With its exquisite Modernist architecture, unbeatable fine-dining and Mediterranean, cosmopolitan attitude, it's easy to see why Barcelona has become such an acclaimed city for globe-trotting travelers.  The city's parks and gardens are less well known–an oversight considering the abundance of green spaces in the Catalan capital. Exploring them is one of the best ways to get a feel for Barcelona's diverse neighborhoods.

Barcelona's parks may be less famous than the legendary gardens in Paris, Berlin, London and Madrid, but the city is dotted with lovely open spaces, ornamented by landmark buildings, traversed by walking paths, and crowned by viewpoints poised high above the city streets – all perfect for an evening stroll. If you crave calming spaces, here is our pick of the best parks to visit in Barcelona.

Parc de la Ciutadella

When Barcelona fell to the troops of Philip V of Spain during the Spanish War of Succession (1701-1714), the new ruler commanded a citadel be built in the city to keep Barcelona and its citizens under control. For decades, the fortress was seen as a symbol of repression, until it was finally torn down during the Glorious Revolution in 1868. The empty space created by this citizens' act of rebellion was the starting point for the Parc de la Ciutadella, whose name still recalls the unlamented citadel.

Today, Parc de la Ciutadella is the lungs of downtown Barcelona, a favorite meeting point where locals and travelers gather with friends, eat al fresco takeaway lunches, and listen to the live music which is always being performed somewhere in the park. The mist from fountains cools the air, trees shade the pathways, and in the mornings, the park’s pathways are filled with runners, yogis and walkers taking advantage of the moderate temperatures.

Despite the loss of the citadel, you can still find some buildings from Philip V's time in the park, like the king's former arsenal, now the Parlament de Catalunya. The park is also home to Zoo de Barcelona, one of the most renowned zoological parks in Europe, where the white gorilla Floquet de Neu (Snowflake) lived for 39 years.

Parc del Laberint d’Horta

Best park for getting lost

Not many tourists know about the oldest park in Barcelona, but neither did most locals until 2006, when the park’s maze was used as a shooting location in the multi-award winning movie Perfume: The Story of a Murderer. Set in a particularly quiet, green area in the outskirts of Barcelona, the Parc del Laberint d’Horta was built by an aristocratic family at the end of the 18th century, but it was not opened to the public until 1971.

At the heart of the garden is perhaps the most perfect labyrinth in Spain, a 750-square-meter maze of geometric pathways, bound by immaculately trimmed cypress trees. After conquering the mysteries of the maze, explore the surrounding 18th- and 19th-century gardens and admire the medieval Torre Sobirana, the remains of a 14th-century palace.

Parc del Guinardó

Parc del Guinardó was constructed in 1918 on land that was previously used by local winemakers. For several centuries grapes were grown on these slopes to produce to full-bodied Catalan wines, but the vineyards were abandoned due to disease and the hillside was returned to peaceful pine forests and scrub-land. Bus V17 runs from Port Vell to Carmel, passing close to the edge of the park.

Parc del Guinardó is nestled in the neighborhood of Horta-Guinardó, in the elevated part of Barcelona, and there are some great viewpoints reached via walking trails through the pine trees. The best views are from the Bunkers del Carmel, a series of anti-aircraft gun positions built during the Spanish Civil War in 1937. Many locals grab snacks and cold bottled beers and head up here in the afternoon to watch the sun set over the city.

Parc Güell

Best park for Gaudí fans

Parc Güell needs little introduction. Designed by the father of Catalan Modernism, architect Antoni Gaudí, the park is a sprawl of eye-catching architectural elements, mosaic tiles and astonishing undulating forms, overlooking the Barcelona skyline, with an imposing stretch of the Mediterranean in the background. This captivating piece of whimsy was constructed in 1914 and opened as a public space in 1926, ringed by a tangle of forested pathways.

Parc Güell's green spaces have long been a favorite recreation area for locals, and the city authorities got themselves into hot water in 2013 after introducing a €10 entry fee to control visitor numbers, causing public outrage. After years of campaigning, the authorities eventually agreed to allow residents from surrounding districts to access the park for free. Citizens from the rest of Barcelona can visit with a special permit; tourists, however, still need to pay.

Parc de Montjuïc

Best park for all-day adventures

Montjuïc is the mountain that borders Barcelona to the west, and its name translates as Mountain of Jews in medieval Catalan, a reference to the ancient Jewish cemetery that once stood here. Parc de Montjuïc is often described as the 'park of parks' because of the many public spaces and gardens dotted over its slopes. The highlight is the Jardí Botànic, the best botanical garden in Barcelona, with five landscaped zones designed to mimic habitats and terrain from different parts of the world. Fans of arid landscapes will love Jardins de Mossèn Costa Llobera, which has over 800 different species of cactus.

Parc de Montjuïc has more to offer than just gardens. There are forest trails, scenic picnic areas and a string of city landmarks and museums, including the 17th-century Castell de Montjuic, the Fundació Joan Miró art museum, and the Museu Nacional d’Art de Cataluny a, housed in the modern-Baroque Palau Nacional. Montjuïc also plays host to a slew of music festivals, including the popular Brunch Elektronik.

Fit travelers can easily climb Montjuïc on foot, but you can also reach the top on the funicular railway that departs from the metro station of Paral·lel. Alternatively, a dangling cable car (with great views) departs from La Barceloneta. If you've worked up an appetite getting here, drop into the popular restaurant, Terraza Martínez, for terrace views and some of the best paella in Barcelona.

Jardins del Palau de Pedralbes

Best park for garden lovers

The most majestic of Barcelona's parks and gardens is located within the walls of the Royal Palace of Pedralbes, the official residence of the Royal Spanish Family from 1919 and 1931. The palace was later transformed into the headquarters of the Union for the Mediterranean, so it's not open to the public today, but the imperial gardens are completely free to roam.

As well as elegant topiary and colorful planted beds, the park is noteworthy for its collection of towering cedar trees, from Himalayan species to cedars from Japan and Morocco. There are plenty of extraordinary architectural and sculptural elements too, including the Hercules Fountain, designed by Antoni Gaudí, which spouts water through the mouth of a stylized steel dragon.

The gardens are also known for cultural and music events, the most popular being the Festival de Pedralbes, which takes places every summer, attracting a wide variety of internationally-renowned musician and performing artists.

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Visiting a city like Houston can feel overwhelming. Like many places in Texas, Houston is spread out, and attractions aren’t centered in just one area. While we are big fans of neighborhoods like Downtown Houston and the Museum District, they are only two of many rich local communities with their own personality and attractions.

Use our list of the best Houston neighborhoods to curate a travel itinerary that perfectly aligns with your tastes and interests. Move between each neighborhood over the course of your trip and see Houston like a local.

Downtown Houston

Downtown Houston is the central business district for the city of Houston. It’s home to a skyline of offices, businesses, and hotels with activities and attractions interspersed throughout. With a stay in one of Downtown’s upscale hotels, you can explore on foot or by MetroRAIL and enjoy a show at the Houston Grand Opera, a performance by the Houston Ballet, a Rockets basketball game at the Toyota Center, or an Astros baseball game at Minute Maid Park. Put aside time to visit the 12-acre Discovery Green Park, a gathering place for visitors and locals alike who come to admire art installations, take fitness classes, or explore a local vintage market at night. Families who stay in Downtown Houston should make time to visit the Houston Aquarium, while couples can enjoy art walks and dine in excellent restaurants.

Asiatown

You may hear Houston’s Asiatown referred to as "Chinatown," but the old name doesn’t accurately reflect the diverse cultural influences of the neighborhood. Vietnamese, Korean, Malaysian, Indian and Pakistani restaurants and shops are just as much a central part of the community as their Chinese neighbors. Most visit here to taste the best Asian food in Texas, whether it's dim sum at Kim Son, hot pot at Tasty Point, basmati rice at Avesta Persian Grill, or Malay cuisine at Banana Leaf. That’s not to say that restaurants are the only thing on offer in Asiatown – Hong Kong City Mall has over 100 shops, while Harwin Drive is the perfect spot for bargain buys. If you're short on time, then booking with Asian Heritage Tours may be ideal. Their guides will show you the best cultural sites and the most authentic and tastiest food in the neighborhood.

Museum District

A cultural exploration of Houston wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Museum District. There are 19 different museums within this neighborhood that focus on art, science, nature and history. The museums range in size and content and include the Holocaust Museum Houston, Children’s Museum Houston, Asia Society Texas Center, the Museum of Fine Arts and many more. Like the Houston Zoo and the Houston Museum of Natural Science, some of the museums are housed within the neighborhood’s most notable green space. With 445 acres full of gardens, museums, sculptures and restaurants, Hermann Park is a must-visit.

Montrose

Montrose is an eclectic neighborhood that celebrates its eccentricity. Here you can find meticulously curated exhibits like the Menil Collection and Rothko Chapel, modern art at Art League Houston, great films at Aurora Picture Show, and an abundance of shopping along Westheimer Road. Caffeine lovers won’t be at a loss for quirky and stylish coffee shops in Montrose, and foodies can discover the diversity of Houston’s restaurant scene. Make your way to the north part of the neighborhood for kayaking, running and outdoor activities in Buffalo Bayou Park and then party the night away in the LGBTIQ+ quarter in bars like Ripcord.

East End

East End’s location next to the Houston Shipping Channel made it an industrial center in the early 1900s. This attracted a wide range of diverse communities and resulted in the growth of a multicultural landscape over the last century. Today, East End is known as a cultural district of Houston and is home to a beautiful selection of outdoor murals and 30 arts and culture institutions.

Get a literal taste of the community’s culture at the East End Farmers Market on Sundays, then catch a dance or musical performance at Talento Bilingue de Houston arts center before making your way to Navigation Boulevard to explore shops and restaurants. Visit Magnolia Park and Second Ward, Houston’s oldest Hispanic neighborhoods located within East End, to enjoy authentic Mexican food. To learn more about Houston’s industrial and shipping history, hop on the free 90-minute Sam Houston Boat Tour through the Houston Ship Channel.

River Oaks District

The River Oaks District is the epitome of luxury and affluence in Houston. You could easily spend the day driving through the neighborhood admiring mansions, but most people center their experience on the River Oaks Shopping Center. The 14-acre retail cathedral has premium fashion names like Dior and Tom Ford, upscale dining experiences such as La Griglia, and IPIC Theaters, a cinema with gourmet bites and plush seating.

For a bit of culture, stop at Rienzi, a 1950s mansion that has been converted into an art gallery under the tutelage of the Museum of Fine Arts Houston. It has a fantastic display of antiques and home décor. With Memorial Park on the northern edge of this neighborhood, bike and running trails are close at hand.

Mahatma Gandhi District

The Mahatma Gandhi District is home to Houston’s largest South Asian population. The neighborhood blossomed around a single restaurant called Raja Sweets, the first and oldest Indian restaurant in Texas. The huge success of this eatery drew more South Asians to the community and has resulted in a culturally rich neighborhood full of Indian and Pakistani restaurants, shops, and cultural centers.

If you’re at a loss of where to start your personal tour of Mahatma Gandhi District, make your way to Hillcroft Street, which is lined with Indian and Pakistani restaurants, South Asian grocers, jewelry and sari shops, and other boutiques.

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Austin, Texas, is known as a great outdoor destination, the live music capital of Texas, and the center for all things ‘weird’ in the Lone Star State. Although it may not be renowned for being a family-friendly destination, the reality is that families with kids of all ages will discover that the capital of Texas is an exciting and enjoyable place. Dive into our list of Austin’s top kid-friendly sites that include everything from museums to tours and animal encounters.

Zilker Park

You’d be hard-pressed to do everything in one day at Zilker Park. In addition to a disc golf course and volleyball courts, the 351-acre park is home to Barton Springs Pool and the Zilker Hillside Theater, which hosts live concerts and shows like Zilker Summer Musical and Shakespeare in the Park.

Take the kids to the Austin Nature & Science Center for hands-on nature experiences that will teach children about the natural world around them. Zilker Botanical Garden covers 28 acres and has a lovely array of koi-filled ponds and waterfalls, as well as beautiful gardens with different themes – the Hartman Prehistoric Garden features the same plants that covered the Earth during the time of the dinosaurs.

Thinkery

As their name implies, Thinkery is a children’s museum that inspires kids to think. The 40,000-sq-ft museum has indoor and outdoor exhibits that cater to children between 0 and 11 years of age. In the "Light Lab," kids learn about the impact of light and how to manipulate color with circuits.

The "Currents" exhibit teaches about the dynamics of water and sound, while the "Earth, Wind, Inspire" exhibit focuses on climate, the sun, and weather phenomena like tornados. By providing hands-on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) programs and exhibits, Thinkery engages the minds and hearts of your little ones.

Bat Bridge

Congress Avenue Bridge, located right next to downtown, is home to a colony of Mexican free-tailed bats. Since settling under the bridge in the 1980s, the bats have become the largest urban bat population in North America and have amassed a following of curious onlookers who arrive in the late evening to see them fly away in search of food.

Take the family to see this phenomenon between late March and early fall. Unfortunately, the bats exit the bridge anywhere between 7:30 and 9:45 pm, so you’ll have to arrive early to get a good spot on the grassy hill of the Statesman Bat Observation or on the Congress Avenue Bridge. Make it an even more unique experience by renting kayaks or canoes and paddling onto Lady Bird Lake to watch the bat show.

Inner Space Cavern

To see one of the best-preserved cave systems in the US, visit Inner Space Cavern. It’s located right outside of Austin, in the college town of Georgetown. There are a variety of cave tours – some of which are easier than others – but no matter which tour you take, you’ll see a range of magnificent geological formations and even some prehistoric animal bones! Once you’ve taken your Inner Space Cavern Tour, go above ground and pan for gemstones and fossils or take a ride on the Saber Tooth zipline.

Barton Springs Pool

Barton Springs Pool is the perfect spot to have a family swim day in Austin. Located within Zilker Park, the three-acre pool is fed from an underground spring. The pool is as deep as 18ft in some spots and maintains an average temperature of 68-70 degrees, so you can swim here year-round. Although access to Barton Springs Pool usually comes at a price ($9 for adults and $5 for kids), it is free every day from 5-8 am and 9-10 pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Pack the swimsuits, a cooler packed with lunch and drinks, and make a day of it for the whole family.

Peter Pan Mini Golf

Take the kids for a round of mini-golf in Austin at Peter Pan Mini Golf. This landmark has been around since 1948 and offers two 18-hole mini golf courses full of quirky old-fashioned statues like a gigantic T-Rex, Captain Hook, and a larger-than-life blue-colored Converse shoe. Before you go, remember that you can only pay with cash on-site (although e-tickets are available to purchase online in advance) and you're welcome to bring your own food and drink, as long as you leave any glass at home.

Austin Duck Adventures

Get ready for the most interesting and fun-filled tour in Austin with Austin Duck Adventures. Once you and the kids pile into Austin Duck Adventure’s UNSINKABLE, a U.S. coast-guard Hydra Terra vehicle, it will take off on a 75-minute tour of Austin’s best sites – on ground and in water. The tour will inform the whole family about the history of the State Capitol Building, discuss the Historic Sixth Street and Bob Bullock State History Museum, and even take you for a ‘dip’ in Lake Austin. Kids and adults will be equally delighted on this unique city tour.

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The US has generally been closed off to international tourism since March 2020, and even though much of the world has been welcoming American travelers this summer, it's unlikely that the US government is prepared to fully open its borders to international visitors without an essential purpose any time soon. Here's what we know so far.

On Monday, the White House confirmed that current travel restrictions in the US will remain in place for now, citing the highly transmissible COVID-19 Delta variant as the reason for maintaining a cautious approach to border controls. "With the Delta variant, we will maintain existing travel restrictions at this point," White House press secretary Jen Psaki said on Monday. She added: "driven by the Delta variant, cases are rising here at home, particularly among those who are unvaccinated, and appear likely to continue in the weeks ahead." "Nothing is indefinite," said Psaki, but no timeline was provided by the White House on when the current travel ban is likely to be lifted. However, it was made clear that any decision on resuming international travel would be guided by public health experts.

European countries were hopeful the US would implement a reciprocal travel arrangement after the EU eased its own restrictions on the US in June. The EU added the US to its "green list" and permitted arrivals of American tourists, regardless of their vaccination status. However, some countries, including Italy, require Americans to be fully vaccinated before traveling there.

England followed suit on Wednesday, when the government agreed it would open its borders to American tourists in August, provided they are fully vaccinated and can present two negative COVID-19 PCR tests; one before departure and another on the second day after arrival. The State Department, however, is advising American travelers not to travel to Britain, Spain, Cyprus or Portugal, and to reconsider travel to other parts of Europe.

Canada is also preparing to drop its restrictions on US visitors in August, but it's likely to remain a one-way system for now, with the US Homeland Security Department extending its closure of land borders with Canada and Mexico until at least August 21.

And while some governments have introduced vaccine certificates to facilitate safe travel, the Biden administration has said the US won't create a similar national framework of vaccine credentials for travel.

Read more: Do you need a visa to go to the USA?

What do current travel restrictions include?

The US currently bars most non-US citizens and permanent residents who within the last 14 days have been in the UK, the 26 Schengen countries in Europe, or in Ireland, China, India, South Africa, Iran and Brazil. There are some "essential travel" exceptions to this ban, including most immediate family members of US citizens, as well as diplomats, people travelling to the US to help contain the virus and certain visa-holders—but, for the most part, travel from any of these regions is not permitted.

The US is also closed off to its neighbors to the north and south. The closure of the land borders between the US, Canada and Mexico has been extended until August 21, and even though air travel is allowed, a ban on non-essential travel remains in place.

There are also some additional public health measures in place for travel. Currently, all airline passengers traveling to the US aged two years and older must provide either a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of departure even if they are fully vaccinated, or provide an official health document that proves they have recovered from COVID-19 within the last three months.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends all unvaccinated arrivals quarantine for at least seven days upon arrival, and to take a COVID-19 test three to five days after arrival. Fully vaccinated travelers with an FDA- or WHO-approved vaccine don't have to quarantine but they are advised to take a COVID-19 test within three to five days of arrival too. See the full list of recommendations here.

If you're traveling within the US, be aware that individual states have their own quarantine and mask requirements, not to mention the CDC updated its mask guidance on Tuesday to recommend fully vaccinated people wear masks in "public indoor settings" with "substantial and high transmission" —so always check the latest advice before travel.

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Squashed between the Pacific Coast and Amazon Rainforest, with the Andes Mountains running down its spine, Peru is a patchwork of contrasting regions, each with their own unique landscapes and ecosystems.

While this geography makes Peru an exciting country to visit, it also makes it a challenging one to navigate. Paved roads between regions are often absent, the railway network is sparse, and most flights require a connection through Lima, the capital city. But don’t be discouraged by the logistics; exploring this country is a real adventure and worth every minute of extra planning. Here’s our guide to getting around Peru.

Public transport

Most travelers arrive in Peru via Lima’s Jorge Chávez International Airport, the main international airport in the country, and are quickly introduced to Peru’s public transport scene, with micros (buses) and combis (vans) barrelling down the avenues and residential streets of the capital. Public transport in Peru is a developing service so there are some road safety concerns (erratic driving and speeding top of the list), as well as seemingly little organization – you’ll be hard pressed to find a set schedule. However, it is an extremely cheap and easy way to get around.

In metropolitan cities such as Lima, Arequipa, Cusco and Trujillo, passengers can commute by bus to the other side of the city for less than S/4 (nearly $1). With constant drop-offs and pick-ups, however, travelers should not expect a swift arrival to their final destination. For example, a 40km (25 mile) bus ride from Comas district in the north end of Lima to Chorrillos in the south can take around two hours.

For an exceptionally local (albeit nail-biting) experience, combis are fast-driving, overly-packed vans that turn into discos at night, blaring reggaeton and illuminating the streets with their fluorescent lights.

There is no set schedule for micros nor combis, and the routes are not readily available online, so ask locals waiting at the bus stop for timing and destination details, alternatively the cobrador (the person who assists the driver by receiving each passenger’s fare) can tell you where to get off.

Coaches

For longer, interregional routes, various companies offer organized coach services. This is one of the most economic and visually appealing ways to get around Peru, but research your choice of service as they are not all created equal.

One of the most reputable bus companies in Peru is PeruHop, which caters to tourists rather than local families and business travelers. The service allows passengers to hop on and off along the route, with travelers deciding how much time they want to spend in each destination before continuing their journey. Keep in mind that the bus routes are largely limited to the south of Peru.

If you’re itching to head up north to the beaches of Mancora (15 hours by bus from Lima), the quaint jungle town of Oxapampa (10 hours), or perhaps towards Huaraz (8 hours) to trek the Andes, recommended bus companies include Cruz del Sur, Oltursa and Movil Tours. Note of caution: Buses can be significantly delayed during the rainy season (January-April), particularly in the highlands and the jungle.

Car

Getting around Peru by private car is a real adventure, but should only be undertaken by those with time on their side, a forgiving budget and the ability to go unfazed by the chaotic traffic.

Running north and south, the most important highway in Peru is known as Carretera Panamericana and is part of the Americas' Pan-American highway. Long stretches of the coastal desert can become mundane at times, but look forward to stopping for fresh-out-of-the-oven pan a la leña (fresh bread) when heading south, or discovering a secluded beach en route to the north.

Rental cars are not cheap in Peru, so are more suited to a 2- or 3-day mini trip than a complete tour of the country. When renting a car – especially if heading towards the jungle or Andes – opt for a model with four-wheel-drive due to the rough terrain.

Taxis and moto taxis

Taxis can help tourists move from place to place within a city or town quickly and relatively cheaply. Just be sure to ask locals about standard pricing so as not to pay the “foreigner's special” (an unjustly expensive fare for tourists). Lima is by far the most expensive city in Peru for transportation (and most things, in fact), however, compared to the US and Europe, taxis are incredibly cheap, and an average fare will cost no more than US$4.

Taxis in major cities of Peru can be waved down from the street or, for greater safety and consistent pricing, ordered through rideshare apps such as Uber (available in Arequipa, Cusco and Lima) and Beat.

In the case of the smaller jungle and highland towns, moto taxis replace the conventional offering and are far cheaper. Spotting a throng of these moto taxis, Peru's answer to Thailand's tuk-tuks, when arriving somewhere is a great sign that the place has yet to be gentrified. Most rides will cost no more than S/4.

Train

There are only a handful of destinations within Peru that can be reached by train, but the landscapes along these routes are so impressive that they're arguably worth dictating an itinerary around.

The most famous (and popular) train ride in Peru is the scenic journey to the Inca citadel, Machu Picchu. Departing from Cusco or the Sacred Valley town of Ollantaytambo, passengers can take in views of the Vilcanota River and watch verdant valley hills begin to mix with the Amazon Rainforest upon nearing the final stop, Aguas Calientes. From here it’s a 30-minute bus ride to the Unesco World Heritage Site. The two rail companies for this route are PeruRail and Inca Rail, both offering various price points and levels of comfort.

For those looking to truly savor every transition in Peru's geography, PeruRail’s Andean Explorer offers luxury sleeper trains between Cusco and Puno (for a picturesque commute to Lake Titicaca), as well as a Cusco-Puno-Arequipa route that brings passengers to the “ Ciudad Blanca ” (White City).

Operating since 1999 yet unknown to many visitors, the Ferrocarril Central Andino is an exceptionally thrilling ride; in fact, it once laid claim to being the world’s highest train route. Connecting Lima to Huancayo, a town in the central Peruvian Andes, the train reaches a height of 4782 meters (15,685ft) above sea level as it climbs through the mountain range. Clocking in at about 12 hours, this railway experience must be planned ahead of time as the train operates just once or twice per month.

Plane

Besides buses, planes are one of the most common and efficient ways for travelers to visit all regions of Peru. The main airline in Peru is LatAm, operating internationally as well as in major national cities. Cheaper prices can be found with small domestic airlines though the dates are limited (three to four days a week for most flights through VivaAir) and destinations are sparse ( StarPerú only offers flights to Cajamarca, Huanuco, Iquitos, Lima, Pucallpa, and Tarapoto).

The greatest setback of flying in Peru? Most flights between cities other than Lima are not direct and will have to make a connection in the capital city. Before the global pandemic, a few select destinations could be reached directly from Cusco, Peru's tourist heartland, including Arequipa, Juliaca and Puerto Maldonado, but are not currently running. In time these routes are likely to reopen.

While planes are a convenient way to get from A to B for those low on time, they lack the atmosphere travelers can find on Peru’s long-distance bus or train rides. They’re also much more harmful to the environment.

Accessible travel in Peru

Peru has a long way to go in terms of inclusive access and conveniences for travelers with vision or physical impairments. In recent years new infrastructure has been built in Lima, with ramps and elevators becoming more common in places like shopping centers. However, basics such as smooth, wide sidewalks, signs in braille and phones for the hearing impaired are few and (very) far between; in other regions and provinces they are completely non-existent.

Within Lima, the light rail does have wheelchair access and fellow passengers are obliged by law to give preferential access to those who are disabled. It's a smooth ride that consists of 26 stops around the city.

Useful resources for disabled travelers in Peru include Conadis, a governmental agency offering information and advocacy for people with disabilities in the country, and Apumayo Expediciones, one of a handful of adventure-tour companies that runs trips for disabled travelers to Machu Picchu and other historic sites in the Sacred Valley.

For further information, download Lonely Planet’s free Accessible Travel guide.

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How to get around in Peru

Galle is breathtaking. Galle is picture-perfect, it belongs on a postcard, every part of it. From the horizon far upon the ocean to the ever-smiling faces of the locals, all of Galle is stunning enough to be captured, preserved forever. Lavanya Kar recalls her perfect holiday to the beach town in Sri Lanka.

We visited Galle in the summer of 2018, bringing my grandparents along: our first and perhaps only international trip with them. Compared to the sunny, bustling streets of Colombo, where we first stayed, Galle turned out to be calm, and felt homely, and more inviting. We had started with a two day stop in Colombo, a city we though was beautiful, but Galle turned out to another world altogether. Our residence for the trip is a sprawling 60-year-old bungalow, high atop a hill. Picturesque and dazzling, it was much like its owners, an old couple our grandparents age who took care of us like thier family and never failed to bring a smile to our lips. The villa was complete with a pool and deck, which soon grew to become our favorite spot in the entire home: my sister and I, in particular, spent hours on end in the cold water, emitting cries of disappointment when we were informed that we had to get out. Music played constantly in the living room, we had a choice of either Sri Lankan traditional music or popular, remastered English hits. Not far away from the lobby was our dining room, where we were lovingly fed a variety of fare, often cooked by the owners themselves, throughout the days of our stay.

Galle was the perfect weather, too: warm, bright, but often rainy in the evenings, a cool breeze settling over the town and nipping against one's limbs. It was never uncomfortably hot though, or particularly muggy. It seemed like a town out of fairytale, where everything was just right, of the exact measure. Not far from our home was where the Galle Fort began, built in the 16th century and having withstood the tsunami of 2004: a truly resilient attraction. A seat on its grass-clothed walls provides you a beautiful view to feast your eyes upon- water as far as the eye can see. Turn around, and you may just be able to view a cricket match in the stadium nearby. If you feel particularly daring, you can perhaps shed your clothing and leap into the water, much like the young boys who spend their evenings cooling off in the ocean. A few steps away is the cricket stadium, which did not fare as well during the tragic tsunami wave. It was almost entirely demolished, but bit by bit, it was funded and rebulit by the citizens.

A short autorickshaw ride away is the Unawatuna beach, complete with a cafe, crabs and a puppeteer who bears an uncanny resemblance to my great-uncle. The sand prickles your bare feet, but it's relaxing as you walk closer to where the waves hit the shore, white as snow when they break. The beach is enjoyable, except for the rather unpleasant feeling of sand sticking to your damp feet once you don your slippers. On your way back, watch the breathtaking sunset: a fitting, beautiful end to the evening. Leaving Galle was like leaving home- the town touches you, whether you stay for a day or a month. But places like Galle are worth coming back to, and if you don't leave, how will you ever return?

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A holiday in Galle

Writer Simon Moya-Smith goes in search of a cold one in sweltering Albuquerque. He also finds a place where stereotypes go to die.

It was 4 p.m. and hot as hell when I rolled into Albuquerque, New Mexico. This is the desert, after all. “We’ve got Bark Scorpions all over the place in this state,” a white man with a handlebar mustache wearing a stained cowboy hat said to me in a small dusty hamlet an hour west of the city.

“Check behind the toilet before you sit down, son,” he said. The cowboy sat at a table across from mine and was wolfing down a plate of meat and vegetables that would choke a walrus when he overheard me tell the waitress that I was “just passing through.”

The man, whose name I didn’t get, proceeded to ramble about the rattlers and fanged arachnids and everything else that’ll kill you in New Mexico if you fail to pay close attention. “Well, I’ve got to go,” I said. “Where to?” he asked. The cowboy laughed into his frothy beer when I told him I was on my way to Albuquerque, far from those evil Bark Scorpions. “They’ll get you there too, pal,” he said. “Welcome to New Mexico.”

The only Native woman-owned brewery in the USA

I was stoned on too much caffeine with a phone nearly dead, $100 to my name, and still no hotel room booked for the night when I arrived at Bow & Arrow Brewing Co., a Native-owned and operated joint right off the interstate. I decided to drop in because I felt the need to be around my people, at least for a while. That cowboy had put me in a jittery state. As I ambled up to the brewery, I noticed a written sign on the glass door that read, ‘NO JERKS.’ “OK, Simon, behave,” I thought.

A Native guy with a bun sat by two oak barrels and leafed through what appeared to be a script while an older Native gent donning a ‘YOU ARE ON NATIVE LAND’ cap, sat quietly at a table by the door.

Shyla Sheppard, founder and CEO, soon arrived and joined me on the patio. Her long black hair fell upon a bright yellow T-shirt. The words on it read, “BOW & ARROW BREWERY ABQ NM.” Her presence immediately demanded my full attention. Instinctively, I sat straight in my chair. I could feel my spine locking. There are very few people in this world who prompt that kind of response from me, and Shyla is certainly one of them.

It began to rain into my Peanut Provisions Imperial Stout as Shyla told me that she’d ditched her career in finance to kick-start this business. When she launched the venture in 2016, Shyla, who is Mandan/Hidatsa, had to deal with a gaggle of plaid-clad, beer-bro types at conventions all over the country. They didn’t take her seriously because all they saw was a young, brown, Native woman and not a formidable brewer. Indeed, the American craft brew scene is an avalanche of white men and they aren’t exactly known for buddying up to anyone who doesn’t massage hops into their beard for kicks.

Celebrating Native heritage

“Did you experience any push back or harassment when you first opened?” I asked. Shyla takes a second. “I can’t really think of anything,” she responded. Then, four days later, I got a message from Shyla. “Dude,” she wrote, “I realize I must’ve blocked out the graffiti that was sprayed near our gates at the brewery. It was red paint and said, ‘WHITE POWER.’ That was super early on.”

Back at the table, before she had remembered the racist attack, Shyla offered me a hazy IPA called Cactus Flats Mosaic, which is made with Sabro hops, a variant of Neomexicanus, the only hop indigenous to North America.

Then we went on a quick tour of her wood-bedecked beer palace festooned with Native art, oak barrels, and a long bar where, in the days before the pandemic, guys could sit and cry into their beer after a breakup or where two people could meet for the first time and later make out in the parking lot as they waited for their order of tacos al pastor from the taco truck.

Once, years ago, I’d brought my mother, who lives just out of town, into Bow & Arrow. “Jesus, it’s beautiful in here,” she said. “The aroma. The wood. Is that a buffalo?” I asked Shyla about it, the buffalo. It’s a white, three-dimensional piece made of paper or maybe cardboard, and it juts out above your head as if to keep a weather eye on the people sipping pints and telling tales down below.

Shyla told me her late grandfather, Dean P. Fox, a revered Mandan and Hidatsa himself, would regale her with stories of the buffalo: They don’t turn their backs on the winter storm or even the piercing wind and the pain, he had said to her. They face it head on. And in that moment, Shyla’s energy, her badassery, that thing about her which prompted my spine to stand in the locked position, made complete sense.

Julia Romero, a friend and photographer, joined for the tour. Shyla led us into the back of her Willy Wonka-like factory. It’s a place of malt and magic. At that point, I could feel the beer biting down on me. I thought about getting tacos and making out with someone. Neither of those things happened, but I did quaff another pint.

A safe space

Two days later, I decided to go back to Bow & Arrow Brewing Co. but I didn’t tell Shyla I was coming. I just wanted to eye the place, unseen – be a fly on the wall.

Four Natives sat at a table on the patio. They might’ve been Diné. Perhaps Laguna Pueblo. At one of the longer tables, a man and woman were hitting it off. They both laughed at each other’s bad jokes, which is always a good sign on a first date.

Another couple knocked back a few beers while their baby slept in an expensive-looking stroller. And then there was me, sipping a just-released triple IPA the server hipped me to. “Yes, please,” I said when he asked if I wanted another. “By the way, what do you know about Bark Scorpions?”

There were no Native actors reading scripts on the patio that night, but it’s a place where one can feel safe to do so, and where women, especially women of color, can avoid the ugly masculinity found at nearby seedy bars and sleazy breweries. Julia said as much while snapping photo after photo.

“I feel like I can come here and have a drink and not feel pressured to talk to anyone or get hit on,” she said.  Bow & Arrow is indeed a safe space, where BIPoC, LGBTIQ+, and every beautiful creative can sit and read and write strange words on the patio in the rain without fear of bigots, racists, and “good ol’ boys” looking for a bit of twisted action.

And there are very few safe spaces in this part of the country after the political shitstorm rolled through in 2016. New Mexico can be a racist place, and over the past four years, it’s gotten worse. White men shout things like “go back to the reservation!” This is cowboys-and-Indians country, where cowboys openly shun and ridicule the Natives living in border towns and where Natives know where they should never venture alone, and especially at night.

And wretched stereotypes are everywhere in these parts. The racists are not at all hesitant to spew their hateful thoughts about Natives in the diners right off I-40. They mutter that we Natives go to college tuition-free and then receive monthly government checks (false and false).

Natives hear that one often, along with the claim that we have no control when beer is in the room, which is of course also racist and false. As I sipped my Native-brewed IPA, I recalled a time, back in 2008, when I was a staff writer for the now dead Rocky Mountain News. The newspaper had just hired a bright-eyed scribbler. My colleagues and I welcomed her by taking her down the block for drinks and tacos. An older white colleague heard me order a beer and he couldn’t help himself: “But don’t Indians struggle with beer? Are you good?”

“Are you literally leaning into the stereotype that we’re all drunks?” I recalled snapping. “Are you f----- serious?”

He turned beet red. White people blush. While we Natives can feel bashful, we don’t turn red. Another racist stereotype, this time manifested in a racist slur. You know which one. Back at Bow & Arrow, it was time for me to go. I grabbed my notepad, shoved it down the back of my jeans, finished the last of my triple IPA and hit the road. A Native guy driving by saw me trudging with my massive backpack by the railroad tracks and shouted, “hey, brother!” He held a water bottle outside the driver-side window. “No, thank you!” I yelled back. “Beware of the Bark Scorpions!” He smiled and nodded and drove toward the direction of Bow & Arrow where I imagine he sat at those light-blue barrels and enjoyed a cold one in complete comfort and safety.

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When choosing a travel destination, many people struggle to decide between touring the sites of a bustling city, exploring the great outdoors in a natural wonderland, or lounging on the beach on a laid-back stretch of coast. For travelers who want a taste of it all, Vancouver ticks all the boxes. With sky-piercing towers, enticing neighborhoods, thousands of nature trails, and a bounty of beautiful beaches, Vancouver is an all-rounder that is sure to please all types of travelers.

In contrast to most metropolitan hubs, Vancouver offers stunning natural surroundings as well as a lively urban scene. Stanley Park tops the list of must-see outdoor spaces in the city, and with good reason: the 400-hectare public park is a natural playground for outdoor adventures. But there are more than 240 city parks to explore, from small green spaces to sprawling forest parks and parks fringed by blissful beaches. Travelers with kids in tow will be in seventh heaven.

Whether you’re looking for a simple seawall stroll in the heart of the city or a challenging cycle along forested trails, Vancouver has parks where you can partake in all sorts of pastimes. As a bonus, park users have permission to drink alcohol in several parks across the city—so there's an official sanction to enjoy an outdoor sundowner. Pack up a picnic and some ice-cold bevies, and enjoy the best city parks in Vancouver.

Stanley Park

Best park for all-around outdoor adventure

Known as the Central Park of Vancouver (but much larger), Stanley Park stuns visitors with its scenic waterfront, dense woodland and nature trails that sprawl through 400 hectares of coastal forest.

Located on the traditional, unceded territories of the Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱ wú7mesh (Squamish), and Səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples, Vancouver’s largest city park shines with cultural pride. The rich history of this low-lying headland is revealed by the totem poles that stand tall at the park’s edge, and a guided First Nations-led tour with Talaysay Tours is the perfect starting point for a day out in Stanley Park. As you explore, you'll learn about the past and present history of the people who first called this land home.

A stroll or bike ride along the five-and-a-half-mile-long paved seawall is another Vancouver must-do. Make a day of it with stops at sandy beaches, the Lost Lagoon nature sanctuary, and a dip in the heated outdoor pool at Second Beach, then catch a stunning sunset view from nearby Third Beach. Stanley Park also features multiple playgrounds, public gardens and some top-notch dining spots, as well as the Vancouver Aquarium— home to thousands of kinds of aquatic life.

Vanier Park

Best park for arts and culture

Home to the HR MacMillan Space Centre, the Vancouver Maritime Museum, the Museum of Vancouver, and a lively program of festivals and cultural events such as Bard on the Beach – Western Canada’s largest Shakespeare festival – Vanier Park is a beacon for arts and culture enthusiasts. But museums and festivals aren’t the only draws for this popular city park.

Wide-open fields make this a great spot for kite flying, and the public boat-launching ramp is a great kickoff spot for water activities. A tranquil pond and walking path allow for quiet reflection and the park's broad, sandy beach makes for a great picnic stop at the center of it all.

Creekside Park

Best park for active kids

Surrounding one of Vancouver’s top attractions, Science World, this park is great for small travelers. After exploring the universe in the indoor spaces of the science museum, head outdoors to play on one of the city’s best playgrounds. Don't want to play? Just sit back and admire the skyline and water views.

Grown-ups can hunker down under one of the shady trees and gawk at the iconic geodesic dome of Science World while kids navigate their way through the newly-built, nature-inspired playground, featuring a giant tube slide, a climbing tower, swings, and water and sand play areas.

Ambleside Park

Best park for dog walks

This waterfront park is the gateway to West Vancouver, and a favored destination for off-leash dog walks. Spectacular views of Stanley Park and downtown Vancouver set the scene for seawall walks, and there are 3.5 hectares of dog-designated space – from grassy fields to sandy beaches – providing plenty of room for furry friends to roam free.

Further along the seawall is the pet-free part of the park, with a beachfront playground for kids, a skate-park, a basketball court, and a concession stand for snacks. Ambleside Park is also home to a busy farmer’s market during the summer months, where visitors can pick up fresh fruit, prepared foods and locally-made keepsakes.

Queen Elizabeth Park

Best park for horticulture and city views

The highest point in the city, Queen Elizabeth Park serves up panoramic views of Vancouver, framed by the majestic mountains that surround downtown. You've probably seen epic photos of the city skyline backed by forested peaks, and this is the place to snap them. The stunning view is protected by city law, but it's not the only draw to this sprawling park.

Thanks to the Bloedel Conservatory, a striking dome filled with free-flying birds and exotic plants and flowers, the park has a become a popular destination for horticultural enthusiasts. Behind the dome is the beautifully landscaped Quarry Garden, featuring a collective of native and exotic trees surrounded by sculptures and colorful flora and fauna. It's a perfect place to stop and smell the roses.

To keep kids happy, pitch and putt, lawn bowling and tennis are also available. For something more sedentary, book a table for Seasons in the Park— an upscale dining experience that combines panoramic views with the best of seasonal West Coast cuisine.

Pacific Spirit Regional Park

Best park for an afternoon hike

With trails that loop through the rainforest, along the seafront, and around the boardwalk that circles bird-filled Camosun Bog, Pacific Spirit Regional Park is a favorite spot for joggers, hikers and cyclists. Covering more than 750 hectares, this green expanse of unspoiled nature connects the University of British Columbia (UBC) with the city. Whether you’re looking for a short, leg-stretching stroll through the trees, or a three-hour trek to explore hidden corners, the park is a hiker’s paradise.

Nude sunbathing is the norm at Wreck Beach, tucked away on the western edge of the park. After a slog down a series of steep steps, you’ll find independent vendors and a community of pants-free, fun-loving locals. You'll often see huge tree trunks that have floated down the Fraser River, trapped by the log boom to the south of the beach.

David Lam Park

Best park for a waterfront stroll

Just steps from the shopping corridor of Yaletown in downtown Vancouver, David Lam Park is a lovely green expanse that provides a taste of the great outdoors amidst the hustle of the city streets. Views over False Creek are framed by the glass condo towers that transformed the neighborhood in the 1990s. Grab a takeout from a local cafe for a picnic on the grass, and contemplate the journey this part of Vancouver has gone through since it was picked as the site for Expo ‘86.

The park is also an ideal launch point for a seawall walk along the north bank of False Creek to Science World, passing stalking herons and intriguing public artworks. You can continue the walk around the east end of False Creek to Hinge Park, which is slowly being developed as a wetland reserve, and Habitat Island, whose rocky shore is great place to sit and soak up the sunshine.

Kitsilano Beach Park

Best park for beach lovers

Often referred to as the 'Venice Beach of Vancouver', Kitsilano Beach Park is the city’s hub for summer action. Known to locals as Kits Beach, this scenic strip of sand is ideal for aquaphiles, with the longest swimming pool in Canada, a gradual-entry outdoor saltwater pool that runs for 137m beside the ocean. It's heated, and there are slides for smaller tots.

The park offers many ways to keep active—beach volleyball, outdoor basketball courts, and Vancouver’s largest fully accessible playground, featuring saucer swings, a sand table, and a rotating climbing frame. But for picnickers and beach bums, the big draws are the sandy beach, open green spaces and panoramic views of downtown Vancouver. It's a great place to lounge away a summer day surrounded by sun-loving locals.

John Hendry Park (Trout Lake Park)

Best park for a lakeside picnic

Home to one of Vancouver’s biggest farmers' markets every Saturday in summer, John Hendry Park buzzes with a local East Vancouver crowd. A walkway circles tranquil Trout Lake – a natural lake fronted by a small beach at the center of the park – and expansive grass fields provide the perfect park setting for outdoor concerts.

Activities abound at the Trout Lake Community Centre, a civic-spirited, light-filled facility just west of the lakeshore. This is where locals gather for concerts, art shows, story-telling and other indoor and outdoor events, and next door is an NHL-sized ice rink (open August to April) and a large fitness center that welcomes drop-ins.

Dude Chilling Park

Best park for a hipster hangout

Named after a sign installation that was originally placed in the park as a prank, Dude Chilling Park is just as it sounds: a perfect park for chilling with friends. Formerly known as Guelph Park, the space is simple—a small stretch of trimmed grass that has become the centerpiece of community life in the Mount Pleasant neighborhood of Vancouver.

The art installation that inspired the park's name resembles a person reclining on a slope of the park; it's often surrounded by crowds of people picnicking, drumming, singing, and straight chillin’. As this is one of Vancouver’s approved parks for public drinking, you’re free to kick back with some local brews while people-watching; you'll soon understand why the park is loved fondly by locals.

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Entering Costa Rica is mostly free of hassle, with the exception of some long queues at the airport. The vast majority of travelers enter the country by plane, and most international flights arrive at Aeropuerto Internacional Juan Santamaría, just outside San José. That said, Liberia is a growing destination for international flight, too – it is in the Guanacaste province and serves travelers heading to the Península de Nicoya.

Overland border crossings are straightforward and, with the correct documentation, travelers can move freely between Panama to the south and Nicaragua to the north. Most nationalities do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days. Check requirements at the Costa Rican embassy website. That said, some foreign nationals will require a visa, and you should be aware that you cannot get a visa at the border.

So how do you make sure you're prepared ahead of time with the right travel documents? Here's what you need to know about getting a visa for Costa Rica.

Who needs a tourist visa to enter Costa Rica?

Passport-carrying nationals from the following countries are allowed 90 days’ stay with no visa: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Panama, South Africa, UAE, USA and most western European Union countries. However, you should have a valid passport valid for a minimum of a day beyond your date of arrival and a ticket to either your home country or another destination that indicates you will depart within 90 days.

There is another list of countries whose citizens can enter Costa Rica with no visa, but whose passport must be valid for at least three months beyond their arrival date, including several countries within the Caribbean, South America, Oceania, and Asia.

Nationalities required to obtain a visa to enter Costa Rica include a number of African and Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Arabia, Kenya, Tanzania, and Sierra Leone, as well as a handful of South American countries, including Colombia, Ecuador, and the Dominican Republic.

To check if your country is on the list of those required to obtain a visa, check the Costa Rican embassy's website.

Provisional, student, work and extended visas

If you wish to stay in Costa Rica longer than 90 days, you must establish residency, or apply for a provisional or student visa. Students, volunteers, academics, and research specialists are amongst those who can can apply for a provisional visa, and it's best to let the institution or employer who is sponsoring you handle the details.

It is difficult for foreigners to find work in Costa Rica. The only foreigners legally employed in Costa Rica are those who work for their own businesses, possess skills not found in the country, or work for companies that have special agreements with the government. Getting a bona fide job necessitates obtaining a work permit, which can be a time-consuming and difficult process.

The most likely source of paid employment is as an English teacher at one of the language institutes, or working in the hospitality industry in a hotel or resort. Naturalists or river guides may also be able to find work with private lodges or adventure-travel operators, though you shouldn’t expect to make more than survival wages.

Costa Rica offers a huge number of volunteer opportunities. Word of mouth is a powerful influence on future participants, so the majority of programs in Costa Rica are very conscientious about pleasing their volunteers. Almost all placements require a commitment of two weeks or more. Lonely Planet does not vouch for any organization that we do not work with directly, and we strongly recommend travelers always investigate a volunteer opportunity themselves to assess the standards and suitability of the project.

Moving to Costa Rica full-time

Costa Rica is a popular destination for digital nomads and expats, but to truly settle down with a residence permit you have to jump through some hoops. To meet the visa requirements, you must submit to a background check, prove you have a certain level of regular, secured income, and submit a copy of your birth certificate in Spanish. You can learn more about the specifics on the Costa Rican embassy website.

Extending your stay beyond the authorized 30 or 90 days allotted to tourists is time-consuming; it’s often easier to leave the country for 72 hours via land and then re-enter. Extensions can be handled by migración offices. Requirements for extensions often change, so allow several working days to get them sorted.

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