With the year-round temperate weather and plethora of nearby green spaces, Bay Area locals love their time outdoors. That’s especially the case in San Jose since it’s further inland and thus not as susceptible to fog and the chillier weather up north. The aspect that’s most impressive about San Jose parks though is how they make you feel miles away from the city while still being within a densely populated area. Whether you want to get away from it all or come together with friends on a beautiful day in nature, these are the best parks in San Jose, California.

Kelley Park

Best park for sightseeing

Frequented by families, joggers, dog-walkers, locals on their lunch break and tourists exploring the various sights within its leafy confines, if there’s one park to see in San Jose, it’s Kelley Park. Spanning 172 acres, this is not only one of the largest urban parks in the area, it’s the most versatile; bringing together the best aspects of city parks in one scenic space.

Don’t miss Happy Hollow Park and Zoo, History Park, Trolley Barn and the Japanese Friendship Garden, which is a peaceful oasis complete with bright orange koi in the pond. Spend time taking it all in or simply find a quiet corner to relax and enjoy a break from the city.

Almaden Quicksilver County Park

Best park for hiking and history

Step back in time on the trails at Almaden Quicksilver County Park, where you can hike past remnants of what was once the richest mercury mining operation in California in the 1840s. From rusted relics to closed-off “Quicksilver” mines, it’s a unique way to get a glimpse of Santa Clara Valley’s mining past, all to the backdrop of oak woodland, rolling hills and open meadows.

Head to the more rugged southern end of the park for uncrowded trails and solitude. On sunny, clear days, take in the sparkling Guadalupe Reservoir and views of Mount Hamilton, Sierra Azul and the Valley. There’s no potable water at the park so bring plenty with you.

Emma Prusch Farm Park

Best park for toddlers and school-aged kids

When you arrive at Emma Prusch Farm Park, you’ll be welcomed by the chickens and peacocks that roam free at this peaceful 47-acre space. It’s the perfect introduction to what lies ahead: animal encounters, educational experiences and sustainable agricultural practices.

Bring the whole family to experience this agricultural haven in the middle of a busy urban area, all thanks to Emma Prusch, who donated half of her dairy farm to the city in the 1960s. Spend a day walking around the community garden, fruit orchard and the largest barn in San Jose. Hop on a hay wagon ride and have a picnic while kids run around in the wide-open spaces and playgrounds around the park. If you have more time in the area, sign up for one of the classes, such as beekeeping, animal care, or basic gardening. There is also a fall music festival and a summer camp for kids.

Alum Rock Park

Best parks for a picnic

As the oldest municipal park in San Jose, Alum Rock Park’s history is one of convenient relaxation and rejuvenation. In the early 20th century, it was a bustling natural health spa with mineral springs, a swimming pool, tea garden and dance hall.  There might not be as much soaking and dancing these days, but it’s still one of the most popular parks to visit in San Jose for a peaceful, leafy paradise within the city.

Nestled in the quiet foothills of the Diablo Range, enjoy a picnic here in the spring. The weather isn’t too hot yet and bright orange poppies make an appearance to level up the scenery. As a protected wildlife sanctuary, it’s also a great place for birdwatching and wildlife spotting. Keep your eyes peeled for black-tailed deer, brush rabbits and quail that call this park home.

Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve

Best park for photography

This massive 1611-acre park is all about panoramic valley views and wildlife, making it the perfect spot for sunset strolls and various types of photography. Come here at golden hour to take in the orange and yellow hues, made even more vibrant in the spring when California poppies are in bloom. With just 10 miles of trails, you don’t have to walk far to get some of the best views in San Jose.

Vasona Lake County Park

Best park for socializing

Located just outside of San Jose, Vasona Lake County Park makes this list because of its manicured beauty and large, open spaces that are ideal for hosting birthday parties and get-togethers on sunny days. There’s a lot to see and do at this vast 152-acre park, but an activity that can’t be missed is renting paddle boats on the glistening Vasona Reservoir during the spring and summer.

Other park features include the Viola Anderson Native Plant Trail and scenic Los Gatos Creek Trail that cuts through the park and heads all the way back up to San Jose. If you have little ones, take them to Oak Meadow Park next door where they can ride the historic carousel and kid-sized steam train.

Hellyer County Park

Best park for dogs

With how dog-friendly the Bay Area is, there are a lot of dog parks to choose from in San Jose. The dog park at Hellyer County Park, however, is one of the best.

There’s a huge section of real grass, dog toys galore, shaded areas, responsible owners, water buckets and a freshwater source to keep your dogs hydrated and happy. Avoid the after-work crowd that comes during the week from 6-8 pm if you want a calmer experience.

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England is set to streamline its COVID-19 border rules from October 4 as it replaces the traffic light system with a "new clearer travel system".

The Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps, has today announced a new system for international travel on the back of the UK's successful vaccination campaign. Under the plan, the current traffic light system will be replaced by a single list of red countries and territories that are considered high-risk in the context of COVID-19. Anywhere not on the red list is considered low-risk and therefore approved for travel.

Testing requirements will also be reduced for fully vaccinated arrivals from a non-red country, who will no longer need to take a pre-departure travel test when traveling to England from Monday, October 4.

TRAVEL UPDATE🔊: we’re making testing easier for travel 🧳💉 From Mon 4 Oct, if you’re fully vax you won’t need a pre-departure test before arrival into England from a non-red country and from later in Oct, will be able to replace the day 2 PCR test with a cheaper lateral flow.
— Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP (@grantshapps) September 17, 2021

These passengers will also be able to replace their day two test upon arrival with a cheaper lateral flow test. That particular change should be implemented a little later, towards the end of October and just in time for when people return from half-term breaks.

Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 will need to isolate and take a PCR test, at no additional cost to the traveler.

The rules will continue to be strict for those arriving from red countries, regardless of vaccination status. They will be required to take a pre-departure test, a day two and day eight PCR test, and quarantine for 10 days in a government-approved hotel. Countries on the red list include Brazil, Indonesia, Thailand, South Africa, Mexico and more. Eight destinations will be removed from the red list next Wednesday, including Egypt, Bangladesh and Malaysia.

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

Passengers who aren’t recognized as being fully vaccinated with authorized vaccines and certificates under England’s international travel rules, will still have to take a pre-departure test, a day two and day eight PCR test, even if they're coming from a low-risk country, and self-isolate for 10 days upon their return. "We wanted to bring a new, simpler, easier to navigate and cheaper system as well," Mr. Schapps said, while confirming the two-tiered system would be in place until early 2022 at least. "The purpose is to make it easier for people to travel without the bureaucracy, without so many tests and with a greater level of certainty - now that we have got so many people vaccinated."

England's travel rules apply to anyone aged 11 and over. All passengers will still need to fill in a passenger locator form ahead of travel.

Currently there are no proposed changes to the travel rules in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland where the traffic light system continues to be implemented.

For more information on the UK's entry requirements, see here.

This article was first published on August 5 and updated on September 17, 2021.

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England updates international travel rules with a "new, clearer system"

The Indonesian government is reassuring backpackers that they will be permitted to travel to Bali when it reopens to tourists after an official reportedly said they would not be welcome under stricter rules.

There were concerns this week that Bali would limit the type of traveler who could visit the popular tourist resort after the Maritime and Investment coordinator minister, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan—who is also in charge of the COVID-19 response team—reportedly said backpackers would not be allowed in.

“We’ll aim for quality tourism in Bali, so we won’t allow backpackers to enter once the reopening plan for international travelers is officially put in place in the near future,” the Bali Sun reports Luhut said during a virtual press conference on Monday.

However, in a statement shared with Lonely Planet, Luhut's spokesman said the comments were a "misunderstanding," and the minister meant "visitors who violate health rules and regulations, laws and immigration regulations in Indonesia [will not be allowed to enter]." The government spokesperson added that all foreign visitors and tourists can visit Bali, provided they adhere to protocols.

Although no timeline for opening has officially been announced, Reuters reports the health minister suggests sometime in November, when 70% of the eligible population has received at least one vaccine shot.

Read more: Essential Bali travel tips: what to know before you go

Bali is easing some domestic restrictions and preparing to reopen to foreign visitors from low-risk countries as coronavirus case numbers continue to decline.

According to Reuters, international visitors must take three PCR tests before entering the island and quarantine for eight days upon arrival. Visitors are also required to be fully vaccinated and present proof on a government-verified phone app.

Indonesia, the world’s fourth-most populous nation, has suffered one of the world's worst COVD-19 surges, driven by the highly infectious Delta variant. But after reporting a second wave earlier this year, coronavirus case numbers are declining, and at least 31% of the population is fully vaccinated.

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Edinburgh is renowned for being one of Europe’s most lively and friendly cities. It offers visitors the best of both worlds: urban attractions, and beautiful natural landscapes, there’s plenty of choice to suit everyone. If you want to explore more of what the Scottish capital has to offer here are some of the best things to see and do in easy-to-navigate Edinburgh.

The Royal Mile

Resting like a gem near Holyrood Park, The Royal Mile is a succession of streets through Edinburgh’s Old Town which connect Edinburgh Castle and Palace of Holyroodhouse. The distance between the two royal residences is exactly a mile, hence its name, which it was given in the 16th century.

Along the cobbled streets, there are five sections to explore: Castle Esplanade, Castlehill, Lawnmarket, the High St and Canongate. Don’t miss the 15th-century grey behemoth, St Giles Cathedral, which was restored in the 19th century, and The Witches Well, a fountain that commemorates the Edinburgh women executed on suspicion of witchcraft between the 15th and 18th centuries.

Other things to look for include Cannonball House, which has a cannonball lodged into its west wall (don't worry, it's unlikely to be embedded during a battle, more a municipal solution left there by engineers marking the height for the city's first waterpipe), and former Victorian church houses like John Knox House, which dates from 1470, the oldest building on the Royal Mile.

Edinburgh Castle

No visit to the Scottish capital would be complete without seeing Edinburgh Castle. Originally built in 1103 on a large craggy rock, Britain’s most besieged castle can be seen from almost every corner city.

Home to both Mary, Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie, the royal residence also houses Britain’s oldest Crown jewels, known as the Honours of Scotland. They include an imperial golden crown, decorated with pearls and large amethyst, the silver-gilded Sceptre of Scotland and the Sword of State which was a gift to James IV in 1507 from Pope Julius II. Year-round guided tours give visitors a sense of what life was like at the castle.

Dean Village

In a city as beautiful as Edinburgh, it can be hard to stand out, but the tranquil Dean Village – which officially became part of the city in 1826 – just about takes the crown. Set next to the Water of Leith, which languorously rolls on past, this former grain milling area to the northwest of the city center is a photographer's dream model.

Look out for the red sandstone of Well Court which hangs over the river. It was built in the 19th century for the owner of The Scotsman newspaper, Sir John Findlay. Other photo opportunities include the 106ft-tall (32m) Dean Bridge, which is the work of civil engineer Thomas Telford who designed the A5 road from London to Holyhead, and the Germanic-looking daffodil-yellow timber-fronted houses.

Arthur’s Seat

An unmissable landmark, Arthur’s Seat provides visitors with spectacular views of the city. Some 350 million years ago, these lurching green hills within Holyrood Park formed an active volcano. Long extinct, it's now hikers and visitors that stream down its steep banks like lava. Keen for breathtaking panoramic vistas of Edinburgh from above? You’ll see its spires and rooftops, the Firth of Forth, Murrayfield Stadium, the Pentland Hills and beyond from up here.

Arthur’s Seat itself is a former hill fort surrounded by three defensive siblings. Self-guided tours of the site are available as a free podcast. Download the Hidden Trax app.

Scottish National Gallery

Edinburgh has plenty of great art galleries, but the Scottish National Gallery is its best. Located just off Princes Street, this imposing neoclassical behemoth dates back to the 1850s. It’s built by William Henry Playfair, who also designed the iconic Dugald Stewart Monument, the Royal Scottish Academy and over 15 other landmarks in the city (yes, including “Edinburgh's Disgrace”, the National Monument of Scotland, his unfinished ode to Parthenon in Athens)

Art enthusiasts can view Van Gogh's Orchard in Blossom (Plum Trees), Lobster Telephone by Salvador Dalí and the transcendent Wandering Shadows by Scottish artist Peter Graham, among many others. There are paintings here too by Glasgow's prodigal son, Charles Rennie Mackintosh. The gallery has a restaurant and cafe that serves up traditional Scottish dishes such as haggis and black pudding, with overlooking views of the city landscape.

Camera Obscura

Close to the Royal Mile, Camera Obscura & World of Illusions is an observatory established by Maria Theresa Short in 1853. First established as a museum of art and science, today a spiral stairway leads up to an observatory at the top of the Outlook Tower where you will find the camera obscura, a device that uses lenses and mirrors to throw back a visual of the whole city onto a large screen.

Guides provide historical background to the devices used here and the quirky rooms leading up to the tower such as the vortex, a tunnel that seems to spin, and a mirror maze immerse visitors in different types of optical illusion.

Princes Street

Built in 1767, the historic Princes Street takes its name from the sons of King George III. Once a smart residential street, it's now the heart of Edinburgh's central shopping district. As well as independent stores, major high street brands and plenty of places to eat (try Sir Walter's Cafe in the Gardens, or Castello), the nearby Princes Street Gardens are a must.

Not only a great place for a breather, the park has some lovely unique features worth seeking out including the recently-renovated Ross Fountain, a turquoise-and-gold, Beaux Arts–style water feature first erected in 1872, and a large floral clock (July to October) which is made anew each year from some 35,000 flowers.

The Georgian House

A lesser-known attraction in Edinburgh’s New Town, the Georgian House was built in the late 17th century by acclaimed architect Robert Adam, the neoclassical revivalist whose exhaustive works include Pulteney Bridge in Bath and Harewood House near Leeds. As you’d expect for the Architect of the King's Works, the property is charmingly luxurious.

There are paintings here by famed Scottish artists, including John Simmons, and oodles of Regency charm. The vast Drawing Room, which takes over the entire first floor, houses a square piano (the center of the room was for dancing), whilst the Dining Room has a wonderful drop-leaf dining table, a walnut longcase clock from London and black, gilt-carved chimney glass. Visitors can also see the Parlour, the Kitchen, the Basement and the Servants Quarters.

Mary King’s Close

Okay, so the immersive characters might not be for everyone, but The Real Mary King's Close offers a unique perspective on Edinburgh. Located beneath the Royal Mile, this labyrinth of 17th-century alleyways and streets stand almost as they were some 250 years years ago when the City Chambers were simply built on top of them. The tours here take you back in time with characters dressed in period costume adding to what is a memorable experience.

Royal Botanic Garden

Known locally as the Botanics, this sprawling 70-acre garden has more than 13,500 species of plant to discover across six different gardens. Look for the rare Catacol whitebeam, endemic to the Isle of Arran, located near the huge Victorian Glasshouses, which themselves are home to some of the world’s most endangered plants. There are also a number of tropical palms to discover as well as dwarf daffodils, snowdrops and1000 types of rhododendron.

Museum of Childhood

The first of its kind in the world, the Museum of Childhood homes all things related to children. From 19th-century Victorian dolls and a Raleigh Chopper bicycle to long-forgotten board games like Quintro and a 1920s voice-activated toy called Radio Rex, this place won’t just keep the kids amused, it will revive nostalgia in adults too.

Holyrood Abbey

Founded by David I in 1128, all that remains of Holyrood Abbey are its ruins. But what magnificent ruins they are! The walls of this mighty Gothic church are still intact and the arched window frames and decorative detail on the front-west facade show how important this place of worship was.

Later, the cloister precinct became Holyroodhouse where the royal family stayed when they were in Scotland. Guided tours help visitors to admire the architecture and learn more about the former abbey's significance.

The Chocolatarium

Chocolate lovers will be thrilled with The Chocolatarium in Edinburgh, located just off the Royal Mile. Visitors can expect to indulge at the micro chocolate factory and learn how the sweet treat is made. Ninety-minute guided tours take you through the growth of chocolate and even gives you the chance to make your very own bar to take home.

Edinburgh Zoo

Ideal for families, the 85-acre (34-hectare) Edinburgh zoo is home to more than 1000 rare and endangered animals and is world-renowned for its conservation efforts. Located on the top of Corstorphine Hill, the views back across the city are nearly as compelling as the wildlife.

Open since 1913, the wildlife park offers visitors a chance to see penguins, Sumatran tigers, monkeys, birds, fish, frogs and a whole host of different animals, including two of the rare greater one-horned rhinos. It is also the only zoo in Britain with giant pandas and koalas. Add in feeding shows, live events and screenings – and there is plenty here to fill a day.

Stockbridge Food Market

From warm, artisan loaves and thick Germagrain batards to filling East African gambos and fragrant three-lentil dahl with coconut and ginger, gourmands will not be disappointed with Stockbridge Food Market.

Located in a small park between Saunders and Kerr Streets, just northeast of the beautiful Circus Lane mews, this Sunday showing of traditional Scottish food (think haggis or tablets, a traditional Scottish sweet that's similar to fudge) and superb international grub (huge pans of aromatic paella and delicious, nduja burrata taglioni) is where the foodies can be found.

Gladstone’s Land

Gladstone’s Land is an historic 17th-century tenement house on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, which was plucked from the jaws to demolition and lovingly restored to its former glory. Expect thick, dark-wood beams, period furniture and hand-painted ceilings as well as a retelling of the stories of those who lived there.

Royal Yacht Britannia

If you like the thought of exploring a former royal family holiday home then step aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia for a guided tour of the world famous yacht. The Royal Yacht has travelled more than a million miles and its grandeur is exhibited in its 412ft (125m) build. It is moored in Leith Port and visitors are invited to explore the royal decor or indulge in a majestic afternoon tea.

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Traveling light is an essential step towards embracing the spontaneity of travel. With a small pack, you can travel on impulse, sprinting down the platform to catch that departing train, and leaping from boat to village bus without missing a beat. From the comfort of home, it might feel like you need everything but the kitchen sink, but when it comes to packing, less is definitely more.

One of the first surprises for new travelers is that things from back home are easily available in other countries. If you can pick it up when you arrive, why haul it halfway across the world? The other big first-trip packing lesson is the value of having space in your pack–you never know when you might find a Buddha statue or hand-embroidered wall hanging that you can't live without.

If your backpack is bursting at the seams when you set off, you'll soon find yourself wrestling with multiple bags while the light load travelers are grabbing the best seats on the bus. Travelers with a single bag experience less stress–they're the folk you see whistling cheerfully as they walk out of the terminal building while you're still fighting to drag your suitcases off the conveyor belt.

Of course, packing is a deeply personal process. Everyone has their own standards of comfort, and their own notions of what counts as essential. But by following some field-tested tenets of traveling light, you can shed size and weight. And as every veteran traveler knows, you regret the things you didn't bring much less than the pain of hauling around things you didn't need!

The first law of travel physics

There's one inalienable rule of travel physics: the contents of your bag will expand to fill the available space. If your bag is stuffed full at the departure gate, you're already en route to a second bag if you spot anything you want to buy when you reach your destination.

Start with a bag that fits into a plane's overhead compartment, and fill it with only as much stuff as you can fit in without shoving. Leave behind the rest. For ninja-level packing, make a second pass and remove anything you aren't 100% certain you'll use. Tough decisions on your living-room floor will pay big dividends on the road.

Pack densely

Black holes are so compact that now even light can escape their gravity. Your bag should function on a similar principle. Folded is smaller than scrunched up. Folded and rolled is smaller still. If your clothes take up more than one-third of your bag, you are probably letting sartorial decisions take precedence over practicality.

Know your destination

The streets may look different to the street you live on, but the shops sell almost everything you'll find back home, from shampoo and sunscreen to camera cards and phone charging cables. Where tourists gather, you can probably also find plug adapters, the latest movies on DVD and the candy bars you grew up with. A few things genuinely won't be available in your chosen destination, but most will, so don't fill up your bag with things you can buy as and when you need them.

The rule of three

Three pairs of socks. Three pairs of underwear. Three T-shirts. Wear one, wash one, dry one. You can get more miles out of leg wear, so two pairs of pants and one culturally appropriate pair of shorts or skirt should suffice. Stick to light, flowing clothing made from cotton and blends that dry quickly and look good without needing an iron to remove every wrinkle.

Pack less, wash more

It turns out most cultures have figured out how to wash stuff. Whether you use the hotel laundry or the local dhobi-wallah (clothes washer), a clean shirt is usually just a few hours away. Pack fewer clothes, and wash them when they get dirty, and that onerous weight on your back will get miraculously lighter. At a pinch, most lodgings have a sink and running water–bring a length of string and you've got an instant washing line.

Travel-friendly tech

Most modern electronics (like phones and cameras) switch voltage automatically when you plug them in. If in doubt, check the plug for a note saying ‘Input: 100~240v’ or something similar. Leave voltage-specific devices that require heavy, old-fashioned adapters at home. A three-way splitter plugged into a multi-country adapter should be enough to keep all your devices juiced. If you have USB-powered devices, even better. Bring a plug with multiple USB ports and you'll just need to carry the cables.

Only bring what you need

Repeat this to yourself as you pack. The unknowns of traveling make us want to surround ourselves with familiar items but this kind of ‘what if’ thinking is a fast-track to a heavy pack. If you aren't certain you'll use it, you probably don't need it. Remember, many things can be hired, bought or borrowed as you need them. That mask and snorkel? You can probably hire one when you reach the beach. That hairdryer? Most hotels have one.

Don't go shoe crazy

Veteran travelers rarely pack more than two pairs: a comfortable pair of trainer-type shoes that are good for trekking, day-wear and running, and a pair of flip-flops (thongs) for beach wear and dubious-looking bathroom floors. Only bring smart shoes if you're definitely going somewhere you can't get away with trainers (or pick some up locally when and if you need them).

Let tech be your friend

These days, your phone can double as your music player, camera and more, weighing not much more than a sandwich. Heavy books used to the bane of travel (though a blessing during long waits for transport). Today, you can load a whole library onto an  e-Reader and a whole record collection onto an MP3 player. Carry a small portable power bank to keep your devices going when you can't get to a wall socket.

Be weight aware

Some things–paper, glass, metal, batteries–are just heavy, so try not to pack them unless you really need to. If you need battery-operated devices, look for lightweight versions; a head torch powered by a button battery weighs much less than a traditional torch powered by heavy alkaline batteries. To stay on the right side of airline weight baggage limits, carry a small, portable luggage scale.

Function over form

Prioritize useful things. A ball-gown may look great, but a crumple-friendly cotton dress that you can wear on the bus, beach and dancefloor will take you a lot further. Here are some tried and tested travel essentials:

A quick-drying pack towel : fluffy towels are bulky and take ages to dry; synthetic towels dry quickly and pack away to nothing.
A sarong: it's a changing room, it's a blanket, it's a curtain for privacy, it's a towel, it's a bag, it's a sunshade, it's quite possibly the most versatile item in your bag. Oh, and you can also use it to cover your legs.
Compression straps: they squeeze things into your bag, fix things to your bag, and fix your bag to other things, like the roof rack on back-country buses. They'll also function is a washing line (or bring some string).
A cotton scarf or bandanna: it's a head covering for mosques and temples, a sun hat, a dust-mask, a neck and shoulder warmer; you can even use it as a fashion accessory.
A frisbee: in addition to its friend-making potential, strategically packing it on the outside edge of your pack provides hard-shell protection for breakables. Additional uses: cutting board, plate, bowl, bottle opener, fan, dry place to sit.

Tips for the airport

Even if you get your packing list down to the essentials, you might find there are one or two items that just won't fit, particularly on the way home. If necessary, exploit the the airline industry's three biggest luggage loopholes:

Wearing is not carrying: stuff your pockets, don your jacket, wear your hiking boots and pack your sandals.
‘Carry on plus one personal item’: most airlines let you supplement your carry-on bag with a camera bag or smaller backpack, giving you some bonus storage.
Duty-free doesn't count: if you can't fit it in your bag, most airlines let you carry on air-side purchases without penalty in a carrier bag (which also has room for more loose items).

Savvy packer's pack list

Here is a list of everything we'd suggest for a multi-week trip to most popular backpacking destinations.

Backpack (40L max, 35L is even better)
Bag liner (or a large, heavy-duty plastic bag)
Passport and other documents
Compact umbrella
Three or four light stuff sacks for organizing
Three shirts or T-shirts
Two pairs of pants (trousers)
One pair of shorts (or a skirt)
Three pairs of socks
Three pairs of underwear
Fleece jacket, hoodie or long-sleeved top (for air-conditioned transport and high elevations)
Sunhat
Sunglasses
Sarong
Bandanna and/or scarf
Comfortable walking shoes (wear them when you fly)
Comfortable sandals or flip flops
Sleep kit: mosquito net, sleeping bag liner (or a lightweight fleece blanket), ear plugs
Shower kit: toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant (or try a piece of alum), small bottle of shower gel
Food and drink kit: snack bars, a travel mug, water purification tablets, a water bottle, a folding knife for cutting fruit
First aid kit: mosquito repellent, clippers, tweezers, plasters, headache tablets, small tube of antiseptic and your usual meds
Camera and accessories (if you can't get by with your phone camera)
Laptop (if your smart phone won't cut it) wrapped in a waterproof bag
Smart phone and headphones (plus charging cables)
Notebook and pens
Parachute cord (or string)
Lightweight head torch
Frisbee

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Iceland 's natural beauty is renowned. At times it seems as if everywhere you look there's yet another breath-taking mountain vista, wind-whipped beach or thundering waterfall – the cascading water perfectly framed by rugged cliffs and falling neatly into a turquoise pool below.

Choosing the country's top outdoor highlights then, was no easy feat. But we believe we have managed it. Ranging from seeing guillemots in full flight to gawping at geysers mid-spurt (plus catching a glimpse of a rather famous cosmic lightshow!), here's our pick of the best natural wonders in Iceland.

Skógafoss

This 62m-high waterfall topples over a rocky cliff at the western edge of Skógar in dramatic style. Climb the steep staircase alongside for giddy views, or walk to the foot of the falls, shrouded in sheets of mist and rainbows. Legend has it that a settler named Þrasi hid a chest of gold behind Skógafoss.

Reynisfjara

The black-sand beach Reynisfjara near Vík is backed by an incredible stack of basalt columns that look like a magical church organ, and there are outstanding views west to Dyrhólaey. Surrounding cliffs are pocked with caves formed from twisted basalt, and puffins belly-flop into the crashing sea during summer. Immediately offshore are the towering Reynisdrangur sea stacks. However, with beauty comes danger; people are regularly swept away on this beach, so be extra cautious.

Þórsmörk

Named after the Norse god Thor (Þór), this protected reserve is a hiker's paradise, with scenes seemingly plucked from an enchanting fantasy. The verdant realm is clasped by snowcapped mountain ridges, wild-flower-filled valleys, curling gorges, icy rivers and three looming glaciers (Tindfjallajökull, Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull), protecting this quiet spot from some of the region's harsher weather.

Geysers

One of Iceland’s most famous tourist attractions, Geysir (gay-zeer; literally ‘gusher’) is the original hot-water spout after which all other geysers are named and lies in the much-visited Golden Circle. Earthquakes can stimulate activity, though eruptions are rare. Luckily for visitors, the very reliable geyser, Strokkur, sits alongside it. You rarely have to wait more than five to 10 minutes for the hot spring to shoot an impressive 15m to 40m plume.

Hornstrandir Nature Reserve

Craggy mountains, precarious sea cliffs and plunging waterfalls make up Hornstrandir, one of Europe’s last true wilderness areas, covering some of the most extreme parts of Iceland. It’s a fantastic destination for hiking, with challenging terrain and excellent opportunities for spotting Arctic foxes, seals, whales and teeming bird life. The area has some of the strictest preservation rules in Iceland, thanks to its incredibly rich, but fragile, vegetation.

Northern Lights

Everyone longs to glimpse the Northern Lights, the celestial kaleidoscope known for transforming long winter nights into natural lava lamps. The lights, also known as Aurora Borealis, form when solar flares are drawn by the earth’s magnetic field towards the North Pole. What results are ethereal veils of green, white, violet or red light, shimmering and dancing in a display not unlike silent fireworks.

Látrabjarg Bird Cliffs

These renowned, dramatic cliffs are mobbed by nesting seabirds in early summer. Unbelievable numbers of puffins, razorbills, guillemots, cormorants, fulmars, gulls and kittiwakes nest here from June to mid-August. It's best to visit in the evening, when the birds return to their nests. On calm days, seals are often seen basking on the skerries around the lighthouse.

Askja

The utterly remote and inspiring volcanic hollow is the main destination for all tours in this northeastern part of the highlands. This immense 50-sq-km caldera shouldn’t be missed and your first glimpse of the sapphire-blue lake Öskjuvatn, at the heart of the crater, is guaranteed to be a memorable one. The lake stands in contrast to the milky waters inside the small, steep crater known as Víti, which you can have a dip in if safety permits.

Jökulsárlón lagoon

A ghostly procession of luminous-blue icebergs drifts serenely through the 25-sq-km Jökulsárlón lagoon before floating out to sea, a surreal scene. The ice calves come from Breiðamerkurjökull glacier, an offshoot of the mighty Vatnajökull ice cap. Boat trips and kayaking among the bergs are popular, or you can simply wander the lakeshore, scout for seals and exhaust your camera’s memory card.

Snæfellsjökull

Snæfellsjökull National Park wraps around the rugged slopes of this glacier. When the fog lifts, you'll see the mammoth ice cap, made famous when Jules Verne used it as the setting for Journey to the Centre of the Earth. The peak was torn apart when the volcano beneath it exploded and then collapsed back into its own magma chamber, forming a huge caldera.

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This article was first published on 23 July, 2020.

From geysers to guillemots: the 10 best natural wonders in Iceland

Despite being explored for nearly 200 years, Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky still contains some mysteries.

A team of researchers recently discovered eight previously unknown miles of underground passages in Mammoth Cave, the world's longest known cave system. Led by nonprofit Cave Research Foundation, the discovery expands the total of explored passages within the cave to 420 miles. "When it comes to discoveries in Mammoth Cave, there truly is no end in sight!" the National Park Service (NPS) tweeted.

The World’s Longest Cave Is Now Even Longer!!
Explorations by the Cave Research Foundation has revealed 8 new miles to Mammoth Cave making the total count 420 known miles of passages! When it comes to discoveries in Mammoth Cave, there truly is no end in sight! pic.twitter.com/JMKBhFTLip
— Mammoth Cave NP (@MammothCaveNP) September 12, 2021

Each year, volunteers from the Cave Research Foundation visit the park to map newly discovered passages to locate potential research sites and assist with park management, according to the NPS. It's a complicated process that sees volunteers from the cartographic program trek through the dark and abstract subterranean landscape using compasses, measuring tapes and range finders to reveal new passages.

New caves are continually being discovered and while visitors won't be able to access the new passageways, there are still plenty of routes to enjoy in the five-level cave system, including the Grand Avenue route which recently underwent a major upgrade with new benches and handrails and improved trail paths.

Mammoth Cave, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located about 90 miles from both Louisville, Kentucky, and Nashville, Tennessee. It's open year-round to visitors through organized tours. Due to the pandemic, face masks are required to visit Mammoth Cave. For more information, or to book a tour, see here.

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Fijians are famous for their warm hospitality, which makes it easy to immerse yourself in their culture and make friends. From visiting villages and attending Sunday church services to playing rugby or sharing a traditional feast, here are the best ways to connect with the Fijian people and experience the islands like a local.

Visit a village

Village and community are everything in Fijian culture, with many Fijians still living in their traditional villages. A village visit is a unique and heartwarming experience, and the hallmark of a Fiji vacation, as it highlights the kindness, warmth and hospitality the locals are known for.

The staff at many resorts come from the local village, so your visit will not only offer you a chance to see the village’s school, church and community center, but also to meet the families of the people who have been looking after you. And of course, you’ll be welcomed to the village in true Fijian style with song and dance and kava, and perhaps even a lovo feast.

Your resort can help you organize a visit to a village and provide guidance on what to bring ( sevusevu or gift for the chief) as well as what to wear (modest clothes).

Take part in a kava ceremony

Whether it’s part of a village visit, at your resort, or while shopping in Nadi, you’ll no doubt be offered the chance to try kava while in Fiji. Once reserved just for chiefs, today the kava bowl is a popular gathering place for family and friends to relax and chat and sing.

Made from the ground root of the yaqona plant, kava powder is mixed with water in a wooden bowl called a tanoa, around which you sit on the floor on a woven mat. The mixing of the kava involves traditional song and prayer and while the actual the drinking of the kava also involves some simple protocols, Fijians are always ready to help first-timers.

What does kava taste like? Earthy and organic are two popular adjectives. After a few bowls, you’ll start to feel relaxed, making kava a perfect after-dinner choice; at many resorts you can sit around a tanoa with the “bula band” and drink kava well into the night.

Join in song and dance

You cannot visit Fiji without noticing how music is interwoven into everyday life. Fijians love to sing and dance and visitors are always welcome, if not downright encouraged, to join in the fun.

Fijians love to share their music and there’s nothing like being greeted at your resort by the entire staff singing and clapping to the traditional ‘ Bula Maleya ’ song. During your stay, you’ll hear surrounding music throughout the day and into the evening, and be sure to attend a local church service to experience sublime a capella hymns. When you depart your resort, the sad sounds of the traditional farewell song ‘ Isa Lei ’ rarely leave a dry eye in the house as the staff serenade you farewell.

Fijians also love to share their history and lore through dance, called meke. Passed down over generations, these dances tell the stories of Fijian ancestors and their island home. You can catch a meke during a village visit or on Fiji Night at your resort; if your little ones spend time at a Kids’ Club they’ll likely come home with a few meke moves of their own.

Feast like a Fijian

As much as they love music, Fijians love to eat. With an abundance of fresh fish and seafood along with tropical fruits and native vegetables, there’s no shortage of delicious, fresh fare to be found. And with a savory twist provided by Fiji’s Indian and Chinese immigrants, it’s no wonder Fijian food is so flavorful and varied.

Traditional Fijian feasts – called lovos ­– have been enjoyed in the islands for centuries and involve the cooking of the meal in a large pit, covered in hot stones and banana leaves. Ingredients can vary, but chickens, pigs and various root vegetables are all common. Often, a village visit will include a lovo meal and many resorts will host a weekly lovo where guests can help with the cooking process throughout the day.

Another fun way to experience Fiji’s cuisine is with a visit to a local market. Here you can experience the huge array of goods and interact with the local vendors.

Tackle some rugby

Ask any Fijian what brings the country together like nothing else, and they will undoubtably say it’s Rugby. When there is an important match being played, the country will come to a halt, and for a short while, everyone will gather around to watch the closest TV. Fijian rugby players are among the best in the world, winning Gold in the Men’s tournament of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The country minted a special $7 commemorative bill after the team’s gold in Rio, so another over-the-top celebration is surely in the works.

Everyone in Fiji plays rugby. After school, after work, on weekends, on the beach, in the parks. Children who might not have a ball handy will pick up an empty water bottle and use it to start an impromptu game. And even if you are not familiar with rugby and the rules, not to worry, just ask, and in no time you’ll be “sidestepping the defense and scoring tries.”

Head to Wailoaloa and Natadola beaches on Viti Levu, local favorites for some beach front games. Or for the serious at heart, try training like the Fijian Olympians by running the massive hills at the Sigatoka Sand Dunes.

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Amsterdam ’s parks are much more than prime places to experience the Netherlands ’ famous gardening skills – they embody the freedom, tolerance and laissez-faire attitude that this particular European city is all about. The city’s green lungs are highly egalitarian, spread out in size and packed with activities that bring people delight – whether it be sun-bathing, picnic-partying or encountering wildlife, there is always more than enough room for everyone to mix, mingle and harmoniously coexist. These are the best city parks in Amsterdam.

Vondelpark

Vondelpark is Amsterdam’s fun-loving festival spirit epitomized. On a sunny day, you’ll see cyclists and in-line skaters weaving past parents pushing strollers, action on the tennis courts, and picnic crews passing around wine, cheese and probably the odd spliff or two.

This easygoing, eclectic vibe spans across a whopping 116 acres (47 hectares) of landscaped lawns, ponds, quaint footbridges and shady paths. During summer, don’t miss sitting out at one of the several cafes plunked amidst the greenery or checking out a free theater or dance show courtesy of the Vondelpark Open Air Theater.

Oosterpark

Oosterpark is a beautiful scenic park – think wild parakeets in treetops and herons pecking around the ponds – but it also holds much important history. It was established in 1891 as a pleasure park for diamond traders who struck big in South African mines. An entire centuries-old cemetery was relocated to make it happen.

In the early 2000s, immense memorials commemorating the abolition of slavery and honoring free speech (and specifically, the case of a columnist murdered by a Muslim extremist) were erected. These days, that legacy is kept alive with a Sunday “speaker’s corner” at the Spreeksteen monument. At the rock podium, people are encouraged to come and openly voice their opinions or debate under the midday sun.

Amstelpark

Family-friendly outdoor spaces don’t get much better than Amstelpark. It’s the perfect green space for little ones (and those who are still young at heart) with a petting zoo featuring free-roaming chickens and rabbits, mini golf, a labyrinth maze and a miniature train chugging around vibrant gardens of roses and rhododendrons.

The park was first established in 1972 for the prized Floriade flower show which only takes place across the Netherlands every decade. Art exhibitions are held in the Glazen Huis (Glass House), the Orangerie and the Papillon Gallery.

Sarphatipark

Tucked into the cool, creativity-loving de Pijp area, Sarphatipark is the perfect greenery for people-watching. It’s a rather compact open-air space – rolling meadows and woody outskirts – so it gets quite packed with crowds of multicultural locals and tourists chilling on blankets by the fountain.

You can certainly pack a good picnic from nearby neighborhood shops like ‘t Kaasboertje and Bier Baum. It’s also a lovely stop before or after checking out Albert Cuypmarkt or one of all the surrounding trendy boutiques and restaurants.

Amsterdamse Bos

Amsterdamse Bos is lush forestland masquerading as the city’s largest park. A charming, nearly 2471-acre (1000-hectare) expanse of tranquil ponds, woodland and meadows make this area feel miles outside the city, despite it only being a 20-minute cycle south of Vondelpark (nearby Schiphol Airport).

You can go hiking, swimming, canoeing and horseback riding here followed by a sit-down in one of many lovely spots like De Bosbaan Cafe and the farmhouse restaurant Boerderij Meerzicht. The forest’s springtime cherry blossoms are also a real treat.

Rembrandtpark

Rembrandtpark might be formally dedicated to Amsterdam’s favorite Golden Age painter, but there are some funky modern art statues scattered here. With lots of walking and cycling paths spread across 45 hectares, it’s a great place to stroll about and stumble upon surprises like Rembo by Bastienne Kramer (a sculpture of a gruff green man) or graffiti art.

Don’t let the residential buildings surrounding the expanse fool you; there is abundant wildlife and an overall air of calm here. On afternoon weekends, the vibe gets more buzzy with family-friendly draws like a water-play area, adventure playground and the Kinderboerderij de Uylenburg petting zoo.

Erasmuspark

This little park out in Amsterdam West is an ideal for sun-worshippers who are keen on bucolic countryside blooms with a little arts and culture thrown in. It’s also one of the few parks in Amsterdam where barbecuing is allowed from April to September (of course, with certain regulations).

Erasmuspark is home to the Miracle Garden, a magnificent flower extravaganza dreamed up by the Dutch artist Elspeth Diederix as an "outdoor atelier" for painting, drawing and floral photography. Numerous design elements of the Amsterdam School pepper the connecting bridges which create the park’s island-like setup.

Beatrixpark

Beatrixpark is a melting pot of fabulous flora planted back when the famous Floriade was also hosted here in 1972 along with Amstelpark. Most of the trees and flowers are labelled to make species-spotting nice and easy, and there’s also an interesting medicinal herb garden on the park’s eastern patch. It’s a great place for families with a gigantic modern art piece that’s been converted into a children’s playground, plus small pavilions providing shady refuge.

Westerpark

Westerpark is urban revival at its finest. The area was once part of a former gasworks – but since the industrial site closed in 1967, the pollution has been cleared away and now luscious lawns, cycling paths and dreamy wading pools are what it’s all about. The park adjoins the post-industrial Westergasfabriek cultural center, attracting all kinds of city-dwellers attending festivals, cinema and the on-site craft brewery.

Sloterpark

Sloterpark, near an artificial lake, offers a seaside vibe mixed with classic Amsterdam scenery. It’s off the beaten track in the residential area of Amsterdam West, but that only contributes to the feeling of a beach vacation afternoon – no wonder the side of the lake, Sloterplas, gets quite busy with locals during the summer. Sandy patches draw sun-revelers of all stripes, and electronic music festivals are often held here. From April to May, you’ll even catch the tulips in bloom.

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