration and invention prevail in the kitchens of immigrant mom-and-pop shops and Michelin-starred celebrity chefs alike.

The urban core provides no shortage of foodie adventures: from globally-inspired fine dining (such as Sursur Lee’s famous 19-ingredient Singaporean slaw and Nick Bao’s big mac bao) to picturesque food markets (like Evergreen Brickworks nestled in the verdant hills of the Don Valley and St. Lawrence Market set in a light-speckled, century-old building). But the city’s best-kept culinary secrets lie outside the urban core, in the sprawling suburbs known as the “GTA” (Greater Toronto Area), where you’ll find unsuspecting strip malls churning up family recipes from seemingly every culture you can imagine.

Climb the cliffs of Gros Morne National Park

The signature red rock of the Tablelands in Gros Morne National Park reveals the earth’s mantle, formed by the collision of tectonic plates nearly 500 million years ago. It’s a geological masterpiece, best viewed by foot on one of Gros Morne’s many trails that take you on a journey through lush boreal forests, majestic waterfalls and jagged cliffs overlooking the wind-swept shoreline.

Seasoned hikers can challenge themselves on the Long Range Traverse, a 21-mile trail that provides the most epic views of the Western Brook Pond Fjord from its near-vertical mountaintops soaring 2000ft into the sky. While down at sea level, a calmer experience of the glacier-carved fjord is found aboard a Bon Tours boat, complete with local storytelling, toe-tapping musicians and East Coast fare.

Savor the wine and design in Prince Edward County

While British Columbia's arid Okanagan Valley is Canada’s obvious wine destination, the largest wine region is actually found in Ontario, where hundreds of wineries, some dating as far back as the late 19th century, are spread across three Designated Viticultural Areas – Niagara Peninsula, Prince Edward County, and the north shore of Lake Erie.

With limestone-rich soil lending itself to grapevine varieties with a distinct taste, Prince Edward County in particular attracts some of the country’s most innovative winemakers. And a creative crowd with an eye for aesthetics has followed – the region is now teeming with chic accommodation and tasting rooms set in bucolic barns. The boutique Drake Devonshire Inn is a destination in and of itself for seasonal eats and creative cocktails overlooking Lake Ontario. Design aficionados will want to check out refurbished motels like the Drake Motor Inn and June Motel (as seen on Netflix’s Motel Makeover).

Leaf peep on Cape Breton Island’s Cabot Trail

Take in the dramatic highlands and rugged coasts of Nova Scotia’s Cape Breton Island – considered one of the most beautiful islands in the world – from its famed Cabot Trail. The 186-mile loop spans an 8-hour, non-stop drive, but hiking or cycling a smaller section allows for a more leisurely pace. Cape Breton Highlands National Park is where you’ll find the greatest selection of hiking trails, with the Skyline, Fishing Cove and Acadian trails being the most popular. Summer attracts the most visitors but the trail is most photogenic in the fall when its winding curves glow in autumn colors.

Iceberg and whale watch on Fogo Island

You can visit Newfoundland and Labrador ’s Fogo Island year-round, but it’s the warmer months that offer the most epic experiences. Every spring, staggering 15,000-year-old icebergs sail down “ Iceberg Alley ” while the season that follows sees the world’s largest population of humpback whales migrating off its storm-battered shorelines. Book a tour through Fogo Island Inn, but make sure to visit the architectural masterpiece in person. Perched on stilts overlooking the ocean, the 29-room retreat has gained an international reputation for its sustainability efforts, not to mention its remote location at one of the “four corners of the Earth.”

Outside the hotel, verdant rolling hills speckled with colorful wooden homes are ripe with hiking trails for every skill level while the 18th-century Irish-settled town of Tilting, a National Historic Site of Canada, exudes East Coast warmth with the sounds of sea shanties and smells of simmering chowder wafting from its few cafes and pubs.

Explore Banff’s two most iconic lakes

With its crystal turquoise water fed by the glaciers of the surrounding Rocky Mountains, Lake Louise is a picture-postcard destination that lives up to the hype. With a flat, encircling path, you can easily hike or bike around the lake, or rent a canoe from the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, where you’ll find pristine views of the lake and surrounding Bow Valley from the 1888 castle’s outdoor heated pool and some of its 12 restaurants.

Equally as captivating as Lake Louise is nearby Moraine Lake, set in the Valley of the Ten Peaks. Open from May to October, it’s also equally as touristy – a peaceful sunrise visit avoids the crowds. Avid hikers can take in the glistening glacial waters and snow-capped peaks from the surrounding strenuous trails, and unwind afterward in a natural steaming bath at one of several nearby hot springs.

Hit the slopes in Whistler

Every winter, alpine enthusiasts from around the world flock to Canada’s Rocky Mountains for its soaring slopes and pristine mountain views. But it’s the ski town of Whistler that continues to draw the largest crowd. Set just two hours north of Vancouver, the former venue of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic games straddles both Whistler and Blackcomb – two mountains teeming with ski trails for all levels of experience.

With varied elevations producing a diversity of terrains, each with their own unique seasonal attractions – think, eagle tours among the colorful fall canopy and paddle-boarding glacier-fed lakes in the summer – Whistler appeals to thrill-seekers year-round. And the less adventurous too – stylish accommodation, a blossoming arts scene and energetic après-ski bars have transformed Whistler village from a rustic ski town into a European-style retreat.

Dig for dinosaurs in the Badlands

Known as the “Dinosaur Capital of the World,” Alberta’s Dinosaur Valley is a dream destination for professional paleontologists and Jurassic Park fans alike. Home to the world’s richest dinosaur fossil site, Dinosaur Provincial Park is protected grounds, so you’ll want to book a tour. But feel free to get lost in prehistoric times on a self-guided tour of the Royal Tyrrell Museum, where you’ll encounter over 130,000 fossils and a giant, 67-million-year-old T-rex. The surrounding Badlands – with its mystical hoodoo spires and dusty, arid canyons – make for a scenic, wild west road trip. A stop in the nearby eccentric former coal town of Drumheller is a must to climb inside the mouth of the world’s largest dinosaur.

Satisfy your sweet tooth at a Québec sugar shack

The stereotype holds true: Canadians love their maple syrup. Mid-March to mid-April offers a short window of time to savor it in its best form – straight from the tree. Every spring, upwards of 200 sugar shacks surrounding Montreal and Québec City open their doors for the annual maple syrup harvest. Take your pick of quaint, family-run maple groves, where you can learn all about the sweet sap and make your own maple tacky by dropping the sticky syrup in the snow. The experience is topped off with a traditional Québécois feast of baked ham and beans, meat pies and hash browns, all smothered in maple syrup of course.

Marvel at the Niagara Falls

Arguably Canada’s most touristy destination, Niagara Falls is worth braving the crowds for a view of the Horseshoe Falls : straddling the border between Ontario and New York, the largest of the three falls has the most powerful flow of any waterfall in North America. Immerse yourself in the fall’s majestic mist on the classic 20-minute Niagara cruise, or take in the views from the sky by way of helicopter, zipline or the Skylon Tower.

Gaming casinos and Clifton Hill’s many amusement attractions continue to be the main draw for entertainment-seekers of all ages. A short drive or shuttle ride north, you’ll find a calmer pace in Niagara-on-the-Lake, where horse-drawn carriages shuttle visitors between world-class wineries and local shops set in colonial buildings.

Skate Ottawa’s Rideau Canal

Every winter, the 4.8-mile long river that cuts through the heart of Ottawa freezes over to become the world’s largest skating rink. As the oldest continuously operated canal system in North America, the Rideau Canal dates back to 1832 and makes a wintery, picturesque backdrop for taking in the country’s capital city. The classic Canadian experience is rounded out with pit-stops for steaming hot chocolate and crispy beaver tails – fried dough pastry layered with sweet toppings like Nutella and cinnamon sugar. Visiting in the summer? Cruise the canal by boat, bike the Rideau Canal pathway or take to the skies on the new 1400ft Interzip Rogers, the world’s first interprovincial zipline.

Walk the Toronto skyline

Adrenaline junkies can lean over Canada’s largest city in the open air on the EdgeWalk : a wide ledge set outside the CN Tower ’s main pod. Standing 1800ft above the Toronto skyline, the CN Tower has long been one of the country’s most popular attractions for its unbeatable, 360-degree views. But the addition of the world’s highest hands-free external walk – a Guinness World Record breaker and the first of its kind in North America – has skyrocketed the tourist site to international attention. Feeling less adventurous? Take in the views from the CN Tower’s 360 Restaurant, where you’ll find award-winning Canadian-sourced cuisine served in a sleek setting, and the “cellar in the sky,” the world’s highest wine cellar.

Bike the Vancouver Seawall

With nearby outdoor challenges like hiking the steep wooden steps of Grouse Mountain – aptly nicknamed “Mother Nature’s Stairmaster” – and Lynn Canyon Park ’s Suspension Bridge, Vancouver tends to attract a competitive athletic crowd. A much more inviting and leisurely outdoor experience is found right in the city along the False Creek Seawall.

While you can easily walk or rollerblade sections of the two-way paved path, cycling is best to take in all the 14-mile-long route has to offer. Beginning in Coal Harbour and ending at Kitsilano Beach, the seaside path winds you through some of the city’s best destinations, like Stanley Park, English Bay and Jericho Beach. Make sure to make a refuel stop at Granville Island Public Market, where locals and visitors sample gourmet cheeses, butchered meat and fresh produce alongside eclectic art and tranquil harbor views.

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As the pandemic held us hostage, we all experienced hot, sticky, airless nights where we pined for former lovers, our hearts weeping for their embrace. But now, as Portugal removes many of its travel restrictions, fantasy and reality can collide in one electrifying clutch. Here’s how to spend a weekend falling hopelessly in love with a distractingly handsome Porto.

It’s easy to lose 48 hours in Portugal’s dashing, duel-hilled, sun-drenched second city. Sliced by the slow saunter of the Duruo river and and ribboned together by the rails of its sunflower-yellow trams, you could spend a lifetime sighing at its breathless beauty, in awe of its curves and cobblestones and its clinquant Klimt-esque sunsets

But all sultry, long-summer love affairs need a little spark, some excellent wine, fine food, some shared, starry-eyed experiences. Think: Emotive churches, evocative poetry, a passionate fado guitarist playing mournfully in a riverside tavern. Get ready to go giddy. Here’s what to do with a weekend in Porto.

Friday evening

After arriving down in Porto, head towards the river. The Ribeira district is a magnetic for tourists and lovestruck couples – and for good reason: it’s loud and lively and boasts some of the best views in town. Get acquainted with the fabulous Portuguese wine selection at the Wine Quay Bar. Order a side of local cured hams and cheeses to tide you over until dinner.

Call ahead for a table at Tapabento to try modern petiscos (Portuguese sharing plates) like freshly-shucked oysters drizzled in shallot vinaigrette or tangy Azores cheese with walnuts and rocket. Then wander uphill along the bustling pedestrian street Rua das Flores to take in the remarkably intricate architecture of one of the city’s oldest streets.

Saturday morning

Do as the locals do and keep breakfast low-key with an espresso and a pastel de nata (yes, Portuguese custard tarts are a perfectly acceptable breakfast choice). Pick from any of the traditional cafes dotted around the city, but we’d plump for the determinedly archaic Confeitaria do Bolhão, a patisserie which has been doing the business since 1896. And still locals can’t get enough.

From there, it’s a 10-minute saunter to Igreja do Carmo for some rococo to knock-o your socks off. Adorned in blue-and-white azulejo tiles from tip-to-toe, this 18th-century church is architectural dazzler and a for Instagrammers. Note the sliver of a house separating Carmo from its neighbor Igreja das Carmelitas, which kept the monks separated from the nuns.

Carry on south towards the unmistakable spire of the Torre dos Clérigos. The 249ft-high (76m) tower is the artistry of Nicolau Nasoni, who is oft considered the architect of Porto, and Clérigos is arguably his most famous contribution. Pay €6 ($7) to spiral up the 240 steps for a sweeping view of the city. The old staircases are narrow and often crowded, so if you’re claustrophobic or impatient, give it a miss and wander along Porto’s main avenue, Avenida dos Aliados, instead.

Saturday afternoon

Tonight will be spent on the town, so line your stomach with Porto’s famous multi-layered meat sandwich, the francesinha. Wrapped in cheese, drowned in tomato sauce and crowned with a fried egg, this artery-clogging masterpiece has more layers than the movie Inception (and takes just as long to finish). Send your medical bills to tried-and-trusted bellyfillers Capa na Baixa and Café Santiago.

The afternoon goal is to cross the river for a port tasting, but let your food settle with a stroll along Porto’s undulating cobblestones.Pass the baroque Igreja de Santo Ildefonso and wander through the Batalha district to reach the mighty Sé, a cathedral where centuries’ worth of architecture is bundled into one structure.

It’s elevated position sets up a walk across the top level of the Ponte de Dom Luís I to reach the cross-river city of Vila Nova de Gaia – home of the port wine lodges. Mosey down to World of Wine (WoW), a dazzling, new €105 million ($143 million) cultural district squeezed inside former port wine cellars.

There are six museums, five restaurants and an entire afternoon’s worth of fun to be had here. The Wine Experience and the immersive Pink Palace – an Insta-ready whirl through the rosé industry – are both worth a peek, but for a real taste of the city’s fantastic fortified wine, head a wee bit further out and take a personalized tour at Croft, which ends with a port tasting.

Saturday evening

Make the most of being on the south side of the Douro and watch the sunset from Jardim do Morro. Then take the metro back to Porto for a pre-dinner drink at Capela Incomum, a 19th-century chapel that’s been wonderfully transformed into a hushed and reverent wine bar. Locals don’t often eat until 9pm, which leaves you plenty of time to grab a taxi to the esteemed O Paparico, a romantic stone-walled restaurant which looks traditional but is anything but. Expect gastronomic fireworks using local produce like liqueur-laced Rendufas figs drizzled in a sweet fig vinegar.

The party scene doesn’t kick off until around midnight, so enjoy the evening air after dinner by pulling up a beanbag beneath the Passeio dos Clérigos olive trees at Base, a trendy open-air bar. Once the Clérigos clock strikes midnight, join the throngs of partygoers spilling out onto parallel streets Rua da Galeria de Paris and Rua de Cândido dos Reis, which are packed wall-to-wall with nightclubs and bars.

Despite looking like a jumbled garage sale at first glance – given its shelves of toys, vintage clocks and model cars – Galeria de Paris is worth a pit stop. Then follow the human tide to find other hotspots and dance until the sun comes up. The locals dress down with comfy shoes for a reason.

Sunday morning

If Saturday is a late one, join the rest of the city but enjoying a lie-in. Grab breakfast and a specialty brew at Noshi Coffee (where vegan, vegetarians and gluten-free diets are well catered for), then wander along Rua do Rosário and Rua de Miguel Bombarda to browse concept stores and galleries.

Stop for a tea in the peaceful garden of Rota do Chá, then follow Bombarda to the end and turn left into the Jardins do Palácio de Cristal. Watch the peacocks parading the grounds for photos and scope out the small gardens scattered across the park’s eight hectares (20 acres). Eventually zigzag your way back down to the river, pit stopping at the new Miradouro Ignez roof terrace for a snack or a drink with a knockout view.

Sunday afternoon

Hire a bike at Biclas & Triclas and sweep west along the Douro River to find some lunch. Choose from fresh fish barbecued on the street (follow your nose and the plumes of smoke), pizza overlooking the river at Casa d’Oro, or Portuguese share plates at Casa de Pasto da Palmeira. Brave the waves thrashing the Farol de Felgueiras jetty then continue around the bend as the Douro becomes the North Atlantic. Follow the coast to the beachside suburb Matosinhos or cut across to Portugal’s largest urban park, Parque da Cidade. Backtrack along the river to return your wheels.

bifana (pork sandwhich) and beer at local institution Conga - Casas das Bifanas is a chilled way to start Sunday evening © Emily McAuliffe / Lonely Planet" data-embed-button="images" data-entity-embed-display="media_image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{"image_style":"","image_link":""}" data-entity-type="media" data-entity-uuid="771df815-0464-420f-91f4-55c20a6365f4" data-langcode="en" title="Bifana at Conga_EmilyMcAuliffeConga_Emily McAuliffe (1).jpg">

Sunday evening

Keep things low-key with a beer and a bifana at Conga - Casa das Bifanas. This no-frills joint is a local institution and specializes in Portugal’s traditional thick-filled pork sandwiches. It's best to also take the opportunity to grab a pre-departure pastel de nata from Manteigaria or Fábrica da Nata. Perhaps even buy a box of the flaky, crispy, custard-filled tarts to take home with you.

This article was originally published on August, 21 2019.

Post-lockdown liaisons: A weekend in Porto is the sultry, long-summer love affair you’ve been pining after

The city may be a part of musical history but there's more to Chatanooga than a catchy tune. It's got more than its fair share of stunning scenery, outdoor activities that would make an Olympian blush, engaging and inspiring cultural experiences, and a progressive push towards technology that is improving the life of every local.

But don't have to break the bank to get a little taste of everything Chattanooga has on board. From public sculpture gardens to city parks, from historic sites to quirky craft markets, there's a lot you can do in the Scenic City for free. You just need to know where to look – start with our round up of the 16 best free things to do in Chattanooga.

1. Coolidge Park

Once an abandoned shipping yard Coolidge Park has been a favorite spot for families since the early aughts. It has a fun fountain where water shoots out of the mouths of stone lions that kids love to climb on, a late 19th-century wooden carousel lovingly restored by local master carver Bud Ellis, a 50ft climbing wall on one of the piers of the Walnut Street Bridge and winding walking paths along the edge of a river.

One end is anchored by the Chattanooga Theatre Centre, which has put on fun performances by adult and youth casts for decades. The other ends with the Market Street Bridge, though it connects to Renaissance Park on the other side.

There's a kayak and canoe launch that will get you onto the Tennessee River, and many restaurants and shops have back entrances opening to the park. Grab a sandwich from River Street Deli, ice cream from Clumpies, or a gourmet weenie from Good Dog and start exploring.

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2. The Chattanooga Library 4th Floor

Chattanooga got the nickname "Gig City" when the Electric Power Board rolled out one of the country's first municipal fiber-optic broadband networks. Now Chattanooga has some of the fastest internet in the land, including at its public library.

Right downtown near the city's designated Innovation District, the library boasts all the usual books and historical archives you'd expect from this kind of institution. But the Chattanooga Library also boasts unique facilities designed to help visitors develop the tech skills they'll need for tomorrow's professional and creative opportunities.

The 4th floor has a 3D printer, a button-maker, a zine studio (zine is a shorthand for self-published magazines on a variety of topics, from music fandom to creative nonfiction to DIY how-tos), a laser cutter, vinyl plotter, photography studio, sewing lab, a floor loom, an Arduino and Electronics Project Kit, and even a HTC Vive Virtual Reality Booth.

While some services require the cost of materials (usually 6 to 30 cents per gram of plastic or vinyl) or a public library card to use, most are free and it's a fun way to try equipment for creative projects.

3. Walnut Street Bridge

The Walnut Street Bridge has been part of the Chattanooga skyline for over a hundred years. It became a dark symbol of racial divides in the Jim Crow South after a pair of lynchings – one in 1893 (three years after it was built) and the other in 1906.

The bridge was nearly demolished in 1978 because it was in such poor repair. A group of concerned citizens rallied to save the bridge and got it added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Money was raised to retrofit the Walnut as one of the longest pedestrian bridges in the world, and it quickly became a magnet for tourists and locals alike, linking the revitalized downtown and North Shore neighborhoods.

Today, the Walnut Street Bridge hosts a variety of events throughout the year like the Wine Over Water Festival, local craft markets and the Seven Bridges Marathon and provides a fun viewing spot for events taking place elsewhere on the waterfront like the Riverbend Festival, Iron Man competition or downtown fireworks displays.

4. First Street Sculpture Garden

Tucked away at the south end of the Walnut Street Bridge at First and Market Streets is a small sculpture garden that rotates its works every year or so, keeping things fresh. Take a stroll down the hill on your way up to the Bluff View or down towards the Aquarium and enjoy pieces like Louise Peterson's "High Four," a beloved statue of a Great Dane offering a paw that took on a patina as more and more humans paused to shake it.

5. The Tennessee Riverwalk

The Tennessee Riverwalk is a 16-mile greenway running from Chickamauga Dam in Hixson to the north and the old Wheeland Foundry in St. Elmo to the south. It's paved in concrete the whole way and is a favorite spot of locals out for lunch breaks or pushing strollers with a morning coffee.

There are several restaurants and other businesses you can stop at along the way, from the Boathouse on Amnicola Highway (get the tableside-made guac and margaritas) and the Third Deck Burger Bar on an old riverboat downtown, to the St. Elmo Tap House. You'll also encounter plenty of picnic spots, playgrounds, and kayak launches, too.

6. The Chattanooga Market

This lovely mix of a farmer's market and craft fair typically runs from April to December, thanks to Chattanooga's mild climate. A solid roof covers the First Tennessee Pavilion that houses the Chattanooga Market in case of rain, but its sides are open air- bringing in nice breezes.

Live music acts take the stage at one end of the market, where food trucks are clustered by first-come cafe seating. The rest is filled with rows of booths selling everything from fine art to handmade baby clothes, jewelry, skincare products, local honey, spices, produce, local gifts and more.

7. Sculpture Fields at Montague Park

Home to huge sculptures by artists around the world, Montague Park is 33 acres of outdoor space dedicated to open-air art. There are 40 pieces of art here at any given time, sprinkled throughout a large field punctuated by big trees, picnic pavilions, and walking paths.

The Sculpture Fields are dog-friendly and afford panoramic views of Lookout Mountain. Since opening in 2016, it's become a popular place for joggers, portrait photographers, kite enthusiasts and families strolling over from their condos on the Southside.

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8. Chickamauga Battlefield

Once the sight of one of the bloodiest fights of the Civil War, and supposedly haunted by a cryptid called Old Green Eyes, Chickamauga Battlefield is mostly a winding maze of walking, cycling, and driving routes spread across rolling former farmland and stands of tall pines.

It's all collected into a National Military Park, and you can certainly learn a lot of detailed Civil War history here from the park rangers. But Chickamauga Battlefield is also a great place to learn about a wide range of subjects from local ecology to Indigenous history to monumental art and symbolism in the Reconstruction era.

On any given day, you'll find parents teaching their kids to ride bicycles on quiet forest paths, out-of-town history buffs, locals out for a lunchtime power walk, sunset ghost hunters and families camping out for the weekend.

9. The Passage

Before Chattanooga was settled by European colonizers, it was an important trading post for Indigenous nations, including the local Cherokee. In the 1800s, John Ross arrived via the Tennessee River and struck up a long-standing relationship with the Cherokee, who even inducted him into their tribe.

Ross's trading success directly led to Chattanooga's founding, and the point of his arrival is still known as Ross's Landing. The Tennessee Aquarium was built near that spot, and later the Passage was added to honor the Indigenous history there.

The Passage is a beautiful public gathering place, public art installation, and memorial to the Cherokee who were removed on the Trail of Tears tucked between the Tennessee Aquarium and the Tennessee River. Ceramic sculptures inspired by important Cherokee legends and history are blended with weeping fountains that invite visitors to bear witness to the terrible impact wrought by the Indian Removal Act.

10. River Gallery Sculpture Garden

Nestled near the Hunter Museum of American Art and the Victorian Christmas village of bed-and-breakfasts and bakeries that make up the Bluff View Art District, the River Gallery Sculpture Garden is a perennial favorite for its mix of diverse art in an unbeatable setting.

The permanent collection debuted in 1993, though visiting works have been known to pop up from time to time, too. There are cast bronze skateboarders, kinetic sculptures twisting in the waterfront wind and abstract works that glitter in the southern sunshine. The Garden connects to the Tennessee Riverwalk, too, so it's easy to make part of a longer stroll through downtown, by the water and up to the historic Fort Wood neighborhood.

11. Hiking to Sunset Rock

Partway up Lookout Mountain overlooking a broad valley to the southwest, Sunset Rock is a popular spot for rock climbers, casual hikers, and photographers.

The approach can be easy or challenging depending on if you start from the top of the mountain (note that parking can be tricky in this largely residential area) or from the bottom. If you plan to use the small lot at 405 W Brow Rd, be aware it can fill up fast – and pack a thermos of coffee or a picnic lunch to make the most of your time at Sunset Rock. It's less than half a mile from the parking lot, though you can keep going along other trails.

12. Forest Hills Cemetery

Another great place to learn about Chattanooga's early history is Forest Hills Cemetery in St. Elmo. This garden-style graveyard has been in use since the 1880s, and its splendid tombstones and ornate mausoleums pay tribute to some of the city's founding fathers and many prominent families.

Civil War generals are buried here, along with the great industrialists who profited off Chattanooga's old foundries and railroad empires, the founders of local private schools, and even a United States Postmaster General. With a canopy of huge old spruce trees, winding paths and a quiet atmosphere, it's a great place for a stroll, just a short walk from St. Elmo's main hub of shops and restaurants.

13. Disc Golf

There are several disc golf courses available for free use throughout the Chattanooga area. Carver Recreation Center in the Orchard Knob neighborhood has a nice nine-hole disc golf course that's excellent for kids and beginners.

The Sinks is a well-regarded disc golf course at DuPont Park in the northern suburb of Hixson, with challenging wooded terrain that's free to use as long as you already have your gear. A tiny two basket course is in Henriette Park in the Ferger Place neighborhood between the Southside and Highland Park is good to get a feel for the sport without running into crowds.

There's even a disc golf course at Cloudland Canyon State Park (a 30-minute drive from Chattanooga), though you'll need to pay a fee to use that one.

14. Hiking to Snooper's Rock

Snooper's Rock is another stunning viewpoint that offers high returns for little effort. Head to Prentice Cooper State Forest near Signal Mountain to the north of downtown.

You'll have a longish winding drive down dusty forest service roads that always feel like you've gone a little too far, but the walk from the trailhead to Snoopers Rock itself isn't long at all, just a little steep.

The end result is a panoramic view of the gorge between Signal and Raccoon Mountains through which the Tennessee River has carved its path. Hawks circle in the updrafts overhead and tiny houses peek out of the dense green foliage coating the mountainsides. It's one of the best views in Chattanooga that will rarely appear on a tourist brochure.

15. Geocaching at Cloudland Canyon State Park

There are many fun things to do at Cloudland Canyon State Park, from hiking to staying overnight in a yurt. But geocaching is a kind of scavenger hunt the whole family can get behind. Several themed geocache hunts you can undertake at Cloudland Canyon have some kind of educational component from Indigenous history to the park's geography.

You'll need a phone or other device that can use GPS coordinates to help solve clues that lead to buried treasure. There is a $5 parking fee to enter Cloudland Canyon, but all other activities there are free.

16. Enterprise South Nature Park

An old World War II munitions-manufacturing site dotted with concrete bunkers was recently turned into a network of mountain biking courses, equestrian trails and walking paths.

Since 2016, Enterprise South Nature Park has become hugely popular with residents of the city's northern suburbs and workers at the local Volkswagen plant. Bunkers #28 and #50 are open to the public for viewing if you're curious about the history of the place and leashed pets are allowed if you're looking for a place to get outside with your furry friend.

This article was originally published on July 8, 2021.

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Chattanooga Cheap-Cheap: best free things to do in the Scenic City

Tokyo is often thought of as the archetypal modern city with a sprawling urban landscape of sky-scraping buildings, a complex web of trains and subways, and miles upon miles of bustling neighborhoods that one could never hope to fully explore in a lifetime. But while these preconceptions may ring true, travelers shouldn’t overlook Tokyo’s nature-driven highlights.

Whether it’s cherry blossom picnicking in spring, river boat cruises in summer, hiking under the tumbling foliage in fall, or heading to Tokyo’s little-known tropical islands in winter, there are plenty of ways to rediscover Tokyo through the seasons.

Spring

Every spring – typically around the end of March or start of April – sakura, or cherry blossom, trees bloom throughout Tokyo for approximately two weeks. Exactly how long the delicate pink petals remain is dictated by weather conditions, but eventually they will drift away in the spring winds. Their cinematic departure is a symbol of mono no aware (the beauty of impermanence) and the fleeting nature of life itself.

The tradition of hanami, or cherry blossom viewing, which has existed since the Heian Period (794-1185), is the best way to enjoy this spring phenomenon. In the pre-pandemic era, Tokyo’s park would be awash in daytime revelers, drinking and dining on tarps under the blooming sakura. In these socially distanced times, however, it’s recommended that crowds admire the flowers on foot instead.

Alternatively, go to a quieter, suburban neighborhood - like Tachikawa Showa Kinen Park or Sarue Onshi Park - where you can picnic free from the crowds of central Tokyo. Or you can wait until the yaezakura trees bloom later in the season. Yaezakura, meaning “multi-layered cherry blossoms,” look similar to the more abundant somei yoshino variety, but have layered petals symbolizing strength. Yaezakura bloom around late April at Shinjuku-gyoen, and at Asukayama Park near Oji Station, among other locations in Tokyo.

Active travelers should also consider cycling or e-bike tours in spring. Tokyo is a relatively flat city, and these tours are an ideal way to traverse the streets and explore the diversity of its neighborhoods. Several operators offer guided tours in English through different districts of the metropolis, along with insider recommendations on where to sample the local culinary fare.

Summer

Tokyo’s summers are piping hot and sticky as honey, sending travelers in search of breezier activities within the city. Wooden pleasure boats called yakatabune were once the exclusive domain of the feudal aristocracy who took to the rivers to throw lavish parties with barrels of rice wine and geisha performers. While pleasure boat cruises are no longer exclusive to the upper classes, they remain a great outlet for partying in view of the fluorescent Tokyo skyline while accompanied by a caressing river breeze.

Common yakatabune routes meander along the Sumida River from either Asakusa, home to the grandest of Tokyo’s temples, Senso-ji, or Odaiba, from where you’ll navigate the artificial islands of Tokyo Bay. Bookings for private, shared, or chartered tours are available through the Tokyo Yakatabune Association.

Rooftop beer gardens are also great venues for a tipple set against the backdrop of Tokyo’s epic skyline. The nine-story Seibu shopping mall in Ikebukuro is surmounted by a large drinking-and-dining deck, a portion of which was inspired by Monet’s ‘Water Lilies.’ Some of these places are closed when COVID-19 emergency declarations are in place, so make sure to check local resources for the latest information before you go out.

If you want to get out of the city altogether, go camping – or glamping – in Okutama on the western edge of Tokyo Prefecture. The most mountainous and least developed region of the capital, Okutama is a popular summer haunt thanks to the cool rivers carving through its valleys. For camping, check out the Hikawa Campground, set by a trickling stream in the middle of a tree-swept valley. Or for something more urbane, there are glamping options at Okutama River Terrace or chic tent-cum-cabins at Keikoku Glamping, which also has a spa on site and boutique food-to-order options.

Fall

Sat on the urban-rural boundary, Mt. Takao is the most accessible of Tokyo’s mountains at only 599-meters-tall and less than one hour by train from Shinjuku. There are nine well-maintained hiking trails of varying degrees of difficulty – though even the hardest doesn’t pose too much of a challenge – each of which is ablaze in the fiery colors of autumn by late-November.

After the hike, grab a few cold ones at Beer Mount, Takao’s resident sky bar which looks toward the Tokyo cityscape to the east. It’s open until mid-October, but make sure to check its official web site for possible changes due to the pandemic. Follow that up with a dip in the onsen (hot spring) at the foot of the mountain. The Keio Takaosan Onsen, an open-air spring naturally heated by subterranean geothermal activity, is perfect for alleviating hike-weary muscles (massages are also available). Or if you’d prefer to get back to Tokyo first, head to a sento (indoor public bath) in Shinjuku, such as Mannenyu or Thermae-yu.

You don’t have to go west to appreciate the fall foliage; the parks of Tokyo are abundant in deciduous trees which put on a show every autumn. Shinjuku-gyoen and Rikugi-en are two of the best-kept public gardens in the city, and are arguably at their most resplendent at this time of year. Expect to see fan-shaped golden ginkgo leaves, deep red momiji and maple trees, and swathes of zelkova foliage resembling flaming spear tips. Shinjuku-gyoen is larger and more diverse, whereas Rikugi-en, formerly owned by a local daimyo (feudal lord), is filled with spiritual iconography and a bottle-green central pond, and hosts a nighttime illumination event every fall.

Winter

People don’t often associate winter with the tropics, but Tokyo defies that preconception. The UNESCO-recognized Ogasawara Islands are a tropical archipelago sitting 600-miles south of the Tokyo coastline. Chichi-jima and Haha-jima are the two main inhabited islands – a 25-hour ferry from Tokyo docks at the former every six days (bar a two-week inspection period in mid-January).

Both islands are secret sunny escapes from the Japanese winter, with daytime temperatures around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Whale-watching, scuba diving and tropical forest hikes are all popular activities in the Ogasawara winter.

On the mainland, winter is when the Japanese skies are at their clearest, meaning you’ll get picture-perfect views of Mt. Fuji for much of the season. You can see Fuji from the summit of Mt. Takao, or from vantage points atop Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Tower.

Winter is also one of the best times to eat, especially when the New Year chill descends upon the capital. A deep bowl of umami-rich ramen is the quintessential winter warmer meal, with shops like demon-inspired Kikanbo, whose pork belly ramen packs a spicy punch, and vegan-friendly Afuri among the most popular. Tokyo Ramen Street, an underground hallway lined by eight ramen shops, in Tokyo Station is a must-visit for noodle connoisseurs.

Rediscover Tokyo by the seasons

Edinburgh is one of Britain’s greenest cities. In its parks you’ll find rugged peaks, great picnic spots and botanic glasshouses. There are cutting-edge skateparks to ride, art galleries to explore and even otters to spot. Visitors may come to hilly Edinburgh for its urban charms, but it’s often in its many parks – by turns lively, bucolic and utterly epic – that the city’s life finds its greatest expression.

Here are just a few of Edinburgh’s biggest and best parks. A great part of the pleasure of exploring this city is digging out its surprising corners, the little spots of wild tucked behind hills and railway tracks, the playgrounds nestled in residential areas, the grassy patches that echo with the shouts of five-a-side football. Start with the parks here, and just keep walking – you’ll find some gems of your own.

Princes Street Gardens

Edinburgh has two historic hearts: the medieval Old Town, with its cramped alleys and towering castle, and the Georgian New Town, where elegant streets run between grand squares. Between them is the clipped green valley of Princes Street Gardens. It’s a glorious place for a stroll, a picnic or a break from sightseeing.

The gardens were created in the 1820s after the foul-smelling Nor Loch was drained. It’s actually made up of two sections. East Princes Street Gardens is home to an annual Christmas market and the Scott Monument, while the larger West Princes Street Gardens features the Ross Bandstand (which hosts open-air concerts and is the centerpiece of Hogmanay), the ornate Ross Fountain, and a bright floral clock.

There are plenty of nearby attractions, including the neighboring Scottish National Gallery, but many folk are happy to just laze beneath trees and feast their eyes on the bright flowerbeds or the great bulk of the castle.

Holyrood Park

Holyrood Park rises from the base of the Royal Mile, past basalt crags, small lochs, glens and great stretches of gorse up to the rugged peak of Arthur’s Seat. This former royal hunting ground feels like a wilderness in miniature, and it's a wonderful place to blow away the cobwebs (or a hangover).

Car parking is available, but it’s an easy walk from the Old Town, and it's possible to make a day of it by heading across the park to the Sheep Heid, a 700-year-old pub with a country feel and a skittle alley.

Other walks take you around its western edge (via sights including the Dynamic Earth and the Palace of Holyrood House), along the Radical Road at the top of the Salisbury Crags, or up paths to Arthur’s Seat itself. This 251m (823ft) ancient volcano once held a prehistoric hill fort and offers the finest views in the city.

Inverleith Park and the Botanics

Two of Edinburgh’s finest green spaces sit next door to each other just north of the city’s New Town. Inverleith Park is popular for its pond and excellent sporting facilities, while the world-leading Royal Botanic Garden is packed with almost a quarter of a million plant species. The Botanics is the older of the two and has been collecting species since 1670. There’s no charge to stroll through its landscaped acres, where you may pass rhododendrons, azaleas and countless rare species, although there’s a small fee to enter the elegant glasshouses.

Inverleith Park is a more everyday space, with football, rugby, tennis courts, cricket, petanque and a children’s playground, plus runners galore. Edinburgh looks distinctly green from here and there’s an impressive swan population.

The Meadows

South of the Old Town, the ground dips towards the expansive Meadows. Cherry-tree-lined paths cut across grassy stretches that are often packed with casual games of football at the weekend. When the sun’s out local students gather in gaggles to toast it with beer and chatter. Summer also sees events occupy part of the space, including fairs and temporary venues for the hugely popular Edinburgh Fringe.

Bordering the Meadows to the southwest are the Bruntsfield Links, which contain more open space, plus an enjoyable (and free) pitch and putt golf course – you can hire clubs and balls at the nearby Golf Tavern.

Saughton Park and Gardens

An £8 million restoration, completed in 2019, made Saughton Park one of the finest green spaces in the city. Walled gardens, orchards, a glasshouse and bright blossom in season give it a bucolic feel – you may even spot otters in the neighboring Water of Leith. But this is also a very modern space, with a swish kids’ playground and a smart cafe that runs on hydroelectricity.

Its extensive skate park was designed by local skaters and is one of the finest in the UK, with street-style zones and a bowl section. There are also playing fields for team sports. It’s in the suburb of Gorgie in western Edinburgh, which isn’t known for its sights, although Murrayfield rugby stadium is only a stone’s throw away.

Calton Hill

Home to wonderful city views and a half-finished acropolis, Calton Hill is not a typical Edinburgh park. It rises above the east end of Princes Street, passing several Scottish government buildings on the way. The brisk climb to the top brings you to the National Monument, a pillared homage to Athens’ Parthenon that was never finished and has since became known as “Scotland’s folly.” You’ll also find a temple-style monument to Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns, and an art gallery housed in a former observatory.

The views stretch right down Princes Street and across to the Firth of Forth, and a few times a year, the hill is the focus of events – notably Beltane, a wild, fire festival celebrating the coming of summer.

Other great parks in Edinburgh

Edinburgh has many other excellent green spaces. In the north of the city, Leith Links and Victoria Park offer play spaces and great spots for breezy walks. From here, you can follow the Water of Leith, a river lined by parks and wooded stretches, past Inverleith Park and the New Town to Saughton Park.

Out west, Corstorphine Hill is a large, appealing wooded hill that borders Edinburgh Zoo. South of the center, the Hermitage of Braid is a beautiful reserve, its green valley rising up to the slopes of the Braid Hills.

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Scratching China’s back with its mountain-studded crown, Vietnam’s tall and slender body extends its toes all the way south to the tropical waters off Cambodia’s coast. From mega-cities to white-sand beaches, jade-green paddy fields and soaring limestone peaks, Vietnam offers a staggering pick of different adventures and landscapes. It’s hard to decide where to start.

The following tips to the best things to do in Vietnam will get you inspired to plan the adventure of a lifetime and know what you shouldn’t miss.

Taste the Old Empire’s food in Hue

Vietnam’s Nguyen Dynasty ruled in Hue until 1945. The imperial city wasn’t just the country’s seat of power, but also the epicenter of its classic cuisine: of Vietnam's estimated 3,000 dishes, some 1,700 originate in Hue. The Old Empire cuisine consisted of "imperial dishes" ( ẩm thực cung đình) created within the Imperial City by an entourage of 50 royal chefs with ingredients sourced around the world and "royal dishes" ( ẩm thực hoàng gia), or the most court-worthy "peasant food" found outside the citadel.

They were all painstakingly prepared and presented as choreographed banquets of up to 50 dishes to please all of the emperor’s senses. Some picks from that opulent royal menu are still served in some of Hue's best restaurants, such as Cung Dinh, Thin Gia Vien and Hoang Phu. They offer striking looking, labour-intensive plates that give diners a veritable taste of Hue’s past imperial meals.

See rare monkeys in the Son Tra Peninsula

The red-shanked doucs of the Son Tra Nature Reserve, a mountainous peninsula overlooking the bay of Danang in central Vietnam, have stolen the show since American troops aptly named their haven “Monkey Mountain”. With golden-furred faces, red legs, glove-like white arms and long, ash-gray tails, Son Tra’s last 1300 doucs have become an unwilling attraction because of their rarity. Many tourists flock to photograph them but if visiting, absolutely refrain from feeding the wildlife to avoid disrupting their eating habits and population’s health.

Marvel at historical Indian-Champa ruins in My Son

Many visit the Unesco-protected ancient town of Hoi An, but fewer venture inland to another Unesco delight -- Mỹ Sơn, a cluster of Hindu temple ruins surrounded by jungle and a ring of mountains protecting the sacred Thu Bon river. Built between the 4th and 14th century by the Hindu kingdom of the Cham, the terracotta-hued brick tower temples of Mỹ Sơn's testify to the original site of their religious and political capital. The ruins are open from 6am to 5pm, with sunrise tours departing from Hoi An increasingly popular. Visit in the afternoon after 2pm for a more intimate experience.

Visit the Cao Dai Holy See in Tay Ninh

Come to grips with one of the world's youngest religions in the southern Mekong Delta town of Tay Nihn, an easy day pilgrimage from Ho Chi Minh City. Founded by Ngô Văn Chiêu in 1926, Cao Dai is a monotheistic faith fusing principles of Buddhism, Taoism, Christianity, the occult and Islam, with the ultimate goal to free the soul from the endless cycle of reincarnation.

The Cao Dai Holy See may look like a European-styled church fronted by two bell towers from a distance, but a closer look reveals turrets decorated with weapon-toting statues, an all-seeing eye, and even a Communist-looking red star -- the sect worships, among others, Jesus Christ, Buddha, Mohammed and even French novelist Victor Hugo. Visitors can enter the shrine to witness prayers four times a day.

Jump on a motorbike and explore

Vietnam largely moves on two wheels, and even if it may take some courage to get adjusted to the traffic, a motorbike offers total freedom to explore the country. Congestion thaws at the edge of any city, leaving the northern and central mountains, thousands of miles of coastline, and the green paddies of the Mekong Delta open to endless adventures. The large availability of motorbikes for rent means that planning short multi-day loops around most towns is as straightforward as planning multi-week cross-country journeys. But be aware that international driving permits are becoming increasingly necessary and your insurance may stipulate that you have a motorcycle license at home to be valid.

Face the twin Ban Gioc waterfalls as you peek into China

A staggering 208m (682ft) wide and 70m (229ft) tall, the breath-taking Ban Gioc Waterfalls on the Quay Son River mark the border between Cao Bang and China's Guanxi provinces, and are the widest falls in all of Vietnam. Bamboo rafts on the two sides of this liquid border punt visitors to the base of the cascade for close-up views. While it’s possible to hike beyond the falls or up to a nearby hilltop temple, keen hikers will find the nearby Nguom Ngao caves and their kilometer-long walkway, flanked by an impressive number of well-lit stalactites, a more rewarding challenge. Cao Bang, 90km (56 miles) away, is the springboard for an offbeat region filled with more caves, village homestay experiences and delicious local food.

Have a taste of the "Asian Alps" in Sapa and Dalat

The former French Hill station of Sapa, north Vietnam's most popular gateway into China, is surrounded by mountains so impressive that the French colonizers called them the “Tonkinese Alps”. This is the realm of the H'Mong and Dao ethnic minorities, who farm terraced paddy fields wearing beautiful traditional attire still to this day.

Don't think that only Vietnam's northernmost reaches have mountains and cooler climates: 308km (191 miles) northeast of Ho Chi Minh City is Dalat, a former French colonial hill station dotted with hundreds of old-world European villas clustered around the whitewashed King Palace. One visitor favorite up here is Hang Nga Crazy House, an ever-changing avant-garde guesthouse created by artist Ms Dang Viet Nga. It mixes swirls of color, wavy structures, sculptural bedrooms and fairy tale-like turrets into a building you’ve never imagined before.

Visit Dak Lak’s coffee plantations

The Dak Lak province seals the southern end of Vietnam's Central Highlands with endless undulating basaltic hills that at 1600m (5250ft) these is perfect coffee growing ground.

Coffeeholics should travel to the region's capital of Buon Ma Thuot to tuck into the surrounding hills where dozens of different coffee strains, from Arabica to Liberica and Robusta, are grown by eco-sustainable farms. The best time to visit is from September to the end of December, when the region is in full swing for harvest season.

Enjoy the sea in tranquil Quy Nhon

The coastal town of Quy Nhon has somehow remained hidden behind the 10km (6 mile) stretch of land that separates it from ever-busy Highway 1. Its long, fine white beaches backed by mountains have earned Qui Nhon the name of “Maldives of Vietnam”. Start in Quy Nhon beach, straight in town and lined with low-key bars, and then hop to the real local favorite, Ky Co beach, a less-developed arch of powdery white sand about 30 minutes drive out of town – visit early or late in the day, after most of domestic tourists have retired.

Just a few more minutes drive away is Eo Gio, a series of red rocky cliffs soaring right next to the blue sea. Nature lovers can try the walking path that snakes along the coastline, or climb up the rocky hills for perfect views.

Brave the world’s largest cave in Phong Nha

The Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park in north central Vietnam’s jungle-covered Quang Binh province straddling the Laos border is filled with caves, including the world’s largest, Hang Son Doong. Its scale is mind-blowing: a mile in, and a 747 airplane could fly through the cave’s tunnel. Because parts of the limestone ceiling have collapsed and brought in sunlight, Hang Son Doong contains an entire rainforest ecosystem with trees as tall as buildings.

Flying foxes, rare langurs, and even a small population of tigers dwell in this unique underworld. What could be the world's biggest stalagmite, the 200ft-tall "Hand of Dog'', is also found here. Since 2012, one tour company has been taking a very strict number of visitors into Son Doong for a treacherous — and very expensive at $3000 — four-day trek, but beyond the world’s biggest, dozens of other caves await to be explored.

Learn about Vietnam’s war history in Ho Chi Minh City

To many Westerners, the name “Vietnam” evokes images of the war that split the country in two halves between 1955 and 1975. The city may have changed its name from Saigon to Ho Chi Minh City, but it hasn’t forgotten that grisly past. The HCMC Museum boasts informative photo exhibitions, war memorabilia and artefacts, while the War Remnants Museum pulls no punches in detailing war atrocities, napalm burns, unexploded ordnance and a perfectly conserved US tank.

To get a close feel of what the war enticed, hop on a tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels outside of town for a real-life crawl into the claustrophobic burrows (slightly enlarged for the comfort of tourists) that the Communist guerrilla troops, known as the Viet Cong, used to become invisible.

Cruise the northern bays

With 1600 jagged limestone islands emerging from the sea like ash-green daggers, Halong Bay, three hours east of Hanoi, is rightly one of Vietnam's most touristic sites. While hundreds of boats depart from Halong daily, the adjacent Bai Tu Long Bay to the northwest is still a less-touristy waterworld filled with rows of jungle-studded limestone karsts that rise like fangs amid remote floating villages. A highlight is kayaking in the heart of the bay to Vung Vieng, 24km(15ml) away from the mainland, hopping between fisherman homes to learn about their lifestyle.

Hike Mu Cang Chai’s rice terraces

Hemmed in Vietnam's northwestern corner, the rustic countryside around Mu Cang Chai is still largely rural and a perfect spot to try a less-crowded highland experience. The highlight here are the 2,200 hectares of towering vertical terraced rice fields. Declared a national heritage site in 2007, Mu Cang Chai’s hills are carved with giant steps that rise to the sky from the valleys forged by the Red River.

These days, charming ecolodges on stilts have come to supplement the choice of simple yet authentic indigenous homestays manned by the local H'mong minority. All good reasons to head there to trek between villages and try their freshest farm-to-table dishes.

Float on the Mekong Delta

Breaking into the South China sea like an open hand, the mighty Mekong river ends the 4,350km (2700 mile) journey it started in the Tibetan plateau to the south of Ho Chi Minh City. For centuries, the Mekong Delta has been Vietnam’s rice bowl, nurturing a network of sleepy towns and villages on stilts that keep using the river as their main water artery for life and trade. The best way to explore is obviously by taking to the waters, either by cruising overnight on the main channel between Cai Be and Can Tho, or by paying the local fisher-folks to take you on the backwaters, where the smaller waterways become so narrow you may come face to face with an heron or two.

Ride through Ha Giang and the Dong Van Karst Plateau Unesco Global Geopark

Adored by bikers and cyclists alike, the 350km loop between Ha Giang and Dong Van is spectacular no matter how you tackle it — though peering through the windshield of a local minivan does tune down the majesty of the region’s single file of wavy limestone karsts, infinite river gorges, and misty peaks that separate Vietnam from China.

Don’t rush and take three to five days to bunk down at scenic homestays, visit the H’Mong King Palace and learn about the region’s former days as an opium trading post, and then stop at the 1500m (4921ft) high Ma Pi Leng Pass to take in some of Vietnam’s best scenery.

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The South Pacific confounds even the savviest map buffs with its splatter of dots spread across the world's biggest ocean. What you can't tell from a map, or even most tourist brochures is that these palm-laden pinpricks are as diverse as the region is vast. While the postcards might look similar, Fiji and Tahiti are not interchangeable or even much alike when it comes to landscapes and culture.

As you move east across the Pacific from the Solomon Islands to Easter Island, the flora and fauna becomes less diverse. Islands to the east like New Caledonia and Fiji have land snakes and fruit bats, French Polynesia and Easter Island don't. Underwater you'll find more soft corals in the plankton-rich waters to the west but better visibility in the greater reaches of open water to the east.

South Pacific islands are culturally and geographically divided into Polynesia (from the Greek meaning 'many islands') and Melanesia (meaning 'black islands'). Polynesian islands include Samoa, Tonga, Cook Islands, French Polynesia and Easter Island while Fiji, New Caledonia, Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands are Melanesian. The colonial history of the islands has resulted in a modern-day patchwork of English- and French-speaking island groups (plus Spanish in the far eastern Easter Island).

Still confused? Here's the low-down on the main regions and their highlights.

Raratonga & the Cook Islands

Best for beaches and hospitality
Languages: English (official), Cook Islands Maori (Rarotongan)

The Cook Islands mix Polynesian blue water and hospitality with New Zealand (who administer the islands) savoir faire. On the lush, main isle of Raratonga beach bum all day then experience an 'Island Night' Polynesian feast (pork cooked in an earthen oven, taro root and more) and a local dance performance.

Hop a plane to Aitutuaki atoll, with its low-lying coral islets curling around one of the world's most fantastic lagoons. When not diving, snorkelling or swimming in blue water, check out the atoll's ancient stone temples called marae.

Fiji

Best for: friendly vibes and backpacker adventures
Languages: English, iTaukei, Fiji Hindi

Fiji receives nearly the same amount of visitors (about 630,000 annually) as the rest of the South Pacific combined but it still feels wild and exotic. Scents of Indian curries waft from city roti shops while in villages Melanesian families invite you in for a bit of 'grog' ( kava, a slightly narcotic locally made beverage). Diving is another popular activity here and underwater you'll find seascapes of soft corals so dense they look like purple and white forests.

Viti Levu, the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands have the best beaches and most resorts. It's also easy to get off-the-beaten-path on islands like the lush, dive havens of Taveuni and Vanua Levu or the near-roadless traditional escape of Kadavu.

Tahiti & French Polynesia

Best for: luxury resorts and surfing
Languages: French, Polynesian

With over 115 islands spanning five archipelagos, French Polynesia has it all from the legendary, luxe Bora Bora and its over-the-water-bungalows to uncountable forgotten islands perfect for Crusoe-wannabes looking for a basic beach bungalow. Wherever you go, you'll be kissed with a touch of French style.

Dive with plentiful reef sharks and manta rays in the Tuamotu Atolls; ogle the world's fastest hip shaking at a Tahitian dance performance during the July Heiva Festival; hike to waterfalls and mountain ridges on Tahiti, Moorea, the Marquesas Islands and more; or watch professional surfers brave cavernous tubes at Teahupoo, Tahiti.

Vanuatu

Best for: volcanoes and hiking
Languages: (more than 100) Bislama (creole), English, French, others

If you want rumbling volcanoes, kava bars, shipwrecks to dive on and wild jungles to trek but still want your roads paved and your cheese French, Vanuatu is the place for you.

The main Island of Efate is home to the endearingly dusty capitol of Port Vila but the real action lies on the outer islands. Tanna is dominated by fiery and climbable Mt Yasur. Espiritu Santo has upscale resorts and a tough trek to the massive Millennium Cave filled with waterfalls and bats. Dive and snorkel WWII wrecks to coral gardens.

Samoa & American Samoa

Best for surfing and hiking
Languages: English, Samoan (Polynesian), Samoan/English

The Samoan Islands are divided into two countries – Samoa, which is independent, and American Samoa, which - you guessed it – is an American territory. Both however remain very traditionally Polynesian. Although 'Upolu in Samoa has a few relatively upscale resorts, all the islands feel untouristy and much other accommodation is in the form of basic open beach huts called fale.

You'll find some of the South Pacific's best and most pristine beaches, lots of smiles, flower-filled villages and a pace of life that stands out as slow even in this region. There are few organized excursions but for independent types the opportunity for hiking, cultural connections, surfing and snorkelling are endless.

New Caledonia

Best for: food and water sports
Language: French, 33 Melanesian-Polynesian dialects

New Caledonia's massive Grande Terre is the third largest island in the Pacific (after Papua New Guinea and New Zealand) and is home to the second largest double barrier coral reef in the world (after Australia's Great Barrier Reef).

Beyond the diving, wind sports and sailing in the lagoon, the land supports a mix of Melanesian and French cultures that bring an elegant balance to hospitality, cuisine and accommodation ranging from beach bungalows to very posh resorts.

Outlying islands such as Île des Pins and Ouvéa offer more remote escapes with some of the Pacific's best beaches and heaps of delicious seafood.

Tonga

Best for: swimming with humpback whales
Language: English, Tongan

The Kingdom of Tonga is a country of traditional values and strong Christianity backed by endless blue bays, sparkling beaches and ancient stone temples.

The main island of Tongatapu is the seat of the monarchy but most visitors head quickly to the Vava'u Group. Here you'll find one of the best places on Earth to swim with or watch humpback whales. Sailboats flock around the Vava'u's many sheltered blue bays while plenty of scarcely discovered surfing waves are tucked along the coasts.

Easter Island (Rapa Nui)

Best for archaeology and wildlife
Language: Spanish

Few places on the planet are as intriguing Easter Island 164 square kilometer island so far east, it's technically a part of Chile. Giant, sober-faced stone statues called moai dominate the landscape here whether they are full-standing or still only partially carved from rock; their mystery is an even larger presence.

Tour the island on foot, bike or horseback, find small white beaches and enjoy the lively Polynesian culture mixed with South American spice. Tourism is on the rise but the island remains personable and dedicated to eco-travel.

Solomon Islands

Best for: diving and eco-tourism
Language: English, Melanesian pidgin, English, 120 indigenous languages

Arguably one of the wildest destinations in the South Pacific, the Solomon Islands host a traditional Melanesian culture and an ever-lingering WWII history. Guadalcanal, the capital island, is home to numerous historical war sites.

For relaxation head to the New Georgia Islands, particularly Marovo Lagoon for its fish-filled lagoon dotted with small islands. Beaches are few but the kayaking, diving and traditional culture make it a true adventure.

Remote South Pacific islands

Where to begin? Some places like Niue, Tuvalu, Kiribati and Wallis & Futuna have flight connections while others like Tokelau and Pitcairn Island can still only be reached by sea. If you're not booking that South Pacific adventure-of-a-lifetime this year, then what are you waiting for?

This article was first published in August 2, 2019.

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